The Origin of the Christmas Tree.

The celebration of Christmas tide, which fall* in the Northern hemisphere at the time of the winter solstice iaaß old as the human race. In the early daya thn most barbaric pleasures and the wildest forms of enjoyment marked this period of the year, when the sun turns from ita journey away from the earth, and entering on ita return, car ries the promise of light and warmth, It is a Btrange fact that many of the observances of this great festival of the Christian year are indissolubly linked with the pagan customs of the earli-r religions, Wheu Christianity wrs in its infancy those embracing it en deavoured to adapt the old obs>ervanc s of their fathers to th« new order of things. The origin of many of the Yule-tide customs is lost, but that of the tree as the emblem of life can be clearly traced to the earliest times From the ancient Egyptians we obtain the first evidence of the tree being used as au interior decoration. The palm was their favorite green, and since this stately tree puts forth a new shoot each month it was considered typical of life and progress to übp, at the winter festival, the pa!m bearing twelve •hoots

The fierce tribes of northern Europe venerated the fir as a sacred emblem, and every house was decked with this evergreen at Christmas. The tree was profusely decorated with symbolical toys and trinkfrts, while figures repre aenting Adam and Eve were placed at the base. Among the green boughs a aerpent coiled, and » candle perched on its topmost bough symbolised the •Light of the World.' The ancient Chaldeans told a charming legend to their children concerning the origin of the Christmas tree. A feature of the Christmas eve celebrations in Cbaldea was the burning of the Tule log, which was lighted with the charred remnant of the last year's log. Each member of the family sang a Yule song, standing on the great log, and thus immaned the household from ill- Inck throughout the year. During the night, the legend nsne, the Yule log gave birth to the Christmas tree laden with gifts, which delighted the chil dren's eyes at the early morning hour. The first English child to enjoy a Ohristmaa tree waa Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. When she was four years old a rosemary bush, hung with red jewels and silver spangles, and lightfd with rushlights, was set up in the great ball of the castle, for the amusement of the little maiden who grew to be such a cruel queen. From this little rosemary bush the custom spread until now no English Christmas is complete without the Christmas tree In Germany the children believe that the glittering tree, with its bright baubles, is the gift of the Christ child — Oriss Kindlein, or Kriss Kriogle, who visits the earth on Christmas eve and drops down the chimneys gifts for the good and obedient. St Nicholas is the pa tron saint of Russia, and it is interest ing to note that this jolly prsonagej was not legendary, bat was a real man j and lived about 800 A.D. This kindly j saint's life was so full of good deeds and j generous acts that in all civilised countries his name is typical of kindli ness and generosity. He is sometimes called ' Pelsnichol' or St Nicholas with a few, because in the far northern region of the imperial O?.ar the legend says that Saint Nick, clad in fur from top to toe, flies round the world in a sleigh drawn by fleet footed reindeer. The custom of hanging up the stock ing on Christmas eve originated from a kindly deed of this saint, who was Bishop of Asia Minor, A frienti of hie, a poor ncbl< man, had three beautiful daughter?, who were unable to marry advantageoufely because they had no lands or houses to bring to a husband Joliy St Nicholas knew of their sad plight. One Christmas eve the eldest daughter was surprised to have a purse of gold, shaped as a slipper, thrown through the window of her room. The next night a second daughter received & similar gift, and the third night the youngest daughter surprised good St. Nicholas throwing a stocking filed with gold into her window. Thereafter it waa the custom for the young people to hang up stockings on St Nichclss to receive the gilts supposed to come from good Saint Nick. When Christianity spread abroad the infectious spirit of cheer and good will which prevailed in pagan celebra tions «t the winter solstice survived in our Christian festival The leaders of tfce early church, however, sought to iufase into these festivals some Christian significance, and bUnd together the cherished customs with the story of Christ's naMvity. This they did so successfully that, although the nature of the early festival has been completely transformed by Christianity, we still deck oar houses and churches with greens *nd suspend gifts from heavily laden Christmas trees.— Town and Country Journal,

Christmas In Others Land

Id the Italy of to day the celebration of Christmas is not unlike the English fashion. The week preceding is a week of fist or fish days* Christmas Fve ushers in the great f< stival. Theo assemble the children and friends to partake of a sumptuous Bupper, after which a curtain is withdrawn, and shows the table of gifts wrapped in paper. The " Urn of Fate "is brought into use. Each person draws in turn and the presents are distributed as de termined by the oracle. Exchanges of gifts are made until each person is satisfied. j In Germany the Christmas tree is the special care of the housewife, who sees that the members of the h use hoid are represented, from the least; to the greatest. The social gatherings are held on New Years Eve. The bells of the city ring in the New Year, followed by a burst of congratulation from all present, Christmas morning ia Norway sees the roads crowded with sledges. A simple service in the churches is fol lowed by an early dinner given to re latives and friends previously invited Tea is served at 7 o'clock, after which 8t rolling pantomimic performers are admitted. Theses are rewarded with sweetmeats and a little money. The men smoke, while the women talk; finally the sledges carry the guests home over the snow in the bright moon , light, I

Printed Mid pubUahedbyAMttitDJoinT Tvkbell-Baxtbk, of Burnett rtreet *ut to* »m Proprietor*, Robibt Bbu. «od Hjnbx.Adam Maokay, at th*!r Printlnj Office, Buraetc Street, Ashbntboo, MONDAY, DECEMBER 2#, 190Q

THE ASBBBRtfON GrUAttDlitf ; MOND&i, DECEMBER 24, 1



ASK YOUR SHOE DEALEK FOR EVEBY f^/fl . . ENCOUEAGE PAIB / COLONIAL OUiEANIEED-BOOTS & SHOES, NDCSTEY | MANUFACTURED BY S. ANDERSON, TIMARU. J. SEALY & CO., 'f HE OLDEST ESTABLISHED SEED FIRM IN ASHBURTON. JO &r C^ ARE abill to the front, and are prepared to supply their many ,)5i Ou KjO* Patrons with reliable SEEDS, of every deeoription^THAT WILL GROW, at lowest market rates. SEEDS FOR THE FARM, VEGETABLE SEEDS, FLOWER SEEDS, & GARDEN REQUISITES of every description, Direct from the Growers and Manotacturebs. Our Stocks" of NEW SEASON'S BEEDS are from the Celebrated Firms,; James - Carteb & Co, London, and Peter Lawbon & Son, Edinburgh, and they are of the be«t> quality obtainable. FRUIT. FRUIT. FRUIT. LAKGE STOCKS of all Seasonable FRUITS always on haod, MELLOR'B ZEA LAND!A BOOT STORE 111 I / I I \ k I J Jji^^^*'* J^ -^^iti^^^^ 1 / rrt 1 1 rt nWfTrW^ n^tf^^l I *T"HE ONLY up to date sSoob Shop in Aehburton. For real good Value, Style, and Fitting try the < ZEALAJHDI BOOTS Every pair guaranteed" Remember oar Price is the CHKAPKST, and oar Stock the LARGEST in Canterbury. If you want good Value for very little |Mon»y, than be sure you goto tut eft t O"R'^4 ZEALANDIABOOTdTORB» nANORWT) B7BEFOF, ASHBUBTMN



Sold everywhere in bottles—9i<3, la If <i, and Is 9d eac Lp/^ POWDERS I PREYEHT Fiis! CONVULSIONS, ETC. ' Preserve a healthy state of the consti tution during tlie period of Teething. The words "JOHN STEEDMAN, CMiMiST, WALW9RTH, SfSREY," "* Are engraved on the Gnva-miiniit Stamp affixed to mrh Vtirh-i. Kempthorne, Pcosser and 00. Agent ___ T. Bulloofc- __ ASHBURTON, FOR SALE, TTALUABLE Tewn Section No 421 V containing -\ acre, Tuncred Street being the fifth section below Case Street j good site for a dwelling house, having a northern aspect T BULLOCK. _ To~LEa\ Dwelling of five rooms with verandah and scullery, centrally situated on the south eide of Moore Street. Possession can be given after Thursday next, 29th inst T BULLOCK FOE SALE, Nice Building Site, fronting the Wakanui Road, just beyond the corner of the East Belt, being parts of Lots 42 and 43, contain ing about 1 Rood 20 Perches. Capital site for a private residence _Appl^to T BULLOCK TINWALD TO LET. SQUARE Dwelling House of four rooms with email stable, fronting Archibald Streeb, near the Railway Station. T BULLOCK Agent AT A LOW RENTAL SHOP and premises at tha corner of the Triangle, fronting Cass Street and Wakanui Road, ieadiDg to the Post Office and Railway Station T BULLOCK ACCOUNT OF THE MORTGAGEE _O1 1 A PBIOE required for Lot 254, obXXv/ containing j. acre, fronting Cambridge Street, Hampstead, together with 4 roomed cottage, &o, thereon. The property is well situated, land good for garden purposes Full particulars furnished on application T BULLOCK* "fjSTSALB" HO ACRES 38 PERCHES (\Q yO ACRES 38 PERCHES UO FRONTING Ford's Road, and being R S 21603, 21618, and 23368 with cottage and other improvements For full particulars apply to T BULLOCK ~~FOITsALE "VTALUABLE Building Allotments, situ* V ated at the corner of Casß and Moore Streets, and being part of Town Sections 00 and 101 T BULLOCK, Smoke New Venas <



THE HOUSEWIFE'S FRIEND. mHE RAPID LIGHTNING GLOSS is pronounced by the Ashburton Public to bs the only reliable SHIRT GLOSS in Aehburtoni A Trial will convince you of the difference in quality from all others in the market. Sold by b.ll the leading Grocera In Ashburfcon BEEGHAM'S PILLS For Billiouß and Nervous Disorders, auch as Wiad and Pain in the Stomach, Sick Headache, Giddiness, Fulness and Swelling after Meals, Dizziness and Drowsineoß, Cold, Chills, Flushings of Heat, Loss of Appetite, Shortness of Breath, Geativenese, Blotches on the Skin, Disturbed Sleep, Frightful Dreams, and all Nervous and Trembling Sensations, etc. The ]?iest Dose will give Relief in Twenty Minutes. This is no Fiction. Every sufferer is earnestly invited to try one Box of these Fills, and they will be acknowledged to be Worth a CJUIWEA a BOX BEECHAM'S PILLS, taken as direoted, will quickly restore Females to complete health They promptly remove any obstruc tion or irregularity in the system For a WEAK STOMAOIJ, IMPAIRED DIGESTION, DISORDERED LIVER, They act like magic~-a few doses wil work wondefß upon the Vital Organs strengthening the Mutcular System, restor; ing the lonplost complexion, bringing bick the best of appetite, and arousing with the robust health the whole physic*! energy of the human frame For throwing off fevers in hot climates they are specially renowned Those are ' facts' admitted by thousands, ih all classes of Society, and one of the best guarantees to the Nervous and Debilitated is that BEECHAM'B PILLS have the Largest Sale of any Patent Medicine in too World BEECHAM'S JPILJL^S Have for many years been the popular family medicine throughout the British Colonies, and they now stand WITHOUT A RIVAL. PBePaBED ONLY BY IIIOMAB BCEVUAH, St. Helen's,En BUY your holiday boots and shoes ab D Seoqk's Cash Boot Store ; a large assortment to choose from. TT7 ANTED KNOWN.—Finest roller \\ flour 2001b bag 14s—1001b bag 7s 6d 501b 3a lOd 251b 2s or 31b Is—Bran 3s 3d bag Sharps 5a 3d Rock'&alt 5s 6d at Fletcher Bros Cash Supply Stores 11 18 _____ NO»£GAT TOBACCO The Latest and Best Manufactured by O Williams & Co t Ricto- vad, V A Wade's Worm Figs are most effective and not unpleasant; children tbriva after taking them Prloe Is MRS ALCORN is now showing beautiful assortment of new Millinery new Mantles, new Dress Goods, new Silks etc., in the enlarged premises, Ladies and Children's Pinafore?, Aprons, and Underclothing in took and made to order,



NATIONAL MORT&AGK & AQeNOY I CO. OF N.Z, LTD, (FiWAEU IMPROVED FARMS FOR SALE. 530 acres Rangitata, 250 acres Cl»r«mout, 250 acres Waitotis, 200 acres Waihao, 250 acres Kingsdown, 1000 aoref Ota'o, 500 acres Totara, And others of various Bizet in South Canter bury Improved Farms lor lease, with right o purchase 1170 acres Fairlie, 505 acres Totara, and 265 acres Totara Also unimproved agricultural and grazing Trtns of various sizes on the Baincliffe and Levels Estates, and two well improved Station p opt-rfies «>f 7CCO acres each NICHOLAS & PtCKFU; U TTAVE Just Landed, ez a.s. Waimate, their first ihlpment of SUMMER GOODS, INCLUDING Ladies' Croquet Tennis Shoeß, Gentlemen's Tennis, Bowling, and Cricketing SHOES & BOOTS, In Oanvas, Parramatta, Glace Kid Back Skin, and Kussianj Calf. The Best Assortment ever Shown in Ashbarton. Inspection Tnvifcedt NICHOLAS & PICKFORD, EAST STREET. GOVERNMENT LiFE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT. Established 1870. EVERY POLICY GUARANTEED BY THE STATE. Bird's-eye View of Growth of Office. FUNDS, 1878 .. £292,523. 1898 .. £2,861,534. At the present time the Funds amount to over THREE MILLION POUNDS. Present Annual Income, over £400,000. The leading London Insurance Journal, The Post Magazine and Insurance Monitor, Bays,—" The only institution of the kind at present in existence managing its affairs on commercial principles is tho Lifo Assurance Department of the Colony of New Zealand. . . . Although the operations of tho De partment ore confined to a small colony, the figures reached are very large, exceeding those of the great majority of British com panies. . . ■ Many of our companies at home might learn from it a useful lesson." J. H. KICHAKDSON, 11 Commissioner. REMOVAL. REID <j[ GRAY. WE have pleasure in announcing that we have removed to Temporary Premises in BURNETT STREET (Adjoining the Ashbarton Club) Where we shall carry «n our business pending the erection of Ova New Warehottsb & Showroom, We are carrying a larger and more varied stock of Implements and Fittings, 11 Deering " Machinery, Twine, Oils, And All Farmers' Requisites, And shall be glad to sea our numerous friends at our Burnett Street Premises. We have disposed of our Jobbing Depart ment to Messrs Kennedy and Muir, whom we can confidently recommend ai up to date tradesmen. REID & GRAY, R. B. RESTELL, Manager. HARDLEY BROS GAS AND SANITARY ENGINEERS. » ' 2 • £ £ .88 a2g 9 g D 35 « 5 »J m 55 jj R *■ S5 s * 2 m S rh "fl h ta S fe j S p H tt 4] w 2 a FfIHE Trade Supplies always in Stock. Large quantity of Tubes and Fittings.^ BATHS, TANKS, SINKS, BASINS, E Estimates given. HAEBLEY BEOS-. Bast Street, <dshhurton J. L. HIGGB HAS Paints, Oils, Turpß, Glass, Sorl &c. f also choice Paperhaogintp. PRICES LOW. High Class Decorative Work a Specia Don't forget. —— Colem AH's BpiLDmo^anoredStreet. OSBORN COOMBE""' PIANO TUNER & EXPERT (Late of London), VISITS Ashburton and surrounding dis tricts every four months, viz—March, July, and November. ORDERS may be left ab the COMMERCIAL HOTEL, or with MR LLEWELLIfN OWEN at his Music Studio, Arcade Chambers. Ashburton. Old Harness Machine Belting, Etc, SET with a Hammer. From all Iron mongers and Storekeepers. BIFURCATED RIVET CO., Ltd., London, England. Full particulars from Harrison & Webb Auckland. (Cub this out and Bhow you ronmonger.) 336 ~~ FOR SAIiEf 1 Woodte Reaper and Binder that has only done 1 year's work F. FERBIMAN. I



G. JESSON, | PRACTICAL WATCHMAN*;!* AND JEWELLER TTAVING taken a lease of one of the new shops in Datis's corner, f am sow showing & large and varied atook of Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery, Electro-plate, Etc, suitable for Christmas and Wedding Pre sents ab prices which defy competition. Note the Address—Davis' Corner. ~"~-~S EW~ZBALANB INSURANCE COMPANY. ESTABLISHED 1859. CAPITAL—ONE MILLION THE Premier and Wealthiest Colonial Company, Noted for Promptness and L beralifcy Paid-up Capital and Reserves, * 400,000| Fire and Marine Risks, Also,— Risks on Growing Crops* Threshing Machines, etc, accepted at lowest current rates E. W. Haniner, AGENT ~g:teeddins, THE PEOPLE'S IRONMONGEB. T HAVE JUST LANDED BRASS PRESERVING PANS, ENAMELLED PRESERVING PANS, Al In Quality and Cheap. harvesting tools & materials. Hay Forks, Hay Rakes, Scythe Blades and Handles, Fork Handle®, Reap Hooks, Reaper Sections, Machine Oils, &c. CARPENTERS' TOOLS. Now Landing—AU Kinds of Tools suitable for Carpenters and Farmers. A special line of Disston's Saws at reduced prices. You are invited to call and inspect. RANGES & REGISTER GRATES. Agent for Shacklock's, Scott's, Barn ingham's and Stobrier's Ranges. Register Grates and Mantelpieces I reduced in price. LAWN MOWERS. A few left, to be sold cheap to cl«ar, Including :—• New Easy,' 'Pastime,' Crescent,' (F & N,' and * Philadelphia.' Address — Burnett Street, opposite Arcade, *" We "sal! 7 "~—~ 1 Wood's Side Delivery,equal to new, price £16 10s F. FEBRIMAN. FOE SALE, 1 Grain and Manure Drill F FEFKIMAN. FOKMLtf. OK TU~L!f~" THE Bungalow recently vacated by Mrs Ricizman containing seven rooms offices, and situated facing the Domain at the junction of .North East Town Belt and West Street. The above should prove a desirable Property both as an investment for capital and a comfortable home. F. FEKBIMAN. LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashbnrton, FOR SALE, A GOOD House of five rooms with 2| acres of land in a localfcy where two or three cows may be kept Within quarter of a mile of Town Belt, The owner is leaving the district. A ny reasonable terms can be arranged. Apply F. FERRIMAN LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashburton NEW GOODS. J. V. DE BEER, WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER T8 now showing the largest and best assorted stock of choice Gold and Silver Jewellery Specially Selected Fob CHRISTMAS. Jonßiating of NEW GOODS to enit'tht coming Season. Inspection is Invited, no nly of the display In the Window, but of the large assortment of Jewellery &o. in the Show Cases within, the Window accommo dation being very limited. WATCHES for the Boye, 10s, (Good Timekeepers) SILVER, E. P. WARE, CLOCKS, &c. New Stock for the Season Repairs Cheap and Prompt as usual. J. V. DE BEER WATCHMAKER JEWELLER, Ashbur'con You can depend on ridding your children of worms with Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers; Is



CHARMING SPRING NOVELTIES. JUST OPENED: 50 CASES NEW GOODS. MEW MILLINERY, FLOWERS, FEATHERS, RIBBON, *o. New Dress^Fabrios, Sergei, Costume Clothj will* Dot shrlnk^or tpot£with ruin. Note!ties in Zephyrs, Prints, Fanoy Piquet, Spotted Muslins, Lusttes, plaln'fciflgured* Special Value in Blaok Dreai Goods of all kinds. Magnificent Assortment: of Plata and Figured Silks, Mantles} Corseta, F D>nd CJB, and also various other makes; Lace Certains, White Gounterpaaew Umbrellss and Sunshades, all prioei. Up-to-date Millinery, very stylish. DRB9BMAKING.—Ladiei leaving their orders are getting «T»rv satUfactlon in| fit and style* T AILORING,—A thoroughly up to date Stock of Suitings and]Troaserlogt in English, Sootch, Irish, and Colonial Tweed*. Satisfaction Guabansud. lOiOasea [of LINOLEUM and CARPETS jast opened. ANDREW ORR. BELFAST AND FAIRFIELD FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST -niOR TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURE can be mad? for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. MANURE CAN BE SUPPLIED IN 1 Owt. or 2 Cwt. SACKS Orders received b/ ITMIJUOI^XIMJDIUR BBOK, JUmlteA., DAVID THOMAS, OR ThIMU XS.Z.. FABMEBS CO-OJfc*iaßt ACTIVE A 88OCIATION OF CA.WTJb2RBCJItY» Limited., CANTERBURY FROZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PROPUOE EXPORT COMPANY. LIMITED. 8 80 g, WAYMOU Becr»tary. HAY FORKS. HAY FOEKS TO FARMERS.- T¥^E HAVE JUST OPENEDUP A SHIPMENT Oi FORIiS, rakes; SCYTHES, SHARPENING ISTONES, HARVEST GLOVES, Etc. All of the very latest patterns from the best makers and specially delected foe the coming harvest. ALSO,— TWO OASES of BRITISH SILVER PLATEWARB ONK OASE of ENGLISH WATCHES TWO OASES OP SHEFFIELD CUTLERY ALL SUITABLE FOR XMAS AND WEDDING PRESENTS The public are invited to walk in and inspeot our magnificent stocks wifhoifc being pressed to bny. Ihe above goods are of good quality, chaste designs, and unequalled for value, And will last a life time. English Lever Watohes at * one guinea.' The beat value ever offered. ' Oarnota' at ten shillings]. Correct) time keepers. W. H. COLLINS & CO,. IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER & COAL MERCHANTS. *GEN!B ROYAL INBURANOE COMPANY. WOOL SEASON 19004901 WE SHALL BE REPRESENTED at the Chriatchurch and Timaru fixture!, an* have made satisfactory arrangements for disposing of CLIPS privately Ashburton* Consignments will be received at our Asnburton or Tinwald stores, and .sent on to 'ither Ohristcharch or Timaru, free of ail charges, except railage^ Clients j|ho wish to send thoir Wool direct from their nearest railway station will ease consign as follows :— If intended for sale at Aehburtoo—Friedlander Bros 1, Ltd Siding, Ashbnrtoa If intended for sale at Christchuroh—Brown and Son's Siding, Addicgton If intended for sale or shipment at Timaru—Mill & Got Sidinjr, Timaru If intended for Bhipment'at Lyttelton—N.Z|Bhippicg Go's.Dumping Shed, Lyttelten WOOLPACKS, TWINE BRANDING OIL, and ,»ll other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Oaf Next Sale will take place at Timftra on THUESDAT, JANDAEY 3, 1900 IRIEDLANDER BROS., LTD.



TO LlT| AT A REDUCED RENTAL /COMMODIOUS Stables, Loos* Boxes* \J and Loft overhead, originally ooonpiea by M Hobb*, fronting the Rftowoartt; and the iqctre Dwelling Honn el 4 rooms »d aaaliery, together with fcbonfc 4 aorssof laadt The whole to be let to ft good tsnast at &b« low rent*) of £35 perjunoum. Apply to T BULLOCK* Agent JEL Matson & Co.. Stock Brokers & Auctionekrs, CHRISTOHUROH. To Farmers, Stock Owners and Public generally or the Ashbnrton County, Gentlemen,— WJfi beg to intimate that, If at an time yon have business to tranaaot In OhristchUrch, we shall Ike glad 4o act on your behalf. In the event of you sending sheep or cattle to onr Addlngton or other markets for sale, by pnblle auction or privately we know that you will not regret choosing oar firm as yooi ' salesmen. We have frequent orders frora London and elsewhere for Frowm Meat, and an In a position to bay parcels In the Works. If you prefer to sell your frozen meat In the colony, rather than shipping It to London, please communicate with as, stating prices, numbers and grades. If you desire to sell your property, we shall be glad to receive partionlars m to the acreage, locality and price, and we will then Insert in the next issue of oar Quarterly Land & Pkofkbtt Braism these particulars, free of cost to yon; at the same time, we allow you a free hand to dispose of yonr property privately, of through other Agents* bands, we only claiming commission when a safe has been effected through oar instrumentality. We have numerous enquiries from all parts of the colony, oar connections being luge and extensive. We Invite yoar correspondence on any class of business you may be "disposed to place in our bands, it being a pleaeoM lot as to communicate with you, as occasion may reqaire.—l haaklng yoa In antlcipa tion, we are, Yours faithfall", H. MATSON & Co. 164,;Cashel Street, Christchutch SICOLL BEOS. Niooix. E F Niooix, L A Niooix. Merchants & General Agents, BUYEBSOP FAT SHEEP & LAMBS. IQENTB FOR— Chrlatchuroh Meat Coi, Ltd Islington Fertiliaers Llttle s« Sheep Dip Ocean, Accident and Guarantee Oerpora fcloß, Ltdj United Inraranoe Co., Ltd. (Fire and Marine.) GRAIN BOCGHT AND SOLD ON COM MISSION W« shall be pleated to reoeive samples from farmers who^have parcels for disposal. Station Boors Kbpt and Avditid. We have received iami "of Trust Monies, ranging from £100 to £1000, to lend on Freehold Seonrities at 4£ and 8 per centi F R U~I T. We receive regular Coniignmentt from Auckland, Sydney, and the Islands ,and have in stock Apples, Peart, and Fmlt in ee«son a\\ the year round* SEED S. We stock C!ovcr«, Ryegraw, Bape, and Turnip Seed of reliable quality* THE OHRISTCHURCH MEAT 00, Limited, ISLINGTON MANUR S Especially prepared for WHEAT, TUKKIPS, BAPE and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. Greatly areased produottenfnherever used. Satisf otlon given every where* Niooll Bbos. store five varieties of th oelebrated fertiliser. Pdoe on application Allowance made for qnanttties. Letters will receive prompt attention. NIOOLL BROS, District Agents. Dalgety and Company LIMITED. Head Office | 52 Lombard Street, London, E.O. i MERCHANTS, WOOL AND GRAIN i BROKERS, AUCTIONEERS AND VALUATORS, STOCK, STATION, FINANCIAL, & SHIPPING AGENTS. BRANCHES : Chrlstchnrch, Danedin, »nd Napier. AGENCIES: Tlmara, Oamaro, and Gore, SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT D ALGETY AND COMPANY. LIMITED, desire to Intimate to the Farming Community of Soath Canter* bnry that they have opened a BRANCH OFFIOE in TIMARUr D ALGETY AND COMPANY, BffD., are prepared to receive consignments WOOL, TALLOW, ft ALL KINDS OF PRODUCE For Looal Sals or Shipment to the EUROPEAN AND AUSTRALIAN MARKETS. LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES MADE on Favourable Terms on Growing Clips of Wool j also Tallow, Grain, Skins, and other Produce, consigned for sate in the London, Australian, and looal markets; NO COMMISSION CHARGED ON ADVANCES. Farmers' Accounts kept free of charge, and financed at lowest current rates o interest. Stock Sales held ad the different saie« yards throughout Canterbury. Woolpacks and other Station Requisites always on hand. timartToffiob, STAFFORD STREET, Opposite Back of New Zealand. 173