EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of Moon for December I

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 720 am, 11 am 3.15 pm, 7.5 p m (express) j TIMARU—at 10.55 am,550 pm DUNfcDlN—ab 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-ab 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashburton froir—■ OHKISTOHUROH—at 10.45 *m, 1&48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 ptn DUNEDIN—at 6.67 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—afc 9.45 am^

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations : WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 For Northern ports and Westporfr, per Tarawera, at 6 30 p:m. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 , For Northern Forts and West Coast, per Rotomahan*at 630 pro. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 For Northern Ports, Westporl, Australia, (due Sydney December 20th), per Westralla, »ti 1030 am

Note—Personi postiog Chriifcmai oardi at book rates are reminded of the necessity for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are tealed np, so that contents can Dot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashbnrkon as Irom Ist January 1901. Fxpress delivery will cover letters and parcels not exoeediag three ibs in weight, for which an extra fee of sixpence has been paid. The special mes* sesger, 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 miie and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time p lyroent heiog made _

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1900 SCHOOL PRIZES.

On the eve of the presentation of piizes to the various schools, we take the opportunity to again urge upon our local educational authorities the pro priety ot abandoning the system of annually giving books and other similar prizes to the successful scholar! at the Primary schools, Since we last wrote on this subject we have come across a number of opinions on the prize question expressed by well known education authorities and by writers on mental training, all of which indicate disapproval of the prac tice of giving book prizes of a certain commercial value. We r?gret that space does not permit us to make a few ex tracts, bearing upon the subject, for it is possible that the mistake of giving prizes to school children in the manner this function has hitherto been carried ou', would be made clear to everyone of our readers. The arguments against giving prises of certain monetary value may be summarised as under. 1 The prin cipal generally observed of graduating the value of the prizes given in the different classes of a school, naturally directs attention to the comparative coit of each, which becomes therefore an ele ment in determining the estimation put upon the reward. The prizes have offered the greatest inducement to great effort, both mental and physical have in all ages been of little material value, their worth entirely depending upon what their award conveyed to the recipient. For example, the simple wreaths of vic tory, which e^en kings Btrovefor in the Olympic games of ancient Greece, .were beyond all price, and the classic pcets contended for equally modp^ •'•Wwof success, So too in later times tha tamous Victoria Cross, which Britons in every part of the world have looked upon as something worth risking their lives to obtain, and which once got, is treasured as a priceless relic, actually costs only a fow shillings: (3) The ordinary prize given in some schools is at best only expected to last a short time, and by the time it has been handled a little it be gins to go to pieces, especially if it bo a book. In a few years there is seldom anything to mark the successes achieved at school except a few delapidated leaves, a broken instrument box or an old damaged writing desk. But if certificates of merit printed on band mads paper, or even parchment, were awarded to those pupils whose work was considered worthy of recog nition, they would have something which could only be valued for what it represented, and which with ordinary care would last their lifetimes. We trust that all the schools in New Zealand wjll soon recognise the advan tages to the scholars that would result from adopting the certificate system, and that ere long the book prizes will be entirely given up, except, of course, when they are intended as Christmas presents to the younger scholars.

Local and General.

To Our Readers.—lnteresting reading matter will be found on our first and fourth pages. Oxd Men's Horne 4—The master deiires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a cheque for £2 2s from the Truatees of the late Hyman Marka per Mr F D Kesteven, to provide ' Chrintman oh«er for the inmates The Tbain Services—Particulars of excursion fares for Christmas and New Year holidays and Jubilee celebrations are advertised in this issue.

PcHoiiAßSHip Examination.— The exami nation of candidates for the Board of Education scholarship* commenced to-day in the Normal School, Ohrhfcchnrob. Among the candidates are several from this district. Gas Reduce*—The Tlmaru Gas Com any have, In consequence of the large Increase in the consumption of gaa, reduced as from January lsb, the price to 7s fid per 1000 ft for lighting, and 5a lOd for heating, cooking, or power purposes. Sins To Prison Fob Avtlxvvwg In Cottkc —In the Wellington Supreme Court yesterday, when the foreman announced the finding of the jury in the cute against the girl McGregor, who wai acquitted on a oharge of theft, the verdict was received with cries of approval and hand elappiog by persons in I the body of the Court. The Chief Jastiee (a Press Association telegram reports) immed* iately ordered the arrest of one mac whom he had noticed making a demonstration, and after intimating that he would not tolerate the Court being turned into a theatre, sent him to prlion for twenty four hours.

Wkathkr Bkport. — Captain Edwin t wires :—Strong south to east and north-east I wind! glass fal', indications of rain 1 The Commonwealth Boom—lt is stated * by a contemporary that a wealthy society r lady haslet her house In Macqo&rie street;, . Sydney, for a fortnight during January at J a rental of £200 per week. The Fbisco Mail —The Mariposa witQ the Frisco mail arrived at Auckland this morniogt Sanatorium Fob CoseuMWiTis—ln the Otago Daily Times of yesterday a correspon dent urges the establishing of a public sana torium for consumptives, and announcing that he baa the authority of a philanthropic gentleman to offer a first donation of £25 for the purpose, and a further £25 if necessary Schools Vacations—The various schools in the district are preparing to break up for the Summer holidays. The distribution of prizes at the Sacred Heart High School, Ashburton Borough, and Al'enton schools takes place tomorrow, and the Aihburton High and Hampstead schools on Friday. Carriage of Onions.—After thirty years experience of produce and shipping produce, a witness in the Christohnroh Supreme Court the other day expressed the opinion that onions oommeneed to deteriorate from the first day they are put on board a ship, and the longer the voyage the worse for the onions A ship's hold was not, under the eireum stances, a good place for keeping onions. At Home—Rabbits appear to have est ablished themselves In the gravel pit opposite theTemnka police station, the gores* and broom growing on it affording them plenty of cover. A member of the Leader sb*ll noticed three silver greys frolicking about there the other evening. A PaikiuL ACCIDENT—WiIIiam Black, employed in the Oolonii! Sugar Refining Company's works, Auckland, met with a very painful accident, an Tuesday. He was engaged in making alterations in the works, and with others had -wedged up a heavy girder, which slipped. Black had previously los<) the second and part of the third fingers of his left hand, «nd the girder fell on his hand, ani cnt the remaining fingers right off. Cablb Skryiob—Berne advises that com munioation between Shanghai and Atnoy will be provisionally restored, and efforts are being made to restore permanently the interrupted cable communication with Cartageoa *nd Barranqvilla. Columbia is interrupted. Telegrams can be sent by post from Colon. The Zanzibar Mombassa cable Is restored Colonbl or thb GuARD 9- It is understood that General Earl Howe, deceased, will be sreceeded as colonel of 'the Beoond Life Guards by Field Marshall Lord Roberts. The colonel of this regiment Is ex officio one of the three Gold Sticks, so that the appointment confers sundry privileges at Court, besides certain duties if there are state functions during the four months of annual waiting. Attempt At Robbhry.-—An Auckland Telegram of Tuesday states that an attempt at robbery with violence occurred in the suburbs. A young man was suddenlyat' acked by a tall man, who struck him a fieroe blow on the head. He was then attacked by meana of a sharp instrument, possibly a pocket knife, which inflicted a severe wound upon his wrist. The young man escaped, but not without the lose of ft considerable amount of blood. Cbickbt—The match A«hbnrton Imperials v Banks and Clerks will be resumed to morrow, The gam* now stands at Impe rials 4 wickets for 138, innings declared closed ; Binks and Clerks, 6 wickets for 108—Messrs P H Cox and Bone batting. Game to oommenoe at 3p in sharp. Players are also requested to attend the evening practices in view of the match with Tlmaru on Monday, 17th, and Sydenham and Addington combined on Tuesday, 18th. Both to be played at Ashburton A Bkiated Letter;—We often hear of let ters going on a protracted tour round the world, to to speak, and, after thsir wander ings in search of an owner, turning tip at last at the right place. _ But it is seldom we hear of a letter reaching ita destination 25 years after it was posted The Otautau correspondent rf the Western Star elates that eucb is the history of a letter received last Saturday by a resident there. It was posted in the year 1875 at Balmoral in Soot land, and has only ooine to-band, the oause of the long delay in delivery being unex plained. The lettsr contained news of the death of the receivers mother. Very Pbactical —Lord Ranfurly took f cession when opening the Century Swimming Baths at Tiraarn last week to make some remarks npon the practical side of Bwimmirg. His Excellency said that In this colony a large number of lives were lout every year by water, and many of the old settlers would tell them how valuable it was to them to be able to swim when they had rivers to cross. A man who could swim might bo drowned, bub being able to swim always gave a man a chance, and everyone should learn swlmnv ing, just as he learned to read and write. In thi* respect he practised what he preached, for he had had all his children taught to swim. Bravura.—Mrs Cralgle (' John Oliver Hobb&')has been discovered In a plagiarism One young lady says to another in 'Robert Orange 1: 'The great vice of the present day Is bravura, an attempt to do something beyond the truth." A puzzled reader looked out bravura in 'Murray's New English Dictionary.* Bat Mrs Cralgle had been there before him. 'For what did he see?' says the Daily Chronicle. "To illustrate the use of the word was given the Identical sentence that lent him there. 'The'greafc vice of the present day Is bravura—an attempt to do something beyond the truth,' And the reference at the end of the sentence was to a number of 'Blackwood's Magazine 11845. Longbbagh SCHOOL—A public oonoert In aid of the prize fund of the above school was held in the schoolroom on Friday night last 7th into and proved in every way an unqualified success. The weather was all that could be desired, and by the time announoed for starting the concert the room wan full. A large stage had been erected at the west end of the school, and this gave ample room for the ehildrsn's Items, which were rendered daring the evening. Mr Gol Hns occupied the chair, and bespoke a quiet hearing while the several items were being rendered. Misses Thompson and Watson opened the evening's entertainment: with a pianoforte duet, after which songs were sung by Messrs T Hayman, Ousaok, R Treston, 0 Houlton, Jas. Jamiesoo, Jno. Bond, and Misses Watson and Graham, and a recitation by Miss Lill. All the items were rendered in a finished style and encores were frequent, Miss Lill's recitation being especially well reoeived. Miss Thompson acted as accompanist, and under her direc tion the school children contributed two items to the programme in a manner that left nothiDg to be desired, and were encored in each occasion. The programme being completed votes of thark* were accorded to all who had helped in the concert, and the concert was concluded by all singing one verse of the National Anthem. The room was then cleared, and dancing was com* tnenoed and kept t>p for two or three hours. The proceeds of the evening's enterta inmenfe amounted to £10 sa. After the oonoert the performers were supplied with refreshments by Mrs Watson Fandur & Sons' Eucalypti Extract— 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 erode, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public under the name of Buoalypi Extraots, may not be mistaken for Sander ft Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Boon and Griefswald (Prussia), thai only products 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, bronchitis, diphtheria,dysentery, internal inflammation, etoi, Insist In getting Sandhr and Boks' Pdbb Yolai Euca lypti Extract, and be safe, Wade's Worm Figs are most effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking them Price I*

, Tub Children's Meeting—Particulars of I ho u'U^ed Sunday School Service to be held in the Oddfellow* Hall next Sunday hfternoon a-e advertised in this Issue. At the request of ihe Committee, a sirsal' orchestra ia being organised by Mr W. McDonald, to lead the singing. Well known popular hymns have been selected, and this part of the service will not be of least Importance. Bid Tape Absukbitibs —There appears to be in tome cases» attaining of tne meant adopted for .safeguarding registered letters and packages. On the 27th November on* of these was poited in Ghriifchnrah and forwarded from Aehbnrton on the same day for a person who lives twelve miles from the Post Office nearest to bis residenoe. It was not received until twelve days later, although a private bag had been despatched from the offioe to the place no leas than four times in the interval, and several people had called from the station for letters and parcels. On enquiry the Postmaster stated that he need noc have sent it even then, as, he was not supposed to deliver registered letters with out receipts from the persons to whom they are addressed. It is the oastom in towns where people rent boxes to place therein cards announcing the arrival of registered letters, etc. Why this rale should not Apply in the oase of private bags, which are also rentsd from the Government, does not seem cltar. The remit in this oase was payment of registration fee and delay of twelve days in delivery, whereas the ordinary postage would have carried the missive in due time, .

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eieotric Telegraph—Copyright. London, Dec 10 The Local Government Board is enquiring into the beer poisoning eases in England In order to prevent Germany retaining Kommi Island, in the Red Sea, as a coaling station, the Turkish Government has de cided to establish a coal depot there, which will bo open to all the Powers Mr Jamas Huddart and his company re ceive a dividend of £6000 instead of their claim of £87.C00 against the Canadian Australian Royal Mail Line Company, withdrawing imputation against the New Zealand Shipping Company and ita chairman Sir E S Dawes The Bhrhardt Ordnance Company, Dub seldorf, Germany, Is delivering In Eagland eighteen batteries of quick firers and 900 ammunition waggons in pursuance of a oontraot with the British South African Chartered Company New Tore, Dec 11 A committee of leading Presbyterians meeting at Washington unanimously recom mend the revision of the Westminster Confession of Faith

ASHBURTON BOROUGH SCHOOL

The usmal monthly meeting of the Borough School Committee was held In the school room last evening. Present—Messrs W Craighead (chairman), H H Jones, H G Berry man, W J Silcock, J Phanpi W MoOallum, and Steel. Mr McCallum apologised for the absence of Mr Chapman, The Chairman said that there was a credit balance of £7 7s 6d in ihe bank. OOBRBSJrONPBKCE Correspondence was read as follows :— From the Board of Education, stating ; that the salaries would remain the same as last month: From Rev R A Woodthorpe, accepting the invitation to distribute the prizes. He also mentioned that he would like tn say a few words to th« children about the Jubilee. It was resolved that Mrs Inglis and Mis Siloock, tha ladies who examined the sewing of the school, be accorded a vote of thank*. master's bkp:rt | The master* report was read as follows :— In forwarding the usual monthly report I am plaased to note an improved average attendance—3o6, roll number, 409. Tha fine weather recently has of coarse had much to do with the more regular attendance. Of the fix scholarships offered for competition by the local High School this year, I am glad to Bay th-<t we have taken the first five, the successful candidates beiog Lottie Leg getb, Ernest Rentier, Lncy Minnis, Arthur Patterson, and; Gordon Craighead. The average marks, ton, are higher than they have yet been and the competition keener, there being nineteen competitors. It is pleasing, too, to note that the three children who sent drawings up to Cnristohurch to the Industrial Exhibition have all been successful, two of them gaining certificates of merit, and, one honourable mention. The names of the successful competitors are L'zzia Collisop, Maurice Tovey, and Annie Busher. In conclusion, I should like on behalf of the school to convey to th« Com* mittea our best wsshes for the coming festive seaten. AIXBSTOX MISTRESS* BEFORT The roll number at the Allenton school is now 73. The attendance keeps up well, the average being 63.3, and the highest attend* ance 72. j ... . The Chairman said he thought Mr Hardle was entitled to a hearty vote of thanks for the splendid results of his pupils at the recent scholarship examination. Mr SUoock Baid that although he agreed with the Chairman's words he thought that if the Committee Fats too many votes of thanks, the receivers might think them too cheap. Mr Jones thought thab the Committee should recognise the good work done by Mr Hardit. ' Xhis was passed as a resolution. VI9ITIKG COMMITTEE The Visiting Committee reported that most of the work which was required to be done, had been done, and they did not think there was anything of importance to report. rxpairh, &o Mr Jonei said he would ask the Committee to get the urinal put in order as toon as possible, as Its condition had been brought before the Council ai its last meeting. The Secretary said he had written to the Board of Education on the matter, and had reoeived a reply to tha effect that the work would be included in the work to be done during the Christmas holidays. The Chairman informed the Committee that he had accepted an offer of 10s for the grass in the sohool grounds. HONOUR BOARD It was resolved to have a board placed in the school, as a record of all the pupils who may gain, or have gained honours in the school, both for the past and future. Mr Phaup proposed that a sub-committee, consisting of the Chairman, Messrs Jones, Silcock, and Hardie be formed to arrange all matters in connection with the same.— Thil was agreed to. VISITIKtt THI IXKIBITJOir The Chairman said that after consulting with the headmaster, he thought that any of the children who desired to go to Christ ohuroh to see the Exhibition could-, go oa their own account, as he thought the majority of them had been already. MISCBI&AXBOUS An application from Mr Patriok for the use of one of the rooms of the infant school on Christmas eve for a private entertainment, was granted. An account was receiv d from the bight soil contractors for two months, but the Committee decided that as the account was generally paid every quarter, they would bold it over till the time expired. accounts After passing accounts amounting to £5 11« 7d, subject to corrections, the meeting adjourned. '

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United P;eira Association—By Eieotric Telegraph—Copyright

London, Dec 10 I Genera] Ohaffe, Oominander-in-Ohief of the American forces, wrote to General Count Yon Waldereep, the Commander in Chief of the allied forces in China, complaining of hie action in removing the astronomical instruments erected by the early Jesuit missionaries on the wails at Fekin

The letter, owing to its tone, was returned to General Ohatfee

KRUGER'S CRUSADE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Bhblin, Dec 11

Count yon Bulow, the Chancellor, speak ing in the Reichstag, stated that prior to the war Kroger rejected the advice of Germany and Holland to proceed moderately, and seek mediation. German interests nesessi tkted strict neutrality. It would be folly to engage in quixotic tilting against Britain! The Paris ovation had not helped Kruger, and his proposed visit to Berlin would bs equally useless

THE FIRE IN THE BLACKBALL MINE.

As a result of the deputation that waited on the Premier last week, arrangements have been nvide by *hich all the miners thrown out of work by the firing of the Blackball mine will be found work. 75 will be eet to work on Monday next to make a dray road to Heley'a Gully and a road to Blackball on the co-operative system. About 25 of the men aremarrled. Work will be given only to those thrown out by the accident to the mine. The work will be paid for by the County, the Government asdating conditionally.

Alleged Assault at Methven

At the Methven Polioe Court, on Deoern ber 11, before Messrs W Morgan and 3 Batty, J's P , James Middleton was oharged with assaulting Wm Power. Mr Marriott Watson appeared for defendant). The action was brought by the polioe.

Mr Power stated that on Not 27 he had occasion to drive his ahe6p past Middleton's land. Middleton accmad him of grazing the roads, and after a remark or two got over the fence and hit Power with a shovel over the head. Power, who was in a trap following the sheep, got out sad went towards Middleton, but feeling giddy from the effects of the blow, got into the trap again, and was unconscious for come dime One of Power's men seeing something was amias as the sheep strayed baok past the trap, went to the trap and found Power bleeding and hardly able to speak. Power was taken home and had to be carried Into ths house.

Gustav Harmer, Dr Trevor, and Mm Power gave evidence at to the condHion Power wm found in, and the extant) of the injuries. The defendant stated oa oath that Power got out of his trap and struck him firat after the few remarks had baen mad*, and that he (Middleton) had » rough and tumble with Power, in which Power wm knocked down, and fell against the wheel of the trap, that Power again got «p and made for him, and Miat he again threw Power. This time Power fell oa his head among some boulders, *nd wat apparently not in a condition to attack him again. Middleton then got over the fence and watched till he saw Power get back into hit trap and drive away The defendant w«i committed for trial at the Supreme Oourt.

All For Love.

A PRINCESS AND HER REJECTED

SUITOR.

Princess V.iob.qria, the only remaining un married daughter of the Prince of Wares, has finally, according to report in London, dismissed her pa'ienb suitor. Prince George of Greece, who has. proposed to her every year for 15 year*, Her reason ? It is a strange one in Royalty where marriages are of earthly planning. She dees not love her handsome cousin. That is all the reason Princess Victoria can name. She seen no stigma ie the title "old maid." It is lees terrible to her than a loveless marriage She is a sentimental Prinoeas, you will perceive. In that aspect the resembles her listers. Prinrngn Maul of Wales, now the wife of Prince Karl of Denmaik, and Prin' cess Louise cf Wales, now Duche&s of Fife.

Both married for love in preference to sitting on thrones without it, and their maiden sister has vowed that if she may not marry f<r love she will not marry ab all. In the past- her wishes were baulked by Royal prejudice. She in past 30 now, and can look back on more than one sad expert' enoe of the hearb.

In her girlhood she fell in love with a penniless lieubecant: He was a younger ■on of a noble family—a family far older than thab of the Duke of Fife (destined to be the husband of her sister Louise)—bat there was no prospect of his ever succeeding to the tibia or owning anything that he did nob earn with bis own hands.

16 was true thab his character was irre* proaohable, and that he lovsd the Princess no les« ardently than she loved him ; bat character and love don't count for much in the eyes of Royal matshmaken, and Qaeen Victoria took argent steps to pat an end to the romance ef her granddaughter. The lieutenant was summoned to Windsor, and after *n interview with the Queen found himself with a captain's obmmand under orders for India. And that was the last of him so far tA the Princess Victoria was concerned

The Princess proved very stubborn after that, She woula not hear a word from the various Royaliultora whom her grandmamma and papa wished her to favor. Her attitude was thab if she wtre not allowed to choose a husband for herself she would nob marry at all •

A couple of yean ago. the exhibited more than ordinary interest in Lord Revelgtoke, the industrious chief of the house of Baring, Horrified a« aristocrat* of the old ichool were at fint at the idea of a daughter of Royalty marrying a banker, the admirable behaviour of Lord Revelstoke in slaving for the restoration of his family's fortune and the sincere attachment between himself and the Pr)noMß softened criticism and awakened tnntffc sympathy < But the Prinoa of Wales remained unmoved arid bis daughter oeased to meet Lord Revel* stoke. Indeed, she ceased to appear in ■oeiety at all. Among the many oligiblea with whom rumour associated her name were the Earl of Roaebery and the Ozirewitoh of Russia no* Czar.

Meanwhile gallant Prince George of Greece now Governor of Crete, moat athletio and pioturesque of Europe's Royalties, has been paying oourt to his English oouain from boy hood. And he, according to this lateeb report has reoeived his final dismissal..

The Wages of Stamen.

RESULT OF THE CONFERENCE.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copy tight

Melbourne, Dec 11

A Conference of the Shipowners' Fede ration and the representatives of the Bea' men's Unions of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland have arrived at an amicable agreement in regard to men's claims.

Iv reference to the main demand for an Increase of Wages from £6 loj to £7i Was agreed that the representative* of the two sides should meet In May next,, or such time as agreed upon, to discuss the question of conceding the increase. If the state of trade permit, from the Ist Janu ary next The owners conceded most of the Union demands, and the men's represen* tativea gave np the demands for increased overtime rates, for the alteration of the meal hours and extra payment when leaving port on Sundays, for shorter watches, and an increase of a pound a month on smaller steamers.

A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

A committee meeting of the Aihbnrton A. and P. Association was held yesterday afternoon, Present—The President, Messrs Cookaon, Grigg, Bland, Reid, Bonifant, MoGnfferty, Horsey, Stone, Upton and Small* The report of the sub oommittee, upon the question of scouring » veterinary surgeon, was read by the secretary ai follows : The oommittee recommend that, the Minis ■ ter of Agriculture be notified that it is tr,e general request of members of this Aseooia tion, farmers and others, in the Afhbnrton county, that a first olass qualified veterinary surgaon be residenb in this district, and would be glad to know if the Department can aooede to the request at an early date. The report was adopted and resolution passed SHOW DATE The question of the date of the next show was then considered, and after discussion, Mr Grigg moved ' That the Thuriday and j Fiiday of the week previous to the Christ church Metropoliton Show be finally fixed as the date on which the Aehburton Show bo held annually, and that all Canterbury Associations be notified at once. 1 It was decided that fortnightly meeting! of the oommittee be disoontinned, and that In future, meetings be called by notion This was all the businessi

The Commonwealth Celebrations

LORD HOPETOUN'S RECEPTION

United Preu Association—By Electrio Telegraph —Copyright Sydney, December 11 Lady Hopetonn is convalescent, and sailed from Colombo for Australia by the steamer Rome yesterday.

The New Brighton Mystery

SOME LIGHT AT LAST,

Mr Cooke, chemist, Cashel street, has thrown some light on the hitherto impeoe* trablo mystery. He states that on the 26th or 27th November a young man came into his shop, and remarked that he had been there before, about two years ago, when be stated that he was suffering from heart disease. Almost the first words ha spoke to Mr Cooke werie: 'I am not altogether right yet; my heart and chest are bad.' He asked for some medicine, but Mr Cooke did not givt him any, but advised him to go oat to New Brighton, and have some freih air. The man went away and returned on the 3rd or 4th of this tnbnth and told Mr Oooke that he was going *tb New Brighton* Mr Oooke then advised him not to bathe in the sea unless he had somebody with him, but said he could take off his boots and stookings and walk about in the water as muoh as he liked.

The stranger replied that he did nob like to loiter about the pier, where he would be under tbe observatioa of eu many, ani Mr Oocke replied : ' Why not go away from the pier along the beach, away from the people.' The man replied that he would do so, and would come ba k and let Mr Oooke know how he w»i. . Since then Mr Cooke has seen DC-thing of him.

The description Mr Cooke gives of the man ii similar to that given of tha deceased. The visitor had a very large neck and full throat; and bo had deceased. Mr Cooke noticed that the man was wearing a par ticular kind of tie, and merino singlet; the deceaied was wearing a tie and a singlet corresponding to Mr Cooke'a description. It is unfortunate that Mr Cooke did not see che body before it) was buried. He has seen a photograph of the deceased, hut cannot state positively from that whether it was the man who came to hie shop. When the man visited Mr Cooke?* shop two years ago, Mr Cooke took down hu name as < H. Wcriog.' Inspector Ellison leceived a cable message on Tuesday from a Mr Whelan, «me Huddsrt Parker, Melbourne, as follows * —Brother left here Westralia end of 0 tobcr. Wrote 30ih November, from Manchester Street Ghiißtohurch; Age 29 Cable particulars. The sender of this telegram is evidently the brother of the unfortunate man, and by the incoming Australian mail, he will probably e*nd to tbe Inspector a full description of his brother's movement* and doings. The In epector has cabled back a shott account of the affair— Press,

SUPREME COURT.

A Chamber sitting was held on Tuesday morning at Christohurob, before hie Honour Mr Justice Martin.

IN DVOECK.

In the case of Hamer v Hamer, t,n appli cation was made for alimony by Mrs Hsmer, to whom a decree nisi had been granted dissolving the marriage. It was alleged by the petitioner that the respondent was in receipt of £800 per annum The respondent in his answer, averred that he was paying off debts by monthly instalments, and that Mrs Hamer waf entitled to a revisionary interest amounting to over £2000. Mr Burges stated that the case for the petitioner, and urged that £10 per month was a fair amount of alimony. Only £5 ft month had been paid during the past three months, and be would ask that this should be made, and be a first charge. As to the reversionary interest, that, of course, the petitioner had no benefit from at present, besides which it had been mortgaged for the payment of the debts of respondentl. Mr Fisher, tor respondent, said Mr Hamer was ready to pay a reasonable sum as alimony but he asked the Court not to burden him too greatly. As to the reversionary interest it was not true (hat it had been mortgaged for the purpose referred to by Mr Burges. His Honour, after argument, made an order for payment of alimony at the rate of £8 6s 8d per month, pendenfce lite, to be a first charge.

The Stoke Prosecutions.

THE REMAINING CHARGES ABANDONED, l

United Preis Aiicniation—by Electric fin Telegraph Wellington, December 11 The Grown baa decided nob to proceed with the remaining ohargei against-Brother Wybertm, which comprised three of common asiaulb and two of indeoenb assaults on boys at the Stoke Orphanage. This deoie-on brings the Stoke cases to an endi In all the oases tried the juries brought in verdicts of not guilty, and two of the oases against Brother Wybertus broke down.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

JUnited Preea Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—-Copyright

London, December 11 The following gratoitea are tn be pa*d to a'l troops, Imperial and colonial, who parti cipated in the South African aatnoMgn s— Private! £5, non oommifsioned officers £7 \ 10a to £15, warrant officer* £20. second Hontenanti £30, Nontenants £37 10s, cap tains £60, nn jori £80, oolooeit £160, and the higher ranks proportionate tarns. The total to be distributed will be a million and a half The Prince of Wales ii to meet L«td Roberta on his arrival atPaddington station aod accompany him to the thanksgiving ■ervioe at St Paul's

Willikqton, December 13

Colonel Francis and Trumpeter Wttkin' son, formerly of the Fourth Contingent, who was invalided to England from South Africa, leave London by the steamer China on the 14 Inst.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

Attack on Mr Chamberlain

An Indignant Reply

United Pre»« Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, Dec 11 la the House of Commons Mr Lloyd George's amendment to the Address-in- Repl}, indirectly condemning Mr Chamberlain's connection with com panies interested in War Office contracts, was rejected by 269 against 127 Mr Chamberlain, in an indignant reply, said it wag hard, after twenty seven years' service in Parliament, to be compelled to explain that he was not such a scoundrel. Such rubbishy ! attacks rendered it difficult for honor* aule men to serve the State. Tht speech was received with cheers The Address in Reply was carried by 265 against 23

THE LATEST

Imperial Politics

A Government Victory

United Press Association—By Kleosrto Telegraph

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 11,8 49 am, Thisfoffiee 948 am London, December 11 In the House of Commons, an amendment to the Address in Reply, moved by Mr Bartley, member for Islington North, regretting the number of Lord Salisbury's relatives, included in the Cabinet, was rejected by « majority of 102,

Austrian.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Reoeived Wakajraaka Deo 12, 9 8 a m, This Office 1021 * m Sydnby, December 12

A despatch from Mr Chamberlain confirms the appointment of Admiral Beaumont to the com maud of the Australian Station I Melbourne, December 12 i In the Assembly the Cld Age Pensions Bill passed after amendment! made raising the pensions to ten shillings weekly and providing for twenty years residence qualification. The Womenß' Suffrage Bill wm read a second time by 56 to 27, and pissed its later stages ! A collision occurred late last night between the steamers Ormuz, outward bound, and Ismalia, inward bound, at the heads. It is supposed that neither is damaged ; the Ormuz continued her voyage. Bbisbaks, Dec 12 Another icene has occurred in the Assembly over the application of the cloture Mr Macdonald, a labour member, was suspended for a week

THE THANSVAAL WAR

Tit SiU&oe rt Dt Wit

United Press Association—By Eleotrie Telegraph—Copyright) Received Deo. 12, 954a.m London, December 11 The silence respecting De Web is owing to the absence of correspondents with General Knox's columns. * Lord Roberta' speeches at Capetown war* optimistio regarding the termination of the campaign The return of refugees to the Rand it calf prevented by the fear of famine Lord Roberta' memorandum shows tbab punitive neatures of a deterrent eharaete and thf burning of farms is adopted only after s< rict enquiry i (Buoeived Wakapoaka Deor 12, 10 48 am, This Office 12 20 pm) - Lonßoir, Dec 11 Th Boers surprised two unarmed High lander* wood cutting near Rustenburg district. When the axes were surrendered, the Highlanders were murdered. '

KRUGER'S MISSION

Holland Deaf

Uu.bed Pren Association—By Eleotrlo

Telegraph—Copyright

Received Dee 12, 9 64 p m liOKDOK, DM 11 The Tints states that The Hague Govern* orient's position is unmodified, and is Is con sidered that no further reason existe let Kruger's presence. Other advioee state thai Holland has firmly declined to propot* arbitration.

tttFi ASBBURIOfI ot}AfcT)f AN j WEDKfiSftAf DECEMBtSH 12,, 1905



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THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY MEeS'3 Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3s 6d Men's White Canvas Tennia Shirts 4s 6d Men'B Fancy Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Bats from 3a Boys' New Straw Hats from la Man's Frame Hats in New Shades 43 to 12s 6d The Largest Stock in A.&hburton. CYCLING SWEATERS id Fawn and White, from 6a Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Novelties, AT IEE N-Z. CLOTHING FACTORY* F. H. BE( KINGSALU, Manager. Zl ALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Batted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Dunlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Month*. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manufacturers io the Colony __^______^i———> WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 Consignments will be received at our Asnburton or Tinwald stores, and [sent on to •tther Christehareh or TSmara, free of all chargas, except railage; OlientH who wish to send thoic Wool direct from their newest) railway station will eaet> consign as follows :— If intended for sale at Ashburton-Frledlander BroB 5, Ltd Siding, Aihborton If intended for sale at Chrietohuroh—Brown aad Son's Siding, Addington If intended for sale or shipment at Timwu-Mill k Co. Siding, Ttawra Iflintended for shipment^ Lyttelton-N.Z.ShipplnglOo^Dumpfog^Shed, Lyttclltr WOOLSACKS, TWINE BRANDING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Ouf Next Sale will take place at Chrißtchttrch on* THUBSDAT, DEOBMBJBB 13, 1900 HUKDLANDER BROS, LTD The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.S Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. IS™ MIIS. STmD. I* Tasvo* Go D lp, Resident Seoretary, STRONGEST UFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY IN THE Difiunufloi WORLD Financial Position. „,„„,! me £219 670,058 | Surplus over liabilities ... *lz«2i*«?:2 Assaraooe in foroe ... ••• h*s m ' m Acn F ual iooome ... _ £11.286,145 jznr^%«iaa»«.»s ii 'Mi" NICQLL BROS, 1247



Agents, Ashburton



4 Cough (Jure, Wahoo.lVooLißAH ,nd Benjamin Gum go to AsHBCSTON DbitoCt _______—— W"" ANTED KNQWN—That J. Moison baa received a large stock of fashion able Bummer Boot* aod Shoes of the best material, also about* to arrive new stock of the lateßb French Goods, and invites the Public for inspection. J. M. beiog the only reliable and practical Bootmaker ia the town, this givee him superiority and facility to know the best value and quality Repairs carried on just the same, in the cheapest, neatest, and mosfc f*shionabie style. Best i leathers used, and workmanship by the best , of tradesmen, ab The Hall, East Street, Aehburton, m FOR SAJbF OK TO LET fIIHES Bnngalow recently vacated by X Mrs Kicsman containing seven rooms aud office, and situated facing the Domain at the janction of North Eaßfc Town Belt and West Street. The above shonld prove a desirable Property both aa an investment for capital and a comfortable home. F. tfEBBIMAN. LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashburton. FOR BALE. A GOOD House of fWe rooms with 2| acres of land in a localty where two or three cows may be kept Within quarter of 9 mile of Town Belt, The owner ia leaving the distrct. Any reasonable terms can be arranged. Apply F. FEERTMAN LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, ; Ashburton "~ FOiTSALE^ 1 Woods Side Delivery, equal to new, price £16 10a P F. FK.BRIMAN. FOB SALE, 1 Woods Beaper and Binder that has oply done 1 year's work ' F. FDBBIMAN. FOR SALE, 1 Grain and Manure Drill F FERKIMAN.



I ASHBURTON OFFICE ! TIMES" " CANTERBURY TIMES ' "STAR" "SPORTSMAN ' WHERE Advertisements and Subscrip tions will be received, and files can inspected. E. NORDON. Managing Agent for South Canterbury, BURNETT STREET, (Entrance to Thomas' New Auction Mart). n 10 (EhTn^Z. FARMERS' 00-OPEBATIVE ASSOUIATION OF CANTERBURY Ltd. WE have several really first-class Farm* for Sale on our books, and farmerr wishing-to purchase would do well to call on us for particulars s— 520 Acres Raknfft Distrloc 365 „ 500  Dromore „ 1000 „ Lauriston  1180 „ Springburn „ 750 „ Wakaaul „ 1031 „ Chert y „ 1958 „ Dromjie „ T. .Ft GIBBON, Bf»iage There are more human beings going about the world pale, listless and miserable, because what they eat does them no good, than «Ter poverty, sorrow and misfortune were accoun table for ; in fact, the failures of this life have their origin more often in stomachic derangements than in mental and physical disabilities, as generally understood. Why is this ? Well, from many causes, but chiefly from the faot that disregarding symptoms, people will not take care of themselves. Diet, you say ? No ; care first, diet afterwards and always. Take Impey'a "May Apple" for Indigestion and liver trouble; then, diet as much as you like. It is a certain cure, and costs only 2a (Advfc) DON'T Nature cuamy re you NEGLECT cough without aid, bufcyo COUGHS, can't afford to chance it* A cough that Is left to cure itself is slowly overcome at beßfc, and there Is apt to be eomi weakness left to make the next cough come easier. ... Wa have two realty good remedies for oouche and olds. I B BENJAMIN GUM is specially suitable for recent chills. Ifc U pleasant to take, cures very quickly, pre vents inflamatory symptoms and alltyi ■ 1 annoying tickling and hacking coughs, i TOWNEND'S CINNAMON CURE lis specially suitable for chronic oougbi, j though it will break up » recent attack as quickly as any other medicine made—Cinaa , 1 won has been proved in Pasteues Institute to possess great destructive power over all bacilli, whilst being perfectly harmless to human beings. vVe have received some flattering letters as to its efficacy in eon sumption, bronchitis, asthma, dywntry »nd a typhoid fever.



FRANKLY, AN ADVERTISEMENT. "May Apple" is better than pills, oils, salts and other disagreeable medicines. It is easily taken, more gentle in its action, and, without irritating or weakening the ' liver, kidneys or stomach, it overcomes con stipation and many ills dependent thereon. It aots gently yet promptly. Ask for Impev's ••May Apple.' Price 2s. A SVRAINBD ANKLE QUICKLY OOMED *At one time I suffered from a severe sprain of the, ankle*' says George £ Gary, editor of the Guide, Washington. Va. 'After using several well recommended medicines without success, I tried Chamberlain's Pain Balm, and am pleased to say that relief came as soon as I began ita n*e, and a oomplete cute speedily followed.' Sold by Asbbnrton WANTED Known—The rapid lightning Shirt Gloss has byfarthelarpeatsale la New Zeaiand-JoHN Orb and Co and BpiARMAN Bios



lord Salisbury's Daughter. _ ♦—_____ Lsdy Gwendolen Oecil, Lord Salis bury^ unmarried daughter, who re .cently attained her fortieth birthday, fills, as far as a daughter can, the place of the late marchioness! She is her father's right hand, and npon her shoulders has devolved the duty of managing the Hatfield utate, whioh osed to be looked after by Lady Salisbury. Lady Gwen slolen is a splendid business woman, and rery clever in many ways. She is a capable art critic, and takes an inte rest in the Hertfordshire Arts and i Grafts Society aecond only to that displayed by her mother, and ehe is a versatile writer. ! $moTe~TNiw~Vneuß j



CONSULTING OPTICIAN Mr Ernest 11. Sandatein, DBOAi, FB, MO, who has lately retaraed after ilx yean* special study in England and Con tinent^ may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight* Daylight not neoessary artificial light being Died. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Cashel Street W;, over M Sandstetn, jeweller, Chrlstchoroh. 950 to I, 9 to 5 daily



Some i&d Foreign. (Received Deo 12, 9 S a m) Ottawa, Decemfifcr 11 Yielding to the general Canadian and Imperial wish of Sir Wilfred Laurier, the Canadian premier, aooompanied bf Bis wife) and several colleagues, will ascend th« opening of the Australian Commonwealth Parliament. (Received Deer 12, 1048 am) Lohdow, December 11 O'Brien, Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, has declared that there are 721 farina In Urn Muniter district from which the tcoamti have been evicted ; one-fifth are derelict and the rest ooflopied by police protected tenant*. Juries have refused to convict) in an intiml* dation cue, and he advisee • ohaage of venae and special juries to deal with weft osseSi The managing directors of Peareoart (limited) have been fined £100 each for iMulng football competition coupons wttfc, their pnbUoatlone. Caiio, DcoMibtr 11 The mission of M»j«-Ge**ral BUM. Pacha, wh« In September las* ma appointed Inspector General of the Soudan, ha* proved successful. As the result of Meior-General SUtln's overtures, the Soltan of Darfur hat hoisted the British and Hiyptian flag. Smoke New Yen^i