THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Asnbarton daily for— CHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 »m, 11 a m 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10 55 am,3 50 pin : DUNEDIN—ab 12 54 pm (express) SFRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— CHHISTOHUP.GH-Rt 10.45 % m, 12.48 p tn (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m*

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon fos Deoember

BUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places a under, subject to the necessary alterations : THURBDAY, DEOEMBER 20 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana at 6 30 p m MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 For Northern Portr, Weitport, also Sasfifta, Hawaii, Philippines. Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco (due London 2^th January), per (Tarawera, at 6.30 p m Money orders, 7 pm.

Note—Persons posting Christmas cards at book rates are reminded of the necesiity for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are settled up, so that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashburton as from Ist January 1901. Fxpress delivery vi ill cover letters and parcels not exceeding three Iba in weight, for which an extra fee of a xpence has been paid, The special mea senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made

Commercial.

AUSTRALIAN GRAIN & PRODUCE MARKETS.

Received Dec 19, 935 pm Sydney, December 19 Wheat—Chick, 2s Id to 2s 4£<i; millirg, 2s 6d to 2s 7d. Flour, £6 to £6 16s; i Manitoban £11. Oats, f< * • -.?. New Zealand, 2* to 2s Id; local, 1« Bti to Is lid, Barley, feeding, 2* to 2s Id; Maize, prime N.Z 3s. Peas, 3s to 33 6d. Bran B£d. Pollard, Bfi to 9d. Potatoes, N.Z, £5. Onioaa, £& to £5 ss. Butter, dairy 7£d to 8d; creamery, 9i. Gfaeese, 4d to SJ. Baoon, New Zealand, 5d to 7d; hams, New Zealand, B£d to 9d (The above quotations are those ruliog between merchant and retailer, and do not represent the slightly lower values obtained by a recognised broker.) Melbourne, Dec 19 Wheat, 2s 9£d. Oats, Is Qii Maize, 2s Bd. Bran, B^d. Pollard, lid. Potatoes, £610s to £7. Onions, £4 10s. Adelaide, December 19 Wheat, 2s 9d. Flour, £6 5s to £6 7s; Oats, la 9d to 2», stout 2a to 2t 3d. Bran. 9Jd; pollard, lO|d.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

United Press Asaooiatl- n—By Electric Telegraph C'HBISTMHPRCtf, Dec 19 There were good entries at Addington to.day, Cattle -—The entry of fat cattle numbered 259 head, inoludiag some prime steers, some of which were taken for freezing at £14 sa. A lot of unfinished oows and heifers made the market irregular. Second quality was easier, bat anything prime sold at full rateei Steers brought £8 to £10101 for best, £6101 to £8 others ; best heifers £7 10s to £10 7s 6d, others £5 17s 6d to £7; beet cows £6 10s to £8 lOi, others £4 15i to £6

Sheep.—-The f&*> sheep were mostly good wethers and ewes with at sprinkling of unfinished sorts and aged ewes There was a large market, but less competition. Wethers brought IBi to 225, ewes 13s to 16=, and up to IQi for good merino wethers, 12s tie 14s 6d for fat latnbsr exporters operating freely and took the bulk of the yarding at 14s to 16s 4d and up to l'tt 5d for extra, unfinished down to 13i. The store sheep were mostly ewes and lambs, which sold at 10s 10d, lls lid, 12s 2d, 12s 6d, and 13a 9d, all counted, and all shorn ; wethers and maiden ewes 15s Id to 16s 2d, lambs 8) 91.

PlG3.—Thsre wai » very larg» entry ; many unfinished ia tbe fat pens, and stores were dull. Baconen brought) from 30s to 48s 6d, eqoal to 3£d to 3f 4 ; porkers 13s to 30s, eqnftl to 3f d to 4d ; stores 10s to 18s, small Ss to 9s.

BURNSIDE MARKET.

United Press Association—By Sleotrio TelegraphHDopjrlght ! Dvvzwx, December 19 Fat Cattle—ls6 bead were yarded, o»ly a ■mill proportion being prime Christmas beef. Good wai well competed for, and realised a slight advance in price. Best ; bulleoks £7 16s to £8 15i, extra prime and heavy £12 2t 6d, medlnm £5 15s to £7, beat oosri apd heifers £5 lot to £715t, ordi nary £4 to £516 a.

DEATH.

McFirlane—On Deoember Id, 1900, at Aiford Forest, Ada, dearly belovod wife of James Mclfarlane, and eldest daughter of T E Mcßae, Springburn. Aged 32 yearst Deeply regretted.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1900.

Whrw the tenders for forming and shingling certain atreeta in the Borough wern under consideration at the lait mentingof the Council, one of the Councillor! drew attention to what he described at the disgraceful condition of West Street near the Domain. He described that so-called thingle that had been put upon the road as consist ing of great bealders—some of which were us large as an ordinary pine apple. This statement is by no means an exaggeration of the facts, as anyone can see for himself by visiting the locality mentioned. Not only ii the road covered with stones f ally as Urge as was stated, but owing to their great size, the traffic has not worked them into the top dressing of the street, but on to the sides of the wheel tracks, and consequently some record ruts have been produced This street, however, is nob rery much worse than many others have been, and we all know how long it takes for a shingled street to bind satisfactorily, and how quickly it is cut up if subjected to traffic at all heavy. The fact is the practice of putting shingle on the streets of a town of any size is a mistake. It is true that owing to the ease with which shingle is procured in all the towns, in the South Island the local bodies have assumed that it must, as a matter | of course be ever bo much' cheaper than broken m«tal. We are, however, of opinion that a test, extend ing over a reasonable period, would effectually prove the incorrectness of this view, and demonstrate that broken metal is much cheaper in the long runl than shingle. Commenting on thii matter recently, one of our Timaru contemporaries remarks : " The deci sion of the Levels County Council to make a substantial metalled road lead ing into the borough, will be noted with satisfaction by the public. . . and no doubt will show our City Fathers the fallacy of using shingle on the streets in town. This is, in all conscience, apparent enough to every ratepayer, and the condition of some of the leading thoroughfares at present would disgrace a town far less preten tious than Timaru. Not only is it a wasting of the ratepayers money to throw down beach shingle on roads used for heavy traffic, but it is creating a nuisance by providing material to be ground into dust, and a positive danger to drivers of vehicles." The J aubj ct of shingle versus road metal has been discussed in the Borough Council on more than one occasion, but it has generally been dismissed on the ground that the cost of broken metal was prohibitive. Bat when the great superiority of the metal road, and the much longer time it will last is con sidered, the actual d fforence in cost is not worth talking about.

Local and General.

Wiathbr—CptainKdw'n wires :—Mod er*te southerly wioda, glass rice.

The Train Vertices.—The train srrvloes for Christmsß Day are advertised in this istue

Anglisij -On Saturday last Mr R J 8 Harm»n caught a trout »t the mouth of the R»kaia river weighing 17£lhs. Mr Hunt, » few days previously, caught one weighing 181bs. The catches on the river just now are phenomenal, both in quantity and weigh.

Childrks and Dumb Animals. — The Kducatlon Board h*s decided to refer the question of requesting teacher* to me suitable opportunities to impress on their pupils the duty of aotiog with kindness to dumb, animals, to the Appointments Committee, .

Bank Changes—Mr p. Stewart, who'has been manager of the Timftru branch of the Union B*nk for some years, has been promoted to the position of manager of the Dunedin office of the bank. It will fee remembered that Mr Btewart was at one time stationed at Ashburton.

Gbain ik Bulk-On page four will be found an artiole entitled ' Handling Grain in Bulk,' in whloh the Commissioner of the Victorian Railways, who has been investi gating the subject in America, gives his opioion. The Hablior Castle Nmw ZiALAiroisi ~A private cable from Sydney, received In Dunedin, states that just as the Jjew Zealand troops, per Harleoh Castle, were about to leave the barracks to embark per (he Zealandla for Auckland, the Defence Department cabled stopping their embarka tion.

Swimming Oiitrß—The general meeting of the Amateur Swimming Club, called for last night, lapsed for want of a quorum. It is a pity that sooh indifference should be shpwn in the affairs of a Club which has for its object the promoting of the useful, necessary, and health giving art of swimming.

TIHWAM) RaOINO AND SPORTS CLV» — Owners are reminded that dominations for ajj races, except the Hurry Scurry, for the Tinvald Racing and Sports Club's Meeting, to be he!d on New Year's Pay, close at Lagan's Hotel on Saturday evening next, December 22, neb later than 9 o'clock:. Nominations for the athletic events also close at the same time and place with the Secre tary, Mr Charles Bennett

Thb Longest Bbiogs in N Z.—The NZ Illustrated Magassini for December contains an excellent illustration of the longest bridge in New Zealand, and the following letterpress description:—The bridge over the Rakaift in South Canterbury (the writer's geography it slightly out) is the longest bridge In New Z aUnd ; i»i is just about a mile in length and its waters are confined to a narrow obannal; A stranger going over this bridge, when the water is low, would marvel at a bridge being required over dry land. But lot him cross after a hot nor'-wester has melted the snow in the wild Alpine ranges above, and he The millions of tons of debris washed down by the floods of centuries have filled the river bed and mads a wide gr*v«lly plain of ir, over which at flood time the waters swirl in furious fashion.

i A Railway Accident—The Ohristchurch 1 Star of last evening reports that an accident which might have been attended by very serious conseqnenoes occurred to a luggage and stock train which left Chrtstohuroh for the south shortly before eleven o'clock yesterday morning. Just after it had crossed the Lincoln Road at Addington, the engine that was drawing the train ran off the rails and embedded the whole of its six wheels in the metal surrounding the Hoe. Fortunately the train wis moving very slowly at tlte time, tnd no serious damage appears to have been suffered either by tfta engine or by the trucks that were following it* A gang of men were at oooe put on to dear the line, tnd soon got the trucks out of the way, but at »wo o'clock the engine was still standing in the position it took op when it left the rails. The accident seems to have been caused by the points at this particular spot being left unlocked, and the engine, which is a heavy one, weighing ever 30 tout, dividing them at it approached. The express, whioh followed immediately after the derailed train, had to pass along one of the side lines *<■» nonUnoa its southern journey.

Flopndbrs ay TmAiO-»Ao6ftfdintf to th* pMstt omt exceptionally large flounders are being netted ab fynara, Just now. We oould do with a few in Ashburton,

Prill 1 bial.-A trial of a drill called the Combined Grain Seed and Manure Gold Medal Drill, takes pUoe at Laghmor to-morrow. This shoetd be a very interest log exhibition.

Thi Bummv Sum.*.— The Brace Herald learns that a large cumber of sheep are changing hands in Southlands A line of 9000 -to be delivered in March—was reoently disposed ot to a Canterbury freezing company.

Baitk Holidati—The looal Banks will close as follows for the Christmas holidays, v z :—Tuesday! Wednesday, and Thursday, the 25th, 26th, and 27th last, per advertise meet herein.

Bcttib amd Eggs—One of the speakers at a deputation to the Minister for Lands at Waipawa the other day stated that within a few miles of the town, widows on forty sere lots were making a good living by selling butter, eggs, etc.

A Scoomtiok.—lt hoi boon suggested that for the safety of foot passengers a hand rail fence should bo ereetedon Bast Street af»w lost from the boarding that tho oon traetort for the new post oHoe have pot up, M a protection against vehicular trafto.

Tm Bobocok WAflift Sbmplt—O» Mon day la*t, probably the hottett day of tho season, tho aide channels at tho north west end of the town were dry, A« there ha« been no interference with tbo main water supply, this matter require! explanation, and steps sheald be laken to prevent any recurrence ot the stoppage in future

Packs i» tki Domain—lt would be a considerable benefit to those of the public, who pay early vlslbi to the swimming baths, if the path from the entrance to lib* Oval to Ihe baths were cleared of grass, Even at this time of the year there is generally a h»avy dew at night making it difficult to get across without being wet footed ; in the rainy season the orbiting by the Oval is like orossing a stream. Perhaps the curatsr will give this little matter his attention

■ - Houses for Comtimoemi—The Dunedin Star says that tht horses supplied to the Fourth Contingent were admittedly a good lot* Some of those that were rejected wonld have beaten some that were accepted «lse where. Evidence as to this superiority is sup lied in the fact that on Saturday last, at the Portobtllo show, one of these rejsots, bought aft«r rejection for £610 a, beat in the show ring the horse that took first pr ze in the class for 14st hacks at the Dunedin show!

The Indian Famine—The attention of our readers is requested to the approaching visit of the Indian Famine Boys. These boys number twelve, and have been rescued by the Salvation Army from the famine parts of India. They will hold a meeting in the Oddfellows' Hall to-morrow night commencing at; 8 pm, when their leader, Adjutant Dsya Katna, will give an interest ing account of the Indian famine, and tbe boys will give a display of Indian custom*, dances, *c. The meeting promise* to be a very interesting and instructive one

Filling cp the Contingents—The Pie mier speaking at the reception of the South land pipers, in referring to the war siid we had still twelve or thirteen hundred men in South Africa, who must be encouraged, <*nd ib was bis intention to ask the Cabinet to agree to fill np tht blanks is the contingents. They could not allow Colonel Robin and hi* officers to remain at the front without men. The Premier said he was oonfident there would be »& immediate response to any call made. Government) had dsoided to allow returned New Zeatandert present in Sydney to take part in the Commonwealth celebrations

McAdoo's SorKANO—The JDunodin Star bus refers to Mill Underwood of tbe Me Ad oo Company, whose tinging here created such a favourable impression:—Miss DjkilU Underwood eonsbituttd the second surprise in this part. Like the rest of the company she is of the colored race, only Bhe h»s more of it th»n any of the others, and is only lately oat from America. Bhe has a fine soprano voice, with a top note of beauti ful parity and sweet nett> She sang 'Wtitiog' (MiilardJ and w»s honored with a double encore, singing 'The old Kentucky home* and 'Oomin'thro 1 the rye.: Miis Underwood is an undoubted acquisition to the company, and we are sure »he will become a favourite.

Post Omoi—The Postmaster supplies us ! with the following information regarding the P sb and Telegraph Office holidays:— Tuesday, the 25th December and Ist Jan uary will be observed as close holidays, but on Wednesday, the 26th, the office will be open in all branches from Sam to 10 a m On the avenlttg «f the 24th and 3)st }nst, ail receivers and posting bex.es will b« cleared. Mails usually despatched on Tues day the 2§th lost), and Ist pros, will be closed at 630 am on those dates. On the 26th last, on« delivery will be made by carriers. Telegraph Off oc—On the 25th and 26th lest, atd 1-t prox. the office will be open from 9 to 10 a m, and 7 to 8 p m. Tele phone Exchange—Open only from 9im to 10am on. Christmas Day, and on other holidays as usual. Promising Youth* —At the Magistrate* Court, Timaru, yesterday, two youths were charged with wilfully setting fire to a dwell* ing house in Wilson Street. The house, being built on uneven ground, it raised on high piles at the back, (The owner, Mr Dunn, was awakened the other morning by smoke. There being no fire visible in the hoiue, he went outslJe, and found a fire of gone sticks burning under a bedroom, in which four children were sleeping. It had been burning long enough to char the joists and flooring a good deal. A water-tap being handy, the fire was soon put out Suspicion was thrown upon tne <tooused, beoaused they and another (all lived near} bad been on the road opposite the house at a late hour that night, and one of them wm seen leaving the section. This, however, was a considerable time before the fire was discovered. The oase was dismissed, on the ground that the evidence was not sufficient to enable a jury to say which of the lads wti the culprit, A notlaeable part of the evidence wm that which referred tq the condition of the three lads. One admitted that he had had about twelve shandy-gaffs in one hotel, mure in another, and they all had about the same quantity, and to wind up, they took two bottles of beer with them, and drank them on the way home.

EDUCATION BOARD

The North Canterbury Education Board met yesterday. The following items are of local interest •.—The report of the Buildings Committee amongst other matters reoom meaded that in view of the he*vy expenditure Involved the application to have tbo We«terfield school removed to a site near the railway stationbe declined ; that the painting and distempering of the Normal Sohool be postponed till next year, on account of out. The following tenders were recommended for acceptance:—-Brown and Maedonald, house, Lowoliffe, £209 10*; Brown and Maodonald, house, Buapuna, £248 10*; J Wilson, painting, repairs and alterations to lohool building?, Ashburtoa, £332; G Mszey, painting and repairs, Lauriston, £75; G M»zij, painting and repairs, Barr Hili, £50. rJ he Appointments Committee report was read, stating that a notice of appeal under the Public Sohool Teachers" Incorporation and Court ot Appeal Act, 1895, was received from Mr J Stewart, master of the Medbury school, against the Board's decision to terminate h ■ engagement, and recommended Mr W Cbryntal as one of the members of the Court for the purpose of the appeal. Mr T S Johnston, of Mount Possession, applied for a subsidy towards cost of educating hit six children. The Committee regretted they could not accede to the request. Examination reports were received from Dr. Anderson on Flemiogton and Winoh more, and from Mr Ritchie on Hindi (main and side), *nd Lowoliffe. The Hinds Sohool committee's attention was drawn to the necessity of their taking steps to ensure a better attendance at the main school, failing which the Board would have to oonside? the whole question. Letters from the School Committee's Assooiation were reoeived, asking the Board to formulate some scheme with the view of ■ohooi committees taking full advantage of the recently passed Manual and Technical Instruction Act Several members spoke strongly in favour of continuation classes, and the question was referred to a special committee. ■ , The Chairman wished members "The compliments of the season and a (successful ywr,"*od the So»rd rose.

Montgomery's Bioscope Company

When first animated pfctnres were placed before the public, who Imagined that they wonld reaoh the pitch of excellence they have now been brought tel Life pictures, not always happy, are thrown on the screen wich viridity, and for a small charge one can witness the action of others, thousands of miles away, with the knowledge that as it is seen, so It happened. An altogether new series of pictures will be shown to tho Ashburton public during the Montgomery Company's season, entitled * Army Life.' These views were secured at great cost by Mr Mont gomery during his recent trip to England and the Continent. By apic at invitation I he was present at the Alhambra Theatre, London, to witness the first production, and bo impressed w»e he with their value and utility, that he immediately bought the sole rights for New Zealand; The leading London papers, commenting on them, state that they are unique, both from an educational and national point of view, and should be seen by everyone wbo has the Empire's welfare at heart; The attention of volunteers is specially drawn to these wonderful pictures, which are a revelation of military training. The company open on Boxing night in the Oddfellows' Hall.

THE DORIE SCHOOL.

At the meeting of the North Canterbury Education Board, bald in Christohurch yesterday, ft was stated that several of the children who should properly attend the Doric school were going to the Awaroa school. But the Board' decided that it oould nob depart from the position it bad by resolution taken up, and declined to sanction the ad minion of children to aided schools when there was sufficient accommodation In the permanent school nearer at hand. The Chairman said it wa» evident that ■ome people in the Doric district were deter* mined to starve the teacher oat, as the achool had fallen from an attendance of 30 to 17.

Mr Buddo regretted tbe condition of affairs *fc Doric, and that the obiidren should suffer because their parents had a stroog feeling against the teacher, who was one, as proved by her reports, who well filled the rt quiretnentv of the Board. Mr Rennio ttpoke in high terms of Miss Stewart's abilities as a teacher, stating that she had had considerable difficulty in the Doric school with the parents of children upon whom she had enforced discipline, and ib was the duty of tbe Board to support the teacher.

Mr Buddo said the teacher was one of the beet the Board had, and it would certainly never do to leave her without support. She ought to have a much better position than ths one she now occupied.

The previous resolution was adhered to — that children from Doric school could not be admitted to Awaroa school to the detriment of the former.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

United Press Association—by EUctrlo Telegraph CHRisiCHuacH, Dec 19

The Mayoral banquet in connection with the Jnbilee was held at the Canterbury Hall, and was a brilliant sncoeis. Over six hundred guests were present, including the Governor, the Hons. W C Walker and Rolleston, and Bishops Julius and Grim**. In the course of their several speeches, the Governor said that New Zealand had solvvd the problem of being able to pay good wages and to sell a good artioie at a reason able price. He said that banquet was the largest he had attended in the Southern hemisphere. Mr G G Stead, is proposing the toast of the " Navy, Army and Volun teers," suggested that New Zealand might at all events fill up the blanks caused by sickness in the first aad second contingents, and that Canterbury should fill ap those is the ranks of No. 1 company of the New Zealand Rough Riders. Colonel Gordon replied for the Volunteers, and the Hon W Rollestor, Messrs C Lewis, MH R, and AEG Rhodes responded to tbe toast " Buccess to Canterbury." The former made an elrquent speech, which was received with loud applause.

Interprovincial.

United Piress Association—By Electric Telegraph

Auckland, Pec 19 The Auckland Builders and Contractors Union havo not decided to refuse the rise demanded by the bricklayer* to, 12s per day, bub they rrquire that they should have the stipula ed notice of two month*, and after that they will consider the position.

The second series of garrison artillery shooting by the Devonport Coastguard Artillery Yolunt ers, for the New Z»land championship and n Government priz«, took place this morning, and fourteen rounds were fired from big 'guns at a moving target, towed by a steamer. Six hits were scored, equal to nine points. . This sore, added to the t core of last Saturday, brings the Coastguard's total to 27 points, which is the largest ccore made by any company «o far. Wellington, December 19 An initial supply of the new universal penny postage stamps having arrived they will be distributed to the Chief Postmasters at an early date. Instructions have, how* ever, have been given that none of the stamps are ro be told o; used before January lit.

A Gazette further prologues Parliament till Frbruary 21st.

The Minister for Mines has reoeived a telegram stating that the work of diverting the creek near the Blackball coal mine was completed yesterday and the stream is now being turned into the mine but as the volume of water has diminished since the fine weather set in no estimate can yet be made as to when the fire In the mine is likely to bs extinguished The hearing of the drivers dispute was resumed before the Conciliation Board to-day. The rates of pay and working tours were chiefly discussed and further evidence will be taken to-morrow.

This afternoon the Hon. Mr Carroll inspected the Contingent to be sent to the Commonwealth. It numbers sixty-three and the Minister complimented the men on their appearance, especially the Maoris. Tne Premier would have been preient but for the late arrival of the Tutanekaifrom Lyttelton. The Contingent will leave to-morrow night for Sydney Wanganui, December 19

Two draught stilliona had a fierce encounter last week in a paddock near town with the result that one valued at £200 died from the effects of the fight. He seized the other entire by the ribs with hia teeth and carried him round the paddock.

South Africa.

United Prett Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyrlght London, Dec 19 The Boer dead snd wounded at Nooitgedacht filled nine waggons Many of the T"ortbumberlands held ont in crags, and escaped in the dark, arriving in straggling bands at Hasten* burg The sentences passed on the Coles berg prisoners satisfied the loyalists Justice Solomon, who presided at the trial, referred to the enormity of their crime^ and impressed the hearers. Several of the prisoners wept. The prisoners have been disfranchised for life

The Queen lent a message, through Sir Evelyn Wood, paying a grateful tribute to the signal services, admirable spirit, zeal, and discipline of all ranks of the Militia, Yeomanry* Volunteers, and colonia).troops

She expresses deep rppr«b at the sickness and lost of life, Li & u y values the personal and pecuniary sacrifices made in the came of the Empire, relies on those still abroad to use their best efforts to aid the regular troopi, and trusts soon to welcome them home

The Government has appealed to the employers to continue to patriotically keep situations open, and minimise the sacrifice! made by the men

The limes says that the Queen's appeal to the auxiliary troopi and colonists to continue their efforts in aid of the regulars, implies the know ledge that' the auxiliaries which were summoned to avert the breakdown of supplies, are an element of the highest value, whlerein the regular army is even now wanting. The mounted troops had become the very pivot of operations. On them, above all others, the com manders rely, and for more of their kind Lora Kitchener Is appealing to the Colonial Governments and the British public

The newspapers strongly ur^e the continuous despatch of adequate relay*. of mounted infantry to qnell the guerilla movement of the Boers in South Africa

Private letters state that the Boers have shot Lucas Meyer for alleged treachery

The Boers' losies at Vrybeid totalled 260. ■

The Band Rifles are rapidly recruit ing.

The Staixlard sajsMr Bryn Roberts (wbo trade a charge of breach ot|difici pline against the Australians) ought to be compelled to withdraw and apologise for, the aspersion on brave men.

Wellington, Deo 19 Amongst the trotpers who arrived by the Wftiwrr* was Private McDonagh (of Christ' ohuioh), a veteran who wore Indian Mutiny Crimean, Abyssinian and Maori war medals Having on acaount of nil ago been refuted his place in our First Contingent, he went to South Africa, and there enlisted in the Duke of Kdinburghs Owr Rifles. He was hit on the thigh with a piece of shell at Paardeberg, and is still coffering from the effects of the woundk Trooper Legrange, of the Fifth Contingent wore the new ribbon that is to be given with the Transvaal war medal. He received the bit of red, white, and blue, and khaki ribbon in Capetown, where it is familiarly known as the Roberts, Buller, and Kitchener, the initial letters of the colours being thus mdi' cated.

The Commonwealth Celebrations

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Deo. 19,10 47 p tn, This office 1122pm Sydney, December 19 Sir W J Lyne has been sniwmoned to form the first Federal Ministry

Mr Reid had a long interview with the Governor-General on Tuesday night, when the Premiership was dia cussed

The ex-Premier all along made no secret of his opinion that the Premier of the mother colony should be asked to form the first Cabinet

Sir William Lyne had an interview with Mr Barton, but what took place ii not known

The choice of Sir William Lyne bas created much surprise. Public opinion strongly inclined to the belief that Mr Barton would be selected

Sir William Lyne visited Govern ment House this evening. Lord Hope toun commissioned him to undertake tbe task, and Sir William Lyne ob tained till the end of the week to con aider the matter, Ho is to place him self in communication with tbe other Premiers to ascertain his chances of forming a strong aiminintration.

Charges Against A Police Sergeant

ACQUITTED BY THE MAGISTRATE

Pnited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Nelson, December 19 2 The enquiry by the Stipendiary Magistrate re the charges Against Sergeant Mackay oonelided to-night. They were ail dipmissed without defendant's witnesses beiDg called. The decision was greeted with applause in a crowded Couit, but the applause was of course checked.

An inquiry by the Stipendiary Magistrate relative to the oharges against Sergeant Mackay was conoladed tonight I,t appeared that Maokay went to Matueka by ; «tearner on police business, which he oouid complete before the return of the vevsel whereapon Mr Kukpfttrick, who was drlv ing to town, o^«red him a seat in his trap, which he accepted, and they drove in a di» tanee of thirty-two miles. On the way they called, at three or lour hotels. The oharges were that Maokay waa drunk, that he fre quented three hotole, and that he accepted drink from a person while on duty

A great deal of evidence was called by Inspector McDonnell, and the strongest on the ficst charge was thafe of a dismissed con stable, who said Maokay reeled wheD he stepped out of the trap after the journey »nd that of a man who thought he bumped on entering the (D&rf Hotel Counsel for Sergf ant Mackay dononnoed the bringing of such charges on the strength of an anonymous letter Inspeotor McDonnell swore that Sergeant Maokay had always bore the reputation of efficient and strictly sober officer The Magistrate dismissed the first charge: without calling for evidence for the defence. On the second charge, h« held that calling at three hotels when on journey waj not frequenting, and dismissed that also. On the third oharge the Magistrate said that there was no evidence tint Sergeant Maokay was on duty, and it w*s unreasonable to hold that a man was on duty when return ing from work, neither wan there evidence that he aooepted drink

The Banner of Brighter Britain

(Written for the Hoiatiog of the

New Zealand Flag.)

Bend it> on to the halllardsi Oat from the fiagsUff hi^b Fling 16 forth to the brerzst, under the tunny «ky- Banner of Brighter BriUio; fruitful, and fair, and free* Pearl of the South Pae fie, Queen of the Coral tie*. Blue as the deep unfafchomed: Written on ev'ry fold The story of ships and sailors—the deeds of the day* of old; The f«me of the Oo*an Empress, whose nasa* is her children's pride— The grsnd old Mother of Nations, wheel ruli as the world is wide. White ai her rooord ifeahtlesst Bed as the blood is red Her sons for the love they bare her oa many a field have shed, The crosses of white and orimstß en tils dark blue boating shine; The badge of the peoples' onion, tbe symbol of Faith divine. For ros«, and fhtitle, and shamrock, tat white and the crimson bars; For the fern of oar fair New Zealand, the cluster of ruby stars; Ooe for the East, and one for the West, oat each for the Sooth end North— The sign of the baads of Empire to the ends of the Earth stretohed forth.

Hoist ifc op to the masthead f Flag of the lest and brave! ■ Free m the sir acd tnnshine, fret Mill* ocean wave; And the bleating of God Upon it—lfct crow a of it* glory—be! Banner of Brighter Britain, the Pearl of the Southern Sea. Wm. J, Steward. —Canterbury lima.

Magisterial

ASHBURTON- THURSDAY.

(Before 0 A Wray, Eeq, S,M) C ivil Casib :—Pranois Daly was auedTy bis wife tor£27,beiug arrears of maintoDanoa. Mrs Daly said her husbtnd had not given her any money since he bad come oat of gaol. She had lived with him for a thort time bat he had left her. He had written to her from Dunedin. She thought her husband was doing biacksmithing work. His Worship gave judgment for £14 odd or three months' imprisonment.

In the case of Low v Connelly, Mr Purnell, who appeared for plaintiff, aikad the Bench for a further adjourntreat of a fortnight* The case was adjourned for three weeks

Judgment was given In the case of Go»d* win v Million, adjourned from last wee*. His Wortfiip gave damages amounting to £58 7s lOd in favour ef Chat Goodwin, ani £4119s 4d In favour of hit wife, with corti in both cases

Bruach of By-Laws—OharlM J Baunnan was charged with riding a bfcyete c* the footpath. He waa fined Si and costs

Mount Somers Races.

The following handicaps wen omltto*) from the Hat of raoei pablUhed fn trn kit issue :■—

Sprinoidbk Wblxib Handicap — Village Lad 12ib 41b, Pobio 12ft 41b. Gold6nch Il«», Number Nine Hit, Flyaway lOst 91b, Barney loit 9b.

News in Brief.

Mr G Meddins, ironmonger, has ja«t landed preserving pans, harvesting" requisites, carpenters tools, ranges ana register, grates, and lawa mowers.

THE LATEST SOUTH AFRICA

Important Speech by Lord Silts bury,

Latest Movements of tbe Guerillas.

British Driving lliem Back.

United Press Association—By Kteotrle Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Deo 20, 8 50 am, ThiK Office 9 32 a m London, December 19

Speaking yesterday at a luncheon of the Conservative Union Conference, Lord Salisbury declared that then are matters still calling for explanation in connection with South Africa, and It may be that we shall have to scrutinuw every s'ep taken, but whatever attitude we may assume towards the past, we must remember that on the issue of that great enterprise rests the glory and perpetuity of the British Empire. We most spare no effort to achieve the ultimate complete and crowning suc cess in South Africa. He also said that the most pressing social question of tbe day was that of overcrowding. Tbe existing condition of affairs in oartain congested centres was a scandal to civilisation. The first duty was to provide adequate healthful habitation! for the poor. Received Wakapuaka Dee 20, 857 a en This Office 9 32 a m Lord Roberts will arrive in the Solent on January 2nd. Upon trrival he visits the Queen at Oaborae; The thanksgiving service at St Paul's cathe dral has been deferred until the end off the operations now in progress in South Africa. (Received Wakapuaka Die 20, 9 4 a m, This Office932am

One column of invaders were adnnc ing upon Pbilipitown in Northern O»p« Colony, at the same time Commandant Hertzog advanced with ft itrong com* mando to near Barqheridorp. Sharp fighting has taken place between tb.9 British forces and both Boer com Man* dos. In each instance the British wefr saccessfoi. The latest report'ii to the effect that the Boer guerillas ara retreating towards the Orange Rrrefe

United Press Association—By Rleottta Telegraph Wellington, Dae 20 The Premier ha« received a cable front Major Gradoek oomplimenting the New Zealanders on their conduct in the last big engagement. The Agent-General has al*» cabled that the point attacked by taw New Ze&landers was very strong, Isdeei the Northnmbsrian and Irish lafaatry had keen repulsed in trying to take it b»t the New Zealaaderi stormed an* captured it.

The Federal Government.

SIR W J LYNE SENT FOR.

MR BARTON IS ANGRY.

MR WISE AMAZED*

MR REID APPROVES.

United Press AstocUfcioo—By Bieofcle Telegraph—Copyright.

Received Wakapaaka Dec 20, S 16 » m, This Office 1010 am * SyBNBY, D«C 20 Sir W J Lyne has asked Mr Barton to join the ad ministration, bat thelattev

THB ASfiBORTOtf SOARDIAU « TfiUßSfiit, DBOteMIiBB 20, 1006



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Polypathie Medical Institute. Ooroer of Gloucester Street an d Latimer Square, OKRIBTCHUROH, (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings). FIFTH VISIT TO ASHBUBTOJN. FKID&Y AFTERNOON, JANUARY 4, 1901. 2 o'clock pm un'il Bpm PATI3KBAY, JANDABY 5, 9am until 1 o'clock p ra CONSULTATION FRE?,.—GRANGE'S HOTEL. <Jk POLY PATH V, the New Method of Healing, it the 0*" j^Kp\* surest and mcit r«pid System, at it cures with absolute ®^4jHLj£j£j^E~j£gt^ certainty such diseases as Cancer, Epilepsy and Asthma, vKfi%Bß£%{&&Kttßtik inourahle under the old system, ac we'l *« all Chronic 26bB^&S3&^BBBL an<* Nervous Complaints of Women and Men. MoRB JFBHBMBjBwiS^^J Cukes mabe by POLYPATHY than any other system ffijg^SfljfjgflgJEl THOUSANDS OF TESTIMONIALS iJjEfcrSHEfaSPSsf Epileptic Fits Fob Eight Yiars ; also Seam f ~ jfjaEHggjjßSSgK Yoi:r Medicines have done me a great) deal of good. I IfHI^^SSS^H^HH-fl 'eel better in every way, and the pains at the heart hare '^^^|^|HHsjL^V^LrS entirely left me, I have not had one fib sine* taking y°ur Medicine ~I remain, yours, truly, . Jeremiah Foster 9^B^^HH^9S9~S LUNG DTSXAKX AND BXTBIHB DIIIUXY I have muoh pleasure in sending this letter, thanking I BflflH^^^^^^H^^El you wry much for the benefit I have derived from your |^B^^Pf*[HH^B^VH medicine, which I have been using six week*. I was {■H|^^SHMt| reduced in weight from 12s& 41b down to Bst 71b, and I f^k^Hx^BL^^KlY b*d *iuite 85ve0 myself op to my Maker; but thank God fs^JgßflßUßK^^anMl after I had been under your treatment nine days my l^^aSE fjfSSSß^nßmWssl friends could see a change in me, and I could feel it HQHEZJnSEjZJSZSiW?^ myself, and have been improving ever since. Yea oao T^""-^"*^^^^^^* use this letter for a testimonial, or refer anybody to me Wishing you every prosperity—Yours respeetfallj, 12 '47 John Elfhiok PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING. • T>OYS' Guard Snita 8s 6d ; Boys' Blouses is Boys' Norfolk Suits 12s 6ds Washing Suits 2a 6d " Absent-Minded Beggar " Suite 18s 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21 ■ to 65a Men's Trousers 7i 6d ; Tennis Troasera 12i,6d/* A nice variety of SummerOoats in Kharki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, etc. N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY- F. H. BECKINGSALB, Manager. ABSOLUTELY TRK BEST EVBB M^DK BURNETT STREET, THNORMOUS Stock of Sundries jctat tv hand, including Latest Lamps, JCj Luggage Carriers, Saddle Chains, Alarm Bells, etc Inspection Invited The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of US Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to iseufi Policies and pay claim's: H D Bell, Esq. Chairman. I Percy M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albert Martin, Esq, MD. j E Trevob Gottld, Resident Secretary; STRONGEST LTFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY IST THE WORLD Financial Position. AsiuraDce in fore« ... ... £219,670,058 j Surplus over liabilities ... £12,711,975 Accumulated fucd*,.. .. £58,373,185 | Annual income ... _ £11,286,145 A Mutual Office. AH surplus belongs to the policy holders. Bend for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Value Policy. NICOLT BROS, Agents, AshburtoD. 12 47 XMAS PRESENTS. XMAS PRESENTS. ■■ • %/• ' ' TOVERYBODY should call and see our Grand Display of |jew Goods jit ' • '*. suitable for ~\7" MA.S and New Year Gifts. Fancy Goods of all kinds, Photo Frames, Vases?, Fancy Baskets, Fancy Crockery in all the latest designs. Also—A Nice Assortment of the best Silver Plated Goods at greatly reduced prices, CALL -NX) SEE. NO ONE PRESSED TO 6HY AT T. H. UINDRILL & GO'S., OABIHETM&KERS & UPHOLSTERERS, TANORED STREET.



FOR SALE, j PUBE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS | fTO Farmers purchasing Half bred PIGS. We are prepared to buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peas. FABMERB' MEAT SUPPLY CO< 12 5 JH Rule, THE HOUSEWIFE'S FRIEND. ! npBE RAPID LIGHTNING GLOSS is pronounced by the Aehburton Public to be the only reliable SHIRT GLOSS ia Ashburton* A Trial will convince you of the difierecce in quality from all others in tbe market. Bold by pll tbe leading Grocers in Aehburton baa ke JScw Vqxxm I ;



* b^ ASK FOR , I t& 0 ATE & Cos LVa bESSSf^ J t tJr' NEW TARIFF <...^jf CHAMPION BLEND ■i* othch prices: » tNO CHINA TEA USED BY US/J_ ~You~dan~depeo4 §n ridding f oar ehudreo of worms with Wade's Worm Figs the w.ond«ful Woim Worrltri; jli



STILL ADVANCING. CRAIGHEAD & BERBYMAN HAVE just opened oat, ex ■•■. Faparoa from London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto imported, comprising the most up to date Suitings from the best Manufacturers as now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customer* such a splendid range of new materials of guaranteed qualty and stylish patterns to choose from as should please even the most j fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, i and fit will compare favorably with thoie of the leadtog firms in Christohureh or other cities. They are alto showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., this least n. Customers would do well to place their orders early as 0. &B. have already a large number of suits on the books promised before Xmas. U 140 OLIDAY SUITS—I have a large stock of Men's, Youths', and Boya 1 Suits, made to my orders, special finish; for wear, { style, and appearance equal to anything procurable. Bults made to measure in beat style, fit guaranteed. Gent*', Ladles' and Children's Boots and Shoes in great variety, at BOBBBT ALCOBK'S TO SUBSCRIBERS k ADYBRTISERB. CHRISTMAS k NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS "THE GUARDIAN" CTTILL NOT be iuaed on OTUESDAY, Deoember 23th, WEDNESDAY, Deoember 265, TUESDAY, January Ist.



BUY your holiday boots and shoes ab J) SXOOK'9 Cub Boot Store; a large assortment to choose from. ALL Loasbt's Preparation —Cinnamon Cure, Koolibab, Wahoo, and Benjtunan Gam—at J X Coqoh, Storekeeper 1 Smoke New V^nus



DON'T Natorh caamy c y >»? NEGLECT cough without aid, bjiy COUGHS, can't afford to chance it* A oough that is left to oure itself Ur'owly overcome at belt;, and there It apt to « some weakness left to make the next cough come earner. We have two really good remedl ooughs and olds. BENJAMIN GUM is specially suitable for reoenb chilh. It it pleasant to take, oures very quiokly, pre. < vents iuflatnatory symptoms and allays annoying tickling and hacking coughs. TOWNKND'S CINNAMON CURE is specially suitable for chronio oougbs, though it will break up a recent attack as quickly as any other medicine made—Cinna mon has been proved iv Pasteues Institute to possess great destructive power over all bacilli, whilst being perfectly harmless to human beings. vVe have reoelved lome flattering letters as to its egioaoyin oon f umption, bronchitis, asthma, dysvntry and n typhoid fever. CONSULTING OPHOIAN Mr Ernest M. Bandstein, DBOAI, FB, MO. who has lately returned after six years' special study in England and Con tinent, may bo consulted on all oases of defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary, artificial light being used. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Cashel Street W., over M Bandstein, jeweller, Christehurcb. 930 to i,3tosd*lly *



WUi'i Worm Figs are meat effective and net unpleasant; children thrive after taking them Prioe Is TTTTANTED Known—That our Oilcloths *v and Llnoleumr are bought direct from the British Mills, and stand unrivalled for variety and value.'—Mitchell and Turner