Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1899. Local and General

»** On the first page to-day will be found the entries for the TeimiH championship, and Australian Politics, and on the fourth page Miscellaneous Items.

Old Men's Home—The master of the Old Men's Home desires to acknowledge, with thunko, the receipt of two sacks of potatoes and one pair of geese from Mr Drummoud, Somerset Hotel.

Oats—A Melbourne oable says that there have been large sales of New Zealand oats during the last few d*ys, covering o?er 30,000 bags.

Cycling.—The Ellesmere Cycling Clv^3 have extended the time for closing entrie 8 until Wednesday, m order to give com" petitors an opportunity of waiting until after the meefcingb on Boxing Day.

Domain on Boxing Day for Records

ASHBOKTON COWNTY RACING CUJB —■ A» there appears to be a misunderstanding amongst owners of horses competing at the Ashburton Summer Meeting it should be noted that winners at the late Ghristchuroh meeting are subject to penalties as per programme.

Sports Association.—At a meeting of the executive of the Sports Association, held last evening, ib was unanimously decided to hold over the mafc'ir of the sports for considera tion at a meeting of delegates to be held on Thursday, January 4, when the question of holding the sports on a Thursday afternoon will be considered.

Sobpension cf A Bank—A London cable of Wednesday's date says that the London aud Northern Bank, which at the commenc meat of this year took over the business of the Leeds Joint Stock Bank, has suspended payment;. Ths stoppage is attributed to de fanmtry attacks on the institution.

The t chools And 'i hb Patriotic Fumd —Mr Bardic yesterday announced at the prize distribution that the sum of £3 14j had been contributed by the popils m the Asi. turton Borough school to the patriotic fund. This contribution is the second largest of all the gchoois' contributions yet reported m Canterbury, West Ohristchurch heading the list with iJ4 2s. A Weaterfield corres pondent writes suggesting that m all the schools m the county subscription lists should be opened.

Picnic -The Wakanui Presbyterians held the annual Sunday school picnic on the 18th, inst, m a paddook kindly lent by Mr J. Bonifant. Visitors were present from Ash burton and Elgin. The day was rather cold but m spite of this all preterit thoroughly eDjoyed themselves. Mr and Mrs Bomfant did every thing possible for the comforts of the visitor?. After a very plea ant after noon had been spent m games', &c, tea was handed round and Rev G Bloglis distributed the (tie*?, every scholar receiving a book. Ail went home well pleased with their outing.

The New Cabinet—The Ron J G Ward h*s been sworn m as Colonial B cretary, Minister of Railways, Postmaster General, and Commissioner of Telegraphs, and Min ister of Industries and Commerce. Mr Carro 1 becomes Native Minister. The Premier becomes Defence Minister for the time, but will probably be the permanent Minister. Mr Cadman goes to the Upper House, with a position m the Cabinet with out portfolio. The Premier will remain Colonial Treasurer, and have control of the luaurance, Public Trust, and Land and Income Tax Depariments. Mr T Thompson will hold ( ffice till the end of ihe year, when another Minister will probably be appointed,

Hands me Scbscripiioj-'B —Mr John Grigg, Loiigbeach, has mbscnbed £50 to the "patriotic fiud, and Mr J, 0. N. Citing givej a cavalry rem>unt, Mr Duccin Cam trou a! o donates £25. A tele^m from Dunedin sayß :—Several handsome donations have been promised for the Transvaal patriotic fund, but these will not be dii* closed till to-night's mass meeting, which promises to be the largest and most enthusi astic gathering held under cover m the colon}'. The Union Company heads the list with £200, independent of donations given by the Australian braoche>\ Several firms are giving .£SO each. A Wellington telegram Bays that subscriptions are pouring m to the fund io a way never before seen m Wellington. Among fuither large dona lions received are the EveningPPotd t £100; Jacob Joseph, £105 ; Briseoe MacNeil, £100 ; Kirkoaldie and Stains, £50 ; Wel letley Club, £50, A further donatiou by Mr Murray Roberts of £105 is wired, and from Napier we learn that subscriptions are coming m freely, £500 having already been received, two gentlemen giving £50 each.

LITTLE THINGS

(By C has W. Pubhell)

Li ale islets sleeping 'Mid the purple sea, Round their border* creeping Waves lap dreamily. Floats the seabird slowly O'er the headland green, Cloudlets drifting lowly Here and there are seenf Little stars that cluster In the ebon sky, Shining with calm lustre, Shining cheerily; Lamps of Hope that glisten Tnrough the night profound, When the ear doth listen But discerns no sound. Little waves that ripple O'er the tropic sea, When the zephyrs dimp'e Ocean silcncly ; Far beneath lie scattered Bones of seamen brave Per the seaflior battered, B, ones without a grave.' Little sunbeams g'ancing Through the forest dark. Tinge with hues entrancing Moss, and leaf, and bark ; ! go gay fancies flutter Through th.c hearts of men, Make a I'ttle summer, Then depart again. Little insects darting " AH the pleasant day, Gauzy wings vibrating In the Bunlight gay, O'er the meadows fragrant Flaps the butterfly, O'er the #aterß stagnant) Hanks the dragonfly. Little birds that flutter Through the rustling leaves, Your sweet voices utter Blithest melodies. When the cold Earth blushes 'Neath morn's rosy light, From each throat there gushes Trills of gay delight. Little baby, breathing With thy breath so sweet, Bright eyes mildly peeping On the world they greet, Little thoughts and fancies Stir thy petty brain, Infantile romances Cjido and go again. Little world enchanting, Child of ancient time, Through the ether speeding Robed In clouds sublime, Bearing with thee proudly 'Forces marvellous, ylt an atom only ' In the Universe. —-Canterbury limes

PRIZE DAY.

Ash burton High School

There was not a targe attendees at thy High School on Thursday afternoon en the occasion of the prize distribution, few ladies caring to face the thunderstorm. Mr Andrew Orr, chairman of the Board of Governora presided, and iv a few introduc tory remarks op.'ned the proceedings,

The headmaster, Mr J. 8. Tenuaub read the annual reporf, which made feeling reference to the successful five years' work of Mr G. A. Simmers, M A., who closed that work m May last on his appointment to the headmaatership of the Timaru Boy*' High School, and carried wilh him the best wiahes 'of all. Ihe programme of wotk laid down at the beginning of the year had been continued. All the school candidates for public examinations had been successfu', three passing the New Z?aland Matricula tion and two the junior Civil Service, while the present dux of (he school (dux, how ever, by the narrowest nmrgin of mark?) Fere,? Prebble, had won a North Canterbury Education Board scholarship at the head of ihe list. The extra subject taken this ve>ir had been book keeping, with the New Zea land Accountants certificate m view, and physical drill had been engaged m by every pupil for an hour every week. Reference waa made to the decision of the Board to place both schools under one roof, which would effeot a great saving of time, lost m moving from one It sliding to another, and enable the teachers to keep the two departments prac tically separate. Next year music classes and drawing clarises were hoped to bo established, the latter subject at present not having the prominence i 6 deserved. With the assistance of the teachers' institute it was hoped to make Ashburton a local centre for university examinations, and co tave a journey by the pupils to Christchurch. There had been sixteen scholarship holders m attendance at the school, and while a few had not quite realised their responsibili ties they had ac a whole proved exemplary and industrious. The staff expressed their thanks to parents for the punctuality and regularity of attendance of the pupils, without which industry, and even genius, are of little avail. Mr Tennant, personally, had to thank his assistants for their hearty co-operation m all school work.

Rev R, A. Woodthorpe, M.&., had been asked some time ago to address the scholars of the High School at the breaking up, but had declined the honor and pleasure because he had accepted a similar honor and pleasure for the same day at the Ashburton school. By a misunderstanding about the hour he had arrived at the Ashburton school after the work had been done, but by a strange turn of fortune it had fallen to him to dis charge the duty for the High School that he hadat an earlier period been obliged to decline. It gave him greats pleasure to discharge that duty, and still greater pleasure to listen to the satisfactory report just read by the master. Theiev. gentlcmin then proceeded m an eloquent address to show what educa tion was, what its objects were—" to learn to do well"—and pointed out that it was from the secondary schools of the class of the high school that most of the men had come who had made their mark m the building up of the empire. In a few touch ing sentences he spoke of the associations that hallowed the old schools at Home, some of whom had carried on their noble wok for three centuries, and the names of very manj of the nobleßt m the history of the empiie had been inscribed upon their rolls.

Men who had been taught m secondary schools had a high appreciation of duty, and he instanced how nobly the officers In the Transvaal war had sacrificed themselves by taking their places m front of their men, and rather than seek cover had made them selves markß for the Boer r^flmen. Elo quently he spoke on the dawn of intellect m the child, and the wonderful extent of learn^ ing it accomplished m its first year, and then went on more exhaustively to deal with the five " windows of the eoul"—arithmetic, geography, history, grammar, and litera ture, m which latter he included poetr}', with feeling referees 'o Tennyson au<l

Longfellow, copies of the works of both poets he was hoppy to eoe on the table before him about lo became the reward of excellence m scholarship of some one or ot-ber of the pupils. Closing with several pir»gr.iphß full of good advice and the good wishes of the season, he distributed the pr '<£a accordidg to the following :—

PRIZE LIST,

Form IV.—English «. H Revell 1 ; May Dent 2 C'ompoßiiion~-»Ce3il Collins. Litin— H Turner. French—H Rovell. Arithmetic- George Inglis. Euclid—H Revell 1 j Thos Phaup 2. Algebra—Harry Turner. Geo graphy~G Inglis 1; A Friedlan^er 2 Hi . tory—Arlrienne Orr, Botonny— DouglasOrr.

Form V.—English-Glnglis 1; M Porter 2. Latin—Gertrude Meddios French— Muriel Bell, G Dodds, ((qua 1). Arithmetic —H Revell 1; Annie Norman 2. Euclid—- Christina McClatchie. Algebra—(a) Annie MacKay, (v) G Dodds I ; P Dixon 2 Romau History—H Revell. Gsrgraphy—Aß Inglie. Science—Gordon Dodrfs.

FormVl —English—(a) Matilda Clothier, (b) Muriel Brfll. Composition—Thomas Step hens. Latii—Matilda Clothier. French— Pi-rcy Prebble. Mathematics — Percy Prebble, Science—Thomaß Stephens, P Prebble (-qua')

Extra Classes—Book-keeping — Hastings Braddell. Writing — Charles Denshire. Drawing—Ethel Coocb. Tennis—Adrienne Orr. Sewing—Minnie Baker.

Mr Orr announced the holidays for the season and hoped the pupils would enjoy them as well as a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and after heaity votes of thanks to the chairman and the Rev. Mr Woodthorpe had been passed with the thunders of applause that only boys can give, Miss Mulholland placed herself at the head of a bevy of the young lady pupils, and welcome afternoon tea was served m the room.

Ashburton School.

The thunderstorm yesterday afternoon greatly interfered with the attendance of parents and friends at the prize distribution m the Ashburton school, only a few being present. Rev. R. A. Woodthorpa, M.A , who had promised to distribute thepriz?B, was detained and the time was occupied till his arrival by the singrng of •• Sons of the Sei," and an explanation by Mr Hardie on the system on which the prizes were dis tributed.

Mr Graighead, Chairman of the School Committee, shortly addressed the scholars stating that all the children who had gone up from the school this year for scholarships had gained them. This was very satisfactory and was creditable both to pupil and teacher. He counselled the children to be diligent and studious, pointing out that row was their opportunity to get well grounded m the elements of education,as m a colony like this they never knew what position they might be palled upon to fill, He mentioned also that Bible lesEons were given by Rev, R, A. Woodthorpe and Mr McKenale, and trusted that the classes of those gentlemen would be well attended, as a good knowledge of the lessons of goodness and truth that the bible imparted were such as would stand a man m good stead all the days of his life, and no man had ever yet had cause to tegret having a thorough knowledge of the holy Bcriptures, He feared that Mr VVsodthorpe had found it impossible to attend, and not to keep the children waiting he would proceed with the distribution, which he did according to the following

PRIZE UST:- Standard Vll—Genera! proficiency : Annie Guy

Standard VI-General proficiency; Em Leggett 1, William Gourdie 2, H McCallum 3. Gordon Meddine 4 ; neat exercise book work: Edsih Patching; conduct. Archie Bruce and BiGhard Harrold; mapping: Florrie Harrison; drawing: M Toveyj sewing : Lizze Colliaon 1, A. Barber 2, May Clayton 3, Ida Chapman 4 Standard V—General proficiency : Luoy Minnls 1, Gardon Craighead 2, May Clayton 3, Janet Renner 4, Olive Andrews 5, Em Biekersiaffe 6; neat exsrcise books and attendance; Evelyn Davis; attendance : Gerald Brer za ; good conduct: Mary Monson and Mary Turner ; sewing : Kvelyn Davia 1, Lucy Kelly 2, Jane Normnn 3, JSlsie Jessop 4

StandardlY—Gene : Douglas Craighead 1, Henry HacmerS, James Smith 3, Irene Guy 4, Leslie Watt 5, Violet Shaw 6, Charles Thomis 7; attendance; Mabel

Collison and Cyril Breeze ; conduct: Eileen Arrow and Roy Tucker j sewing : Ethel C aridge 1, Mabel Collison 2, Floirie Edmonds 3, Maty Shaw 4 Standard lll—Genera! proficiency : Alma Can-.pbell 1, Thorwaid Andrews 2, Mary "068 3, Reg Stephenson 4, Leslie bteele 5, Poil Norman 6; attemJauee : H Minnis and [) MeCallum ; conduct: \\ illiatn Barber, L-xwton Lcchner and Nellie (JolHub ; dray i g ; Lennox G ainge ; sewing : L-w < " Lechaer and Amie Rainey 1, b'mily B»r« *b 2, Nellie Patching 3, Ruby Anderson 4 Standaid ll.—General proficiency : Wil- Utn Watson 1, Kdith Andrews 2, Muri'l Ob-tiiS, Hugo Friedlauder 4, Ev><- Tumor , 5, F orrie ox 6; conduc 1 : Albert Jacksor., j Arthur Good, May P.ckfoid; attendance., Frel Pauliog, Robt. (.ourdie ; eewioj! : KUen Knox 1, Ruby Williams 2, Jidttb Andrews 3. Jine Harrold 4. Standard I —General proficiency : Violet Breeze 1, Kathleen Scaly 2, Mary Hayes 9, Harold Renner 4, Maude Burnett 5, bmie Langdou 6, Robert Elliott; sewing : Maude TWnettl, Emily Burnett 2, Violet Bre.su 3, Jessie Fox 4. The following report of the ladiea who examined the sewine was read :— The Manse, Aehburton, Oct. 1899—T0 the Chairman Borough School Committee, — Bir, —After with Mrs Silo ck, the annual examination of needlework at the Rorough school, 1 have much pleasure m reporting upon it. Again, the work sub mitted for inspection attains its usual high standard of txoellence. The reoent regula tion which requires pupils m each class.to prepare B&mples of every description of needlework, instead of making one cumber ous garment, has been carried out with great advantage to scholars, teachers and ex aminers. Neat and beautifully clean speci mens were presented for inspection ; unon the merit of these the prizes are awarded. Beyond this work the teacher, very wisely! exacts that some useful article shouid be made by the girls m each class, beginning with handkerchiefs and ending with a doll's complete outfit. Your committee must be congratulated upon having a teacher pos sessing a remarkable talent for divisirg new and attractive methods of teaching the art of needlework, and bo every term, investing this branch of a girl's education with new interest. The teacher's enthusiasm must be of great advantage to her pupils. Enclosed you will find the list of pi ize-winners.—l have the honor to be yourß, &c,—M. P.

The chairman said the mowing report was % highly gratifying one. They had doubt less been as pleased to receive the pr'zta as he had been to distribute them But tbe distribution of prizes did noc close hia list of pleasing duties. Ib was p'ea^ing to know that the efforts of the teachers were appre ciated by the children and from his own olms he had to present to Mr Hardie a handsome travelling bag accompanied by the following little address printed m gold :— Borough School, Aahburton, December 21, 1899—Dear" Mr Hardie,—We, the boys of your classes, desire your acceptance of this small gift. We trust that you will not judge of our feelings by its intrinsic value, bur. that you will look upon it as a token of our appreciation of and gratitude for your untiring efforts m our behalf. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. —We are, Dear Mr Hardie, —Your grateful Pupils.

Thin showed that he had won their good will, and the fact proved that the discipline of the school, however strict it may be, could not possibly be harsh to bring out auch an acknowledgment of the teacher's valuo. Mr Craighead said that m his young; days the strap was a very formidable instrument of punishment, but now that had disappeared, and m its-stead there appeared to be a far more kindly regime. He had pleasure iv asking Mr Hardie to accept hia class's token of affection, Mr Hardie, m a few kindly word* expressed the pleasure it always was to a teacher to find that he hit won the hearts of his pupils, and wished them a merry Christmas and a. happy New Year. Mr VVoodthorpe arrived after the pro cpedings were ever, and it was then ex* plained that a misunderstanding had arisen as to the hour for commeuoirg, Mr Wood thorpe believing it was at three o'clock instead of two. Some of the girl* presented Mrs Willis with a Christmas box m the thupe of a preeerve dith, with the following notej — " Wishing Mrs Willis a Me>ry Christmas and a Happy New Year—from her girls, m grateful bo 1 nowledgment of her loving care, 20/12/99 " Before Miss Alice Stanley left for Christ• church on Friday last for examination, th« scholars who obtained scholarships prt sented her with ft silver thimble, ia tokeu of their appreciation of the woik dor.c by her m assistirg 'o prepare them for the sohol&i ---ship examination, Mrs Willis presenter! the pr'z;a to St. I, an 3lr f+nbs>, at one o'clock. Every child m the infant ror-m received a book.

THE LATEST.

Homo and Foreign.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

Kcoelved Wakapuaka Dec. 22, 9 66 a.m. This .Office 10.17 a.m. Insulting 1 the Court.

Paris, December 21

M, Deroulede, the member of the Chamber who is being tried on a charge of conspiracy, has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment for grossly insulting the High Court. The Senate's action was prompted by the Judge refusing to recommend proceedings for the convenience of Marcel Babert, who was arrested on a similar charge. Paris Exhibition. London, Dec 21 The Prince.of Wales, president of the English commission for the Paris exhibi'ion, presided at a meeting of the commission. The circumstance has created an excellent impression m France. 1

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

United Press Association—By EleOttjc

Telegraph—Copyright. (Received Wakapuaka Dec. 22, 10.10 a.m, This Office 10 50 a.ml Sydney, December 22

The sitting of the Assembly lasted till after midnight. Tt passed Bills providing for pensions for retired civil servants, and imposiug death duties on the estates of members of mining, pastoral, and agricultural companies, the Council insisting on amendments on the Dredging Bill, which the House finally accepted The Council passed the various monetary measures sent up from the Assembly. Govern ment expect to raise £100,000 from the increased probate and stamp duties

News in Brief

Attention is directed to Messrs T H Un drill and Oo.'s Christmas announcement re goods suitable for presents, &c.

Mr James Smith, the well-known butcher, notifies m our advertising columns that he has first-class Chris: mas beef, etc.

Messrs W M Collins and Co., notify the arrival of goods suitable for Christinas presaata and decoration?.

"THE MESSIAH"

The public of Ai-hburton had an oppor tuoity given to them on Wedne diy evening of hearing Handel's magnificent oratorio, 'The Messiah,' performed m a manner wnich has seldom if rv.t been <quilled here by any local body of amateurs, aod although the Musical Union h>d cm this o easiou the able a.-siatance of Mrs Bums, Mr J. PuscWeU, and Mr Miliar from C hristchurch, their own work wan really exoilent, and well deserved a good house. It if, however, to be pi gnVel that although the hall waß fairly well fi led, it was nob crowded as it should j have beeu considering the <xc?pUonal merit oi the performaDC . The committee spared neither trouble nor expense m their managi tnt'u r, and Wednesday night gave tvidenue of hard work and real musical enthusia m. The stage With its seventy performers looked quite imposing. Not a few wondered where the numbers had come from, and we are pleased to learn that oatside choirs wiilingiy lent their assistance, with the result that the chorus that night wai the biggest yet seen here. We were pleated to see that Mrs Barns from Chrietch&roh bid been engaged to siug the soprano solqr. Her appearance was the signal for applause. This lady has a rich, flexible voice, wLioh was used to the fullest advantage. The solo " Rejaica greatly," was perhaps her beat number. A handsome bouquet wh presented after this item, the sentiment of which was fully endorsed by the audience. The contralto work wag undertaken by Mrs johneton, and her rich, sympathetic voice was heard to perfeotion m ** He shall feed His flock." The intense pathos of tbe air. "He was despised," was brought o*t m all ita beauty. Mrs Johnston's voice ii eminently suited to this oUss of work. The first of thei9 was without doubt one of the gems of the evening, and we must con gratulate the singer u>.on her success The bass eolos were taken by Mr Millar, who is a great'favourite here. He gave us a thorough treat. His first recitative " Then sfcith the Lord of Hosts" wat sang m a fine declamatory style, and he was eveamore successful m the very difficult and exacting air which followed. But it is ia " Why do the nations" that Mr Millar's voice was heard ab its best-. This number was a splendid exhibition of vocal cultnre. The runs were taken with great rapidity and correctness, and although the tempo was so fast, his enunciation was perfec*. The tenor solos were entrusted to Mr Puschell, whose opsning recitative "Comfort ye " was beauti fully rendered, His voice still retains Its beauty—the alight peculiarity of accent jirred somewhat on our English ears, but it did nob prevent thorough appreciation of his fine performance.' The audience also appreciated his solos, which included " Bat thou didst not leave" and "Thou shalt break them," The choruc part of the work was, with a few exceptions very well done. In the chorus " And the glory of the Lord" the attaok was particularly good, eaoh oue being well picked up by the various voices, the contraltos being especially noticeable m this reßpecr. The chorus *' He shall purity" was weak. The basses endeavoured to have their own way, which unfortunately m this case was not the right way. The parts were occasionally not only out of time but very much out of tune. " For unto us," on the other hand, was given with spirit and with grand effect—the, parts working well together m a manner that was highly creditable to both performers and conductor. We should like to have reen more light aDd shade m the chorus •• Glory to God" as there is ample scope for contrast. The basses and tenors when singing the response "And peace on earth" were far too loud, The other choruses given were " Beho'd the Lamb of God," *' AH we like sheep,' "Lift up your heads," '-Their sound is gone out," " Worthy is the Lamb," and the 4 Hl'elujih." These were all given well. In passing it would ba welt to advise soma of the younger members of the Union to follow the baton more e'osely. The 'ittle wpaknesa here and there on Wednesday night were to a great fxtant due to this fdiilt. The orchestra of thirty under the able leadership of Mr MiC'urg, was salkfao tory on the whole. Unfortunately ths centre parts were decidedly weak, but that is a trouble whicV neatly all conductors have to contend with, especially m a country town where every player seems so anxious to take a leader's part. If some of the better players would sink their individuality a little more and put m good honest work " underneath," the whole effect would be better. The accotnpai iments were played only by a picked few who woiked eoußcien tjnusly and well. Accompaniments at all times require great care, but m oratorio work special difficulties present themselvep. The players last night showed that they had been well grounded m the work, and the soloists could not have had much to com plain of. For special commendation we may pick out the flute m "O thou that telleat* and " HowfbeautifuU" In this latter air the part was played with great taste and expression. The drums were used with grand iffaot In the choruses, "For unto us," and the " Hallelujah." We also noticed the o'arionet and 'cello doing good work m " He was despised." The brass was scarcely prominent enough. In " Lift up your heads,' the part was wantiDg m spirit. The violins worked well during the "evening. A little more care m ' intonation would have been a great improvement. Mrs Olaridge pre sided at the organ, and gave every satisfac tion. The conductor, Mr Horace Gates, is to be congratulated upon the suroess of the concert, which undoubtedly was due to his untiring energy and capacity for hard work. Praise is also due to all the officer! and com mittee who attended to the business part of the arrangements, After the holidays the Union will again begin their praotioes, and we await their next production.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Gravity of the Situation.

Lord Methuen Unable to Move

General Buller Hampered.

Tlip New m Action

Crpnje's Position.

Increasingly Foxmi4abl§

British Advance Against an Invisible Foe.

Enemy's Position the Strongest id Natal.

United Presa Association—By Eleotrle Telegraph—Copyright. Capetown, December 21 Balloons reveal Oronje's position to 'be increasingly formidable. It extends for twelve milee, and is entrenched throughout, with barbed wire fencing m front, supported by heavy guns. London, December 21 The Times comments on the extreme gravity of the military situation, Lord Metbuen being unable to advance on Kimberley- or Jacobsdal; or to with draw to the Orange river, while Sir Redvera Buller is unable to attempt a turning movement for the want of transport.

C urban, December 20

i Instances are reported of tbe Boer artillery outranging the British artil lery at the Tugela and elsewhere. It is not believed that the Boers will*?* cross the river to capture the guoi abandoned by the British, and which the latter entrenched. Ihey are 1 still watching. The Boers sbot several civilians and stretcher bearers.

The Boers dammed the Tugela, thus deepening th«> "^ater at the drifti.

; THE ABHBUBION 6XJAfel)iA*|: FBJDaY, BECEMfeEB 22, 1896.



Come and see the Decorated Blcydesi



Kbating's Powdkb destroys bugs, fleas, moths, beetles, aad all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In i exterminating beetles the success of this 1 powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean ip application. See the article yoii purchase is " Keating's," as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold m tins, 6d, let, and 2s 6d each, by all chemists. ='' Jofy Barker will also Ue there



Multicycles, tjuads, ami Triplets Domain, ltoxiii£ Day.



i Ail the Cliampious fill be there



METHVEN-Why is the British soldier like Hondai-Lanka Tea ? Because the J quality is 4 uuickjy shown when m hot water ! HISBS Bro?, sell it m packets and Ceylon packed boxes.



Fast Sprinters, and Fast Cyclistg on Boxing Hay.



Ever jo ne is (t'oiiig' to the Domain on lloxing* Day.



SHEEP-BRANDING LIQUIJD This Branding Liquid, which has an establhhed reputation m Australia, has lately been introduced to New Zealand. Wherever it has been exhibited it has excited great interest, the trials made convincing those w^ho have witnessed them that if. should .completely revolutionise sheep branding m the polony. It is the only liquid m f/he market which will brand sheep wet or dry. It is 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 entirely disappear when ! the wool is subjected to the ordinary process of scouiing, the wool hitherto destroyed bping thus saved. This latter is a new and j valuable feature, which should not es ape he sttisn^op of Sheep 'ownerii " " '' Though the Liquid 9>&» jnjroduced to Uie j sheep owners of the South Wanff pnly lasjt summer, many testimonials ha<?e already been received, which speak In the highest terms as to its value, IN XHRSB COLOURS !— j BLACK, RED & PLUE, i PRiCES;—In oaaes containing two 4 gallon Tjus 4* 3d per gallon. In 1-gallon Tiai 5« 5 ' I



K. T. CLARK, GRAIN AND PRODUCE BROKER AND GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT, Stkeet, Next to McCopngJl and Comptpn's Stables Simples of Wheat, Oats, Baripy, Clover, and other Seeds submitted to Buyers, and highest price obtained AGENT for all kinds of Farm Machinery. 2£ per cent commission added only to cost price I am a purchaser of all kinds of Farm Produce, Butter, Eggs, Poultry, Beeawax, Honey, Horse Hair ; Cash given BUTTER—Now that the shipping seaeon has started, I am prepared to treat with farmers for salt butter for shipmeDb Home, Boxes eupplied. Call for circular Farmers' and Tradesmen's Books kept, i Debts collected, Houses let, Farma sold; Trust Money to lend at current rates I AM AGENT FOP— KEMPS PATENT



Henry Stephenson. UNDER BILL OF SALE. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, MR HENRY STEPHENSON has received instructions from the holder of the Bill of Sale to sell by Public Auction on the Premises— JUBILEE RKSTRAUNT, BURNETT STREET, The whole of the Furniture, Table Linen, Cutlery, Crockery, Cruets, Dining Table and Chairs, Pier GUbs, Curtains, Oi'cloths, Mats, large Cooking Range by " Walters", Sauce pans, Boilers, 200 gal. Tank and Stand, Shop Fittings, Gas Fittings, levies and Weights, Lollie Glasses, etc., etc. 2 o'clock sharp. No Reserve. HENR^T STEPHENSON, 12 192 Auctioneer,



DAVID THOMAS. WANTED FOR TRANSVAAL, 50 Light Horses. OUITABLB FOR REMOUNTS. BAY, BLAOK, OR BROWN. 5 TO 10 YEARS OLD. MOST BE BROKEN] IN. To to Inspected and Bought at Arcada after 2 f.m,, SATURDAY, December 23rd, inst, BRING THEM IN! ! ! D. THOMAS. 12 199 AROADE. HORSE FATR. THURSDAY, JAN. 11, — 1900 — I WILL hold my Next HOESE en the above date, B3ft WHICH I AM NOW RECEIVING ENTRIES. D. THOMAS, 12 114 Auctioneer.



MONDAY and TUESDAY, the 25th and 26: h December, 189^, are Statute Holidays, m terms of above Act. 1.2 205 N3W BOOKS at published prices—The! Valley of Sapphires; The Yioletj Flame ; Jsine's Cape ; Trewinnot of Greys j The Untold Half; Ihe Romance of the Greystonea j True Heart; Mother's Holiday; The Roae of Judah; Cheap editiona of Sheldona Worku, A. Swan, KiDgsley, Scot*, Dickens ; Giffen's Eat and Ball, and others; Windsor Magsz:ne for October^ Diaries,-— H. M. Jones. ___ , DAHLyEAS— Best named varieties, 5a 6d per di z-n ; Potatoes, Is 9i per sack; Chick Wheat, Oats, Chaff, etc, at lowest ift-es—J. Thomas, Havelook Street, ; 1 Smoke New Venu* ,



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAYS. THE Offices of the above Society will be closed on MONDAY, TUESDAY, and WEDNESDAY, December 25, *o and 27, 1399. and MONDAYund TUESDAY, Jmuary 1 and 2, 1900. Tho monthly and other payments wiU be taken on, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3,1900 When the offices will be open j j From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 7 p.m : to 9 p.m EDWARD STEPHENS, 12 208 Manager, " N0 TI (m SPECIAL BANK HOLIDAY. PURSUANT- to the terma of the Banks and Bankers Act, 1&80, and the Banks and Binkers Act Anvend&aent Act, 1882, WEDNESDAY, the 27th clay of December, 1899, is hereby appointed a Special Bank Holiday, at the Ashburton cffices of the undermentioned Banks— The Union Back of Australia, Ltd., G E Tolhubst, Inspector, The Bank of New South Wales, E J Finch, Inspector. The Bank of Australasia, C Winter, Inspector. The Bank of New Zealand, O G Tegbtmeieb, General Manager



AL O— A SHIPMENT OF CHOICE CUBISM \S NOVFLTIES f Direct from Japan. P iase bml your Orders early and ob 'ge Wo are Agents for COLUMBIA, B.S A and LOVFLL DI\MOND, BICYCLES. OABSON & Co., TEA MERCHANTS AND BLENDERS, GROCERS, AND IRONMONGERS Importers of Bicycles, Irontnocgery, GHae^ and China. Tancred Street, Ashburlon. ' • n 2 "~ ASHBURTON PEEMANENT BUILDI^a AND IJJYBSTMENT SOCIETY.



CHURH e^ERV CKS. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. Daily Prayer and Instruction—9 e.tn. FRIDAY—7ISppsm s Evening Prayer and Address 3 p m— Choir Practice FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVIiNT. (December 24) 8 30 a m—Holy Communion 11 am—Matins, Litany, and Sermon 3 pm- SEAFIKLD. The Vicar 3 p m—DROMORF. Mr T. A. Gates. 6 20 p m —Evening Prater and Sermon CHRISTMAS DAY. (December 25) 870 » m—Holy Commucion 11 a m—Matins, Holy Commpnion, and Sermon 3 p m—Children's Service 6 30 p m—Evening Pruypr and Sermon R A WODDTHORPB, M A., Vicar _ WE HAVE WOW IN STOCK AND ARRIVING FOR OUR CHRISTMAS TRiDE - L\RGE SUPPLIES New Currants and Raisins, new Su' tanas and Candid Pce 1*", new Muscatels •nd Alrcomds, new DosKicated Cccoannt and Silk dr»ss*d Iceing Su^ar, new kind« Fr uitf, inc'ud n < A pi ico' p, Pears, Peaches l*iue Appl*\ and Table Plums. The Firest TEAS and SUGARS it, Town. NOW LANDING. A SHIPMENT of high-das* Engliah China direct from hiPotterirs. All the latest Pa trnr.,'



A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. DON'T FORGET mO Call atd £cc our stocks of FANCY GOODS, suitable for PBESKNTB, and those preparing for Friends should eea us for BEDSTEADS BEDDING, AND ALL OTHER HOUSEHOLD PUBLISHING?. PERAMBULATORS, M^^^^ PIANOS, , SEWING MACHINES FANCY CHAIRS, liW^^^pg^y ? DRAWING BOOM & DINING ROOM WICKER OHAIRS. ! FXJRNITaRB' ETC Carpets. Linoleums, Rugs, Mats, Etc. JUST ARRIVED—A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF BAMBO VERANDA BLINDS. T. H. UMDRILL & C 0.,. CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, & UNDERTAKERS, TANORED* STREET, opposite Abcadb.



Can-away Seeds ... ... 8d per lb Pimento, whole ] la   Pimento, ground... ... Is 2d „ „ Mii*d Spice l£d per packet PICKLES—Hay ward's Mixed, lOd p«r bottle, 9s 6d per dozen Cross and Black well's, Is 3d pit bottle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Carry Powder lid per bottle Borax 8d per 3b A Sura ... ... . 6d   Saltpetre 6d „ „ Tartaric Acid lalOd   Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2s per^doz lbs Whole Linseed 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d   MATOHKS-Plaids, 4^d per doz, 4s per gross 2508 Is6d per dozen 1000's 5d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 8i per dosen Yarmontn Bloaters, 9 for ig Maconochie'a Freeh Herrings, 6|d per tin „ Herrings In Tomato, lOd per tin „ Herringa m Shrimp, lOd per tin  Kippered Herrings, 101 per tin „ Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mullett 7d per tin Oysters 8d „  Sardines, large Alberts ... Is  „ Sardines, large ... ... 8d „  Sardines, small , 4d  „ Salmon, Holly leaf ... lOd „ „ Salmon, other Brands t , t Bd „ „ OlL—Lucca, 2s 4d per bottle Salad, \ pint sd, 1 pint; 10c! I Castor, £ pint sd, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, "lib Is, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 2lb tin, Is Crosse and Blackwell'a assosted Pastes, lsSd per bottle, 14s 6d per doxen , Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2oz, la lOd. Lei berg's extract, Is 9d per ibotfcU' Patent Groats, Robinson*, lOd Swr* per's, 9d per tin Mellins' S"ood f l»;Bdper tto



Van Honten's Ooco^, Jib, lid ; P>, Is 9d;11b,-S8 3d Fry's Cocoa, $lb v B|d ; lib, Is 4|d Ileal Good Candles, 4|d per lb ; 8s H per box Paranne Candle*, plain and fluted, 6sd per lb ; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights Is 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for Is Peatl, 61be for Is Pago, 71bs foe Is Mtxed Peel, L-jmon, Orarge and Git -1 -fdn, 8d per lb Lettion Pi el, 7!b tins, 3i U lib Tina Assorted Jams, Bd per lb ; 4a 9d pel &(z 21b Jara Assorted Jams, 14i 63 per doz Lea &pd Perrin's Sance, large, 2s 6d per bottle Meilor's Saace, Is 3d per Vottle Worcester Sance, small, 5d ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Mazina R1 per dozen 5«6d Whiting, ,'bforla Morton's Cream of Tartar, Is 3i per lb Preserved" Fruit, 2|lb tin?, 8d per tin, 7s 6d per doz English Cut Loaf Snj?ar, 3|d per lb Tomato Saace", 9d per bottle Golden Syrap, Sib 6d, 4lb Is, 561 b lie 3d Treacle, 21b 6d. 41b Is, 71b Is 9d Fir.wt Baisins BHperlb Flneefc Sultanas ... ... 754 ,« t> Finest Ctoronts 5d „ „ percale 4ha   Stewing FI S 8 ... ... 7|d „ „ French Pk.ma (choice) ... 1« ,% »> j Bfeewing Plams ... ... W«» «» Finest MaEcatels ... ... la 'd „ „ *C»lifornian Muscatel* ... Is ,« »» l>»tes, extra fine, 3lb boxes. Is 9J ppr : Almonds, Jordan 2s 4d per lb j Aknonds, Talencia ... Is 6d  „ Alwonds, Sicily 1& 41  „ B»««' ?n» Nuta 81 . „ «hell Almonds lOd   I D»y and Martin's Paste Blacking, *jd perdoe Day »nd Martin's Jar Blacking, 6d per French Blacking, U per tin, le 9d per doB . Nixey's Blacklead, Id aiz«, 9d per dvz aamw'JDome BUoklead,|6d per.doa



JOHN ORR AND GO'S REVISED LIST^ WE Ohira to be the Leading Fir-n of O ooera, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants m Ashburton. We Import all oar Stock from the Home "Marheto for Sp »t Oish and are therefore m the best position oo supply the public with only genuine gonds at the lowest possible price for cash. We guar^atee ail ouc g'»ods fnM weight and finest quality. We never charge for picki'v* vil ehliv'sry, all g-i >Ja at th--> RiiU*y Station free. Any person an onlof *ii-h u< c»i get a pirca! ticket, aid therefore always ba^aurej;©^having thiic^g i) Uatth j sU-ion m time No charge for ticket. J? JLA./ UXI PER SACK 13s. — BDGAU — «lcl per ib with Tea \x) ~—-—" ihJARAVILLA GARDEN TKA— Is 10.1, ga, 2s4(i;perlb 51b Box 8s 9d, 9* 7<*. Us lO.b Box .- - ... 16s 8«i t 18s 4.1, 21s B^| KOZIE TEA — 101 b Box, !18s 4tl ; s!b, 9s 7d GOLD LEAF TKA 10lb Box, |18s 4J ; 51b, 9* 7d -PROVISIONS - FACTORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Sutton's always in'stock. CHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per lb BACON AND HAMS — " Lewis'," " Moreporfe," "D. Me Vallum. Mild Cured Bams, Sides and Rolls, 7^. UQRE OATMFiL-251b Bag, 2s 6d



Tn» WAVEELKY BICVOLB IKE IKII.'T m\n B.CYCLE BUILT, AND ALSO Strong Enough to Carryfja Ton. "JOHN ORR & CO.. ASHBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AQENTS tiud at Waverley Oycl© Depot 217 Oolombo StreeVCfaristchurch,