PHASES OF THE MOON.

DECEMBKB.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1897 CHRISTMAS, 1897.

Thehk are a few miserable individuals in every community whose wont it is to look sourly upon those who regard Christmas as a festive season, and who seek to establish for themselves a reputation for superior wisdom by affecting to despise such trivialities as the interchange of the Compliments of the Season, and the penning of Christ mas editorials. According to these self-appraised Colons, a dignified con tempt for other people's small minded ness in these particulars is the attitude which should be assumed by those who occupy that higher pane where they themselves fondly imagine themselves to be seated, only a step below the dii majores, but they little think that this ridiculous assumption of superiority on their part only makes them a laughing stock, and that their utterances which sound in their own ears as the roar of the lion, are easily detected by the crowd, whom they despise as but the bray of the ass that would fain conceal bis identity under the stolen skin of the king of beasts. Out upon such vain, puffed-up, soar, cynical idiots ! Let them come down from their pinnacle of pride and hide them selves in the tuba to which they and their pretensions should alike be con signed. Better still, let them kick those tubs into a Christinas bonfire, and pitching into the bright flames with .them their vanity and cynicism, let them stretch forth the right hand of hearty goodwill and grasp that of their fellow man and fellow woman, and join for once in the warm and friendly greetings which mark that season of seasons of all the year, when all the world should think with kindly affections of our common kinship. For not only in poetry but in actual fact Christmastide is blessed, and full of blessing. It brings together scattered families, it revives friendships, it softens or extinguishes hard feelings i *nd bi'terness, it awakens the kindliest i sympathies, it brings into play those sacred influences which make our life |so great in its possibilities, both as I towards the here and the hereafter, ' and the song of the angels floats in at the windows of every household with its message of peace and goodwill. Let us then deck our homes with flowers, and spread our tables with abundant clieer, and in welcoming Christmas, merry Christmas, once | agaiiij let us pass from one to another the good old-fashioned kindly greeting •vhich wishes for each and all A Merry Christmas and a Happy Slew Year.

Local and General.

January 28th is fixed as the date for the payment of income tax.

Mr James Wiikie, the well-known journa list, and an old Ashburton resident, will apend hia Chistmas in the Wellington hospital, where he has just undergone a serious operation.

A notice in the Qatelte alters ia some re spects the arrangement for compu uig fares on the Government! railways, brought into force when the through line to Napier was opened. Return tickets between Wellington and Napier will be available by either the Government or the Manawatu line for two months from the date of issue. Two sets of apparatus, approved by a committee of the Royal Society and the Brit ish Association for the Observation of Earthquakes, are cow on their way to New Zealand to the order of the Government. When they have been set up this country will be put in direct communication with cci mic stations in c.il parts of the world, Those who usually devote a considerable portion of their time at this period of the year to the decoration of St. Stephen's Uhurch have been very successful on this occasion in beautifying the church. A special feature of the evening service to-morrow evening will be the carol singing by the choir. The tffertories on Christmas Day will be devoted to the Sunday School. The Papanui correspondent of the Dunedin Evening Star telegraphs; -•« Mr Gilruth, 'he Government veterinary surgeon, ia start ing to use cholera tnicrobea in the State Forest Reserve on the banks of the Poma-

haka. The people here do not .like to have microbes spread, and will stop spreading the stuff, if possible, until something definite is known about the risk of it. Chicken cholera ia spreading amongst domestic anima's."

Mr T. Rowe, of Bell Block, brought to the Tamnaki Herald office a day or two ago a stalk of s*saline, for the purpose of showing the phenomenal growth of this fodder plant. The stalk in question was just under six feeb in height, and represented only aix weeks' growth on a two-year-old plant. Mr Rowe cut a patch and weighed the product, which worked out at the rate of 128 tons to the acre. Cattle and horses eat it greedily, and it may be oijifc down about four times a year.

A train in Arizona was boarded by robbers, who went through the luckless passengers. One of then happened to be a Hebrew " drupimjar " from New York, who, when his turn came, with rejuctance fished out

£200, but rapidly took Jb4 from the pile aud placed it in his vest pocket. •• What do you mean by that ?" asked the robber, as he loyed with his revolver, Hurriedly came the answer j " Mine fren% you surely would not refuse me two per zenfe. discount on a strictly cash transaction like dis ?'' South Australian* horses, used to eating hay, hare, in some oases, owing to the drought, been put on chaff, imported from

VictoT!a OF brought down from the North. Some of these «rima.le died, and post mprtem examinations disciosCr? hwi l.»ft!U, appareotiy of c.oir aiitting, in tho infcestiuei. The explanation offerea i# th&t tha twine with which the sheaves had been bofoad wajj not thrown out before fchey were nut through the chafimill, and that the horses had eaten it.

Speaking of the infant mortality in Auck land, Mr .Goldie, the sanitary inspector, says—"lt 1 may be asked what is the cause of ao many infants dying r The' r.jedjic&l profession may be able to solve the problem —I cannot. I affirm that the city of Auck land is in a good sauitary condition, and will compare favourably as regards clean liness wi£h aay of the three southern cities. It is singular, bub no Jesg true, that the number of births in Auckland wore Ipss by ninety-two than they were in Wellington, still the infant mortality was greater in Auckland than jo Wellington. Something wrong somewhere.'?

It may be noted that this year the butchers \ in some streets as a rule have not gone in so much for decoration as is the usual custom with them at Christnmßtide. Messrs 0. Digby and S. Burnard, however, have some very nice b*ef, mutton, and lamb for the occasion, all of prime quality; but these) wabout trimmingi show that they have not I departed from the usual and general style of I do ng business. In Burnett street the I ->mount of decoration is markrd, and quite! *n air of festivity prevails Measis J. H. I

Rale and Co. have some very nice beef and Umb, aood enough for anything, and Mr W, J Silcock, of the Somerset Meat Mart, has killed for the occasion beef, mutton and pork, all of which was within the award lial at the late A. and P. Show.

The Woolston School Committee recently made arrangements for a children's trip by rail to Amberley on February 17th. The teachers were instructed to inform the children, and preparations were mado. On application to the general manager of rail way^, however, the committee receive] the reply that as the Department had deter mined to run a regatta excursion on that day no carriages were available. The cheir man of the committee, Mr Richardson, hag written again to the Department urging that a special train be granted, as the dis appointment to the children will be a keen one. No reply haei yet been received.

With reference to the custom of brass bauds playing in the streets on Christmas eve and Christmas morning a correspondent of the Wellington Post suggests that the bands should amongst themaeJves map out the portions of the city that each should take, and should give performances, -say, between 10 o'olock and midnight in their respective sections, and take up collections from the spectators that would be attracted; also that those citizens who h»ve been id the habit of giving Christmas subscriptions to the bands should continue the cuatom with out the necessity for personal visits,

Frightful details were brought to Sydney by the Onsen of the berribie cyclone that devastated the ptevinces of Samar and Leyte, in the Philippines, totally destroying the oountry town of the latter. A remark al le incident is mentioned. The Leytc prison was completely washed away by the tidal wave, which swept the town as part of the cyclone. The gaol at the time contained

11l prisoners. Iheae prisoners escaped as bast they could. In the confusion that reigned it would have been an easy matter for all to have escaped, yet on the morning following the catastrophe, when the excite ment had partially subsided, 106 of the

I escapees assembled outside the Governor | general's quarters. The other five were drowned. Of the great typhoon the Manila Observatory states that it was the most severe within memory. The vortex of the aorm reached Mindow on October 13. Throughout ita course it destroyed villages and plantations and uprooted immense areas of cocoanut plantations. More than 500 corpses were found in the debris. One steamer, the Manditto, and thirteen sailing vessels were wrecked. An extraordinary scene took place at Aberdeen University on the 27th October. Some time previously the University Court decided to retire Dr Johnston, the Professor of Biblical Criticism, on the ground of ud tnethodical treatment of his subject, and a lecturer was appointed in his place. Dr Johnston, however, announced that he would open hia classes with an introductory lecture. The classroom was crowded with undergraduates, and so constant and up roarious was the disturbance that the professor gathered up his papers and left the room, having appealed in vain for order on the part of the students. In a few minutes he returned, the ,students having by this time left the room, and proceeded to deliver his lecture to a few members of the general public who remained. Orders were given by two university professors to clear the room, but although there was practically no audience Dr Johnston went on with hia address. Ho claimed his i ight as a professor in the university to occupy the classroom, and refused to desist from delivering his lecture. Finally, his MS. was seized by a professor, and the proceedings, which had been marked by great disorder, were thus summarily ended. The October records of the Rqyal Humane Society include the names of several ladies, one ot whom obtaiDed the society's highest aw.ird, the silver medal. Miss Fullerton, the lady in question, belongs to Dundee, and she is awarded the medal for an act of daring in the aea at Oarnoustie, on the Forfarahire coast. Mias Fullerton, who was on a visit to Carnoustie, saw Mr Turner, a manu facturer, of Dumloskin, Alloa, in great dis tress in the sea, having been sessed with cramp. He was 300 yds off, and there was a heavy sea, but the young lady swamtmt to the drowning man, and exhorting him to re main calm, kept him up and supported him to the shore. Midway they were met by a boats's crew, which picked them up. Miss Pullerton's case was warmly recommended by the Lord Provost ot Dundee, and equally warmly taken up by Dundee and other dis tricts. A bronze medal is given on the re commendation of Lord Dufferin to Miss Joan Harris, of Belfast. A third medal goes to Miss Louisa Bright, a young lady of 18, of Reading, and Mrs J. Hardie, of Cedar street, Southport, Lancashire, also obtains a Humane Society's award;

WEDDING.

Hardley—Cookson

Yet another wedding took place in St Stephen's Church on Thursday afternoon, when George Thomas, third son of Mr Samuel Hardley, and Winifred, second daughter of Mr Edward Cookson, were united in the bonds of holy matrimony by the Eev T. A. Hamilton. There was a very large gathering of friends in the church, as both families are well known and highly respected in the district. The bride looked extremely well in & drees of creme crepon, trimmed with chiffbn. She 1 also were the orthodox veil and wreath of orange bloasoms, and carried a tastefully arranged bouquet of white flowers and ferns. She also wore a gold brooch and bangle, the gift pi the bridegroom. The bridesmaids, Misses Blanche and Flora Cookson, sisters of the bride, looked very attractive in cperne muslin dresses, with trimmings of eau-de-Nile silk, and cream aerophane hats. They carried pretty shower bouquets and wore gold brooches, gifts of the bridegroom. Mr Harry Hardley, bppther to the bridegroom, acted as best mam Miss Gate? presided at the organ, and played "The yoice that breathed o'er Eden," as the bride entered the door, and a wedding march at the con clusion of the ceremony. The happy foaple, with their relations, proceeded to the house of the bride's parents, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of and the usual toasts honored. They left by the afternoon' train to spend their honeymoon at Christ* church, en, route for their new home at Wellington, As the train steamed off the usual showers of rice were scattered over fc^em by a host of friends, an<s the merry peals of Sfc Stephen, s bells gave them a warm and pleasant »v revoir.' The bride's fcr^vejiling dress was a navy blue serge with sailor hujj.

The Recent Earthquake.

Preea Asscoiafcion — By Electric Telegraph—

Wblmxgton, December 26.

At a meeting or the Philosophical Society a discussion took placa on the recent earth quake which was so severely felt at vVan ganui. Sir James Hector said the reason why more earthquakes appeared 6 be fel bin Wellington fchah in otfjer planes in New Zaaland was simply because the records Hero were more accurately kept. The direc fciop of the recent earthquake in Wellington wag from the soyih of eaßt. Wellington lay sixteen rxiiles to the west of Wanganui, and if the earthquake arrived in Wanganui from the south-west, as reported, it must j have changed itfl direption or cone from j another source, The earth W«ve game to Wellington from the south of east, and jn if . --v»«ia«§ northward ib probably started Irfmntm-fi "* El'P i" mW* CrilSt some iracture l. _ * j ; A j. ho j atvi . which struck Wanganui did th? ™™*Xc reported from there. Ifc was evident k ,.* the Wanganui earthquake must have been a fresh/ ons prbductid by the progress of the wave, which gave a alight'l shock'here.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

Ashburton.

There was a larger attendance ofpu-ents aud friends at the Borough School on the occasion of the annual distribution of prizes than has been usual of late years. Amongst those present as spectators were the Rev. B. Taylor, Mr W. H. Rcnner, Mr Edward Stephens, Mr F. Fernmau, and two old com-

mitleo men in the persons of Mr E. J. Paul and Mr MnoLean Duu. The rest of the visitors were chit fly ladiea. Apologies were tendered for the abience of the Chairman of the .School Committee, and Mr Meddina, a member of that body, as the exigencies of whose bunii.ess, ao near toChriemas, had put attendance that afieruoon out of the ques tion.

The visitois were much impressed on' entering the school by the marvellous discipline exercised by the headmaster in the main school, end the headmistress among the infants. The whole touts was of the highest quality, and one felt that he was amongst an army of little ladies and gentle men. No noise, no inattention, no vulgar staring, or rudeness of any kind; silence complete when silence was asked for ; perfect obedience, instant on the word of command, and every motion with military smartness and alacrity. The children rose at the word, without any of that wriggling or slouching unfortunately too common, but in one motion, and sat down ho. When marching, there was no slovenly cutting off th« corners when required to wheel; but the full and exact square was made, and the forward march wan with erect heads, squared shoulders, and in perfect utep.

The presentation of prizes, which had been delegated to the Rev. T. A. Hamilton, began in the infant department. If there ia one thing more than another in which Mr Hamilton excels it is in speaking to children, and in his address to the infants he inculcated many valuable lessons " macadamising " his words to the capacity of his hearers, and succeeding admirably in not only keeping them amused, but interesed and attentive, a« the rapt faces turned towards him everywhere "proved, Before the address began the headmistress put the ohildsen through a little programme of action soDga, in which the time was simply perfect. When physical action had to

accompany tha rhythm of the music the effect of the remarkable unison in movement was most oaptivating. At the close of the address Mr Hamilton distributed the prizes to all the children and sent home more glad hearts with that half hour's work than falls to the lot cf most men whose mission is to do good. He then took his way to the main school in the large room of which the pupilß were massed After aa admirably sung part gong in which the value of the so!-fa system cf music was shown as a medium for rapid conveyance to the young mind of musical ideas and knowledge of theory, Mr Hardie shortly addressed the children, They had reached the event which was the record event of their year—prize day. The year 1897 had been a record year, inasmuch the record reign of Her Majesty had been celebrated, and many of them had learned for the firet time what loyalty was. It had been a record year, too, in their own little school world, for they had said goodbye to on- teacher and welcomed another. He trusted they wou'd hold those prize days in their memories, and be loyal to their duty between them, so that if they were not all successful in obtaining prizes, they would have the satisfaction of knowing that they had done what they could to deserve them. They were about to separate for the annual holidays. It was his earnest hope they woulH most thoroughly enjoy themselves and ha wished them a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. He then asked the Rev. Mr fcfami ton to distribute the prizes. The Rev. Mr ELuml on prefaced the ceremony with au excellent address in the happy strain he pursued on the previous day at a similar funcuon. He spoke of loyally which was a chief churacierietic of the Briton ; of duty, which next, to God, the Briton so wor shipped that his devotion to it was the special remark of all foreign nations ; and then went on to deal in happy but incisive style with " principles, habits, and com panions. 1' The address was earnest and lucid, replete with apt illustration, happy anecdote, and loving fatherly advice, and was listened to with close attention and evi dent interest by the young people. The following is the

Prize List.

Stanbaup Vl.—General Progress—Lottie Fooks, Gordon DocSde, Gerty Meddins, Muriel Revell, Alex. Anderson. Exercise Books and Conduct—Florence Craighead, Winifred Redmayne, Violet Simpson. Drawing—Vivienne Willis. Attendance— William Veel. Sewiag—Virienne Willis, Mary Norman. Headmaster's priza for neatest Exercise Books —Helen Turner.

Standard V.—General Progress—Harold Revell, Noel Douglas, Ruby Williams, Mina Keir, William Turner, Ernest Breeze, Edward Miles, Thomas Phaup. Writing- Edgar Williams. Exercise Books and Con duct—Florence Harrison. Composition— Hastingaßraddell. Sewing—Hannah Barrow, Edith Patching Attendance—Alice Davis, Hawthorne McCallum, Gerald Breeze, Elisa beth CoUison.

Standard, IV.—General Progress—May Clayton, Mary Moodie, Fauny Leaaon, Maude Cunningham, Lucy Minnis, Edith McClatchie, Gordon Meddias, Exercise Books and Conduct—Ernest Leggett, Priscilla Maidens, Sabina Good. Writing- Norman Roberts. Sewing—PriecillaMaidens, Mary Moodie. Attendance—Leonard Hodg son.

Standard lll—Geaeral Progress—Gordon Craighead, Mary Monson, Arthur Patterson, Mary Turner, John Monson, Evelyn Davis, Trevor Thomas. Drawing—Miles Segers. Conduct—Maud Maidens, John Steel. ISxercise Books—Nina Reid, Gartrude Pilbrow. Attendance—Evelyn Davis. Sewing —Maude Maidens, Nelly Frisby. Standard ll.—General Progress—Ethel Claridge, Edith Clayton, Douglas Craighead.; Violet Shaw, George Smith. Writing— Mary Shaw. Conduct —Jane Harold 1, Charles Solway. Attendance—-Sydney Gourdie, Cyril Breeze Sewing—Olive Chapman, Violet Shaw, Jane Harold, Agnes Turner, Jaue McKee. Standard I.—-General Progress — Alma Campbell, Em'maGbbbe, Ada Lloyd, Philip Norman, George Fox, William Barber, Charles Lindsay, Violet Bickerstaff, Cecil Stanton. Attendance—Douglas McCdllutn. Special pme, decided by vote qf children themselves, to the b,est esteemed girl— Priecilla Maidens; and the best esteemed boy—Douglas Qrr— in the schooL Best all-round (jricketer—Fred Pilbxow«

Special knitting prices presented by Mrs Willis. -r- Standard VI, -^ Jessie Hoskea, Mary Norman; Standard V. — Florrie Smith, Hannah Barrow} Standard V.—For lodusrty.--Mab.el Parkin, After the distribution of the prizes the Rev. Mr Hamilton said he had been re quested to present Mi Hardie, the head master with a token of the esteem in which ho i» held by his pupils. This consisted of a"harissoftje wiso containing tea volumns, »nd entitled " Oema frotn the' Poets '* an| had been subscribed for by the pupils of the seventh standard. ■ Mr Hardie, in a few suitable words, re plied thanking his young friends for their handsome and totally unexpected present. He remarked that he felt mdre pleasure When receiving a smile from a child on his way to or fiom school than could be giyen po him by any gift from an adult, ■ - < ! Mr Paul, as one Who had been a member of the Committee for many years, asked for fcnree cheers for headmaster and' the teaching staff. In doing s.>, he paid a high compi ment fc£} £!;em for the work they had done during the year, and oon'grattyla'ted riot prify the children but the' whole '6oirirriunity; oU having been fortunate < Bough to secure fafrthe headmaster of their school such a gentleman as $jtr' IJariiio The cheers were very heartily gjven, and ftfr' Ifardie thg children to sing one more soug. l^h.e pop chosen was the beautiful hymn "Lead, kindly ligfa,t.!'? Jt was sung sweetly; to Mr<| Hardje*B piano accomp^niinept, apd 30 choir in the town gould have better observed the e^pre giro mttpka, §r borne up the parts of the compT 1. 1™; »6 iw Wl6 WM p««W« to do so in the absence of adult maie vuiwo, God Save the Queen followed, and Mr Hardie invited the parents and friends present to partake of some refreshments which had been liberally providad in aa adjoining; robm by the tochers, m i lome of the »ev«atb

standard girls. It may be mentioned that the room* in which the prizes were dis tributed were" decorated very tastefully. The school then broke up for five weeks' holidays.

Allenton.

At the AUenton school the przss were distributed by Mr John Orr, in the presence of a fair gathering of parent*. Rev. Mr Ager also addressed the meeting, which was a very pleasant and enjoyable one. The following is the

Prize List.

Standard lll.—Douglas Craighead 1, Lavinia Cooper 2. Special prize—James Primmer.

Standard ll.—Gordon Silcock 1, Jeannie Rowan 2, Special prize—Nellie Patterson.

Standard L—Alice Wilier* 1, Bella Monson 2. Special priae—Nellie Edmonds.

Sewing—Maud Luck 1, Florrie Edmonds 2, Julia Hudson 3.

Attkndaci— Edward Monson. Each child in the infant chsaec received a book.

Hampstead.

The annual distribution of prizes and breaking up of the Hampetead School for the Christmas holiday* took place yesterday afternoon. There was t» large attendance of parents and friends of the scholars. The prizes were numerous, well chosen, and

handsomely bound, and will no doubt to highly appreciated by those who were uucceasul in securing them. The proceedings commencad in the infant school, where the little ones entertained the visitors with a display of musical caliihenics, under the direcolonof the infant mistress, Miss Fawcett. which plainly showed the careful and excellent training th«y have received from her, In another room there was a display of Kindergarten work, showing that this branch of education of the young is cultivated to a high degree of perfection in this sohool. As there was not room for the exercises of the older pupils indoors, the visitors were then invited to the playground, where the girla were exercised in pole, ring, and club drill, all the movements being performed in • highly satisfactory and pleasing manner. Every movement was executed in splendid time, with marked precision and accuracy, and the whole reflected great credit od Miss Lusk, by whom the children have been trained. MrW. J, Crooks, the chairman of the School Committee, paid Mils Lusk a high compliment for the pains and interest she had taken in this branch of instruction, and added that when she joined the staff about) twelve months ago, such exercises were almost unknown in the school, and he trusted that her successor would not allow the pupils to go back in this particular branch of instruction. He (Mr Crooks) was very sorry they were about to lose the services of so able a teacher as Miss Lusk, and sincerely wished her every happiness in the future. He then asked Mr W. Brock, the head-master, to present her with a little souvenir from the teaching staff and scholars, which he trusted would remind her in the future of pleasant associations with the Hampstead School. Mr Brock said it afforded him great pleasure to make this presentation to Mist Lusk. During the twelve months she bad been amongst them, she had worked right) loyaliy, and would be greatly missed by him as a member of the teaching staff, and he would ask her to accept—as a small token of the esteem and good will of her fellow teachers and scholars generally—a handsome salad bowl with spoon and fork ; also a set of spoons in case ; which he hoped in her new home would remind her of her associations

with the Hampstead School. The Rev. G. B. Inglis, in replying for Misa Lusk, thanked them all for 1 the hand some presents they had made her, but more particularly for the kindly expressions of friendship, good-will, and good wishes for her future welfare and happiness. Mr Urock here called for three cheers for Miss Lusk, which were heartily given by all assembled.

The head-master, Mr Brook, then asked Mr W. J Crooks, the chairman of the School Committee to present the priws to those who had been successful in securing them, either for profioiency, special merit. or regular attendance. The various standards were then called, and the priws distributed by Mr Crooka. Some wen awarded to children for good conduct and regular attendance, and in the latter some of the children had not b«en absent * half day for four years.

The visitors were entertained in the schoolroom, where an abundai.ee t f refresh ments was provided, and the scholars were afterwards dismissed for the holidays, to reassemble on January 31,1898, The following ii the Prize list.

Standabd VII.— Proficiency and Map ping — Annie Hitchens. Proficiency —M. Porter, Minnie Baker, Melville Ocllinß. Proficiency, Regular Attendance, and Sew ing-Frances Baker. Proficiency and Sew ing— MiUy Brock. fcewing-Mabel An drews, Mapping—Edith Surmnetß. Stakdarp Vl.—Proficiency and Regular Attendance—Willie Baker. Proficiency and Sewing--Eunice Buchanan. Proficiency Edith Gordon, George Crooks, Harry McElrea. Recitation—Eunice Buchanan. Sewing—Mabel Leggett. . Mapping— Florrie Jessop. Attendance — Sydney Thomas, Jenny Jamieson.

Standard V.—Proficiency and Regular Attendance-Maud Campbell, Ella Roberta. Proficiency and Sewing—Amy Digby. Pro cy r Edith J°yce« Ruby Hurrell, Wilhe Summers, George Gibson, Mary Cameron. Sewing —Mary Territ, Bessie Porter. Attendance—Agnes Reid. Mapping Alice Ranger, Walter Cameron.

Standard IV.—Proficiency and Atten dance—Ella Baker, Hilda Campbell. v Pro ficiency—Reginald Sando, Isabella Fergan'» Kate Tilley, John Thomas,'^aehael Jqyoei Winnie Collias, Emily Grooks, Sewing— Annie Crawford, May Stephens; • - "

Standard lII.— Proficiency — Victor Hamilton, Winnie Keeley, Elsie Miller Willie Moßae,BerthaFergan, Edward John' Maud Seville, Alox Mcßae, Ernesb Stock, Profipieney and Sewing — May Andrews. Sewing and Attendance — Agnes Sewing-Annie Hyde. Attendance—Annie McKen? c, John Cates, Thorn** Rattray, Fredeuqk Sununeji. '

S^andabq ll.— Proficiency and Sewing— Lily Williams, Hilda Williams. Proficiency —Minnie Roberts, Nellie Gordon, Graham Johns, Mabel Buchanan, Millie Hunt, Cuthbert Hamilton. Attendance Alice Thomas, Lizxie Tubty.

Standaku I.— Profi«ienoy—Edward Eade, Emily Leonard, Stanly Fowke, James Pit z * gerald, Krnesb CoHicotf, Ernest Young Walter Jessop. Sewing—Emma Walker. Buby Betts. Attendance — Tom Le»lie. Edward Baker.

Newlands.

The annunl distribution of prizes took : pteoe on Thursday afternoon, at which there | was a krge attendance of parentsl land j friends. The proceedings opened with song* ; and recitations by the children, «U of whi«h were nicely rendered* reflecting great credit ■on the teaching staff o? the school. Th« , prizes were distributes by Mrs Percy Jone», °f|Q'ga, who kindly consented to undertake this oPae.' After the ■distribution ofipraes 8 a varied prbgramWie o f «p ort , wa#'gbni | through, and afternoon tea was partaken 1 of ;by the children and friedds, A hearty vot4 of thanks, proposed by Mr Margettk, iras accorded to>'the'donors of prices, providers , of tea, and also to Mrs Jones for coming amongst them 1 and distributing the piiktU Thfl childrea wer<=s then dismissed for ihe Christmas holidays, an fthe adult portion of the gathering spent a ioyoat evening in song aud (Jance, dispersing about \i o'clock', "

W% A6BBUIi fION OUAKDIAN: JBIDAY. MCIMBMi 24, 189?.



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Business Notices, TO RESIDENTS BUILDING & FURNISHING. TTTE BEG respectfully to announce that we have received,''per S.S. I" lonic " and ••Mataura,' very heavy shipments for* our HOUSEHOLD FURNISHING Depart ment, viz:— SHEETINGS CURTAINS; CARPET SQUARES t PILLOW COTTONS QUILTS HEARTH RUGS TOWELS TOILETS OILCLOTHS T&BLINGS MUSLINS LINOLEUMS iN the FANCY DEPARTMENT wo are showing a fiae assortment of new s ABRICB. GLOVES, and HOSIERY, direct from the Leicester Mills ; also some very fee goods in Jet Trimming* including the now Zouaves, Boleros, and Skirt Ornament* ftad an endless variety of Black and Colored Gimps. njimwiw | Q | n""l-l NEW SHIPMENTS OF Dresses, Straws, Mantles. *o* — * 2 CftidS of Samples HOSIERY, at LANDED COST. "X ''"" ■'■"""" MITCHELL & TURNER. REDUCED RATES FOR CHRISTMAS AT S. SALEK'S, THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT .Largest Btoek Lowest Prices & FOR CHRISTMAS_ PRESENTS. mmMmmm (SPECIAL ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE STOCK OF Gold Brooches and Ladies' Rings. fheße two lines »re Heavily Stocked, and are of the Newest and Choicest Design.. INSPECTION INVITED FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS S. SALEK'S JBWBLLBBY ESTABLISHMENT, EAST STREET, STOCK AND PRICES UNEQUALLED IN THE DISTRICT. HOUSE PAINTING & PAPEKEANGING. T HAVE last to h.nd a shipment of GENUINE WHITE LEAD & PURE JLINSEED X OIL for the present season's Painting and Decorating. Persona desirous of having their homeTJJdTJllnted wilh GENUINE MATERIALS & GOOD TRADESMEN are requested to call upon us. OIL CLOTH FOR DADO.S IN STOCK. TO ARTISTS. 1 H4VE . Splendid lot rf OpJ Ola.s in rt».k, .l»oi.lly prrp«rf for Artists' «... whi«h can be cut to any size required at a moderate charge. J. WILSON, CORNER OF ARCADE & BURNETT STREET. Telephone 65.] *■ ' CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. SERVICE PLATED WARE. ■VXTE HAVE just landed a choice .election of Plated Good* of Esquhnte Deeignß, €hoice Patterne, and Good Quality. THEY have been marked exceptionally low of price, and persons requiring Present. for their friends will do well to oJl.in.peob our .took, and m.ke their selection early. W. H COLLINS & CO.



John Orr A Co. John Orr & Co. mHE SUCCESS ATTENDING OUR Cheap Cash Sale Induces us to adopt for the future this system of doiug business. And as we purchase for Cash from the beat makers in England and America, the General Public will therefore have the advantage of Selecting GOODS OF STERLING QUALITY at prices hitherto unheard of, CONSISTING OF IRONMONGERY, GROCERIES, CROCKERY, GLASSWARE, etc., BEST SNOWDROP SUGAR ... 2£d lb TEA, BLENDED ... 101b Boxes Is lb TEA, IN HALF CHESTH, 10i lb, (strong liquor) Colonial Candies ... 4d lb per box English Parafine Candles ... 6£d lb per box Kerosene, 150 test ... 6d 6d per tin «• M 12^ 9d per case Co'naour « 3d per lb Kaaence of Lemon 4d Worcester Sauce, Pints — 9d bottle Essence of Coffee 10|d Sago l*iP erlb ,u ' Tobacco, Nubian squares.„ 4s od per lb Bran 3* 6d Per bft 8 Sharps 5? per bag Oatmeal, 251b Bags ... 2s 9d bag Rollitt's Flour, 2001bs ... 24s lOOlbs ... 12a 6d , „ 501bs .. 6s4*d Currants 4^d & 5d Eleme Raisins .- ... "d Valencia Raisins . <d Sultana Raisins 7d Sisily Almonds Is 2d Figs .. .-: 8d Muscatels ... .- °a Jordan Almonds 2s 3d Mixed Peel 8d 2£lb Tins Preserved Fruit lOd Lemon Sauasb, English ... Is 3d Lemon Juice, English ... Is 3d Sardines ... ... per tin Fresh Herrings ... ... 6id per tin Herrings & Tomato Sauce lOd per tin Pressed Hops, per lb .. la 4d Fruit Salt* 2s per bottle Ground Ginger Is 4d per lb Anchovy Paste 8d per tin Citrate of Magnesia ... Is per bottle Sheeps Tongueß, best ... lOd per tin CROCKERY & GLASSWARE Dinner Sets Toilet Seta Tea and Breakfast Sets Vases and Ornaments Tumblers and Wine Glasses Decanters and Water Bottles Glass Disheß J.;lly and Butter Dishes GRAND VARIETY AMD W\\ PRICES IN ABOVE LINES. FOR THE FRUIT SEASON. Mason's SoreW'bop Porcelain LinodgJars. Pinta 4s 9d, Quarts 5b 9d, | Gallon 7s do/,. Kenriok'a Beat Enamelled Maalin Kettles. 8 Quart 6s, 10 quarb 7a 6d, 12 quart 8a 6d. Brass Maalin Kettles, Drop Handles. % Gallon 7s, 2% gaUon Us 63, 3 gallon 13s 6d Sfeel JSnawel Preserving Pans, 6d, §9, 33 6d, 4s. FOR THE OAK VEST FIELD. WE HAVE A SPLENDID STOO& Of Reiper Sections Reaper Chains Hay Forks Hay Rakes Oils, in 1, 2 & 4 gallons BINDER TWIN 15. DONA-GUY'S BEST, Flax, Mixed, & Maniils.. John Orr & (Jo.



Public rsotioas* ] special Discount FOR OHBISTMAS SEASONS Of Is in the Pound, From|this day till the end of December. VTTE are now offering some very SPECIAL LINES IN DRESS GOODS. Exceptionally low prices quoted for completed costumes. HJKK WIINOOWe*. Tweed Cosfcumeacomplete from ... 20s A|Grand Line Jof Boys Colonial Tweed Koicker Suits, sizes 1 to|l3, these'wo start from 4s lid per Suit. WORTH DOUBLE. SPECIAL VALUE~7n:MEN'S SUITS. A really|good suitjfor ... S9B lOd We are offering Home wonderfully&Chesp lines in all Departments. I Ashburton Drapery Company. nv Bum CLOTHING FACTORY. A. ft BARTON, MANAGEK THE HOLIDAYS. mHE MAIL WILL NOT J3E PUB LIBIIED on TUESDAY MORNING, 28U December. The GUARDIAN WILL NOT BE PUB. LISHED on SATURDAY, 25th insfc, (Christmas Day), or on MONDAY, 27th tnst., (Boxing Day.) Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. £'RIDA ¥—Church Decorators assemble in St. Stephen's Schoolroom at 230 p m. Contributions of flower?, evergreens, etc, will be \yelcomed. SATURDAY—CHRISTMAS DAY, (25th December),-8 30, Holy Communion; 11 am, Morning Prayer and Holy Communion; 6AO pm, Carol Service (Printed leaflets provided for the congregation) The offertories on Christmas D&y in aid of the Sunday Schools. SUNDAY SERVICES, SUNDAY, ST. STEPHEN'S DAY, I December 26, 8 30—Holy Communion ! Us, m—Morn^a Prayer | $pw-£E AFIELD £>.2»Q —Evening; Prayer. BW T. A, HAMILTON.



Jjjwc IF Time koe Christmas.—ln order to keep "up-to-date" with our steadily increasing buainesu we have decided to effect considerable alterations to our premises, and to make room for the builders we have resolved to greatly reduce our | stock before Christmas. We have therefore I culled a large quantity of our Tweeds and I Worsteds, etc, to clear at the following reactions j — Men's suits to measure, usual price 90s aow s '' Men's trousers, usual price 25a,' now -5s 6d } «te- ,We have also pleasure in notifying t.'* fc w <? have J«Bt been appointed agents for the famous "Pritißh Lion' and "Waverley" Bicycles v 'lja6>> gents' »nd ladies'), which we are now selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at tfae lowest cash prices, or on the most liberal terms to suit the convenience of our customers. (Every machine guaranteed).— Craighkad and Bbrryman, jbljLe leading Tailors and Outfitters. ; Keating's Powdkk destroys bugs, fleas, i moths, beetles, and ail other insects, whilst uuite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating beetles the success of this f powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly; clean in application. See .the article yoU;| purchase is " Keating's r " as imitations arei noxious and ineffectual. Sold in tins, 6d, 1* < mi 2> &d eftChj by all ohetniets, i



HolijOWAY's Pili&—Teachings of E^. perienes.-«-The united testimony of thou sands, extending ovep mgre than forty years, ~"««fc (jfcroos'y recommend these J?il|s as the hfi»f- ntiri*.*'**** fc!l0 mM<J(3B6 aperients, and the lusive, or give merely tempo 7r v rß'|e£ n D"'i attack all ailments of the (stomach, iu_^ • heart, head, and bowels in the only safe and legitimate way, by cleinsing the blood, and aor era'di&fcing those impurities which are the source and constituent of alKiopb every disease. Their medical efficacy is wonder ful in renovating enfeebled constitutions. Their action embraces all that is desirable in a household medicine. They remove every noxious and effete matter; and thus the strength is nurtured and the energies stimu- ' lated,- '■'■•■■■ 1



KOZIIQ 'JL'MA Mont lilciononiioul



Mr James Perdue, an old soldier residing &b Monroe, Mich., was Beverelyafljiofced with rnemnatism but received prompt relief from pain by using Chamberlain's Pain Balm. He says s "At time* my back would ache so »~«~ *h«* I nnn u Karrtlw ri M ,m. T* t had not gotten relief I would nob be*here to write these few lines. Chamberlain's P»in Balm has done me a great deal of good and I fee! very ihatfkful for it. ' for sal§ by Alhburton Drug Comjußy, !' •■ *