Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1898.

With the present critical state of our relations with a nation whom we may, unfortunately, have NAVAL to meet and beat on LIEUTENANTS, the sea, the shortness of lieutenants m the navy has, according to the United Service Gazette, become a burning and vital question. We have been given many reasons why the lieutenants' list could not be kgpt at war strength during peace times, whenever the press has called the Admiralty's attention to this weakness m the officering of our > fleet. Whether these were always rea sonable and expedient we need not now stop to consider. The effect is that at the present time, when the war bugleß may sound the advance at any moment, the Meet is deplorably short of that rank of officer which Lord Charles Beresford and other able and experienced naval officers have more than once, m their public utterances, declared to be the backbone of the British navy. There are barely enough lieutenants on the list at present to man and keep going the regularly commissioned ships of the various squadrons, Yet if war were declared to-morrow, the battleships and cruisers that would be disgorged from the basins of our Home dockyards to fit | out and meet the- enemy, would be cry ing aloud for this class of officer, which the Admiralty could not supply,

Local and General.

» On the first page to-day will be found a report of the Rakaia sports and races; on the fourth page a reporb of the Addington atook market; and Messrs Nicoll Bros.' reporb of their weekly sale. Accident.—Mr David McClure, eldest son ot Mr G. McClure, Killinohy, had his leg broken between the knee and the ankle on Tuesday laab from the kick of a horse. Rakaia Sports.—Owing to the holiday our Rakaia correspondent's full report of the local sportß was held over, and now appears m another column. The committee are to be congratulated on the admirable working up of the meeting, which culminated m a record gathering, and an equally record gate. They had the benefit), no doubb, of a blank day at ABhburton by the abandon ment by the Caledonian Society of their sports for this year, bub apart from that the committee scored a signal success on their merits. Me Cadjjan's Retirement.—The follow ing telegram, dated ab the Thames on the J9bh inst, appeared m the Wellington papers;—"A banquet) was tendered to the lion. Mr Cadman and Mr McQowan, M.H.R., to-night, m recognition of their efforts m getting the Thames-Auckland railway, which was opened this afternoon by Mr Cadman, completed. Mr Cadman announced that owing to ill-health he Would shortly retire from politics, an announcement which was received with expressions of regret. Mr McGowan referred bo Mr Oadman as one of the best administrators the polony had ever had." The Price of Bicycles.—When Sir J. Wolfe Barry's paper on London streets and traffic appears m the Journal of the Seciety of Arts, it will be found to contain glad tidioga for cyolista. This is the passage: "The present price of bicycles will not, I suppose, rule yery long, and we shall Bee these admirable machineq made at prices which now seem unattainable ohuap. The weight of a bicycle ia so small that the value t»f the material, except the india-rubber tyres, cannot be Berious. And if all the parts of a good machine-made watch can be manu factured and pub together and sold for leas than J3l, the manufacture and putting together of a bicycle ought) not to cost more. It we add the cob 6 of the Bieel and the india rubber, it surely seems not too sanguine to suppose that a few years hence bioycTes will be sold at about a fourth of their present price." " The Best Tongue for Coprting in."— Members and friends of the London Manx Society —a nooiety whiob, as its name jndir cates, is composed of residents ia London of Manx birth or deaoent —dined together a.b the Guildhall Tavern recently, under the presidency of Mr 8. S. Stevenson Moore, barrister-at-law, himself a member of the Manx family, of " Lhergy-dhoo." Thonighb was thab of "Halloween," a great Macs festival, upon whioh superstitious practices used to a large extent, and still m a. great measure, prevail, Ib was said m the course of the evening that' the Isje of Man had m its time borne over a do^en names, of which Bix or seven were.given to ib by the Greeks, and that the people of the island, m propor tion to their numherjs, were, nexb to the inhabitants of .Newfoundland, the greatest seafaring people m jthe world. Of the Manx language it was said thab it way tho best of all (languages for " coorting " m, as jbhepe were m ib no fewer than ninety-seven ways of Baying " my dear." Auckland •' Weekly News." — The Auckland Herald is perhaps the most live daily morning paper m the colony, bub there can be little doubb aboub the Weekly News, published by the same proprietors, being the premier weekly paper of the colony. It is .conducted by as able a staff of journalists as the- colony poßseeßgSy »o3 a glanoe at the contents of the paper will •b^noe show thab the staff must also be a numerous one.' The exhibitiqn number of the News is before us. It ia a marvel of fine printing, and the plates would nob disgrace the pageß of a high class English magazine. Everything about the exhibibion is photographed and reproduced by the new process, and tha portraits of innumerable leading men who bare helped to promote the exhibition are given, so tnab so far as Auckland distriot is concerned the number should make m itself a page of provincial history. Auckland is the beauty spot of the colony, and the exhibition number has left nothing undone thab can be done m black and to show the native beauties to advantage. The number, too, has plenty of fine pictures illustrating the industries of the pl&ce, ana* the Herald proprietors are to be' congratulated on jiving -to the colony' a nuniber worthy of themselves, of the exhibition, and of Auokland, T Waial Accident at Rakaia.—Our Aiic, o->f»ndent writes : —An inquest Rakaia corres t night ab the K.M. waa held on Tuesday - * T v , . Court—before Mr L. Oxley, j..:; ana a }**? of six, who choose Mr Liddy as foreman—? touching the death of Robert Winters, who was run over on Monday night. Evidence was given by S, Stevenson, L. Pordham, ■ W. H. Breach, J. Santy and Constable Stanley. Ib waß stated that a horse thab was unattended waa frightened by the Methven engine, and bolted up the road. Deceased, who was perfectly sober, was oaughb on the back by one of the shafts, knocked down, and the two near wheels of an American waggon went over him. Dr. J. Deamer was at onoe m attendance, but expreßsed libtb hope for his recovery. Deceased was removed to the Railway Hotel, and further examined by Drß. Deamer and Malone, who thought ib advisable to send him to Ashburton hospital. Deceased ex pired aB he was being pub on the train. After hearing the evidence the jury returned a verdict of accidentally killed by being run over by a horse and Crap. They also ex prossed themselves againsb the practice of leaving horses unattended. The police stated that action would be taken against tho owner of the horse m question, and others also if the practice was conbiuued. Deceased had no relations m the oolooy. j£e was forty-four year of age, and came from Porbadown, Counby Armagh, Ireland, and had been about the Killinohy district twenby-five yearß ago. He was a Presby terian. He was buried yesterday m tho Rakaia cemetery.

Hi»h School Board. —Owing to the { holidays, the usual monthly meetiDg of the 1 High >chool Board will be held on Tuesday, , January 10, instead of on the 3rd. Ashburton Cricket Club's Concert. — The annual concert m connection with the above Club is to be held m the Oddfellows' Hall on Monday next), January 2, and judg j ing from the programme, which will appear m to-morrow night's Guardian, the Club should be favored with a bumper house. I Tennis. —The weather is beautiful for the finals of the tennis championships this forenoon. Mies Gorrie, Auckland, beat Miss Nunneliey m the ladies' handicap singles, la the ladies' championship Miss Lean, Canterbury, beat Miss M. Simpson, Linwood, and this afternoon meets Miss Nunneliey for the championship of the colony.—Press Association telegram from Dunedin. Train alterations. —Attention should be directed to a notification that has appeared m our advertising oolumns respecting a change m the time of starting some of the trains, to come into effect) after January 2. One result of thia is that the afternoon mail for Cbrißtohuroh will close ab 2.50 instead of at 3-15 as at present; and the mail for Timaru on certain daya will also oloße some twenty-five minutes earlier. The Temuka Cycling Track.—The Teimuka Leader says that the encouragement received by the Temuka Caledonian Society m connection with cycling events will lead to the traok being greatly improved. Ib ia suggested* that arrangements can be made between the sooiety and the oycling olubß interested to have the traok made equal to any m the oolony, and that thia will lead to the holding at a convenient date of a championship meetiDg m Temuka. The public, we are confident), will back up any efforts the clubs may make m this direction. The position of Temuka (mid-way between the large centreß of population), the pretty aurroundinga of the recreation ground, the work that has already been done, and the fact that there are a number of good oyoliits m the district, point to the desirability of some extra work being done, and with suoh energetic offioials as are conneoted with the Beveral clubs there should be no difficulty ■whatever m the matter. Any expense incurred would be recouped by a ccuple of Bucaeßsful meetings*

ANOTHER BIG FIRE IN WELLINGTON.

The Brigade Cheered by the Crowd United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph Wellington, December 29 A fire broke out at 2.30 this morning m fl. Flockton'o furniture factory, which is situated osf Cuba Street. Fanned by a strong south-west gale, the flames spread to B. Heron's furniture factory adjoining, and both buildings were soon burnipg fiercely. The brigade, under Lieutenant Adams, were promptly on the scene, and directed' their efforts to Having the premises of Crespin's co-operative Btore, C. Smith's large drapery establishment, and George and George's drapery shop, which face Cuba Street. It was soon apparent that the brigade had a greab tack on hand to save these premises and prevenb the spread of the fire to the < wnole or lower Oul» Stroofc. The men worked magnificently, despite the tremend ous heat and the deoae volumes of smoke which aroße from the sawdust m the factories ; and the crowd was not slow to appreciate their efforts, for they were cheered time after time* Crespin'a store caught afe the back, and the fire working its way under the roof, placed the brigade at a disadvantage, and for some time it looked as if all the adjoining buildings were doomed. The fire obtained a good hold on the back part and the top ' storeys of the three premises, but the brigade suooeeded after a great fight m confining it to this limit, although it was nearly three hours before all danger was past. JJoth faptories were levelled to the ground, and the other three premises were completely gutted at the baok and on one of ths top storeys. The build ings held large and valuable stopks, which were utterly ruined by water and smoke. Mr 0. Smith's stock was insured for £14,300. He estimates hiß loss at £7000 over and above the insurance* The follow ing offices have rißks :— Palatine, £1250; Lloyds, £1750; Phcenix, £1500 ; Magdeburg, £1300 ; National, £1500 ; London and Lan cashire, #1000 ; Commercial Union, £2000 ; South British, :^10!y0; Alliance, Royal Ex change, Mew Zealand, Imperial, and London and Liverpool and Globe, £500 eaoh j Eastern .Counties, £250 ; Scottish Allianoe; £'250. % Smith owned part of the build. fog, and h»ol it> iDsurod m follow* : SoatH British ftftd fhognix, £500 eachj San, Victoria, and United. £300 each. ' Hon. G M Waterhouse owns the other portion of the building, which inoluded George's and Creapin'a ptemwea. Hla iuauranees ace ;— Manchester, £600 ; Magdeburg, £600; Liver pool and London and Globe, £250 ; Alliance, £200 ; Guardian, £100. Mr Heron had no insurance on the building or stock, but a good deal of the latter was removed. Mr jjflookton's building was owned by the Hon. Mr Water house, and insured for £100. Mr had no insurance on his stock, which was valued ab £800, and was totally destroyed. Mr CrespWii stock was insure!} for £700 m the Royal Exchange, £500 m the Commercial Union, but he will be a con aideraple lpser.

PRISE DAT.

IVewlands School. I On Thursday afternoon, 22ad insfc., there \ was a very large gathering of friends and parents of the children attending the Newl%adjj Bohool, the occasion being the annual distribution of prizes and breaking-up of the school for the Christmas holidays. In the absence of the Chairman of the School Committee, Ljlr T. Mangin, the prizes, which were Valuable and numerous, were distri buted by Mrj. LJoyd, serir., who briefly addressed the children, and complimented tho mistress, Miss Buck, on the satisfactory progress tho children had mado during the oaat) year under her oareful tuition, and m conclusion" Wj9hea them all a merry Christmas and happy New Year. The children were then free to enjoy the pro gramme of sports prepared for them by MIBB Buck m the playground, and races and games were indulged m to their heart's content. The races, etc., were well contested by the youngsters, and no wonder, " aa the pmea were substantial and worth trying fa r *. competitors reoeived a pri&e, but the winner got the firsb pick. Later on m the afternoon all partook of a substantial tea, and of the good things provided for the children and visitors there was an abundance. This over, Mr Margetts thanked all who had assisted to make the afternoon a happy and joyous one for the youngsters, and also thanked the visitors .for their attendance. Hearty cheers were given for Miss Buck, the gcjiool Committee, and the" visitors, and the children were then dismissed for the holi days, having Bpent a very happy afternoon. During the evening a social was held m the schoolroom, and proved to be one of the moat eDJoyable ever held at Newlands. Several songs contributed by Mrs Percy Jones, who played her own acoompani. mania on the zither harp, added greatly to the pleasure of the evening. The room was afterwards cleared for a danoe. which was kept up with great spirit till about mid night, when the party dispersed, thoroughly latieftod with the clay's outing, whiph wftUj bo ■»? the least), an enjoy»t)li one for all,

A TRIP TO PEEL FOREST.

There is of course nothing new or startling about a trip to Feel Forest, because so many persons m Ashburton have some time or other paid a visit to ib. Bub as you have recently referred to the possibility of the bush boiDg destroyed by the saw mill opera tions, I thought a few notes of a trip made by a party at Christmas time might not be uninteresting. And I may say, m passing, that at least half a doien other parties, representing m all more than seventy people from Aahbarton and Geraldine, visited the Forest this last Christmas. Perhaps, if every body, m those two centres, knew what beautiful places are to be found round the foot of Mount Peel and the smallest eminences which uplift themselves under its shadow— more visits would ba paid annually to the locality. I need not give any account of the journey up. It) is sufficient to say that we found the toads m fair condition, although the stretch from a little past Maronan to the Rangitata Bridge was pretty rough going for the cyclists, of whom there were six, more particularly for that portion of them who travelled during the night of Saturday. Tery little of that Bection of the road is metalled, and what is metalled is worse than the rest of ib, as great boulders are scattered all over the track* We were permitted to pitch our tents (three of them) on the property of Mr E, Lorgelly. This lies at) the back of tha hills, which seem to ran m all directions out of what appearß to be a sort of orator formed by the range m wbioh Mount Peel is situated. The oamping plaoe we selected was about a oouple of miles from the township and nob j far from Mr Lorgelly's homestead— a most lovely spot it is too ; olose to a stream of olear ioe oold water, and just ah the foot of a hill not more than 300 feet high, from the top of wbioh there is one of the grandest views m Canterbury. Ab the back, m graduated altitudes rise the hills, some wooded and I some bare, over which Mount Peel keepß guard for evert la the immediate fore ground of bhe picture are glimpses of the valley through which the stream already mentioned winds its way among trees of various kinds, with every variety of shade of green, until it disappears m a belt of dense forest, beyond which the Canterbury Plains stretch eastward to the sea. The view over this great landscape is enohanting. The whole country is dotted with Homesteads amongst plantations of trees and fields of green and russet and grey. There are the rivers Rangitata and Orati with their patches of shingle and pools of shining water wind ing eastward, and on the outside line of vision are the hills round about Timaru, and the blue southern ocean. I have been to a good many beautiful plaoes m these islands, but few, if any, can compare with the view from the little hill I have deioribed. Of course an equally fine Droßpeot can be got from the high peaks and mountains m the baok ground. But ladies and elderly people cannot easily climb these eminences, and the fatigue attending the climb would m many cases outweigh the satisfaction to be gob from the Bcenery. The hill I have alluded to is easily accessible to all, and very little time is required to reach the top, wbioh is a consideration m expeditions confined to a few hours. I need nob enlarge on the various kinds of ferns and creepers we found, as everybody who has been to any part of the foreßt has had similar experiences. Bub I may say that we ' happened on ' a rata tree covered with the brilliant red blossoms which have excited go muph admiration m other countries. Even the proprietor was <^uit© aßtoniahed at our discovery, nob being aware that any of the rata trees were m bloom. We gathered a goo 4 supply of these flowers, but as we were coming away we were stopped by a party of ladies from Geraldine, who begged for some of them, and considerably reduced the Btock with whioh we had decorated oar trap^and bicycles. There is just one evil thing at Peel Forest that is like the Berpent m Eden, and that \a the Bandfjy or midge, or fftfef , or whatever it may be. Jc exists m pountless thousands, and if one rests a moment during daylight, these horrid creatures settle down on every exposes part of ope'a person apd-^well later on you will know all about it. As I write my band?, neck, and ears are oovered with tha little mounds where a culex has had his, or her (more correctly her) Christmaß dinner. I have so far got no relief and am patiently -a. waiting tho blissful time when the venom shall gradually and evenly be absorbed into my system. It is quite too irritating when confined to a small space. If I go to Peel Forest again, I should be inclined to take a bottle of kerosene or turpentine with which to anoint myself. While I am on the subject of the Forest I Bhonld like to offer a suggestion for public consideration with a view to arrest further destruction of the native bush. I think the Government should acquire 'dome portion of Peel IJoresb and conserve it 1 . If the saw-milling' operations go on ab the rate they have hitherto done, the'day is nob far distant when the people m the Ashburton and Geraldine counties ' will hayp po fores/) to go to, and some of the fiaesb country' fpr tourisfa to visit will be wiped ont. I might mention that we had four or f}ve hours of heavy raia on Monday morning, bub thab did nob prevent the younger members of our party from making excursions into bhe bush and up the hills, two of them going to the top of Mount Peel, where ab the trig station, by bhe way, they left a tomahawk, which doubtless will become the spoil of other explorers. Oar ! journey home was not uneventful, as bhe horses m one of our vehicles took fright owing to an accident to the harness, and bolted. As they came tearing past the advance party they crossed a water-race top near the boundary fence, and the' jark'shifted the front seat and threw oub the driver, who narrowly escaped the heels of one' of the; plunging horses, and came very' near to being run over. The 'acrobatic manner m which he removed himself from his dangerous position saved his life. With a youth and two ohildren behind them the animals dashed od, pursued by a cyclieb ' at top,' when our fears were relieved by seeing thab somehow the horses were being pulled np. Ib transpired that the youth had gob hold of a walking stick, and with the crook had booked up the trailing reins ; a piece. of cool nerve for which^we gave him an ovation on his driving back. Later on one of the traces connected with bhe same vehicle came undone, and the horses had commenced fo plunge when two tf the ovolists supceededin corning to the rescue, showing thab cyclists are not an unmixed eyiV after all. I may r^eution an amusing episode m regard '," to oyplisfcs tjiab occurred on our way home.. A •f scorcher " unknown m these parts overtook us, and informed spme of our party that Qenwood, a well-known OhrUtchurch long diatanpp map, was ootning through from Dunediu to Ghristpbnrch, rnikingan attempt to beat his previous record, Slaving de» livered himself of this item of pews, our in formant vanished into space. Later on two riders could be seen coming up at a great pace, and we who had been informed of what was expected, cleared the road to give them a free passage, and they presently scorched past no fast thab we had no time to examine their features, and they shot aheaH, overtaking one of our party who was m front, and passing him. But to our as tonishment, ho although qjounted "on a lady's machine, seemed to bold them pretty easily, and when later on we came to where he was waiting for us, we learned thab the flying Boorohers were two eminently re* ■peotable young men of Ashburton, hitherto quite .unknown to fame so oyolietsi Some now, however, I think they were m league with the oyolist who had first passed us, for the way they sprinted pasb our cavalo&de was oornething to see, and would not have discredited* even Henwood himself.

CORRESPONDENCE.

■■ + (We do not hold ourselves responsible for tht opinions expressed bj our correspondent*)

THE DOMAIN TRACK.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,— Surely it. is about time that the Domain authorities made a start with the work of widening the track, for m its piesent state, with its defective banking, etc., it is far behind the general run of bicycle tracks. If our tiaek was widened, say from six to eight feet, and banked proportionately, we would then have, with our sheltered and well kept grounds, one of the best tracks m the colony. I trust that the Domain authorities will make a start with the work of improving atonoe, for so long as the track romaiDS jn its present state id will not be favored with the presence of New Zealand's champion cyclist*, and the sporting public of Ashburton will have to go farther afield if they wish to see the champions, for, as I said before, they will nob risk themselves and their machine* on a traok such »s ours, which, m its present state, is far too narrow and defective m banking. — I am, etc., Iktibested Cyclist.

THE ARIEL BICYCLE OLUB AND MR A. HARRISON.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— ln reply to Mr Harmon, I beg to inform him that the two girl* did not, m the first instance, offer the gate-keeper any money. Mr Dalley, the gate-keeper, mi instructed to use .bis own judgment with regard to charging children, and 1 have no doubt he did so. Eowerer, id remain* for Mr Alfred Harmon, the would-be leader of sport m Ashburton, to find some slight flaw m the Domain Board by-lawß, by which he can evade payment of the nstud charge for admission to the Domain on oloie days. How considerate of you, Mr Harri son, to take np this matter m the interest of the children. Why have yon waited all these years to take such action. The children of Ashburtes, as Mr Harrison is pleased to call them, are well aware of the reason. —l am, etc., Colonial Robebt.

CRICKET.

THE AUBTRAUAN TEAM FOR ENG LAND. United Press Association— By Eleotric Telegraph— Copyright Mblboubne, December 28 The fallowing h»ve been selected as part of the Australian team to visit England :— Gregory, Noble, Kelly, Worrall, McLeod. Trumble, Hill, Jones, and Barling. Major Wardill has been selected as the manager. Three test matches are to be played m Aus. tralia, the first m Sydney on March 4, m Melbourne on March 11, and m Adelaide on MarohlS.

EDUCATION BOARD.

♦ ■ - The following local business was trans acted at the meeting of the North Canter bury Board of Education on Wednesday : The Buildings Committee recommended chat £4 be allowed for the purchase of material and apparatus for teaching elementary science at Ashburton. The tender of Smith and Son for a teacher 7 ! house at Higbbank, £28% was accepted : that of G. Boaken for Bushside, £272 10s ; additions to honae at Sprirgburn, Smith and Son, £57. The Appointments Committee recom mended that the resignation of the mistreat at Chertsey be aocepted ; that the M&jfield Committee's application for a second teacher be deferred, pending the receipt of the present quarter's average ; that with respect to overstating consequent upon continued reduced attendance, the Board was recom mended fco inform the Hampgtead Com* mittee that unless the attendance iooreasea the Board would be obliged to withdraw the second assistant mistress ; and the ABhbur ton Committee to be informed that unless an improvement takes place, the quostioa of re-arranging the ataff must be considered. The Hampstead Committee wrote asking the Board to reconsider the application for a small grant for a truant officer for the combined districts of Ashburton, Hatnp stead, and Tinwald. It was decided to make a grant ot £IQ for the purpose named* and that the names of applicants for the position should be placed before the Board at the next meeting.

CABLE NEWS.

Unlced Press Association— By ElectriQ Telggr^ph-rCopyriglit. London, December 28 The Queen, m a letter to Mr Benniker Heaton, states that the es tablishment of a penny postage hag given her sincere satisfaction. A farions gale raged over the greater portion of the United Kingdom. The Channel Paoket Service was suspended. Mach damage has been done. News from West Africa states that France is encroaching upon Liberian territory. Parjs, Decemher 28 prance is. rapidly construpting artaierj^papable of firing twenty shots per minute, ' Algiers, Dfcsmber 28. M. Regis, ex-Mayor of Algiers, fought a fierce duel with M. Picard, journalist. The latter was badly wounded.. Pretoria, December 28 President Kroger has appointed a Commission to enquire into the charges against the police of brutality towards Oape native boys. ' Madrid, December 28 newspapers complain that {he British are mounting gu.ns at Gibraltar with a range of twelve miles, thu.3 commanding Spanish territory, S?. Petersburg, December 28 , The Viedmosti advises Austria to abandon ParHamentarianism, which is disintegrating the monarchy. Vienna, December 28 A horrible murder, on the lines of those committed by "Jack the Ripper," has been perpetrated here, Washington, December 28 Seventy members of the Senate favour the ratification of the peace treaty with Spain, while ten are pp pospfl to it, *' ' Pearson,' who made an attack on the British Embassy, and afterwards es oaped from custody/^ has been re captared. He declares that he is sane, and acted deliberately, believing that Sir Julian Pitpcefote was interfering m American politics. , Brisbane, December 28 Good, rains have fallen over the greaterfiart of the colony f and 1 hesvy m tb^obrth. * l ! *' h ? Hobart, December 2.8. /"The Yolla was wrecked m a dense 'fog, and s*nk m fifteen minutes. There is hope of salvage. The ' thirty head of cattle aboard W6re drowned. Perth, December 28 By a destructive fire m Kalgoorlie, damage amounting to several thousand pounds was cauae^, ' «•* ■ *

rflE ASHBtJRTOti GCAtfDIAN t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1898



Smoto#l* Vtwts ft



Farmers, working men, and all who desire to see "good times" m Ashburton will materially help to bring prosperity to their own doors by encouraging looal industries. Having increased our staff of workers, and showing the largest stock of tailoring goods m the district, and \with exceptional facility for trade, we are determined to offer suoh inducements as will " keep the money m the place" if oußtomera will kindly call and compare our reduced prices on and after Tuesday, December 13, 1898. Men's all wool tweed suits made to measure m a variety of new patterns for 52s 6d or suit and extr» pair of trousers to measure for 65s and upwards, at prices whioh will m all cases compare favorably with those of Christ- church or Dunedin firms for cash, and our name is a sufficient guarantee for fit, style, and workmanship, as the leading tailors and outfitters. —Craigheap & Berrtmaf. (ADVf



Keatino's Powder destroys Bags, Eleaq Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst) quite harmless to dqmestie animals. Iq exterminating beetles the auceess of this gowder is extraordinary. It js perfectly clean m applio&tion. Sea the article you purchase is iceating'9, 'as imitations are noxious anq inegeotuftl. So}d io tins, §d ? }», asd. §•, p»9 , by all «hcwUb»j



The practice— which of late has become prevalent — of giving bot fly remedies or ordinary colia drinks, without proper dis- orimination the moment a horse is taken, bad cannot be too severely condemned Many a valuable horse has been aaorifi^u through the owner not understanding simple Bv'mptoma Sf)-oalled iejcsdies, inim^al to life under riertajo ' poniitione, rr e ad- ministered, with the resull that tb« disorder assumes an aoute form, the o\tv°* becomes alarmed, but alas !it is often tw late. W T Kingston has been wonderfully successful during the late epidemic among horses. Veterinary tnedipine can 6e obtained at ail hours, either a<* his yetprinary forge, W|lli i Street, or at his private residence, Grey Streei, near High School. Horses (only) attended upon the shortest ' notice. Testi- monials <?»q |,een upon application,— j AVYV) I W j



CHURCH SERVICES. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH,' Ashburton. SUNDAY SERVICES-January 1, 1899, 11 am — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion 3 pm— Greenstreet, Rev. T. A. Hamilton. 3 pm— Dromore, Mr Gates. 6.30 pm — Evening Prayer REV T A HAMILTON T ■' - " — 'TT— ■ "** Frledlanaer Bros., Limited. WOOL SEASON, 1898-99. OUR NEXT SALE will take piece at Timaru on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 1898, And Catalogues for this Sale close on TUESDAY, 27th Inst Clients are requested to deliver their Clips either at our Aehburton Stores prior to thab date, or to consign the Wool to MILL k CO.'S siding, Timaru, where ib will have our moflb oareful and personal abtention. Advices of consignments will be received at our Aahburfcon offioe, FRIEDLANDER BROS,, Ltd, CORNSACKS iCORNSACKS. "TTTE are now Landing ex " Elbe," 1000 BALES FULL SIZE AND FULL WEIGHT CORNSACKS, Which we offer to Supply at LOWEST MARKET RATES. Clients who deßire delivery direot ex Ship will please give us their instructions early to save railage or extra handling. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Limited. F. JFERRIMAJN. Knife Grinders Grass Mowers. THE NEW MODEL 1 PUTTON MOWER KNIFE GRINDER THE New Model Dutton Mower Knife Grinder is believed to b,e as pear perfection as such a machine can be made. A most Valuable, Improvement; has been made m the means nsed for holding the knife to the grinding wheel, when being ground. The pressure* of the knife against the wheel is made lees at fb.9 lower part of the knife section, where the J^asb grind- ing is needed, and is gradually increased as the wheel is moved along the edge of the section towards its point. " KEEP THE KNIVES SHARP," Is what every manufacturer of mowers directs. With this grinder it can easily be done. With a dull knife, the wear and strain, both on machine and team, are greatly increased, and the grass will be badly cut. A man, or even a boy, with this machine, can grind a mower knife per- fectly, and with ease and rapidity. When a section is dulled or nicked by coming m contact with a stone, as often happens, it can be sharpened without grinding the other sections. THE ** CORUNDUM GRINDING WHEEL " Does Its work well. It wears bub little, and will last, according to the amount of work done, from three to five years, and probably longer. There is a large hole m the centre of the wheel, made water tight by the Ranges which clamp the wheel and hold it m position. When the machine is used this hollow spape ia filled with water through a small hole In the side of one of its flanges ; the hole is then plugged up. When turning the wheel In grinding, the water is driven through its pores by centrifugal force, completely wetting its grinding surface, this prevents the temper of the knife from being destroyed, whioh would be done if the wheel were used dry. THE OPERATOR While grinding a knife, stands facing the side of t£e whesl and over the knife clamp, this brings the grinding of the section directly un,qler the Bye. By means of a new improvement the grander can be readily clamped to a pole or the rim of any wheel having a width of from 3 to ,5| inches. T fc requires but little skill to use this grinder •' tne directions sent with each machine will, A*' follo^fA» enable any one to work it without truT °* These maohines are proteJ^ 4 f -? u 7 , b 7 patents m the United States, Oai?. HtU » Great Britain, France, Belgium and Sweden. F. FERRIMAN, _ AGENT. ASHBURTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, Limited. IN LIQUIDATION. IT IS REQUESTED THAT ALL ACCOUNTS DUE to the above , Company, and which are now being rendered, be paid ab the Mail Office before JANUARY 14, after which date proceed- ings will be taken to recover those nut- standing, as the business of the Proprietary prior to April 1, 1898, must be wound up. Notk. — These Accounts do not include anything thab may be due to the present management as from the above date. NOTICE TO CLIENTS. ATTENTION is specially directed to the fact that the Accounts recently aenb out from the ABhburton Publishing Com- pany, Limited, (m liquidation) have no reference to the business of the present proprietor of the Ashburton Mail and Ash- burton Guardian. The Accounts referred to are up to Maroh 31 lasb, and as the books have to be oloiecl to that date immediate attfcleoitat) it stoewiry,



Public Notices. i THE A BE bound to uphold their reputation aa being the lending Tailors and Outf ttera m Aehburton. During the past week we have opened out some of the very neweßfc things m Gentilfe men's HATB, 'JIES, SHIRTS, etc., that oonld be procured m the English and Continental Markets. FOB THE HOLIDAYS See the Sirdar Frame Hats „ „ Wolaeley Collars „ „ Neweßt Ties   Pearl Straw Hate   Panama Straws   Unbreakable Sfcrawa „ „ Pique Fitted Shirts „ „ Celluar Fitted Shirts „ „ Matt Tennis Shirts „ „ Picnic Shirts In faot every artiole of dress to make the holidays a pleasure, Quality our first consideration. SPECIAL DISPLAY THIS WEEK A, G, BARTON, Manager. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAB.i SPECIAL SHOW or Latest Novelties Suitable or the HOLIU/iY SEASON. Inspection Invited. A. P. Williamson, ' OASH DRAPER & CLOTHIER T&ncred Sfcroefc. (> S GO S W f ■■.§>! ° 8s Ml 00 3ME § So° S ' I B g ,g> ! &5 I* 1 1 i • 8 Q g Z . A g OS GO g S I M s- a 1 Os I ■ □ B Cb * ,_, 2 **- 00 .mDailSlOs. Xwilßt upon ixariug our Pure Teas Dont be put upon. They are the Best and Cheapest. Absolutely pure. Copied but never equalled. WONDERFUL Ctuanrateed Vicer and Better Vtvlue 4han any at -td per Ib. more money. Compare onr 3/- Tea with any at a/4 and our 2/4 with any at 3/- per lb. TEAS MISS ETHEL GATES, mEAOHER of *footf;band and Mueio, X Piano, Organ, & Vipliu. JRAKAU & CHERTSSy.



DONAGHY'S BINDER TWINE, MACHINE OIL, BINDER WBIPS, HAY JfOEKS AND RAKES, ENGINEERS' TOOLS, HBNiJBRSON'B DUNDEE LEATHER BELTING, CHAINS AND SECTIONS JfOE MASSBY-HARRIS AND M«CORMIOK REAPERS AND BINDERS, At L«B than Agents' Prioes, and all Requiaiteo for the Hwveit Field »t Loweib Prioei. JOHN ORR & Co. OUR STOCK OP ELECTRO-PLATED WARE AND CUTLERY IB by far the Fineit ever Imported into Aehburton, and we are now making a BEAUTIFUL DIBPI/AY m onr Windows. JOHN ORR & CO. WE ARE OPENING AN iIMMENSB ASSORTMENT OF Fancy Glassware and China. AMONGST other Lineß we are Showing Three Thousand GLASS VASES and SPROIMEN GLASSES, ranging m Price from Sixpence each, and as we believe a larcer variety has never been imported by any firm m New Zealand, we feel confident m reaueitintt the inspection of the General Public. In order to dispose of our Immense Btock m these lines we have marked them at prio«s from 30 to 50 per cent below ordinary prices. Inspect oub Windows. j JOHN ORR & CO. CUPS & SAUCERS PLATES DISHES WATER JUGS TU&IBLERB TOILET SETS BUTTER OARS, and every artiole m Crockery and Glassware at Reduced Prices at JOHN ORR & CO. MASON'S JARS, JAM JARS IN NESTS, SCREW TOP JARS, ENAMELLED AND BRiSS PRESERVING PANS. For many yeara now we have altogether undereold all our Competitors m these ■peoial Unes, and we ate determined to add another season to oar record. We Qvabavt£b to Sell these Goodfl ohbajer than any house m Chnstohuroh or Ashburton. JOHN OBR & CO. FREE { INSUKANCE } *™* X We beg to announce to the people of Ashburton and District that we have com- pleted arrangements whereby we are now prepared to offar all Caah Cuatoraera to the extent of 10s or over, , A FREE ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY, which holds g od for Seven Days from cUte of Issue, and on expiry can be renewed at our Stores •. »hua enabling anyone dealing with us to keep covered aealnst accident for £100 m the event of death, or £1 per week m the case of ■ Total^Disablement. And the Beauty of the WHOLE SYSTEM is that ib COSTS THE CUSTOMER ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. We do not make any advance In our Prices to p^y for thla, but atill continue to give to all alike THE BEST VALUE AT BOTTOM PJKICES IN EVERY LING OF OUR IMMENSE STOCK. Buy your Goods where you can get your Insurance for Nothing. It may be handy when yon le»sf expect ib. If It costs you nothing you. might) aa well have that thrown m. Guarantee from Insurance Company, and all further particulars on application to JOHN ORR & Co. Hams and Bacon. SIDES, ROLLS, AND , HAMS- Thl< is VERY PRIMS QUALITY, having secured first prize at the recent Shows m Chrisichurch and Timaru. JOHN QRR & Co. Maravilla Garden Teas. Purveyors by Appointment to Her Majesty's Hospitals, Army and Navy. THESE CELEBRATED TEAS are Exported to us by the Growers from their Gardens m Ceylon, thus saving all Middlemen's Profits. Ten priZ3 medals for PORITY, STRENGTH AND FLAVOR. . Everyone Bbould try them JOHN ORR & Co., SOLE AGEKTS. Sugar for Jam. WE Guarantee the Pure Cane SUGAIi of the Highest Quality, and especially Suitable for Jam makh.g. JOHN ORE, & CO., # ASHBURTON.