THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Asbburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 am 5.15 p m, 7.5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 3.50 pin DUNBDIN—afc 12.54 p m (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daUy at Ash barton from-* OHKISTOHUROH-at 10.45 %m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 prn TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINOBU»N-at 9.45 a mf

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon f«r December

SUN.

Mail Notice.

Mails o!oM*for tbe following places a under, euhject to the necessary alterations* MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 For Northern Ports, Westport, alao Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines. Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Franoisoo (due London 25th January), per Tarawera, at 6.30 prn Money orders, 2pm; registered article*, spm

Note—Persons posting Christmas cards at book rates are reminded of the necessity for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are sealed ap, so that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged. Express delivery and special messenger services will be established ab Aahburton as from lab January 1901. Express delivery will cover letters and parcels not exoeediag three lbs in weight, for which an extra fee of sixpence has been paid, I'he special mee~ senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mils and threepence •aoh additional mile up to tiro milei or time payment being made

Commercial.

CHRISTOHURUH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are m followi: — Wheat—Hunter's, pearl and velvet, 2* 4d lo 2s sd, and Tuscan 2s 5d to 2s f>A. Oats — Canadian li 9d, short feed Is 8d to Is B|d, Duhs Is 7d to Is Bd, Danish Is ?d to Is 7|d Barley Malting 2s delivered Floor quotations nominal)— Roller £7, stone £6, sharps £5 Q»* bran £3, Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2s 4d to 2s 5d

Peats—Prussian Plues 2s to 2s #d, part* ridge 2s 4d to 9s 6(5 Oatsheaf Chaff — 42s 6d at a«*jr .cosntry •tatioos. Hay—£s 5c to £310*, delivereds prlmest baled £4, f ob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lots Is 9d to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed, 2s 6d to 3s Jd, Cocksfoot, 2Jd to 2f d for bright seed, to 3d £>r extra good, town maohine dr«md 161b

to 171b seed, 3£d to 4d, oowgrass 6d to 6d» extra choice 6£d, White clover, 6d to 7|d. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to 6d, factory 5d to 6d. Butter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 7d to Bd, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams s£<* to 6d, factory bacon and hams, id par Ib higher. The above prices, exoepb where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b. Lv*telton. _

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1900 CANTERBURY'S JUBILEE.

Fifty years have elapsed since the first colonists landed at Lyttelton. Half a century ago yesterday a band of pilgrims began the work of settling the Canterbury Plains, the results of which are apparent all around as to-day It is not within the scope of this article to deal with the mass of interesting information which, during the past few years, has been placed before the public by the presi of Canterbury and the colony regarding those ancient dayi when the e»rly settlers encoun tered and overcame difficulties which would have intimidated men and women with lesi pluck, enterprise, and per-: severance. Our space only permits a j very cursory reference to the astonish-! ing progress made in Canterbury, and mere especially in this county during the decades which have passed away since settlement began. Perhaps it is not too much to say that the results of the labours of the early colonists are more striking between the Rakaia and the Rangitata than in any other part of the South Island, For here, more than anywhere else, the first glimpse the pioneers had of tbe country must have j been depressing in the extreme, Nothing could be seen for miles and miles but a wide expanse of stony plain, with here and there a flax swamp. This was not a very inviting prospect; but nothing daunted, tbe sturdy colonists went to work and cheerfully endured hardships which would Bhoek the young man of these comfortable times. Some of those brave men are still amongst us, and this morning at least a dozen, counting their helpmates, went to Ohristchurch by invitation, to join in the procession of the survivors of those who arrived in the historic first four ships. As wt» have already said, the Aehbarton county shows tbe progress made during the past thirty or forty years in a very remarkable degree, since, except in the case of grazing run*, settlement here can hardly be said to have begun until ten or fifteen years after 1850, >as a matter of fact, in 1866, with tbe exception of a public bouse and one or two other buildings, there wag nothing to be seen ss far as the eye could reach, in fact right up to the hills, but tussock, with patches of flax. Now the county is covered with Bmiling corn fields innumerable stretches of plantations,' most of which look as if they had been there far more than half a century ; and, althongh we still hare amongst us some of the earliest occupiers of the la-:d in the shspe of the run holders who have assisted largely in the work of colonisa tion, tbe number smaller holdings indicate that very satisfactory progress hag been made in close eettU nient. In deed the vast quantities of produce which are being continually brought into Asbburton sufficiently testify to the great resources of this part of the colony, And what may not thonext next fifty years accomplish. It would not be possible in the space at our dis posal to deal with the innumerable incidents in the history of this town and county since the vrry early days. A curFory reference to the columns of the Ashharton Mail since 1877 whan it was established, reminds us of many changes and the initiation of many schemes for the advancement of top district, ftom some of which we are now benefiting. Amcngsfc tit first in habitants who $gured in public in tfet proceedings of that period are some who still occupy prominent positions in the county, while a good many have left for fresh fields and pastures new, and their names may be seen occasionally in tbe contemporary history of other places, There are also, wme who have crossed the great divide, and amongst these were men whose names will ever be remembered with gratitude and respect by the people of this district. We may conclude by saying that the demonstration being made today in Ohristchurch commemorates an event which will hereafter occupy oce of the most prominent places in the annals of tbt Islands

OUTGENERALLING THE BRITISH

Wb are bo accustomed to read how De Wet invariably escapes from the pur suing British, and how a considerable Boer force has cut op a small British one, that no one was surprised when the cables on Friday showed that once more De Wet had proved himself too clever for the British Generals chasing him. Nor are we astonished to learn that another British com mander has been entrapped, and badly beaten by a superior Boer force. It is the same old story, which has been told so often that it is absolutely sickening almost the very same words are used to describe these little inci dents. For instance, the latest of them is described as follows : •• A serious reyerse occurred to a force commanded by MaJor?C*eneral Clements at Nooit gedacht, (a town some seventy miles west of Pretoria). Two thousand five hundred Boers attacked the British, who, after losing heavily, were obliged to withdraw to Hekpoort." To the ordinary civilian, these repeated disas ters arising from the existence of Urge Boer commandos in all parti of the Transyaal territory, is utterly incomprehensible. Ooe would think that weak garrisons, and small bodies of British, travelling about in aa enemy's country, would never be per mitted under any circumstances. That was an axiom of war in Hannibal's time, and has been recognised through out the twenty odd centuries that have passed since. Bui the fact is, this South African campaign has been one of surprises. The latest is perbapi the statement cabled to the Premier, that over 200^000 men would be required in South Africa for some time to come, »nd yet hundreds of troops are leaving (hers every w£ek.

Local and General.

Hkld Ovbr—As we go to press early to-day a, great deal of matter is unavoidably held overt

Temcka Spobtß—The entries for the Temuka Caledonian Society's Sports handicaps, clofo at 8 p m on Wednesday.

HamfstfadTown Boabd |OmoE—The Hampstead Town Board at its last meeting decided to authorise the chairman and Mr Thomas te look out for new offices for the Board

SuiQHTKRiKO Licbksis—At the meeting of the Hampststd Town Board op Friday, id was resolved that the clerk be empow ered to lisas slaughtering licenses for 12 months •übj-ct to the conditions of the Public Health Act.

The Railway Passanqer Tkaffic— All the trains going north on Saturday were crowded with passengers for the Jubilee celebrations in Chriatchurch, the expresses and the midnight traia being especially well patronised. •iM« N.Z. WiUL BACE-The N.Z Wheel Race was run on Saturday, the only Ashburtonite getting placed in the first round being A. Huston.

Maoibtiriali—At the Magistrate's Court on Saturday a firtt offender wu convicted and discharged for drnokeaess. A prohibl* tion order was issued against Iwo persons, to take effect in the Ashbnrton county for the period of twelve months.

A Kind Act—Mr John McLaohlan, HUE, has, with thoughtful kindness, tent a cheque for £1 Is to the Master of the Old Men's Hume to go towards providing a Christmas dinner for the inmates.

Thebkhuw Plant—The new threshing mill »nd engine purchased by Messrs Molntyre Bros, from Mr W G Campbell, of Timaru, arrived on Saturday, and is quite up to the expectations of the new owe era.

The Jubilee Demonstration—A good many persona went away by the first train, to Chriatchurch this morning, amongst them being about a dozen who arrived in Canterbury in the first four ships. With such a fine day the demonstration ought to be a great saccess.

" Thb Gbiation."— In our report of the Musical Union's performance on Thursday evening, referenoe to the excellsnb work of the Society in the choruses was omitted, "The Heaven's ate Telling" was admirably given, and all went with a good swing, a sure evidence ofoaref ul training and intelligent study. Ib should also be mentioned that the hall was very tastefully decorated, whioh was the work of Mrs Dee and Miss Fooks.

Acsiobnt—A peculiar accident happened on Thursday afternoon to Mr Robb. Kerr, of Burnebb 3treet,by which one of his eyes was injured, bo what extent is nob known. He and some others were practising shooting at the Bubtt,and Mr Kerr,who was marking, was struck by a jagged piece of lead, which flew off the target, inflicting an ugly wound. It is to be hoped that the injury will nob permanently affecb Mr Kerr's sight.

A Waif And Estbay.—The Kaffir boy who came over from South Afrloa lecently with some of the returned troopers and who has been ehubbleoocked from one port to an other has ab lasb been allowed to land and has got an engagement in the employ of trooper Tabman of Ghristchurch. He went north on the express on Saturday night and interested some of the passengers by relating bo them his experiences while in the Boer camp outside Ladysmith where he was de tained for some months on account of being one of Bir George White's scouts.

Coming Bomb in Disgrace—Trooper E, Willis has received a lotter from a well known'resident of Easb London, dated Oct. 29, in which the following passage occurs : "The Rifleß are coming home tomorrow; they are in disgrace. They and the Border Hotse refused to fight any longer as they wanted to go home after Lord .Roberts sekng them to tray| on a while longer. They are not getting any kind of reception ; the people are so dis gusted with them. I*, will make the Boers think that we aro tired of the war and make them more cheeky than ever."

Return of Troopeb He ablet.—Trooper J Heaeley,whose startling experiences at the engagement on Crooodila River a month or ao ago have been briefly recorded in our columns, returned to Ashburton by the express on Saturday. Owing to there being some uncertainty as to she train Trooper Heasley would come by, there was not so large a gathering on the station as there was on Friday night,when it wasexpesbed he would arrive, bub there can be no doubt of the heartiness of the welcome given fo him by those who did meet him. He looked much better than was anticipated, consider ing that hfe was shot through both thighs and was also wounded in tho leg by an ex plosive bullet. When he left the railway platform he was escorted by several young ladies, and that was the last tat reporter saw of him.

Smoke Congbbt—At the Oddfellows' Hall, Gsraldine, on Friday night a smoke concert was tendered to Mr J Kennedy who recently sold his business here to Messrs Martin, MoKoighband Ingiefield and has now pur' chased the engineering business of Messrs Reid and Grey at Ashburton. The obair was taken by Mr J W Pye and there was a large attendance of Mr Kennedy's friends from all parts of the distriob who one and all wished him every prosperity in his new ven ture. Boring the evening a long toast iisb was gone thnugh and a presentation was made for Mr Kennedy on behalf of the Ger ftldine Football Olub in the shape of a pheto group of the members of the Ulub. Mr Kennedy suitably replied to the many flitter* ing remarks made as to his good qualities as a citizen and a friend and the proceedings terminated with Auld Lang Syne. A very nice spread was provided by Hostess Farrell.

T» Highland Pikes. — A great and enthusiastic gathering of the ' clans' took plaos at the station on Saturday nighb to hear and sea the Southland Pipe Band as they went north by the express en route for fcht Sydney Commonwealth celebrations. Immediately the express arrtred the mem btn of the band alighted, formed into line and marched out on to Easb Street playing in grand style the * Cook o' the North/ drum Major MacGregor leading the van and put* ting them through their company movements, Forming into a oirele the band then played 1 The Campbells are coming' and ' Over the Hills,'after which, on the oall of Mr Horaoe Gates, three hearty cheers were accorded them. The band numbers over twenty, and is a fine body of men and showed to great advantage in their Stuart tartan Highland costumes. Pipe Major Kenneth Cameron, whose breast wm one mass of medals carried off by him at pipe playing competitions, is leader, and the manner in which the pieces Were played reflected great credit on him as well as ou his men. The thanks of those, whose heart was stirred within them ab the sound of the pibroch, is due to Mr James M»1colmsoo, manager of the Fairfield Works, through whose instrumentality the band played here. We may mention that one enthusiastic lady fell into line and kept step with the men as they went) through their various movements.

The Fifth Contingent at the Front.

Following are extracts from letters to his parents from Corporal Yernon Steward, of No 1 Company, Fifth New Zealand Contin ent:— ZKRYJBT, Ootober 23,1900 I wrote last about three we«ks ago, when our last mail closed, two days' journey from Rustenburg. If you remember I said then that French, Roberts and Kitchener were in Rufttenhurg with thousands of troops, and that in all probability we would join them. This infottnation was given us in 'orders' but turned out to be totally incorrect* There were do troops in the town at all except a few Hussars and German Highlan ders on garrison duty there. Rustenburg it a miserable place—thab it to say took log at it from a hungry soldier's point of view. The town itself is pretty enough but all tbe inhabitants that remain are practically starving—not a thing to be bought. We stayed in Rustenburg three days, and re ceived a fresh supply of provisions and fodder forwarded by convoy from Pretoria. Our destination was Zeerust via Marica Pass in pursuit of De La Rey, »nd we followed the same tactics as on former occasions, Methuen's division taking one road and our selves (General Doaplas's command) tho other. I think it is 170 miles from Bnsten* burg to Zeerust, bub can't remember just new exactly. It was expected we would have a very rough time in Marico's Pass, as we were informed in ' orders' that Generals Botha and Leminer had joined pc La Rey with 1000 men, and were lying entrenched intending to dispute the passage. However, they made no more resistance than usual, and we arrived here safely about five days ago. Safely I say. Well, no one in the Fifth was shot, but I suppose we losb 20 men killed and about 50 wounded coming through One fellow in the Fourth New Zealand was pierced by no less than six bullets (Sorenson by name). De 'La Rey got some shells into Methuen's camp en rmte chiefly through the English Yeo manry (who were the advance scouts that day) not discovering his position. Three or four men were blown to pieces in a shocking way, and several horses and mules were killed. Two days ago the Boers cut off a party of Methuen's Yeomanry who were escorting a convoy, and the yeomanry had to make a running fight of it—lost one officer (shot in four places) and six men killed, and bhirty*six men wounded. Of course ws take lots of Boer prisoner*, and we give the enemy on an average about 100 lyddite and shrapnel shells daily, which must do a lot of damage, but the Boers 'fight and run away,, and another day they fight as again. In this country twenby Boer snipers carefully concealed and scattered high up the moun tains at the sides of the pass, and firing their quick firing Mausers, can make it very hoc for two or three of our squadrons. Some of our men while scouting the other day, discovered Boers hidden in the trees, lying along the branches, rifla in hand, ready to snipe at the main column. Needless to say, they are still in those trees—very etiil— unless their comrades have since got them down and buried them. . . . We are, I believe, to stay here a few days lonper, 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 (Ottoshoop) we have already received fresh supplies, tbe convoy bringing aiso our long looked-for and welcome mail. And a real good big one ib was. I got altogether fifteen letters and papers, the latter including a Weekly Press, Ashburton Guardian, and Lyttelton limes. . . Lieutenants Tuckey and Seddon, whom you mention, are not with up* The first named was ordered to join a battery of artillery, and parted from us before we left Mafeking. Poor beggar, his battery has been sent to Tuli—an abominable place. . I have had rather a bad time of it lately, having had to knock up for a week and ride in the bullock waggons, wbich almost shake one to pieces, being too weak to march ; and alas ! when I was able to reiume duty it was only to find that during my absence another man had been riding my mare and giving her a sore back. So I had to foot it twenty miles a day for some days. I can usually do this well enough even in this hot climate, and over < rough ground, but it came pretty hard on me in my weak condition. . The tad news you gave me in one 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 my eyes as I write, the way the best friend I ever hid, straightforward,, manly, and true as steel, and no one knows how much I shall miss him* How I had looked forward to good old talks 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 gutting pretty short of underclothing. I have now hardly got a pair of socks to my name, and writing paper and envelopes are very scarce indeed. lam jusb now using pages torn out of an old pookeb book. Haven't seen a match for weeks, and the last few stray b( xes of wooden ones we obtained from the • Tommies,' (who sell anything) oosb us a shilling each. While scribbling this, I am lying in a beautiful spot by the side of a large creek, weeping willows over head and growing a'ong either bank for miles, but dare nob drink the water as it givpg you enteric fever, unless first boiler!. My mare is out grazing on the veldt till 330 pm. I came down here at 1015 a in, and have nob gob to go back to oamp till the horses are brought in (at 3 30). I brought two biscuits down with me, and jusb before I started this page I lib a fire by the aid of a lees from a pair of field-glasses, boiled my billy in ten minutes with a few twigs, and now my biscuits are soaking in the warm tea to make them eatable—l think the tea is cool now, so to my lunch—-Lun oheon finished ! I am just laughing to myselfi Would you believe it ? Two hard biscuits soaked in tea, no sugar to pub over them, and none for the tea either. We are on short rations of sugar jusb now—ljuz per* man per day. I have nob eaten meat for a week, nob allowed to, owing to my recent illness, but lam allowed tea, instead of coffee, for which lam grateful. Tonight my tea will be the same as luncheon—just biscuits, but I will powder them and make them into a sorb of porridge, wish sugar by way of luxury. . Keernsb is a fairly large town, the biggest we have seen since we left Mafeking, and very pretty; all the fences fruit tree?. Have had no time to go down town yet, but have managed to get a bathe every day. Have got a holiday to day, but may nob get another day off before we leave. . Heaven only knows when the war will be over. The existing state of things may continue for years, and ib is my opinion that we shall serve our full twelve months here.

October 24—Heavens ! What a time of it we had last night! It poured literally In torrents, with terrific thunder and lightning Everybody and everything we* through, blankets sopping, rifles rusty, bandoliers and belts unrecognisable and all our little be longings inches deep in mud. 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 aome of diecomforf, To cap id all ab 10 p m the column received orders to leave ab 2.30 am, which meant reveille ab one o'olock. Ab that hour I crawled miserably out of my wet blankets, and began feeling around for my gear, waiting always for the vivid flashes of light 1 ning, 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 nama whs called by the captain and to my Intense de* light I was ordered to remain behind in oamp in company with a sergeant in charge of the sick, maimed, and dismounted men. There are altogether from 200 to 300 men in oamp, bub among them only 35 of the Fifth New Zealand, so my task will be an easy one* We expecb the column back In three or four daya< Ib is now 9 am 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 come out again and it is now unbearably hob, bub it will dry all my things nicely- I am writ ing this in a sorb of tent erected for our officers, and which they kindly allowed me to make use of during their absenoe; . . We have had some' splendid ooceerts since we joined Metbuen's lores. Whenever we camp for a day or two at any place, a bonoert Is given—often two or three. \ye bosses* two upright grands 'commandeered* from the Boers, and there are really any amount of clever performers of all ranks, and) cur programmes include songs, pathetic acd

comic, reoitations, Instrumental Items, juggling, etc, etc. Then again it is a treat to hear the English military bands. They sometimes come down and play in onr lines —brass bands, drums and fifes, and Scottish bagpipes. . . , AH sorts of iowers that we tee in New Zealand gardens grow wild out here ; hyacinths, prim roses, marguerites, buttercups, daisies, red hot pokers, and lots more that) I can't remember the names of at the moment. . This is a jumbled letter, but I hope you will not find it tedious. I have not time to read it over so you must ascapt it with all faults, as the mail is just leaving. My fondest love to you all.

Sigh School Board.

The following report of the headmaster was read at the High School Board's meet ing on Friday afternoon last:—

I have to report that the year to stirring throughout the Empire has been with us uneventful except in so far at it marks the close of the school ■ minority. On January 29, 1879, the finb meeting of an Ashburton High School Board wat held. There were present Dr Trevor, in the chair, Messn Bul lock, Cor, Grigg, Sauoders, and Walker. At that meeting It was decided to establish a High School in Ashburton, an' 1 follow ing year saw Mr Hogg presiding over a boys •ohool, Six years later the girls' school was opened In charge of Miss Saunders. The two school* remained practically indepen dent of each other till 1895. when they were combined under the oharge of Mr Simmers. During these years the schools pursued the even tenor of their way, hampered chiefly by thab common trouble—want of funds. The Secretary of the Board, however, baa kindly supplied me with a minute which may interest the younger generation—it is, "For the past month the boys have met in St Stephen's schoolroom pending repsirs ren dered necessary by the late tornado." On making enquiries our chairman tells me that the tornado was an old fashioned nor wester, which blew in the end of the school. It is now twelve months since the two build ings were united and on behalf of myself and staff we have to thank the Board for what has proved an inestimable benefit. The average attendance for the past year has been 38, boys predominating on the roll by 27 to 13* During the year nineteen new pupils have been admitted, while about the same number have left. The genaral pros. , perity of the district h»s been the cause of a considerable decrease in the number of boys, 1 would like, however, to take this opportu nity of urging parents to let us have the children for at least 3 years, if boat 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 the 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 weekly in the open air. The athletic life of the school has been particularly healthy—our school sports being eminently mccesafnl, while at the larger ccmbined schools meeting we secuted nearly one half the prizes and championship of the County: 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 expert) swimmers. Th« test was a severe one, and I hope they will not judge the merit of their programme by the value of their certifi cate granted. The cricket eleven has so far an unbeaten record. As this may be my laeb opportunity of giving ex Cathedra ad vice to many of my pupile, I would like to say that we teachers will always take the keenest interest in their future welfare, and we hope that the training they have received here will in the harder school which they are about to enter staod them in good stead. We have not pretended to make professional men, artisans or e'erks of them but lessons in obeduccp, honesty of word and thought, manliness and telf reliance are nob the least desirable equipment for man or woman. It ia our lot, however, to say farewell to Miss Mulho lied, our mistreae, who has received the promotion she deserves,and leaves us to go to Timuru. Personally, lean only say she will be missed by pupi's and teachers alike, and we only hope ehe may be as much appreciated where she is going. We welcome at the beginning of the New Year Mies Bauchop, who cornea with the highest testimonials from a large Girls' school in Dunedin. Before closing let me thank my assistants for loyal useittanco during the year, and I hope they and all our pupils may have a very pleastnt holiday, I append what our young friends will consider the most impor ant part of this report—the przi Hit.

Cricket

The following team will play for Timaru againsbAthbarton today (17th) in the Domain: Brown, Feilden, H*lkett, Jefferson, Kalaugher, Macintosh, Turnbol), Valentine, Wright (2), and Wood. The following is the team picked to' re present the Imperials. The match com mences at 10 o'clock:—PL Orr (captain), B Amos, J Smith, I Baigent, Pilbrow, G Andrews, LF Andrews, RobiiHard, Choate, S Baird, and Cooper. Emergencies—Bickstt Mac Donald, and Fee.

Interprovincial.

United Frets Association—By Electric Telegraph

Dunedin, Dec 15

The Harlech Castle's detention Is due to a strike among the dock painters, and the difficulty of obtaining coals in the port of Sydney

Christchubgh, December 15

At the inquest on Frederick William Waite, whoss dead and mutilated body waa found on a railway crossing in Palsgrave street, Sydenham, on Friday morning, the verdiot was given that) he was atcidently killed and run over by a train.

In the Supreme Court 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-sentenced today by Judge Mi*run to two years' hard labour

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

United Press Association—-Ky tf lee trio Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 15 In the House of Lords a discussion took placo In reference to Lord Harrington's complaints as to the manner in which the wounded colonial soldiers were sent home. Lord Raglan further explained that all the wounded and invalided hereafter would receive the comforts of second class travelling. London, December 16 Parliament has been prorogued, and ia to re-assemble on February 14th.

The Kaiser's Dream of Empire.

At the laying of the foundation stone of the Imperial Museum at Homburg lately, the Raiser delivered the following address. —

Oar first thoughts on this occasion tarn back with thankfulness, mingled with sadness, to my never-to-be-for gotten father, the Kaiser Frederick 111. To his activity and to bii crea tive will the Saalhurg owes its restora tion. Even as in the far past, the monarchy which once Implanted Ger man civilisation in the East rises up again light a mighty knight's castle,and and ia now approaching completion, so on the heights of the beautiful Taanni an old Roman castle spring! like a Phoenix from its ashes, a witness to Roman might, a link in the might* chain with which the great Empire wm encircled by Roman legions, who at the command of the Roman Emperors Caaar Augustus, bent the world to his wiil, and opened it to Roman culture, which fell nowhere more fruitfully than on German soil I strike tbt first stroke on thii atone to the memory of Kaiser Frederick 111., and tbt second stroke to the German youth of the coming generation, who here in this new museum will learn what • world empire means, and the third stroke to the future of our German Fatherland, and that it may be destined in future times, by the united co operation of our princes and people, their armies and their burghers, to become as strongly and firmly welded, and as commanding as was once the Roman world empire, so that in future it may be said, as in old times," Oivis Romanua sum."

Chased By A Sea Serpent.

AN ABERDEEN TRAWLER'S BLOOD-CURDLING EXPERI ENCE.

A terrible story is told by the captain and crew of the steam trawler Craig* Qowan, of Aberdeen, whicn arrived in Fraßerburgh storm-bound. Having heard that the crew of the Craig* Gowan had seen some strange animal when a mile or so north of Battiay Head, a correspondent of the Aberdeen Journal waited upon them and had an interview with the skipper. Captain J Ballard.

Captain Ballard said :— We left Aberdeen at 12 noon, and all went well, although the weather looked threaten ing, until off Rattray Head, when the wind freshened almost into a gale, and the sea rose very rapidly. We were staaming ten and a-balf knota when the gale burst. At this time we noticed a snack some distance off seaward. She bad the smallest bit of sail set, and was heading southward. This might have been about 4.30 p.m or thereby, I went below for some coffee, and had been down but a few minutes when J Watt, chief engineer, called me op, saying that a whale or some extraordinary large animal had been following in our wake.

On reaching the deck, I found several of the crew looking over the weather rail. On joining tnen, I saw, greatly to my sarprii9, • very Urge animal of « dark colour, which seemed racing with us, but which wai about fifty feet to windward. I had often seen whales, bat I at once B*w the animal was not a whale, but some tea monster, the like of which I had never Been in my life.

Aa it rose, several portions of the body were visible at the one time. It seemed to make its way through (he water, showing repeated portion* of a dark brown body. The men seemed very machstruck by its strange appearance, and I suggested to try some plan to get rid of it, but no one seemed to grasp any plan likely to affect bo huge an animal. We had left oar deck hose at Aberdeen, bat I asked Mr Watt and his assistant, Dallas, to bring up a furnace rake. The aniraal was now uncomfortably near. We could even see that the skin was covered by some substance like a rough coating of hair. Securing the furnace rake to a stout line, I threw it at the animal, but it fellj short. I again tried J this time the rake landed across the ani mal's back, and we suddenly drew the I line.

Judge of oar surprise and alarm when the monster raised its body (the fore part) clean oat of the water, and made direct for the Oraig°Gowan? Everyone rushed aft, gome down the companion-way, and some down the engine-room stairs, I stood almost petrified with the sudden development of affairs. I plainly saw the monster rise up until ita head was over oar &aff peak, when it lowered itself with a motion as sadden as lightning, carry ing away the peak, haulyards, and sending the gaff, sail, and all down on deck, The utmost consternation amongst the crew ensued* and it was a " time bafore we got matters squared op. The animal had then entirely dis appeared, and we did not see it again. We held on for Fraserburgh, where we arrived at six p m, and being afraid that our story would be discredited, we have said nothing of it, at least as little as possible, until this account, which is a true one, was given as stated.

The crew say they never even htard such a monster existed which wu actil now quite unknown to any of them. Captain BalUrd describes this expert ence is being one of the strangest in hii lifetime, and says be would not again like to undergo another quarter of an hour's terror like that gone through for any money. The animal's head, he added, was long and flat, and I distinctly saw itq eyes, and also saw its month open. Iti body was long, and of a round shape on back, and flat below. Several large fia like flippers played about rapidly, tb,e 1 sound of their flapping against the body being quite audible as it rose up out of the sea. It must hate been of • gttft length ; how long I cannot hazard an opinion,— Scttsmqn.

THE ASHBURtON GrAttDlAft: MoKfUA*, DECEMBER It, iUOC



'nil moon Ait quarter Jaw moon 'irat quarter

6 14 22 29

io e pi 10 12 fti 11 31 » i 1 18 pi



Dfttw imbft »• i> ii »» ii

17 13 13 20 21 22

• •

R!ie» 4 17 4 17 4 18 4 18 4 19 4 IS

Sett 716 7 37 7 37 7 38 7 38 739



Polypathic Medical Institute. Corner of Gloucester Street and La»imer Square, CHRISTCHURCH, (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings), Fifth Visit to Ashburton. FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 4,190 L - 2 o'clock pm until Bpm SATURDAY, JAJSUABY 5-9 am until 1 o'clock p m POLYPATHY: THEITi^YSTEM OF HEALING. Ihe Foiypaths have won the h^rta of the people of Canterbury. CONSULTATION & ADVICK-FREE, FREE, SCRKIiY A (JOLDEN OPFOETDNWy - *A POLYPATHY, the New Method ol Healing, ii tht - *** y^fs*\& Rurest und mcst r%pld System, as ifc curei with absolute J«jjftjLjj^^t|d,«'ilnaini certainty such diseases as Canoer, Epilepsy And Asthm*t BB^^^^pi gEgfP incurable under the old system, as wei as all Ohronie and Nervnus Complaints of Women and Men. Mok> CoaKS MABR BY POLYPATHY than any other system y^^^S|^^^^ n ' * i ROUSANDS OF TESTIMONIALS jtiQrt&&~gn*feEM!&£L EriwrrlC FITS FoR EloH* YIABS; ALSO HBAB* f .^ffiß^SgSggggMpMf Yon Medicines have done me a great deal of good, I '9SSSS^Hm^KB 'eeJ bettor in every way, and the pains at the hears have entirely left me, I have not had one fit since taking |MH|Pa6JpwßßfclßM yonr Medicine—l remain, yours Irnly, Jeremiah FoflUK S9OHHsS|^S3Y hvm mmAm AND ixtbiim dibilot I bfiS^fiSflß^^BUßjß * ftVe RIIIO'> pleasure in sending this letter, thanking - fIHHH^BH^^KI y°u vsjy much tor the benefit I have derived from your flEi^El^Bj^Mßfl^^KH medicine, which I have been using six weeks. I was M«K^|^mm| reduced in weight from 12it 4'b down to B*t 7lb, and I HmHEXBMSBjkJI had quite given myself up to my Maker; bat thank God {femwßHrMßffi|Dg^H£BSf| after I had been under your treatment nine days my uH^gSM^^SSKSSSSSKKB-W^ frirnda could see a change in me, and I oonld feel it * *ff-* ■!r Wf/*Ttftj^koßm^ myself, and have been improving ever sinoe. Yon aan *^^^^mmfSif^gammma^B£t - URe l^''* 'ebter f°r * testimonial, or refer anybody to me *^ra*aB*^S^WB" Wishing you every progpsrity-—Yours respectfully,. 12 147 John Eubick MSUkmVi'W -—.'ll 111. —lIIUM |a| M jIM W> MiMMawr»WWBWMMMM^WiWMiW"MM»MWBMWMWW«WMMiWW«*I»»^WSW»' PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR BTOOK OF BOYS' CLOTHING. T>OYS' Guird Suits 8s 6d ; Boys' Blonees 4s Boys' Norfolk Snits 12s 6d j Washing Suits 2s 6cS 11 Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18a 6d Beet Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21b to 65s '^J Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12a 6d. A nice variety of Summer Coats in Kharki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, Etc. so:_| N.Z, CLOTHING FACTOHY. F. H. BECKINGSALE, Manager. ZKALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Butted Tubing Throughout. * Genuine English Dunlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manufacturers in the Colony WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 M7E SHALL BE REPRESENTED at tho Chrietcharch and Timaru fixlnreß, and Uvo ms.de eatigfactory arraDgfrnenta for disposing of CLIPS privately Ssbharton< Consignments will be received at our AsDborton or Tinwald etores, »nd sent on to ither Ohristchtirch or Timaru, free of all charges, except railage. Clients who wish to send thoir Wool direcb from their neareat railway station will sCBKO COKBlgn ftß follows % — If intended for sale at Ashburton—Friedlander Bros', Ltd Biding, Ashburton If intended for sale at Christchurch—Brown and Son's Siding, Addington If intended for aale or shipments at Timaru—Mill & Go's Siding, Timara irintended for ebiprnent>t l.yttelfcon—N.ZiSbippiDg"CoXUumping" Shed, tytteltou WOOL PACKS, TWINE BKANDING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Our Next Sale will take place at Timaru on THURSDAY, JANOAEY 3, 1900 IRIKDLANDER EROS, LTD The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.B Head Office for New Zea!aad-~*Wellington. DIRECTORS, wit,h power to issue Policies and pay claims: H D BiSLL, Es<j, Chairman. i Percy M Thomson, Inspeofor of Agencies. Albert Martin, Eeq, MD. | B TbevOß Gould, Resident Secretary; STRONGEST LIFE ASSURANCE? SOCIETY IN THE WORLD Financial Position. Assurance in force ... ,„ £219,670,058 j Surplaa over liabilities ... £12,711,976 Accumulated fur.de... .- £58,375,185 j Annual income ... .- £11,286,145 A Mutual Office. AH surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Valua Policy. , NICOLT BROS, # Agents, AahrSton. 12 47 i



STILL ADVANCING GBAIGHEAD & BERBYMAN HAVE ÜBt opened out, ex B.a. Paparoa from London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto imported, comprising the most up to date Suitings from the best Manufacturers as now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customers such » splendid range of new materials of guaranteed qual ty and stylish patterns to ohoose from? as should please even the most fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the laadiug firma in Chnstohurch or other cities. They are also showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., this eeasou. Customers would do well to place their or^eia early aa C. & B. have already a S&rge number of suits on the books promised ibefore Xmas. U I^o JfOB SALE, PURE fc'HA&ffBRED TAMWO»TH PIGS fro Farmcra purefawinsr Halfbred PIGS. We are prepared to iboy tije^j for Bacon, provided they are fattened on Rrais or Peas, FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. [ 125 J H R«W» |



THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS CO OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY, Ltd. Offices, Warehouses, and Grain Stores: West Street, Ashburfcon. Ip VERY Description of Farmers Li -Requisites afc lowest) rates. Groceries, Hardwar* Saddlery, Cornsaeks, Woolpacks, Twine, Oils, Tinware, Horse Co vere, Etc. Etc. GRAIN SOLD ON COMMISSION. Having reliable information from out & gents in other parts of the Colonies, we are in a position to obtain highest possible prices for ail grain placed in our hands for disposal. Shareholders should be particularly care ful to emquire from as and inspeot ©nr good* before ordering elsewhere. T F GIBSON, Manager. "New Zealand'sTthletes aFthe"front In cricket, football or the hoot He shines in any sport or game, His prowess has a world wide fame. But training has ita aeaal ills, As ovar £eat that caaeeschills Then don't delay, but health secure By taking Woods* Great) Peppermint) Care.



TO LET FOR GRACING rfIOWN Station 236 Oameron Street aear X the Post Office T BULLOOK, H. Mat son & Co.. Stock^Brokkrs & Atjotioneeks, CHRISTOHURCH. To Farmers, Stock Owners and Public generally of the Abhbarton County. Gbntuembn,— WJC beg to Intimate that, if at an time yon have business to transact tn Chriitchnrch, we shall be glad to act on yonr lehalf. In the erent of yonr sending sheep or cattle to oar Addington or other markets for sale, by public aaotlon or privately we know that yon will not regret choosing oar firm as your salesmen. We have freqnent orders frocj London and elsewhere for Frozen Meat, and are tn i a position to boy parcels in the Works. If yon prefer to sell your frozen meat In, the colony, rather than shipping It to London, please eommonleate with as, stating prices, numbers and grades. If you desire to sell year property, we shall be glad to receive particulars as to the acreage, locality and prloe, and we will then Insert in the next iisne of our Quabtibly Land k Propbrtt Rkgisti* these particulars, free of cost to yon ; at the same time, we allow yon a free hand to dispose of yonr property privately, or through other Agents* hands, we only claiming commission when a sale haa been effected through our instrumentality. We have numnroua enquiries from all parts of the colony, our connections being large and extensive. We Invite your correspondence on any class of business you may be disposed to place In our hands, It being a pleasure for as to communicate, with you, as occasion may require.—Thanking yon In anticipa tion, we are. Yours faithfnil •», H. MATRON & Co. 164, Cashel Street, Ohrlstchmch s # >Jo §*o Si « It**. Sla § Q a <I 2 IE 3 § n «CO QQ



■Wade's Worm Fig«, the wonderful Worm Worrisrs, never fall for ado!!*, and onjldjwn price It



CONSULTING OPTICIAN Mr Ernest M. Sandsteln, DBOA.'.FS, MO t who h»i lately returned after six years' special study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all cases o defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary arU6cial light being uaed. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rpoms, Cashel Street W., over M Sandstein, jeweller,' Ohristbhuroh. 930 to 1,2 to 6 daily There are more human beings going about the world pale, listless and miserable, neoaase what they eat does them no good, than ever poverty, sorrow and misfortune were aeooun* table for ; in fact, the failures of this life have their origin more often in stomachic derangements than in mental and physical disabilities, as generally understood. Why ia this? Well, front many oaures, but) chiefly from the faot that disregarding symptoms, people will not take care of themselves. Diet, you say ■ No j care first, diet afterwards sad always, \ Take Impey's "May Apple" for Indigestion and liver trouble; then, diet as much as you like. ' It is a certain cure, and costs only 2s



FRANKLY AN ADVERTISEMEN !D "May Apple" is better than pills, oils, salts and other disagreeable medicines. It is easily taken, more gentle in its action, and, without irritating or weakening the liver, kidneys or stomach, it overcomes con stipation and many ilia dependent thereon. It acts gently yet promptly. Ask for Impey'e "May Apple.' Price 2a.



SANDIR & SOUS 1 EOCAIYFTI EXTBACT— Under Che distinguished patronage of Hia Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amtterdam, Acknowledged by Medical CHnios and Uni versities ttli over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public undpr the name of Eucalypi Extraots, 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 adds, resinous and other substances adherent do 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, 1 bronchitis, diphtheria,dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., iosisb forgetting Sandib and Sons' Pubb Volai EuO4 tYPTi Extract, and be safe, ■



CNSKOESSAEV LOSS O¥ TIM» Mr WS Whedoß, Cashie of the Fifto NBtior ftl Back of nbereiet, lowa to a recent letter gives some experieno« with* oarpenter in his employ, that will be ot value to other mechanic*. Ht atys: ' I had « carpenter working lor me who «v obliged to stop work (or several days on aaeonnt ol being troubled with diarrhoea, I mentioned to him that I had been similarly troubled*, and that) ChamberMtt's Colic, Oholera and B!arrhcea B«mody had cured me He bought a bottle 1 of i! from the druggiit here, and iii formed ma that one dose cured him, and lie i« again at his work.' For sale by Ashburton Drug Company " ' " -