Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1899. Local and General.

% ** On the first page to-day will be found an arfciclo relating to Cooigardio

No Prophets —The editor of The Outlook remarks that "the onlj sure thing th,--t emerges out of the election contest is that we h-ive no prophets amongst us, Nobody for a moment imagined euch an issue as the 7ih revealed."

The "Totk' — A Wairarapa sportsman is eaid to h«.ve annexed a nice little dividend at the Weliingtou racfs the other day. Ho held five tickets on Fa'ka, who paid her backers the sum of £69 lla r.nd thus received £347 15s.

Flower's Booth Will by There.

Deaths by Wild Animals—The number of persons killed by wild animals and snakes m India fctill reniaicß at. an appalling figure. Last year more than 25,000 deaths were recorded. Nearly a thousand ere ascribed to tigers and a large number to rrac-eating wolves. Lord Cur son has directed that Bpecial measures be taken to exterminate these particular pestc

A Horse That Climbed A Tkeb —A horse harnessed to a milk cart outside a dairy factory at Ormondville, Hawke'e Bay, the other day, took fright and bolted into t»n adjoining orchard, and making a mighty leap, landed m one of the apple trees. After sundry kicks the branch broke and the horse was freed. With ths exception of a broken shaft and a few smaller items, little damage was done.

Right and Wrongs— Here is a good and true story of Mr Rhodes. Driving with an English friend shortly before the war he remarked to him, m a grumbling tone, " Three years ago I mado a raid, and everybody Baid I was wrong. Now the Queen's Government are preparing another raid, and everybody says they are right."

A Small Quorum —At a morning Bitting of tho Houbo of Lords on October 27 a motion protesting against the erection of a statue to Cromwell within the precincts was put and carried on a division—for 6, against 4. The effective strength of the House of Lords is over 570, and a quorum is only three, except m dealing with Bills when the quorum for divisions is 30.

The Kaffir Civilising—The Kaffir is succumbing to the advance of civilisation. Some time ago he organised a native agricul tural show, which was highly successful ; now he has set up a church of his own, and called it the Ethiopian Church, and has virtually taken himself out of the hands of his former spiritual masters. In another direction he shows still further signs of advancement. He has realised the utility of bridges, and has made an offer to the Cape Government that if it will construct a bridge over ft river at a place indicated he will Bupply £1000 of the coat. Wall and Barker Will be There. Women "Workers "—The United King dom lias more Women workers than any country m the world m proportion to ita population. Among them no fewer than 616,000 are set down as dressmakers—an occupation which may be reasonably claimed as an industry: Iv the French capital the marryirg of wealthy American girls to cer tain Paris noblemen haa become a business. A syndicate was formed not long since of three titled Frenchmen, who were to keep all other admirers from a certain wealthy American girl, and the winner was to pay the two who lost 100,000 fraues.

Terrible Affair—A terrible burning fatality occurred at MuJgrave, New Souh Wales", recently. A man nam<?d A fred Hallway, emp'oyed at the Central mill, with his three children, occupied » grass hu% and one of his children, a boy aged five years ji!aying with matches, set the hu(; on fire Two (.'iris, »ged three and five respectively, were m the hut at the time, and » girl named Al ci Owens rescued the eldest child. A number of Ind'ans were present,, and Mrs Owens urged them to rush iuto the blaz'uig hut, and B<ive tho other child, but they refused, A man named Frauler, cook at the mills, then arrived, and wrapping a wet blanket round him, rushed m and secured the body of the cnild, but it was by that time burned to a cinder.

U. A.O.D —The half-yearly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge was Leld on Mon day evening. £.D. 80. Higgins opened the Lodge at the usual hour, and there waa a largo attendance of members. One candi date was proposed for membership. The nomination of officers for next half-year was then proceeded with. The meetiDg of the Lodge for the purpose of electing same and holding the installation ceremony, being altered fro'n Monday, January 1, next to Thursday, January 4. It was resolved to hold a supper at the close of the inatalktion, m honor of the visit of the D,P. Bro. Scaly, of Timaru, and other visiting Bros. It was also decided to invite the members of the ladies' Lodge to the supper. The See* retary reported that the receipts for the evening amounted to a highly satisfactory sum. The Lodge was closed by the A.D. m the utua»l manner.

No Waits, No Delays on Boxing

Day.

"The Messiah"—The fioal rehearsal of "The Messiah" went off last night m good style, and everything points to a successful rendering of Hande/a masterpiece at to night's porformanoe. The large attendances at previous subscription concerts have en couraged the committee to go to the expense of engaging the vory best talent obcainable for the solo work, and it is hoped that their efforts to cater for the music loving public m Ashburton will meet with hearty support, m their first appeal on behalf of the funds of the Union. The soloists are all jn good voice, and it is not once m a decade that an Aahburton audience has an opportunity afforded it of hearing the grand and beauti ful numbers allotted to them given under such favorable conditions, while the chorus has been well drilled during the paab few months by Mr H. A. G&tee, hon. conductor to the Unioo. Books containing words of the solos and choruses, with list of members taking part, wil! be obtainable m the hall at the nominal price of threepence. Resoryed scats m the best part of the hall for hearing, may be secured at H. M. Jones.

St Stephen's Gabden PARTy-^The garden party vchiehwaa held m the Vicarage grounds on Thursday 'asfc, Deo. 14, on behalf of St. Stephen's church building fund, m spite of the unfavourable weather proved a great success. When all expenses are paid, the amount, realised will be over £80. The tenta and stalls were very tastefully ar ranged, but the chief attraction waa the work-stall, under the charge of Mesdames Bullock, Wroughton, Purnel', Dee, and the Misses Purnell, Shury, Treleaven, etc At this stall was to be seen the beautiful work of the Ladies' Working Society, which was univarsally admired, and ib is no exaggera tion to Bif that such work would be a credit to any sewing guild iv the colony. The pro duce "stall was presided oger by Mrs Curtis, who was most energtb c, & was ably assisted by Mra Morton, and the Misses V. Purueli, Kila Roberts, F. Leahy, and Pilbrow, The feca tenb was under the care of Mrs Fooks, assisted by Mesdames Miller, Mutton, Hoare, Jennings, and Misses Compfcon, Pritchard, Fooks, etc. The Christmas tree was very much appreciated and largely pat ronised Ib was under the able management of the Misses Harrison, L. Fooks, and Pil brow. The flower stall was a decided suc cess, and reflected great credit upon Mrs Watson, to whose care it is due that so many beautiful pob plants were preserved through the winter. At this stall Mrs Watson was assii-tid by Mrs Cufchbertsonand Miss Cook, eon. In the cut-fibwer degartijsenfc a very brisk trade was done m button-hole bouquets by Mies Upton, as also by the little children who worked most energetically. The variety stall, presided over by Mrs H. Gates, assisted by Mm Revell, did an excellent business, as did also Mr Morrisey, who had charge of an electric battery and the weighing machine. During the afternoon a.nd evening Mies Simmonds and her band reudere..} a number of musical items, which wtra very highly appreciated and greatly added to the enjoyment of the gathering. Come and See the itecprated JJicjcJei,

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

The meeting m the Orange Hall last night, summoned by the Mayor, was not largely attended, only about thirty bsing present. The object of it was to consider ways and means f>r tha Triiusvaal pattio;ic fund, acd the Mayor presided. Tlls Worship said he was sorry to see co small a gathering, &s there couli bo no

que tion that thn object of the meeting w.s oue thab should have ensured a crowded attendance. He had firßt to read an apology f.om Mr 0 J Harpor, chairman of the County Council, who wrote to say th-it ha proposed to bring the matter bafore the Oouuty Council at its n^xfc meeting wuh the ' object of collpcting subscriptions m the county* Mr J S Tennant also sent an apology for absence. They would h*ve saen from the advertisement calling the meeting that tlie object of it wan to raise funds to aid m the support of the widows iud orphans of our soldiers killed m the war m Transvaal, those widows &nd orphans being left with out means. Whichever side won, there would be great loss of life on both sides, '>.nd it behooved the people of the empire m every clime—anT ncne more so than m Nf.w Zea land—to send halp to those who had lost their breadwinners m this greab struggle for liberty. It was not for him at thie juncture to go into the causes of the war. They could sea that it never had been the inten tion of the Boer Government to aooept any terms, but the whole Dutch population had made up their minds to be free of British influence m South Africa. If they gained that obj.-ct it would be a Borry day for us. He was satiffi sd it waa only a question of time when the British would secure the reasonable demands which they had made. In the first instance, re verses were only to be expected, as the Boers had been prepiring for war for a long time, and the British forces were fighting m a difficult country, and bad to be brought from a long distance to the field. He had ssn from the cables that day that the European press were jubilant over the reverses met with by the Biitish, but he failed to see why this should be so, as the British were fight ing not) only for the liberty of their own subjects m South Africa, but for the liberty of the subjects of every country seeking a home at the Cape. We m this colony en joyed peacs, but, h9 asked, how long would we do so if we were not under the British flag? But for the power that fl*g repre sented, and that the fact that it waved over our heads, we would be the prey of every greedy outsider who might covet and take ail we have got. But that flag protects us, and that it should continue bo do so, it ought to be oura to do all m our power to support it m a liberal manner. He could not refrain from again expressing his regret at tht smallness of the meeting, and thought, m a country with a Liberal Government that had won victories m every electorate, ike meetings to aid the Transvaal patriotic fund should have been crowded and splen didly enthusiastic, instead of Bmall, and limited only to a few of those who had the cause close to their hearts. He asked Mr Purnell to moYB the fi at resolution. Mr Purnell said he had pleasure m doing so, but he did it also with a certain amount of regret at the smallnens of the meeting. Still, there was no cause for astonishment, as the same thing had occurred m Christ church, and the matter had not yet been brought fully before the people. When the movement first stilted, many people thought it was for the members of the New Zealand contingent, but forthese it was not r< quired, aa they were all single men and had no de pendents. If they were wounded m the can.paign, it would be the duty of Govern ment to grant pensions to them, a3 was done m the Maori war, m connection with which it would be remembered, pensions wore granted to the widows and children of those who were slain. This fund had a larger object—to assist the Eufferurß by the Transvaal war After a reference to Kipling's spirited poem, which appeared m these columns, lie went en to cay that the men serving with the colors were very many of them married, and had a much smaller pay than those who had gone with our contingent, and this fund was intended to provide relief for the depet <■ dents and also to aid m sending medical comforts to the fronb. Funds were being raised m other districts besides our own, and it was for us to follow the laudable example. Li regard to our own men, they waro now part and parcel of the British army and were treated as euqh, and this proved that we were j-ist as patriotic as the people at Home. He quite approved of what the mayor had said about the war. The real bone d contention waa our supremacy m South Africa, and wo w?re bound <o f-upport the Home Government. But we did not require to discuss that question at all. What we had to do was to consider how best to help the fund proposed, and he would pre fer to see the whole population assisting. Shillings and half-crowns from the whole of the population, and an organised general canvass and collection, would Boon raise a largß sum of money. He moved that a subscription bo opened to assist the patriotic fund. Mr Ferriman seconded the motion. He hoped that the relatives of the slain soldiers of the empire would benefit and be endowed by the people of New Zealand ia proportion to benefits thah had been showered upon them by a beneficent providence, and which, though not an exalted platform to take, would be increased by the added commerce which the war was bringing about. Mr H. Mi Jones thought many lists Bhould be opened and a systematic effort made. In answer to Mr A Orr, the mayor said any funds raised would go straight to Lon don. He added that he had seen Mr E. G. Wright, who could not be present at the meeting, but had asked that his name be put down for £20. (Applause). The motion was carried. Mr Collins moved that the Mayor of Ash burton, the Chairmen of the Ashburton County Council, Road Boards, and Town Boards, with power to add to their number, be asked to collect subscriptions m aid of the patriotic fund. He waa sure the ques tion pf such a fund appealed to the patriot ism of every one, and he regretted the smailness of the gathering, as they had reached a point m the history of the empire, from which grave issues might result, and as we were a part of the empire we ought to assist to the full extent of our mean?. This was not a local question, but one of imperial import, and while all the colonies were sending men he was glad to kaow that our colony was also prominent m the movement. The fund was not a local one, and the Lord j Mayor of London had metns at his comnand to see that it was distributed on an equal basip. We all could and did sing '? Soldiers of the Queen," and "Rule Britannia, 1' but th« time had come to shew practical loyalty. From letters he had received from the Cape he had reason to believe that the garrisons at Ladysmith and Mafeking were being fed secretly by the natives, and if that were not so they must be suffering great hardships. He aeked them to put themselves m the same position as those at the Cape and Natal. Would th*y not expect), under such circumstances, to be helped by their brothers outside ? He had hoped to see all the ex- Mayors present, but there werß several absent — influenza doubtles?. (Laughter.) There were two funds—one to help the refugees, and he had seen grtat distress at the Cape : but the one they were dealing with now waa to help the wives and children of the soldiers slain m the war. It was sordid to appeal to low motives, but he had been astonished m hia recent visit to Europe and America ac the ignorance that was displayed about New Zealand, and he felt certain that if the appeal now made on behalf of the soldiers were handsomely responded to, it would do more to dispel that ignorance of our colony of which he compl.ained than anything else they could do, and he hoped it would be responded to by every man, woman, and child m the city. Mr Andrew Orr seconded, expressing his belief that the funds would be well and truly expended.

had been held to send back the lists unused ' after lying m the dust of the nor'-wester, m their idle wait and nothing done. He would like to see all present a Committee, and woul i move accordingly. He knew what the auffsring was that the fund w&s intended to relieve. He was the son of a soldier with twenty-five years' service to his name, and i he himse f had worn the Queen's uuiform for [ a number of years, and had been brought face to face with the suffering of soldier*;' dependents who w^re not provided for m uny *ay.

Mr McKlrea came there m the belief that he would get a list, and carry ib round personally. The time to aci wiia at once. He seconded Mr Legsjeti's motion.

Mr Willis hardly fivored so l.;gea Ccn. mittee, but he would not be against it, thinking i.hiit t.ho secretaries of the various clubs might be used. Those present were m such circumstances that ' hey could uot go to the front themselves, or take active service m iu:y way, but they were all able m some degree to he!p m this movemont, and m fact this was the only way they could help, and it wai their duty ta use the opportunity. His firm would provide all the printing wanted. (App'aus-.) Mr R, Fried'and r urged the issue of subscription lists at onuo and a house to home canvass. The stronger the Committee the better.

Mr Ferriman said the two representative men—the members for the county—had been overlooked, Messrs McLaohlan and Hardy.

The Mayor said they had overlooked the meeting, and had not even apologised. He favored Mr Leggett's motion. Mr John Orr, after a vigorous epeech, said 11 God save the Queen " was a loyal song to sing, but it should be sung m this instance to a golden accompaniment of contributed coin. He could not stay longer at the meet ing, hav:ng to be elsewhere, buj they could pub his name down for £5. (Applause.)

Mr M. Friedlander, also going, said he would give £S, and Mr Meddins £1 Is.

After Mr Ferriman had been appointed secretary to the meeting, the public meeting closed, and those remaining 8»6 as a com mittee, at which the following business was transacted :— The Mayor was appointed chairman, and Mr Albert Roberta was to be asked to act an secretary. The offer of the Mail and Guardian to do all necessary printing free of cosb was accepted. Ladies were to be asked to assist m collecting for the fund. The Mayor and the County Council Chairman to act as joint hon. trea surers, and a concert committee was formed to promote entertainments m aid of the fund, consisting of Messrs H. M. Jones, EL F. Niooll, Garner, and W. H. Collins (convener).

PRIZE DAY.

Miss Ilarratt's Private Seminary.

There was a large gathering yesterday of parents and friends of the pupils attending

Miss Barratt's private seminary on the occasion of the distribution of prizes m St Stephen's school. An excellent musical programme was gone through, m whioh the children showed how solid had been their

musical training both m piano and vocal work, the part singing being especially good, and a five-year-old elocutionist m the person of Master Kenneth Home, quite charmed his

hearers with his recitation of " Wooden

legp." The needlework, etc., of the pupils was displayed on tables m front of the stage, and the many encomiums bestowed upon it

by the crowd of ladies who closely and critically examined it, showed that it was of the most satisfactory kind. On the walls were displayed the work m tho writing

contest for a special prizj given by Mra

Bland—very creditable woik indeed—and shown on the walla also were the maps the children had drawn, and the drawings they had executed, some of which were commend able m the highest degree, 'the Uov. R. A,

Woodthorpe, M.A., who distributed the

pnz3B, paid a high compliment to Miss Birrattand her staff oa the su coss of her school. Not only was the leeching sound m

the simple imparting cf k:.owledgo, but the tone of the schoul was e.miceutly satisfactory, and this waa a pleaainp feature m it. It was always satisfactory to fiad a teacher beloved by the pupils she taught, and m proof of the affaction entertained by (he children fjr Mhs Barratt and Miss Vi Simpson, they had asked him to t resent to them two handsome tokens of their goodwill. To Miss Barratt he tendered her children's Christmas gift m the shape of a ase ful and substantial dinner set, and to

M'ss Vi Simpson an album of ornate yet

chaste design. He (hen presented the prizaa a3 under, the children being on tho prettily decorated stage, m the adornment of which fl»gs and flowers, evergreens and cabbage tree blooms had been extensively used.

After the breaking up Miss Barratt cntei tained the children In their own school room. The following is the priza list: —

Standard VI Dux—Dora Bland 1, Guseie Stephenson 2, Evelyn Hanmer 3, Nora Simp eon 4 Standard V.—Qlive Snodgraas 1, Violet finodgrass 2, Kathleen Berißhire 3. Kitty Friedlander 4. Standard IV. — Z

Ferriman 1, Katie Smith 2, Frances Parsons 3, Dolly Roberts 4. Standard IV. (lower)— Minnie Roberts and Geoffrey Rich 1, Oinah Dun 2. Standard 111.—Ruby Macpherson 1, Eric Friedlander 2. Standard lII.— (lower)— Dorothy Donshire 1, Lynn Snod grass 2, Clara Friedlander 3, Clarence Shrimpton 4. Standard IT,—Elsie Fletcher 1, Mody Ferriman 2, Arthur Roberts 3. Standard L—Jack Snodgrass 1, Elsie Simp son 2, Agnes Dodds 3, Violet Digby 4. Standard I. (lower) —Dolly Friedlander 1, Gay Roberts 2 Infants — Bevan Dodda, Juanetta Urquhart, Ruby Digby, Frank

Scrint.

Sewing.—Standard Vl.—Dora Bland and Mary Roberts 1, Nora Simpson 2. Stan dard V.—-Kathleen Denshire and Olivo Snodgrass 1. Standard IV.—Evelyn Han mer and Dolly Roberts 1. Standard 111.— Kitty Friedlander and Minnie Roberts 1. Standard 111. (lower) — Katie Smith 1, Oinah Dun 2. Sbandard ll.—Dorothy Den shire 1, Lynn Snodgrasi 2. Standard I — Elsie Fletcher 1, Standard I. (lower)—- Violet Digby 1, Agnea Dodds 2. Infants— Ruby Digby 1

Patchwork Prizes.—Standard Vl.—Dora Bland 1 Standard V.—Olivo Bnodgrasa 1.

Mapping —Mary Roberta. Fancy Work.—Becky Home,

Writing.—Presented by Mrs Bland, Olive and Violet Snodgrass equal. Perseverance.—Ruby Macpherson. Diligence,—Presented by Mrs Max Fried lander. Dorothy Denshire special. Prizas for Essays.—Dora Bland (Glad stone and Mary Roberts (Nelson),

Those Who Enjoy Good Sport Must be There.

GQ&i&W&VI&X*

ABHBURTON LIVE STOCK MARKET

There was a fair market at Tlnwald yes terday, with a good entry for aheep, mostly m larger lines than usual, so that the sale was not protracted. In fat Bheep, butchers' swea brought from 9i to 11s 4d, wethers 13s 4i to 14a 3d, lambs 10s to 121 3d. Store merino wethers brought 7s Id, shorn ewes and lamba (all counted) lQi 3rl. ewes m wool (with 100 per cent of lamba) 9? lid, two and four-tooth cross-breds (m wool) 17s, shorn hoggets 12*.

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

United Press Association—By Elootrio Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, December 20

In the Legislative Assembly the loan estimates were tabled. They show a total of £2,874,000, of which £857,000 is required for the repayment of loans, and £145 000 for military services. The House accepted the Council's amendment on the Early Closing Bill, but disagreed with the amendments on the Gold Dredging Bill Mr Lyne promised to make provision for the division of the colony into federal electorates before next session,

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Arrival of More Troops at the

(ape

Patriotic Feeling at Home

Eager Offers for Service

Major-General French's Force

Compelled 'o Evacuate a Posi

tion

'I he Fighting on Friday

Bravery of the British

United Press Association—-By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

Durban, December 18

The Boers, with a big gun, compelled Major General French to evacuate Vaal kop.

The Boera have occupied an impreg nable and entrenched position across the Tugela river, under Grobler's Kloof, their guns commanding the plain be fore Oolenso.

Hart's brigade crossed the ford m tho face of a heavy fire of shrapnel The Nordenfeldt and rifle fire com pelled them to re cross. Major-General Hilyard's brigade, with equal heroism, carried Oolgnao at the bayonet point under a raking fire. The naval guns silenced Fort Wylie.

Lieutenant-Oolonei Barton's brigade failed to seize Implane Hill after eight hours' fighting. The Boers suffered heavily

London, December 18

It is proposed that pro-Boer meet ings should be declared riotous demons trations.

December 19 The second Canadian contingent has beyn accepted.

Lord Roberts and Major-General Kelly-Kenny sail oa Saturday by the Dunatter Oastle.

Lord Kitchener reaches Cairo on Friday.

Enrolment of Volunteers.

k Yeomanry Force Forming

Offer from £ir Howard Yin-

cent.

Lord Ohesham is organising a force of 300 yeomanry, which he will com mand, for South Africa.

The London and provincial volun teers are eagerly and enthusiastically responding to the call. Already the offers exceed requirements. A number of almost completa regiments are volunteering

Sir Howard Vincent cff rs to raise one thousand skilled naarkaoien.

The Continental PreES acknowledge the dignity and calranes? of Great Britain, and applaud the remarkable heroism of the soldiers, while criticis ing the tactics employed.

iSir Charles Warren has started for Do Aar.

A cyclone has interrupted <bo Dela goa Bay cable.

rlhe Second Australian Con tingent.

I Sydney, December 19 i A message has been received from Mr Chamberlain asking the colony to provide half a field medical corps for service m the Tranavaal. The request, which is the result of extraordinary pressure on the Medical Department of the War Office, has been acceded to.

The Bisley Selection Committee has decided that m view of the condition of affairs m South Africa, and the call for Volunteers, it is inadvisable to take further steps for sending a team to England, as every good shot should first consider his duty to the Empire. Later. The offer of A Battery has been accepted.

Inclusive of the medical corps, New South Wales sends five hundred troops- The Southern Oroas, Maori King, Warrigal, and Surrey, have been secured as transports.

The Assembly has voted £60,000 to defray the cost of the second contin gent.

Bbisbans, December 19

TheOharters Towers Stock Exchange has sent £300 for tho second contin gent.

Boer Movements on the Modder.

Magersfontein the Boer Gibraltar

Rlethuen Making Redoubts.

Mysterious Fate of Gatacre's Guides

Northern Cape Colonists Forbidden

to Move.

(Received Wakapuaka Dec 20, 9 23 a.m, This Office 9.52 a.m) Capetown December 19 One flank of the Boer forces rests on the Modder river eastwards ; the other flank is rapidly approaching the river westwards, while a continual line of entrenchments extends to Magersfon tein, which is described as a Boer Gibraltar.

Lord Methuen is constructing re doubts.

General Gatacre's guide 3 were mysteriously shot during the retreat from Storm berg.

General Gatacre has forbidden the farmers m northern Gape Oolony to move without passes.

Reinforcements from India.

Foreign Officers with the Boers.

Goschen's Tribute to Australia,

(Received Wakapuaka Deo. 20,9.28 a. m, This Office 9,52 a.m) London, December 19 India is sending Sir Redvers Buller reinforcements, consisting of four regiments of a brigade and horse field batteries.

The newspapers declare there is a much larger number of German and French officers with the Boers than is imagined, and others are arriving with every steamer at> Delagoa Bay. It is

also stated that Colonel Vtlieboia Msrteil, the French sU'dtegiet,' h assisting thg Boera outside Lndysmith.

Mr Goschen, speaking ;n London, paid a warm tribu:e to Australia for sending military help, and snid the preparedness of the navy largely ex plained tho country's o->>-fijcnce The full complement of er ry w iship must be ready for any emergency.

The Australian Contingent.

The A Battery Despatched

Received Wakapiuks Deo. 20, 942 a m This Office 10.11 -m)

Sydney, December 20 The OounGil ngreed to the sending of troops to the Transvaal without die cuasion and with cheers.

Government are arranging to atnd the A Battery by train to Melbourne to catch the sseatner Devon. The others will get away between January 1 and January 10. Numbers of faoraea are being donated.

Melbourne, December 20

A number of Mr Ohirnside's horses were found unsuitable, and he gave a substantial cheque to buy the othera. Brisbane, December 20

Mr Philps gave notice of motion m favor of Bending 160 officers and men to the Transvaal.

Adelaide, December 20

The Council adopted the motion to send a second contingent amid c'.eera. The Assembly unanimously agreed to send the troops. The Premier esti mated the cost at about £18,000.

Colonel Gordon, the commandant, goes to Sou h Africa as a special officer, Government having offered his services to the other colonies.

Mr Lyne has cabled to Mr Chamber lain that the Australian colonies offer to the Imperial Government about 1000 mounted infantry, New South Wales also sending a battery and half a field hospital corps to leave before the end of the year, the balance about the first week m January.

LORD METHUEN CONGRATULATES HIB TROOPS.

After the battle of Belmont Lord Methuen, addressing his troops, said—" Comrades, I congratulate you on the complete success achieved by you this morning. The ground over which we had to fight present* excep tional difficulties, and we had as an enemy one who is a past master m the tactics of mounted infantry. With troops such as you, your commander can have no fear of the result. There is a sad side to all this, and you and I are thinking as much of those who have died for the honour of their country and of those who are suffering as we are thinking of our victory."

THE TIMES ON THE SITUATION.

The limes, m its review of the situation, vok-es the anxiety felt, and says :—" The activity the Boera display at points sepa rated by hundreds of miles, their ability to invest towns, their readiness to effer battle at Belmont and again at Grass Pan, their widespread operations south of the Orange river, and their bold and offensive action m Nat il, seem to indicate that their numbers are far m excess of our estimates. It is clear that the military requirements wore at first greatly under-estimated, and the Sixth Division ought immediately to be pre pared for embarkation.'

Proposed Second New Zealand Contingent

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Wellington, December 19

Volunteers are already offuriDg for the seoond Transvaal contingent. The Here* taunga Horse, who seDb seventeen, will supply an equal number, i»nd the Defence Department has received over twenty other applications. Ifc is understood that plenty of noises will be available. Mr John Piimmer has written to the Mayor, asking him to start a subscription list m aid of those already gone, aad proffering £100 to head the list. If another contingent is sent, he promises another hundred guinea*. Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, of the Wel lington Rifla Battalion, has been informed thab ten members of the Zealandia Rifles and the College Rifles, all of whom can ride, are anxious to go oa active service.

Many of those who have volunteered dur ing the past few days throughout the colony are willing to find their own horses.

Several Masterton young men have ap plied to the Defence Minister to be included m the next South African contingent if one is sent.

Ministers were m Cabinet to-night dis cussing tha proposal to send a second con tingent to the Transvaal. The position taken up by the Cabinet was this—the Government is of opinion that ia the interests of tha Empire and New Zealand, a second contingent should be tent similar to the one already m South Africa ; bub before definitely deciding, tho Cabinet resolved to take the constitutional course and ascertain the opinion of members of the House. Their replies will be received by to-morrow, when the Cabinet will finally decide the question* The Government have received an offer from the Armstrong-Elswiok Company to supply four Hotohkiss machine guns, with full epuipmentfi, if the colony furnishes horses and men for the guns* The company will supply an expert. The company stipu lates that these guns shall be *enb for service to South Africa with New Zealand's second contingenb, but after the war is over they will become the property of the colony. This offer has also been placed before the members of the House.

In the evenb of the New Zealand Govern* ment deciding to send a seoond contingenb the New Zaaland Shipping Company's slea mer Faparoa, which ia expected to arrive m the colony about the end of the present month, will be available for transport pur pose?. The Waiwera m also expected* shortly, bub m all probability the arrange ments made on board for the conveyance of the first contingenb will have bean removed. The company's steamer Waikato sails from Wellington on January 2ad, and the Papa* roa'a departure is set down for January 25th. The Shaw, Savill and Albion Com pany's steamer Delphic leaves the oolony on January 9. A number of Christchuroh Volunteers have offered themselves for active service m the Transvaal, m case a second Contingenb is sent from New Zealand.

The following telegram has been forwarded to the Bight Hon. the Premier by Mr John McLachlan M.H.R. for Ashburton : "Feel ing m Christchurch to-day is that we rhonld send strong second contingent at ouce. Re gret reverses,"—J. McLachlan. Yesterday Major Kennedy telegraphed to the Premier as follows: —" Show Australia her duty ; public opinion and press will eup port you m sending 1000 men." Dvhbdik, December 20

Orer forty members of the City Guard?, north Dunedio, Bruce, Highland, and City Rifles have sent m their names as willing to go to the front if an infantry corps is sent. The Choral Society repeat " The Messiah" on Sunday afternoon m aid of the patriotic fuud.

Wellington, Deo. 20

Beairloß the Heretauuga and a number of Navals, seventy-five members of D Battery and the local rifle corps have already volun teered for the Transvaal.

Lieutenant Colonel Sommerville is spoken of as likely to have command, and Colocel Fox is also suggested. Parliament has been formally summoned 6o meet on February 15. Replies are coming m rapidly from the members te the contin gent, and the Cabinet is now further con aidering the matter.

It is understood Mr J. Hutcheson has entered a protesb against the despatch of any more troops or the acceptance of Arm strong's offer of guns*

THE ASHBURTON GHAKDTAN 1 • WMT)N TKSJ) ■-¥. DKCi'/MBER 20 1899



Do You Think Yqxl O» Fiofc



Of Course I am (»oing to the Domain on Boxing* Dayi



ft 8. Champion Will Compete



The motion waa carried. Mr Ferriman hoped that lists would be sent at once, and that the gentlemen receiv ing them would acb upon them at once, without waiting for the monthly meeting. Other gentlemen having made suggestions as to details, the motion was carried. Some dissuasion uroae as to the appoint menb of a committee, and the Mayor sug gested the appointment of all m the room. Mr W. Leggetb said he was with the Mayor m this. Tho thing should be tackled at once, and not left till meekissgs of Boards All Will Wind Their "Way toThe Domain on Boxing- Pay.



II! Records Will Go On Roxinsr Hay



NEW ZISAJL.A.IND CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BKOKIJNGBALB, Manager. - THINGS - ~~ WORTH KNOWING fTIHAT You can SAVE MONEY if fyoM Buy your Boots from NICHOLAS & PICKFORD, MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTERS OF BOOT 3 AND SHOES, East Street, Aahburton. BOOTS & SHOE« Of Every Description Made to Measure Ease and Comfort Studied. Skill and Judgment being exercised Formation of the Feet. Workmanship and Materials Guaranteed CHARGES MODERATE. Bring Your Repairs *o — NIGKOUS & PICKFOPD i Late McDonald &J McDiarmid, IMPORTANT to Cash Buyers of Drapery, Clothing, Boots, &c* Early Summer Clearance Bale of Seasonable and Reliable Goods. Cash discount at the rate of one shilling m ths pound to every Buyer of ninepence worth and over. Inspection in vited.—H 0 Babbett, late Barrett Bros., The HftU, East Btneb. 11 20



I I have just received—direct from the manufacturers—a few thousand feet of Picture Frame Mouldir.gH. Persons desirous of having Pictures framed would do well to call or)A see then. Telephone 65 New Zealand Of p tyi^n FACTORY QPKCI^L Lines m TENNIS SHIRTS FANCY STFIPFS from J3s «d, new Patiorn?. Wiiiie nnd Cream Malt Shirts, 4s 6d and 5s 6d, Wijito and Cream Cellular Shirts, sa, Ihe Newest Styles m Fashion Bhiitsand White Shirts, with fancy Cuffi and Fronts. Mtn's Pi>n. ma Straw Hals, Mfti's Brazilian Straw Hatu, Men's Club .Straws from 2\ Splendid Variety to select from. Men's Frame H*ts, Men's Soft Fort be. Meu's Tennis Hate, Men'a White Felts. BOOTBT BOOTS Newest Shape Tan Boots 16s 6 *, 18s, 23s 6d Black Glace Kid Boots, 16a 6d ; Tennis Shoes 15a 6d. Men's, Women's, and Children's Canvas Shoes. LARGE STOCK AT LOW PRIORS. iJA.TL.JL, AINJD INSP£GT, SUITS TO MEABFRE A SPECIALTy. FIT GUARAN TEED.



ASHBURTON DRAPERY COMPANY. \ ohkistmls" and new YEAH HOLIDAYS T7IVERYTHING A. Cyclist requires from j Hi 6d worth of Graphite to a 1900 Zaalandia i Bicycle. Price £81. DATES, LBWBY kM CO BURNETT STREET. Cheapest and best stock m Ashburton. -jTwiLsaNT (Established 1878), BURNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Employs upwards of 18 hands. DECORATOR & SIGN WRITER. I WISH to notify that I havo secured the serviceß of Mr Chas Chapman, as Sign writer, who, m addition to bis homa training has had a large amount of experi ence m our cities, LARGE 8TOC& iOF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS



J BIG DISPLAY (goods m all departments i FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. SPECIAL Lino Dress Goods at Is 9d per yard A Grand Choice of Prints and Muslins Latest m Ladies' Hats Newest Goods m Ties and Collars for Ladies Very Special—Tan Kid Giovpg at 2s lid per pair, worth 4^ lid Cycling White Lisle Gloves Big Variety Hosiery—Special value. Gentleman's Tie?, Shirts, Collars, and Underwear Special Line Gentlemen's Suits at 293 6d—Grand value In Boots and Shoes our prices are very low Dressmaking 10s 6d ; fit and style guaranteed Trading Stamps to all Cash Customers



Carravray Seeds 8d per lb Pimento, whole f Is   Pimento, sround Is 2d „ „ Mi x^d Spice l£d per packet PlCKLES—Hayward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9s 6d per dozen ! Cross and Blackwell's, Is 3d pje bottle I Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder lid per bottle Borax 8d per lb Alum 6d „ „ Saltpetre ... ... ... 6d „ „ TartarioAcid lslOd „ „ Oarbocato Soda, 3d per lb, 2a per doz lbs Whole Linaecd ... ... 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d   MATOHES-Plalds, 4|d per doz, 4s per gross 250 a Is 6d per dozen j 1000' asd per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 83 per dozen i Yarmoutn Bloaters, 9 for Is Maconoehie's Freish Herrings, 6Jd per tin i  Herrings m Tomato, 10,1 per tin „ Herrings m Shrimp, 101 per tin  Kippered Herrings, lOd per tin „ Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mullett 7d per tin Oysters 8d   Sardines, large Alberts ... Is   Sardines, large 8d „ „ Sardines, small 4d „  Salmon, Holly leaf ... lOd „ „ Salmon, other Brands ... 8d „ „ OlL—Lucca, 2s 4d per bottle Salad, £ pint sd, 1 pine lOd Castor, J pint 6d, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 21 b tin, Is Crosse and Blackwell'e assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dozec Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2ez, Is lOd. Lei berg's extract, Is 9d per bottle Patent Groats, Robinson's, lOd ; Har per's, 9d per tin Mellins' Food, Is Bdper tin



Van Houten'B Cocoa, fib, lid ; $lb, Is 9d ; lib, 3s 3d Fry's Cocoa, $lb, B|d ; lib, la 4}d Heal Good Candles, 4fcdperlb; 8a M per box Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, 6|d per lb; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lishts Is 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for la Pearl, 61bs for Is ?*ago, 71bs for Is Mixed Peel, L?mou, Orange and Cit ron, 8d perlb , Lemon Peel, 71b tins, 3^ 6i lib Tina Assorted Jams, 5d per lt>; 4a 9d per doz 21b Jars Assorted Jama, 14s 63 per doz Lea atfd Perrin's Sauce, large, 2a 6d per bottle Mallor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle "Worcester Sauce, small, 5d ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Mazlna R4 per dozen 5s fid Whiting,, f b for Is Morton's Cream of Tartar, Is 3d per lb Preserved Fruit, 2Jlb tins, 8d per tin, 7s 6d per doz BagHhh Cut Loaf Sus?ar, 3id per lb Tomato Sauce, 9d per bottle Golden Syrup, 21b 6d, 41b Is, 561 b 11s 3d Treacle, 21b 6d. 4lb Is, 71b la 9d Plt»«3t Raisins 6|dperlb Floasb Sultanas 7|d „ „ Finest Ourrants ... .•• gd „ „ per case 4*d  „ Stewing F5 B 8 7|d „ „ French Pkvans (choice) ... 1" »» »» Sfeewing Plums ... ... 9& »» » FinPßti Muscatels Is Jo „ „ Callfornian Mascatela ... Is i« ». Dates, extra fine, 31b boxes, la 9d per box Almonds, Jordan 2a 4d per lb Almonds, Valencia ... Is 6d  „ Alwonds, Sicily 16 *<i »» «» Barcc' ?na Kuts 8d   Shell Almonds 10d   Day and Martin's Paste Blacking, 4£d per dos Day and Martin's Jar Blacking, 6d par bottle French Blacking, 2d per tin, la 9d per dos Kixey's Blscklead, Id dize, 3d per doz jAmeo'^ome|B\ackUad,|6d per;doa



iMARA7ILLA GARDEN TEA— Is lOd, 2«. 2< 4df por Ib 51b Box .. ... ... 8* 9,1, 9a 7d, lla 101 b Box .- .- .^ 16a 3d, 18a 4*l, 21s 8d KOZIE TEA — 101 b Box, {18s 4d ; s!b, 9s 7d GOLD LEAF TEA 101 b Bos, 18a 4d ; 51b, 9s 7d -PROVISIONS - FACTORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Subton's alwaya m stock. CHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per 1b BACON AND HAMS — " Lewis'," " Morepork," "D. Mc^aUum. Mild Cared Bams, Sides and Rolls, 7£d, GORE OATM¥AL~2SIb Bag, 2a 6d



JOHN ORR AND GO'S REVISED LIST-« WB Olaim to be the LeadJn? Firm of (> ocers. Ironmongers, and Crockery Mcrchantß m Aahburton. W& import all our Stock from the Homo Marke ;s for Spot Gash and are therefore m the beat position 10 supply the public with only genuine goods at the lowest pos-ibb prico for c»sh. We guarantee all our goods fuU weight and finosc qirtlity. We never charga for paokin? and dalivery, all gor>ds at tho Railw-iy bunion free. Any poraon loaviog an order wilh us c»ri gat a pvrcol tiokat, and thir»:foro alvriys ba>ura of. having fcheir goods at th-a station m time. No charge for ticket. T7!T ATTT) *O S»a I> sr Ton — I? JLiU U ±I"~^PH!R SACK 135. — SUGAU-B}d per lit wit It Ten



Bill I 11l | ma ■ | . . SUB WATJSRLEY BICYCLE 13 THE EASIEST P.UKMXG BICYCLE BUILT, Strong Enough* to Carry a Ton. JOHN ORR & CO,. ASHBURION, SOLE NEW Z SAL AN DJ AGENTS and at Waverley Cycle Depot 217JOolombo Street, Christchurch,