which the British souibt to cross. Four of the Dublin Fusiliers *ere drowned while crossing. Major-General Olery's horse was shot. The Boera were invisible until th«, river was reached, though the British encountered a hail of bullets while advancing across 1800 y&rdn of per- | feetly open country m column forma turn. They fought for two and a haif .hours before their first retirement The Boers' position is now con sidered the strongest m Natal. Colonial scouts sm-d £15,0! 0 worth of stock belonging to disloyal Nutal farmers.

The cfficial report says that onr> hundred and thirty-aevrn of the rank and file were killed at the Tugela. The Second Lancashire Fusiliers have reached Capetown, and i aye been ordered to Durban. Tt is believed the Second Dorsetshire will be intercepted at sea, and sent to the same place, London, December 20 Lord Wolaeley has ascepted the offer of the Lord Mayor to raise a regiment of 1000 markennn. The Corporation voted £25 000 for their equipment, and city people subscrired over £20,000 for the same purpose, including the Bothschilds, Mr Beir, the African millionaire, and the Mercers' Company who donated £5000 each.

Mr Oharlea Wilson, MP. for Hull, has offered to fit out a transport, which is fqnivaient to giving £15,000 The city presents ifcb freedom to every volunteer who is accepted. London December 21 Canada sends three field batteries and three squadrons of mounted rifles -—altogether 1050 men.

New Zealanders at the Front

Trooper Bradford not Dead, Our Men Under Fire JPoer idmis-ions of British Courage. rJ lie False Message

London, December 21

Trooper G. R. Bradford, the New Zealander, was nofc killed, but is wounded, and has been taken prisoner. Capetown, December 21

An official report states that Msjor- General French shelled Waefontein farm, after which tho New Zealanders occupied the farm and the adjacent bill. They were most steady under a hot fire at short range. Major- General French, after completing his reconnaisance, withdrew.

Official Boer accounts admit the wonderful and Bub!ime courage of the British m their advance againafc a hail of Mauser bullets at Magersfontein. The Boers are massing m great force at the abandoned British camp at Storraberg, and great numbers of dis loyalists are joining them. The Qaeen will entertain, at Wind sor, on Boxing Day, many of the wiv g at d children of soldiers at the front Christmas tree gifts will be provided

Sydney, Di eember 21

The Premier rpceived a cable mes sage from Mr Chamberlain notifying his grateful Bcceptanee of troops, Ihe Bourke Carrying Company has offered the Government; 200 camels and thirty attendants for transport purpose Bin the Transvaal. Several of the attendants accompanied Lord Roberts on his fatuous march to Kau dahar.

Melkournk, December 21 The Government has chartered the Kuryalus to convey the troops. Adelaide, Dec 21

The Government ia receiving nume rous offers of horses for the Contingent. Mr Barr Smith, a prominent mer chant, has given £1000 to purchase horses for the local men.

In the Assembly a member asked whether the Government would find out who sent the villainous telegram with reference to the relief of L<sdy- Emith. The Government regarded the matter as serious and will make

camp,

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBU RTON—TH URSD A V

(Before Messrs D Williamson, D Thomas,

and TE Uptcn, J'b P.)

Alleged Pkejurt—Samuel Bennett was oharjred with peijury. The information was laid by Isabella bkiliing, and was based on a atatemeat he had made m an affi'iation case heard at a previous Bitting of the Court. Mr Wilding appeared for the complainant and Mr Bonnelly for the accused. The eh irge was that inasmuch as—according to complainant's statement—accused, a man named Thompson, a woman named Patter son, and complainant had travelled m ac cused's trap on December 17, 1898, from Ashburton to Riverside, leaving Ashburton at half-past six. Accused m hid evidc cc had denied that *uch was fche fact, knowing his statement to be untrue. Evidence wae led at length m support of complainant's statement, and witnesses were also heard to the effect that they saw Beunett m his trip alone, drying homewards on the evening m question, and at a time approximating to that Bworn toby complainant and her wit nesses. The case was dismissed.

SUPPOSED WRECK

(juiced Preaa Association—By Electrio

Telegraph —Copyright

(Received Wakapnaka Deo 22,10.10a.m, This Office 10 30 a.m) Perth. December 21 The Penguin has been sent to the scene of the supposed wreck, which she will reach at mid-day to day. The police have been instructed to search thp coast.

The is much anxiety as to the wreck, as some consider it is the steamer Devonshire, which left Albany for Fremantle on Tuesday. Others think ife is the German mail steamer Frederick Dergroaae. Shipping experts believe it is an ocean tramp steamer approaching Albany from the west.

enquiries.

Methuen Resting—ls,ooo Boers Facing Him.

Deadly Lyddite

liw Dowa Play on the Allies

Salvatioaists Commandeered.

Drought Forces Plainer Back to the 2£acloutsie-

Sis March on Mafeking

.abandoned

Amenities of Civilised Warfare

{Received Wtkapnaka Dec 22, 9.30 a,m, This Office 9.51 a.m) Capetown, December 21 Lord Methuen js awai ing cavalry and artillery reinforcements before making a wove,

Fifteen thousand Boers are massed ppposite the $ritish position. The shock from the Lyddite shells killed large lumbers at J^agersfontein. After the battle many were found standing upright, dead.

The Boenk have posted the Germans, Hollanders, and Irish m the most dangerous positions m every fight. The Boers have commandeered the Salvation Army officers, compelling them to fight.

Colonel Plumer has returned to Tuli, his march to Mafeking having to be abandoned owing to the severe drought. He is garrisoning Macloutsie, the Boers having disappeared from the vicinity of the town.

The Boers fired an empty shell into Mafeking, containing a message advising the besieged not to drink all the whisky.

The Want of the Campaign

Keoeived Wakapuaka Dae, 21, 10 55 a.m

This Office 11.31 a.m)

London, Dec. 21

Sir Bedvers Buller suggests the raising of 8000 Imperial yeomanry for isrvice m South Africa.

The Australian Contingent.

(Received Wakapuaka Dec 22, 10.10 a.m Tbii Office 10 20 &.m) ■ Sidney, December %2 Inpludipg the'A. battery, the New- South Wales second contingent mim

berß seven hundred and ten men, and thirty officers. The Southern Cross takea fiv • Lundied men and the mapriry of the hones, Hie fc:urn!y taking the balance. Arrangements hatre . also been made for the latter to ship j the Taainani»n, South Australian, and West Australian contingents. Tl.e Queensland forco was shipped by the Maori.King All three are expected to leave about J.vnumy 15. lobakt, L'ecember 22 Mr Chamberlain has accepted the ' additional troops. Perth, December 22 ' A meeting decid d io dler i!h imp rial Government thiriy nurs--.' free of charge. A member (f thf Assembly was amongst the vo.unteers for the war, but failed m eh s measurement.

Wellington, Dec 22

Mr Chamberlain has formal y signified his acceptance of the coniingeut and the gune Amorg the officers suggested for the com mand is Colonel Watt, of Wanganui. '.I he Heretaungaa have fourteen men selected, making thirty-cne from ths Company m all* The principle on which the contingent is being selected is to divide the men as much as possible among the districts and companies offering their service-. Consequently, the fi at selection is tentative, and some chosen may have to give way ultinrnbely to otherr. The camp will be ready tt-morrow, but the work is somewhat interfered with by the heavy rain of last night. The men will be drafted into it without delay. A sfte has already been found, much more convanient than the former cimp at K*rori. The Navais have given the use of their range at Miramar. Horses ha"ye been acknowledged from JVJusra W Mosep, E H Godsell, oie each ;G T Bayly two. Kvea more ent.hu i asm is being shown than on our 6rat contingent, whici is mainly attributed to the realisation of thf seri< m work before the men who voluntepr. Colonel Sommerville has left WaDganui to take charge of the

Napier, December 22

C4KPJSKTER

All ihe timbers to be the best of their respective kinds, free from sap, ekaket*, or any imperfections, and well seasoned. The j lists, sleepers, plates, and all ground timbers to be black pine or cotara. Any parts of the timber that come id contact with the concrete or ground, are to be tarred. Thg roof timbers white pine ; general framing, fimu ; fl ot" boards (union) kauri ; lining boards kauri (onion;; the sletp'r pilis Bin x Bui totaia, nor, to exceed 4ft 6ii! between centres : the fbor joists 4x3 i>ot to excei d 18in between centtes, notched and spiked to sleepers, 4sn x 4 v : all ihe fl jo s kid with pt'oper floor cramps, m manner cf straghi j lint to be as few h:ading joints as possible ; no two boards to head togaiher on same joist: where heading j jii.ts do occur, they are to be spayed ; boards (6 x 1 union), .naile i down with pnpsreut flo >r brad,-, which are to be punched m, and floor cieamd ! ofF at the conclusion of the worka; b arc's taken close up to the outer boarding ai d cut m between the studt ; pnt mitred holders to all hear.hs ; cover the fr».nt wall ou'side wi'h 7xl rusticated boards, to be primed as they go up, all beading joints cut splay ; all thu other wa Is outside are to ba coverpd wi.h 6in fea'hered weatherboards l|ia lap ; put proper angle stops; rafters 6x2 birds mouthed to peats and will spiked to ridge end hip rafters 9x 2 ; 1 y on the rafters lin boards shot and cramped clost ly together, butting closely together at hlpa ; cover the main roof with iron ; pub groovad saddle boards and roll io ridge and hips ; finit-h with barges at ends of two leantos. Trim out the rafters fur chimney, mortice and tenon '! he han'o to have rafters 6x2. not to exceed 24>n bet ween centres ; 3x 2 purlin, covered with conugatcd galvanised ir< n of approftd brani, nailed down with gal- vanhed iron naila and lead washers ; iron to have a side Jap of two corrug>yons and length Jap of 6in. The gen« ral ftaming as shown on the drawing's, at y not, shown to be similar, to consist of 4x2 stads, mortice and tenon into plates ; brares 4 x 2 let solid into s'de of stods, lipped into platen and epiked to stads and p'atep ; framing to h^ve also horizon al bracing 4 s 2; pates 4x3; opening studs, angle etnds, and bans* m* 4x3; ceiling joistb 6x2; to p<-r>j ct over pUtes 6in, and not to exceed 20-o centre to contte. and as-isted ly pnipension piicen nailed to rafters and joiatu ; nail a fi?cla board on ends of j .i-ts and a lin toffit hoard wih ; |ia lound ; bracket round 3 aides of h< u.-,e.

WINDOWS

The windows to b-j double hung, sash fram d cased pulley styles grooved to linings, -wile 3in weathered sills, deuble sonk and throated Ifn ovolo Bashes, 16 oz sheet glass free fr< m bubbles, streaks, or any imp-ifec in s, properly spriggtd and pu'teyed ; best brass sash fasteners ; brass faced solid axle pulleys ; fa-h b<a s m rebates, Bashes, double hung wiih patent coids and weights all lefb m petf' ci working on?er ; 6in moulded architraves inside to two front rooms and passage ; 4;n architraves to other room?. Plain mould 2in window steps eciibed to weatherboards, zinc fhshng over window heads.

DODRS

Twenty members of the Guards and R.fle^ hive volunteered for service m Souih Afiica

burned Linda, all true to one gauge; no soft or uutound ones will be p imitted to be v sed Bricks well wetted, and used while wet. The chimneys and hearibs !nj'Tt on soiid foundations of coccrete, as b^iore specified. A damp coutse of lar, •late or zinc is to bo laid down io stop all ■ ucion. All the chin.neys to ba buiit to he heights shown, described, or implied. Chimney carried up square fluea 14 x 9, m;- do measurement, carried up sep'.r a'oly. Turn aiches ovc-r proper 2x | n iron chimney biis, &pht and turntd up and down ; m cote and parget quite smooth the chimney shafts (fail mortar; n 1 cowdung); finiah at over

t'p ■ ailing cturtes, and cement, splay colorfd brick <v a iliin edge next fljt. : rf.ko ou' ■\nA point with cement the brickwork where it ihows above rooL ; fltsh chim neys with 6ib m.lhd lead, stepped into joints pointed wifch cement ; the mortar to be composed of one parl',l', b'fore slacking; of stone lime and three (3) par's, of sand ; provide and set m plimh ten ,10) 9x6 cast iron ornamental air brfeke Provide and fix m sitting room, dining room, and two bedrooms four register grates, value £2 10s each (cost pric< ) Provide and fix m kitchen on the concrete hearth where Bbown on plan a cooking stove, value £5

Front door to be £'n four-panelled bolection moulded ou's'de, hung (o 4in solid rebated moulded frames, huner with 3 Sin butt binges ; door 6,9 x 2, 9 side and fanlights to have figured g ound glass of approved pattern beaded m and pntteyed, 6x4 rebated moulded frame ; sill raised lin above fl or weathered and hosing ; moulded waterboard ; best lOin double .drawback lock ; approved orna mental brass centre knob outside. Two b*ek doors to have 2in frame and bra ed joint cover boards, hung with three 4;n butts to 2in solid rebated frame lOin rim lock, raised sill and waterboard. Z'tic flashing over door head, other do irs of house to be If m (full) four-panel kauri doors 6, Bx2. 8, hung with three 4in butts to 2in solid rebated frames. Archi traves same as windows ; 7in mortice lock white and gold furniture to 6 front rooms. KHchen, servant's bedroom, andpan'ry te be lined throughout with Jin union beaded kiln dried k^uri lining, plain moulded Bxl skirtings ; the four front rooms and passage to have 12in. double moulded skirtings Put m dining room, sitting room, a d bedroom, nmitelpiei es, v*lue £2 10d each, labour only ; 9x 2 pilasters, shelf and frit?) 12m x 2in, double moulded, cut brackets and bases Provide and fix m six front lin. thick picture rails, well nailed to studs, flush with plaster, put f n. staff beads to all angles.

PAI'ERHANOEK.

Cover the walls and ceiling of passage m proper workmanlike manner, with scrim and paper, taped and tin-tacked, to have lining paper for varnishing, value of paper 3* per piece, also borders. Three front rooms to be tinted, distemper tins to ba approved. Prime sashes before gb-zing; prime all outside wood wok, best red lead and oil, a^op, knot and paint ; all exterior woodwork three coats, best lead and oil ; angles, brackets, verandah posts, etc., etc., pxked oufc m a darker tint, colors selected by architects ; closet, etc , painted similarly; glaze all 16>>z sheet glass bedded back, pntteyed and sprigged, varnish two coats (and siz ) the kitchen and back bedroom, &11 skut ings, architraves, mantelpieces, etc ; frou 1 door oak grained and varnished.

J'LUMJJBR,

Flash with 41b milled lead ' at junction of lean-to, with main roof to betaken under shit.gles and over iron same width ; lead flushing to chimneys stepped Into joints m approved manner; put to all eaves 5n galvanized 0.6 guttering, three 2iio down pipes.

IUAJTBRER

Lath, plaster, float and set all the walls arid ceilings to four front rooms ; laths of totara of the best quality, well nailed to studs and joists. Piaster composed of best freeh burnt stone lime, and sharp, clean, washed sand ; with a sufficiency of hair therein. Lime to be run at leaa three weeks before being uaed ; construct manhole m passage, trapdoor, moulding round.

™G AflHßHittTOft GUARDIAN j FfttDA*, DECEMBEB 22, iB9&



MEL L 0 R'S ZEALANDI A BOOT STORE THE LEADING BOOT SHOP, TS the MostBELIABLE Home for GOOD AND CHEAP BODTS. Odr »im ii |« give yo* the best value for tteugaioifmr. HONESTY ia oui Policy. W« nilj not Guarantee youjan arfclole^ualfiis we know it) will give you <Sati»f»«4toa, Hoc Triai;i« all we>k—Our Goods Sell themßelvea. j MELLOR, TANCRED BTFFO, ♦SHBUPT3W



SANTA CLAUS AND FATHER CHRISTMAS AIE GAMING- AGAIN HURRAH I HUHRAH! H. M. JONES, (X) — A LARGE %nd Well Selected Stock of Goods for all D-^artments, imporied direc'.ffom leading London, Americsn and Japimese house*, consisting of BOCKS. iSTATIONr RY, TOYS, FANCY GOODS, LEATHER GOODS. Fancy China, G'ss* and Rlect.ro p'ated Ware, C'ockp, Vwm, Nic-naoa (taitaWe fot CHRISTMAS an.i N W YEAR G fts BIRTHDAY k WEDDING PRESENTS. EOOKS—Excellent Variety of pr zn, reward and presentation Books- Historical, Biographical, Scientific, Poetical, Travels, Novels, and various Biudinge. Bibles, Hymns and Fray era, (various styles) Church Praise, Wfgley's Hymns. STATIONERY—PIain. Fancy smd Commercial Paper, Envelopes, Boxed Stationery, White and Tinted 6 1 and I>, Specially put up for me by Marcm Ward *nd Co., of London A.I. values. R»po'nic/—- — v.llum. Linen and Bar k papers ruled and plain. LEATIII R GOODS—Purcea fr-m 6ci to 20a. Wallets, Card and Leltir Cases, LidicV ar.d Gentlemen's Dressing Cases, Hand m Bags,- , l'tncil dees. Com pmniona! _ FANCY GOODS—Pho'o Frames. Screens, Workboxea, lukatands, Va«e», Ornajntnfca", Ciocks, Albums, Easles, BifPketf, Glove & Kerchief Sets, Cabinet?, Trays, Flower Staidi, Spill Boulb Teapots 6d each, Vases. Ornaments too numerous to particularise, BASKET W^RR-Open and Cloeed 8> m Lined, all bzjs and flices from 64 up, IOYS— A Great Variety of Wood, Tin and Rubber mechanical Toys fo m Horse and Carts, B.rrows, Go-carts, Tea Self, CoaH Walehu Balls, Cubes, Blocks, Arks, Puzzks, Ski-ties, Mubickl T'»y Rattlet Steam Boats and Engines, Magic Lanterns, Microscope. Prams and „„„. Tricycleß, and 1000 article* from Id up, SEWING MACHINES—The Anchor Machine, well finished and up-to-date, goo 4 machine, h»Ed>nd Treadle from £410s to £9 10j. Mukes a splendid present. MAJNOS and ORGANB From 1O» per month Lowest Cash Prices. trading;stamps given to cash purchasers, H. M. JONES.



PRESENTS. PRFSENTS. PRKSEXT'. ■ : BOOEMIAN GLASS VASES, Unique Artistic, Fashionab'e, Gocd and Cheap. rpHE first of the kind imported m Aehburton, having been selected fej A Mr Coil us while m London. watches, watches, watches. Fifty ptr cent less than usual chop prices. Ladies' and Gentlemen's Keyless Lincoln Watches I adieu' Pendant Watches *ith Broochee j the London Fdihion Ladies'and Gentlemen's Lever Watches Ladies' Silver Fairy Watches • Gold, Silver, and Leather Alberts (double and single) English Electro-plated Ware m profusion. Knives, JPorkf, Spooni, Picklee, Jams, Salts, etc. W. H. COLLINS & CO/S HARDWARE EMPORIUM, EAST STREET, ASHBT7RTON. Tilephonb—l4 and 15 P.O. 80x—35., EASU bTBEIT, AfrHBOBTON. THE FARMERS OF ASHBURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRIOTS SHOULJO LOOK UP HaRDLEY BROS. AND SELECT A TANK, B VTH AND SINK and have their homes male compete with a first-otasi ipi>p» of HOT AND COLD WATER. > Estimates given for all kinds of Plumbing and Tinsmith work. A TRI<iL rolicited for ironmongery, Tinware, and Brushware, Wholesale Manufacturers of t SPOUiING RIDGING, TANKS, BATHS, PORTABLE BOILERS, Etc, Ito HARDLEY BROTHERS



Golden Syrup 2 b 61, 4lb Is, 7ib Is 9d 14! b3s 3d, 28! b 6 6d, 66 b 11s 3i Superior Treacle, 21b 6d, 41b Is, 7 b 1,81, 141 b3s 3d, 28b 6., 561 b 10s 9d *Rsence Rennet 8d and lOd bottle Neavu'n Food lid, Mellin'a Food la 9,1 Benger's Food U lid and;3a 6d per tin Kobtnson s patent Groats and Barley 9J per tin Nelson's Gelatine loz. packet 61 »> Isinglass, 1< z packet 81 Brown's Corn Flour 3d lb Brown's Maize Flour 31 3b Maiz na 81 lb, Q.ieeu»land Arrowroot 6d Cadbury'B Cocoa £ib 101. |lb Is 81 van Houten's Cocoa 3s 3d per lb Fry's Cocoa £Jb 4id, |lb B|-i, lib la Ui a uslebrook's Coco» Jib 4d, |lb 7H Choco'ate 4d and 01 per c*k"e Milkmaid Milk 7« 3J drz, 7£d tin" G Idpn Vale Milk 5, 61 doz, 61 tin BISCUITS. j Farcy Lunch 3|d lb by tin or 3il lo College  ?7 np?l- 1S, ne s^dlb by' tin» or 6dib V»mii-» Wine „ „ lb S:C5 :Ch W6aMI m h t!n ' Ol? lb People Mixed 4i lb „ O r 4U lb Fancy Mixed 5Jd lh o/td lb Dessert 9d lb „ or lOd lb Haribaldl 6^d Jb ', °or 6d Jb Sultanas  f 1. Snowflakia 4^l lb " Gr 5^ "ater o  Ginger Nuts 6|J b ," or 6d lb Ooonannt 7^d lb „ or 81 lb Cracknels lsMlb „ or Is 2d 3b 2-Jlb Tins Preserved Fruits, apricots anrl peaches, 8i per tin 2|lb Mount Hamilton paars lOd tip Pearl Sago or Tapioca 6'r-s, Is Japan Rioe slbs Is. or 2Ad ib Ground Rice 3*d Split Peas 6lbs"ls, or 21 lb • Pearl Barley 51bs Is, or 2id lb Egyptian Lentils 3£d lb Haricot Beans 3^i Ib Macaroni and fertcicelli la lOd box oi 6d lb Flag Brand Pickles 9 3 6d ocr doz or lOd per bottle C and B Currle Powder 10j per dc z or ]Id bottle Mellor's Sauce | pint B|d, pints Is 31 bot. Lea and Perrin's Saaca fpint U 41, pints 2s 6d Oar Own Sauce J.pitt Sd, pint 9d Tomato Sauce 9d per pint bottle Anchovy Sauce U 31 pint bottle Tobacco—Willies' Juno 5i lb ; Nailrod 4s 6d lb ; Derby 63 6i lb; Golder Eagle 63 per lb Candles-Paraffiae Wax (plain orflrtad 6^d per lb; National Sperm by box 7£d lb ; Bedroom Candles Belf-fiuing, 12 m box, 10J ; Price Carnage Candles 8 and 10 101 packet Matches—Plaids 4h per gross. 4AI doz I 1000 Vestas, Bell's, 4* 10 i dcz 5i box ; 1000 Vestas, German, 33 lOd '< di z, 4i box ; 250 Vesfcts, Bell's, Is 6 1 dcz, 2d box ; Safety's, B and M, 8J packet, small 3d p-tckefc Starch, Colman's, 5 b pkh 5|J lb „ Lily, per lib bux 5d Borax Starch Glaze, Is doz • lil packet Pears' Fuller's Karth and Violet Powdar 8d box Camphor, loz blocks 3d, or 2s 3d dr % Vaseline 5d and 91 j 4 r, lib tins la 9i Pure Glycerine 6d and 9d bottle Glycerine and Cucumber 10 J per bottle Hudson's Extract of Soap 9 packets la Pain Killer Is 41 Bonnington's Irish Moes la and Is 10 i Hefgel'a Syrup Is 9d and 3* bottle Pills—Holloway's and Cockle's Is 4d box Beecham's and Selgel's Is 5d box henna 2i packet, Epsom Salts 6d doz Eno'd Fruii Salts 3s 3d bottle Fluid Magnesia Is bottle Hood's and Ayer's Sateaparilla 4s 8d bot Oondy's Fluid Is 6d, Lung Preserver 1 Barry a Tricopherus Is 5d bottle SUNDRIES. Naples 3J lb, 5 bs Is Nails 3d lb, 51bs 1 3 Boss Lanterns Is 3d each



Full Illustrated Prico List, containing 29 pagea, free explication Terms : Eromyt ffetUksh with the Orders. No charge for packing c aß e Sl and all orders delivered free at railway static, and within a two miles radius of Ashburton. FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES EAST STREET, ASHBURTON AND HIGH STREET, OHRBBTOHUROB , Wholesale and.Retail Agents for Nimmo and Blair's Seeds.'



Table Vinegar'6d, 9d, and lOd^bottle White Wine Vinegar 9d bottle Washing Soap— Silkstone lOd bar or|los 6d box McLbod's a'mond ecented 9d bar. 103 j 61 box 1 Riwling's almond scented, 9d mt, 9a lid box Domestic, 6d bar, 7a 11J box Bond's Olbanser, 5d bar, 6s 3d box Barilla Ash 9d bar Sunlight so*p Is per box, 4|d tar Lifebuoy (Carbolic), Is 4d box, 6d;bar Tollefc Soap - Pear's assorted tablets, 4 m box, Is b( x Pear's unscented tablets, 6d each, 63 6d doz 0 caver's Shaving Sticks, 93 each Brown Windsor, lib bar 10J, 10 tablets for Is Glycerine Soap, £lb bars 4d, lib bars'Bd Whiiing Id per lb, 7a 6d cwb. ' Hops, loose, Is 41, and Is 6d !b pressed Bovril Is 9d and 3s bottle Lieblg's Extract Meat Is 9d per j\v Washboards, wood, lid, zinc Is 2d American brooms Is 3d, Is 6d, 1$ 9d la lid ' Fresh Ground CoffseJ la 4d, Is 6d and Isßdlb



Fine&t Factory Cheese, per Ib 0 6 1 Lewis' Prize Bacon, by roll or side ' per lb 0 7 Lewis' Prize Hams, per lb 0 8^ St George.N German Sausage, per lb 1 0 Fine«t Refined Lard, per tla 0 6 Dpssicatad Cosoanut  0 8 Edmond's B»l" ing Powder, 6d and lid per 1 m Walnuts  0 8 Pea Nuts  0 5 lib Tins Sfc George* Jams, 4s 6d dcz^n, per fin 0 5 lib Raspberry Jam, 63 6d doz , tin 0 6 lib „ Cros^e aud Blackwell's Mar malade 0 9 Concentrated Jellies—L^mon, Rasp berry, Vanilla—fint packets, 5.-> 6 J d^z per packet 0 6 De Vere's 3<-\ y Powdorn, assorted flwonrs, per packet 0 6 Bird Seed—Hemp,Rape, Canary.lhO 3 Linseed, whole, 3d, crashed, p rlb 0 4 CHKMICALS Morton's Cream of Tartar, per lb 1 3  Carbot at« Soda  OS  Tartarie Acid „ 110 „ Citric Acid, 3d oz. „ 3 6  Alom, powdered  0 6  Refined Sdltpe*re  0 6 „ B rax, powdered „ 0 8  Sulphur „ 0 6 Washing Soda •„ 0 1 i I I Da'y\& Martit's paste Blacking,dcz."O 4$ , Nlxfy'a Black Lead per doz. 0 9 Peerless Glo^s per hot. 0 6 Black Lncquer, (Caa'le Brand) bot. 0 9  In tins 0 7 Brunswick Black, per Lin 0 7 Keen's Ox ford Blue, per Ib 0 10 Reckitt's Bag Blue, „ 010 St George's Blue, 0 8 Colman's D.S.F Mnstard, lib tins 1 8 i'otina lOjd. tins 6d Keen's Mustard Condiment per lb 1 3 71b tins 6s 9d Finest Dairy or Table Salt, s<i per cwt „  Salt, 71b bag 85, ]4>b bag, Is 3d Gi-ger, whole Is 3d, gronr.d la 4d lb White Pepper (guaranteed pare) Is 4d lb Belfast Sheep Tongues, lib la, 21b ]s lOd Washdyke „ 2ibla6d lib Tin Rabbih In Jelly 7d, 21b, 10.'. and Is PR?SKKVBD FISH, Salmon, Califnrnian Bd, Flat 9d, Cutting lOd, Cocktail lid—per tin Sardines, Albert patent opener Is per tin  Small, 4d and 4£d, large 7d and 7^d Sarriineg, m tomato sauce, 4^d per tin Morton's Fresh Herrings, flat 7d, kip pered lOd, Herrings m tomato aaace 103 per tin Red Herring 9 at Is, or 100 fish 10a 81 Star Brand MuMet 7d per tin Preterved Bloaters lOd per tla



« d Fmest New Vostzza Currants 0 5 Colonial Essences, 6d per bottle or * „ New SnltAnas, nothing ficer 4s per doz inNew Zealand, per 3b 7 nnrhnMiiWT— *i j „ NewSp anis hYalen PciaEaisin 3 02E3;  Raisins par IbO f ***** \ J „ Elr.meß MM n8 J perlb 0 4J Sicily Almonds, per lb " { I „."■- t I? a ! te8 lv » ? £ Jordan Almond/  2 4 cl4s P6rlb' „ F.est Dried Apples, per lb S t Finest French Prunes, per' ib 010 ;; g J $%S£ " glO  Stewing Prune, 0 7 Proved Gin.er "„ 86' lem°n ' 0 8 P« P^^ f f b 71b Tins Best Lemon Peel, per tin 3 9 Umnn s fc RarceonaNuts „ 0 8 Peppermint Syfup „ f 2 Fmcst Icing Sugar, per lb 0 6 Pine Apple Syrup  | X „ Castor Sugar, per lb 0 5 L^mon Squash ] ?, Finest Cut Loaf Sugar, per lb 03i T; me T ui 2. n nrAia} ' . . } f CroEse and Blackweil'a Ewenoes 9i °rdlal> per bottle 1 • overw^ CANE SNGAP> 7°lb bag ' 149 Per bag ' auckland No' lA> guaranteed FINKST OANE SUGAR with TEA, 13s 3d p 9 r 701 b bap AUCKLAND No. 2 CANE SUGAR, with TEA, 12* lid per 70. b bag. DUCHESS TEA (once used always used) Ik 91 per lb by 6to 101 b Tin« a w on A of th« Finest Ceylon and Indian Ornnge Ptkoe). 7 b llnß> * Bend OKYLON ORANGE PE« OE (Golden Tipped) 2 8 per lb or 1 8 9d by fh« Tin CEYLON PEKOE, from ls 3d per Ib hj 101 b Tin y 6 Ti"' STATION TEA m Chests and Half Chests, frcsn" l s l£d per lb. 25! b™ 1£ T6.r i<LER FL°UR> 2< °'b 13S ' 103 Ib *«• 601 b Bag 3, 10\



1899. CH RIBTM A S. 18Jift FINEST NEW FKUIT. FINE:T NEW FKDIT. AT FLETCHER BROS CASH SUPPLY STORES. Lethe srhal! voice m your pocket-book speak and '* will carry y,,u stfaicht to tl c Cheapest Store on earth. ALL our FRWITS are Cleaned by Machinery.



Full particulars on application to F. FfiRRIMAN, LAND AND ESTATE AGEtfT, Aahburtoßt



LARKSBEAEE. SITUATED IN THAT FAVOURITE SUBURB ALLENTON, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A COMFORT ABLE HOME AND A SOUND INVESTMENT COMBINED. A very desirable Villa Residence, contain, ing 7 rooms and offices, together with 5 acres of first-clasa land. npHE Land possesses very ample front- X age on Winter's Road ;it ia situate m a very healthy locality, within easy distance of the Domain, Post Offi.se, and Railway Station, and also adjoins the Allenton Public School. The land Is divided into two parts, one acre upon which the house is erected being laid out In Lawn, Gardens, and Orchard, which Is stocked with a variety of choice fruit; trees. The balance- 4 acres —is clothed wuh an abundance of feed, and is especially adapted for keeping a horse and cow. The frontage of this section, containing one acre, could be sold at a substantial profit for building pur poses. The Rental by way of interest on the purchase money would amount to ]2i per week. The Timbers nsed in' the construction of this Residence are of the very beet. The following were the Specifications ; — Bailderer-rMessrs Muir and Reid, The work to be done m the besfc and most workmanlike manner, with the best materials ia accordance with plans and specification, prepared by C. E. Fooks and Son, of Ashburton, architects, the work to be done under their direction and to their satisfaction, or to that of any person appointed by them to superintend the works. EXCAVATOR. Disc for the foundations and chimney footings, the latter to bo 9in below surface of ground, and 1 foot wider than will take the chimneys, including the hearths. Dig for, insert, and ram the piles. Clear away ail rubbish, shavings, &c, and leave the premises m a clean and tidy condition. CONCRETE.



The foundations, plinth, and piles, under inner walls, and chimnoy footings, &c, to be of approved Portland cement concrete, mixed m of .seven







BEIGKLAYEK, A\\ th© bricks to be of the best hajrl«



CHBISTMAS HOLIDAYS!"" THE Office of G. F. Dodds, Dentist-, Cass Street, will be CLOSKDfor Christmas Holidays, from DECEMBER 23 to JANU ARY 2, 1900. 12 220 CHRISTMAS BEEP I HAVE for this week's trade, 1 Pr ze Steer, bred and fed by Mr R. Millar, Winchmore, 2 years and 9 months old, and weighing the exceptional weight of 1040lbs ; also a Hereford Sceer, fed hv Mr* Stoddart, Wiliowby. Grand quality Veal, Lamb, and Prime Mutton, from tho Winchmore Estate. JAS. SMITH, 12 214 Butcher. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. TRAIN SERVICE CHRISTMAS.DAY. nnHE only trains that will run m the L Christchurch-Timuru district on the 25th inst will b° : —The 8.0 a m Ctiristchurch to ARhburtnn, 3 15 p.m Ashburton to Christ church, 7.25 a.m Timaru to A&hbnrton, 10.65 a.m Aehburton to Timaru, North and Sou'.h Kxpress trains, the 1C.20 am train, Christchurch to Oamaru, and 225 pm, Oamaru to Christchu'ch. No goods traffic. 12 186 BY ORDER ABHBURION COUNTY^UivCIL7~ CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. NOTICE ia hereby givfln that the Council's Offices will be CLOSED trom 4.30 p m. on 23rd inatant to 9 30 am. on 2nd January, 1900. > By order. F. MAIN WARING, Clerk. Ashburton, December 20, 1899. 12 155 —FOR SALE.—



Wanted. . iIKhJaH Groper, Lna and B-kitai'ioti, also fresh boiled Crayfish by hxpresb to-nsght. We are «til! raking orders for al! kinds of Christinas JV.il ry at J H Jewjtt's. Opt""-' 1* VUir, OfJiee i 2 216 LOiSi— Kiukiug oirup btjiweeu .kjorinw, Basaeit and Mr Clitnd fe e'e, Cox Street, Fil dor kind y teturu to Morrow, Ba-a<-U. 12 2^ | A OIKS & Oentlemrn on P.cnio an"' I. i Spoils Committees, try THE UUS't PAN for Toys and Peseuts. 12 176 VT^AJNTEt) — A thoroughly good general VV servant ; good wages. — I " Country" Mail Office. 12 144 CT/'^N'"^irKXo^N^Mol'hoTß to hriin *¥ their Children to Miss Fao.s P ■ y-j from Id upwjitrt---, K,\.it Smi houih :Jniißtm«s Tree wiil bs ready on FBI DAY. 12 193 WrANTEI) KNUWiWiMKS B»kkr i* selling Toys, Ohriatmao and New Year's Curds, at 10 per cent, below cos' ; d - termined to cletr. Open to 9 pm. Ihi'RS day and FridAy, Saturday Ml! 12 p.rr. In spection invited- James Bakku. 12 209 VISIT "The Corner" for the best assortment of Cheap Christmas Card?. —NORTHCOTE AND HKFFOKD. AVOID the Crush that is now going on j»b The Dust Pan by shopping early,— M J Burgess. ___ / REAT slaughter of Toy% Toys, Toys, VJT and DolU Dolls, Dolls, at The Duel Pan.—M J Burgess. ■'J^HK Shop will be open every night this L week from 7 till 9 (except Monday) for the Sale of Christmas aud New Ykut Cards —A. H. Williams, Bookseller, Stationer, etc., Tancied Street. NEW KRUITS at less than Christchurch Prices at Fletcher Bru s Cahh Sup p'y Stores. Finesi New Currants 51 per lb, New Sultanas 7d per lb, New Valencia Raisins 6J and 6£d per lb. Best Cmc 3ugar 14i per 701 b bag or with Tea 13j 3d per 701 b bag. WANTtjiv renown—That J. MoiSON has received a largo supply of Summer Boots and Shoes, suitable for 'he Holidays. They are all of the b :at brands pni makera, and ntver equalled m Ashburton. J.M. being the only practical and experienced Bjotnuker m the town, thus gives him superiority and facility to know best what to get. There foio the public have no need to wonder where to go for reliable Boots and Shoes. Discount for cash as usual. Repairs done at once. Best Sole Leather used and work manship, at The Hall, East Street, Ash burton.



T. BULLOCK, 12 218 Auctioneer. S'JMEKSET M&AT MART. THE OLDEST, LARGEST, and BEST feHOP IN ASHBURTON. CH6ISTMAS—Ie99. IT is with pleasure that we again wish one and all "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," and m doing co beg to Bincerely thank our Patrons m the pait for ; their support accorded us, which has so I largely increased our Business during the past eight years, thereby placing us m the position of being better able to cvter for the j wants of rur Customers, with only Prime Goods of the very Best Qaaliiy. During the Festive Christmas Season we shall show the Finest Display of Meat ever eeen he.c, consisting of Pr;za Beef, Pr z ■ Mutton, Priz3 Poik, Prime Limb, and j Prime Veal, and as usual our dispay of small goods, for which we are noted, being all made on our premises. Dont Forget—POßK SAUSAGES 41 per 1b Cash. We shall have Pleasure m presenting any Necessitous Resident with a Joint for CHRISTMAS DINNER, and charge same to Santa Claus. I W. J. SILCOCK. 12 217 ,



PHOTOGRAPHY. HAVING taken over the Premises known as Mrs Robottom's Studio, Moo c Street, the undersigned will carry on the business of a Photographer, and hopes thnt by strict attention to business to merit a share of public patronage. None but the Best Work sent out. EN LA RG KM EN IS A SPECIALTY. Homesteads Visited Photos of Groups or Live Stock taken by the latest instantaneous prnceas Terms—-Moderate Special Notice—For 14 Days Only, Por traits of Children under 5 years of age Taken Free of Charge at the Studio. Note Address— D. JONES, 12 21" The Photographer, Moore Street. chrTstmas asd new yeak holidays. TpVERYTHING A Cyclist requires from 6d worth of Graphite to a 1900 Zealandia Bicycle. Price a©£si. OATES, LOWRY AN3 CO | BURNETT STREET. i Cheapest and best stock m Ashburton. : SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 IA CRW and cottage Just below the JJL. Ai and P. Association's Show Grounds, fronting Smithfield Road, being Lot 5 parj Reserve 1261, belonging to Mr A. Crowds MR I. BULLOCK will offer the ftbove by Auction at the Arcade on the date named at 11.3Q a.m as previously adver tised. Very easy terms of payment o%n be arranged.



Body, winner of KZ. Wheel Race will be there