THE EASTERN SITUATION.

United Preßß Association — By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Received Wakapuaka Deo. 20, 8 50 a.m, Guardian Office, 9.33 a.m. Shanghai, December 19 The Chinese interpret the arrival o the British cruiser Iphfgenia 8t Nank ing as an indication of the intention o Grert Britain to oppose »he pmposec active enforcement of the. French claims. The Chinese requested s respite after the French ministei tbreatet ed invasion unless the rebels released the French missionary, Not withstanding the requ.st a French expedition is proceeding towards Kwei Choufu on the Yang tse-Kiang. The treaty port of Ichang is also threatened. The British, American, German, and Japanese merchants m Shanghai have sent their respective Ministers at Pekin identical protests against the exclusive extension of French con cessions m Shanghai.

THE YARRA MYSTERY.

■ »- — United Presß Association — By Eleofcrlo Telegraph — Copyright Received Wakapuaka Deo. 19, 9.25 a.m, Guardian Office 10-9 a-m Melbourne, December 20 The box containing the body found m the Yarra had the name " T. R. Akins " printed on the lid. The police are informed that a. young married ' woman named Teresa Rebecca Akins, answering the description of the victim, has been missing. She recently wiote to a friend that she was coming for a holiday to Melbourne,

Latest Items.

.- » No Conxbacting Out. — An important judgment was delivered m the Chrietchuroh Magistrate's Court by Mr Beetbam, S.M., on Saturday. George Silk waa sued for the maintenance of twin illegitimate children. An agreement had been drawn up with the mother prior to birth by which the defen dant agreed to pay £75 m satisfaction of all claims. £55 bad been paid m cash and the bills had been given tor the remainder, but the money was spent partly m maintaining complainant's mother and stater as well as the infants. Complainant was now destitute. {The magistrate held that defendant could not contract himself out of his responsi bilities, and made an order for weekly pay ments. Danger of Poaching With Dynamite,— No one conld be ao wicked as to rejoice at the terrible accident which happened to a band of poachers who, m the fence months, went up into the Welsh mountains to kill fish with dynamite. Those who indulge m such nefarious practices may nevertheless learn a lesson from the following report m the daily papers: "Five young colliers living at Treherbert, m the Rhondda Valley, yesterday went up the mountain side to destroy fish m a stream. They had several detonators and a ball of dynamite with them. Their object was to ignite a fuse and throw the dynamite into the water to kill the Gsh. While three of them were standing together one of them struck & match, and while the fuse was igniting the detonators exploded. The three were terribly injured about the face and hands, and two of them had their hands amputated three hours later. They all lie m a precarious condi tion." Musjq Pupira' Concebt. — A very pleasant) afternoon was Bpent by many at the Odd fellows' Hall, Kakaia, on Monday, at an "At Home " given.by_Mißß Hth«l Gates on the occasion of the breaking up of her mnaio school for the holidays. The hall was most tastefully deporated, there being ajpro fasioa of flowers everywhere. Miss Bee Ciaridge opened the programme with a pianoforte solo, " Tarn O'Shanter, and later on played Clique (Stranlasp) ; Misses Copland contributed a duet, " Flower gatherers " (Smallwood) ; Misses Madge and Muriel Thompson) 3 pliabelleß* duet m D ; Mißsea Minnie Lewis and Maggie Ironside, " Echo of Lucerne " (Smallwood) ; Miss Ethel Ciaridge, violin solo "Tarantella" (Kitter) ; Miss Potter (Ashburton), *• Indian ride " (Paul Society); Misses Annie and Gladys Scarlett, duct " Blind Man's bride " (Small- Wood) 3 tiny Miss Tucker played a duet With her teacher; Miss Lizzie May con tributed " The Brook " (Pape). The items were all well given, the time and expression m every case excellent, which is a difficuly matter among the little ones, and nays much for the teaching power of Miss Ethel. Miss Esther Gates sang " Promise of Life " (Courn), and "I trust you still" the latter being accompanied by Mrs Ciaridge and the obbligato being tastefully played by Miss Ethel Gates. A delicious afternoon tea was served, which was particularly acceptable to the guests, who had driven from the country, and the waiting was done by the many little maidens who had provided the music during $he. afternopn. .

COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET. The attendance at the Tinw aid Yard to day was fair! There was a good demand for fat sheep, but the entry was email. The entry for fat cattle was small. The yarding for the day totalled about 3500 Bheep and 30 head of cattle. The following prices were secured : — Fat Sheep.—- Crossbred ewes, shorn, ss, 53 10d, 6a 9d, 7a Id, m wool 10s 3d j cross bred ewes and wethers, shorn, 10a sd, 10a 9d, m the wool 12a ; crossbred wethers, wethers, shorn, lls lOd, 12a, and 13s 3d, m the wool, 12a, 12s 6d ; merino wethers, 6s ; lambs 8s 3d. 12s. 12a 4d. Btqrb Sheep. — Crossbred ewes and lambe, all counted, and ewes m the wool, 7s 2d, shorn 6s, lambs given m 12a ; cross bred hoggets,9? 3d. Fat Cattle.— Steers £3 2s 6d, £3 153, £5, £5 2s 6d, £5 17s 6d ; heifers, £3 17s 6d, £4 10s, £5 2s 6d, £5 ss, £5 15a, £6 5s j cowe £.4 17s 6d,

News m Brief

« Mr A. H. Williams has a large and choice stook of Christmas and New Year cards, inoludinga cheap line of selected cards m boxes. He has also a good assortment of toys, etc*, for children's Christmas preaentß, at prices that luit the times.

TBto ASfiBOKTOA GtJABBIAK ; TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1898.



! 1898 -c H R IST MAS- « 93 j NEW CURRA*iT£, M.W l^l^lN-, JSJsW fcULTANAS. D FLETCiTJEH BROS. 3 "CTAVE Just received per s.r. Delphic the fallowing NEW FRUITS direct fnnn XJL the Growers, and can say that this is the Finest Shipment this Season. Tho Prices are the LOWEST m Town, and the Quality is Secoud to None. 150 Caseß new Vosfzza Currants 100 Casf s Finest Sultanas 100 Caseß m.w Valencia Raisins 25 Trays nish Muscat) 'b ?5 Boxes Turkey Figs 4 D urns F»*T.ch Prunes 20 Boxeß Finn-t Malaga Pates 25 Cafes 2£ b tins Cuttings Preserved n 1 Tank n< w Nats, including Brazil, Bar- Fruits, ifc\ache*, Pears, and Apriots oelona, A'mond. etc. ' ALSO THE FOLLOWING FOJ^'OFR CHRISTMAS TRADE:— r 250 Tins Finest Lemon Peel 1£ cwt Morton's Mixed Spice 150 Tins Fmest Orange Peel 1000 Bottea EB«,ue« u«o;ob, Vanilla, 50 Tins Finest Citron Peel C?chin" l. Almond, etc. 15 Cases Assorted Cordials 5 cwb English Jujubes 20 Cigeg Ship Lime Juice * 29 cwfc Fancy Confectionery 10 Cases Dried Apricotß, Peaohes, eto Eta Etc. Eto. OTJR PROVISION DEPARTMENT 13 STOCKED WITH THE FINEST GOODS PROCURABLE, As will be seen by the following : — LEWIS'S Prize Bacon, Sides, Rolls and Hams (Pale or Smoked). Stirling Factory Full Cream Cheese. This Cheese always takes the First Prize wherever shown, and obtains the Highest Price m tha Home Matkets. ALSO— 2<b tins ReGned Lard 21b tins Corned Mutton 21b tins Corned Beef 21b tins Roast Mutton 1 and 2b tins Sheep Tongues 21b tins Boiled Mutton 21b tins Stewad Tripe 21b tins Curried Mutton lib tins Apple Pudding lib tins Oxford Sausage lib tins Black Currant; Pudding lib tins Irish Sausage lib tin* Gooseberry Padding lib and 21b tins Rabbit m Jelly Cooktail Salmon, Salmon Cutlets, Morton's and Marshall's Herrings m Tomato Saucs Star Brand Mullet, etc., etc. ' PRESERVING SEASON I \ PRESERVING SEASON 1808-99. s?tf* -^^ 1898-99. BRASS Jlljjl HEAVY & LIGHT ENAMEL Preserving Pans IPSflf Preserving Pans Brewers' Crystals. Brewers' Crystals. Is acknowledged to be the Finest Preserving Sugar on the Market. Being much ntronger than the ordinary Sugar it is therefore more Economics 1 , and Jams and Jellies made with it are much firmer and clearer. Used by all the principal Jam Factories m the Australian Colonies. Once used always used. We also stock Auckland No; 1 A Sugar and Milliquin. JAM JARS of every description m Stock, including Maeon's Improved Pcrew Top Jars, Nestß of Jelly Jars, Nests of Jam Jars, Tie Down Jars, etc, etc. Enquire our pnco before buying elsewhere. OUR EARTHENWARE & CHINA WARE DEPARTMENT is heavily stocked with Goods for our Christmas Trade. Inspection invited. FLETCHER" BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, EAST STRF.ET, ASHBURTON, AND HrGH STREET, CHRISTOHURCH. Telephone 24 Box 67 SPUING 1898 SUMMER »fw a a \\T® Beg to advise our Customers aDd the Public generally that each Department m our Establishment is now Thoroughly Stocked with Novel- ties for the Season. In our Household Furnishing Department Will be found a Choice Variety of new Patterns m Oilcloths and Linoleums, together with full ranges of Lace Curtains, Quilts, Art Muslins, asd all sizes m Carpeb Squares, Rugs and Mats. - -__.__-- THE DRESS AND BLOUSE MATERIALS Are especially worthy of a visit, as we consider the goods m these Department! exceptionally well selected. AS USUAL OUR Millinery & Mantle Showroom Is replete with Stylish and Fashionable examples of Art, which Ladies ar« cordially invited to inspect. AT OUR CLOTHING AND MERCERY COUNTERS The chief attraction is the unique Selection of Gentlemen's Ties and Shirts, d the Large Stock of Suiting Tweeds. (o) We are m Business. We want to be bußy, and to keep busy, therefore it is to our interest to serve you aB well as possible. If you give us your patronage we will deserve it; The best Her vice only can do this. We try to make a better service impossible, <S" We find that the demands irade on our Dressmaking Department make ib compulsory for us to decline to make up Cos turn as other than thoßo purchased at our Establishment. MITCHELL & TURNER. EAST SXffcEJET H. M. JONES. (x) Santa Claus & Father Christmas are Coming Again — Hurrah ! (x) OQ CASES OF BOOKS, TOYS. STATIONERY, AND FANCY GOODS, GLASSWARE AND LEATHER GOODS, Just opened up from leading London and Contiental Houses especially imported for Christmas trade. ~D/"\r"|T7"Q mmB^PBIZE, Presentation, and Reward Books, from Ward, Lock J_> V-/V_/JL\_|O« and Co., Cassell and Co., Routledge. Nesbltb, Religious Tracb Society, and others. Beautifully Bound Editions of Bibles, Poets, and Standard author?. XT* A IV"^ V ■Q.i^iOTlCl ALBUMS, Writing Desks, Worfc Boxes, X? -tt-±^l KJ X \Jf \J\JXJk3 MusicFolies, Ladies' Companions, Work Baskets, silk lined, Jewel Cases, Ladieß' and Gentlemen's Dressing Cases, Hand Bags, Purses and Card Cases, silver mounted, Silver Pencil Cases, Watcheß, eto. TTj I ftptrh— TMfltftrl WQPfi CHOICE Variety of Jelly and XJl«^tlU-JTiatWU Hd(« Butter Dl - Bheßf fcruets, Barrels, Epergnes, Teapots, Mugs, Serviette Rings, Baiter Knives, Bread Forks, etc. T7 A QXi 1 Q AND FANCY CHINAWARB — A large Variety of Beautiful V rI.O XLiO Vases and Glassware, Crystal ani Tinted ; latest patterns, choice Designs. Specimen vases from 3d. TOY 8. TOYS. TOYS. DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLLS. The Largest Stock of Toys'ever held m Ashburton. All kindß and descriptions, fro-n Id Squeaker to a good Steam Boab or Piano. Horses, Barrows, Whips, Arks, Tea Sets, Games, Balls, Drums, Carts, Prams, Skittles, Cabes, Wood Toys, Tin Toys, Rubber Toys, and Mechanical Toys. CRICKET AND LAWN TENNIS RACQUETS From Best Makers. PIANOS Time Payments from ... SOs per month OttGrAINS „ „ „ « „ ios „ BicrcLEs „ a i. in . .- 3o»;; ;; oobool Committees Supplied. LOWEST CASH PRICES m all Departments, tfqual to Christohnroh and Dune- dm Houses. Do your Business here and keep the Trade m the District) INSPECTION INVITED. H, M.~JONES. ** * ■ ■



NICOLL BROS. JNicoll Brothers, [H. F. Nicoll.] (L. A. Nicou AUCTIONEERS, ACCOUNTANTS. SHAREBROKERS, VALUATORS, LAN] ESTATE, AND GENERAL AGENTS. y CENTRAL AUCTION ROOMS >t EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 8 } n WEEKLY S\LES OF CATTLE, PIGS & POULTRY Kvery Saturday, at 12 o'clock noon, P In Yurds adjoining the Arcade. Fntranoi by rijrht-of-way, rear of Union Bank. Also of MERCHANDISE, FURNITURE, and PRODUCE, m our Rooms EVERY SATURDAY, commencing immediately on conclusion of our live stock sale. CLEARING SALES conductor! m any part I of the District at lowest current. n»t>B. ADVANCES made on goods placed m our hands for absolute Balei GRAIN BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COM- MISBION. We shall be pleased to receive samples from faimers who have parcels for disposal. STATION BOOKS KEPT AND AUDITED We have various gums of Trust Monies, ranging from £300 to £5000, to lend ou Freehold Securities, at 4£ and 5 per cent. Farms, House Properties, and Building Seotions for Sale. Particulars on application. We invite those wishing to dispose of their properties to communicate with as. WOOL. WOOL,_WOOL. WE have pleasure m notifying our Clients that we have made arrange- ments with MESSRd D ALGETY & CO., LTD. to sell at the Chrietchurch Sales any Woo which may be entrusted to up, and we are prepared lo make LIBERAL CASH ADVANCKS against Wool p!aced m our hand? for sale. The Wool should be consigned to Da»«ofy & Co , Ltd., Chnstchuron, account Nicoll Bros., with advice to ue. We can also arrange to dispose of clirs privately if so desired. \ FREEZERS. FREEZERS. TTIARYIERS wirhiux to consign Sheop on their own account can book space at any time to suit their own convenience, by com- municating with us. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGtf NTS, CHRIbTCHURCT MEAT COMPANY. Limited. 8 39 THE CH^ISTC c TTTRf]R MEAT CO. Limited; ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. GREATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION WHEREVEK USKD. SATISFAOTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE Niootr. Bros, store five varieties of *his ■celebrated ferti ieer. Price on application. Allowance made fur quantities. Letters will receive prompt attention. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS f i ' ■ 13 D. THOMAS. AHCADK. SATURDAY "December 24. MR D. THOMAS has received m. structions from a Client to sell on the above date, viz : — Sooboh Cheat Drawers, Double Iron Bed stead, Spring Mattrees, Iron Cot- Trap, Cheffiosier, Chairs, Tables, Washstauds, Ware, Crockery, etc., etc., etc. Also, — 1 FIRST-CLASS PIANO, by Oollard and Collard. On account of Baptist Church, — Balance of unaold goods at late Exhibi- tion, Extra entries solicited* Sale at 11 30. D. THOMAS, 12 184 Auctioneer. FAKMS FOR ISALiii Q"I Q ACRES near Ruapuna, securely 1/14 fenced, good house, large s'ab'e and chaff hou3e, etc., 350 Acres m H-uglish grass, 110 under culti- vation for turnips, balance native pasture. Prioe low. A P^C\ ACRKS near Dromore, well im- 4fc t) \J proved, good house atid out build- ugs, all m gruaa. ~t QAn AO'RKS Nenr Dromore, well jL&\JVj fenced. 300 acres of whei-t and 300 acres m oats (look* ing splendid). Balance laid clown m grass. This blccfe is well worth looking after. Terms can be DTanerpd. Arply 11 130 D. THOMAS, Aahburton. ARCADE HORSE FAIR. FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1899. Tl/TY NEXT HORSE FAIR will be held on the above data, FOR WHICH I AM NOW BOOKING ENTRIES. ' DAVID THOMAS, i 12 28 Auctioneer. Tenders. TENDERS. fTIENDERS ara invited for Stooking and JL Forking about 700 Acres of Wheat and O«ts ; to be stooked as soon as cat, and stocks to be kept up till the grain is stacked. Oats about ready to cut. Tenders close on December 24. 12178 JAMES COPLAND, Chertsey TENDER S. mENDERS Wanted at Coldstream for _l_ Harvesting 191 acres, more or lea?, ot Oats. Tenders will close SATURDAY, 241h inst. The lowest or any Tender not necessarily accepted. For full particulars apply to the Office of the ABhburto.n. Publishing Company, Ltd , or to ' JOHN SrUDHOLME, Jusb., 19 IS? Qoldjtream, Hinds,



Public Notices. 10s REWARD. LOST from Lauruton, a B&Y r ILL'S branded on near shoulder. The abo\ reward will be paid on reoovery. Apply to 173 HARDLEY BROS. IN Pursuance of the Public Reserves Ac 1885, clauses 5 and 6, notice is hereb given that the Tinwald Domain will be a« apart for the Ashburton County Racing Clvb 1 meating on January 2nd and 3rd, 1899, o which days charges will be made for admis sion thereto on the following scale : — For erch adult .. One Shilling For esch liorso .. One shilling Knt'-unce m stand smrl padlock fiv shillings extra. E. GATES, 12 158 Chairman Tinwuld Domain Board. George Jesfeou, WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER, EAST STREET, T_T AS jusb received a large consignment of Watohes, Clocks, sto., suitable for WJEIXDJJMG PBESENIS and is now selling at Christohurch Prioeß. REPAIRS, Eto, PROMPTLY EXECUTED SATISFACTION GUA AN TEED. SOUTH RAKAIA BOXING DAY BPORTS AND RACES. THE following Handicaps have been de. clared for the South Rakaia Boxing Day Sports and Races :— ATHLETIC EVENTS. Cash Handicap 220yds— J Davidson and T Austin scratch, W Davidson 7yda, R Peckham Byds, F Ironside, A Doig and M McAnulty 9vd«, J MoAnulty and F B Mag- son 10yds, E Dunstan and R A Shannon 12yds, D J McClure 14yds. Amatkur Handicap, 250 yds — N vV Orr Bcratoh, M J Lynbkey syds, J MoNair 7yds, RAP Gray Byds, B Amos*, H J Crothers, VV M Lombie mu\ H G L Gray 10yds, C E Smith Hyde, J W Stephens, D Stcck and J RFtiedlanrier 12jd«, G 8 Hardy 13yds, E Marßdt n and H McOorinell 14yd8 Cash Handicap, 100yds— j Davidson and T Austin siratch, W Davidson J Shannon and R Feckham 4yds, Andrew Doig and F Ironside syds, M McAnulty and J Mc- Dowell 6yds, J McAnulty and F B Magson 7vdß, R A Shannon and E Dunstan Byds, D J MoClure 9 } ds. Amateur Handicap, 100yds— N W Orr soraioh, M J Lynskey and W T Lowe 3yds, J M McNair 4ydp, HAP Gr»y sydp, B Amos, H J Crothere, G McConnill, C E Smith and H G L Gray 6yds, D Stock, J W Stephens, W M Lombie 7yds, W W Hewinson, G J Hardy, J X Friadlander, H McConnell, E Mar-den B,yde. Cask Handicap, 440 yds — J Davidson W Davison Bydß, F Ironside and A Doig 12yds, Dd MoAaulfcy and F B Mageon I4yde, R Peckham and J MoAnulty 15yds, R A Shannon 18yds. Amateur Handicap, 440yds— N W Orr scratch, M J Lynskey Byds, VV T Lowe and J McNair 10yds, G McConnell 12y.18, C E Smith 15yds, H J Crothera and R A P Gray 16yda, J R Fried'ander, F Hood, J W Stephens and D Stock 18ydB, JB Marflden and H McConnell 20yds. Amateur Handicap, half mile— M J Lyuskey scratch, J McNair 15yds, J R Friedl=? nder and C E Smith 35yds, H J Crothers 40yds, O Irv : n, J W .Stephens, D Stock and G McUonnell sQydß, t Hood 65yda. HOR^E EVENTS'. Maiden Flat Racb. of 10 soys : about one mile. — Rubicon lleb 71b, Kaiser list 7lb, Dutchman Hat 7lb. Ladies' Pdkse, of 10 soys ; one and a bVf mile — Rubicon list 7'b, Nor'Wealer list 7ib, Kaiaer Hat 71b, Village Lad Hat 71b, Tit list. Handicap Saddle or Harness Trot, of 10 soys ; about two and a quarter miles — May aora'ch, Cheoter scratch, Spinner lO^ec behind scratch, Might as-well 163 ec behind scratch, Actrese 22* ec behind scratch, Macaroni 27*eo behind scratch. Farmers' Plate, of 8 &ovs ; one and a quarter mile. — VHunie list 7 b, Rubicon list 7.b, Tessa list 7ib, Village L*d list 71b, Nor'wester list 71b, Kaiser list 71b, Tit Hat. 12 181 AUSTRALIAN MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH : Head Office, Custom-house Quay, Wellington. Local Board of Directors : The Hon. Morgan S. Grace, M.D., C M.G., M.L C. (Chairman) The Hon. Charles J. Johnston, M.L.C. (Deputy Chairman) Alfred de Bathe Brandon, E?q. The Hon, Edward Kichardaon, C.M.G. M.L.G. John Duncan, E6q. THE Oldest, Wealthiest!, and moat Prosperous AUSTRALIAN LIFE OFFICE AND THE - LARGEST IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE. The only Mutual Life Office which de« clares A BONUS EVERY YEA.R The Method of Valuation adopted by this Society is of the most stringen Character, and Ensures a larger Reserv to meet Liabilities than that held by any other Office m the Australasian Colonies. ACCUMULATED FUNDS EXCEEDS £14,500,000 (FOURTEEN AND A HALF MILLIONS) STERLING. ANNUAL INCOME EXCEED 3 £2,000,000 (TWO MILLIONS) STERLING. Policies In force 134,000 Sum Assured £41,720,041 Cash Bonuses Divided ... £7,726,170 BONUSES. O^sh Bonus for one year, 1897, £449,268, yielding Reversionary Bonuses amount ing to £835,000, after making special reserves. Cash Bonuses declared for last 6ve years over Two Millions, yielding Reversion- ary Bonuses exceeding Four Millions. ASSURE lOUR LIFE % IN THE A.M.P, SOCIETY. And Seonra a BONUS EVERY YE iR. Expensas of Management— 8£ Per Cent, on the Total Income. Edward W. Lowe, Resident Secretary, Branch Office— Ca^Qia Hguse q Q ay, Wellington



CHRISTMAS AT I THE DUST PAN. ; HURRAH! * HURRAH! f\ Wh'LL SUUND THE JUBILEE. 16 I FATHER CHRISTMAS & SANTA GLAUS intfnd to put up ;| \J at THE DUST PAN for the CHRISTMAS SKA ON. y I THEIR CHAKfOTS ARE LOADRD WITH 9 1 TOYS TuYS TOYS T( % YS AND s DOLT.B DOLLS DOLLS I). 'LL-5 ■ B THE LATEST THE FUNNIEST THE BEST V IN THW TOWN. x \ AH WRW AJ.,I, mvHV AIJL NEW I Come and See Come and See Come and See °| CHRISTMAS & NEW YKAR CARDS— Unboiled, Artißtic, Bpautiful and New. c FAisCY GOODS, FANOi' GOODS, STATIONERY, SIATiONPRY, Etc, ; I JL>a~vi« ") The Prize Winner, the Best, Beat) all comers at *| Sewing Mnohine j Exhibitions . { Oegrg-s JPernmlbiiiaTorts— The Cheopeatand Beat. Chrißtchurch Pricea. 3 I Massey-Harris JBioyole— Sub. AGENT for this First-Claes Machine. THE DUST PAN. I ADDRESS— N EX r BANK OF NEW ZEALAND, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. M. J. J3UBGES3. LAST WEEK I OF HARDLEY BROS. I CLEARING SALE OF IRONMONGERY, TINWARE, 8.8.A. ~shbars~" T.U.S. ALSO REDUCED. Speoial reductions m Carpenter's Tools of all descriptions. Tanks, Baths, Pumps, Etc., AT REDUCED PRICES. *&" AH accounts owing to J, W. Habdley must be paid at onne. NEW FRUITS. — NEW FRUITS. 50 °ASEB FINEST NEW CURRANTS gQ XOO BQXES NEW VALENCIA RAISINS 2X)O XOO BOXBS FINEST NEW SULTANAS ]^)0 N.B. — AH our Fruits are WASHED and DRIED by Patent Machin- ery, being ready for immediate use, therefore saving much time and trouble m cleaning. TTTE Have Juat Landed the following Seasonable Goods — JO cwt Finest Lemon Peel 2 cwt Finest Mixed Spice 10 cwt Finest Orange Peel 20 doz Bottles Lemon Fq-iash 6 cwt Finest Citron Peel 12 doz BoUles Raspberry Syrup 5 cwb Choice New Figa 12 doz Bottles Lime Juice (Ships 2 cwt New Malaga Musc»tel3 2 Groaa Packets Jelly Tablets 1 cwt New Jordan Almonds 1 cwt Dried Peaches " 2 cwb New Season's Dates 1 cwt Dried Apricota, 5 cwt Assorted Nuts (Barcelona, 2 cwt Choice New Prunes -Almond, and Walnuts) 2 cwt Real German Sausage 10 cases, 2ib tins, Fruit (Peaches, Pears, 6 doz tins Chicken In Jelly and Apricots) 6 doz tins Turkey m Jelly SUGAR SUGAR — SUGAR- MAURITIUS AND MILLIQUIN CANE SUGARS ALWAYS IN BTOCK. The Moat Reliable Sugars that can be used for Jam and Jellies. JAM TABS. W ™ JAM JARS- We have a Large and Assorted Stock of Jam Jars, including 21b Stone Jars, lib and 2lbGlaß3 Jara, 1-quart and £-gallon Mason's Patent Screw Top Bottles, which we are offering at Low Pricea. TEAS. TEAS. TEAS. TRY OUR PURE CEYLON TEA, Packed m £lb and lib packets, 51b eni 101 b tinß. A Pungent and Good Liquoring Tea. Special Quotations for Tina and i.oheste. fS" We make a Specialty of Tea. The Beat Value given m Ashburton, WINES AND SPIRITS. WE are now Packing Special Aeaorted Cases for tho Ohriatmaß Trade. English and Colonia.l Bottled Ales and Stout, Manning's Celebrated Ale m 10 callon keeo always m Stock. Golden Apple Champagne Cider. Orders by Poßfe despatched with Punctuality. Goods delivered Daily. 1 SHEARMAN BROS., GROOERS, IRONMONGERS, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MAKKET HOUSE, BUBNETT STBEET, ASHBURTON. (Telephone No 53 = PURE SEEDS. z= T HAVE lately erected, regardless of cost, the most COMPLETE SEED-CLEANING PLANT south of the Line, and I now ask intelligent Farmers to inspect the same at work. I am now prepared TO CLEAN for Farmer* any description of SEEDS AND GRAIN. and will guarantee to give them satisfaction. I can Bupply best RYEGRASS, weighing from 261bs to 441bs to the bushel ; and COCKSFOOT, locally grown, UJlba to 16^1bs to the bushel also, best CLOVERS, dressed by my own machines, the purity of which must be seen to be appreciated. ALSO— HT7RST AND SONS BEST ENGLISL CLOVERS TURN T PS RAPE, LUCERNE, TRLiOuu, Eto. FENCING WIKE, BAEB WIBE, & STAPLES. The best quality on Sale. WANTED SHEEP FEED. WANTED up till Marob, 1899, good young grass for 300 sheep Apply DAVID THOMAS, 5 ASHBURTON ' WILLIAM SPARROW, TAILOB & OUTFITTER. /"VUR Stock consists of all the LATEST AND tyOST FASHIONABLE SUITINGS that it is poßßible to procure, and at pricea that cannot be beat m the trade, HATS, SHIRTS, SCARVES, PORTMANTEAUX, RUGS, Eto. BOOT »EipARXM.JEIVT. • «3 6 SnnTS^wn^nw^ T afct * n " on . to t . our Ur S* Ktock of Ladies' and Gentle- o Fffi ■ ?° u OT f SHOES of every deßcriptfon, and of really very auperior makes m English, American, and Colonial. ' J * nu *""* v * EiSt^OUw Workmen 6 ° RTXm> AND REPAIRS PROMPTLY EXECUTED by W. SPARROW, BAST STREET.



Wanted. WANTED— Men Cookß, 20s ; and Beven geueral Servantp, 83 to 15s.— M* Adams, Registry Office, Saunder'a Buildmpi \u la WANTED— A First-class Blacksmith References v quired. Apply Joh Gbigg, Lcngbeaoh. 12 18 FOUND— Spring ond Sockeb of Buge; Lamp. Owner can have same on pay- ment of expet ses. Apply Mail Office. V 12 181 LOST, on the Eaßto Belt— Caps off 1 Macintosh Overcoat. Finder kirdh leave same tit Mail Office. 12 18! riIHE Shop will be open every evening i_ this woek between 7 and 8, for Ihe salt of Chriatmaa and New Year Cards A. H Williams. 12 17] W EDWARDS - COOK, Scientific • Palmist, third hou-e Noit.h-Katt Belt. Q leatious answered ou Health, Marriage, Business for a week longer. 12 159 FI^O LET — A convenient House m Have- JL lock fctreet", ab present occupied by the Manager of the Bank of New South Wales. Possession m a few days. Apply Ashburton Drug Company, Limited. 12 61 QTRAWBERRIES and Cream, Ice Cream, >O and Iced Summer Drinks always rtady at FLOWER'S Refreshment Rooms, next Drug Co., East Street. 12 147 SELLING OFF — Mrs Aloobn, finding that her Bhop room is insufficient for her increasing business, has deoided 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 — Mks Alcorn's Shop will be open each evening this week, except Thursday, for sale of Christmaß Cards, and cheap sale of Toys, eto. WANTED Known — Pretty Christmas Cards m packets — 12 for 3d, 25 for 6d and 9d, boxes Is. — W H Collier, The Corner "\7OUNG Ladies' Journal, November num* X ber; Weldon's Ladiea' Journal for November, Home Dressmaker, Home Milliner, Family Reader, Christian Herald, Strand and Pearson's Magazines. My place of business will be open every Evening this week. Shop early ; avoid the crush, — H M JONEB PUBLIC NOIICES. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. "VTOTTCE is hereby given that the Council's jLN Offices will close from 4.30 p.m on 24th inßt., to 9 30 a.m. on 3rd January, 1899. By Order. 12 183 t\ MAINWARING. Clerk. NOTICE. X AM A BUYER OF SHARES IN THE CANTERBURY FROZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE EX- PORT COMPANY. 12 187 P,Q, jbvx go, Aahburton PUBLIC NOTICE. rXIHE Mount Somers and Springburn _L Pports Committee ate hereby granted the use of Reserve 2639 on DECEMBER 26, 1898, for ijjeir Annual Sports, and are em- powered to make the following charge for admission : — ADULTS .^ is HORSES ». ... _ la JOHN HOOD, Chairman, Mount Somers Domain Board. lg 141 NOTICE TO CLIENTS. ~flr OM*B3M?IO>T i« «p.aUlly diroofcod to the x\_ tact that the Accounts recently Bent out from tho Ashburton Publishing Com- pany, Limited, (m liquidation) have no reference to the busiuess of the preeent proprietor of the Ashburton Mail and Ash- burton Guardian. The Accounts referred to are up to Maroh 31 last, and as the books have to be closed to that date immediate settlement is necessary. THE lit FACTORY A RE bound to uphold their reputation aa being the leading Tailors and Outfitters m ABhburtonl During the past week we have opened out some of the very newest things m "Gentle- men's HATS, 'JIES, SHIRTS, etc., that conld be procured m the English and Continental Markets. { FOX THE HOLIDAYS See the Sirdar Frame Hats j   Wolseley Collars „ „ Newest Ties   Pearl Straw Hats  „ Panama Straws   Unbreakable Strawa „ „ Pique Fitted Shirta „ „ Celluar Fitted Shirts „ „ Matt Tennis Shirta   Picnic Shirts In fact every article of dress to make the holidays a pleasure. Quality our firai consideration. SPEOIAL DISPLAY THIS WEEK A. G BARTON, Manager. , Trust and Agency COMPANY OF AUSTKAL- ASIA, Ltd. Incorporated 1860. AUTHORISED CAPITAL £2,000,000 SUBSCRIBED ... ... £1,760,000 RE'ERVJD FDJMDS (British Consols, etc.) £20Q,000 SOLICITORS AND AGENTS. Messrs Wynn- Williams and Brown, ChristQhurch. Messrs Chapman and Tripp, Wellington. Messrs Sainsbury and Logan, Napier. Head Office m New Zealand — 211, HEREFORD STREET, CHRIST- CHURCH. £30,000~~t0 Lend at o per cent. ON FREEHOLD FARM LANDS. Advances can be repaid at six months notice, and eren supiß up to three-fifthß o amount borrowed can be paid pflf at any timi by giving three monthB 1 written notice. •fAfi. NATHL. HAME& Manager and In» D)3fiCor f or New geainod,-



Bad managment keeps more people m poor circumstance! than any other one cause. To be successful one must look ahead and plan ahead so that when a favor- ablp opportunity presents itself he is ready jtp |>ake advantage of it. A little forethought will also save much expense and valuable time. A prudent and careful man will keep a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy m the house, the shift- less fellow will wait until necessity compels jt and then ruin his best horse going for a dpctor and haye a big doctor bill to pay, be- sides ; one pays out HB cent 3, the pther is out a hundred dollars and then wonders why his neighbor is getting richer while he is getting poorer. JTof sale by ABHBURXOK PRUO pounmf



STFOFSIg QF HEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Found — Spring and socket of buggy lamp N.Z. Clothing Factory — New business advertisement ABhburton County Council — Notice re Christmas holidays p Thomas — Sale of furniture, etc. , Arcade, Saturday next •* T Bullock— Sheep farm for sale Wanted— Men Cooks and general servants Lost— Cape off overcoat t^anted— Blacksmith Wanted — shares m Canterbury Frozen Meat Company.