The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10. 1898. Local and General.

The continuation of our serial will be found on the first and fourth pages to day ; commercial uews also appears on our fourth bage.

Mails. — The Aorangi, from Vancouver via Bonolu'u and Suvu, arrived at Welling ton this morning, with thirty-three paeaeu gers for New Zjaland and seventy-three for Australia, She brings a very heavy mail and a full cargo.— Press Association tele gram.

The Christohuboh Postman.— At) the Magistrate's Court, Ohriatchurch, yesterday, J. A. Chapman, letter oarrier, was com mitted for trial on a oharge of stealing 723 oirculars and letters. The evidence led went to show that the letters were not delivered through the laziness of accused, and not for the purpose of gain.

Personal. — Friends of Mr Donald McLean will learn with regret that that gentleman is lying dangerously ill at Wee ton, Papanui Road. He is suffering from pleurisy and inflammation of the lungs. Friends may perhaps note from tbiß that his address is now " Weston, Papanui Road, Christohurch," and not as it waß temporarily " Arenas' Cafe de Paris."

The Whitcombe Pass. I—The1 — The Survey Department) has despatched a party to the Whitoombe Pass track to run the grade to the top of the saddle. This done, the track will be benched eighteen inohes wide, so that foot passengers can go through with ease. The weather has been bad m West land, but hopes are held out that the work will be got through this summer.

Christmas Presents.— We have been shown Bomethint? new, m the line of Chriat maa presents by Mr J Wilson, painter. Besides the usual artists' boxes, mirrors, opals, etc, he has had exeouted for the occasion by Mr McMillin, a looal artisb, a ohaimiog selection of scenic views on opal. These whilst being about the same price as the usual card, are a decided improvement, and should form a very pretty present.

CHRisiCHtraoH Gas Works.— The formal tpening of the new purifiers at the Christ church gas works was held yesterday, the purifiers being the first of the kind erected In the Australasian colonies. Ib is expected that all kinds of coal will now be used for the manufacture of gaß, instead of special sorts. At the luncheon the Mayor said the city had no intention of offering to purchase the gas works, but would probably erect an electric light works.

Cheviot.— The Cheviot County Settlerß Association is inviting the assistance of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce m an agitation for the extension of the railway to Cheviot. During the last four years Cheviot has imported 2,500,000 feet of timber, 7600 tona of general merchandise, 900 tons of coal and 15,600 fencing posts ; and has exported 7700 bales of wool, and 10,000 sacki of wheat. During the last season 40,000 fat sheep and lambs left the distriot.

An .African Ham. — When Captain Marchand was on his way to Fashoda the provisions of his party, as we know, were very ehorb. They saw ia a native hut a disreputable looking ham hanging. Hunger, however, induced them to trade for it, and they secured it for a bright tin saucepan. When Captain Marohand Ba w the ham he began to have suspicions, and before cooking it careful investigations were made with the result that the ' ham ' was found to be the thigh of a slave killed at a religious cere mony held by the natives.

Diseased Animals.— From a return just prepared by the Board of Health. Sydney, showing the number of diseased animals slaughtered during the month of September m the district within its jurisdiction, it appears the numbers were as follows : — Bulls, 2 ; bullocks, 287 ; cows, 193 j calves, 224 j pigs, 314; sheep, 464; total, 1484. The chief diseases were tuberculosis and oancer.

St. Patrick's Day Sports. — A meeting of those interested m the formation of a St Patrick's Day Sports Association was held m the Arcade Chambers last evening. There was a very fair attendance, and it was resolved that an Association be formed having for its object the holding of apprts'ou St Patrick's Day, aad that those present form themselves into a Committee for the purpose of obtaining members, their report to be submitted at a general meeting of members to be held on January 10, 1899. Messrs John Mttller, W. Burns, John Wilson, and H. McSherry were elected a Comraitjtpe to draft ruleß, and Mr D. McDonnell was elsgted secretary pro tern.

POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY.

This ever-welcome combination ia about to visit us once more, and will repew ac quaintance with a looal audience on Thura ~ "«xt. Mr Pollard wag so well pleased •?k",u .. »*"" 1 of his last visit here, that he with the resu.. .. tnht f the ' fa intends playing two a. lH^ g t loyer * season. This will be welcome n«. - n^ of bright dressing, charmiDg music, - laughable comedy, and it proves that Mr Pollard has deoided on including Ashburton m all his future tours. The pieces chosen for representation here are as follows : — On Thursday the attraction will be the world famed musical comedy "The Gay Parisienne." This is the latest addition to the already ex tensive repertory of the Company, and it has proved the most successful production ever placed upon a colonial stage. On Friday we are promised still another novelty m the merry musical comedy "The French Maid." This ia another Old World SUCCO3B, and it has proved an immense draw every* where. Both these pieces have been secured from Messrs Williamson and Musgrove, and will be staged here with all the original scenery, wardrobe and effects. The box plan will be opened on Monday morning at Mr H. M. Jones.

News m Brief.

The services ab the Primitive Mefcho3ißfe Church, Wills street, to-morrow, will be conducted by the Rev G. H. Mann morning and evening, and at AUenton m the public school by Messrs Aston and Hardley.

Those m quest of a really good town residence will have an opportunity afforded them of bidding at auction for an excellent one, on Saturday next, December 17. On that date Messrs Friedlander Bros, will offer for sale (by order of the mortgagee) the house of eight roomß, etc, f on the corner of Tancred and Cass Streets.

Attention ia directed to an advertisement referring to the accounts due to the Ash burton Publishing Company, Limited, up to the end of March last, when the preßenb proprietor took over the business. Ife is necessary to close up the affairs of the former proprietary with aa little delay as possible. The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Masonic Lodge, 1811 E. 0., will be held on Wednesday evening next, when the officers of the D.G. Lodge of Canterbury will pay an official visit. During the evening W. Bro. O.Dillworth?oxP.G.W., will deliver one of hia well-'fenown lectures. Visiting brethren are cordially invited. I

The programme of the Methvon sports for New Year's Day (January 8 thia year) has been printed * circulated. It is a very liberal programme both for horse and athletic eventß, and ought to be aa attractive as m former years. The horse even a are confined to horses and owners commonly resident m the Mount Hutt>, South Rakaia and Mount Seiners Road Districts (the latter north of theaouth branch of the Ashburton river), and the Upper Ashburton Road District, wibhin the b^ndarieß oi ths old Winohmore run, and the minimum of residence » aince Ootober 1 last-'

SOCIAL COLUMN.

[The matter contained i)l this column is paid f»r. Any person m sympathy with the wotk, and wishing to contribute tozvards the cost, may do so h forwarding contributions to the manager of this paper, when the sum will be acknmvledged under a number or norn de plume thus .-—"No. 4— iOSx"]

SUBSCIPTIONS RECEIVED.

THE THROTTLING OF THE COMMONWEALTH.

4 Statement of Facts Respecting the Liquor Traffic and the Liquor-Traffickers. (BY jAMEg WHYTH.) The Liquor Traffic has become a political ring such as we have not heard of m other English speaking countriei, and which threatens to throttle and control the Commonwealth itself, — Lord BiOSEBERT.

(Continued.) TWO WEAK INTENTIONS OF THE ENEMY, Before leaving this part of the ■ sub ject, it is necessary that I should deal with two theories which have been ad vanced witn the object of turning the edge of the facts which have been ad duced as to the effect of intemperance m shortening the lives of liquor sellers. It is contended, rather feebly, that the enormous death-rate of the traders m drink is not due, to any considerable extent, to their own excessive drinking, bat to the circumstance that a good many Working people whose health haß given way leave their ordiaary avocations and go into public house keeping, and that so many of them die prematurely that their death rate greatly increases the rate of the liquor dealers. Of course, it is not thought necessary to bring any evi dence m support of this theory. But what ia the probability ? It is totally improbable. A few persons may 1 encer the ranks of liquor sellers under the circumstances indicated, but there is no sort of ground for believing that ' a larger proportion of them become liquor sellers than become, say, grocers; and their accession to the rank of grocers does not make the death rate of that class at all formidable. The single fact that seven publicans die from alcoholism, that is, drunkenness, for every one of the general population who does so ought to be sufficient to settle the question. But when are added the other facts, for which the Registrar-General is the authority, that " they dig sis and a half times as fast from diseases of the liver; six times as fast from gout, and more than double as fast from diseases of the urinary system, from diabetes and from suicide" — all of them being specifically drink diseases, and no other class having any such death rates from them — nothing remains to be said. The other contention ia that the mere fact thftfc liquor sellers have an ex cessive, death rate cannot be accepted as evidence that they dio from drinking. This is true, but nothing to tba point, for the contention is not that their excessive death rate is proof that they die mainly of intemperance, bat is proof that they have an excessive death rate, and that from other evi dence it is clear that this excessive death rate is the result of excessive 1 drinking. The fact just cited as to the cause of death amongst them con ■ stitutes one part of this evidence. Common knowledge as to their habits 1 \ constitutes another portion of it, and such facts as the following, furnished by the British Medical Association, , constitute yet another. EVIDENCE OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. It cannot be supposed that this com mittee m publishing the statistics which show the excessive intemperance of the liquor sellers, had any intention of insulting them. The Committee's desire was to inform the members of the Association as to the extent to whioh excessive drinking prevailed j as to what classes were most addicted to that Vice j and as to its effects on J health &T* 9f * n *^ c i nvest *g at i° n which took place t. ha li( l« or P eo P le showed up very badly, that was 1 fiOt the fault o£ the Committee. It was the fault of the liquor people. The Committee found that of those of the licensed victuallers as to whom they had received reports, 40.3 per cent. — or three times as many per cent, as of all other classes taken together, and twice as many per cent, as any other one class, died drunkards ; that 25 per cent, more of them belonged to the class of " free drinker," that 5.3 per cent belonged to a claea intermediate between the drunkards and the free drinkers ; 13.8 per cent, to the class of " careless drinkers," and only 11.3 to the class of the " habitually temperate." It is important to notice that the eap cessive drunkenness of the liquor sellers was not m this case at all a matter of inference, but one of observation. Their habits were known and reported upon by the medical men who had at tended their deathbeds, and the short ness of their lives was ascertained by the Committee, who collated the re turns furnished by the medical men. That is, the great majority — 70 per cent of them — were known to be either drunkards or exceptionally heavy drinkers, and only 11.3 per cent, of them to be "habitually tßmperate," and such are the men appointed by the magistrates to be guardians of order and sobriety, where order and sobriety *re most m danger.

CANDLELIGHT NOTES.

" I must have liberty withal, as large a charters I ihJ wind, to blow on whom I please— As Ton liKk it." • I get occasional letters sent to me by .' kindly intentioned people asking me to I ' draw the attention of my readers to all aorta of things — to ventilate fancied grievances, and do my best to redress their wrongs, real or imaginary. I wish I could please them all, but as that is impossible, aud to try to please some would offend a great many, I elect to follow the middle cou*e, or rather take »n outside ticket, and simply look ou, while some other fellow fonder of a row tak«?B up the cudgels. Jt is m one of Che Waver-ey novels, I think, that a certain old proverb is quoted " Beware the. redding straik." I take the meaning of that proverb to be, beware of the b!ow you will get if you interfere m other people's quarrels. A good many people are now suffering from the " redding straik " over the recent election, but the wounds are more annoying than serious, and a few days will heal them all a P »g a ' n > £b waß very amusing to me, though, to look down from my perch upon the little war, and note how fiercely it was fought. The sport of cycling has taken a firm hold 'of the youth of this generation, and what ever non-cyclists may think about it the interests of cyclists will have to be con sidered m the future. The sooner this fact . - « .■ * .» „. i a Li

The sport of cycling has taken a firm hold 'of the youth of this generation, and what ever non-cyclists may think about it the interests of cyclists will have to be con sidered m the future. The sooner this fact is recognised by the powers that be, and the local bodies, the smoother everything will move along. On the other hand cyclists will have to understand thab as they are j now a very numerous and influential body, they moat be careful nob to seek for greater privileges than any other section of the community are entitled to. I am induced to make these remarks by a perusal of several newspaper reports of cases broughb by cyclists against persons who, they assert, have caused them loss, and hurt and damage m some way or other. There was a time when a cyclist generally went to the wall m any case brought before the coucb ; but now the reverse is more common, as so many magistrates are themselves cyclists. Not thab I would for one moment insinuate that the magistrates are m any way partial, bub they know the temptations assailing the cyclist to escape a piece of rough road by taking the side path, or to jus 6 go a few yards without lighting up, If cyclists will stiok loyally to the law as it Btands and devote all their energies to procuring Borne imyrovevAenta m the roada open to them, they won't have much to complain of.

While on the sub j act of cyclists I may Bay that the Domain track is m a shoocking condition, and if it be true that the contri butions of the cycling bodiea to the Domain Board amount to £31 a year all I can say is that they have good reason to complain. I would suggest thab they approach the Domain Board with a proposal thab they should pay £2 2*, the same as the Cricket Club, and keep the track m order them selves. I cannot Bee how the Curator oan find time to do what is necessary, and cer tainly the condition of the track utterly precludes fast riding. The cricketers have assuredly made bhe best terms for them selves of all those using the Domain.

.A recenb case m Court gave me some amusement. A poor fellow was suing an employer for wages. He claimed £, 1 a week m addition to the board and lodging he had enjoyed, and a couple of pounds or so he had already received m advances. How the matter ended is now history. The Magis trate gare jadgmeut for 7s 6d a week, though defendant thought 23 6d a week was ample. But m the course of the hearing ef the case it came out thab defendant, though he held plaintiff so very cheap as a workman, con sidered him good enough to charge 8s a day for when he sent him up to assist In the now celebrated " Rattle of the creek ! " Of course it was somebody else that was paying this money to defendant, and that made all the difference. Defendant, too, waa his own lawyer. The old proverb may or may not hold good here. Defendant, I fear, would have lost bis case m any event, so that he saved lawyer's fees by doing his work him self ; bub if I judge the matter rightly the man who came best out of the case was the only lawyer engaged m it. There was a slight passage at arms between the bush and the " rolls " lawyer over the credibility of one witness. Defendant stated thab that witness "had his dagger m him," which remark Coke-upon-Littleton took objection to. The reason why there should be any dagger m the matter at all was suppressed m the giving by the Magistrate, and the average member of the motley orowd behind the barricade had his curiosity left ungrati fied. But when it was all over someone pointed oat that the witness was the borough foreman m fosse x and defendant the borough foreman m esse. Hence these tears !

But there is a big lesson for farmers and contractors to learn from this case. Men, hard up, Btranded completely, and it may be suffering from illness, or only convalescent, oome seeking shelter. Out of kindness they are allowed to stay on — apparently glad to do any odd job for their food and lodging only. No arrangement is made with them, because there is really no work for them to do that the employer cared to pay for haying dope. A time Boon comes, however, when th.ere is work to do, and capable labor is employed, the "stone-broke" not being of *he Bort the employer wants. Of course the " stone broke " goes away, but he imme diately sues the employer for a fancy figure m wages, and ignores the fact that he haß been allowed to remain on the place at all simply beoause the master took pity on him, and gave him haven till better weather for the old craft came round. Dozenß of Bucta caaeacome before the Courts which could each be settled m one act were the employers only sensible enough to make such an agreement with the applicants for this kind of tefuge as both consider fair, and have the agreement m writing and signed. A . document like this will always settle such cases.

A correspondent writes to me a very interesting letter. He is a rolling stone, but as he only rolls at intervals he gathers moss while stationary. He has been stationary for periods m most of the New Zealand towns, and has an eye for the little peculiarities of human nature. He says the odditieß of Asbburton strike him forcibly. He noted a dilatorinesa m the posta} delivery — not that the postal meseepgers are m any degree slower than those of Kaiapoi, Rungiora, or Christchurchi many of the rounds jn which places are very wide— but because they are delayed at the houses where they call, while there is nob any delay caused to the postmen m the placea mentioned. Here (says my corres pondent) Mrs or Miss, or whoever has to answer the door ? must first finish her yarn, stir her jam, or roll her back hair into order. Jf it be a hi, the collar must be adjusted, the tie squared, and the person generally inspected m front of the glass before the postman's knopk is answered. He notes further that if the house be a long way back from the road, and the the postman is Beeu entering the gate, no one thinks of going out half way to meet him. Nothing so considerate. The man is allowed to come right up to the verandah, knock or shout, and that not seldom two or three times before someone strolls out m a sleeply way to take the letter. He suggests that the Postal Department should supply the men with shrill whistles, the sound of which would make the moat sleepy person aware that a letter awaited. Failing attention to the knook, after a wait of say one minute, the postman should be authorised to move on to the next address, leaving a printed card stating that he had called, but had not been answered m the regulation time, and the letter would have to be called for at tho office. My correspondent contends that Were there co waitings at the doors of certain houses, people at the end of the round would get their letters earlier. I don't know how far my friend is righb m this matter of the postmen, bub there are many callers for orders, etc., suph aB milkmen, butchers, grooers, and others, who have no reason to oomplimenb the house wires of Ashburton on the prompt manner iv whigh they ftDßWer the oalla ani knooki.

lin a most vigorous manner. Ail of these I functionaries can blow pretty loud, but none loan do the blasting like the Hon "J. M> JTwomey. With both lungs and "Leader" I he blowß, and when not blowing shouts aloud i the praißes of all the members of the present I ministry. Let but a whisper arise m condemnation of one of its members ; let only a line of criticism be found anywhere— and the Hon. J. M. Twomey arises m his wrath add smites the enemy hip and thigh. Your paper published lately a paragraph going the rounds that Mr John McKenz© inteuded to retire from the Cabinet at the end of the financial year and a reconstruction would of course follow. 11 Nothing of 4he sort " shouts the Hon. J. M. T. "If there is to be any reconstruction it will not be m the direction indicated. The number of Ministers should be increased by two at least, for it must be patent to all that the best work cannot be gob out of men worked to death as they are. Ministers of the crown ought; to have a great deal of leisure time, so as to be able to think, and eoheme, and devise what is best for the country. Our present Ministers have no such time. They are always kept at high pressure speed as regards work, and have no time for anything else. In our opinion this is a mis taken poiioy, and we are surprised that Mr Seddon has put up with it so long. There is nob the least doubt that a Minister's salary ought to be raised to £1250, and that one or two other Ministers ought to be appointed. This is the reconstruction that is urgently wanted."

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

Mr D. D. Hyde, the government poultry ezperb, delivered a lecture last evening m St.' Stephen's Schoolroom. Owing chiefly to the shortness of the notice gives, the attendance was limited. The Hon. Major Steward occupied the chair, and, m introducing the lecturer, remarked that if Mr Hyde oould nob tell his hearers how to make a hen lay two eggs a day, he would no doubt be able to show them that the poultry industry was very muoh behind m New Zealand, and that m America they had found oat that there were dollara m it. He regretted the attend* anoe was not larger. Mr Hyde commenced by informing his audience that it was quite the smallest he had addressed m the oolony. He was the more sorry to see so few present, because it emphasised the fact that the great possibili ties of the poultry industry were almost completely overlooked m this, as In mosii Other parts of New Zealand. He believed, however, that when the facts he nu continually publishing about the industry came to be fully understood, there would be a striking increase m the numbers of the people taking an interest m poultry breed ing. At present New Zealand was twenty years behind m thia matter. In Victoria the importance of the trade was now appreciated, and the result waa remarkable ; for, whereas some few years ago the total export of Victorian poultry and eggs w&b worth only a few thousand pounds sterling* the latest return? showed the value to be upwards of £300,000. Mr Hyde then wenb on to point out the manner m which poultry could be best dealt with a3 a factor m the revenue of the farmer, but as this portion of his addreßS was to a large extent practical, and repeated m detail the information which, for the mosb part, can be obtained from w>rks on poultry breeding for profit, it is sufficient to say that Mr Hyde succeeded m emphasising the importance to farmers of educating them selves upon the subject with cjuite as much industry and care aa they devote to the oultivation of their crops and stock. Some remarks made by the lecturer, however, deserve special mention* For instance, he pointed out how much the producers permit others to make out of their eggs, by Baying that there was a caterer m Wellington "who had m pickle upwards of 10,000 dozen eggs, whioh had been bought at an average of 6d a deam, and which oould now be sold ab a profit of oent per cent. Mr Hyde also pointed oat that any person could 8600X6 & fair price for his eggs by simply preserving his eggs when they were plentiful and cheap. He knew of a successful farmer, who not only acted m this manner with resprcb to the eggß produced on his own farm, but purchased those of his neighbours when the price was low and generally doubled the money so laid out. The lecturer proceeded to give one or two formu'» for preserving eggs, one of which was as follows :— lOlbs lime, 2lbs salt, lib cream of tartar, mixed with two gallons of water. If then quite fresh eggs were packed m a jar and regularly as put m covered with this mixture, the eggs would keep for nine months. He thought thO farmers should make & point of pickling tb,eit e £g B * a °d then they would certainly make a profit on them. The lecturer, after dealing pretty fully with the manner of pre paring fowls for market, and giving a num ber of hints, which would have been extremely useful to farmers— proceeded to. point out how, m his opinion, ducks and geese oould be made the most of. He con cluded a very interesting address by express ing his confident belief that the poultry industry was destined to take a place second to none of those m which the people of this colony are engaged. Replying to a question from one of the audience, who appeared to think that there was nothing m breeding geese to sell ab 2a 6d each, Mr Hyde said that he had not heard of geese being sold m Wellington for a long time at less than 6a or 7s each ; and m facb there was a gentleman managing a large business m Masterton now, who had authorised him to say that he was prepared to buy all the poultry m the oolony at top prioeß,

Mr E. Stephens moved a vote of thanks to Mr Hyde for his interesting lecture, and expressed his regret afc the small attendance which wan chiefly due to the short notice given.

Mr H. Willis seconded, remarking that although he had been one of those who could nob see any good reason for the Go vernment going into the poultry business, more especially on the lines laid down by Mr Hyde's predecessor, be thought the manner ia which matters were now being managed would benetib the country, the farmers, aQd even the fanciers themselves. : ' t: '

Mr Paul supported the vote, and said he was sure that if Mr Hyde could see his way to come round again, he would haye a large audieDoe to hear him.

Mr Hyde, m responding, said ha should be always willing to answer any letter of enquiry from those deßirbus of information.

The usual compliment to the chair con« eluded the business.'

CABLE NEWS.

l/niced Prees Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. London, December 3 The Board of Trade returns show that the British imports for November increased by £903,090, and the exports increased by .£46,600 com pared with the previous November. A sculling rape between Towns and Barry will be rowed op the Thames on May 1. Constantinople, December 8 In accordance with the advice given by tbe Emperor of Germany, Turkey has decided to increase her cavalry by v 25,000. London, December 9 There is a revival of rick burning, night outrages, and boycotting m Mayo. Graziers are especially annoyed, and urge the application of the Crimes Act. 1 Cairo, December 9 Major I\larchand leaves Fa&heda fov Jibuti! next weefc. ' -

THE LOSS 01 THE LONDONIA.

London, December Q The steamer VedaQiore has landed at Baltimore 45 survivors from the steamer Londonia. The vessel encoun tered a terrific sea. The remainder of thfc crew are lost. The Vedamore persevered two days and nights m heroic and dangerous efforts to rescue those aboard the Londonia. She lost several boats m her attempts. On the third night the Londonia vanished : witjj thirty five still aboard^ • '

THE ASHBO&TON GtARDIAN : SATUHDAS, DECEMBER 10, 18^8



£ a d Grenadier .. .. ..026



la Va& &Wl«tt t«&% »\l tb«> big potentates had heralds, who announced beforehand what the great guns intended doing, and generally blew the trumpet with as much noise as possible. This oustom has been reouaoitated, I see, by the great potentates of New Zealand. • They have heralds m various parti of theJe realm, who blow theic trumpoft



Hon F. M. Hubbard, District Judge of the Eighth Judicial District of lowa, m passing sentence upon liquor dealers. — " The desolate ruin caused by your hellish traffic." LoVd Bacon. — ". Most diseases have their rise m intemperance.'? Hon. John D. Long, oi Massa- chusetts. — "Alcohol is the dynamite of civilization." Lord Brougham. — " Alcohol is the great source of pauperism and crime." Hon H. W. Blair, of New Hamp- shire, 1885. — Drink is the chief source and immediate cause of more hurt to society and to individuals than any (Ottkftt ag%i\«y." Justice Deamen, Surry Assizes, Eng- land. — " The whole of the offences of violence (I might almost -say) are directly asoribable to the habit of



EvkN a glanne »b their windows will show that i Craighead <fc Berryman are determined In maintain their reputation aa the leading JXiwdoutfitteraHAdyt) ' . gmofee New Yiny?,



THIS Ashburton Drug Co. [(LIMITED) HAVE juat unpacked, direct^ from the English Manufacturer, a new Btook of all theDraga used m compounding physicians' prescriptions, specially made m oonformity with the new British Pharmacopcea, 1898. The Im< of dispensing medical pre- portant soriptions iB the special and Work coDstantoare of the manager (J. M. Cambbidge), who has been engaged m this duty for 36 yeara, as well aa having had the benefit/ of an XC»{^li@li training and experience, and holding an .English certificate. To those who unfortunately have to take medicine, especially incases of SerionH It is of the uttnoßt import- IllnetSS}. anoe that the drugs should be new and freshly im- ported ; that the medicine should be accurately and skilfully prepared ; and that exaocly what the Physician orders should be used, and nothing else substituted m its plaoe. *X lie Price should never be the first and only consideration— Drugß can be bought at all prioes. We prefer to import all our Drugß from a firm we can rely on, though we pould buy many of them cheaper m the colony. But we oharge no mo.ie than is usual m most of the larger towns, and generally a little less. A.T A.LL An urgent call for medicine TlMUai is responded to at once, whether during business hours or at night), Sundays or holidays. Night Dis- pensary — opposite Dr Maude's, and next to Dr Hunter's residence. J. M. Cambridge, MANAGER. 11 135 Christmas — Craighead and Berryman have just opened out a splendid lot of new suitings as now worn at Homa, direct from I London ex s.s. " Tokomaru." Alio, latest) novelties m Shirts, Hats, Ties, etc., jmb m time (or tbo holidays..— Advt,



D. T BOM AS ' ATT6~TTrii HORSE FAIR. FMDAY, JANUABY 6, 1899. TMTY NEXT HORSE FAIR will be held on the above date, FOR WHICH I AM NOW BOOKING ENTRIES. DAVID THOMAS, 12 28 Auctioneer. FAKMS FOR BALE f| 1 fj ACRES n,ear Ruapuna, securely Ml/ fenced, good house, large stable and chaff house, etc., 250 Aores j Kngliflh grass, 110 under culti- vation to; turDi J} 8 ' balance native pasture. Price . ow * . „ , AKC\ ACRES noar Dromore, .J\T. 4t t) \J proved, good house and out bu. " ' ings, all m grass, "I QA/\ ACRES Near Dromore, well I/gUU fenced, 300 acres of wheat and 300 acres m oats (look- ing splendid). Balance laid down m graßs. This block is well worth looking after. Terms can bo arranged. Apply 11 150 D. THOMAS, Ashburton.



ODDFELLOWS' HALL, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13. PROGRAMME. Part I. 1. Bell Exeroiaes—   Infants 2. Action Song— "Bo-peep" .. Infants 3. Duet—" I Won't ask You to my Party " Winnie and Nellie Collins 4. Action Song— "Three Grey Geese" ..   lafanta 5 Reoitation—" Where'o Mother ?'* i Eunice Buchanan 6. Song— " Golden Boat " .. Infants 7. Gramaphone Selections— Mr Marsden 8. Song— " Lullaby " .. .. Infants 9. Plantation Song-"De Old Banjo " . . . . Senior Children 10. Recitation— 1 ' A Little Boy's Lament"  .. Frank Porter 11. Ball Exercises — . . . . Infants 12. Song and Chorus— '♦ Red, J White, and Blue " Senior Children Pabt 11. 1. Grand March — . . •» — 2. Song, Chorus, and Tableau — " The Star-epaDgled Banner " Senior Children 3. Ring Exercises — . . . . Infants 4. Duet—" You Stay at Home m Your Own House " Lily and Hilda Williams 5. Gramaphone Selections — Mr Mareden 6. Plantation Song— " De Ringtail'd Coon" .. .. Senior Children 7. Club Exeroises— . . Senior Girls 8. Song— "Three Little Japa" G. Porter, R. and A. Stock 9. Reoitation— " The Little Orphan " Rachel Joyce 10. Gramaphone Selections — Mr Marsden 11. Pole Exercises— .. .. Senior Girls 12. Song, Chorus, and Tableau— Bule Britannia " Senior Children Accompanist Miss Collins Admission Is;. Children half-price. Commence at 8 p.m. 12 93



; Entertainments. ODDFELLOWS' HALL Afahburton. Lessee and Manager— Mr Tom Pollabd. Treasurer — Mr W. O'Sullivan. THE EVENT OF AN EVENTFUL YEAR. [ For positively TWO Nights Only. THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 & 16. Return of the Favourites— J j POLLARD'S OPEBA (OMPAIST. Arrangements For The Season : THURSDAY, December 15-First produc- tion m Ashburton of the World-tamed Musical Comedy "THE GAY PARI IENNE." FRIDAY, December 16— First production m Ashburton of the Merry Musical Comedy "THE FRENCH MAID." Both pieces produced by arrangement with Messrs Williamson & Musorove, and with all the original SCENERY, WARDROBE & EFFEOTS. Pollards Popular Prices— 4a & 2s, Box plan at H M Jones. 1290 FRED W. DUVAL, Business Manager TTAMPSTEAD CONCERT, In Aid of the School Prize Fund,



!,i O 6 a cd h a b^ri ' ' 9 P ASHBURTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, Limited. JN LIQUIDATION. IT IS REQUESTED THAT ALL. ACCOUNTS DUE to the above Company, and which are now being rendered, be paid at the Mail Office before ' JANUARY 14, after which date proceed* inga will be taken to recover those out- standing, as the business of the Proprietary prior to April 1, 1898, mußt be wound up. | Note — Tfa^e Accounts do not include j anything that may be due to the present management as from the above date. j#LO B B W A R D, THE ABhbut'ton Acclimatisation Society will pay TEN POUNDS to anyone giving such information as will lead to the conviction of any person or perßons DYNAMITING FISH m the Aehburton River, 12 57 methyeF^yards company, ltd. NEXT SALE will be held on THURSDAY, December 22. j (128$ aH, AUNGIQN, Seorittry,



OUR NEXT BALE will take piece at Chrietohoreh on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 1893, And Catalogues for this Sale cloae on MONDAY, 12th Inbt] Clients are requested to deliver their Clipß either at our Ashburton Stores prior to that date, or to consign the Wool to BROWN AND SON'S SIDING, Addington, where it will have our utmost oareful and personal attention. Advices of consignments will be reoeived »b oar Aohburton office. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. TXT E ABE LANDING, ex Waimate and Tokomaru,' X A I N I T, The most celebrated German Potaah Manure. ALSO, STANDARD PHGSPHATB, Containing 44 per cent of Bone Phosphate of Lime. These Manurea are unequalled for Turnip, Rape, and Grain Crops. Low quotations on application. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. TITTE are favored with instructions from A. BUTrERICK, ESQ. TO SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, HIS COMPACT LITTLE FARM OF 338 Acres NEAR WILLOWBY FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd.



CHURCH SERVICES. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Aahburton. SUNDAY SERVICE3-Deoember 11. 8.30 — Holy Communion 11 am — Morning Prayer j 2 45— Children's Servioo 3.30 pm — Holy Baptism 6.30 pm— Evening Prayer REV T. A. HAMILTON, i ■ ■ ■ i ■ ■ ■■ ■' ■ — —^ Friedlarmer Bros., Limited. WE HAVE FOR SALE 1 A FEW SECOND HAND BRANTFORD REAPERS AND BINDERS IN GOOD REPAIR. Apply to FRIEDLANDER Bros. Ltd., r ■ — ■■ ■ — " WOOL SEASON, 189899.



WAVERLEY TO THE FRONT. ASHBURTON AMATEUR OYOLTNG & ATHLETIC OLUB'S • ROAD RACE. C. WILLIS (scratch) FIRST H. SARGISSON SECOND BOTH MOUNTED ON THE WELL-KNOWN WAYERLEY. The Proper Way to Construct BICYCLE BEARINGS. A YEAR'S USE upon many Thousand Wavebley Bicycles, and elaborate tests upon our Friction-Measuring Devices, have demonstrated that the Waverley method it the only by which absolutely tsue Bicycle Bearings oan be obtained. THE CONES SLIDE IN - WAYERLEY BICYCLES - Insfesftd of Threading bhe Oonea or Capt, for adjustment, m the ÜBUat way, the Cones and Cups m WAVERLEY Bicycles remain always m the precise relative position Id which they were ground, the Coneß, for adjustment, sliding to or from the Cups. For 1898 we have devised universal Cones, fitting either side of the front or rear wheel, and having a double face with two Ball races. They can be put on the machine m eight different places or wayß, thuß making it impossible to assemble the bearings incorrectly. And the Bearings are Absolutely Dust Proof FOKK CROWN SAFETY. FOR MEN AND WOMEtf. THE Hollow-arch drop-forged Fork TXTE °. ffar tl " 8 veM bufc One Mo<Jel °' Crown of the Watfrley is a *V Bicycle, but that the finest our triumph of mechanical skill— the strongest Bkill and resources can produce. We yet devised. don't make tandems. We don't make juveniles. WAVERLEY BICYCLES. WAVERLEY BICYCLES- SIMPLICITY. SURPASSING ALL OTHERS iqaq WAVERLEYS are Marvels TX7B this Year make but One Model, lOyO of Mechanical Construction VV and crowd into that all possible and skill, yet so Bimple any child oan quality and beauty. There is no Bicyole understand and care for them. to compare with the WAVERLLY BICYCLES- WAVERLEY BICYCLES- JOHN OUR &. CO., SOLE AGENTS. DRESS AND FASHION. SUMMER 1898. ANDREW ORR, TS NOW SHOWING A MOST COMPLETE STOCK OF SPRING AND SUMMER NOVELTIES IN MILLINERY, MANTLES, CAPES, BLOUSES, SUNSHADES, CORSETS, AND UMBRELLAS I>Ztls&9 GOODS IN GREAT VAItZICXY 50 dozen Ladies' new Cycling Gloves and'Oorsets. 100 dozen Men's New Scarves and Bows/Jtovely shades. Men's Shirts, Collars, and Hats. \ Men's Suits to Order from 70s. Carpets, Liaeolums, Floorcloths. Splendid Stock of Ladies' and Gentlemen's Boots and Shoes" INSPECTION INVITED. ANDREW ORR.