THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Anhborton daily tor — (JHRISTUHUROH—at 720 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,3 50 pin DUNEDIN—at 12 54 pm (express) SrRINGBURN-at 4.25 p mJB Trains arrive datly at Ashbarton from— CHKISTOHURCH—afc 10.45 %m, 12.48 p m {express), 8 pm TIMARU—»t 10.35 ft m, 265 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-ftt 9.45 a mf

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon fot December

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Maili clow for th« following places a under, inbjeot to the necessary alterations : i WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19. For Northern Ports and Weatport, also United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, specially addressed per Tokomaru, South America and Teneriffe, also psreels for United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, per Tarawera at 630 p m THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 For Northern Porti ami Westport, per Rotomaluni. at 690 p » MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 For Northern Port*, Westporr,, a'so 8amo», Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco (due London 25th January), per Tarawers, at 6.30 p m Money orders, 7 p to. Note—Persons posting Christmas cards at book rates are reminded of the necessity for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are sealed np, so that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashburton ac from Ist January ISO}. Fxpress delivery will cover letters and parcels not exceeding three lbs in weight, for whioh an extra fee of sixpence has been paid. The special mes? senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange sabsoriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence •aoh additional mile up to two milen or time payment being made

Commercial.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotation* area« follows :— Wheat—Hunter's, pearl and TeWet, 2a #d 10 2s 6d, and Tuncan 2s 6d to 2t 6d. Oats — Canadian la 9d, short ftid 11 3d to Is B£d, Duna la ?d to li Bd, Danish Is 7d to 1« 7|d Barley (comic*!)— Malting 2a delivered Flour (millers' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, atone £6, sharp* £3 o*, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beaaa—2a 4d to 2s 5d Peas—-Pruasian Bines 2s to 2a 3d, part' ridge 2a 4d to 2s 6d Oataheaf Chaff —• 42a 6d at near oountry atatiooe. Hay—£3 5s to £310*, delivered: prlmeafc baled £4, f ob Seeds—Ryegrase, farmers' lota la 94 *o 2t, prime heavy, towo dressed, 2s 6d to 3a 3d, Cookifooti, 2^d to 2U (or bright teed, to U for extra good, fcown maohine drested J6lb to 17lb tttd, s^» to «d, oowgraH 6d to $d,

extra choloe 6}d, White olover, 6d to 7&d. Dairy Produce—Obsess, dairy 6d to 6d, faotory 6d to 6d. Batter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 7d to Bd, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d. Baoon and hams s&<l to 6d, faotory bacon and hams, id p«r 1b higher. The above prices, except where otherwiit stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b , Lvttelton.

TEMUKA STOCK SALE.

Yesterday the entry was more than an average one, and thete was a good attend ; anoe. Sheep sold readily bub there was a ■light easing off as oompared with last sale> Fat ctttle sold well. There was a good yarding of pigs, and fair enquiry at quota* tions :~Bheep—Fat wethers And ewes 17 j Id, fat ewes 14s 6d to 16s, ewes and lambs all counted 10s »d. Cattle—Fat steers £6 15s, £7 15 1, £9 6s, £1010s; fat cows £6 2i 6d to M7s 6d, Pigs—Weaners 7s to 10s 6d, I stores 13s to 16s; porkers 20s to 11s

HOME MARKETS.

United Press Aaaooiabion—Bj Eltiobrlo Telegraph Cibibzokqh, Deoember 19 Meaara Dalgety and Co report under date, London, December 14th ;—"Frosan Meat.— A moderate buainesa is doing at previous rates. The wool market li firmer with more business doing. At oompared with last mlel prices are 5 per oent. to 10 per cent higher. The demand ii chiefly for •coured merino."

DEATH.

Skoswei.l.—On December 14, ab the real * denes of her daughter, Mn Hillier, Temuka, Sabah Janb, relict of the late George Francis Scott, Lytteiton, Aged 72. Mother of Mm 0. Powke and Mn J Newman, of this town.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1900. RAILWAY TRAVELLING.

We think that most people who bad to procure tickets for Ohrtstchurch at the railway station on Monday morning will agree with ns that it ii high time the authorities made better arrange ments (or the sale of tickets to the public. There were two ticket boxes open on that occasion, at one of which only second class tickets were sold, bat in numbers of cases the unfortu nate individual desirous of going first class did not discover this until in formed by the clerk, after he had laboriously and patiently worked his way up to the box. It is true that a piece of paper was stuck up over it marked in blue pencil" second class ticktts." But few saw this until they were turning sorrowfully away, to begin th« whole struggle over again at the approach to the other box. We have no complaint to make as to the manner in which the officials discharged their duties, which must have been exceptionally heavy and trying on Monday morning. It is the system that is objectionable, and it has existed for years. But why should the public be compelled to suffer the inconven ience of being pulled about and kept i waiting, at a time when they are least i prepared for the rough and tumble work provided for then! by the Railway Department % If there were any pressing necessity for this sort of thing, doubtless the long Boffer ing public would continue to endure it without a murmnr. But there can be no such necessity. If tickets for a concert can be secured beforehand to enable people to avoid (he crußb, why cannot tickets fer a passage by train, be so obtained ? Why cannot these tickets be sold by private people in shops, just as postage and revenue stamps are sold % If the same system were adopted with railway tickets, prior to the running of excursion train*, th«re can be no doubt it would be a great boon to those travelling by such trains. The ques tion of whether one has time to catch the train, would not be such a disturb iug element as it is at present; for it is obvious that under the existing system one has to allow a good, though ud certain margin for the struggle to get a ticket. la fact, it is not inconceivable tbata highly exciteable individual, bear 1 ing the five minutes bell while closely wedged in a crowd far from the ticket box, might have an apopltptic fit, in which case an intelligent jury might consider the Or»wn liable for damages. Seriously we commend this matter to the attention of Mr Ward, who, if we are not mistaken, promised to maka arrangements in the direction we have mentioned, when he indicated his pro* posed railway reforms at Winton several months ago. While we are on this subject of railway conveniences, we should like to suggest that the system of fully publishing the train arrangements and carefully considering the convenience of the travelling pub lic that are carried out by the Mana watu Railway Company, are worthy of imitation on the Government Hues. A resident of Dnnedin, who has just returned from a visit to the North Island, writing to the Dunedin Star. says : " All passengers on the trains at Palmerston North on show day had a handbill (copy herewith) presented to them instructing how to leave the platform, how to enter op returning, and giving the time the various trains would leave. Every train and every carriage had its destination clearly printed upon it. The day being ex tremely wet, and being a stranger, I was, by the courtesy of the station master, permitted to take a seat on my train about four o'clock, while it did not leave till 6.45. I noticed that every train, including my own, left punctually to time." There are a good many things in connection with the details of Government rail way management that have suffered adverse |criticiam. There is a strong suggestion of red tape about a good many of the rules that seem to have been long in existence. For instance, on Monday a train came through from Timaru on its way to Obriatchurch, but no one was allowed to take advantage of it. Those who did apply were informed that they could only get tickets for that train south of Ashbur ton. Now what sense is there in such a provision % If there be roost in any passing train, and a passenger has paid his fare, surely he should be permitted! to travel by it—unless, of course, it is reserved for the special use of some democratic or other magnate. The ordinary businessman naturally won ders why the right to travel on public railways is thus restricted, and although there is probably an explanation quite satisfactory to the Department^ we confess that we cannot imagine what it may be.

CABLE ECCENTRICITIES.

It m-ij interest and perhaps irnan some of car readers who are fond of solving riddles to investigate the follow ing, which wu presented to ns by the Press Association this morning. It came in the shape of » sable message, and the words were literally as follows . •■Unofficial news states that Knox routed the Boers who prevented from i following De Wet many prisoners Brit* i»h." It will be perceived that thin 1 may be translated to mean General Knox routed the Boers who had preven ted him from following De Wet; (delayed his advance) and took many prisoners or it may be intended to convey that General Knox was routed by the Boers who prevented him from following De Wet, and took many prisoners. The word "British" stands in a position which quite precludes speculation as to its signification, and so we give it up. As we are unwilling to take the respon sibility of translating what is really an important message, we present it as it came to our readers and they may read it ai they choose. As this sort of thing is not at all uncommon our readers will understand that a news* paper h»g a good deal of responsibility thrust upon it in the matter of trans* lating cable and telegraphic messages, and it is scarcely to be wondered at that occasionally there is a remarkable diversity of opinion on the point. We should not be at all surprised for' instance to find that some of cur contemporaries have put a different construction upon the particular mes* sage quoted above, from that we have given in our cable columns.

Local and General.

The Latest—ln honour of the Jubilee, a Shirley resident ius had his child christened " Jubilee Canterbury." Wiatheb Forecast.—Captain Edwin wires north to west and southwest gale glass fall indications of rain. Oats for South Africa—The Govern ment has received an order from the Imperial authorities for another 2000 tons of oats for South Africa. Phokb Conobbt. -The Ashbarton Guards tender a complimentary smoke concert to Trooper J. J. Heasley in the Commercial Hotel to-morrow evening. Swimming Club,—a meeting of the A«h-, burton Amateur Swimming Club will be held in McDonnell's rooms to night, at 8 o'clock, All interested in swimming are invited to attend. Drbdoijjo Companies Calls.-—ln the Magistrate's Court, at Dunedin yesterday, there were 34 cases in which gold dredging companies were plaintiffs, suing for calls amounting in the aggregate to about £530 The Championship Meeting—The Coun. oil of the N.Z.A.A.A. have forwarded invitations to his Excellency the Governor and the Premier to be present at the Championship meeting on Saturday next. Thi White) Swan's N«st—To day Mr Smith tested the eggs of the white swan that has been sitting on an island in the Domain for over forty days, and found them all infertile. He destroyed the nest as the female bird was this md emaciated from long sitting Something Like Cheap Fares.—The Russian Government has decided upon the introduction of epeoiallycheap fares upon the Trans-Siberian Railway, in order to encour age emigration to tht country. A ticket from Russia to Tobolsk only coßte 4s 9d, and from Tobolsk to any station whatever in Siberia the fare is only 93. Thus the tripper can cover about 6,000 miles for a matter of 13s.

A Peculae Accident—A. very pecoliai accident occurred up country the other day (says the Western Star.) A man was driving down a hill when the reins caught in the wheel, drawing the horse's= head round to the right, with the result that trap and home turned a somersault over the bank, the hone breaking its neck. The driver escaped. A SfßAKai Meeting—A rather peculiar meeting took place in Ohrlstohuroh on Monday. A stranger to the town engaged accommodation at a restaurant, at the same time giving hit name at a guarantee of good faith. The landlord happened to remark that another gentleman of the *»mo Dame wai staying with him. The two were brought together, and proved to be brother*, Who had not met for forty years, each beiog Ignorant of tht fact; that the other was in town, Niw Church a* Doßii—Tke people of Doric are to be congratulated en being about to have a new church built in their district. We have teen the design as prepared by the architect Mr Ager of this town, and he informs us that the tender of Mr P Williams for the building has been accepted, and the work will proceed at one?. The contract price is we raderstand £437. If the build* Ing is erected according to the design at we suppose it will be, the church with its spire will be quite an ornament to the diitrlot and form a good land mirk , Thh Wbathib—The weather during the past two or three days has been muoh dis cussed. On Monday afternoon the temper ature Wftß bipher than any experienced since last summer, and this ooming after the almost winter weather we have had wai the more notioeablft. But yesterday was still hotter •s we learn from Mr W W Smith that the thermometer touohed 91 degrees in the shade and 140 degrees in the sun. This morning however another sudden obange has taken place.^'he thermometer under the influence of the loath east wind going down to 63

Rancutata Station School-The annual pionlo and prizes distribution in connection with the Rangitata Station School will take place to-morrow. Tha committee and staff are delighted with the generous response that has been made to the appeal for funds, thus enabling the committee to secure exoellent prizes. No effort will be spared to give the children a real good time, and a cordial in* vitatlon is extended to parents and friends. Occasion will be taken to bid good-bye to Miss Ziesler, the popular infant mistress of the school.

Curious Coinpidence —A Greek scholar called attention recently to a very carious coincidence about the name of Napoleon. If you take away the first letter of his name you have apoleon,' take away the firtt letter of that word and you have poleon; do this euccesslvely down to the | last syllable and you have leon, eon, and ! on. Pot these several words together in this order, Napoleon on oleon leon eon apoleon poleon and you have a Greek phrase, the literal translation of which is "Napoleon being the lion of peoples went about destroying cities." TubKiFtE Team For Sydney.--The Fed eral rifle team hai been finally formed as fol lows :—Captain Steidman and Lieutenant Oox(Auckland) GPO Williams Purnell, A Ballinger, H Hollard (Wellington) 3 Q Wilson and G Loveday (Woodville), Captain Win* Blade (Wanganui), Lieutenant Dodds (Dune din), Bandmaster King and Private McGregor (Oamara), and Private Tom Robinson Christ ohureh), Lieutenant Commander Kirk, of Wellington, finds himself unable to go after all. A Wellington telegram states that any volunteers or members of rifle clubs desiring to complete osn obtain a reducioa of fares on procuring ft certificate from Colonel Collins

■ A SbiabikO RIOORD—A shearer named' Ranby put up a record recently on Mr Ken* nedy's station, near Masberton, by shearing 212 cheep in Si honri, Th» Ukxabnbd Increment—A profitable land speculation is reported fiom New Piy month. A imall ayndioate tubsoribed £600 and ptrcbased a block of land in the Mokau district about twelve months aeo» Last week the property was sold for £7000. An Aitjial—This advertisement appeared in the London Morning /W:—Has any banting lady a last year's habit to bestow upon farmer's poor daughter ? Good mounts; nothing to wean Address Ac. A Tkndkb CoNiOiKNCB—The Irwell school master has informed his oommittee—accord ing to the report of the last Bduoatlon Board meeting—that owing to conscientious reasons he cannot undertake to teaoh drill Baohelob Girls—The bachelor girls of London are to have a hotel built) for them- They art to have a home, where every com* fort of the Carlton oan be had at the price they now pay for dark, damp insanitary rooms in lodgings, and for the evil means that are served in the ordinary pension A Rohantio Run—A Paris telegram in the Daily Mail, dated Ootober 19, says:— * A lady named Heron has jusb won a romantic snit at Anzerre, involving a fortune of £40,000 The money was inherited from her father and mother, who died intestate; but a oousin claimed it, stating that the claimant was not the child of the deoeased, bufe;had been bought by them when a baby from » ■trolling actor. The court decided thab as the child had been registered as the daughter of the couple, and had born* their name for twenty five years, the money was hcn.'—Dalsid. The Earth Eatino Disbass-—Dr Mao* donald, the resident surgeon of the Geraldton Hospital, asserts that the disease known In .North Queensland as the earth eating disease is assuming serious proportions at Geraldton and other northern towns. It has raged at Oooktown and Townavllle, and is extending nearly as far south as Brisbane. Dangerous results, he says, must come if immediate steps are not taken to suppress it, especially among children attending the public schools. He is now treating % large number of cases, In some of which whole families arc affected.

The Volunteers at the Jubilee

In our brief report of the Jubilee celebra tions in yesterday's issue, no special reference was made to the proceedings of the volnn* teers, which, nevertheless, formed not the least interesting part of the display, It is a matter for surprise that the attendance of mounted oorps was so good (some 260), seaing that no provision had been made for the country corps getting to Christehurcb. The Ashburton Mounted Rifles were not present. The Ordnance Corps, consisting of artil lery (E and N), eyolist corps, and Lyt fcelton Navals made a good show. There were about a score of Infantry Corps, amongst which were inolnded small detach ments of the Ashburton Rifles and Guards. The work done by the volunteers during the day, was about the most severe that they have been called upon to perform for a good while. We should say that the tr*mp, tramp, tramp, from early morning until late in the afternoon must have given the volun* teers engaged a pretty exhausting day, especial y when the heat and dust are considered. The Fire Brigades made an excellent show. There were seven Brigades, including the Achbnrton Brigade, under Captain Barber, which had the largest muster of any. The returned troopers present were Sergt. Hodson, (Third Contingent), Troopers Cabot (First Contingent), Willis (Third Contingent) and West, of Roberts' Horse, for whom a four-in-hand was provided.

News in Brief

Mr Henry Stepheneoa advertises a sale of the house and furniture of Mr J Pauline, to-morrow, 20th inst, commencing at 1 oolock. The annual parißh gathering in connection with the Church of Si's Philip and James, will be held in the Waterloo Library on December 21st, at which a full attendance is expected. A drag will leavft Aebburton at 6pm sharp. Messrs T H Undril & Oo announce in this issue the arrival of a fine assortment of new goods suitable for Christmas and New Year presents at reduced prices Messrs W H Collins & Co. have opened up a shipment of harvesting requisites; also goods suitable for Christmas presents.

Ashburton Horticultural Society.

The meeting of the Committee of the above Association was held on Friday even ing. Present—-Messrs Shrimpton (chairman) Dodds, Lrc h-ier, Dunlop, and the Secretary, Mrs DodcJß A lengthy ditoussion took place with regard to the date of the next Show, and it was finally deolded to hold it during the third week In February 1901 The Secretary reported having reoeived a donation of £i Is from Mr WH Collins, a patrou A letter from Mr Knowles of Timaru accepting position as judge was received The meeting then adjourned till .January 9, 1901

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Wanganui, Dec IS

Dr Smyth thi& morning was appointed Chief Inspeoter of the Wanganui Education District. Salary £450, travelling allowance £150. There were twenty applicants. Dr Smyth is late of Southland and Bouth Canterbury, and has just returned from a visit to Scotland and Germany, where he was studying educational methods. (Pre' vioue to bis going to Heidelberg, Germany, Dr Smyth was headmaster of the Waimate district school)

The Royal Visit.

AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON TO BE INCLUDED.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph —Copyright London, Dec 17 The Duke and Duchess of York will visit every Australian colony, and will Include Auckland and Wellington In their itinei - ary. Their suite will consist of fonr ladies and ten or twelve gentlemen. Their chil dren will remain in England. One of the Queen's semi' State carriages accompanies the party.

Reform of the War Office.

A COMMITTEE OF ENQUIRY APPOINTED.

United Press Association—By Kleotrto Telegraph LtNDON, Dec 17 The Hon W. St. John Brodriok, Secretary of State for War, has appointed Messrs Clinton Dawkins, E W Beckett, and Mather, members of the House of Commons, Sir Charles Welby, M.F., (private secretary to the Marquis of Lansdowne, and reoenfcly appointed temporary assistant) to the Store tary of State for War, to aisist in the reorganisation of the War Office; Colonel Sir George Clark (who was secretary to the Royal Commission on Navy and Army \ administration), and Mr G S Gibb (manager of bbc North Eastern Railway Company), a committee to consider the arrangements In connection with the War OSoe system of contract and audit, and also as to possible decentralisation, with a view to expediting business.

CONSULTING OPTICIAN.

Mr Ernest M. Sandstein, DBOA.', FB, MO, who has lately returned after «lx years' special study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all oaaee o defective eyesight. Daylight nob necessary arti6oial light being used. Doctors' pre ■oriptiona prepared. Feea moderate. Con salting rooms, Gaahel Street W., over M Sandstein, jeweller, Obriatohurch, 93Q to 1, 2 to * d*ily ,

CYCLING

CHRIBTCBURCH CYCLING CLUB

The third d»y of the Christchurch j Cycling Ciuba wheel race meeting took place i od Tuesday, the principal event being the | final of the Grand New Zealand Invitation Scratch Race. Following are resulta: Flying Stakes, half mile—Final heat-F C Williams (Anhburton). 105ydt, 1; W Clarkaon, 55yd«,2; 6 Lewis, 60yds, 3. Time—lmln. Annivbbsabt Handicap, one mile—Final heat—A E Wall, 1; A R Barker, 2; M Bennett, 3. Time—2.32g. In thia event Holland and Huston (Aabbwrton) ceoored place* in their respective heats, but were i unplaced in the final ! Amaticb Whbblßace, two mllea—Final hfst—S Boyd. 190 yds, 1 ; W Sharman, 220 yds, 2; P E Mesaervey, 280 yds, 3. Time —4.6!f Sesjond • Class Handicap, two miles— Final heat—R Conneli, 25yds, 1; A Pirie, 135 yds, 2; J Orr. 140 yd*, 3. Time—s.4s Invitation Scratch Race — Final—G Sutherland 1, A R Barker 2,

Mishap to the Barque Weathers field.

AX UNLUCKY VESSEL.

United Picas Association—By Bleotrio Telegraph London, December, 19 The barque Weathenfield baa put into the Bermuda lalandc, in the Atlantic, with her gear damaged and hir cargo shifted, aa the result of heavy weather experienced. LThe Weathenfield, whioh is |bound from the Old Country to New Zealand, with a general cargo, has been s> rather unlecky revel. She was a considerable time atrand ed on the Otski beach, and after being purchased by a Wellington syndicate a few years ago, was refloated, and haa traded regularly ainoe, but haa frequently been roughly handled by the elements, having a narrow etoape in Cook's Strait on one occasion*

Mount Somers and Springburn Races.

BOXING DAY MEETING,

The following Handicaps have been de olared :—

Maiden Plate — Nutcracker list Tib Bartey lOst 71b, Artilleryman lOst, Orphan Girl lOst, Glendevon lOst,

Maiden Trot—Jubilee Plunger scratch, Libertine soratoh, Gipsy Girl scratch, Ttacy G 2seos, Abdailah Shales 2secs, Black Angel Ssecs, Phem saeci, Silver Queen saecs, Bertha Sseos, Miss Staveley sseos. .

Mount Somebs Cop—-Nutcracker list 91b, Goldfinch 10it 12 h, Number Nine lOit 51b, Barney lOat, Flyaway lOsfc

Handicap Tkot—Sefton scratch, Ambi tion ssec6, Scou c lSseos, Jubilee Plunger 22secs, Nellie 22secs, Black Angel 255e0% Diploma 25« ec», Traoy G 25iee«, Bertha 25secs

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright) London, Dec 17. The announcement that the Nelson relics have been recovered provts to be a hoax A quantity of valuable South Kensington curios, lent to the Westham Museum, have been stolen. » Lady Darling, widow of Sir Charles Darl ing, the third Governor of Victoria, is dead The Church Missionary Society claim compensation for looses they have sustained in China Li Hang Chant; is suffering from inflaera** Paris, December 16 The Paris Exhibition «*cc unts show a deficit of two million franqs {tboufc £83,000) M Waldeck Rousseau, resisting the amend ment to withhold amnesty from suoh persons who committed perjury and forgery in connection with the Dreyfus case, declared that the Government) would not allow the re-opening (of the case, and demanded a vote equivalent to one of confidence. The amendment was negatived by 340 to 90. Melbourne, Dec 18 At the inquiry into the Ormuz-Ismailia col lision, the pilot of the former stated that if the Ormua had not gone lull speed astern when the Ismalia oame on the port helro.the mail steamer would have been struck amid ships and sunk in the rip

CRICKET.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA v NEW, SOUTH WALKB.

Adelaide, December 17 In the match between South Australia and New South Wales, Soufch Australia in the first innings have six wickets down for 311—Reedman 71, Hill not out 176. December 18 South Australia's first innings dosed for 676—Hi1l not out 365, Walkeley 53. New South Wales in their second Innings have lost two wickets for 28.

Transvaal War.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. London, December 17 Lord Methuen on Friday last captured a Boer laager containing fifteen hundred cattle, two thousand sheep, much amtnum* tion, and a number of waggons \ Colonel Francis, of the New Zealand Rough Riders, was presented to her Majesty the Queen The Queen personally decorated Lieuten' ant Commander Colquhoun, of Victoria, with the Distinguished Servioe Order The 7ims denounces the spirit of gloating malevolence on the part of Mr J Bryn Roberts, M. P. (who attacked the eonduob of Australian soldiers), in raking up every scrap of correspondence from private soldiers in order to base a charge for the purpose of discrediting and insulting the honour of the fag Mr Kruger has accepted the freedom of the city of Limerick The Portuguese Government have rein forced the artillery and mounted troops on the the frontier, and suspended all traffic with the Transvaal

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

United Press Association—by Electric Telegraph Chbistohuboh, Deo 18 Seven hundred and fifty old colon ists were conveyed in drags during the afternoon to the residence of Mrs Deans at Riccarton, by whom they were entertained. About two hundred and fifty well known local people were also preient by invitation. Hit Ex oellenoy the Governor, the Hon Messrs W C Walker, Rolleaton, and Bowen, and the Bishop* of Christohurch and Melanesia, were among the guests, There were no speeches, bub Mrs Deans, received her visitois on the lawn. The hall of the resi dence, which it built in the old English style, was greatly admired, and it is note worthy that the oak of which it ia con structed was grown upon the Ricoarton eatate. Willington, December 19 Canterbury residents celebrated the Jubi lee last sight, when there Was a large attendance, including the Hon Hall Jones, and the Mayor of Wellington, Mr C E Briggi presided, and proposed * The Pioneers of Canterbury,' which was drunk with enthusiasm, MrT W Rowe, M. A, proposed * The Eduoational Interests of Canterbury,' in a very able speech, in the course of which he acknowledged the valuable services of the Hons 0 0 Bowen, W Rolleston, and W Montgomery to the cause of education * lit | Rowe claimed that Canterbury had bean peculiarly fortunate in eduoational matters, and that more University graduates and first honors men and women had been turned out from Canterbury than from any other provincial district. Mr T L Pmitb, in pro

posing ' The Trade and Commerce of Can* terhury,' «aid that Mr G G Bie#d bad dose more for agriculture in Canteibury than any nther individual. The proceedings were marked with great hesrtiness and evident attachment to Canterbury.

THE LATEST TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

United Preas Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Wellington, December If Repaying to a deputation, the Hon Mr DuooaD promised to favourably represent to the Cabinet a proposal to convert _ Stake subsidised bevevolent homes and kindred institutions into State market gardens, where the inmates could be most comfortably housed and given employment. SvEAnoBD Deo IB The Hon Mr Ward arrived here yesterday evening and waa entertained'at an Impromptu b*equet. .He received no deputation, leaving en reute for Wellington at 6 30 this moratng by ipeeial. Chbistchcbck, Deoember 19

The North Canterbury Kdutation Board has decided to allow one of Its inspectors and also a delegate chosen by the teachers tr» attend the Education Conference in Melbourne on January next. The Governor some time ago eemnoßt* cited with London with a view to getting the Duke and Duaheea of York to visit all the four New Zealand centrea. lo is authoritively stated that Chriatehnroh and Dunedio will probably be iooluded. ■&* 3| Timaku, December 19 The Stipendiary Magistrate ta-day dismissed a police prosecution of a trsotlon engine owner for not having fear Ben with the engine, holding tbafc not more then two are r< quired. The case tv defended by the Traction Engine Society.

Dunbbin, December 19 The body of Anno Dallas, an abandoned character, about 35 yean of age, wm fonnd nn the bench between Ravensbourne and Blackjacks Point this morning.

Disastrous Bush Fires in Australia

United Press Association—fiy Eieotrlo Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapoaka Deo. 19, 938 a m this Office 10 36 a m) Stdnbt, December 19 Thirty-seven thousand tores of wheat, grass, and other crops were burnt in the Albury district:. There were twenty mile* of btazing timber and grass. A fir* front of six to eight miles is ttill menacing thousands of acres of standing crops.

The Commonwealth Celebrations

United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright - Received Wakapuaka Dec 19, 938 Sydney, Dec It The Federal procession starts at 1020 on January 1 The sweariag in takes place abont on* o'clock. The first ceremony will bt feht ■wearing in of the State Governors The oit'zans Commonwealth Committee have wired Mr Seddon to permit the returned soldiers at present in Sydney to participate,

BUSH FIRES

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Invibcabgill, Dec H Bush fires occurred in various parts of th*> district yesterday. Collings and Boffi sawmill with a stock of timber in th« Beaward bush wm entirely destroyed. The mill was insured for £1,000, and the timber for £750 in the Commercial Union. Massey's mill at Mabel busb was also destroyed. It was insured for £400 in the New Zsalaud* In the Otaiara bush a mile of tramway wm dent roved ; at Wakarewa Barn, a cowshed of X Finlayson, containing wool and gram seed, etc, was destroyed. The buildings were insured for £200, but the content* were uninsured.

THE TRANSVAAL WAR

United P'sm- A^dicsntion—-By Bleatrto Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wafcapunka Deo 19, 8 60 a m. Thin Office 9 22 a m London, December 18

In addition to the casualties previous!/ mentioned GeneralCiementa reports that op* wards of fifty were wouoded. Dewet is moving northwards. The newspapeie strongly urge the eontina* ous despatch of adequate relays of Mounted Infantry to quell guerilla movement*. The South African Law Department, Cape town, are informed that a force of seven hundred Boen have crossed the Orange river near Aliwal North and have arrived at Kuapdaar.

At the trial at Coleeborg of a cumber el Afrikanders charged with treason sentenoee from six months to 2§ years imprisonment with fines varying up to £800 wore pasted. Official news states that General Kao* routed the Boers who had prevented him from following Dewet, and took many prisoners. There has been a per' sistent report in London that after the nut which started yesterday at daybreak aad lasted several hours, two thousand Boen were surrounded at Orange River, a large) otimber being captured and many killed and wounded,

Received Wakapuaka Dec 19, 921 am This office 10 13 a m > London, Dee 18 Only forty eight of Brabant's Hone surrendered on Friday. Khaki clad Boere at Nooitgedacht, crept: to within forty yards of General Clements' petition before they were recognised. A desperate almost hand to hand! conflict ensued, resulting -la •ha Boers' repulse Id an hew. Tht Northumberland^ were assailed when they surrendered, by Boers on a ridge, who directed three guns on the camp. The transport in-spanned under a heavy fire. Sixty men belonging to the Twelfth Brigade of Mounted Infantry, splendidly kept the Boers at bay until a retreat was effected.

Tfiß ASHBURTOI3 GtUft' ikt : WBt)NBSt)Af, DUCifiMBER 1&, 1900



'all moon ,aitqn»rter Jew moon "irit quarter

6 14 2o

10 8 p: 10 12 •' I 18 pi



Dftfct •eeember •i •t ii '»» ii

17 18 19 20 21 22

Biaet 4 17 417 4 18 4 18 4 19 4 19

Sets 736 7 37 7 37 7 38 7 38 7 39



Polypathic Medical Institute. Coiufcr of Gloucester Street and Latimer Square, CHRISTCHURCH, (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings). Fifth Visit to Ash burton. FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 4,1901.-2 o'clock pmnntil Bpm SATURDAY, JANUABY 5—9 am until 1 o'clock p m POLYPATHY: THE NEW SY3TEM OF HEALING. The Polypaths have won the hearts of the people of Canterbury. CONSULTATION & ADVICE-FRKE, FREE, SrjBSLY a Golden Oppobtdhity POLYPATHY, the New Method of Healing, !■ the wlS*|*» «urs>et and most r%pid System, as it curei with absolute **As&A~£\rjs' fLgffr certainty such diseases aiCanoer, Epilepey and Asthma, wS&g&S&S&SBUmk inoarable under the old system, as well as all Ohrooie fflmiffirSmf^&BrW ""^ Nervous Complaints of Women and Men. M«M Cores made by POLYPATHY than any other system iEg3£&2Z£&23S&k in Ih9 w<rd o 7Vhk4^^^|J^ an tinder :— JgBsE^MMjS^SSi Epilfptio Fits Fob Eighi Yiabi ; also hea»i &*%Pm3BP&£^BB&B&IM DIBBABK f £JBgggjS£Bal2B» Yoi r Medicines have done me a great deal of good. I \B|l^^b^H^^Kl ffd better in every way, and the pains at the heart have I IK^^HHBi^VnA entirely left me. I have not had one fit sloce taking : I^Hi^^^tStßißßß^S your Medioine—l remain, yonr« traly, W^^^^B/EBE^BtM LUNO mstAm AKD VXTRIIIE DMILITT I have much pleasure In landing this letter, thanking ■BJ^^H^^HI^KS you very much for tb« benefit I bar* derived from your medkine, whioh I have been using six weeks. I was M^K£KIBMH-| reduced in weight from 12ifc 4'b down to Bst 71b, and I - aU^^n^^n had quite given myself up to my Maker; but thank God js^a Hff^Bfl^^Hi^Bll *'ter h&A been under your treatment nine daye my |W| IHIHHHHL^HB-fl|friends could see a change In me, and I could feel it r myself, and have been improving ever sinoe. xon oaa "^^^^^^^^^^^^T€» u( .e this letter for a testimonial, or refer anybody to me Wishing you every proapftrity—Your« respeetsfnlly, 12 147 ' * * j QHH Bl?MOK PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' OLOTHTNG. ——:©;■—• T>OYS' Guard Snits 8s 6d ; Boys' Blouses 4a Boyß* Norfolk Suits 12s 6d; Wftihing Suita 2* 6d " Absent-Minded Beggsr " Suits 18a 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sao Suits from 21b to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis TroTisers 12§ 6d.^ A nice variety of Summer Ooat« in Kharki Serge, Sattein, Alpata, Ktc. N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BEOKINGSALB, Manager. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST EVER MADE BURNETT STREET, T7NORMOUS Stock of Fundries just to hand, including Latest Lamps, JCi Luggage Carriers, Faddle Chains, Alarm Belle, etc Inspection Invited WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 \*'S PHALL BE REPRESENTED ab the Ohristohoroh and Timara fixtnree, and V* have made satisfactory arrangements for disposing of OLIPB privately Ashburten. Confignmenta wil! be rpceived at our Asnburton or Tinwsild itoree, andJi»eßt on to •ither Chrißtcharch or Timaru, free of all charges, except railage; Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from ihelr nearest railway itatlon will ease consign aa follows :— If intended! for sale at Aehburton—Friedlander Bros', Ltd Siding, Asbbnrtoo If intended for sale at Chrißtchuroh—Brown and Son'e Siding, Addington If intended for sate or ebipmenfc at Timani—Mill & Go's Sidinjr, Timara If intended for shirment>t Lyttelton-N.ZlShipplog Go's Dumping' Shed, Lytteltoß —:o:<—• WOOLPAOKB, TWINE BRANDING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites Bupplied at lowest rates. "" 50* " ' " Our Next Sale will take place at Timaru on THURSDAY, JANUAEY 3, 1900 }<RIKDLANDER BROS, LTD The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.B Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims: H D Bkll, Es<j, Chairman. I Percy M Thomsoh, Inspector of Agenoiei. Albert Maktin, Eeq, MD. . \ E Trevob Gotjld, Resident Secretary; STRONGEST LIFE ASSUKANCE SOCIETY IN THE WORLD Financial Position. Assurance in force ... .... £219,670,058 I Surplus over liabilities ... £12,711,978 Accumulated fund"... .» £58,373,185 | Aunual income ... .- £11,286,145 A Mutual Office. A>! surplus belongß to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Oaeh Value Policy. NICOLT7 BROS, A genie, Ashburton. 12 47



SI ILL ADVANCING OBAIOHBAD & BEKBYMAN HAVE just opened oufc, ex 8.8. Papßroa from London, the largest shipment oi 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 Fußhionftbie Tailoring Goods now affords customers such a splendid range of new materials of guaranteed qual.ty and stylish patterns to choose from as should please even the most faatidioup, and their prices, workmanship, and fib will compare favorably with those of the leading firm* in Chriatchurch or other cities They are also showing a grand lot of new Htktß, Shirta, Ties, Boots, etc., this Hoaa n. Customers would do well to place their orders early as 0. &B, have already » large number of suits on the books promised before Xmat. 11 110 ' WANTED XWOWN. J. L. HIGGB HAS Paints, Qite, Tnrpa, Glaes, Scrim &o.» also eh oka Paperhangingß. PRICES LOW. High Glass Decorative Work a> Specialtfc Don't forget. —— (Coi.bman'B BUH.DIHO, TanoMd Street,



THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS CO j OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY, Ltd. Offices, Warehouses, and Grain Stores: Weßt Street, Ashbnrton. TjWERY Description of Farmers XjJ Requisites ab lowest) rates. Groceries, Hardware Saddlery, Cornsacks, Woolpaeks, Twine, Oils, Tinware, Horse Covers, Etc Kto. GRAIN SOLD ON COMMISSION. Having reliable Information from eu> Agents in other parts of the Colonies, we are in a position to obtain highest possible prices for all grain placed in our hands for disposal. Shareholders should be particularly aare. ful to enquire from us and inspect oar goods before ordering elsewhere. T F GIBSON, Manager. PURE & HALFBRED TAMWOBTH PIGS rrO Farmers purchasing Halfbred PIGS, We are prepared to buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peat. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* 12 5 J H Rums.



FOB SALE RUILDING SITES. 3QUARTKR Acres all adjoining—Nos 1128,1129, and 1130, Cameron Street, on the upper side of the railway. Tbera have been numerous enquiries for sections In the vicinity of there. To be told on very easy terms of payment 1 Fall particular* on application. W. BULLOCK. FOX SALE. "TTALUABLE Building Allotment!, "Hu- V ated at the corner of Can and Moore Streets, and befog part of Town Secttau 00 and 101 T BULLOCK, TO LE T. DWELLING of Six Rooms. also stable, together with 2 Acres of land fronti g Charles Street, Allen ton. and near the Woollen Factory ; rental 7* 6rt per week. Apply to T BULLOCK, Agent) ~~~~~>OR SALE "~~ BUILDING SiteTTi foHowa ;—T.S 795 | acre Cox Street East good land, 818 .ere Aitken Street TBULLO(JK ANTED KNOWN—Jntt arrived Peak Frean & Go bUcuits in following varieties: Cafe Noir, Cream, Sandwich, Choc olate, Fingers* Wavileti, Tenioe, Wafer*. Florence Wafers, ito, at Fletcher Brof 11183 GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT. Established 1870. ITBRT POLICY OUARANTBED BY THE BTATB, Bird's-eye View of Growth jf Ojce.. FUNDS, 1878 .. £292,523. 1898 .. £2,861,534. At the present time the Funds amount to., over THREE MILLION POUNDS. Present Annual Income, over £400,000. The leading London Insurance Journal, The Post Magazine and Insurance Monitor, says,—-"The only institution of the kind at present in existence managing its affairs on commercial principles is the Lifo Assurance Department of the Colony of New Zealand. . Although the operations of the De partment are confined to a Bmall colony, the figures reached are very large, exceeding those of the great majority of British com paniies. . . . Many of our companies at home might learn from it a useful lessou." J. H. BIGHABOSON, Commissioner. FOR SALE, WELL Cared Prime quality HAMS Rod BACON. Cheaper than Beef or Mutton. Guaranteed grain fed by Farmers of this district. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 2 55 JH Hclk. TO SUBSCRIBERS k ADVERTISERS. CHRIBTMAB & NEW YEAR HOLIDAYB "THE GUARDIAN" CTC7ILL NOT b» Issued on TUB DAY, December 25th, WEDNESDAY, December 26th, TUESDAY, January Ist.



Una jke Hew Yeaij»



There are more human beinga going abou the world pate, iiatletsftnd miserable, because what they eat doea them bo good, than ever poverty, sorrow and misfortune were acooun table for ; in faot, the failures of this life have their origin more often in atomaohio derangementa than In mental and physical disabilities, aa generally understood. Why is this ? Well, from many oauies, bat ohicfly from the f»ot that disregardiog aymptomi, people will not take oare of themaalvM. Diet, you tay No ; care first), diet afterwards and always. Take Impey's "May Apple" for Indigestion and liver trouble; then, diet aa muoh aa you like. It ia a certain cure, and ooati only 2i 4«^J



ALL Loasby's Preparation —Cinnamon Cure, Koplibah, Wahoo, and Benjaman Gum—at J T Ooooh, Storekeeper



Never HAIR There is no need BBJsOHj^sH of it. You can H)bH^kK^k| you are sixteen. |uflPf'fltt Then why look as if you are sixty ? • ■/■sßf^sl^ i Thick and glossy hair belong* to youth. Thin and faded hair to old aft* A\/sfllH#l fUI make yow A%#■#■ \ hair soft and MtlTU^Slossy, rich fT\w V I >W\ abundant. ak mM* I lt "will k«*p sMSsk I P yousctjDfns ||U| ■ I fromdandraft, T MIIU wdwiUrowly m#|Osllb*lP reveQt your It Ntvtr Falls to Rtittrt ttt .Natural Coltrte tfe« HUr It gives to the hair that »oft, flMty apntarance so natural to early lif*. Wow men, this means the look of stroagth and power. For women, it is Hit o»« ornament of youthful beauty. Bssmember that pimples, nshM, aai lOrn disnfnrements of thefac* may b> thorowMl remored by taking » course ofitreatßesitwMl Ayer's Sarsaparilte. It wiU make tk» •kin smooth and tne blood rich. Pr*Hlt<*yDr.J.C.Am*C«-,L«r*.llm,U.B.A,