COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held to-day. Present -i-AH the members, Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.8., chairman, presiding. chairman's statement. The Chairman's statement ran as under :— The Secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board draws the Council's attention to the fact that the election of a member for that Board by this Council takes place on Mon day, February 13 next, j Perhaps it would be more convenient to the members of this Council if the ordinary monthly meetirg was also held on that day, and so avoid two meetings Jin that month. The Minister of Crown Lands forwards copy of section of the Act providing for the transfer of cattle market site vested in this Council, to the Ashburton A. »nd P. Association. The Secretary ofkthat Association conveys the thanks of the Aesoeiatioa for the considerate and courteous manner in which this Council has helped the Association in acquiring a permanent show ground. The Secretary of the Chertsey Cemetery Board sends a petition requesting thab this Council will take the necessary steps to have the Chertsey Cemetery vested in the South Rakaia Road Board. The Committees appointed by this Council re Doric irrigation supply, water charges to the Belfast Freezing Company and Cameron's intake, have all met, and will present their reports to-day. Messrs Ballan tyne and J. McLaughlan apply for reduction of water charges on account of shortage during the summer months of laßt year. The Wakanui, South Rftkaia, and Longbeaah Road Boards write pointing out that the present manner of payment of birds' heads is not satisfactory, and recommends that the old system of payment of eggs and heads be resorted to again. engineer's report. The Engineer's report was read as follows; — Ashburfion-Rakaia Water Supply.—The service in this district continues to be satisfactory. The supply of E. races from Pudding Hill was partially turned off for a week to admit of the pile driving and sheet ing of a small wing-dam adjacent to the Weir for the purpose of deflecting accumula tions of silt, etc., from the inlet to the waste channel. This work has been finished, And is likely to prove effective. The altera tion of race at north-east belt has been completed, and the pipe junctions fixed as Arranged. The enlargement of race from Wincbmore to the freezing works has also been finished, and water led in to the large reservoir there, which has been excavated out of the shingle. The supply in Wakanui creek has reoently been partially shut off, to allow the Wakanui Road Board to put in some concrete culverts on some of their roads crossing the creek, and arrangements can now be made for keeping up the race supplies, whether the creek is off in whole or in part. The Committee's report on tha question of irrigation of small areas in tha i)oria district will be placed before you fco-day. The rangers' reports contain some oases of obstructing and tampering with races for irrigation purposes. These will have to be dealt with. On account ot defective maintenance) the Council has had to clear several races at owners' expense. In connection with this question I may say there is now a good deal of arrears due for race cleaning, which the Council has had to do from time to time during the last few months. .• Mount Somers Water Supply.—The races for the most part are in fair order, and have a good supply. Ashburton-Rangifcata Water Supply.— There is a good supply throughout this •i district, but all the races are not yet in , X good order, the work of clearance done in _eever*l of them being of too flimsy a «^''^axacter, I expect, however, that all menfc ial&ionai work necessary will be completed DiT4re the end of the month. The repairs umes, sheep bridges, etc , have been Nel^ -"d to wherever required. A-*. -;fmna Water Supply, ■—I have now i prepared all the data necessary for the call? ing of fEfish tenders for the works from r- &>"~~'' Torge, and these iray be in either refeftaiiCPstftr 9 February or March meeting, as the Ohrlstcl. jacil may.-decide. Owing to harvest hoar of sailing ; otora will not be able to For further t>ar*' Alternative fie called bo as to provide for *'p- or exclusion of proposed No. 2 t, according as the vote for the ■ ,■ ■ :.-.■. . ... ;«BaJl district might be favor-

borough. The connection was made to enable the county races supplied from that source to be maintained. He would oppose the adoption of such a jeport. (There would be no finality to the principle that) it would introduce. Mr Stitt spoke in favor of the report. The CLairman said he did not wish to bake the poaition of special pleader for the actionß ot the Council in the past, but he aaked them not to forget that the cocksfoot cold frnrn the re&erve in connection with the storm ohannel paid for the cost of mainten ance. Iho making and maintaining of Ash burton river connectiona were necessary to supply rices wh:ch were a source of revenue to the Ash' urton-Rakstia district. He could not, get Hway, however from tbe legnl posi tion of the question as pu f before thfm by their solicitor, and he warned the Council '■ hafc, however this report was dealt with now, it did i ot se tie seve al questions thai would ariae out of it. Mr Williamson also spoke, pointing out that the Ashbur^on river supplied the mil', some of the Wakanui acd tke Sen tield settlers, and the connections were made for these, and not for the borough, who had paid all that the County Council had asked of it. He did not like the look of the ques tion which the repoit and tho solicitor's opinion presented, and he feared it would be a large one. Mr Holmes spoke at length in reply. He contended that the storm water channel was not made go relieve the races, but diverted storm water from land north of the town of Methven and brought down to the railway at Cairnbrae, and did not touch the races at all. He had travelled in the railway nob long ago through two feet of water that extended for two miles. The storm water channel had nothing to do with the races either directly or indirectly. It was absurd for the Chairman aud Messrs Williamson, Herring, and Harper had said that the question could not now be opened because it was against the Uw. There was no statute of limitations either in law or in common sense against righting a wrong, and if the Council refused to adopt the report they put themselves in the position of refusing to right a wrong which they had themselves inflicted. Ultimately consideration of the report was postponed, to admit of the finding of certain documents by the clerk, which would throw further light on the subject, (Left sitting.)

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for tba opinions expressed by oar correspondents)

PROFESSIONAL CYCLISTS AND SPORT.

TO THE EDITOE.

Sir, —Now that the chief cycling everts of the season are over, we may juab take a brief review of the situation, The public have been much edified by the attempts of the amateurs of the colony to compete with the professional paid riders of the cycle manufacturing firms. The said professional riders have of course had a high old time raking in the dollars provided so liberally for them by the clubs of the amateurs. I say amateurs because none of our local riders for instance are anything but amateurs, thafe is to say they merely devote a portion of their spare time to cycling, and although they elect to take cash for their prizes— when they can win any—they are practically only amateurs. But to return to the question J intended to deal with when com mencing this letter, and that is the action of the cycling cluVs id providing large Bums of money annually chit fly for the benefit of men who are already paid handsomely to ride, and whose employers would be well satnfled with rcoring a win merely for its value as an advertisement. People are now beginning to ask how long the cyclists them selves, I mean those who form the clubs and promote these race meetings, are going to play and pay into the hands of the cycle firms and their employees ? Every body can see .that although an amateur now and then "gets home"—his case only makes one of the few exceptions, and the whole of the condition and surroundings of the race are effected by the admission of the professional paid riders amongst the competitors. The sooner the clubs awake to the necessity for making the professional riders compete amongst themselves and bar them from the races which should be confined to the cash amateurs, the better it will be for the latter, the public, and the sport itself. 7he paid riders are no doubt honest men, but their aims in a race are not always in accord with what the public would wish to seej and their inclusion in the best races got up by the cycling cluba is a serious mistake. Oqe had only to watch the proceedings of the paid riders at the various meetings recently held to see that the raoiug is a perfect farce when their tactics are adopted by the competitors, which, I regret to say is generally the case now, except when an inexperienced country rider with some unexpected qualifcy about him upsets tbe little game. But when this happens the offender seldom gets another chance. What with watching him and blocking him or even buying him over, he is seldom heard of any more unless he too oan get a billet as a paid'rider. I think this condition of things calls for decided action on the part of the cycling clubs and in the interest of the majority of their members and of a very fascinating sport, I truab they will take it.—l am, etc., OjjSERYEB-

Latest Items.

Tip Union Jack,—A very good descrip tion of the Union Jack ia given in a neat little calendar issued by Mr A. H. Williams, bookseller and stationer, of Taocyad street. Ojpn Age Pension.— Over 100 claims for old age peußiona have been tiled at Napier. The Registrar will commence hearing claimants next Monday .—Press Association telegram. Horse Fair.—Mr D. Thomas offered a catalogue of about 180 horses at his fair iu the Arcade to-day. The demand for young sound horses still holds good, as high as £37 being obtained up to 2 o'clock. The attend ance of farmers and outside buyers was large. A full report wiil appear in a later issue. A Nj?w Year's Message From tub QtnsßN.—-On New Year's Day (says a Press Association message from Wellington) the Governor, at the request of the Premier, | sent the following cable message to the I Secretary of State for the Colonies: — ! •' Please to inform her Majesty that the people of New Zealand are desiious of send ing their affectionate personal and heartfelt wishes for a bright and happy new year." On Thursday his Excellency received' the following reply from the Secretary of State's —" teiee'n command*! me to! express hat thanks to people of Mew Zealand, and, further, I am commanded to convey to them her good wishes for new year."-

News in Brief.

A child has died at Waimate from the effects of eating unripe fruit. The New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Limited, has purchased the freehold properties lately ocoupied by Messrs Hanmar and Graves, and ' will remove to those premises next week. A lumber-man on the St. Lawrence river, whilst engaged raft building, fell into the water. He clung to a log, but the current' carried his body underneath it, and as he struggled to raise himself he caught sight of his own feet sticking out of the water on the other side of the log. A comrade was about to help him out but he called out, ""Never mind me ! Swe tb,sb other man who. ia in head irstj' 1 ,; ;.

SPORTING.

United Press AenndaHon— By Electric Telegraph.

IS'apjer, January 6. ' Mr 8. H, Gollan has ditp--Bed of (he race* horsa Tirant D'Eau to an English buyer. The name of the purchaser and amount has not transpired.

THE FREDOS

This popular coterie of entertainers, after an absence of three years, m '.k<» fhtir re ftpprar&nc« tit the rddfel lows' ITaH nex( Tuesday for a ahort season. Thi > company do not let the gries grow under their feet, for since their last viait here they have had two touring trips through the Pac:fic. embracing besides Australia, Samoa, F/ji, I Tonga, the Society Islands, Raratonga and I Tahiti The show has been entirely re orgaoistd. The only two adult peiformers art) Madame and Mr Fredo. The eldest of the others is Kadamo, one of the Japanese, 18 The others range down to 11 yearsof age. Each "f theße young performera play one, two, and three instruments each, including mandolines, guitars, violins, cornet and piano Their violin act is» said to be extra ordinary, three performers continue their violin playing, upside down, throwing sommersaults, or built up three high on each others upturned feet, The wonderful eynlu tions of Teronoski the Japanese, together with his butterfly fanning and top spinning are nob the least of the attractions. Madame fredo is to the fore with some splendid new aerial sensations. Bubbles and Lar, the two well-known baby performers have several new "turns," while La Pitite B*Ue has more thaa one card up her sleeve. The Predo's are real favourites in Ashburton, and are known as purveyors of good wholesome fun and amusement- We believe the manage ment intend to charge only a popular pribe, and we predict for them a most successful season.

rflE A^HBtJWfOtf : FKtDAt JINUABIT 6, 1899



NEW CUREANTB, NEW JfAISIN?, iNEW SULTANAS, f FLETQHER BROS. TTAVS Just received per b.p. Delphic the following NEW FUUITS dir«ct from ' i,i Wn«k^?^ ao m ßay that thiß i8 fche Fineßfc Shipment thUSe»«ob. The Prices are the LOWEST m Town, and the Quality Is Second to None. i 150 Oases new Vostisz^i Currants ICO Casra Finest Sultanas iW Uases new Valencia Raisins 25 Trays Spnnish Muscatels 26 Boxes Turkey Figs 4Di uma French Prunes \ . ■ SOBoxes Finest MalagaPatea 25 Ota 2£"b tins Cottion Preierrei : 1 Tank new Nuts, including Brazil, Bar- Fruits, Reaches, Pear", Sd AmSS ■ ceiona, Almond, etc. ALSO THE FOLLOWING"i;OR r'OU:R CHRISTMAS TRADE ; ?S I-" 8 snwtw5 nwtwV mon E ee! licwfcMorton'«Mi«dSplee 15 Cases Assorted Cordials 5 cwt English Jujubes 20 Oases Ship Lime Juice 20 cwt Fancy Confectionery 10 Cases Dried Apricots, Peaches, etc Etc. Etc. Etc OTJJEfc PROVISION DEPARTMENT 13 STOCKED WITH THE FINEST GOODS PROCURABLE, | s..Ajl will be seen by the following:— \\- LEWIS'S Prize Bacon, Sides, Rolls and Hams (Pale or Smoked). Stirling Factory Full Cream Cheeses This Cheese always takes the First Prial wherever shown, and obtains the HighesrPr'fie in theflome Markets. ■■';■ 2ib tins Refined Lard 21b tics Corned Mutton - iJfcl 21b tins Corned Beef gib tins Roast Mutton Tl 1 and 2lb tias Sheep Tongues 21b tins Boiled Mutton 'y 2 b tins Stewed Tripe 2!b tins Curried Mutton \&-.h \ u !',"■ «P p!,e Pttddinß lib tins Oxford Sausage WJ 1 b tins Black Currant Padding lib tins Irish Sausage t n uf £ 00, Mberr? F addinß lib and 21b tioa Rabbit in Je% >¥? Locktail,S»lmon, SftJmonlCutlete, Morton's and Marshall's Hwringi in Tomato Saoc* ?<■■■% Star Brand Mullet, etc., etc. ;': PRESERVfKC SEASON / \ PRESERVING SEtSOU '§ 1898-09. mm A I 1898-99 -■";; BRASS Vii^i^^Mif heavy&lightknami*- • Preserving Pans VBW Preserving Pans' Brewers' Crystals. Brewers' Crystals. Is acknowledged to be the Finest Piessnring Sugar on the Market. Being much stronger than the ordinary Sugar it is therefore mere Kconorrica', »cd Jams and Jeliiei maae with it are much firmer ivr d clearer. Used by all lhe 1 rincipal Jam Factories in ihe Australian Colonies. Occe used always used. We also etcck Auckland No. 1 A Sugar and Miliiquiu. tiA m JARS°{ every defcription in Stock, ircludirg Mnrcii'a lirproved Ferew Top • Jars, Nests of Jelly Jars, Nests of Jam Jsrs, Tie Dowt. Jars, etc, etc. Krquire our pneo before buying eJsewlurp. u,^r 5 A? THEI1WARE & CHINA WARE DEPARTMENT is hfavily etot-ked with Ooods for our Christmfts Trade. IcFpecdou invited, FLETCHER" BROS., cash supply stores EAST STftRET, ASHBURTON, AND EIOE STREET, CHRISTCHURCR, ielephone24 Box 67 NEW FRUITS. — NEW FRUITS. 50 CASES FINK&T NEW CUftR.AKTS 50 100 BOXES PEW V.LEXC-A RAISINS ]^00 100 BOXIS FINEST NEW SULTANAS JOO N.B.—All our Fruits are WASHED and DRIED by Patent Machin ery, being ready for immediate use, therefore saving much time and trouble in cleaning. W7E Have Just Landed the followiog Seasonable Goods-- JO owt Finest Lemon Peel 2 cwt Finest Mixed Spice 10 owt Finest Orange Peel 20 doz Bottles Lemon f quash f> owt Finest Citron Peel 12 doz Bottles Raspberry Syrup 0 cwt Choice New Figa 12 doz Bottles Lime Julea (Ships 2 cwt New Malaga Muscatels 2 Gross Packets Jelly Tablets 1 cwt New Jordan Almonds 1 cwt Dried Peaches 2 cwt New Season's Dates 1 cwt Dried Apricots 5 cwt Assorted Nuts (Barcelona, 2 cwt Choice New Prnneß Almond, and Walnuts) 2 cwfc Real German Sausage 10 cases, 2lb tins, Fruit (Peaches, Pears, 6 doz tins Chicken in Jelly and Apricots) 8 doz tins Turkey in Jelly SUGAR. - SUGAR. - SUGAR MAURITIUS AND MILLIQUIN CANE SUGARS ALWAYS IN STOCK. • The Most Reliable Sugars that: can be used for Jam and Jellies. JAM XARS.~~ W ~™ JAM JARS- We have a Large and Assorted Stock of Jam Jars, including 21b Stone Jars, lib and 2!b Glass Jars, 1-quart and Mason's Patent Screw Top Bottles, which we are offering at Low Prices. TEAS TEAS. TEAS. TRY OUR PURE CEYLON TEA, Packed in and lib packets, 51b and 101b tins, A Pungent and Good Liquoring Tea. Special Quotations for Tins and £-chest». ftp" We make a Specialty of Tea. The Best Value given in Ashburtoo. WINES AND SPIRITS. WE are now PaekiDg Special Aborted Oares for the Christmas Trade. English and Colonial Bottled Alos and Stout, Manning's Celebrated Ale 1b 10 gallon k«s« always in Stock.- Golden Apple Champagne Cider. ' ' '■;._ 8 , Order* by Post despatched with Punctuality. Goods delivered Daily: SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, WINE AND SPIRIT MKPOHANTS, MARKET HOUSE, BUEHETT STREET, ASHBURTON. (Telephone No 53 MELLOR'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE ALWAYS TO THE FRONT. "OOR GOOD OHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES WE STAND ALONE, We do the Leading Trade, and we mean to keep it. NOTE OUR PRICES—Men's Good Shooters, 9a 6d; Children's Ankle Straps Is t Ladies' Pretty Shoes, 4s lid and 5s 6d j Men's Good Bluchers, 4s lid. Thousands of other pairs at the eame Catting Prices, IF You want a GOOD EASY BOOT, one thab will stead the we*r, b* son you go to ■ MELL O R'S jM ZEALANDIA BOOT STQJIP^



PTJT.'C NOTICES AC KN^7wLl"r j7GM KiN T™ MR & MRS JUHN HJBFFORD desire to express their most sincere thanks to those friends and neighbors who sympathised with and helped them in their late bereavement. • IL7 ASHBURTON Ko~ 2 INDUSTRIAL BUILDING SOCIKIY. ALL °übrcrfptior.B stnrt from TUESDAY, 3rd January, 1899 Payable, at the I Office of the Society, Cameron Street, on : every aecond TUESDAY fiom 7 to 8 30 p.m. FRED MAKEIG, 1 77 Secretary. AUSTRALIAN MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY. NEW ZKALAND BRANCH : j Head Office. Customhouse Quay, | Wellington. Local Board of Directors : The H•■n. Morgan S. Grace, M.D., 0 M..G , M.L O. (Chairman) The Hon. Chajles J. Johnston, M.L.O, (Deputy Chairman) Alfred de Bathe Brandon, Esq. The Hon. Edward Richardson, OMB. ML.C. John Duncan, Eeq. HP HE Oldest, Wealthiest, and most JL Prosperous AUSTRALIAN LIFE OFFICE AND THE LARGEST IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE. The only Mutual Life Office which do. clares A BONUS EVERY YEAR The Method of Valuation adopted by this Society is of the most stringen Character, and Ensures s larg«r Reserv | to meet Liabilities than thatfseJd by any other Office In the a ustra]a^|ar>TColQiii«e« ACCUMULATED FUNDS EXCEEDS £14,500,000 ! (FOURTEEN AND A HALF MILt IONS) STERLING ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS £2,000,000 (TWO MILLIONS) STERLING. Policies in force 134,000 Rum Assured £41,726,041 Uash Bonuses Dividid ... £7,726,170 BONUSES. Caßh Bonus for one year, 1897. £449 268 yielding Reversionary Bonusf s amount ing to £835,000, alter making 6peoia reserves. C«tsh B ; nuses declared for last five y>ar» over Two Million?, yielding Revtrsinn ary Bounties txc.-;edtug Four Millions ASSURE YOUR 1 IF» IN THE AMP, hiCIHI'IY, And Pccnre a BONUS ftVKKY YE\R. Expci ses of Management— 8| Per Cent* I on the Total Income. EnWABP W. Lowe, Resident Secretary, Branch ( ffice— Custom Houte Qu-»y, WelHr)j»ff n. James Hair, Difetrioc Secret <ry. Dis'rich Office Cathet'ral Square, Chriatc^tir h DRINK DiLIOIOUS PERFECT IN QUALITY, FLA7OH AND BLEND. Packed >o Tins, the delicate Aroma Abaolutely Preserved. OBTAINABLE FROM ALL GROCKRfe Trust and Agency COMPANY OF AUSTRAL ASIA, Ltd. incorporated 1860. authorised capital £2.ooo,<xk> SUBSCRIBED £1,750,C00 BE-ERVE FUNDS (British Consols, etc.) £200,000 SOLICITORS AND AGENTS. Messrs Wynn- Williams and Brown, Christcnurch. Mpstb Chapman and Tripp, Wellington. Mesara Sainsbury and Logan, Napier. Head O93ce in New Zealand— 211, HEREFORD STREET, CHRIST CHURCH. £30,00(fto Lend at 5 per cent. ON FREEHQLBi FARM LANPS, Advances ban be repaid afc six monthh' DOtiee, and even sums up to three-fifths o amount borrowed can be paid off at aDy time by giving three months' written notice. JAS. NATHL. HAMER, Manager and Inspector for New Zealand* ' 215 Persons troubled with diarrhoea will be interested in the experience of Mr W; M. i&uttb, clerk of Hotfl Dor ranee, Providence, t^l. He says ; " For several years I have been almost a constant sufferer from diar. rl.qn, the frequent attacks completely pros trating me and rendering me unfit for my duties at this hotel. About two years ago a travelling salesman kindly gave me a small bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera, and Diarrbce* Remedy. Much to my surprise and delight its effects were immediate. Whenever I felt symptoms of the disease I would fortify myself against the attack with a few doses of this valuable remedy. The result has been very satisfactory and almost complete relief from the affliction." For pftle by the ASBBUfiTcw p^ya qqupwx



SPECIAL EXHIBITION CHARMING NOVELTIES. ANDREW ORR, T8 making a GRE .T SHOW of Choice Goods in MILLINERY, HATS, BONNETS, UP-TO-DATE JACKETS AND CAPES, OftOIOE COSTUMES, CLOTH FOR COATS AND SKIRTS. ORDERS TAKEN FOR TAILOR-MADE COSTUMES. SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF NKW DRRSB MATERIALS. B >y ß ', Youths' and Men's SUITS of Best; Colonial Made Materials. JLIJNOJL.It; UMLB Ac FLOOKOLOTHS, Lovely Designs, all Widths and Patterns. SPLENDID STOCK OF LADIES', CHILDREN'S, AND GENTLEMEN'S BOOTS AND SHOES. ENGLISH AND COLONIAL. ' Jusb Opened 100 Dozen MEN'S NEW TIES AND SCARVES, at HALF PRICE. ANDREW ORR. SPRING 1898 SUMMER ,^. i ! "TTTB Beg to advise Our Customers and the Public generally that each Department in our Establishment is now Thoroughly Stocked with]Nove!« ties for the Season, In oar Household Furnishing Department Will be found a Choice Variety of new Patterns in Oilcloths and Linoleums, together with full ranges of Lace Curtains, Quilts, Art Muslins, and all sizes in Carpet Squares, Bugs and Mats, THE DRESS AND BLOUSE MATERIALS Are especially worthy of a visif, as we consider the goods in these Departments i exceptionally well selected. i AS USUAL OUR Millinery & Mantle Showroom Is replete with Stylish and Fashionable examples of Art, which Ladies cordially invired to inspect. AT OUR CLOTHING AND MERCERY COUNTERS The chief attraction is the unique Selection of Gentlemen's Ties and Shirts, the Large Stock of Suiting Tweeds. (o) Wefare in .Business. We want to be busy, and to keep busy, therefore it is to our interest to serve you aa well as possible. If you give us your patronage we will deserve it. The best service on'y can do this. We try to make a better servi< e impossible. ' 0' ■""""■■ -"■"">■» fgT We find that the demanis made on our Dressmaking Department tna'te it compulsory for us to decline to make up Costumes other then thoso purch; sed a- our Establishment, MITCHELL & TURNER. WOOL. WOOL. WOOL. I AM NOW MAKING Liberal Cash Advances Against Wool s PLACED is my hands for SALE in ASHBURTON or ELSEWHERE. / x \ HIHE CANTERBURY WOOL SALES have been fixed as follow!, viz:— Ohdstchurch Sales on DECEMBER IS, 1898, and JANUARY 13, FEBRUARY 10, 1899. Timara SaIes—DECEMBER 2, DECEMBER 30,1898, and FEBRUARY 8,1899. I shall be represented at BOTH PLACES, and shall be glad to reoeire consignments, which will have my Personal Supervision. Wool intended for me at Chrlstchurch Sales should be consigned to Canterbury SBBD Company's Sidxno, Addington, acoount ]). Thomas. Wool intended for me at Timaru Sales, please consign to Messrs Guinness and LbCbkn, Timaru, account D, Thomas. I have made satisfactory arrangements for disposing of Clips privately, either on the Farm or in my Store. Clients will do well to give me notice when they are ready. Woolpaoks, Branding Oils, Twine, and other Requisites Supplied. Fortnightly Sals of Sheepskins, Fab, Hides, every alternate MONDAY throughout the Season. D. THOMAS, 10 187 ASHBURTON. CHRISTMAS AT THE DUST PAN. HURRAH! HURRAH! WE'LL SOUND THE JUBILEE, fax OLD FATHER CHRISTMAS & SANTA GLAUS intend to put up at THE DUST PAN for the CHRISTMAS SEASON. THEIR CHARIOTS ARE LOADED WITH TOYS TOYS TOYS TOYS AND DOLLB DOLLS POLLS DOLLS THE LATEST 'THE FUNNIEST ' THE BEST ;i: ! ■ in thb town. All IKW AZ,V VKW AM NBKtf ' Come and Bee ' v* . Come and See Come and See CHRISTMAS * NEW YEAR CARDS-Unsoiled, Artistic, Beautiful and New. JfA'NCY GOODS,- FANCY GOODS, STATIONERY, STATIONERY, Etc. I>ayi» > The Prize Winner, the Best, Beat all ojmers at SewiiifT JMLoolilne > Exhibitions O'egJjEfis JPerointmlatoris—The Cheapest and Best. Christ church Prices Masssey-JEEarriM JBicycle—Sub- AGENT f.or this First-Clasa Machine. THE DUST PAN. ABBESS—NE&E BANK OF NEW ZEALAND, EAST STREET, ABHBURTON. M. J. BUKGESS. i



Wanted. FOR SALE—Raspberries for Jam, 6d per lb ; ripe Gooseberries, ljd per lb, —G. Peakce, Allenton. 126 WANTED — Good General Servant, Apply Mrs John Orb, Alford Forest Road. 1 29 ON and after this date Poison in quantities will be laid on my grounds for Doga and Fowls—H. 0, Turner. 1 84 WANTED Known—Sun Bonnets, Ladies and Children's Under • clothing. Ladies' own material made up at Mrs Hooker's, Alford Forest Road. 1 30 TV/TADAME GlßßlS—Palmist, and Phre -I.VJL nologist. Questions answered on health, marriage, and business. Address— Wheeler's Boarding House, Wills Street. _I_ll "OEVIEW of Reviewß for December JEii Christmas Number London Ncwb Pears' Annual, Sketch, New Year Cards Views of Ashburton, Christchurch, and the Colony, each album making a suitable memento to send to friends as a New Year card,—H M Jones' MRS ROBINSON, dash Purchaser of Ladies', Gentlemen's, and Children's lefti-off Clothiog, and all hinds of goods, Ladies waited on at their houses. Note address : Mrs Robinson, Wakanui Road, Baring Square. 11 123 MRS ALCORN has in stock Stamped Mount Mellick, Lace, Cross-stitch and Mayence Work, White Jean, Linen Java and Congress Canvas, Transfers, Foundation Monograms, Woven Initials, Lace Pins, Stretcherg, Single, Shaded and Double Berlin Wools, Reliable and Buttei fly Wools, Perline Arasene. Filosslls, Crewel Kmbroidery and Silks, Knittings in Tartans and Colours, Macrame Bags and String, Weldon's Needle work Books, Perforated Cardboard, Ivory Crochet Cotton au<l Materials for Faocy Work generally. 10 32 Funeral Notice. FUNERAL NOTICE. niHE Frießds of Mr and Mrs Philip JL WiHiams are respectfully informed that the Funeral of their late beloved son, Charles Frederick, will move from their residence, Trenodden, South Road (near Aahburton Saleyards), on SUNDAY, Bth insb., at 230 p.m., for the Ashburton Cemetery. BAKER BROS., 1 28 Undertaker!?. HENRY STEPHENSOmT" SPECIAL ENTRY. SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1897. A CHOICE selection of Italian Marble Statuary, Vases, Baskets, Ornaments, Works of Art, Qil Paintings, Saddlery, Harness, Sundries, etc., at my rooms. Without Reserve. HENRY STEPHENSON, 1 8\ , Auctioneer. NICOL& BROS. CJUNTBAL AUCf lON KOOMS WE HAVE been favored with iastruo tions from REV. T. A. HAMILTON, (Who ia leaving Ashburton next week foe Fendalton), to Sell by Public Auction ia,ov^t Roonia on S4TPEBAY NEXT," A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF HIS FURNITUR3, including- Dining Table, Cheat of Drawers, Wash Stands, Dressing Tables, Chairs, and maDy other Household Sundries. Sale at 12.30 p.m. N I COLL BROS., 116 Auctioneers. Tenders, T END E~rl* rjiENDERS are invited for Stooking and _|_ Forking abqut 600 acres of Wheat and Oats. Tenders close on TUESDAY, lObh January, 1809. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Apply GEORGE GRICE, I 25 Willowby. ODDFELLOWS 1 HALL, Ashburton. COMMENCING TUESDAY, January 10, 1899. For a short season only. 1?OE FREDOS, XJESm FJEtISDOe, THK FREDOS, AUSTRALIA'S OWN ENTERTAINERS. Trapeze, Acrobatic, Japanese, and Musical performers. Ever faithful, ever true to the public. Fourteenth year of organisation. To prevent disappointment and ensure comfort to our patrons, we perform this time in the Oddfellows' HalJ. : FUN, EROUC AND FRIVOLITY, [ ' Sensation after Sensation. Hestrdous Acts and Peri ous l)ivoa. Persons wishing to avoid the crush will b@ admitted e.t 7.15 (early door^, without e^t?» charge. " lm ADMISSION 1m I U FRKD FREDQ.



SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISKMKNTS Wanted—Servant Baker Bros—Funeral notice G. Grice—Tenders Mr & Mrs Hefford—Acknowledgment Mrs Hooper—Children's under-clothing, etc., for Sale G Pearce—Raspberries for sale The Fredos—At Oddfellows' Hall, com. mencing Tuesday next



Oiir babj has been continually troubled with cholic and cholera infantum since his birth, and all that we could do for him did not seem to give more than temporary relief; until we tried Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrh,>4 Remedy. . kjince giving that remedy he fias not been troubled.-' We want to'give you this'testimonial as an evidence of our gratitude, not'that you need it to advertise your meritorious remedy.—G M qA\v, Keokuk, Jowa. For: sale by the ASH^UBTON PRUG OO^PANt



Bs=^ :—^«/^cd to all appearance ib will — iuges.—The repairs of Rikaia "lane! bridge have been satis- PI&NOFORTE, • «ted, and with the exception THEOR *on *ra^° bridge very little r p|.repair has been necessary M __^ _. Ith, - The Ashburton bridge, It JfpprQaches, should now •*-" ti of .paiat. With reference Member pt the communication from Profess! 'rveyor as bo the expenditure of, HaV£IjOCK ' |>ff the Estimates for the con- j RAKj ' *" light traffic bridge in con- ! Pupils prep -oh'the railway bridge over the i nations. Reiver, it is apparent thafs this sum ...... inadequate for such a purpose, T" 7s* ■ ''^<il'd suggest that this Counoil confer JLJivh the Beraldine County Council as to how lit «~ ■ »:ua'; 'B to be utilised, or as to what is •"*•*"" /be done in the circumstances. .-runty Plantations.—The renewal of part 'Ing reserve 2589, May field, has been qtw p'etsd, and the accessary repairs have J Ollv eD executed on fences between Ashburton j id Dromore. So far the gum seeds sown | Alia year are nob showing up well, but will <<1*: ' 'probably 6ome later on. ' •' M> Mahoney'a New Out Greek— '■,-■■. Mr Mahqney having only filled in the cut' ■ ija the bottom of ttie oreefe, and haying failed jtp fulfil bis promises made repeatedly to restore the bank of the creek to its full height, I have, as requested, placed the matter in tha solicitor's hands. BACE CLEANING ARKEARS. The Council decided that settlers who, having neglected to clear their races, had bad tha work doqe by the Council, ana had not recouped the Council the expense, re ceive a week's notice to pay, failing which proceedings to recover the money be at once taken. RUAPUNA WATEB SUPPLY. It was resolved to 9-4vtcsii^e fer tenders for ( the work in c^eaectioD wTfch the water supply for Ruapuua district, and to advertise in the Chrißtchurch and Timaru papers. BBIDGES The painting df the Ashburton traffic brfdge, '!&b recommended by the engineer, was authorised,"and his recommendation in regard to consulting the Gerald ine County •■•' Council as to the best steps to take in reference to the Rangitata light bridge. ASHBUKTON'RAKAIA WATER SUPPLY ACCOUNT The report of the Committee set up to consider the question of whether certain expenditure that had been charged to the Ashbuiton-Bakaia district water supply was rightly so charged, was read. The report had been held ove'r from meetingjto meeting to admit 'of the Chairman 'being present sjtfjter' Parliament to give the CoudcH the benefit o^ hiß special knowledge of the subject. I&r |3olmes went over the hißtory of' the charges, as he had done at a previous meet- JDg,' speaking at considerable length, in I moving the adoption of the report, Tb.e Chairman read the opinion of the Ooappjl's eplijjitor.whi^h lyas virtual!^ that the money having been charged by the Oounpil, acting quite within its powers and ; the law, the balacco sheets for the last eight \ years signed a»d settled, apd become the accounts of the Council, those npcounta ctould not bow be rs-opened. The Chairman said that ia face cf the opinion he had read , —which specially dealt with the money paid to the Messrs Holmes and Mrs McLean—it was impossible to re-open the accounts with the object of reviewing the fiaanoes of the »; Council for several years pasfe, Mr Lambie seconded Mr Holmes motion, and took occasion to poit out that the sum of £500. which had been spent in connecting and maintaining the connection of the two branches of the Aahburton river ought not psj have boe» charge^ to the Ashburtop ijLak&ia account, seeing thai the connection n" wai inade^ nob for > the benefit) of the Ashburton-Rakaia district-, but for the benefit of the Ashburton borough. *; - Mr Johnstone was of opinion that the , Holmes and McLean expenditure ought not is? have been charged to the di-trict account, nMr/Harper hoped that the fact wo«ld.nofc be that when those allocations Were made the M representatives ' at tha Ponncilwere very able 1 men, arid those repre sentatives from the district now complain ing had made tio complaint at (be time. It !?»! nbsiirjj to' say that the doniitoioii of the Iwo 'than niaa^a^s to |ad' w»ter |or tho