THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— (JHRISTOHUROH—ab 7.20 am, 11 »m 3.15 p m, 7 6 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 3.50 pm DDNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daUy at Ashbnrton froir—• OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 » m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU-at 10.25 a m, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN~at 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Mood for December

BUN.

Mail Notices.

Exprpss delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashburton as from Ist January 1901. Fxpreas delivery will cover lettere and parcels bob exceeding throe ibß in weight, for which an extra fee of s;xpence has been paid, The special mes senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on requeat 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.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND

PRODUCE MARKETS

Quotations are as followa : — vV'heat—Hun'er's, pearl and velvet, 2a 4d to 2i si, Rtifi Tuscan 2a 5d to 2s 6d. Uats — Canadian la 91, short fetd la 8d to 1b B|d, Duns 18 7d to la BJ, Danish Is 7>i to U 7|l Barley (nominal)— Malting 2s delivered Floor (millers' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, stone £6, eharpa £3 Q*, bran £3. CUtmeal—£lo - Beans— 2i 41 'o2s 5d Peas—Prussian Blues 2s to 2s 3d, part ridge 2s 4d to 2s 6d Oatßbeaf Chuff — 42s 6d at near country stations. Hay—£3 58 to £3 10s, delivered : prlmest baled £4, f ob Seeda—Ryegraas, farmers' lots Is 9J to 2a, prime heavy, town dressed, 2s 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 2^d to 2f d for bright seed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 161b to 17ib seed, 3^d to 4d, cowsjrass 5d to 6d, extra choice 6£d, White clover, 6d to 7Jd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to 6d, factory 5d to 6d. Butter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 7d to Bd, aalfc, in boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams sid to 6d, factory bacon and hams, |d per Ib higher. The above prices, except wH * f Twine a'ated, are those paid to f^ru^id, f.o.b, Lybtelton.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET

The usual weekly mle was held at the Tinwald yards to-day, on aooount of the New Year holiday falling upon the usual sale day, The weather being again inclement, there waa only ft moderate attendance of the public The entries in cattle were limited to about a dtzen head, of mostly fab sorts. In butohars' sheep the pens were sparsely occupied, and the balk of the entries in store description, which comprised about 1800 sheep, were made up of ewes and lambs. The following prices were realised :—

Cattle—Heifers, £4 3s to £7 2a 6d ; fab cows, £5 17s to £6 17s.

Sheep—Fat merino ewes, 9i 3d ; fat merino wethers, 10s 3d ; fat lambs, 15s 3d to 16s 6d ; fat crossbred ewes, 15a to 15s 31 —all shorn. One fat wether fetched 2ls 3d. Stores—Croßtbred ewes and 'amba (in woolj 13s Id—all counted ; shnrn do. lls 2d ; merino ewes and lambs, 10s 31—ail counted. Shorn two-toothi, in pn"r condition, 14a 31 ; shorn merino wethers, 7a 6d.

Pigs—A fair yarding, and bidding was ■omewhat more brisk.

HAVELOCK STREET MART.

Mr Henry titcphenson reports on hia weekly sale of live stock pigs poultry furni* ture, &o, as under: —On Saturday 1 had a fair attendance, and a good yarding of pigs met with better competition than the previous week,consequently the market was firmer^— Weanere selling at 7s 6d 8s 8< 6d 9i to 10a ; large stores I2s to 13* 6.1, pnrkeis £1 5s to £1 7s ; fat bows £1 103 io 395. Small yard ing of cattle 1 eprieger realizing £5- Poul try good entry fowls 2a to 2« 9d; roasters 2-! 6d to 3s 6d. (jleese 5j to 6s ducks 2s 61 to 3s all a< per pair. In the produce line old potatoes were hard to quit and new in small l"ts sold from fto Id per lb. Wheat 6s to 7- 6d accozdiDg to quality, a line of oats at la 6d per bushel* A quantity of furniture and sundries realised satisfactory prices

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1900. THE END OF THE CENTURY.

No reflection man or woman can contemplate the fact that this is the lasfc day of the nineteenth century without being more than ordinarily impressed by the solemnity of the occasion. No journalist can take up his pen to write on each a momeocuous theme without feeling bow very email a part of the great events that have occurred since the century be^an happened within the little space of time during which he has formed one of the human atoms on the face of this planet, But, although events contemporaneous with our own short lives may not be traced far back

into the years when tl c century Taaj younp, we can find in the pages of! history enough to show that the pist hundred years mark one of the mat brilliant epochs in the story of human progress. The century began as it is ending, with all the grf at nations of the earth more or less engaged in war But although the invention of pun powder had Bupplied men with more effective means of slaughter than their forefathers possessed, their weapons had not materially affected the art of war as it was practised in former times amongst the more civilised people, On land, infantry was still the mainstay of their armies, and the Greek phalanx found its representative in the British tquare. On the ocean the "wooden walls of Old England" were every where invincible, and everywhere the battle was determined ' when the opposing warriors came to close quar ters. What a marvellous and terrible change science has made since Welling ton swept the French from the Spanish Peninsula, and Nelson annihilated the combined fleets of Britain's enemies at Trafalgar! Soldiers can now carry on a battle when the troops of the foe are too far off to be seen with the naked eye; can pour an iron rain into them the rate of hun dreds of missileß a minute ; and one well directed shell will annihilate a whole squadron. Sailors in their steel castles armed with cannon that can project shells more than ten miles, no longed attempt to grapple with the enemy, but content themselves with blowing him up with a torpedo. These changed have revolutionised war. r t is a sad confession to have to make that with all our accumulated know ledge of nature's wonders and man's insignificance, we have not yet been able to accept the doctrine that universal peace is desirable and possible. | War has created some remarkable changes upon this globe of ours, and it cannot be denied that it has in one way and another produced results which are not in all cases to be deplored. It has shaken humanity up in a way nothing else could have done, and has shown up in bold relief whatever was good or bad in national life.- It has enobled true heroism, self - denial, manliness, patience, and many other virtues ; and it has accentuated the public contempt for and abhorrence of the opposite qualities. Nevertheless we trust the world will one day recognise that it is a barbarous thing for nationi to ack nowledge noarbitrament bat that of the sword. It would have baen a grand triumph for civilisation if the twentieth century be^an under a new regime; if •that mad game the world so loves to play * could be banished from this fair earth, and ' the harsh and boisterous tongue of war be heard no more.' But although war has made many changes since this century opened,' peace hath her victories, no less renowned.' In fact man's achievements in the realms of science and of art have exercised an infinitely greater influence upon the condition of the inhabitants of this planet than any war has ever done. When the people who lived in civilised countries in the year 1801 wished to travel, they did so on land in a lumber -1 ing coach at the rate of about six miles an hour, and on the sea, in bluff stemmed old tubs propelled by sails and dependent on the winds. They could only communicate with one another by lettfra carried by the same means. Days, weeks, and months were lost while long journeys wereperformed.and great events occurred that were ancient history when heard of a few hundred miles away. What was called " the civilised world" was practically con fined to some lands in the northern hemisphere. Australia, New Zealand, the islands of the Pacific, and the«rea*er part of Africa were almost unknown countries, whose shores only had been visited by explorers, and whose riches and capabilities had not been even dreamed of. We, who live at the close of the century can hardly con ceive such a state of things. We can travel about on land faster than a bird can fly—sixty or seventy miles an hour having been covered by some of oar express trains—and on sea we are in dependent of wind and tides, owing to the mighty power of steam, We can, by the aid of electricity, converse with one another, although thousands of miles of land and sea may lie between, and we are on the eve of more wonderful discoveries in connection with the same marvellous agency. What innumerable inventions hare, during the century, added to our comforts and increased our possibilities for enjoyment cannot be enumerated within the limits of a newspaper article. It is sufficient to say that the advance made in human knowledge is so extraordinary, and the conditions of life have been so tremend ously altered that we can only marvel, and look for greater changes Ptil!. We should not omit to n entiou that amongst the most remarkable features of the century just closed, is the enormous expansion of the British Empire, At the end of the eighteenth century, Britain was en gaged in constant wars with powerful Indian Princes to enable her to maintain the footing she had gained on the Peninsula of Hindustan. Now, the whole of that vast territory from the Himalayas to the sea is under British rule, as is a large portion of the Burmese Peninsula. In 1801 no white men except, perhaps, a few adven turers, could be found on any part of the Australian continent, and only Maoris inhabited the Island of New Zealand. What these lands are now every schoolboy knows. And the waste places scattered throughout the vast ocean have all been gathered in by the civilised nations, Great Britain tak ing quite her fair share, as she is doing on the great dark continent where her soldiers and our sons are now fighting in the cause of liberty and civilisation. We cannot in a cursory notice such as this must be, deal with this grand and interesting subject in the way it might be dealt with. We may, however, express a hope that the men and women who may be alive at the close of the century just beginning may be better—they will surely be wiser— than we are. And it is a justifiable aspiration that when that time com eg Britons—we use the term in its widest sense—may stand at the head of the nations of the earth, leading mankind ever onward and upward towards true morality and universal knowledge, What can we say now as to the short year we close to-day ? The vastness of the century's changes overshadows

he incidents of (he fe# months we iave just pussfd. ■ Nevertheless it baa r>ot been an v tvontful yrar. The foroign and dtmuesiic lelations of the Krapire have engaged the attention of the whole world. Ihe situation in Africa has undergone a striking change since the end of 1899, and now there Hoes not exist a shadow of a doubt even in the minds of the Boers them selves, that it is only a question of a. few weeks when they must give np the struggle. The important events that have occurred, mark the year as an important one in history. Never before, at least since the Crusades, have the Western nations coalesced for a great enterprise as thoy have done to quell the rising in China. This move ment may have beneficial results out side of the objects for which it was promoted, and we are justified in expressing a hope that one of these results may be to sweep away those national jealousies, which are such a menace to the world's peace. In Australasia a nation has been formed from the coalition of the units of British settlement in these seas, with the exception of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands; and these too are con sidering the great question of federa tion; The coming year promises to be one of great interest and progress, and as matters are now trending in these colonies it is certain that New Zealand must bulk largely in the public eye during the next twelve month?. As for this part of it we may fairly expect to share in the prosperity and progress, which the future promises, and in this belief we cordially wish oar readers ♦ A Happy New Year

Local and General.

To Oub Rbadibs—ln accordance with ' the usual custom, the Gvabbia.it will not bs published to-morrow, New Year's Day, Ni# Bobouch Offices—Messrs Smith & Son made a starb with their contract for the additions to the Borough offices this morning* The Addington Mabkbt—There will be bo market at Addington on Wednesday; the gale will take pace on the following day. New YlAß'a Bvk—To-night being New Year's Eye, the retail premises in Ashburton will be open until a late hour Weatbkb Fobecast. —Captain Edwin wires:—Strong southerly winds, glass rise, weather cold ; indications of rain. Tinwai* Bacino Club.—Attention is directed to an official alberatkm in the pro gramme, which will be found in our advertis ing columns. Satubday Night—The Aahburton streets presented a lively appearance on Saturday evening- last, and the various shopkeepers appeared to be having & busy time. (The Campbell Islakds—Captain Tucker, of Gisborne, with a parby of men, left on Saturday for Oampboll Islands, which he has taken over, The steamer Rimu will take them, with 2000 sheep from Dunedin. The Sixth Contingent.-~ Applications are invited from men desiring to join the sixth contingent. Conditions, rates of pay, and other particulars will be found in our advertising columns. Watohniqht Service,—A watohnight ser vice will be held in the Baptist Church to night,commencing at 11 o'clock. Addresses will be given by ministers and other«•, and it ie expected there will be a large congregation A Handsomb Donation—By the last Homo mail, the Rev Geo. B. Isglis received a draib for £100 from hia brother, Mr James I'lgli", a member of the London Stock Kx thange, as a donation to the fund for the erection of the new Presbyterian Manso. The Paris Exhibition.—During the last days of the Paria Exhibition, an army of bailiffs was mobilised to levy distress war rants and eeizi the goods of over three hun dred Concessionaires, who were unable to meet their engagements. French Naval Pboobamme.—The Bud 1 get Committee's Report on the French Naval programme which was laid before the Depu. ties lately proposes to add ever fifteen million francs to the credits voted for the current year. Two new first class battleships and eight submarine bo ts ac to be constructed. Wbsleyan Sunday School—lt is announced in this issue that should the weather to morrow prove unfavorable for theßaringSquare Sundry School treat, io be held in the bctnaio, toe scholars will meat at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at the Drill Shed, which has been kindly placed at the school's disposal for the oco >sion.' The Scpbbmk Coubt Bench—Mr J C Martin, who is filling a seat on the Supreme Court Bench during the absence of Mr Justice Denniston in Europe, has been appointed a permanent Judge of the Supreme Court, The appointment is to date from Mr Justice Denniston's return to the colnny, A Hini to the Ashburton Band -The Master ton Band went through all the streets of the town on Christmas eve, playing before the houses till an early hour on Christinas morning, and it intends doing the same on New Year's eve. The townspeople made the Band some handsome donations in consequence. That is the way to popularise a local band and ensure publio support. The Accident at Tinwald—The malt of the accident to Mr Georga Low, previously reported in tbsue qolumns proved fatal, Mr Low passing away at 5 oVoek on Saturday afternoons Mrs Low al bough badly injured externally in the faoe and' boiy was able to attend the inquest oo her husband's body and gave her evidence in a highly intelligent manner, more especially considering the severe aooident, and the unfortunate and sudden result, Politics Thiokis than Blood—Members of a family do not always hold the same political views, and in the British Parliament, recently elected, are three pairs of brotheis who will faoe each other on (he opposite sides of ths house. All are Scotsmen, They are Campbell-Binnerman, and his Conservative brother, Mr J A Campbell; tbe two member:) of tb.3 Dawar family, and the Waaoca—Mr Eugene Wason, member for Clackmannan and) Kinross, and Mr Oathoart Waeon, who was elected for the Orkney and Shetland ■ eat in the Unionist interest. Ajsr AnnuaLj—Messrs Mills Dick* Co book almanac and directory for 1901 is to hand and contains more than the usnal amount of useful information and da* a for reference. We notice that the proprietors have taken advantage of the non-publication lasb year of the Canterbury and Ofcsgo alma naa, which for over twenty years issued from the TitOAru ffepald office, by including this year a directory of South Canterbury. From a business poiat of viex this has been a success as the large number of advertise ments obtained from that district will amply repay, them for the extra expense entailed. Olive Shbeiner's Latest Shriek—Writ ing on October 12, Olive Bhreiner aayn: "When the day comes, and ib will come when foreign troops, Russian, French, or Germans, are uppn the soil of England; when KnglishmeD gather to defend Richmond Hill and Hampstead Heath, as we have gathered bo defend the hills and passes of our native land; when the tramp of foreign soldiers is heard in the streets of London, and the ground! s wet at the Marblo Arch and Hyde Park corner with the blood of Englishmen; when the cup she now presses to our lips is pressed to hers, and England stands where we stand to-day, thenj let her remember —South Africa."

INQUEST.

An inquest concerning the death of Mr ( Geo. Low, farmer, of Liimore, was held on • Sunday afternoon at Mts Mackay'a private/ hospital before R Aloorn, Etq , and a jury J oi six, of which Mr H A Gates was choeen J foreman. The jury having viewed the body Dr. P Bolger gave evidence that he was called out to an aocident at Tinwald on Friday. 28 f b last, and found Low lying on the footpath Be was in a very collapsed condition although coneciouß. Ordered his removal to Mrs Mackay's hospital, where he gradually sank and died on Saturday even ing. He had been under treatment of the doctor and the day of the accident he came to consult him. Recommended him to stay in town for treatment, but he stated hs wan driving a young horse in a daisy cart and ha feared to let his wife drive home alone. Had made a post mortem examination of the body and found a large tumour growing from the liver and it was the rupture of .this tumour during the accident) which was the cause of death, I ndependently of the accident the duration of his life would only have been A matter of a few months or possibly weeks.

Mrs Agnes Isabella Low, who was in a weak state from the aooident, wife of deceased, abated on Friday they came to town to consult the doctor In referenoe to Mr Low's health, and It was arranged to have an operation on the following Monday. They lefb Ashburton shortly before three and crossed the bridge safely. The horse was young, and they took the daisy cart as it was the easiest trap for Mr Low to drive in. Met the train and the horse went past, but the engine whistling startled the horse, who commenced to kick ; and eventually

lashed out vigorously. Thit was all she could remember, ac she wai dragged along the road. Seme person lifted them up, and at first her husband, who wa« underneath her, was unconscious. The horse had nob played up before and it was simply the train that startled the animal. Her husband soon regained consciousness. There were no bruises apparent on her husband, only a scratch on the nose, although he teemed bo be in gteat pain after the accident. Deceased had never complained previously of any pain. Constable Ede stated he was near the scene of the accident and rode up im mediately. The whole affair was very sudden, and from the appearances of his I clothes the deceased fell on his stomach.

Tbe jury brought in a verdict thab deceased met his death by a trap accident through the horse running away.

1.0.0. F., M.U.

The Loyal Aehbnrton Lodge, Mo. 6003, held its quarterly summoned meeting on Friday evening last. There was a good attendance of members and visiting brethren. The N.G, Bro John Newman, opened the lodge, hut had to retire early, and the meeting was presided over by P.G. Bro Jamea Nicholas for the remainder of the evening. A small list of sick pay was passed for payment, only two members of the lodge befng on the sick list at present. The usual quarterly accounts were passed for payment, and a considerable amount of routine business transacted. The election of officers for the ensuing term resulted as foSlowi:—NG —TG Bro W. Thompson; V G—Bro John Turton ; E S-PG Bro H. Thompson. The installation of officers was deferred until next lodge night, as was also the election of minor officers. The election of three memberß of the Hall Committee, to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement by rotation of three past members, resulted in Bros. H. Thompson, W. Thompson, and James Paterson being elected. Bro Thomas Barber was elected to fill a vacancy on the Hall Committee, caused by the resignation of Bro T. Norgan, who purposes visiting England early next year. Two candidates were proposed for membership. In connec tion with the installation of the officers elect on nexb lodge night, the NG intimated that a smoke concert would ba held after the lodge was closed, and he hoped thab all members who could would attend the meet ing, Tho receipts for the evening amounted to £95 4s 2d. A successful evening^ busi ness was brought to a close by the N G performing the closing ceremony.

PRESENTATION.

On Saturday afternoon a number of the friends of Mr OF Wroughton, manager of the Aehburton branch of the Union Bank, met at the A. kP. Association's rooms to make him a presentation, previous to his departure for Timaru, to take charge of the branch there. Mr G Leadley presided, and there were also present Messrs T Bullock, T Taylor, T Upton, E Horeoy, J Bonifant, M Btitt, E J Paul, E Saurdeis, S Chapman, F Ferriman, P Stewart, R Friediander, J Wit hell, D Thomas, Tarb'otton, Frampton, W Chisnall, and apologies vrero read from Messrs J D vison and AD<twaan.

Mr Leadlpy explained that they were called together to say good bye to a gentle man, whom they were very loth to loae; Mr Wroughton had been resident amongst them for yeais, in fact had started his banking career in the place, and from a subordinate position had worked himself up to the position r<f manager at Aehburton, which he had wcr hit; filled, and he was now under promotion to the charge of the Timaru branch. The position of a B*nk manager, was a very delicate—and at times a very difßoult—one to fill owing to the banker having to act as a sort of buffer between the Bank authoiities on the one hand, and the clients of the institution upon the other, and therefore, the position was one whioh re quired great discernment, tact, and an accurate and quick judgment, all of which had been developed by Mr Wroughton,. As a citizen also, he had taken his part in what ever was going on. The speaker referred to a favourite expression of school inspectors, 4 The discipline observed was mild, hut firm,' and this, he thought, aptly described Mr Wroughton's mancer with the clientele of the Bank. They would »11 be pleased to know that Mr Wroughton's abilities had been recognised by his employers, and that he was promoted a step higher op the ladder. Mr Leadley then stated he had been deputed by the subscribers to present Mr Wroughton with a purse and its contents as a token of their eßteem for him as a bußinoia man and a citizen.

Mr T. Bullock, who had known Mr Wroughton since his arrival in Aahburton, testified to his painstaking and reliable manner, and added that he had always carried out his dub es as pleasantly as possible. Whep this gentlemaQ reached Ashburton the place was oonsidered somewhat insignificant, but now It was one of the best and siott important inland towns in the colony. The A. and P. Association was then a very small combination, whereas now it was a prominent feature of the colony. Mr Wroughton had first arrived in Ashburton in JSB2 and remaining until J893 when he left the district, returning, however, in 1895, and remaining until the present. He had pleasure in handing over for Mrs Wroughton a lady's manicure silver set, together with a handsome gold bangle for their daughter and a miniature hall mirror and brushes for Mr and Mrs Wroughton. Messrs M S titt, E Saundera, and T E Upton also spoke in eulogy of Mr Wroughton'a conneotion with matters and his valuable help in the pro motion of hunting, Mr Saunders stating that eiDOe Mr Wroughton had given up hunting matters the pastime had gradually declined in the district.

The articles of the presentation were procured from the establishment of Mr J V de Beer ; and reflect great credit upon iU

OBITUARY.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright) London, Deo SO Major Serpa Pinto r the famous Portuguese explorer, is dead, aged 54. -! The death is announced of Lord William Beresford.

A New Order of Knighthood.

"THE STAR OF AFBIOA."

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph London, Dec 28 Her Mnjesty the Queen ia establishing a new order of knighthood, similar to the Tndian order. It will probably be called the " Star of Africa,"

The First Federal Ministry.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, December 81 The following form the Feder ■■-: 'yflistry:— Premier and Minister of External Affairs, Mr Edmnnd Barton. Attorney-General, Mr Deakin, Minister of Home Affairs, Sir W. J. Lyne Treasurer, Sir George Turner. Minister for Trades and Customs Mr King ston. Minister for Defence, Mr Diokson, Postmaster-General, Sir John Forrest.

Members Of A British Embassy Assaulted

ROUGBLY HANDLED BY TURKISH

SOLDIERS

United Prees Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Constantinople, Dec 28 Three members of the British Embassy at Constantinople have been assaulted by Turkish soldiers. While Mr M. W. De Bunsen, C B, Secretary to tne Embassy, Colonel J G Ponsonby, Military Attache, and Lieut Villiers were riding in the city they I were set upon on the pretext that they were trespassing near the ponder mag a-, zinc. The soldiers dragged Mr Bansen from his horse, slashed Lieut Villiers across the face with a whip, and prodded Colonel Fonsonby in the back With a baynnet. Mr Bunsen has demanded of the Porte the punishment of the assailants and an apology from the officer com manding.

A SUBSTANTIAL CLAIM.

£30,000 Wanted For Alleged Breach Of Promfse.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph —Copyright (Received Deer 29, 9 am) London, December 26 Mrs Catherine Brodie, formerly of New Zealand, is suing a Glasgow mil lionaire (or £30,000 damages for alleged breach of promise.

The aotion in which Catherine M'Ewan or Brotiie, artist, 5 St Margaret's Crescent, Glas gow, sues David Maogregor, contractor, 2 Salisbury Quadrant., Strathbungo, Glaigow, for £30,C00 damages for alleged breach of promise of marriage was enrolled by the defender on November 6'h for a diligence to recover documents. Mr Cook, who appeared for the defender, said that in hia statement of facts he made the following averment: — The defender has recently ascertained an.l now avers that between the months of August 1897 and April 1893 the pursuer wan the mistreis of a gentleman in Glasgow, who visited her regularly* In the latter month she gave birth to a premature still-born ohild of which it is believed and averred that he or some other man was the fathtr. In any case it was illegitimate. She subsequently raised an aotion against him for £10.000 of damages for breach of promise and £15 000 of damages for seduction. After sundry procedure this action was settled by a pay ment to her by the gentleman in question of £10,000 In reply to that statement the pursuer said that the defender's averments were false and calumnious, and were made maliciously in order to wound the pursuer's i feelings and deter her from suing the present aotion. The statement that the pursuer was ' the mistress of a gentleman in Glasgow be tween August 199? and April 1898 was denied. At the date mentioned trie pursuer believed herself to be the lawful wife of the gentleman referred to, The action in ques tion was, inter alia, for declarator of marriage, and the payment of £10,000 was in full of all the conclusions. Admitted that the pursuer gave birth to a premature stil* bora ohild in Aprit 1398, of which the gentleman in question was the father, it was added, that the defender was fully aware of that action and of the tfhole circumstances out of whioh it arose, and advised her with regard to it, particularly with regard to the settlement, and the investment of the sum acoepted by her, Mr Cook said that his diligence was meant to elucidate what were the true relations whioh existed between the pursuer and the gentleman in question, and for that purpose he calhd for letters which had passed be tween the pursuer and that gentleman and their agents, and for the business books of the agents in order that excerps might be taken from them in regard to the payments made to the lady, Mr Clyde, for the pursuer, opposed the motion on the ground that the letters and documents could not be made evidence excepb to a limited extent. Lord Stormouth Darling gran'od the dili gence with certain exceptions and limitations

Tbe Big Gun Accident

United Prst* Association —By Kleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, Dec 29 Further details with regard to the accl* dent; to the Royal Field Artillery Bhow that while gun drilling in Moore Park this morning they were firing one of the fifteen pounders which were brought out, for some reason as yat unexplained the breech' block blew out. Sergeant Jupp was in' jured in the face and eyes, Gunner Tudor i had his left arm blown off below the elbow and Private Cole was injured in the face, Gunner Tyler was also slightly injured. The first named three were taken tt, the Hospital. Sydney, Dec 80 The injured men belong to the 10th Bat* tery Royal Field Artillery. Four .shots had been fired. Tudor placed the fifth cartridge in the breech, and Jupp rammed it home. Before the breech could be closed the cartridge exploded Jt is supposed the cause was that the opera' tlons were being carried out too quickly, and some burning fragments had bean left from the previous shot. After the accident Tudor's arm was amputated close to the elbow. He also received injuries to his side and face.

WiUia Street, Wellington, Mfc M Impby 31«t July, 1900 Dear Sir,—Pleaie tend me three more bottles of your " Mat Afplb," I cannot speak too highly of it* It hat entirely relieved me from the headaches which vied bo distress me on bnay daya; and a member of my family who used to Buffer from chronic palpitation and indigestion has been restored to perfecb health through taking Impey's • Mat Appl«.'—l «m, yours grate fully. E W Wilton. Batcher

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Asßociation—By Etectric Telegraph—CopyripM* London, Dec 31 The remnant of Oiii.ese driven ous of Tcho chan fl«'d southward?. The Standard's Shanghai correspond ent says that private advices fromShansi state that Kwang bsu, the Emperor, will be permitted to return to Pekin, because the Dowager, when at Tai-quen-fn, srcrntly Appointed a fifteen-year-old boy Emperor, with the title of Tunghtu. The latter travelled with the Imperial yellow chain, and insignia of «ffice, to Bi-ugan-fa. Kwang-hsu has appealed to the Beform Party to co-operate with the Go?ernment when he returns to Pekin.

South Africa.

United Press Association—Bjr Kleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, Deo 29 Lieutenant Colonel Spragge, who commanded the Battalion of Iriih Yeomanry which surrendered at Lind' ley, and Lieutenant Wood house, have resigned their rotntnieeions as the out* come of the reopening of the matter Lord Blackwood was wounded severely in the chest (taring the Lancers' attempt to outflank Kruit 1 zinger Boers damaged a quantity of mining machinery brought out from Home

Very few respectable farmers joined the Boers south of TbabaK'choY Many afforded General Knox valuable infor mation A Renter's message states that no inhabitants joined the eastern raider*, and only a few joined the western raiders Majors General Inigo Jones and General Macdontld are dealing with invaders in Gape Colony. The Boert have quitted the Vhillietown district, and crossed the line to Houtkraal. Colonel Grenfell is harassing them, and drove the chief commando through mountainous country northwest of Btormberg, towards the Orange Biver The Naauwpoort column is aho threaten ing the retreating enemy. Genes! Brabant and Lieutenant-Colonel Crr dock are looking after the general administeration of martial law. General Knox, holding the Lady brand Winborg line, frustated De Wet's attempt to to break through southwards, De Wet, with a large commando, ii holding the country between Ficksburg, Seneksl, and Winburg. Lord Kitchener reports that the enemy have been headed off from the south,

Boer attacks were repulsed at Benoni and Utrecht. In a sharp engagement at Greylingstad sight British were killed, twenty-seven were wcunded.and twenty are missing. The Boers blew up a train contain ing sixteen Warwicksbires near Pan, with serious loss: The news that Steyn was recently severely wounded is confirmed. r The British have re-occupied Picks' burg;. ■■■■■■• 4 .■:-..■ General French is at Ventersdorp. Of the missing troops at Nooitgedacht sf rente en oi the Black were killed. The Third Dragoon Guards, who hare been ordered to South Africa, and tb# First Dragoon Guards, who are also under orders to preceod to the front, will take the colonial pattern of saddle, Their r quipment will include rifle and eword instead of carbine and lance. Renter's Newcastle correspondent says it is reported on trustworthy authority that Botha intimated to the commandants that Kruger advises tbej must lay down their arms, or continne j fighting on their own account, as no svpport can be expected. Commissions have been granted to the following New Zealanders ;—Oor poral D R Hewitt, in the East Lanca shire Regiment; Corporal Q H Rolles* ton in the Hampshire Regiment; Sergeant 0 A Hawkins, in the 11th Hussars ; Sergeant Major T H Dawion in the Border Regiment Stdnet D«c 29 A meeting of Premiers has beed held in Sydney to consider Mr Chamber lain's request to the colonies to assist in keeping vp the strength of the South African Contingents Tasmania has started enrolling mtn South Australia replied that it would be glad to despatch troops, but nothing would be done till the return of the Contingent from Sydney

Wellington, December 81 Sir Alfred Milner has cabled to the Govern ment that Trooper F. G. Emmie, of Nelson, died at Bulawsyo on the 22nd inst. of fever? also that Trooper D. Spencer, of Kiifeoars, was slightly wounded at Rhenoster Kop on Christmas Day, but there wbb do reason to fear serioui results. [Trooper EG, Emmis was a member of Ho. U Company of the Fifth Oontingsnt, and was formerly a butcher in business at Nelson, where his father, W. Emmie, now resides ]

GABLE NEWS,

United Press Association—By JSleotrto Telegraph—Copyright

London, December 2? The Cheque Bank has stopped pay ment The Indian Government ii organising and training mounted infantry A great gale was experienced in tfee Island of Lewis, the most northerly of the outward Hebrides. Three light? house keepers at Flannan Islands, a small group near West Lewis were swept away Brussels, December 27 The whole Civil Guard at Antwerp has been called out to suppress the strike Paris, December 2t The application of the French maxi* mutn tariff on tea, coffee, etc, from the British colonies has been postponed for half a year, Mklioirnb, Dec 21 : The Council passed the Old Ag« Pensions Regulations. The license of the Albion Hotel, Bourke street, has beeutraDifentd to William Martin, the well - known cyclist. T . £ Stdniy, Dec 21 Mr Witheford has requested tk-B-* Secretary and Acting-Chairman of the Harbour Board to invite the mayor and the Leads of public bodies to meet the Sierra upou her arrival, and givf her an official welcome,

THE ASHBtJRTOi? fIfiABItAK : Mofit)A% fiKCEIiBBB. Si, 190 ft.'*



Fall moon Last quarter New moon First quarter

6 14 22 29

10 8 pm 10 12 am 11J31 » ra I 18 pm



Date lecember 91 »> II

27 28 29 20 31

Ri«6B 4 22 4 23 4 23 4 24 25

Set! 7 41 7 41 7 41 7 42 7 42



PolypatMc Medical Institute. Coiuer of Okuoester Street and Laimer ?quarp, CHRISTCHURCH, (Immediately behind the Exh Buildings). FIFTH VISIT TCTasHBURTON. FKIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUAKY 4, 1901 2 o'clock pm an*!! Bpm FATURDAY, JANUARY 5. 9am until 1 o'clock p m CONSULTATION FRES.-GHAJSGh'S HOTKL. POI.VPATKY, the New Method of Healing, is the **" > M< f^H * surehi t rrl prn.nu r»p;d aa if. cures with absolute Q^^ yriXjfzS^jK^lk cerUiMy muh dibease* aeCdncer, Epilepsy and Asthma, JBw^^^^^»^fH^bJß incurable n-iltr the old system, as we 1 as all Chronic a n,i K t ,vnn- Compl-utß of Women and Men. More WESSgSSmSgT&k f'tIIIKS MAI>K EY POLYPATHY than any other jyiteni jM Ffiuptjo Fits For Fight Ykars; also heart f f SKSS^SsSissSsflrW "' r Mediciets havo done me a great deal of good. I \ ffijpfifljgS&^^HHßS t'':f' >ort'er VA fvcr_v way, and the pains at the heart have '^^SJl^^B/BBtWfw^ fit'H'iy left tre. I have not had one fit sirca taking g^WI||H^MBM[P^BMK*K I.UNfI DISEASE AND EXTREME PBBILITT |^^^^^^^^SWH I hftva much p:eatu:e in sending this letter, thanking ' fejfl3ll|HWß|^BHß^Km"y°» ve[y much for the benefit I have derived from your ll'Ll^LM u» which I have been uaing six weeks, I was S[|^^XJK£|gn3Eß" reduced m weight from 12st 4'b down to 8»t 71b, and I rjp had quite given wye.e'i up to my Maker; but thank God jwu aitei I had been under your treatment nine days my ii^ljllf R^^Pg gSJi IP friroria could see a change in me, and I could feel it b^^^J^^t^^jSSLP ** myß?i{ Bn<l hhVS hffn improving ev*r since. Yon can v*' *^- ~"^*^~^"7 «*o ihia letter fora tootimonial, refer anybody to me •agSKS^^^^ras^P^i-.- Wishing you every prcsperity—Yours respectfully, I »q7 John Viphiok f TH'l VBBDICT OF AM* PRACTICAL RIDERS 1^ IN FAYOUL?- OF RIDING BUILT with BuUedJTubing, Short Heads, Narrow Tread Archjor Box Orown, i'.n or lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheebl Any style Saddle, Handles, Chain, etc. Any gear, any height frame ; also dust-proof throughout. ONE PRICE TO ALL—£2l OATES, LOWRY AN4 CO., Z6alandia Oycl« Works, "^ BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.S Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORvS, with jpwer to issue Policies and pay claims: HT) Bell E«q Chairman. i Pekcy M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albbbt Maktin, Esq, MD. | B Tbevob Gould, Resident Secretary; STRONGEST LIFE ABRUKANCB SOCIETY 1^ THE WORLD Financial Position, Assurance in force ... , m £219,670,058 I Surplus over liabilities ... £12,711,975 Accumulated fucdp... .- £58,373,185 | Annual income ... .„ £11,286,145 A Mutual Office. AU eurpluß belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Value Policy. NICOLTT BEOS, Agents, Ashburton. 12 47 PARENT 8 ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, 1> OYS' Guard Suits 8s 6d ; Boya' Blouses 4a ) Boys' Norfolk Snits 12s 6d ; Washing Suits 2i 6d •• Absent-Minded Beggar " Suite 18s 6d Beet Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12a 61 A nice variety of Summer Ooats in Kharki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, "Rtc. N.Z. CLOTHING FACTOHY. F. H. BECKINGSALE, Manager.



FOB SALE, PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS ~ I TO Farmers purchasing Halfbred PIGS. | We are prepared to buy them for Hacon, | provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, j FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 12 5 J H Rulh. Ton BALJbV WELL Cured Prime quality HAMS and BACON. Cheaper than Beef T Mutton. Guaranteed grain fed by ifarißtra of this district. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 2 55 J H R ulk. . "REMIBMBBR ! mHE SHOP will be OPEN every Night this week uutil 8 o'clock for the sale of Christmas and New Year Cards. A. H. WILLIAMS, Tnncred Street ~7T~Z ASK FOR  , v NEW TARIFF - CHAMPION BLEND m other prices: ,> 'yiztfo ifazfizfiifo i_NO CHJNAJM U^ EM YJ^Lj MASTand" New Year cards »■"« ' 'ois n great variety at Mrs Alcobh'Si rlbo a varied assortment of articlaß including Needle Work suitable for presents. All the (Toys offered at nominal prices to clear. BIG Bargain Sale au Duncan &Co 8 Tancred Street. Drapery and cloth ing cheaper than ever—Note as follows— fflurkij-h towels, samples, 3|d each; art muslins 2|d ; cretonne 3|d ; prints from 3£d; large stock tucked muslinß, wide widihs WJd; nainsooks 6Jd ; linen tabling ll^d ; Crewdaon's and Horrolkses' calicoes 4s 9d drz yards ; muslin aprons lO^d ; toilet covers 7|d; antimaccacaera 653; 72 inch wide twill sheeting 10|d ; large and varied lot lace cut tains, astonishingly low prices, from lo 6d pair, Is lid, 2* 3d upwards; ladies' si k flcarves 9|d ; job line silk and lisle gU yes 6d pair ; cashmere ribbed hone Is.— bvm^ & Co, Obeap Cash Drapers,



TO SU BSCRIBERS & ADVERTISERB NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. "THE GUARDIAN" rT7ILL NOT be issued Tt-Morrow, TUESDAY, January Ist. THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS CO OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY, Lm Offices, Warehouses, and Grain Stores : West Street, Ashburton. TjWKRY Description of Farmers' XLf Requisites at lowetb rates. Groceries, Hardware Saddlery, Corneaoks, Woolpacks, Twine, Oils, Tinware, Horse Covert, Etc Etc. GRAIN SOLD ON COMMISSION. Having reliable information from our Agents in other parts of the Colonies, we are in a position to obtain highest possible prices for all grain placed in our hande for disposal. Shareholders should be particularly car* ful to enquire from us and inspect our goods befcre ordering elsewhere. WE have sever*! really first-class Farms for Sale on our books, and farmerr ffishing to purchase would do well to call on us for particulars :— 1000 Acres Lauriston District 750 „ Wakaoui „ 1031 „ Cherlsey  1958  Dromore „ 1180  Springburn  276 „ „ „ 574  Waterton „ T. F. GIBSON, Manager TO LET SHOP with double frontage, conv<nlently situate! on she south aide of Burnett Street. W BULLOCK Old Harness Machine Belting, Etc. SET with a Hammer. From all Iron mongerß and Storekeepers. BIFURCATED RIVET CO., Ltd, London, England. Full particulars from Harrison & Webb) Auckland. (Cut this out and show your Ironmonger.) 536 ynaoke New Venuß



UAIA Wealth of r|^%lV^ hair is wealth ft bflU il If your hair is too thin or losing its luster, get~ iiNPri Growth fllxi'W becomes IM vigorous fICMI removed. ' ' ■ It always restores color to gray er- faded haire- Retain, yjiur youth; don't look old tiiifore your time. Dr. Ayer's Sarsaparilla puri fies the blood and clears the complexion. Prepared by Dr. J. f. Ayer ft Co.. Lowell. Mms.. U. S. k>



UNNECESSARY LOSS OF TIME Mr W S Whedoo, Cashier of the First) National Bank of Inberaiet, lowa, in a recant letter gives some experience witha oarpenter in his employ, that will be of value to other mechanics. H« says : * I had a oarpenter working for me who was obliged to stop work for several days on account of being troubled with diarrhoea. I mentioned to him that I had been similarly troubled, and that Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhce* Remedy had cured me He bought a bottle of it from the druggist here, and informed me that or.c dote cured him, und he is again at his work.' For sale by Ashburton Drug Company



Bandek & Sons' Eucalypti Extract— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinios and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public undflr the name of Eucalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sunder So Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by teats made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefiwald (Prussia), that 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, etc., insist 'n getting Sandhr and Fons 1 Pcbb Volai E 'fcmiEXTBAOT, aodb« »*•



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