DEATHS.

Pollock.—On December 2s, at Ashfourtti?, William Pollock. Aged 70 years. Ivkss.—On December 28, at her parents' resi dence, 52 Worcester Street, Lin wood, Christchurch, Maud, the beloved daughter o^ Joseph and Sarah Aan Ivess, %ged It' years.

IN MEMORIAM.

u -Qsusf&Qi |t# ilfc,e memory of MAKa' &AUNDKRS.- * tiitcof W'W*rd Saundcrs, AsN.thebelovov. --L^ ff^ifrill, on who died at her resiobi.. '--.« tfcfc £ in Uece.nber 27, 1896. May her sou. peace. Kind was the mother we loved and bat, (ientle, indulgent and tender ; And in thp daya when we thought of her meat, Death came and wrenchedfus asunder. Inserted by her beloved husband and children.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1897 Local and General.

A meeting of those residents of Chertsey who are interested in garden irrigation is convened for Friday evening, the 31st inst, in the Library at 8 o'clock.

Eastern news reports that a body of 1000 bandits raided she Haifong district, in Chioa, sacked the town, and killed twenty-four men, two women, and four children.

A departmental etquiry into the circum stances of the accident which nearly re sulted in the derailing of the excursion train near Pahiatua, on the occasion of the opening of the Woodville railway, is to be held.

We regret to have to chronicle the death of Mr William Pollock, who died on Christ mas day about two o'clock. He had been ailing for some months, but his doath was somewhat unexpected. Mr Pollock had been a resident of Ashburton for about fifteen years. He leaves a wife and family of seven, sit being grown up but one, and all are residents of this town.

The Afoo Zealand Times understands that a Royal Commission is to be appointed to investigate the condition of the kauri gum industry in the north of Auckland, aud especially the subject of contract labour. The commissioners will be Mr Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, and Mr Treßear, secretary of the Labour Department.

§niokc New Vmus,

At) CharleviUt), Queensland, 500 miles in- f land, an immense artesian overflow of water I lias been obtained. A 6;n pipe has been j sunk a depth of about 2000ft, giving « flow J of water of over a million gallons an hour. I The water rises 180it above the surface, i nud the pressure is so great that the water is I l.'id from mains all over the town, and ' frequently bursts at the connections with private houses. The water is hut enough for washing and other domestic purpoaes ; it contains a great deal of alkali.

A. summoned meeting of the Loyal Water- ] tou Lodge, 1.0.0.K., M.U., was held on j Friday evening, at which there was a good J n'teti'i'ance. This sick visitors reported that there were no members on the sick list. Officers were i-lecl d as follows :—N.G., liro W. T. Soal;B.G., Bro T. Weston ; E S., Bro W. Beddick ; Bro T. Ashton the retiring N.O. passed to the G. M.'achair ; Bros T. Aehton and W. pease were ap pointed auditors, D.D.G.M., Bro George Soal and P.G., Bro Honlion were each presented with a handsomely framed emblem iu recognition of past service*. The recipients in returning thanks said it was very gratifying to know that their services were so highly valued and they augured those present that taking part in the manage ment of the Lodge had been a very pleasant duty indeed. The receipts for the evening were £30 and the expenditure £13.

At the close of a lecture on poultry, given at Nelson, by Mr Henderson, in answer to questions, he said the average yearly yield of eggs from an ordinary hen was about forty. But the average of hie yard on the Government poultry farm near Wellington was 160, and the profits about £3 a week. His fowls were a first-cross and he hoped ere long to be in a position to supply farmers regularly with fowls or sittings of eggs at moderate rates. Questioned as to the best egg-producing food, he said he had proved good heavy oats to be one of the best. In the winter time meat should be given as an egg-producer. Barley should be soaked in water before given to the fowls. Fowh should be killed off before their second I moulting. As to preserving eggs, he (Mr Henderson) advocated cool-chambering where possible, and he believed it would eventually supersede other methods.

' If it required an annual outlay of £10,0000 to insure a family against any serious conse quences from an attack of bowel complaint during the year there are many who would feel it their duty to pay it; that they could not afford to risk their lives, and those of their family for such an amount. Any one can get this insurance for 2b cents, tint be ing the price of a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy. In almost every nefghborhood some one has died from an attack of bowel complaint be fore medicine could be procured ora physician summoned. One or two dosea of this remedy will cure any ordinary case. It never fails. Can you afford to take the risk for so small an amount ? For sale by Ashburton Drug Company.

THE WEATHER.

ALFORD STATION. The following is tliß meteorological report for the week ending December 24, 1897 : —

The Missing Opal Specimens

Considerable excitement was created in the Rungitata and Mount I\el districts when it became known on Friday last ih »t M. Lyons, nine marager of the R?c r i Ri'igti Opal Mining Company, had been arrested by Constable Kade on a charge of Lrceny of a piece of opal bearing s'OLe valued at £10, the property of the Record Reign Opal Mining Company. It will be remembered that when the chief inspector of mines and a party from Ashburton recently paid a visit to the Mount Peel opal field?, valuable stone was unearthed, and one piece given into Lyons'e charge to briDg down the nil 1, to be sent to the Minuter of Mines at Wellington. It was diacovered on reaching the Upper Rugnata bridge that the opal was missing and a big boulder had been substituted. The missing opal is the one Lyons is now charged with' stealing. The accused was brought before the ABh burton Magistrate's Court on Friday even ing. Mr Cj. W. Purnell, who appeared for the prosecution, asked for a remand, which was granted. The accused was admitted to bail, himself in £100 and one surety in £100

SWIMMING.

Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright.

Sydney, December 37.

The 440 yards swimming championship of the colony at Bithurst was won by Lane, beating Percy Cavill by four yards. Time, 6tnin 12 I-sth sec.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves VQSponeib e for the opinions expressed by our correspondents)

THE QGRSE GRUB,

Sib,-—ln a brief local on this subject in your iesue of the 15th it implies that thp decadence of gorse ferities is solely due to the ravages of the grub. It is not so. The finer roots of the gorse is also attacked by a parasitio fungus which arrests their growth and destroys their vitality, thus eausiDg the death of th» pbnts. Under the microscope tha mycelium 'pi the govse root fungus is not JMssjke the \3uc£er.:f&« jPl^,B^ rf f'he *wi"»itikks Clpyw dodder tilJ^f!" uaited • Wtujoyij gflflgnjting the works of together. -!-iut» m t ,&.;-agipi l } root some Fnglish speciu, . • < oa U uo!j at< fsm«i or seeing slides of bucn, *. . present aay whether the fungus ia indigenous or introduced. The so-called gorse grub is the caterpillar of the click or jumper beetle, and is a very destructive insect. From my own observations the hedges planted on high sod banks suffer most, Iu the forest of gorse on ihe riverbed I occasionally see a few dead plants, but without carefully examining their roots I am unable to say what their death is due to. To farmers the question ia a serious matter, and a very difficult one to deal with. There is, how ever, some hope in the fact that several species of the native carnivorous ground beetles are increasing; and as these are deadly enemies of the large wireworm grubs which destroy the gorse roots they may yet do good service in destroying the prats. Wireworms dslight in living in dry places such as gorse-planted sod banks. It ia well known that goree roots penetrate deeply, and are able to draw their subsistence from a considerable depth even in the subsoil. The wireworms finding the roots constantly moist in the dry banks, no doubt readily attack them, the habit ultimately becoming constant in the species. As already stated^ I cannot say anything definite respecting the parasitic fungus attacking the roots. If gor3e fences were planted on the ground level instead of on Bod banks, I believe the wireworm would be greatly obviated. The last four successive dry seasons have favored ihe rapid increase of wireworms.—l am, etc, W.W.S.

CHRISTMAS.

St. Stephen's Church.

The Christmas festival was celebrated at St Stephen's Church right heartily, and vtiere were good congregations nt the three services held duriug the day. The Ohurch was nicely decorated by the mem bers of the Sanctuary Committee and friends, with Mrs Hamilton at cheir head. The chancel, which is the especial care of the Sanctuary Committee, viz:—Mrs Cox, Mrs ; Halsali, and the Misses Fox, Fuilarlon, Puruell aud Stuart, was exceedingly pretty | in colors of white and green burrounding the j text "Emmanuel." Great difficulty was experienced in decorating, owing to the scare ty of material; probably the dryuese of the season accounted for this. Mr H. Bryant King did yeomanly service with ladders, etc., and in other work which the ladies were unable to cope wi h. The font was prettily decorated with ferns and liließ by Mrs Feruman ; the pillars were also her work. The pulpit and lectern were the work of Mis Gates, assisted by Mrs Bryant King. The aisle windows were nicely arrayed by Miss Ethel Gates ; the transept windows by Mrs Watson and Miss Kelly, Miss Denshire and Miss Fox being respon sible for the choir seats.

'The first service of the day was an early celebration of the Holy Communion, at 8.30 a.m., when thiity-niae presented themselves. At 11 a.m. there was a good congregation, and fifty-five received the Holy Communion. The Christmas hymns were most heartily t,ung, especially "0 come all ye faithful," and " Hark the herald angels fling." The Vicar preached from the text—"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakea He became poor, that Me through His poverty might be rich (11. Cor., 8. 9.) Dwelling first upon the doctrine of the incarnation, the preacher afterwards insisted forcibly upon thoughtfulneaa for others Many kept Christmas by wrapping them ! selves up in their own selfishness. He urged wider sympathy and unselfishness in the home and in the parish, and took occasion to allude to a channel of sympathy, which would shortly appeal to residents, v z., the providing of a few pounds to pay the expenses of a picnic for the inma'es of the Old Men's Home to the Longbeach estate. In the evening a carol service was held at

630 p.m. The service consisted of hymns, carols, etc., alternated with readings from the New Testament, giving the promise of a Saviour. The readers were—Messrs Aling ton, Gates, Paul, Andrewea, and Hardie. An address waa given by the Vicar from the following text;— " But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of woman, m»de under the law." (Galatians iv. 4.) The offertories during the day were in aid of the Sunday Schools, and amounted to £6 2s 3d. Mrs Fox presided at the organ at all the services. On Sunday the services partook of a special character, the day being St. Stephen's Day—the patron saint of the Churoh. There were good congregations at all the services, the welcome rain which descended during the afternoon making very little difference to the attendance. Hearty thanksgivings were offered for the :efreshing showers. There was an early celebration of the holy communion, the total number of communicants i< r the two days, including the Seafit M communicants, being 136. In both morning and evening sermons the vicar alluded to the pioneer work of the early settlers when Ashburton itself was etill in nubibus. An old Church Magazine io his possession gave a Hat of the engagements of the then resident clergyman (1875) and places now quite remote and insignificant seemed to have more importance attached to them than Ashburton, which had its services ether in the Immigration Barracks or the schoolroom. A harmonium was dragged to liud fto eycry Sunday on a sledge. It may be no toil that in a leading article in the migr-eiue the clergyman (Kev. J. Harris WilU) speaking about the bountiful harvest and urging the people to show their thank fulness for the eame urges two good works, viz—"A church afe Ashburtou and the c tthedral afc Christphureh." He says—" As regards the former we can only hope thai a new clergymen may have more influence with his parishioners than the present one lift-, in inducing them to pay off the debt due to the Almighty, for a debt it is, and we ho.d that until a church is buiit to the honor and glory of God, the people have not done their duty " Since then the work had been taken in baud and a church partially buiit and seating 320 people. The vicar showed that there was now a necessity for an enlargement and he trusted that those who enjoyed the privileges provided for them by the pioneers would be stared up to the com pletion of the work, or at any rate to some more adequate provision for the seating accommodation of the congregations. The special hymns for St. Stephen's Day were very heartily aung. Thjß choir excelled itself in the precUipn and evenness with which thp musical portions of the services were rendered. Considering that the ranks of the ohoir are always thinned during the Christmas holidays, those upon whom the burden fell are to be congratulated upon their efforts.

Church of the Holy Name.

Midnight mass was celebrated as usual on Christmas eve, Very Rev. Father O'Donnel! being the celebrant. There was a large congregation, as there always is at) this attractive service. The altars wore beauti fuliy decorated with flowers and evergreens, the altar of the B.V. being specially pretby in its wreaths of Christmas lilies. The mass music was Mozart's Seventh, and the choir, under fchs batcn of Mr W. McSherry, was assisted by a small but efficient orchestra. The soprano solo of Mibs Berg waa a charm ing effort, notwithstanding that that sweet singer was suffering from a cold, but a little more practice would have improved the smoothes? and titpe of the other soloists as well as the phoruses. The rev. Father delivered ft sermon appropriate tip the season, aad vh more tf\m usually eloquent and telling. After mass he entertained the ohoir to supper at the presbytery.

RAKAIA BOXING DAY RACES SPORTS.

' I The following are the results. & further report. \vi«. - • ;"— HOBSB RACES. , Maiden Flat Race.-—Nor'wester 1, Black Douglas 2, Tit 3. Maiden Trot.—Macaroni 1, Cameline 2, Eulalie 3. Indies' Purse.—?Village }>d 1, Black Douglas 2, Tib 3. Saddle Trot.-?-Coamo 1, Wenlo.ck %, Macaroni 3. Farmers' Plate.—Cabin Boy 1, Nor'wesfcer 2, Black Douglas 3. Selling Race.—Tessa 1, Village Lad 2. Kaiser won, but was disqualified under a protest-. Hack Race.—Collina 1, Tasma 2. AMATEUR ATHLETICS. Half-Mile Handicap—G. McConnell 1, 0 E. Smith 2. 100 Yards—R. Gray 1, J. Davison 2, J. McTigue 3. 250 Yarda—R. Gray 1, W. M. Lambie 2, I. A. Baigent 3. 440 Yards—G. McConnell 1, I. A. Baigent ' 150 Yards—J. Davison 1, R, Gray 2. CASH ATHLETICS 100 Yards Handicap -T. Austin 1, H. O'Donnell 2, R. D. Peck ham 3. Boys' Race (under 16 years)—A. bhephard 1 A Low 2, C. May 3. 440 Yarda Handicap—H. O'Donnell 1, F. t B. Magson 2, M. McAnulty '6 Boys' Race (under 12 years)—W. Leaman i 1, G. Alexander 2, A. Hunt 3. Girls' Race (under 12 years)—Lena Coster 1 E. Panty 2, B. Hampton 3. 20^ Yards Handicap—H. O'Donnell 1, T. Austin 2, R. D. Peckham 3. Boys under 12 years—G. Alexander 1, L. Ooater 2, W. Stevens 3. Girls under 12 years—A. Hampton IM. Sheehan % A. Keane 3. 250 Yards Handicap—H, O'Donneil J, BD. Peckham 2, M. M.cAnulty 1. . ' Consolation Race— M. McAnulty 1, E. Laraman 2.

CABLE BREVITIES.

Press Association—Ky Kiectrio Telegraph — C"pvris;h'.. London, December 26

The An i-Sugur Bounty League representing the sugar refining Indus triws of Great Britain and (hecolonies, wi>i ed on the Government urging it to assist in the abolition of duties.

The death is annouoced of Mr Ch'rleH Harrison, Liberal member for Plymouth, aged 62.

Capetown, December 26

Two tribes have revolted against the Portuguese at Mossaraedes, a sea port of West Africa, and twenty Portuguese were killed.

Paris, December 26

The Governor of Algeria is pressing the Qhataber of Deputies to allot a million and a quarter francs towards the relief of the famine in Algeria.

December 27

Le Mantin states that the British position at Boussa blocks the settle ment of the West Africa question, and advises France to yield there in order to keep a free hand in Ohina,

Berlin, December 26 Germany is arranging to subsidise new steamship lines to India.

Athens, December 26

The Cretan Assembly has published a protest against the injustice of the tribute they have been called upon to pay Turkey,

It ia reported that the battery at Prevesa, a seaport of Albania, fired on demanded an explanation from the the gunboat Aetium. The Greeks have Porte.

Melbourne, December 27.

Elaborate preparations are being made by Government for the enter tainment of the Federal delegates.

The eonftrpnee of Premiers has been postponed until towards the end of February, owing to the inability of Sir John Forrest to visit Melbourne. Ab Mr Seddon is not able to be present, the dec sion arrived at by the Premiers in regard to the admission of Asiatics to the colonies, and other questions of general interest to Australasia, must be referred to him, with a view to united action being taken.

A large balloon, which wag being used for an ascent exhibition to-day, escaped and collapsed over Hobson'q Bay. The balloon cost £12,000, and contained 40,000ft of gaa when it got loose. A man narasd Gregan has been arrested on a charge of murdering his father at Clifton Hill. It is supposed to be the result of a quarrel.

Sydney, December 27

A narrow escape from a terrible disaster occurred at Circular Quay to one of the crowded excursion boats, The Princess, with three hundred on board, wheu leaving was cut down by a North Shore ferry steamer. Fortu nately the Princess was no distance from the wharf. The ferry steamer also got alongside. Her passengers scampered over the ferry boat, and reached the wharf. The Princess sank within ten minutes

THE INDIAN FRONTIER.

Press Association—By Electrics Telegraph

Copyright

Calcutta, December 27

General Lockhart, operating in the Bazar Valley, has destroyed the defences at Alachi.

THE PARTITION OF CHINA.

Alleged Designs of the Powers.

China and Russia

Press Association-~By Electric Telegraph Sydney, December 27

The Hong Kong Daily Press of December 2 pontains an unofficial statement that Russia, Germany, and France have agn ed upon a policy of territorial aggrandisement in Ohina, under which Germany is to retain Kiouchau, and eventu illy annex the whnlo of the Shan-tung province. Prance is to have Formosa and the Fokien province, and \ ussia annexes Corea and Manchuria, and the whole of the north-eastern portion of Ohina as far as the Shan-tung border.

Shanghai, December 27

China declares that if the Hongk6ng Band insists on the " likin " or Cus£oms duties being placed under foreign con trol, she wpuld prefer to raise a Russian loan of a hundred million taels, on ths security pf her railways and mines north of tl>e great, wall. She would tylso divert her commerce to the adyantag^ of Russia, and appoint a Russian to replacp Sir Robprt fjart as Xuspeotor-Genera! of Qustom.si,

DANISH WEST INDIES.

Negotiations for their Purchase.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— .)' >- -M „ Copyright .QppgNH^BN, 'December 2jf I The CloVernrnVnV has infpfrfted ***afc twe Kuronean Powers America . -- - J rttkm Q f {h0 are negotiating tor the pu Danish West Indies. Washington, December 27 Spnafcor Lodge will submit a bill to the Senate, directing A^erfpa to pur chase this territory.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

Aii Exhibition Destroyed

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Chicago, December 26

The Coliseum, where the Exhibition of Manufactures w.4S being held, was destroyed by tire. During the progress of the fire nine employees were killed and forty injund. The d raage amounts to 700,000 dollars. London, December 27

A fire in Dixie street, Bethnal Green, burned to death Mrs Jar vis and nine children, whose ages ranged from sixteen yearia to eight uiontbg. Spme of the unfortunate victims earned." a living by making matches. Moat of thtin were snffocated in their sleep. The father died from conanmption in the hospital the same day as the family perished.

SUPPLIES FOR RUSSIA.

i'resß Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

I Sydney, December 27. There is considerable adverse com- J ment on the action of the Minister of Agriculture observing secrecy in con nection with the supply of frozen meat to Russia. It is considered that he should at least have tirst consulted the military authorities The military commandant, however, sees no objec tion to Russia, which must be con sidered as a friendly power, and the Government is only acting as com mercial agents in extending the trade of the colony. The Russian consul is surprised that he has received no communication on the matter, and doubts if it is the Russian Govern ment who are acting. It is probably some enterprising private agent nego tiating for supplies of meat.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

Frew Aiaooiatioo—By Electrio Telegraph— Copyright.

London, December 26

At the National Convention of the trades a d ions of Great Britain 160 unions will be represented.

The number of men oat of employ ment in consequence of the strike in the engineering trade is stated to be 81,000.

Received Wakapuak* Dec. 28, 9.25 «um» GuABMiN Office, 10 30 a.m.

London, December 27.

A ballot amongst the members of the Associated Engineers Society re sulted in 150 branches unanimously voting against the employers' proposal! with regard to freedom of manage* ment of their works, and, excepting two branches, al! rej cted the proposed compromise for making 51 hours a week's work by large majorities.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Presi Association — By Electric Telegraph—

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 28, 9.25 a.m., Gr/ABDiAN Office 10.35 a.m. Crete.

Constantinople, December 27.

The Foreign Ambassadors hare vir tually agreed to a new echeme of auton omy for Crete, involving the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the Island. Soudan. Oaibo, December 27 The Officers of the Egyptian Army have advised that 12,000 troops will be required for the Anglo Egyptian campaign in the f-oudan. Six hundred Askaris tribesmen have joined the Egyptian Garrison sent to invest Kaasala upon its recession by Italy to Egypt. Japanese Affairs. Pokio, December 27.

Count Matsukata the Japanese Premier and the Marquess Saigo, Minister of Marine have resigned. It is likely Count Ito, Premier at the time of the late war, will again become Premier.

Australian.

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 27, 9.54 a. m, Guardian Office, 11.5 *.m.

The Klondykelßusli. Sydney, December 28

Private letters from miners at Klondyko warn Australians against going there, owinsj to the rigorous climate and the difficulties of reaching the field. They admit Klondyke is wonderfully rich, but" so many thousands of Americans and Oanadiami are ready to rusn the field whep'spfing pomes, that it would be wise for visiting Australians to make provision for re turning in the event of failure.

A Son Kills his Father

Melbourne, December 28

A man named Ortgan and his eon were drinking together, whsn the son knocked his father down for making a disparaging remark about hig dead mother, and left him lying in apanage all night. He went in the morning fora doctor, but his father was then dead. The son is in custody.

Interprovincial News.

Press Association—j?y Electric Telegraph Wanqanoi, December 28 Two little girls, aged about ?, a half cas'to, and a maon w#re drowned on Christmas day in the river half a mile from the town brjdge. The maori girt fell off the stone protection wall and the other child tried to eaya her. 4 native name4 Pa]iarangi jumped in afttr both &nd reached them, but failed to bring them ashore. The body of one was re* povered on Sunday,

Tjmabo, Dedember 28 1 Tea days ago the licensee of fchs Ship Hotel was robbed of £16 from his clothes ia his bedroom. A lodger named G eey was arrested for the crime, but no evidence was available and he was discharged last Monday, He was arrested again last night at St, Andrew's for causing a disturbance, and Go stable Crawford recovered a plant made by the prisoner, comprising a part of the money ;stolen from the Ship Hotel, some ftbtes being identified by the' liceaadt. His mate had a bundlp of sfceletpn 'fce'yq. ' Bpttf Were remapded oo these charges, arid each was SQQ^nye^ to three months for causing %

disturbance.

CRICKET.

Press Association—By Eiectrio

Ajjelaiuk, December 28. The selectors of the Australian fctam have notiied Lyons that his services t^U not be required in tl » second test match. Afß^itQPßNii, December 2J. After the next tntitch, which begins on thq Ist January, RaDJitsinhji returns to eydoey to undergo another operation on the tgmajti, and then rests for a fortnight,

Adelaide, December 27.

Giffen had an Offer from the promoters of the English cricketing team which he oon« eiders satisfactory, but wili not play in the test match in Melbourne, owing to being out) of practice. He will go into active training for the other tost matches, and will play in the match against $?nw South V^&les, l

TUB A«l BUftIUJN BtJAKDIAJN : TUESDAY, DECEMBEB *28, 1897.



i Shade. Date. I Low j High _____.. I . Saturday.. 43- 85- Sunday ...I 42* &?• Monday ...j 43" 85* I'uesday ...j 49* 62- VVednesday! 35' 82" rimrsday... 43- 85- i Friday ... 42' 94' |

High State in of •*nn weather. Light showers 97. calm. 67' Light rain E 100- fine S j 62" Overcast calm 96- (Fine NK 110. | „ S 1113- ! „ NW



TO RESIDENT^ BUILDING & FURNISHING. 111' •0 * ■ ■ ■ WE BEG respectfully to announce that we l.ava received, per S.y. "lonic" and "Mataura, 1 very heavy shipments for our HOUSEHOLD FURNISHING Depart meet, viz:— SHEETINGS CURTAINS, CARPET SQUARES PILLOW COTTONS QUILTS HEARTH RUGS TOWELS TOILETS OILCLOTH? T&BUNGS MUSLINS LINOLEUMS Ajt the FANCY DEPARTMENT we are growing ft fine assortment of new aBRICS, GLOVES, and HOSIERY, direct from the Leicester Mills;atao Borne very choice Roods in Jet Trimmings, including the new Zouaves, Boleros, and Skirt Ornament*, sad an endleM variety of Black and Colored Gimps. IA». ■ NEW SHIPMENTS OF Dresses, Straws, Mantles. ft OaSftfi of Samples HOSIERY, at LANDED OOST. MITCHELL & TURNER. REDUCED RATES FOR CHRISTMAS AT S. SALEK'S, THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT Lamest Stock Lowest Prices 0 FOR CHBISTMAS_ PRESENTS. Sea* and"upward*. Gentlemw'- Ti, Pins, neut and taateful deußn. lD gold at, 5«, 7« 6d, fS°2si, also a nice selection of small and suitable articles at 2s 6d, 5», and 7a 6d. WPIiKJIAX^ ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE STOCK OF Gold Brooches and Ladies' Rings. These two lines are Heavily Stocked, and are the Newest and Choicest Designs. INSPECTION INVITED FOB CHRISTMAS PRESENTS S. SALEK'S JBWELLBBY ESTABLISHMENT, EAST STREET. STOCK AND PBICES UNEQUALLED IN THE DISTRICT.



HOUSE PAINTING & PAPERHANGINGL T HAVE just to hand a shipment of GENUINE WHITE LEAD & PCUE : LINBEEU X OIL for the present season's Painting and Decorating. Persons desirous of having their hom^ll pited with GENUINE MATERIALS & GOOD TRADESMEN are requested to call upon us. OIL CLOTH FOR DADO.S IN STOCK. TO ARTISTS. I HAVE a Splendid lot of Opal Glass in stock, specially prepared for Artists' use, which csin be cut) to any size required at a moderate charg<\ J. WILSON, CORNER OF ARCADE A BURNETT BIRBET.J Telephone 65.3 [P0 Box 16 CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. SERVICE PLATED WARE. "I"t7£ HAVE just knded & choice selection of Plated Goods of Eaquisite Deigns, Choice Patterns, srai Gucd Quality. THEY have been marked exceptionally low of price, and persona requiring Presents for their frienda will do well to c^U, inspect our sfc-ck, and make their selection early. W. H. COLLINS & CO.



John Orr & Co. _„ _ __ _ | John Orr & Co, mHE SUCCESS ATTENDING OUR Cheap Gash Sale Induces us to adopt (or the future this i system of doing business. And as wo purohase for Cash from the beet 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, OROOKERY, GLASSWARE, etc., BEST SNOWDROP SUGAR ... id Ib TEA, BLENDED ... 101b Boxes la lb TEA, IN HALF CHESTK, lOd lb, (strong liquor) Colonial Candles ... 4d lb per box English Parafine Candles... 6£d lb per box Kerosene, 150 test ... 6d 6d per tin • n „ 12* 9d per case Cornflour .3d per lb Essence of Lemon 4d Worcester Sauce, Pints ... 9d bottle Essence of Coffee 10-Jd Sago « I** per lb Tobacco, Nubian squares... 4s 6d per lb Bran 3s 6d per bag Sharps 5s per bag Oatmeal, 251b Bags ... 2s 9d bag Rollitt's Flour, 2001bs ... 24a „ „ lOOibs ... 12a 6d SOlbs .. 6544d Currants .- 4id &5d Eleme Raisins — ... 7d Valencia Raisins . 7d Sultana Raisins .. ... 7d Sicily Almonds .„ ... Is 2d Figs 8d Muscatels ... — 8d Jordan Almonds ... •• 2s 3d Mixed Peel 8d 2£lb Tins Preserved Fruit lOd Lemon Squash, English .„. Is 3d Lemon Juice, English ... Is 3d Sardines 4{>d per tin Fresh Herrings — ... 6frd per tin Herrings & Tomato Sauce lOd per tiu Pressed Hops, per lb ..Is 4d Fruit Salt* .. « 2s per bottle Ground Ginger *« •• Is 4d per lb Anchovy Paste .« ~» 8d per tin Citrate of Magneiia « Is per bottle Sheeps Tongues, best .„ 10(1 per tiu



Public JNotices. ttpeciai Discount FOR CHRISTMAS SEASONS Of Is in the Pound. From tdis day till the end of December. fTTE are now offering some very SPECIAL LINES IN DRESS GOODS. Exceptionally low prices quoted for completed costumes. WISE WINDOW*. Tweed Costumes complete from ... 20s A Grand Line of Boy a Colonial Tweed Knioker Suits, sizes 1 to 13, these we start from-is* 11<I per Suit. WORTH DOUBLE. SPECIAL VALUeTn MEN'S TWEE! BUITS. A really good suit for ... £2*>»«* 00 We are offering some .wonderfully Cheaj lines in all Departments. Ashburton Drapery Company W ffllli CLOTHING FACTOKY. A, G. BARION, MANAGEK crmmmmmmmmmmimmmmmmmmmmmjmmmmmmmmmmmmmmrmt Ghurcti Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, ABhburton. FRIDAY-(New Year's Eve), Watch night service, commercing at 11.30 p.m., with celebration of Holy Communion. SUNDAY SERVICES. 11 a m—Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion $ p.m,-GEEENSTREET, Rev. T. A. Hamilton. 3 p.m.—DROMORE, Mr Gat«B. 6.3o—Kveaing Prayer. REF T. A. HAMILTON^



CROCKERY & GLASSWARE Dinner Sots tEoiieb Sefc. Tea and Breakfast Sets Vaeei and Ornaments Tumblers and Wine Glasses Decantera and Water Bottles Glass Dishes Jally and Butter Dishes GRAND VARIETY AND LOW^PRIGES IN ABOVE LINES. FOti THE FgUtT SK^SON. Mason's Sorew-bop Porcelain Lined u l *rs> Pints 4s 9d, Quarts 5s 9d, I Gallon 7a doz. Kenrick's Besfc Enameled Maalin Kettles. 8 Quart 6s, 10 quart 7s 6d, 12 quart 8s 6d. Brass Maslin Kettles, Drop Handles. 2 Gallon 7s, 2£ gallon 11s 65, 3 gallon 13a 6d Steel Enamel Preserving Pahs, i-E 6d, 3s, 3a 6d, 4s. FOR THE HAKVEST FIELD. WE HAVE A SPLENDID STOOK Reaper Section Reaper Chains Hay Forks Hay Rakea Oils, in 1, 2 & 4 gallons BINDER TWINE. DONAGHY'S BEST, Flax, Mixed, & Manilla. John Or & Co.



To the Deaf and those troubled with Noises in the Head or other Aural Troubles^ Dr Nicholson, of London, the world famed aural specialist and Inventor of artificial ear drums, has just issued the 100th edition of his illustrated and descriptive book on Deaf ness and Aural Troubles. This book niay be had from Mr F. Shaw, 160, Adelaide Road, Wellington, N.Z., on receipt of stamps. Mr Campbell, of the same address, ' was greatly relieved of his deafness by Dr Nicholson's system, and takes pleasure in spreading the news of the great specialist in New Zealand. A littlebook on the cure of Rheumatism, Corpulence, Lumbago, and Indigestion by the same author, may be had from i\ Bb»w as. receipt of sUmpi.



HOZIU TJEA.



i* liewt



Mothers will find Chamberlain's Cough Remedy especially valuable for croup and whooping cough. It Sr'ill give prdmptl reli?| and is safe and pleasant. We haye soldlp for several years and it hact never failed fcs Hive the most perfect satisfaction. Q. W Richards, Duquesne, Fa. Sold by A»hb«r• ton Drug Company.



Keating's Powdke detfroys bugs, flew, moths, beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In i beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in application, gee the article you purchase ia (i Keating's," as imitations are 1 noxious and ineffectual. Sold in tins,'66% la and 2s 6d each, by all chemists. Just a minute ! This may mean pounds in your pocket. Knowledge is power ;to know what to do at the right time s! lengthens your reputation, people respect and speak about you; for instance, a sensible person that has a bad cough or cold immediately goes to the grocer or phemUt »ud buys a bottle of Woods? preat IJepp^r, ini&t Cure, for the simple reason that'He know* i* will put &im and hie family »1{ rigft