Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Inveecabgill, Dec. H The other tvidence was corroborative of that given by Milne, the symptoms of the men's sickness being the same although Gordon and White did not suffer so severely. Dr Rogers, who attended them, said the symptoms of twitohing of the limbs and Inability to articulate and the arching of the body spasmodically were those of strychnine poisoning. Evidence was given of the securing of the articles of food of which the men had pft.7tc.ken, these being forwarded under seal to Professor Black- The professor gave evidence that he found strychnine in the •ugar, in the dog's stomach (the drg had licked the men's vomit) and in the pockets of .clothing belonging to Aroetb The accused was committed for trial at the Supreme Court, bail being refused.

CORRESPONDENCE

CWa do not bold ourielves responsible for •pinions txpref sed by our corratpondenta

BEAUTIFYING ASSOCIATION

TO THR EDITOR Sm,—lt it gratifying to see that th» Beautifying Association has made a start in beautifying Baring Square. This work will bo. ft fitting memorial, in the town of Ash barton, of the jubilee of the province, which We now celebrate, and when properly finished will be a credit to the inhabitants of Aohburbon and district for thuir liberality, enterprise, and lasts. And you, sir, and your ns-*r.f)!>pGr are to be commended for the fid you. have rendered with pen and valuable ipaoe, in lou/ir.g the feelings of the beautiful in the.cqmmunity, What ia more consoling to the mind when passing through and fro Ibis beautiful wing of the town than to think, 'I have helped to make this spot beautifn! as it is with my subscription,' and to band it down for the »ppreciation of the children, who, doubtless, would unite in keeping it in nice order, as their fathers have done, who initiated it. Would not the nurserymen and florists take advantage of this, and secure a patch for advertising their beautiful art, on the condition only of keeping it in nice order 1 The present snsightly fenco should be taken down, and % proper iron poet, chain and wire netting, wifch gabas to match, be substituted. I have no doubt; whatever now that this desirable work will go ahead, tha Association, I understand, having appointed a practicable committee of gentlemen, who will take a pride in their work. It) only remaing for the public of Ashbarton tc aseisb them with their subscriptions, This work, when pro perly finished, will ba aa everlasting credit to the inhabitants of Aehburton and nißtricfc, nod help to remind tourists and other visitors of other beautiful places in Ashbur ton.—l am, &c, An Obsebvkb and Sbbscbibeb.

Hampstead Town Board

Thd uiixal monthly meeting of the Hamp •tead Town Bnard was held yesterday evening. Present—Messra & W Andr«ws (aoairmto), E Thomas, H McEirea S Bur nard, 0 Hardy, and W J Silceok. After the business had been proceeded with OtSRBESPONDENOE Correspondence was read as follows: From Mr Taylor apologising for his gbsenoe from the meeting—Received From the Canterbury Jubilee Committee l»eking the Board to Bend cub »shilling subscription list. Also forwarding a number of brooz» medals—Received From the Connby Council replying to the Board's memo that they had no control over water races, and pointing out) that the act ■aid differently Mr MoElrea said that he was sure that the County Council bad control over the race, aad be thought the Board should not do the County Council's work. It was resolved that the matter be referred back to the County Council pointing out that the Board ace of the opinion that the race is under the control of the County Council From the Borough Council re road in Hampstead, advising that the Board had hatter form the road. This was received. It was resolved that the Borough Council be asked to take the formation of the said road in sections, and if so the Board would take one section.

From the Department of Lands Survey to the eff-ot that they were arranging to have B S 6607 and 19339 to put rubbish in F<om Secretary of Jubilee Celebration, asking the Board to take part in the proces sion. It was reso'ved that tho chairman attend on behalf of the Board

From F Ferritnnn asking the Boaid to take his name off Che rate roll in connection with R 3 12918, and substitute the name of Mr 6 Edwards instead.—lt was decided thiti Mr Ferrim&a bo held responsible for rates

From A MegEcti asking to have his name i pat; on the list instead of his father, who is dead.—Agreed fcq From G W Leadley re rates.—Reoaived, Left in the hands of the clerk WORKS 00MMITT1E i Iho chairman said that the hole they had ordered to be filled had not baen filled in, | but) had had some shingle put in it, which j would stop the stench from ib The clerk was instructed to write to the Postmaster asking him to have the telephone posts pub 10ft from the laside.of the foot path, ab the end of the town near the gas Works—lt was resolved to have a few loads of shingle pnt at the corner of the road near H Smith's FINANCE (The ohairman said that the Bank balance was £48 lls lid. After passing accounts fttncanilßg bo £8 ss, the meeting adjourned.

The Sydney Divorce Suit.

Sydney, Dec 14 At eleven o'clock the Ooningbana jury, having failed to agree upon a verdict;, were discharged.

High School Board

The usual monthly meeting of the High School Board was held yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs A Orr (ohairman), W B Denshire, and Major Steward. After the general routine business, the! Chairman abated that the bank balance was £255 16b. The matter of the date of termination of Mtss Mnlholland's engagement warn held over for a full meeting. Five tenders for the lease of reserve 1121 were received, for which Mr Beo Ede's was accepted, on the proposal of Major Steward, ■eeooded by Mr Denshire. The Secre tary was instructed to. «eb the solicitor to draw ap the lease for the term of seven year?, Percy Prebble and Riohard Neil were awarded scholarship! for the Governor's Exhibition. 0 H Re veil and Thomas Stephens were awarded Bohol are hips for the seniors, headmaster's befobt.

I have to report that the year ao stirring throughout the Empire has been with us an eventful except in so far as it marks the oloat of the schools minority on January 29 1879, the first meeting of an Ashburton High School Board was held. There were present Dr Trevor in the chair, Messrs Bul lock, Cox, Grigg, Saunders, aril Walker. At that meeting ib w.a decided to establish a High School in Aebburton and the follow ing year saw Mr Hogft presiding over a boys sohiol Six years iater the girls' echool was opened la charge of Miss Blunders, The two school* remained practically indepen dent of c >oh other till 1895 whan they were combined under the charge "f Mr Simmers, Daring these the schools pursued the even tenor of their way hampered ohiefl y by that common trouble—want of funds. The Sec* retary of bhe Board however, has klndty supplied me with a minute whioh may interest the younger generation—it is "For the past month the hoys have met in St Stephens'schoolroom pending repairs ren* dereci necessary by the late tornado." On making enquiries our chairman tells me that the tornado waa an old fashionable Nor Wester which blew in the end of the school. Ib ifl now twelve months since the Iwo build* inffi were united and on' behalf of myself and staff we bate to thank th<r Board for what Has proved an inestimable benefit. (Che average attendance tor the paib year hM town 3d b°y* prcdomi nvtlng on the toll

by 27 to 13* Daring the year nineteen new pupils have been admitted while about thi same number have ieftJ. The general pros parity of the district has been the cause of i oonsideraMo'decrease in the number of boys, I would like however to take this opportu niiy of urging parents to let us have thi children for at least 3 years if fcbafc can possibly be managed, any shorter period renders it almost useless beginning such subjects as Latin or the higher mathematics. (The school work has progressed much as usual—two of our pupils matriculating and two passing the Junior Civil Service at tho last examination; The book keeping class has been well attended and considering the time we have at our disposal I think our writing is satisfactory. Both boys and girls have been drilled weakly in the open air. The athletic life of the school has been particularly healthy—our school sports being eminently successful while at the larger combined schools meeting we secuied nearly one half the prizes and championship of tbe Cmnty; We have established a swimming class and yesterday Messrs Har rison and Gates who are well known in swimming circles passed nine of our boys as I expert} swimmers* Thu test was » severe one I and I hope they will not judge the merit of their programme by the value of their certifi cate granted. The cricket eleven has solar an unbeaten record. As this may be my last opportunity of giving ex Cathedra ad vice to many of my pup Is X would like to say fchat we teachers will always take the keenest interest in their future wellfare and we hope that the training they have received here will in the harder school which they are about to enter stand them in good stead. We have ttot pretended to make professional men, artisans or clerks of thnrn bub lessons in obedience, honesty of word and thought manliness and self reliance are nob the leasb desirable equipment for man or woman It is our lot however to ay fort well to MissMul- j Holland our mistress has received the pro. motion she deserves and leaves as to go to \ Tirnarn. Personally, I oati only say she will be missed by pupi a and teachers alike and we only hope Bhe maybe as much appreciated ■ where she is j>oing. We welcome at the I beginning of the New Year Miss Bauchop who comes with the highest testimonials from a large Girls tobootf in Duaedin Before closing let me think my assistants for loyal assistance during the year, and I hope they and all our pupils may have a very pleasant holiday. I append what our young friends will consider the most, impor anfc part of this report—the prz) li*t After passing accounts amounting to £49 3b 61 the meeting adjourned.

The Fifth Contingent at the Front.

Following are extracts from letters to his parents from Uorpora! Veroon Steward of No 1 Company Fifth New Zealand Contin gent :— Zbbrcst, October 23, 1900

I wrote last about three weeks ago, when our last mai! cloaod, two days' journey from Rustenburg. If you remember I Siid then that French, Roberts and Kitchener were in Rustonburg with thousands of troops, nnd that in all probability we would join them This information was given as in 'orders' bub turned out to be totally inoorreo?. There were no troops in the town at all except a few Hussars and German Highlan ders on garrison duty there. Rustonburg is a miserable p'aat—-that is to say looking at ih from a hungry soldier's point of view. The town itself is pretty enough but all the inhabitants that remain are practically starving—nob a thing to bo bought, Wo stayed in Rustenburg three days, and re ceived a fresh supply of provisions and fodder forwarded by oonvoy from Pretoria. Our destination was Zeerust via Marios Pass in pursuit of De La Bey, and we followed the same tacMoi as on former occasions, Methuen's division taking one road and our selves (General Douglas's command) tho other. I think it is 170 miles from Bus ten burg to Zeerust, bub can'o remember just now exactly. Ib was expected we would have a v ?ry rough time in Marico's Pass, as we were informed in ' orders ' that Generals Botha and Leminer h%d joined Da La Ray with 1000 men, and were lying entrenched intending to dispute the passage. However, they made no more resistance than usual, and we arrived hera safely about) fire days ago. Safely I say. Well, no one in the Fifth was ebo f, bub I suppose we lost 20 men killed and about 50 wounded coming through One fellow in the Fourth New Z aland was pierced by no less than six bullets (Sorenson by name). De Lay Rey got some shells into Methuen'a camp en route chiefly through the English Yeo manry (who were the advance scouts that day) not discovering hia position. Three or four men ware blown to pieces in a shocking way, and several horses and mules were killed. Two days ago the Boers cut off -

party of Methuen'a \eomanry who were escorting a convoy, and tha yeomanry had to make a running fighb of i t--Io»t one officer (shot io four places) and six men killed, and thirty-six men wounded. Of course wo tuke iota of Boer prisoners, and we give the snemy on an average about 100 lyddite and shrapnel shells daily, which muefc do a lot of damage, bat the Boers ' fight and run away, ( and another day they fight us again. In this country twenty Boer snipera oarefully concealed and [scattered high np the moun tains at the aides of the pa%n, and firing their quiok firing Maueers, can make it very hot for two or three of our iqutdrons. Some of our men while scoutleg the other day, discovered Boers hidden in the trees, lying along the branches, rifle in hand, ready to snipe at the main column. Needlesß to say, they are still in those trees—very still— unless their comrades have since got them down and buried them. . . . We are, I believe, to stay here a few days longer, but no one knows yet our future destination. Methuen has left us, and his division if, I believe, on its way to Ottoshoop From thence (Ottoshocp) we have already received fresh supplies, the convoy bringing aiso our long lookad-for and welcome mail. And a real good big one it was. I got altogether fifteen letters and papers, the latter including a Weekly Press, Ashburton Guardian, and LytUUon limes. . . Lieutenants Xuckey and Seddon, whom you mention, are Dot with up; The first named was oidered to join a battery of artillery, and parted from ub before we left Mafeking. Poor beggar, his battery has been aent to Tuli—an abominable place. . I have had rather a bad time of it lately, having had to knock up for a wee.k and ride in the bullock waggons, which almost shake one to pieces, being too weak to march ; and alas ! when I was able to resume duty it was only to find that during my absence another man bad been riding my mare and giving her a aore back. So I had to foot it twenty tnilea a day for some days. I can usually do this wall enough even in this hot climate, and over rough ground, but ib cams pretty hard on me in my weak condition. . The cad news you gave me in oae of your letters about poor old Bob (Upton) affected me more th»n most things have done for many years. My heart is in my mouth now and tears in t»y eyes as I write, the way the best friend I ever h*d, straightforward, maniy, and true as steel, and no one knows how much I shall miss him* How I had looked forward to good old fcalka with him after this war was all over, if only I got safely through. I never dreamed that he would go first. . We are all getting pretty short of underclothing, I have now hardly got a pair of socks to my name, and writing paper and envelopes are very ecarca indeed. lam just now using pages torn out of an old pooket book. Haven't Been a match for weeks, and the last few stray boxes of wooden ones we obtained from the * Tommies,' {who sell

anything) coat us a shilling each. While scribbling this, I am lying in a beaubiful spot by the Bide of a largß creek, weeping willows over bead and growing along either bank for miles, but dare nob drink the water as it gives you enteric fever, unless first boiled. My mare is out grazing on the veldt till 330 pm. I oame down here at 10 15 am, and have not gob to go back to oamp till the horeeaare brought in (at 3 3C). I brought two biscuits down with me, and just before I started this page I lit a fire by the aid of a leas from a pair of field-glftiies, boiled my billy in ten minutes with a few twigs, and now my biscuits are soaking in the warm tea to make them eatable —I think the tea is cool now, so to my lunch—Lun cheon finished ljlam just laughing to myself; Would you believe it ? Two hard bisouits soaked in tea, no sugar to put over them, and none for the tea either. We are on short ration! of sugar just now—lJoz per man per day, I have not eaten meat for a week, not allowed to, owing to my reoent U!d«s, but lam allowed tea, instead of

v coffee, for which lam grateful. Tonight c my tea will be the same as lunoheon— jmt . bisouite, but I will powder them »nd make a them into a sorb of porridge, with sugar by i. way of luxury. . Zeerusfe is a lair'y large 1 town, the biggesb we have seen since we s left Mafeking, and very pretty; all the i | fences fruit tree?. Have had no time to go 1 ! down town yet, but have managed re get a ) bathe every day. Have got a holiday to . day, but may not get another day off before i we leave. . Heaven only knows when the I war will be over. The existing state of > things may continue for years, and ft is my i opinion that we shall serve our full twelve > months here. October 24—Heavens ! What a time of it I we had last night! It poured Uterftlly In i torrents, with terrific thunder and lightning i Everybody and everything wet through. i blankets sopping, rifles rusty, bandoliers and belts unrecognisable and all o»r little be , longings inohes deep in mad. Little streams continuously running down the small of our back, and all hands lying in an inch or so of water, with good prospects of lumbago, sciatica, rheumatism and the like. Ugh ! It was the very acme of discomfort. To cap*it all at 10 p m the column received orders to leave at 2.30 am, which meant rtvcille ab one o'clock. At that hoar I crawled miserably out of my wet blankets, and began feeling around for my gear, waiting always for the vivid flashes of light' Ding, which momentarily lighted up the intense darkness, and then making a dive for any of my things revealed by the flash. A few minutes more, and my name was called by the cup'ain and to my intense de' light I was ordered to remain behind in camp in oompaoy with a sergeant in charge of the sick, maimed, and dismounted men. There are altogether from 200 to 300 men in camp, but among them only 25 of the Fifth New Zaaland, so my ta«k will be an easy ons. We expect the oo!nmn back in three or four days. Ib ia now 9am and I have already done an ordinary New Zealand eight hours day's work, and have been on my feet all the time getting things straight. The snn has oome oub again and it) is now unbearably hot, but it will dry ail my things nicety lam writ ing this in a sorb of tent erected for our officers, and which they kindly allowed me to make use of during thidr absence. . . We have had some splendid concerts sines ws joined Methueu's force. Whenever we camp for a day or two at any place, a concert is given—often two or three. Wo possess two upright grands 'commandeered' from the Boere, and there are really any amount of clever performers of a 1 ranks, and our programmes includa songs, pathetic and comic, recitation*, instrumental items, juggling, etc, etc. Then again it is a treat to hear the Knglish military bands. They sometimes c me down and play in our lines —brass bands, drums and fifes, and Scottish bagpipae. , . . All eorrs of flowers that we see in New Z 'aland gardens grow wild out here ; hyacinths, prim* roses, marguerites, buttercup*, daisies, red hot pokers, and lots more that t can't remember the names of at the moment. . This is a jumbled letter, but I hope you wIU not find it tedious. I have not time to read ib over so you must accept it with ail faults, as the mail is just leaving. My fondest love to you all.

THE LATEST

THE TRANSVAAL WAR

A British ReTerao

United Press Association—By Eleetrio Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 16,8 46 am, This office 9 20 * m London, December 15 A serious reverse occurred to a force commanded by Major General Olementi at Nooitgedacht* Twenty five hundred Boars attacked the British who After losing heavily were obliged to withdraw to Hekpoort.

Australian.

United Pmsi im3i*>;io i —8; iS.3J.ra Telegraph—Copyright)

Received Wakapuaka Deo 15, 9 35 a m, This Office 1030 am {SYDNEY Dec 15 The weather is fine for the proces sion

• The agents of the Allegiance have received confirmation that she was burnt at sea and sunk. The cargo, a valuable one was insured, moat of the local offices having lines Adelaide, Dec 15 It is stated in political, circles that Lord Hopetona will be raised to a Dukedom, when he assumes the Go vernor Generalship

New Zealand's Expansion Policy.

United Press Association—By Eleofcrlo Telegraph—Copyright

' (Received Deoember IS, 944 am) Sydney Dec 15 The Htrald commenting on Mr Sed don'a Pacific federation scheme says, that Australia's chief concera with regard to the Islands ia that they should cot pass into foreign hftnds, and that our trade shall not be shut out This might seem merely selfish and narrow to resist handing over to New Zealand the Islands, which lie not far beyond her geographical sphere^ but if New Zealand decides to take op a position of isolation from the political system of the Greater British populations of Australasia, then she must not blame the latter if they prefer to retain i n their own hands opportunities for making the larger Pacific territories integral or subsidiary parts of their own federation. If New Zealand comes in with us, she will secure our influence on behalf of her legitimate expansion in the Pacific, as well as her influence in Australasian affairs. She can secure both by enter ing our federation, but may lose both by isolating herself.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Dukbdin, Dec 15 The Harlech Castle's detention Is due to tj strike among the dock painters, and tha difficulty of obtaining coals in the port of Sydney Cubistohuroh, December 15 At the infuest on Frederick William Waite whose dead and mutilated body was found on a railway crossing in Falsgrave street, Bydenham on Friday morning, the verdict , was given that he was aoaidently kii!ed| and run ever by a train. In the Supreme Oourt J Watson Kennedy who was informally sentenced to three /ears imprisonment by the magistrate in the Court below for uttering valueless cheques recently was re-ientenoed today by Judge Martin to two years hard labour,

Magisterial—At the Magistrate's Con 5-* this morning, a first offender was convicle" and discharged for drunkene*s, A Prohibit ion order was issued agairst two perrons to take effect in the Ashhurton county for the period of twelve month*.

MINING

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Grkymouth, December 14 There is still exoitemenfe over the Grey River dredging return. It is unofficially stated thafi by Wednesday 640z I9lwt 7gr had been obtained. The dredge is all the while on the bottom, the river being very low Wagering is going on as to whether 150oz will be topped. Those against it are willing to cry off, but the others wilt not. The ret urn from the Reeves Proprietary was 21cz for the week I The Nelson Creek dredge had a good trial and starts work to-day ]

THE ASHBtfRTON GUAtfcDIAN: SAfUIiDAt DECEMBER 15, 190 C



The West Coast limes states that the retorUng of the amalgam from the Leviathan ! dredge for last week's work is said to have given 25ozs of retorted gold Taoon'e Cardrena dredge is rMsbed aU bat the homing in, and will be afc work la Janairy next. The Rolling Stone dredge is the only one so far at work at Oardrona. The Hartley and Rlley return is 490z6dw c * Inch Valley. Brz 12dwt, The Undaunted mjne, Matakanni has washed op 2230 a



O. Magnus, D.Patkrson, Dredging Expert) Member Stook and Exchange Adviser* of Canterbury. MACMS, PATERSON AKO CO Gold Dredging Brokers, 208 High Street, Christchurch Reliable and straightforward advice given on i Otago and West Const Dredging Claims. f Mr Olof Magnus has had 16 years practical experience on the Molyneux River, Otago ALFRED HARRISON, Esq Aehburton Re- resentative CHURCH OF ST's PHILLIP AND JAMES, WATHRTON. rpHG annnal Parish gathering will be JL 1 eld in the Library Hall, Waterfcon on FRIDAY, Dec 21, 1900. Tea and Concert--, admission 2s. Tea on Tables at ft 30 p in. Concert at 8 p ra. RUILDING SITES. 3QUARTFR Acres all adjoining-Nos 1128, 1129, and 1130, Cameron Street, on the upper rda of the railway There h »ye been numerous enquiries for eeotione in the vicinity of these. To be told on very easy terms of payment. Fail particulars on application. ; __ U. BULLOCK. WANTED



WANTED— A Smart Youth for Iron mongery Department.— Apply to Hardlb? Bros. 12 144 I AM now booking Poultry for Christmas J H Jkwitt, opposite Mail Office, Telephone 96 BARING Square Wesleyan Chnrcfc — To morrow'B services. Preachers— Morning—Mr J. Hayman ; Evening— RktT Feb. 12 151 IiiAIHKK OUhISTMAS is coming. Call JD at H, M. JONKB' to make your pur chases for his visit. Large stock of Books and Toys, Fancy Goods, Plated Glacs and China ware, Albums, Desks, Writing and Dressing Cases, Wallet*, Purses, Frames, Musio Folios, Plush and Leather Goods, Vases, Basketware, beautifully bound Standard Works by various authors. Lowest Prices, inspection invited. —H. M. Jonks. WANTED Known-That our Oilcloths and Linoleums are bought dlreqt from the British Mills, and stand unrivalled for variety and values—Mitchell and Turmr /^ARPENTERh' Tools at bedrock pricesj \J Registrar Grates from 12s 6d, Tiled Registrars and Mantlepieces complete, from 52s 6<i. Our prices defy competition.— Haedlby Bros. WANTFD KNOWN".—Masons preserv ing jtrs pints 4s lid quarts st) 6d gallons 6s 9d per drzen lib j«m j»rs 2f 9d per dczen 2ib j*m j«rs 3e 9d per drzen Preserving pans brass and enamelled Iron at lowest rates at Fletcher Bros 11 182 S"^ AY BOYS—Where do you" boy your boots ? The best and cheapest are at D Stock's OUK REFAIKS are^on^«ii~^e~»TD Stock's Cash Boot Store. OUR Boots and Shoes sell themselvt a have a look »>t D Shock's prices. BUY your holiday boots and shoes at D Stook's Cash Boot Store; a large assortment to choose from. ■\TTANTED KNOWN.^FTne^t r^lSr Vf flour 2001b bag 14s—1001b bag 7s 6(1 501b 3s lOd 251b 2s or 81b Is—Bran 2s 3d bag Sharps 5e 3d Rcok'Salt 5s 6d at Fletcher Bros Cash Supply Stores JLl_ 181 f~l ARDEN Hose from 4d per foot, Rubber vX and Canvas Hose of the best quality, Nosel Spray Taps, etc, Large stock to select from at the lowest prloes —Habclkt Bros OW To Hand, Christmas Nos. of Eng. lish Graphic Holly Leaves, Iliuitratad London News, and Pears Annual, klso Wel don's Illustrated Dressmaker and Boziar for November. New Books, Infantry Drill (with amendments), Millers Queen's Hun* dred,' • Ads to Scouting' by Baden Powell and others. Collins and Walker's Diaries, Jam Pot oovers &c—A H Williams, Tan creel Street j S> ET our Prices before going elsewhere. VJT All work and Material guaranteed at the Eclipse Cycle Works, Tanored Street West _ . THE Big Bargain Bale at Ddnoan & Go's (noted C^eap Cash Drapers) is an Al success. The unanimous verdict of buyers is thab we giro far better value than the Christchurch Drapers—this is not surprising when you consider the tremendous expenses, and the large staff of starched gentlemen they have to maintain—The secret of Duncan ft Co's success are small expenses, and being direct cash importers, are enab'ed to sell much cheaper, than the larger and more showy establishments. Come and judge, and compare prices.—Dunoan & Co, Cheap Cash Store, Tanored Street. Dress* making done economically and well.



WANTED KNOWN—Just arrived Peak Frean & Co bUouits in following varieties: Cafe Noir, Cream, Sandwich, Choc* olate, Fingers, Wavilets, Venice, Wafers, Florence Waferß.eto, at Fletcher Bros 11 183 BIG Bargain Bale~of Drapery and Cloth* ing at Dunoan & Go's, Cheap Cash Drapers. Undernoted are quoted a few plums ; not room for more— Men's Brown Cotton Drawers la 6d ; merino do Is 6d ; do socks 6d; strong working shirts 2a 3d ; white do, slightly soiled 2s lid j silk stripe tennis do 3s 6d ; tweed colonial trousers 5s lid; moleskin do 5s 6d ; denim do 3a 4£d ; sao suits 25a 6d ; elsstic braces Is ; boys' linen collars 3 for Is ; men's white handker chiefs 4£d ; colored do 6d ; only to be had at Dukqah & Go's, Cheap Draper*, Tanored Street,



BIG Bargain Hale at Dunoan A CoB, Tancred Street. Drapery and cloth ing cheaper than ever—Note as follows— Turkish towels, samples, 3sd each; art muslins 2sd; cretonne 3|d ; prints from 3£d; large stock tucked muslins, wide widths IGJd ; nainsooks 6Jd ; linen tabling ll£d ; Crewdson's and Horrolkseo' calicoes 4s 9d. doz yards ; muslin aprons 10£ d; toilet covers 7|cl; antimaeoassers 6sl; 72 inch wide twill sheeting 10£' i ; large and varied lot laoe curtains, astonishingly low prices, from Is 6d pair, Is lid, 2s 3d upwards ; ladies' silk scarves 9fd| job line silk and lisle gloves 6d pair ; cashmere ribbed hose Is.— Dpkoan & Co, Cheap Cash Drapers. "r\ON'T READTHIS—BIcyoIei from &\b mJ 12 Months guarantee. Tyre covers nfc6d,Tubes 7s 6d* Bells 6d, Solution Jb 1«, Handle Ilpt It per pair, Addles iO», { Acetylene Lamps 12s 94, Oarblda §d per lb, Enamelling 16s, Trbnser Clips Id per pair, fetqlipi {• pe'r'mic.wgQllpttQfUeWorll



Beiubk oy Troopkb Hbasle^.— Trooper J Heasley whoae startling experiences at th* engagement on Crocodile River a month or bo ago have been briefly recorded in our columns returned to Ashbureon by the ex' preis this morning. Owing to there being some uncertainty m to the train Trooper Heasley would come by there wm not 10 large* gathering on the station ai there was last evening when it was expested h% would arrive, but there can be no doubt of the heartiness of the welcome given to him by thoie who did meet him. He looked muoh better than was anticipated, consider* iog that h« wm •hob through both thighs and was also wounded in tho leg by an «• plosive bullet. When he left the railway platform he was escorted by several young ladies and that was the last the reporter taw of htm.



HKTWBV STEPBENSONj^^^ Clea rj n g Sal c THUBBD a Yr"l)ccembcr 20. 1 O'CLOCK SHARP HENRY STEPHENSON bat received instructions from Mb J H Paulino (who ba» left) the district) to Sell by Public Auction bif HOUSE OF 7 ROOMS, SCULLERY, Etci, &£ Acre Land, BurnetbStreet, Alao at same time aud place all his HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, PIANO, Etc, comprising Horsehair Suite, Oval Table (carved legs), Sideboards, Occasional Chairs, Poles and Curtains, Fenders and Irons, Carpets, Wool Mats, Cushions, Blocks, Oilcloths, Single and Doubte Iron and Woodtn Bedsteads, Spring Mattrmses, 4 Cheats Drawer?, Washing Seta and Ware, Duohesse Tables, Chairs, Dresser, Bookcase, large Bath, Mangle, Meat Safe, Kitohen Utensils, lot of Crockery and Glass Ware, Garden Tools, a host of sundries, etc., •ad a quantity of Fowlti Mb Paulino having left the district my instructions are to SELL absolutely WITH OUT RESERVE Sale at 1 o'clock sharp HENRY BIEPHENSON, 12 142 Auctioneer D, THOMAS. Mifil'UVEN BaCL-¥ARD:J. *" TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1900 MR DAVID THOMAS has received instructions from Mrs Rouse to sell at the above Yards, viz: 2 Sections, situated in the Methven Town ship, vlz:-Lot!o9and 110 on D.F. No. 428, Methven. Part of 8.8. 21571. containing half acre. C/Ts Vol. 147, Fol. 274, and Vol. 105. Fol. 278 D. THOMAS, 12128 Auctioneer WEBT STREET HORSE MART, OUR USUAL HORSE FAIR Will> held on THURSDAY, December 27, For which we shall be pleased |to£reoelv« Entries. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd! 12 20 GLASS Works, 16 Manchester Street, Christohuroh.— To the residents of Anhburton, and surrounding districts. Ladles and Gentlemen—We have much pleasure in thanking you for the very liberal patronage given us during the time we have been in Christohurch, and beg to inform you that we are giving three exhibitions of Practical Glass Blowing daily, at the Works, 16 Man chester Street, Christchuroh. Admission la; children 6d, A present for .each visitor. TINWALD RACING & SPORTS CLUB. FIRST ANNUAL MEETING To be bsld on the Tiawald Racecourse on TUESDAY, January 7 ; 1901 , Approved by the C.J.C. and New Zealand Trotting Association President— G A M Buckley, Esq ; Vice- Presidents—E Gates and D McLean, Eeqs; JCDGK—Mr E G Crisp; Startbr —Mr A. A Fook»j Cmbk of CoUßbf—-Mr R Curtis ; Clerk of Fcalks —Mr t Stone ; HANDIOAPI'ER—Mr G M Wateon ; Trea surer—'Mr M Lagan ; Stewards — Messr* C Doherty, J M Hampton. W Sutherland, J Muliinn, T Stone, J Heseitine, J Pur chase, Jas Small, B Hanks, T Scaly, and N Fitzjerald PROGRAMME. L. 12 noon — Tinwald T»oi Handicap (optional), of 15 soys ; second horse to receive 2 toys from stake. Nomination, 15b. Two miles. I, 12.45 pm—Pony Baok Handicap, of 15 soys ; second horse 2 soys from stake. For ponies 14 2or under. Nomination, 15s. Four furlongs 5. 130 p m—Tinwald Cup Handicap, of 20 soys; second horse 3 soys from stake. Nomination, 20s. One mile I. 215 p m—AsHBHRTON Mounted Corps Handicap, of 15 soys; second horse 2 soys from stake. For horses owred by members of the Ashbnrton Mounted Rifles. Horses must have paraded three times In Company Drill, and be recog nised by the Commanding Officer at a troop horse. Must b« rfdden by a member nf the A M.R. Minimum weight 12st« Nomination, 15s, One mile and a half i. 3 0 pm—Grovi Farm Handicap, of 1 soys; seoond horse 2 soys from stake. Winner of the Cup to carry 71b penalty. Nomination, 15s. Four furlongs J. 345 pm — Farmirs* Teot Handicap, (optional), of 10 soys ; seoond horse 1 soy from stake. For horses that have never won public money at time of starting. Nomination, lOfl. One mile and a half 1. 430 pm—Domain Weltkr Handicap, of 15 soya ; second horse S sovr from stake. Winner of the Cup or Grove Farm Handicap to carry 71 b penalty, of both 141b. Nomination, lbu Six fur* long! J. 5 p m—Hurry Scurry, of 5 boys. For horses that have never won public money* Minimum weight Bst. En trance fee, sa. Four furlongs Nominations for all races except Hurry Sourry, accompanied by fee, name, pedigree, »ga, performances, and description of horses and colours of riders must be in wiiting, and [n the hands of the Seoretary, at Lagan'- Hotel, Tinwald, not later than 9 p m on BATURDAY, 22nd day of DECEMBER, 1900 WMGHta—-Weighte will,be declared on or about THURSDAY, the 27th day of DECEMBER As there are no acceptances, Non-starters must be scratched not later than half an hour before the advertised time of starting ATHLETIC EVENTS Handioappbr—Mr R J Henry 1 100 Yards Handicap—First prizo, 30*; second, 10 j 2 Boys' Raoe, 75yds (14 years and under) ■—First prize, 10s ; second, 2s 6d 3 150 Yards Amateur Handicap—Firs b prizt (Trophy), value £2 ; seoond value £1 4 150 Yards Handicap—First prize, £2 ; second, £1 The sum of £5 will be given for Children's Races and Games Nominations, with entry fee and previous performances for Races Nos 1, 3, and 4, must be lodged with tha Secretary not later than SATi RDAY, 22nd DECEMBER, 1900. All other Events Post Entry. CHARLES BENNETT, 12 84 Seoretary ——to LET, Dwelling of five rooms with verandah and soullery, centrally situated on the south side of Moore Street. Possession can be given after Thursday next, 29th lnst 03 BULLOCK W*" ANTkB KNOVtW—DochwsT^Bal? duoed to Is 101 lb or Is 8d by 51b | tyni or Is 7d by 101b tins. Farther reduced by half ohe»t Golden Tipped Orange Pekoe same prioe as Duohess at Fletoher Bros Cash Supply Sttrti Solt Agtnts, 11184



ODDFELLOWB' HALL. UNITED OUNDAV QOHOOI NITED OUKU^Y JCOHOOI SUNDAY, 16th DECEMBER, 1900. To commence at 2.45 pm. The Sunday Schools taking part in thii service Me to be seated by half-put two, after which the public, who are cordially invited, will be Admitted. Scholar! *nd Teacher! art requested to briag their Biblei. A Collection will be taken up to defray expenses; should there be a surplus, this will bo distributed tqually between (he appointed School*, und be allocated by them to Unit respective Mi bionaiy Societies. 12 116 '~OINWALD TOWN BOARD. NOTICE is hereby given that Mr Jab, Gudsbll'b shop, Archibald Street, linwald, has been appointed the Registra tion Office for dogs, and Mb W G Biggs has been appointed the registrar of dogs within the Tinwald Town District for the fear 1901. The following fees have been fixed : For dogs kept solely for the management of livestock, 2i 6d ; for nil o*her dogs, 10s. C DOHERTY, 12 186 Ohalrnaan Tinwald Town Board NOTICE is hereby given in pursuance of the 4« Public Reserves Act, 1885," clauses 5 and 6, that the Ashburton Domain will be let apart fof the Ariel Cycling Qlnb'a 3port>« on WEDNESDAY, the 26th day of December inst., on which day oharges will ie made for admission thereto on the !ollowing soale, viz;— For children under ihe age of 10 years, free; for each child inder the age of IS years and over 10 yeara. ilxpenoe; for each person of the age of 15 pears and over, one willing j for each bone, me shilling; for each trap, one shilling E J PAUL, fating Chairman Ashburtoa Domain Board Ishburton, December 14fcb, 1900 12 1 4 "ashburton hospital board. A PPLIOATIONS are invited for the i\. position of Probationer at the Hospital, which will be received at the bounty Council Offices, Ashburton, up to ISO on 7th January, 1901. Chosen Candi* iatee to comply with the Hospital regu* ations. No application from a Candidate indtr 21 yean old will be considered: By Order. F. MAINWARING, Old'-. Aihbarton, Deoember lltb, 1900. 12130 " public" notice. —— THE Mount Somers and Springburn Bpcrt» Committee are hereby granted he me of Reserve 2639, on Deoember 26, 1900. for their Annual Sport*, ani are smpowerod to make the following oharge for Emission : — Adults, Is each ; Horses, li IMb., A. EDWARD PGAOHE, Chairman of Mount Somers Domain Board 12 117 FOX SALK, WELL Cured Prime quality HAMS and BACON. Cheaper than Beef or Mutton, Guaranteed grain fed by Farmers of this district. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 12 55 J H Rule. _ tijswaLD. FOR SALE, /"IENTRALLV situated opposite the \J Railway Station, and adjoining the Hotel Property, Lob 42, oon tain ing 35 perches D.P 91, fronting Graham's Hoad, and adjoining the Hotel Property, with Cottage thereon. Very easy terms of payment Apply to T BULLOCK FOX SALE TTALUABLE Building Allotments, situ- V ated at the corner of Cabs and Moore Streets, and being part of Town Sections 00 and 101 T BULLOCK, TO LET FOR GRAZING mOWN Suction 236 Cameron Street near X the Poßt Office T BUr/LOOK. FoR sale f|Q ACREB 38 PERCHES f\O VO ACRES 38 PEKGHE3 V O FRONTING Ford's Road, and being R S 21603, 21613, and 23368 with cottage and other improvements For full particulars apply to T BULLOCK TO LET AT A LOW RENTAL SHOP and premises at tha corner o' the Triangle, fronting O*?s Street and Wakaoui Road, leading to the Post Gffioe and Railway Station T BULLOCK __ ON ACCOUNT OF THE MORTGAGEES j_jl 1 A PRICE required for Lot 254, owXJLv/ containing £ aore, fronting Cambridge Street, Hampstead, together with 4 roomed cottage, Ac, thereon. The property is well situated, land good fcr garden purposes Full particular! furnished on application T BULLOCK. TO LET, AT A REDUCED RENTAL /COMMODIOUS Stables, Loose Boxes, \_/ and Loft overhead, originally ooenpied by M Hobbi, fronting the Racecourse; and the square Dwelling House of 4 room! and scullery, together with kbout 4 acres of land: The whole to be let to a good tenant at the low rental of £35 per annum* Apply to , T BULLOCK, Agent FUITSaL¥~ BUILDING Sites aa follows:—T.S 795 | acre Cox Street East good land, 818 aore Aitken Street TBULLOOK ASM BURTON. FOR SALE, "TTALUABLE Tewn Seotion No 427, V containing £ acre, Tunored Street, being the fifth section below Cass Street; good site for a dwelling house, having a northern aspect TBULLOOK. FOR BALE, " AT A REDUCED PRICE 3/ ACRE 3 4 ACRE /-I f^i OOD Land, nicely situated, having " T long frontages on Eton Street) and Wakanut Road East, on which is erected a dwelling house of 6 rooms, pantry, wash house, coal shed and other buildings To be sold as a whole, or the house and a portion of the land, and the remainder as a site for a private residence. Offers are invited for the purchase oi either, on ea^y terms of payment. F farther particulars apply to T BULLOCK, Agent _____ TO LET. SQUARE Dwelling Houbb of four rooms with small stable, fronting Archibald Street, near the Railway Station. T BULLOCK Agent TO LET. DWELLING of Six Rooms, also stable together with 2 Acres of land frontinj Charles Street, AUenton, and near th Woollen Factory; rental 7s 6<* per week, Apply to T BULLOCK, ! Ag«t



FLETCHER BROS. DEOEMBER PPIOE LIST- New Season's Fruits for our Xmas Trade. WE bave jasfa received our new FPUIT3 per s.s. Delphic, and we can say with confidence that they are exceptionally fine, We must apologise to oor Cos torn er s for charging such an extraordinary high pricu for Currants, but we ar compelled to do so, on account of the great shortage in the currant crop, reit.g only 50,f00 tors instcsf' of 160,000 tons ;or only one third of he usual quantity. Gamuts lire quoted in the London market at 112s per cwt, or Is per Ib j bo the New Zealand price for this article is not extortionate* A CAREFUL PERUSAL OF THE PRICK LIST WILL PAY YOU. Finest new Currants ... Bdperlb Finest New Saltanai ... ftdperlb Finest new Valencia Rasins 7d „ Good old £ult»nas ... ?d „ Finest New Muscatels Is Al/4,, New Turkey Fig« ... 9d „ Fine Muscatels ... ... 10i  New Turkey Figs ... lib box 8d Finest new Dates... ... 6i  New Cooking Figs ... 7d pet New French Prunes ... lOd  Dried Peaches ... 9d ,» Stood Stewing Prunes ...6d&Bd  Dried Apples ... 9d „ New Sicily Almonds ... Is6d „ Dried Apricots ... 101 „ New Jordan Almonds ... '2s id „ Dried Pears ... lOd „ New Canned Fruits. 2|lb tins* Dried Nectarine* ... lOd „ Peaches, Pears, Apricots lOd pertlu New Preserved Ginger... 8d „ fcxtra quality Royal Taste Tinned Seeded Ratios ... 9d M Peaches and Pears «.. lsOd „ New Mixed Peel New Deselected Cocoßnnt... 7d „ Lenioß, Citron... 8i „ brogue nnd Blackwell'e Essences Finest) Mixed Spice, l|d packets Lemon, Vanilla, etc., 9d per bottle Edmonds Baking Powder, 66 and lOd 3nloDtal(Essenoefi, 4s per doe. ; 6d per hot. New Barcelona Nats, 8d per Ib , Walnuts, Sd per Ib (Auckland No. 1.) Finest Cane Sugar 2|d per Ib, or 701b bag 15a 8d ; Brewers Crystals 3d per Ib ox 701b bag 16s lid. Dnchets Tea reduced to Is lGd per lb ( Ib 8d 61b tin, or Is ?d Ib by 10ib tin. Golden Tipped Ceylon Orange Pekoe, same as Daohess SEASONABLE GOODS. 21b tins Corned Be< £ ... isOdpertin Kippered Herrings ... lOdpertl 2ib iJns Corned Mutton ... Is Od „ Herrings hi Tomato Sauce lOd „ lib tin Sheep Tongues ... Is 2d „ Sardines 4d, 4id, 6d, 8!, le 0* „ 2>b tin Sheep Toßgufs ... 2s 2d  Salmon, Alaska, 9d and lOd „ 2lb tin Brawn ... 10d „ Salmon, Cocktail ... Is Od „ lib Oxford, Irish and German Lobster ... ... lid  Sausages ... Is 3d  Freeh Herrings 7d&Bd „ lib tin Camp s»nd Picric Pie Is 3d  Star brand Mallet ... 7d M Drcsa andJßlackwell'e Paste, Is 3d per jar Cove Cysters ... .. 8d „ BISCUITS. PATtoT MFDIOINIS Fancy Lunch, 3|d Ib by the tin or 3& I Hollo way'a and Cockles Pills, Is Sd by the Ib per box CHeye Lunch, 3£d by the tin, or 3£d by Beechams <*nd Slegels, Is 4d per box the Ib Pain Killer, Is 3d and 2s 3d per bottle Superb Wine, 6£d Ib by tin or 6£d by Ib Steadman'm Powders Is 26 per packet Vanilla V> lne sJlb by tin, or 6^d by Ib Knos Fruit S-Uts, 3r 3d a bottle Rich Tea, 5d Ib by tin or 6d by Ib Mother Siegels Syrup, Is 9d «cd 2s lid Peoples Mixed. 4d Ib by tin or 4id by Ib a bottle Fancy Mixed, 6£d Ib by tin, or 6d by Ib]; Sfc. Jacob's Oil, 2s 6d a bottle Desert, 9d Ib by tin, or lOd \ y Ib Mellins Focd, Is 9d and 3a Garibaldi, s£d Ib by tin, or 6d by Ib ; Bengere Food, lf b 9d tin ?altan«s, d^d Ib by tin, or 6d by Ib Hood's aod Ayer' Ssrsaparilla, 4s 3d Snow flakes, 4frdlb by tin, or 5d lb a bottle Water, 45-d lb by tin, or 5b lb Himrods Asthma Cure, 4s lid a tin Singer Nufcp,6idlb by tin, or 6d Ib Keplers Extract of Malt, 2s 6d Cocoanut, 7^d Ibby tin, or Bdlb bottle Cracknels, Is Id lb by tin, or Is 2d lb Bile Beans, Is 4d a box Peak, Frean Oe, Bee Ointment, Is 4d a btx Dream Sandwich ... Is 4d per lb Senna .Leaves, 2dJJ OafeNoir ... ... Is 2d „ traits 6dja dozen, Cherry Cream ...... Is 6d M Waveleta ... .. Je 6d „ Macaroons ... ... 2., 9i „ And all o her Patetts equally Venice Wafers.... ... 2s 3d „ Neapolitan Waifera ... 2s 3d , reduced, Chocolate Fingers ... Is fd „ , Florence Wafers ... 2s 3d „ CHEMICALS. —«— $ OA Y t Morton's Cream cf Tartar ...• 1m 3d per lb Filkfetone, lOd bar ; 11b box  Carbonaie Soda ... 3d  MiLeod'e Caundrhie, 9d a barf 11b box v Tar tar ie Acid ...islOd „ Bawlicgs Btmtstic, 6d bar 8s 6d box „ ( itric Acid 3d rz, lsJOd  Bond's Cleanser, 3d bar ;4e9d a box  Alum Powdered ... fid „ Soap, Is a bnx „ Refined Saltpetre 6d „ Lifebuoy Carbolic. 6d bar ;Is 4d box  Su'phur ... 6d Victory Soap, 6d a bar Sulphafe ef Magresia, 3d per oz. FLra Soap, 8d a box Calvert's Disinfecting Powde<, 101 a Barilla Ash Heap, lOd a bar Caustic Soda, ... ... 8d per t Carbo'ic Sand So»p, 5d a bar Chloride cf Lime ... ...Is Od  Toilet- Soap, Peais assorted Tablets, French Chalk ... ... lOd per lb Tablets io a btx, Is ———— Mat] ergon's Soap. Is a box Tobacco—Juno, 5s lb ; Nailrod. 436 dlb ; P>ars Untcented, 6d a tablet Derby, 5a 6d ; Golden Eagle, (6a ; Brown Windsor, 10 tablets for Is Nosegay, 6s. Cleaves Shaving Sticks, 9d each Sago, Tapioca, Rice, 2£d lb ; 51b Is Z Marmalade, Keille b, lib tin 8d Washing Soda, Id lb Crosse and Blackwcll, lib jars lOd Corn Flour from 2U lb 21b Is 8d Sauces—Mellore, B|d and Is 3d a bottle Jam, St. George's, lib tin 4s 6d dozen OorOwn, sdand 9d Sdatin Colonial Worcester, 3 brt. fer Is Hb tin Paspberry 6d a tin Lea and Perrin's, 14& 26 a bot, 21b tin Plum, B|d a tin Tomato Sauco, 9d a bottle 2ib jars Raspt erry. la 6d a jar ChutneylSance, lOi a bottle 21b jars Plain and Gooseberry, Is2d jar Brass and Enamelled Iron Preserving Pans in great Variety at Low Prices. Mason Jars, Pints 4s lid, Quarts 5s 6d, Half Gallons 6b 9d, lib Stone Jam Jara 2< 9d, 21b ditto 3s 9d. Jelly Jars, 2 and 3in a rest; also Mason improved Preserving Jars, Lightning Jars, and Gilchusi Jars. JELLY TUMBLERS FROM 2s 6i P.BB DOZE* TUMBLERS. TUMBLERS. SWe fcoftfj a very'j large Stock of ■ jfl TUMBLERS of all sizes and qnalitief, IfcjSSSiliwl suitable either for fami!y or hotel use. n S We offer special inducement to Hotel- ■ ;f|| ;jH TERMS :—Prompt Nett Cash with the Ordem. No charge for picking cam, and •11 Orders delivered free at the Railway Station or witbio a two mils radios of Ashburtom Our Carts deliver orders in Tinwald on Mondays Wednesdays, and Fridayc FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, Cash SappJy Stores, Etefc Street A-Hbnrton, and H'gh Street]*o tiictclv s