Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1899. THE WAR.

The tense feeling of excitement which , ; at the present moment pervades the Briti&h Empire—if we may judge by the state of aflUirs here— was some what relieved last evening on receipt i at this effiv-e of a cibie from Sydney (which appears elsewhere m this iasU! j) stating that Lady&mith had been relieved and 6000 Bo rs had been cap tured. Although this message could hardly have passed the censor, there is no reason why it should not-be fairly correct. The fact that the original cable from South Africa was first re ceived by a broker, is m favour of tho statement being reliable, since no class of men could so easily elude the vigil ance of the censorship as brokers. Nothing would be easipr than for an enterprising broker m South Africa to send messages re the war to his Ade laide correspondent, having previously arranged to call the British by the name of some well-known mine and the Boers by another. It would be impossible almost for a censor to treat such a message as a war telegram. Of course this may not have been done, but it must be admitted that it might have been done m the way we have suggested. There is considerable color given to the cablegram »Ibo when the position is considered. We have already been informed that it was Sir Redvers Buller's intention to relieve Ladysmith with all speed, as a large body of cavalry is shut up there, and this is an arm of the source m which the army is not so well found as could be wished. We were also told that heliographic communication bad been established with Ladysmith. It is therefore not a very great stretch of imagination to believe that Sir Red vers Bullet" had ordered General White to send out his cavalry to the flanks of the position, himself moving out against tJ.e Boera from Lady smith, while at the same time the attack f<oru the east by Sir Kedvers' own troops was vigor ously pushed on. Attacked on both front and rear the Boers might have been beaten, and as the only escape ways open were the flanks, and taking advantage of these they were engaged by the cavalry, Boers m retreat are a helpless crowd, and if the story be true, it is some such arrangement as we are suggesting that will account for the large number of Boers who are said to be captured—i.e., they surrendered rather than be mercilessly sabred and lanced. But as yet the ne*6 lacks confirmation. There is one item m to-day's cables which appears to us to point to the probability that just when Methuen decided to retire from Magerafontein, the Boere, whose losses were evidently extremely heavy, were themselves contemplating a retreat. In fact it is stated distinatly that word had been passed to the Boers to retire during the night. If evor this should be proved, the feelings of Lord Met huen and iiia brave troops could be better imagined than described.

We propose, says the London Spectator, to state some &i tho conditions which govern the final JfTEft THE settlement m South WAR Africa, if that settle

menfc is to be for the peace and prosperity of South .Africa and for the general welfare of theßritish Empire as a whole. 1 The first con dition ia, that whatever form of Govern ment is established m the Transvaal and the Free State, those communities must m future be inside, acd not out side, the British Empire. 2, The Oixt condition ia that tho new communities or community to be established must be self-governing communities of the freest kind known to the Empire-—com muities m which the will of the majority shall prevail, and which shall be bound to the British Empire by the same tie 9 that bind the great self-governing Com monwealths of Canada and Australia. 8. Third condition should be that the form of constitution adopted, and the political arrangements generally, shall not be of a kind which would impair the prospects of South African federa tion or union at some future time, but, instead, would facilitate their carrying out under reasonable conditions 4. The fourth condition is that guarantees must be inserted m the ict creating any new community, under which the Dutch minority—as it will then be m the Transvaal —shall not be placed under disabilities. 5. The fifth con dition we hold should be that adequate guarantees should be taken for the proper treatment of the natives. We do not mean to suggest that they should be applied the very instant the war is over. There must of course, be a period during which the best government will be direct administration by the Crown. During that period the policy of " re construction" will have to be thought out and applied m detail. There is no sort of reason why tiie future of the new State should not be peaceful and prosperous. In new communities the memory of war dies easily, provided there ia not a special and ruling caste, as thero waß m the Beer oligarchy, set apart to cherish the embers of racial hatred.

Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will be found a number of interesting items, and a Btory on the fourth page.

Cycling—The entries for the Eliesmere Wheel Kace close on Wednesday, December 20- As the Leeston track is the safest and best ia New Zealand, no doubt a good many Ashburton riders will compete. Posters can be seen at this office.

Serious Charge against a Volunteer— Thomaß Dawson, a member of the North Dunedin B flea, was charged at the Dunedin Police Court to-day, with stabbing Ernest Lear with a sword bayonet. He was remanded till Tuesday.—Press Association telegram.

Fatal Accident at Tijubu Wharf.— John Tait, aged twenty-five, a native of Orkney, and winchmau on the steamer Puk&ki (now at Timaru), which he joined at Auckland a few days ago, was struck on the head last night by apiece of falling gear, and died m the Tsmaru hospital a few horns later.—Press Association telegram.

SwiMMisa Bath fob limabu.— Ihe Timaru Borough Council have resolved to vote the sum of £150 from the Domain fund for ft fresh water swimming bath at the south end of the town, conditionally on private contributions reaching £200.—Frees A«ociatjoa telegram,

Pberiess Ftevm Ccoker—Owing to the wot wt'atr.er tha exhibition of this cew coolring maihina hea been postponed till Monday evening. See ad' ertisement.

The Wool Season—We remind our country readers that the catalogues of the Chris'church wool sales (per Messrs Thomas and Friedlamier Brof. L ) will he found m this issue, and also that the next wool ea'e will be held at Timarn on January 5.

The Sports Carnival—The Ashbnrton Sports Ass 'ciiition Carnival takes pleca on Monday, and should prove a great attraction The meeting comprises cyo'ing races, swiir ing races, foot races, e'o., and there is also a prz^ for the beat decorated b'evele, lady's or gentt min's. What with all those, and a tug- > -war between the cluba affiliated to the Association, the meeting should be a great succesp. Special train arrangements have been nnde, and railway tickets will be issued at excursion rates.

Children's Demonstration— On Monday evening m the Oddfellows' Hill, a display will be given by forty-five members of the B>nd of Love. It will inc'ude numerous exhibitions of physical drill, illuminated, and the formation of the Union Jack. While m position the living fLg will b; changed to the stars and stripes: A history of the Union Jack will be given m charuc ter. Thfl nursing brigade, the kitten drill, and action songs should also be interesting.

Quebn Wilhelmina—The British Court has received a confidential intimation from Berlin (says Truth) that the Queen of the Netherlands is practically betrothed to Prince William of Wied, second eon of the Prince and Princess of Wied, but their engagement is bo be kept as yet a secret, and there is to be no official announcement for Borne time, because Q teen Wiihslmina haa decided not- to marry until she has attained her twetity-firsb birthday, which will bo m August, 1901. Princo William was born m March, 1876, and his father is the head of an nncien f, powerful, and wealthy family, owns large estates m the Rhine provinces and Westphalia, while his mother, who had an immense fortune, is the daughter of the iace Prince Frederick of the Netherlands, Prinoe William's eldest brother is married to the only daughter of the King of Wurlemburg, and she is the first cousin of Queen Wilhelmina, and her most intmate and private friend.

A Siberian Vehmgeiucht— ** The Ispra niki, or rural police, of th« more remote districts of the Taiga go Id field a iv Siberia have lately made the discovery of a com pletely organised Vehmgerichb among the native and colonist mining population m the region," a»ya the Odessa correspondent of

She Daily News, tßbut so far all the efforts

of the local authorities to single out and identify any of the guilty members have proved fruitless. Suspicion was first aroused

by the constant mysterious disappearances of persons of bad character, more especially among tha indigenous tribesmen known aa

the Staratelli, noted for their peculative

proclivities. These disappearances even now continue, despite the utmost vigilance of the police. Occasionally the victims receive a first warning by means of a nocturnal

seizare, when they are blindfolded, bound, and flogged by marked executioners. It transpros that one of the rules of the secret association, is 'm order to prevent social

strife and scandal,' not to tolerate the pre-

teoce of any women of doubtful character about the gold mine?. The extreme penalty ia not often carried out against a woman, even of the worse reputation, bub if she disregard the warning to leave, she is seizad, stripped, and flogged, and by some means secretly conveyed ont of the settlement,

blindfolded and gagged. When the execu tive of the Lynch tribunal wibli to empha sise a case of punishment, the severed head, or a limb, of the victim ia left exposed m some conspicuous place."

The Message of Pkacb ia always appre

ciated and respected toy all fciuo rreo, for many of us hope the time is not far distant. when it may be universa'ly adopted by all nations. When this comes to pans, happi ness and prosperity wiU be the rule and nob the exception. In'hemeantime, Holioway's Pills and Ointment have lirgtiy helped to

make foreign rations understand that Englishmen delight m alleviating pain and

suff ring. These wonderful remedies have been b'esse 1 m many lands for the relief ihey have afforded and the cures effected. They are specially adapted for all complaints affecting tho liver, stomach and kidneys, and at this season no family.,, should be without a supply. *

LYTTELTON ELECTION.

Return of Mr Laurcnson United Press .Association—-By Electric Telegraph. Christchubch, December 15 The Lyfctelton election resulted as follows Laurenton(G) ... .„ 2698 Jacques (O) .. 898

RIFLE MATCH.

Oj Thursday afternoon a rifli match was fited between teams of tea men from the j Ashburton Rifles and Guards. A howling dust-laden north-west gale prevailed during the afternoon till about six o'olock, when the wind backed, and came up strong and gusty from a southerly direotioD. Shooting through out wai thu* conducted under very trying circumstance*. The conditions were seven ehota each ab 200, 300, and 509 yards—one sighting shot optional at each range; Bisley targets and scoring. The result was a win for the Ashburton Rifhs by 108 points. The following are the scores:—

ASHBPRTON GUARDS.

ASHBURTON RIFLES.

MOUNT SOMERS.

From Our Own Correspondent

MOUNT SOMKRS SPORTS

Complete preparations have been made for the Mount Somers races and sports, to be held on the new course on Boxing Day. The committee has spared neither pains nor expense ia putting the ground m good order The small stones have been picked off, an office for the secretary and a dressing room have been built, and altogether the course n fleets the greatest credit on the gentlemen who have the management of affairs. The nominations, which close on December 16, are expected to make a big advance on previous years, both aa regards numbers and the quality of the horseß entered, as there are many really good animals m training. An excursion train is to be run from Aehbnrton, and I am sure a large number of people will take advantage of it, and pay us a visit, I can promise them a good day'B enjoyment, and a trip to the hills will be quite a treat for many people m the Aahburton district. The entering for the day is to be m the hands of Mr Powell, of the Mount Somera hotel, and of course will give every satisfaction. In anticipation of a large gathering the com mittee has engaged the Methven Braßsß&nd to play selections during the day. With tha numerous attractions promised this annual gathering is expected to be the most suoceas ul yet held.

THE WHAT HER.

We are having a succession of nor' weßfc gales, and although ihe weather ia very suitable for the shearing it is very un pleasant, and it is to be hoped we will loon l have» ohange,

THR LATEST.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright!

Sydney, December 15

The perpetrator of the Broken Hill tragedy is said to have a wife and family m New Zealand.

Disastrous Fire. A fire destroyed six business places at Kama-damage £-7000.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

General Gat acre's Forces

A Force of Boers Repulsed,

General White's Operations.

The Modderspruit Bridge Destroyed.

Reinforcements Erom England

Active Mobilisation of Troops.

Australian Troops Admired

Speeches at the Pcmth Austra-

lian Uinner.

Praises of Colonial Patriotism.

Uniced Press Aaeociation—By BleotrJo Telegraph —Copyright Capetown, December 15 In addition to those already reported killed are Colonels Coode, of the Black Watch, and Goff, of the Argyles, and Major P. Melton, of the mounted infantry.

Among the wounded are Oolonel Byron and Lieutenant Tait, the golf champion.

A battery of artillery haa reinforced General Gat&cre.

Eighteen hundred Boers advancing from eastward of Arundel m the direction of Naauwpoort were re pulsed ; casualties forty. General White succeeded m des troying by explosives the Modderspruit Bridge, some few miles north-west of Ladysmitb, on the road to Glencoa. L#nd«n, December 14

The War Office is preparing another siege train, and a special mounted corpie, representing Great Britain an d the colonies.

London, December 15

The South Australian dinner was a brilliant function. The Agents-General, the Marquis of Tweeddale, and two hundred and forty leading colonists, bankers, and merchants were present, The Duke of Cambridge presided. He did 80, he said, because he had always had the greatest admiration for the colonies. He was delighted to see the anxiety and desire of every colony to join m the honourable, dangerous, and painful duties of war. Such action would produce an enormous eS. eb on foreigners who wero jealous of the united Empire. T)r. Cockburn, mre spending, said the federation of the colonies did not come from outside compulsion, but from internal attrac tion. They were never so elosw to the Moh)rland as now. Lord Kelvin proposed the toast of the Empire. Lord Halsbury, replying, said the pre- Bent spectacle of all the children engaged m preserving the Mother's supremacy was unparalleled m the world's history, Lord Wo'seley was absent through pressure of business.

Cool News If True

(Received Wakapnaka Dpo. 15, 5 16 p.m, This Office 7.28 p.m) Sydney, December 16 Several telegrams have been received from Adelaide stating that a local broker has received a cable announcing that Ladysmith has been relieved and six thousand Boers captured.

More Highlanders to the Front

Sir Charles Warren at Capetown

First Portion of the Sixth Division on the Water

Seventh, Eighth & Ninth! Getting Beady

Sapid Transports Advocated,

British Publio Patient, lint Resolute

A Second Canadian Continent Beady

Cronjo's Fores

(Reoeived Wakapuaka Dec 15, 9-30 p.m This Office 10.10 p.m) London, December 15 Fresh drafts of Highlanders will embark to morrow.

Lieutenant - General Sir Charles Warren has arrived at Capetown. The first portion of the Sixth Division sails to-morrow, and Government are actively mobilising the Seventh and arranging for the Eighth and Ninth divisions if necessary. The newspapars insist on the employment of rapid transports.

There are no signs of panic, the public being patient bub resolute. A. second Canadian contingent is ready for service.

Capetown, December 15 Oronje's force included four thousand from Mafeking.

Queensland and Victoria Will ing to Co-operate

A Colonial Commandant's Opinion

A Queenslan&er Wounded

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 15, 11 p.m. Ihis Office 11.40 p m. Sydney, December 15 Both Queensland and Victoria have informed Mr Lyne that they are will ing to co-operate m a united con tingent if necessity. Melbourne, December 15 Colonel Downe?, the local Com mandant, while believing that plenty of men are available, would regret if the Imperial Government were seeking more from the colonies, as he thinks that would be a confession of weakness. The first contingent was justified ai a

demonstration of patriotism and unity

Brisbane, Dec 15

A cabla has been received that Lieutenant-Colonel Byron, of the Queensland Permanent Force, w*ib wounded at Magersfontein.

Death of Colonel Wauchope.

Plucky Soldiers

Why Netlmen Itetired.

The Guards destroy a Picket

I-ffects of British Artillery Fire,

Tremendous Boer losses.

Bombard men t of Colenso

Spread ot Disloyalty.

(Received Wakapnaka Deo. 16, 9.15 a.m, This Office 9.40 a,m) Capetown, December 15 Colonel Wauchope was shot close to the Boer trench receiving ballets io his chest and thigh. Some light infantry entered the trenches capturing six Boers. Lack of water largely compelled Methuen to retire four miles to the Modeler River. Eight thousand, half of his command were engaged. On the eleventh the Guards destroyed a picket numbering forty including a member of the Volkßraad. Prisoners state that the artillery entirely cleared the tipper entrenchment at Magers fontein. Word was passed to the Boers to prepare to withdraw during the night, The enemy's casualties exceeded a thousand.

Durban, December 15

Lieutenant Colonel Barton with thirty eight goes, bombarded Colenso on Wednesday. The Boers did not reply, lying low. They are, however, active at Groblerskloof, and Spring field, where Clery is expected to make an attack.

Disloyalty is spreading amongst the Dutch on the Uinbali River, Victoria East, m the King Williamstown dis trict, and the loyalists are arming themselves.

Capetown, December 15 The Denton Grange is discharging her cargo.

Escape of a War Correspondent

"Waucfcopo's Successor

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 16, 9.40 a.m This Office 10.8 a.m) Sydney, December 16

The Premier anticipates that the close of the session will be early next week. The Commandant is of opinion that a second contingent will be accepted

Adelaide, Dec 16

The Premier is endeavouring to arrange with the War Office to cable official reports of important events m the Transvaal,

Durban, December 15

Mr Winston Churchill, taken pri soner at the Ohiveley engagement., has

escaped.

London, December 15

Colonel Hector Archibald McDonald, of Soudan fame, replaces Colonel Wauchope m the command of the Highland Brigade.

AMERICA AND THE PHILIPPINES.

United Press Association—lSy Electric

Telegraph —Copyright.

(Received Wakapuika Doc. 16, 9.15 s.m, 1 his Office 9.40 a m) Washington Dec 15 The leaders of the democratic party have introduced into the House of Representatives a resolution m favour of preparations being made declaring the independence of the Philippines and the withdrawal of the American troops, but retaining a naval station.

NEW GUINEA.

United Press Association —By Eieotrio

Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka Deo 15, 9.40 a.m This Office 10 18 a.m) Sydney, December 16 A protracted tribal war m New Guinea has ended. The natives at tacked a polica party but were badly defeated- The magistrate afterwards succeeded m patching op a peace between the contending tribes.

CHRISTCHURCH WOOL SALE.

P. THOMAS.

The following is the catalogue sub mitted to auction by Mr D. Thomas at the second wool sale held a 6 Chriatchurch on December 14:—Greasy—R 0 over -—, oroes bred hoggetfc, lat 6^l, passed; hilfbred ewe, 3at J7|d ; halfbred wether, 3at B£d, passed ; haifbred hogget, 4at 8-i i; FS, h>lfbred, 6 at 9d ; crossbred, 2 at 7fd ; looks and pieces, with six crossbred fleeces, 1 at 4d ; DF, half bred, 2 at 9d ; Awarima, pieces and bellies, 2 at s£d ; halfbred, 4at ll^'l; crossbred, 9 ab 6fd, passed j —over HE conjoined, three quarterbred ewe, 3 at 7d ; crossbred ewe, 9 at 8d ; MU, crossbred, 2 ab 6|d { balfbred, lat 7JI; J, halfbred. 2ab 1(M ; orossbred, 3at 8d; Leicester, 2at 6|d } HX, first cross ewe, 4 at 9|d ; crossbred ewe, 4 at B|d ; JS, first cross ewe, 4 ab lOf A ; crossbred hogget, 7 at BJd ; crossbred ewe , and wether, 5 at 6f J, passed ; Q, halfbred i ewe, 3at lOd j 18, crossbred ewe, 10 at lOd ; crossbred boeget, 5 at 9d ; second crossbred ewe, 4 ab 7|d ; second crossbred ewe, 2 at 7£d ; belly pieces, 1 at 6£d j pieces, 1 at3Jd; G over G, crossbred ewe, 11 at 10|d ; —ove* 1 B, first cross ewe, 6 at 9d, p&Bsed ; H5, halfbred ewe, 3at lljd ; B, halfbred, 1 at 8d ; halfbred, 1 at 8d ; crossbred, 2 at 6d ; crossbred, sat6d ; crossbred, sat 6|d; 17 S three-quarterbred ewe, 5 at 6JI, passed; three - quatterbrod hogget, with few ewe, 6 at 8d; mixed, 1 at 6£d ; H m circle, threa-quarterbred, 1 at 6|d; 2L, Jjincoln and merino, with 3 black fleecea, 1 at 6d ; Lincoln, 1 at 6d ; first cross, 2at b%i ; crossbred, 3 at 7<i, passed j crossbred, 4 at 6|d ; merino, 3 at Hjd; ovep J 0, crossbred ewe, 7 at IOJd, passed; G V, halfbred ewe, 8 at 8d j crossbred ewe, 1 at 6|d, paaaed ; locks and pieces, 1 at 3|i ; D m square, halfbred ewe, 4at 9i<i; 6, crossbred ewe, 12 at 8|1; pieces, lat s|i ; D over W, crossbred, lat 6| I ; firet cross, 6at 9|d ; firab cross, 4 at 9id ; T over W, merino, 4 at 12|dl ; W S over —, halfbred ewe, 3at 10|d ; J U over —, halfbred ewe, 4at 9|d ; W H m red, halfbred ewe, 3 at 9Jd ; W H m black, halfbred ewe, 3 at 10|j1 ; crossbred ewe, 3 at 7|i ; crossbred, 2 at 7|d j bellies and pieces, 1 ab Gd; IR, dead wool, 1 fadge 7d ■; Alford, first comb halfbred ewe super, 7at 13d, passed ; first comb halfbred ewe, 26 at I2d, paaaed; first comb three-quarterbred ewe, 9 at lOfd, passed; TU, looks and pieces, 1 ab s|i ; bellies and pieces, 2at6Jd ;Shropshire hogget 2 at 9|d ; Shropshire ewe, 10 at 9|d, passed ; TK, merino, with 3 halfbred fleeces, 1 at lOd • J B, conjoined over —, first cross, 3 ab B|d i merino ewe, I ab ll^d j orosßbwd, I at

6^l ; Q V over —, threr-quarterbred ewe, 5 at 6f -1 ; merino, I a^ ll^i ; — ot'er KM, lialfbred, part thret-qimrterbred, 2 at B^l, p-itsed; T M r,v<r —, croftb e<', 2 at 10|d ; P ever H, first cro»H ewe, 10 at 9 i pasted ; sscoad cross ewe, 7 at 7Jd passed ;»fcond cross ewe, dead wool and rams, I at 6d ; 1 cks and pieces, 1 at 2|.1, passed ; Y3, locks and pieces, 1 at s£d ; belHe«, 1 at !I ?; first and eecnnd cross 10 at 7£f; fl), c oafcbred, 25 at 7^d ; crossbred, 5 at 6J4

passed; AD conjoined, pieces with B'X crossbred fleeceß, 1 at 6Jd ; belliec, 1 at 6d ; ewe &pd wether, with four cofcted and nine rums' fleeces, 1 at 7<i ; crossbred hogget, 1 at 6^l ; halfbred ewe, 6 at B|d, passed; second oross owe, 4at 7| 1, paesed ; S nver —, halfbrel ewe, 9at 1C£1; fine crossbred ewe with fifteen Shropshire fleeß, *ceR, 5 bu 8! ; Becond cross ewe, 4*t7d ; threcquarUr- 1 red, 2at 6&4 ; bellies and pieces, 2ats| 5; 7KL, second cross ewe, 8 at 6| 1 ; haifbred ewe, 6 at lOj ; Higham, haKbred ewe with a few crossbred fleeces, 10 at 11^-i; ctos»bred ewe, 12 at 8d ; bellies and pioces, 2at6f I; orosp bred aud rams, 1 at 6d ; M, merino ewe, Bat 13|d ; merino pieces, 2 at 6|d ; DV, haifbred ewe, 10 at 9§d, passed ; crossbred ewe, 2 ab 71, passed ; pieces, with twenty-one rams and three black fleeces, lab 6£d; bellies, 1 at 6d ; locks, 1 at 3|d ; ~ over 20, haifbred ewe, 3at 10d ; crossbred ewe, 2 at7d ; HV conjoined, crossbred, 1 at 6|d, passed ; half bred, 4 at BJd, passed ; 40, halibred ewe, 1 at 9£d, passed; crossbred ewe, 1 at 3d ; beliiee and pieces, with three crossbred and two rams fleeces, 1 at s|i; -» over 3L, jsab —; OK over —, crossbred, 2 at 6Jd, passed ; haifbred one bale part crossbred, 2 at 7| i ; Jin circle, merino, 3ab 11 Jd; half bred, 2 at 8f <i, passed ; orossbred, 1 at 7d, passer! ; -— overDS, haifbred ewe, 1 at BJd ; 2W, first cross, 2 at; Bfd ; g), first crosi, 2 at Bd, passed ; first cross, with two rams, two merino, and four erogibred fleeces, 1 ab 8d ; WTW, merino, 3at 121; 85, haifbred ewe, 2 at ICid j — over HO, halfbred hogget, 4at 6i, passed ; bellies, 1 at sd, pavsed ; DQ, lon#«ool, 3at s£d, passed ; crossbred wether, 2 at 6£d ; -— over XO, mixed, 1 at 6|d • — over DQ, merino, 1 at lOd, passed ; crossbred, 1 at s|i, passed ; 90, pieces, 1 at 4|d ; D — over Q, pieo 1, 1 f«dg« at 4d; bellies, 1 at 4§<i ; crossbred wether, 1 at 61; J6, pieces and looks, 1 at 3£d ; j[E over —, haifbred ewe, 2 ab lOd ; NW, first orossbred ewe with ten merino fleeces 2at 6d; second crossbred ewe, 2at 9|d; JD over —, half bred, crossbred and rams, 1 at 7f 1 ; VA, haifbred, 1 at llfd ; B m V, threeqnarter bred, 1 ab 7d ; haifbred, 2 at 9d, passed ; G, bfliies and haifbred, 1 at 51 ; haifbred, 1 at 7fl, passed 1 merino, 3 ab 12^d; Z2, first comb merino ewe, 9 at llfd; first ootnb merino wether, 2 at lid ; second oomb merino ewe and wether, 3 at lid ; merino bellies, 2 ab 9£d ; merino first pieces, 2 at 9|i ; merino second pieces, 1 at 7|l; first comb haifbred ewe, 1 at 9d, passed ; first comb crossbred, 1 at 8d ; first comb haifbred ewa with twenty-five rams' fleeces, 1 at B£d ; lockr, 1 at 3£d ; first and second pieces with three black fleeces, 1 ab 4}d ; 6 over (i, second crossbred, 9at Bfd; crossbred hocget, 6at7d j fine crossbred, 1 at — ; JWS, crossbred, 1 at %&; TE, merino wether, lab —; WF over bar, first; cross, 1 ab 10£ d ; crossbred, 4 ab 9£d ; bellies and pieces, 1 ab s|d ; 3, crossbred ewe, 4 at — ; orossbred, with foarteen merino fleeces, 2 ab —; &*, merino, 2 ab ll^d; bellies and merino, 1 at s£d ; looks, 1 at 3d, passed; ED, haifbred, 1 at 10£ d ; crossbred, 1 at 7d; 82. haifbred, 7 at B|d ; CB,merino, 2 at lid; OK conjoined, haifbred ewe, 2 at7^d, parsed; 2 ovor —, threequarter-bred, 8 at BJd ; haifbred, Sat 9fcd; bellies, 1 ab 53; Mti corjjoined, merino, 2 ab lOd ; C over O with b»r through, crossbred, 8 at 6f d ; O over —, orossbred ewe, 1 ab 6|d ; haifbred ewe with thirteen merino fleeces, 3 at 9§d.

HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL CONCERT.

There was * tremendous audience m the Oddfellows' Hall last night at the concert m aid of the Hampstead school prizs fund. The programme was most varied m charac ter, f.nd the elements of is were largely supplied by tha children themselves. The orchestra of the Aehburton Musical Union under Mr McOlurg'a leadership an-3 Mr Gates' baton, lent valuable assistance, and played the overtures, and a welcome item was the bayonet and manual exercises of a squad of the Ashburton Rifles noder Lieu tenant Hayes. Before the volunteers lefb the s!age, the squad was surrounded by & little regiment of very " light infantry" iv knickers and frocks, to form a chorus with the deeper voices of the men to Sergeant Schwarz's "Soldiers of the Queen " Bes geanfc Schwarlz appeared m tha new uni form of tha guards, and while he sang with his accustomed charm it) was a moot point among many fair ones as to whether the uniform set off the soldier or the soldier the uniform. The programme had been hardly Centered upon when the cablegram to the Mail, containing the reported relief of Ladysmith, and the capture of 6000 Boers was read, the information being received with t inging cheers and the singing of " God Save the Queen." When ib is oonaidered that with one or another about a, hundred children took part m the programme of the concert, it will be realised that to particu larise would be an invidious task, and this notice must be limited to a generalisation. Taking the entertainment m the oonorete the teachers are to be congratulated on the successful results of their training for the concert. The ohorns singing by the senior scholars was very fair indeed, and the action songs by the children, as well as the flag drill, the skipping exercises, the figure marching, the scarf drill, club swinging, &c, all went to show that while the pupils were apt the physical training to which they had been subjected had been of the most patient and painstaking charac ter. Three mites of lads (the Moßae brothers) contributed a coon soDg from the top of cask brought m by a a jumbo uncle inside of it, and if the fun was fast and furious while the boys sang, it became futioso at the attempts of said ancle to get off the stage with his barrel, blindfolded as he was with his head inside of it* The little coons, however, managed to pilot uncle eff without accident. An old-fashioned oontra-dance, m which the little lady part ners appeared m tha long skirts of the early part of the century was a refreshing item, and was loudly applauded, so also was the song by Miss Emma Baker, to an accom paniment played by her cousin Miss Dolman. Several character songs were given, too, all with more or lees merit, »nd altogether the audience were treated to quite an eD joy able eveciag, m the securing of which the untir ing efforts of every teacher m the school formed a very important factor.

News in Brief.

Entriaß for the Ariel Bicycle Olub's Meet ing, to be held on Boxing Day, close on Monday, December 18 at 9 pm.

THE i His TON GUARDIAN t SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, fl89&



kJUU Private Morrison ... 26 Private Dorm ... 28 Private Bell ... 29 Sergeant Percy ... Fes Bugler Leitch ... 24 Jilor-Sergt, Schwarta 26 Private Reynolds ... 12 Private Johnatone ... 17 Corporal Doon .„ 24 ?rivate Anderson ... 24

6W 22 22 22 20 23 13 23 10 13 12

22 11 8 12 9 15 18 20 2 2

Total 70 61 59 57 56 54 53 47 39 38

235

180

119

534



200 Lieutenant A. Clarke 29 Private P. Potter .» 28 Private B. Baker ... 28 Private M. Hepburn... 27 Private W, Hodgson... 23 Corporal T. Leitch ... 24 Private J, Clayton ... 29 Corporal J. Baker «* 18 Private J. Sandoe ... 27 Bugler E. Tovey ... 23

500 23 23 22 17 22 23 14 18 15 24

500 '. 22 20 2D 22 21 17 19 21 15 3

Total 74 71 70 66 66 64 62 67 57 55



npiNWALD—" Tonal, fat's makin 1 (too- X gal sac blyth like." "It iss the Hee* land tea o' the Maokenzie he is drinkin', to be surely J" Hondai-Lanka Tea, reoom< mended by (kjmxii, Storekeeper,



AMBBBZ.E7, Deo 7,1899 [Coty] Messrs Craiohead And Bbbryman AdhburtoD, Dtar Sirs, —Gould yon make a But t at once. lam sorry I forgot to order it sooner. The last one is still wearing. It fitted beautifully, and hat given the greatest satisfaction. If you have time to make one for my son at Geraldine, I will get him to ride up on Satur day to be fitted. If there is not time to send pattern*, I will trust you to choose for me, somethiog like the last,—Yours truly, M* (The original letter as above from a well known gentleman and many others of equally high compliment may be Been at our office—Craigukad and Bbrryman, the Leading Tailors and Outfitters, Ashburton. 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. ness and Aural Troubles. This book may be had from Mr ¥, Shaw, 160, Adelaide ttoad, Wellington, N.&., on receipt of stamps. Mr Campbell, of the same address, | was greatly relieved of his deafness by Dr Nicholson's system, and take* pleasure m spreading the news of the great specialist m New Zealand. A little book on the aure of Rheumatism, Corpulecoe, Lumbago, and Indigestion by the same irabhor



GLOTHSHCFACTORY QPECIAL Lines m TENNIS SHIRTS FANCY BTBIPES from ;3s Od, new Patterns. White and Cream Matt Shirts, 4s 6d and bib'}. White and Cream Cellular Shirts, ss. The Newest Styles m Fashion Shirts and White Shirts, with fancy Cuffs and Fronts, Men's Panama Straw Hats, Men's Brazilian Straw Hats,. Men's Club Straws from 2a, Splendid Variety to select from. Men's Frame Hats, Men's Soft Felts. Men's Tennis Hats, Men's White Felts. BOOTsT BOOTS Newest Shape Tan Boots 16a 6-I,lßs, 23s 6d Black Giace Kid Boots, 16a bA ; Tennis Shoes 15s 6d. Men's, Women's, and Children's Canvas Shoeß. ! LARGE STOCK AT LOW PRICES, | 4JAJUL. AND IWfcHPJEOX. SUITS TO MEASURE A SPECIALTY. FIT QUARAN TEED. JNICW SZHSAJL,AI>JI> CLOTHING FACTOEY. F. H. BEOKINGSALK, Manager,



" TO LET, Premises m Moore Street, nexb to Messrs Hitchioga and MHbohi's Cordial Manufac tory. Rental, 5s 6d per week Apply to T BULLOCK SUBURBAN PROPERTY 5 ACRES, 5 Good Land, all m grass, well situated on Winter's Road. A nice site for a house. Exceptionally easy term? of Payment. T BULLOCK. AT A LOW RENTAL, Brick Promises, conveniently mitu.ited m Tancred Street, nexb to McCnnneli an' 3 Conipton'e Stables. Apply to •■ T BULLOCK ______________ FOR TWELVE MONTHS. "■VTEW Dwelling House of 6 rooms with l\ verandah, at corner of East Belt and Wakaoui Road E«t. Rental 10j 6d per week. T. BULLOCK. j i HJLLJ L El'-g CMURCH BERV CES. WANTED -An Organist for St. Ste phen's Church, Ashburton. Appli cations to be cent to the Vicar on or before Deoember 18. 12 87 ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton, THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. (Deoember 17) 11 a m—Matins, Holy Communion and tferrron 345 p m—Holy Baptism. 6 30 p m—Evening Prayer and Sermon E A WOODTHORPE, M A., Vicar ASHBURTON COUNTY STOCK AND SALEYARDS CO., Ltd. TyO SALES WILL BE HELD AT ASHBURTON YARDS ON DECEMBER 26, xnn TINWALD YARDS out JANUARY 2, Christmas and New Year Holidays. Usual Sale on JANWARY 9, at ASHBCRTON YARDS. < 12 153 ALBERT ROBERTS, Seoretary^ New Zealand



| CHRISTMAS AND NEW I YEAH HOLIDAYS. } j T^VERYTHING A Cyclist requires from 6d worth of Graphite to a 1800 Zealandia. Bicycle. Price dC^I. OATES, LGWBY AMD GO BURNETT STREET. Cheapest and best stook m Ashborton. (Established 1878), BURNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Employs upwards of 18 hands. DECORATOR & SIGN -WRITER. I WISH fco notify that I have secured the service* of Me Chas. Chapman, as Sign [ writer, who, m addition to hia homa training has had a large amount of expert enoe m our citien. LARGE STOCK~OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS I have j :et received—direct from the manufacturers —a few thousand feeb of Picture Frame Mouldings. Persons desirous of having Pictures framed would do well to oall and nee them." Telephone 65 T. Bullock. ______ SMALL Khop, with two rooms attached, m Burnebt Street. Rental 7a 6d per weelr. 1 T. BULLOCK. F OR_SAL& _?Of 1 PRIGS requited for town seation ot'/W^' 818, containiug £ acre fronting Attken Street, East. T. BULLOCK Agent. _____ 1 f\ ACRES ±\J ACRES T7IIBST-CLAKS Land Fronting Middle JD Road, Ailenton ; either as a whole or m two allotments of five acres each. Easy terms can be arranged. T. BULLOCF TO FARMERS. FOR BALB, QQ>y ACRES moatly First-class Land, frJ& I suitable for all round farming. Farther particulars furnished on applica tion. T BULLOCK.



Carraway Seeds 8d per lb Pimento, whole la lt M Pimento, jrround Is 2d „ „ Mixed Spice l£d per packet PlCKLKS—Hayward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9s 6d per dozen Cross and Black weli'e, Is 3d p-)r bobtle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder ... ...lid per bottle Borax ... 8d per lb Alum ... ... .. 6d „ „ Saltpetre 6d „ „ Tartario Acid ... ... IslOd „,, Oarbocate Soda, 3d per lb, 2s per doz lbs Whole Linseed ... ... 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d  „ MATCHES-Plaids, 4Jd per don, 4a per gross 250 a la 6d per dozen 1000's 5d per box, 4s 10d per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 8i per dosen Yarmouth Bloatera, 9 for Is Maconcehie'a Fresh Herrings, 6|d per lin „ Herrings m Tomato, 10J per tin „ Herrings m Shrimp, 101 per tin  Kippered Herrings, 10i per tin „ Preserved Bloatera, 10d per tin Auckland Mullett 7d per tin Oysters 8d   Sardines, large Alberts ... Is  „ Sardines, large 8d „ „ Sardines, small ... ... 4<i  „ Salmon, Holly leaf ... lOd „ „ Salmon, other Brands ... 8d „ „ OlL—Lucca, 2a 4d per bottle Salad, $ pint sd, 1 pine lOd Castor, | pint; sd, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b la lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spioed Beef, 21b tin, la Orosse and Blaokwell's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dosec Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2oz, la lOd. Lei berg's extract, la 9d per bottle Patent Groats, Robinson's, lOd ; Har per's, 9d per tin Melllns' Food, Is 3d per tin



tfan Hooten's Cocoa, fib, lid ; $lb, U 9d; lib, 3s 3d Fry's Cocoa, |lb, B|d ; lib, la. 4M tteal&ood Dandles, 4idperlb; 8s Pd per box Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, 6sd per lb j 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights la 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for Is Pearl, 61ba for Is Sago, 71bs for Is Mixed Peel, Lemon, Orange and Oit ron, 8d per lb Lemon Peel, 71b tins, 3a 6d lib Tina AsßOrted Jams, 5d per lb ; 4g 9d per doz 2lb Jars Assorted Jams, 14a 6i per doz Lea and Perrin's Sauce, large, 2a 6d per bottle Mellor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Woroester Sauce, small, 5d ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Marina M per dozen 6*6 d Whitlns. f b for Is Morton's Cream of Twtar, Is 3d per lb Pnserred Fruit, 2Jlb tins, 8d per tin, 7a 6d per doz English Cut Loaf Sngar, 3^d per ib Tomato Sanee. 9d per bottle Golden Syrup, Sib Bd, 41b Is, 561 b lie 3d Trwele, 21b 6d. 41b la, 71b Is 9d FU«wtfUlßlns BWperlb Flneat Snltanaa 7fd >* n Finest CJowanw od „ „ per case 4#d „ „ Stewing Flga 7| d » » French Phraa (choice) ... i« •» i» Stewing Plums .« ... 3d „ „ Finest Muscatels ... ... " '<* >* •> Oallfornlan Muscatels ... la »♦ *< D»6ea, extra fine, 31b boxes. Is 9d per Almonda, Jordan 2a 4d per lb Almonds, Valencia ... Is 8d  „ Almonds, Sloily 1b 4d „  Barct'^naNuta ... ... 8d „ „ Shell Almonda ... ... 10d „,» Day and Martin's Paste Blacking, 4*o per doe Day and Martin's Jar Blaoklng, 6d per bottle , n3 French Blaoklng, 2d per tin, Is 9d per dot Nixey'a Biseklead, Id size, 9d per doz per doz



JOHN ORR AND GO'S REVISED LIST"* _ b _ -|l _ -1 IV » , B|| | WE Olaim to bathe Leading Firm of G ocers, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants m Aahburton. Wo iuip »rfc all oar Stock from the Homo MUrkats for Sp>t Cash and are therefore m the beat position «> supply tho pablio with only genuine goods at the lowest poanbls prico for cash. We aaamitoa all our g»ods fuU weighb a»d finest quality. We never charge for picking wd delivery, all g'V^a at tho IVulwiy St»;ion free. Any peraou leaving a>» ordoe wii.hu* oin got a ptrcol tick at, an J therefore always bo sura: of, having th^iir gorls at fcha station m tima. No aharge for ticket. lj JLiU Ult PKft SACK 13,. — »CJOA.Ic-- «|d per Lit wttn. Tea , \*) "" '■'*" IMARA VILLA GARDEN TEA— 1b lOd, 2s, 2s 4d per 1b 61b Box 8« 9d, 93 7d, 11s lOlbßox -. - .- 16s Bd, 18s 4d, 2li 8d KOZIE TEA — 101 b Box, Jlßs 4d ; 6lb, 9s 7d GOLD LEAF TEA 10lb Box, 18a 4d 5 slb, 9* 7d -PEOVISIONS - FAOIORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Satfcon's always ln>took. OHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per 1b BACON AND HAMS — " Lewla'," " Morepork," "D. Mc7allnm. Mild Cared Hama, Sides and Rolls, ?£d* GORE OATMFAL—2SIb Bag, 2b 6d



THS WA.VBSLEY SIOYCUS IS THE EASIEST RUKKIKG BICYCLE BUILT, AND2ALSO •■Strong Enough to Carry a Ton. JOHN ORR & CO., A&HBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AGENTS atid at Waverley Cycle Depot 217,C010mb0 Street, Cbristctturch,