The Rhodesia column, under Co'onel Plumer, m advancing on Maf king found Gaberones, eighty miles nofci of Mafeking, evacuated on December 2. Colonel Plumer repaired the rail way as he advanced southwards. London, December 13 The English militia will garrison the Channel Islands and Malte, m place of the troops ordered to South Africa. J The War Relief Fund amounts to i £405,000.

The "Baptism of Fire."

The Cornwall

(Received Wakapuaka Dec. 13, 10 p.rn {This Office 10.46 p.m.) London, December 12 The St. James Gazette states that the colonial troops gallantly faced their baptism. Capetown,, December 12 The Cornwall comes on here all well.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

United Press Aasooiation—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—-Copyright.

(Received Wakapuaka Dec. 14, 9 35 a.m, This Office 935 am) Spanish Prisoners to be Released Manilla, December 13 Three thousand Spaniards, taken prisoners by the Filipinos during the war, will be released m a month.

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

United Presa Association—By Eleotrlo [Telegraph

* Received Wakapuaka Deo 14, 915 a.tn This Office 9.30 a.m.) Perth, December 14 In the Assembly, Mr Leake gave notice of motion that the electors having been refuged permission to vote on the Commonwealth Bill, the Assembly should be dissolved imme diately, m order to secure the return of members pledged to vote for or against the Referendum Bill, as accepted by the other colonies»

The Story of an Adventurer.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Nexson December 13. A young man, giving bis name as Whitall, and styling himself the " Earl of North eek," was sentenced to two years' imprison ment by Justice Denniston to-day, on a charge of obtaining money by (Ate pre tences, at Bright water, oa Monday, The accused, who pleaded guilty, had been pre viously convicted for a similar crime five times during the present year, m different places.

The young man referred to m the above telegram is nob altogether unknown to several Christchuruh tradesmen and others, and since his arrival m ihe colony has had a rather chequered career. His first appear ance before the public was at Wellington early m the present year, when he unsuc cessfully attempted to pass himself i ff a-s Mr Frederick Villiers, the war correspondent. He was evidently unaware of the fact that the gentleman he wished to be taken for had visited Wellington, and that his appearance was well known to several Ws lington pressmen. Shortly after this he oame to Christchurch, and put up at one of the best hotels, buij he had no; boon here long before he got into trouble with two or three of our tradesmen, from whom he had obtained goods, which he paid for with cheques which had no caeh b.siß. For these peculiar financial operations he was sentenced bo a term of imprisonment at Lyttelton, and it was shortly after his release that he became the central figure m certain eveati which jjcompletely cast his previous vagaries into the shade; Very little is known about him, but he Apparently is the possessor of a pleasing pre sence and plausible manners. Daring his retreat at Lyttelton his remittances from Home had mounted to something like £60, and as toon as he was a free man he put up at aUhtJUtotitt'eh hotel. He claimed to be the Earl of Northesk, and soon completed the conquest of the affection of one of the barmaids, who, no doubb, fell an easy victim Jjq the self-styled Earl and his lordly manner pf " shouting" champagne on the slightest ( prorooation, and of writing out cheques for fabulous amounts atthe shortenfc notice. The •opposed " Earl" and the barmaid were duly marriedj and the former became if possible, more profuse m treating all and sundry to ohampagns, and more liberal with his mam moth cheques. While the illusion lasted all yisitors to the hotel were introduced to the titled guests, and much was made of them. It is related that one evening the Earl be came enraptured with tb,e 'singing of a cer tain lady, praised her yotoo, and urged upon her the necessity of travelling and of having her Voice cultivated. Alas, the budding lpoal Amy Castles was npt m a financial position to indulge m these luxuries. The Earl did not Intend to let a trifla like that interfere with the lady's musical future, and he thereupon drew a cheque for £20 as an instalment towards her expenses. On attempting to cash it at the Bank the fair ■ioger was informed that the person whose signature was appended to it had no account there* Shortly after this the recently created Countess was informed of the real character of her supposed husband, and her married life and her title came to an abrupt termination. Finding that he had over stayed hia welcome m Canterbury the 11 Earl" left suddenly for parts unknown, to " bob up serenely" at the Supreme Court at Nelion.— Press.

COMMERCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, December 11 The wool sales closed fully 5 per cent, above the opening rates. Melbourne, Dec. 12 Ab fehe wool sales prices for greasy and orossbreds were well maintained. Greasy sold to 16d, and crossbred to 15|d.

ASHBURTON LIVE STOCK MARKET.

(The attendance aft the Ashburton Yards on Tuesday was better than usual, but sheep did not sell so well as last week. The fol lowing prices were obtained :—Butchers' sheep and crossbred ewm 7s to 10a, merino wethers (uniiborn) 12s Id to 12s 3d, cross bred wethers (shorn) 13s, ewes and wethers lls 4d» merino ewes 6a 7d, freezing lamba lie 3d, ewes 12« 8d to 12b 9d, ewes and wethers 12s 8d ; stores—crossbred ewes and lambs 7s 4d to 8a Id, merino wethers (unshorn) 7s 6d, dry crossbred ewes 8s 6 i to fa 3d. Cattle— B&t cows £3 5a to £5 sa, fat heifers heifers and steers £3 lls to £7.

A FICTITIOUS NOBLEMAN.

News in Brief.

Cyclists who have not experienced the senea-ion of a, ride on the "Q n»d" will dave an opportunity of doing so at the Sportb Association meeting next Monday, when Messrs Oatea Lowry & Go's., Zoalandia Qaadiuplet wi'l give au exhibition mile.

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

United Press Association—By Elestri< Telegraph Auckland, December 14 Explosion continues lo be n good favour for the Auckland Cup. He worked this morning over two miles with Pokomoko. 0 urtier when working on the tan, broke the pastern joint of his off hind leg, and [subsequently he was destroys;. C*nme, Chiel, Pitch and Toss, and The Labourer were safely landed from the Tarawera this morning. St Paul has gnne amiss and has been scratched for all engagements. j

THE LIBERAL SOCIAL.

The social m the Oddfellows' Hall last night was well attended quite three hundred people bung present. It was organised by i the women supporters of Mr John McLach lan, M.H.R , and was given m honor of hia successful candidature m the recent parlia mentary. The social was under the pre sidency of Mrs W. W. Smith, and the excellence of her management and the work of her committee was manifest m the admirable arrangements that had been made and the manner m which they were carried out. The hall was beautifullj decorated withfliga, and the stage with evergreens and flower?, while the latter was also arranged and furnished as a drawing room— the whole making a mo«t effective and pretty picture. Mr and Mrs McLachlan were present as invited guests, and they were presented each with a handsome bouquet, with streamers of McLiohlan tar tan, and m acknowledging honor done to Mrs McLachlan and himself. Mr McLach lan expressad his gratitude and the pride he felt m occupying the position m which he had been placed by the energetic and united efforts of so very large a number of tho electors of the district. He assured them that nothing would be wanting on his put to deserve the honor that had been cWie him, and to be worthy of the responsibility that had been placed m his hands Bis speech was short, because they had doubtless j heard plenty from him during the campaign, and as that evening was to be devo'ed ' to a timß •• when youth and pleasure maet," he would not curtail it by political talk, but thanked them again by way of conclusion* Dancing went on with tin digging spirit to the music of Mr Gates' band, relieved at intervals by pipe music supplied by Piper Murdo McDonald and Piper John McLich lan, jun., who were both m tartan, the latter m a fine costume of hia clan, and himself a fea#£/iaZHighlander. Mr McLach lan, jiui., is a young man of splendid physiqu ■, and a company of such men as he would certainly make one oj the kind that it has been ckimed the Highland regiments are made of—overlapping by their individual bulk of body all other companies of the line regiments. He " playß a quid spring" also, and the true spirit of the piper of the heather is m him. A goodly number of kilted men were also present, so thai the '• garb vf old Gaul" Wt»B abundantly m ovidence. Mr R. Frizzelle was the efficient master of ceremonies he always is, and under his charge the daccing was a real pleasure to those who took part m it. The catering was m the capab'o hands of Mr H. H. Capon, of the Juuilee reatautant, and was satisfactory m the highest degree. Altogether the gathering was eminently successful.

The Riccarton Seat

We learn from a private telegram that Mr Russell has been returned for Riccarton by one vote,, the numbers being- Russell 1867 Rolleston 1366

CHURSTCHURCH WOOL SALE.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Christcshurch December 14- The second wool sale of the season com menced this morning 12,000 to 13,000 bales being offered. There waa a large atten dance of buyers. Tne wool waa mostly m splendid condition and a number of station clips was offered including several that have never before been sold locally. Com petition was exceedingly keen through out the sa s. Proceedings were much more brisk than at last sale. A Continental buyer present snapped up the bulk of the merino and a considerable proportion of tho beet) halfbred, while Home buyers and representatives of New Zealand mills were also keen competitors for fine wools' During the forenoou Kaiwara, greasy merino sold up to 14|d, and T. Arm- BtrODg'a halfbred to 13^ \, fine crossbred reaching lO^d* All fine wools showed an advance on rates realised ac tha previous aale. Ifine bright crosebreds also showed an improvement, but coarser grades were without change.

THE LOCAL OPTION POLL.

lively Proceedings at Lyttelton

The Rev. F. W. Isitt and Mr T. E. Taylor addressed a meeting m the Colonists' Hall, Lyttelton, last night, on the subject of prohibition* The attendance was fairly numer>. ous. A motion was passed m favour of " No license." Whilst this meeting was being held Mr W. W. Collins waa addressing an open air meeting of between four and five hundred person- at the railway station on the licensing question from an anti-prohibition standpoint. He was enthusiastically applauded, and at the conclusion of his remarks a rots of thanks was proposed, but before it could be seconded, Messrs Isitt and Taylor arrived on the scene, and the former attempted to B 9tk, but the orowd would not hear him. Mi Taylor then essayed the task, and even tually managed to make himself heard m spits of many interruptions. Some larrikins on the railway bridge went so far as to throw carrots and a rotten egg, and the latter struck Mr Taylor on the back of the neck- Mr Taylor also declared that someone had ■tabbed him m the leg, but m the darkness no evidence of this could be seen by the by standers. The proceedings terminated with hearty cheers for Mr Collins, and some groans for Mr Taylor.— Press

THE AfIHBUBTON GUARDIAN-. THURSDAY, DECEMBER U, 1899.



2£? b Tins Preserved Frcits, apricota and peaches, 8d per tin 2£lb Mounc Hamilton poars lOd tin Pearl Sago or Tapioca 6;b ß , Is Japan Rice slbs Is. or 2M lb Ground Rice 3|d Split Peas 61bs Is, or 2d ?b Pearl Barley gibs Is, or 24d lb Egyptian Lenii;R 3^.1 lb Haricot. Beans 3filb Macaroni and VernDioelli ] 8 10d box ot ffd lb Flag Brand Pickles 9a fid per doz or lOd per bottle C aud B Ourrie Powder 10a per dcz or lid bottle Melkr's Sauce } pint B£d, pints la 3d bot. o" d Perrin'8 Saooefpiatls 4d, pint. i" 6d Our Own Sauce fpint sd, pint 9d Tcmato Sauce 9f» pt-r pint bottle Anch- vy Sauce 1- 3 < pin^ V-ottle I Tobßf c'', *^™*» J^no 6 lbj Nailrod 4^ 6a lh ; Derby 6s 6d ib; Golder ! Engle Ox per lb Candles Paraffioe Wax (plain or fluted 6M p?r lbj National Sperm by ~ bc;^^ d lb ' B^«-oom Candlei Eelf-fi!tii*. 12 fn box, 10.-3; Price CwiagreCandles Band 10 10' packet Ma'cb. p_Pi*idH 4pr cro--8, AM dot IOOcVsUs, Bell's, 4slod doz BA box; l<oo V,*r* s , German. 3a lOd dcz, 4d b.x,; 250 V^aras, Bell's, la 6d dca, 2d box ; Safety's, B and M, 8d packet, small 3d packet Starch, Colman's, g b pkt 5Jd lb I »» Mty, per lib box 6d I Borax Starch Glaze, Is doz ;ifaHmkflt ■-—■ Pears' Faller'a Jiarfch and Violet Powd»r 8d box Camphor, loz blocks 3d, or 2s 3d 6c% Vaseline ftd and 9d jir, lib tins Is 9d Pure Glycerine 6d and 9d hottle Glycerine and Cucumber 10] per botele Hudson's Extract of Soap 9 packets la Pain Siller Is 4d *\ \u- Bonningtonslrian Mobs Is ahdlLs 101 Seigel's Syrup Is 9d and 3* bottle Pills—Holloway's and Cockle's Is 4d box Beecham's and SeigeFe Is 6& box Senna 2d packet, Bpscm Salts fid dos Eno's Fruie Salts 3s 3d bottle Fluid Magnesia Is bottle Hood's and Ayer's Sa»s»pariHa 4s 8d bot Oondy's Fluid Is 6d, Lung Preserver 1 Barry's Tricopterus Is 5d bottle SUNDRIES. Staples 3d lb, s!bs Is Nails 3d Ib, 51bs Is j Boss Lanterns Is 3d each



Golden Syrup 2 b 63, 41b Is, 7tb Is 9d lfbSsSd, 28!b6s6d, 66b118 3d Superior Treacle, 2!b 6d, 41h Is. 7.b 1* 8d f 141 b3h 3d, 28 b 6 , 661 b 10. 9U Ffisenca Rennet 8d and lOd 4»»ttle Neavfc « Food lid, Mellin'a Food ls td Benger'a tood ls lid and;Ss 6d per tin Kobfnson's patent Groats and Barley M per tin * Nelson's Gelatine lc<z. packet, 6J  Isinglass, I.a packet 8d Brown's Corn Flour 3d lb Brown's Mai*? Flour 31 lb Mafp na 8d lb, Qneeu»Und Arrowroot Id Oarfbury 8 Cccoa Jib lOd. *!b Is 8J Van Houtpn'fi Coc« a 3s 3d per lb Fry's Cocoa £b 4Jd. f b 8R lib Is U& ■* uslrbrook'f Cocw J D 4», 7^d Choco ate 4d ri d o ■. pi r c it- c Mik.i.ftMMik 7-. 3.1 d-s. 7ld tin (t Idrn V A le Mi»k 6, 6?d, z6i tin BISCUITS* F*Doy Lurch s^j ib 1 y tin or Sid 16 (oi'.ege  - Bid ib bjrrin, or «d lb Vniu^ Wme  iv ::,« d4ii h, •;, -jus «.■ ;: -jg» Sultsras  ?*^ Snowfiakcs 4jd lb ' et U Water o „ Ginger Nots 6id b ," O r 6d lb Cracknels ls Id lb „ or Is 3d lb



Colonial Essences, 5d par bottle or " *8 per dez per bottle (Lemon, Almond, iv * Va"il/( *. Cochineal, etc) Won-AleoWro Wiiie*, pc ; twwio ■ 1 » onipa Lime Juice , 13 I Sicily Almonds, per lb 1 4 I Jordan Almonds „ 24 FinestDrfed Apples, per lb 0 9  Dried Apricots «, 010  Dried Peachei „ 010 Preserved Ginger n a Mixed Spice, lid per packet, |?b tin 61 Lsmon Syrup, per bottle 1 0 Peppermint Syrup „ 1 Q Pine Apple Syrup  \ q L^mon Squash „ 13 Lime Juice Oordia', per bottle 1 f



1899 CHRISTMAS. 189 a FINEST NEW FBUIT. FINEST NEW PBUIT. AT FLETCHER BROS. CASH SUPPLT STORES. Let the small voice In your will oarr, m .^ ght to ik . WE teSiMaftir&sj^^ selected for our New Zealand Trade The **& T^Tm "^ *T Jpeol»"' excelltd, and the Prices Rock Bottom. *aam7 " Extra Fine, and cannot U ALL oar FRUITS are Gleaned by Machinery.



Full Illustrated Price List, containing 29 pagea, free on application; ! Terms : Prompt NtttCtah with the Orders. FLETCHEE {BROS., cash supply stores - ■■■-.-- EASTBTKEET, ASHBURTON AN D HI BH S TBBBT ; OH WSTOHOaOB Whole,.!, .nd.BekiMgent, be Htoao „! Bl.irt, Bw(Jt



Table Vlnegart6d, 9d, and lOd bottle White Wine Vinegar 9d bottle Washing Soap- silkstone l©d bar orilOs 6d box McLeod's Almond scented 9d bar. 10s 6d box Bawling's almond scented, 9d mr, ds lid box Domestic, 6d bar, 7s lid box Boad's Olbsneer, 6d bar, 63 3d box Barilla Ash 9d bar Sunlight so«p Is per box, 4|d bar Lifebuoy (Carbolic), Is 4i box, 6d;b^r Toilet Soap—Pear's assorted tablets, 4 m box, Is box Pear's unscented tablets, 6d each, SiSd doz Oieaver's Shaving Sticks, 9i each Brown Windsor, lib bar lOd, 10 tablets for la Glycerine X»ap, £lb bars 4d, lib bars 8d Whiting Id per lb, 7s 6d cwfc. Hops, loose, Is 4d, and Is 6d lb pressed Bovril Is 9d and 3s bottle Liebig's Extract Meat Is 9d per jar Washboards, wood, lid, zinc Is 2d American brooms Is 3d, la 6d, Is 9d, Is lid Fresh Ground Coffeel Is 4d, Is 6d and Is 8d lb



Day & Martin's paste Blacking,doz.fO 4$ Nixry's Black Lead per doz. 0 9 Peerless Glois p«r bob. 0 8 Black Lacquer, (Casie Brand) bot. 0 9  m tins 0 7 Brunswick Black, per tin 0 7 | Keen's Oxford Blue, per lb 0 10 ' Pcckitt's Rag Blue, „ 010 St Georgo'et Blue, 0 8 Colman's D.S F Mustard, lib tins 1 8 j #D tins 10|d, |lb tins 6d ! Keen's Mustard Condiment per lb 1 3 71b tins 6s 9<l Finest Dsiry or Table Salt, 5s per cwb „ ,- Salt, 71b bag Bd, Htb bag, Is 3d Gir ger, whole Is 3d, ground Is 4d lb White Pepper (guaranteed pure) Is 41 lb Belfast Sheep Tongues, lib Ip, 2lb Is lOd Washdyke „ 2)b Is fid lib Tiu Rabbit m Jelly 7d, 21b, 101 and Is PBBSBKTED FISH. Salmon, Calif roian Bd, Flat 9d, Cutting lOd, Cocktail 11^—par tin Sardines, Albert patent opener Is per tin „ Suoall, 4d and 4|d, large 7d and 7^d Sarf ines, m tomato sauco, 4^d pur tin Morton's Fresh Herrings, fl»t 7d, kip pered lOd, Herrings m tomato sauce lOi per tin Red Herring 9 at Is, or 100 fkh 10-t 81 St*r Brand Mallet 7A per tin Preserved Bloaters lOd rer fcia



Finest Factory Cheeee, per lb 0 6 Lewis' Prize Bacon, by roll or side per I 1) 0 7 L«wia' Prize Huna, per lb 0 8^ St. Gtors;* '> German Sausage, per lb 1 O' Finest Kefir.cd Lard, per tin 0 6 Of ssicated Co3o:*nut  0 8 li'dtnond's B^Mr-g Powder, 6d and lid per sin Walnuts  0 8 I'ea Nats  0 6 lib Tins Sfc Georgd'd Jams, 4s 6d c!< Kan, per tin 0 6 lib Raspberry Jam., So 6d dcz , tin 0 6 lib „ Cros^e aLd Black well's Mar malH^e 0 9 Concentrated Jellies-—L~mon, Rasp bciry, Vanilla- f int packets, 5« 6d do~. per packet 0 6 I)e Vere's Jel y Puwd^rs, Rfsorted flavours, per packet 0 6 Bird Seed—Hemp, Bape, Canary, lb 0 3 Umeed, whole, 3d, crashed, per lb 0 4 CHEMICALS Morton's Cream of Tartar, per Ib 1 3  Carbonate Soda „ OS  Tartaric Acid  110 „ Citric Acid, 3d oz. „ 8 6  Alum, powdered  0 6 „ Refined Saltpetre „ 0 6 „ Borax, powdered „ 0 8  Salphnr „ 0 6 Washing Soda J,, 0 1



FINEST CANE SNGAR, 701 b bae, UiOApho., /a  . «  over weight. g * ***per ba& (Auckland No. 1a) guaranteed FINMBT CANE SUGAR with TEA, 13s 3d p» r TOlh h-» AUCKLAND No. % CANE SUGAR*, with TEA, 111 per 70: b bag. of ,h?fSSS^.SJSSC? SSREfieV 9J Pet lb 6to 3Wb a Bend CRYLON ORANGE PE«^ OK (Golden Tipped) 2a n«rlh n i qa v n» CKYLON PEKOE, from la 3d per lb by 101 b ifn P ' 8 9<J by the Tin* STATION TEA. m Chest* indW Che Stß| Wu m per , b ? 51b™1^r LLER FLOUR ' 2GWb BBg 13S' Wlb rs 6d, Mb B»g 3, 101.



FincßtNew VoatizzaOarrantß 0 6 „ New Sultanas, nothing finer m New Zealand, per lb 7 „ New Spanish Valencia Raisins perlb - «i „ New Valencia Raisins perlb 0 6  Eleme Rai&lns, per lb 0 4h „ New Dates „ 0 6 Fine Muscatels, perlb, 1 0 New Natural Figs „ 0 8 Finest French Prunes, per lb 0 10  Stewing Pruned „ 0 7 New Mixe'i Peel, orange, lemon, and citron, per lb 0 8 71b Tins Best Lemon Peel, per tin 3 9 Barcelona Nuts „ 0 8 Fineht Icing Sugar, per lb 0 6 „ Castor Sugar, per lb 0 5 Finest Cut Loaf Sugar, pet lb 0 3i Crosse and BiackwelPs Essenoes 9d



DAVID THOMAS



T. BULLOCK.



-TTISIT "The Corner" for the best V assortment of Cheap Christmas C*rdi. —Noßsaeoxa an» Hirroßjß. •



BOOT 8! BOOTS Newest Shape Tan Boots 16s 63, 18s, 23s 6d Black Glace Kid Boots, 16a 6d ; Tennis Shoes 15s 6d. Men'a, Women's, and Children's Canvas Shoes. LARGE STOCK It LOW PRICES. SUITS TO MEASURE A SPECIALTY, FIT QUARAN TEED. CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BEOKINGSALB, , Manager,



New Zealand CLOTHINCFACTORY OPECIAL Lines m TENNIS BHIRT3. FANCY STRIPES from 3s 6d, new Patterns. White and Cream Malt Shirts, 4s 6d and 5s 6d. White and Cream Cellular Shirts, sa. The Newest Styles m Fashion Shirts and White Shirts, with fancy Cuffs and Fronts. Men's Panama Straw Hats, Men's Brazilian Straw Hats, Men's Club Straws from 2s, Splendid Variety to select from. Men's Frame Hate, Men's Soft Felts. Men's Tennis Hats, Men's White Felts.



With a view of reducing the church debb, and m order to make the gathering a tho rough success, contributions are invited m the shape of stock, meats, grain, buter, poultry, farm produce of any description to any of the undermentioned stores before that date, and if necessary the goods will be Bent for. The fo lowing have been good enough to store pendiDg the sale on Thursday, 14th Deoember, any goods which may be left by you, viz :—Messrs David Thomas, E. W. Hanmer, Friedlander Bros. (Ltd), and N Z. Farmers' Cooperative Association (Ltd).



ST. STEPHEN'S OHT7ROH. ~|~T has been decided to hold a large GARDEN PAETY, Sale of Work, Goods, Farm Produce, Etc. AT The Vicarage, Ashburton, on THUKSDAY, December U,



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. THURSDAY—Garden Party at Vicarag* grounds :2pm. FRIDAY-Evening Fnytr and Addresi 7.15 p.m. THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. (December 17) 11 a m—Matinr, Hcly Con mnnion and tferrron 3 45 p m— Holy Baptism. 6 30 p m—Evening Prayer and Sermon E A WOODTHORPE, MA., Vicar



FRIEDLANDER BROS,, Ltd' WEST STREET AUCTION MART. JOUR NEXT HORSE FAIR Will bcfiheld ON THURSDAY, Tecember 21, 1899. For which we are now booking outries. JRIEDLANDER BROS., I/rr/} R. FRIEDLANDER, 11 154 Auctioneer;



ARCADE. HORSE FAIR. THUBSDAY, JAST. 11, — 1900 — I WILL hold my Next HORSE FAIR en the above date, B2R WHICH I AM NOW RECEiTING ENTRIES. D. THOMAS, 12 114 Auctioneer.



BATUHDAY,DECEMBEK i€ VALUABLE BUILDING RITE, CORNER OF MOORE AND WILLIAM STREETS. TI/TR T. BULLOUK has received insttuc ItX tions to sell by Public Auction at the Aroade on the above date, on aocuiint of the tfxeeutors m the late Rev. Rates s Estate,— Town Heotion 420, containing \ aore, well situated at corner of Moore and William Streets. Good building site ; first-claae land. Terms at Sale, Note time—ll.3o a m. T. BULLOCK, 12 84 |Auctioneer



SHEEP COUNTRY, leing Rural Bectiouß 31832 and other*, situated about eighteen to twenty miles above Mount Somere Township, A«hburton Gorce. ME T. BULLOO~win offer the above liy Auction, on account of Messrs (mkrick & Co., at the Arcade, on the dale nimed, ab 11.30 a.m, as previously adver tised, T* BULLOCK, i* 8 Auctioneer



BATUKDAY, DECEMBER 16 3040 Ao7i& 3Q4O|



Terms at Sale, which takes place at 11.30 »,m ,„ 7 , T.&BULLOCK, ia i 0 Auctioneer.



SATURDAY, TJKOEMBEiI 16. 55 acr* c s g5 ODD. Near Sea Beach, between Seafield and Kyle TtyTR T. BULLOCK has received m. IT-L struetiona to Sell by Public Auction at the Aroade on the above date, on account and by order of the Mortgagee,— R.S. 27962, containing 55 acres, 1 rood, 22 perches, fronting the sea beach, between Seafield and Kyle, with small building thereon.



JOHN T, GOOCH, GROCER, HARDWARE, CROCKERY, AND PRODUCE MERCHANT' SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS, Opposite Railway Station i Asbjburtoo.



! Ail other Lines for Cash equally Cheap. | I have a Prst-clasa Stock, and you can depend upon civility and attention. I do not require to guarantee full weight, aa I have always treated the Public honestly m this respect. HARDWARE This Department is now complete with a well-assorted Stock, and I feel confident you will find my Prices right. As I am a Specialist m this Line, I do not keep Cheap Goods, but supply First-class articles only at Reasonable Prices. Shoddy Hardware and Enamel Goods are nob worth the room hey occupy. CROCKERY AND GLASSWARE I have just received straight from the Manufacturers a Shipment of Crockery, comprising Bedroom Sets from 10s 6d, White and Gold and other Jugs from 2s 6rt Set, Teapots from Is each, Mason's Jam Jars, i gallon, 7s doeen. Other Lines equally good value. I have a large assortment of Glassware, marked m plain figures, which must be cleared to make room for a Shipment close to hand.



AS this is my first Christmas here, I take the opportunity of informing the "nblic, that they can buy goods of the very best quality at my Store as oheap as any where m Asshbnrton. The following few quotations will show that for Cash I am quits alongside my neighbours :— 701 b Bag 1A Sugar. Us 61 b Box pare Ceylon Tea. 7a lid 2001 b Sack Roller Flour 13s, 501 b Bag „ „ 3 9 10i New Currants, 5d per lb Hew Sultanas, 7d   Elem» Ra'sins, 5i  „ New Layer Muscatels m 51b boxes Alinonde, Is 4 i per lb Icing Sugar, 6i   Destdcated Oocoannt, 7d per lb Essence of Lemon, 5d per bottle Square squash quar's, Is 3d per bottle Cordials assorted, Is   Criam of Tartar, Is 3i „ lb Carbonate Soda, 3d  „



J. T. COOCH, Grocer, Hardware, Crockery, and Produce Merchant. OPPOSITE RAILWAY STATION, SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS ASHBURTON. GROCERIES



AL<0 — A SHIPMENT or CHOICE CfIBISIMIS NOYFLTIES, Direct from Japar. Plcaae send your Orders early and oblige Wn aro Agent i for COLUMBIA, B.S.A. and LOVELL DIAMOND, BICYCLES. CARSON & Co., TEA MERCHANTS AND BLENDERS, GROCERS, AND IRONMONGERS. Importers of Bicycles, Ironmongery, Glun and China. Tanored Street, Ashburton. 112



A SHIPMENT of bigli-clasa English China direct from tha Potteries. All the latest Patterns.



New Currants and Raisins, new Sul t'-tnas and Candid Pee's, new Muscatels "Ed Almonds, now Dossicated Cocoannt and Silk-dresaed Icelng Suuar, new kinds Fruits, including Apricos, Pears, [Peaches, Pine Apple, and Table Plums, The Finest TEAS and SUGARS m Town. NOW LANDING,



CHHISTMAS, 1899. WE HAVE ISOW IN STOOK AND ARRIVING FOR OUR CHRISTMAS TRADE LARGE SUPPLIES



ASHBURTON DRAPERY COMPANY.



SPECIAL Line Dress Gcois 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 Gloves at 2s lid per pair, worth 49 lid Cycling White Lisle Gloves Big Variety Hosiery-~Special value Gentlemen's Ties, Shirts, Collars, and Underwear Special Line Gentlemen's Suits at 29d 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



I- BIG DISPLAY GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS CHRISTMAS SEASON.



12 141



Wanted.



66 V IT ADATIO THE OREAT HERBAL REMEDY. ANOTHER GREAT TRIUMPH OVER " HTDATIDS "



NOTICE is hereby given m pursuance of the Public Reserves Act, 188.5, olauses 5 and 6, that the Ashbqrton Domain will be j seii apart tor the Sports Association's Carni val on MONDAY, the 18th day of Decem ber, inst., on which day charges will be made for admission thereto on the following scale, viz:—For children under the age of 10 years, free ; for each child under the age \ of 15 years and over 10 years, sixpence ; for each person of the age of 15 years &nd over, one shilling; for each hwse, one shilling i for each Trap, one shilling. HUGO FRIEDLANDER, Chairman Aabburton Domain Board. | Aihburtion, December 4,1899, jg jgß.



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAB HOLIDAYS. T7IVERYTHING A Cyclist requires from Hi 6d worth of Graphite to a 1900 Zealandia. Bicycle. Prlee OATES, LOWftY AHD GO BURNETT STREET. Cheapest and best stock m Aahburton.



SOCIETY. LECTURE entitled " Anoient and Modern Rome' by Rev. Father Cooney m the Boys' School, THURSDAY, December 14bh, at 8 p.m. 32 107



TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. TfINTRIESfor Sports close on SATUR IJ DAY at 9 p.m. Prize Money 321&& JOs 6d. Wheel Race J3JSSO. Opening of new Bicycle Track. G. W. ARMITAGK, 12 131 Horn Secretary,



NOTICE is hereby given m pursuance of the Public Reserves Act, 1885, clauses 5 and 6, that the Ashburton Domain will be set apart for the Ariel Bicycle Club's Sport* on TUESDAY, the 26th day or Deoember, inst., on which day charges will be made for admission thereto on the follow ing SBile, viz:—For children under the age of 10 years, free ; for each child under tha age of 15 years and over 10 years, sixpence ; for each person of the age of 15 years and over, one shilling; for each hoise, one shilling j for each Trap, one shilling. HUGO FRIEDLANDER, Chairman Ashburton Domain Board. Ashburton, Deoember 12, 1899. 12 112



WANTED KNOWN—6GODoz9n Tamb lers Just Arrived per s.s. Gothic. Good strong Tumblers 2s 6d per dozen. Jelly and Jam Jars from 2s 6d per dozen at Fletcher Bros. Ashburton and Christ church.



DAHLIAS— Beat named varieties, 5a 6d per di zen; Potatoes, Is 9J per sack; Chick Wheat, Oats, Chaff, etc., at lowest rates—J. Thomas, Havelock Street.



miNWALD—" Tonal, fat's makin' lou i gal saa biyth like." "lb iss the Hee lend tea o' the Mackenzie he ie drinkin', to be surely!" Honda<-Lanka Tea, recom mended by Gudsell, Storekeeper.



NEW FRUITS at lets than Christchurcli Prices at Fletchbr Bros Cash Sup p'y Stores. Fineat New Currants 51 per lb, New Sultanas 7d per lb, New Valencia Raisins 6d and 6£d per lb. Best Cana Su;?ay/ 14a per 701 b bag or with Tea 133 3d per 701 b bag.



STUDY OUR Advertisement on 11 Christmas Parcels." — Nobthcote and Hefford, The Corner.



WANTKD-A Youth f»r an Otfiue. —Ap^ly to Mr C. W. Pctrnell soliuitor. 12 9



WANTED at once—Man as Floor-man j iv Blacksmith shop. Constant em- j ploy men t.—-Apply J. £tkfiien, Blacksmith, j I'inwald. 12 fla I



WAN ti-.D—General Servant, able to do Phiin Cooking.—Apply by letter, Mrs WiLLrAMs, Riveradale, Tinwald. 12 103



ODDFELLOWS' HALL, — MONDAY Night Next. Living Fiap, Union Jack History Characterised, Clubs, Bells, etc. Holiday attraction. 12 134 WANTh'D— A Few Tons of Hay. Will be bought on the field, or to be carted therefrom.—App'y Mail Office.



FOUND— Brindle and white bearded Sheep Bog. Owner em have same on applying at Mail Office and paying expenses



Hotel



FRESH Groper, Soles, and Flounders, also Crayfish, and all kinds of Fmh Fish by Express TO-NIGHT at J H Jewitt's opposite Mail Offioe. 12 140 YT7ANTED at tW^-A Good~Ha^<^Ud. t T Apply Mrs Mullan. Ashburton



WANTED— Good General Servant- Apply Mail Office. 12 137



j A grateful Patient gives unsolicited and valuable testimony to the efficacy of this great Herbal HomHy. Bead carefully and investigate for yourself. 29 PaokingHton sfc., Sb. Kilda. Mr S A Palmer, Vitadatio Institute, Bcmrke et Sir,—As I consider Webbers' Great Herba! Remedy, "Vitadatio," has been the aold means of saving my life I think the least J can do is to haud you this testimonial, so that others suffering the same as myself may know that there is a certain reliable euro fci them m " Webber's Vitadatio," if it is only given a fair trial. The simple facta of niy case are aB foIlowe:~For the past 10 years I have been under thetreafomentof dootore m Fitzroy and S. Kilda, aB well as some of the best m Collins street. Some were of opinion that I was suffering from consumption, whilst others stated ib was pleurisy. At any rate they could give me no relief, let alone cure me. You oan easily imagine that I had little hope of ever being cured. But) one day I noticed an advertised cure by " Webber's i Vitadatio," and the symptoms of the patient being somewhat similar to my own, I thought I would give it a trial, with the result 'thai mnch taking only two large bobbles, I felt after befc'.er, and conMrued the mrdioine. By the time I had taken tight bottles I was wonderfully recovered, bub one day took very ill, and vomited up a lot of slimy matter, which was afterwards examined by the doctor, and pronounced to be Hydatids, I continned to vomit these "Hydatida" for some time, but at last it died away. This naturally left me weak, bub I continued with the •' Vitadatio," and gradually my strength returned, until to-day I can honestly state I have never felt better m the whole of my Hfe. I consider " Webber's Vitadatio " a miracle-worker. I am well-known m Fifzroy, and them are many others just as much astonished at my euro as I am. I shall be pleased to speak to anyone and give them my own experience of the worth of " Webber's Vitadaiio." You are afc perfect liberty to make what use you like of this testimonial. I may add I am now able to do all my own household work ; a thing I have been unable to do for years.—Yours very gratefully, Mrs) CARRIE HOCKING Witness-G X Richardßon, 19/9/99 VITADATI>) IS a TRULY WONDER FUL MEDICINE. Vitadatio sold everywhere, 5s 6d and 33 6d Head Office for N.Z.-39 Wanness Street, Wellington. Ask your Chemist or Grocer for it.



ODDFELLOWS' HALL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 AT 8 P. M.



Bankruptcy Notice. IN BANKRUPTCY. In tho District Court of Ashburton, holden at Aahbnrton In the matter of the Bankruptcy Act, 1894, and m the matter of James McCormiok, of Aehburton, Stable keeper WRITTEN Tenders will be received for the purchase of the Balance of BOOK DEBTS m this estate. Tenders wil! olose on SATURDAY, the 16th day of December, at 12 o'clock noon, and must be addressed to me The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted Particulars and conditions of sale can be seen at my ofiica. JOHN DAVISON Deputy Official Assignee Ashburton, December 14, 1899. 11 135 Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Op glj aad Colds never fails—ls 6,d And <&s 6d



I AM A&ENT FOR KEMPS' PATENT SHEEP-BBANDING LIQUID This Branding Liquid, which has an established reputation m Australia, has lately been introduced to New Zealand. Wherever it has been exhibited it has excited great interest, the trials made oonvincing those who have witnessed them that it should completely revolutionise sheep branding m the colony. It is the only liquid m the market which will brand sheep wet or dry* It ia unaffec ted by heat, and will not run, and is different to all other brands m being absolutely permanent on the sheep. The brand, however, will entire'y disappear when the wool is subjected to the ordinary process of eaou'inp, t-.be y?nr,\ hitherto destroyed bilng thai saved. (Ehis latter is a new and valuable feature, which should not escape he attention of sheep owners: Though the Liquid was introduced to the sheep owners of the South Island only last summer, many testimonials have already been received, which speak In the highest terms as to its value, MADE IN THREE COLOURS !— BLACK, RED & BLUE. PRICES :—ln cases containing two 4 gallon Tins 4j 3d per gallon. In 1-gallon Tins ss.



Samples of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Clover, and other Seeds submitted to Buyers, and highest price obtained AGENT for all kinds of Farm Machinery. 2Jj per cent commission added only to cost price I am a purchaser of all kinds of Farm Produce, Butter, Eggs, Poultry, Beeawax, Honey, Horee Hair ; Cash given BUTTER—Now that the shipping season haa started, I am prepared to treat with farmers for salt butter for shipment Home, Boxes supplied. Call for circular Farmora' and Tradesmen's Boqks kept, Debts collected, Houses let, Farms sold; Trust Money to lend at current rates



NOTICE. I WILL NOT be responsible for any DEISTS contracted by my son, Albert MITCHKLI, JJHN MITCHFLL, 12 136 Tancrei Street, Ashburton "rTt. CiuARK, GRAIN AND PRODUCE BROKER AND GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT, ;Tancrkd Street, Next to McCcnnell and Campion's Stables



Funeral Notices. FUNERAL NOTICE. ITjIHE Friends of Mr and Mhs Iho3. JL Wilson, of Seaview, are respectfully informed that the Funeral of their late beloved son, Arthur, wiit move from the residence of Mrs Cullen, Burnett'. Street, on SATURDAY, 16th iuat., al 2 p.m. for tho Aahburton Cemetery. T. H. UNDRILL & CO., 12 139 Undertakers.



Doors open at 7 30 p m. Admission—-Rsaerved Seat a 3s, Stalls 2s, Pit Is. Box plan now open at H. M. Jones', day sales at M. J. Burgess's and Gates' Music Warshouse. No complimentary tickets. 12 233



SOLOlSTS—Mesdames Burns and John sbon ; Messrs J Paschell and A Millar. Full Chorus and Orchestra—Making a Total of 130 PERFOBMEBS. 130



/^ RAND PERFORMANCE of Handhi/b "MESSIAH" BY THE ASHBURTON MUSICAL UNIQM * Assisted by V( enlists and InetrwaentaHats from surrounding districts, under the direc tion of Mr Hoeacb A Gates,



WANTED, at Once —An All-round Butcher; must be clean m hahfte. —Apply B. Phblan, Butcher and Baker, Rakaia. 12 138



I A Suggestion—Some of the competitors who have entered for tho cycling races on Monday have expressed a hope that the authorities will provide a board visible to all riders, showing as esch race progresses how many laps thoy have to go. JN'ofc I knowing when tho a : fc !ap is near is very inconvenient. One Wat op Getting rr~An Itiah Miner on the drunk with only a single copper m his pocket went into a Cromwell hotel the other day, wondering how ha could get a tot of the " crathur" for hia ppnny. A minute later a man came m and called for a | whisky and soda. •' Yer hanner," cried Pat, [ before he could raise the glass from the counter, "I'll lay ye a copper I'll drink that stuff without lottin' it go down my throat f The man at once accepted the w.sger, and each laid a penny on the counter. Pat swallowed the whisky at a gu Tp t a»d leaving his penny on the counter, walked off " I've ioatj" said he, "and there's my penny!" Wool—The Timaiu Herald gives its farir. ing readers the following advice:—We understand that buyers are ecoaring the country, purchasing wool privately. If such is the case, we think that farmers are very foolish to dispose of their clips m this way ir. the present state of the market. Cables from Home announce a jump &*■. the sales just concluded of 20 per ctnt. to 25 per cent, over prices ruling at the previous sals, and that) prospects are very good. We have heard of wool bought privately at 8(3 and resold m the last Timaru wool sales at 10^. Farmers should support the auction sales, where there are a large number of buyers competing for the wools offered, and who are prepared to give the top value. 11l stands to reason that a single buyer going round the country will endeavour to get the wool at the lowest possible price so as to mskj as much profit out of ir- as possible If farmers wish to study their own interests wo strongly adviae them to submit their wool to auction.



GfcRALDINE STOCK SALE. Ther* was a orgeri nlry of stock b uan at last sale. The sale was brisker than of late and good prices wera realised. Crossbred wethers 13 < 3d, fat croaßbrod ewes 10s 8d to Us 3d, dry ewea m wool 12s 6d, hoggets 83 Id to lla 4.1, oro?sbred ewes and lambs 7s lOd to 9s 2i, m wool 8s 6d to ft) 10 all count, fat lambs Us, fat wethers 13* 8 ), two and four tooth ewe-< and wethers lh) 7J.— Fat cows £4 to £5 sa, do steers £5, cows m profit £3 5% yearling 453, two , y ar oldsfc-era, £2 16s to £3 4s 6d, springers £4 fco £2 15s. I



ewes 9^ Id, 62 fat merino wethers 12? 3d, 20 fat half hied ewea 10s 6d, 8 fat wethers 13} 3d, 25 fat cro^bred ewes 9i 10J, 26 fat iambs lla 3,1, 154 hilf! red wethers 13a 9d, 35 cros.sbri»'t wethers 12< 8-i, 149 trossbred ewes and 161 Inmbs 8s Id all counted, 100 merino wethets 11* 6^, 35 crossbred ewes and 33 lambs 8- 91 a'l c-uo'.ed : 3 fat steers £3 15-s 4 fat catila £3 17a 6d, i fat cow £4 15s, 3 fat steers £4 ss, 1 epr'nger £2 17s 6d.



A Floating Island.—A Napier resident, who is on a short; holiday at Pohui, writes to a contemporary, stating that there is a floating Island on a lake there ab the back of the new hotei. He adds : "On Thursday evening about six o'clock several of us saw this Island, formed of raupo and rushes, float frem one side of the lake (several hundred yards) to tho other against the wind. It is a most remarkable sight, and has aaused end less discussion at Mrs Joshua's hotel. King, Who has lived at Pohti fcr something like the lass 10 years or more, Bays that he has noticed this floating mass for years. I am perfectly positive that it is not a whisky creation, as you may imagine."



Messrs Friediander Bros , Limited, report upon the live stock market for the week efidiog December 13 as follows :~Ab the Ashburton yards on Tuesday last the usual weekly sale was held, the attendance being much larger than has been the case recently. [The entry, which was only moderate, was principally made up of butchers' sheep with a few pens of freezers. Bidding for all lines Wai brisk and prices showed an improve ment on late rates. The totals yarded for the day consisted of 1640 sheep and 48 cattle, of which our entry wrb7B4 sheep and 15 cattle, the whole of which we succeeded (a disposing of at the following; prices ,—1,5 fab crossbred ewes 9a 31,30 fat halfbred ewes 9b 53, 9 fab crossbred ewes 8* 4d, 30 fat ewea and wether* lls 4d, 46 balfbred ewes Ss 3d, @ {it mttino ewe* 6a Id, Z\ fob oiwbred