out districts are fLcking into the city — many penniless and homeless. The roads m many places are blucked, and telegraphic communication is being cut oft. One result of the tiro is vhe almost entire destruction of the raspberry and other small fruit crops. The he*t wave, added to the fires, destroyed all the fruits, even m localities untouched by the actual fl itueo. Many livo stock wore burned to death.

THE INDIAN FRONTIER.

«, Major-General Sir H. Havelock v Allan Silled.

Further Sharp Fighting

Prets Association —By Electric Teleprap — Copyright. , Calcutta, December 31 Major Geu«ral Sir H. M. Havelock- Allan, while riding through the Khyber Pass on Wednesday, left his escort, and his horse was subsequently found stripped and shot; near Fort AH Mui-jid. Sir Henry's body was found m a mutilated condition, and it is bnlieved that he was captured by the Zakka Khels. Later reports state that the body of Sir H. Havelock- Allan was not muti lated. Sir Havelock-Allan, who was without an official mission, went to the frontier with a view to obtaining information for the use of Parliament. fie had been visiting Lundi Kotal, and on approaching Jamrud hurried forward, leaving hi- escort. His body is being sent to Jfeshawur. January 1 The Zakka Khels tribesmen are proving obdurate. Two of their villages have been burned and twenty five hill towers destroyed by the British forces. Sharp fighting occurred at Kbyber Pass. Tribesmen attacked a convoy, killing thirty and wounding eleven privates belonging to the Ox fordshire Light Infantry Regiment. Oolonel F. H. Plowder and two officers of, the same regiment also were bounded. London, December 31 The death of Major-General Sir H. Havelock-Allan causes a vacancy m the House of Commons for South-east Durham.

THE SYDNEY LIBEL ACTION.

Preis Association— By Eleotric Telegraph- Copyright. Sydney, January 3 Mr Oarruthers, m cross examination, detailed his conversations with Mr Reid m reference to Norton's state ment that Mr Reid wished to get rid of Mr Carruthers from -he ministry. Mr "Reid replied that it was a lie, and asked if he thought their long political friendship was likely to be broken by the words of a lying man. Mr Want, Attorney General, wrote to Mr Car ruthers utterly repudiating any of Norton's statement 8 which m any way reflected on Mr Carruthers's adminis tration of the Lands Department. He did not pay the slightest attention to Norton's wild statements, and utterly repudiated his charge.

FIRE.

A fire occurred very suddenly m Moore Street Weßt on Saturday night m the house of Mr Joseph Fletcher, of Fletcher Bros , grocers, by which the whole tenement wa» t educed to ashes m a few minutea. The building, which was one of Beven rooms, belonged to Mr John Hepburn, of Race comae road, and waa rather old. It was roofed with sbingle, and was of course, as all wooden buildings are just now, as dry as tinder. The two special features of this fire were— the apeed with which it got hold of the building, and the rapidity of the flames' progress after a hold had been secured. How the fire orginiated ia a mystery. Mr Fletoher was m Chriatchurch — on A visit, bnt waa expected by the eveniDg train. He did not come, however, but Mrs Fletcher was not aware of his intended stay over Sunday, and with her little daughter - went to the train to meet) Mr Fletcher, leaving at home Mr Andrews, a mem . ber of Mr Fletcher's staff, who lived , m tht house. There was no fire m the faous«, nor any sign of fire when Mrs Fletcher left, and the young man left shortly after her, and still saw no sign of fire. When Mrs Fletcher reached the rail way Btation, her attention (as indeed the attention of most people on the platform and m East street) was drawn to a cloud of atrioTse that was moving across the railway about Moore street crossing. Then the western firebell rang', but by this time the fire had got such a hold of the building that f any hope of saving it, or anything of eon ! eequeneein it was out of the question. Not wfthetanding that the day was a holiday, the Brigade obeyed the call of the bell with i commendable promptitude, and the steamer * was planted at the Bank corner m West - street, *ml the hose led along the wall of ' Messrs Hanmer and Graves' iron store, to the back of the burning building, *nd waß •a toon playing upon it ; but the mischief had been done, and m leea than half an hour the building was a ruin of cinders. As Mr Fletcher was juet about to remove from his grooer's shop m East street to the premises recently vacated by Mr H. Zander ; and as he had juat received a consigDjnent of iron mongery and other gooda from Home, for which he had no room m hia present shop, every pare of it beiDg conge&tei with stock laid m for the Christmas trade, he cleared a room m his house, and stocked the new arrivals there. Of course, all of this that was perishable perished. There is only £150 insurance on Mr Fletcher's furniture, but it is understood the building waa osured for £240

CORRESPONDENCE.

( We do not bold ourselves responsib'e for the '- opinions expressed by our correspondents i

THE ASHBURTON BRASS BAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Si&— Preachers often speak of mysteries B m the Spiritual Life. We have here m Ash. ■ burton myeterie* m our every day life, In the apparent exemption we enj*y from the ordinary laws of the colony, as instance the, utter defiance the Band Art Uoion Committee give the recent Gazette notice, i^L and tbe example of the United Friendly Societies of Christcharch m withdrawing |^A asd returning the money to the holders of |^X their Art Union tickets. The band's object t» obtain funds for the payment of their is a very laudable one, but the fact that they are compelled to have recourse to ihis questionable way of obtaining funds speaks very little for the generosity .of the citizens of ABhbnrton. The bandsmen give a great deal of their time, and only gat paid for days they lose. Surely our Mayor flight lake the matter m hand and obtain the aniount required by Bubsoriptions, And thns remove from our midst 'what might be fot for many of our youths the steopiup itone to the gambling den, which is only tor well-known by many a sorrying parent and ■^H employer.— l am, etc . V ■ ■ 7 Cixizek.

TEA

THE EASTERN SITUATION.

I • . Press A-aociation— By Electric Telegraph ' Copyright. London, December 31 i French, reports coi.firm the seizure 1 by a French expedition of Fashoda on the White JNile. The British Govern ment, at the time of the seizure, it is reported, intimated to TiYance it would be considered a decidedly unfriendly ;iCt. Shanghai, December 31. The CHnese Government recently hiuled at ruising a Russian loan if the Hongkong Bank m gin red on the likin or Customs »<eing phced under foreign c mtrol ; also proposed, m return for the loan, to appoint a Russian official as successor to Sir Kobert Hart, Superintendent of Customs. The Ohma Government has now decided to postpone the loan, pending Great Britain's reply to these proposals. Hong Kong, January 1 General activity is being displayed m the naval yard here, and the move ment of tl.e British fleet now m Port Hamilton are being kept secret. London, January 1 Many newspapers comment upon the menacing international situation ai^the opening of the new year. Mr McLeary Brown, financial ad viser to Oorea, who Russia demanded should be dismissed, and M. Alexiff, the Russian nominee for the position, have arrived at a compromise, and agreed to work together.

METHVEN SPORTS.

. «. The Methven annual sports were held on New Year's Day m a paddock kindly lent by Mr Daniel McKendry. The weather was beautifully fine, and had the effect of induc ing a very satisfactory attendance. Consider ing that the majority of the events were post entries, and several of the officials suffering from the influenza epidemic, the 1 committee are to be congratulated on hav ing so ably c Tried out the programme. Special mention must be made of the work of the energetic and genial secretary, Mr G. H. Alington. Owing to the yearly increasing popularity of these sportß, it would be advisable to close the, entries for athletic events at the same time* as those for horses, This would allow the athletics to be contes ted with greater precision and give less cause for annoyance otherwise. A time keeper and telegraph board would also be advantageous. The luncheon arid refresh ment booth was m charge of Mr Petrie, of Bakaia, who did a roaring trade during the day, while several fancy goods stalls, etc., did fair business. The Woolston Brass Band were on the ground, and payed some excellent music, which was a very welcome acquisition to the day's enjoyment. The following are the results. HOHSE RACES. Hurdle Race Handicap, of 10 soys ; second horse to receive 1 soy. from the Brake. About 1£ mile, over 6 flights of hurdles. Minimum weight lOst 71b. — Mr G. Brown's blk g Black Douglas, 6yrs, list 101 b, 1 ; Mr W. Setters' eh g Demagogue, ! 4yrs, lOst 71b, 2 ; Mr H. Cranfield's br g My Jack, 4yrs, lOst 71b, also started. Won easily by four lengths. A protest was postponed fur a week. i Maiden Trot Time Handicap, of 7 soys ; second horee to receive 1 soy from the stake. About 1£ mile. Weight 12st.— ( Mr J. Smith's Orphan Boy, 5 sees, 1 j Mr W. Smith's Abdallah Shale?, scr, 2. Daisy Bell scr, My Jack scr, Miss Highbank scr, also started Orphan Boy was never caught, and won easily by eleven lengths. Methven Cup Handicap, of 10 boys, and trophy ; second horse to receive 1 soy. from the stake. About H mile. Minimum weight Pit 71b. —Mr A. Richard's g m Tit, 3 years, 9st 71b, 1 j Mr J. Smith's b m Lap wing, aged, 10 10, 2. Black Douglas aleo started. A very good race Won by one and a half length. Time— 2.2o. Handicap Time Trot, of 10 soys ; second horse to receive 1 soy. from the stake. About g miles. Pull and go. Weight 12at.— Mr A. McCormick's br g Scottie, aged, 14 sees, 1 ; Mr J. Smith's b m Peeress 11, aged, 12 sees, 2. Wenlock sor, Wildboy 17 sees, Stella 17 sees, also started. Won by a length. Laihes 1 Pubse Handicap, of 10 soys ; second horse to raceiye 1 soy. from the B take. About six furloogs. Minimum weight 9sfc 7lb. — Mr A. V. Richard^a g m Tit, Qi\> 71b, 1 ; Mr J. Smith's b m Lapwing, 12at, 2. Blapk Douglaß 11.3, and My Jack 9st 71b also started. Hack Race Handicap, of 5 bovb j second horse to receive 15s. from the stake.— Mr G. Hardwiok's Tesaa, list, 1 ; Mr Fechney'o Chestnut, lOst, 2. Waif 9a fc, Gazer 9st, and Tommy 7st, also b tar ted. Won easily. Consolation Rac ', of 3 aovs. About half mile, For all beaten horses. Minimum weight lOst.— Oollipa, list 7lb, 1 ; Lapwing, 12st, 2 My Jack, lOat, alao Btarted. This was a popular win, the winner being heartily cheered. ATHLETIC EVENTS. Men's M liden Race, 100 Yards (handicap) — W. Low, 4yds, 1 ; W. Green, scr., 2; A. Russell, scr., 3. C. Shann sor, E. Colhart scr, T. Maidens scr, A. Burrows 4yds, and A. Miller scr, also ran. Low was never caught and won by 3yds. Boys' Rape, 100 Yards Handicap (under 14 years). -Ge'o, Stephens 1j J. Ross 2. 440 Yards Handicap — Pe.ch.ney, 15yds,' 1 ; Stephens, syds, 2 ; O r Donnell, sor., 3. W. Low, 12yd8, also ran. Men's Hurdle Race Handicap, 120 Yards. — B. Colthart, scr., 1 ; O'Donnell, Byds, 2. Aitken 7yds, Russell 6yds, A. Drummond 4yds, Green syds, also' ran. Won by three yards. Girls' Race (under 14.) — Maggie Briden, 1 ; Maggie Rolls 2. Men's 100 Yards Handicap.— O'Donnell; sydß, 1;T. Austin, sor, 2. W. Lowe, E. Colthart, A. Gordon, Pepkhair; Russell, D. Fechney, Green, Steve, J. Henderson, and M. Henderson also ran. A very close finish. Three-legged Race Handicap— J. and M. Henderson, syds, 1 ; Austin and O'Donnell, sor, 2. Lowe and Fechney, Syds, and Mills and Keefe, 15yds, also ran. Men's Race Handicap (over 40 years of age.)— Cairney, syds, 1 ; J Blair, scr, 2. T. Fagan, senr, T. Grainger, and W. Tilling also ran. Great interest was manifested m this race. Conßolation Race, 220 Yards^-Stephens, Ber, 1 ; Gordon, 3yds, 2. Green, 4yds, and Aitken, 6yds, also ran,

The swimming baths of Methven have not been used during the laat few days pending arrangements to be made m connection with the water supply. During the recent holidays the Rakaia Gorge bridges have been the rendezvous of large numbers of picnic parties The scenery between the Mount Hutt station and the bridges is interesting, and some of the cuttings are very steep. Wekaa and hares abound m considerable numbers along this route. Curios m clay may be obtained from the clay facings adjacent to the bridges. Fishing is indulged m with success, while bush climbing affords a good deal ot fun. To the Deaf and those troubled with Noises m the Head or other Aural Troubles Dr Nicholson, of London, the world famed aural specialist and Inventor of artificial ear drums,' has just issued the 100 th edition of his illustrated and descriptive book on Deaf nesß and Aural Troubles. This book may be bad from Mr F. Shaw, 160, Adelaide Road, Wellington, N Z. t on receipt of stamps. Mr' Campbell, of the same address, was greatly relieved of his deafness by Dr. Nicholson's system, and take's pleasure m spreading the news' of the great specialist m New Zealand. A littlebopk on the cure of Rheumatism, Corpulence, Lumbago, and Indig&stion'by the same author, may be had from $>j Shaw on receipt of stamps,

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

♦ Press Aawciation-— By Electric Telegraph Copyright Auckland, January 3 A train on its way to Kaukapaka wua derailed. Tne engine «ot off the rails, 1 tumblv? over a bank, and rolled over and over. Three carriages were derailed, and Baike:, the fireman, w s killed. The dnvei jumped off the i nginc, and escaped with • severe shakii g. No paßSi ngers art iujuied.

THE WEATHER.

« ALFORD STATION. The following iB the meteorological report for the week ending December 31, 1897 :—

RAINFALL DURING DECEMBER. Alford Forest 2.12iu. Alford Station 0.75in. Note. — The readings of the thermometer m the sun are now unreliable, m consequence of the collapse of the vacuum tube m which' the instrument was encased. None being procurable m the colony, a new instrument has been ordered from London.

RAINFALL FROM 1890 TO 1897. 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 Forest ... 43.14 53 43 61. 23 69.40 60 17 Station ... 29.94 29.37 42.34 36.07 40 48 1895 1896 1897 Forest ... 76 97 62 67 45.19 Station ... 43.05 38.61 25 92 Average of eight years. — Foreat, 59.02 ; StatioD, 35-72.

Among the enterprising cycling firms of New Zealand, the name of the Austral Cycle Agency, Ltd, slauds second to uone. No doub: the majority of our readers will re member the guesMing competition which appeared m our paper for some time. It was to tne eflvc that the person wh guessed nearest; to the uninber of milea of bicycles sold by this agency for a period of three year", would be entitled to a Puolop bicycle fiUe'l with Dunlop tyres. We now h\ive •uithori'.y from t'-ie Austral Cycle Agency to give ttie names of the winuers. No doubt mauy of our readers who did oof. compete for one of these Dunlop bicycles fitted wit h Dunlop tyres, will feel sorry they did not do so, as, instead of only one bicycle bfing given, we have to note the naniPß of three persons who have ail )>een successful. The Dunlop bicyc es are not of very ir.jny y.-ars standing, but the sboit period m wlmh they have been before the public their career ha* been remarkable. We see on looking up cycling records that the Dunl<>p eye c fitted with Dunlop tyr. s has to its cedit the distance of 32 miles 1086 yards for the hour, J. W. Stocks having ridden on this make of machine m this sho t time, and one mile world's record Imm 35 g eeca. The person who came nearest to the number of miles of bicycle sold m the three years, was Mr K. M, Wildey, of Reed Street, Dunf-dm, who gave as his number 12 miles 560 yards, 2 feet, 1 inch, then, very curiously, numnera 2 and 3 (Mrs Overend, of Milton Street, Spieydon, and Me R. W. Davies, of 326 Oxford Tt-rrace, Christ church), have run a tie. The Austral Cycle Agency have there fore decided to give tbree machine? 1 . The correct figures being 12 mi'es 554 yards. It will be noticed m the aclvertis 1 . ment that only one bicycle was offered, that to the wiuner, and we cannot but help noticing the geuerosity of the Austral Cycle Agency, Ltd, m this matter. Holloway's Pills and Ointment. — Soldiers and Sailors.— These well-kuowu and easily used remedies are especially serviceable aud nonvenient for those who, like soldiers and sailors, are to great changes of climate, and the hardships inseparable from their calling. Many of the diseases en gendered m the system from these and other untoward causes can be checked and con trolled by attention at their onset, and m Holloway's remedies will be found a ready means of relief, without hindrance from duty. Many a man is invalided and rendered more or less a burden to himself and friends from neglect of the early symptoms of his complaint, which calamity might be averted by timely resort to the use of Holloway's Pills and Ointment. Keating's Powdkb destroys bugs, fleas, moths, beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. Ib is perfectly clean m application. See the article yo"u purchase is " Keating's," as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold m tins, 6d, Is j and 2s 6d each, by all cberniste.

•fHft ABflßOßtOfi ©tJABbiAJNt MONDAY* JAttUAttf 3, iSDi



Shade. H . h g Date. m « of Low. High Sun weather. , Saturday.. 56 1 89- HO. Fine, NW-8W Sunday ... 47- 74- 93- Light rain, E. Monday ... 44- 66- 82- „ „ calm luesday ... 37" 81- 92- Fine, N. Wednesday 51" 84* 96- „ N.E. Thursday... 54. 68' 70. Overcast, calm. Friday ... 54- 81- 93 Fine, N.E.



CHRISTMAS---1807. NEW SEASON'S FRUIT , FLETCHER BROS. HaVE Just received by the following steamer*— lonic, Mataura, and! Firautaka— their NEW SEASON'S FRUIT, direct from the growers, andean safely say that it is some of the Finest Fruit ever brought to >'■▼/ Zealand .The following Quotations will dtfy competition m regard to first class quality : — 100 caaes fine?' Patrai Curants, 4Jd per lb 2 casks Sici'y Almonds, Is 2drper lb 50 oases finest Vostizza Currants, 5d per lb . 5 cwt Mixed Spice, lid per picket, iU 53 cases finest, Valencia Raisins, 7d per lb tin 6d 25 cases fiuest Elemes Raisins, 7d per lb 2 b, xes Jordan Almonds, 2s 4d per lb 50 case, finest buUanas, 7d per lb 1 ton Mixed Lemon, Orang«, and Citron 25 bags new Natural F,gs, 8d PeeJ, 8d per lb, 21b for 1. 3d nn i a ? ew D * t * 8 ' 6d P er lb " 20 oases 2 * lb tins preserved Fruiu m heavy box. s finest Layer Muscatels, Is per lb syrup, lOd per tin 10 box»-8 good Layer Muscatels, 8d per lb 10 cases Dried Apricots, Pears and PeachM * sacks Barcelona Nuts, 8d per lb 10d per lb SEASONABLE GOODS. SEASONABLE GOODS. Worcester Sauce, large bottlea, 9d per bottle Euos Fruit Salts, 3a 3d per bottle WorcesterSance, small bottles, 4*d perbottle Citrate of Magnesia, Is per bottle finest Cocktail Salmon, lid per tin Jelly Powders (pint packets) 6d per packet. Fresh Herrings 6±d per tin Raspberry, Lemon, Orange, etc- Lynx Urand Salmon, 8d per tin Mullet, star brand, 7d per tin Herrings m Tomato Sauce, lOd per tin Anchovy Paste, 8d per tin Lib tins Sheep Tongues, Bd, 9d, lOd per tin Bloater Paste, 4£d per tin kippered Herrings, lOd per tin Loose Hops, la 3d per lb u— il. Lib tins Rabbit m jelly, 7d per tin Pressed Hops, Is 4d per lb • Urge bottles Capets, Is per bottle Unbleached Giuger, Is 2d per ib ; bardmes, 4£"d per tiD, 4s per dozen Bleached Ginger,;ia 3d per Ib Squash, Is 3d per bottle . Ground Ginger, Is 4d per lb English Vinegar, 6d per bottle Finest Carraway Seeds, 8d per lb Finest Akaroa Cheese, 6d per-lb . 1897— PBESERVING SEASON— IB9B. PRESERVING PANS DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURERS. 8 quarts 75, ,10 quarts 8a 6d, 12 quarts 9s 6d, Light Steel Enamel Preserving P«ns. beak and 14 quarts lla . quality, 3s, 3s lid, 4s 6d, &5s eaek CROCKERY DEPARTMENT. We have just received very heavy shipments of all lines of CHINA and EARTHENWARE, both Fancy and Plain, and everyone is welcome to Htep m and see the bargains we have m this Department, without being pressed tobuy, Plain Tumblers, 2s per dozen Nail Brushes, 3d each Moulded Tumblers, 2s 6d per dozen Pie Steamers, 4.1 each Printed Cups and Saucers, 2s 9d per dozen White and Gold Egg Cups, Is 3d per dosen White and Gold China Cups and Saucers, 6s Alarm Clocks (good timekeepers) 3s lid _ , t odP 6 * dozen Nickel-plajbed Butters, from 3s 6d each Oeleste and 3 gold line China Cups and 5 hole Revolving Cruets, from 7s 6d eaofa Saucers, 6s 6d per dozen etc.-, ofc. ' Kindly note that nearly all the above mentioned goods are impor ed by ua direct from the manufacturers, so therefore we are enabled to sell as cheap, m fact cheaper than any hou9e m the trade. FLETCHER" BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, East Street, Ashburton and High Street, Christchurch. P.O. Box 67. Telephone 24. F. M. JONES. H. M. JONES. SANTA GLAUS IS NOW AWA. A Happy New Year to all. SPLKNDID VARIETY of NEW GOODS specially imported for Christmas Trade, Rimutaka, Delphic and Matatua, from London, and Talune from Melbourne and Sydney. Books. Books. Books- A LAT?GK ASSORTMENTS Prize, Reward, and Presentation Books, selected rom the well-known Publishers— Ward, Lock and Co., Cassell and Co., Nesbitt and Co., Nelson and Sons, Rsligious Tract Society, Warne and Co , and others, comprising worki •t Travels, History, Biography, Fiction and Fairy Stories, Scientific and Poetical Works a Cloth, Flam Leat her, and Morocco Bindings. Bo>'s and Girl's Own Annual, Little < oiks. Chatterbox, Infant Magazines, Child's Companion, Widc-a-Wake, Sunday and othen New Books and Magazinr s by every mail. Fancy Goods. Fancy Goods. LADIES' and GENTLEMEN'S Dressing Boxes, Writing Desks, Work Boxe». Papeterie, Albums, Photo Frames, and t-cteens, Glove and Handkerchief Boxes, Work baskets, plain and fitted Ladies' Companions, Wallets Purses, Pocket Books, Pen md Pencil Cases, Handbags, Brackets, Mirrors, Kpergnes, Fans, Japanese Goods. Stationery. Stationery. AN EXCELLENT VARIETY of Boxed Stationery, of the best quality and latea ■iesignß, plain, fancy and floral. Is BOXE«. 6d BOXES. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. Account and Letter Books, Counter and Memorandum Books, and all Office Requirements; Account Books any size or patterns made to order. Toys. Toys Toys. UNRIVALLED COLLECTION of TOYS, m wood, tin, and rubber. Noah's Arks Train*, Watches, Skittles, Balls, Animals, Prams, Bairowa, Rocking and Hobby Horseß Buckets, Spades, Games, Tricycles, and a great variety too numerous to particularise. Electro-plated Ware. A UNIQUE STOCK of GOOD-PLATED WARE. Butter, Jelly, & D d Jam Dishes and Crsam, Toast Racks, Cruets, Salad Bowls, Biscuit Barrels, Egg Stands, Butter Knives, Tea Spoons, Carvers, Serviette Rings, Teapots, Salts, and Inkstanda, Marble Gilt, and Nickel Clocks, Ladies' and Gentldmen's Watches, Studs, etc. Fancy Glas* and China Ware. Jap Tea Cups and Saucers, Dishes, Teapots, Sugar and Creams. Cheese Stands, Ring Sets, Egg and Cruet Stands, Biscuit Barrells, Tea Sets, Jugs, Plates, all m chaste and pretty designs. OROQUET SETS, LAWN TENNIS, & CEICKETING MATERIALS. ORGANS from £8 10s to £45. PIANOS from £20 to 70 Guineas. Bicycles. Bicycles. Bicycles. I CAN SUPPLY any of the following machines—The Monarch, "Waverly, Hadden Benhur, and Euvoy. All up-to-date and GUARANTEED. Ladies' and Gentlemen'^ iiicycles from ,£2O Cash- Girls' Bicycles from ,£l3 IQs. Easy te^rms arranged. Cycle extra?. EVERY LxNE AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE CASH PRICE, " "^ To keep the Trade m the District. Liberal Discount for Oash to School Committees. H. M. JONES, „» A CHANGE FXIHE name and goodwill m connection with the word " DunJop "having been acquired from the Dunlop Cycle Company Limited— makers of the famous DUNLOP CYCLES by the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Oonipai y Limited, m dtferer.ee to the wishes of Dunlop Tyre Customers, wo have decidol .... • TO adopt forthwith the name of Ariel Cycle Company Limited, »■ makers of ARIEL CYCLES. The design, quality and manufacture of Ariel Cycles will be identical with that of tha Dunlop Cycles, whilst all the many World's Records, etc., and Testimonials belonging to the Dunlop Cycle Company, and made on Dunlop Tyres, will apply with equal force lo the Ariel Cycles, and the AEIEL CYCLE COMPANY, LIMITED., (late dunlop cycle company, limited.) _ HEAD OFFICE— II 6 Queen Victoria Street, EC. J^| SOLE AUSTRALIAN AGENTS— The Austral Cycle Agency, HEAD OFFICE— I 39, Ul Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. COLOMBO STREET, OHRISTCHURCH ; 123, GEORGE STREET, DUNEDIN * ANb 61, fcAMBTON QUAY, WELLINGTON.



ff. FERIRMaN. t, CBEiSTMAS PRESENTS. WHAT better Present can yo\ select for your wiff, mother sister, daughter ' or friond, than a strong serviceable PORTABLE y BOILER like this:— a r The above Boilers are strong and . durable, the frame is constructed of 3 stout galvanized sheet iron, with an extra lining of sheet iron inside to ' prevent the fire from burning the outer frame, and is built to carry heavy copper boilers of various sizes. ~ 'The funnel is adjustable, and is fitted i with a patent joint, thus doing away with the bottom being burnt out of the funnel as too often occurs m other I makes. r An inspection will satisfy the most ' fastidious as to economy, utility, acd durability of this excellent boiler. F. FERRIMAN, Friedlander Bros., Limited. Wool Season, i 189M898. OUR NEXT WOOL SALE?| will take place at TIMARU ON WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12, 1898, AND AT CHRISTCHURCH OiT FRIDAY. JAN. 14, 1898. - Clieutsjwill please consign their clips, ii intended for the Timaru Sale, to JOHN MILL & COS PRIVATE SIDING, TIMARU, [ where the Catalogues closejon SATURDAY, JANUARY 8. And if intended for the Chrittchurch Sale, TO D. H. BROWN & SON.3 PRIVATE SIDING, ADDINGTON, Catalogues closing on] TUESDAY, JANUARY 11. At both places the wool will recehe oui personal and most careful attention 01 arrival. Any wool thut may be delivered at our Ashburton stores will be sent on to ' either Timaru or Christchurc 1 ! free ol oharge. Advice of consignments should be posted to us promptly. FbIEDLANDER BROS., LIMITED. YJTTE ARE CASH BUYERS OF i WHEAT RYEGRA.SB OATS COCKSFOOT BARLEY CLOVERS CHAFF And all other Farm Produce. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. TIT E ARE BUYEJRS OF HEAVY BRIGHT > OATEN SHEAF CHAFF. FRIEDLANDER" BROS., Limited. Henry Zander. NOTICE. npBE ESURANCE to my Offices »| sow m Moore Street, (lately oaoupied] by Meßsre||Friedlander Bros.) CORNSACKg— (FuII size. SEAMING TWINE-(&: P 1 V| )| BINDING TWlNE— (Douaghyjs, JUST TO HANB, HENRY ZANDER. ■ i



I T. Buiiock. n a TO LET. SHOP m Briok Building, Burnett Streel next Mr Seymour. Apply to T. BULLOCK. TO LET, AT A VERY LOW RENTAL. AND PisEMISES m the L'riungli £* Brick Buildings, at preseui occupied b] 9 Mr Ray, Photographer. Possession can b< given m a few days. r T- BULLOCK. ! TO FARMKRS AND OTHERS. \ FOR ~SALE. A NUMBER of improved Farms of from 180 lo 700 acres of good and medium i land, some originally part swamp. Also a number of blocks of plains land, varying m area from 300 to 3680 acres. Full particulars as regarda price and terms on application. ALSO.— A number of Suburban Properties. Town Sections, etc., on easy terms of payment. T. BULLOCK. , FOR SALK Suburban Building Allotments and other Suburban Properties situated m the Hatnp- stead Distriot ; also a number of properties m the Allenton Suburban District. Full particulars, prices and terms furnished on application. Apply to ' T. BULLOCK. TINWALIX FOR SALE — Building Allotments m Malcolm and Harland Streets, and other properties. 10 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. FOR PRIVATE SALE ON EASY TERMS, OR WOULD BE EXCHANGED FOR TOWN PROPERTY. npHAT Charmingly Situated Suburban _L Property on Belt Road, Allenton, containing about 6£ 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 I 155 WILLIAM HORNE. Special Lines CHRISTMAS. BY Pteamer "Mataura" a SPECIAL IMPORTATION OF GOODS for CHRISTMAS, Just Landed. 45 Pieces of Newest English Designs m FALL NETS. 3O per cent. Under Usual Prices. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT (some thousands of yards) of CREAM & WHITE LACES, LATEST DESIGNS, Much Under Usual Prices. CHRISTMAS CARDS IN ENDLESS VARIETY. FANCY HANDKERCHIEFS N IMMENSE VARIETY OF W. H. COLLIER "THE CORNEEf I O O O O o o o o o o o o o o o o 1 — II k Y~~ 1 000 000 ' — •>* — J 000 )y 000 7 — — 000 if 1V; 000 —*II I • — 0 000 LJhhl 000 ~~ **> ~~ 000 m^^^^^ 000 ' — I I — 000 000 ,f 000 W 1 000 n 000 II I 000 I f m§m —< le ■ t "^^\- ■ e 000 ■ ■ 000 000 000 lf , 000 - f>. ■ 000 .i : q ex 9- 000 pv* 000 se O On « £3 j. O Q O •■» 000 s — i . .?. "-^ [ c 5 [ cj rr nr* r "• o o. 9 P. o o 6 p q * 9 p p Q t O



[71 VEKYONE accustomed «fl usiDgjthe A.O. Oiniment Will find equal satisfaction m ÜBing the Bee Ointment, For which everyone is kindly requested to ask instead of the AC OINTMENT. Carefully note that a diagram of a Bee is ' m the centre, and Edward Gallichan's Factory, A.ahurst, New Zealand, on the end 1 of every pot. Bee Ointment is every mother's ' true triend ; on the weakest baby, oi the ' strongest map's flesh it is always successful, Price, Is 6d, Bee Ointment is especially ' manufactured as a horse and cattle dressing | Price-^2s 6d ' AC Corn Cure, for hard or soft corns " warts, and bunions— -Prioe Is AC Vegetable Pills, for male and emalc ' use, 30 Pills m every box, And quite equa !! to anything imported— price Is 6d EDWIN CALUCHAN, } PROPRIETOR AND MANUFACTURE P 1 Asharat, N.Z. * Canterbury Representative, ] MB G. P. HOATTEN, Ashburton, ( The following testimonies to the value o Ointment are good enough for any hing :— Dear Sirs, — We have great pleasure ii [, recommending your Bee Ointments. W have given them a thorough trial, both oi man and beast, and they have proved to b y quite as good as you represent. In futur we intend to keep a stock always on hand- We remain, yours faithfully, Sharpuf & Co. i .. Medical Dispensary, New Plymouth, October 19, 1896 Dear Sir,— l have sold your Bee Ointmon and AC Corn Cure and Pills for the paa three years, and I have never known c one purchaser to express a regret for pre 9 curing your lines. They have m every pas which has come under my notice, give every satisfaction Your Bee Ointment ha proved itself one of the best healing $ml t merits procurable. Ki^dty forward me on gross of ! B.ee Ointment, small size, at you earliest convenience. Yours truy, A. E. Sykes Chemist. Hundreds of other teitjlmonials tos uvtiftttou to pubfiih,



» . 1 - J_- mENDERS are invited for STOOKIN( JL a mixed Crop of 1000 Acres (more o: less) ao Westerfield. Tenders oloße oi THURSDAY, January 6, with the under > signed, from whom particulars can be ob i tamed, I JOHN JOHNSTON, I 1 7 Tin w aid.



. ... J . a. , ,■■ — » I WANTED. LOST or Stolen, Black and White Grey- hound Dog Pup. Finder rewarded on giving information to Mail Office, or M. Kane, Ashburton. 1 6 LOSTr^Return Tickeb to Greymouth by Union S.S. Company. Reward on returning to Mail Office. 1 4 "T~ OST between Tinwald Domain and New- JLJ man's Stables on Saturday, a Telescope. Finder rewarded on leaving at Mail Office. ; i_s HAM and Chicken Banquet.— Primitive Church, Wednesday. Visit of Con- ference Delegates. Addresses by leading Ministers and Laymen. Admisbion, one shilling' 1 8 E~VERY OhilC Woman, apd Man their own Artist. Gillnvin's Drawing Nove'ty, by which any picture or pattern can be easily enlarged wih accuracy. Splendid amusement. Any child can u«e it. Kveryhody should buy one. Price 1<» 6d, — H. M. Jones. FOR SALE— Good Buggy Horse, pass anything, quiet and free. Apply Mail Office. 12 193 COMFMbTdBLtG Furnished Bedrooms, with use of fitting room to let. l'nrti- pulats at Majv Office. 12 136 WANTED to rent a six or seven-roomed house either m or within easy reach of ABhburton. t'ne with garden, good water supply, and sufficient paddock ac- commodation to run a horse and cow pre- ferred, Address, stating rent and par- ticulars to " KNO.UIRKR," office of this paper. 12 2QG WANTED Known— That from this date all purchasers for Qaßh o] Clothing, Drapery, Bootp, Crockery, and Ironmongery to the value of £1 and up- wards will be allowed a discount equal tc 2s m the £. — A, Lawrie, Saundera' Build ings. 12 105 Church Services. T. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Aahburton. THURSDAY (the Epiphany) — Hoi; Communion atr 7 a.m. FRIDAY— Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. January 8- -8.30 a.m. — Holy Communion. 11 am. — Morning Prayer and Litany. 6.30 p.m. — Evening Prayer^ REV. T. A. HAMILTON. ' IT Q T I 0 ¥! rXIUE Rakaia Bridge is again open t ■f . traffic, the repairs for which it wa brooked being completed. ' BY ORDER. Railway Engineer's Office, a pbriitohmab, December 31, 18U7, J



WALKER'S BOT-FLY REMEDY.



Chertsey, January 15, 1895 To Mr Heseltine, Agent for Walker's Bot-fly Remedies, Ashburton Sir, — I consider it my duty to add my 1 testimony to the marvellous effects of the remedies I got from you on my horse He got so bad that I had to lay him up matter what I gave him he kept losing condition and became so weak thai he could scarcely stand I carefully followed the directions on the bottles and shortly after getting the last bottle he passed bots, and at once begun to mend, and m » few days was fit for his work I am confident only for the remedy he would have died I can highly recommend it, believing it has no equal William Stringfellow Lauriston, August 18, 1894 Mr Heseltine, Sir, — I think it is only right that I should tell you and my neigh- boring farmets that I am thoroughly satis- fied with Walker's Bot-fly Remedies I got from you. After seeing the state of the stomach of my horse that died, I became alarmed about the rest of my stock as they all looked bad I drenched eight, following carefully the directions It cleaned them out thoroughly and m a few days there was a wonderful change for the better I can highly recommend it, and would advise farmers to lose no time m drenching their stock lest they have their horses dropping dead as I had I believe it to be the only safe and certain cure for the suffering of hoiaes James Lemon Ashburton Forks, March 1, 1894 Mr J Htseltine, Sir, — I am very gad to tell you that Walker's Bot-fly Remedies I got from you proved quite a success with my dying horse He was aiiing for some days, his coat got very dry, the skin tight, a runn- ing at the nose, and a very bad cough ; and was scarcely able to walk about ; we quite expected he would die I heard a good deal about Walker's Bot-fly Remedies, and gave it with the most satisfactory results, and shortly alter he got the last bottle he began to improve and by the end of a week was able for work hearty and well 1 believe it to be a medicine unequalled, and can recom- mend it with all horse owners as the best horse remedy m the market \ Edward Cobbitt Greenwood Farm Southbridge, August 2, 1892 Mr Walker, Sir, — I am glad to bear testi- 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 him 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 believe, 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 laet After using all the remedies I could think of I was ipduced 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 f ,wo more m February wiih the same reßult They all put on flesh rapidly, and arc now m prime order > "■■ P Stewart Chertsey, April 12, 1895 Mr Heseltine, Ashburton, Agent for Walker's Bot-fly Remedies Sin, — The remedies I got from you had a wondetful effect en my horse, he got so bad that I had to lay him up quite expecting to lose liim I tried the usual remedies but he only got worse At last I gave him Walker's with astonishing results Bots came away m handfulß, and m a few days he was heatty and well From the effects of this remedy on my neighbors' horses and on my own I con< sicUr it a blessing to horse owners and could the poor suffering horses speak they would certainly praise Walker's Bot-fly Remedies as the best ever introduced into this market John Downjk Mr Cross, Burnham, got the remedy for a horse suffering hst year ; on reaching home c was dead This season one took bad, also howing the symptoms He gave the remedy, nd he seoond day after, the horse passed ots m hundreds and is doing well Anama, April 3, 1895 jn^.ivws* • "'■** ! have pleasure m w£kX T NO PROCURED" omli® 3 !^! Thp« Jn ™rvW?B» the ' Pablio wiU "* L h d y ve Bry8 ry 7 g lt°&f^^> * ™ 11 their work I had to lay tneTn^gp^, bo much about this remedy I doci3S"diJijfi|;jy^ it a trial I followed oaref ully the direptToli^ 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 I 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, Woolßton