THE LATEST.

Borne and. Foreign.

Vnited Press Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright. Received Wakapaaka Deo. 23, 8 55 a-m, Guardian Office 9 53 a-m. Bafir-el-Gliazal. Cairo, December 22 Captain largeau, m charge of the French military pest at Meshr-elElek, m Bahr-el Ghaz^l, has abandoned tho point and joined Major Marchand.

Australian.

United Pres.B Association -By Eleotric Telegraph — Copyright. Received Wakapuakft Dee. 23, 9.12 a.m. Guardian Office 10 a.m New Guinea. Brisbane, December 23 In the Assembly the Premier mad( » statement m reference to Guinea. He said it was now almost self-supporting The cost of adnainistra tion was £15,000,000 per annum. He intended to interview the Premiers at the federal council next month with regard to the future administration, and if he had any voice ia the matter he would sea that parliament had more say m the administration m future. The Pacific Cable. Sydney, December 23 The Postmaster-General, replying to a deputation of the Chamber of Com merce Baid he was unable to give definite assurances re the Pacific cable Until the intention of Great Britain and Canada was made known. In the meantime he was pulling a number of strings which probably would lead to a reduction of present rates to about half. Received Wakapaaka Deo. 23, 11 a.m, Guardian Office 11-37 a-m Record Hailstorm. Adelaide, December 23 A record hailstorm fell m the city. The stones were of the size of pigeons' eggs, intermixed with lamps of ice, an inch and a half m size. The storm lasted a quarter of an hour, and traffic was entirely suspended. Immense damage was done to windows and lamps.

THE EASTERN SITUATION.

■» ■. United Press Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright. London, December 22 The Admiralty authorities intend to convert Weihaiwei into a naval depot, if a report of a favourable nature is presented by Mr Frew, the naval engineer sent to inspect it. London, December 22 The Daily Mail states that Russia proposes to add to her fleet m the Far East four battle-ships, six cruisers, two gunboats, and torpedo boats and torpedo-deatroyeri, m order to cope ■with coalition that may be effected. A French priest has been murdered m a riot at Hu pei. France disclaims any intentions on the Yang-tse kiang Valley, but will merely take steps to protect individuals from outrages by the natives.

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTS.

. « The Crisis m South Australia. United Pices Association— By Electrio (Telegraph — Copyright Received Wakapuaka Deo. 23, 9.12 a.m, Guabdian Office, 10 a.m. Sydney, December 23 Parliament prorogues to-day. Adelaide, December 23 The Government representative refusing to give assurance that the proposed referendum upon the Council franchise will not be taken concurrent with the general elections, the Council resolved to adjourn till January 17, without passing an Appropriation Bill or dealing with any other business, the Assembly is discussing the crisis.

THE DREYFUS CASE.

♦ United Prong ABBOOiation— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright Paris, December 22 The ultra secret dossier is alleged to relate to a matter posterior to the Dreyfus trial. The Court of Cassation has received the Picquart dossier, which is a mili tary explanation of why a court martial is necessary* The reactionary party and the military have subscribed £3000 to epable the widow of the late' Colonel He.ri'ry to prosecute his accusers. The neutrality of the army on the question has thus been violated, bat the Government is quiescent.

News m Brief.

» Messrs W. H. Collins and Co. announce the opening up of specially selected goods for the Ohristmaß Beaaon suitable for presents. The ABhburton Permanent Building Sooiety will be closed for the Christmas and New Year's holidays on Monday and Tues days 26 and 27, and on January 2 aiid«3. * ' - ' Mtfasra Nicoll Bros notify that they will continue the sale of the bankrupt Btock of jewellery, watches, electro-plated ware, &c, to-morrow. The firm advises that they will alao offer for sale a collection of fancy goods, and nicknsLoks, suitable for Christmas presents. In addition to these entries there will be the usual assortment of poultry, furniture, fruib, produce, and sundries. Mr J. H. J c witt had a fine display of poultry at his shop to-day. No less than forty pairs — dressed a n 4 m feather — adorned his hooks, and. comprised geese, ducks, fowls, and even tmlzeys. These are only the advance guard ot hi* supply for the Christmas trade, as to-morrow furthei heavy consignments will arrive from the fountry, - . . : - ■■• , >' ?• Mr ' Otto Wingfeldt, the special repre. gentative of the Australian Widow*' Fund Life Assurance Society, who most successfully introduced the business for that Company it Chrißtohroh and other places, has arrived U town, and will visit the country district with the object of introducing to the publi this well known Australian office, which i conducted on purely mutual principles, t the publio. The most satisfactory ' businea reßnlts of this Company (which has beei established over twenty-seven yearß ii Australia) during its short term of buainea m New Zealand, promise to make the Auc traliau Widows' Fund Life Assurance Societ soon one of the leading life offioea m thi colony, and no doubt Mr Wingfeldt wil meet here similar success to that met m ai the places previously visited by him. Th district) agent for the Company is Mr Davi Xbompj, for partioaltra. eta »d?ert}Bpmonl 0

ISLAND NEWS.

1 A Trading- Cutter Seized.

.' United Press Association— By Eleotrio > Telegraph — Copyright. j Sydney, December 22 News from the Islands states that the natives a*-. Sauta Cruz have seized a trading cutter, and it is believed thn crew, including two whites, have been massacred.

THE ASHBUftTUK GUAHDIAS : KtfDAY, DECEMBEK 23, IS-*



-j— ■ - . . | 1£93 -C H R I ST M A S- h® 3 NtWCDBBAMTB, \ SEW bULTANAS FLETCHER BROS. ESfiSHFaSK? sS?assus ft ALSO THE FOLLOWING FOlTotTtt CHRISTMAS TRADE:- --50 Tins Finest Citron Peel ObllJ?"^ L^° n ' VaDillft ' 16 Cases Aborted Cordiali t „ , w °?P° ln ? aI » Almond, etc. OX7JK- PROVISION DEPARTMENT IS STOCKED WITH THE FINEST GOODS PROCURABLE, - As will be seen by the following : wherever shown, and obtains the Highert Price m the Home M.,kf™ lib tins Apple Puddinc ?u t™ O«n« d Mutcon PRESEI i!i! 0 99 SEAS0H (\ PfiE SERV«G SE4SOR BR4SS l^lL^^lfliif HE4VYtLIGHT ENAMEL Preserving Pans C|9W Preserving Pans Brewers' Crystals. "*" Brewers' Crystals. Sa^i'd JMaSS 1 1.1" 1 - ° DCc U£6d aIWByB U3ed> We alßo^ock P Auckland No"? 2 Jar.* N«ri rf'trfl.T' 4"« l P'foi' In Stock, inolofllug M»»on'. Improtea Sorew Ton FLETCHER BROS., 'sSSh B™™'8 ™™' ashbu ß t on. S and L le?gh R ltreet, christohurch. — — Ma^ .^^^^ A MERRY CHRISTMAS. ELECTRO-PLATED WARE. rpWO Oasea of Specially Selected ELEOTRO-PLATED WARE of elegant design and special quality from the best English and American Makers, marked at prioes whioh will give the Purchasers exceptional Talue for their money. ALSO,— A Selection of CHOICE ORNAMENTS of unique Designs and colours, which for genuine value and artistic merit cannot easily be surpassed. Purchasers will do well to inspect our Stocks and make early purchases. W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, COAL t TIMBER MERCHANTS Agents For — Royal Insurance Company Ltd, „ Shag Point Coal Company 11 Weatport Coal Company, "" H. M. JONES."™ (x) Santa Claus & Father Christmas are Coming Again — Hurrah ! -^— (X) OQ CASES OF fCO BOOKS. TOYS, STATIONERY, AND FANOY GOODS. GLASSWARE AND LEATHER GOODS, Just opened up from leading London and Contiantal Houses especially imported fo* Chrialmaa trade. -. * r * w T)/ r \/°VTZ'Q Presentation, and Reward Books, from Ward, Look ±->\J\J±*-yD* and Co., Casßell and Co., Routledge. Nesbitfc, Religious Tract Society, and others. Beautifully Bound Editions of Bible*. Poets, and Standard authors. X? -C^.-L\ IO JL VJT KJ yJ±S O Music Foliea, Ladies' Oompanionß, Work Basketß, Bilk lined, Jewel Cases, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Dressing Caaea. Hand B»bs Pursea and C*rd Cases, silver mounted, Silver Pencil Cases, Watches, etc. * Electro-P 1 ated Ware— g? t ?I CE n-T ariet £ ooff f Je "? an . d •n ito m i %, « . Jsutter Dishes, Cruets, Biscuit Barrels, Epergnes, Teapots, Mugs, Servxette Rings, Butter Kniveß, Bread Forks, etc V XXK^J-^O Vases and Wasßware, Crystal and Tinted; latest patterns, ohoice Designs. Specimen vases from 3d. TOYS. TOYS. TOYS. DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLLS The Largest Stock of Toys ever held m Ashburton. All kinds and description's, from id bqueaker to a good Steam Boat or Piano. Howes, Barrowa, Whips, ArkJ, Tea .S2J^2S^2Si^-^ Skittleß ' Cubeß « WoodTo ' 8 ' Tin T °y» CRICKET AND LAWN TENNIS RACQUETS From Besb Makers. PIAMOS Time Payments from .„ ... oO s na - mni . f v ORttAtSS „  „ jww per month bio yolks ,; „ V. ;; •;; •;:. soV 1 " School Committees Supplied. " " LOWEST CASH PRIOES m all Departments. Fqual to Cbmtchurch and Dd M . din Bouses. Do your Business here and keep the Trade m the District INSPECTION INVITED. h. m. Tones. 4



17, CHKTBTMAS AT j THE DUST PAN. ./ x \ O LD 1R CHRISTMAS & SANTA OLAUS int.nd to put up at THE DUST PAN for (he CHRISTMAS S MASON, m , r , THEIR CHARIOTS ARE LOADISD WITH lUYs T-. YS TOYS TOYS AND DOLI.B DOLLS DMLLS JVLLS 'IHE LATEST THE FUNKIEST THE BEST " PA^HHf ™* C&V-tntiled. Art,* B^^ 6W FAJSCV GOODS. FANCY GOODS, STATIONERY, S< ATIuNFRY, K*t "avis •> The Prize Winner, the Best, I3e»t ALL 0 MKRS at S«vri«cr xuncjliino j Exhibitiona Mf'^^^r roiIlb " l t atoris - The Cheapest and Beat. Chris- church Prices. Mawsey-Hams Bicycle-Sub- AGENT for this Firsc-Class Machine. i THE DUST PAN. Address—Next BANK OF NEW ZEALAND, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. M. J. iJPKGES^. d LAST WEEK OF *■ HARDLEY BROS. , /CLEARING SALE OF IRONMONGERY, TINWARE, Etc. * 8.8.A. SHEARS T.TJ S- ALSO REDUCED, r Spcoial reductions m Carpenter's Tools of all descriptions. Tanks, Baths, Pumps, Etc., AT REDUCED PRICES. J S3- AH accounts owing to J. W. Hardley musb be paid at once. ; NEW FRUITS. — NEW FRUITS, 50 CASES fine &t new currants 5Q 100 BOXES NEW V LENOrA RAISING | 100 BOXES FI »EST NEW SULTANAS Jf)O N.B.— All our Fruits are WASHED and DRIED by Patent Machin- ery, being ready for immediate use, therefore saving much time' and trouble m cleaning. l " rT^E Have Just Landed the following Seasonable Goods — 10 cwb Finest Lemon Peel 2 cwt Finest Mixed Spice 10 owt Finest Orange Peel 20 d< z Bottlea Lemon Squash B cwt Fjnest Citron Peel 12 doz Bottlea Kaspbfirry Syrqp 6 cwt Choice New Figs 1?, doz Bottles Lime Juice (*lupß 2 cwt New Malaga Musoitels 2 Gro«s Packets Jelly Tablets ! 1 cwt New Jordan 41monds 1 cwt Dried Pr aches 2 cwb New Season's Dates 1 cwt Dried Aprico'n 5 cwt Assorted Nuts (Baroelmp, 2 cwt Choice New Prunes Almond, ai.d Walnuts) 2 cwt Keal German Saneage 10 oases, 2.b ims, Fruit (Peaches, Pearr, 6 dcz this Chicken m Jelly and Apricotß) 6 d( z tir.s Turkey In JelJy SUGAR. - SOGAR. - 9UGAR. MAURITIUS AND MILLIQUIN CANE SUGARS ALWAYS IN STOCK. The Most Reliable Sugars that can ha need for Jam and Jellies. JAM TABS. (X) "~JAM JABS- We have a Large and Assorted Stock of Jam Jars, including 21b Stone Jare, lib and 21b Glass Jara, 1-quarb and Mason'a Patent Screw Top Bottlea. which we are offering at Low Prices. TEAS TEAS. TEAS. TRY OUR PURE CEYLON TRA, Packed m £lh and lib packets, 51b and 10lb tins. A Pungent and Good Liquoring Tea. Special Quotations for Tins and i-ohestp. §S" We make & Speoialty of Tea. The Best Value given m Ashburton. WINES AND SPIRITS. WE are now Packing Speoial Assorted Cases for the Christmas Trade. English , and Colonial Bottled Ales and Stout, Manning's Celebrated Ale mlO gallon keca always m Stock. Golden Apple Champagne Cider. Ordere by Post despatched with Punctuality. Goods delivered Daily.' SHEARMAN BROS., GROOERS, IRONMONGERS, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, ; MARKET ROUSE, BUBNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. (Telephone No 53 -CHRISTMAS CARDS- PRESENTS. (o) J. WILSON, I Corner of Arcade & JBun&ett Street, I Ty E H » ve ft MAGNIFICENT SELECiJON of Well-Execnted PAINTINGS on OPAL, whioh make a Superior Substitute for the usual Christmas Caiiu, and are Selling at aboub the same Coßb. Theße pretty Scenic Views are too good to be ) treated m the UHual way of Christmas Cards— pub away ia a book and forgotten. i They are Ornamental, and aa such merit a prominent place m one's Sitting or Drawing i Room, where the sight of them tends to freshen tho recollection of tho donor. WE HAVE ALSO- HANDSOME WINDSOR AND NEWTON ARTISTS' BOXES, OPALS, MIRRORS, Etc., Whioh would form Substantial and Desirable CHRISTMAS or NEW YEAR Presente. CALL AIMD I INSPECT, SPARROW, TAILOR & OTTT FITTER. O UR St ° Ok COnßißta of aII the LATEST AND MOST FASHIONABLE SUITINGS that ib is possible to procure, and at prices that cannot be beat ia the trade. ni T A H o ?S^9^ IN^ DEPARTMENTiB " nder superintendent of a FIRST CLASS CUTTER. Perfeob Satisfaction Assured. HATS, SHIRTS, SOARVES, PORTMANTEAUX, RUGS, Em W . e S?Slmf peci * lly direeb y° ur atttn ti°n to our Large Stock of Ladies' and Gentle, men s BOOTS AND SHOES of every description, and of really very superior makes m Ungliab, American, and Colonial. First^a MADE TO ORDER, AND REPAIRS PROMPTLY EXECUTED by W, SFABBQW, EAST STREET.



. [ Fublio Notions. jiHE BARbYTOWN FLAT No. 2 GO MINJ.NG COMPANY, No Liabiliti 0 mflE First Half-Y.arly Meeting will to X held at the Office of the O.mipa: arcade, Ashburton, on SATURDAY, Dtc* ber 31, 1898, at 2 p.m. Business : To receive report of DirecU ra and Balai f Sheet. jp By Order of the Board of Directors, CHAS. J. STYCH.E, 12 203 Legal Mannger F. CURTIS, WATOHMAKEB, JEWELLEK & OPTICIAI (Late Watchmaker for A. Gunderscn, f Chrißtchurch.) SUCCESSOR TO R. MUttRAY. BEGS to intimate that he has no opened up his , new Stock WATCHES, JEWELLERY, and CHRIS' MAS NOVELTIES. Watches and Clooks Promptly Repaired Jewellery made up to order and repaire at shortest notice, LARGE STOCK OF ELECTRO-PLATE] GOODS. IN THE ESTATH OF WILLIAM HADLEY COLLIER OF RAKAIA AND ASHBURTON, DRAPER. riIENDERS are invited m this Batate fo JL the purchase of— 1. Interest m Shop and Dwelling at Rakaia. 2. Stock of Drapery and other Merchandise oontained m said premises. The business has been carried on for t number of years by Mr Collier, and is now offered as a going concern. Terms, and conditions of sale, and Stool lists may be inspected at the office of Mi Fooks, the Sub- Agent of the Publio Truste< at Ashburton, Mr W. H. Collier's shop al Rakaia and at the office of the undersigned, Tenders will be received for the lease oi the chop and stock jointly or separately, Tenders to be forwarded to the under signed by noon on 4th January next, marked "'lender, VV. H. Collier," and must be accompanied by a marked cheque or a cash deposit for 10 per cent of the value of th« stock as fixed by the stock list and 10 pel cent of the price offered for the lease. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. J. J. M. HAMILTON, District Agent of the Publio Trustee, Government Insurance Bureau, 12 193 Christohurch. ffcAKAiA A NNUAL QPORTS & T)AOES WILL BB HELD IN THE PUBLIO DO MAIN Off BOXING DAY, December 26, 1893, & HORSE RACES "I iy ATHLETIC EVENTS LARGE ENTRIES. Conditional Liaenses for Riders m Trotting Events oan be obtained on the ground. REFRESHMENTS, GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS OF ALL KINDS. The Burnham Band will play selection! during the day. BAKAIA'S GALA DAY. Admission — Is ; Children 6d. A GRAND BALL will be held m the evening m the Loan and Mercantile Com- pany's large Store. J. ROLLO SHARP, 12 198 Seoretary THE AUSTRALIAN Widows' Fund LIFE ASSURANCE SOOIETY, Ltd. Established m 1871. Accumulated Fund .... £1,250,000 Annual Revenue ... £210,000 mHR ONLY LIFE OFFICE m New X Zealand that) attaches to Policies the condition of Non-Forfeiture and Absolute Exemption From Payment of Premiums, while the assured is either temporarily oi permanently incapacitated through any kind of illness, accident or mental disorder. 1 Example. — {f a man aged 30 effected an assuranoe of £500, with profits, payable at 60 or previous death, and he became per- manently ill or disabled from (say) the day after paying the first year's premium, the Society would not charge any further pre- miums, bub would pay the £500 with profits m full, without deductions, upon the mem- ber attaining the age of 60, or at his previouc death. V Christoimrch Direotors : Wm. OHRYBTALL, Esq. (Chairman), AEG Rhodes, Esq, Wm. Recce, Esq. Head Office for New Zealand : 6 Custom House Quay, Wellington. C J FOWLER, Resident Secretary C J OWEN, District Secretary • Speoial Representative — OiTTO WINGFELDT DAVID THOMAS, 240 Diatrio6 Agent, Ashbqrtoi ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOOIETY. mHE Offices of the above Sooiety WILI BE CLOSED for the CHRISTMAS am NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS on MONDAY AND TUESDAY, December 26 and 27, 1898, AND Otf MONDAY AND TUESDAY, January 2 and 3, 1899, EDWARD STEPHENS, Minager



| DO NOT FAIL TO YI-IT f THE CEJSTBAL AUCIION ROOM* r JO-MORROW. GREAT SALE OF JEWELLERY Electroplate and Cutlery, suitable fo Christmas and New Y ear's Gifts, Sale at 12 30 and 7 o'clock p.m. NO RFSKRVE. nicoll" bbos. 12 222 JR. BLAND, Auctioneer. CENTRAL AUCTION ROOMS. nTTE HAVE been instructed to Sell by Auction m our Rooms TO-MORROW, SATURDAY NEXT, 21th Inst., A LARGK AND VALUABLE COLLEO. TION OF Gold and Silver Watchea and Chains, Rings, Brooches, Pins, Cutlery, E.P. Ware, and Sundries. Also, Chiffonier, Chests of Drawers, Wash, stand, Tables, Carpets, and Sundries. Absolutely no reserve. Also, Two Dining Room Suites of Furniture. ', Also, - Christmas Fruit and Poultry. Sale at 12.30, and 7 p.m. NIOOLL BROS., JOHN R BLAND, L 2 199 Auctioneer. FRIEDLAMDER BROS. WEST STREET AUCTION MART TO-MORROW. 3AIURDAY, DECEMBEB 24 \\T E Shall offer aa above— A LARGE QUANTITY OF CASES. Also — Several Second- hand REAPERS and BINDERS, m good order. Sale at 12.30 p.m. 2 182 R. FRIEDLANDER, Auctioneer. DAVID THOMAS. ARCADE. TO-MORROW, SATURDAY, December 24. 1%/TR D. THOMAS has received m LYJL Btructionß from a Client to sell on the ,bove date, viz : — Scotch Chest Drawers, Double Iron Bed etead, Spring Mattress, Iron Cot- Trap, Cheffioßier, Chairs, Tableß, Waahstands, Ware, Crockery, etc., elc, etc. Also, — IFIRBT-CLASS PIANO, by Collard and Collard. On account of Baptist Church,— Balance of unsold goods at late Exhibi- tion. Extra entries solicited. Sale at 11 30. D. THOMAS, 2 184 Auctioneer. ARCADE HORSE FAIR. FBIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1899, Tl/TY NEXT HORSE FAIR will be held m the above date, FOR WHICH I AM NOW BOOKING ENTRIE.B. DAVID THOMAS, 2 2Q Auctioneer. Government Notices. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS^ iICYCLE RACES AT OHRISTCHURCH 26th INST. THE Evening Train from Christchuroh to Ashburton and Methven will start at i.15 p.m. on the 26th inßt., aud run 30 ninutes later than timetable timea. The 11.55 a.m. train from Timaru to Ash- >uiton will run on the 26th, and a train rom Aehburton to Timaru at 5.40 p.m r •unning 1 hour SO minuteß later than the inies of the afternoon train on Tuesdays. Che train to Springburn en the 26th will un 1 hour 30 minuteß later than timetable >imes. No goods traffic on 26th December. Excursion fares aa already notified. 12 191 BY ORDE R. Bankruptcy Notice. IN BANKRUPTCY. ~* In the District Court holden at Ashbur- ton. NOTIOE is hereby given fchab Charles Ltjdwig Hansbn, of Hinds, Farmer, was this day adjudged bankrupt; and I tiereby summon a meeting of creditors, to be tiolden at my office on the 6th day of January, L 899, at 2 o'clock m the afternoon. JOHN DAVISON, Deputy Official Assignee. Ashburton, December 23, 1898. 12 221 NOTICE. SPECIAL BANK HOLIDAY. PURSUANT to the terms of the Banks and Bankers Aob, 1880, and the Banks and Bankera Aob Amendment Aofc, 1882 WEDNESDAY, the 28th day of December; 1898, is hereby appointed as a Special Bank Holiday at the Ashburtpn and Ra'kaia officeß of the undermentioned Banks ;— Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. G. E. TOLHURST, Resident Inspector, The Bank of New South Wales, E. J. FINCH, Inspector. The lank of Auatralania, CLEMENT WINTER, _ ' inspector. The Banlj: of New Zealand, '. •' " C. G;. TEGETMEtER, W * General Mft»»g«r.



£ armors, worKingmen, ana an wno ae«ir to see "good times" m Ashburton wil materially help t-< bring prosperity to thei; owu doors V>y c: ciurtigine; local induefcries Saving mc eased our -stiff of workers, anc showing the largest ptock of tailoring geodi m the district, and with exceptional facilits for trade, we are determined to offer euot inducements as will " k?ep the money m thf place" if customers will kiii-Hy call nud compare our reduced prices on and aftei Tuesday, December 13, 1898. Men's all wool tweed suitß made to measure m a vuriety of new patterns for 52s 6d or suit and extr» pair of trousers to measure for 65s and upwards, at prices which will m all cases compare favorably with those of Christ- church or Dunedin firms for cash, and our name ia a sufficient) guarantee for fib, style, and workmanship, as the lending tailors and outfitters —Craigheap & Berryman. (advt)



SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Concert— Oddfellows' Hall, to-mgho W H Collins & Co— Klectro-plated ware J H JewiM— .Poultry, eto H M Jones— Christmas cards Bessie Simmonds — New music Permanent Building Society — Holiday notioe Model Yacht Club— Notioe re entries for Chrißtchurch Lost— Brooch Saleyards Company— Next sale, Tuesday Bankruptcy notioe Niooll Bros — Sale of jewellery, to-morrow Wanted. FIFTY or Sixty pairs of Poultry of every description teady for To-morrow— dresßed or undressed. J H Jbwitt 12217 ON Christmas Eve, see Magnicent liJxhi. bition of Photographs and Christmas Cards at Cooper's Portrait Studio — illaminattd NEW Music for Chriutmas ; also Violins, Pianos, Melodeons, etc ; New Violin Strings ; also Seoond-hand Bar jo — Bessie Simmohds, Burnett Street 12 212 WANTED*-Ali Cricketers to attend Annual Concert on January 2, 1898, and bring their friends 12 218 OPEN this Evening for Business ; call early, and select your purchases while you have a quiet opportunity and avoid the crush'— H M Jones 12 220 MECHANICAL Toys, Steam Engines, Steam Boats, Traction Engines, Magio Lanterns, Kicking Donkeys, Jumping Frogs, Birds, Wood and Tin Toys — all descriptions— H M Jones 12 214 rnHE Biggest Show of Dnlls, Toys, Fancy JL Goods, Leatherware, Books, Stationery ever Bhown m Ashburton ; imported direct. Exceptional value ; lovrest cash prices — H M Jones HOIO ALBUMS and Screens, Ladies' aud Gentlemen's Drawing Cases, Purses, Card Cases and Pocket Books, Ladies' Bags, Companions, Writing Cases, Work-boxee. Special value for Christmas trade — H M Jones LOOK! Lancy Chocolate Box sin endless variety for Christmas Presents. Call and inspect. — H. A. FLOW£B y Confectioner and Fruiterer, East etreec. LOST on the Wakanui Road— A Purse containing a sum of money, and a Brooch with "KatV zosoribod on it ; also a receipt from Mr A. Orr. Finder kindly lep.ve same at Mail Office. 12 219 SELLING OFF — Mrs Alocim, finding thab her shop room is iu&ufficienb for her increasing business, has decided to offer her toys, dolls, prams, vases, and glassware at reduced rates for Christmas and New Year, to dear right out of these lines. SELLING OFF — Mrs Alcorns Shop will be open each evening this week, except Thursday, for sale of Christmas Cards, and cheap sale of Toys, eto. Entertainments. ADDFBLLOWS' TTA LL . TO-NIGHT, TCh NIGHT, CONCERT & MUSICAL SKETCH . By Leading Ghrißtchurch Mußiciane MISS ALIOE CORRICK. „ DAVIE. „ MURRAY. „ ROSS. MR J. A. GARDNER, A.C.M. „ A. W. BOWRING. FOR THE FIR9T TIME IN ASHBUR- ' TON. 1 Mr T. H. Cane's Musical Sketch, " The Manager" Smart Dialogue— Catohy Songs. Skirt Dancing — Japanese Fan Dance. NEW AND BEAUTIFUL LIMELIGHT EFFECTS. Popular Prices — 3s, 2s, & Is. Box Plan and Day Tickets a& H. M. Jones. Commence at 8 p.m. Public Notices. TO LET. THOSE PREMISES lately occupied by the late J. Taylob, Engineer ; next to Bank of Australasia, Tancred Street. Apply on the premises. 12 197 THE ASHBURTON STOCK AND SALEYARDS COMPANY. JTTIHE NEXT STOCK SALE will be held as usual at the Ashburton Yards on TUES- DAY, December 27. • o '- ALB.ERT ROBERTS, 12 2l ? '' Secretary. ASHBURTON MODBTj YACHT SOCIETY. MEMBERS dealr^Ta of entering Boats ™ v* £ or the Model Yacht Club a Race, to bo Ba ii ed on December 31, are requested to <sp mmU nioate with Mb John Davison, Hon Treaaurer, or W W Wjjitjb, Hon Secretary I^Bls