POSTAL NOTICES.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 1 HOLIDAYS. Post Office. — Mondays, December 26 and January 2 (for Christmas Day and New dear's Day) will be observed as close holidays ; but on Tuesday, 27th inst. (for 9 Boxing Da)) the Post Oifice will be open m b all branches from 9 a-m till 10 a-m. On t the 27th inst. the usual despatch ot mails 3 up to 10 a-m will be made. Mails usually , despatched on Mondays, the 26 h inst. and b 2nd prox, will be closed at 630 a-m on those dates. Telegraph Office.— On Mondays (for Christmas and New Year's Days), and ' Tuesday (for Boxing Day), the Telegraph branch will open from 9 a-m to 10 a-m and 7 p-m to 8 p-m, Thb Telephone Exchange will be open on Monday, December 26 (for Christmas Day) from 9 a-m to 10 a-m only, and on the . other holidays will remain open as usual.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1898. THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON.

-♦ 3 We do not envy tbe man whose heart is not the lighter at the return of the , Christmas season, for although there be many by whom it is not accounted as a holy day, yet it is to all a holiday, and surrounded by associations of higher sanction and kindlier feeling than attach to any other day m the year's calendar. From time immemorial i Christnraa has been the season of re unions, of family gatherings under the parent roof, of feasting and of merry making, and at Christmas time more than any other the lessons of world wide charity and brotherly kindness, which are the very corner stones of the Christian religion, seem to come home to the hearts of all men. To-morrow millions of people 1 will think with loving remembrance of millions more fronT whom they are separated by many a league C? oc ean, many a mile of the earth's surface, an'u kindly greetings will speed from place to place oyer land and sea, and loving thoughts from heart to heart. On every lip to morrow morning will be the old r fashionfd greeting c ' A Merry Christ -3 mas," and though m this changing' j world it may not be that every heart i can be merry, yet the sunshine is more J frequent than the thadow, and even for the sorrowful there may be peace. It is well that once a year so glad a! season comes round, and all the world* i is the better for its Christmas Day. To those of us who hail from England or Scotland or Wales or Ireland the surroundings of Christmas present a f wonderful contrast to those of the Old 1 Home, but Christmas is Christmas still t though sunshine and strawberries take the place of frost and snow and holly beriies, and kindly thoughts, kindly I words and kindly deeds can and^will t bring with them Christmas blessings, 1 here and there, To fcho liUle ones | Santa Claus, we fancy, is even more t liberal m these new lando than m the countries of the older world, and there » are few indeed among us who will lack 1 on Sunday a good Christmas dinner, j Happily this year Christmas finds us i all rejoicing ia ths foretaste and pro mise of prosperous times, and ijew j Zealanders generally are looking for . ward to the future with hope and con i fidence. A year ago things looked 1 dark enough, and the compliments of ' the season had but an empty sound to I many an anxious hearty but the clouds i have rolled away and the outlook is now bright and clear, and with almost | a certainty of its fulfilment we cordially I wish our readers i "A Mbrry Christmas."

Local and General.

-.>■■,■■.'■ » ■ Reading matter will be found on our first and fourth pages. Holiday Notice The Guardian will nob be published on Monday, and to enable the staff employed on the Mail to get the full benefit of their holiday, thab paper will not be published on Tuesday. The jobbing office will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Railway Lounokrs. — The railway station afcDunedin m being enclosed, by a substantial fence extending the whole length of the block, with a view to the exclusion of the public having no business on the platform. Holiday Drunks.— The Press saya :— The police were industriously accumulating Christmas inebriates last nighb. By mid night; there were eleven people m the cell?. Seven were arrested for drunkenness and three women were arrested as vagrants. Accidents. — Messrs John Opr and* (Jo. have struck out a new line of advertising, as will be seen m their notice m another part of this paper. They undertake to present every pereon who may spend a certain sum m their shop a policy of insurance for a {Peek against aedidenb for £100 m case of death, and $1 a week while incapacitated. Fjre m TjMARor. -—Three old wooden buildings m the centre of Titnaru were burned at five a.m. They were owned by Messrs Rutherford and Mcc, and were occupied by Mr Clark, grocer j Mr Litble john, confectioner ; and Mr Kerr, eeectaman ; Mr Fischer, photographer ; and Mr Tasker, hairdresser. The insurances on the buildings were £1650. — Press Association telegram. Personal. — Mr Bullock has received a letter from Mr Alexander Buick, stating | that he finds the e!im«.te of Scotland " any thing but genial ; too dull and foggy," and ;he "misses the sunny south." What he I anticipated has not been realised, and he has Made up his mind to return to " dear old New Zealand." He waa to leave Sootlaud At once, and, m tact was booked for the I Gothic, the same vessel as he went home m. Mr Buiqk has determined to spend his la'sb years m the Jand he •• loves so well. 1 ' The ', Gothic left to-day.-— Mr M, Redmayne, who , - represented ' Mesßrs Reid and Gray as I!? n b ™ii ' *««JflG mi n the Ashburton djstriob travelling _„ bft3 aooepted tba during the past yt... ■- *i«wn brweh position of manager of then _ «»»w.wf«^ where he succeeds Mr John Drysdait, old employee of the firm. Mr Redmayne, I t whom we congratulate on his promotion, ' c lows for Timwu ou Wednesday next,

( Fire Escapes m Hotels. —In Christ | church, owing to the rigid inspection re [ cently wade by the police of the fire appli -5 arces provided m the various local hotels, I several publicans whoße provision iv case of i fire waß considered inadequate, are getting I fcho necessary appliances faxed up. Theee, m most casea, consist of ladders of different kinds, iuside and outside the premises. < Guk Produce Tbade —His health per milting, Mr McKenzio while ab Home make personal investigation into the condition of the dairying and frozen meat industries, and the manner iv which our produce is dealt with, with a view to submitting proposals to the Cabinet m the interests of the producers of the colony. A leaflet, issued by the Agricultural Department; shows that the total quantities and values of butter and uneeae and frozen meat exported for the eight months from April tc November are m each oaae less than the totals for the corres ponding period of 1897, but there are indications that comparisons for the full year will show that the export trade is still expanding. — Prcsa Association telegram. The Myebs Case.— The Wellington Stipendiary Magistrate again spent some time (say 8 the Post) m affixing his signature to each sheet of the preliminary evidence— this being the third copy — taken as to the charges against Joseph Myera. One copy waa aenfc Home by the last Vancouver mail, and Sergeant Wright will take with him the remaining two copies, as well as other pipers, inoluding photographs of the various documents alleged to be forged, promissory notes, and cheques. Humours are current that the man arrested at) Monte Video ia not the Joseph Myers wanted, but we under* atand that the authorities have received no such advice. Thb Austrian Gum Diggers.—Govern ment has intimated to the Shipping Com panies of Sydney, who are m the habit of bringing Austrian emigrants for gum dig ging, that under the Kauri Gum Industry Act of 1898, Austriana must be m the colony three months before getting a lioense to dig for gum. The Austrian Oonßul at Auckland told the Premier that if the men were landed there and unable to get a license until three months expired, they would become destitute and be -thrown on. the State to keep. Government has informed the U.S.S. Company and the other Shipping Companies interested that Außtrians will not be allowed to land m New Zealand unless the Company guarantees their maintenance. The Agent-General has been similarly communioated with.— Press Association telegram. Leeston Cycle Track.— Mr W. Spring's new cycle track at Leeston is now, with the ground arrangements, completed, and several cyclists have been using the traok for training for this last two or three weeks. It is described as the fastest and best traok m New Zealand, and equal to the beßt m the Australian colonies. A. C. Middleton, the crack Australian cyclist, who has been training on it, states that it is very fast, and m every respect equal to the new Melbourne cycle traok. The formation of the traok of clay and shingle, well rolled down, waa .carried out under Mr Spring's own super vision, while Messrs Smart and Son under took the asphalting. The traok and grounds are fitted with every convenience, inoluding a pavilion and stand acoomodation for over 3000 people. The Hon. John MoTTenzie.— The Times states authoritatively that the Hon. John McKerzie, while retaining bis position m the Cabinet, will foi a time relinquish the duties of office, m order to pay a visit to Scotland. A short time ago he was warned by his medical adviser that the resumption of active work would prevent a full and complete recovery of bis health. Mr Mo- Kenzie thereupon potnmunioated to the Premier his intention of retiring, at any rate for a time, from public life. The Cabinet, however, was averse to this step, and sug gested m lieu of retiring tfyat the Hon. Me lienz'e should try a sea voyagi* and take a trm *"* SeetUnel- After consultation with his" family and frie^* M * McKenafc inti mated to the Premier that he tTfuld try a trip Home, and see what rest and change would do towards restoring his impaired constitution, and on his returning it will de pend upon the *tate of his health as to his future public career, — Press Association telegram. Hinds Weslkyan Chckcii. — The anniver sary of the Hinds Wesleyan Church was celebrated on December 18 and 20. On Sunday the services were conducted by the Rev. William Tinsley, of Temuka, with large and appreciative congregations. On Tuesday the annual tea and public meeting was held, and although the attendance was not quite equal to former occasions, yet on the whole the meeting was very successful. The tables presented a charming and tempt ing display "of viands of the beßt description, which were provided by the ladies, and the tables were presided over by Mesdbtnes JNorrish, Withell, Turnpenny, McKebzie, and Misses Norriah, Newton, Belmin, Newman, and Tarbotton. After the tea the public meeting was held — the Bey Mr Mather m the chair — and excellent addresses were delivered by the Rev. Tinsley and the Chairman. Several anthems were rendered by the choir, under the baton, of Mr D. Miller, m & pleasing manner, and solos were sung by Mr Miller and Misses Harding and Newton, and were well received. After the usual votes of thanks the meeting was brought to a olose by the doxology. Farmhbs, working men, and all who deaire to Bee "good times" m Ashburton will materially help to bring prosperity to their own doors by encouraging local industries. Having increased our Btajf of workers, and showing the largest stock of tailoring goods m the district, and with exceptional facility for trade, we are determined to offer eucn j inducements aa will " kaep the money m the nlace" if customers will kindly call and compare ouT reduced prices on and after j Tuesday, December* 13, 1898, Men's all wopl tweed suits made to measure 1- & variety oif n'ewpafcterpa for §23 6d or suit and extr» pair of trousers to measure for 65a and upwards, at prices which will m all ' caseg 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 — Craighead & Berryman. (advt)

CLASSICAL CONCERT.

There was nob a large audience ab the concert given m the Oddfellows' Hall last evening by several Christchnrch musicians, whioh was to be regretted, as the merits of the performers, were of a high order, and when it is mentioned that Miss Alice Corriok was the firima donna of the evening, and Mr John A. Gardner the violinist, no further proof of the merits claimed need be adduced. Miss Corriok sang " The beating of my own heart," and "Ben Bolt," the latter m response to a vociferous encore ; and " The swallows," with •• Oomin' through the Rye " as her acknowledgment; of an equally pro nounced encore. Mr John A. Gardner is a violinist of very high Btanding indeed, and it is not often thab we have an opportunity £>i listening to a tone ao pure or an execution J so brilliant. His double stopping was magnificent, and when flaying ,t]v3 *« Hymn to the Emperor" m the " Souvenir oie Haydn " one ooold almoub have fancied a whole orchestra was at work, so full and rioh was the effect. His management of harmonios was marvellous, and all round his playiDg was magnificent. Need it be said thab he was encored on eaoh rfppearanoe. The other performers m the first pft'r.t)"were : Mis(j J? ftV f c i an excellent con tralto, and Mr W." A. IJowring, a baritone of Borne power. The accompanists were Mieaeß Rosa and Murray, The second part comprised " The Manager," a musioal sketch composed by Mr T. W. Cane, who, with Mr Dundas Walker, took part m its produotion, which waa much enjoyed.

The Weather in Australia.

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyrighb STDNsy, December 23 A splendid rain has fallen m Riverina and central districts and on the coast, »nd (she breaking of the drought is probable* JJeavy rains are interfering with —Jiway and telegraphic coaimuni ;he r»~ . •• ° I. :atiou ia thoaouta. (

SOCIAL COLUMN.

• ♦ [ The matter contained m this rolumn Is paid for. Any person m sympathy ivith the work, and ivishinq to contribute towards the cost, may do so by jot warding conhibufons to the manager of this paper, when the suvi will be ackncnvledged under a number or norn de plume thus :— " No. <f—2Osi"] SUBBCIPTIONS RECEIVED. £ * a Grenadier 0 2 6 I'kiknd .. .. .. ..026

THE CANADIAN PROHIBITION QUESTION.

(From The Alliance News, October 7.) (Continued) In response to a telegraphic request from the Westminster Gazette test Fri day, the secretary of the Alliance sent the following message : — " Assuming that all the Canadian provinces, save Quebec, voted yesterday for Prohibi tion, what the advices of the Alliance Executive during the last three months led them to expect has occurred. They think it is very gratifying, that after full discussion, carried on for months, the power of the liquor party m the Dominion has been demonstrated to be so comparatively slight. They further think that the vote of Ontario affords strong confirmation of their contention that the repeal of tbe Scott Act m that province, did not arise from the hostility of the people to Prohibition, but from ciroumstances connected with the Scott Act itself, which rendered it exceedingly difficult of administration. It will be remembered that it was m Ontario alone that the repeal of the Scott Act took place on any noticeable scale. The Executive expect that the result of the plebiscite will greatly help the Local Veto movement m the United Kingdom." The Manchester Guardian, writing on this subject on Monday, said :— • i The full figures of the popular vote on Prohibition m Canada are not yet to hand, but the returns yet to come cannot alter the significant fact that a majority of tbe Canadian male voters are m favor of a drastic measure for Prohibition of the liqaor traffic. Some stress ia laid by adverse critics on the fact that the majorities on the present occasion are smaller than m previous votes taken by the separate Provinces, but it must be remembered that tbe electorate is entirely different. The Canadian women are, speaking generally, strongly m favor of Prohibi tion, and whilst they had votes m the Provincial plebiscite, they have had none m the Dominion vote. The majority m relation to almost any other question would be regarded as adequate; but Prohibitionists recog nise the necessity of a strong force of public opinion behind the law! Tbe argument need not be pushed too far, for if all laws that are more or less evaded were repealed the Statute Book would be not very full. The great fact for the friends of sobriety is that the Canadian nation has declared itself to be unmistakably on the side of Temperance. The one Province that has given an adverse j majority against Prohibition is that m which the French element preponder ates. The people of Anglo-Saxon descent throughput the remainder of Canada have declared their hostility to the fostering of intemperance and the aggrandisement of the liquor traffic. What would those who now try to minimise the force of this expression of the popular will have said if the figures had been the other way ? [Returning to the subject m its issue of "Wednesday, the Manchester (jfiiartfian also saiii ; — : The Canadian vote on Prohibition is exciting much interest and some fan tastic comment. Thus the Montreal correspondent of the Standard has sug gested that » the vote is not a party rote, nor oven honestly a Temperance vote,' but has been inspired by a wish to embarrass Sir Wilfrid Laurier, This will scarcely do. The desire to inconvenience a "party opponent will make some men go pretty far, but it will not account for such majorities as have declared ia favor of Prohibition m Canada. The details of the voting are not yet jbo hand, but it is at all events clear that in' seven Provinces there was a majority of 53,815 votes lor Prohibi tion, and ia one province there was a majority of 36,353 against it. These figures, which are still, no doubt, sub ject to some revision, show a net major ity throughout- the whole Dominion of 17,462. ' The sjbronqhpld of the opposition is m the province of Quebec, and itp strength is due chiefly to the French element m the population. .The com plete returns cannot be much longer delayed, and will demand careful examination ; but they can scarcely rob of its interest the striking declaration apparently made by tbe bulk of the .Canadian people. ii' ■ i —

Mr A. Alexander, P.R.P.S., Direc tor of the Liverpool Gymnasium, began early as a total abstainer, and' writes m the Good 7eniplars' Watclnpord that m his first athletic phampionship com petition, which required large skill, strength, and endurance, being pitted against some of the finest athletes the British army oould produce, be did not feel very hopeful of success, As the contest proceeded, he felt bis powers gradually giving way, and ™? a thinking of an honorable capitulation, when he was joyfully surprised by his Herculean opponents suggesting a five minutes' respite on the score of fatigue. Whilst he occupied his five minutes m bathing the muscles and rinsing the mouth with cold water, his rivals resorted to alcoholic nips. On resum ing work they £qll off m their form, complaining of feeling " done up." But he felt much refreshed by the cold water application, and as a result was able to score his first important victory. Mr Juatice Grove — " Men go into public houses respectable, and come out felons." Justice Hawkins, Durham, (Eng land) Assizes—" Drink is the root of all crimes." 1 John Bright — ( • Drink is the greatest obstacle to the diffusion" of education." British (Parliament Committee on Drink, 1819-20— " Public houses 'can only be regarded as schools of iniquity." (Governor Dix, of New York State— r ( f Drink is the undoubted cause of four fifths of all the crime, pauperism, and domestic misery of the State,

CABLE NEWS.

—♦ Unired Press Association — By Electrio Telegraph —Copyright. Paris, December 22 ' A general strike of grocers' assistants has occurred iv Paris The men ask for twelve 1 ours per day. Athens, December 28 The newspapers here are unani mously of opinion that Prince George's investiture iv the Governorship of Crete is a beginning of a unioa between that island and Greece. Cttvwa, December 22 A Canadian eight-oared crew is to compete at the Henley Regatta next year. The Matin states that London capi talists are largely financing Don Carlos. •- A successful experiment with the sub-marine torpedo boat Gostave Zed© was made at Toulon. The vessel suc ceeded m striking the Magenta once when that battleship was at anchor, and again when m motion London, December 22 The War Office has ordered at Bir mingham 50,000 shells, and seven million cartridges. Mr Dillon, m an interview m the Pall Mall Gazette, declares that Win. O'Brien's new United Irish League are organising a land war and advocating compulsory sale and the enlargement of holdings m congested districts, and the division of great grazing lands The rate of postage on letters intended for the officers and men on the Australian squadron is to be a penny. Lord Iveagh has presented a quarter of a million to the Jenner Institute m aid of bacteriological research. Lord Iveagh's gift to Dublin amounts to a quarter of a million* An acticle m the Fortnightly Review says Lord Rosebery, like Disraeli, transformed the principle of party. Lord Rosebery neutralised the Foreign Office, and established a continuous and strong policy, believing that consistency was the best means of securing safety and the national honor.

PRIZE DAY.

Askton School. A meeting of the Ashton School Com mittee book place on Monday, the 19th inab., for the purpose of considering the Inspector's report. There were present— -Messrs T. Taylor (m the chair), J. Shearer, J. Bell, and J. Blee. The report was as follows ; — PASS SUBJECTS.

ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS. Repetition and recitation — Good. Drill and exercises — "Very fair. Singing -Very fair. Taught by Miss Banks Needlework— s*or most parb good. Comprehension of reading lessons— Yetj oommendable. * ' I Organisation. — Standards 7-3, Mr Thomas 8. Mitchell, Master. Standards Sj, 1 and P. glasses, Mia's Atioe G. Ban^s, A.F. General remarks.— The work m the upper section of the school is again marked by that excellence which, for a number of years, has been prominent ab examination, the ease, readiness, and intelligence shown m dealing with the various tests justifying fail com mendation of the skill and assiduity devoted \ to the preparation of the pupils. In the lower sections, Standards 2 and 1 establish their claims to promotion, and their per formance generally is satisfactory. The pro ficiency and progress of the preparatory classes are generally very fair, though there are few indications of the brightness to be expected from a small group of children with so many ' opportunities for attention to individuals. Thos. Ritcxie, Inspeotor. On the reporb being read Mr Shearer moved, and Mr'Blee seconded, the following resolution ;— " That the Inspector's report was Bonoiderpd highly s^tisfa'ptory^ and the teaohera be thanked and complimented for their untiring efforts to keep the sohool up to its previous high standard." The prizes were distributed en the follow ing Friday by Mr Taylor, the Chairman. In addressing the children he referred to thelt uniformly good attendance, and'at tributed t»» socdess Cf t«e Svm^l t 1 ? *£5 zealous efforts of the teachers and the regularity of the attendance. Every .child then received ft 'handsome volume— about £§ having been expended on their purchase 1 . A small bag of lollies was then given to eaoh child, and after a second tin had been scrambled for, the school broke np for the Ohrjßtmas holidays with cheers for tha the teachers, Chairman and Committee.

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTS.

United Press Association— By Eleoferio ' Telegraph— Copyright Received Wakapuaka Dec. 24, 10-15 a-tn, .Guabdia^' Office I^-15 p-ta * Brisbane, December 24 parliament has prorogued. The Premier said that if Government were, returned to power they would do all that was possible to have the colony represented at the federal Oounoil on I such basis bb the other oolonies might I adopt,

The United States New Responsibilities.

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 24, 1.22 p.m, Guardian Office, 1-51 p.m. Washington, December 23 The American Government has decided to station the guardship Yosemite at Guam, recently ceded by Spain, as a precautionery measure against any change of sovereignty of the Oaroline Islands without America's conseut. It has also decided to convert Hawaii into a powerful naval base, con trolling the Pacific m conjunction with the naval establishments at Manilla and San Erancisco. It is reported that Sir J. Pauncefote is negotiating for the abrogation of the Qlaytpn-Bijlwer treaty, m exchange for a treaty guaranteeing the neutrality of the Nicaragua Canal. The Dempcrats propose to limit the regular army to $O,QOQ, with a temporary enlistment of 5Q,0Q0 guards m the new territories,

SPORTING.

THE AUCKLAND CUP. The Auckland Cap, which is the moat important handicap race ran m the North Island, will be deoie'ed at Ellerslie on Monday next. The race bears an open appearance, and of late yeara has been won hj horseß trained at Ellerßlie, but this year a change may come over the scene, sntL.^ it is not at all improbable that Tirant d'Eau 1, Crusoe 2, Nestor 3, will be the placed division. Owners and trainers are reminded that acceptances for the first day's handicaps, and entries for the Novel Rao* and Disposal Stakes, foe the Aabburton County Racing Olub'e Summer Meeting, to be held on January 2 and 3, close with the Secretary (Mr 0 H Dowding), m the Arcade, on Tuesday evening next, 27th inst., not later than 9 o'olock.

THE WEATHER.

ALFORD STATION. The following ia tha meteorological report for the week ending December 23, 1898 : —

WHY GO OUTSIDE TO BUY?

With a view to ahow the resident! of Aahbnrton that they need not, and m fact) should not, go outside of the town and district to supply their wants, we intend publishing some notes regarding looal houses m the various lines of retail business, whioh will no doubt be found interesting and instructive. Messrs Mitchell and Tubnbb have opened up for Summer season all the latest and most fashionable goods m dress and - millinery. These have all been imported from the leading London and Continental houses, and to effect a speedy clearance have been marked at Christchnroh prioea. In faob some articles shown are quoted below average priceß elsewhere. Messes John Ore akd Co. have now on view about the finest collection of electro* plate and glassware yet exhibited m Ash burton, and the windowß being fitted witb mirrors look moat attractive. They will no doubt command a considerable amount of attention. Mb Ahdbbw Ocr has made a great show of. seasonable goods this Christmas, his large and well lighted windows being very taste* fully dressed—one with ladies' up-to-date millinery and dress goods, and the opposite one with all latest lines m gentlemen's outfitting departments, and these at prioeß that com pare favourably with those quoted by CbrUt church houses. Mb F. Nokjs has made his boot shop m East Street very smart for the Christmas season, and the window, which is filled with a good selection of boots and shoes, looks very attractive, being set off with festooni of fancy paper and flowers. Mr W. Sparbow has just reoeived some, special choice lines of ladies' and children's boots and shoes from the besb English, Frenoh, and American houses. Theie Unea are well worth inspection by ladies who appreciate a high olasß article, ano^ one that can be recommended. vThe American production is a well finished dressy looking article, and will no doubt command a ready sale, whilst the French and English goods are too well known by those who wear a high class bool to need comment; Mr Sparrow also has a large stock of colonial made bootß on hand from the best factories m Auckland, Chriatohurch, and Dnnedin. — MnrJ. M-jllor's boot store m Tancred street has a very attractive and seasonable appearance jusb now, m fact the window is a grand show, especially when lighted up of an evening. For the summer and holiday season Mr Mellor haß ioab opened up a large and attractive stock? of gentlemen's and ladiea' tan willow hoots* also the new American kangaroo calf shoe, which is said to be as soft as. a glove, wonderfully comfortable j and aa hard; wearing aa the best kips. All these boots, are built on the " Nufactor " prinoiple, an 4 ease and comfort are guaranteed. The Nffw Z hatband Clothing Factoby — This old established business has a fine display of summer clothing for men and, youths, and as a good deal of their business, consists of making up suits, etc., the volume of business must be even greyer than the stock on view would lead one to suppose. In this connection we are requested by Mr Barton, the local manager, to correct an impression whioh might be formed from reading our notes on another Ashburton firm published m a recent issue, having reference to passing tailoring on to Ohristchurch. The New Zealand Clothing Factory having branches everywhere naturally keep'theif besb taiiors m the oeutres, J and local orders are entrusted to them bo that the very besb work can be depended upon. Mr Barton assures us that his firm only employs men no girls or boys— and claims that the' best cutter m Chriatchurch is m their employ, Jb muat be an advantage to know' that b'rieSi measure is handed over to an accomplished! outter, for many people consider " a fit " the first consideration. Cmbistmas Fare.— The looal butchers do not appear to have catered so ex* tensively for the Christmas reason as m some former years, but they have doubtless, provided quite sufficient; to meet all demands, Mr J. H. Rule has amongst other things one nice steer, a vealer, and lamb and mutton m good as one qould wjah for, whilst his shoß is gaily decorated with flowers and greenery? Mr W. J. Siloook has also gone m somewhat extensively m the matter of decoration, and at early morn had three caroasaea of beef nob too fat for the time of year. A prime vealer, a dozen or so of lambs, and pork and mutton of the best, whilst m the side window, small goods were displayed to advantage. ■ This shop looks smarter, than usual, having just received the attention of the painters. Mesqrs Pigby and Barnard did nofc go m {pc extensive decoration", bat emoh had bis usual show of prime meat. One thing is noticeable this Christmas, and that is none of the beef It' over fat. and doubtless their customers wil like it all the better.

News in Brief.

- ♦ Messra Nicoll Bros, hold a special axxotioQ tale at> their rooms tliia evening, ootqtnepoiag it 7 o'clogk, Tbeservipes at the Primitive Methodiit Hhuroh to-morrow will be oondaofced morn, ng and evening by the Rev O. H. Mann, thn will nreaoh soeoial sermons m keeping vith the' season: In the afternoon Mr dann will pr«a9h m the AUenton day ohool. _

A COMMERCIAL FORECAST.

A Period of Monetary Activity. Melbourne, December 22 The Argus says that Bigns of mone tary activity during the coming year are multiplying. Victoria and South Australia- are likely to export two million pounds worth more wheat and flour than m the present year, gold producing will show a large increase, and the boom loan bills are calculated to bring a great deal of money to the colonies. The loan Bills passed m the various colonies, including New Zealand, will proTuJe an expendi ture 61 some thirteen millions curing the next two or three years. 3ndep any circumstances it looks aa if wp were about to enter upon a period qf monetary activity such as has not been witnessed m the colonies? for sotng | years,

THB ASHBDKTON GUAEDIAN : SATUKDAX, DECEMBER 24 ; 18tf8



0? rrt . ""O 60 *w a? 43 a) • • I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 yrmon 7 2 1 — — 13 1 „ 6 4 4—o 4 12 7, ,5 8 7—l 6 116,, 4 6 6—o 6 911 „ 3 7 7—o 7 87n2 3 3—o 3. 7ll u l 4 4-^-0 4 Over 8 P. 14 14 — — — years, J , i Total 48 146 — 1 30 Marks Class Subjects (0 to 100) Grammar ... 70 History ... , ... 65 Geography (Standard 2 only) 70 Bctence,-t)t>ject/-ießsons,— etc. •• — - - ; Mental Arithmetic} , , 65



Shade. Hjgh Sfcftta Date. m of Low. High Sun weather. Batarday . . 53* 78' 143* Showera N.W. Sunday .. 53' 77« 143' Fine N.W. Monday .. 52- 74* 127* Rain 8 Tuesday .. 50* 64- 114* „ E Wednesday 52* 71* 140' Tn'rSVaO»loi Thursday.. 49- 62* 126- „ „ Friday .. 44- 63- 147- „ „



HOLIDAY NOTICE. I fTIHE Guardian will nob be published | X on MONDAY NEXT, 26th inst. The Mail will not be published on TUESDAY NEXT, 27th inst. The Jobbing Office will be dosed on Monday and Tuesday, HENRY WILLIS, Manager. Office of Ashburton Publishing Company



CHURCH SERVICES. | SIVSTEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburtoc. SUNDAY SERVICES — Christmas Day. ' 8 30 am— Holy Communion 11 am — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion 2.45 pm — Children's Service 3 pm — Seafield " 6.30 pm — Evening Prayer REV T A HAMILTON



Fried lander Bros., Limited. ' WOOL SEASON, 1898-99. OUR NEXT SALE will take place at Timaru on FJtUDAY, DECEMBER 30 1898, And Catalogues for thia Sale dose on TUESDAY, 27th Inst Clients are requested to deliver their Clips either at our Ashburton Stores prior to that date, or to consign the Wool to MILL * CO.'S siding, Timaru, where it will have our moat oareful acd personal attention. Advioes of consignments will be received at our Aehburton office. FRIEDLANDER 8R03., Ltd. WE HATE FOR SALE A FEW SECOND HAND BRANTFORD REAPERS AND BINDERS IN GOOD REPAIR. Apply to FRIEDLANDER Bbos. Ltd., -ttr E AR E LANDING, ex Waimate and Tokomaru, KAINIT, The moat oelebrated German Potash Manure. Also, STANDARD PHOSPHATE, Containing 44 per cent of Bone Phosphate of Lime. ■ These Manures are unequalled for Turnip, Rape, and Grain Crops. Low quotations on application. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. "TTTTB are favored with instructions from A. BUTTEBICK, ESQ , TO SELL BY PRIVATE TFEATST, BIS COMPACT LITfLE FARM OF 238 Acres NEAR WILLOWBY FRIEDLANDER BROB., Ltd, ■~jwo~'bTb~w a r d. HPHE Ashburton Acclimatisation Society ± will pay TEN POUNDS to anyone giving ouch information as will lead to the conviction of any perßon or persons DYNAMITING FISH m the Ashburton River. 1257 Ashburton Drug Co. (LIMITED) HAVE just unpacked, direct 1 from the English Manufacturer, a new stook of all theDrngs used m compounding physicians' prescriptions, specially made m oonformity with the new British Pharmacoprei, 1898. The Im- of dispensing medical pre- portnnt soriptions is the special and Work constantcare of the manager (J. M. Cambridge), who - has been engaged m this duty for 36 years, as well as having had the benefit of an Eujylislx training and experience, and holding an English certificate. To those who unfortunately have to take medicine, especially incases of &eri©ri» It is of the utmost import- IHiiGSSS. ance Chat the drugs should be now and freshly im- ported; that the medicine should be accurately and skilfully prepared ; and that exactly what the Physician orders should be used, and nothing else substituted m its plaoe. ihePrice should never be the firßt and only consideration- Drugs oan be bought at all prices, We prefer to import all our Drugs from a firm j we can rely on, though we could buy many of the/n cheaper m the colon) 1 . But we charge no mo.c tiuan is usual ip moat of the larger towns, and generally a little less. A.T ALL An urgent call for medicine TI3ME® is responded to at once, whether during business hours or at night, Sundays or holidays. Night Dis- pensary — opposite Dr Maude's, and oexb to Dr Hunter's residence, J. M. Cambridge. MANAGER. 11 135 * F. CURTIS, WATCHMAKER, FEWELLEJR & OPTICIAN, (Late Watchmaker for A. Gunderson, Cbristchurch.) SUCCESSOR TO R. MURRAY, BEGS to intimate that he has now opened up his new Stook of BATCHES, JEWELLERY, and CHRIST- IAS NOVELTIES. ■ hi. Watchea and Clocka Promptly Repaired. Jewellery made up to order and repaired at shortest notice. .ARGE STOCK OF RLECTftOPLATED GOODS. PHASES OP THE MOON. j December. ( Lasfc^uarfcer .„ , m 69 36 p.m \ New moon «, ... 13 11 13 p.m , Firat quarter *. „ 20 252 p.m , PuUmaon m gg # g R , TO r.



DONAGHY'3 BINDER TWINE, MACHINE OIL, BINDER WBIPS, HAY ifORKS AND RAKES, ENGINEERS* TOOLS, HSNDBRSON'S DUNDEE LEATHER BELTING, CHAINS AND SECTIONS tfOR MASSEY-HARRIS AND MiCORMICK REAPERS AND BINDERS, A4 Le»s than AgenU' Prices, and all Requioiteß for the Harvest Field at Lowest Prioei. JOHN ORR & Co. OUR STOOK OF ELECTRO-PLATED WARE AND CUTLERY IS bt far the Finest ever Imported into AehburtoD, and we are now making » BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY m out Windows. JOHN ORR & CO. WE ARE OPENING AN IMMENSE ASSORTMENT OF Fancy Glassware and China, AMONGST other Lineß we are Showing Three Thousand GLASS VASEB and SPECIMEN GLASSES, ranging m Price horn Sixpence eaoh, and aa we believe a llnrer variety has naver been imported by any firm m Hew Zealand, we feel confident KSgietopeotion of the General Public. In order to dispose of our Immense Stock m these lines we have marked them at prioss from 30 to 50 per oent below ordinary prices. Ihspbot oub Windows. JOHN ORR & CO. CUPS & SAUCERS PLATES DISHES WATER JUG 3 TUMBLERS TOILET SETS BUTTER JARS, aud 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 BRVBS PRESERVING PANS. For many years now we have altogether tmdewold »11 our Competitor m these* JOHN OBR & CO. F « EJ3 { INSUBANCE } ™»* We beg to announce to the people of Ashburton and District that we have com- pleted arrangements whereby we are now prepared to offer all Caah Customers to the extent of 10a or over, A FREE ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY, which holdß c od for Seven Days from date of Issue, and on expiry can be renewed at our Stores • thus enabling anydne dealing with ua to keep covered upalnst accidmt for £100 m the event of death, or £1 per week m the case of ?oiai^Disablement! And the Beauty of the WHOLE SYSTEM is that it COSTS THE OUSTOM.SR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. We do not make any advanoe m our Prices to p->y for this, bat still continue to give to all alike THE BEST . VALUE AT BOTTOM PJRICES IN EVERY LTNS OF OUR IMMENSE STOCK. Buy your Goods where you can get your * Insurance for Nothing. It may be handy when yon least expect Ib. IF ib costs you nothing you mlghb as well have that thrown m. Guarantee from Insurance Company, and all farther particulars on application to JOHN ORR & Co. Hams and Bacon. SIDES. ROLLS, AND HAMS- This is VERY PRIME QUALITY, having secured first prize at the recent Shows m Ohrisiohureh and Timarn. JOHN ORR & Co. Maravilla Garden Teas. Purveyors by Appointment to Her Majesty's Hospitals, Army and Navy, THESE OELEBRATED TEAS are Exported to as by the Growers from fchelr Gardens m Ceylon, thus Baying all Middlemen's Profits. Ten prijo medals for PURITY, STRENGTH AND FLAVOR. Everyone should try them JOHN ORR & Co., SOLE AGENTS. Sugar for Jain. WE Guarantee the Pare Cane SUGAR of the Highest Quality, and especially Suitable for Jam makh.g. -, J JOHN ORR & CO., ' ASHBURTON. i