EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for December

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations : FRIDAY. DECEMBER 28 For Northern Ports and Weßtport, per Taruwera, a* 6 30 pm SATURDAY, DECEMbER 29. For Dunedin, ' asmania and Australian Colonies (due Melbourne Jan 5) I&dik, China, Japao, B'raits Settlement, South Africa, etc, United Kingdom (due London Ffcbruary 10), and Continent of Europe, per Westr&lia, at 12 30 pm For tNorthem Ports, and Westporf, per Rotomahana, at 6 30 p m

Express delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashburton as from Ist January 1901. Fxpress delivery will cover letters and parcels not exceeding three lbs iD weight, for which an exrra fee of sixpence has been paid, The special mes 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 «ach additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made

Commercial.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are ai follows : — Wheat—Hunter's, pearl and velvet), 2t 4d to 2s sd, and Tuscan 2s 5d to 2a 6d. Oats — Canadian Is Sd, shorb feed Is 8d to Is B|d, Duns Is 7d to Is Bd, Danish Is 7d to Is 7|d Bailey (nominal)— Malting 2s delivered Flour (millers' quotations nominal}—Rollee £7, atone £6, sharps £3 os, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2s 4d to 2a 5d Peas—Prussian Blues 2« to 2s 3d, parb 1 ridge 2s 4d to 2s 6d Oftt«he»f Chaff — 42« 6d ab near country stations. Hay—£3 5s to £310s, delivered ; prlmest baled £4, f ob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lots 1« 9d to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed, 2a fid to 3§ 3d, Cocksfoot, 2£d to 2|d for bright Beed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 161b to 171b seed, 3^d to 4d, cowgrasa 5d to 6d, extra choice fyd, White cover, 6d to 7Jd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to 6d, factory 5d to 6d. Putter—factory, local, 10d, dairy 7d to 3d, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and , hams s£<i to 6d, factory bacon and hams, |d per 1b higher. The above prices, except where ether wis stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b Lyttelton.

BURNSIDE MARKET.

DONEDIN, December 27 Burnßide market—Fat cattle—ll3 bead wars yarded; only a small proportion being prime. Competition was fairly good, and prices were about on a par with recent values; Besb bullocks, £11 17* 6d ; medium £6 to £8; cows and heifers, £5 to £7.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1900. THE FUTURE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Now that the fntnre of Sooth Africa is likely to become a matter of great importance to the inhabitants of the Australasian Colonies and New Zea land, it is interesting to know what views and aspirations are entertained by the people of the new territories on the subject of the prospects of their country. Commenting upon this question the Bloemfontein Post pub lished in Mr Steyn's late capital Bays :•— "It is a future big with the brightest promise for every class of the community. But it is a promise held out to the worker only, no matter what bis field of industry, and does not extend to the idler or the wastrel. Thank God, there will henceforth be no room for drones in the South African hive ; their day is done, gone down with the Bun of Paul Eruger, and the abominations of his reign and rnle. But for those who are content to hon estly labour, whether with bead or hand, so long as it be labonr profitable to the community and creditable to them selves, a happy and prosperous future is in store. Once we are all free to stretch our limbs and look around us, free to go, and do, and say what we like, new vista* of enterprise and industry will unfold themselves on all side*) of us." How this is likely to be brought about is fairly indicated in the following passage from a London paper :—(ln the course of the next twenty years the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal will change as completely as did the States of Cali fornia and Texas between the years 1848 and 1868 ; the great influx of British born population that is about to take place, the opening up of the country by railways, and by irrigation, as well as by mining, and the,dispersal j of the Hollander clique will transform the country and entirely alter its nature.' • But every day this hopeless struggle is continued defers the realisation of the bright future so confidently predicted for the new African States. The vast resources of these lands are as yet hardly known to the rest of the world. Their mineral wealth has hitherto been practically neglected, or if exploited, the work has been done in a perfunctory| manner, being limited, in fact, by the whims, wishes, and necessities of the Dutch rulers. Then the agricultural and pastoral industries in the Orange and the Transvaal Colonies are practically in their infancy. The late rulers made no effort to educate and enlighten the people, and the rural population carried on their work in the most primitive fashion. Extensive areas of country, some of it well suited for agriculture and most of it adopted for stock raising, have merely produced enough to supply the wants of the limited popula tion occupying them ; and it may be assumed that under British rale there will be an enormous increase in the quantity of stock and grain produced on the African veldtp. Thus in mining and farming pursuits the new territory shou'd open up brilliant prospects for men with enterprise, industry, and some capital. All past experience in the mat ter of colonization goes to prove that there is little use in anyone going to a new country without some money, unless he has a guarantee of employ ment. Iti this respect the members of the colonial contingents will have great opportunities, sinco they will be on the spot, and their credentials are on the whole of the very best. Good conduct, bobriety, and enterprise may therefore be considered as a certain guarantee of their success in the new land they have entered.

Local and General.

Personal —Mr Hugo Friedlander has made a satisfactory recovery from his recent illness, and has now reached Auckland from Rotorua. He is expected back in Aebburton about the 4th January. To Cue Readers. — Interesting reading matter will be found on our first and fourth pages. "My Lady" has this week pro duced from her "Satchel" an article veryi appropriate to the season, and which will well repay perusal. Gives us Bbans—Nob long ago a para graph appeared in our columns stating that somebody had shown us some broad beans fully nine inches long. We have just re ceived from Mr A Hunnibell, Elgin, a nice picking of beans everyone of which is over 10 inches, and most are over 11 inches, one being 13 inches long. We admit this goes one better than our previous sample, and reflects much credit both on ground and grower Still At Large—The half witted man who some time ago was wandering about in the beck country, has been seen during the last few days in the vicinity of Barford in a half nude condition. The police were search ing for him on Wednesday, but did not manage to find him. He is supposed to he harmless, but it would be only right to nave him arrested and Bent to gome institution where unfortunates of his c&aes are attended to. Christmas and New Yeati's Greetings —We have to acknowledge the receipt of a pretty l card' from the Hon 0 H Mills and Mrs Mills, wishing us a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, a wish which, as to the labier, we heartily reciprocate. The ' curd, 1 a large double one, has the portraits of Mr and Mrs Mills on the outside with a taste fully designed bonier, while on the other three sides are excellent pictures of * Picton,' ' Laying the foundation of the Blenheim High School,' and ' Havelook.'

Thk Pennt Postage. — The Postmaster Buppites us with the following information: —The reduced rate of postage, which comes into force on January 1, 1901, does not apply to the Australian colonies; for Australia and Tasmania the rate remains as at present, viz., 2d per half ounce. The reduced rate of one penny per half ounce applies to letters and letter cards within New Zealand and to the United Kingdom and all British dependencies, except Austra lia and Tasmania. Letter cards will be sold at the reduced rate of Id each, on and after Ist January The rate to foreign countries remains as at present, viz , 2jtd per half ounce. The United States is included in the Hit of foreign countries, but Canada, being a Britirh colony, the Id per half ounce rate applies.

British Militaby Blunders.—Be f erring to comments recently made in this journal upon (be Msglie*herg blunder the following opinion expressed by Mr Seddon on the Bub ject is more emphatic than our own. The Premier's comment upon the affair ran as follows, according to a report in the New Zea land limes:— He did not care who heard it he would say it at Westminster ; be would cay it to the Commander-in-Ohief—that any officer who allowed bis ammunition to [run ehort, who allowed the enemy to come within ft few yards of hie lines dis guised in the uniform of British sol diers, who 'permitted his men to advance into difficult positions without being screened by eoouto, or who allowed the enemy, to get round on hie flanks and surround him, should be 'truck oat of tbe Hit at oqbt.

MAGisTBRUt—At the Magistrate's Oourt this morning, a first offender waioonvlofced and discharged on a charge of drunkenness.

Tub Catholic Jubilee.—A Papal Bull has been issued, prolonging the Jubilee for half a year to Catholics throughout the world, those in Borne exoepted.

The Commandbb-In-Chibjf.— Lord WoUs ley, when he is free from his duties as Commander-in-Chief, will at once begin preparations for an extensive tour through Canada.

THE SSBBUBTON HC3PITAL—A OOKeipOß* dene writing from Bushaide, Staveley, who hat recently spent tome time in the Ashbun ton Hospital, desires to [express his thanks for the care and attention he received while he was in that initiation. He says he has been ' in two hospitals before, and got very good attendance, but the Ashburtan Hospi' tal is the best' he has seen A Rktcbn Tickm.—• An American when he was eleven years old took * half price return ticket. That was tea years ago. Now he is trying to use the return half; The ticket has no limit of time printed upon it, and the can hinges on the power of the railway company to forbid a roan growing older. LimbabtSooiity—At the Catholic Literary Society's usual weekly meeting, held on Boxing night, Mr W Soal presided, Owing to the holiday there was only » fair atten dance of members. A considerable amount of business was transacted, and two new members eleoted. The members spent the remainder of the evening in harmony, during which some excellent songs, etc., were contributed, and the meeting, which was of a most enjoyable nature, was brought to ft close in the usual manner - Kissing Illegal.—A case has just been decided at Milan, under a muaty statute which declares kissing illegal in public places as bein? contra bonos mores. A pair of per fectly respectable lovers were hailed before the tribunal lor merely exchanging an em brao > in a gui t eortier of the park when they thought nobody was looking, Upon this case a ci ty Solomon adjudged that, though kissing under some ciroumstanoes could not be con sidered contrary to morale, it was not consis tent with the ideals of advanoed civilisation as to decorum. A fine of twelve shillings was iofiicted.

The Bands Competition.—-The bands contest, which began with the marching competition, was continued yesterday in the Concert Hall of the Exhibition. Mr V M Wallace was judge, and the awards were as under :—Side Drum—A Reli, Woolston, 1; J Ste.wart, Invereargill Garrison, 2; If Osborne, Stanmore, 3- > flat bass—Huggin*, North-Eaet Valley, 1 ; Dime, Kaikorai, 2; McNalty, South Canterbury Battalion, 3. E flit bass—Abbott, Hanmore, 1; Geary, Wellington Garrison, 2; Mulqueen, Port Chalmers Kavaia, 3. Tenor born— McKersey, Dnnedin Navals, 1; McNeil, Kaikorai, 2 ; Lanham, Woolston, 3. No award has yet been given in bind selections*

Fandbr& Sons' Eucalypti Extbact — Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public under the name of Euoalypi Extracts, mat not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only produots that are saturated with oxygen and freed of acids, resinous and other substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by the plant. To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitutes, etc., in croup, bronohitis, diphtheria,dysentery, internal inflammation, etc*, insist fn getting Sandhr and Sows' Vxsv.tr Volai E

LYPTI EXTBACT, and be afa,

Temuka Caledonian Sports.

" In athletic events, the Aehburbonies were very successful, W. Fitzgerald, J MoTigue and Alex Wilson, securing the places in the hurdle race, end in seveial other events earned pr'z > money.

Montgomery's Bioscope Company

On account of the very miserable weather last evening, there waß a very poor attend ance »t the Oddfellows' Hall to witness some of the finest bioscope pictures ever thrown on a screen in Ashburton. The animated piotures were very distinct and steady, and there is no doubt that alt the pioturos that were shown were real. The tableaux pictures thrown on the screen for the illus tration of the tongs that were sung teally seemed like life itself. The comic ringing was exceedingly good and funny, the vocalist Mr Harry Hall having to return to the stage three times in toth partt. Mr Montgomery sang with grefttljguwion two songs, "The Fatal Red Roi«^Hpd " Justi Behind the Times," both beingWjpifly applauded by the audience, It was aSo shown on the screen how a recruit is taken into the ranks and made a trained soldier ; such as the testing of height, strength, soundness, etc, and everything up to the stage when he is prepared to go to the war to fight, and although the audience was not a large one the patriotic feeling shown at different times waß at least striking. One picture showed a number of Boxers clearing a house out. Just aa the owner of the cottage was overpowered by their numbers some British soldiers dashed up, shooting right and left until all the Boxers appeared to be killed or wounded. At this point the hall fairly shook with the cheering and shouting of the audience, Numerous pictures were shown of scenes in a trip through the Paris Exhibition, giving the audience a very good idea of what the great Exhibition is really like, while sitting in a small hall thousands of miles a<vay from it. Montgomery's company is a very good one, and we hope that in future it will be patronised considerably better thin it was last night '

Letter From the Front.

Mr E Cookson has received a letter from hit son, Trooper Fred Cookson, dated Krugorsdorp November 14, from which we are permitted to make the following extracts :— Since I lefb Bloemfonteln I have not been one day out of the saddle. I went to Kron stadt with a convoy, and after I left there with a Corporal and 22 men to patrol through to Pretoria. We got through jafely, and we had one day's fighting, that was the first day I was under fire. We only ■tayed one day in Pretoria, then we went to Reltsfontein to pin the column. "We were with General Clements for a while, but now are with Lieutenant-Colonel Cook fOD.be is commander of this Brigade of Kitchener's Horse. We are fighting nearly every day. We patrolled nearly all the way to Mafeking and back a different way to ferugmdorp, burning farms and taking prisons™. In one fight we had 1 captured a Boer and took him baok to camp, and he told me that some time they are htri up for tucker and they wished the war was over, bub old Pa Wet) is keeping them at it, and other Generals. We are pretty well off for tucker, when we burn a farm we always secure the poultry. One day my mate and I secured 14 fowls and half a sack of oranges out of an orange grove. We did look sights coming into camp, my clothes were all torn. I got down to my last shirt yesterday, and when I took off my braces to have a wash my ehirt fell off, so now I have only got a jersey. We expect to be rigged out with new clothes before we start oul again. We are having a few day's rest here. Two of our men that cnme out with me are dead ; both of them belong to Southland One was shot, the other died of fever, and there are several wounded. I am in the beat of health now, the only thing I don't like is a forced march starting at 12 at night. Kit chener's Horse have lust very heavily in this war.

Willie Street, Wellington, Mb M Impey 31st July, 1900 Dear Sir,—PleMe tend me three more bottles of your " Mat Applb." I cannot speak too highly of it* It baa entirely relieved me from the headaches which used to diatreea me on busy days; and a member of my family who used to suffer from chronic palpitation and indigestion has been restored to perfect health through taking Jvpey'b * Mai Afpl*.'—l am, yours grate fully, B W Wiwoit, Batcher

A Tragedy of the Back Country

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright • Brisbakb, Dec 27 A man, Burnstead, occupying a lonely hat in Ayr, has been found with terrible wounds on his head and body. It is believed he baa been murdered by drunken kanakas.

The Royal Visit.

United Press Association—By Eieotrlo Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 27 Mr John Andersou, O.M.G, one of the principal clerks in the Colonial Office, who acted as secretary to the Conference of Colonial Premiers in London, is to be the Secretary of the Dnke of York on his visit to A as tralia.

Killed by a Shark

United Press Association—By Eieotrlo Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Dec 27 A yeuth named Houston, bathing in the middle harbour, was seized and killed by a shark io view of bis companions. The body, which was horribly mangled, has been recovered.

The Health of Lady Hopetoun

United Press Association—By Elttotrlo Telegraph—Copyright) ; Melboibke Dec 26 Sir Thomas Fitzgerald saw Lady Hopotoun as she passed through by special train, and reports that she is suffering from neuralgia and Bevere j prostration following fever. Stdnky Dec 26 i Lady Hopetoun arrived to-day, Lord Hopetoon and a crowd of several thousands welcomed her. Owing to her health she was taken in an invalid's chair to a closed carriage, and was driven to Government House.

A NEW ZEALAND HERO.

The following frcm the Spectator will be r<=ad with special interest here, as it not only shows that a Christchurch trooper who well'deserves the Victoria Cress, but Bhows thab one of hia gallant deeds was to rescue an Ashburton trooper ;— > The Spectator has to thank Mra Grahams, of Timaru, for the opportunity of presenting to its readers the following account of how Corporal Frank Fyan, formerly tub-editor of the Spectator, and well known in Canter bury, saved the lives of her bod, Trooper Grahame, and of Trooper Lnak at Carlisle's Drift, 8. Africa s—"lt was at Carlisle's Drift, where we were ambushed, and Lieutenant Bradburne and Troopet Luke Perham were killed. Of course, yon heard how nineteen of us were to take up an observation post on the top of a kopje, and geiag on in extended order we rods right into the foes before they opened Sre on us. My horse was shot under me at the first volley, fired at point-blank range, so I had to run for ib. Lanos* Corporal F, Ryan, seeing me running, galloped right aorosß the line of fire, caught a pony, and tried to bring it bask to me, bub the animal would not face the fire, which was very sudden, and mostly explosives. So Ryan sat on his horse within 300 yards of the Boer position and held the pony till I got to him, a pretty considerable time, as I had the most of ihe wind knocked out of me by the fall, and had to walk meat of the way. As soon as I had my hand on the bridle Ryan galloped back along the line of fire, and got Lusk (an Aahburton trooper, and a cool devil), up behind him and took him also out jof the line of fire. No man ever earned the V.C more honesty or grandly tlnn Ryan, bnfc bec»u3o the only perf ons to see hie brave actions were troopers, he gets nothing. I believe, however, that now ths details have come out, be is to be mentioned in despatches to New Zealand for bravery " Trooper Grahame also mentions " that Ryan is a hero among the New Zealanders."

Battle Smoke Ballads

We have received a copy of a little book of ballads, entitled as above, or rhymes of the Transvaal war, by Pakeha (Marshall Nalder), with an introduction by Mr H M Reeves, of Obristehurch. As the title mv pliec, these rhymes have all more or leu reference to the war in South Africa and especially to the more striking events in it. i Those who hmve read any of Pakeha'a rhymes will expect ;o find a light and sportive vein very much in evidence in this little book, and they will nob be disappointed. Nsvcr feheltsa some of the pieces exhibit conclusive evidences that the author is a poet as well as a rhyineeter. Amo- gat these may be quoted the following, from some verses entitled, « What Time the Bugle Blew' :— Now many are returning, Shattered in health and frame, And many sleep beneath the Baud, For Queen and Empire's fame. But Anglo-Saxon deeds and blood Aye grapple kinßhip fait, And link the glowing future To the mighty storl d past. Now when their homeward tramp resounds Where fern and rata grow, The heart and hand of Maoriiaod Bids honour's bugle blow. That heart, that hand, are due To those whose laurels grew, Twined round the southern standard, What time the bugle blew.

Poultry Notes.

The Andalusian is a prolific layer. Grit la an essential in everypoaltry-yard, Buckwheat Is an excellent food to pro mote vigour in poultry. Before killing a goose, it wast be kept without food for *t least 12 hours' though 16 or 18 hoars will do no harm; this clears the crop of all food, a very necessary point bo be attained. The habit of feather-picking by hens ifl usually acquired by the fowls seeing insects crawling on the feathers of another bird. They swallow feather and all. The blrdf should receive a good dusting with imccti powder, and carboliehed vaseline should be applied to the bare patches. Supply green stuff daily, and rake or bury thfl grain into the ground to give tho fowls exercise.

In regard to this trouble a breeder says: —"We have never failed to cure by feed ing bran moistened with vinegar. The feather-eating hen will partake of her hran and vinegar meals with a greed tbafc wIH surprise In a day or two she will have forgotten, or at least, have forsaken, her depraved habits." Aloes, powdered and mixed with lard, Is a standard remedy to be rubbed around the parts attacked. A neater way Is to dissolve the powdered aloes In warm water and apply it to all the feathers If necessary. The vice is a result of idleness and indigestion. Ihe flock should be given more room and made to scratch hatd for all they eat.

As a market fowl the Minorca lacks some of the qualifications that are consid ered essential to the good table fowl. Its great economic claim is based upon its laying. Its eggs are white in colour, large In size, and are produced in great numbers It may be questioned whether it will lay more eggs than the Leghorns, bat that it will lay a great number is beyond »sjr possibility of doubt. The size of Ita comb fa a great drawback to its popularity

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES t. VICTORIA

United Press Association—By Bleobrio < Telegraph — Copyright Melbourne, December 27 In the cricket match between Vie toria and New Bouth Wales, Victoria in the second innings, lost five wickets for 135—Trumble not out 32, Stuckey not out 45, Victoria won by five wickets.

South Africa.

United Presa Association—By Elen&rio Telegraph—Copyright Capetown, Dec 26 General Baden-Powell, speaking at Port Elizabeth,said the moral derivable from the war was that the colonies should help each other mutually. To day it was South Africa, to-morrow, perhaps, it might be Ganad* or Aastra- IHa which wanted help. In case of need South Africa would act equally nobly by the others j London, December 27 A regiment of cyclists is being formed in Capetown to protect lines of communications Th<* British in the Oolesburg district are commandeering horses for remounts owing to the rapidity of the move ments of Lord Kitchener's troops

The announcement (hat reinforce ments are being sent and the proclama* tion of martial law combined have allayed the uneasiness of the loyalists in Oape Colony, impressed the Batch, and moderated the tone of the pro- Boer Press

A mixed force, with seven guns, expelled the Boers from the kopjes north west of Steynsberg. The enemy went to Zuurberg

De Wet refuses to make a stand, and is kept moving, thus losing many horseß

The Ladybrand district is clear of Boers

Heavy and persistent sniping of convoys in theZeerast district continues General Mahon has cancelled permits to country people visiting Zoeruet, lest they should glean information Lord Kitchener has gone northwards M J Duplessi*. who is a member of the Afrikander Bond, and represent*' tive of Oradock in the Cape Assembly, in a letter urges the burghers of Cape Colony to keep quiet Lord Roberts, who is on his way back from South Africa, has arrived at Madeira Melbourne Dec 27 The A berdeen has brought a number of invaSided soldiers, including Lien* tenant Boss, of the New Zealand Bough Riders

The First Federal Ministry.

MR BARTON I** TASK PRACTI CALLY COMPLETED.

United Press Association—By Bleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Bee 27 Mr Deakin arrived today, and is con ferring with Mr Barton, Sir William Lyne, Sir George Turner, Mr Deakin,- Si: J Forrest, and Mr Dick eon hare agreed to join Mr Barton. The latter has decided to stand for the Hunter Federal electorate. The Ministery is therefore complete, excepting for the South Australian representative. It has not jet been settled whether this will be Mr Kingston or Mr Holder. Melbourne, Deo 27

The Argus commenting on Sir Wil liam Lyne'a failure to form a Ministeiy, gays Federalists will rejoice to see the commissiou in Mr Barton's hands, because they are assured that in him as chief adviser the Governor General will have a sympathetic and intelligent interpreter of the Constitution. For a prominent anti billite to get the position was resented by Federalists aa a wrong to a tried eery ant of a national cause. Sir Wm. Lyne may be a perfectly safe guardian of the Constitution, but he had not earned the distinction he was ambitious to obtain. It is certain he could not command the popular confi dence already repoßed in Mr Barton, The Age commends Sir William Lyne for giving way, and says he could have formed a Minißteryj but ie would have contained an element of weakness that presaged disaster at the outset. The paper ads that Mr Barton will enter upon his heritage with the satisfaction of feeling that nobody begrudges it him. London, December 26.

The Bt James Gazette, commenting on the choice of the Federal Premier, says it is well known to the chief persons concerned that the arrangement made was the ooiy proper and possible one, The question was how officially to bring Lord Eopetoun and Mr Barton togother.

Death From Taking Poison.

A woman named Louisa Burgees, living with her huabani on ferry road, Christ ohurch, was admitted to the Christcburch Hospital on Sunday afternoon suffering from having taken a dcie of' Bough on Rata,' and died at li o'clock on Wednesday night. It j appears she was in the habit of taking' oream of tartar or seidli'z powders every morning, and on Sunday inadvertently took the poison fay mistake. She ww conveyed to the Strathmore Hospital, where Dt An deraon attended her, and advised her removal to the Chrisfcohureh Hospital An inquest was held at the Hospital last evening. Mr H W Bishop acted as coroner, and Mr Thomas Hogg as foreman William Logan Burgess, hußband of the deceased, said that heW been married nine teen months, and had one child, Last Sunday, at 10 50 in the morning, he was just going to leave his house, when he turned baok and went inside to get a hand kerchief. His wife was standing near the door, laughing, and waiting for him to come and say good bye. She was accustomed to take a littie baking power or oream of tartar of a morning when she felt sick. On this occasion her mouth was full of a white powdnr, and witness, who had a friend working In a chemist's shop, immediately knew it to be arsenic He asked her what she w&s doing, and she laagbed, thinking that it was all a joke. He asked again, and then said, 'You've taken poison.' She laughed more at this, but witness persuaded her 'fit hia seriousness, and told her to apitout the powder. Bhedid so, and he took her to Dr Clayton, who proved to be oat, and then to the Btrath* more Hospital Here he metDr Anderson, to whom he told his trouble, and who immed iately attended to tne deoeased, said that 16 was in a serious oase, and advised witness to t»ke her to the Hospital, giving him a Hos pital order, on tba back of which he men tioned what deoeased had taken and what treatment had been given to her. Witness drove his wife to the Hospital, but forgot to give the order. Xbe poison bad.

bsen bought years before to destroy tali Ib was in a tia, which had probably got mixed up with other tint, while recent alts' ration! were being made about) the house. Mrs Mary Ann Cole, who had lived in the s»me house with deceased, who wai her adopted daughter, gave evidence that Mrs Burgess had seemed always on the best of terms with her husband. Margarec Ihompsoo, niece of tha lasb witness, said that she aleo had lived With deceased, and had seen her in good health on Sunday morning. She knew nothing of the ' mishap until a girl came to the back door, | and said that Mr B-rgeee had joib taken Mrs < Burgess somewhere in a cab* Then witness guessed thab something was wrosg, sad happening to look down she ootiosa what she immediately took to be poison outside the door. She knew thab there was poison in the home, bub could not say whether deceased had known. The tin was nob labelled. Dr Cooke, house surgeon at) the Hospital, said thab he had treated deceased on her arrival there. She told him that she had taken 'Rough on Rafea' in mistake for something else. The posb mortem examina tion showed that death was due to taking an irritant poison, such as Rough on Rats. There was a little slate coloured powder about the deceased's ears, on her arrival at the Hospital, and this was the colour of • Rough en Rats.* All the symptoms, how ever, pointed to arseato as ths oaase •! de%th. The jury, after a few minutes' consulta tion, broughb in a verdlob thab death was doe fco the aotion of aa irritant poison, taken accidentally.— Fress

An Extraordinary Romance.

A short time ago an advertisement ap peared in the columns of % leading London daily paper inquiring for a reapeoteMe) couple to take charge of a baby, The announcement met the eyes of Mr and Mrs A—, who wf farcspeettbltooapls without family of there own. Without) much consideration they answered the advertisement, and a day or two later there was a ttartlirg denouement. Jc»c before mid-day a hansom drove op to their residence, and oat jamped a smartly dreestd man, wearing an eyeglass, and a very aristocratic appearance. He stated that he bad come with reference to Mr* A 's application to adopt a chili. The child was the son of his daughter, aa4 was only six weeks old. He was himself a peer of the realm. In the event of her taking charge of the child he never wished to see or hear of it again- "I will give yon £300 down in gold if you perform this service," he said in conclusion. Mrs A——expressed a wish to consult her husband, bat her visitor refused to wait, and offered to increase the sum that he had at first named to £450. Thereupon Mr a A———consented to take the child j and the peer counted ont before her eyes 45G sovereigns in gold and left. At foar o'clock the same afternoon a conveyance : drove up with a smartly-attired nnrseand a fat, chubby boy drested with great taste. The woman stated that the h»d been sent with the chfld, and delivered It, together with a large case. Then she left without giving any clue. On the caae being opened it was found to contain all the linen and garments until it is four years of age. There Is absolutely no clue to the Identity ot the child or his relations, and the whole story appears likely to remain enveloped in the mystery which at present surrounds it.— DaUy Mail.

THE PENNY POSTAGE

1 United Press Association—By Electrfo (Telegraph Wellington, Deo 27 The General Post office will be gaily Illu minated on New Years eve in celebration of the inauguration of the universal peony port age in New Zealand With regard to the oable message published on the 25th December intimating that tht Government of New South Wales have been recommended not to accept for the pretest letters from New Zealand bearing tbeeotooy'f " universal " penny postage stamp, the Post master General states that sometime back he suggested that it would be a friendly aot on the part of the Australian colonies wen they to accept tire stamp until <he Commonwealth Government had decided whether or not thaw should be a reciprocal rate. Up to thepnwnfe the Hon Mr Ward has not received a replj to bis communication, but it would appear that the matter, co far as New Sooth, Walef was concerned, was first remit'ed to the 4#> partmenUl heads with the result indioatei in the oablr gram. The Premier, the Right Hon Mr Seddon, is charged with a mistioa to make representations on the subject doling bis ?iiib to Sydney for the Commonwealth celebrations.

Death of a Peninsula Mailman.

RUMOURS Of FOUL PLAY.

Persistent rumours are now in circulation on the Penintnlft to she dhoti that llr Thomas BrowD, mailman between Little Akaloa and Okain's, met with foal play, whioh caused his death in November last, and that it was not the remit of an aooidan* as supposed, The rumour seems to hay« originated in the fact brought to Ugbt at tha inqusst that while the deceased was supposed to have been dragged, there was no other mark on the body than the indentation of the back of the stall, as would hare been Che oaae if the body had been dragged toy distance. This is, at all events, partly accounted for by the (act that Brown WM apparently not; dragged more than ten off eleven yards. Some additional oolonr has been given to the rumour by th« statement that while lying unoon soious in the hospital Brown raved as if his mind was dwelling again on a struggle with someone. The evidence ftt tin * toque* t seems to point to the fact, that j Browc fell from his horse—posilbly in a fit —and fractured his skull

I The first intimation of the »f*ir appeared in the Ak»roa Mail of NeTembw 15th, M

follows:—' Mr Thos Brows, the mailman to I Little Akaloa and Okaln's fell from hii horse oo German Bay Hill yesterday, and waa badly hurt', being brought in to the Hospital, where hit injuries ware attended to by Dr Hargreavea, At a late how kit nighfe the dootor Informed «■ that the injured man waa Buffering from pononMion of the brain. 1 On Tuesday, November 20kb, an wqvee* waa held, Brown dying the. day previme. Mr G Armstrong, jun., J. P., waa acting Goroner, and the jury consisted of Mwetf John Heath (foreman), M«£ulloagh, OPoftle, Harrow, Gundy, and F Haylook. The wife of the deceased Mrs Mary Brown—few evidence that her husband was thirty acres . year* of age, and a native of the ooloey, having been born at Pigeon B»y. He wm oot ahesaid in the habit of taking much drink, but was a thoroughly aober man. H« waa subject to fits if unwell. A blacksmith named Charles O'Reilly gtvt testimony of Brown's aobriety when he saw him at between 9 a m and IQ a m on Monday, November 12th, in Akaroa, and in company with a man named MoHale, During the fourteen yeare ihia witness had known Brown he had never known him to be the won* for liauor. When aboub two hundred yards past the smithy deceased hat blew off, and he got off bia bora* to pick it up. George Kearney, a journeyman blacksmith in O'Reilly' employ, in hie evidence, rm marked tbat * he could oot aay deceaaed war perfectly aober, but he could not wy he wm drunk,' or Browa would nob have got off hia horse in the way ha did. Deoeaaed, he •hould aay, w«e thoroughly capable of looking after himielf. . Mrs Caroline Bayley, wife of Robert Bayley, hobelkeeperat Akaroa, gave etideooe that she had known deceased evereißoebe wae a little boy, t and had mw *"•"•»■ to get the worn for driak. 8»w motMtC • on hia horae aboot ten minatat |»rt ««^ ©Vjlook in the aftsrnom, and t^ongmMWM quite iober. Geo Harry Black, who toUM Brown on the road, expressed the opinion that deoewed waa thrown from hta b«nt> M he aaw a etirrup leather and iron lying net? h'm on the road. Deceaesd'a oiothea were covered with das*, bob witneaii did.soft notice if t.he horse had dragged Brown, Decepstd was lying on hia iaoe, bvt he noticed no smell of liquor about bin.

TflS ASHBtJRTOti GOARDIAIT,: MDAif, DECEMBER 28, 1900.



'ull 05000 ,ast quarter Jew moon 'irat quarter

6 14 22 29

10 8 pro 10 12 am 11 31 * m I 18 pro



Date (ecember >• it »» ii

27 23 29 20 31

RUes 4 22 4 23 4 23 4 24 25

Seta 7 41 7 41 7 41 7 42 7 42



Polypathio Medical Institute. Ooroer of Gloucester Street and Latimer Square OHRISTCHUROH, (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings), FIFTH VISIT TO"ASHBURTON. FRIDAY AFTEENOON, JANUARY 4, 1901. 2 o'clock p no until Bpm SATURDAY. JANUARY 5, 9 a na until 1 o'clock p m CONSULTATION FRE^.—GRANGE'S HOTEL. jl jk POLYPATBY, the New Method of Healing, is the *"* Huresb^Dd most r»pid System, as it cures with absolute ~**rf£ Mfa* -f^zsr W^**. certainty such diseases as Cancer, Epilepsy and ABtnm», f^^f^^^taHSk incurable under the old system, as we>l aa all Chronic i^^ M&^^^^St^d, Nervous Complaints of Women and Men. Mobb Cdres m, adk by polypathy than any other syitem w v^^^^^^ in the w «kwsakl2 J. F.f TIMONIALS J^^Jf^xHsJElj Ewwptio Fits Fob Eight* Ybabs ; also hkars C r^S^^^^^^n Your Medicines have done me a great deal of good. I \ feel better in every way, and the pains afc the heart have W||S@HBH^H ntin-ly left me. I have not had one fife «noe taking HgfIEHHBI year Medicine-! re.am, l*.*^, FoflMß <?£3BHI i ha^^T-S^Mi-^ ■ you very much for tha beneSt I have derived from f oar && f^^^M^OTHL m medicine, which I have been using ilx weeki. I waj %k#ffcS^^i reduoedin weight from lSst Wb down to B.t7lb,andll WM TOKSfSHI had quite giveu myself up to my Maker; bat fchM*.God «-^ c > V-S^^HRl^ after I had been under your treatment nine day« my \t -^-X »■ friendß oouidsee a ohange in me, and I oould feel It U**O> myself, and have been improving ever Blnoe. Yoo can «, «, .« * ff use thia letter for a teotimonlal, or refer anyDOay wme ■a**^ **I.^^ v*^ f * S?cv Wißhina you every proaperity—Youra reßpeetfally, 12 (47 John Elphick ABSOLUTELY THE BEST EVER MADE BURNETT STREET, ENORMOUS Stock of Fundries just to hand, including Latest Lamps, Luggage Carriers, Saddle Chains, Alarm Belle, etc Inspection Invited '——■ i The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.B Hsad Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims : H D Bma,, Es«, Chairman. 1 Percy M Thomson, lotpeotor of AgeHCies. Albbbt mletin.EEs s MD. I E Tkevob Oovlv, Resident Secretary; STRONGEST LIFE ASSURANCE SOOIBTY ItST THE WORLD Financial Position. n lo -»n o^c Atusranoe in force ... .„ £219,670,058 I Surplus over liability ... *"•?»• JJj funds... .- £58,573,185 I Annua moome ... .- £11.286,145 A Mutual Office. AH surplus belongs to the policy hollers. Bend for particulars of the Guaranteed Gash Value Policy. NICOLT BROS, Agents, Ashburbon, l&m



FOB SALE, 1 "Wood's Side Delivery.rqual to new, price £16 10s F. FK.BRIMAN. — : — ; — ; — ; — __ | FOR BALE, 1 Grain and Manure Drill F FERKIMAN^ FOR SALE, 1 Wood's Beaper and Binder that h»8 only done 1 year's work F. FKKRIMAN. FOR SALF OR TO LET THE Bungalow recently vacated by Mks Bic*man containing seven rooms **nd office?, and situated facing j 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 hoOiO. F. FEB> IMAK LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashburton. FOE BALE. A GOOD House of five rooaos with %2\ seres of land in a localty where two or three cows may be kept Within quarter of a mile of Town Belt, The owner ia leaving the diatrct. Any reasonable terms can be arranged. Apply F. FKRRIMAN, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, ABhburtou WANTED Known—That our Oilcloths and Llnoleumr are bought direct from the British Mills, and stand unrivalled for variety and va)ue;~Mitc^ell_and_Turn_'_r TIIE~NEW ZEALAND FARMERS CO OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY, Ltd. Offices, Warehouses, and Grain Stores : West Street, Aehburton. JiWERY Description of Farmers' Lrf Requisites at lowest rates. Groceries, Hardware Saddlery, Oorusacks, Woolpacks, Twine, Oils, Tinware, Horse Covers, Etc. Etc. GRAIN SOLD ON COMMISSION. Having reliable information from our Agents in other parts of the ColoDiea, we are In a position to obtain highest, possible prices for all grain placed in our hands for disposal, Shareholders should be particularly care ful to enquire from us and inspect oar goods before ordering elsewhere. WE have several really first-class Farms for Sale on our books, and farmerr Wishing to purchase would do well to call on as for particulars :— 1000 Acrea Lanriston District 750 ,i Wftkaoui  1031  Uherlsey „ 1958 „ Dromore „ 1180 „ Springbarn  276 „  .> 574 „ Waterton „ T. F. GIBSON, Manager 'TrT^NTEI* KNOWN.—Kinesb roller V\ flour 2001b bag 14s—1001b bag 7a 6ci SOlb 3s 10f! 25ib 2a or Bifc h—Hiao Sb 3d bag SharpsSs 3d Rt;ck*salt 5s 6d »t Fletcher Bros Cash Sapply Stores li I



FOR SALE, PUBE & HALPBRED TAMWORTH PIGS nro Farmers purchasing Half bred PIGS. | We are prepared to buy them fnr Bacon, p provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, ! FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO; 12 5 JH Rulb. _____ — WELL Cared Prime quality HAMS and BAOON, Cheaper than Beef r Mat ton. Guaranteed grain fed by ifarmers of this district. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 2 55 JE Rule. remember! " mHE SHOP will be OPEN every Night this week uubll 8 o'clock for the sale of Chriatmai and New Year Cards. A. H. WILLIAMS, Tancred Street lf~H ASK "FOR vl v \ NEW TAFUFF CHAMPION BLEND j J© OTHER PRICES: o I_>No CHINA TEA USED BY ÜB._ "" sfeciaiTbank holidays PURSUANT to the terms of the ' Banks and Bankora Act, 1880,' and the , Banks and B%nkera Act Amendment Act, 1882,' MONDAY and WEDNESDAY the 31st D< cember, 19C0, and the 2nd January, 1901, arc hereby appointed Special Bank Holidays, at the A&hburton Offibes of the undermentiened Banks : — The Union Bank of Australia, Ltd— G E Tolhobst, Inspector The Bank of New South Wales— E J Finch, Inspector The Bank of Außtralaaia— C Winter, Inspeotor The Bank of Now ZeaSaDd— Jambs JSmblino, General Manager TUESDAY, the let January, is a Statute Holiday in terniß of above Acts 12 218 BIG Bargain Sale at Dpnoan & Co'a Tancred Street. Drapery and oloth ing cheaper than ever—Note as follows— Turkish towels, samples, 3sd each; arb muslins 2|d ; cretonne 3|d ; prints from 3£d ; large stock tucked muslins, wide widths 10& d; nainsooks 6£d ; linen tabling Wj<i ; Crewdson'e and Borrolkses' calicoes 4s 9d dozyards ; muslin aprons lO^d; toilet covers 7|d; ftntimaocaeserß 6sd; 72 inch wide twill sheeting lOfd ; large and varied lot lace curtains, astonishingly low prices, from la 6d pair, Is lid, 2* 3d upwards j ladies' silk scarves 9|d ; job line silk and lisle gloves 6d pair ; cashmere ribbei hone Is.— Ddnoan & Co, Cheap Cash Drapers. ~ FOX SALE "TTALUABLE Building Allotments, situ' V ated at the corner of Cass and Moore St. eats, and being part o? Town Secticns 00 and 101 00 BVLWOK,



G. MEDDINS, THE PJtOPEfI'S IRONMONGER. T HAVE JUST LANDED BRASS PRESERVING PANS, ENAMELLED PRESERVING PANS, i Al in Quality and Cheap. I I harvesting tools&matebials. Hay Forks, Hay Rakes, Scythe Blades and Handlae, Fork Handler Reap Hooks, Reaper Sections, Machine Oils, &\ CARPENTERS' TOOLS. ' Now Landing-All Kinds of Tools suitable for Carpet, tera and Farmers. A special line of Dsston's Saws at reduced {>ricee. You axe invited to call and nspecb. RANGES & REGISTER GRATES. Agent for Shackiocks, Scott's, Bakn ingham's and Stobeibb's Ranges. Register . Grates and Mantelpieces reduced in price. LAWN MOWERS. A few left), to be sold cheap to clear, including :-'New Easy,' 'Pastime,' Crescent, 8 «F & N,' and • Philadelphia.' I Addresß— Bnrnetb Street, opposite Arcade. 10 SUBSCRIBERS & ADVERTISERS NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. "THE GUARDIAN" rT7 ILL NOT be issued on TUESDAY, January lstu THE ASHBUKTON TRAIN SERVICES Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 &m, 11 a m 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,3 50 pin DUNteDlN—at 12 54 p m (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ab'hburton from— CHRISTOHUP.OH—at 10.45 %m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBI/RN-at 9.45 a m



DON'T Nature cureamy c your NEGLECT cough without aid, bub you COUGHS. can't afford to chance It. A cough that is left to cure itself isr'owly overcome ab basfc, and there is apt to 9 some weaknees left to make the next cough com - easier. We have two really good reined coughs and olds. BENJAMIN GUM is specially suitable for recent) chills. It it pleasant to take, cures very quickly, pre vents iDflamatory symptoms and allays annoying tickling and hacking coughs. TOWNEND'S CINNAMON CURE is specially suitable for chronic coughs though it will break up a recent attack a quickly as any other medicine made—Ginna typhbas been proved in Pasteues Institute to mon great destructive power over al poss whilst being perfectly harmless to bacill beings. We have received »oma humanng letters aa to its efficacy In eon flatterion, bronohitis, asthma, dysentry and Bumptioid fever. WANTED KNOWN—Just arrived Peak Frean & Co bhouits in following varieties: Cafe Noir, Cream, Sandwich, Choc olate, Fingers, Wavilets, Venice, Wafer., Florence WajgrMjo, at Fletcher Bros 11 183 OUR Boofcs and Shoes sell themselvei have a look j.t D Siock's prices. OUbTrEPAIRS are done at once at D Stock's C»«h Boot Store;



CONSULTING PPIIOIAN Mr Ernest M. Sandatein, DBOAI, FB, MO, who haa lately returned after ai* yean' special study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all oaaes of | defective eyesight* Daylight not necessary, artificial light being used. Dootore' pre- Boriptionß prepared. Fees moderate. Con aulting rooms, Cathel Street W., over M Sandttein, jeweller, Chriatcburc*. 930 te J, 2 to 5 dally ]