EPHEMERIS

Ph&sei of Moon for December

BUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashbarbon dally for— OHRISTOHUROH— at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m* 75 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.58 a* in, 8.60 pm DUNEDIN—ab 12 54 pm (ezprett) SPRINGBURN-at» &25 p m

Trains arrive d»»y at Aahburton from— OHRISTOHUBOH— at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m (erpreie), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 »m, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—ati 6.67 pm(expMH) SPRINGBURN-»fe9.46»m|

Mail Notices.

Mails o!r<te for the following placet as under, subject fco the necessary alterations : WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5. For Northern Ports and Weitport, per Tarawera, at 6 30 p m.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

TEMUKA STOCK SALE.

The fortnightly sale yeaterday wan well ttrended. The entry in all classes wm limited. Sheep Bold at fully equal to late rates, and there was a good enquiry for cattle, bat the entry was a poor one. The following are quotations:—Sheep—Fat ewes, 13s 83, 14 a, 14a 6d; four-tooth fat ewe», 16a to 15a 7fi ', f*t wethers, 14a. Pigs—Weaners 7a to 8a 6d ; Htorea, lla, 12s, 13s ; porkers, 17s to 20«. Cattle—Dry cows, £3 17s 6d ; cowb in profit, £4 2s 6d to £5 10j j f»t cowe to £5 17a 6d.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotation* Maaiiollowe: — Wheat—Hunter's, pearl and velvet, 2a 4d to 2s Sd, and Tuacan 2a 5d to 2a 6d. O»ta — Canadian la 9d, short feed Is 8d to la B|d, Dana li 7d to la Bd, Danish la 7d to la 7|d Barley (nominal)--Mftlting 2a delivered Flour (millers' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, atone £6, sharps £3 10», bran £5. Oatmeal—£lo Beana—2i 4d to 2s 5d Peaa—Prussian Bluea 2s to 2s 3d, part' ridge 2a 4d to 2s 6d Oatsheaf Chaff — 42s 6d at near country station?. Hay—£3 5s to £310 a, delivered : prlmest baled £4, f ob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lots le 91 to Bs, prime heavy, town dreseed, 2* 6d to 3» 3d, Cocksfoot, 2|d to ff d for bright wed, to- 3d for extra good, town machine dressed loib to 17tb eeed, 3|(i to 4*l, oowsjrasß 5d to 6d, extra choice 6£d, White cover, 6d to 7jd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to 54d, fautory 51 to6d. Butter—factory, local, lOd, dai y 7d to B^, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams oid to6d, factory bacon and hama, id per lb higher.  . The above price*, except whe^e otnerwue atated, ar« those paid to farmers, f.o.b. Lyttelton. ; • '_

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1900. BANK FRAUDS.

The frequency of the cases of default - iDg bank officials of Sate suggests the question whether there is not come serious flaw in the system tinder which bank accounts are kept. Within the paat few months there h-^ heen in New Zealand alone, several cases of embezzlement of bank funds, all of which seem to have been carried out on nearly similar lines. The process appears to be so remarkably simple that it moat strike the uninitiated as incredible that effectual measures have not been taken to prevent such scandals. That a bank official can receive money from customers and not J account for it, during periods extending in tome instances over several years, is a fact which the average business man finds difficult to understand. One would suppose that experienced bankers must have long been aware of this weak spot in their system, and that therefore they would have long, ago taken steps to protect themselves, and their employees as well. For if it iseurh an easy thing fora bank eierk to help himself to money when he runs short without much risk of discov ry, surely terrible temptation confronts all who may enter the service of such institutions. If this state of tbißgs really axists, in connec tion with our banking institutions, it must be apparent that; it is a very dangerous responsibility to place upon a youth to get him employment in a bank. Hie risk would be less I serious if he were sent into a regiment on active service. When the circumstances connected with the idea prevalent amongst gome bank clerks, that thej have an important social position to maintain, are also taken into consideration, it must be evident that those who are able to keep within the strict laws of right and dnty, are worthy of all commenda tion. But to return to the question whether there is no *ay of preventing the peculation of the fonds of a bank by its officers, should they be deposed to tct on a dishonest way, we think $0 matter it of sufficient importance to the bankisg community and the public^ to call at least for some measures being adopted to remedy the existing state of things. Tfe is of course unavoidable th»t a certain amount of trust must be reposed in bank officials $ but as we know that human nature is weak and the best of men sometimes yield to temptations -even to those tbey may have been familiar with for years—it» lurely not too much to a*k that those temptations should be minimised as much m possible. It may be that the banking authorities have fully realised this in the past j but the frequent occurrence of such simple fraudg as have recently been ipade public-, strongly suggests that there _is room for some improvement in the bank methods of supervising the con r ducfc of tbeir t^ployeei.

Local and General.

Wfather Rbpobt—Captain Edwin wires i [ —North to west and south west gale with rain, and glass farther fall, ■ Danish Wkst Indies.—lt is again stated that the Danish Government is in direct treaty with the United States regarding the sa'e of the Danish West Indies, the price being the difficulty. Unclaimrd Letters— Letters from places beyond the oolony, addressed to A James and Wm Major, were received at the Ash burton Post Office during the month of September, and are still unclaimed, Caps Colony Customs Duties,— On butter and cheese the duty in Cape Colony is 3d per Ib, oats lOd per bushel; wheat, and barley, 2* per 100 tb ; on meats—binned and frozen—ld to 2d per lb ;on flour 4s 6d per lOOib ; and other goods in proportion WrsMrtAN Oihturt Fc»D.—The British Wcsleyan century fnnd, according to pro mise* reportel early in October, amounted to £840,000 guinea* Over £585,000 had been paid in. AITACKFD BY A SlAlUOK—While Mr Frank Bull of Peel Forest was feeding the stallion Grand Cross the obher night, the animal BtidJfnly charged him with open month, inflicting a nasty cub below the right eye.

Thk Latest Heamh Improver—Faßting, as a means of toning up the system and cuf iag all kind* of ilia that flesh ia heir to, is the latest theory advanced* The experiences of Mr McFadden, editor of the Physical Culture Magazine, are given in fall on oar fourth page. Magisterial.—At the Magistral's Goat*, this morniDg, a resident waa charged with creating a disturbance in the presence of papers by, but after evidence had been heard the csße w*B diemissed.—A prohibition order was iseued againat a person for twelve month) 1, to take effect in the Aehbutton and Selwyn districtb. Voldnti«Rß —There wag a good muster at the parade of the Rifles last evening, under Captain W E Dolman. By half companies, under Sergeants Dee and Heflbra, some u«efai work was executed, Lieutenant Hayes being the officer in charge of the practical work. Colonel Moore will probably pay a visit of inspection next week. TaTiANA Hill — The anniversary of the battle of Talana Hill was celebrated at Dundee on October 20, says a Reuters message from Maritzburg, when the children of the vtltaga picnicked on the historic hill, and covered the graves of General Pen Symons and the soldiers with flowers. The day was observed locally as a holiday. It is proposed to celebrate it annually. Changing Hands—Mr John Dore, who j was for several years proprietor of the j Central Hotel, Ashburton, and is at present proprietor of the Railway Hotel, Pleasant Point, has just sold his interest in the latter hotel to & North Island buyer, who takes possession this month. Mr Dore having purchased land on the Levels Estate it is his intention to reside on it, and devote his time to farming in future Thb Waimath Municipal Squabbmi— The recent reelection of the five Councillors of the borough ofWaimate, who resigned owing to a dispute with the Mayor, has not ended the jquabble that hat been going on there for some time. A petition has been filed in the Magistrate* Court asking that the election of the five Councillors be declared void.and an enquiry i« to be held on the 13th insfc, Into the matters alleged in the peti tion. A Pbfnomenos—-A natural phenomenon rarely seen in these parts was visible ia Dunedin on Friday evening, when a peculiar lun&J rainbow appeared in the eastern sky, on s< me greyish oloude. The phenomenon took placo about a quarter to ten o'clock, and lasjcd on'y ft few minutes, as (he bank of cloud on which it appeared was being broken up by wind.

Presentation—On Tuesday evening, at the Ashburton railway station, Mr J Aitken was presented by his fellow-employees with a handsome silver mounted walking stick and a sot of rszirs, on the occasion oj his eransfer to Wanganui section. The pJPßßen tation was ma c by the Btationmaster, who expressed his regret at locing his services. Mr Aitken suitably responded,

Struck by Lighthinq — The Wanganui Herald has been shown portions of a tree that had been struck by an electric or fire ball on the nJRht of a heavy thunderstorm Usb week. The electric fluid feU With * terrific explosion, striking a cabbage trefe, the greater part of whioh was blown to matchwood. Several of the branches were hurled for a considerable distance, while others were perforated as if by a volley of bullets ' ■ _

An AirAOKOF Madness.—A doorkeeper at the Archaeological Museum in Florenoe was suddenly seized with madness on September lltb, and tried to murder the director of the museum. Failing in this, he took bold of a chair and began to smash everything near him. An ancient vase, found in China in 1844 and worth more than £20,000, was among the viotimi of his unaccountable fury and a still more valuable treasure, an Egypt ian chariot, for, which £120,000 would be too small a price, was also broken to pieoes by the madman*

KINEMATOGBAPH EXHIBIMON"— Messrs Cooper and Macdormott will visifc Ashburton next Friday and Saturday with one ol their famous war programmes of living pictures, and judging from the prats notices elsewhere they have a. splendid reputation for present ing the best pictures descriptive of events in South Africa. They are in no way con* nected with »ny other company, and the Chrlstoburoh Press says " good jddgea who have aeea all previous kinematographa aver that there is absolutely no comparison be* tween the present combination and those which have gone before. The South African pictures carry considerably moro conviction than those sometimes shown here."

Argentine Sheep and OATTtH-rE^porters of cattle and sheep from this colony to the old country have for Borne time recognised that they hud a formidable rival in South America, and this view is also Ijeld by Mr Meuli, of Maaaia, who ohas just returned from a trip Home, whaoh included a atay of three weeks in the Argentine. H*d it not been for the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, which led to Argentine cattle being declared ißfeoted, that country would now have been sending large numbers of live cattle to Britain. In 1898 and 1899 over h If a million live sheep were sent away each year to the English market. Live bollocks for the same years were over 300,000 for each year. Mr Meull thinks the Argentine a magnificent country (says the Waneanui correspondent of the Wairarapa ZW/?/ limes) and one which has some splendid land

Js Thjs a Coincidekoe !—A soldi' rin the Royal Marine Light 'Infantry eends the following story from Plymouth, where he is how stationed. Ho says the story earned much amusement on parade a short time ago.—A Colonel, upon introducing some new drill books to his regiment, instructed the Adjutant to give out the information to the men before marching off. The Adjutant forgot, and instead cried out, 'AH non commissioned officers and men who have children they wish chrietened, let me know after commissioned officers' parade.' The Colonel waß vary deaf, and added, blandly, m And I should like to add, for the benefit of tboM who Have non?, that they m&y be obtained at tba orderly room any day after commissioned oSJeera' orders—the ordinary ones at Is, and the speaiaj ouch, with red backs, at Is 6d,' Years ago we hoard a story exactly the came in all details, except that the intimation was made by a minister in church, and supplemented by the beadle; and the books referred to were hymn books. Is this a remarkable ceincidenos or

SMAIX Gbain SacKS—Those advocates of small sacks for grain should pay a viitlfc to Mr D Thomas' grain stores juasi now, when extensive truckifig of 801b saoka of oats for the Tranavaal is going on. It is astoni hingf with what despatch a cumber of these small bag* can be trucked and covered A WoßKisa Ma»s Paradisi,—The claim of New Zealand to be the paradise (or work ing men is disputed and that to by an old ooun try city. Giaßgow, the boom oity of Britain, now lays claim to that distinction, and with good cause if the ratea of wages and eoet of living given in an article on our first page are oorreot. Paeliamintaby Law Dbaughtsmah.— Ib U expeoted (the Post report!) that the appointment of a Parliamentary Law Draughtsman in succession to Dr Fitohett, who is now Solicitor-General, will be made in a few day'a. Mr Joliiffe, an English barrister, ia at present performing the duties of the offio« ', Grand Gabden Party—Providing the weather be favouiftble, the Baring Square Wesloyan Church are antioipating a grand Buooeea in oonneotion with their Garden Fatty (o be held at the raßidenoe of W H Collins, , E?q. din excellent programme of gports, mnsio, etc, is being provided, and ft moat eD joy able time may be looked for tomorrow afternoon. Ihb Pom OMICK.—Among the illustra tions in the Canterbury Times thie week are two excellent ones of She new Aahburton

Post Qffios, showing the elevation from Cameron and Bait Streets respectively. On paper the structure looks very Imposing, and we trust that-when erected it will look eqn&lly handsome. We notice that the illnstratinn does not show an entrance from Cameron Street, but we hope this will be provided for in the building. Ctomng—The A A 0 & A O hold a run this evening, starting from the Post Office at 730 ptn. Lady cyclists and members of the Ariel B>cycle Club are invited to j >in in the run; She distance is not'too far, being from the Post Office down Bast Street and tho Beach Road to the junction with the Wakacui Road, and home via the Wakanui Koad ta thu starting point, a total distance of about nine miles. The roads are in good condition for cyclists at present, and it the evening proves fine, there should be a big number of devotees of the wheel turn out. That Pbivatk SKOB»iABTSHip.~-Bome of oar contemporaries, in their hostility to the Government, are very indignant ab the appointment of Miss Seddon as private secretary to her father at a salary of 15s per i day sod travelling expenses, But, alas ! for the moral of this tale, Miss Seddon does not get 15s per day and travelling expense!. Her salary is a modest 50a per week, with no travelling expenses, which is not an extravagant remuneration, by any means.— Free Lance Cbiokm—The following will represent the Imperial Cricket Club in their match with the Banker* and Clerka tomorrow afternoon in the Ashburton Domain, beginning at 3.30 sharp:—P L Orr (captain), i Baigent, B Amos, 0 Andrews, T Richards, F Pritohard, A Pilbrow, Taylor, A J Andrews, J Smith, L F Andrewes; emergencies—Griffiths and Robinson. Bankers and Clerks will be represented by—Bone, PH Vox, C Denshire, i Thompson, I> Niooll, Hart, Douglas, Ssldon, Bslmond, Grant and Fooki; emergencies- Brook, A Anderson, P White. A Bussing Revoked—Mr Moderate, a North Canterbury farmer, who hat recently returned from a trip to the Old Country, tells an amusing experience he had when he visited the Lakes of Rillarney. He had provided himself with a plentiful supply of coppers for expectant beggars, but had at length given them all away. Subsequently, an old woman came up, and cried, ' May the blessings of the Lord follow ye all the days of yeur lifet' * Ikank you, but I am sorry to say X have not a single copper left.' 'May the blessings of the Lord follow ye !' ' Bub I tell you I have*'* a copper left,' * Then may they never over take ye,' exclaimed the old woman, as she turned away in disgust.

Tinwald School Committee.—The usual monthly meeting of the (Finwald School Committee waa held on Tuesday. Present— Messrs Clothier (in the ohair), J Hampton, Doherty, Hawkins, Gudsell, and Stephens The master's report stated that the number of children on the roll was 149, and the average attendance for the past four weeks had been 119,7. He reminded the Committee that this was the last ordinary meeting befolo the usual holidays. It was decided fco c'oeo the school on Friday, the 21st iasb, for five weeks-' Chsistmas holidays. A hearty Vote of thanks was passed to Mesdames Williams, T Hickmau, and Wakehim for judging the sewing* It was decided that the Secretary write to Mr Andrews as regards the work done. In connection with the excursion it waa the wish r>f the Com mittae that the Chairman write to the Traffic Manager asking him to send down carriages instead of covered trucks. The titn of tUs train starting from Tiuwu.d would be 7 a.m on Friday, the 7rh iner. Accounts were- passed for payment to the amount of £6 Is 4d and the meeting then terminated.

A Stolen Watch and Chain

On the 26th of last month a man named Edward Banger entered a lady's room at the Pier Hotel, Wellington, and took away with him a gold watch and chain, of a total value of £12. The man was arrested at Riccarton, and a oompanion of his, who was arrested at the time, had tht stolen chain in his possession. Mr Donnelly appeared for the man at the Ohrietohurch Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, and elected to have the case dealt with under the new Summary Jurisdiction Act. The accused pleaded ■" Guilty'" to the ohargt of stealing the watch and chain. Another man, named Albert John Gray, was charged with receiving the gold watch, knowing the same to have been dishonestly obtained. Mr Donnelly said that the accused wished to be dealt with summarily, but would plead 'Not Guilty.' Inspector Ellison detailed the circumstances connected with the attempted pawning of the watch, and the oonduob of ths accused, when questioned as to how ha came into possession of the watch. Mr Donnelly, after conferring with bis client, said he would call upon the Inspector to prove bis case, as the accused ■till protested his innocent Intentions. Flor ence McDonald gave evidence as to the fact of the watch havicg been stolen. W J Grund, a Chriotchuroh pawnbroker, reoieir bered Gray coming to bis shop on the morn ing of November 28. He offered for pawn the watch produced* He gave a name of Joseph James, Wellington Hotel, hairdresser. He asked for £2 10s, and said the value of the watch was £6 10», as he bad bought it afc Greymouth. Mr Grand mentioned thab it was a stolen watch, and would like Gray logo with h*m to the Police Station. Gray then requested a moment to speak to hi» mate outside. Mr Grand acoompanied him. Gray said something about a watch to Banger, and Banger then said, * Away,' and the two rushed off, and, in spite of Mr Grand's ' Stop, stop,' would not oome back.. Detective Livingstone,' with Detective Hill, arrested the two men ut Riccarton the same afternoon. Ranger was called by Mr Donnelly, and swore that Gray did not know that the watoh had been stolen* He told Gray that he got it at Greymouth, and only showed it to him a quarter of an hour before he asked him to pawn it. He did not instruct Gray to give a false nam«. The accused also swore that he had no idea the watoh had been stolen. In reply to Mr Donnelly's application, Mr Beetham said it was no case for probation. He had no doubt bub that) Gray knew the watoh was stolen. Banger would be sen* tenced to three months' imprUonment, Gray to a month,

TWO BRAVE GIRLS.

Two youag Maori girls, residents of KoroDlti, on the Wanganul river, proved themselves true heroines a few days ago, when at the risk of their own lives (ssys the Chronicle), they plooklly rescued a younger companion from certain death. The two brave girls were bathing in the vicinity of a rapid stream, when » sharp cry attraoted their attention to ft spot farther np the stream; Looking up.they saw a young girl throw up hey arms and sink. They owamand caught the drowning girl as she came to the surface, and tried to carry her ashorej but the current was too strong and all three were carried down to the backwash of the rapids, ani were on the point of sinking when they were rescued by tome people who put out In caooei, ' :

The Beer Poisoning Epidemic.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph London, Deeemher 4 Fresh cases of beer poisoning have occurred in Shropshire. The consumption of beer in London has fallen one-fifth.

THE ROYAL VISIT.

(Jolted Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 3 Captain Wlnitowe corr,m»nds the Ophir, which conveys the Duke and Duchess of York to Australia, and the fblilla com' mandar, Wemysa, is second in commaud. The cruisers, St George and Juno, »ccom' pany the Ophir,

Transvaal War.

Unite* Press Association-—By Eleotrl Telegraph Melbourne, December 4 The populace went delirious over the return of the soldiers

What ihould hav9 been a striking procession degenerated into an un seemly rabble. The crowd rushed amongst the men and destroyed the formation. Women kissed and hugged the soldiers promiscuously, and the men literally had to fight their way through the mob The Government entertained the soldiers at luncheon

Sir George Turner, in the coarse of a speech, promised that the maimed or wounded would not be left unprovided for

Lieut. Hughes responded on behalf of the New Zealanders, who gave the war cry effectively Sydney, December 4

The horses to be presented to Gene ral Baden-Fowell have reached Cape town in excellent condition. Sir Alfred Milner arranges for the presentation on the 7th inst

Capetown, December 3* The Cape Dutch papers everywhere are reprinting a Capetown commoner's letters, published in Ons Land, be seeching the Queen to murder the Boer women in preference to submitting them to the licentiousness of the soldiery I London, Dec 4

Owing to an order of the authorities at Shorncliff to make payment to the colonial troops of arrears due on signing a certificate, the Carrington branch for temporary advances has been closed. Since the outset the loans and extra passage money totalled £7031

Wellington, December 4 The Premier has received a cable message from Bir Alfred Milner stating that Trooper H M Yorke, of Greytown North (Fourth Contingent), died of enteric at Kimberley on the 30th November

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 4 Parliament has assembled.' The Right Hon WC Gully was un animously re elected Speaker The Irish party were absent, except Mr Healey

ARTIFICIAL MUTILATIONS.

The Rostoy pt.llce have just succeeded in arresting a woman who has been wanted for the past two years for having driven a lucrative trade in artificial mutilations. After, her husband's death (says the Moscow correspondent of the Standard) the widow continued the business, and by 8' me want of caution aroused the police, bub she has long managed to evade them, while continuing to perform her operation. By injecting under the nkin at the joints ■some preparati>;nof puiroUum, fcheprpd uoed a very natural look ing contraction of the j intopcaiedon Her clients were those among the common people who desired, at as small expense as possible, to escape being taken for soldiers, and among less deserving and richer people a ceria'a number of clever swindlers, who defrauded accident insurance companies by effecting the same kind of disfigure* ments. The 'asfc attempt, which led to the capture, was on a young man who had arranged to fall out of a train, and so account for his Injuries to the insurance company, besides the possibility of getting a sum of money from the railway company,

Bis Only Relic

Strange are some of the relics that come Into Jjondon from the seat of war. 4 knob of Scotch Reservists, invalided from Bloemfonlein, drifted into Euston Station recently, and as usual an admiring crowd gatheied round to give them a hearty send off. One broad brogned Irishman, bound for Glasgow, in whose battered appearance shone the glory of battle, had sapped too freely of the loving onp and allowed his native humour oo run riot. ♦•JjooJc here, boys," he said, as soon as he got into the train, Til show yon; the finest picture in Loridon, 1 and upon the word he stripped to the waist, and thrust hie bare back through the carriage window, to the astonishment of the ad< miring throng. A delicately tinted pic tore representing a scriptural allegory, with ObrUfc on the Cross at the central figure, was tatooed right across the IrlsV man's back. That was done in hospital at Bloemfontein, he said ; a comrade did it when I was laid up with a shot leg. Its the only rella I've gob io take home to mother. And as the train steamed out of the station a lusty British cheer rang out for the tatooed hero,— Daily News,

A Cup Dream.

A. Oup dream that is rather out of the common (says the Melbourne leader) was dreamed by a Melbourne artist about two tnonthi back, and is sufficiently corroborated to be of interest to the Psychological research Society if that very inquisitive body is still iv existence. The artist dreamed that he was sitting in the theatre, watching a performance, and much irritated by busybodie* who drifted in every minute or bo to tell him to back Islington for the Caulfield Cap. In che morning the dreamer recolleoted hia dream, and took the earliest opportunity of aioertaining if there was such a horse as Islington. On being satipßed of the existence of the animal, and the fact that he was a Caulfield Cup candidate, the artist backed him, and then told hj« dream about town with such frequenoy and so much con viction that it became a favourite subject if jocularity amongst his friends, and was written up on the walls of a popular city cafe, and made common property at the draamer's olubt Ingliston won, and (be few J believen who backed him on the alrength of the dream are jubilant, and the art jit is under pressing engagement to dream winners for the reit of the season

New Zealand's athletes »fc the front la cricket, football or the hant He shines In any sport or game, His prowess has a world wide fame. But training has its asusl ills* As over heat that causes chills Then don't delay, but health secure* By taking Woods' Great Peppermint Care.

Alleged Embezzlement.

At the Magistrate's Court, GhristeWcb, yesterday, before Mr R Beetham, B.M, a young man named Adam Oliver, was charged vlth having, on November 12»h, at Christ ehurori, being then in the employment of the National Bank of New Zeal nd as clerk, stolen the turn of £138616s Bd, the property of the paid National Bank.

Mr Franks appeared for theaooused, and Inspector Ellieon conducted the c*se for the Grown. The Inspector, fn opening tbe case, bri» fly outlined the events leading up to tbe charge, and Oilled witnesses. Mr A I Rattrav. secretary of the Metro politfn Trotting Club, stated that the C'nb kept) an nccount at tbe National Bank. On Novflrnber 12th hfi lodged a cheque for £138616s 8d with the Boouacd. The witness produced the lodgment slip and the payi"*? in book initialled by Oliver. Until the arrest of Oliver he had no idea the money had been misappropriated. Cecil Loßisßon, clerk at the National Bank, stated that) on November 12th be took the cheque to the Union Bank, having received ib from Oliver. Tbe amount wm credited by fhe Union Bank. Witness made ont » debit slip, and showed it to accused. Alexander Fttrgmon, manager of the National Bank, stated that P i:"ni- had been teller of the Bank for fonr or fi... years. He had been temporarily removed a little while ago, on November 15th. On the following day Oliver came to the Bank, but) went ont, and did not return, and sent an excuse that hs was not we)'. He returned to the Bark on Monday morning, November 19th, He came into witness's room, and said, * I have » confession to make. I have taken £900 of the Bank's money.' He then explained how he had misappropriated the cheque for £1386 16a Bd, and handed wiVen £480, and » slip signed by him showing the whole transaction. He (Mr Ferguson) examined the books, and found that the cheque bad not been paid to tbe credit of the trotting olob. The accused in fact) had hnnded to him the payingln slip. Tbe effect of the cheque being held over woald be that £1386 16s 8d had been paid into the cash, which had nob been accounted for. The entry in the Exchange hook had exactly the same effect, and this left the balance apparently correct, Accused tod witness that the money had been going out gradually for three or fonr yean, and the manipulation of that cheque was In order to cover a previous deficit. Witness then examined the books up to March 31at, and found a large deficiency up to that date. Cross examined by Mr Franks, witness staed that lhe teller's cash was usually

counted by the accountant onco a week. It would have been impossible to discover the fraud unles* by accident, and by co-operation of the customers. No deficiences by the customers had previously bfien made. The accused was not suspended, but surrendered him*eU Inspector Ellison stated on November 17th aeoneed oame to the police station, and sur* rendered himself on the charge of appropriate inp the cheque. . This oloeed the oaHe for the crown

After being cautioned, the aocuwd pleaded " Guilty, " and was remanded to the Supreme Court for sentence. Mr Franks applied for bail, bat H's Wor ship pointed cut that it wbb hardly worth while, as the licensed would be brought up before the judge almost immediately. It is understood that the bank stands to lose nothing; being fully secured bj a fidelity bond in a guarantee society.

United Press Association—By Bleotrio Telegraph—Copyright ■ Christchurgh, Dec. 5 Adam Oliver, bank teller, charged with the theft of £1386, was brought before Judge Mtrtin this morning and wm sentenced to eighteen months' hard labor, the Judge remarking that the ciwe was not one for probation, »b the peculations had been going on over four years.

The Pacific Cable.

United Press AB«ooimtion—-By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright) London, December 4 It is officially announced that the Pacific Oable Committee, on behalf of the Imperial and Australasian Govern ment?, has accepted the tender men tioned in a cable message on the 23rd November.

ISSUING VALUELESS CHEQUES.

It will be remembered that a person styling himself Dr Kennedy recently obtained g«6ds frrm various houses in Christchurch and forwarded them to Ash burton. At the Christchuroh Magistrate's Court, on Tuesday, he was charged with having, on November-'l7, obtained from Mason, Struthersani Co. a refrigerator snd a hall lamp, of the value of £4 17s 6d, and cash to the amount of £5 2s 6d by means of a valueless cheque, and similar charges were brought against him with regard to goods and money obtained elsewhere. Evidence was given as to the acts committed by accused- Detective Livingstone said that, when arrested, the accused admitted the offence, and said he wished to get back to gaol. The accused himself, who was very deaf, and seemed somewhat weak-minded, then pleaded guilty to all the charges, and was committed to the Supreme Qourt for sentence. ■__

THE CZAR.

United Prem Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright St. Petersburg, Dec 4 TheCznr ia out of. danger, and i» expected to rise next week.

Mirrors for Detecting Theft

Mirrore, according to a writer on the subject, are much used by business firms as aids in .the direction of thoft, and are cor dially detested by the common thief' Owners of streeboorner coffee stalls are much annoyed by petty pilfering. One of these men has stated that his losses through theft averaged four shillings a week until he had mirrors fixed to the sides and back of his stall* Now when his back Is turned he can see all that a customer is doiDg, and bo protect his own interests, A bookstall man told a similar tale. He said that the theft of magazines and books every week represented a serious locs to his firm, until the adroitly placed mirrors proved an effective oheck, On more than one occasion the thief has been caught by this method

A publican adopted the mirror system some years since to detect dishonest barmem Its use resulted in the conviction of several dishonest employees, and has saved him much more than its original oott. By a free use of the mirror in their establishments jewellers are able to guard their costly stock without offence to honest customers. One of these tradesmen in the West End of London has caught several well-dressed culprits by means of the tell tale mirror.

Mount Hutt Road Board

The uiual monthly meeting cf the Board was held en Monday. Preeent—lAewri Morgan, McLean, Batty and Murdoch; Mr Qunde intei viewed the Board re storm water diverted on to his land.

Mr J Holmes interviewed thf Board respecting the road .to his property, and also respecting the dry oreek crossing on tho Mount Hutt Road,—lt was resolved that members of the Board visit both places on Thursday, the 20th inst.

Mr Jeff forwarded a cheque for half tho amount of,rates due on his property.—ld was decided that the Board required the fall amount to be paid.

The Clerk was instructed to sueatonoe for a number of unpaid rates. If. was decided to reform the sides of tbo road pant Highbask school, also to havo repairs made at Gunn's oreek while the con tractor was on the ground* The matter of arranging for a sblnglo pll on the River road was held over

J Blair's tender for. repairs on the Chertsej road, and B 1 Muscbatnp's for fencing were accepted . • ' ,' ■"'; . Accounts amounting to £100 I4s 6d wort passed for payment

Gruesome Adventure of a Deep Sea Diver.

Some time ago one of Ifer Majesty's divers attached to the flagship of the Chan* nel Squadron had a ghastly experience while pursuing his avocation. He was a burly man, with shaggy whiskers, which gave him the appearance of a fierce fellow from TartarVi but his swaggering airs concealed* heart tender as a woman's, As he had just come on shore on leave he could speak of nothing at first save the piano he intended giving his daughter on his return homo. Then, in an off hand way, he began speaking of come of his experiences beneath the waves.

When this man donned ft diving jacket for tbs first time ha went down in company with an old hand, feeling very funky all Mm while, and when the ocean doted over fail head he began to gasp, and when hit feet douched the bottom he writhed in hie inefleo> mal attempts to speak to hie mate* Sons* years after his novitiate he received s> oogf mission to recover some treasure suppoted to be in the' hold of a passenger vestal whioh had foundered off the coast of Malta. The diver looked upon the job aa a good one, there appearing every prospeot of it | ward, apart from his ordinary pay. Fall of hope, a boat's cew rowed him to the epolt and after the necensary preparations weft completed he steeped over the side and sank through the watery twilight. As he neared the bottom vague forebodings and fears orept over his mind ; his imagination bad bom disturbed by the fancy that some dreadful thiDg, uaieen and unknown, larked in the obscurity to slay him. At length the diver gained the deck of the wreck, and, loosening hit »xc, walked carefully toward! tke after* cabin hatchway. Having shivered the door with & blow, he started back aghast, oppressed by his inability to utter a ory. Up through the misty half light of the soft floated five corpses with oards in their hands. The submarine current moved thorn

like swaying leaves, Owing to the over* hanging wreckage tbe dead bodies wew imprisoned, and soon began gliding round the terrified man with aa awful semblance of life. Find they showed their backs, and circling round revealed their livid faces ; tometime* they crowded around him, and sometimes retired, seeming to be dancing a death waits to the silent accompaniment of the stirring Me* Presently the diver recovered his presence of mind, and with difficulty dragged the) corpses free of the wreckage, wEtn they swirled up to the surface like pieoM of cork* Although iron nerved and inured to sur« prises, he had received such a shock that he had to signal to be drawn np to the light* However, the intrepid man went dowa agaba the same day, and was eventually sucoewfal in recoveritg the bullion. Since that day his * water party,' aa hie mate* termed toil experience, has been a standing joke on the mess deck.

KRUGER'S CRUSADE

United.Press Association—By Eleottlo " Telegraph—Copy right

London, Dec 3

Other German newspapers and thojM published in Berlin hold similar view! to the Kolnische.

Worwarts states that Mr Kroger ii the victim of political illusions.

. Berlin, Dec 4 Kroger, after visiting the Hagat will interview the Emperor,

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Elwtrto Telegraph—Copyright St Petersburg, Deo 4 The Czar has ordered the immediate transfer of the Shanhaikwau railway to the Germans. Hongkong, December 4 Two millions in Ohihli and Man churia are homeless and starving.

CABLE NEWS.

U'lited Press Association—By Bleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright London, December 8 The Censor has refused a license to the Rev George Walter, of Sydney, for the production of his religious drama, *'Joseph of Canaan," At the Birmingham Cattle show the Quern won three challenge cups, three special prices, five first and one second prfxs. Brisbane, Dee 4, Another c»e of. plague has occurred, a boy named Just, attending the South Brit* bane State School, having been smitten. It is a severe ease.

• ■■ , Sydney, Deoembtr 4 The steamer Coraki, whore at MacLcay, has been abandoned. She vii insured id the South British office. The damage by the tornsdo at Narrabrl amounts to £9000. BißLiir, Deo 4. The English language baa been made a oompuhory subject at all upper German schools. Frenoh is an optional subject.

TENNIS.

BEAFIELD y. KYLE.

A very enjoyable tennis match was played on the Bea%ld tennis court on Saturday between the 1 * Kyle Club and the Sea&eld Club, wbioh resulted in a win for the home team. There wan a number of vbtare present and great interest was shown. After* i noon tea was dispensed by the ladies of the Seafield Clnb. Following are the score* :•— Ladies 1 Singles—Miss Leversedge (8) v Miss A Mulligan (X) 5—3; Miss Armstrong (S) v Miss E Lambie (X) 6-2; Miss Harvey (8) ▼ Miss Watson (X) 6-4.; Miss lilo* Ilwraith (X) v Mrs Ayrton (SJ 6—3. Gentlemen's Singles—W Lambie (X) v H E Blnoden (8) 6—2; L D Blundsn (S) v G Watson (X) 6-3; D Bruce (X) v B Blnaden (S)6-2. Ladies' Doubles—Mrs Ayrtott sad Miss Leversedge (8) v Misses E Lambie tad A Mulligan (X) 6—3; Misses Watson and Mollwraith ($) v Misses Armstrong and Paryey (S) 6—l. Gentlemen's Double*—H E and L W Blunden (S) v W L«mbi« and G Watson (X) 6—3; R and L W Blunden (8) v D Brace and J Watson (X) 6-4. Oombiaed Doubles—Miss Harvey end H E Blnnden (S) v Miss A Mulligan rad W Lambie (E) 6-4; Mi*s Armstrong rad L W Blunden (8) v Miss Mollwraith rad DBhhp« {K)6-3s Mrs;Ayrtonand RBl«ndt«(8) r Ming Watton.and G Watson (J|) 6-5. Xota?B-Beifield 68i Kyle 56.

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THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY MEN'S Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3s 6d Men's White Canvaa Tennis Shirts 4s 6d Men's Fanay Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3a Boys' New Straw Hats from Is Men's Frame Hats in Ne% Shades 4s to 12a 6d The Largest Stock in Ashburton. CYCLING SWEATERS id Fawn and White, from 6s Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Novelties, AT THE N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY- F. H. BECKINGSaLE, Manager.



ZEALANDIA CYCLES. BTJiLT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket-, Patent Head Tube, Butted Tubing Thtooghoat. 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 mmammmmmom # j£ # iJsbburton. Consignments will be received at our Aenburton 01: Tlnwald^tore^ »nd>nt onto -ither Ohrietoharch or Tiraaru, free of all chargflß, except railage;, Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from their nearest railway station will ease consign as follows :— If intmda* for sale at Ashburton-Friedlander Bros', Ltd Siding, Ashburton .If intended for sale at CbrUtclmroh-Brown and Son's Sidiog, Aldington If intended for aale or shipment at Tiowcu—Mill & Go's Siding, TtaMu If intended for shipment^ I,yttelton-N.Z,Bblpptog CoV.DmnpinglShed^Lybtelton •—:o;— WOOLSACKS, TWINE BRANDING OIL, and .all? other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest ratea, Ouf Next Sale will take place at Ohristchurch on THUBBDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1900 IRIKDLANDER BROS, LTD



SPECIAL SHOW THIS WEIiK OF CURTAINS, BLOUSE MUSLINS, - CURTAIN MUSLINS, DRESS LAWNS, OURTAIN NETS, PIQUES & PIQUKTTES, CHEAPER THAN YOU CAN MAKE THEM BOYV DKILL SUITS IN ALL SIZES & COLOES. | —New Goods ex e.s. Delphic— LINOLEUMS, ALLOVER LAOES, CARPET SQUARES VAL & TOOHON LACES, HEARTH RUGS, FAKOY & MARKET BASKETS, RANGIB 0F MITCHELL AND TURNER



ABHBUBTON OFFICE '*LYTTELTO]S TIMES" » OANTEJRBORY TIMES ' "STAR" " SPORTSMAN ' WHERE Advertisements »nd Subacrip tionti will be received, »nd files o»n '-1 4.' NORDON. Managing Ageat for South Canterbury, BURNRTT STREET, {Entrance to ihorW New Auction Mart) -'wflFz~~farmers > 00-opebativ ASSOOUTION OF CANTERBURY Ltd. WE have several re&Uy 6rßt-cla6B Farm ! for Bale on our books, and farmer wishing to piarobaae weald do well to call on «8 for particulars :— 520 Acres R&kftia District 366  n »» 500 „ Dromotre  1000 » Lauriston s> 1180 „ Springburn „ 750 >t Wakaaul „ 1031 i. Oherl y .. 1958 » Droma T i: BF. GI'BSON, Manager '""TsFbauJbd askle qciokly coekd ~~ •At one time I Buffered from a severe ipnin of the ankle,' Bays Cborge E Gary editor of the Guide, Washington. Va. 'After ttsing several well recommenced medicines without! success, I tried Chamberlain's P*.» Balm, and am pleased to say that relief oame at soon a» I began i« u«e, and a oomplete "« speedily followed.' Sold by A B hburtoD Drug Company TAKE yogr Repsirs to the Jubilee Bo Shop



A GOOD COUGH MBBICIKE 16 *peaks well for Chamberlain'i Cough Remedy when druggUti as« it in their own families In preference to any other. U wr» sold Chamberlain's Cough Rettwdy for the past five years with oomplefce satisfaction to myself and custom*™/ cays Drnggwt J Goldsmith, Van Etten, NY. •\* l*rt »lwaya used ib in my own family both for ordinary coughs and colds and for the cough following la grippe, and find It »«ry effio»oioui.' For sale by Ashbartoo Drug Oompmy



NOTICE. mHB ASHBDRTON GUARDIAN AND THE ASHBURTON MAIL CAN NOW BE OBTAJjIRD FftOM F. CLARK, Tobaoconlit>, Eatt Street THE EaUITABLE~LIFB" ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF U.S. Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to iuae Polioiei and pa? claims: H D Bell, Esq. Chairman. Albbrt Martin, Efq, M D. " Pbbct M Thomson, Inipeotor of Agencies. E Trevor Gould, Resident Secretary; Strongest Life Ae«ur«nce Society in the World. Financial Position. Aiiuranoe in force ... .- £219,670,053 Accumulated fandi,- .. £58,373,135 Sarplua over liabilities ... £12,711,975 Annual income ... .- £11.286,145 A Mutual Office. AU anrplus belongs to the policy holders. Bend for particulars of the Guaranteed Gash Value Policy. MGOIX BBObJ., Agents, Ashburton. 12 47 —■——ISMSI—SP>» — t "*



PNNBCBSSABT LOSS OF TIMS Mt WS Whedon. Cashle of the First National Bank »f WfctoriMt, lowa, in a recent letter gives aoma experience with a oirpenter in his employ, Chat will beef value to other mechanics. He says: 'I had a carpenter working for me who was obliged to stop work for several days on account of being troubled with diar.rh.oei. I mentioned to him that I had been similarly troubled, anil that Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and piarrhO3* Remedy had cured me He bought a,' botfcle of it from the druggist here, and' informed me that #n,« doee cured him, and he is again at bis work.' tfor sale by Ashbnrton Drug Company Smoke New Venue



Of th« existing giant Gnanolal Institutions that control special interests with which the intelligent world is moved, thoHe that eon duot the insurance of our lives are amongst) tha most wealthy. We have one in our midst, the Equitable Life Assurance Sooiety, conducting th« business of life assurance upon the mutual principal. This gigantic Company has Insurance on its books amount ing to io less a turn than £219,000,000 sterling, and accumulated funds of over i £58,000,000. It may certainly claim to offer protection and security to its policy holders in the colonies, as in Australia the Equitable has invested over £1,000,000. Its buildings in Sydney and Melbourne are perhaps the most beautiful speoimens of modern architecture in the colonies, and It Is the intention of thii Company to invest in freehold property In Wellington, when a building on the lines of the Sydney one will ba ereoted. Mr Percy M Thomson, the Society's Inspector of Agencies for New ZaKland, has been hare the last few days, and has appointed the well known firm, Messrs Niooll Brothers, resident agent* for the Company in Ashburton. A Cough Care, Wahoo.KooLHSAH and 4 Benjamin Gum go to Ashbubton DbuoOx | Smoke Npw Verms I



mAKE your Repairs to the Jubilee Boot 1 Shop. 9 BQJ