EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon foi December

SUN

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places a under, subject to the necessary alterations : TUESDAY, DECEMBER IR. For Northern Ports and TVi -].--. t,, also Australian Colonies, India, China, Japan, United Kingdom, and Continent of Enrope, (specially addressed) via Brlidiil, per Tata n*kai, from Wellington, also United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, specially addressed per Tokomaru from Wellington, per Rotomihana, at 6 30 p.m. ' MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 For Northern Ports, Westport, also Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines. Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Franoisoo (due London 25th January), per Tarawera, at 6.30 p m Money orders, 2pm; registered articles, 6pm

Note—Persons posting Christmas cards at bo ok rates are reminded of (he necessity for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are sealed up, so that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express delivery and speolal messenger services will be established »t Ashburton as from Ist January 1901. Kxprese delivery will cover letters and parcels aot exoeediag three lbs in weight, for which an extra 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 each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made

Commercial.

United Piess Association—By Eleotrio (Telegraph WfCLWittWON, Peo J7 The Agent*Gener»l telegraphs to the Agriculture Department as fpllows—Butter, 110s, good demand. Th«r« is no alteration in the cheese market, Flax, good $ sales- Wellington £23, Manila £30. The auction sales closed this waek, with a weak demand.

ASHBURION STOCK MARKET

The asnal weekly sale was held at the Ashburton yards totdiy, tb« «ale compris ing chiefly cattle. TJja Wdding far fat cows was not brisk at all, but febere wer» some very good fat cows offered. The entry sheep was small. Sheep—Messrs Frfedlaoder Bros sold fat crossbred wetbiW I9t 7d; fat merino wet hers, ia wool, Job ?d and 12s 6d. Stores- Hoggets, in jmoV-17« W,- orosibrtfl ewes and lambs al) connted, lOi id to 12» ' ? ia wool, 12« to lss 9d, orosebrei wefbfrs |6s lid ; merino ewes and lambs 9s The Farmers' Cooperative Association sold fat crossbred ewes 14s 8d to 15s 3d, mtrinb wethers Us, In wool 15s 4d j metlao ewee and lambs all coasted 9s 3d D Thomas sold fat crossbred ewes 15s 9d, 13s 9d, ISi; do wethers 19* Id ia wool; merino ewes 8s; fat lambs 15s *d, I7e 6d ; crossbred ewes and lambs all connted 8s lOd 12s 9d; merino ewes and lambs ?s 4d Cattle—Messrs Frledjander Bros sold fat cows £41,05, heifers £i^ 2s -M, «3, $S i steers £5 15i; Pigs-Porters 17s; baoonerh 17s Mr D Thomas sold fab cows £7 Us,* belters jp7 s*. fils f on acconnt of Mr Ju Stoddarl, puroSased by Mr SHoock, first and sceoial pri^a at the Show ; |s>t steers «8 j vealers 26i { 18 month old cattle £f 15a od ; buitfi*; cl 4 powers to £4 Ibt} o»w it profit J95 ISi

Farmers' Coop sold (at flows £5, £610 i £5 18s 6d ; do heifers £4 15s, £5 16% £4 10s, £4 ; steerc, 2nd prze for Mr Stod'Sart, «m pasted out at 17s ; vealerSOs ; «prin«ere £4 2s 6d; cows lo profit £3 15s, £4 10s ; pigs, stores, 13s 6d ; baooners 59*.

HOME MARKETS.

Messrs Dalgety and Co. report under date, London, Deoember 13th ;—"Since onr last telegram prices of merino sheep skins are higher by Jd to |d ; fine crossbred by }d, and ooarse crossbred by £d per lb."

The agent of the Associated Farmers' Co-operative Companies of New Zealand reports under date London, November 10, as follows:— Wool -The fifth series of Colonial wool salef, which commenced on the 9th sit, closed on the 3rd Inst, the original pro gramme having been curtailed There wrre 26 sitting*, with average offerings ot 12,050 bales. The sold quantity amounted to 233,000 bales. Export took of this about 76,000 bales, or 32j per oent, including about 6000 bales for the United States. There was a good attendance throughout, bnt English and German consumers were the chief supporters of the market, the Frenoh operating very sparingly, while there were but few American representatives. The tall of from 10 to 15 per cent at tbe commence ment ef the sales for merinos and fine cross bredi was farther accentuated in faulty and medium wools, whioh are now, generally speaking, 20 per cent below the rates ruling at the end of July. Coarse orossbreds, which were in large supply, elicited keen competition throughout, and realised prices I fully up to the previous series dosing rates. It Is stated by one of the wool brokers that the low level at whioh marine* wools bow stand is gradually forolng them baok Into consumption and reviving the demand for fine goods which had been greatly diminished \ by the high prices prevalent at the close of last year. Tbe aconmnlstlons of stooks of wool, ' tops,' etc, however* are so consider* able, that a deoided increase in the require ments of machinery must take plaoe before values of the raw material are appreciably affected, while the heavy losses which have been incurred by the trade during the present season have stifled all speculation, whioh preoludes the probability of any violent reaction from existing quotations. Notwithstanding a largo oonsumptlon, ooarso wools are also at a very moderate figure, and at the moment, there are no indications of any immediate improvement in the values of this class of staple. The first series of sales for the new year will begin on the 15th of January, without limitation of quantity, bnt the Hit of vessels available will close on tbo 7th day of that month. Whrat.—The wheat trade has been extremely depressed during the past three weeks, buyers holding off in face of the heavy shipments and large supplies in sight, for it is stated that the excess of supply of foreign wheat, the last week in October, exceeded oar estimated requirements by 600,000 qrs,, and that tbe total American visible supply is 6| million bushels larger than at the same date last year, while the strike on the part of the London lightermen has been a very serious hindrance to business. Under the circumstance values are 6d and Is per qr; lower. Eoglish wheat hai been somewhat scarce, but is now more freely offered at ihe above reduction. The average price is now 27s lid per 4801b5., as compared with 28s H In the corresponding week of last year. Of New Zealand the transactions In coast cargoes have been—The 'MlUonpark' at Timaru with 10,925 qrs. has been sold at 29s for Hull, the ' Woodvitle' at Lyttelton with 5,484 qrs. at 29i, and the • Peter Ugland' at Lyttelton with 9,377 qrs., but not yet told. The ' Liv at Timaru with 5,900 qrs. has arrived at Gravesend. On spot, new long berried is worth 30* and 31t, andshort berried 29- sdand3oiper496lbs. Oats.—There is little alteration to note In the market for these, but trade Is quiet. New Zealand* are enquired for, and are nominally worth 24s 6d and 25s 6d for ordinary Bluff and 26s 6d and 27s 61 for Canadian per SB4lbs. Dans are quoted at 17* 6d and 18s 6d per 3361bs ex stoic. BARLBY.-Goed English malting il U request at 33s and 38s, bat inferior and secondary lots are neglected* tt'here is a good demand lor grinding sort*. (There is a considerable quantity of New Zealand barley which Is difficult to move, as malsters show a deoided preference for English samples. Frozen Miat —Trade att Smithfield has been very qnlet during the past three weeks, the demand on the part of the retail butchers having been much smaller than usual, and consequently stocks In salemen's hands on the market, have frequently been carried over from day to day. Mutton has kept its priov owing to limited supplies. Best Canterbury carcases wake from 2s 8d and 2s lOd per stone of 81bs at Smithfield, oad occasionally Id more for picked lots of good weight, but heavy sheep are not worth more than 2s Bd, which Is the top price for second quality, Sydney and Melbourne are Id and 2d per stone dearer and make 2s 6d aod 2s 6d, the same pries as River Plate sheep. In frozen lamb a small business is still passing and late rates are maintained to Id per atone advance. Canterbury carcases making from 2s lOd and 8s 3d on the market. Frossjo i betf has been extremely slow, especially hinds, and salesmen have experienced great difficulty in olearlng their stalls. Australian fores are quoted at 2i Id and 2«2d, and hinds 2s 4d and 2s 6d. New Zealand fores 2s 2d and 2s 3d and hinds 2s 3d and 2s 101. The shipments of New Zealand pork to this country arrived to a good market, but buyers say that although they show good bresd, they are too fat and rather large.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1900. ANCIENT HISTORY.

Oce article in yesterday's issue, refer ring to the changes that have taken place since the first settlement of this part of the colony)* suggests that the details of the history of those early days must be interesting to us who are now enjoying the fruits of the enterprise and industry of the first settlers in this district. In this con nection, the special value of the news* paper, which is a daily history of its time, is abundantly shown, Little incidents which, when they happen, are possibly of little moment to the general public, become of absorbing interest when we look back at them over a gulf of more than a quarter of a century. Thus, it is certainly inte resting to us to read the history of the years when our first paper (the Mail) was started, in 1877, the first Borough Council was elected, consisting of Messrs Donald Williamson, J. Ivess, E. Saunders, W. Roberts, R W Shear man, Andrew Orr,. Rudolf Fried ander, G Parkin and J Campbell ; the first Mayor, Mr Thomas Bullock, and so on. Then we read of the enter prises that, were begun, some of which have succeeded, and some frave ♦• pet ered out"—while some never got into! the practical stage. But jt is rather noticeable in this connection that the people who " ran " Ashburton in those days, seemed to have had more energj and push than those of the presentday.lt is with regret we make this statement, but we believe that a perpsai of the records of even a couple of years, lay 1177 and IS7S, will convince any* body that we are not exaggerating. The inhabitants then seemed to be ever on the warpath. A$ one time they were agitating for a railway from Southbridge to Longbeach f then for a loop-line from Bakaia round by Mount Somers to Ashburton, iben for sale yards at Waterton ; also for a water supply, tfce. In fact they appeared' to be always on the move, and we to-day see that some of their agitation retulted in practical ||io to t^e jUtrisft

Looking through the Hit of the land* owners in tbe seventien, we see the names of many who are still with as,. but others bave passed quite beyond 'he horizon of the later residents iv the rural centres. But .while some have left the neighbourhood it ii pleasant to still find in those old records tbe name* of those, who are ntill onr fellow citizens. Also it is gratifying to see that many of the men who figured ai successful breeders o1 stock, and agri cult arists.are yet to the fare. Amongst those are tho names of Qrigg, Small, Digby, Oookson, Stitt, Clark, Wright and others. As we bave said, there was a strong spirit of enterprise in thii county a quarter of a century ago, which not only promised much, but really accomplished a good deal. Re* ferring to this state of things a writer in the Canterbury Times towards Ac end of 1878 in an article headed " Alh burton a> it is," said : " Throughout the Colonies I know scores of places of which it oan be written that they possess more hotels, more warehouses, more shops, more cburahes, more inhabi tants than Ashburton; bat I know of none of which it can truthfully be said that, making allowances for all draw backs, it possesses in such a degree tbe elements and essentials of future greatness" It may not be out of place at this juncture to ask whether we are quite as pushing and energetic as we might be 7

Local and General.

Pleasi Not*—The eale of Mrs Rowse's property, at Methven, takes plaoe on Thursday next, the 20th, net Tuesday, as erroneously printed in advertisement. Tboopeb La Grange—Trooper Le Grange, of Longbeach, is due te arrive at Inveroarglll to-day Trom the front. He is on board the Waiwera. Brows Aiandoxid —The Ariel Bioyole Club's projeoted meeting on BoxiogDay has been abandoned on aooount of the small number of entries reoeived.

Bank Changes.—Mr 0. F.M* Wroughton, who has been manager of tbe Ashburton branch of the Union Bank for five years has been promoted to the Timaru branoh. Mr Gordon, who is at present acting manager at Ilmaru, will succeed Mr Wroughton here.

Thi Holiday.—Yesterday the basines part of the town was quiet and deserted looking, and only a few of the firms bolsted their fl*gs in honour of Jubilee Day. The only attraction was the cricket match, Tiraaru ▼ Aahburton Imperials, and but very few spectators turned up to see it.

Thd Niw Focth Warns Bibth Rate.— la reply to a question asked in tbe New South Wales Legislative Assembly, the Pro mier said he recognised the importance of the subject of the decreasing birth rate in the colony, and would consider the question of appointing a Royal Commission to Inquire into the matter:

The Qwbbn's Fcart—Mr L J McGregor of Bpringburn writes us as follows:—As I notice reference has several times been made in your columns to the 'Qieen'a soarf won by my oousin Corporal Ooutts, I thought that possibly some of your many readers would cart to know the material of which it is composed, viz;—Crotch«fert with double Berlin Khaki wool with T. R. I. in white cotton cross stitch at one end—very plain.

BITK OT TH» ChKISTOHCBCH ABATTOIRS — At a meeting of master butchers in Christ' church on Saturday night, It was resolved to object to the site chosen by the City Conneil for the abattoirs at Hornby on the ground that more suitable sites were offered, and that Hornby was too fsr from the city for tbe abattoir to be of use to the city and the suburban butchers.

The Christmas And New Year Holi days.—The retailers will close their plaoes of business on ChriitmM Boxing day and New Years day and the stores of the West Street merchants will in closed on the 25th and 26th inst and the Ist and 2nd of Janu ary.

Holiday Trains.—Three extra trair>» arrived from Christchuroh after tbe 8 o'clock train last evening, one at 9 15 p m and another at 1 30 a m this morning. The former was not well filled, but the latter whioh went on had. a good many passenger*, A subsequent through train passed Ashburton about 2.15 a m

Dn Babnahdo's Hohis—The following is the record of the work accomplished by Dr Bernardo's Homes during the last thirty four and a half years :—41,805 children have been reicued ; 11,562 trained boys and girls have been emigrated ; 24,000 have found service in England or were sent to sea, eto, eto ; 5,396 are to-day in the Homes.

Suitdat School Picnic—The annual Sun day Bohooi riohio of the Baptist denomina 1 tion was held at Mr Lamb's farm at Elgin yesterday, about 200 scholars- and friends assembled to enjoy a days outing. The plo* nto was a complete success and will be a day long te be remembered by tbe scholars.

A Disappointment.—Amongst those old oolontsts who were invited to attend the Jubilee procession and banquet, was an in mate of the Old Men's Home. But as he could not pay his fare to and from ChrUt ohurcb, and the station matter at Ashburton had no authority bo pass him free, he could not go. This was decidedly hard lines and the omission of a free pass must surely have been an oversight, otherwise it wan a farce to give the invitation, slnoe oa the face of It the man could not be expected to be able to pay hie own fares.

Tbbj San J?bakgisco Sbbvioi.— The Bamoa Herald contains a semi official announcement to the eff ct that the steamers which for many years past have boen engaged In the mail service running between Sao Francisco and Sydney ports will, on and after Novem ber 30, cease to call at the Qermno port of Apia (Samoa), At the same time it Is in ttmatod that the steamer engaged in the ser* vi c will hwe*fter call at the American pott of Pago Pago, In the same group.

3A Fkotbchon Association—We under stand that the drapers in Ashbarton have formed an Association, and have arranged to keep what may be termed a ' black list,' of persons who do not pay, their accounts. Each draper will send in the name of the defaulter to the acting, secretary oaoe a month, and once a customer gets his name on this <ist all the business people pledge themselves to refuse him or her credit until all drapery debts are settled.

School Prizes.—The Wanganul Herald has the following.—The harmony of the pro* ceedlngs at the breakup of the Infanta School yesterday was somewhat disturbed by an irate mother who was not satisfied with the present her child reoeived, advanc ing an an argument that she had contributed two shillings towards the prize fund, and her little ones had only reoeiyed an article valued by her about sixpence. This Incident strongly emphasizes an arblole which recently appeared in this journal Commenting on the sshooi prize system.

Ckoquet Match — A most enjoyable interesting, and successful croquet match between the member! of the Ashbarton Croquet; Club—married vtrsus single—took plaoe last Thursday on the Club lawn in the pomaiß. Although the games were closely contested from start to finish, ihe married team proyed much the stronger, and even* tually won by a large number of points. The following is the result the match :— Mrs Saunden and Mrs Hanmer beat Miss Edith Bell and Miss H Moorehoase (Wei. lington); Mr Denshire and Mrs Purnell beaii pr Bolger and Miss Daisy Roberts; Mrs Roberts (Wwterfield), and Mrs Makeig beat Miss yi Vumell and Miss Coster s Mits Purnell snd Mr Erihsn'ed beat Mrs Trevor and Mrs Makeig In the absence of the secretary, Miss Maud Graham, the onerous duties ot arranging the team was satisfac torily performed by Mrs Wroughton. Al the conclusion of the match toe team adjourned to the private resideaoe of Mrs Sauuders, where afternoon tea was kindly provided ior the players* We are pleased to bbterve- that this one old Engiith game, which is again becoming so popular in the Old Country, and which bids fair to eclipse the popular game of tennis/ is rapidly growing into favor is our miditi.

CRICKET.

SOUTH AUSTRALIANS v NEW SOUTH WALES.

Adelaide, December 15 The South Australians disposed of the New South Wales team In the first innings for 279* Noble made 27, Trumpw 32, Iredale 37, Hopkins 66, Gregory 51.

WILLOWBY v HIGH SCHOOL

On Saturday a team from Willowby played a matoh In the Domain with an eleven from the Aihbnrton High School, and suoaeeded In beating them by ISrans, the scores being Wiliowby 86, High School 71* Hayman did yeoman servioefor the Willowby team, running np the feal! soore of 40 before he was dismissed! For the school eleven W Turner made 19, M Friedlander 13, and Fee 13. FrUby for the visitors bowled well, while Baxter and Stoddart did good work for the home team. It is only fair to say that owing to many of the beet of the High School team being from home they made a less determined stand than aiaal.

ABHBURTON IMPERIALS v TIMARU

This matoh wm played Id the Domain yesterday, resulting In an easy victory for the Utter by en inning! and 31 rum. The Imperial! had a very poor team, most of their me* being in Ohrlstahurch. Their firat innings closed for 39, J Friedlander (17) being the only one teaching doable figures. Timeru then going in totalled the grand soore of 112. J P Kalaugher (23), I Brown (IS), Valentine (32), and Tarnbill (24). The second innings of the Imperials oloMd for 42—P. Orr looring 18. The most) ■aocessful bowlsrs for the Imperial! were Orr, Amos, and Friedlander, and for limaro Brown, Tnrnbill, and Valentine. The visitors were entertained at Mr Orange's, returning home by the evening train.

The c mmittee of the Flemington Oriokeb Club have deoided to hold a meeting in the aohoolroom oo Thursday night to preaent a bat donated by Mr J C X Giigg to the high* eat batting average for lait loanon, other huaiaeea in oonneotioa with the club will be transacted.

METHVE N SPORTS.

The following are the eotriea (or the Methven eporte, to be held on January 1, 1901 :-

Hubdli Race — Rougeefc Noir, Pohio, Rhino, Fairy Maid.

Maidbk Taox — Qftlwajf, M*r»witi, The Dopplegnnger, Cricket, Diploma, Lobelia, Jubilee QueeD, Do be Careful, WOSB, Coradio, Killaloe.

Mkthvbn Cup—Moderation, Red»n,Gftrlo Number Nino, Soabriquet, Lucy Glitter*, Gloaming, All Sainta, K&Uer, Rawmore.

Meihykn Tbot—Galway, Cricket, Seftoo, Diploma, Blkok Aogel, M»y, Zeet», KilUloe, Jubilee Qaeen, The Doppleg»nger.

Ladies' Purse-—Nghere, Number .Nine, Sorubdather, Carlo, Soubriquet, Kaiaer, Lucy Glittara, Glendavon, Rawmore.

CABLE NEWS.

United Prem Anodatlon—By Blectrio Telegraph — Copyright THE OAFE GABLE Stdnsy, December 17 The Post maatera General of New Soath Wftlea And Victoria hare not arrived at a definite deouion with regard to the Gape cable, 4mt it ig nnderetood that both colonies are likely to accept the Baitern Extension Company's proposals.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Preu Auooiation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, Dec H A number of arrests have been made in Haifeng, Canton District, for offer* ing rewards for foreigners' heads. Twenty of the ringleaders will shortly be beheaded. A French gunboat will ace that the sentence is executed.

A Chinese steamer capsized in the West River, and two hundred were drowned.

The Yangtze Viceroys, with their troops, are gradually strengthening the Emperor's hanis, now that Tung»Fub- Siang has been sent away.

Brisbane, Deo 16 The gunboat Protector has arrived from China.

The Commonwealth Celebrations

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Dec 15 H.MS. Koyal Arthur, with the Governor General aboard, came on from Jervii Bay this morning, Out aide the heads the was mat by six warships, and a number of gaily decorated steamers, including the Waikare and Zealandia, and escorted to Farm Oove, where the official land ing took place at half-past eleven. Lord Hopetoun, who plainly showed the effect* of bii illness, and looked very weary, entered the gates of Government House to the strains of " Home, Sweet Home." When the Waikare, with 400 guests aboard returned, the healths of the Queen t>nd the Governor-General were drunk, and the hospitality of the Union S.S. Company similarly honoured lfae Zealandia also participated in the procession at sea. Lord Hopetoun is gratified a*, the *armth of his reception. He suffered no ill effects from the exertion. Lady Hopetoun reaches Sydney on Boxing Day. Reosived Wakapuaka Dec 17, 9 40 a m Thie Office 10 45 a m Sydney, December 15 It is estimated that 100,000 people viewed the arrival of Lord Hopetoun. His early arrival and the fact that no public holiday was proclaimed affected the attendance- It is understood that Lord Hopetoun's earliest act will be to arrange a provisional federal ministry, The Governor • Geeeral stood Saturday's ordeal well, but is at present suffering a slight reaction.

Captain Towns In Edingurgh

Captain Towse has beea factoring in EdlnWgh in conjunction with Lieutenant Uameron in aid of the Scotsman War Fund. The Lieutenant's lecture was much enjoyed by the audience, after which Captain Xo wee, ¥. 0., was led to the platform. 16 was a tooohing eight toeee the gallant captain feeling his way to the table, the audienoe meantime tiling to their feet and applauding loudly end enthusiastically. It was jatt about a year ago that night, the Captain said, that his comrade* and he had been entertained to dinner ia the Balmoraf Hotel. Many ot the facet present on th«t oooasioa would never be eeen again. At this the Captain heiitated somewhat, and a eignifi cant sllenoe pasted over the audienoe. lie then went on to describe the way the soldier lived, the thing* be had to do, aod'tbi way he did it. In a racy fashion ne dttlfe with

he life of the soldier, at one moment making his audience quite Sa4 ever the hardships of poor Tommy, and the next provoking a broad smile at some of the amusing incidents that occurred during the oampaign, A large portion of the Isoture was devoted to tho period previous to the surrender of Cronje, but the audience was somewhat dis> appointed that not once during the evennig did the Captain refer to any of his own actions.

The Transvaal Monopoly Scandals

Letters which pasisd between Mr Philip, Chairman ©t the Djnamite Aotien Gesells chafb of Hamburg, and Mr Vorstmann pro duced before the Concessions Commission at Pretoria, state that the former offered, and Dr Leyds accepted, as a present shares in the Gold Farms Syndicate, estimated by Mr Philip to yield a profit of from £7000 to £9000. This was when the Dynamite Com* pany were endeavouring to obtain an exten sion of the time in which they were allowed to build their factory

Subsequently, when this was grafted, Mr Philip authorised Mr Vorstmann to give Dr Leyds one share in the Dynamite Company, valued at £3000, for hie eervioee. Mr KlimkS, the late mining engine**, who acted as mechanioal adviser to the G. > lament In the matter, received six iharei of the nominal value of £1000 in the Gold Farms Syndicate. Mr Vorstmann in bis evidence admitted making large payments for seoret service to secure assistance on behalf of the dynamite monopoly At the sluing of the Concession! Commis sion held lately, Mr Albert Philip, the managing director of the Dynamite Company confirmed Mr Yerstmann'a statement re. garding the expenditure of funds for the coming's seoret service purposes, and ad' mitted that the Government Inspector of Explosives was in his company's pay One of the directors sought to justify the bribing of members of the Ra»d and others on the ground that the company were being attacked by capitalists and the British Precs. The books of the company showed that aoeording to/the report of the account ants appointed* to examine, them, th« accounts had been manipulated with a view to depriving the Government of its proper share nf the profits •,- Other aooounts showed the supplying of «ofs nosed and split pointed ballets to the i Transvaal

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dokbdin, Dec 15 George Slater, aged 25 years, was killed at Macßae's to-day by being knocked down by a horse. Three of the horses from his waggon were startled while at a water trough and bolted towards the waggon. Deceased was holding one of the horses in the waggon lest it should take fright, when one of the loose bones collided with him and be fell. It ia supposed than his head otme into contact, with a stone as he died half an hour afterwards.

The Rivers Commission has concluded a tour of the Central Otagn, and to*day wai occupied with examining the lower Taieri river, ... ' '' ';• ■: : Applications for a new trial in the oaie in which Miss McKeozte recovered £800 damagss from the Roslya Tram Oonpaay U to be abandoned •od. damages and oosts paid. ',

Wellington, December 17 During Colonel Penton't absence in Bydney L'eutennnb Colonel Porter, the officer in charge of the Wellington Volunteer! District, will be Actfog Commander of the Defence force* in Mew Zealand. Major Owen, who is to have charge of the School of Instruction for Volunteer officers, is now on bit way to Sydney on official business. At a meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Aoimali today, it was reported that q<iite a trade it done in decrepit hones. They are smuggled away inlo the back country, where they are aied for " packing," and lome shocking stories were narrated of the cruelties to which these animais. are subjected. It waa confeiied that the-Society, was powerless. NiPiKR, Deo 17 Henry Fred HeroSd was committed for trial at HastiDgf, charged with stabbing Jerome preedoa.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

United Praa Association—by Electric Tetegtaph v Chbistchceoh, Deo 17 Although the weather was threatening io the early moraing nothing could have baen finer than the day on which the Jubilee of Canterbury wh celebrated, The decoration! eonaiated of art muslin io T&rioua thadea of color, whloh were featoontd from high polea acroia the route of the march at frequent interval*. That the procession waa a long one may be gathered from the faot that it took 50 minutes in pasting any given point. By common conaent it ia adjudged at once che biggett and the best prooeeaion which hae threaded the etreeta of the Cathedral city. The marshalling waa good and considering the heterogeneous nature of the vehicles there were surprisingly few halts. The Friendly Sweißties made a large show, that of the Druids, where all were good, being somewhat exceptional. The Kaiapol Woollen Company made a splendid chow, aa did the Canterbnry Iron foundry, Meatrs White and Co., Hay ward and Go's, pickle factory, the Fairfield Freezing Work*, and many other*; The splendid team of six bullocks lent by Messrs Hay Bros, of Pigeon Bay, attracted much favorable comment, and the Maori vehicles, one of which bora a native wharf «nd family and the other a canoe crowded with stalwart paddlers, were well worth seeing. The volunteers turned oat well, there being some 1200 Infantry and 275 mounted men in addition to the artillery, A model of HiM.S. Majestic made by the Theatrical Sonne Shifters Association was much admired. There waa no hitch throughout the proceedings, which were taken part in by the Governor, the Premier, and many members of Parliament. Arrived at Hagley Park the volunteers marched past before the Vice-Regal and the Premier's carriages, and thia portion of the show was at an end. The public speeches will be delivered ab the Industrial Hall to-night, when Stanford's Te Deum will be sung. The speech portion of the Jubilee pro gramme was carried out at Canterbury Hall, when the speakers were Mr W. Beece, Mayor of Chrietphuroh, the Governor, the Premier, Sir John Hall,,' and the Hons. W. Rotleaton and C. Os Bowen. All the seating accommodation waa taken up, Stanford's 11 Te Deum" w»s well given by the Exhi bition choir, Mr W H. Wells being con ductor and Mies Packer leader of the orchestra, while the soloists were Misses Violet Mount, Maude Graham, and Messrs J. C Puaeheil and Sydney Bell. THE SPEECHES The Mayor, who was very heartily received, referred from the standpoint of a New ZeaUcder to tha work of the old pioneers, for whom he had the greatest veneratlfto. These it was who had laid the tore foundations upon which the Canterbury province had been built, and had left us our great heritage, they were loyal, persever ing, and God fearing men? The question of the Future was rather the high Watermark of enligbtcnont reached than so many miles ef, railway made, on so much material wealth acquired. ' Hla Excellency said that whin he under 1 took the duties of hia ofice he little thosjght that fata term would cover anob important epochs. He had the honour of being present it both the Otago and Canterbury jubilees, and had witnessed the resent consolidation of the Empire in which New %saland was ths first to take part. The futnr* historian would nob write the history o| Xngland, nut that of the British Empire. 8» long as we endeavour to oarry out troth and jnsticr, ao long should we oontinue to prosper j and our prosperity was indisaolnbiy bouna tip with that of the British Empire. The transition from the unreclaimed waste of SO yeara ago to the beautiful city of today was marvellous; but it waa more marvellous to think of the wonderful reign of 6S years enjoyed by her Moat Gracious Majesty, under whose rule the Empire had doubled its site, and the colonies had obtained the recognition they deserved. Every necessity and luxury of civilization could be grown under the British $s,g, and all thia had happened during the 3 life of oue lady, who wai the greatest $am the world had

known, and who was the Sovereign «▼•* what he believed was the gre*UM Empire in the world. — (Applause.)

Tho Premier, site referring to hie re* collections of th<» old pilgrims of the Neleosi Province, said that though ho could not claim to be an old pilgrim himself, he was prmMf to say that he belonged to Canterbury. The sept* ration of Canterbury and Weetiaad was only temporary, but ere loog they would be welded together with a band of steel in the shape of the Midland Hallway* the opening of which would fitly form the Jubilee of both province*. Referring to South African affairs, the Pcemter said that front what they had read in the papera thai day. and from what he knew frosn other sources, the peace they all hope for was further off than bad been expected. He honouied the old pilgrims of Center' bury, many of whom were lirfc|e better off than when they earns, bill their children had greater opportaalllee a*d they bad a provision by whloh the eld oeloa ist of Canterbury, er any other New Zeals nd provinoe,oould not know drstitnfclon ia their old sue He eulogised the oonduot ef the New Zealandere of when Oanterbsiry bad contributed 260 In Bouth Afrioa. New Zea land had every reason to be prtad ef bet contingents, bat be should n«ver forget the* Geaterburythad oome to the front and hedjfar nished nearly all the cest ef a ooatlageat. For Kltohener had iotinfaUd to his Mr Sad don's Government that he woald Bet eaiy like the New Zealand*™ to stay In Soalh Afrioa, bat would like more, and he believed he was voioiog the opinion ot the people of New Zealand when he prophesied that the number of New Zeelanders in South Afrioa would be kept np so long as thsir services were, needed. Mr Seddon ooeoloded hie ad dress with a tribute to the sterling qualities of the old pioneers and eoaeladed amid applause.

WiahVYAV.—tht ssrvioe at Baring SqvaM) Chareh en Sunday morning was ooninoted by Mr 8. Chapmen, who chose (or hie subject—" The Prodigal Son," only a •light allusion, daring tb« preacher's application, being made to the Jubilee. la the evening. Rev. Thou. Fee preached from Bt. Luke 4: 18,19—'The ipirit of the Lord it npon me,' etc* Id hie Introduction Kir Fee epoke mo«t eulogistieklly of the colony in genier*), and the province of Caoterbnry in particular, remarking that he never felt co proad ef New Zealand'! fertility, climate, sasasry and resource!, ai when, on one oooasiea, he was away from home visiting a nslghboafiag colony. The Jubilee, as initiated by the) Israelites, wai then dealt with. The yearV rest both to land and people, the oanoellng of mortgage! on landed property, the freedom given to bond aervante, and the ; remission of all debts, were dealt with, and a spiritual application brought to bear on each aspect of the subject. Toward! the end ef hie discourse, Mr Fee sternly denouooed the I twin cums of gambling and strong drink, both of which were blighting this fair land. The reepoßsibility of curtailing, if not absolutely prohibiting the evils referred to, largely rested with the Church-going people of the oolony. The hymn* selected for the service were in harmony with the pooatioa, the concluding one—' 4 Blow ye the trumpet, blow," being specially appropriate, and well ung by oboir and congregation.

CYCLING

AUSTRAL WHEEL RACE.

Milboubne, December 16 The Austral Wheel Raoe, two mil**, resulted as follows—Forbea (New Zealand), 1; Morgan, 2; Hodion, 3. Won by * length and a half. Time—4mln 19 2 sth tec.

CHRISTCHURCH CYCLING CLUE

United Pretv Association—By Bleetr c Telegraph Chbistchcbch, December 17 The second day of (he Christchnroh Cj cling Clubs wheel race meeting took place to-day, the principal event being the final heat of the two mile wheel raoe. The baok markers failed to get) op and the raoe was won by B Gonnell, of Temuka, a very promising lad. The attendance wai good £120 being taken at the gttea. The follow ing are results ;—

Second Class Handicap, one mile.—Final heat—R Gonnell, 50yde, t; J Orr, 75yda, 2 G Lewis, 3Qyds, 3. Won by threequartere of a length. Time—2.lo Half Mils Handicap. —Firat heat—G Sutherland, aor, 1 ;J M Kandrup, 30yda, 2. Time—l.3. Second heat—H L VVilliama, 80yd«, 1; A Hasten, 50yde, 2* Time—l 2J, Third heat—G Lewia, 60yda. 1; T Hammau, 80yda, 2. Time-l.]|. Foorth h«at~W OSarkson,ss>d», 1 ; AR Barker, 20/ da, 2. Time—l.Of. Fifth heat—F 0 William*, 105yda, 1; J Orr, 80ydi, 2. Time—l 0. - Canterbury Amatettb Whsel Raoi, two miles—W Sharman, 220ydi, 1; AB Tru«eo*t, 220ydi,2;H Amoe, aor, 3. Tlna»—4.4lJ. Second heat—F Hayward, 160fd|, 1 ;PK Meaiervy, 280ydi, 2; 8 Boyd* 190yda, 3. TJme-4.40. *»..*.."! .

New Zealand Whbei. Raob, of7siove; two mile*—R Oonnell (Temuka) ISOyde, 1; G Lewia (Chrietohuroh) ISOyda, 2; ID Hamman (Kaltpoi) 240 > da, 3. G Sutherland •cr; A R Barker (Cbriitchnroh) 45yda, M. Riindrup (Wanganoi) 70yde B W: Glarkjoii {Falmenton North) 150ydi, WE AndtMoa- (Kaiapoil 190jd«. B GinthorM (Dunedin) 220yde, A Plrie (ObHttobMob) 230 yds, and 0 A Beat (Lewtoo) aoOyds, alao itarted, The front) men made the paoe hot from the itarb, and the baok marken who diugreed among tb«nnelTei abont paoing, were ■ unable- ko bridge the gap; When the bell rang Connell, who wai lying •eoond, abot to the front, and though challenged in the straight by Lewie, won by twoJengthit Time-4.24J. . Second Class Handicap, two milw— Firit heat—C Burton, ecr. 1; A Pirie, 135ydi, 2; R J Oooke, 36yds, 3. Time— 4.55f. Second heat—B Draffio, Isji; 1; 1! E Hamman, 146yda, 2; GUichardeon, 76yde 3. Time-5 8 Third heat—JOrr, 140 yd», 1; R Oonnell, BSyd«, 2; A Wateon, ISOydl. 3. Tinio-4 40|. Fourth heat-A Ha.ton, 26yde, 1; W E Anderion, 85yda, 2; W Olarkaon, 55yda, 3. Time-4.57|. The Fitme Relay Race waa won by Beat and Towne'a team.

Grand Invitation ' obatch Raci—Fires distance, five mile*—First heat—A R Barker 1, M Randrupp 2j time—ll,42. Second heat-E A Wall 1, M Bennett 2; time— 12.6. Third heat-G Sutherland 1, W Clarkaon 2 Fourth heat—H Holland 1, D Ptankett 2 ; time—l 2 12. ■ Beaond dlatenoe, one mile—KA Wall beat M Bennett, M Randrop beat A R Barker, H Holland beat D Piunkett, G Sutherland bad a bye< The meeting will bit continued tomorrow, when the final heats will be deoidtd

Tfiß ASflßtlttTOil GtIAttMAS : TtJfiSDA^ DBOifiMßfiß 13, 1900



'till moon <ast quarter Jew moon "irat quarter

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Polypathic Medical Institute. Comer of Gloucester Street and Laiimer Square, CHRIBTCHURCH, " (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings). Fifth Visit to Ashhurton* FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 4,1901, - 2 o'clock p m until Bpm SATURDAY, JANUARY 5—9 am until 1 o'clock p m POLYPATHY: THE NBW SYSTEM OF HEALING. The Poly paths have won the hrsrta of the people of Canterbury. CONSULTATION & ADVICK-FKKK, FREE, SORELY A GOLDBN OPPOBTOHITT <Jk POLYPATHY, the New Method of Healing, is tb« - *" JbJSPL*' surest mid moat rapid Syctera, as if. cures with absolute SSSM iVhI^TiTK TMfss certttJnty ?uch disease* asCanoer, Epilepsy and Asthma, wS&SeSSz&SBKBk. incurable under the old system, as well as all Chronic &f&BgsSB3sSX^B^M »t)d Nervous Complaints of Women and Men, Mom *^B»JBggSaigPlr| Coßits made by POLYPATHY than any other system m <he ugANDB 0F TESTIMONIALS /™3jMfcrtß^nss"»inP3 *' under !™~ Fwubptic Fits For Eight Yiaks; also hi am f irßais»a^^^SH| Yo> r Medicines have done me a great deal of good. I |AH|s&jSS^HHBS fe*l better in every way, and the pains at the heart have HHHHHkB entirely left me. I have not had one fit since taking sßsEffsXCßsHaßfl your Medicine—l remain, your* truly, iflfll^HH^^HSß I'Cno disease and xxtrime dotimtx" I I have much pleasure in sending this letter, thanking Hfl^^^^^^H^HS you very much for the benefit I have derived from your medicine,' which I have been using fix weeks. I was ■t^KEBHsHtS reduced in weight from 12it 4'b down lo Bit 71b, and I K|^KQ|^^&« had quite given myself up to my Maker; bus thank God j**ilHS^iVßßflLj^LVaß after I had been under your treatment nine days my [HsWDsIHHHKH friencli could see a change In me, and I couldfeel it Hl ftlßki ~\J L J^ mlmtm^ii jo*- myself, and have been improving ever since. You oan j '**' '~ ~'*isMhi i ■ T^ii * u*e thi* utter for * fc«n*>«nonlal t or refer anybody *° BS* Wiebiog you every prosperity—Yours respectfully, 12 (47 John EtyHiQK PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, T> OYS' Guard Suits 8s 6d ; Boys' Blouses 4s Boys' Norfolk Suits 12s 6d j Washing Suits 2s 6d •' Abaent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18a 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7« 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12s 6d. A nice variety of Summer Ooatu in Kbarki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, Etc. N.Z, CLOTHING FACTOHY. j F. H. BECKINGSALB, Manager. j ABSOLUTELY THE BEST ETEK MADE BURNETT STREET, T7NORMOUS Stock of Fundries just to hand, including Latest Lamps, _Hl Luggage Carriers", Fuddle Chains, Alarm Bells, etc Inspection Invited WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 flshburtoti. Coneignmentu will be received at our Asoburton or Tinwald storw, and M on to •ither Christchiirch or Timaru, free of all obargss, except railage. Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from ihelr nearest railway station will ease consign as follows t — If intended for sale at Ashburton-Friedlander Bros', Ltd Biding, Ashburton If intended for sale at Christchurch-Brown and Son's Siding, Addington If intended for sale or shipment at Timaru-Mil! & Co's Sidinp, Timatu If intended for shipment^ Lytte!ton-N.Z|Bhlpptog Co's Dumping' Shed, Lytteltor, WOOLPACKS,*TWINE BKANDING OIL, and ail other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Ouf Next Sale will take place at Timaru on fHUBSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1900 I RIKDLANDER BROS, LTD The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.S Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. fJ E SiS:bSmd. I j «««■Go™'RMideat SpcretMy; i STRONGEST LIFE ASSUKANCE SOCIETY IN THE 511*u WORLD Financial Position. n , nnt , nr .c i . . fom 670 058 1 Surplus over Habilitic* ... £12,711,975 Anuranoek.force ... "" 185 Annual income ... - £11,286,145 j NICOLL BROS, ati j Agents, A«hb«rton. i***' i mommmv^MMMinmtm «-« «.- '- "-■ (pg^' NEW ZEALAND FARMERS CO tVTII I MinUAMPIKP. I OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION QF STILL AUVAHulrlu. j canterbury^ltd. -. . t/^ tt 1? A-n ir RT? UTLV MAN Offioes, Warehouses, and Grain Btores : CEAIOHEAD & 13^«jiima« » Weft street> Alhb u r ton. tl WR just opened out, ex s.s. Paparoa I'l from London, the largest shipment oi Til VERY Dencripfcion of Farmers New Goods they have hitherto imported, Hj Requisites at lowest rates. uompriaing the most up to date Bui. ings from Groceries, Hardware II7C a. now worn at S addlery # Home. Their immense Btocfe of Fashionable Woolpacks, Iwloe, SSKrißg O00& now affords cuatomers su«h Oib. Tinware, a splendid range of new materials of Horse Covers, Eto. Kto. Er^rr O ir P vr^r;riij GRiIN SOiD s- oun Ltidioue, and their pricee, workmanahip. Having reliable information from ea> and fib will compare favorably with those of Agents in other parts of the Colonies, we are the leading firm" in Ohrißtohnrdlt or other in  position to obtain higheit ooetlWe prjet* •Jtfoß S hey are also showiDg a grand lot of fog fe n gn \ a piwed in our bands for disposal, BMW HV« Shirte, Ties, Boots, etc., this Shareholders •hould be particularly care. »en«"-D V;»stomerß would do well to place fu i to eß « a i re from u« and iwpeot o*t foodt Wir nMprs early an 0. &B. have already a b fi f ore ordering «l"where, £m I umber of suits oa the book ß promised T F GIBBON. Manager, «!!I«L_--—-——— " "jb'Oß " SALE, SR^^ff^^SttSffir tJO h.« n pn^n« Hatred FIGS, ~AR?ENTBBS' Tools at bedrock prices; We are prepared to boy them for Bapea, ] ReSitrMflrateß from 12s 6d, Tiled provided they are fattened on grain or Peae. Eegistrara and Mantlepieces complete frosn w . ttMWRR i M RAT SUPPLY COi S2s 6d. Our prices defy competition.-' £A.B}IERB MEAI SUFFL^ UO^



TTTANTED KNOWN-Just arrived Peak VV Frew kGo bhonits in following varieties Cafe Notr, Of Mm, Sandwich, Choc olate, Finger*, Wavllets, Venice, Wafers, Florence Wafers, etc, at Fletcher Bros 11 183 GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE V* DEPARTMENT. Established 1870. ■TIRT POIiICY OUAHAHTKKD BY THB STJLIK. Bird's-eye Ylew of Growth of Oijjce. 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. Tbk leading London Insurance Journal, Tlie Pout Magazine and Insurance Monitor, Baygi _«The only institution of the kind at present in •jistenoe managing its affairs on commercial principles is the Life Assurance Department of the Colony of New Zealand. Although the operations of the De partment are confined to a email 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 usefnl lesson." J. H. HICHABDBON, •I Commissioner. " TO LET 7 AT A. REDUCED RENTAL /COMMODIOUS Stables, Loon Bozep, V/ and Left overhead, originally occupied by M Hobb», fronting the Racecourse j and the square Dwelling House of 4 foomi and scullery, together with about 4 acres of land: The whole to be let to a good tenant at the low rental of £35 per annum. Apply to T BULLOCK, Agent ~~ WANTED KKOWN, J. h. HIGGS HAS Paints, Oils, Turps, Olaie, Scrim &c, also ohoice Paperhangingß. PRICES LOW. High Class Decorative Work a SpeoiaUt Don't forget. —— Colkman's Building, Tancred Street. ""gTjesson, PRACTICAL WATCHMAKER AND JBWELLER| TTAVING taken a lease of one of the new shops in Davis's corner, i am now •bowing a large and varied stock of Watches. Clocks, and Jewellery, Electroplate, Etc, suitable for Cbriatoias and Wedding Pr«- HDts at prices which defy competition. Note the Address—Davis' Corner. THE ASHBUHTOK "TRAIN dERVIOKS Trains leave Ashburtnn daily for— OHRISTUBURCH—at 7.20 am, 11am J. 15 p m» 7 5 p m (express) TTMARU—at 10.55 am,s 50 pin DUNfcDlN—at 12 54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashburtoa from— CHHISTOHURCH—at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am,355 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m



the world pale, littles* and muerableTbaoaos* what they eat doee them do good, than ever poverty, aorrow and misfortune were aoooun> table for j In fact, the failure* of thia Ufa have their origin more often in atomaohio derangement* than in mental and physical diaabilitiei, a* generally understood." Why i* this ? Well, from many oantet, but obiefly from the fact that disregarding ■ symptoma, people will not take oare of themselves. Diet, you say N» ; onie Brat, diet afterwards and always. Sake impay'a "May Apple" lor Indigeation and liver trouble; thja, diet a* moon m yon like. It ia a certain care, and coat* only g* AdvW f '. . \ ' TTQUR REPAIRS are doneae onoa |tQ X Stools Caah Boot Store. 810 Bargain Sale of Drapery and Cloth ing at Duncan ft Co's, Cheap Oath Drapers. Undernoted are quoted a few plum* ; not room for mote— Men'a Brown Cotton Drawer* la 6d ; merino do la 6d ; do *ock* 6d; ttroog working ihirta 2a 3d ; white do, slightly aoiled 2a lid; allk atripe tennia do 3s 6d ; tweed colonial tronaera 6* lid; moloikin do 5* 6d; denim do 3a 4id j «ao suit* 35a 6d ; elutio braooa la; bdya' linen collars 3 for la; men's white handker chief* 4Jd; colored do 6d ; only to be had at Duncan & Go's, Cheap Draper*, Tanored Stmt. ' *'' ' ' - Shipment* of goodi purohwed by Mr N Oate* while In BnfflaMoontiane to arrive at I the 3»tt»m'ia Cyole In Aahbnrton. ! Laatiraek » larw auerkanmt of *Bl«mela» handle E tip* t Brooke* and Middlemore aaddk*, chain gaardii afeins, Adam*' balls, alao a large »wortm*nfc of Lucaa oyofealltlet, They io«itt IHtpwtioß, \ - \ «.