THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashbarton dally for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 pm,7 5p m (express) , TIMARU—at 1056 a m, 8 60 pirn * DUNkDIN—at 12.64 p m (express) ' SPKINGBURN-»t 4.25 p m Traina arrive daUy at Ashburtoa from— OHKISTOHUROH-at 10.45 a m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 a m, 2 55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-*t> 9.45 a m|

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon f»t December

BUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails olose for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations: FRIDAY, DKCEHBKR 21 For Northern Ports and Westport, aho Australia, etc, to connect with Monowai at) Wellington, also Canada, United States, specla'ly addressed via Vancouver only, per Tarawera, at 6.30 p m SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 For Tasmania and Australian Colonies, per express, to connect with Walkare, ao 12,J0pm' For Northern Poit», per Te Aoau, at 10 3Oja m j?or Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, 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 dan Francisoo (due London 26th January), per Tarawera, at 6.30 p m Money orders, 2 pm.

Note—Persons posting Christmas card* at book rates are reminded of the necessity for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are sealed np, so thai contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashburton as from Ist January 1901. Fxpress delivery frill oover letters and parcels boo exoeediag three lbs in weight, for which an extra fee of rxpence has been paid. The special mes senger service means plaoiog a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being mad*, and a fee of sixpence for the first) mile and threepence each additional mile np to two miles or time payment being made

Commercial.

CHRISTOHDKUH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are as follows : — Wheat—Hunger's, pearl and ve!v< t, 2s 4d to 2* sd, and Tuscan 2s 5d to 2s 6d.

Oats — Canadian Is 9d, chorb leu d Is 8d to Is Bid, Duos Is 7d to Is Bd, Danish Is 7<.1 to Is 10

Barley (nomiDa!)—Malting 2s delivered Floor (millers' quotations nominal).—Rolkr £7, stone £6, «harpa £3 Ob, bran £3. O^tmeal~£lo Beam—2i 4d to 2s 5d

Peas—Pruatian Blues 2s to 2b 3d, part* ridge 2s 4d to 2s 6d

Oatsheaf. Ch»ff — 42s 6d at near country stations.

Hay—£3 5s to £310s, delivered: prltneet baled £4, fob

Sttdi—Ryegrass, farmers' lots Is 9J to 2s« prime heavy, town dressed, 2i 6d to 3i 3d, Cocksfoot, 24d to 2|d for bright, seed, to 34 for extra good, town maonin* dtestti Wb to 171b seed, 3^d to 4d, cowgrafi 5d to 6d, extra choice 6&d, White clover, 6d to 7}d. Dairy Produoe—Ohees*, dairy 5d to 6d, factory Sd to 6d» Butter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 7d to Bd, salt, in box** 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams £&<1 to&d, faofcory baooa and hams, id ptrlb higher. The above prices, txcept where othcrwle slated, are those paid to farmer*, f.o.b, LytteHon. \

DUNEDIN WOOL SALE.

United Prsfi Awociatlon-By Sleettio Telegraph DuNiDijr, Diotmbar 20 Tbt first wool tale of the season was held Io day. From a variety of nsasons, tht oat«loguM were small, and the Quantity was still further reduced by the Hew Zsatand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company with drawing th« whole of tb« 629|balet f«r ttit January tale. Competition mm very ka«n among the larg« attandanoe of Home and foreign bayers, and prloei were anitw a halfpenny abovt the expaotatbl of tht sell' ing brokers. Speculators and* fellatngecs took tht bulk. Othtr buyer*.who offered were outbidden by quite a halfpenny per Ib. Tht condition of the wool was not so good as last season's, being htfvier and not so bright. Tht rang* of value was as fol lows :—Greasy merino, tyi to 7d ; inferior, s|d to 6d ; greasy super halfhr*d ( 7|d to BJd; medlnm and inferior, s£d to 7d ; greasy super cram bred, s|d to6|a ; medium and inferior, 4£i to s&d ; greasy beltlts and ptcoM, 3id to 6a ; greasy looks, Ifd to 4d par lb I

METHVEN SALE.

On account of the off day tfee Attendance and entries of stook at the Metbvea g&ie were not as good as usual, bat what was entered fetohed good prices as under i~ Wour and six tooth store wethers I7s Id, and crossbred ewes and lambs all counted Us 7d, fat lambs 14s 9d, orossbrad ewfs in wool 17s Id. Qftttle, store heifers and steers, £3 jLO« to £5 si; fab cows £8 10s to £6 l2i 6d, cows in milk €410s to £&. Store pigs 7s 6d to 12s.

(Two factions offered in fcbe Methveo town^ ship, ths property of Mrs Rouse, were offered by auction by Mr D Thomas at the yards and disposed of to Mr Knight at £51 per quarter acre. A record for Mekbven.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1900. THE CONDUCT OF OUR VOLUN TEERS

Althouoh we are not always abl« to express approval of tbs premier's actions, we cordially agree with the attitude he bai taken with regard to the conduct of the New Zealand con tingent to represent the volunteers at the Commonwealth inauguration. We feel sure that the words addressed by Mr Seddon to oar men en the cv« of their departure for Australia, will be thoroughly endorsed by every thought ful peraon. Not only on their own account ahoald the conduct of our contingent of the soldiers of the Queen be orderly, manly, and proper, but for

the credit of the country and the people whom them represent it behoves them to conduct themselves with prudence and ciroumipection. In thin connec tion much will depend upon their officer*, and if we may judge from the Premier's remarks, which are sum marised in another column, we may assume that he has fully recognised the importance -of leaving no itone un tnrned to ensure •« far as may bt possible, that our soldiers shall bear themselves in the scenes of temptation they are entering, as nobly as they hate borne themselves in battle. We, in Ashburton, have a special interest in the New Zealand representatives, since one of them is from this county, Trooper B Oorbett, of the ¥> rks. While we are on the subject of the conduct of our volunteers, in peaoe and war, we would draw the i attention of their officer! to ft matter we art inclined to think some of them have not given suftcient attention to. We | allude to a practice, not uncommon, of holding social gatherings connected with the corps in hotels. We all know that a large proportion of the members of volunteer companies are quite young and inexperienced men. 1 Some of them have never been intoa publichouse unless drawn into one by some such function as the companies are in the habit of promoting, Although we do not pose as crusaders against the sale of liquor, we recognise that there ia a grave responsibility resting upon these mho draw untried youths into the places where liquor ie being bought and sold all day long. If of their own free will these choose to enter a hotel, the re sponsibility is theirs ; but we do not think their officers quite realise that if the young soldier is suddenly exposed to the temptation to drink presented in its most seductive form he is more likely to fall than under ordinary circumstances. It is this aspect of the subject that has influenced ua in frequently urging • the abolition of canteens at military encampments and displays. We are convinced that under the present conditions of carrying out these affairs the young soldier is ex posed to more serious and far reaching dangers as to his sobriety and morality than he would be as to his life and limbs | in an ordinary campaign.

Local and General.

WiATßim Forecast. —Captain Edwin wires:—Moderate to strong westerly winds; glass rise

A Suggestion.-—lt hat been suggested that for the safety of foot passengers a hand rail fence should be erected on East Street a few feet from the hoarding that the con tractors for the new post office have pat op, M a proteoUon against vehicular traffic

Captured Stock—ACape paper says.— We have secured an enormous number of stock. During one week in September we captured stock worth half a million.

A Goo» Idea.—A South African correspon dent of the London limes suggests that the best method of speedily terminating the w»r would be to compel the Boers on commando to rapport; their families, instead of the Brit iih feeding them,

Titi Pbicb or MiATt—The nee in the price of meat means a substantial increase in ex penditure for the shipping oompmitsp. It ia •aid that one company in tbe New Zealand Australian trade expects to hate to sperjd about £15,000 more on its meat account in 1901 than it has spsnt daring the current year.

Thb Turnip Fly.—The turnip fly has been proving very "dea ructive round about Hawera and Waitotara. One settler at Wheouakuri had to sow bis crop five times.

Bridge: Building Extraordinary.—A smart) piece of work waa recently acoom pliabed on the Canadian Pacific railway at Streetville, near Toronto, where an old Howe badge w&a replaced by a new ate«l lattice girder bridge or 130 ft span, tbe- traffic being interrupted for 40 minute* only. Fruit Pmts«—The eighth report of tbe Qoveramene Biotogiat (Mr T W Kirk) is to hand, and a very intertsMng and inatruotive publication it. ia, eapeciaily to farmers »od fruit growora, Jt deala exhaustively with the rations pests which attack fruit and grain, and a Btimb«rof excellent pl*t«s add to tbe attraotiveneaa of the work

Magiotkbuu—At the Magistrate's Oart this morning, before B Aleoro, Eta,, J.P, Kidheei Shea wat charged witb disorderly conduct in a public street, and alao with retiring Constable Hammond in the exeoatioo of his duty. He wai convicted and discharged for the firet offence and sentenced to 48 houra for the second Mr John Qbiqo—The ahareholden of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company at their aonnal meeting yesterday, nnanlmoualy passed % resolution expressing regret at the retirement of Mr Joan Grigg from the chairmanship of directors. He had been one of the founder! of the Company. : How Clocjcs Differ*—The clock by which traiaa have been dispatohed during the paafc few daya hat differed oonaiderably j as to the correct time from the town olook and other time : pieces, averaging from three to fiva minutes f aat. The result is aometimes awkward—for traveller*. Cool.—We (Arrow Prtxs) never heard of a cooler way of patting it.—lt is postively true and was attached to the invitations sent out by a anuple who were about to be manied If you aan conveniently arrange it we should prefer to have you present in the form of oaeb.

Ok Tsb Mont—Tenniel'B cartoon in Paooh of the 29th of Aagoat, headed "In the Move ment," is a delightful one. The Empres s wager ia wheeling a barrow loaded with her personal efiVcta, the Imperial orown, and « box labelled "50.000.000 tales." Oom Paul ia looking over the wall, and aaya to himself. "Shifting her capital? My Idea !"

A Bpbnuam Boy—A youthful offender (an escapee from Burnham Industrial School), robbed » hawker's van of about £2 in the Methven district on Wednesday iast. Constable Dillon traced the young thief as far as Ealing onfXhuraday, and fouud he bad taken train for Timaru. Constables Craw ford and Dalton met the train at 7 pm, bub the boy dodged out and made for the wharf. However, the eagle eje of the law, not to he outdone, soon caught Bight of him, and after a little manoeuvring around some trucks the quarry was eafely landed in the lock up, and on being searched the stolen money was fopnd on him. He was to appear before the Courb this morning.— Herald,

Pabbn?A{, RESyfONsjgaiLjTT.—The Outhtk makes the following wies remarks c—l'he greatest peril with whioh (his po)ony \t confronted fs the decay of parental respon sibility »nd the consequent break up of home life. The greatest need of our children is M» be taught obedience. It i« the doiog of a j thing not because we see ifc prudent or right, but became another who has authority over us bti« uj to do it. That is the first essen* dial of ysuthf#l education. That is the first duty whiob ptrftais should require from their children. But it v jusfc here they fail, They advise, they cork, they wheedle, bub they do not command, and they do not require prompt and ur questioning obedience; They are nob willing to take the trouble to enforoe it—to eoforce, if need be with the rod. We are old fashioned enough still to agree with Solomon. Parents who are eitijer t 6oo lazy or too foolishly indulgent to exaob obedience are laying up a rod for their own backs, and are lowing the seeds of national disaster. CONSULTING OPIICtAN ; Mr Ernest M. Sandatein, DBOAI, FB, MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all oases of defective eyesight* Daylight nob ueoeatary, wrtjfioial light being used. Doctors' pre aoripti«BS prepared, fees "moderate. Con suiting rooms, CaeJ)£} Street W., over M Sandstein, jeweller, Christofaurob. 930 to 2 to 6 daily? ' «■

ttkk Train SiftVHMfs.—The train •ervioes' lot Obriatmai Day are advertised iv this Issue Bandir k Sous' EtcuLtra Extract— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Aoknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, whioh are now foisted upon the public und*r the name of Eucalypi Extract*, may not be mistaken for Sander k Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we abate :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only products that are saturated with oxygen and freed of aoida, resinous and other nubstancea adherent to primary distillation, will develop the ourative properties possessed by the plant. To avoid the appalling con«equencjs result ing from the application of substitutes, etc » in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria.dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., insist !n getting SaNDKR AMD FONS' PURE Votil E I ltpti Extract, and be » afe. 11 The liver is the Utaret of bile, But very rarely executes his junctim" —Don Juan Bilious fever is a disease; lta attack la generally auddsn There is a secse of laognor and debility for a few daya previous; headache, lack of appetite, furred tongue, pain in th« joints, and a feeling of tineas!. nets. Chilli ensue, followed by feverish ness Food is dlstaateful; the bowels are oat of order A dose of Impey's "Mat ArKJC" soon corrects these troubles, all nature smiles again, and once more you are youc bright and happy self

ASHBURTON MOUNTED RIFLES

The company paraded atLagmhor yesterday tor the purpose of carrying out the annual volley and independent firing, as required by the Defence Office. The company mm tered exceedingly well, seventy nine offioera and meo, out of a total of eighty four, parading under Captain Buckley and Lieu* tenant! Fooks, Sbudholtne and McLean. Lieutenant Colonel Bailey superintanded the firing operation!, after which the officers of the company underwent their practical examination. The figure of merit is one of which Captain Buckley and the men may well be proud, and which will take a very high plaoe among the mounted corps of the colony. The company was divided into four Equals, the total aoore being aa follows : — Volley Firing—s shots lying at 400 yards 5 shots sitting at) 300 yards ; 71 men Point!, 1037 ; average, 14 60, Independent Firing—lo ihoti sittirg and standing at 200ydt; 71 men. Pointi—l39? ; Aver age—l 9.63. r

The Commonwealth.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 20

Neither the lima nor the Daily Mail attaches importance to the selection of Sir W J Lyne to form a provisional Government, inatmu h as tbe first Federal Premier will merely arrange the election of tbe first Federal Parliament When the Parliament is constitutad, the Premiership will be mainly in its hands. Lord Hopetoun. meanwhile seeking constitutional machinery, doubtless felt that the proper course was to appeal to the Premier of the colony. Sydney, Dec 20 It is understood that the Government will provide for Ministers as official guests, and will endeavour to secure rooms for legisla tors*, but the accommodation will be at the latter'e expense Melbourne, Dec 20 Sir George Turner declined to say any thing, beyond that he was somewhat sur prised at tbe course taken, The Age says :—" The unexpected has happened* The selection of «n erstwhile mortar enemy of Federation is one of the singular developments of Time. As an administrator Sir W J Lyne has experience which Mr Barton would have lacked. Karl Hopetoun's coarse will not be widely disapproved of."

A Bill has been introduced tuto the Legislitivo Assembly, to enable Victoria to contribute on a population baiia to tb« fund for the increase of the Governor General's salary from £10,000 to £20,000 Adelaide, December 20 The Soath Australian Register says:— "The constitutional and logical advantage is on the sidVof Earl Hopetonn's selection."

Wilukotok, December 20 A very targe orowd avscmbled tonight to nee the Contingent off in tbe Tutanekai. Tbo garrison Band and the Pipe Baad played alternately on the march from tbe barrack) to the wharf, the Highland pipers meeting with « splendid reception.. At the Tutanekai Mr Seddon addressed a crowd of fully 6000, that had assembled on J rvois Query and the adjacent at rent. The mayor alao spoke briefly, and r.t the request of Mr Seddon the* Pipe Ban' 2 p-ayed a couple of tunea. The Contingent then embarked, and departed amid enthusiastic ohaering. Thn Colonial Secretary's Department has been asked to draw the attention of those who bitv. received invitations to visit Sydney to attmd tbe Commonwealth celebrations, to advise the General Secretary, of 14, Csatle reagh street, Sydney if it be tbeir desire that he should seonre; for 1, them apartmenta in hotels and boarding bouses at ruliup; rates. A good many rooms are still available at a moderate tariff "

Transvaal War.

Uolttd Frees Aaiociation— By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 19

Farther arrangements are that Lord Roberts will land at Southampton on Jan. 3 He will be received by the Prince of Wales and other Royal personages and the army headquarters staff in London, and he will then go direct to Buckingham Palace for luncheon.

Mr Brodrick cabled the substance of the charge brought by Mr Bryan $&oberta to Lord Kitchener, who replied that Mr Roberta's story was absolutely without foundation.

The Boers are wearing a medal en graved * Independence or death.' An artillery officer, writing from the front, expresses regret at the return of the First New Sooth Wales Contingent. He declares that the men possess; every soldierly quality, are brave, dashing and hard as nails, aad only grumbled when long without fighting. He adds that those remaining are equally good. Jlckell, of the New Zealand Rongh Riders, has accepted a commission in the Garrison Artillery.

Capetown, Deo It Sir Gordon Sprlgg has invited the Duke aad Daohees of York to visit the Cape, believing that the visit will a«siat in the pacification of the Booth African trouble. L«kdon, Dec 20 Six hundred surrenderors, who are unable to undergo transportation, have been trans ferred to Durban for transport to a military camp at Ladysmith. ' Six hundred and forty-fcbree other prisoners^ including nine teen officer*, have fe'een despatched to .Ceylon. The recent spurts of Boer energy are attributed to Lord Kitchener's eonipjrative inaction, awaiting a suffioienoy of mounted troops, also to the vain hope of suddenly forcing better terms from the British. She hills are strewn With the Northumber landa* broken rifles- The Northumberland* had five offioers and 68 men wounded. Ten men were killed and 44 are still missing. The fire was so deadly that General Clements abandoned some ammunition, which the Boers, supposing to be stores, set ire to. An I explosion followed, and killed and wounded many of the enemy. Numerous tributes have been paid to the New South Waiet Medical Corps for Its magnificent work, under a terrible fire. The reports from the Cape are minimised by o^fioial circles in Ltradoo. It is admitted that several isolated groups of Boers have orossed the Orange River southwards. De la Ray, with fiftoen hundred men, ii near General Clements' oamo. Mr Bryan Roberts, in a letter to the Times, apologises and regrets naming the Auttra> Hans, against whom there was no imputation* 9e finds that the Imperial Yeoman's letter, which he quoted, alluded to Soulh African

colonials, nob Australian*. !Ch« Tint(s\ | stigmatises hisaotion as recklessly careless! i blundering in making a ejuotattOß. 1

Going Hack To Fight.

Trooper E Wfllii, of Ashburton, intends to return to Sooth Africa in a few days, to go back to the front.—/^m.

Wellikoton, December 20 { Trooper A Beyar, who went ai a groom to South Africa in the OrmaziD in June, and joined Kitchener* Horse, writing lo hit parents here from Kroonstad on the 11th November, »ay*:—" We have done plenty of farm burning. It, in not a pleasant bask, but there oaa be no doubt of its necessity, co long as they will persist) in helping onr ent-my. Since I joined I have bad nine dif * forent horses. Two were shot, and the others were done up. One cannot but feel f<r the Dutch families. They are living on maize and mutton, and burnt barley for coffee. Tea and eugar do not reach them. You oen guess they would life to see an end of the war

Work and Wages.

A LOCK BTRIKE

United Press Assooiatlor T*y Eleotrlo Telegraph—Oopy n*u v Brusiblb, December 20 Thirty thousand dt.ckera at Antwerp hare struck work. They insist on double pay on Sundays and at night. The employers offer 60 per cent over ordinary rates.

Kruger in Europe.

STIRRING UP TROUBLE IN HOLLAND

United Prets Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright London, December 20 MrKrnger, in defiance of DrWHde Beaufort's wishes, visited Amsterdam and received an ovation. He is trying to excite the people against the Government,

WILLOWBY

WEI COME HOME TO TROOPER J. J. HEASLEY

On Tuesday night the schoolroom was crowded, every available space being oocu picd, on the ono»«ioti of welcoming back to our midst • A Soldier of the Queen,' Trooper J J Heasley, who has been Invalided home. The chair was taken by Mr 8 8 Chapman. He spoke of the wonderful response there had bern in the colonies to th° nation's call; the difficulties of the fact that the Boeri bald the cover and also knew the country; We ought to place all confidence in Lord Roberts, on account of his superior know ledge of the country and its people, by bis actions, his kindnets and leniency with the Boers. He has dene more to prevent European intervention than any other man. The chairman then presented to Tiooper J J Heasley a rold Maltese cross, inscribed 1 To Trooper J J Heasley from the WiUowby residents, in memory of the Afrioan cam* paigo, 1900.' Our boys had defended us by going to Africa and supported the Empire. It had not been a war of aggression, but defending our own invaded colony. Trooper J J Heasley suitably and feelingly replied. He rpoke of his delight at being once more in Wiilowby and amongit Wil lowby friends, i hacked them heartily for their gift, and also gave a short outline of his life whilst in active service. His first bap 1 ism of fire occurred at AHwal North, whilst serving under General Brabant, where they relieved Wepener, whose stock of ammunition had dwindled down to three shells. He rendered a tribute to Corporal Upton, describing him as ' A Soldier anl a Man.'

Mr W Harding referred to various epochs during the last fifty years, likening the arrival of the Sepoys in itgypt with that of the colonials, who had so nobly gone to the rescue in South Africa.

A varied and interesting programme w«s submitte', the items being as follows.— InstiutnenUi selection, Miilei and Master Cullen ; action song, < Soldiers of the Queen,' Eiffel ton sohool children ; solo, * Hearts and Home*/ Mr W W Harding; folo, 'The Bugle Call,' Mr W Hopwood ; reoitation, «The Frenchman and the Fly,' Mr Rands ; pinna, solo, Mr T Chapman ; solo, M r« J Hayman ; eolo, ' The Dear Homeland,' Miss Ruth Harding ; piano io'o, Mica Cu'leo ; solo,' The Old l<lag.' Mr T Hayman. Misses Harding and Cullen, and Mr T Chapman acted as accompanist*. Votes of thanks to Mr Stoddart for the use of piano, and all performers were rendered. The singing of * God Save the Queen' brought a very enjoyable meeting to a close. Refreshments were then hstndod round by the Indies, assisted by seve*al gentlemen in khaki.

Completing the Cathedral.

There w«s a- large gathering of the Cathe dral yesterday afternoon to witness the inauguration of iti completion. A space had been roped cff. and provided with seats for the accommodation of the congregation j bohicd this was a raised platform for the choir and olergy, and behind this' again a higher platform. On this were gathered Bishop Julhu and Bishop Wilson (Melanesia) Canons Knowles and Harper, Archdeacons Harper, Cholmocdeley, Lingard, hi* Excel* leocy Lord Ranfurly (who was attended by the Hon H C Bntler, A: D. C, Lieutenant R William*, Canterbury Mounted Rifles, A. D. C), ex Judge Gresson, Bit John Hall, the Hon Wm Rolleiton, Professor Hook, Messrs Andrews, Ainger, and Slater, and Mr R J 8 Harman^

The platform and the scaffolding around the atone were made gay with bunting. After a number of speeches had been delivered, Mr R J S Harman lay member of the Cathedral chapter, and one of the fouodeti of the Canterbury settlement laid the foundation stone of the new portion of toe building.

Fatal Accident at Little River

Mrs Robert Pafcton and Mrs Samuel Priest were driving down the hill home on Wednesday night, at about ten o'clock, and when nearlng home Mrs Patton got oat of the gig to drive some cattle off the road, and left Mra Priest with the reins. Mrs Patton had barely left the gig when she .heard Mrs Priest call out, and then a crash. She ran back, and found the gig had left the road, and rolled down the bank, which was covered with lung grass. As she could not find Mis Priest in the dark, she ran home and informed Mr Patton, who immediately visited the scene of the accident, and found Mrs Priest dead and the horse also. An Inquest will be held.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph

LoKpoN, December 19. Mr Gosoben and Sir M White Ridley have been created riscoonts. The London' County Council has resolved to promote a Bit! for the tax. ation of ground values. Large pigeon lofts for military par poses are being established at Aldershot the Crystal Palace aud elsewhere. Holland does not accept the Paris award in connection with the Britain Venesuelean dispute as far as the Anglo' Dutch frontier is concerned, and has giren notice to Britain that Dr W H De Beaufort Is considering what steps shall be taken regarding the Surinam boundary. The Kaiser, in thanking Admiral Fischer,' commanding the Meditorra* nean Station for sending to the assist* I ance of the Gneissenau, said that the action showed that sailors were comrades all the world over, and that blood was I thicker than water,

Reception Social to Trooper Beseley.

A large gathering assembled at the Com rt.orolal Hotel laet evening to join io toe welcome borne to Trooper Hfasley. Tbe function, wb'ch was inaugurated by tht Guard?, of which company the trooper was a number, was a very successful one. Cap* taiD Bpariow oooupied the ohair, Lieut*. Niooll, A Clarke, and Bajrw, and Mr J lacker occupying prominent placet. Apologies were read from Lieutenant Shearman, and the Editor of the Gcabdiak. After the niaal ceremonial toast:, Mr J Tucker proposed the toast of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers. His experi ence was limited. He had some years ago been a member of the North Devon Y«j» manry, The army and navy bad done good woik during the tfar, bub to his mind the Volunteers had eolip«ed all. He considered the Government would act wisely if, instead of p»ylng capitation on the number of parades, they paid on the nomber of buU'i eyes secured by the members In class firing. We must improve oar shooting qualities. The Volunteers should be equipped with the btst modern killing weapons. (Applause) Lieutenant Niooll in responding said than very high feeling prevailed in England just now regarding foreign intervention, and bis brother, who bad just returned from Homo, had said that public opinion there was 1b direct defiance of intervention even at the cost of further hostilities. Lieutenant Clarke also responded, and was pleased to note that the Government had commenced to improve matters In volunteering Lieutenant Hayee proposed the toast of the evening, ' Welcome to Trooper Heaslcy and In so doing paid a high compliment to the returned trooper. Trooper Heasley, in responding, said it was joyful to be back among his old comrades, instead of dodging Boer bullets. He missed the other membara of the Roughs, but hoped they would be spared to return. Bpeaking of the Ashbarton boys, he said Lieutenant Tucker had merited all the praise bestowed upon him by his superiors and the returned troopers. Trooper Willis bad been unfortu nate ia contracting fever, which was to a soldier as disappointing as •• lead poisoning." Corporal Uptou had done the dnty of a soldier and a man, while the others bad nobly acquitted themselves. He had found Tommy Atkins a true soldier, he would share his last biscuit and also bis blanket with a comrade. The duties whtoh the mounted men had to perform as nattbls and advance guards gave them excellent oppor tunities, bub Tommy Atkins was always there in a dose finish, especially whei the bayonet was repaired; they were, indeed, always to the front-. If a strong position was required to be taken the regulars won despatched at once, and rarely failed. It was tbe duty of the mounted -men to lo«ate the enemy and Tommy Atkins to do tbe execution. The first ohanoe the Roughs got was with General Brabant at the relief of Wepener. Tbe General endeavoured to make the Boers fight on Sundays, bat they did not relish it, and that fact materially assisted in the relief. The girrUcn had only three shells left and a meagre supply of small I ammunition. The Tommies had offered troopers of the Roughs a sovereign for three cigarettes, and he and Corporal Upton parted with their last (tick of Jnno for which they refused the sum of tan shillings* The garrison had killed many of their trek oxen for food. Lieutenant Tucker, the day following the relief, sprung a surprise on the troopers, who were very short of tobacco, by bringing to light a box of Welcome Nugget, and distributing it to the joy of tbe recipient*. They were then attached to General Hart'a brigade, and journeyed to Kroonstad, where they joined the first and second contingents, and all enjoyed a "scrap" at the Klip River, where poor Bob Upton received a vpill, whioh was tbe main cause of his death* Pretoria was then reached, at which place, Colonel Robin expressed an opinion that hostilities would soon close, and perhaps their services dispensed with, and ooase> quently several joined the police. To their surprise a month bad not lapsed when they were ordered to proceed to Diamond Hill for more fighting, and it was then that three contingents got a chance la combination. Alex. Wilkie, who acted as clerk of the First) Contingent), was anxious fo* more fight, and was very excited at the good news- They started tor Middleburg. At Balmoral the army was subjected to some rongh weather, and sevoral died from exposure* The New Zealandera were more 4<>rtnnate, and got shelter io a shed where some goats were enclosed. They enjoyed sleep for a time when some of tbe regulars came for rest, and quickly drove the herd down on top of the ' Roughs' in the' dark. However, all enjoyed the joke, bob sympathised with those* «bO were exposed to tbe elements. Tbe goats were sheltered by order from Lord Roberta. After some skirmishing the Contingent* were ordered to Join Colonel Mahon's brigade til relieve Baden-Powell at Rustenbarg, Major Jowsey then rejoined. Daring the expedk tiona division was ordered to take* kopje, held by the enemy in strength* The men were in extended order and numbered 150, with Major Jowsey leading tbe charge, during whioh it waa necessary to out wire fences. The Boers opened with, volleys and a good fight ensued; The fighting lasted for about three hoars, The Boers managed to get to their flank, and made things merry for a time, but eventually, the Roughs triumphed. Rnstenburg was of course relieved. They were then ordered to join General Carrington, bnt the latter almost immediately after sent word that he oonld hold his own, and so with Baden-Pow«ll they started in pursuit of De Wet. They had a skirmish at Uommando Nek. During the night all hands were ordered to keep silent, and no fires were to Jbe lit, expecting an engagement next day. The next, morning a great consultation took plaoe between all the oar generate, and it transpired that De Wet had escaped. They then made foe the Crocodile River. The Roughs were ordered to send out a patrol to reconnoitre a pass* There had been a difference of opinion among the commanders as to the likelihood of the, enemy being concealed there, He (the speaker) was one of that party. Aft thli time Lieutenant Tucker was acting oaptaini The nineteen comprising the party ntade lor tbe pass, and were a}mo*t satisfied that they were on a wild goose abase, whan suddenly 2000 Boers presented themselves and opened with volleys. The Roughs, of course, as was their duty, retired. Perham waa shot, and died immediately. The speaker received a wound in the foot, and his none had both legs broken. He endeavoured to get away on foot, but immediately received two bullets, one in each thigh, which brought him down. He remained with the dead aud wounded until tbe fight ended, and the ambulance came. The Boers ordered the wounded to be taken to their laager, and although a breach of modern warfare they went. However, the field cornet released them at night. During the fight Corporal Ryan of GhrUtchurch performed a gallant deed although under a heavy fire, at which the horses jibbed. He returned with re mounts for the horseless and wonndei. As showing the comradeship which existed Trooper Harper had offered to take him (the speaker) on his horse at the risk of bis lift, the Boers being only 30yds distant, but he would not allow him, and told him to clear ! for bis life. He considered that a great | sacrifice. (Applause). The Y.C. was very hard to secure," and he felt sure that many deserving cases missed observa* tion. Both Ryan and Harper's aotidns deserved recognition. (Applaute) He was pleased that Lieut. Tucker had dltftingmindd himself that day. The burials next day made matters very sad for the contingent*. With this incident his experiences of the war had closed, and he said that although wounded be would not have missed the opportunity for all New Zealand, and would willingly return, if needed. He sincerely regretted to bear of Lieut* Tucker's misfor tune, and hoped he would soon recover, for while Britain possessed men of the' stamp of those who went from these shores, she was safe. He thanked them for the hearty reception accorded him. {Applause*) ' - > Sergt Grant, proposed the toast of " The Chairman/ in an appropriate speech. In responding to the toast of the Chairman Captain Sparrow said that the Guards were pleased to welcome home Trooper Heaaley. They had watched with interest the doings of all their men as tbe front, as we!! n« those from the other corps, and he was satisfied that the Ashburtonitee could hold their own with tbe best. (Applause ' The Vi-itt of the " Press" concluded a'very enjoyable evening's social, ' '

THE ASfißUßtfOtf GtJAR lAtf t fßluAt, DEClSMBfift 21, iiO



'all moon *Bt quarter few moon lint quarter

6 14 22 29

10 8 ptn 10 12 ftm 11 81 * m I 18 p m



Jabe it 11

20 21 22

• •

Blaa* 4 18 4 19 $19

Beta 736 7 38 7 39



G. JESSON, PRACTICAL WATCHMaiOSK AND JKWELLERj TTAVING take* a lease of one of the new thopi In Davis'o oorner, j am now showing a large and varied stock of Watches, Clacks, and Jewellery, Electro-plate, Etc. suitable for Christmas and Wedding Pre sents at prlcei whtoh defy competition. Note the Addres£—')Avis' Corner. NEW GOODS. J. V. DE BEEB, WATCHMAKER * JEWELLER X 8 bow showing fihe largest end beH assorted stock of ohoiceG>ld and Silvti Jewellery Specxalut Sbleoted Foe CHBISTMAS. Jonsistingof NEW GOODS to suit tht flo-ning Ssaet a, Inspection it invited, nc n'yoftoe dliplty ta the Window, hntoi the hrje astor m nt of Jewellery &o. in th< Show Oaaee wifehin, tin Flndow accommo dation being very limited, WATOHB3 for the Boyi, 10s. (Good Timekeepers) SILVER, B, P. WAftl, OLOOK?i Ad New Sboek for the Season Repairs Cheap and Prompt at usual. J. V. DE BEEB WATCHMAKER JEWELLER, Ashbarton 1 Wood's Side Delivery,eqnal io new price £16 10s F. FKRBIMAH. FOB SALE, 1 Grain and Manure Drill F FEBKIMAN. FOR SAL! OR TO LET THE Bungalow recently vacated bj Mrs Kick man containing seven rooms *nd offices, and situated facing the Domain afc the junction of North East Town Belt and Weafc Street. The above should prove a desirable Property both aa an investment for capital and a comfortable bon.e. F. FEREIMAN. LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashburton. FOR BALE. A GOOD House of five rooms with 2| acres of land in a localty where two or three cows may be kppt Within quarter of a mile of Town Belt, The owner is leaving the distrct. Any reasonable terms can be arranged. Apply F. FKRRTMAN LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, Ashburton ~ tinwald! FOR SALE, /"^ENTRALLY tituafeed opposite the VJ Railway Station, and adjoining the Hotel Property, Lot 42, containing 35 perches D.P 91, fronting Graham's Koad, and adjoining the Hotel Property, with Cottage thereoo. Very easy terms of payment Apply to T BULLOnK "GTTtoDDINST THE PJB.OPEE fS IRONMONGER. T HAVE JUST LANDED BRASS PRESERVING PANS, ENAMELLED PRESERVING PANS, Al in Quality and Cheap. harvesting tools&materi als. Hay Forks, Hay Rakes, Scythe Blades and Handles, Fork Handlep. Reap Hooks, Reaper Section**, Machine Oils, &:j. CARPINTBRS' TOOLS. Now Landing—AH Kinds of Toola Boitable for Carpenters and Farmers. A special line of Diaston's fc?awa at reduced prices. You are Invited to call and inspect. RANGER & REGISTER GRATES. Agent for Shacklock's, Scott's, Barn- INC ham's and Stobkikr's Ranges. Register Grates and Mantelpieces reduced in price. LAWN MOWERS. A few lefb, to be sold oh sap to cfrar, including ; — 'New Easy,' 'Pastime,' Crescent,' ' F & N,' and * Philadelphia.' Address— Burnett Street, opposite Arcade. * WANTED KNOWN I HAVE a splendid variety of fancy Chocolate Boxes just to hand, both useful and ornamental. Please call and inspect). Freeh Toffies and Candies, English end French Chocolates and Confectionery slwaju in Stock, Ioe«, Strawberries and Cream, Hot Pies imd Light Refreshments always ready. A fresh supply of local and Island fruits arriving daily. H A FLOWER, 12 Confectioner & Fruiterer, East St. F~yoiTwan6 an «p to date Bicycle try the celebrated Matchless »s used In the Transvaal War Satisfaction guaranteed Hartley Bros, Agents,



FOR SALE, PURE & HALFBRED TAM WORTH PIGS fro Farmfrs purchasinjr Half bred PIGB. We are prepared to boy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* 125 J H Rplb. j THE HOUSEWIFE'S FRIEND. rnHE RAPID LIGHTNING GLOBBI is pronounced by the Ashbarton Public to be the only wliable SHIRT GLOSS in i Aebbsirton* A Trial will convince yon of the diSeience In quality from all other* in the market. Sold by all the leading Grocers in Anhburton Smoke New Venus



Polypathio Medical Institute. Corner of Gloucester Street and Lafcimer Square, CHRISTCHUROH, (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings). FIFTH VISIT TO"ASHBURTON. FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 4, 1901. 2 o'clock p m nntil Bpm SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 9am nntil 1 o'clock p m CONSULTATION FREr,—GRANGE'S HOTEL. POLY PATH V, the New Method of Healing, it the S" --J^™ - surest and most rapid System, aa it cures with absolute %*A \*tt^n3E^jjrj -- r *-^-' T —- *- diseases a* Cancer, Epilepsy and Asthma, WtHsSSSgSS&l^mBk incurable under the old system, ac well as all Obronio and Nervous Complaints of Women and Men. Mobb JJWPBBBrJnFi^f Cußls MADK £T pOLYPATHY than any other system (■s3*B3rsS'fesiSi*ss4 in the Word LMs3^g&mti£wKS\ THOUSANDS OF TESTIMONIALS Jm<^Ejr?~jKK3t9Hfck Efil«ptic Fits Fob Eight Yiabs ; also rrart / TfiSBSsSSSBtm Yonr Medicines have dons me a great deal of good. I IfIHSHfIL^L^L^L^H 'eel better in every way, and the pains at the heart have entirely left me. I hate not had one fit since taking ■|^^n|HiH your Medicine—l remain, yours truly, Jkrbmuh Foitzx LWNO DIBIASE AND BXTBIME DIBIUTT J^^^^^^^^fllHS I have mnoh pleasure in sending this letttr, thanking i^Hl^^^^^^H^Kß you very much for the benefit I have derived from your ?H^K?Hb^bßV9 medicine, whtoh I have been nsing six weeks. I was H|^K£KI^MM reduced in weight from 12st 4'b down to B*t 71b, and I had quite given myself up to my Maker; but thank God jßk^a^BP^HßlHefllL^LYllfl after I had been under your treatment nine days my fiHHI^^H|HH.H frlendi oould see a change in mt, and looold fe«l it \jLMttEjJ*Mm^m^3^P* myself, and have been Improving ever slnoe. Yon can w'" " --^^^^^^^ 9 OM th f t Ltttr fora testimonial, or refer anybody to me "■■■■BSsWsWIHSPWB*'"* Wishing yon every prospsrlty—Yours respectfully, 12 147 John Kuhiok PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING. T>OYS' Guard Suits 8s 6d ; Boya' Blouses 4s Boys' Norfolk Suits 12s 6d ; Washing Suits 2a 6d •• Abaent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18s 6d,; Beat Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers l29[QAr A nice variety of Summer Coats in Kharki Serge, Saltern, Alpaca, Me, NZ, CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BECKINGSALE, Manager. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST EVER MADE BURNETT STREET, ENORMOUS Stock of Fundries just to hand, including Latest Lamps, Luggage Carriers, fc-adrlle Chains, Alarm Belle, etc Inspection Invited The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of US Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policiei and p»y claims: H D Bell, Esq, Chairman. I Percy M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies, Albert Martin, Esq. MD, j B Tbkvor Gowld, Resident Secretary: STKONGEST LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY IS THE WORLD Financial Position. 4siur&noe In forofl ... .« £219,670,068 j Surplus oirer JUbiliiies ... £12,711,975 Accumulated furds... .. £58,373,185 | Annual inoom* ... .- £11.285,145 A Mutual Gffioe. AH surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed C»ih Value Polioy. NICOLT BROS, Agents, Aflhbvrton, 12 47 XMAS PRESENTS. XMAS PRESENTS. T^VIRYBODY should call and see our Grand Display of New Goodi ! suitable for ■"ITM:A-S and New Year Gift"« Fancy 'Goods of all kinds, Photo Frames, Vase?, Fao^y Baskets, Fancy ! Crockery in all the latest designs. Also—A Nice Assortment of the best Silver Plated Goods afc greatly reduced prices. | CALL ANI3 SEE. NO ONE PRESSED TO BUY AT T. H. UMDRILL & COS., CABINETMAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS, TANCRED STREET.



a? atf ASK FOR , . . I »io^y>c.i(,^i NEW TARIFF v ...-/ CHAMPION BLEND ;«> other prices; TEAJBEDJBY U& J Wade's Worm i*igi are most effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking them Prlotl*



TO SUBSCRIBERS k ADVERTISERS. 1 CHRISTMAS * NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS "THE GUARDIAN" CT7ILL NOT be issued en TUESDAY, December 2oth, WEDNESDAY, December 26th, TUESDAY, January Ist.