THE ALLEGED OPAL THEFT.

At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr C. A. Wray, S.M., M. J. Lyons, manager of the Keoord Reign Opal Company's mine at Mount Peel, was charged on th. information of Edward Saunders, with the theft on December 12, of an opal bearing stone with the opal there in, valued at £10, the property of the Record Reigu Opai Company. Mr Purnell appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Ray mond, with bim Mr Cuthberton, for the de feooe. Mr Purnell m opening the case, said the defendant was m the employ of tbe Record Reign Opal Mining Company as mine manager on December 12. On that date Mr. Wilson, the Government Mining Inspector, with two directors of the Company, and two members of the Press and others visited the mine. A blast was put m and an opal bearing stone thrown out. To ascertain the value of the stone it was necessary to have it placed before an expert for his report. But accused olaimed the stone as his, on the ground that he had not been paid his wages; Ultimately the etone was put m a bag and carried down to the hut m whioh the men lived. Bryan, & hotel keeper, who was with the party, relieved Lyons of the bag for a portion of the journey. The hill ia 3000 feet above sea level, and the party made tbeir way to where the trap and horses were. On the way Lyonß disappeared m a gully, but reappeared at tbe trap, when Mr Saunders had caught the third horse. The stone was supposed to be put m tbe trap by Lyons. It was not, however, as Lyonß had planted it Lyons went back with a fiddle for Mr Wilson's horse. The stone Was supposed to be m Lyons' charge all the time, until the trap left. There was no suspicion of any triokery until the trap readied the Rangitata Hotel, where it was desired to show tha stone to a gentleman there. When the bag was opened there was found a stone three times the size of what had been put m the bag at first, but simply a piece of blue rook and valueless. There were wrapped round the bag two nose bags tbat were lying beside the trap when the party mustered at the foot of the bill to inter upon the return journey. The party thought it was only a practical joke on J_yons' part, and from Ashburton he ijras written to for tbe stone, but . . lie had not sent the stone or produced it m any way. Mr Pur nail then detailed con versations that had taken place between Lyons and Mr Friedlander and Lyons and Mr Zander, m wbioh Lyons said he knew where the stone was, and offered to produce it for a certain sum. Counsel for the prosecu tion then quoted the law on the subject of larcony and the aiding and abetting therein, pointing out that this case was one of more than ordinary larceny, inasmuch as accused was a servant. To substantiate the case be ' had outlined, Mr Purnell called the follow ing evidence : — E. J. Paul, journalist, Ashburton, said he knew the opal mine at Mount Peel, belong ing to the Record Reign Opal Mining Com pany, and on December 12 (a Sunday) he was «(b tbe mine. Mr George Wilson, Govern ment Inspector of Mines, made an official inspection of the mine on that day. Witness Went to the mine, by invitation of the Directors, as representing the Christchurch Trfiss.. Witness saw the blast go off, and also saw disclosed a piece of rock containing ; opal, and helped Mr Lyons to take it out. ' It appeared to be a valuable piece, and the faoe of tho rook that had just been blown ■bowed a continuation of the same kind of •tone. The opal showed about tbe size of a . shilling piece on tha face, but witness could | not Say how far tbe opal went into the stone. Messrs Norton and Bart, two direotors of the company, were presenb, and consented to the atone being banded over to Mr Wilson, just as it was, to be ' taken to i Wellington. Heard no instructions given to Mr Lyons about the stone that was left m ' the mine. Saw Lyons and Bryan towards t the but, and believed one of them had the ' opal stone, but could not say wbioh. Saw I them afterwards going down the hill together t Lyons carrying a bag on his shoulder. They 1 went down together, for nearly a mile, and I witness lost sight of them by the interven- t tion of a spur, but on seeing them again they t Were somewhat apart — a chain or so. Next i SS.W Lyons when he was going away with a ■ saddle for Mr Wilson's horse, and Lyons £ came back just when they were about to i Start. Just as they were about to start saw c the bag supposed to contain tbe opal stone t i£ the trap. Lyons was there then, for T . witness leaned out of the trap and shook « $f*nda with bim. Had occasion to shift the < bag m the trap, and had no doubt also that 1 Lyons handled it. Witness remarked how c heavy the bag was, but he could not say that i Lyons then bad an opportunity of feeling t the weight of the bag. Saw nothing re- < markable m Lyons' conduct or appearance. ] Witness' feet were against the bag all the « Way down to Rangitata Hotel, and he was c »bre nobody opened the bag during tbe t journey. They were travelling eight or i nine miles an hour, and it would have been 1 impossible for any one to tamper with it. I There were m the trap besides himself 1 Messrs Wilson, Nicholls and Norton m the " bodyandMessrs Harband Saunders on the box « — the latter driving. Next time be saw the a bag was at the Rangitata Hotel, m the front s twm, almost immediately after the horses < were taken out. Helped to take the stone 1 out of the bag. Ib was not the opal stone i taken out of the mine, but a boulder (pro- c deced), which was quite three times the t weight of the opal stone. Tbe stone waß c taken oat of m bag, bub he oould nob say if c there was a second bag, nor that bhe bag had ] been used for feed. * By Mr Raymond — The whole of the party \ arrived at the trap before witness, except j Mr Nicholls. Lyons was away about ] twenty miautei with the saddle, having two 1 or three miles to go over roughish country, I but the horses he and Wilson rode were " cantering. While Lyons was away the i ' party bad a sandwich by the trap. Handled 1 the stone at the mine several times — more i perhaps than any one else. Mr Lyons was 1 oareful that nobody took ib away. There i were a dozen people at the hotel when the ] party arrived, and Bryan had gone on to prepare for dinner. From tbe manner of 1 the people ab the hotel they had learned from Bryan all about the discovery. . $onniagton, a sheep dealer, was at the < hotel, and the stone was brought ont to show • fii'm. • It was then tKe fraud was discovered. When the party were about to start from i £he foot of the bill, ' Witness made the ' re- i mark that the bag was uncommonly heavy, fejijj his suspicions were not aroused. Be tides it was none of his business — he was there simply as a reporter. By Mr Purnell — Everything was taken put of the trap at the hotel. By the Bench— Had no suspicion about the stone on apoonpt of its unexpected weight ip tbe frag, apd was surprised when ft the hotel, ib was found they did not have thp proper stone. Joseph Bryan, hotelkeeper, Rangitata, was also at tbe claim on December 12, and saw •> shot put m. A piece of rook, with a pipe of opal m it, was blown out. Was not Kn expert, but did not think the opal was yery valuable. Directions were given to Lyops to bring the stpne dowp to tbe fjpttom of the hill, but witness pould not say who gave the dire-tuns. Volunteered to parry the stone from the plaim to the hut used by Lyons and his men, and carried it there. Lyons following. The stone waß parried m a bag, and witness took it out. The rock was crackpd m some places near the corners, and with Lyons' consent witness chipped off tbe loose pieces to make the rock lighter for carrying down tbe hill. The opal was not disturbed, and the rock left would weigh perhaps 161bs or 181DB, and would be about the si_e of a man's head. After trimming off the loose pieces, the rock was put baok m bhe bag. Arthur Day saw it Eut there, and the bag produced is tbe same, •id not remember tying the bag. Lyonß and witness started with the stone, witness oarrying the parcel while Lyons filled and lit his pipe. Carried the bag with the stone about three or four hundred yards, and went with Lyons for some little distance, and then they parted, Lyons went to the right for a distance, and got out of witness's sight *3** m a gully. Did not see him again till Wfinby mumtes or half an hour after, when pyeaw ityous ab the j;rap. The country is jr'ery loudly, and there,, were no, strangers i.bp_t a. .all. Assisted Mr Saunters tt> repair the 'break' in the buggy, after arriving from tl*»e hill, but did not see the bag with the opal stone m the buggy then, and was ppt' looking for it. Neither Mr Saunders noV witness, nor any one else oh»qged any tatae m vKi buggy during the time he was (hire* Jv would b»vo besn impouible for *)!>• •» '* ft <• ; ! ' ' <

any one to have done so while he and Mr Saunders were there working. Did not himself, nor did he see any one else, change , the stone m question. Rode back to Rangi , tata ahead ot the party to arrange for their i reception. When tha party arrived put the i horses m the stable, and on coming baok to [ the hotel, ten minutes after, saw the stone m court on the table. It was not the opal stone. The bogUB stone had been m his i charge ever since. There were on the couoh [ two other sacks besides the one now m court. Mr Norton and Mr Hart gave him two notes to deliver tn Lyons. Sent them to him by witne-B's manj Wbs present at the meeting i of directors on the Tuesday following, Lyons also being present. Lyons there said i he had placed the stone m tbe trap, and it was a mystery to him how it had changed. By Mr Raymond— -Had an interest m another claim up there, and had often seen better opaln m Ashburton than the ones showng m the stone whioh was taken ont of the mine on the occasion m question. Had no doubt equally good opals were easily obtained up there There were five or six men about the mme — men who were cooking there — when the party was there. The party had a little camp some diaance away from the trap, and standing up m the camp the trap could be seen, but sitting down it would not be seen. While Lyonß was away with the horse witness was nob m a position to say that any or all of the party were away from the trap. It was quite impossible tbat the stone was changed by some one while Lyons was away with the horse*, At the ho. el, announced that the party had found a nice stone with a pipe through it. By Mr Purnell— All the party were moving about at the little oamp by the trap. Some of the miners came down the hill by a different track, but they did not come to the hotel. The pipe did not go right through the stone, and it oould not have been seen how far it went through. Tbe atone m its natural state oould have helped the inspector to set a value on ib. Arthur Day, miner, was m the employ of the Record Reign Opal Mining Company on Deoember 12, and Mr Lyons was the mine manager. On that day he and the manager put m a shot which blew out a stone contain ing opal. Went from tbe mine by himself to the hut, where he saw Lyons and Bryan, and the latter put the stone referred to into a bag m Lyon's presence, after knocking off a sharp corner, but not interfering with the opal. The stone m Court was not the one, and was not the quality at all. The stone he saw was put on his baok by Mr Bryan and the two set off down the hill. Mr Lyons did not return to the mine until the Monday following. There were four miners m all at the mine on the day m question, and all remained up there. Saw no strangers up there. When the blast came a piece of reck with a pipe of opal mit came out • the other part was left m the rock with the opal show ing m it. Heard no instructions given by Norton, but Lyons said the rook was not to be interfered with. CouM not give the move ments of Delaney, another miner, who with Stanley, another miner, went down the hill by the pack track. Believed Stanley went with Mr Wilson. Edward Saunderß, journalist, was one of the party from Ashburton to the mine on Deoember 12. Saw the blast go off, and the stone m question sent down among the rubbiah at the bottom of the mine. The stone m Court was not the stone. Lyon, said the opal m the stone was a beauty, and the rest of the rock alßo showed opal. Heard Norton say the stone would be taken to Ashburton, and Lyons said he would take it as he had not been paid any wages yet, and he meant to have something out of it. There was a wrangle, but it was decided that the stone should go to Wellington, and chat the opal that was left showing should not be disturbed, so that visitors might see it if they cared to. Went down the hill with Hart before the rest of the party, m order to get tbe horses. At the foot of the mountain had a wash, and after dressing went to the horses. Caught one horse and brought it to the trap. On the way picked up two nose bags and carried them to the trap, throwing them down beside it. Handed the boree over to Hurt who was then by the trap, and went after the other horses. Did not look m the trap, but believed there was no parcel or stone there then. Went to the front of the trap and got the whip from the socket. If the stone had been there then he was bound to have seen it, as the seat was quite open. Drove the other horses out of the swamp and when near tbe trap saw Lyons. That was the first witness had seen of him since leaving the mine. Hart caught one of the horses and Lyons another as the horees c_me up. Must have been away a quarter of an hour. Helped to harness the horses and so did Hart and Lyons. From thac point to Rangitata witness was never ' out of sight of the irap, Did not put any parcel of stone m the trap or change any stone. The others of the party were at the 1 creek about sixty yards away, and oould be seen easily enough from the buggy. Lyons volunteered to go with a saddle for Mr J Wilson's horse, and was away about half-an hoar. Bryan helped witness to repair the break, And Hart went to the creek. A. stranger rode by on horseback before Lyons ' arrived, but did not stop or get off his horee. < As soon as Mr Wilson arrived the party ■ started home. Tbe bag with the supposed opal stone was m the trap right under the - front seat, and witness asked Harb to have ' it shifted. Hart put it over the back of the ■ seat, and remarked that ib was heavy, At ' tbe meeting of the directors next day Lyons said he put the opal stone m the trap, and ■ some of the passengers m the trap had been * playing a joke. Left for Rangitata about six, 1 and Lyons went baok to the mine, wbioh < be had plenty of time to reach before dark. ' It was impossible that any one of the passengers m the trap oould have effected ' tbe substitution without the other passengers ' knowing that it had been done, 'ihe ' Direotors asked witness to visit tbe mine, and having business at Rangitata, reached ' the mine on Wednesday. The piece of rook ! remaining m situ when the rock was first : blasted bad evidently been blasted again, < and there was no opal visible, but a small piece was down m the bottom of the mine. ' By Mr Raymond — Was not£ and never had been a shareholder of the Company. Here Mr Raymond desired to elicit why Mr Saunders, not being a shareholder m the Company, should have laid the information while there were two direotors present at the blast. Mr Purnell opposed the questions, and Mr Saunders said that, though not a shareholder, he had an interest m the mine. Witness continued— The prospects of the shareholders would be greatly improved if Mr Wilson's report were a favourable one. Believed Lyons was a shareholder. Hugo Friedlander, merchant, one of the dlrectors'of the Record Reign Qpal Mining Company, said that on December 14 the Directors held a meeting, at which Lyons was present. He said he could not explain the disappearance of the stone. Witness then asked him if he was quite certain that the bag whioh be and Bryan carried down tb the waggon contained the pipe opal which some of the Directors and other fentlemen who were with him, including the nspector of Mines, had seen blasted from j the 1 mine, was m the bag. He said he was, and thab Bryan carried the bag containing tbe opal a short distance, aud he then took it from Bryan and carried it all the way to the waggon, into which he put it. Asked him then if he had seen any strangers about m the vicinity, and he said he had not. He also said he would have seen if anyone had been there. On Wednesday Lyons came to his office on private business, and when thab had been transacted the subject of the opal stone was again discussed. Witness said it would be a good thing for the Company if the stone were found, and Lyons said he knew where it was, and after some further talk said he would bring it at nine o'clock. During the afternoon he oame and said he required £30 to enable him to get the missing Btone ; that he waß offered £30 for thirty shares, but as he considered them worth £60 he would not sell them. Persuaded him to sell £15 worth, and witness sold them for him and gave him the cheque. In tbe evening, towards nine o'clock, he came back and told witness that the missing stone vas not m Ashburton, but if witness would come with him to the Rangitata he would take witness to the plage) where wjtnqss would !«£alj qve*-"tlJ0 jftissjog stope.'V .;•■.-. ..."•. I ' (Left sitting.)

THE INDIAN FRONTIER.

Press Association — B Electric Telegraph. — Copyright. Received Wakapuaka Jan. 6, 11.25 a.m. Guardian Office, 11.56 a.m. Calcutta, January 5 Two columns of troops under Brigadier General Sir Bindon Blood, have started on a punitive expedition against the recalcitrant Bonerwal tribesmen. They are forcing the Tonga Ambeyla and Malandri Passes Major D. W, Hickman, wing com mander of the 24th Bengal Infantry, was killed at Lundi Kotal. while protecting with the troops under his command, a convoy proceeding to the fort.

AUSTRALIAN HARVESTS

, ma. A Deficit Predicted. Press Association — By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Melbourne, January 5 The Age states : — " As the harvest progresses it becomes more and more , apparent, as far as wheat ia concerned, that the combined yields of the colonies will fall conßide.-_.bly short of their own requirements. In Victorian there is just enough to supply ourselves. South Australia has a positive deficit, and New ***outh Wales a small surplus. Beckoning the Queensland, Tasmauian, and West Austraiian requirements, m conjunction with the South Australian defioit, the lowest estimate shows a deficit for the combined colonies, as between total yields and requirements, of two million bushels. Little assist ance can be looked for from New Zea land, where the latest reports state the harvest is a failure "

LABOR QUESTIONS.

I ♦ Press Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph Copyright Received Wakapuaka Jan. 6, 8.45 a.m. Guardian Office, 9.30 a.m London, January 5 The annual conference of the Miners Federation of Greatßritain has opened, the British delegates representing 407,500 miners. Mr B Pickerd, M.P., President of the Federation, presided, and m his opening speech said (he engineers' strike showed how useless was the attempt to obtain the eight hours' system wh le m conflict with the employers. Mr J. Havelock Wilson, member for Middlesborough, and a member of the Parliamentary Commission and the I rades Union Congress, reports that he has realised £40,000 m America, on behalf of the engineers' strike fund.

COMMERCIAL

«. Press Asßoolation — By Eleotrio Telegraph | Wellington, January 6 I Mr Cameron, the Nnvf Zealand Produce Commissio-er m London, reporting under date November 26, says the market for all kinds of New Zealaud produce continues greatly depressed, and prices all round have decreased. A number of carcases from New Zealand have been very dull and stale m appearance, and Mr Cameron suggests m order to avoid the inference that th^y have been kept m the colony some time that the various refrigerating companies should mark on a tag attached to each sheep the date on which it wus slaughtered. A good numbor of sheep lately coming forward have been of very interior quality. The blame of this is certainly to be attributed to the shippers who have sent sheep away greatly lacking m finish. The report of the health officer of the port of London Bhows that between January nnd June seven vessels .rrived from New Zea land on which were condemned as unfit for food 223 carcases of mutton, 172 legs of mutton, 15 cases ot sheep's kidneys, and l£cwt cheese.

Pupil Teachers' Examination.

■- ■ ♦ The following local candidates have sue ceesfully passed the fourth year pupil teachers' examination : — Edith A. Bell, Ashburton ; Ronald A. Douglas, Ashburton. When the list waß read at the Education Board's meeting on Wednesday-Mr Buddo referred to the very small number of teachers of the male sex who had gone up for the examination. Mr Mannings said the main reason he believed was that the female teachers married and left sohool work after a year or two, and made room for others. The male teachers, on the other hand, continued on ab their work, and few vacanoies occurred. The Secretary said the great difficulty was that the department would not allow the board to give male teachers more than female teachers. Mr Saunders said those who knew any thing about the matter knew that they were getting far better service from their female teachers than their male. When they did away with their old prejudices they would recognise that a woman was quite as good aßa man and quite as capable of managing a large sohool. In conclusion he said it was very muoh easier to geb a good mistress than a good master. The matter was dropped and tbe list accepted.

TUB ASBBOLToa GCARDHB i fHtfRSDAS, JAKBAMT 8, 1808.



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T. Builook. ~ TO LET, "VTEWLY Erected Two-Roomed Cottage Ifti with Scullery, T.S. 822, situated ii Cox Street. Possession can be given earb next week. Apply to T. BULLOCK, Agent. TO LET. SHOP m Brick Building, Burnett Street, next Mr Seymour. Apply to _T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE. Suburban Building Allotments and othet Suburban Properties situated m the Hamp stead Distriot ; also a number of properties m the Allenton Suburban Distriot. Full particulars, prices and terms furnished on application. Apply to T. BULLOCK. rriO LET at a low Rental — Shop and _L Dwelling, fronting East Street, south ; also an Office or small Shop m the Arcade. Rental 6s 6d per week. T. BULLOCK. TINWALD. FOR SALE -~ Building Allotments m Malcolm and Harland Streets, and other properties. TO LET, at a low rental-— Cottage and one acre of land fronting Harland and Grove Streets ; also small Cottage fronting Graham's Road. Easy terms of payment will be accepted , for any of the properties that are for sale. _______________ T « BULLOCK. J. WALKER, BAKER, WISHES to make known to his friend) m and around Ashburton, that h intends to Qommenoe business on Januarj 3rd m the shop known as the TRIANGL. BAKERY, and hopes for a share of tbeii patronage. 12 19] A. WARREN, B ASKETM AXE R, "VTEXT E. W. Hall's, Herbalist, (neany opposite Arcade), TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON. ALL KINDS of WICKER WORK Made to Order and Repaired. 12 2 WOOLSTON STEAM WOOL WORK.3, CHRISTCHURCH. (Established 1868.) THE Undersigned begs to notify that he ia Scouring as heretofore. Squatters' consignments to the Chrisbclmrch or Woolston Station will receive prompt attention. Quick despatch and Lowest Rates. T. YORK. 10 " IFOR PRIVATK SALE ON EASY , TERMS, OR WOULD BE EXCHANGED FOR TOWN PROPERTY. THAT Charmingly Situated Suburb m Property on Belt Road, Allenton, containing about bi Acres of the best land m the County, with really good House, Orchard, and every convenience ; at present occupied by H. F. Nicoll, Esq., under lease expiring March 5 next. Full particulars from 1 1 55 WILLIAM HORNE. CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS ._« warranted to cure Gravel, Pains m the baofe and all kindred oomplaints. Free, front M>cury. Established upwards, of 30 years, lln boxes 4s 6d eaoh, of all Chemists anc Patent Medioine Vendors throughout thi world. Proprietors, The. Linooln and Mid £ nd Counties D ™B Cteropwy, Umb



CHRISTMAS--1897. NEW SEASON'S FRUIT. :'s \ FLETCHER BROS. Id HT A T E Jusfc received b y the following steamerr—lonic, Mataura, and ,c XX Bimutaka— their NEW SEASON'S FRUIT, direct from the growers. sr ™dean safely say that it is some of the Finest Fruit f ver brought to JV- w Zealand. The following Quotations will defy competition m regard to 61 at I class quality ■ — " n 10 -00 cases finest Patras Currants, 4_d per Ib 2 casks Sicily Almonds, Is 2dtper lb 50 cases finest Vo Bt*_zi8 t*_zi Purr-ant*, 5d per lb 5 cwt Mixed Spice, _*d per packet, lib «J cases finest Valencia Raisins, 7d per Ib tin 6d 25 eases finest Elemes Haisins, 7d per lb 2 boxes Jordan Almonds, 2a 4d per lb 50 case, finest Snltanaß 7d per lb 1 ton Mixed Lemon, Orange, and Citron ly 20 hnS. fl* Natural Figs, 8d Peel, 8d per lb, 21b for 1. 3d *• i?. h * 68 £ ne \ fc ? ew D^ 8 ' 6d P« r ,b 20 cues 2.1 b »ins preserved Fruhs m heaw 8 . OJ boxes finest Layer Muscatels, Is per Ib syrnp, 10d per tin '* 2 *?%! £°° d LB y e f T MuBc a fce lß. 8d per lb 10 cases Dried Apricotß, Pears and Peaches. Ie H sacks Barcelona Nuts, 8d per lb 10d per lb y SEASONABLE GOODS. SEASONABLE GOODS. J Worcester Sauce, large bottles, 9d per bottle Enos Fruit Salts, 3s 3d per bottle n K_? n erß ? n . ( i c iT all botfc,ea < 4 * d Der bottle Citrafce of Magnesia, Is per bottle * H-r_!h T?_i° • * !l ? a, i" oa ' M* P er tin Je*Jy Powders (pint packets) 6d per paokefc, r llnl fclf\ 6id P o e 5 tiß .- Raspbewy, Lemon, Orange, Stc etc g te n ßra - ad m almon, o ßd per fern Mullet - Bt » r brand, 7d per tin 7 Sk I* g *u T °m at ° Sauce » 10d P er tin Anchovy Paste, 8d per tin * vtl _?JL f w 6p • r ° ng 'Jn 8 _ 8d » 9d » 10d per tin B,oater Pa9te . tin Kippered Herrings 10d per tin Loose Hops, Is 3d lb lib tins Rabbit m jelly, 7d per tin Pressed tfops, Is 4d per lb barge bottles Capers, Is per bottle Unbleaohed Gincer, Is 2d per lb Sardines, 4_d per tin, 4s per dozen Bleached Ginger.ns 3d per lb » S T aßh, U £ d P cr ü bottl « Ground Ginger, Is 4d per ib I S ? g t A I mega £_ 6d pa^ , bottle Fioeßt Carraway Seeds, 8d per lb * Finest Akaroa Cheese, 6d per lb ' «w|-n» j 1897— PRESERVING SEASON— IB9B. j PRESERVING PANS DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURERS. } 8 quarts 7s, 10 quarts 8s 6d, 12 quarts 9s 6d, Light Steel Enamel Preserving Pans, beet I and 14 quarts lis quality,. 3s, 3s lid, 4s Id, & & each \ CROCKERY DEPARTMENT. \ a a -r.^s, aye J UBt received v e»7 heavy shipments of all lines of CHINA and RARTHENW ARE, both Fancy and Plain, and everyone is welcome to step m and see the bargains we have m this Department, without being pressed to buy, Plain Tumblers, 2s per dozen Nail Brushes, 3d each Moulded Tumblers, 2s 6d per dozen Pie Steamers, 4d each Vrinted Cups and Saucers, 2s 9d per dozen White and Gold Egg Cups, la 3d per doien White and Gold China Cups and Saucers, 6s Alarm Clocks (good timekeepers) 3s lid ' r- i__f_ V 6/ ,-V r, ■ ■ . Nickel-plated Butters, from 3s 6d each Celeste and 3 gold line China Cups and 5 hole Revolving Cruets, from, 7s 6d each. Sauoers, 63 63 per dozen etc., etc.' Kindly no.te that nearly all the above mentioned goods are imported by us direct from the manufacturers, so therefore we are enabled to sell as cheap m tact cheaper thau any house m the trade. FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, East Street, Ashburton, and High Street, Christchurch P.O. Box 67. Telephone 24.



PUSLIC IHCTICES. WALKER'S BOT-FLY REMEDY. Chertsey, January 15, 1895 To Mr Heseltine, Agent for Walkei Bot-fly Remedies, Ashburton Sir, —I consider it my duty to add n ;e testimony to the marvellous effects of tl remedies I got from you on my horse I got so ba<! that I had to 'ay hfm up > matter what, I giive him he kept losir condition and became so weak that he cou] scarcely stand I carefully followed tl directions on the bottles and shortly oft- getting the last bottle he passed hois, an at once hegan to mend, and in' a few da] was fit for his woi k I am confident onl for the remedy he would have died I ca highly recommend it, believing it has _ equal William Stringfellow ' Lauriston, August 18, 1894 Mr Heseltine, Sir, — I think it is onl right that I should tell you and my neigl » boring farmers that I am thoroughly saui fied with Walker's Bot-fly Remedies I gc from you. After seeing the state of th stomach of my horse that died, I becam alarmed about the rest of my stock as the , all looked bad I drenohed eight, followin carefully the directions Ib cleaned ther out thoroughly and m a few days there wa a wonderful change for the better I ca highly recommend it, and would advia farmers to lose no time m drenching thei stock lest they have their horses droppin, dead aa I had I believe it to be the onl, safe and certain cure for the Buffering o i hotses James Lemon i Ashburton Forks, Maroh 1, 1894 Mr J Htseltine, Sir, — I am very gad ti tell you thab Walker's Bot-fly Remedies '. got from you proved quite a success with mj dying horse He was ailing for some days his ooat got very dry, the skin tight, a runn ing at the nose, and a very bad cough ; anc was soaroely able to walk about ; we quiti expected he would die I heard a good dea about Walker's Bot-fly Remedies, and gavt it with the most satisfactory results, an. shortly after he got the last bottle he begar to improve and by the end of a week wat able for work hearty and well 1 believe il to be a medicine unequalled, and can reoom- mend it with all horse owners as the besi horse remedy m the market Edward Corbiw Greenwood Farn? Southbridge, August 2, 1892 Mr Walker, Sir,— l am glad to bear teßti- mony to the wonderful effects of your Bot-fly Remedies One of my best horses became very bad ; the skin tight, the eye lifeless and a bad color, and got low m condition Anxious to finish ploughing a paddock I did not want to lay him up until he became unable to lift his feet or do any more We had to help bim into a stable I gave him your Remedies, and the treatment you pre* scribed, and m a few days he was quite better, and now at his work hearty and well I quite buiieve, had I not given him your Remedies he would have died You can use this as you please Robert Thompson Seaside Farm, Wakanui, April 14, 1894 Mr Walker, Dear Sir, — I have great p ea- sure m informing you that'the bot-fly mix- ture I got from Mr Heseltine, your agent, was a wonderful success I had four horses seriously ill on December last After using aU the remedies I could think of I was induced to try your mixture The result was marvellous, I strictly followed the directions given and m a week the horses were out of danger and recovering rapidly I drenched ♦wo more m Febuiary wih the same result 1 hey all put on flesh rapidly, and are now m prime order P Stewart Chertsey, April 12, 1895 Mr Heßeltinp, Ashburton, Agent for Walker's Bot-fly Remedies Sib, — The remedies I got from you had a wonderful effect en my horse, he got so bad that 1 had to lay him up quite expecting to lose h'*m I tried the usual remedies but be on'y got worse At last I gave him Walker's with astonishing results Bots cume away m handfuls, and m a few days he was hearty and well From the effects of this remedy on my neighbors' horees and on my own I con- sider it a blessing to horse owners and could the poor suffering horsea speak they would certainly praise Walker's Bot-fly Remedies as tbe best ever introduced into this market John Downie Mr Cross, Burnham, got the remedy for a horse suffering list year ; on reaching home c was dead This season one took bad, also howing the symptoms Be gave the remedy, ud he second day after, the horse passed ots m hundreds and is doing well Anama, April 3, 1895 Mr Heseltine, Sir, — I have pleasure m testifying to the wonderful effects of Walker's Bot-fly Remedies on my horses They got very low m condition, a dry coat, and very tight skin, and losb all hearb at their work I had to lay them up Hearing so much about this remedy I decided to give it a trial I followed carefully the directions on the label and the results were such as to satisfy me that it is t he only remedy for the suffering horse lam certain \ got back the cost m their work inside a week I shall certainly use it m future m preference to anything else as it has no equal J M Tweedie MANUFACTURER— Robert Walker Canal Reserve, Woolston TI^VERYONE accustomed Io using >he A. C. Oiniment Will find equal satisfaction m using the Bee Ointment, For which everyone is kindly requested to ask instead of the AC OINTMENT. Carefully note that a diagram of a Beo is m the centre, and Edward Gallichan's Faotory, Ashurst, New Zealand, on the end of every pofc. Bee Ointment is every mother's true triend ; on the weakest baby, oi the strongest man's flesh it is always successful. Price, la 6d, Bee Ointment is espacially manufacture-Las a horse and oattle dressing Price— 2s W * AO Corn Cure, for hard or Boft corns warts, and bunions—Price Is AC Vegetable Pills, for male and emale use, 30 pills m every box, and quite equa to anything imported — prioe Is od EDWIN CALLICHAN, PROPRIETOR AND MANUFACTURER Ashurst, N.Z. Canterbury Representative, MR G. P. HOATTEN, Ashburton., «. _____ The following testimonies bo the value of the Ointmest ar? good enough for any. hing :-n Dear Sirs, — We have great pleasure m recommending your Bee Ointments. We have given them a thorough trial, both on | man and beast, and they have proved to be quite as good aa you represent. In future we intend to keep a stock always on hand — We remain, yours faithfully, SB-IR-'IIN <fc Co. Medical Dispensary, New Plymouth, October 19, 18961 • Dear Sir, — I have sold your Bee Ointment and AC Corn Oure and Pills, for the past three years, and I have; neyer known of one purohasjer to express a regret for pro- curing your lines. They have m every case which has come under my notice, given every satisfaction Your Bee. Ointment has proved itself one of the best healing oint- ments procurable Kindly forward me one gross of Bee Ointment, small size, at you. earliest convenience. Yours truy, A. E, SxsEa Chemißk Hupdredß of oth-if testimonials too numerous, to publish. P I a—^mmmm^mmmmmaammmmmm^mmmama^mmmaaam <*_tiat« am ai .



Friedlaader Bros., Limited. j Wool Season, : 1897-1898. ■ —— "~ OUR NEXT WOOL SALES will tak place at ) j TIMARU on I WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12, 1898, AND AT CHRISTCHURCH on FRIDAY. JAN. 14, '■ 1893. Clients will plense consign their clips, i: intended for the Timaru Sale, to JOHN MILL & COB PRIVATE BIDING, TIMARU, where the Catalogues olose on SATURDAY, JANUARY 8. And if intended for the Christchuroh Sale, TO D. H. BROWN & SON.. PRIVATE - SIDING, ADDINGTON, Catalogues olosing on TUESDAY, JANUARY 11. At both places the wool will receive our personal and most careful attention on arrival. Any wool thab may be delivered at our Ashburton stores will be senb on to eibber Timaru or Christchuroh free of charge. Advice of consignments should be posted to us promptly. FbIEDLANDER BROS., LIMITED. j XXJU ARE CASH BUYERS OF ! WHEAT RYEGRASB OATS* COCKSFOOT BARLEY CLOVERS CHAFF And all other Farm Produoe. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. XtfT" E ARE BUYBJRS OF HEAVY BRIGHT OATEN SHEAF CHAFF. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Limited > -H Henry Zander. NOTICE. rpHE ENTRANCE to my Offices is now m Moore Street, (Übely occupied ,by Messrs Friedlander Bros.) CORNSACKS— (FuII size. SEAMING TWINE-(5 ply.) BINDING TWINE-(Douaghyi. JUST TO HAND. HENRY ZANDER. 5000 PAIRS QF BOOTS AND SHOES TO PICK FROM. Try our new .leathers. Every pair Guaranteed. JAMES I_tELLOR, TANCRED STREET-I NsAK_£ NO, MISTAKE. MELLOR'S SEALAI-TDIA BOOT STORE. npHE PrjTBLIoToOT BENEFIT. Second t;o, none In Canterbury FOR GOOp, qHEJAP BQOTS. & SHOES,. , -fronoupoed by the Ashburton Public? bo. gfvo wonderful value fpr Übtls. mpi*ej*' r ' | - — -r ■-= WiHH***** *' &sata#~*~**~~' "



WANTED. FOR SALE— HaIf plate Lancaster Camei and Lens, nearly new ; on view i Mail Office. * 1 I LOST, about ten days ago, a Blac Heifer, white flank, and star on fori head. Reward given.— James Taskeb. 1 2 TO LET, two Shops m Jubilee Building Burnett streeb. Apply Henb Stephenson. 1 _ T7IREBH Shrimps, Herrings, by exprei X? to-day ;- and all kinds of fish froi south tonight. —J. H, Jbwixt, opposit Mail. Office. Telephone 96. 1 2 MADAME GIBBIS. Palmist, Phrenoh gist ; Questions on health, marriag* and business. — Prince Albert Temperanc Hotel, Wills Street, Ashburton. 1 1 WAN I ED— ln a quiet and oomfortabl home, two or more Boardert Apply Miss Allman, William Street. WANTED Known— That from thi date all purohasers for Cash o Clothing, Drapery. Boots, Orockery, an< Ironmongery to the value of £1 and up wards will be allowed a discount equal t< 2a inthe £. — A. Lawrie, Saunders' Build inga. 12 101 WANTED to rent a six or seven-roomer: house either m or within easy read of Ashburton. One with garden, good water supply, and sufficient paddock ac commodation to run a horae and oow pre- ferred. Address, stating rent and par tioulars to " Enquirkb," office of thi* paper. 12 20C Tenders. TENDERS. TENDERS are invited for Stooking 800 Acres "of Wheat and Oats on Lagmhor Estate. Tenders close on MONDAY, 10th inst., with I HOLLAND BROS., 1 31 Flemington. DAVID THOMAS. AROADE. SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 1898. UNDER BILL OF SALE. MR DAVID THOMAS has received instructions from the holder of the Bill of Sale to sell at the above date and fix- ture, at 1 o'olock sharp— 9FIRST-CLASS MARES & GELD. INGS, all young. 1 Hack, 1 Dray, 2 Ploughs, 1 Massey. Harris Reaper and Binder (nearly new), 1 Portable Whare, also Covers and Harness for all the horses. Farmers wanting Draught Horses would do well to attend this sale. D. THOMAS, 1 29 Auctioneer. OAT SHEAF CHAFF. I AM a Buyer of Oat Sbeaf Chaff m any quantity. 12 89 D. THOMAS. PUBLIC NOVICES ' ASHBURTON HOSPITAL! WANTED, a single Man for the Hospital. Wages £1 per week with board and lodging. For particulars apply to Dr TREVOR, 1 34 Ashburton. NOTICE. THE LORD BISHOP of the Diocese will preach m ALL SAJNT'S CHURCH, METHVEN, ON MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 10, Ab 6 30. After the Service a MELTING will be held, to which all the Members of the Churoh of England, m the Methven, Lynd- hurst, and Highbank districts are invited. 132 J. HOLLAND. Massey Harris Wheels. TjlOR Strength, Reliability, high finish .nd moderate prices they cannot be sur- passed. WOOD RIMS. The many advantages of a laminated or builb up rim, over a rim constructed of a single piece or strip of wood, have Jieen satisfactorily demonstrated by practical use. The chief defects evinced by the earlier styles of wood rims of the single-piece variety, were their tendanoy to split and to come apart at the joint. The faot that there are 36no.es drilled m a pieoe of wood 25 inches m diameter, and that the greatest pressure of the tire itself is m an outer direction on theedges of the rim, necessitates a maximiim of strength, whioh O-f-jitot be obtained m a single-piece rim. The Ma^ey FJurriw <j,r Dominion Kirn is built up from five strips of wood. In the first, or inner strip, tho grain runs lengthwise. In tbe second the grain runs crosswise. In the third strip the grain runs lengthwise, the same as m the first or inner strip. In the fourth strip the grain runs crosswise, as m the second ; and m the outer the grain runs m tbe same direction as m the inner strip. The ends of the several strips are maohined down very finely, and the joints distributed, so that np two jjointß occur m the same place. This method of construction makes ib absolutely impossible for bhe rim to come apart ab the joints. The wood used m the firab and Qfbh'sbripß is selected second growth hickory, m the third or centre strip, white maple, and the two, dark strips where the grain runs oroßswise are of walnut or oherry. The material uaed is of the finest Beleoted stock, proved to be the best for this purpose, The whole rim is securely oemented together under great hydraulic pressure, making it practically NON - SPLITTABLE. The cement used m its construction is not affected by dampness or heat, and the rim will not shrink or swell under the slightest provocation, as single piece rims have a habit of doing, oon.tantly loosening and tightening the spokes. The two walnut atripeß running through | the body of the rim gave ib a very artistic appearance. All our rims are highly polished and finished m the natural wood, for which only the finest and clearest stook is used. They do nob require to be painted or enamelled m order to hide their defects. No better argument oould be offered as to the high merits of the Dominion Laminated t Rim than the universal satisfaction -ffhieh it' has given ever since its introduction, «. - Easy terms of payment if required. Friedlander' Bros., LIMITED, 1 3,3 AGEJNT. kozie _r_h__* i it. Sirperlb #



SYNqjfsis of Nbw Aovhrtisemehts. D t Thomas— Sale of horaes, etc., Satur day, January Q. Lost— Black heifer. Holland Bros— lenders for stooking. Rev. J, Holland-^-Notice re Bishop of th( diooeae. Friedlander Bros— Masiey Harris wheels J. H. Jewitt— Fresh fish. Wanted —Single man for ho.pital. For sale — Half-plate oamera. For Indigestion, the best remedy is un doubtedly Norton's Camomile Pills. The*, can confidently be recommended as being mild m operation and absolutely free fron injurious drugs. Acting at onoe as a splen did tOnia and a gentle aperient. For nearlj 130 years they have proved --.equalled foi Indigestion, Dyspepsia, sick Headache anc for Liver and Stomaoh oomplaints. Sold ii bottles _8 l_d, 2s 9d, and Us, by all IV cdi pine Vendors throughout the world. WANTED £nown:-Just uSi/Nov BooJjs— ljpohmvar, Crockett; Margare For.ter, Augustus Sala; Susan Turn bull, by Guntery. Lad of Mettle, A r a GiUd; A Gay Little Woman, Strange White Story of Australia, by Shaw ; Nevy I_|Uf Chrißfian Qhoir ; The Horse, Aiwtqgei Th PPg, StmtAenge'-* No 39 Australian, Musi Rook, Christina* Number Wiekens, Cole' Funny Music Book, Paling's Christina Annual— at IJ. N. ANDWWtW's, nextJohi Orr * Go, .• . ::



■ waaammamaamuammamaaaaamammamaam Chamberlain's Cough Remedy cures colds croup and whooping cough. It is pleasant! safe and reliable, For ga}e by Aebburfcon Drug Company. ' . ■>■ ■ * -ECO-eiß. TIE A. •Mom J^cpttomiofU