Mail Notices.

Maila close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations : MONDAY, DECEMBER For Northern Porte, Westporfc, also Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, ftnd Continent of Europe, via San Pr&pcisco (due London 25th January), per Tafawera, »b 6.30 p m Money orders, 2 p no. Note—Parsons posting Christmas cards at book rates arc reminded of the necessity for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are sealed op, co that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express de'ivery and special messenger services will be established ab Ashburton as trom 18b Januaiy 1901. Fxpreßß delivery will cover let'ers and parcels nob exceeding three lbs in weight, for which an extra fee of 8 xpecce has been paid, The special mee at nger servico means placing a messenger at the disposal of auy telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for thu first mile and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made '

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashbnrton daily for— OHRISTOHUKOH—ab 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 pm, 75pm (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN-ab 12 54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daily at Ashburtofl from— CHKISTOHURCH-ab 10.45 » m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am,265 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for December

SUN,

Commercial.

ASHBURION STOCK MARKET

The sale at the Ashburton Yards to-day was a very small one, only 1 cow, 1 weaner, and about 300 cheep being in. The attend ance at the yards was small, and owing to the holidays coming on, no one was inclined fco operate. It there had ben --p «al<>, say in the middle of this week, 1; would have supplied the wants for all Christmas time. To-day being Christmas eve, there was nob time for butohers to kill, and moat of them being supplied from laab week or bought privately. Ine one cow was sold by Mr D Thomas, And purchased by 8 Burnard at £4 10s; the vealer, offered by Messrs FriedlaE der Bros, passed afa 12a 6d ; the Farmers' Co-op off red fat merino wethers, which passed at 12s; do crossbred ewes passed at 15a- Friedlander Bros offered crossbred wethers, which passed at 13s 6d ; crossbred ewes passed ab 12« ; another line sold at 14s ; store 2-tooth crossbred ewes passed at 153 9d ; crossbred ewes and lambs, all count, passed at 7s. D Thomas ofiered fat crossbred ewes, which sold at 11s 9d, 12a lid, 12a 4d ; do merino ewes, 9s Id. The sale was ft farce from beginning to end, with a lot of good-natured chaff between the auctioneers and the company.

DEATH.

McLaughlin.—At Cairu Hollow, Ruapuna, James, seoond son of James and Mary Ann McLmgblin, is hie 26 h year. Deeply regretted. '

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAy, DECEMBER 24, 1900. CHRISTMAS

To morrow will be celebrated as the nineteen hundredth anniversary of the birth of the founder of a religion professed by some hundreds of millions of the inhabitants of this planet. The exact date of the ev@nt that Christmas is intended to celebrate has not been accurately determined. The Christians in the East used to hold a festival on January 6, and in the ecclesiastical calendar of the Christian church, Ohristciaatide extends to the same date. But whatever difference there may be in the details in connection with the great event we celebrate to morrow, there is none in the belief of Christians throughout the world that it should mark the annual renewal of the compact between individuals and nations, that they should strive to ajftiftjtajn " Peace on earth and good-will towards men." On the pre sent occasion this noble injunction of the founder of Christianity does pot seem to have much prospect of being followed. In both hemispheres of this pjanet grim visaged war stalks about on tbie lairjasfc portions of God's earth, and the peace of the whole of the civilised countries of th,e world |# seriously threatened. We cannot con ceal from ourselves the feet that the outlook is ominous, and that whatever may be the feelings of men toward!

their immediate neighbours and fellow-' countrymen, the sentiments existing between nations are not what the Master directed. Let us, however, look upon the brightest Bide of things at this period, and anticipate that the dark clouds which overhang the inter national horizons may be dissipated before the new century haa per mitted many of its links to slip down the gulf of time. Let us hope that human nature is not so bad as some of its critics would have us believe, and that even fitful France may realise that there is ample room on this green earth for all the human beings, which the Creator has placed upon it, to live together in harmony without interfering with the happiness of one another. As for the Boers and the Chinese, who have been for some time past such peace-diaturbing ele ments, the civilised nations can afford to ignore them in their calcula ! tions for securing the peace of the world. The former are a vanishing quantity, and the latter cannot, for the present at anyrate, resist the will of the nations of Europe and America. We are pleased that some at least of our New Zealand soldiers are amongst < us to join in the festivities of the last Christmas of the century, and we know that there is not a man, woman or child in this colony, who does not send good wisnes over the sea to our sons and brothers, who are striving so nobly on kopje, drift, and veldt in the dark 1 Continent to keep the flag flying, and to uphold the honour and the traditions of the Empire. That they may be able to spend this Christmas as p'.eaaantly as their circumstances may permit is we are sure, the earnest wish of every one of our readers, some of whom will assuredly miss the absent ones from the family circle. To those who know that the well remembered faces have gone from them for ever, we tender our most sincere sympathy, and remind them that the names of their lost ones are inscribed on the glorious annals of the Empire for which they laid down their lives. We fear that this is poor consolation to the bereaved relatives of our dead soldiers, but we hope that time will heal the wounds that war has made. For the rest of our fellow-1 citizens, whose faces eager for business or pleasure we see day by day in the streets of Ashburton, or on their thriv ing farms, who hide their troubles if they have them, so that the passer-by may guess them nofc, we can only sup pose that the world is using them welS, and therefore it is almost needless for us aa we now do to wish them A Merry Christmas.

Local and General.

An Ashburton Case—The Appeal Court; has adj urned to February Ist, when judg* in the cafe Brown v Brown will be delivered. To Our Readers—We desire to remind our readers that, as previously announced, the Guabdian will not be published tr-™orrow (Christmas Day) or W«dnesd»y (Boxing Day) Christmas Literature. — On onr first and foun h pages today reading matter saiiable for the season will be found. We direct special attention to an article entitled "The origin of the Christmas Tree." Christmas Music—A party of musioians, including Mr Herbert Moss of Dunedin, have offered to give pome music, oarola jko to the hospital patients tomorrow at 3p m and the matron has aeeepied with thanks. Any of the publics who may wish to be pre sented are c irdially invited. Wirth' Circus.—The cages in which the lions and tigers belonging to Wirth's Circus are confined proved too high to pass through the Manuka Creek tunml on the Lawrence lire, and got blocked when halfway through on Wednesday last. After a good deal of delay an engine was brought np from Wilton and the train pulled out the way it went; in. The cages were considerably damaged, and the animals In the:r f xoitement made frantic efforts to escape. The lions' cage had to be roped securely, so as to avoid the possibility of the beasts gettirg out. Presentation.—On Saturday evening a I very pleasing little ceremony took place at ' Messrs John Qrr&Co's wfcenallhandsasßisted , to say farewell to Mr H Cioke, who had been ' in charge of the firms grocery department during the past five years and who is sever ing his connection to take over the manage ment of Mr Baxton'a store at Temuka. On be half of the firm Mr John Orr presented Mr Cocks with a handsome marble dock as a token of the esteem in which he was held by the firm, at the same time expressing regret at losing so trust* worthy and capable a man, and wishing him every euooess in his new sphere* On the same occasion Mr Cocks w*s presented by his fellow employees with a handsome travelling case In morocoo with the hearty wishes of all. The recipient having aoknow* ledged the honors the gathering dispersed. Mr Cocks enters on his new duties at the New Year A Remarkable Repfili at the Zoo—A specimen of that) rerrffcfkable reptile the nolist, which corresponds to the chameleons of the old world, has just arrived at Regent's Park, where iti singular agility in running, leaping, and climbing is likely to make it an object of much interest. The specimen in question ia a native of Carolina, and its chief peculiarity is a loose skin or pouch beneath the chin, which it inflates as easily as the frilled lizard, one of which was seen for the first time in the Gardens, and, indeed, in Europe, about five years ego. It can elevate o? depress the frilled like develop ment of the cubicle of the neck More re markable perhaps even than this is the fact that this skin assumes an endless succession of varying colours, indicative of fear, excite ment, love, or passion. Flies and other insects constitute tke main diet of this, curious creature, which inhabits the neigh bourhood "f marshy swamps A Narrow Escape,—A young man named Scott, a porter at the railway station, had a narrow escape from drowning in the Bwim 1 ming pond at the Domain on Saturday evening. He entered the water at the deepest part, and not being a good swimmer Boon get into difficulties. His splashing about did not attract much attention at first), bub when he disappeared it was recognised that something was wrong. When he came to the Burface again his mate Mr Smith, who is also a porter at the station, went to his assistance, but the struggling youth soon pulled him under also, Tom Smith, son of the curator then went to the rescue, and after a good deal of trouble Scott was got ashore, more dead than alive. The usual means of reeuoitatioo were applied and Scott recovered consciousness. He was very ill on Saturday night, but is quite restored to his usual health again, being able to resume his duties at the station this morning.

Ohkrtsky £ALs\AB»B.~ThB ftttnQal meet ing of the Oherteey saleyarda oompaoy will be held on Friday next. The yards will be reopened on Thursday January 17, when a special ebeep gale will be held for which en tries are requested. Personal—Th« Hon Rail Jones, Minister of Public Works, and the Hon T G Duncan, 'Minister of Lands, weie passengers by the express for the south to day. Mr John Maokay, the Government printer was in Ashburton to day, and went south by the express Traffic Extbaobdinartt.—Today the passenger traffic from Ghristohtuah to Dune din was bo heavy that three express trains were put on to overtake the extra pressure. The trains were all loag ones, were well filed and running to time. A £tory about He Wet—Da Wei has 1 become a great man, and many are tha ! stories—possible and impossible—which I are told about him. One good one, because ib is true, is as follows:—De Web was sleeping at a farm. Ue went to bed In the evening tmd slept till 11, when he became very restless. He tried to sleep, bat could not. Then he quietly rose, dressed, saddled his horse, and rode away alone. Two honrs after he had gone British Bcouts surrounded the farm. De Wet did not know they were coming. Perhaps some will not believe this.

Mistletoe.

When on the chandelier I saw The mistletoe and holly, The one eoncalsion I could draw Led me straight on to folly. For Marjory, with cheeks aglow And lips each one a berry, Was (-railing at the mistletoe Aemlle peculiar, very! I watched them both, and when above Her. head the green leaves fluttered, I canght and kissed the girl I lore And iomething tender uttered, Sh.9 blushed, of course; the deed was done, Quoth she: "Since klesing's pleasanb I'll give yon jctst another one, To be your Christmas present." Good lovers all, take note of this, The Christmas prank of Cupid, A spray of mistletoe amiss Were nothing short of stupid,

The Old Sed Whare on the Plains.

(Contributed.)

On these wide plains, where the paint of civilisation is so glaringly new that the smell is nausiabing the only relict of our past are the old cob huta rapidly falling into that gulf of destruction—the neglected past. In snoh a land as this, where culture had as yet but shyly intruded and knowledge born of ages of experience is but slightly known we all bow before the god of Utility. Therefore the mud huts must go- The land the few poor feet they occupy would grow the almighty grain or the useful pufeatoe. And this in a country where the roads ««• over* grown with waste herbage and where uncultivated oddments do not adorn every farmstead. In many cases nature is the destroyer, aided by lack of repairs—an end falls out, the roof droops with a sad forlorn expression, and then some night of storm I and stress, and the old home in which the pioneers of the Plains lived so many laborious years becomes a heap of unsightly ruim. We have no grand old castler, piled mound on mound, giuantio even in decay, to throw back our minds to an earlier day, and a life of keener and closer contest with nature. No old abbeys raise their buttressed walls and eightless windows aB finger marks of a long gone past. We odlv own a few pioneer huts here and there, the remains of others growing the family potato, and a rapidly diminishing virgin forest, almost extinct already. The children, bare legged and innooenb of head covering, born and reared in the shanties of those other days now strive to adorn &n office stool; Their manners are as rankly new as their clothes. The old parents are kid away sleeping in that rest the life of toil so kindly earns. Therefore the old whsre, with all its associa tions of struggle and toil, is a thing to be hidden from sight. Yet when age has l*id his soothing hand upon this new land of ours and smoothed away all the rawness, steadied the wild rush of young blood, these pionesrs who bore the burden and heat of the days hot glare, may be held nearly a« brave as the old iron cheebed marauders of ancient times. What tales some of these old sod wharos could tell—if only thsir silence was unloosened,-—of hopes deferred, and anxiety that maketh the heart sick. Some one will arise in the future and perchance with magic pen lay before a wondering audience all the charm and the struggle of the pioneers of the Plains, as Hamlin Garland has bo well depicted the opening scenes upon his loved and native prairies. Can anyone who has read his description of the toiling husband and wife standing hand in hand in the light of the dying day, and gazing over the beautiful swaying grain that is to make up to them for all things lost and put aside, and ever forgot) the thrill acquired from his master hand. Or the equally beautiful description of even on the unbroken new selection, the newly raised mud hut, the only break in all the surrounding plain. Yet our plain must have experienced just such touches, only we have not as yet produced a writer fit to give us the unique charm feit by those being the first " that ever strode into that silenh waste of tussocks and plain." Therefore the old landmarks, the old mud whares of the plains, are levelled— to grow potatoes. Id is really the result of our rawness. Why, if these plains held by Rome strange mischance the old Druid's remains, our severely utilitarian people would haul them all from their resting peaces, and set them in a severely straight line,as being so mrch more quickiy inspected than in their rambling old circles. More than that they would smile benignly upon each other with the knowledge of a great work accomplished. Perhaps it is a necessary reaction or perchance, in some cases an act of vengeanoe to annihilate the old landmarks, for life was hard in tho3e days, fuel was scarce, and water deep, and to the hardy mothers of the present genera tion fell the drawing and hewing of both in many cases. "Ah !" said a brave mother of the old days to me, pointing to a tapestry easy chair, " I remember when all my rook ing chair was a candle box and the cradle was a large box too* But those were happy days, in spite of all," and she sighed as her glance wandered round the modern dining room, And I knew her thoughts were with the partners of those other daya and tha other style of Ufa who are now gathered to their long rest. I

GRAIN STATISTICS

United Press Association—By Bleotrio Telegraph

Wellington, Dec 22

An interim report of the Agricultural Department shows the grain in bushels on hand in the colony on the 15th October, as against 16th November last year, was as follows; October 15, 1900, wheat, 4.537,748 • November 15tb, 1899, 503,373; oa's, 4,341,316, and 2,952, 444 ; barley, 557,731 and 345,964; rye, 14,651 and 12,978 maize, 209,773,axid 154,543; peas, 23,822 and 21,322 beans, 34,988 and 18,051. The area under wheat is less by 62,831 acre?, but under oats there is an increase of 44,676 acres* The prospects of the crops show that with genial wea&er, they should be quite up to the aver age.

CHRISTMAS.

We are usually able to have a short •ecoant of tho doings of oar shopkeepers in the way of decorating their places of business in honor of Chrattnas, and to head it 'Christmas Decorations.' This year, however, the term would soarcely be correct. A very few shops have been ornamented with flowers, green boaghi, or bunting, but the majority of their occupiers have contented themselves with smartening up their windows, either by a • special arrangement of their wares or by the j exhibition of something particularly fetching or desirable* One reason why the old custom of decorating with flowers and greenery is falling into disuse is that it is so exbremely difficult to get. sufficient boughs and blossoms for the purpose, most of the plantations being either private property or, if public, are strictly guarded by procla mation* and penalties; However, we are not. sure that) we lose muoh. sinoa although green leaves and bright fl >werß are very nice and pretty when fresh, they do not look attractive or cheerful when withered, as they very soon become at this time of the year. As far at it has been possible without greenery, our shops have been tastefully arranged. The drapers have got» grand display of seasonable floods, and the windows of Messrs Andrew Orr, Northoote & Hefford, Mitchell A Turner, and Shrimpton are especially noticeable in East and Burnett streets, and Messrs Duncan, Tancred Street, Grant A; Moore, Bast Street, also Mr Robert Alcorn, in Havelook street, are all well worth looking at* la fact it 1 would hardly be safe for a member of the male persuasion to go with a lady relative to see these shows—without a well filled parse, for under such circumstances it is sometimes hard to resist temptation. The same re mark applies to the jeweller*' shops, the windows of Messrs De Beer, F Curtis, and S Robilliard being crowded with things of i beauty, gracefully reposing in velvet cases beneath loops of golden chains. Some of the boot shops are very prettily arranged. | Mr Sparrow's is especially gay with innu merable sprigs of holly scattered aboub amongst the dainty shoes. Messrs Mellor I Nicholas and Pickford J» Molson, and I Nokes hive also shown a good deal of taste in their window drmsng. The grocery establishments have evidently had in view the more substantial business oi Christmas Day, and a glance at the windows of Messrs John Orr & (Jo, Shearman Bros, Coooh, Fletcher Bros, and others, serve to remind one what a variety of nice things one could erpy if ono had only the money to spend. This applies also to the fruiterer*)' shops, most of which have their windows fall of all kinds of fruits and sweeties, Mr Ftower, Mrs Morton, Mrs Randttli, and the Misses Page ail showing most tempting dainties to the public, and making poor little boys and girls wi'h empty pockets look and long as they never did before that they were capitalists* We must not forget the Santa Glaus shops. Mr H M Jones, Mr Afl Williams and Mr Burgess have evidently established business relations with that important personage, and have the distribution of large shipments of his good things to dispose of. Whether they have also any idea of the names of the lucky ones, ig a matter we cannot Sod out. Nor must we omit to mention that some of the butchers and bakers have taken a good deal of trouble to fall in wich the old custom as to decorating. At the time of writing Messrs Silcock, Gox, Robinson and Madden made a show of greenery, Messrs Carson, Jas Baker and Balrptow being tne only others doing so. Mr Andrew Orr, North oote and Hefford, and a few others had banting flying, the former a good deal.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do oot bold onrielvcs responsible for jpiuionp expressed by onr corrsepomientt

THE CONDUCT OF OUR VOLUNTEERS

TO THB EDITOR Sir,—Parents who are just now full of anxiety concerning their soldier sons, read, with unqualified approval the leader in Friday night's Guardian. One, at least, of them desires to thank you for drawing attention to the Premier's remarks on the subject, and also for suggesting that some more suitable place than a hotel thould be chosen for social and patriotic demonstrations iv connection with our volunteers. Many enthusiastically patriotic citizens of this town are denied the satisfaction of attending, solely because they object to the place of meeting. Does it nob shadow the joy of all upon the homc-ooming of our gallant lada to know that even one mother has bad her first giimpse of her boy in such a state of intoxi cation that h« could not recognise her. He had jasfe been feted by bis comrades, but had do predisposition to drink before he became a soldier. Many parents who triumphantly yield up their ' r'ghteet, bravest, and best to die for their Qjeen and ceuntry cannot patiently yield them to this eoetny *t their own door. We desire that our lads thould have the bern fit of military discipline} We are proud to bpp them bearing themselves as soldiers thould, yet we dread to tee them enlisting because we know that) as things »re conduced at present they must encounter temptations hard for the most resolute to withstand. With the weight of Roberts and Kitchener against the canteen, will not those ioauihority ttke the matter in hand and try to br>ng about a change for the better?— 1 am, etc., Citizen.

NEW YEAR HOLIDAY.

TO THB EDITOB

Sib,—l beg to thank the Committee of the Ash burton Retailors' Association for their generosity in granting us employees New Year's Day, at their meeting held to consider the question. Considering we get no half holiday that week, and are compelled to work in some oases till nearly twelve o'clock on the Monday night, the attention of the public wants to be drawn to the faot. At the meeting held one employer said, as their employees had so many hours extra work, why not give an extra day at New Year the same as last J But he was promptly sat on, one employer remarking " Study your pocket old man, not the employee,"—l am, etc, COUNTER JUMPEB

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright.

London, Dec 22

The joint note from the Powers to China charges the Government with treachery and duplicity in ordering the Imperial troops and Boxers to be siege the Legations, under the pretence of affording them protection Ail the outrages are reviewed Tiie note points oat that the. Allies were compelled to march to Pekin to vanquish tbe Chinese forces ani could only accede to the Chin ese petition for peace on the following irrevocable conditions, which were in dispensable :—Reparation to be made for the crimes committed, prevention of their recurrence, the most severe punishment befitting the ringleaders of the crimes, the reform of the Tsung Li- Yatnen, the fortification of the diplo matic quartor, the revision of the commercial treaties to promote trade relations. The remainder as stated in the cable message of November 13th. The Allies add that until their condi tions are complied with they can bold out no hope of the withdrawal of the troops,

News in Brief.

Attention is directed to a nofcloe in our advertising columns referring to the arrange' ments for tbe shooting matohes, which (he Ashburtoa Mounted Rifles are to engage in. TZ?

CRICKET.

United Press Assooiation—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright London, December 21 The Marylebone Club has informed the Lancashire County Club that Mold will not be allowed to bowl in future County matches The decision is the mult of a meeting of captains of County teams, who, newipaper reports state, also prohibit the bowling of Grecoo, Roche, W Quaife, Captain Hedley, and also threatened to prohibit Lookwood, Bland, Tyler, and F Bull if their delivery is | questioned by the umpires

CANTERBURY v. OTAGO.

Ddnbdin, December 22 The interprovinoial match, Canterbury v Ot^tgo, was oommenoed to-day. Canterbury won the tots, and elected to bat). Following are tho scores : — Oawtebbury.—Firs* innings—Pearoe 0, Bimi 25, Callaway 8, Wigley 41, Harm an 4, ; Barry (captain) 5, Orohard 55, Bid by 24, 1 Reeie 15, Boxthall 12, Malone not oat 0, rxtms 10 j total 199. Downes took 7 wickets for 79 rnns; Fisher, 2 for 37 ; Webb, 1 for 61* OTAao»--First Innings—Baker not out 11, Beideibarg nob oat 3, extra 1; total for no wickets 15. Deutmber 24 The weather is wet and there is a miser able attendance. At Innoheon Otago had lost three wickets for 61—Baker 25, Austin 1, Biedeberg 12, Qoddes not on* 11.

South Africa.

United Pren Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright)

London, December 22

Reports of De Wet's dash describe it •s one of hit boldest conceptions and finest dashes of the campaign. He was leading 2500 men northwards through Springbaanek, an unbroken level pass, four miles broad, and fifteen miles east ward of Thabo N'Chn. Two torfified posts ocoapied the entrance to the pas*, and Thorneycroft's artillery was waiting on the hill to the eastward of the nek. De Wet was apparently cornered, and expecting General Kncx's force to come up with him in an hour, the Boer Gene ral despatched Uasebiook to feign an attack on Victoria Nek, sonth of Thaba N'Chu, he himself, with 2500 men, gal loping in open order through Spring baanek, Steyn and Piefe Fourier led the charge, nnder the rapid fire of the British guns and rifles. The Boers, mounting the pass to the east, and encountering Thorneycroft'B fire galloped along the foot of the hill on the west side, where the fire of otly one post was' effective, De Wet brought up the rear of the column. Altogether it was a piece of magnificent daring, and its success was complete despite the loss of a fifteen pounder, a pom pom, and twenty two prisoners, Haasbrook's force mean whiSe scattered belter skelter, the Welsh Yeomanrj galloping amidst them and using revolvers »nd the butt-enda of riles Ammunition carts were drivel through the enemy, the gunners using their revolvers freely.

The British have reoccupied Venter* Btad.

General Brabant, who has been in Capetown, bat? been ordered to the front. There is an enormous concentration of troops round the section invaded by the Boers.

The invasion is largely attributed to the efft ct of the Congress of the Afri kander Bond at Worcester, and to incit( merits of the Press on the minds of the in vadars, rather than to the acts of Dutch colonials.

General French, on the 19th, expelled 2500 Boerp, with four guns and a pom pom, from four positions at Thorndale, north-west of Krugeredorp, killing fifty and wounding many in the subsequent route and flight. General French's casualties were only fourteen wounded,

Lord Kitchener, in reply to the War Office concerning Mr Bryn Roberts shifting of his charges from the Aus tralians to the South African colonials, explains that two corps had a grievance and refused to march, but their action was due to their inexperience of mili tary procedure. There was no ques tion of using force against them, and their brilliant services in the fie'd since had entirely obliterated the incident

The War Office is despatching 800 mounted infantry next week and two cavalry regiments as coon as the transports are ready ' Recruiting is being expedited of 10,000 colonial police, and detachments are leaving as fast as they are formed.

Cavalry drafts will be sent imme diately

A special consignment of 3000 horses beyond the usual monthly rapply is being arranged for

A proclamation has been issued, warning all of the penalties of rebellion. Previous offenders renewing assistance to the Boers will be treated with excep tional severity.

Another band has {crossed the Orange River at Zoutpanie, marching on Philipstown.

Philip Botha, Commandants Haas* brook, and Hertzog, command three Boer forces raiding Cape Colony,

Thirty Boers have occupied Brits town,

A Sad Story.

An amazing story is told concerning an American officer serving in the | Philippines, Some months ago Charles Rockefeller, a major of volunteers, was missing, and it now appears that he deserted under the most painful and extraordinary circumstances. In 1872 when at Hongkong, his child a boy of three, was stolen by his Chinese nurse, and never recovered. Lately, in the course of some operations in the Isle of | Luzon, Major Rockefeller, killed a young white officer who commanded a troop of Philippine insurgents, and found on him papers bearing the name of Paul Stanhope, of Hongkong, and a journal written in English, He sub sequently learnt from the American Consul at Hongkong that Paul was the adopted son of an English commercial man in the town. He bad formerly borne the name of Paul Yen, vinder which name ho had been placed in a Jesuit College by a Chinese woman. Now, Major Rockefeller's child's nurse was called Ten, and on learning this, the unfortunate officer concluded that he had killed his own child, and his mind entirely gave way.

SPORTING

TINWALD RACING OLUBJ

The following nominations have been re ceived for the meeting on New Years Day :— Tinwald Tbot—Montrose. Mftjidf. Byd« Key, Denby, Boxwood, Moina, Katipo, Mil* take II Pony Back—>Rosie O'Bhee, The Dart, Wee Wee, Top«y, Pauline-you-ate a Bell* Mania Tinwald Ccp—Gloaming, Relio, Amaze* ment, Aotor, Phryne, YouDg Palilter, Cash nsere, Glandyboye Mounted Cobps Handicap—The German, Brunette, Larboard Watch, Ruby Gb^vs Fabm Handicap—P«oline Yob are a Belle, Lady's Chain, Valentin*, Magg, Lady of the Lake, Amazement, Aot*r Bonaparte, Clandyboye, Constance Farmers' Tbot—Montrose, Lignite, John Brown, Baltic M, The Snail, Lexey, Moiaa Sana, Stand-by, Alice Gray. Domain Weltbb—Lord Stansbnry, Nob Cracker, Vaiantine, Magg, Phryne, Bona parte, Young Pailiter, Oashmore, Clandy* boye, Constanoe, Relio, Lady Lilian.

100 Yabds Hahdioap—W Cairnoross, E Godfrey, D Mckeozia, A S Hewsoa, R R Johnston, M MoGovern, H Milliobamp, I Nolan and W Campbell. 150 Yab»s Handicap—Same as 100 Tar da Handicap.

The Montgomery Company

Mr Montgomery opens in the Oddfellow* Hall on Boxing night with his big allow of novelties, brought from the larg—toantr—i of the world and the Paris Exhibition, As the company's season !a for two night* oDly, the public of Ash burton thonld eecnre this opportunity of seeing th« startling sensations this popular caterer has brought back with him. The fairy pantomlne entitled *' Cinderella " ia th« greatest thing ever attempted of Its kind. The marvellous fountains of the Paris Exhibition ate shown playing, the low of water being 25,000 gallons (per. minute. The great naval manoeuvres of August last are given, showing the loading and firing of torpedos, target practice by H/M.S. Gibraltar steaming at 15 knota an hour, animated pictures from Pekjo, and latest scenes of Boxer raids. Ooe subject of which Mr Montgomery has secured the New Zealand rights at a big expense is 'Army Life,'or how a soldier la made. These animated scenes were prod need under the authority of the War Office, with » view of encouraging enlistment, and are now being nightly shown at the Hippodrome, London, where they are received with the greatest applause. The songs given will bs all new, and the gems of English and American performers

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, December 20 The decline in the price of coal con tinues. Since September steam coal has fallen about ten shillings a ton, which is attributed to the weather and the quietude to the iron trade. The ship Torridoc, which is loading for Syeney at the West India docks, has been severely damaged by fire The Waihi Goldmining Company is issuing to the shareholders a further ten thousand pounds worth of shares at £10 ,

The Commonwealth

United Pren Awociattai—By Bleobrlo Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Dec 23 Sir G Tumor and Mr Holder had a long conference with Sir W J Lyae yesterday and to-day, and returned home by to-night's express. They dis cussed the Federal Ministry and its policy. Beyond a non commital state ment that the proceedings were most | amicable, all preserve the strictest reticence. It is understood that nothing is yet definitely settled, and it will be j tomorrow evening or Tuesday before Sir W J Lyne makes any definite announcement.

The troopships Britannic and Dalhousi* have arrived with the Imperial troops. They will land this afternoon. Visitors from the various colonies are pouring in for the Federal celebrations. They inolude Sir Maurice O'Rcrke and Colonel Penton, Commandant of the Hew Zealand Forces:

The British and Indian Contingents landed today, and were welcomed enthusiastically;

Canterbury War Fund

United Pr«u Association--By Bleotric Telegraph—Oopyrgbt.

Chbistchoroh, Deo 24 At a meeting of the executive of tfct Canterbury War Fund to-day, It wm decided to send the following telegram to the Premier "If the Government purpose despatching men and horses to fill the vacanlces in the Contingents In South Africa the Canterbury War Fund Comm ittee are prepared to equip twenty men and horses to fill the gaps In the Canter bury troop on condition that the Govern ment provide transport and other expenses the selection of the men to be made by my committee. W. Beece, Mayor."

The Governor's Projected Travels

VISIT TO SOUTHERN ISLANDS

DRIVING TOURS

United Prees Assodatfen—By Eleattic Telegraph Wellington, December 23 Muoh »• he has seen of New Zealand, Lordßanfurly evidently intends Malaga good deal more of it before leaving ear shores, and the expeditious he has now planned will folly occupy him for the next two or three months. As already stated, he is to leave in a few day* for the islands In the far south, visiting the Snare** Camp bell, Auckland, Bounty, and Antipodes Islands, He will make the voyage in one of the ordinary cruises of the Hinemoa, one of the objects of hit visit being the obtaining of specimens of the birds of thete Islands, that have been asked for by the British Museum. Captain Button, of the Canter' bury Museum, and Dr Collins of Wellington, will accompany his Excellency on this trip, from which he may be ezpeoted back at the Bluff between January 16th and Slat After a short stay in Invercargill, he will leave on February 24, on a driving tonr through Southland and Otago, using for the purpose his own horses and wagonnette, In these journeys he will be accompanied by Captain Alexander. A start will be made from Orepuki, his Excellency driving by way of the Waiau to Lake Manapouri and Te Anau, stopping on the road at Mr B Me- Keozie's BUck mount Btation. At Mana pouri and Te Anau some short txpeditiooa will be made. From Te Anaa the Governor will drive to Mosaburo, going thenoe by train to Qore, where he will probably stay a couple of days transacting publio businese, On February 2 ha will leave there for Rox burgh, via Herlot, thence proceeding to ' Alexandra, where he will stay two nights. He will then drive to Cromwell and Pern* br«ke, devoting a couple of days to liake Wahxka and its surroundings. Returning down the ralley of the Molyneux for some dist&rc 1. he will continue his driving tour to Oma rnnft, breaking the journey at Tarraa and Morven Hills Stations. Thence he will drive to Kurow, where he -will entrain foif

iHffi A a OBTOS OTAtiDlitf : StONDAV, l)£Ui£MßEl{ U UOO



'ull moon ,ast quarter Jew moon 'iret quarter

6 14 22 29

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Diife December >» it ti •• »»

22 23 24 25 26 27

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Rises 4 19 4 20 4 20 4 21 4 22 4 22

?eta 7 39 7 39 7 40 7 40 7 40 7 41



Poiypathic Medical Insiitute. ' Corner of Gloucester Sbreeb and Labimer Square, CHRISTCHURCH, (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings). FIFTH VISIT TO" ASHBURTON. FEIDAY APTEBNOON, JANUARY 4, ISOI. 2 o'clock pm until Bpm SATUEDaY, JANUARY 5, 9am until 1 o'ciock p in CONSULTATION 'FREf*.-GRANGE'S HOTEL. POLYPATFY, the New Method of Healing, is the 0^ mirror, h} (1 nv,si ripid System, as it cures with absolute # j^^:,3fcft^2E_jCgi^ certainty euch diseases 88Cancer, Epilepßy and Asthma, vS£w&g&£wbttmlUtßL inourabie under the old system, as we'l as all Chronic rtfSsjflff»isgSaaß^ES» and Nervous Complaints of Women and Men. MoBB CuitKs madk BY poLYPArrHY thaD anyotber ey|tem 98B8*SBT^c£^5~*af-% !d 'ho Wrr'd (3P^^t?^^feSPPP^ THOUSANDS OF TFSTIMONIALS Epileptic Fits For Eight Yhabsj also heart | r JHSaStn^^nliiHl ■ Yovr Medicines have done me a great deal of good. I ifIMMBSSSS^HHKB fee) m-tter in every way, and the pains at the heart have entirrty left rue. I have not had one 6b since taking I^|Vn2EEßSa&fl your Meslicine-I remain, yours truly, Jeremiah Foster lung disease and extreme debility J^^^^^^a|H I have muoh pleasure in sending this letter, thanking IfijSflfl^^^HH^KX you very much for the benefit I have derived from yonr I^H9P~9h^^^H9 medicine, which X have been using six weeks. I was {^■■Bj£^DEßflU| reduced in weight from 12et 41b duwn to Bst 71b, and I {^B^^BS^^^^^^Seß had quite given myself up to my Maker; but thank God i^^fIKpBHpBBBHI^BiS &fter I had been under your treatment nine days my (Km^HQl^^H^HjHP friends could see a change In me, and I oould feel it nSBBjSBEZmSSSir*^ myself, and have been improving ever since. Yeu can \mi w -r. .■* ,*-mJ» — —ft use this letter for a teatimonlal, r>r refer anybody to me *WBa—g|gr %*%**.*" every pgogpßrity- Yoqrß grSoK PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING. T) OYS' Guard State 8s 6d ; BoyV Blouses 4s Boys' Norfolk Snita 12s 6d 5 Washing Suits 2s 6d " Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18s 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 125;6d,! A nice variety of Summer Ooatß in Kfaarki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, Etc. TS.Z, CLOTHING FACTOHY F. H. BBCKINGSALB, Manager. ABSOLUTELY THR BEST EVER MADE BURNETT STREET, ITIjtfORMOUS Stock of Fundries juat to hand, including Latest Lamps, JCLI Luggage Oarrier?, fr'addle Chains, Alarm Bells, ate Inspection Invited The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of US Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims: H D Bell, Esq. Chairman. I Percy M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albert MAW, Esq, Mil I E Trevor Gocld, Resident Secretary; STRONGEST LJFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY Iff THE WORLD Financial Position. Assurance in fore £219,670,058 I Surplus over liabilities ... fff^SS Accumulated fucd'... .- £58,373.185 | Annual income ... ... £11.286,145 A Mutual Office. Ail surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed C»Bh Value Polioy. NICOLT BROS, Agents, AshbrrtoD. I*4*' xmasTresents. xmas presents. _ ||U||| *{\* i.iuajiii 1 T^VERYBODY should call and see our Grand Display of New Goods suitable for "IT MAS and New Year Gifts. Fancy Goods of all kinda, Photo Frames, Vases, Fancy Baskets, Fancy Crockery in all the latest designs. Also—A Nice Assortment o£ the best Silver Plated Goods at greatly reduced prices. CALL SNO SEE. NO ONE PRESSED TO BUY AT T. fl. UN DRILL & CD'S., CABINETMAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS, TANORED STREET.



_________ M-^ ———— PURE & HALFBRED TAW WORTH PIGS fVO Farmers parchasinj!' Halfbred PIGS.! We are prepared to bay them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on Rrain or Peas. FABMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* 12 § J H Rule. FUii bALB, WELL Cured Prime quility HAMS and BACON, Cheaper than Beef r Mutton. Guaranteed grain fed by Farmers of this district. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 2 55 J H 1- i'le bbmbmbbkl mHE SHOP will be OPEN every Night thia week uutil 8 o'clock for the sale of Christmas and New Year Cards. A. H. WILLIAMS, Tancred Street *"r ~~ ftmoke JUtw Venus j



I gf ASK FOR /( . NEW TARIFF' -J CHAMPION BLEND j<» OTHER PRICES; & VeV& */f0 Z/2 2/4 a/8 JNOMINA TEA USED BY US^ ANTED Knowa—That oar Oilcloths and Llnoleaair are bought direct from the British Mills, and itand unrivalled for variety aad yftlwei—Mite>bellM»dlJ«f»»?



Tirr E ARE SHOWING THIS WEEK A SPLENDID LOT OF GOODS, SUITABLE FOR CHKISTMAS AND NEW YKAR PRESENTS INSPECTION INVITED ASHBUBTON DRAPEKY CO.



Saisdbr $ So?s' Eucalypti Extract— Under the distinguished patronage of Hie Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, which are cow foisted upon the public under the name of Eucalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only 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) bron£hitio, diphtheri» t dyßentery, internal inflammation, etsc, insist fn getting Sandbr and Sons' Poke Voi.il ' B -. lypti Extract, and be afe.



" Ike liver is the lazaret of hie. But very rarely executes his function," —Don Juan Bilious fever is a disease j Its attack it generally sudden There is a tense of languor and debility for a few days g**«vious; headache, lack of appetite, furred tongue, pain in the joints, and a feeling of uneaet. ness. Chills eneut, followed by feverish ness Food is distasteful; the bowels are out of order A, dose of Impey'i " May Apple" soon corrects these troubles, all nature smiles again, and once more you are your bright and happy self Wades Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worrier?, never fad for adults or children Prioeis ' * v i



BUY your holiday boots and shoes at D Stock's Cash Boob Store; a large assortment to choose from. ALL Loasby's Preparation —-Cinnamon Care, Koolibah, Wahoo, and Benjamao , am—at J U Gqoch, Storekeeper J



New Zealand's athletes at the front In cricket, football or the hunt He shines In any sport or game, His prowess has a world wide fame. But training has Its usual ills, As over heat that causes chills Then don't delay, but health secure By taking Woods' Great Peppermint Care.