Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1899. Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will be fourd nn article headed Ciptain Russell, also a story m the fourth page. Hams bad School Concekt-—Oddfellows Hall 10-night Christmas Cards—Many persons appear to think that Christ mas cards may be pouted m scaled envelopes at a j oatago of £-1 each, if the envelopes are marked " bouk-posl" or " Christmas oard ;" but this is a mistake, I and results m the addressees being ch&rgt d the dtfioienb postage ab letter rvtes. A!) articles intended to pass at book-post rate* of possage should be enclosed m oovers, which &re entirely open at the ends or m envelopes which, Instead of being gummed down, have (he flap turned inside. 11 Thb MKSSIAH"--The Musioal Union have had '' The Meßtiah"in active practice for some months past, and, judging from recent rehearsals with the orchestra, may be relied on to give a good exposition of Handel's masterpiece nexb Wednesday evening. The solob have been entrusted to Mrs Burns (Christohurch), Mrs Johnston (Ashburton), <»nd Messrs Piischel and Millar (Uhriatchurch). The box plan is now open at H, M. Jones', where|any holders of 3a tickets can reserve seats. A good house being confidently expected, early applica tion is advised to prevent) ditappointment, as many tickets have already been disposed of by members of the union. Owing bo the regrettable illneee of the secretary Mr J. B Ward, the duties of the office have been kindly undertaken by Mr W. Johnston. Sybenham Water Supply.—The Syden ham Borough Council has before it an in genious scheme for combining a low and high pressure water supply. It is proposed to sink artesian wells at) the highest point m the Borough where the water it expected to rise about 10ft above the ground. Most of the Borough lies from 15 to 20ft lower than that point, so thab the wells delivering into a system of mains would give a head of 25 to 30 t. This would be sufficient for domestic purposes. For fire prevention high pressure is required, and to obtain thia it is proposed to have a 50 h.p. gas engine ac the wells to pump the wa»er into the mains to the neces sary pressure. The engines of course would only be used when afire occured, and a gas engine could be started ab short notice, and the cost as compared with moveab!e fire engines, is small. "Arp the Fang"—The Tiraaru Herald has this paragraph :—What is the "fang" of a pump ? The Education Board on Wed nesday read a letter from a Committee reporting that the school pump " constantly iosbs the " fang," and the children often had to use impure water to " fang" it. No member knew what the word " fang" meant. A reporter suggested that ife meant ihe charge of water m the pump barrel. A dictionary was referred to, and it said the "fang is the valve of the pump barrel. The Inspected being appealed to said " fang" was good Scots. A pump was "off the fang" when it would uot hold water. The defective " fang" was referred to the Build ing Committee.—A Scotch editor is said to be " aff the fang," when his articles are not up tc his usual standard, and irreverent hearers sometimes say the same about their minister when his sermons are less telling than are their wont. It is a common saying of a person out of sorts m any way that he is " aff the fang," and the exchequer is " aff the fans;' when funds are low.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.

Sacred Heart High School.

There was a good attendance of parents and others at the antiual concart and priza distribution m the Saored Heart High School yesterday. The schoolroom was as a»u9,l beautifully decorated, and the pupils, ranged m tiers on the stage presented a very pretty picture. The needlework, etc , [ which was shown m two room 3 udj>ining the main schoolroom—one act aside for noodlowork, and another for paintings —was sui j cfced to close examination by the ladies*, among whom were not a few old pupils of the fchool, and a general opinion vras ex pressed that the school m this connection was not m any way behind the high stan dard of past years. One could hardly expecb old scholars of any school to confess that the new ones had done better work than them selves, bub an admission that they did as good is praise indeed The concert provided waa really excellent, and having said this the work of the critic m dealing with a school performance should finish, but a word is due about the violin playing, m which there was a marked improvemant. Another year's training has given ft fuller, rounder, <«nd altogether more bri.liant tone, improved both attack and release, and made the phrasing more intelligent while the bowing of both senior and junior pupils is much more facile and elastic. The piano and harmonium playing has always been good, and on this ocoasion it was as good as ever; hero also the Bisters deserve special notice for their admirable time discip line, which is the crux of all music teaching m concerted work. This time discipline waa prominent, too, m the chorus singing of the senior pupils, and the quaint little song "Good night," by the junior pupils showed that the same discipline had been begun with even the little ones. Only one item of elocution was given, a dialogue from Shakespeare's "King John " given by Misses Friedlander and McKay m a manner that showed both careful taaining and close study, the ladies being letter perfeob, and almost free of the troublesome self-donscioue ness that not seldom mars the elocutionary efforts of those not accustomed to public ap pearances, A taking little number, too, was the " Sad case," recited by a little dob of tender years, Miss Alberta Shrinpbon. Just before the last piece had been aung "0 Maria," Very Rev Father O'Donnell shortly addressed the pupils and those present m a few congratulatory words, m which he expressed his regret that as yet the school was not under a regulation that would provide for examinatiou by a Govern ment inspector, but he hoped that soon public opinion would be educated up to the point of granting this small modicum of justice to the school. He then distributed she prizes as follow, and the Hon Major Steward shortly addressed both parents and children m a few kindly words, express ing his approval of granting Government examination to ail schools thafi might ask for it :— PRIZE LIST. | Good Conduct (boarders) — Margaret j Duncaa abd Teresa Leddy } day pupils— I Annie Davis and Ila Paul. Christian Doctrine—Mary McKay 1, Mary ' Devlin 2, Minnie Costello 3. Attendaoce—Hilda Friedlander. Seventh Class. —Reading and recitation- Violet Johnston ; English—Teresa Leddy; French—Henrietta Denshire 1, Annie Dow liDg 2; geography and mapping-Margaret Duncan ; arithmetic—Mildred Brook ; al gebrawNellie Bonifant; book-keeping- Hilda Friedlander j writing—Violet John ston ; history-r-Annie Powling; freehand drawing—Annie Davip, Sixth Class.—First division—Reading and recitation—Henrietta Denshire ; English— Ha Paul; geography and mapping—lla P»ul; arithmetic and algebra—Mary McKay; history—Lena Lagan ; freehand drawing— Ila Paul; general progress—Oarrie Fried lander. Second division—Reading and recitation—Ethel Walsh; arithmetic and writing—Mary Devlin. Fourth Class.—Reading and recitation— Minnie O'Connor ; arithmetic'—Minnie Oos ! tello ; geography—Winifred Brick. Second Qlasp,—Reading and spelling— Florrio Brophy ; arithmetic and geography —Madeline Brick; general progress—Alberta Shrimpton. Extras. — Music—Piano—Violeb Johnston 1, Mary McKay 2 ; violin and singing—Julia Brick ; oil painting and water colours — Mildred Brock : needlework—Henrietta Danshire 1. Nellie Bonifant 2.

News in Brief.

Competitors for Aahburton Sports Asso ciation Carnival on Monday aie reminded that) competitor's passes and numbers will be issued on Saturday up to 12 noon by the Secretary, »t Mr Stepbenion's effio*.

CHRISTCHURCH WOOL SALE

FRIfiPLANDKB BROS', LIMITED,

The following is the catalogue of Messrt Friedlander Bros., L'mited, submitted ti , auction at the second wool f-rale held at Ghnstchurch on December 14:—Greasy— ] 6P over. "~ merino, 1 ab 1b ; hulfbred, 1 at lOd ; crossbred, 3 at 6^l ; HVV, conjoined, merino, 1 at 10f 1 ; h*lfbred ewe, wi'hl2 ihrequarter-bred fleeces, 8 ab 7|d ; three quarter-bred owe, 8 at 6f 1 ; 20 over — merino ewe, 5 at lid ; crossbred ewe, 2 a! 7d ; let cross ewe, 1 at Bs-<i ; JU, half bred ew<g, 4atUf 1; SH over — half bred ewe?, 5 at B£d ; HP, conjoined, crossbred (•««, 2 a 6|d ; 17, fir fc c o-shnd ewe, 4at *8f! ; first croetbred wither, 2at *SJ-l; first crocs- Ivod hogget, 9 nt *9i; bellsc«, 2 it Efi ; tin diamond, halfbred ewe, sat7d , three quarter-bred ewe, 12 halfbred fleeces on top, sat 6,1; locks and pieoeß, lat 3^d ; V over ■""* bellies anri pieces, 2 at 6£d ; bZ, first cross, 1 at B|d ; merino, 2 at lid ; W4, crossbred ewe. 2 at 6^d ; Shamrock, half bred ewe, 4 at 10£ d ; Bj, crossbred, 1 at *6£d ; HL, halfbred, 6 at 6fd ; crossbred, 1 at 6£J ; merino, 1 at 9£d ; rams, lat6d; looks and pieces, 1 abl£d;KST, halfbred wether, 6 at 3£d ; halfbred ewe, 6 at G|l ; crossbred ewe, with three black fleeces, 5 at 7£d ; pieces, 2 at 4Jd ; WM, crossbred, 4 At 6£d ; HE, conjoined over —lab aross hogget, with 18 Ist) cross ewes top, 9 at B|d; Ist cross ewe, 4 at 9; lab cross ewe, Sat 6j>d ; pieces, with 3 black and 13 crossbred hoggets on top, lab 4|d ; °° ocer M, cross bred ewe. with 16 merino on top, 5 at7|d ; WS, conjoined, crossbred ewe, 2 at *7|d ; FZ, Merino, 2 at ll£d ; J under O, con joined, halfbred hogget, 3 at 9|d ; crossbred hogget, 3 at 7|d; halfbred wether, 21 at lOd ; crosebred wether, 2 at 7s<l ; mixed fleeces, 1 ab 6| f ; halfbred bellies, 5 ab 7|3 ; halfbred locks, 3 at 4;£d; oroßsbrerl ewe and wether, 3 at 6£d; 0 over 1 conjoined, halfbred awe and wether, 5 at 9Jd ; orosabred wethar, 4 at 6£d ; HS, halfbred ewe, 3at 9|d; crossbred ewe, 1 at 7|d ; merino, 1 at lid j Oak Flab over MB, Leicester hoggeb, 1 &b *6£d ; Leicester ewe, sai *6Jd; Leicenber ewe, 3ai *6d ; first oroeß ewe, 3 at *8d ; second cross ewe (with fifteen j merino fleeces), 3 ab *7£d ; halfbred ewe, 4 afc 10|d ; bellies, 1 at 6£d ; looks and pieces, 1 at 4i! ; F over W, threequarter-bred ewe, {seven Down and two black fleeces) 5 at 7d ; 87, crossbred ewe, 7 at 7£d ; halfbred ewe, 2 ab 10 J ; crossbred ewe, 5 at 7|fl ; halfbred ewer 2 at 9| 1 ; pieces, quarter black wool, lat 4±d ; —over AB, first cross wether, 4 at 6d ; Ja conjoined, second cross ewe, 12 ab 6fd • KA, first croas ewe, 8 at lOfd ; halfbred and crossbred (eighb rama fleeoen), 1 ab s£d ; C 2 over—crossbred ewe, with two rama, 1 at *s|d; —over qT, orose bred ewe, 2 at lid ; TH, halfbred ewes, 6 at Ucf ; crosebred ewes, 1 at *6£d ; quarter back ewes, sat Is lsd; halfbred ewes, (with nine rams fleeces), 1 »t> *8i ; bellies, 1 fadge, at 6|d ; pieces and dead, 1 fadge, at 4j|d ; ON, thre«quarter bred ewe, lab 6d ; WP, crossbred ewe, 2 at 7f I • halfbred ewe, 10 at 9|d ; halfbred hogget, 5 at B£d ; meriro, 1 as Is IJi ; bellies and pieces, 2 at 4$ 1 ; rams, with Eeven black, 1 ab 5Jd ; MF, con jdined In diamond, first cross ewe, 24 at 10|d ; first cross ewe, 16 ab 9d ; first cross wether, 10 at Bfd ; first cro»a wether, 3 at 7|d ; Hampshire ewe, 3 at 7|d ; Hampshire ewe hogget, 1 at B£d ; Hampshire crossbred lioßget, lat 8^ (; Hampshire Down, 2at *7£d ; Hampshire hoggeb. 2 at B£<i ; first cross hogget, 2 at *7|d; Lincoln, 3 at 6d; Leicester ewe hogget, 1 at- *h\ ; merino ewe, 1 afc ll£d J crossbred, 5 ab 7d ; crossbred, 2 at *6d ; first pieces, 10 at 9fd ; second pieces, 4 at 5d ; dead wool and pieces, 2at 7|-1; bellies. 6at 7*l; locks, 2at3d ; bellies and pieces, 1 at 4^d; pieces, 2at 3£d ; OX, thretquarter-bred, 2 at s|d ; over LO, halfbred, 1 at 7|d ; crossbred, 1 at t>\\ ; RI. halfbred, 6 at lOd; crossbred, 2 at 6|d ; GWL, halfbred, 21 at B|d ; merino, 8 at lid ; crossbred hoggeb, 3 at *7d ; cross bred ewe and wether, 12 at *6&d ; (scoured), bellies and pieces, 2ab 5Jd. Greasy— — over AB, threequartcr bred, 3 ab 6|d ; SH over —, croesbrfid ewe, 3 at 6£d ; S2, halfbred wether, 2 at 7^3 •, crossbred wether, 2 at 6|d ; Crossed J's, halfb ed ewe, with 6 dingy laec.^s, 5 a', 8d ; Double crossed J's, halfbred ewe, 4at 10£-l; double croesed J's over —, threequarter-bred ewe, with 7 rams' fl«eces, lat #6£d ; crossed J's, merino ewe, 5 at Id o\\ | double crossed J's, halfbred merino locks, half crossbred locks, 1 at 4Jd ; BH, ha fbred ewe, 6 at B£d ; KD, first cross ewe, 5 at lOd ; 42, halfbrod ewe, 2 at fc|i ; crossbred ewe, 1 at 6£d ; T, meri'io ewe, 1 at lljd ; halfbred ew«, 1 at 9J ; 3T, half bred, 3 at *9^d ; first cross ewe, 4 at *8d ; first and second cross ewe, lat *7d ; second cross ewe, 3 at 6£d ; bellies and pieces, 1 at s|d ; 3N, merino, 3 at lC|d; Triangle over S, halfbred ewe, 9 at 10£ 1 ; crossbred ewe, 15 at *74d ;medno ewe, 1 at Is o£d ; bellies, lat 6^d; dead wool and bellies, lat 6|d ; first pieces, 2 at 6£d ; second pieces, 1 afc 4|d j locks and pieces, lat3| 1; ZR, merino ewe, 3 at 10$ 1 ; crossbred ewe, 2 at *7d ; first cross and crossbre i, with 1 black fleece, 1 at 7|i ; OB conjjined, first cross ewe, 4 at lid ; first cross ewe. 1 at 7d 5 TN, crossbred wether, 1 at s£d ; crossbred wether, 1 at. 8d ; DU, halfbred, 2 at 9^^; WA, crossbred ewe, 7 at *Bid ; r m, I ab *6|d ; 4H over —, merino, 8 ab Is o£d ; AN conjoined, cross bred ewe, 3 ab B£d : halfbred wether, 1 at *7fd ;AK conjoined, halfbred ewe, 3 ab 9J;i ; crossbred ewe, 1 ab *6|i ; WS, halfbred ewe, with 6 ram fleeces, 3ab B^d ; V over H, first comb crossbred ewe, 2 at *7£d ; second comb crossbred ewe, 1 ab 6|d; first and second comb merino, 1 at lOd; first comb pieoes, lat 6d: 40 first halfbred fleeces, balance locks and bellies, 1 at 6|d ; J under O, merino, 3 at lid : bellies and pieces, 2 at 6d ; HW conjoined, locks, with 14 crossbred fleeces, 1 at 4Jd j P between reversed j^'n, merino ewe, 2at 11 Jd; — under PS, cross bred ewe, 1 ab 7£d; —-over ZA, merino, 2 at B|d ; WP, crossbred hogget, 1 at *7^d ; 4H, merino locks, 1 at 4|d: Scoured—lS, fine halfbred pieoes, lat llfd; first pieces, 1 passed, * Signifies passed.

MUTINY ON BOARD SHIP.

I lie Captain and Officers Murdered.

United Press Association ~By Eleofcrio Telegraph —Copy right. Perth, December 14 The Asiatic crew of the brigantine Ethel have been arrested at Macassar for murdering the captain and officers and sinking the vessel. Tne Ethe was engaged m pearling off the West Australian Coast. Received Wakapuaka Deo 15, 10 38 a.m This Office 10.50 a.m.) Pp^TH Dec 1$ The British Consul at Batavia re ports that thirteen of the Ethel's crew have landed. The captain and his son, the mite, another Australian, a Japanese, and a native were mur dered. The ship waa scuttled at South Telaroa,

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Ihe Bighland Brigade's Attack British Losses Very Ideavy General Wauchope Killed British JRetire to Modder River Boer Losses Terrible Details of the Fight Bighlanders m a Trap A Correspondent's Account The Marquis of "Winchester Killed General Gatacre's Movements He Abandons Molteno. Lack of Discipline Among our Troops. General Advance on Colenso,

United Prew Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copy right. Capetown, December 18 The cannonade at Magerefontein was resumed early on Monday. The infantry were engaged from noon till dark. The Boers stack to their trenches, and the British steadily withdraw. The British losses were chif fly m the Highland Brigade, On Tuesday Lord Methuen entrenched his forces, and resumed a desultory cannonade. The Boer version claims that they have taken 41 prisoners. London, December 14 Lord Methuen telegraphs that he shelled a strong position held by the Boers on a long, high kopje, from four o'clock to dusk on Sunday. It rained hard all night. The Highland Brigade attacked at daybreak on Monday at the south end of the kopje. The attack was properly timed, but failed. The Guards protected the Highlanders' right flank, and covered the rear, the cavalry and mounted infantry attacked on the left flank, the Guards being on the right flank and centre, the artillery and howitzers protecting. The artillery shelled the position from daybreak. At one o'clock Lord Methuen sent the Gordons to support the Highland Brigade, The troops held their ground, facing the enemy's entrenchments until dark. The position extended for six miles towards the Modder River. " To day (Tuesday)," concludes Lord Meth uen, at 5 a.m., " I am holding my position and entrenching. Our troops faced at least twelve thousand, and our loss was great. General Wauchope was killed on Monday." Other accounts state that Lord Methuen used balloons to locate the enemy, and that no assistance was forthcoming from Kimberley, At Magersfontein the Boers, at the foot of the eastern spur of the kopje, waited on Monday till before day break. The Highlanders were march ing m close order of quarter column to within two^hundred yardsof the enemy, and then commenced to extend. At ]50 yards the Boers poured m terrible tire on their flanks. Hundreds fell on the veldt. The Boers were shooting high or our loss would have been heavier, The Highlanders took refuge m a hollow, the Gordons joining them, and all fought with desperato valour to within 200 yards of the spur, when they were repulsed. A concentrated fire of Lyddite shells was meanwhile poured with terrible effect into the enemy's trenches, the Horse Artillery enfilading. Later on the Boers advanced into the open, intending to make a flank attack, but the Guards and Artillery prevented the movement. Lord Me thuen, who commanded 11,000 men, rotited, expecting an attack on his flank and rear from Jacobdal. General GAt acre has abandoned Mol teno. On Monday General Gatacre retired to Sterkstroom. Many of his missing men have returned. The Magistrate at Sterkstroom telegraphs that the situation has slightly improved. The Boer loss at Stormberg was four killed and nine wounded. The British de livered no genuine attack, The men rushed the nearest hill without orders. The general advance of the British on Oolenso has began. The Boers report that Lady Sarah Wilson has been exchanged for a Boer prisoner. Two hundred and ninety-three wounded from the Modder River, in cluding twenty-seven officers, arrived at the Orange River on Tuesday. Oolonel TFrnphelby, Victoria, has been attached to the howitzer division, and has left Capetown for the north. Sydney, December 14 The Langton Grange has arrived at Durban. The troops are well. Six horses died on the voyage. Lord Methuen retired to the Modder river on Tuesday evening, the Boers occupying the British trenches. Lord Methuen telegraphs; "I retired m perfect order here, where our forces are m security. I gather from prison ers captured and from information im parted by Boers to members of the ambulances that their losses were ter rible, some corps being annihilated, The enemy were most kind to our wounded." The Daily Telegraph's correspondent states that the British forces on Mon day vainly tried to traverse the left fhnk between the kopjes and the river. The Marquis of Winchester, major m the Goldstream Guards, was killed. The Times states that Lord Methuen's repulse is the most serious event of the war. General Wauchope's Highlanders went into a trap, and were exposed, m close formation, to a magazine rifle fire from a force not subjected to artillery fire. Lord Methuen, adds 2he Times may possibly retire to the Orange River. The news caused a grave sensation. The Times demands that 80,000 rein- j forcements should be sent. It advocates the calling out of the whole of the avail able reserves, and the utilisation of the Militia and Volunteers, and says that further troops from Canada and the other colonies mast be sought and accepted, ,

A Great Disaster.

Battle at Maffergfoutein. Mcthuen's Force Compelled to Itetire. . Further Details Magnificent Fighting by the Highlanders, 'I lie Black Watch Nearly Annihilated.

Uniced Press Asaooiation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka Deo. 15, 9.23 ft.ni, 'Jhie Office 9.52 a m) Oapetowk, December 14 The Highland Brigade was guided through intense darkness and rain close to the Boer entrenchments, which were screened with leaves. The Boers silently waited till the Highlander! approached and met them with a hail of lead. Two hundred were mown down, and the Brigade fell back. The Black Watch, on reforming, mustered only 160, but renewed the attack till daybreak, 31 big guns covering the advance. The Gordons heroically attempted to retrieve the disaster, passing across the dead and wounded, but found the task impossible. The Boer trenches were protected by barbed wire. The Guards failed m their attempt to tarn the enemy's lack, owing to the arrival of 2000 fresh Boers with a number of guns. The British loss totalled 833 killed and wounded, including 703 belonging to the Highland Brigade. There were 69 casualties amongst the officers.

The Fifth Division.

Compliments to the Contingents. Transport Steamer Ashore. Battle of Stormberg.

Recsived Wakapuak* Deo. 15, t.SO a.m Thu Office 10. a.m) Capetown, December 24 One shell on Monday fell amidst the Boers at a prayer meeting, and another lyddite killed twenty Boers. London, December 14 The Fifth division of eleven thou sand men, under Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Warren, will arrive at Capetown within ten days. Military experts admire the AtH tralian troops, but say they would bo more useful if all were mounted. The transport steamer Dentoa Grange, with thirteen traction engines, 142 ambulance and other vans, and 170 waggons and a quantity of forage has gone ashore at Las Pal mas. Durban, December 14 Four Natal Dutchmen have been sentenced to five years' imprisonment on charges of disloyalty. Capetown, Dec 14 Twenty-three British were killed and sixty-two wounded at the battle of Storm berg.

More Troops Ready from N.S.W.

Enthusiasm m the House.

Proposed Federal Contingent.

(Received Wak&puaka Deo 15, 9.50 a.m Tbii Offioe 10 22 a,ra) Sydney, December 15 The Estimates passed after a pro fcracted discussion. Prior to submitting the military vote the Premier, who, with other members of the Cabinet, upon tne receipt of the news of General Methuen'a reverse, bad a conference with Major General French, stated that m view of the sensational news, he had cabled te the British Government, asking if they desired the colonies to send any more troops to South Africa. He had also sent telegrams to sows of the other colonies to ascertain m the event of the news proving true, if they would join to despatch another con tingent. If the reply was that more troops were wanted, ht would bring the matter before the House should it be sitting, otherwise he would take action and send the troops away before Tuesday, and ask the House to indem nify afterwards. The announcement wma warmly received, and after an assurance had betn given that the colony waa well provided with arms and ammunition, the vote passed m globe amid cheers for the empire. (Received Wakapnaka Deo. 15, 9,50 a.m., This Offloa 10.22 a.m.) Brisbane, December 10 In tbe Assembly, on the motion for adjournment, the Premier stated that he heard with regret of the serious British reverse. He certainly thought Queensland ought to be prepared with the other colonies to make a federal movement to send a further contingent to South Africa. He intended con ferring with the other Premiers, Mr Dftwson hoped that before anything was dons the House would be con salted.

A Gordon Colonel Killed.

(Received Wakapuaka Dec. 16, 10.35 a.m This Office 11,13 *.m Capetown, Dec. 14 i Lieutenaut-Oolonel G. T. F. Down man of the Gordon Highlanders was amongst the lost m the early morning attack on Magersfontein.

The Toll of Blood.

(Received Wakapuaka Deo. I§, 10.35 a«m This Office 11.16 a.m) Wellington, Dec. 15 The Agent-General cabled to Mr Se^don that the total British losses to date were five thousand three hundred killed ancl wounded, and the numerous enetny'-s forces were still unshaken.

More Men From New Zealand.

United Preßi Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, Dec 15 With reference to the suggestion of the New South Wales Government that another Australasian contingent should be senb to South Africa, it is understood that a lull meeting of the New Zealand Cabinet will be held on Tuesday, when the matter will be considered. The commandant) of the forces saya there will be bo difficulty m obtaining men m New Zealand if required.

Smoke New Venus

. Unequalled and Invincible Woods' Great Peppermint Core for Ooujjht and Ooldi,li 6d Smoke New Vanvi

THE AtHBIHiTON atJARDIAN s FRILJ&?, DECEMBEK 15, 189S



Ariel Bioyclb Club—A meeting of the committee of the Ariel Bicycle Club was held last Wednesday, all the members being present. Correspondence was read from several gentlemen, accepting positions as officials for the sports meeting on Boxing Day ; also from the railway department, stating that excursion fares would be issued on all trains. The secretary reported hav ing accepted the tender of the Ashburton Brass Band to play at the sports meeting, and also thab several good riders had al ready notified their intention of competing. Final arrangements wore made for the holding of the smoke concert on Boxing night, and after the transaction of other routine business the committee adjourned. TO THE DEAF.—A. rich lady, cured o her Deafness and noises m the head by Df Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, has senr £1000 to his Institute, so thab deaf peoplt unable to procure the Ear Drums may hare them free. Apply to Tepartment, N c The Institute, " Longoott," GuonereburE London, W England. An Express.— Everybody knows the advantage of an expressman who knows the town and suburbs thoroughly, and executes orders promptly. Therefore send for John Cooper. General Carrier and Expressman Peter Street eaet, near O™ martial Hotel-**- Advt)



Smoke New¥esui



CHBISTMAS AtfJD NEW YEAK HOLIDAYS. T7IVERYTHING A Cyclist require! from Ilk 6d worth of Graphite to a 1900 Zsalandi» Bicycle. Price £31, OATES, LOWRY AND CO BURNETT STREET. Cheapest and best stock m Ashbarton.



IMPORTANT to Caah Buyers of Drapery, ClothiDg, Boots, &c Early Summer Clearance Sale of Seasonable and Reliable Goods. Cash discount at the rate of one shilling m th 9 pound to every Buyer of ninepence worth and over. Inspection in vited.—H O Barrett, late Barrett Bros., The Hall, East Street. 11 20



REMOVAL NOTICE. MR & SMITHELL, Carpenter, wishes to notify to the Public that he has removed from his late premises to the shop adjoining Mrs Taskeb's Refreshment Roome, All kinds of woodwork executed m the very beat manner. All communications to be addressed to C. Smithell, East Streot. !2 58



J. WILSON, (Established 1878), BURNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Employs upwards of 18 hands. DECORATOR <fc SIGN-WRITER. I WISH to notify that I have secured the services of Mb Chas. Chapman, as Sign-! writer, who, m addition to hi 9 home training haß had a large amount of experi ence m our aifcien, LARGE STOCK OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. I have jjsb received—direob from the manufacturers — a few thousand feeb of Picture Frame Mouldings. Persons desirous of having Pictures framed would do well to call and see them. Telephone 65



SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS. MARKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, ASk BURTON Telephone No 53



NSW BOOKB ab published prices—The Valley of Sapphires; The Violet Flame; Jaine's Cape; Trewinnob of Greys ; The Untold Half: The Romanoe of the Greya tones ; True Heart $ Mother's Holiday; The Rose of Judah; Cheap edition* of Sheldons Works, A. Swan, Kingsley, BoQit, Dickens; Giffan's Bab and Ball, and others; Windsor Magazine for Ootober j Diaries.— H, M. Jonss,



HOW IS IT the Alcobn's can sell so oheap 1 Easy, when yoa know that their rent U less than one-third it would be m East Street, and that they do moat of the work themselves. If you want a nice Suit for yourself or your boya, or Boots o Shoes for wife or daughter, come to Robert Amjobn's, Havalock Street, where you wil get them good as well aa oheap.



BOOTS. BOOTS Gigantic Sale Now On "TUSH arrived and opened up a grand assortment of tip-to-date BOOTS AND SHOES FOR THE HOLIDAY AND SUMMER SEASON Special Lines Women's Button Shoes la 6d Women's Kid Lace Shoea, only 6s lid TAN GOODS IN GREAT VARIETY. itrong School Boots from 5a 6d, ; Good Bluchers, nailed, 5s 6d. l&rgest stock m town to choose from. REPAIRS done Promptly and afe Moderate Charges. FEED NOKES, CASH BOOT SHOP, Next Door Bank of New Zealand, EASI STREET, ASHBURTON.



UNPARALLELED TiA LUE &| The Ladies' Parcel for £2. 6| Yards Nice Stylish Dress Stuff with Linings and Trimmings, one Durable Umbrella or Sunshade, 1 pair Kid Gloves, 1 pair Nice Cashmere Hose, 1 Lace or Silk Tip, 1 White Underskirt, 1 Set of Collars and Ouffp, 1 Muslin or Holland Apron, 1 Belt m Leather or Linen or Petersham. The Gentleman's Parcel for £2 10s. 1 Good and Strong Colonial Tweed Suit, 1 White or Fancy Shirt, 2 Collars, 1 Silk Tie, 2 Pairs of Cashmere or All Wool Sccke, 3 White Hand kerchiefs 1 Pair of Light or Strong Boots. On receipt of Cheque or P.O. Order, we will send the above Parcels to any addreas m Canterbury—Carriage Paib. "TELL YOUR FRIENDS OF THESE CHRISTMAS GIFTS." NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD "THE CORNEF," ABHBURTONS



OUR CHRISTMAS PARCELS.



JAM JAKS. JAM JAKS. MASON'S IMPROVED SCREW TOP JAM JARS—The Cheapest and Best Jam Jara m the Market. ALSC—THE FAMOUS AMERICAN FRUIT JAR. Thoae desirous of Preserving Fruit m Syrup, will find these Jars | superior to any other m the market. The mouth of the Jar being made wide so as to enable the whole fruit to be placed m the Jar with ea«e, also being fitted with a strong spring lid, making it completely j air tight, WINES AND SPIRITS. We hare a large and well assorted atock of all lines, ASSORTED OASES PACKED FOR CHRISTMAS. English and Colonial Ales and Stout always m Stock.



SUGrAE. SUGAR. SUGAR. Now that the Jam Seaion has started, and yon wish your Jam to keep well USE MILLAQUIN Al lINEST CANE SUGAR, 701 b bag for Us. Every bag stamped " finest Cane Sugar."



NEW SEASON'S FRUIT. NEW SEASON'S FRUIT. NT) ALL OUR FRUITS ARE WASHED AND CLEANED # IJ. BY PATENT MACHINERY. Finest New Currants  0s 6d Finest Dried Apples .. .. (h 91 Finest New Bu!tanas .. .. 0s 7d Fineßt Dried Peachea 0s 10 Finest Selected Raisins .. .. Os 6*d Finest Dried Apricots .. .. 0s 101 ! Finess Mixed Peel 0a 8d Finest Preserved Ginger .. .. 0s 8' Finest New Figs 0s 8d Ship's Lime Juioa .. .. .. Is 3d Finest New Prunes .. .. .. 0j 30d Lemon Squash (quart bottle) .. Is 0d FinesbNew Prunes (7b tins) ... 6s 4d Pineapple, Lemon, Raspberry, and Finest Icing Sugar 0a 6d Blaok Currant Syrup .. .. Is Od Finest Oufc Loaf Sugar .• .. 0a 3£d Mason's Herb Beer Extract .. 0s 9d Finest Dessicated Cocoanut ... 0s 7d Mason's Win* Essence .. .. 0s II Van Houten's Cocoa, per lb .. 3s 3d Oiearn of Tartar Is 3d Jelly Powders, assorted ... .-. 0« 6d Carbonate of Soda 0s 3d



Carraway Seeds 8d par lb Pimento, whole Is  „ Pimento, firound Is2d „ „ Mix^d Spice l|d per packet PICKLES—Hay ward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9s 6d per dozen Cross and Black well's, Is 3d par bottle Captain White's, 2s 8d per bottle Carry Powder lid per bottle Borax ... ... ... 8d per lb Alum 6d „ „ i Saltpetre ... ... ... 6d „ „ TartaricAcid IslOd „ „ Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2a per doz lbs Whole Linseed 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d „  MATOHES—PIaids, 4£d per doi, 4s per gross 250 a Is 6d per dozen 1000's 6d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 8d per do»en Yarmouth Bloaters, 9 for Is Maoonochie's Fresh Herrings, 6£d per tin „ Herrings In Tomato, lOd per tin „ Herrings m Shrimp, lOd per tin  Kippered Herrings, lOd per tin „ Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mallett ... . ... 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, J pint sd. 1 pint lOd Oasftor, J pint sd, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 2lb tin, Is Crosse and Blackwell's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dozen Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2ez, Is lOd. Leiberg's extract, Is 9d per bottle Patent Groats, Robinson's, lOd; Har« per's, 9d per tin Mellins' Food, Is 8d per tin



Van Houten's Cocoa, £lb, lid ; |lb, Is 9& ; lib, '3a 3d Fry's Cocoa, £lb, B|d ; lib, Is 4|d tiealGood Oandies, 4sdperib; 8s 6d per box Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, 6jd per lb; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights Is 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for la Pearl, 61bs for Is «ago, 71bs for Is Mixod Peel, Lgmon, OraDge and Ut ron, 8d psr lb Lemon Peel, 7!b tins, 3s 64 lib Tins Asserted Jams, 5d per lb ; 4s 9d per doz 2!b Jars Assorted Jams, 14s 6d per doz Le» acd Perrin's Sauce, large, 2a 6d per bottle Mellor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Worcester Sance, small, 5d ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Mazlua <M per dozen 5a fid Whltingt j^bforls Morton's Cream of Tartar, Is 3d per lb Preserved Fruit, 2|lb tins, 8d per tin, 7a 6d per doz English Cut Loaf Sugar, 3m per lb Tomato Sauce, 9d per bptfcis Golden Syrnp, Sib 6d, 41b Is, 661 b 11s 3d Tr«»ofo, filb 6d. Mb Is, 71b Is 9d JPiirtßt BaMns ... ... 6|dperlb Finast Sultanas 7sd „ „ Finest Oarrant» 5d „  per ca?e 4*4 „ „ Stewing Figs H& »» » French Pta»s (choice) ... 1" »» »» Slewing Plums 9d „ „ Finest Muscatels Is J& „ ,» Cslifornian Muscatels ... Is i« »« D»tes, extra fine, 3lb boxes. Is 9d per box Almonds, Jordan 2a 4d per lb > Almonds, Valencia ... Is 6d  „ Alwonda, Sicily 1b 4^ »i «» i Barec' >na Nuts 8d „ „ Shell Almonds ... ... 10d „ „ Day and* Martin's Paste Blacking, 4Jd per do* Day and Martin's Jar Blacking, 6d pßr bottle French Biaeking, 2d per tin, Is 9d per doi  . Wiley's Blaoklead, Id aize, m per doii Hum' Dome|Bl&okka<U6d per.doz J



-PROVISIONS - FACTORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Sutton's always !n>tock. CHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per lb BACON AND HAMS —•• Lewis'," •• Morepork," "D. McOallura. Mild Cured Hams, Sides and Rolls, 7£d. GORE OATMFAL—2SIb Bag, 2a 6d



JOHN ORR AN"D COS REVISED LIST^ WE Ohim to be the Leading Firm of G ooora, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants m Aahbarton. We import all oar Stock from the Home Markets for Spot Oaah and are therefore m the best position Co supply the publio with only genuine goods at the lowest possible price for cash. We guarantee atl onr goods fall weight and finest quality. We never charge for making mi delivery, all goods at the Railway Station free. Any person leaving an order with a-s o%n get a parcel ticket, and therefore always be swrefjof*having their goods at tha station In time. No charge for ticket. J-iVj U Jti PER SACK 13a. — BUGAU — SJd per lt> wltht Tea itdARAVILLA GARDEN TEA— la lOd, 2a, 2a4d'perlb slb Box .- 8a 9d, 9s 7d c lit 101 b Box .- .- .- 16s Bd, 18a 4d, 21* 8d KOZIE TEA - 101 b Box, (18s 4d ; 51b, 9b 7d GOLD LEAP TEA 101 b Box, 18a 4d ; 51b, 9s 7d



IHB WATiKLKT KOTOLB IS THE EASIEST RUPIfcC BICYCLE BUILT, AND ALSO strong* Enough to^Carry a Ton. /j\ __ JOHN ORR & CO.. AbHBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AGENTS and at Waverley Cycle Depot 217,0010mb0 Street, Christohurch.|