EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for Dtownber

BUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Tralnß leave Asbburton dally for— (JHRIBTOHURCH—at 7.20 am, II mm 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—ab 10.55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN~ab 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daUy at Ashbnrton from— OHRISTOHUROH—ab 10.45 am, 12.43 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-ab 9.45 a m

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary all orations t

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 For Northern ports and Westport, pea Tarawern, at 6 30 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 For Northern Ports and West Coasb, per Rotomahana at 6 30 p m.

Note—Persons posting Christmas cards at book rates are reminded of ihe necessiny for koeping the covers open for c xamination. If the packets are lealed op, so that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged.

Commercial.

OHRISTOHDROH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETB.

Quotations are as follows : — Wheat—Hunter's, pearl and velvet, 2s 4d to 2* sd, and Tuscan 2s Sd to 2s 6<3. Oats — Canadian Is 93, short feed Is 8d to la BJd, Dons Is 7d to Is Bd, Danish Is 7d to Is 7*l Barley (nominal)— Malting 2s delivered Flour (millers' quotations nominal)—-Roller £7, stone £6, sharps £3 10s, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2« 4d to 2s 5d Peae—Prussian Blues 2s to 2s 3d, part ridge 2s 4d to 2i 6d Oatsheaf Ch iff — 42? 61 at near country statione. Hay—£3 5s to £5 10«, delivered : primest baled £4, f ob Seeds—Rycgrass, farmers' lots Is 91 to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed, 2a 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 24d to 2f d for bright seed, to 31 for extra good, town machine dressed 1610 to 171b seed, 3*d to 4d, cowgraes Sd to 6d, extra choice 6£<l, White o'over, 6d to 7£d. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to 6d, factory s<l to 6d. Butter—factory, local, 10d c dairy 7<l to 3d, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams s£d to 6d, factory bacon and hams, £d par Ib higher. The above prices, er.cepb where otherwise stated, are those paid to farimrs, f.o.b. Lyttelton.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1900 MUNICIPAL BY-LAWS.

Notice has been given li "VnmciHor Jones that he will more for the framing of a new Borough by law making it an offence to expectorate on the public foot paths. We ire quite in accord with the proposition that the matter Cr Jones proposes to deal with, represents a nuisance which ladies especially have long complained of, and we are prepared to support any feasible scheme to pat a stop to it. But we do not see the good of framing by-laws merely for the sake of affirming a proposition however true, tilting at windmills in fact. For a very cursory investigation of this question, must convince anybody that thej diffi culty of carrying out the proposed by law, under existing conditions would make it practically inoperativp. To begin with, if we have sufficient police in ABhburton to attend to the increased business that looking after offenders would create, it is evident that we must low be overstaffed ; T r it would cer tainly take one man alibis time to see the bylaws carried out. Tbea there would be extraordinary difficulty in bringi Dg such an offence, home to any body, this dificulty alone having made the by law almost desd in Tas* mania and elsewhere,where it is in force. And there is also a risk by fno means insignificant that strangers, visitors, and others may be as likely to be prose* cuced as habitual offenders. Now it strikes ns that these can be found amongst the youthß and loafers who hang about Eat t Street in groups, from the Union Bank corner to the Court House corner, or even to the Post Office. If this be bo, the simplest remedy for the nuisance would be to require the police to enforce the lave, which prohibits people blocking traffic in the way these gentry do. The police have a good deal of latitude allowed them with respect to compelling idle people to " move on." If they do that, there c*n be no doubt that the nuis ance everybody complains about would be very considerably abated

THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT.

Wi resume, consideration of the Public Health Act, because it is highly impor tant that every person in the com munity should have some idea of its provisions. We have already pointed out that the peculiar wording of one clause completely defeats the evident intention of the ftamers of the measure, as to owners of houses being liable to a penalty for letting a house, which hat recently been occupied by a person Knfferipg from an infections disease. Since oar article cm this subject was

written, we have noticed that one of our contemporaries, the Ifapier 2eU~ graph, hag drawn attention totheiame clause we referred to, and attributes the pc uliar phraseology of it to the influ ence of the house owners We may, however, state that clause 32 contains novae enactments, which are equally inoperative. For instaace, a penalty of ten pounds is imposed on any person who, wbiie to his own knowledge, is suffering from a dangerous infections disease, exposes himself in any shop, inn, or public place or public vehicle, without proper precautions against the spread of the infection ; or, whilst so suffering enters any public vehicle without previously notifying the driver, &c ; but, as we have already shown no disease, however serious, is legally a dangerous infectious one, until it has been so gazetted by the Governor. Consequently, under the Act as it now stands, a person may have small pox or bubonic plague, and do with impunity *hat is referred to in the clauses we have quoted from, provided thf Governor has not gazetted the specific disease he may be suffering from, as dangerous. The effect of this state of things will be that at the very time when the public are least on guard against infection—that is, when the first case or cases appear—no penalty can be enforced in circumstances such as appear te have been contemplated. Similarly clause 83, which is appar ently intended to compel cabmen to have their vehicles thoroughly dis infected after carrying infected persons, can hay» no effect until th» official proclamation has been made. Another matter is dealt with in the Health Act which concerns the proposals under consideration for properly draining the Ashbufton Hospital, one of which is to drain the sewage into the river. The Act, however (clause 19, sub section 13), authorises the health officer to forbid the discharge of sewage, drain age, or insanitary matter of any description into any watercourse, stream, lake, or source of water supply, whether situate in the health district, or outside the latn'e. The old adage that a co*ch and four can be driven through most of our laws is pretty well exemplified by the Health Act, and also by the Municipal Corporations Act. Properly speaking, none of the provisions of either of these Acts should clash with any others, nor should the Acts clash with one another. Yet while the former measure enacts (Clause 61, sub-section 3) that every person commits an offence who permits or puffers drainage or refuse from his land or premises to flow into, or be deposited in any water course or stream that flows through a borough, (whether forming part of the water-supply of a local authority's district or not), the latter provides that a Borough Council may require a private owner to connect a private drain with any public drain or covered watercourse or street channel (clause 274, section 1). This seems clearly to contemplate the carrying of private sewage into the street channels. Yet section 8 of the same clause reads as follows : " The foregoing powers shall, amongst other things, enable the Coun cil to require any owner of premises to cause the sewage and surface water respectively arising therefrom to be drained by separate drains to separate outfalls ; provided always that the Council shall not in any such notice require any sewage to bi drained into any street channel." Read in connection with the provisions of tfhe very game clause already quoted, what on earth does the whole of it mean ? We have not yet dealt exhaustively with the Health Act, but we have said enough to shoT«r that there is a probability of some trouble arising in the interpreta tion of it, let alone in the carrying out of its provisions.

Local and General.

To Our Readkks —Interesting reading matter will be found orr our first and fourth pagts. Closb Holiday.—The ABhburton Retail Traders Association notify that Monday the 17 h (anniversary day) will be observed as a public boliday. Journalistic—Mr W D Campbell, M.A, of the LytteUm Times, has been appointed editor of the Timara Mvming Post. There were 27 applications^ Rev D O'Dohnma.—At a meeting of the congregation held at the oonolusion of Sun day night's sertioe at the Baring Square Church, it was unanimously decided to send an invitation to Rev David ODonneil, of New South Wales, to conduct a mission in lihburton about four months henoe.

LiiDTiHAVfI TrccEß.—Mr J Tucker has received a cable message from Lieutenant Fred Tuoker stating that bis wound is slight, and that he is doing well. This will be we'oome news to all Aehburton.

Mount Somebs Sports —TbeCommittee of the Mount Scmere aports and races intend having posters printed and circul ated in Aehburton giving particulars about the excursion train to the racs on Boxing Day. Nominations close on Friday next Hinst at 9p. m. with the becretary at the Mount Somers Library when large entries are expected, handicaps will appear In the Abhburton Guardian about Dec 17 th.

Destructive Hail Stohm — A. curious effect of the recent phtnomenal hail s'orm which swept over ihe South Canterbury district may be se«n at a farm near Wood bury. The garden round the house was devastated, some fruit trees there being completely stripped, while the orchard, situated some 50 yards away, was unharmed. Taken as a whole, the fruit crop in the orchards near Woodbmy was practically ruined. Some idea of the severity of the storm oan be gathered from the fact that several windows were broken by the hail stones.

Conobbt Af thh HOSPlTAL—Yesterday afternoon the Wealeyan choir and orchestra, under the supervision of Mr Undrill, kindly gave a concert at the Hospital, whL-h was greatly appreciated by the inmates. The following is the programme :—Two marches by the orchestra, solo* by Mrs Flower, Misses Williams, Jones, and Mr KearaetH, piano solo Miss Collins, violin solo Miss Simmondi, and a cornet solo by Mr Mac donald. The Junior Christian Endeavour Society of the Baring Square Church pro vided flowers, which were thankfully ac cepted, A Heartless Son—Peouliar conduct on the part of a son to his mother was dieoloaed at the Magistrate's Court at Timara, on Friday, says the Herald. The mother is destitute and infirm, and the son, who is a shop-keeper in Invercargill, some time ago undertook to pay half'--crown a week, and this arrangement was made an order of the Court. For some time past, however, the son had remitted the 2s od weekly in half* panay stamps, which his mother had great difficulty in disposing of. She consulted a solicitor about the matter, and a letter of remonstrance was sent. The result was that, the 2s 6d oame in halfpenny stamps as bafore; but instead of being in sheets they wers all separated, thus giving the old woman more trouble than ever. The Magistrate said that the son's action was* mean insult to his, mother, and he ordered that the amount' should be paid weekly into Omit, and that the ion should pay £1 Is, solicitor's fee.

ASHBCRTON MODNVIO RIIXMi — The 1 annual Government volley firing of the Aeh burton Mounted Rifles will take place at the Lsghmor Range on .Thursday, tb« 20th inst Members are requested to attend in order' to earn capitation. Advancb Nbw Zeaiand—Speaking at Greymouth Ihe other day, the Hon; Mr Seddon reiterated the statement that he would never leave New Zealand while his health remained good. New Zealand would, he said, extend her territory and advance.

A Bio Peiob—The biggest pnoe yet given for a one year-old filly in tha ooloay was paid for the first prize-taker at the show held at Oamaru. She is by the noiss Lord Banfurly and £1(0 was tha figure, the purchaser being Mr John Boag, the well known breeder, of Brookaide, Canterbury.

Land Salb,—Messrs H Matson and Co report having sold 600 acres of the Gleomark estate to Mr J Moorhead, of Ashburton,and 370 acres to Air Jores, of the same place. These two section* were on the Omihl Valley where there art only eighl agricultural farms left.

Wbathbr Fobeoasi. — Captain Edwin wires:—Moderate to strong weiterlj winds during next 20 hours, then ohanilog to between north east and north and west; glass fall; weather warmer. Indications of rain after midnight).

WbSLETAN SVKDAT SOBOOL UNION.-*lt was stated at a meeting of the North Canterbury Wesleyan Methodist Bunday School Union that 1800 scholars and teachers expected t«i take part in tha Jubilee Sunday School Demonstration in the Christohnroh Exhibition Hall on Sunday afternoon next.

Tv Sucdbk Death a« Ghbistohbrch— At the inquest on Saturday on the body of a single woman, named Janet Phillips, aged 23, who died suddenly on Thursday last ab Christchnrob, tha medioal evidence showed that the girl had had a mho*rriage. Death was caused by disease of the kidneys and excessive hemorrhage. A verdict was re turned accordingly.

Odd—Mr Chamberlain, Colonial Secre tary, has now seen a colony—Malta. The War Minuter has naver seen a war; the Indian Secretary haß never been to India, and the Empress of India has never been there. Indeed, Her M%jesty has nob set foot on British territory outside the United Kingdom.

A Heavy Pay Sheet—Since the formation tithe Westporfc Goal Company theyhave paid away In wages £869.329; in royalty, railway haulage, rates, and taxes, £455,015; freights to local owners, £620.835 ; ttores, £76,333; new works, £221,005 ; repairs and sundries, £,21234 ; making a total of £2.264,730. Commonwealth Gklebbationb — The Premier telegraphs as follows to the Editor of this paper :—I have received the following telegram from the Secretary of the Celebra tion Committee, Sydney—"l am requested by the Premier aod Colonial Treasurer ot New South Wales to inform you that a letter of invitation will be posted to you by this day's mail to the Commonwealth cele brations."

Thi New Postal Bates-A telegram from Dnnedinsays that the explanation of the ratbtr confuting telegram re the oew postal rates is briefly this:—That on and after January Ist there will be penny postage as between Great Britain and her colonies, but that the present rate of 2£d will be continued as between this colony and European conn tries, as well as the United States, while the present intercolonial rate of 2d per half ounce will be retained

Baptist Chosch—A baptismal servioe was held in the Baptist Church on Sunday even ing, two female candidates coming forward for baptism. There was a large ooagrega tioDj the ohurch being filled. The Rev W. Lamb condncted the servioe, and took for his text Aotw 2-38. In the course of his sermon the preacher urged upon his hearers the need first of repentance and afterwards the ordinance of baptism. The choir rendered several anthems in a very pleasing manner.

Irrigation on Light Land.—There Is on view at the s f.and of the Canterbury Frozan Meat C impsny, in the Exhibition a practical illustration of the benefit of irrigation on li^ht land. There are two samples of grass cat from a paddock at the Fairfield F.eczing Works, Ashburfcan, the one taken from a part that has been irri gated by the drainage from (he works and the other wa*cut from a place not affected by this fertilising agency. The difference between the two samples la remarkable. The Irrigated sample consists of rfegrass and red clover, and average* 3ft in length, some of the stalks of the ryegrass running to 4ft, with eeed heads lO|ln long. The other sample averages about SOin, and some of the ryegraes is about 2in longer. Ihis sample, besides being so much lighter Is also fall of weedi and Inferior grasses The samples show that Irrigation not only benefits the crop of grass Itself bat enables it to overcome all the undesirable growt hn.*-Truth. The Living Pictokes Entertainment— Oo Saturday afternoon Mesits Cooper and Macdermott gave a matinee in tht Oddfel lows' Hall at which there was a fair atten dance of school children, who were highly delighted with the pictures, and vociferously cheered some of the most popular of them. In the evening the attendance was again good and a change of programme was given, the best pictures shown being ' The Northum berland Fusiliers digging trenches,' 'The Contingent's Farrier shoeing horses,' and the sports OB board one of the Colonial troop ships. tiMtnighta sacred programme wae provided for the largest) audience of the season. We understood that those present were greats* delighted both with the pic tures and tie selections on the oolossophone, but as to this we oannot definitely say as our reporter left early, hit rellgtou* susceptibili ties not enabling him to appreciate such scenes as the ' Railing of the Dead,' &o Hew Zealand's athletes »t the front In cricket, football or the hunt He shines in any sport or game. His prowess has a world wide fame. But training has its ueual ill*, Aa over heat that causes chills Then don't delay, but health secure, By taking Woods' Great Peppermint) Core t

TRANSVAAL WAR.

United Preas Awooiatlon—By Electrto Telegraph—Copyright) London, December 7 With a view to providing defence beyond that afforded by the Town Guard of 100 strong, upwards of 100 loyalists of ail classes at aliwal North have gladly responded to the invitation, and haye taken up arms. Released prisoners from Pewetedorp, with the exception of the officers, have abandoned a Krupp gun near the «oath bank of the Caledon River Christian De Wet's force is laagered close to Aliwal North

December 8

The Boers captured seventeen thous and sheep which were being driven by a party of soldiers between Potchef stroom and Krngersdorp. It is ex pected they will shortly be retaken De Wet has moved east north east from Odendaal. General Knox is following him, and has captured a Erupp gnn and a waggon load of ammunition. General Macdonald commands at Aliwal North

December 9

Failing; to force a bridge on the Orange river where the British were potted, De Wet trekked north east; He abandoned fire hundred hortei and many carts, and is bard pressed on all ■idea

Stditut, Dtc 9

Twenty fire Few Zealand troo per are on board the Moana, which sai lee yesterday for Wellington, ohiefly those invalided who came by the Harlech Qastle

The New Brighton Mystery

THE INQUEST

The icqueit touching the death of the man, wboia body «v foaud on the New Brighton beach on Thursday evening, was npened on Saturday, at the New Brighton Hotel, before Mr R Beetham, coroner and a jury of six. According to the evidanoe the only marks on the body which could not be accounted for wai a wound on the head, bat the me dioal evidence ahowed that it waa superficial, and further expert evidence ■hewed that the deceased matt have been drowned, and the verdiob of the jury war ••that the deceased, name unknown, was found drowned on New Brighton beaoh on December 6; a» to how he oame to be drowned there wes no evidence to ihow, bat the jury were of opinion that the body ihowed strong evidence that the deceased had met with foal play;" The body wan mbstqnently identified at that of a man named A L Whefan, lappoied to be a wool olaner from Fiotoria. The fact that deceased had no socks er boots on when found i is a matter wbioh requires explanation, and It is understood that a party of police are to-day examining the banks of the Waimakariri frem White's Bridge to the sea, to endeavour to discover traoes of the miwing articles.

Murder and Attempted Suicide.

United Freii Awociatlon—By Electric Telegraph AUCKLAHD, D«O 9 Jm..Miller cut the throat of hit little sob, four year* old, »nd attempted to kill himself on Tuesday, last. It appears that* woman, with whom he bad been living, left him a few day* ago, and. he asked her to comeback She declined, but he took the boy, one of their children home with him. He inbte* quently oat the boy's throat from ear to ear, and then attempted to out hit own throat. He later on informed the neighbour! what he had done

THE WARSHIP.

By CHAS. W. PURNELL

Strong spring* the coble warship through the sea, About her prow tHe surges break and comb, Th« great waves beat her sides exultibgly, Behind her spreads a sheet of silver foam ; She mo?es along, a citadel of might, Her country's glory and her crews delight. v

Upon her decks, disposed in dread array, The silent cannon in the mnlight gleam, The crew, alert, their captain's e»Il obey, And with blithe zeal and warlike ardour teem; The fell torpedo, hidden, larks brbw, The sure and swift-winged mcsitngor cf woe,

The ship's majestic heart doth throb and beat) With4eep pulsations, keeping rhythmic time, A foroe resistless as Death's coming feet Impels thejmighty fabric through the brine, A potent genie, in its prison bound, Through night and day doth toil in constant round. '

A thousand men, by labours well controlled, A skilful work and wondrous did create, Their souls commingling in a common mould Imbued with life a thing inanimate, They raised a fabric like a splendid dream, Where steel and brass-bound cylinders did gleam.

The rugged iron within the furnaoe cast By flames of fiercest temper was enwrapped, It wallowed there till many hours had pused, And then the glowing reservoir was t- pped. The molten metal sudden flashed to sight, A brilliant, blinding, Incandescent light.

The great machines, as if with life endowed, Seized on the tempered jteel with force ful hands, And shaped the rod, the smooth plate bent and bowed, Obedient to their master's mute command*, Swift fell the bummer, gliding in its frame, Aod from the lurid plate drove forth the Same.

Toil on, O artisans ! and spend your skill In fullest measure on the work which Br°w» , . Beneath your hands ; for, lo ! your labours will Control the warship's fate when fiercely blows The tempest o'er tho ocean s watery plain, Or battle's thuuder peals across the main.

At last the labvU.'s o'er, the ship complete, And proudly beat the workmen's hearts, and high, A* the wild surges thnir new mistress greet, Glad in her martial panoply. Pr from th<j land, wh«e swell the billow's free, Ihe warship seeks her royal destlay. From out the waters deep tumultuous rise The spirits ot the brave, immortal, dtad, With wonder gleaming from their starlit eyes, The light of Aidenn rouud about them shed, Awhile they view the prodigy of art. Then, silent, to their nnseen home depart.

Majestic symbol of embodied power, Sublime thou rid'st the waves, from crest to orest, Man fashioned thee in some inspired hour, All forces shaping to his own behest. O warship proud, be ruler of the sea, And bear my country's fUg to victory ! | — Canterbury Times.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegtaph—Copyright. Hong Kong, December 8 The Palace officials report that the Ooart is leaving Singanfa on the 12tb, journeying by short stages. The Emperor will enter Fekin when the negotiations are on the eve of a successful conclusion.

Trouble Over a Consul

STRAINED RELATIONS BETWEEN PORTUGAL AND HOLLAND

United Preas Aaaooiation—By Eluotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, December 6 It is reported that there are strained ralations between Portugal and Hol land over the withdrawal by the former Government of the exequatur granted to Mr Potts, the Consul at Lorenzo , Marquez A Renter telegram states that the Portuguese Minister at the Hague and the Dutch Minister at Lisbon have been withdrawn by their respective Govern^ mtnts

Kruger in Holland

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrie-ht The Hague, Dec 9 Qaeen Wilhelmina has attained a less aggrettively sympathetic attitude towards Mr Kroger. She accorded him a private audience, laftiog a quirter of an hour. Owing to the ex President's incognito, be wat not received with the ceremony paid to the chief of a State

Alleged Manslaughter on a Dredge.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dunedin, December 9 A* Cromwell yesterday James Ledsngham, dredgemneter on the Central Eleatrio dredge, wat charged with the manslaughter of William Barclay Morgan. Oo October 16th, while taking line out in the boa', Morgan wae caught in the bight of the wire rope, ! dragged overboard, and drowned. The Crown Prosecutor oon tended that the boat was not properly furnished for work, and that there wm culpable negligence. After hearing evidence, the accused reserved hit defence, and waa committed for trial, bail being allowed in £200 with two sureties.

ROBBERY AT A BANK

United Preii Association—By Electric Telegraph — Copyright Dr/vroiir, Dm 7 James White and Frank Watton wen committed for trial on v charge of attempt' ing to steil from a youth £100 Bait wm allowed, accused in £100 and two sureties of £50 each. The evidence was to the effect that young Braithwaite went to the Bank of New Zealand with the money in a bag. 4a he wat waiting hit tarn he felt th<- leather bag containing the money open, and looking down, ho saw White with hi* hand in the bap. He accused him of attempting to rob him, and 1■ Id hold of his collar, when Wat' ton came up and ppshed between them. White wmt ont and Braithwaite followed. The two men were aiterwardi arrested.

CYCLING

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Melbourne, D«c 9 Forbes and Body *re included in the final for the Austral Wheel Face next Saturday

The following are the handicaps of the Ashburton riders engaged at the Christ church Cycling Club's meeting:—Amateur Handicap, half mile—B McKnight 65yds ; One Mile Second Glast Handicap—A Huston 18y<?t, C C Will;s 25yds, H L William« 75yds, F O Williams 130 yds. Ihe 6rst day of the meeting takes place on Saturday next-, when eighteen events will be decided, including the heats of the Wheel Race, of £75. The seoond day will be on Jnbiles Day, when the meeting will start at 2 30 to enable the public to first view the Jubilee procession, and the third day will be on Tuesday, 18^

RIFLE MATCH.

A.M.R v ASHBURTON GUARDS

The following have been teleoted to represent the Moanted Rifltt teoond team in the match agaiast the Ashbnrton Guards second team on Thursday next:-Sergeant Saunders, Corooral Hart, Lanoe Corporal Roberts, Troopers Lmb, Moore, Willis, Stone, Hayman, Thomson, Bennett, MacMillao, Robertson, Doyle, Coz.Blunden. Emergencies — Troopers McKay, Hardie, Bruce, Corporal Of-borna, Trooper Christian, Murphy. A drag will leave MoCocneli's stable! at 1 45 p m for Lagmhor

CORRESPONDENCE

(We 'lo sot hoM ourieives responsible for opinion* rxpressed by onr oorre>romlenti

ENCORES AT OONCERTS,

TO THE KMTCm; Sib,— I«m looking forward with mixed feelir.ps to the Musical Society's concert uext Thursday evening. Last year it was grettly spoiled to many by the maddening system of encoring every piece and noisi'y demanding it over again. It is most proper that an audience should show its hearty and generous appreciation of the «fforte of any entertainer to please them, and it is a gratification and stimulus to the performers to know that their efforts are well received, but why should those who have succeeded in singing or playing a beautiful and difficult piece of musio be rt quired to doit twice, and from beginning to end ? It can seldom be done so well the second time m the first. Much can be said on both tides, and I con tent myself with simply stating my objections to the encore, It is selfish on the part of an audience to demand doable value for single payments. It la a mistake artistically to attempt the same piece twice in succession. The oonoert is pro longed unduly, and this tends to detract from the pleasure whioh would have been common to everybody if they had got a little less for their money. Finally, it is invariably thoughtless and noisy people who kick, stamp, whistle, and make hideous noises, and don't oare very greatly for any thing but "making a row." Will the management kindly consider the whole question, and oome to a reasonable oonolu sion about it, and frankly appeal to the dudienoe to be satfofied with their decision 1 It encores are demanded let audience and I performers alike be content with the repe ! tition of one verse of a song or with the : characteristic bar of a musical composition. Hoping to see the Hall crammed, *nd to have an evening's dftl'ghtful enjoyment with all unmu»ic*l noises exduded, and encores on their best behaviour.—l am, Cbotohet.

OBITUARY

United Prws Association— By EJectrlo Telegraph—Copyrighb London, December 7 Henry Russell, the*well known sons? writer, has just died, aged ninety London, Dec 9. The death is announced of Mary, Countess of Derby, aged 76

The Federal Festivities

Uniled P>ess Assooiation—By Eleatno Telegraph—Copyright Londpn, Dec 6 The Britannic, with the contingent of Imperial troops, who are to take part in the Federal Celebrations, leaves Melbourne on January 12th, and reaches Bobart on the 14th. She sails on the 16»h, touches nt Albany on the 2lit, and reaches Southampton on February 2lst.

United Prew A*«ool»Mou—By Bleotrlo (Delegreph WILtiKOTOK, December 9 The Premier hw received thefollow in g cablegram frpm the Premier of New Booth Wale* s—• Kindly acquaint the Ohanoellor asd Vioe Chancellor of the Univenity, Wellington, Sir George Clifford, Onriit« church, Mr Justice Mar in, the editore of the daily papers in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Ohristchoroh, Invercargill, Napier, and Timaru, the preeidente of the Chambers of Commerce at Auckland, CbrUtohuroh, Dunedin, and Wellington, and th-s wivea and Maori chiefs 'numerated in Mr Pollen s letter of the Ist instant, that invitations will be posted them by to-morrow's mail for Commonwealth celebrations.'

BRITISH POLICY IN SOUTH AFRICA

RPEEOH BY MB CHAMBERLAIN

DEBATE IN THE POXTSE OF COMMONS

(Jolted Frees AmooUUou—By Bltctrifl Telegraph—Co| yright London, Dec 8 Lord Salisbury's remarks with reference to the settlement of the war are interpreted ort the Continent M a tina! intimation that Great Britain will not accept arbitration Mr Kmtnott, Liberal member for Old ham, moved an amendment to the Address-in-Reply recommending that with the view of promoting the pacifies* tion the Government should give an early guarantee to regard the liberty and property of surrenderors Mr Charles Trevelyan seconded the amendment Both speakers adopted a conciliatory attitude, believing that the certainty of lenient treatment would shorten the war . Mr Chamberlain, in a powerful and equally conciliatory speech, showed that the spirit of the amendment was embodied in Lord Robert's proclama tion. The generals who had to face guerilla warfare were entitled^ to deal summarily with men who indulged alternately in sniping and in working as apparently peaceful agriculturists, but the right would be [sparingly exerciied, He hoped that before February something in the nature of civil administration would be introduced by Sir A. Milner, who would fill the position of High Commissioner, and. Governor of both colonies. A Lieutenant - Governor would be appointed in the Orange Colony. The form of government of that Statej-wmt good, aDd the existing machinery would as far as possible, be retained. Municipalities would shortly be crtsted, beginning with Pretoria, Bloemfontain, and Johannesburg. Local opinion would be studied, and the laws and customs varied as little as possible. Africanders would be appointed to all posts of the Administration where ,this could be done with safety, and all would be provided with equal laws and equal liberty, and a 'constitution lead ing to self-government had already been suggested. Theohargttil devatta tion had been grossly e«*s)gerated. Farmhouses had been destroyed solely because of treasonable acts, contrary to the laws. Women bad been deported for their own protection against marauding bands and natives. Mr Chamberlain referred to the wealth of the Transvaal as the source of taxation with which to cover claims for losses by the war. The benefit of amnesty would apply to most of the Boer leaders, hut some would not be permitted to remain. Sir Alfred Milner bad issued afresh proclamation, giving his intentions, He concluded by eulogising the bravery and humanity of the bulk of the enemy. Sir H Campbell Bannrrmsn said Mr Chamberlain's explanation showed that there was no difference of opicttlom be tween the Government and t]£e. Qppcti' tion on the questions raises? Vf the amendment. Mr Aequith pnifewd too fccheme of moduß vivendi towards fuller eelf-government. He suggested an appeal to the Boers in the field in the name of Cnionists and Liberals. At Sir H Campbell Bsnnermaß,* suggestion Mr Emmott's amendment was withdrawn, The verdict of the newspapers ii that Mr Chamberlain's was a national speech by a national statesman, and hai met with the practical assent of the wholo Liberal party, although they •sdvise caution in the execution of the detail?. V iscount Cranborne, speaking in the House of Commons, said that the presi dents showed that foreign recognition of annexation was sot dependent on noti* fication of such an act by the Power concerned. Notice was set necessary.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleokrlo Telegraph—Copyright London, £soember7 Sir Westby Perceval is a passenger to New Zealand by the China. His intention to t« re-enter politics Professor Jelhro Brown, of Tasmania, hat been appointed to the Chair of Constitutional Law and History at University College, London

Sir Julian Paunoefote, Sir B Malet, Sir Edward Fry, and Professor Weetlake, have been appointed permanent arbitrators under the Hague Convention Sydney, Decerabtr 9

The captain of the schooner Dtfienoe, from British Columbia, reports that he sighted on November 3Otb» in latt 34 south, long 11625 east, about 70 miles south west of Norfolk Island, a capsized vnml. A Iran* dredfeetol the keel wu above water, and she appeared to be of2Coor 300 tons bur then. She bad evidently been floating for a month or two. In bit opinion she will drift touth to south west Into the track ofehip* ping. There wai nothing to indicate her Identity '.

A Stormy scene in the Commons

Mr CHAMBERLAIN LOSEB HIS TBMFBB

Qnlted Press Association—By Bleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright Lojtoow, Deo 7. While Mr Chamberlain was speak* ing in the Hour a of Commons, Mr J H Dalaiel, the member for Kirkoaldy, «k« claimed, " You're telling the truth for the first time. "

Mr Chamberlain retorted, " Tor are a cad. "

A stormy scene ensued, and the ex* preseion was eventaally withdrawn

The Disqualification of Tod Sican

Vi lted Pre»» Ami oiatiion—By Eleetrfa Teleftrtijph—.Copyright Lqndon, December 7 The ttewards of the English Jockey O!ub, the governing body of the iporfe in England, have decided that in future a license to ride will not be iuaed to the American jockey Tod Sloan, on the ground that Sloan accepted a pres* ent previous to riding the French horse Oodoman in the Cambridgeshire Stakes

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TEE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY MBfJ 1* Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3s 6d Mea'a White Canvas Tennis Shirts 4s 6d Men's Fancy Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3s Boys' New Straw Ha's from 1b Men's Frame Flats in New Shades 4s to 12s 6d The Larppgt Stock in Ashburton. CYCLING SWEATERS in Fawn and White, from 63 Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Novelties, AT THE NZ, CLOTHING FACTOItY- F. H. BECKINGSALK, Manager. \ The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.B Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to t«Bu« Policies and pay claims: H D Buu Eso, Chairman. I Percy M Thomson, Inspector of Agenolei. Albbbt MiRTm. Esq. MD. I E Tbevob Gould, Resident Secretary; ' STRONGEST LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY Iff THE WORLD Financial Position. „„„ „_ AB.urat.cc in fore £J^670,058 1 Barplus over liabilities ... fiJJ.Jg.Jg Accumulated fa. d*. M .- £58,373.185 | Annual income ... ... £11.286,145 A Matnal Office. A I surplus belongs to the pohcy holdera. Pcnd for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Value Policy. NICOLT BEOS, Agents, A»hbort«n. | x| , 12 W CYCLES. BtTJLT with Narrow Tread and Overhangiog Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Batted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Danlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manofactarerß in the Colony WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 TCTK SHALL BE REPRESENTED at- the Chrlstchnrch and Timaru fixtures, and W hafe made sSfaotory arrangement, for dhpotteg of CLIPS privately Ashburton. Coniignments will be received at our Asnburton or Tinwald store*, and «ent on to •Ither ChrUtchurch or Timaru, free of all charges, except railage. Clients who wish to Bend their Wool direct from ihelr near«t railway station will case copfiign aafollowa ; — If ißtendad for sale at Afibburton-Friedlander Bros', Ltd Siding, Ashburtoo If intended for sale at ChrUtclmrch-Erown and Son's Siding, Addington If intended for sale or ahipment at Timaru-MiU A Co's Sidinj?, Timaru If interded for .hipment at I.yttelton-N.Z^bippirg CoV.Dumping Shed, tyUel.cr WOOLSACKS, TWINE HvANDING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Ouf Next Sale will take place at Ghristcburch on" THTJBSDAT, DEOB^MBEE 13, ISOO PRIIDLANDER BROS., LTD. ' Oil! I AnUANPMP ASHBURTON OFFICE of ILL MUfMllUinu. -«lytteltojs times" -rrninT"T3T?KPVMAN " CANTfRBURY TIMES' GBAIOHEAB & BEKBYBIAW (^^ n HAVK ÜBt op*ncd out, ex a.a. Paparoa "SPORTSMAN' from London, the largest sh,prnent « HERE AdvertUement(l and SubßOrl p. W^T wiU he received, and file, can mßpeo| d; NORDON, f ISid^ngrof net TSSrS »f, Managing Agent for South Canterbury, guJaS q S3Sy and stylish patterns tol BUBNRTT STREET, fcS^J^^^ki3S f (trance to Thoma,'New Au^tion^l S^lir^-W«!?^^ W^^^o-w-o^hTrapid ligbt^g dir They aTe also showing a grand lot of VV Shirt Globb h BB by far the latest Bale w k«ta Shirtß Ties, Boots, etc, thi« in New Zealand-John Ohb and Co and season Customers would do well to place Shbabman Baos their orders e*r\y as 0. & B have already a - £ Ib.. ofy s«it« on the books prormsed >; before Xmae. " A v xv unx, "" Xl «i-««^ a Dwelling of five rooms with verandah and IVj_ftSSOY "I-*-cirrl» eoallery, cantraliy situated on the *outh side of Moore Street. Possession can be given ___ , after Thureday next, 29jb inst Hai'Testerß. _ bullock ' TO LET ReßDera and Binders that an Expert v q T< STEPHEN'S QHUROH now at Aahbui ton for the purpose of O Ashburton. OverbauHnp Machine?, farmers wlO JUBILEE 0F THB CANTERBURY wish to m»de use of hia services, wiu SETTLEMENT kindly bring in their Binders as soon TmRD STJNDA y in ADVENT (Deo 16.) impossible. none! T T n The Services in conneefckm with th« FRJBDLANPER BROb., lit), JnMlea o( tfae Provino , will ba of ft Bptcla i Ashburton Agents. ohar » otßr| ftn d will be as follows :— 23rd October 1900. 10 208 g3O a m-Holy Communion -> II a, m—Special Serrica of Thanksgiving and Commemoration with Sermon MAminai 2.30 p m—ChHdren'a Service NOl !O& 4 p m—Holj Baptism 6.30 p m—Choral Evensong. CommemoM ._— tion and Sermon The Offertories throughout the day vil rriHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN /boon behalf of the ohurob building fund, X and the Vicar and Churchwardens appeal to and the parishioners to show their thanksgiving to God tor the blessings He has bestowed THE ASHBURTON MAIL upon thia p rov !noe during the lass fifty years, by joining with those who are making CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM a B p ec ial effort to extinguish the debt upon Sb Stephen's Church us a memorial of the T 1 CLARK , Jabl!ee- B§ A WOODTHORPB, M.A, V*olltr Tobacconist, E»rt.Btre.r. ~~~^a NTED KNOWn! w ' ' — ' J. L. HIGGB SMOKE IVO»IS<S^Y TOBACCO. O"A8 Paintt, Oils, Turps, Glase, Scrim Tha Latest and Best XX &0., also ohoioe Paperhangingo. — PRICES LOW. Manufactured by High Class Decorative Work a Speoialib 0 WILMiMS & Co Don't forget. -— Ricbv >id, V A __ _ Coleman's Building, Tanored Street. * t moke Hew Venuß



DON'T Nautrs ooamy re yon] NEGLECT cough without aid, butyo I COUGHS. oan fb afford to ohanoe it. | A cough that is left to ear* itself is slowly | overcome at beat, and there is apt to be 101114 weakness left to make the next cough come easier. We have two really good remedies for coughs and olds. BENJAMIN GUM it specially suitable for recent chilli. It it pleasant to take, cures very quiolrfy, pre vents icfl&matory symptoms and allayi annoylog ticking and hacking coughs. TOWNEND'S CINNAMON CURE is sjp cially suitable for chronic coughs, though it will break up a recent attack at quickly as any other medicine made—Oinna ; won has been proved in Pasteues Institute to j possess great destructive power over all bacilli, whilst being perfectly harmless to human being?, we have received tome flVtering letters as to its effiosoyln oon ittnptioo, bronchitis, asthma, dyientry and II 'yphold f>ver. _



FRAN ELY, AN ADVERTISEMENT* '•May Apple" la better than pills, otle* nits and other disagreeable medioinea. It is easily taken, more gentle in its aotion, and, without irritating or weakening the liver, kidneys or stomaoh, it overaomes oon* stipation and many ills dependent totreon. It aots gently yet promptly. (Aik for Imp*?'■ "May Apple.' Price 2i.



4 Cough: Core. Wahoo,KoeL»*H md Benjamin Gam go to AsfWiraoN DbooOj Sin New V noi BOOTS and Shoes to Measure ab D S«oo*'s. 80 Smoke New Venw



WaoVi Worm Fige, the wonderful Worm worriers, never fell fof, adults and ohlldren price U A WORD to the wi*e—Try the wildly lightning Shirt Glow, it never fails— SsiiBHAN Bros and John Orb & Co are the ****** Smoke Hew V I



CONSULTING OPTICIAN _ MrErneit M. Bandstein, DBOAI.FS, MO, who hM lately returned aftw liz years' epMiftl study in England and Oo» ---tinenfc, may be consulted cm all OMee oi defective eyesight. Daylight not neeetaan artificial light being need, Doctors'w*. eoriptiont prepared. Jfcee moderate. Oott salting rocme, Ca»hel Btreet" W., over II Bsnditein, jeweller, Chriitohorob. 91Q to h 2 to ft daily