EPHEMERIS

FhMM of Moon for December

BUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Aflbburton dally for— (JHRISTOHURQH—at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 3.50 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive dally at Asbburton from— OHRISTOHUROH—ab 10.45 %m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TXMARU—at 10.35 a tn, 255 pm DUNEDIN—ab 6.57 ptn (express) SFRINGBURN-at 9,45 a m

Mail Notices.

Mails oloie for the following pUoei M under, subj tct to the neceitary alteration* THURBDAY, DECEMBER 13 For Northern Porfci and Weit Com*), per RotomabftDft at- 6 30 pm. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 For Northern Ports, Wettporb, Australia, (due Sydney December 20th), per Weitralia, at 1030 am

Note—Persons post ing Christmas cards at book rates are reminded of the necessity for keeping the oov rs open for examination. If the packets are teaied up, so that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express delivery and special messenger services will be established ab Ashburton as trom Ist January 1901* Fxprese delivery will cover letters and parcels sot exceeding three lbs in weight, for which an extra fee of s:xpence has been paid, The special mes senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exahange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made

Commercial.

LONDON MARKETS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Cor yright london, Dec 11 The Hedvlg'a wheat cargo sold at 29s per quarter

AUSTRALIAN GRAIN & PRODUCE MARKETS.

Sydney, December 12 Wheat—oood inquiry; 10,000 bapti of new wheat have been placed at) from 2t 6d to 2s 6&d, and 700 tons have bees told for January tbipment to South Africa, Quota tions are—Ohiok, 2a Id to 2s s<i; milling, 2« 6d to 2* 7d. Fionr, £6 to £6 10s; Manitoban £11. Oats, feeding New Zealand, 2« to 2% Id; local, Is 8d to Is lid. Barley, feeding, 2« to .2* 2d.' Mnize, £2 10s to £3. Peas, 3s to 3i sd. Bran B|<l to Bkii Pellard, B|d to 9d. Potatoes, N Z., £5. Onions, £410s to £6. Batter, dairy I 7Jd to 8d; creamery, 9J. Gbseese, 4d to 6d. B*oon f New Zealand, Sd to 7£d j hams, New Zealand, 8&d to 9d (The above quotations are those ruling between merchant and retailer, and do not represent the slightly lower values obtained by a reoognised broker.) Melbourne 12 Wheat, old 2% 9£d, new 2» 8^ n> 2i 9&. Oats, new Algerian la 7d to Is Bd, old np to li 9^. Maize, 2s 8-1. Bran, 8|dl; pollard, lid. Onioni, £4 10i. Potatoes, new £6 to £7 Adelaide, December 12 Wheat, new 2s 8d to 2s B£<i; floor, £6 6s to £6 7s 6d ; oats, Algerian, 2s 60 2s 34, stout 2s 3d to 2a 9d. Bran, BJd °, pollard, IOJd.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

Unlttd Press Association—By Eleofcr Telegraph Ohristohubch, Deo 12 The entries at Addington were 2200 fat sheep, 1650 fat lambs, 660 store sheep, 520 cattle, and 332 pigs. Cattle.— The fab cattle comprised 216 head, and nearly all were of Rood quality, last week's prices being well upheld. Best steers £9 10s to £1110*. others £7 to £3 ; heifers £6 2s 6d to £8 10s j best cows £7 fco £9 69, others down to £1 10a. Not many stores were In, and there was less demand' Dairy c >ws met with good sale, good sorts bringing up to £8 10j. Sheep —The fat sheep were a mixed yarding and mostly shorn, all good sorts showing a rise of Is to Is 6d per head, Wethers in wool 20s 91 to 22a, shorn 16s 9d to 22s 6d and op to 36s for Garforth's prize Southdowns, shorn ewes 17s to 19s 6d tor best) and 13s 5d to 16a fur others. F*t lambs were mostly of Rood quality, and freezing buyers were very keen, over 1000 being taken for export—l3B 6i to 16s 6d for ordinary and 17i 3d to 18s 7d for extra good unfinished down to 11s 9d. There were only two lines of store ewes with lambs and thase sold at 10* and 12s Id, all counted. Pigs —The short entry of pigs caused a keen demand and a rise in prices Baconers 30s to 48* Bd, equal to 3|d per lb ; porkers 21s to 325, equal to 4d per 1b ; stores 13d to 80s, suckers and weaners 53 6d to 12s 6d,

GERALDINE LIVE STOCK MARKET

There was a good attendance at the Geraldine live stock sale yesterday when there was a better yarding of sheep than had been seen for some months, every thing being sold at the- hammer at [ advances on late rates, Threeqoarterbred hoggets, shorn, made 13s, 14b, 14a 9d and 115s ; e»me, In the wool, 16s 2d ; fat ewes fetched 13a, 13s 3d, 14s, 14s 4d, 14s lOd, 15a 5d and 16s Sd ; merino ewes and lambe, shorn, 8i 3d; threequarterbred full month ewes with lambs 9a 7d, 10s 9d, lOa lid, J?s 3d, and 12s 9d; yoong ewes with iamto, all counted, 13s 9J; fat wethers 16s 6d and 16s 9d Thera was a medium entry of pigs. Weaners brought 6b 6d to 9s; stores 7s 6d, 8s 6d, 10s, and 10a fid; porkers 16s 3d. There was » good entry of cattle. Fat oows brought £b 10a, £5 17s and £7 16a. After the stock sale Messrs Maling and Shallcrass aold on account of Mr J Williams 4| acres i of land at Etukapuka Bush on th^ downs I for £25 per acre to Mr J. Farr»U y

BURNSIDE MARKETS

United Press Association—by Eloctrio Telegraph Fat Cattle—247 hesd were yarded, com prlaing all grades. The entry was in ex ene of tho requirement!', and bidding was slow, repulting in a drop of 20« to 15s per head compared with last week. Best bullocks £7 10s to £9 JOs one pen extra heavy and prime £10 10* to £11 10a. medium £5 15* to £6 17* 6d, best cows £6 5* to £7 15a, light to medium £5 10s to £5 10i.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1900.

TIUINING TKUIIKUS.

At a meeting of the Otago Educa tion Board held on Tuesday a dis cussion took place on the subject of the training of teachers, Mr Barclay, the junior member for X>unedin,complained that no proper provision had been made by the Government for the training of teachers. H« said that«• At one time at much ai £1000 was voted for Normal Schools, and this had dwindled down to the vot« of £600 on the Education Estimates for the current year. For years psst these schools had bt*n prac tically starved; whilst there was unanimous agreement among authori ties and educationists that the pupil teacher system was not so successful in turning oat good teachers as the Train ing School. The very best teachers were what the country wanted." Mr Thomas Mackenzie, who is probably one of the most level headed and observant members of the Otago Edu cation Board, and one whose experience on matters connected with Primary education, is far greater than Mr Bar* clay's, challenged the statement that it j was necessary to make large provision for the training of teachers. "At present" he said, the supply was far in advance of the demand; If a school teacher's position at the salary of £100 was now .advertised, there were a hun dred teachers ready to take it." That Mr Mackenzie is right and Mr Barclay wrong, will be admitted by all practical educationists, notwithstanding Mr Barclay's remarkable assertion that there was unanimous agreement among school authorities that the pupil teacher 1 Bystem was not so succftstful in turning out good teachers as the trainingsthool*. It is hardly worth while to deal with this last statement, but we may say that the remark proves how very little Mr Barclay knows of what he has been talking about* .since almost everybody else is aware tnat practically the whole of the teachers passed through by the Normal Schools in this colony have received almost al* of their training in actual work as pupil teachers. The Normal School professes to polish them up, so to speak,initiate them in the formal methods adopted in the training school, &c. But it is an incontrovert ible fact that the Utter institutions are quite incapable of making a good teacher rut of bad material, whereas a pupil teacher with the proper attributes for the work would be a success without receiving any Normal iSchool veneer. People are born to be teachtrs of others; thry cannot be made, inasmuch as that the main qualifications are inherent in, and personal to the individual, Jn fact it has b' en a Standing complaint against the Normal School system that it encourages young people, who have no sort of capacity to become teachers, to take up a profession they are totally unfitted for. Thete young persons very naturally consider that if they can manage to piss through tho train ing school they will be hall-marked, and am thereby constituted first class teachers. Almost everyone conversant with the working of the systrm in Canterbury alone, must call to mind numerous instances of the nfcter failure of these so-called teachers, It is easy enough for them to get schools, but by and by, even their best friends recog nise what a mistake has been made. Meantime what incalculable harm has been done to the hundreds of children who have been unfortunate enough to pass through their bands j their facul ties undeveloped and their powers of observation untrained, they enter life very heavily handicapped in competi tion with those who have had the good fortune to receive intelligent instruc tion at school, It is surprising how many people take a cursory view of this subject; The Donedin Evening Star, doubtleßS, fairly repraients the I views of the average casual observer of the nation*! educational machinery when, in commenting upon Mr Bar clay's utteranott, it lays that as a matter of fact there is by no means an over supply of good teachers either iv the Otago or any other educational district. Yet this statement is made in the face of the fact that for the very last vacancy in a school in Otago where the advertised salary was under £200 a year there were thirty two applica tions, more than half of the candidates being graduates ! The explanation of this condition of things is very simple. The so called training schools are continually firing off into the educa tional arena crowds of young persons of both sexes, whose only recommenda tion is that they have obtained a degree representing certain literary attainments. And when vacancies occur, a vigorous canvass immediately begins, generally resulting in the ■election by the school committee of the candidate who can command the most local influence, or who holds the highest academical status. Tne average committeemau may! withstand canvassing—to do members of these bodies justice, we think they would gladly see this odious practice stopped—but a degree generally carries all before it with them. Nevertheless, although the possession of a degree is a certificate of literary proficiency, and an excellent thing in its way, it con veys by itself no assurance of teaching ability, and gives not the slightest gua ranteed that the holder can teach at all. Many of the possessors have not the least fitness for the work, and never would have entered upon it if they bad not been induced to do so by the facilities offered under the Normal School system. Our contemporary remarks V that teachers of this class wosld do well, if only in their own interests, were they to retire from a pro fession which they are hardly calculated to adorn." We quite agree with this, but would it pot be better not to turn cut such large numbers of nominally qualified teachers upon the profession ? The opinion of practical educationists ijp that if* young person 10 not qitlined

for teaching in a primary School after four yostrs' apprenticeship, it is sheer waste of mon y taking any more trouble to make him bo, It cannot be done.

Local and General.

To Our Headbbs—Poultry, Cycling awd Athletio notu will be found on oar fourth p»ge t WiMMiNG—At the Sydney ■wimming carnival on December Ist the half'mile championship of the colony wm won by Richard Cavill in 12min 43 2-sseo. Abattoirs—The site chosen, conditionally, by the Christcharch City Council for abattoirs for the city and suburbs, is part of the property of the Midland Kaleyards Company, at Hornby, and adjoint its sale yards. A Dumping Ground —A Fiji mwchant writta to a Wellington friend:—"One thing that is good might oome out of federation with New Zealand. There are a lot of New Zealand runaway bankrupts, wife deserters, and bad eggs generally down here, who wonld hare to clear out," The Fidstoai* Oabhcm.—lt it announced on undoubted authority, that Mr Edmund Barton has informally received intimation that he will be commissioned to form the first Federal Uabinet. Pibsokal—The Hob Major Steward, who ha* been on a short vl»i» to Wellington, re turned to Aibburton yesterday. Be pre side i at the breaking-up ceremony a* the High School to-morrow. He Mians Business—Mr E. Ba.ney Young, manager of the South Australian wine depot in London, in his annual report recommends the spending of £20,000 a year during the next four or fire years in erecting large central cellar* near Adelaide for matur ing wines, and a further £10,000 a year in London for advertising. Donald MaoDonald—The Hobarb>Mer oury states that, owing to the revival of a South African complaint, Mr Donald Mao- Donald, the war correspondent, has, on the advice of his medical advisers, been reluct antly compelled to cancel all his leoturtng eegagementc, and proceeds direct to Melb ourne, with the object of taking a brief rest The Czab's Door—They are building a new church at St Petersburg, under the title of the Resurrectioo, and the main door, whioh Is'to be entirely of silver, will weigh 9Qolbs. It wili cost about£6ooo, and is the gift of one of the university professors, says the *Novoati,' and it will be named ' The Czir's Door.' The style will be eighth oentary Russian. Thi Imf axes or thb Home. — About sixteen of the inmates of the Old Men's Home visited the Christohuroh Exhibition yesterday. They went down by the early train, and were met at the station by a drag, in whioh they war* driven to the Exhibition. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and returned to Aahburton by the evening train. The Nbw City Subvbyob, Chbistchubch —Mr A. Dudley Dobson, who ha« jusb been appointed City Surveyor of Ohristchurcb, is probabiy one of the best knewn amongst the engineers and surveyors of the colony, and has been connected with (either as the original designer or engineer) some of the most important works in the South Island. Tun Gbass Gbdb—The grass grub, which has been ro prevalent In this district, appears to be spreading in some parts of the Nelson district (says the Colonist). The starlings, however, have discovered that the grub makes a meal, and one of these birds on being shot and opened was found to contain eleven of the grubs. Turkeys are alco said to be very useful in getting rid of this grub. Hies Pkioed Phbbp—>At the Addington Y»rde, yesterday, Mr Ot. Garforth sold his pecs of prize Southdown wethers, whioh were awarded the freezing prioe at the Metropolitan Show, but which was after wards disqualified for being over weight, to Mr L. C. Gardiner, who intends to fref za them at Belfast and forward them to the London market* He paid 56s 3d for nine of the wethers, 35s 9J for nine, and 33a 6d for eight. Mr Gardiner also bought from the nine owner fi'ieaa half-bred Downs at, from 29<3d to3ls9d. Returned—Corporal Coutts, who has just returned from the Transvaal, passed through Ashbarton by the express last evening. In conversation with a member of our staff (an old school mate), he stated that ha was somewhat lucky, and rather fortunate, in. being able to return to New Zealand At Komati Poort, he carried a oomrade, who had been shot through the lungs, four miles under fire from the enemy, and eventually placed him in safety. For this Action he received one of the four scarves knitted by the Quean. Shortly after the above inci dent he was prostrated with enteric for a couple of months. On his recovery he obtained a position as a valuer in the Compensation Departme. t, but was called home on nrgent private business, Colonel Robin obtaining for him the necessary leave. He stated that he has no intention of return ing to South Africa to reside. He proceeds to hit home In the Hawera diitriet. Angling—At) the mouth of the Rakaia river, at the close of last week, some very fine baskets were made:—Mr P F Dolan obtained 14 fish, averaging 6£<bs; Mr J Muokle, 5 fish, averaging 5lb»; Mr J B Carruthers, 18 fish, one of which scaled I ISlba and two 11 lbs each. They report the fish in splendid condition, and taking fairly well considering the quantity of silverles that are running.—Mr J. Trist reports that visitors aud local anglers in the Winchester distriofe during the past week have bad good fly-fishing, principally in the Waihi. Good ■port hat also been obtained in the Rangi tata. Christohurch Wool Samo.—The second, wool sale of this season's series will be held at the Chamber of Commerce Hall, Christ? church, to-day, commencing at 8 a m. There are 10,271 bales catalogued, in 3070 lots. The following are the number of bales to be offered by each broker:—Messrs Matson and Co. and David Thomas 3265, N Z Farmers' Co-operative Association 2070, Messrs Pyne and Co. 1732, N Z Loan and Mercantile Agency Company 1656, Messrs Dalgetty and Co. 860, Messrs Friedtaoder Bros, Ltd, 745 MrFO Tabart6lß, Messrs J T Ford and Co. 172, Messrs G King and Co. 53—total 10,271 bales Cremation—There was a large and repre tentative attendance in the City Council Chambers, Dunedin, on Tuesday evening to consider the question of forming a Cremation Society, After a long and Interesting dis cussion, it wan resolved to form a Society, to be called the Dunedin Cremation Society. Office bearers were appointed from amongst the leading citizens, including Mr Justice Williams (President). Drs Brown, Barnett, Batohelor, Ooiquhoun, Coughtrey, Hooken, Qgston, and Robert?, Professors Benham and Sale, Revs. Archdeacon Edwards, Dean Fitchstt, and W Baunders, together with a large number of leading laymen. It is quite evident, therefore, that the idea of cremation finds much favor in the capital of the south. South Rakaia Sports and Races —At a meeting of the Stewards held on Tuesday night final arrangements were made for the meeting to be held on Boxing Day. All the horses nominated have accepted, and the entries for the athletio events are good. The publican's booth will be in the hands of Mt Milligan, of Chertsey.and the refreshment booth in the hands of Mr Shellock. The course is being put into first'Blass order, and the Domain is looking well. Given a fair day, there will no doubt be a really first class day's sports and a record attendance, The Stewards and the Secretary are to be congratulated for the way In whioh matters have been arrunged. Thb Magnanimous Top Dog.—ln the course of a reply to an address of welcome presented to him at Durban, prior to his departure for the Old Country, General Bailer rel ted the following anecdote.—ln 1881, when coming out of O'Neill'B farm in the vicinity of Newcastle, he met Mr Kruger, who said, '"General, we dont like this peace." He (General Buller) replied, "I also don't like it, because you have got nothing to stand upon. (Cheers.) You think you have beaten us, but We know we oan beat you." Mr Kroger rejoined, "Well General, I have teen that when two dogs fight and are separated, they are never right until tlwy have fought it onh We hare feughMt out (Gonerafßuller continued), and We have come out on the top. We shall be good friends afterwards, because the top dog never takes advantage of hti position/ » bmoke New Yenui

A Bpwul Thais-A special train will leavs Tim ru foe Ghristoburoh on Saturday next) at 10.30 p m, and will stop here to pick up passengers at 12 30 a m on Sunday Bank Holiday—The Banks announce that Monday, 17th (Anniversary Day) will be observed by them as a olose holiday Alleged Arson—At the Magistrate's Oourb, at Timaru, yesterday, a man named Archer was remanded till Friday on a charge of wilfully setting firs to the house of Mr W« Dunne, Wilson Btreet. Mr Dunne woke up at about la. m. and found that the house was on fire, aid on going outside found that a quantity of gorse sticks and other rubbish had been thrust under the building and set fire to. Fortunately he was able to put the fire oul before much damage was done, Tx> Gotxkkbukg Ststim—The Town Gsucoil of Gothenburg has appointed a i Committee to enquire into the inoreatfog 1 drunkesneis of that city under their nystem of mnnioipal control of the liquor traffic, the drunken convictions having increased from 31 per 1000 of the population In the year 1595 (when it was as the lowest), to 54 per 1,000 in 1899. Thi Stoke Pkomouiioks.—The Frets' Wellington correspondent telegraphs that it Is estimated that the cost to the colony in connection with the prosecution of the Stoke Orphanage cases will exceed £1200. The witnesses came from ill parts, and were kept In attendance at the Court for upwards of a month. A "social" and conversazione, intended as an expression of sympathy with the Maritt Brothers, will be held in the Bkating Rink on the 19th inst. Tinwald Tbnkis Club.—At the meeting held in Tinwald on Wednesday evening, 1b was unanimously decided to form a Tennis Club. The following effioers were elected:— Patron—Mr G. A. M. Buckley; President- Mr O. Doherty; Vice Presidents—Metiers Lagan, Blakiaton, Cow, Culyerhouse, Bonn ingtcn, and Teppett; Committee—Misses Dowds, Jeff, Lewis, Bonnittgton, and Messrs Olark, Dohetty, and Shearer; Hon Sec.— Mr.F: Clark. It was decided to ask per mission of the Tinwald Domain Board to form courts on the recreation grounds in view of a very successful season. A Compbbhbnsiyk Telkgbam.—The ro« i mantic stories of the Pourh African war— the true one at anyrate—are now coming In. Here is one of the best. A trooper of good family was stricken by fever and lay in hospital for weeks. When he was recover ing eryiipelas set in. He had gone to the war a cmooth faced yontb. Like the rest of the army he had been compelled by the necessities of campaigning to let the hair grow on his face, so that be lay in hospital a well boarded moustached hero. When he was shaven he looked his real self and the nurse who had been attending t* him rscog nlsed him as an old friend. The rough warriors beard had so completely disguised him that even his name in the hospital card had not suggested his identity. The nurse immediately sent a telegram to bis family, which for compactness and completeness should become celebrated. Merely giviDg his name, it read thus:—Enterio, Erysipelas Convalescent. A Lunatic ax Larch,—The owners of outiying sheep stations are not infrequently called upon to entertain strangers, and in deference to the Apoetolic exhortation—if for no other reason—they do so cheerfully, albeit thn guests do not always allow their angelic wings to appear. Some of the station holders in this district seem to have been specially favoured during tho last few days. A visitor has been going the rounds, generally making his appearance on hinds and knees, and occasionally indulging in a grszs by the road side before walking to the homestead. Naked came he up the Gorge, but well clothed, well fed, and with pockets filled with tobacco he returned. He is supposed to be a lunatic, he is at least methodical. A lady was by herself in one house under which this singular being had wriggled, and another similarly placed was much startled when on going out of the house she saw him crawling on hands and knees along the verandah; He is believed to be still at large.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Chbistchcrch, Deoember 12 At the Magistrate's Court to-day John Ross was charged with having carried on business as a betting man in contravention of the olty by-laws in High Ssreet. For the prosecution it was stated that no overt aot oould be proved against accused but the cases quoted show that it was sufficient if in could be proved that it was well known he was a bettiog man and that he had been seen apparently taking bets in a public place. Accused denied tho charg", and ?»id he had never even paid a bet in the streets of Chrisfcchurch. The Bench is fl ottd a fine of 403 with costs £1 14s. Johu Mandle was charged with a simitar offence, but the oase was adjourned til! Friday. The General Committee of the Canterbury A and P Association adopted the report of the Winter Show Committee that the coming winter show be held during the week commercing May 27 and ending June 1; a three day-.' show is being suggested. The show will include fat stock, milking, butter making, weight guessing competitions, and exhibition of working collie dogs. A ram and ewe fair will be held on March 14 and 15: The Committee voted a bonus of £60 to Mr M. Murphy, who has resigned from the position of secretary whioh he has occupied for twenty-two years; The Canterbury A, and P.* Association has passed a motion viewing with satiffaction the action of the Government In endeavouring to open up satisfactory trading relations between this oolony and South Africa The following have been selected to represent Canterbury in the rnatoh between Canterbury and Otago, which will be played in Dunedin on December 22, 24, and 25 :— R W Barry, O Boxshall, J Gallaway, T D Harman, T Malone, J Orchard, W C Pearse, J B Reese, H 0 Ridley, A Sims, and W 0 H Wlg'ey Wellington, Deoember 12 Messrs Bannatyne anil Co. have received a letter from a leading firm in Capetown stating that the present time is hardly a suitable one for the introduction of trial ventures from New Zealand. The produce markets are being flooded with all kinds of food stuff*, which are moving eff, but slowly. Trade is very restricted, but with the return of normal times the writer looks for a good business in food stuffs and produoe Gbhymouth. December 11 As a result of the deputation that waited on the Premier last week, arrangements have been made by Khich all the miners thrown out of work by the firing of the Blackball mine will be found work. 75 will be set to work on Monday next to make a dray road to Heley'a {Gtally and a road to Blackball on the co-operative system. About 25 of the men are married. Work will be given only to those thrown out by the accident to the mine. The work will be paid for by the, County, the Government assisting conditionally. Napibb, Deo 11. Information was received in town last "night of the death at Pahiatua of Mr A H Ross, senior,an old Otago settler. Deceased was for several years chairman of the Otago Harbour Board, aad Mayor of Dunedin, and also sat several sessions in the House of Representatives as member for Roslyn. Invkroargill, Dec. ]2 Charles Arnett was to-day committed for trial for the theft of several sums of money from Charles Milne. Other charges of theft and forgery will be taken tomorrow, and then the poisoning oase There was another superb day for the A. k P. Show and undoubtedly the record attendance. The feature of the Show was the horses, the quality of which surprised the visitors from northern centres. In the draught class Mr Geo. Holland took championship for best entire and R Charters (Taieri) for best mare. Devery's Battlefield was champion thoroughbred entire, and W Baird's Sub Rosa champion mare. Brood mares were a strong class, and Messrs Drain, Walter, Blackie, and Charters were the chief prize takers. In geldings Jas. Patrick, A and T Dunoan, J Blakie, and Brain were the moat successful. For the best type of Clydesdale In the Show R Charters was first and Jas. Drain second.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not held ourselves responsible for opinion! upraised by oar correspondents

THE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS.

TO THB EDITOR Sib, I think it in only just to my friend Mr Brook to state that Lottie Leggett, who i i took pride of place in the recent scholarship examination, had only been a pupil of mine sinoe the commencement of this year. Prior to that, Bbc was attending the Htmpatead sohool,and muoh of her success must be attri buted to that school.—l am, etc, Chables D. Habdie, Headmaster Borough School*

TRANSVAAL WAR.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—-Copyright)

TREATMENT OF WOUNDED COLONIALS.

Received Deo 12, 8 45 p m London, Dfc- mber 11 In the House of Lords, Earl Oarrington complained that wounded colonials had been sent home steerage, and packed like herrings. Lord Lanadowne and Lord Raglan explained that superior third class accommodation had been provided, and two lower classes existed. The men were very comfortable, and their dietary good. Separate banks were provided, and Invalids requiring special attention were sent second class. Lord Strathcona said that the men generally were satisfied with their treatment. Lord Stanmore held that the colonials were not likely to demand different treatment from that accorded to the regulars, volunteers and yeomanry. Lords Monkwell, Tweed mouth and Aberdeen expressed dis satisfaction afc the treatment. Lord Carrington will move a resolution on the subject on Friday. ; London, Dec 12 I Lord Roberts' wife and daughter have sailed from Capetown for Eng land. Details of the capture of the Dewetg dorp garrison show that the defenders suffered terribly from thirst, the Boers cutting the water supply. The sol diers' tongues swelled. Snipers crawled to within close range, and kept up a cross fire Sixteen oub of the gun detachment of eighteen were killed or wounded De Wet praised their plucky defence, Mr Steyn admitted that the Boer losgea exceeded those of the British A strong force of Boers, under cover of a dense mist, attacked some mounted infantry near Barberton on the Bth. They were once repulsed, but later they got to close quarters. Three British were killed and five wounded, and thirteen are missing General Settle has occupied Eden burg and captured 20,000 sheep, 700 cattle, 800 horses, many vehicle*, and thirty prisoners The families of Government officers at Pretoria will shortly be bl!owed to return. This indicates an early ter mination of the Boers' resistance lord Roberts, in accepting a sword of honour at OapetowD, olaimed that the war had welded the Empire. He complimented the colonial contingents on their admirable work, and said be was confident the spontaneous and unanimous outburst of patriotism over the war was not ephemeral Sir A Milner, replying to an Afri kander deputation, agreed to forward to England the resolutions carried at the Worcester Conference of the Bond, though the annexation of the conquered Republics was irrevocable, and over whelmingly supported throughout the Empire. He condemned the wild exaggerations of the Congress with regard to tbe conduct of the war, and the ill-treatment of women, and said that further resistance by the Boers was not morally justifiable, The men ware being fed with lies The editor of Ons Land, tbe Afri- j kander organ, has been elected by the Malmesbury electorate to a seat in the Cape ABBembly, vice Mr W P Schrei. ner, who resigned owing to his con stituents censuring his attitude in reference to the Treason Bill In the House of Commons the war vote of sixteen millions was passed by 254 to 8 Mr Brodrick explained tbab it in cluded half a million towards expendi ture in China, a million for General Baden Powell's new Transvaal police, and a million for repairs to railways damaged during the war, The rest would go towards the cost of the war. He Bftid that heavy expsnie would coatinue till the end of March, and the Government were compelled to ask the volunteers and colonials to make farther sacrifices and remain at their posts, though they hoped to release them at an early date Sir M Hicks Beach propose! to raise eleven millions in February and March,

THE RETURNED TROOPERS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Willington, December 12 The invalided troops who arrived this evening were spoorded an enthusiastic reception. An enormous crowd, numbering several thousands, gathered on the wharves, and as the Moana steamed alongside they greeted the men with loud cheers. The troopers, on disemjbarkiog, were welcomed back by the Mayor and the Hons HallvJonen, Mills, and Walker. They were subsequently entertained at dinner at d attended the performance at the Opera House, The majority of the men appear in good health, bub Trooper Heasley, ot Athburfcon, has nob yet recovered from bis wounds received ab Crocodile River. Trooper Catherall, one of the returned contingent, was among those captured by Commandant De Wet at Sannae Post. Ho spent eight weeks in captivity and says he was treated as well as could be expected under the circumstances. The men explain that their reason for returning by the Moana was to avoid the prolonged delay that would have been involved in waiting for the departure of the Harleoh Castle, which would have greatly inconvenienced them as they desired to reach thetr homes as quickly as possible. F J Paradine, of the Rh'edesian volunteers, and Q Turner, of Brabant's Horse, also arrived by tbt Moana.

News in Brief.

The New Zealand Clothing Faotory invite inspection of their stock of Juvenile cloth ing which ia larger and better value than cited before, They make a specialty of boys clothing and guarantee to give latis faotion.

An Eccentric Bull.

A picturesque cottage standing in * plantation on a station in this district is occupied by one of the employees, who* on entering at 10 o'clock last Saturday night, received a violent shock to hi* olfactory nerves. Thinking precaution the better part of valour, he re-closed the door and proceeded to investigate by means of the window. On lighting a match he saw a huge black bull standing in the outer room, apparently looking around for a comfortable camp. The outer apartment not being suitable,he proceeded into the bedroom. He was evidently in'entupon being comfortable and shutting out as much of the nights «lr as possible, because although the door bad been carefully closed by the tenant of the cottage, his bullshlp forced it very gently open without Injuring the lock or leaving any trace of a forcible entry, and at the door on being opened always swings and stays back, never by any chance, even la the most: gusty weather, swinging to, again be mast have taken eonsMsmibla pains to shut It, for It was carefully shut. The alarm being given, the station manager very pluckily entered the cottage by means of the bedroom window, and with persuasive taps witoh a hunting crop backed him Into the outer toon, Into which he followed him, and the door being opened worked him out without mishap. The foretaste of happiness, however, was too much for the bull, who later on returned to the porch, and for the remainder of the night tried his utmost to force the door, which, having In the meantime been strongly barricaded, did not yield. The animal wad not In th« least vicious, had In fact a leaning towards domestic life, for on Monday he took a peep into the kitchen, In which a young lady was busily occupied. Then he tamed his attention to the wash house, and caused a domestic severe heart palpitation, and being interfered with by a young gentle man he rolled him over, and was proceeding to kneel upon him when the young lady aforesaid charged him with a sheet in euoh a manner as to merit the consideration of the R H.S. Altogether the animal became so intrusive in his attention* that it was decided to despatch him to the happy hunting grounds^ and he was despatched accordingly.

Serious Collision

TWO STEAMERS DAMAGED

United Praia Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Melbourne, Dee 12 The collision between the Ormuz and the limailia wu more serious than was at first reported. Both vessels were badly damaged The Ormoz returned to port thig morning. Her stern has been knocked round starboard, platei on both sides, from the water line upwards, burst from the Btern, and «he has * large hole on the port bow, level with the main deck The Ismailia has a large hole on the | starboard bow. The vessels anchored at Williamstown They were in charge of pilots at the time of the collision. The large num ber of passengers on both vessels be* bayed splendidly The repairs to the Ormuz will take a considerable time. Her English pas sengers will be forwarded by another steamer at the end of the week Both steamers are evidently damaged below the water line, as botb are leaking badly. It is Btated that it will cost fully £3000 to repair the Ormuz, and almost as much for the Ismailia

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Bieotrio Telegraph—Copyright. GERMAN TRADE Berlin, Dec 11 Baron Yon Thielmann, the Minister of Finance, has warned the Reichstag than Germany has entered upon a period of declining trade FRENCH NAVAL PROGRAMME Paris, December 11 The Senate has passed the Navy Bill. It provides for expending 762,266,000 franeron the construction of six ironclads, five cruisers, twonty torpedo boat destroyers, 186 torpedo boats, and 44 submarine boats

The New Brighton Mystery

ANOTHER THEORY EXPLODED

On Tuesday Mr J A Oooke,ohrmist, Oashel street, informed the polioe that a customer of his, who had complained of suffering from heart disease, bad been advised by him to take the fresh air of New Brighton, and that the descriotioo of the body found an the beach tallied in a good many particulars with that of his customer. The statement was published in the paptrs yesterday morn ing. About nine o'olook, howtrer, the easterner in question walked into Mr Oooke'a shop to report himself, m he had read the statemect in the paper. Mr Cooke was first led to connect his oui« tomer with the drowned man by the deecrip* tion published on Saturday night He tele*, phoned to the police at once, but it was not till Monday night that they asked him to identify the photograph, « hich he found to be nothing like his customer. The olethee shown him by the police were not similar, although the singlet and ties were. Had he been asked by the police on Sunday to iden tify the body he would have been able to settle the question immediately, The one* tomer referred to above stated yesterday morning he had taken loggings at New Brighton. The brother of the deceased man if a ret eponsible official in the office of Huddart Parker Company at Melbourne, end his photo is in the possession of one of the com pany's employees in the Christohuroh osoe. The brother had cabled to the police that he wishes the body to be taken np and re interred In the Ltowood Cemetery, with the rites of the Roman Catholic Church. The WesbrftUa, by whioh the deceased came to New Zealand, is expected to arrive at Lyttelton today, when'in all probability some of the ship's company will be able ty identify the photograph. —Press

CONSULTING OPICIAN

MrErneet M. Bandsteln, DBOA», F5, MO, who has lately returned after alx years' special study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all oases o defective eyesight* Daylight not necessary artiGcial light being used. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Cashel Street W<, over M Sandstsin, jeweller, Ghristohureh. 950 to I, 2 to 5 daily UNNECESSARY LOSS OF TIMB Mr W 8 Whedoa, Ceehle of the First National Bank of nfcemet, lowa In a recent letter gives some experience with* carpenter in his employ, that will be of value to other msohanica. He saya S • I had a oarpenter working for me who was obliged to atop work for seyeral days on account of being troubled with diarrhoea. I mentioned to him that I had bean similarly troubled, and that Chamberlain's Colio, GboUra and Diarrhoea Remedy had oared me He bought a bottle of ft from the druggist here, and informed me that one doae cared him, and he is again at bis work.' For sale by Ashburton Drug Company A WBAIHBD AKXUS QCIOKLtf <JVMD * At one time I suffered from a severe sprain of the ankle,' says George E Gary, editor of the Guide, Washington, Va. 'After using several well recommended medicine* without bucotss, I tried Chamberlain's Pain Balm, »nd am plessed to say that relief came «s soon as I began its me, and ft oemplete cure speedily followed.' Sold by Asbburtoi

tm ASHBtratfoti atJA&DiAit; »fIt)KSDA< f December is, 100 c



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PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOOK OF BOYS' CLOTHING. T) OYa' Guard Suits 8a 6d ; Boys' Blouses 4a Boys' Norfolk SniU 12s 6d; Washing Suits %\ 6d •i >bsent-Minded Beggar" Suits 18s 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s y' Men's Trousers 7b 6d ; Tebnia Trousers 12s 6d. A nice variety of Summer Goats in KSjarki Serge, Fallud, Alpaca, "Ktc. NZ, CLOTHING FACTORY- F. IT. IBCKINGSALE, Manager. ZKALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with N«*rrow Tread and Overhanging Sprooket, Patent Head Tube, Batted Tubing Throughput. Genuine English Dunlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manufacturers in the Colony WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 dshburtoni Consignmenta will be received afc our Asnburton or Tinwald .bore., and >nt onto •ither Chmteharch or Timaru, free of all charges, except railage; OUentswho wish t« send their Wool directs from their oeareri railway ■t.tton will ease consign as follows : — If intended for sale at Aahburton-Frledlander Broß*, Ltd Siding, Ashburfcon If intended for sale at Cbristchuroh-Brown and Son's Siding, Addlngton If intended for sale or »hipment at Timaru-Mill & Oo'i Siding, Timaru If intended for »bipment:at Lyttelton-N.ZiSbipplDg CoV.DtHnping'. Shed, Lytteltor WOOLPACKS, TWINE BKANDING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. "" " *O! "" Onr Next Sale will t»ko place at Ohrißtchurch on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1900 >lUIDLANDER BROS, LTD The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of (/.* Head Office for New Zaaland—Wellington. *..**%™nTmi«3 with nower to issue Policies and pay claims t DIRECTORS, with power TIIOM^ONt i ospe otor of Agencka. H D Bell, Esq. Chairman. Tbbvob Gotild, Reiident Secretary; Albbbt Martin, mQ< m v' ' STRONGEST LIFE ASjOBAJSOB SOCIETY IS THE Financial Position. , e _ e £219,670,058 I Surplus ever liabilities ... fJf«»£«S7& Aesuraßce in forcn ... - "^cg'^j ies Annual income ... .- £11.286,145 NICOLL BROS, Agentt, Aehburton. lz '♦'



FOB SALE, 1 Woods Side Delivery, equal to new, FOR SALE, 1 Woods Reaper and Binder that FOR SALE, I Grain and Manure Mj^^ FOKSA.LFORTOLET THE Bungalow recently vacated by Mes Rickman containing seven rooma *nd offices, and situated facing the Domain at the junction of Nortb East Town Belt and West Stteet. The above should prove a desnable Property both as an investment for capital and a comfortable home. F FEKBIMAN. LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashburton. FOR SALE. A GOOD House of five rooms with 2£ acres of land in a localty where two or three cows may be kppt Within qnarter of a mile of Town Belt, The owner is leaving the distrct. Any reasonable terms can be arranged. F. FEREIMAN LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashbur ton ON ACCOUNT OF THE MORTGAGEES nt 1 f\ PRICE required for Lot 254, sbIJLU containing i acre, fronting Cambridge Street, Hampstead, together with 4 roomed cottage, &o, thereon. The property is well situated, land good for garden purposes . Full particulars furnished on application T BULLOCK. W' ANTED Known—That whab w« do, we try to do well. Bear thia in mind, Gentlemen, when ordering your Snmmer Outfit; and, Ladies, remember it before fitting up your Boys for the holidays- Mitchell and Tnroer 4" (jkwgh Curel Wahoo.KooLlßAH ±nd Benjamin Gum go to Asubtjrton DbuoQ), \



jHARDLEY BROS GAS ANfl SANITARY ENGINEERS. I§* s I lli 2 I 1S 8 | E £ 5 W D "0 W C S CO fTIHE Trade Supplies always in Btook. Large quantity of Tubei and Fittings. BATHS, TANKS, SINKB, BABINS, Etc Estimates given. HAEDLEY BBOS-, Kaet Street, Ashburton FatT~sALE7 PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS fro Fftimtrs purchasing Half bred PIGS. We are prepared to buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Pew, FABMERS' MEAT SUPPLY Co< 12 54 J H Rolb. "ashburton office 'LYTTELTON TIMES" " CANTERBURY TIMES ' "STAR" " SPORTSMAN ' WHERE Advertisements and Subscrip tions wilt be received, and files oaa inspected. ! E. NORDON. I Managing Agent for South Canterbury, BURNETT BTREET, (Entrance to Thomas' New Auction Mart); 11 10 THE~N.Z. FARMERS' 00-OPEFATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY Ltd. WE have leveral really firet-olass Farm* for Bale on our books, and farmerr wishing to purchase would do well to oall oo ut for particulars :— 520 Acre* Rakala Distrlot 365 „ „ •> 500 11 Dromore „ 1000 ii Laurliton „ 1180 „ Springbarn „ 750 .. Wafcaaul „ 1031 „ Ohert., y „ 1958  Dromai'e „ T. F* GIBSON, ! Manage You can depend on ridding yoar Children of worme with Wade's Worm Fig«, »• wonderful Worm Worriers; is >



STILL ADVANCING CRAI6HEAD & BKKKYMAN HAVE ust opened out, ex s.e. Paparoa from London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto imported, comprising the most up to date Suitings from the best Manufacturers as now worn at | Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customers such a splendid range of dew materials of guaranteed quality and Btyllsh patterns to choose from as should please even the most fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the leading firms in Ghrietchuich or. other oities. They are also showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, eta., this season. Customers would do well to place their orders early as O. AB. have already a large number of suits on the books promised be fore Xmas. 11 140



T\RESSMAKING«-L»dJe», we Are very xJ buiy, and we are likely to keep ■of To avaid disappointment,, Orders ■hoald be placed •wly.'-Mitoht »nd fXuriw



FRANKLY, AN ADVERTISEMENT. "May Apple" U bettor than pills, oili, salts and other disagreeable medicines. It is easily taken, more gentle In ita action, and, without Irritating or weakening the Uver, kidney* or stomach, it overcomes oon ■tipafcion and many ill* dependent thereon. It aoti gently yet promptly. jjAsk for Impey's ••May Apple.' Price 2s. Smoke New mua