POSTAL NOTICES.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. Post Office.— Mondays, December 26 and January 2 (for Christmas Day and New fear's Day) will be observed aa close holidays ; but on Tuesday, 27th insb. (for Boxing Day) the Poet Office will be open m all branches from 9 a-m till 10 a-m. On the 27th inst. the usual despatch of mails up to 10 a-m will be made. Mails usually despatched on Mondays, the 26th inst. and 2nd prox, will be oloßed at 6 30 a-m on those dates. Telegraph Office.— -On Mondays (for Christmas and New Year's Days), and Tuesday (foe Boxing Day), the Telegraph branch will open from 9 a-m to 10 am and 7 p-m to 8 p-m, Thb Telephone Exchange will be open on Monday, December 26 (for Christmas Day) from 9 a-m to 10 a-m only, and on the other holidays will remain open as usual.

MARRIAGE.

Milmine— Hawkb.— On December 22, 1898, at the residenoe of the bride's father, by the Rev. James Skinner, Flemington, John, eldest son of James Milmine, of Ooiake, North Otago, to Louisa Elizabeth, ' fourth eldest daughter of Thomas Hawke, Lowoliffe, Canterbury. r — j » -»

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1898. Local and General.

(The Taranaki Hicihwayman. —Ib is understood that Wallatb, known aa " the Taranaki highwayman," who has nine months of hia sentence to run, ia to be immediately released. — Press Association telegram. Bank of New Zealand. — Mr Blair will probably be elected chairman of the new Board of Directors of the Bank of New Zealand. Mr Watson says he has no intention of seeking the position. — Press Association telegram. Early Potatoes. — A very fine sample of new potatoes (four tubers weighing over a pound and a half) was sent to this office by Mrs Mao Lean Dun. They are Sutton's Regent, from seed supplied by Mr Henry MoElrea, produce merchant. In Bankruptcy.— Christen Ludwig Han- Ben, farmer, Hinds, was this day adjudged bankrupt on the petition of the Union Bank. Mr Purnell appeared m support of the peti tion, which WRB granted by the Registrar, m the absence of Judge Ward. Asiibubton Rifles. — The following wi 1 represent the Ashburton Rifles at Dunediu ab Christmas : —Sergeant Dee, Corporal Hodgson, Privates T. Leitch, Reynolds, Childs, Hepburn, J. Bandoe, 0. Sando, Wilson, Clayton, Pritchard, Gourdie, H. Hefford, Minnis, Simpson, McKay, Leggett, and O'Connor. Strawberries —Mrs B. Ede, of Alleuton, showed us this morning a very tine sample of Btrawberries of the variety known as Royal Sovereign, more than half a dozan berries being on one stem. In view of such samples of fruit as this, the question arises — Why cannot Ashburton growers make a staple of this industry as the Waimate people do? Ojjp Mem's Home. — The inmates of the Old Men's Homo' spent a very pleasant hour last evening, when they were treated to the novelty of. a gramapnono entertain ment by Mr Good, who reproduced for their amusement the mary excellent and varied records which he possesses The various items were very distinctly beard. Ab the close of the entertainment Mr Good was ucoorded a hearty vote of thanks by the inmates for his kindness. Rakaia Sports.— -The Rakaia sports and races will be held on the Rakaia Domain on Boxing Day as usual, and to judge from the entries both for the horse raoing and pedestrian events, an admirable day's sport may be anticipated. For the former, some good perforuierß are engaged, and for the pedestrian items, both oaish and amateur, the names of most of the local bracks are in oluded, with some of the' best from other parts. Tfrer&is to be a grand ball m the evening jn the large graiff stpre of the Loan a?!* Mercantile Company The Season.—" The past season has been of a much more genial charaoter," said the head gardener of the Christchurch Domain, m his report to the Domain Board, " than two or more of the past seasons. The growth of trees and shrubs, and vegetation generally, has been more luxuriant bo far, and there has been an unusual wealth of flowers on nearly all the shrubs and flower ing trees. A great many necessary repairs and improvements are required m both the parks and the gardens." A Wwvj&Lh, — The Auckland Eduoation Board (says the Auckland' correspondent of the Otago Daily Junes) have received" an agreeable surprise m the shape of a remit tance of #d from the Education 1 Commis sioners of the Wellington proyinpial'distript. The 4d was described as being " on account of the distribution of funds for secondary education." The Secretary to (tie C/OHl mifisioners aaked for an acknowledgment of the amount for the satisfaction of the Government Auditor. The 4d was duly received, acknowledged, and paid to the credit of the Auckland Girls' High School account, whioh is administered by the Auck land Eduoation Board. A Miraculous EsoArE. — A Hawera tele gram says that news has been received that Hairiiona, the'M'aori who ye,s driven out to sea on Saturday afternoon," off Pihama, got) ashore safely on the Turrtkina beach " oh Monday afternoon, a distance of over ninety milea. Everybody ia delighted to hear of the old man's remarkable escape. It was the 1 opinion of practical men that no small boat could live through the sea running on Saturday, and ib appears almoat miraculous that bo Bmall a craft could have weathered the severe storm. The old man was much exhausted when he landed. No further particulars are yet to hand. The natives had entirely given him up for lost, and held a tangi on Monday afternoon. Girls' Friendly Society.— The Ashbur ton branch of the Girls' Friendly Society celebrated tts anniversary by an excursion to Mr John Grigg'a estate at Longbeach on Thursday, The members and associates, to the number 6f twenty-jtw.c, assembled at the Vicarage, where ! Mr Kfewrnanfa drag awaited them. The party was m charge of Mrs Hamilton and Mrs Bland. Before sett* ing out on the journey, a very pleasing ceremony took plaoe. Mrs Bland, on behalf of the members of the Friendly Sooiety, pre sented Mrs Hamilton with a haniisome wioker chair and oake Btarid. Mrs Bland desired Mia Hamilton's acceptance of the gifts as a farewell token of esteem, and m remembrance of many pleasant hours spent together The membors would always remember with gratitude the kindly interest whioh Mrs Hamilton had taken m tho Sooiety, and her energetic work on its behalf. Mrs Hamilton was completely iaken by surprise, but, though overcome tvith emotion, thanked the members m a iouching speech. Longbeaoh was readied at loon, where the party was warmly wel. >omed, A most enjoyable day was spent. A leayy shower fell.soon after the arrival, bub optunately did nob mac the enjoyment oJ !hB pfoaitire, Mekefß, ' ' h t ■<  <

The Cost of a European War. — What he cost of a European war would be m men md money is very carefully calculated m a )ook by a Polish publicist, M. Bliokh, which Dr. Dilion, m the new number of the Coniemporayy Ilivi&o y 6&ys tuHuenced the Zz\x to issue his Eirenciou. It is estimated t that Europe pays yearly for the maintenance ] j of its fleets and armies the sum of i i £225,000,000, and nearly as much again m the guiee of interest! on debts contracted lor i the prosecution of foreign wars. The daily expenditure needed for a conflict m which the five Continental Great Powers were eugaged would amount to £4,195,600. Over and nbove this sum it would be necessary to expend on the families of the soldieri about £198,000. In other words, the annual cost of this European war, exclusive of indireob losses, would, according to the calculations of M Bliokh and others, reach the fantastic toial of £1,747,120,000.

RELEASE OF MRS LOCHER.

«— ' Untied Press Association— By Electric Telegraph. Wellington, December 22 The Cabinet has decided to release Mre Jarl Looher, who some three years ago shot . man named Norbury, a contractor, m an uotion mart m Wellington. Norbury was sverely injured, and Mrs Looher was barged with attempted murder. The jury ound the woman was insane when she iommitted the aob, and she was ordered to >c detained during the Colonial Secretary's Measure, Some time ago there was an agitation for her release on the ground that ihe had quite regained her mental balance. December 23. Mrs Looher left by th.c Ruahine yesterday •n route to her home m Switzerland. The government considered that no good purpose jould be served by any longer detaining her m custody, aa she ia now m her right mind, Erad nob likely to return to the colony*

TONIGHT'S CONCERT.

■» There is every promise of a most success ful concert m the Oddfellows' Hall to-night. The performers are all leading Chrißtchurch musicians, and the programme is one of the best) ever submitted to an Ashburton audience, Miss Alice Corriok has just returned from Australia where she has been singing with very greab success. Mr J. A. Gardner has just come to New Zealand after conduoting some of Messrs Williamson and Musgrove'a operas m Australia, and is a musician of undoubted ability. " The Manager " ia an exceedingly clever musical sketoh, and has already created a large amount of enthusiasm m Christchurch. The songs and dialogues are witty and up to date, while the dances are exceptionally clever* New and beautiful limelight effects will be introduced, and no doubt a large and enthusiastic audience will avail themselves of the opportunity for a pleasant night's amusement. i

INQUEST.

■ • j An inquest was held at the Ashburton Hotel (Mr John Mullan's) yesterday— before Mr Robert Alcorn, acting coroner, and a jury of Bix — touching the death of Frederick Wallace, who was found dead m an adjoin ing plantation that morning. John Mutton, hotelkeeper, said that morning at nine o'clock an employee at the hotel told him tHere was a maa lying nmong the trees. Witness went down to see what was the matter, and found deceased lying dead m the plantation about two chains from the house. Rang up the police immediately, Did not know the man at all. The police came at once and took charge of the body.— Constable Moore said be knew deceased, whose name was Frederick Wallace. Saw him the previous day between ten and eleven, m the "Wftkanu\ road. He waa then apparently m good health. Did not see him alive after tljati. Ho was a laborer, and had been about Ashburton at intervals for five years. He was sober when witness siw him. — Constable Eade gave evidence aa to find ing the body where Mr Mullan indicated it was. Witness discribed the position of the body — the mouth and nose on the ground, the arms drawn up, with blood coming from the nose. The swag and a cap were two or three yards off For a radius of a few yards the ground bore marks of a struggle, as if the mm had been writhiog. They were toe marks, and the clothes also indicated that he had been struggling. On turning the body over found a two-shilling piece and n sixpence under it. Found on the body two pockeb knives, some 'tobacco and matches, a piece of soap, and a puce of looking glass. The struggle referred to was one such as would have been made by a man writhing m a fit.— Dr P. T. Bolger who made fast mortem examination, said the body was very muscular and well nourished, and the man was apparently from forty-five to fifty years of age. The upper put of the chest, the head, and the neck were very dark, and blood was oo?,ing from the mouth and nose. The arms were drawn up to right angle*. On fost mortem examination found the blood vessels and membranes of the brain were much disbended with blood, the heart and lungs were healthy, but the liver was slightly congested. The stomach was dis tended with a dark fluid, whioh smelt of whisky. In witness' opinion deceased died from an apopleptic fit. There were no marks on the body, exoeptf a few slight scratches on the abdomen, which had baen recived m j the early part of the fib. No sign of violence i *b all. The map had nob been dead twenty four hours! — The jury found ft verdicb thab the deceased died from apoplexy.

CABLE NEWS.

* Uniced Press Association— By Eleobrio - (Telegraph— Copyright. London, December 22 Mr Chamberlain declines to sanction the contract for the transfer of the Newfoundland railways and telegraph system to Mr R. G. Reid, tjtie well known Montreal contractor. '' 4- sensational case has concluded" at the Central Original Oourfc. Richard and Edward Ob rimes were sentenced to penal servitude for twelve years, and Leonard Ohrimes to seven years, on charges of blackmailing women. The fury condemned the publication of illegal advertisements m newspapers. The Canterbury Corporation has conferred the freedom of the city upon Mr Henniker Heaton, m recognition of his services m promoting Imperial penny postage. It is £00 years since the last was conferred/ T^e late £aron Rothschild left the British Museum his famous A^addesdon irt collection. Terence McDermitfc, one of the three < lynamitards who were sentenced m J LBB3 to penal servitude for life, for attempting to blow up buildings m \ Glasgow, has been released. < The Shaw, Savill and Albion Oo.'s lew steamer Waiwera, has been * aunched at Dumbarton, and Messrs ] Lurnbull, Martin and Oo.'snew steamer c Tairnshire has been launched on the 1 Jlyde, The latter has refrigerating jj deommodation fpr \ OO,OOO carcases. fc Lord ' Kitchener ; has 'itarte4 on a \ hree months' tour of the Gedaref 3gion of the Soudan. n Vienna, December 21 y Fan-Oermanio facitatipn m Austria " ad Hungary m favour of wholesale g >n versions to has royoked a warning from the Catholic V >urnals, and will' probably cause a «■ >ligiouß war. le Oandia, December 2\ S Prinoe George of Greece has arrived B ) Canea to assume the Governorship : Crete, and was cordially welcomed, j ( ===== b; Smoko New Venua F

PRIZE DAY.

Borough School- There was a fair attendance of parents ud friends at the annual prize distribution b the Ashburton School yesterday, the main 90m being filled with children and visitors. Mr William Craighead occupied the'chair, nd aaid he was glad to meet so many of the upila, whom he hoped had worked hard, iming to wiu the many prizes that were »id out before him. They could not all irizes, bub those who did not need not be liecouraged, because if they were diligent md attentive during the ntxt year there was 10 spying what prizes they might not be luccessful m wiuniug. He hoptd they vould be attentive to what tbeir teachers laid to them. If they -did so they would iud ihat what they c irried away m their minds from school would be usefnl to them In after life, and help them to fight their way m the world. They were laying a foundation now on which they should build up the fabric of a good character, without which they could not become useful citizens. He would now ask the Mayor to distribute the prizes. The Mayor said the Chairman had told him before he came m that the children were anxious to get away to the swimming match, and had aaked him not to keep them longer than three o'clock. This woo Id suit him very well, and it would aIBO make a very pleasing duty all the more pleasing, by making it light). With the permission of the headmaster, he would take the classes m order, and would ask Mr Hardie to call up first all the prize winners m Standard Vl* Speaking to that class he referred m con gratulatory terms to the success of Harold Revell, who was dux of the sohool and deservedly so. In the recent examinations for High School scholarships Revell had come out on the top, and specially deserved to be mentioned. The Mayor had pleasure m handing them their prizes and he hoped those who had won them would not fanoj that all their work wbb done, but would press on with their studies, and qualify foi good citizens, Standard Vi was then called up, and received their prizes, the Mayoi hoping that the young people would remem ber the sixth standard bad yet to be gon< through, and that when hia successor m th< Mayoral chair, whoever he might be, oami nexb year to distribute tbe przas, he wouic ; find the winner of the first prize m the fiftt Bbandard of this year m an equally higl position next year m the sixth. To tiv other classes the Mayor had kindly anc encouraging words to say, and when th distribution was complete Hia Worshi] expressed a desire to Bay a few word regarding the teachers. It was high! creditable to them — the way m which the; had managed the school that year. Th examinations for the High School scholai ships proved the excellence of the work tha had been done. All the scholarships ha come to tbe Borough Sohool, which itself fo the year had an admirable record, and h had no doubt the teachers would go 01 during the next twelve months as they ha gone on the last, and make of 1899 as good record as they had made of 1898. Bu tohough abundant credit) was due to th teachers the merit of the ohildren themselve had also to be acknowledged, and he truete they would go on with their training an studies and bo qualify themselves to tak their placeß as good citizens. The cMldre gave rounds of cheers for the winners i each standard aa they left; the prize table. The Chairman asked for three clners fo the Mayor, which were heartily given, Hi Worship was a busy man and had a larg business to attend to, and they were a! grateful to him for coming that day t distribute the prizes. Mr Hugo Friedlandc took a great interest m everything that wa for the good of the colony, and especially i education, which was bo necessary m lift Without education a man was fitted fc only a few positions m the colony, but wit it the very highest were open to him. Th teachers had hard work. There wei people who thought that, because the wot keel onlylfive days a week, and had lon holidays, the work of the teaghera we light, but let them try tbat work, and the would find that it was very far indeed froi being light, but was arduous m the highes degree. Ie had never happsned before ths all the six ooho'arshipa had been won b Ashburton school pupil?, and this was very creditable facb to the teachers, Wfa deserved the cheers he asked the boys t give, and which did not require a secon invitation. The Mayor thanked them for the cheei they had given him, and hoped after th holidays the young people would coma bac refreshed and ready for the work of th next year. There were 400 of them on tfa roll, and' they could nob all get prizes, bi the ' work of striving for those' prices'" woul do them all good. Mr Hardie (hen addressed the ohildren But for tbe fact tbab the sohool year ha been twice interrupted by sickuess, and i consequence many ohildren— either them selves suffering from sicknesa or had Bid ness m their homes — were absent frot school from ciroumstanoes over whioh the had no oontrol, the prize Hb6 might hay been different, a3 marks had been losb f roc the cause he mentioned. He trusted, how ever, that they would not have such anothe year of siokness, and meanwhile he a&ke them to oarry away with them into thei Christmas holidays his very best wishes. The school was then dismissed, and th lady teachers entertained the visitors ti afternoon tea. Prize List. Standard Vl— General Proficiency (mark of monthly examinations ' added up) 1, Harold Revell (Dux of school and head o High School scholarship list) ; 2., Florrii Harrison (also special prize for neates exercise book work) ; 3, Annie Normal (4fth on High Sohool scholarship Us*,) ; q Thomas Phaup (second on High Schoo scholarship list) ; 5, Douglas Orr. Special— Drawing (seoond for Arb Society's medal) Jessie Hosken 5 attendanoe— Lizgie Oolliaon, William Yeel, Ernest Breeza; writing- Edgar Williams ; neat exercise book- Harold Smith ; oonduot and attendance— H. McCallum ; improvement m writing and neatness— George Heseltine ; good coaduot —William Home

Standard V. — General proficiency. 1, William Gourdie ; 2, May Rodmayne ; 3, Albert Welsh ; 4, R. Hendersoti ; 5, N. Gourdie : 6, Alice I}avie. Special— Draw iqg and mapping. Norman Roberts ; writing — Edith McClacchie j composition — Ida Chapman ; drill — M. Tovey } conduct — Archie Bruce ; attendance — Gerald Breeza \ Standard IV— General proficiency. 1» Gordon Oraighead ; 2, Mary Monson } 3» Janet Rentier ; 4, Leslie Hardie (and attend ance) •5, Ernest Rentier ; 6, Maud Maidens ; 7, Ernest Elliott; I, Gussie Stephenaon. Special — Drawing, Milea Segers ; attendance and exercise book work — Evelyn Davis ; attendance— Jane Norman ; writing and conduct — Mary Tamer, John Steele, Nina Reid j conduct— A. Patterson ; perseverance and conduct — Trevor' Thomas . c Standard II J —General' proficiency. 1, Irene Guy ; 2, Charles Solway • 3, Henry Hanmer ; 4. Mary Shaw ; 5, Cyril Breeze ; §', Viqleb'Shaw, Speoial— Drawing and neat sjcerciae tjook-^Mabal Colliaon \, Edith Clayton 2 ; composition— Jack Cnthbertson; |ood conduct — Raymond Tucker, Annie tunes; attend ano a (maximum)—^Sydney jrourdie Standard ll.— Genoral improvement. 1» Dharles Lindsay ; 2, Alma Campbell ; 3, tVillie Barber ; 4 f Leslie Steele. Special — tfeac exeroiße book— Nellie Patching; pelljng— Susan Page ; geography— Philip Gorman, Reginald Stephenson; good con luot and diligence— Harry Minnis ; special or general improvement; (presented by the epcher)^-l»e8lie Bivaling ; attendange — Viliie B«be? " '■< -. [

The infants' prizes were presented m the norning by the Chairman of Committee, rho spoke a few sympathetic and encourag ig words to the children, and called for hree cheers for the teacher, which were iyen with much heartiness. Standard I— l, Ipdith Andrews ; 2, Wm. Watson ; 3j Violet ! Barrow ; 4, 'Esther 'tinge ; ' special good ' conduct; — Edward 'urner; spgoial progress — Hugo Pried mder j' special spelling — Hugo Friedlander. ewing— l, Bdith Andrews; 2, Maggie [arrisoQ ; 3, Esther Punge HEWING PRIZES Standard Vl— l, Flossie Harrison; 2, osßie Hosken ; 3, Ruby Williams (presented yMrs Willis.) Standard V— l, Blaade Maidens }2, Katie ooka } 3, Lizaie Reid (presented by Mrs

Standard IV— l, Evelyn Davis ;2, Maude Patching ; 3, Rose Johnston (presented by Mrs Willis) Standard III— I, Edith Clayton ; 2, Maude Neville j 3, Ivy Stantoo (presented by Mra Willie). Special prize for industry— Ethel Claridge Standard ll— l, Euby Anderson ; 2, Fffie Totty ; 3, Lucinda Fonge (presented by Mrs Willis) j Standard I— l, Edith Andrews; 2, M i Harrison; 3, F Cox (presented by Mrs WillU)

Allenton.

There was a good attendance at the Allen ton School yesterday, where the prizes were distributed by the Key G- B. Inglis, who addressed the children m an entertaining and instructive way, taking for object lessons the ants, the coneys, the locusta, and tbe I lizzirda, all " little folks " who were able to Ido great things. He complimented the teacher Miss Forrester on her year's wotk, and sent the children away with theic awards and good wishes for the coming year* Prize List. Standard III— I and attendance, Douglas Craighead ;2, Edward Monson. Special neat exercise book— Alice J ;nkins Standard ll— l, Jeannie Rowan ; 2, Daisy Good. Speoial — Neat exercive book — Mabel Phaup. Standard I— l, Alice Willers ; 2, Bella Monaon. Special— Writing — Lily Cooper general improvement— Bertie Jenkins dewing— l, Julia Hudson; 2, Alice Willers ; 3, Annie Henderson Every child m the Infant classes recsived A book

Hampatead.

The annual distribution of prizes at the Hampstead school took place yesterday, when la the unavoidable absence of the Chairman— Mr J. R. Bland— Mi J. Maynard kindly consented to distribute the prizes to the successful scholars. The buaiaeas of the day waa on tbla occasion very brief, aa it is only a few days since the children attending this school gave an exhibition at the concert m the Oddfellows' Hall, when the parents and friends had a full opportunity of judging of the work of tha past year, m tne matter of singing and exercises, etc. ; the attendance yeaterday was therefore limited. After a few intro> ducfcory remarks from the headmaster, Mr W. Brock, the children of the infant school were entertained at a gift auction, presided over by tbe infant mistress, Miaa Fawcett, who had on a table before her a large and varied collection of toys, etc., from which each of the toddlers m turn made choice of his or her favorite toy, and resumed their seats wearing a very satisfied look. This method of dealing with infants is no doubt a good one, aa each child has an opportunity of gratifying ita own fanoy. Thiß little function over, Mr Maynard briefly addressed the little ones, after which they were dismissed with all good wishes for the festive season, a pleasant holiday, and a happy glad New Year. The Bchoolroom of the elder children was then visited, where all were waiting anxiously and expectantly for the handsome and numerotiß prizes which were piled before them, and which were handed to Mr May. nard for distribution by the teachers of the various standards, commencing with Stan dard VII. Since the last distribution of prisas the appearance of the school grounds has under* gone a pleasant change, two sides of the ground at least being now nioely laid out with well kept flower beds, for which prizes were given by Mr J. R. Bland, Chairman of the School Committee ; Mr C. A. C. Hardy, Kakaia ; Mr J. Thomas ; and Miss Fefwcetfe. These prizes were open to both boys and girls. All the little plots are wonderfully neat and free from weeds, and m a few weeks from now will make a fair show. The jadg ing of this parb was undertaken by Mr W. W. Smith, Curator of the Domain, who iv a letter to the Chairman highly praised the youthful gardeners for the very creditable way m which the work had been carried out. Ab the same time he offered some very useful hints for their future guidance. It is under* stood that Mr Smith has kindly offered to visit the school after the holidays, and give the young folks a little of the benefit of hia practical experience m the direction of advising them how, when, and what to plant. After the distribution of the prizes Mr Maynard shortly addressed the children, and impressed upon them the necessity for close and regular attendance at school, without) which they could hardly expect- to auocoed, He would also like to see the ohildren a little more respectful to their elders and superiors, a? m after life they would find that these two little things carried a good deal with them. In concluding his remarks he wiehed them all a very merry Chrißtmaa and happy New Year, calling for three cheers for the master (Mr Brook), and the staff of teachers under him, which were heartily given. Before dismissing them, Mr Brock addressed the scholars, and said he hoped to see a much larger number of awards for regular attendance at the next distribution of priges, a,B tfua was a priai all had a chance of winning, and he trusted that all would be m their places when the sohool re-assembled, and bo make a good start ia the new year about to open. In response to a call from Mr Brook, the children gave three ringing cheers for Mr Maynard, and the master having wished them all good wishes for the festive season and the New Tear, the school was dismissed for five weeks holidays. There are 370 children, now on the roll. !; The 'following ia; the; ' i; Prize List. Standard VII. — Proficiency — Francia Baker, Mabel MoKee ; proficiency and attendance— Jeunie Jamieson; proficiency and sewing— Eunice Buchanan; sewing— Mabel Leggett Standard Vl— Profioiency, sewing, attend ance—Maud Campbell ; proficiency — Lavinia Betts, Amy Dieby, R Btock j attendance- Ella Roberts, W Stephens, M Terria ; sewing — Agnoa Reid ; recitation— Lottie Leggetfr. Standard V— Proficiency and sewing- Rachel Joyce ; proficiency — R Sand*, B Fergan, Winnie Collins, M Stephens, Cecil Maynard, Lily Hunt ; attendance— H Camp bell, W Tutty, V Meyenberg, W Terris: sewing — B McKeague . • ■. Standard JY— Pro'Sciency — y. Hamijtpp, Berta Fergan, ; M Msaolem, Lily Iriwobd: Olive Coldicotfc, Alexander Mcßae, P Hon' kins, H Lousley, Ernest Stock j attendance —Ivy McKee, Annie McKenaie, Agnes Tutly, John Cates, Fred Summers j sewing —Elsie Miller Standard lll— Proficiency — May Andrews, Nellie Collins, H MeCoaaehie, A Leggefcfc, J Hunt, Percy Hurreil, J Leslie, C Hamil ton • proficiency and sewing — Annie Hyde ; proficiency and attendance — Graham Johns ; attendance— Alice Thomas, Elsie Terrisj sewing— Hilda Williams, Matilda Finlay Standard ll— Proficiency — E Leonard, Edward Eado, F Lublon% E Coldioott, J Mcßae, Sarah Smith"--; proficiency and sewing —Ruby Betts ; proficienoy'and attendance-^ Louisa Jamießbn ; sewing— Eurydice @den" Standard I— Profioiency and attendance— Emily Campbell 3 proficiency and sewing— Clara Walker, Eileen Roulßton 3 proficiency — Ella Meaclem, Louisa Porter, Lena Lowe, Ernest Spioer, Ernest Young ; attendance— D Thomas, T Tutty, W Inwood, X Tutty Flower Plots— Girls— l, Frances Baker; 2, Mabel Leggett ; 3, Winnie Collins and E Baker. Boys— l, Sidney Thom»s and G Crooks j 2, F Page and F Crawford ; 3, G Johns and E Thomas. — Prizes for flower plots were presented by Messrs J R Bland, Bhairman of the Sohool Committee j C A C Sardy, Rakaia ; J Thomas, Ashburton, and Miss Fawcett

THE ABHBUBTON tfOASDIAN : FLIpaY. DECEMBER 23, 1898



[ The PRAcnoE^whieh of late has become prevalent— of giving botfly rdmedies or ordinary oolio drinks, without proper dis- crimination the moment) a horse is taken bad cannot be too severely condemned. Many a valuable horse has been sacrificed through the owner not understanding Bimple symptoms Sp-called remedies, inimical to Hfcr- under certain copliiions, are ad- minißterecf, wicii tn« resuii Ch&trthe disorder asstim^B an aoute form, the owner becdmeg alarmed, Hut alas jit is often too late. W T Kingstoji has been wonderfully successful during the late epidemio among horses. Veterinary raedioine can be obtained at all hours, either a* his Veterinary Forge, Wills Street, or at Kio private residence, Grey Street, near High School. Hones (only) attended upon tha shortest notice. Testi- monials can be sera upon application.-** Apvx) rr 19 jg



CHURCH SERVICES. J 3T. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. FRIDAY — Short Service, 7 30 p.m. ; Choir Practice — 8 p.m. SATURDAY— Church Decoration, 2 p.m. Contributions of flowers and ever- greens will be thankfully received on Saturday morning. SUNDAY SERVICES — Christmas Day. 8 30 am— Holy Communion 11 am— Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion 2 45 pm — Children's Service 3 pm — Seu field 6.30 pm— Evening Prayer REV T A HAMILTON



PYiediander Bros., Limited. WOOL SEASON, X 1898 99. ~\UR NEXT SALE will take place at) J Timaru on FJtiIDAY, DECEMBER 30 1898, nd Catalogues for this Sale close on TUESDAY, 27th Inst; Clients are requested to deliver their Clipß ither at our Ashburton Stores prior to that ate, or to consign the Wool to MILL fc JO.'S siding, Timaru, where it will have ur most oareful and personal attention, kdvices of consignments will be received at) ur Ashburton office. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. WE HAVE FOR SALE A FEW SECOND HAND BRANTFORD REAPERS AND BINDERS LN GOOD REPAIR. Apply to FRIKDLANDER Bbos. Ltd., TTST E ARE LANDING, ex Waimate and lokomaru, X A I N I T, The most oelebrated German Potabh Manure. ALSO, STANDARD PHGSPHATB, Containing 44 per cent of Bone Phosphate of Lime. These Manures are unequalled for .Turnip, Rape, and Grain Crops* Low 'quotations on application. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. TTTE are favored with insbructionsXfrom A. BUTTERIOK, ESQ., TO SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, HIS COMPACT LITTLE FARM OF 338 Acres NEAR WILLOWBY FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. Insist upon having our Pure Teas. Don't be pat upon. They axe the Best Mid Cheapest. Absolutely pax*. Copied bat never equalled. Guaranteed Ulcer and Better Value $han any at 4d per lb. more money. Cojmpax* par 2/- Tea with any at 2/4, and box 2/4 with any at 3/- per lb. ' THE Ashburton Drug Co. (LIMITED) HAVE just unpacked, direct] from the English Manufacturer, a new stock of all the Drugs used m compounding physicians' prescriptions, specially made m conformity with th.Q new Brjtfsh Pharmacopoea, 1898. Tlie Im> of dispensing medical pre- portant eoriptions is the special and Work conetantcare pf the manager (J. M. Ca^br^dgb), who has been engaged m this •iuty for 36 years, as well as having had the benefit of an ICngTiisll training and experience, and holding an English certificate. To those who : unfortunately have to taks medicine, especially m oases of Serious It is of the utmost import- £l)ne&S>. anoe that the drugs should be new and freshly im- ported; that the medicine should ' be accurately and skilfully prepared ; and that exactly what the Physician .orders should be used, and nothing eje.e substituted m its place, llie Price should never be the first and only consideration*— Drugs oan be bought at all priceß. We prefer to import all our Drugs from a firm we oan rely on, though we oould buy many of them cheaper m the colony.. But Tffl charge no moie titan ia usual m most of the larger towns, and generally a Jittle leas. kT ALL An urgent) C&.U for medicine TlMjSSfe* ;b responded to ftt once, whether during business hours or at iiight, Sundays or holidays. Night) Dis- pensary — opposite Dr Maude's, and next to Dr Hunter's residence. J. M, Cambridge, MANAGER. 11 135 NOTICE TO CLIENTS. i TTENTION is Bpeoially direoted to the X. fact that the Accounts recently Bent tt from the Ashburton Publishing Com- ,ny, Limited, (m liquidation) have no ference "to the business of the present oprlelor of the Aahburton Mail and Ash- irton Guardian. The Accounts referred are up to March 31 lasb, and aa the books ,ye to be oloied to that date Immediate ttfemeot i« nepespftry,



F. FERRIMAJS. j BONE MILL. AFTER SATURDAY NEXT, the 84th insb., l.he Wak&nui Road Boue Mill will be closed until further notice, and I will not be responsible for any bones that are left here after the above date. F, FBRBIMAN. , FOR SALI£ HAVELOOK STREET. TOWN Section 467. upon whtah ib erected a comfortable house of seven rooms. Easy terms can be arranged. F. FERBIMAN. FOB SALE. COX STREET. A Comfortable House of 6ve. rooms ehuated on Town Section 776. The owner having left the district will accept a low price. ( Further particulars on application. F. FEEBIMAN. I HAVE a special sum of £10.000 to invest on a sound freehold security either m one or two sums ab 4£ per cant. FOR SALE. ~~ 7 Acres at Eketahuna, N^rth Island, Close to Railway Station. TO those deslr.ng a ohange of Climate this affords an opportunity seldom offered of obtaining a seotion whereon to build a comfortable residence within a convenient distance of a Railway Station. Full particulars on application. F. FERRIMAN. ""— TO LET. A Shop m Tancred Street* I Have a good shop to let In Tailored Street, within a chain of East Street. F. FERRIMAN, TO LET— WAKANUI ROAD. 4 ACRES of good land with a well stocked orchard and a capital dwell- ing house. To a good tenant a moderate rent will be accepted. F. FERRIMAN. FOB SALE. Afford Forest Road. , ICT 3 containing £ of an acre nearly A opposite the Faotory entrance gate* \ Full particulars on application. F. FERBIMAN. FOB SALE. 500 ACRES SHEEP FEED. I HAVE for Bale about 500 acres of good Sheep Feed, within about 10 miles of Aehburton. The property ia well fenced and watered, and ia capital country for fattening lambs. Apply F. EEBBIMAN. GUANO. (Extract from Government Analysis by Mr William Skey.) A VERY fine grained article and of good quality, containing 46 per cent of Tricalcio of Phosphate. F FEKRIM4N Knife Grinders FOU Grass Mowers. THE NEW MODEI,' DUTION MOWER KNIFE GRINDER THE New Model Dutton Mower Knife (Grinder is believed to be as near perfection as such a machine can be made. A most Valuable Improvement has been made m the means used for holding the knife to the grinding wheel) when being ground. The pressure of the knife against the wheel is made less at the lower part of the knife section, where the least grind- ing is needed, and is gradually increased as the wheel id moved along the edge of the section towards its point. *' KEEP THE KNIVES SHARP," i Is what every manufactuter of mowers direots. With this grinder It can easily be done. With a dull knife, the wear and strain, both on machine and team, are greatly increased, and the grass will be badly oufc. A man, or even a boy, with this machine, oan grind a mower knife per- fectly, and with ease and rapidity. When a seotion is dulled or nicked by looming m contact with a stone, as often happens* it oan be sharpened without grinding the other sections. THE " CORiUKJWJi GUJNDING WHEEL " Doea its work well. It wears but little, aad will last, according to the amount of work done, from three to five years, and probably longer. There is a large hole m the centre of the wheel, made water tight by the flanges which clamp the wheel aad hold it m position. "When the machine is used this hollow space is filled with water through a small hole m the side of one of its flanges ; the hole is then plugged up. When turning the wheel In grinding, the water ia driven through its porea hy centrifugal force, completely wetting its grinding surface, this prevents the temper of the knife from being destroyed, wbi^h Krould be done if the wheel were used dry. THE OPERATOR While grinding a. knlif, stands facing ihe" side of the whe°l and ojrer the knife, clamp, this brings Ihe grinding of the aeotion directly under the eye. By means of a new improvement the grinder can be readily clamped to a pole or the rim of any wheel having a width of from 3 to-5% inches. It requires but little skill to use this grinder ; the directions sent with c aoh machine will, if followed, enable any one to work it without trouble. These machines are protected fully by patents m the United States, Canada, Treat Britain, France, Belgium and Sweden. F, FERRIMAN, AGENT. PHASES OF THE MOON. December. d h m Last quarter .„ .... 6 936 p.m Naw moon , m tm 13 li 13 p m Firat quarter «. 20 252 p.m Full rouon „. „ 23 U 9 a.m



\ i ■ I DONAGHY'3 BINDER TWINE, MACHINE OIL, BINDER WHIPS, HAY JfORKS AND RAKES, ENGINEERS' TOOLS, HENDERSON'S DUNDEE LEATHER BELTING, CHAINS AND SECTIONS ifOB MASSBY-HARRIS AND MoCORMIOK REAPERS AND BINDERS, At Le»« than Agents' Prices, and all Requisites for the Harveat Field at Loweßt Prioei. JOHN ORR d Co. OUR STOCK OF ELECTRO-PLATED WARE AND CUTLERY TB by far the Finest ever Imported into Aahburton, and we are now making a X BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY m our Windows. JOHN ORR & CO. WE ARE OPENING AN IMMENSE ASSORTMENT Otf Fancy Glassware and China. AMONGBT other Lines we are Showing Three Thousand GLASS VASES and KequS the inaction of the General Public. .In order to d lepose or our Snmewe Stock m thew lines we have marked them at prices from 30 lo 50 per cent below ordinary pricei. liwpsot oub Windows. JOHN ORR & CO. CUPS & SAUCERS PLATES DISHES WATER JUG 3 TUMBLERS TOILET SETS BUTTER JARS, and every artiole m Crockery and Glassware at Reduoed Prices at JOHN ORR & CO. MASON'S JABS, JAM JARS IN NESTS, SCREW TO? JARS, ENAMELLED AND BRiSS PRESERVING PANS; For many y«ata now we have altogether undersold all ouc Competitora m these special linw,»od we are determined to add another ieaaon to our record We GtABANXBBto Sell these Goodß cheaper than »ny home m Ohrwtchuroh or Ashburton. JOHN ORR & CO. free { INSURANCE } ra** 2 We beg to Bnnounoe to the people of ABhburton and District that we have com- pleted arrangements whereby we are now prepared to offer all Cash Cuatomers to the extent of 10d or over, A FREE ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY, which holds <* .od for Seven Days from date of Issue, and on expiry oan be renewed at our Stores • thus enabling anyone dealing with ua to keep covered nealnsfc accident for £100 m the even', of death, or £1 per weok m the case of T^taTDSement. And the Boauty of the WHOLE SYSTEM is that it COSTS THE CUSTOMER ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. We do not make any advance m our Prices to pay for this, bat fitlll coutinue to give to all alike THE BEST VALUE- AT BOTTOM PRICES IN EVERY LINE OY OUR IMMENSE STOCK. Buy yonr Goods where you oan get your Insurance for Nothing. It may be handy when you least expect it. If it oosts you nothla? yon nvght as well have that thrown m. Guarantee from Insurance Compiny, and all further particulars on application to JOHN ORR & Go. Hams and Bacon. SIDES, ROLLS, AND HAMS- This is VERY PRIME QUALITY, having secured first prize at the reoenb Shows m Ohrisichnrch and Timaro. JOHN ORR & Co m Maravilla Garden Teas. Purveyors by Appointment to Her Majesty's Hospitals, Army and Navy. THESE CELEBRATED TEAS are Exported to us by the Growers from their Gardens m Ceylon, thus saving all Middlemen's Profits. Ten prize medals forPORITY. STRENGTH AND FLAVOR. Everyone should try them JOHN ORR <& Go., SOLE AGENTS. , Sugar for Jain. WE Guarantee the PureCanaSUGAß of the Highest Quality, and especially Suitable for Jam making. JOHN ORR & CO., ASBBURTON.