THE RAKAIA GRASS FIRE

Extensive Damage to Stock, Crops, and Pasture.

Fire Guards Save ihe Lower Country.

From Our Correspondent

As 1 wired you on Saturday, immediately the express pawed Mr Gardiner's paddock, a fire broke out on the railway reserve, and at once caught the fences and grass in the paddock, in which were some fivehum 1 red ewes and lambs. Although a number of willing hands, inclnding the railway men, wtre soon on the spot trying to put out the fire, it was only by the most strenuous efforts that Mr J. Gardiner's stable and granary, and the house were saved. The fire got within a chain of the buildings; indeed, one side was scorched. A very large number of the sheep and lambs were burned, and their agonies must have been terrible, so much roasted were some of them that they burst. Many that were not at once killed, are so badly burned that they will die, and the rest will have to be destroyed. The fire

soon reached the South road, and crossed from the gorse fence to the atrip of tussock along the Council's new plantation, through hie and act oss a paddock of Mr Gardiner's oats m stook, and along to an old straw stack. A wheat crop next to this, but considerably On the green tide, got soorohed for some dis tance, but the' fire received a check. However, it Was soon along the fence and plantation to a grass paddook belonging to tbe Acton estate, in which were same 1500 sheep. .Fortunately when the fire was noticed these were driven through into Mr T. Richards' paddocks, and only some sixteen of them were burned. Mr Richards, his men, and some willing assistants, got tut ploughs, and successfully kept the fire from extending to Mainwaring's road. Mr White's men were also on the alert, and the jl horses were actually ploughing through fire when the wind chopped from the north west to south-west for about two minutes, and this, together with water tanks, and sacks, and hard struggles, diverted the fire towards the Acton homestead after burning White's plantation. Some 7000 sheep in the direct line of fire had been removed. It was greatly feared that it would reach Mr White's homestead, and had it done so nothing could have saved his extensive buildings or the properties below, and the fire must have gone to the sea. Tbe Aoton men were bard at it and fought well. One of the wheat paddocks caught, but the fire was gob, out and checked. Mr Gardiner's loss is heavy, and taking the grass, fences, crops, and stock will probably reach £700. The Acton estate loses a large area of good dry feed, and some sixteen sheep, with considerable damages to fences. I cannot heat of any grain stacks being destroyed at present, and it is to be hoped that all those destroyed are only, of wheat and oat straw. Great praise is due to a large number of willing workers, for had it not beon for their work the fire would have been a most destructive one. There was a strong nor' wester blowing all the time, except for the couple of minutes which helped to change the course of the fi> c. Had a south-eaeter sprung up Rakaia township would to-day be a mass of ruins.

There is no doubt as bo the origin of the fire, and had it happened early in the morning when no one was about it would have been most disastrous. It has often been remarked that the railway authorities should not let any of the railway reserve. Then the grass could be kept short or furrows ploughed to ensure the safety of the country.

On Sunday a large gang of men were employed carting away the dead stock and burning it to abate all nuisances. There was also a fire at Barrhill, whereby Mr Mcllraith lost some feed and thirty acres of wheat, This fire is supposed to have originated from a burning straw stack on Mr Wason's Corwar estate.

There was also a fire on Thompson's Track, near Sherwood, caused by swaggers boiling water on the road. This fire got into Mr Upton's plantation, but as to the amount of damage done I have no infor mation.

From Our Own Com*pondenfc.

Chertsey, January 2

A heavy grass fire started about 1 p.m., and is sweeping the country apparently from the railway across Acton to the sea.

LABOUR.

Lite Engineers' Strike.

Prete Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph-

Copyright.

Melbourne], January 2.

The Ergiheers" Association bave carried a resolution that no member be allowed to start on any steamer with Melbourne articles from to-day. The Bay excursion steamers will be supplied with engineers till the return trips on Sunday. January 3. A meeting of the Owners' Associa tion yesterday decided to firmly resist tbe action of the engineers if they persisted in their demands, and lay up the vessels and pay off the crews. The other side express equal determination. As the result of an interview with the Secretary of the Engineers' Ass ociation, the Patterson Company agreed to concede the engineers' demands, The firm own only two colliers, and are not members of the Owners' Asuociation. Sydney, January 3 It is now a matter of certainty that tbe strike will extend to New South Wales. It is understood that there is an intention to withdraw tbe engineers from all steamers trading on the Aus tralian coast, failing the concession of the demands, whether they belong to the Shipowners' Association or not. A few days ago the Adelaide Steam ship Company withdrew from tbe Association. It has not transpired •whether they intend to concede the demands of the Engineers' Institute, the membership of which numbers about 1000, with a very large reserve fund.

Melbourne, January 4. Tbe engineers strike was precipitated by an injudicious letter drawn up by one owner under countenance of tbe Owners' Association. The missive was of the '* stand and deliver " order. The engineers at once resented it, and struck immediately. ■ The^ President of the Steamship Owners Association itates, as proof of bona fidee, that owners intimated their willingness to increase the wages which are already the highest in the world, and had even conceded the twenty four hours' notice demand. Beyond this, however, the owners would not go.

Instructions have been issued to the engineers in the various colonies, with th* exception of New fjealar»d, to adopt the same pleasures put into practice in Yictori*,

Wellington, January 2.

It is understood that the engineers trouble iv Victoria will nob affect vessels tracing in this colony. In any case the Arbitra-i<.n an-.l Conciliation Act makes provision for meetiig any difficulty.

Town Edition.

TBE LATEST.

Press Association—By Eectric Telegraph—

Copyright.

Australian.

Light Railway Lines

Melbourne, January _

Mr Speight, late Railway Com missioner, who has returned from Western Australia, has unfolded a scheme which he has promulgated to construct light railway lines and tram ways throughout the Western Oolony. In connection with this scheme, exten-.j sive works for the treatment of all I classes of ore would be erected at Newcastle and on the Coolgardie line. By this means it is computed that any thing over ten pennyweight will pay for mining. Mr Speight expects the West will recognise this as tbe only possible solution of the low grade problem. Plenty of English capital is ! already available, only awaiting Parlia mentary sanction. Obituary. Perth, January 4. Lady Fraser, wife of the Agent- General, is dead.

RIFLE SHOOTING.

I The Rifles held a handicap shoobing match on New Year's Day, but from the start the wind (always an important factor to be reckoned with to make good shooting) was very rough indeed, and tested the sk 11 of every volunteer to find and keep the spot. The fair muster and the little pleasantries common to such occasions, made the match a very enjoyable one to the Company. Following are the scores of the prize winners :— 300 400 500 hep. tl. Pte W. Hefford ... 22 23 23 ecr-68 PteMcTeague ... 18 21 16 8—63 Pte B. Baker ... 24 28 8 ecr—6o CplJ. W. Baker ... 19 25 9 3-56 Pte M. Hepburn ... 16 16 12 3-47 Pte Clayton ... 18 21 4 3-46

The Stranding of the Ruapehu.

She Arrives Safely at

Wellington.

This steamer, which stranded on Fareweil Spit at 4.40 on the morning of the 2nd inst., has been floated off. The passengers, numbering over 200, viz,—77 s&lcon, and 143 steerage, and the mails have been taken on to Wellington. We understand that Mrs George Jame son and family came out by the steamer, though we do not find their names in thepissenger list. This, however, was only made up to 31st October, while as the steamer did not leave Plymouth till the 14th inst., bhe list is doubtless incomplete.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph— Copyrig-ht.

Wellington, January 4. The Ruapehu had an unusually rough voyage. Heavy gales were met with at the start, and in the Bay of Biscay she shipped water freely. Before reaching the Cape she fell in with the heaviest south east stoim experienced for years, and had much the same weather for some time after leaving. In 47 south she met a number of large ice bergs, and the weather was very cold with rain. The only good weather was between Hobart and Cape Farewell. Ou New Year's night Captain Stuart, who was anxious to be reported from the Spit, gave instructions that he was to be called as soon as they came within four miles of land, and went down to dinner. At twenty minutes to seven, ten minutes after be rose from his seat he looked out of the port bole, and then rushed on deck. At the same time the passengers felt the ship was gliding on to something, and several followed the cap tain, -here was no confusion, and so slight was the shock that mtny quietly finished their dinner. Tbe steamer was going 13 knots at the time, with the wind behind her. She struck nearly half way bttween the Cape and the lighthouse. The sand reaches' as far as the eye can see seaward and up to the Cape on the other side. The Ruapehu .lay upright and on an even keel. The engines at once went asbern, bub without avail and several attempts were equally fruitless, several of the passengers say they noriced land on the pom bow, and if this is so it is strange the officers did not see it too. The first officer was supposed to be in charge on deck, but there seems at present some confusion on this point, as some passengers say he was at dinner and others that be was not; but that he was urgently called from the deck a few moments before the ship struck.

When the Corinna arrived she found the Hesketh, Wamui, Mawhera, Talune, Oma pere, and Waverley there. The latter was extreme y useful as a tender. It was found that several attempts had been made with out success by the ship's company to get her off. The vessel bumped considerably and swung right round, bub did not budge. Captains Rose and Bendall boarded the riuapehu, and, after a consultation, decided to tranship the piseengers. They were placed in the Mawhera, and then trans ferred to the Corinna. The Talune sent a hawser aboard the big bteamer and started to tow her off. At first there was no effect, but gradually she began to move,-and the passengers shouted with glee. Slowly her stern swung round, but, when jusb as success seemed assured, snap wenb bhe rope, and the vessel slipped b.ck to her old position. The tide was now beginning to ebb, but another attempt was made, and when the Corinna left for Wellington the Mawhera and Talune were both hauling at her. There was a consider able swell on yesterday, which made the work of handling the boats one both of difficulty and danger. This was al-o the case When the Mawhera was transferring the passengers to the Corinna, the ropes which fastened the vessels together breaking from the repeated jerks. It was found the Mawhera would be wanted to take off some of the Ruapehu's cargo, and her own passengers were sent back in the Corinna along with the Ruapehu's. There wore nearly 300 on board and berths were made up in the hold. Although it was just on midnight there was a large crowd waiting her at the whatf, who cheered the passengers heartily.

The Ruapehu passed Farewell lighthouse on her way to v\ elllingtonab 10.20 a.m., and signalled all well. The N.Z. Shipping Co. has arranged a berth for the Ruapehu and wM discharge her immediabely on arrival bo-night. She will bhen be sent on to Lyttelton and docked without delay.

Mr John Toovey, licensee of the Star and Garter Hotel, Christchurch, died this morn ing after a lengthened illness.

- Synopsis of New Advertisements. S. Hardley, senr.—Tenders for stooking and forking. St Stephen's Church notices. Wanted general servant. S. Salek—Business notice. H, M. Jones —New bo ks For §ale or to let—Waterton hotel. Thomas Morland—Tenders for stooking. Wakanui Road Board—Applications for clerkship. Springburn Dip—Now open. £20 Reward—Ro breaking windows at Waterton hotel.

THB ABHBbRTON GtJAIiDIAN t MONDAY, JANtiAfc. i, 186t.



Henry Zander. ! H. ZANDER. AS the Harvesting Season now draw ing near, I beg to intimate that I have bought a very large stock of Harvesting Materials, anticipating a correspondingly large demand. BINDING TWINES, BINDING TWINES. BINDING WIEE, BIM DING WInE. And all other Harvesting Material now Stock. , Farmers, do not give your orders for Twine without getting my quotation, as I can quote less than any local merchant, having purchased the maximum quantity and ob tained highest discounts. I ONLY KEEP DONAGHY'S GOLD MEDAL TWINE. Get no other, and don't be deceived with inferior brands now offered in Ashburton. The New •• BUCKEYE" OPEN-BACK FRAMELESS REAPER, The New •• BUCKET & " MOWER. The New "BUCKEYE" CULTIVATOR ; Now on View. MoOORMICK & BUCKEYE EXTRAS Kept in Stock, ALSO — "TYSAOK'.S" SECTIONS AND OH All*S For all either Machines.



For the conveniens *of the Farmers in the Mayfield and Raugit.U districts, where the "Buckeye" has always been the favor rite, a stock of Extras will also be Kept on Mr Elmslie's Farm. OORNSAO&S. CORN-AC KS. . I am now prepared to take orders for , j full-sized Cornsacks, and Farmers will do ■ well to order early, as prioes are' advancing. CARPETS, LINOLEUMS, OILCLOTHS, Etc In order to make room for Harvesting and other Goods now landing and to arrive, I will sell the whole of the above stock at— 25 Per Cent BELOW C)ST PRICK. 1000 MATS ! 1000 MAIS !! 1000 MATS!!! ly/TAORITIUS gUGAR Be sure to use no other for your JAM, and see that you .get it. NEW CURRANTS, NEW RAISINS, and NEW SULTANAS. These fruits are ready for use without further washing. TEAS TEAS. TEAS. CHINA, CEYLON, INDIA, and HEALTH TEA, Especially packed for me. Just Landed (ex Ruapehu), 100 GALVANISED STEEL ELASTIC HORSE COLLARS, In All Sizes. They are giving Universal Satisfaction. SCOTT'S WELL-KNOWN RANGES, AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES



T. Bullock. | _ : l TO LET-Small Shop or Office in the Arcade T. BULLOCK. TO PERSONS DESIROUS OF IN VKSIINU IN TOWN PRO PERTIES :~ ---— F OR SALE — Town Section 860, £ acre, Grey street Town Section 706, containing Quarter Acre, Wills strett Town Section 732, containing Quarter acre, Wills street Town Section 784, containing Quarter acre, Peter street Town Section 795, containing Quarter Acre, Cox street Town Section 797, containing Quarter Acre, Cox street Town Section 905, containing Quarter acre, corner of Grey and East street Town Section 906, containing Quarter Acre, adjoining Town Section 796, containing Quarter Acre, Cox sbreet Town Section 306, containing Quarter Acre, Burnett street Town Section 994, containing Quarter Acre, fronting Peter street west Town Section 995, containing Quarter Acre, corner of Walker and Peter streets, west Town SecMon 1001, containing Quarter Acre, Cox street Town Section 822, containing Quarter Acre, Cox street Town Section 711, containing Quarter acre,' Wills street Town Section 818, containing Quarter Acre, Aitken street Town Section 755, £ acre, Wills street Town Section 1012, £ acre, Cox street, west Town Section 842, J acre, Aitken street Town Section 1013, £ acre, Cox street, west Town Section 847, £ acre, Aitken streeb Town Section 1011, i acre, corner of Walker and Cox street*, west Town Section 846, £ acre, Aitken street Town Section 794, -J acre, Cox street, with dwelling Town Section 667, £ acre, Cameron Btreet, with dwelling, etc Town Section 333, £acre, Moore street, with cottage Town Section 741, £ acre, corner of Peter htreet and East Belt, with Dwelling Town Section 708, £ acre, Wills streeb Town Section 274, £ acre, Tancred streeb Town Section 885, £ acre, Aitken street y own Section 813, £ acre, Aitken sGreet Town Section 895, £ acre, Grey street Town Section 814, £ acre, Aitken street Town Section 817, £ acre, Aitken streeb Town Section 834, £ acre, Aibken sbreeb Town Section 1196, £acre, Havelock street, west Town Section 1195, £acre, Havelock street west Town Section 427, £ acre, Tancred street, with Dwelling, etc Town Section 428, 1 acre, Tancred street, adjoining Terms and full particulars on application. T BULLOCK. ■ t - ...._- - BSf NOTICE is hereby given, in pursuance of the Public Reserves Act, 1885, clauses 5 and 6, that the Ashburton Domain will be set apart for the Queensland cricket match on TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, the 12lh and 13th days of January, 1897, on which day charges will be made for admission thereto on the following scale, viz :— For each adult ... .- One shilling For each horse One shilling For each trap One shilling J. SEALY, Chairman Ashburton Domain Board. Ashburton, December 28,1896. 12 178 IF YOU ARE SIOK in any way wbateva send a stamped envelope to our Agency, Wei ing'on ; state the ease aa minutely as pos-ible and you receive advice by return post, Ou agents are all qualified. If you entiose 2s 6d we will sen. you our best remedy for the caso lasting you two weeks You save money and dootors' bills. _o_ receive advine on all points, and tbe purest of remedies sent at no extra cost than if personally bought by doing your business with us by post. Con suit a once. Ailments which are at the time thought to be light, are often the begin oing of serious eonse^uepoes, whwh if taker <in time are cheeks'' and oured.— Qmxwaw Bnwcu.CoMJ'* Wellington. 5



OILS. OILS. OILS. I have in Stock and to land— 100 Drums Linseed Oil 200 Oases Valvoline and Cylinder 20 Bales Best 5-ply Seaming Twine China and Glassware Hornsby's and Ransome's Plough Shares Barbed and Plain Fencing Wire BEST ENGLISH LEATHER BELTING. Wines and Spirits, Ales and Stout, Liqueurs and Havanna Cigars, Cigarettes, ! (wholesale only). In view of approaching holidays, SPECIALLY LOW PRICES. have always for Sale- Crushed Oats, Oaten Sheaf Chaff, Oats, Bran, Sharps. Henry Zander, AUCTIONEER, GRAIN, WOOL, AND 3ENERAL MEBCHANT. AGENT FOR-- Sun Fire Insurance Office Australian Mutual Provident Society Buckeye a»rvat«r Co,



Business Noti.es WE___Dm(T^RESKNfS. WEDDING PRESENTS. WEDDING PRESENTS. 9 mHE ELECTRO-PLATED SILVER WARE OPENED UP BY k_> # fe -A. Ju J___ JLi_y DIRECT IMPORT* B, EAST STREET, From the firm of W«*I.K"R and HALL, E VGLVND. Is the Choicest and Finest Qualiby of Plate ever seen in the Ashburton District. , The Goods comprise the newest designs in BREAD PLATTERS, HOT WATER CANS AND JUGS, NOVEL COAL SCUTTLE SUGAR AND SCOOP, TEA TRAYS, TEA POTS, AND TEA AND COFFEE SETS. E.P. CANDLESTICKS, AND E.P. LAMPS. New designs in Jam Dishes and Butters, both Novel and Pretty. E,P. Fruit Dishes, rJ oast Racks, Breakfast Dishes, and Entree Dishes with hot water compartment etc, etc. The Quality ot these goods is Unsurpassed, aud the Plate is thoroughly reliable. INSPECTION INVITED AT THE JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT OF o. bA 1 i r._t\. 5 EAST STREET. (Telephone No. 80.) MELLO R'S 'ZEALANDIA' BOOT STORE IS now making a Special Christmas Display of Summer Boots and Shoes. Already the Ashburton Public have pronounced it to be the CHKAPEST AND BEST ASSORTED STOCK EVER SHOWN IN ASHBURTON. —Please Note a Few Quotations- Ladies' pretty two-strap shoes, tan and black, 7s 6d Ladies' strap shoes, 4s 9d Ladies' and Gentlemen's waterproof Canvas Shoes—Splendid,value Ladies' Cromelette Shoes from 8s 9J— Very cheap Ladies' Shoes, 6s 6d—Great bargains. THOUSANDS OF OTHER LINE*, THAT DEFY COMPETITION. Look at windows and you will admit that it is the Best display ever made in Ashburton A.trial will at once convince you of tho difference in price and quality from other boot-shops. Note Address— JAMES MELLOR, TANCaED STREET, ASHBURTON.



F. Ferr man. THE LITEST IN BICYCLES THE BAMBOO FRAME BICYCLE IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE MACHINE TC RIDE, Runs the easiest, has the very best hearings procurable, splendid upright frame a id is as strong as steel. Sample machine on application. F. FEBgIMAN. Public Notice? NOTICE^ ~ DIP OPEN for Dipping Lambs from January 6 to 14. I_lß £ 20 REWARD. THE above reward will be paid for in formation leading to the conviction of the person who broke the windows of the Waterton Hotel on Sunday Morning, November 29. 1 17 NOTICE is hereby given in pursuance of the Publio Reserves Act, 1885, Clauses 5 and 6, that the Tinwald Domain will be set apart for the Ashburton County Polo Club's Meeting on January 14,1897, on which day charges will be made for admission thereto on the following scale :— For each Adult One shilling. To admit toJStand, Paddock and Course. E. GAIES, Chairman Tinwald Domain Board, 12 211 PUBLIC NOTICE. WILLIAM POLLOCK, begs to return his sincere thanks to his numerous friends and the Public of Ashburton and District for the liberal patronage accorded to him during the last eight years, and begs to notify that on and after JANUARY 1, 1897. bhe business will be oa ried on under the firm of MARGARET and ARTHUR POLLOCK, and trusts the same liberality will be extended to them. ' All accounts against the late firm to be sent in prior to the 10th January 1897. WILLIAM POLLOCK, Baker, 12 181 ' Tancred Street. ashburton " catholic church art union. THE UNDERSIGNED respec fully re quests holders of Tickets in the above Art Union to kindly forward the Blocks and Remittances at once in order to facili tate the arrangements for the DRAWING which will take place on THURSDAY NEK f\ January 7, at half-past 3 p.m., in the Oddfellows' Hall. 19 J. O'DONNELL, ~~~~~~ NOIICE. WILLIAM PATERSON bega to an nounce to his many friends and the public, thab having LEASED the ORANGE HALL, which has been lately enhrged, and has every convenience for Socials, Tea Meetings, and all other Entertainments, be hopes to merit a fair share of public sup port. LOWEST POSSIBLE CHARGES. For particulars, apply to W. PATERSON, 16 i'rioceii Strut, Nitborby,



MONEY TO LEND. Q EVERAL Large and Small Sums bo b ' L nt at lowwt current rates. I F. I. COW_.ISHAW Solicitor,, 102 Tancred street, Ashburton. WANTED, at once, a good general Servant. Apply Mrs Doods, Tancred Street. 1 19 WAKANUI ROAD BUARD. ~* . APPLICATIONS FOR CLERKSHIP. WANTED, applic iions from compe tf ut Pe-sonr, wiring to pet as Clerk to Wakanui Rnad Bard. Schedule of duties a* this office. Appl.cations received ab the office of the Board until 10 a.m. on SATURDAY, 9th inst. P. STEWART, 1 13 Chairman. Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. TUESDAY—SpeciaI Meeting of Con firm viion Ctndidates, 7.30 p.m. WEDNESDAY—(The Epiphany). .Holy Communion 7.30 am, Choir Practice 8 p.m. THURSDAY—Confirmation Service(meß) 7.30 p.m. FRIDAY — Confirmation Service at GREENSTREET, 3 p.m. Confirmation Service (women) 730 p.m. Both men and women may attend a'l these services* SUNDAY SERVICES. 8.30 a.m— Holy Communion,, 11 a m.—Morning Prayer. 6 30 p.m.—Evening Prayer, Rev. H. C. M Watson. N B.—Sunday (lO.h) will be a holiday or the Sunday Schools. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. Tenders. " TENDiiRa TENDERS Wanted for Stooking and Forking about 550 acres Wheat and Oats (Sheaf carrier used). For particulars apply bo rl HOM s Morland. Tenders close ab 2 o'clock on FRIDAY atC. Hardy & Co.'s Store, Rakaia. 1 15 Hanmer and Graves.



,WOOL. MESSRS HANMER AND GRAVES are prepared to make LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES (free of commission) on ALL CLIPS entrusted to them for sale or shipment. ARRANGEMENTS have been made by which their customers can have their clips offered either in Ashburton, Christchurch or ' imaru, and if so desired, we are prepared ! o obtain quotations from Australian buyers, having made special arrangements for that purpose. ALL CLIPS WILL BE CAREFULLY VALUED BY SPECIAL EXPERTS. OUR NEXT SALE will be at Timaru on JANUARY 5, and our Cdents are reques ed bo forward their wool as promptly as possible. Hanmer & Graves. m DIP. ~ MPT" TTTE ARE AGENTS FOR LITTLE'S DIPS and keep them in Stock. HANMER AND GRAVES. REAPERS AND BINDERS. *I WE have been appointed AGENTS for R. HORNSBY AND SON'S REAPERS AND BINDERS, and shall keep their Machines in Stock, as well as all the necessary Extras for the Machines, SUPERPHOSPHATE. TTTE HAVE NOW IN STORE, ou TT first shipment of this year's Im portation of the well-known ANGLO-CONTINENTAL SUPERPHOSPHATE, and are now prepared to book orders. Prices on application. HANMER & GRAVES WE have various sums for ii ><Etn <nt Freehold Security. HANMER & GRAVES.



BINDER —z — TWINE. WE KEEP IN STOCK all Donaghy's and other Twines; and are pre pared to quote as low as anyone else. HANMER AND GRAVES. CORNSACKS. ORDERS for these can now bo booked, and we advise Clients to take ad vantage of present quotations. SEEDS. SEEDS. SEEDS. We have in Stock the best of- Sutton's Turnips, Swedes and Mangels, and specially recommend the following:— WHITE, TURNIPS. Imperial Green Globe, Pmp'e Top Mam moth, Red Paragon, Early Six Weeks, Grey Stone. YELLOW TURNIPS. Perfection Green Top, Favorito Purple Top Hybrid, All the Year Round, Yellow Tankard, Green Top Scotch, Fosterton Hybrid. MANG.LS. Golden Tankard, Long Red. SWEDES. Champion Purple Top, Monarch, Crimson-King, Elephant. Also, RAPE, CLOVERS, and other Seeds, HANMER & GRATES.



J Business v otices. CHRISTMAS, 1896. A MBERY CRRISTiTAS TO ALL. NEW FRUITS.~N TEW FBUITS. OUR Yew Si as->n's Fruit, pr*r s.s Gothic and Baka-a, is now to hand. It is the finest shipment of Fruit ever seen in Ashbu pron. Do not _rfi ■*' eing our grand di play of Christmas Fruits, how on. A lew at our place of Business, East street. It is admitted to be the best dr- ssed Pruit Window ver seen in Ashbur'on We lead, follow who can. SEE OUR DISPLAY OF DRIED FRUITP, THEY ARE R'CALLY MAGNIFICENT 50 cases Finest Vos-izzv Currants 3 ca°es Sicily Almonds 50 boxes Finest Sultanas 5 cwb Natural Figs 25 cases Eleme Raisins 2 boxes Valencia Almonds 10 boxes finest Valencias 20 boxes Turkey Figs 20 boxes Mildura and Californian Muscatels 2 boxes Jardon Almonds 10 cases new Dates 5 boxes Dried Apricots 4 cases new Prunes 5 boxes Dried Peaches 2 oases of lib boxes new Figs 5 boxes Dried Apples 11201bs finest Lemon, Orange, and Citron Peel ALSO THE FOLLOWING SEASONABLE GOODS. 5 gross assorted Essences 25 cases Ship Lime Juioe 5 gross 2_lb tins Preserved Pears 5 cases Raspberry 1 gross finest mixed Spice, in loz packets 5 cases Pine Apple Syrup and 41b tins 3 cases Peppermint 5 gross 211b tins Preserved Peaches 60 dozen Herbal Beer Extract 4 gross 2£lh tins Preserved Apricots 12 dozen Essence Bennett, etc., etc. 5 eases Lemon Syrup JAM. JAM. JAM. PRESERVING SEASON—IB 96-97. 35 TONS CAPE SUGAR 35 TONS We have in stock and to arrive, 26 tons Finest Cane Sugar, among whioh is a small shipment of Brewers' Crystals, which is the best and safest Sugar for Jam or Jelly making. Jam made from this sugar is bound to give every satisfaction. JAfa JABS. JAM JABS. 5 gross Mason Jars, 10 gross 1 quart Mason Jars, 5 gross 1 pint Mason Jan. Also the Celebrated Lightning Jars and plain lib and 21b Glass Jars FECITLINA. FECULINA. FECULINA. | 4Ad per packet, _|d per packet, —60 dozen, 60 dozen, 60 dozen. We have just received another shipment of this Celebrated CAKE FLOUR. Having only a small quantity, viz., 60 dozen, we advise our customers to buy at once, as we sola out our last shipment in a few days. CROCKERY. CROCKERY. CROCKERY, We have just landed a large shipment of CROCKERY of all kinds fot our Christmas trade. Having bought them in the best markets for Spot Cash, we are enabled to sell them at Lower Prices than anyone in Ashburton, Patent Anti-tannin teapots, 6d to lOd each. White and gold china egg cups, ls 3d per Brown glazed teapots, from Id each. dozen Black and g< Id teapots (best quality), from Cufis and saucers, from 3a 9d per dozen 2s 3d ea?h. White and gold china cups »nd sauoers, Splendid tumblers, from 2a 6d per doz from 5s lOd dozen. Lovely china cruet*, only lid each And all other lines equally Cheap. To be obtained from tho Cheapest House in Ashburten. •SPECIAL NOTICE.---We wish to draw our Customers' attenlion to the fact that we cannot (a couling to the Act, compelling us to close our place of business on Thursdays, at 1 o'c'ock p.m.), deliver any goods from our establishment after . (he stipulated time of clo-inp, viz., 1 o'clock. Bit in the case of farmers and others who order and pay for their good* before 1 o'clok on a Thursday, and cannot return in time to ge- them before we close, we will send them to any store or place where they can cull and g. t them. We do about ihe most extensive business in this town, so says one of the Guardians of the Peace iv this town, and he ought to kiow. FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON AND OHRISTCHURCH. Telephone 24—80 x 67.



FISHING TACKLE. TACKLE OF ALL KINDS AT REDUCED PRICES. * TTALF SEASON LICENSES MAY NOW BE OBTAINED JOHN ORR & CO., ASHBURTON.



H. M. JONES. H. M. JONES. SANTA CLATJS AND FATHER CHRISTMAS ARE COMING AGAIN, to the great delight of young and old. IN order to give the above distinguished personages a fitting reception, H. M. JONES ' has specially imported from several leading London firms, a great variety of STATIONERY, TOYS, DOLLS & FANCY GOODS, Now Landing,'ex Rimutaka, Matitua, Rakaia, and Pakeha, from London; Tasmania and Talune, .from Melbourne. The Ashburton Box of Stationery, ls and 6d boxes, unsurpassed for value by any House in the trade. * Plain and Fancy Stationery. Latest Tints and Styles. BOOKS. BOOKS. B OO X S. A Varied and Well-selecled Stock of REWARD PRIZE and PRESENTATION BOOKS from Ward, Lock & Co., Cassell & Co., Nesbitt &Co., R. T. Society, and others. Poets and Standard Works in cloth and Morocco bindings. SCHOOL COMMITTEES -LIBERALLY DEALT WITH. TOYS. TOYS. TOYS. .... TOYS A Large Variety of all sorts—from ald Squeaker to a Steam Engine. Drums, Trumpets, Balls, Arks, Watches, Magio Lanterns, "• kipping Ropes,' Skittles, Balls, Cubes, Games, Dog«, Cats, Owls, Monkeys, Sheep, Beach Horses, Rocking Horses, Wheel, barrows, Engines, Hobby Horses, Carts, Horaes and Carts, Trains, Tea fc eta; Wood, Wool, Rag, and Rubber Toys too numerous to particularise. DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLL Q. DOLLS. ALL SORTS AND SIZES FROM Id to 10?. Dolls that squeak and Dolls that won't. Dolls that break and Dolls that don't. Wood, Wool, Rag, Compo, Wax, and Rubber Dolls. FANCY GOODS. FANCY GOODS. Work Baskets, Ladies' Companions, Mirrors, Albums, Writing Cases, Writing Desks, Work Boxes, Glove and Handkerchief Boxes, Shell Boxes, Brackets, Plaques, Hand Bags, Plush and Leather Goods. Kleotro-plated Ware, Fancy China and Glaes Ware, Vases, Ornaments, cheap, pretty and useful. Flower Bulb and Specimen Vase., 3d to 6d each. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CARDS. Grtat Variety and Designs. Boxes and Vacke's. Wonderful values. Must be seen to be appreciated. CRICKETING & LAWN TENNIS MATERIALS from Wisden and Oo.'s, London. Bats, Balls, Stumps, Racquets, Eto. h. m."Tones.