Mail Notices.

SATURDAY, DBOfIAIBR 1 For Northern Ports, and W«fcpor*> per Rotomahana, at 630 p m. MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 For 'Tasmania *nd Australia (due Mel bourns Dec 2nd) India, China, Japan, Maori* tiu«, &Ibo United Kingdom (duo London January 13tb), and Continent of Europe, rift Brindisi (specially addressed correspondence ooly) per express to connect with Monowai at Bluff, at 1230 pm For Northern Port* ttnd Westport, per Tarawera, at 6 30p m TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 For Samoa, Hawaii, Phillipines, Japan, also United Stated, Canada, United King dom and Continent of Europe, via San Fran-, ciico, (due London Jan 4), also South Amtrloa, Teneriffe, and United Kingdom {per Paparoa), specially addressed correspon* deoct only, per Rotomahana, at 630 pm; Money Orders, 2pm ; registered articles, at 5d m.

CONSULTING OPTICIAN

Mr Ernest M. Sandstein, DBOAi, FS, | MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study m England and Oon> tinenfc, may be oonsulted on all case* of defective eyesight* Daylight) not necessary I artificial light being need. Doctors' pre j Bcriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con i Halting rooms, Cathel Street W., over M I Sandstein, jeweller, Cbristohnroh. 930 to 11,2 to 6 daily

Commercial.

WOOL SALES.

United Prets Association—By Electric Telegraph Stdhet, November 80 The week's wool salea oleaed with a briak demand for good sort*. Prtcea were well maintained. Faulty, being m over-supply, were dragging, Melbourne, Nov 30 The wool sales showed a decline of from £1 to id per lb all round. Tiftumr, Nov 30 For the first wool sals about 1700 bales were offered, but many were passed m. There w«a a good attendance of buyers. Tip prices were—Halfbred 7|d, merinos 7d, orosibred md f-bred 6|d.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotation* are m follows : — •*V heat—Hunter's, peart and velvet, 2s 4d to 2c Sd, and Tuscan 2s 5d to 2a 6d. Qata — Canadian la 91, abort) feed la 8d to la B|d, Dona la 7d to It Bd, Danish Is 7<i to la 7|! Barley (nominal)— Malting 2a delivered Flour (millers' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, atone £6, sharps £3 10*, bran £5. Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2» 4d to 2a 5d Peai—Prussian Blues 2a to 2s 3d, part' ridgs 2s 4d to 2a 6d Potatoes — Darwenta 27s 6d to 30s, at country stations Oatsheaf Chaff — 42s 6d at) near country stations. Hay—£3 5» to £310% delivered : primes* baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lota la 9d to 2a, prime heavy, town dressed, 2i 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 2£d to 2|d for bright aeed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 161 b to 171 b seed, 3£d to 4d, cowgrass 5d to 6d, extra choice 6£d, White clover, 6d to 7|d. Dairy Produce—Cheeae, dairy Sd to s£d, factory Sd to 6d. Butter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 8d to 9d, salt, m boxes 6d to 7d for prime. Bacon and hams 5Jd to 6d, factory baoon and hams, £d per lb higher. The above prices, sxocpfe where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b. Lyttelton.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote at follows on November SO, 1900:— WhMt~ Prime milling Pearl «. 2s 2d ,i .„ Tuscan— 2s 3d , s „ Hunter's 2s Id Oats—Duns .. Is s£:i Danish Is s|d Canadians Is 6d Sparrowbills Is SJI Barley—Malting, prime 2a Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Ohaß—-Good oatsheaf 47s 6d to 50a Grass Seed—Old ptuture, 2s to 2s 3d New „ la 6d to Is 9d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Asbburton.

HORSE FAIR

Mr D Thomas held a horse fair m the Arcade yesterday, when a. U-ge«ntry, com prising 240 horoeo, was brought forward. The attendance w»s large, bat biddings m the earlier part of the sate were not quite up to the rates expected. An improvement however, was apparent later m the day, Some of the sales were — Unbroken stock—Fillies £8 10s to £13; erits, £7 10s to £14 10a ; two - year ■ old draught colt, £15; three years, £11; yearling, £14 10s; draught mares (broken) £30 and £21; gtldipg, £24. Three year old draught gelding unbroken, £35 and £44 ; 2 draught maret £98 the pair; 3 year old coit £45 10s; young light horses £17 10s to £26; draught geldings and mares, broken, £31, £36. £54, £37, and £44 The sale was continued to-day, when about) the same prices ruled.

THE TIMARU PRODUCE MARKETS,

There was no change on the week m the prices for wheat and barley, late nominal quotations still prevailing. In the oat mar' Set, however, the activity noted m oar Dan' edin report of Thursday last has affected the Timarn market, and owing to the enquiry thereon the market baa hardened, and is likely to harden still more. The needs of the South Afrloan market are mainly re sponsible for this, and at time of writing there is a steamer m port shipping about 30,000 saoks for South Africa. Good lines of Danish and dun oato are now quoted at is6d t« Is 7d. We may add that other shipments are likely to follow the shipment now being handled by the s s Bash mills.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1900. FRENCH AGRESSION.

At the present tim*. when various cir cumstances are combining to create distrust and ill-feeling between the French and English people, it will tax the prudence and statesmanship of the rulers of both nations to keep the peace. The readiness with which the masses m France have taken up Kruger's quarrel, and the offensive way m which a portionof fcheGaHic Press has acted towards Great Britain *H through this South African war/ are pretty rare indications that it only wants a ■park to set France m a blaze of war like enthusiasm for a struggle with her ancient foe, If we mistake not there is now no country en the face of the earth that is so entirely under the domination of the mob as France is. Recent events have abundantly proved this. It must be confessed that although Great Britain showed a firm front with regard to the Fashoda business, there are other matters which have long been operating m the direction of encouraging the belief amongst Frenchmen that Great I Britain will put up with almost any [ thing rather than go to war with their country, Perhaps not the least re markable of these matters is that which is called the Newfoundland Fisheries dispute, Recent cablegrams announce that this trouble has again loomed up m that colony, »nd threatens to assa&e serious proportions. This affair has been continually brought before the British Government by the people of Newfoundland ; but up to the present time nothing has been done m the way of affording relief, and the position is probably more acute just now than it has ever been. Briefly it is as follows: —Under a treaty made m 1713 France holds certain rights of fiibing off the

coast of Newfoundland, and of using part of the shore for purposes con nected with this fishing, " without interference" from British subjects. This treaty hai been so strained m interpretation and so extended m application by the French that they now c^aim to be practically lords of the sea and shore, with a monopoly of the fishery and a right to prevent the people of Newfoundland from develop ing the mineral resources of the district. These poor people have appealed times without number for redress to the Imperial Parliament, but the apparent reason of the inaction of the British authorities, is that "to comply with the wishes of the colonis's would be to inflict grave loss on the French fisher man." That, at any rate, was the reply given to a petition presented by the Newfoundlanders a few years ago. In view of the attitude taken up by these colonies, and especially by New Zealand, as to not tolerating any foreign nations territorial rights m thtir immediate neighbourhood, we can easily under stand the feeling that exists m New foundland om this subject. The French, presuming upon the treaty of two hundred years ago, tear up the nets of British fishermen along the foreshore of the island and confiscate them, right under the eyes Of the British naval officer who patrols the station. The London Express, commenting on the situation, says: ' How far this insolent contention as to French rights has been pushed may be .seen m the case of Oaptain Cunningham, who spent £20,000 m opening a mine shaft and importing machinery, only to see a French warship land a party of marines, plant the French flag over his works, and forbid all other operations!' We fear that this wretched Newfound land dispute will cauße Great Britain much more trouble to settle now than it would have done before the Boer war began. But it will have to be eettlsd ; for it is impossible that m the face of its action m defence of the rights of the TJifclandera, the nation can ignore those of the inhabitants of a British colony. There would be no need to go to war with France to secure the rights of the Newfoundlanders under ordinary con ditions, but as we have said, France is at fever heat just now and a single spark would kindle the flame of war. It is certainly a matter for congratulation that wise and prudent statesmen rule the destinies of both Great Britain and France for it appears to the average observer that the relations between the two nations are decidedly strained and the outlook is not by any means re-assaring.

THE UNSATISFACTORY POSITION IN AFRICA.

The cablegrams receded from South Africa during the last twenty-four hoars are decidedly unsatisfactory. Notwithstanding a few small successes achieved by some of the British columns, we cannot abut oar eyes to the fact that the Boers have certainly held their own, even according to the admissions of the British commanders thems'lves, One force has been am hushed j this sort of thing being of such frequent occurrence, that it is absolutely monotonous. Several col lisions have occurred, bat although our troops are said to have had the best of the enemy, the Boers have always got safely away. But the worst news of all is the official announcement by Lord Roberts, that four hundred of our best Boldiers have been captured by the Boers. This is an astounding thing to occur at a time, when we are act onlj assured that the war is practically over, but that the British troops are return* ing to their hones m thousands. A: cable message published m another part of this issue, informs us that 10,000 Australians are going home immediately. Looking at these facts from (he mere standpoints of students of history, and attentive observers of the events of the great struggle going on m South Africa, we cannot but wonder at the way matters seem to be managed over there just now. Of course we do not venture to say that the military officers, who are condacting the campaign against the Boers are making mistake* m permitting the enemy to score so many successes against them ; they may have some deep scheme m view. But we can express the opinion that the frequent British reveries which are being an nounced, do not tend to convince the lay mind that the war is practically over, or tbat oar arms are making much pro gress m bringing it to an end From a non-military point of view this last capture of 400 of our bravest troops seems to be utterly inexplicable. It is stated that there were 2500 Boers surrounding our men at Dewetsdorp, which is m the south of the Orange Free State. But surely it is a serious reflection upon the military skill of the British Generals that such a large body of the enemy could have a free hand m that locality for days, and even weeks. How is it that while the main body of our troops is up m the middle of the Transvaal country, large commandos of the enemy can entrench themselves with complete impunity, and besiege small British garrisons m a district that was long ago overrun by the Imperial forces ? it seems to as that the war is not being carried on with that energy and vigour, which can alone promise to bring about a speedy termination to if. Moreover, ao long as the ptopla now remaining m the field and keeping up this hopeless struggle are permitted to do io ai recog nised belligerents nnder Boer leaders, io long will it be impossible to bring the fighting to an end —»t anyrate until the enemy are all killed off. Those now m the field are all fighting with halters round their necks/at least knowing the atrocities they have •ommitted, they no doubt think they are, which is pretty ranch the wme thing, since they dare not surrender. We notice that the opinion is gaining ground m Great Britain that the only effective way of bringing the war to a close would be to fix a date when all Boers mast give op their armi, after which any foand with weapons m their hands should be treated as outlaws. If such a notice were given and its terms strictly adhered to, the fighting m South Africa would no longer be war ; bat every death caastd by the Boen would, be a murder. Looking at the position ai disclosed by the latest cablegrams, it is certainly not easy to understand wby the British and Colo nial treopi are beipg sent home m inch namben,

Local and General.

To Otm Fsadsrs—lnteresting reading matter will to found on oar first and fourth Lettms of Administration—Yesterday at the Supreme Court, Ghriatchurob, letters of administration were granted m the estateof J»mee Rawle, deceased, Stats Aided Immigration.—The Premier of Queensland a ates that owing to the con dition of the colony, the Government will not bring ont any more free immigrant!, TH* POBTMASTKB GjENKBAIi—The HoB 3 & Ward visits Temuka to-day, when he will select the site for the now post office there, Thk Chbistohcrch Cathimul, — The Building Committee of the Ghriatohurch Cathedral haa been authorised to oommenee the preliminary work m connection with the completion of the atrnoture. To BuiLDiM,—Tendere are invited by the North Canterbury Education Board for teachers residence« atLowcliffa and Ruapaaa and for painting and repairs at Ashburton main, Lauriaton and Barr HiU. Particular* will be found m our adverttaing ooiumna. HiJirasiAD Bvbbish Rbsibvb —At a meeting of the Canterbury Land Board held on .Thursday, the Hampttead Town Board applied for a rnbbiah reserve m Aahburton of 10 aorta. It waa reiolred to recommend that the reserve be oonatitoted aa deaired. , Tbiitimo—Aboat half-a-dozsn boys were a> few nights ago caught In the aotjof pilfering the strawberries m a garden m town. The owner, it ia underatood, will nob prosecute on this Qcoaaian, but should the offence be repeated he will place the matter m the hands of the police. Th b British Pabmam»nt. —The consti' tution of the new House of Commons will be: Ministerialists:—Conservatives, 333, Liber# Unionists 68; Total—4ol. Opposition :~ Dißerala, 187, Nationalists, 82; Total—269. The Ministerialist majority over the Liberals alone la 214; over the Liberala and Nationa lists combined 132; Thk Pilcher Fond—lt seems naoeisary to again remind the people of Ashburton that so far very little haa been done m this town towards subscribing towards present ing s.ome memorial to Mr Piloher m acknow ledgment of his great services m looking after and helping members of the New 2<mland oontingents aent to Soath Africa. Liata are lying at the principal places of buaineas, and as only shilling subscriptions are invited, the people cf this oounty should lose no time m putting down their names. Hatio of Boer Bullets.-—Renter's speoial lervice cablegram to tbo London Express stated with a number of wounded at Pretoria that General Pole Carew and the rest of the Guards have arrived including the detach tnent of the Goldatream' Guards, livery wound which the men received m that affair was caused by expanding bullets, and some of them are terribly Revere* The head of one soldier who was killed was smashed to the pulp. In another case a large portion of the back was carried away, while another man-had his knee joint smashed to atoms. Trap Accident.—A very nasty jvcoldent happened this morning to Mrs Alexander Protheroe, by which she was much bruised and shaken, the whole extent of her injuries not being yet known. She waa driving from Elgin, when her horse stepped into & rut m the road and feil. Mrs Protheroe wat thrown out by the shock, falling on her head Fortunately Mr Protheroe wm waiting a short distance down the road and went to h*r assistance. It ia stated that the rut referred to is nearly two feet deep and hat been there for some two months. If bo, it if time that the Wakanui Road Board mended their waya. Wanton Crceltt—lt has been brought under our notice that four youths were amusing themselves the other day by pelting with stones the swan which is at present sitting on her eggi m the domain. A gentle man who happened to be.passing at-, the timo severely reprimanded the larrikins, and they made off It) is a pity that the perpetrators of snob a wanton act cf cruelty could not be recognised and an example made of them. A good birching would be the best treatment for those found guilty of committing such a cruel act. Our Bots—Letters just received from thfi front, dated! between October sth and 11th, state that Trooper Carl Roberta is at Barber ton, which place his company haa been told tiff to garrison for two mouths, and this aftei having been ordered to send m their horses preparatory to going home. Trooper Wilkie, who, when last heard of, was just recovering from sn attack of fever, ia now all right, He was seen at Pretoria early m October by Sergeant Alfred Willis, of the New South Wales mounted bearers, who had himsel! been laid up by another alight attaok, but was juat about returning to duty. ' High School Mistrkss —The Appointment of a mistress for the Ashburton Hinh School was dealt win by a suh-cnrr)«nittea yesterday afternoon, when Miss Annie Bauchop, MA, of Port Chalmers, was appointed. The following is an account of Miss Bauohop's scholastic career; —As holder of a Provincial scholarship, she entered the Girls" High School m Dunedin in 1892, remaining there for three years, winning m 1894 the gold medal foe dux of the school. She obtained a junior scholar ship at the N Z University, and m 1897 took second place and a first-^ass certificate m the senior class, and advanced certificate m the advanced class: During her Univer sity career Miss; Bauchop was auooessful m gaining the Tinline scholarship, taking her B A degree at the aame time, and m 1898 ahe obtained the M k degree, with honors m Latin and Kngllih. ■ Masonio—Las') night the installation of the R Wlf and the investiture of the officers of the Thistle Lodge, No. 113, waa conducted m the lodge room by the R W Bro W Gifkine, Grand Superintendent, assisted by the R W Bro C. A. 0, Hardy, Deputy Grand Master, and the Grand Lodg« officers.: The following are the officers for the ensuing term ;—Wor. Bro Jamea Hellor, WM; Bro QD Norgan, PM, DM; Bro G Morrison, .8 W ; Bro M MoDonald, J W ; Bro W Mcßae, P M, Secetary; Bro W Sparrow, PM, Treasurer; Bro W J Adams, SD; Bro F B Robilliard, JD; Bro W H Robinson, IG ; Bro James Oockburn, PM, D C ; Bros. James Henderson and H Bushel!, Stewards ; Bro W Paterson, Tyler. After tne ceremony the brethren adjourned to the Orange Hail, where a banquet waa held. The usual Masonic and patriotic toasts were proposed and responded to, and A pleasant evening was spent, LAXfSf Tennis Notes.—The contributor to the lawn tennis column of the Australasian considers that the majority of events at the Chrintchurch tournament will be won by members of the Victorian team. The com bination is certainly a very strong one, and itiianticipated they will have much diffi culty m securing the doubles, but if all our best men are taking part, the winner of the singles should have a fairly tough row to hoe The voyage and the ohanged climatic con ditions affeot a players form considerably, and admitting that the Australians are slightly superior on their own or neutral ground, it is fairly within tho bounds of possibility that, a slight deterioration from the above causes mi»y ronult m a Now Zea lander coming out on top. The New Zea land team which visited Sydney m 1895 experienced all the difficulty of playing un der the ohanged conditions, and with the no* table exception of Miss Nunnelly, failed greviously m the open tournament, but after an acclimatisation of about 1C day*, beat New South Wales handsomely m the inter colonial matc">. It has been* suggested that club a should appoint one of their leading players as honorary coaoh daring the season. This would unquestionably be a move m the light direotioß, as many young playsra aoi quire faulta at the beginning which they would avoid if ere a ooaoh pretend to check them and inatraot them m the finer points of the game,

i Thb Ex-Admibalty Lord—Mr Gosohen is able to add ap three ooiumns of figures at the came time, and this be does with marvell cue rapidity and absolute aeouraoy. He ia said to be the best listener m London, and like all good listeners, he is a good talker. Unfortunately, he oontraoted a oold come years ago, which left behind a ohrooic iofi&m mation of his larynx, and this caused him to speak with a grating guttural, which was a great drawback to his power as a platform orator. A Njsw Hybrid B«rby—Mr George R Beale, Blairgowrie Manor Farm, h»s introd.' uded to . that district a new hj brid berry (Rubras paimttDß) raised from the raspberry and strawberry by cross fertilisation. Shaped like a bramble, the berry is as large as a big strawberry, with a bosk like a rasp, and when ripe it is of a dark crimson colour. It is very juicy, and pleasant to the taste. The bushes have a close resemblance to the bramble family, but they only grow from 18 to 24 inches high, Ovei£raspberries they have the great advantage of the branches being so Btit ng that they oan easily bearjthe weight of the itait (one ounoe or mors) without recourse having to be had to stakes and wire, whioh fast domes to be an immense consideration when one has a few acres to lay out. The new berry seems to thrive excellently m the district. , \

TENNIS.

A most enjoyable tenniß match wm played on Thursday afbernoon on the gr»M courts Id the Domain, between the Bering Square Glob and the ■eoond team of the Ashburton Lawn Tennis Clab, resulting m » win for the Utter. "The koee interest taken by onlookers as well as players m the progreu of the game shows clearly that matches of the kind between local teams will improve tennis m Ashburton, and the Olnbs should Arrange farther matches during the Reason. The ladies of the challenging team (Baring Square Olub) kindly provided afternoon tea. The following are the individual booms j— ' ' ■ Ladies' Singles—Miss SfcandUh 9 v Miss Potter 1; Mrs M Friedlander 5v Mias Aloorn 9 ; Mrs H Friedlander 9 v Miss Coburn 2; Mits H Fritdltnder 9 v Miss Lowry 1. Ladies' Doubles—Miss SUndish and Mrs HPrledlander 8 v Miss Potter and Miss Alcorn 9; Mrs M Friedlander and Mies A Bell 9 v Miss Coburn and Miss Lowry 1; Miss F Bell and Mias H Friedlander 9 v Miss Dixon and Miss Parcht.se 4. Combined Doubles— Mi»« Standish and Mr Douglas 7 v Miss Alcorn and Mr Flower 9; Mrs H Frisdlander and Mr Bone 9 v Miss Potter and Mr Purchase 4 ; Mrs M Fried- Uoder and Mr Friedlander 9 y Mlbs Lowry and Mr Fowke 8 ; Miss H Friedlander and Mr Thompson 5 v Miss Coburn and Mr Buxton 9; Miss A Bell and Mr Hobbs 9 v Mr Perchase and Mr Stevenson 4 j Miss F Bell and Mr Belden 9 v Miss Dixon and Mr Woods 5. Gentlemen's Singles—Mi Douglas 9 v Mr Flower 4; Mr Bone 9 v Mr Purchase 4 ; Mr Friedlander 4v Mr Fowke 9; Mr Hobbs 9 v Mr Woods 7 ; Mr Seidon 9 v Mr Steven son 4; Mr Thompson 9v Mr Buxton 3. Gbnti.emjn's DoußLia—Messrs Douglas aad Bone 9 v Messrs Flower and Fowke 8 ; Messrs Friedlander and Thompson 9 v Messrs Purchase and Burton 4; Messrs. Hobbj and Seidon 5 v Messrs Woods and Stevenson 9. Total* — Ashburton Club 178, Baring Square 118.

The Dunedin Murder Case.

MRS FOGO SENTENCED TO DEATH,

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dckedin, Nov 30 The jury retired at 12.30, and after a retirement of seven hours returned with a verdict of guilty, with a strong recommenda tion to mercy. The Judge, m passing the sentence pre scribed by law, thought he might say he concurred m the recommendation of the jury and would forward it to the proper quarter. It was not for him to give effect to it. The Judge then put on the black cap and passed the death sentence m the usual form, the prisoner bursting into tears.

"What Happened to Jones."

Long before eight o'clock lasfe evening people were wending their way to the Odo fellows' Hall, attracted by the fame of Mr Gharles Arnold's Company, as previously referred to m these columns. By opening time a capital audience was ensured, and from the commencement to the close the farcical element of the comedy kept those In the Hall convulsed with laughter. As usual with plays of this character, it is hard to describe the plot, whioh is full of awkward and startling changes, the various characters being capitally interpreted by the several actors m the piece. A clsndoe tine visit of-a President) of Anatomy to a prigs fig hi introduces the play and shows the various complications arising out of Incidents following on the fight, but when these appeared to reach a olimax the party named Jones (Mr Charles Arnold), quickly turned the tables. His acting wae par ticularly clever, and Mr Fred B. Sharp is also to be highly complimented on his very excellent portrayal of the character of Professor of Comparative Theology of Ballarat College Miss Agnes Knight's interpretation of the Professor's wife, also the young ladies who acted as bis daughters, all carried out their work m a most effec tive manner. All who were present came away charmed with the staging, the dresses, and the performance generally, aod "What happened to Jones " w ill be remembered for some considerable time as evoking more langhter than any other play m Ashburton. £o-night;, •» Why Smith Left Home," an exceeding amusing farcical comedy, will be produced. For the convenience of the storekeepers and their assistants, the management have considerately decided to commence the performance at 9 o'clock tomlghts.

Remounts From Australia

United Press Association—By Elaotric Telegraph—Copyright London, November 30 Sir Langdon Bonython, of Adelaide, m » letter to The Times, advocates the tablelands of the Northern Territory of Australia for breeding remounts lor the Imperial army. He aajs the. land is obtainable at a peppercorn rental '

The Conviction Of Jimmy Governor

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright Stdkk?, November3Q

The full Oonrfc, after lengthy argu? meat on the point raised that Jimmy Governor having being outlawed, could not be tried, as this would be tanta mount to trying him twice for tbe came offence, confirmed bid conviction. The Court held that the English out lawry law did not apply to the colony, bat the Felons Apprehension Act, which did apply, provided for the trial of pro claimed outlaws.

SOCIAL COLUMN.

[The matter included m this column it contributed and paid for.]

The Home-Coming of the Tioops-

1 IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM LORD WOL -BKLEY. " - '" . ..;,•, We stated last week that Ldi-a ■Wol seley, the Commander-in-Chief, had issued the following notice '':-*• •« The time draws near when we may hope to welcome home many of the gallant soldiers who have so nobly fought our battles for us m Sooth Africa Their reception will, I know, be cordial, and it is this assured cor diality that impels me to ask those wishing to do them honour to refrain, while extending to them a hearty wel come, from offering intoxicating liquor. Our soldiers are recruited from all classes of Her Majesty's subjects, and only differ from their brothers m civil Hfe by the ha 1 its of discipline they have acquired m the arm;. Like all of us, they are open to temptation. Many of them most soon resume the occupations and positions their em ployers have patriotically kept open for them. Others will have to seek for j new situations, and will repuire a help ing hand m doingfjao. It is therefore most important th&t ell should endea vour to preserve a good name for steadiness and sobriety before entering upon their civil work. I trust that our greeting to the brave soldiers returning fron& this war may be some thing better than an incitement to excessive drinking, and that all will remember that whoever encourages it m this, far from being their friend, is really their worst enemy," It is quite clear from this that by '•' excessive drinking" his Lord»hip means all drinking of any kind of X intoxicating liquor," COMMENT OF THE " TEMPERANCE RECORD." '" la an excellent article m last week's 1 Temperance Record,' it was truly re marked that the rank and file of our soldiers m the South African war have displayed a higher moral tone m con duct and deportment than ever before. The Chaplain-General of the forces gave gratifying testimony to this change for the better, which is, owing to Temperance teaching, of which sol diers' institutes are centres, clearing away the obstacles drink always pre sents to the reception of religious truth. These wholesome influences are deepened through the policy so many of our besc officers have recently adopted of forbidding tipple to troops on march or m field, the wisdom of which policy as a means of securing the greatest physical endurance and absence of disorderly conduct m all climates, has been proved up to the hitt, and most notably by Lord Kit-! chener m the Soudan and by Lord Roberts and his gallant officers m Africa. Having earned m the field the character of being among the noblest, of the land, whether when come home and disbanded they shall become the offscourings of society will depend on the manner m which they are received. Hence the appeals of .the Chaplain-General, pi the forces, and of the Army Temperance Associa tion and other organisations and reli gions bodies, to the public not to undo the good work achieved by the persis tent Temperance teaching; and hence, too, the subsequent appeal from the War Office written by Lord Wolseley, who knows well the value of an ab staining soldier. Their reception, he says, will, he knows, be cordial, and this impels him to aek those wishing to do them honour to refrain from offering intoxicating liquor. The' Temperance Record' concludes with urging that tipple should be banished from the dietary of the soldier alike at home and abroad, from camp, from barrack, and from field, and no less from officers who drill and discipline the men, and from colleges that train our officers m their duties THE "DAILY NBWS" «N LORD WOL SEIiET'S APPEAL 1 In a characteristic appeal/ says tha Daily Neiw, • Lord Wolseley begs the British public—proud of its soldiers— to temper the enthusiasm of its ap proaching welcome of them with dis cretion. Those of us who witnessed the scenes at railway stations and sea ports when the soldiers—regulars and volunteers—were going away, will recognise the wisdom of the Oom mander*in-Ohief'sadmonition, ' Tommy' and his civilian brother-in-arms, were nearly killed with kindness at the start. 1 hey will run the same risk at the finish, Only that at the home coming there wili be a danger which at the 'send-off' was inappreciable—the danger of drink. It is by no means merely because Lord Wulseley is him self a total abstainer (like Byroa'a hero, he wars on water) that he asks the {public to ' refrain, while extending to them a hearty welcome, from offer ing them intoxicating liquor.' Even Tommy, tho heron and sternly dis ciplined, is, ' like all of us/ as the Oommander-in-Ohief observes, ' open to temptation. Especially open m a moment of national triumph. Tommy, we rather more than suspect, will need all his philosophy to resist the invita tion that naturally follows the first cheering and the first handshake, Like | the supremely practical man he always 1 war, and is, Lord Wolseley reininds the British public that an untarnished reputation for sobriety will be needful to the soldier when he seeks re occupation m civil life. For great numbers of our soldiers their old places have been kept open by their employ ers (whose patriotism, by the way, their countiymen should not forget.) But very many others will need a helping hand. These are the men whom the Gommander-in-Chief has particularly m view. To tempt them with unlimited whisky and soda is to be their ' worst enemy.' Let us offer two suggest ions—(l) that a proud and admiring public, instead of wasting its money bibulousiy, should devote it (consecrate it, *s . the French would say) to some organisation for procuring employment for returning soldiers out of work ; (2) that commanding officers m Africa or on the way home should induce Tommy to agree to a «elf denying ordinance m the spirit of Lord Wolseley's circular.' WHAT " TUB LANCET " SAYS ABOUT THI ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF LONDON IMPE RIAL VOLUNTEERS, •sln ow isgw of July 28th (p. 2?s)'',

(eayg The Lancet) we drew attention to the desirability tb»t the welcome offered to those who have fought and bled for their country, and we might add for us who b»ve stayed at home, should cot include the treating of them with an overplus of alcoholic drinks. We are induced to retnrn to this subject owing to the announcmentthat the City of London Imperial Volunteers are ex pected home about the beginning of November. Some will be convalescent from woundß or sickness, or possibly from both. Of the warmth of their reception there can be no doubt, and it is fitting that they should be greeted with gratitude as well as with joy. They are the first Volunteers as distinguished from Regulars to serve m the fighting line who have left these islands ; they have by all accounts seen plenty of fight ing, and have borne themselves nobly. Their home-coming, therefore should be marked by a welcome which, although hearty, should be commensurate m dignity with the serious work which they have so well carried out. For these reasons we would bag enthusiastic friends and countrymen not te mar the return of these or of any troops by temp tation to over indulgence." If The Lancet, instead of the words "overplus" and "over-indulgence m alcoholic drinks," bad urged avoidance of all resort to any kind of indulgence, it would have butter served it* own evidently benevolent end. Such terns as "overplus" and "excessive we," ere ' greedily seized upon by the liqoor trrffickers to secure the rnin of the soldier, through the (to themselves) highly lucrative consumption of liquor. Thuß the Licensing World quetes with gloating glee the foiloving precious paragraph from " THR OUTLOOK " ON TOMMY ATI INS AND BBHR. "Lord Wolseley's appeal to the public not to offer the home-coming soldier* strong liquors is well meant. It recallt the cold tea regime of the Soudan. The soldier, as Lord Wolseley joatly remarks, is only one of ourselves voder military Discipline, That is, he is mortal; he likes a drink. But, alas, m the matter of drinks he has t, hard time. At Faardeberg he drained the atenching ditch. At Bloenfontein beer was unobtainable, amd the Boers cutoff the waterworks. At Pretoria the price of beer was eighteen penoe.a pint, and it has just been offistally fixed at fivepence. But m the Free State wilds, or up at Lydenburg, beer was but a memory, or a dream, and now when Tommy comes home, and the English emotion Becks its most common expression through free liquor, his friends are to giva him a dry welcome. What Ljord Wolaeley asks is impossible m its fallest extent, but many who read bis appeal may remember to stop short of that senseless profusion which is the real bane of the ordinary English man. True, the soldier who it sober will have the advantage m seeking for a situation, but the employer It an Englishman too, and will remember that the soldier h very human ; he bat had his heroisms of hunger and thirst endured m South Africa. Yon can not ask Tommy to be the first saint, nor bis friends to welcome hia home coming with sods, water and a bun. ONB IMPORTANT POINT NOT MENTIONED BY LOED WOLSELY deserves universal attention. We re fer to tbe extraordinary recoveries from wounds and fevers due to total absti nence from intoxicating driukt. Though lying exposed to all sort* of weather, and often with scarcely any, if any, medical oir Burgical aid, teetotal soldiers have made m moat instances signally remarkable recoveries of health and strength. It has long been well known, for instance, that the old fashioned treatment of enteric fever by spirituous drinks was a miserable mis take, and that teetotalers are most desirable patients for doctors m all kinds of medical and surgical cases because of their very often tpite un expected recoveries.

A Barque Capsized.

United Press Aiiociafcion—By Kltofcrio Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, Fov 30 A heavy squall capsised the barque Lodore m Newcastle harbour. The crew were thrown into the water, hut were rescued. The cook and steward were below, and hod a miraculous escape.

Transvaal War.

FACILITIES REFUSED.

STRONG MEASURES ADVISED KRUGER'S TRIP. (Received November 30,9.2 p.m) Capetown, Nor 29 The Cape railway authorities refuse to grant special fucities to those people attending the African Bond Conference »t Worcester, Cape Colony. Berlin, Nov 29 The newspaper National Skittmg, referring to the latest plot against Lord Roberts, says it would be impossible to feel surprised if England adopted relentless measures against such a people. Paeis, Nov 29 Mr Kruger will go to Cologne oa Saturday, and resume bis journey to Berlin on Monday. Adelaide, Nov 30 Sergeant Marshall, nob Sergeant Hull, of Brabant'm Horse, returned by the Woolioomooloo,'

SEVERAL SMALL SUCCESSES.

A BRITISH REVERSE. 400 CAPTURED, Received Wakapnaka Nov 30, 10 31 p m Thii Offioe 1133 p m London, November 30 Colonel Knox has re-occupied Dewetsdorp. Oolonel Pilcher stampeded and captured 300 of De Wet's hones. Oolonel Plommer dispersed 500 Boers at Bewagendrift, The Scots Guards, after a sharp fight, captured a strong position at Tigers kloof. Lord Roberta report* that the De wettdorp garrison consisting of two guns and the 63th. batteries, with 400 of the Gloucester Regiment, the High land Light Infantry, and the Irish Rifles su rendered on the 23rd, afttT four days' fighting They had 15 killed and 42 wounded, The Botfi

TTE A?HBtJRTGIS QtJARDIAS t BAtUfcMY, DECMMBMR 1, J»0l



There are still aome great bargatna obtain able ats the Dresden Piano Go's saleroom m Mr Henry Btephenson's premises, Havelock Sfeet. There are pianoa ranging m price from 1? guineas op to 60 guinea, and organs from 11 guineas upwards. The attention of the public ia drawn to this, at the remainder of the atock must be told, and prices and terms are far more favourable than on any previous] ooeaiien—no reasonable offer being refused. Inspection and enquiries are in vited. Every instrument oirries the Com? pany'afull written guarantee, and no better chance of obtaining an instrument has ever been offered to the public of Aihburton.— Advt. 12 5 Smoke New Verms



Mr J* Wilson, house decorator, has been fortunate m securing the agency for Ash burton and district of the now famous " Hall's Sanitary Washable Distemper " or Water Paint, as used for renovating all the principal hospitals, hotels, etc., throughout Great Britain and the colonies; Before renovating the Ohristchurch Hospital some time ago, a competition was held to decide upon what kind of distemper or paint would be used for oleansing and decorating the buildings. After exhaustive tests and trials "Hall's Water Paint" was considered by far the best, and has been us«d m the institution ever since. It is very suitable for applying to walls and ceilings of kitohens, whether wood or plaster. It has an advantage over oil paint, inasmuch as insects oannot live sear it, Ib is very easy of application—by simply adding hot or oold water, ib is ready for immediate use, and m three weeks' time is washable. Mr Wilson has a shipment just to hand.-—(Ad>M 11



OATS. WA N U B D-^AT&iforrprompb delivery. 11133 FRIEDLANDER BROS, Ltd. OATS. w;antkd- OAA A SACKS of O&T8 fit for the 4i\)U\) Transvaal 11 169 D. THOMAS.



THIS SPACE EESERYED F"OJtC JOHN T. COOCH, Saunderß* Building's, 1211 THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY «*afjan»s Jy # «MMbbb MBeW Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3s Sd Men's White Canvas Tennis Shirts la 6d Men's Fancy Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3s Boys' New Straw Hats from Is Men's Frame Hate m Haw Shades 4a to 12s 6d The Largest Stock m Ashbarton. CYCLING SWEATERS m Fawn and White, from 6a Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Novelties, AT THE NZ. CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BECEINGSALE, Manager. ZEALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Batted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Danlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manufacturers m the Colony EAST STREET SANTA CLAUS AND FATHER CHBISTMAS ABE COMIJSG A&AIN •" H. M. JONEk NOW Opening ap a largo, varied and well-selected Stock of Goods suitable for Christmas and New Year Gifts, Imported direct from English and Continental Houses ex Paparoa, Delphic, Zealandla an Tokamara. BOOKS, B()OKS, BOOKS. Excellent variety Prize and Reward Books from Oassels, Warne A Son, BUckle & Son, Ward, Lock & Co, and other Publishers. Schools supplied eqaal to Christ' church. STATIONERY STATIONERY Latest style m Boxed Stationery, Commercial, Plain and Fancy Papers and Envelopes, Account Books, Albums, Writing Desks and Oases, Workboxes, Photo Frame** Inkstands, Parses, Pocket-books, Cabinets, Shell, Plash and Leather Goods, Fancy Glass and China Ware, Elscfcro-plated Goods, TOYS TOYS TOYS TOYS Wlls dolls~ dolls dolls A great variety m the above line, all cor c, elies and prices. FANCY GOODS FANCY GOODS CRICKETING, CRCQUET, AHD LAWN TENNIS MATERIALS. PIANOS AND_ORGANS. H. M. JO NE S .



ABHBUETON OFFICE "LYTTBLTON TIMES" «• OANTEEBURY TIMES ' "STAR" " SPORTSMAN ' WHERE Advertisements and Subscrip tions will be received, and files can be Inspected. E. NORDON. Managing Ageft for South Canterbury, BURNETT STREET, (Entrance to Thomas' New Auction Mart) __^ ; 11 10 ST. HTJSPH KM '8 OHOBOH Ashbtirton. ADVENiTsUNDAY (Dec 2nd) 8.30 a m—Holy Ootnmunion 11 a m—MEMOBIAL SERVICE for the late Robert R B Upton and thos? who have fallen m the war m South Africa 5 p m-GREEN3TREET 6,30 p m—Evensong and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A, Vioar BOOTS and Shoes to Measure abD 6looK's. 9 ?.O WANTED— Twoaty Yoang men to wear Black and Brown Boots 9 2a 9d,»t D, Stock's _ 9 19