CABLE BREVITIES.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

London, December 22

Mr J. M. Sinclair, the Victorian superintendent of the export of pro duce, while in Germany, selected a technical staff for the Maffa Sugar Beet Company of Gippsland. All the members of the staff are from the most modern sugar beet factories,

The Eailscourt Fxhibition Company propose to hold an Australasian, Canadian, and African exhibition in 1899, for the display of commercial products and mineral, animal and vegetable resources. An influential committee of advice has been ap pointed, including noblemen and several ex-colonial Governors. The colonial exporters are said to be favourable to the scheme.

A Heater's telegram from Pekin states that Great Britain demands a quid pro quo if China grants con» cessions to other powers.

The Marquis of Lansdowne states that there is no desire to penalise the use of Australian leather at the War Office. The regulations merely in sisted that the leather required by the authorities should be British and tanned with oak bark.

Vienna, December 22

Baron Banffy, the Hungarian Premier, has rejected the proposal to establish customs for Hungary in dependant of Austria. A committee of the Reichsrath has arranged the Austrian imperial budget for 1893 upon the basis of a surplus of 53,000,000 florins.

Adelaide, December 23

Mr Playford, Agent-General, re turns to the colony in April. Dr Oockbnrn will probably succeed him.

Sydney, December 23

Referring to a statement made in the New Zealand Parliament, Mr Grayson denies the shorthnndedness of the Aorangi's crew. She carries a full complement, consisting of thirty six hands in the engine room and stoke hole, and has a larger crew than any other steamer in the Pacific trade.

The Postmaster-General has fallen in with Messrs Huddart, Parker and Go's suggestion that the Vancouver steamers calling at Wellington should leave Sydney on Saturdays instead of Mondays.

The Government through the Agent- General, has accepted a tender of a Welsh company for 15,000 tons of steel rails at £4 16s l|d per ton, de livered in Sydney.

AUSTRALIAN GOLD FIELDS.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright Melbourne, December 23. Several nuggets, throe of which weighed 30, 50, aod 670z3 respec tively, have been found at 'larnagulia, and a rush has taken place.

Perth, December 23

A rich strike of gold is rumoured in fcbewii.ze of the Great Boulder minp, 60ft below the 200 ft level.

THE TWO TARTARS.

Russia's Designs,

Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright,

Received Wakapuaka Deo. 24, 950 am, Gcabdian Office, 10 30 a.m. Shanghai, December 23 The Chinese Government ngard Rueeia as China's only friend, and Great Britain's influence as nil, owing. in a large measure, to the failure of the last Chinese loan. Russian officers are drilling the Northern army divisions in China. St Petersburg, Eecember 23 Tbe P»ußsian authorities are negoti ating with several firms in £an JjYancisco fpr large supplies of canned fruits and meat for Yladisyostock, in view of possible trouble with Japm. China has accepted the offer of Russia to supply her army with 120,000 JBerdan rifles, payment to be made after five years. China undertakes to recon struct her fortifications at Russia's expense. Rec«ived Wakapuaka Dec. 24, 11.30 a,m, Guardian Office 11.50 a.m. St. Petersburg, December 23 An extraordinary Council of State j under the Presidency of the Czar has been summoned at St. Petersburg, in order to discuss the future action in China. Russia demands the dismissal of English engineers of Chinese railways and the substitution of Russians, ohina hesitates to tafs:e this step. Vienna, December 23 The newspapers urge the Austrian (government to sepure a sphere of influence in China.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association—-By Eiectric Telegraph— Copyright.

Chicago, December 23.

A speculator is trying to establish a corner in wheat. He has bought 8,000,000 to 10,000,000 bushels. The prices in _the Chicago market are now the highest since 1891, but other American markets are not affected.

METHVEN STOCK SALE.

There was a large attendance at the sale held at the Methven yards on Thursday, and au entry of some 2000 sheep, besides cattle and pigs. Taken as a whole the sale was slow, and the amount of business transacted small, as will be seen from the following prices : — Fat Sheep. —Cro?ibred ewes, 4s 6d, 6a 6J, 7s 9.! ; crossbred wethers, 10s to 10a 4d.

Stobb Sheep.—Crossbred ewes and lambß, all counted, 4i 9d ; crossbred ewes, lOd to 2s 9d ; crossbred ewes and wethers, 4s 6d ; merino wethers, 3a to 3s Id.

Fat Cattle.—Steer, £3 ss. Store Cattle —Yearlings 11s

Dairy Cattle —Cow, with calf at side, £2 10s; cow, with first calf, £2 17s 6d. Springers £2 15s, £3 10s.

Pigs.—Weaners 4s 9d,

'I he following firms were represented at this fixture :—Mr David Thomas (per Mr R. Curtis), Messrs Friedlander Ems., Limited, (per Mr R. Friedlander), New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Limited (per Mr C. Caioutt), and Messrs Matson and Co.

Serious Fire and Fatal Accident.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Auckland, December 23.

By & fire at Kings an) thia afternoon five houses were destroyed. There was no water or Fire Brigade. The fire originated at Mr Henry Hayson's tinsmith's shop, the insur ances on wbifih are Dot known. Other j insurances are—Robert Kllis, dwelling, £200 ! in the South British Office ; Charles Clark, [eight-roomed Irouse, £400 in the Norwich Union ; Thomas Barnaby, butcher, £200 in the South British Office; Charles Hender son, six-roomed house, £400 in the Imperial Office, Th 6 origin of the fire ie not known. The fire indirectly lad to a fa^al accident at the Kingsland crossing of the Kaipara rail way. Mr and Mrs Frederick B^ttley were driving home to Mount Albert from Auck land. The hor-e in the bugj>y would not pass the burning building?, so they turned down to Kingsland railway crossing to get ioto the Cabbage Tree Swamp Road cevr the crossing which is dangerous, and several narrow escapes had already occurred there, j owing to a point of land shutting out a view of the line. A special goods train came along, and the horse already excited by the fire dashed towards the train. The advancing carriages struck the hind wheel of the buggy, and Mrs Bittley was thrown under the wheel, and was dragged sixty feet and killed. Mr Batfley received a contusion on j the bead by the passing waggons, but it is not dangerous. The driver jumped down ' to hold the horse's head, but the animal was unmanageable, and he was thrown under the buggy and injured, but not dangerously. Mr Battley is ex-manager of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. The deceased lady leaves a grown-up family.

The Horse Fiend Again.

Another Horse Killed

The horae Send has been at his dastardly work again, a horse belonging to Mr Morrow, of Morrow, Bassett and Co., having been found dead on Thursday morning in a creek near Mr Morrow's residence at Papanui. Mr Morrow ia at present out of town. The horse on Wednesday waa lying, when found, with its head in the water, Mr Morrow's boy states that at abcut eight o'clock on Wednesday evening he saw the horse, which was all right at the time. In the morning, shortly before eight o'clock, he went to take the animal its feed, and could not under stand where the horse had gone. Further search showed him the horse's body. He at once informed the inmates of the house, who communicated with Constable Johnston at Papanui, and he telephoned to tha Chriet ehurch police station, Mr Brohum and Detectives Benjamin and Marsaok went up, and after having the body dragged on to the bank had the head cut off and conveyed to the morgue at the police station. The horse was a Timor pony efcallion about fourteen hands in height and was a grandson of Prince Charming out of Princess. He was about five years old and was a very quiet animal, being used as a boy's hack. No clue has yet been found as to the perpetrator of the savage act except that a man was seen by one of the domestics to be wandering about the premises the previous evening. From

the appearance of the wound, which is in the middle of the forehead, a casual observer would have said that it bad been caused by & bullet. Mr Hill, the f eterinary surgeou, who made an examination of the head last evening, was uuable to find a bullet, and is of opinion that the death was caused by a blunt pointed instrument, such as the hammera used by blacksmiths for punching nails in horseshoes.— Press.

CRICKET.

CANTERBURY v. HAWKE'S BAY,

This match was concluded yesterday at Napier. The scores were aa under, Canter bury thus winning by five wickets : —

Canterbury—First Innings—Cobcroft 14> Wigley 32, Reese 18, Pearce 18, Wilding 3» Ridley 65, Garrard 10, Sims 8, Wheatley 12» Clarke (dot out) 18, Fowke 4, extras 25 i total 217. Second Inninga—Uobcroit 21, Wigley 1, Ree?e 23, Ridley (not out) 22, Pearce 0, Sims 3, Wilding (not out) 3, extras 2 ; total for live wickets 75.

Hasvke'sßay—First Innings—24Q. Second Innings—Wohnenhome 0, Lusk 0, Nelsou 2, Fannin 4, Lewis 6, Maishall 16, Wilson 3, Cato 3, Gibson 0, Hughes (nob out) 3, Martin 3, extras 2 ; total 42.

THE LATEST.

» Homo and Foreign, Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Receive^ Wakapuaka Dec. 2<|, 10.5 a.m. Guaedian Office, 11.5a.m The ISeliriiig Sea Dispute. London, December 23 The indemnity paid to Great Britain by the United States in respect to the Behring Sea claimsamounts to 857,000 dollars, with intirest at the rate of 7 per cent, extending over a period, of years, The Xeiglifrour to the Eastward. Berlin, December 23 Speaking at Graudenz Prussia, the Buoperor expressed his gratification at seeing the forts of the Empire strength ened. Their neighbour to the east ward (? Russia) he said was a dear loyal friend holding the same political views. The Boii(iaii> Cairo, December 23 Nine hundred Egyptian trpop hav^ entered I^Ussala io Eastern, Soudan.

THE INDIAN FRONTIER.

•* Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 24. 11.50 a.m., Guardian Office, 12.30 p.m. Calcutta, December 23 Indian newspapers severely criti cise the manner of conducting the frontier campaign, and »>s«rt that, the rear guard h.*s otsen sac ificed.

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 24, 9 55 A.m. Guardian Office 10 40 a.m Calcutta, December 28 Brigadier-General Biggs, who took a prominent part in the frontier cam paign, has been invalided.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

Prase Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Received Wakapuafea Dec. 24, 11.50 a.m., Guardian Office, 12.3 p m.

London, December 23

Mr Barnes, secretary to the engi neers, states that the engineers of Manchester, Newcastipj Glasgow, and other centres refuse to resume work unless the hours of labor are reduced and the old conditions of employment conceded

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 24, 9 55 a.m.,

Guardian Office 10.35 a.m

London, December 23

The Engineer says that the employers in the engiue* ring trades expect the dispute with the men, which resulted from the recent conference, will be quickly terminated. 'J he employers intimate that they have finally declined to consider the compromise suggested by the engineers for a reduction in the houra of labor to fifty-one a week. A ballot is now being taken among the members of the Society of Engineers upon the question of the acee r tance of the masters proposals

SPOTTING.

TINWALD RACING CLUB.

Owners and trainers are reminded that acceptances for all Handicaps, ar<d entries for the Novel Race, for the Tinwald Racing Club's'annual meeting, to be held on New Year's Djy, f.loEe with the Secretary at Lagan's Hotel by nine o'clock on Tuesday (Dec. 28) evening next

TM ASffßdMTtXi GCABMAS r WUDAI, S4GBICBMU94, l«« (



Ayer's Sarsaparilla. • • • Cleanse your blood with Ayer's Sarsaparilla-the most thoroughly reliable alterative ever compounded, i For scrofula, boils, ulcers, sores, car buncles, pimples, blotches, and all disorders originating in vitiated blood, this medicine is a specific. Ayer's SarsapwrHla is equally bene ficial a3 a remedy for catarrh, rheu matism, and rheumatic gout. As a Tonic; it assists the process of digestion, stimulates the sluggisfi liver, strengthens the nerves, and builds up the body when debilitated b>; excessive fatigue or wasting PJneSS. Physicians everywhere con &d'er Ayer's Sarsaparilla the best. It is ; a' skilfully-prepared combination of the most powerful alteratives and tonics. No other blood-purifier gives fejjvjal satisfaction car is so universally Ayer's Sarsaparilla rRSPARED BY W. J, f. ftYCft * *°» Lowell, Mail,, U. $. A. 8010 MEDALS at the World's Chief Expositions. Ayet*S" Pills 2HS2SSS



Synopsis 0? Nuw 4pt«BWbmmbntß. For Sale—Bicycle. T. Bullock—Shop to Lqfc, Tinwald Race Ball-Friday, December gl. Caledonian Society—Agkaowiedgineut of Aar%si.\\nrn> I---"" ___ , . .*-. - ■ *■■ *



I Government Notices. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. ! TRAIN ALTERATIONS, DECEMBER 27 l i- in TTIHE Evening Train from Christchurch X to Aahburton and Methven will atsrt at 5 15 p.m., and run 30 minutes later than timetable,tlmeß. The 11.55 a.m. train from Timaru to Ashburton will run, and a train will leave Ashbunou for Timaru at 5 45 p.m. muniug 1 hour 50 minutes later than the times of the evening train on Tuesdays. The tiain to Springburn will leave Ah burton at 555 p.m., and run 1 hour 30 iniuutes later than timetable times. I\,o Oooda traffic on 27th. Holiday excursion fares as already notified. 12 167 BY ORDER. D«VID THOMAS. ARCADE lIOKSE FAIR. THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 1898. 'Tl/TY next SPECIAL HORSE SALE will be held on the above date and fixture. Entries now being taken. D. TFOMAS, 12150 Auctioneer. OAT SHEAF CHAFF. lAM a Buyer of Oat Sheaf Chaff,in any quantity. 12 89 D. THOMAS. Tenders. TENDERS. rpENDER-! are invited for Building a J_ Convalescent Ward at the Ashburton Hospital. Plans and Specifications may be seeu at my < ffioe, Burnett Street. Tenders close on FRIDAY, January 7, 1898, at 9 a.m. The lowest or any Tender not necessarily accepted. R. BIRD, 12 141 Architect. r - ——— ■-w»» ; j Public Notices. ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. finHE Society's Office will be closed for X the Christmas Holidays on SATUR DAY, MONDAY, and TUESDAY, Decem ber 25, 27, and 28, 1897 ; and for the New Years Holidays on SATURDAY and MONDAY, January 1 and 3, 1898. EDWARD STEPHENS, Manager. 12J74__ , _ GLENMARK AND WAIKARI AGRI. CULTURAL FARMS FOR SALE. INSPECTION INVITED, MAPS can be seen at Mr Bullock' Auction Mart, Ashburton. For full particulars apply to | G. H. MOORE, ! 96 Park Terrace. I I 12 115 ChristohuTch. NOTICE. SPECIAL BANK HOLIDAY. PURSUANT to the terms of the Banks and Bankers Act, 1880, and the | Banks and B inkers Act Amendment Act, 1882, TUESDAY, the 28th December next, has been appointed a Special Bank Holiday throughout New Zealand. The Union Btink of Australia, Ltd., G. E. TQLHURST, Resident Inspector. I The Bank of New South Wales, I W. G. RHIND, luapector. : i The Batik of Australasia, I CLEMENT WINTER, Inspector. The Bank of New Zealand, C. G. TEGETMEIER, 12 165 General Manager. "5000"TAIRS""'| OF BOOTS AND SHOES TO PICK FROM. Try our new leathers. Every pair Guaranteed, JAMES MELLOR, TANCRED STREETj MAKI NQ MISTAKE, MELLORVS BOOT STORE. rpHE PUBLIC BOOT BENEFIT. Second to none in Canterbury FOR GOOD CHEAP BOOTS & SHOES. Pronounced by the Aehburton Public t« give wonderful yalwe ior likla monuy'. ; £ . WASTE faper ipx a«le, Apply GyAfiMA* 03160.



The Court offices are dosed for oivjl business from 23rd inst. till January 3,1898> inclusive.



If it required au annual outlay of £10,0000 to insure s. family against any serious conse quences from an attack of bowel complaint duriug the year there are many who would feel it their duty to pay it ; that they could not afford to risk their lives, and hose of their family for such an amouut. Any one can get this insurance for 25 cents, th.it be ing the price of a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholert, and Diarrhoea Remedy. In almost every nefghborhood some one has died from an attack of bowel complaint be foremediciue could be procured or a physician summoned. One or two doses of t his remedy will cure any ordinary case. It never fails. Can you afford to take the risk for so Bmall an amount? For sale by Ashburton Drug Company.



Jut a minute! This may mean pounds m your pocket. Kuowledge is power ;to know what to do at the right time strengthens your reputation, people rrspect and speak about you ; for instance, a sensible person that has a bad cough or cold immediately goes to tho grocer or chemiat and buys a boitle cf Woods' Great Pepper mint Cure, for l.he simple reason that he knows it will put him and his family all right.



WANTED, PRIMITIVE Methodist Church .-Christ <nas Sermons on Sunday by Rev. J. Olphert. Morning, at 11 ; Evening, at 6.30. 12 183 SANTA CLAUS is coming to-night. Call and see H. M. Jones' Fancy Goods Establishment. Great variety (,f Toys, Doils and Fancy Goods to gladden the hearts of all. Luts of Cards to be cleared. H. M. Jones. WANTED to Sell, really good " Rapid " Bike, which owner has no use for. Price, £11. Apply Truckle's Coffee Palace. _2 12 179 TTIHE Tinwald Race Ball will be held m JL Friday, December 31, in the Templar Hall, Tinwald. Double ticket, 3361; extra lady's ticket, Is. Refreshment provided. lJL}f® fiOMFORTABLK Furnished Bedrooms, V_/ with use of sitting room to let. Parti culars at Mail Office. 12 136 FOUND— In Tancred Street, at the new Shop, a good selection of Cheap, Strong Clothes Baskets, Hand Baskets, Cradles, Wicker Chairs, etc.—A. YVarren, Basketmaker. 12 122 ' WANTED Known—That from this date all purchasers for Cash bi Clothing, Drapery, Bootp, Crockery, and Ironmongery to the Value of £1 and up wards will be allowed a discount equal to 2s in the £ —A, Lawrie, Saunders' Build ings. " 12 102 WANTED Known—That we are now showing the flnesfe assortment of Gents' Ties, Bows and Scarfs, we have ever had the pleasure of submitting. Men's and Boys' Straw and Pelt Hats in endless assortment. New Goods in Tennis Shi:ts just opened.—Mitchell & Tukner. PUBLIC NO'aXCES "" TO LET ~ SHOP in Brick Building, Burnett Street, next Mr Seymour. Apply to T. BIILLOC^. 1/- NEW ZEALAND 1/- CYCLISTS' TOURING CLUB POCKET BOOK AND DIARY. INVALUABLE TO CYCLISTS. 1/- All Booksellers. 1/- H. fit. JONES, Ashburton, 12 182 or Secretary, Wellington. ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY; npHE Society desire to thank the following JL donorß of prizes for the Boxing D*y Sports • — ' ' : £. c d Messrs Morrow, Bassett & Co, ,110 Messrs Sharplin &Co ... 110 Mr H. M. Jones (value) .„ , 0 10 0 MrH. Britton  ... .„ 1 6 0 Mj W. .'.'. ... 61Q 6 $li H.Davib ' ' .- ... ... %0 0 Mr W.'Pjfttching, oil coat for pjd. men's race Mr^M^ii^ :.; . ... yio o Mr J. Jfafflieson ... , ... 010 6 Mr H. Drummond 10 0 Mr P. Devaae, for best Irish Hornpipe -.220 MrT. Connolly „, .... ... QIQ 0 Mr X Alexander, for masti points in PipeMusiQ,,, ... „. §IQ 6 JOSHUA TUCKER, 12 [si Hon., Secretary.



"Mild #tei 'I" A VICTIM OF Functional Disease. Alavnm NEVER fails any one in JTXLa^UUI such a predicament. To sufferers from Sick Headache, Dyspepsia. Biliousness and Constipation it is *• A friend in need and a friend indeed." Assist Nature by Alaxpm, and you will avoid a multitude | ot distressing functional derangements and diseases. Of all known medicines for renew ing the energy Alaxdm is the best. Its secondary effects are marvellous. Many persons afflicted with c -nsfcipation have testi fied not only to its immediate relieving properties but to the fact that the cure lasts. No care is required whi'e using it. It does not interfere with the diet, habits or occu pation, and produces no inconvenience in its action. It is at once a laxative, an appetiser, and a stimulating tonic, prepared scientifically, and endorsed by the Press as the most valuable medicine that has ever been offered to to the public in a popular form. ALAXUM cukes Biliousness, Bilious Headache, Dizzinesß, Costiveneas, Sour Stomach, Loss of Appetite, Coated Tongue, Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Heartburn, Pains and Distress after Eating, and all functional derangements of the "system of nutrition. JtfOTE THIS WELL.- The whole system of a human being may be perfectly sound, and yet through derange ment or weakness the organs of the boay may perform iheir functions or their work sluggishly, thus giving rise to want of appetite, and a consequent general impover ishment of the whole being. Such a con dition causes thousands of people to fancy that they are consumptive, while they are really only in uee d of a remedy to sec the organs of the bo<)y working harmoniously. Reason point* to two essential qualities in a remedy for this purpese. It must create an appetite for food, and at the same time assimilate its nutriment. With either of these qualities alone the remedy would be worse than useless, but with both it becomes a, power with incalculable good. Alaxdm is the only medicine which combines these two qualities. It is a natural appetiser, and its first action is to create hunger. Afrer the appetite is satisfied it acts directly on the stomach, liver and kidneys, clearing away all effete matter and exciting them to activity. The system then receives nutri tion and new life from the proper assimila 'ioH of the foodj and where there ia no iTganio disease health must follow. This is common sense aud cannot be gainsaid Acc.pt no substitute that maybe recom mended to be "just as good.' " It may be better—for the d:akr~ because of its better profit, but, iv tuch mi mstßHce the dealer ia not the one who needs help. " FROM ALL UHKMISTS t STORU KKJiPfiRS, THE FIRST SIGN OF A COLD Should remind you, that the best time to commence taking something is at the begin ning. It should also remind you that the bent remedy to head off a spell of sneezing, coughing and general unpleasantness is Benjamin Gum, MEN START AT MY STATEMENTS ABOUT BENJAMIN GUM! Thousands of bottles have been sol', and uuivpraa^ praise of its curative qualities is the result. Note the Name: Spencer Vincent's Great Oe«»j|«i»iin. <3ru.m Extract price x 8 o Take no other Remedy, bua insist on having BENJAMIN GUM Don't take "Just as Goon," TESTIMONIALS. Woolsto.ii, Aogasfc 10,1897. To Spkncer Yincknt, Christchurch, Dear Sir,—For some time past I have been suffering from a most painful cough. I had quite given up hope of its ever leaving me, at least or the remainder of the winter, and feared that it had become chronic, seeing that other remedies failed to give me relief, much less cure. Th.c paip became so. intense that I Sfas afcald; of injuring s&y and head,, especially the latter, I procared one bottla of. your Benjamin (tVks, and I may say that I fyadn't an atom of faith in its curative, properties, bub felt that I must take something to ease the pain. I drank con tents of first bottle very freely, and am thankful to say in less than twelve hours I was wholly free trom cough. E. W. SEAR*, P.S —Nearly throe mo&the eince cough



Henry Zander, NOTICE. rpHli ENTRANCE to my Offices is now ia Moore Street, (lately occupied by Messrs Fricdlunder Bros.) GORNSACKS—(FuII size. SEAMING TWINE~(S ply L ) BINDING TWINE-~(Douaghys, JUST TO HAND. HENRY ZANDER. i F. FERIRMAN. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. WHAT better Present can you select for your wife, mother, sister, daughter or friend, than a strong serviceable PORTABLE BOILER like this:— i The above Boilers are strong and durable, the frame is constructed of stout galvanized sheet iron, with an extra lining of sheet iron inside to prevent the fire from burning the outer frame, and is built to carry heavy copper boilers of various sizes. The funnel is adjustable, and is fitted with a patent joint, thus doing away with the bottom being burnt out of the funnel as too often occurs in other makes. An inspection will satisfy the most fastidious as to economy, utility, acd durability of this excellent boiler, —_ i F. FERRIMAN. f> Ml,'" ..I II 111 ,J_. «\ SOMERSET MEAT MART. CHRISTMAS, 1897. rfIHE Wheel of Time has again brought JL round this joyous and festive season. We hope that social legislation or the times we live in will not let the people forget the old association of an Englishman's Christmas. As usual for this festive season we shall have the Finest display of Meat ever offered in Ashburton, consisting of Prize Beef, Prize Mutton, Prize Pork, Pritnest Lamb, and our usual display of Small Goods so much appreciated by the public. All needy persons can have a free joint on production of order from the Mayot or any clergyman. 12 174 W. J. SILCOCK. FOR Beauty of Design, Strength of Material, and Easy Running r|HE ECLIPSE - HUMB ifiß is laps ahead of all competitors at the same price, and is still going strong. A third shipment of components now landing ex " Matatua." i Eclipse Cycle Works, BARING SQUARE, 3710R the best quality of Christmas : Groceries at reasonable prices go to, CARSON & CO., j New Fruits Juat to Hand. For unequalled value In Tea try CAEBON & CO, Professional Taa ijf'or the choicest goods in China and Earthenware suitable for presents, go to CARSON & CO., Wifeet Importers. For the best value in JjSleclro.Plate Cutlery, Nickel, and E.P. fijtacjos ajftd Forks go to CARSON & CO., Tancred Street, o For the best value in Household Iron mongery, Enamelled Ware, etc., go to CAKSON & CO. A Fresh Shipment now Landing ex " Matatua." CARSON & Co., G»-ocerß & Ironmongers, Importers of China, and; Earthenware, TANCKISD STREKT & AKOADE, ASHBURIGN.



CHRISTMAS-4897. NEW SEASON'S FRUIT FLETCHER BROS. HAVE Just received by the following steamer—lonic. Mataura, and Rimutaka—their NEW SEASON'S FRUIT, direct from the growers, and can safely say that it is sotn° of the Finest Fruit ever brought to N«?v.- Zealand. The followiug Quotations will defy competition in regard to first class quality :— 100 cases finest Patras Currants, 4}4 per Ib 2 casks Sicily Almonds, Is 2d per lb W cases huest Vostisz* Current*, 5d per b s,cwt Mixed Spice, Ud per packet,, ilb 50 cases finest Valencia Raisins, 7d per Ib tin 6d 25 cases finesf Elunes Knisins, 7d per lb 2 b< xes Jordan Almonfa, 2s 4d per ib 50 cases finest bnltanas, 7d per Ib 1 ton Mixed Lemon, Orange, »nd Citron 25 bags new Natural Figs, 8d Peel, 81 per Ib, 21b for 1« 3d on t 8 ? neßfc new Dat 8 > 6d Per lh 20 oases 2|lb ims preserved Fruit* in heavy boxes finest Layer Muscatels, 1« per lb syrup, lOd per tin 10 boxes good Layer Muscatels, 8d per lb 10 cases Dried Apricots, Pears and Penchei 5 sacks Barcelona Nuts, 8d per !b 103 per lb SEASONABLE GOODS. SEASONABLE GOODS. Worcester Sauce, large bottles, 9d per bottle Enos Fruit Salts, 3s 3d per bottle Worcester Sance, small bottles, 4£d per bottle Citrate of Magnesia, Is per bottle finest Cocktail Salmon, lid per tin Jelly Powders (pint packet*) 6d per packet, Fresh Herrings, 6^d per tin Raspberry, Lemon, Orange, etc. etc Lynx Brand Salmon, 8d per tin Mullet, star brand, 7d per tin Herrings in Tomato Sauce, lOd per tin Anchovy Paste, 8d per tin Hb Udb Sheep Tongues, Bd, 9d, lOd per tin Bloater Paste, 4*d per tin Kippered Herrings, 10d per tin Loose Hops, Is 3d per lb lib tins Rabbit in jelly, ?<1 per tin Pressed Hops, Is 4d per lb Large bottlea Capeis, 1* per bottle Unbleached Ginger, la 2d per lb bardmes, 4£d per tiD, 4s per dozen Bleached Ginger,"ls 3d per Jb Lemon fcsquash, Is 3d per bottle Ground Ginger, Is 4rt per lb English Vinegar, 6d per bottle Finest Carraway Seeds, 8d per lb Finest Akaroa Cheese, 6d per lb 1897—PRESERVING SEASON—IB9B. PRESERVING PANS DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURERS. 8 quarts 7s, 10 quarts 8« 6d, 12 quarts 9a 6d, Light Steel Enamel Preserving Pans, beife and 14 quarts 11s quality, 3a, 3s lid, 4s 6d, & 5a each CROCKERY DEPARTMENT. We have just received very heavy shipments of all lines of CHINA and EARTHENWARE, both Fancy and Plain, and everyone is welcome to step in and see the bargains we have in this Department, without being pressed tobuy, Plain Tumblers, 2s per dozen Nail Brushes, 3d each Moulded Tumblers, 2s 6d per dozen Pie Steamers, 4d each Printed Cups and Saucers, 2s 9d per dozen White and Gold Egg Cups, Is 3d per dcien White and Gold China Cups and Saucers, 6s Alarm Clocks (good timekeepers) 3s lid 6d per dozen Nickel-plated Butters, from 3s 6d each Celeste and 3 gold line China Cups and 5 hole Revolving Crueta, from 7s 6d each Saucers, 6s 6d per dosen etc., etc. Kindly note that nearly all the above mentioned goods are itnpor ed by n« direct from the manufacturers, so therefore we are enabled to sell as cheap, in fact cheaper than any house in the trade. FLETCHER" BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, East Street, Asshburton and High Street, Christchurcfa. P.O. Box 67, Telephone 24. H. M. JONES; H. M. JONES. SANTA GLAUS AND FATHER CHRISTMAS are coming again. OPLKNDII) VARIETY of NEW GOODS specially imported for Christmas Trade, rx O Rimutaka, Delphic and Mattvtua, from London, and Talune from Melbourne atid Sydney. Books Books. Bucks A JLA.RGK ASSORTMENTS Prize, Reward, and Presentation Books, selected from the well-known Publishers—Ward, Lock and Co., Cassell and Co., Nesbitt and Co., Nelson and Sons, Rjlij^ious Tract Society, Warne and Co , and others, comprising works ■-{Travels, >!isiory, Biography, Fiction hi d Fairy Stories, Scientific ar.d Poetical Works v Cloth, Plain Leather, and Morocco Bindings. Boy's ami Girl'tt Own Annual, Little Folks, Chatterbox, Infant Magazines, Child's Companion, Wide-a-Wake, Sunday and other* \'ew Books and Magazines by every mail. Fancy Goods. Fancy Goods. LADIES' !>ud GENTLEMEN'S Dressing Boxes, Writing Desks, Work Boxes Fupeterie, Albums, Photo Frames, and Screens, Glove and Handkerchief Boxes, Work IWk'ts, plain aud fitted Ladies' Companions, Wallets Purses, Pocket Books, Pen md Pencil Cases, Handbags, Brackets, Mirrors, Epergnes, Fans, Japanese Goods. Stationery. Stationery. AN EXCELLENT VARIETY of Boxed Stationery, of the best quality and latea designs, plain, fancy and flori!. Is BOXES, Ofl BOXES. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. Account and Letter Books, Counter and Memorandum Book?, andal' Office Requirements Account Books any size or patterns made to order. Toys. Toys Toys. UNRIVALLED COLLECTION of TOYS, in wood, tin, and rubber. Noah's Arks, Trains, Watches, Skittles, Balls, Animals, Prams, Bairows, Rocking and Hobby Horses Buckets, Spades, Games, Tricycles, and a great variety too numerous to particularise. Electro-plated Ware. A UNIQUE STOCK of GOOD-PLATED WARE. Butter, Jelly, and Jam Dishes, Sugar and Cream, 1 oast Racks, Cruets, Salad Bowls, Biscuit Barrels, Egg Stands, Butter Knives, Tea Spoons, Carvers, Serviette Rings, Teapots, Salts, and Inkstands, Marble, Gilt, and Nickel Clocks, Ladies' and Gentldmen's Watches, Studs, etc. Fancy Glass and ( lima Ware. Jap Tea Cups and Saucers, Dishes, Teapots, Sugar and Creams. Cheese Stands, Ring Sets, Egg and Cruet Stands, Biscuit Barcells, Tea Sets, Jugs, Plates, all in chaste and pretty designs. CROQUET SETS, L^WN TENNIS, & CRICKETING MATERIALS, ORGANS from £8 10s to £45. PIANOS from £20 to 70 Guineas, Bicycles. Bicycles. Bicycles, I CAN SUPPLY any of the following nmoh{nes,»_ T j ie Monarch,'Waverly, Hadden, Star, Benhur, and Envoy. All up-to-date awl fcSU'/RANTEED. Ladieß'and Gentlemen't Bicycles from £20 Caafc* Uir'.v Bicycles from ,£l3 10s- Easy Wfraid Pranged. Cycle extra?. EVERY LaNE AT THE LQWiassT r»os«iejLi£j cash raidr, To keep the Tcade in the District. \ Liberal Discount for Oash to School Committees. H. M. JONES. „»



Sporting. " TINWALD ~" "O A 0 I N G p L U P, NEW YEAR'S D iV, 1898.' PROGRAMME. I—New Ykar's Gift Handicap, of 30 soys ; seven furlongs. Nomination 12s 6d, Acceptance 12a 6d, 2—-Telephone Poky Race, of 20 aovs ; four furlongs. For ponies 14.2 and under. Nomination IQs, Acceptance 12s 6d. 3—Tinwald Cup Handicap, of 60 soys; one mile and a quarter. Nomination 20s, Acceptance 20s. 4— »Tjnwaij> Handicap Trot, of 35 soys; about two miles. Nomination 12s 6d, Acceptance 12s 6d. s—Westerfield Weltfr Handicap, of 4© Boys ; one mile. Nomination 15s, Accept ance 15s. | 6—Novel Race, of 25 soys j five furlongs. j Entrance lQs. 7—Fwnq Hanotsap, of 40 aovs; six fur ! longa. Nomination 15s» Acceptance 15*. &—HURRY FetTRRy, of 12 BOVB ; four fur longs. For district horses. Entrance iQa. ACCEPTANCES. Acceptances for Handicap, and Entries for Novnr, Race, eloao at 9 p.m. on I'UKS DAY, December gB, 1897, at Lagan's Hotel. Fof lull particulars pee {osters. A, A, FOOKS, 34 Secretary.



FOR PRIVATE SALE ON EASY TERMS, OR WOULD BE EXCHANGED FOR TOWN PROPERTY. niHAT Charmingly Situated - Suburb>n 1 Property on Belt Road, AlUnton, containing about 63 Acccb of the best land in the County, with really good House, Orchard, and every convenience; at present occupied by H. F. Nicoli, Esq., uuder leas* expiring March 5 next. Full particulars from 12 155 WILLIAM HORNE. LONG BEACH ROAD BOARD. IN PURSUANCE of the Public Works Act, 1894, Sections 123 and 126 r Public Notice is hereby given that it is proposed to alter the course of the Road forming Hie Houth-westein boundary of Reserve 737, and Rural Section 8426. P!an« ' showing the proposed alteration are lying open.to Public inspection at the Office of the Longbe.ach. Road Board, Bullock's Arcade, Ashburton. Persons having objections to the proposed a'teration must lodge such objections in writing at the Office of the Afhburt (!< anty Council on or before the 31st day o December, 1897. C. K. FOOKS & SON, Surveyors to Longbeach Road Board. 2 38 " Moat Reliable