Mail Notices.

Siftila cbsafor the following places a under, subj-o'. to the necessary alterations* SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15. For Northerc Porti and Wenbporfc, per Rotomabana at 6 20 p » i MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 ' For Northern Ports, Weetporfc, alflo 1 8»moa, Hawaii, Philippine, Japan, United StKtes, Canada, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San fTranoiioo (due London 25th January), per Tarawera, at 6.30 p m Money order*, 2pm; registered articles, spm

On Jubilee Diy the letter carriers will make one delivery only.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1900. THE VOLUNTEERS AND THE JUBILEE.

IT it ft matter for regret that the authorities hare made no arrangement! that will enable the mounted corps— outside o! the city and suburbs—to visit Ohristchnrch and be present at the jubilee gathering. The public will cer tainly he very much disappointed if the mounted troops present on Monday, are only those of the city and suburban corps ; and the country corps have very j good reason to complain at being left oat in the cold on a great provincial show like that which has been arranged for. What makes the matter the more inexplicable is the fact which has been made so very patent of late, that in displays of this sort the motto of the authorities has been " never mind the expense." A few hundreds, or even thousands were not taken into account for one moment, when the proposal to send a number of Maoris to Australia was made, neither has cost ever been a question to consider seriously, when a legislative picnic or marine excursion has been suggested. Seeing what sac* rifices the volunteers, who form these mounted troops bava already incurred, and what heavy expenses they have still to incur in maintaining their equipment, it appears to us to be a most ungracious thing to treat the country companies in the way they are being treated in connection with this jubileee demonstration. Mr Beddon's answer to a request that the mounted men in Canterbury should be given free passes for themselves and their horses was hardly what might have been expected from one who has lately given utterance to such extremely patriotic views as Mr Seddon has. He is reported to have said that " the Canterbury country mounted men could ride to Ohristchurch." In view of recent trips of the Tutanekai, this remark has not been well received throughout the celony. Possibly the i Premier has not given this subject careful consideration, for his action is not consistent with his usual way of dealing with matters of a public—not to say patriotic—nature.

OUTGENERALLING THE BRITISH

Ws are so accustomed to read how De Wet invariably escapes fr. m the pur suing British, and how a considerable Boer force has cufc op a small British one, that no one was surprised when the cables yesterday showed that once more De Wet had proved himself too clever for the British Generals chasing hire. Nor are we astonished to learn this morning that another British com mander has been entrapped, and badly beaten by a superior Boer force, It is the came old story, which has been told so often that it ia 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 reverse occurred to a force commanded by Major-General Clements at Noo it gedacht, (a town tome seventy miles west of Pretoria.) Two thousand five hundred Boers attacked the British, who, after losing heavily, were obliged to withdraw to Hekpoort." T ordinary civilian, these repeated disas ters arising from the existence of large Boer commandos in all parts of the Transvaal territory, is utterly incomprehensible. One won Id think that weak garrisons, and small bodies of British, travelling about in an enemy's country, would never be per mitted under any circumstances That was an axiom of war in Hannibal's time, and has been recogaiaed through out the twenty odd centuries that have passed since. But the fact is, this South African campaign has been one of surprises. The latest is perhapi the statement cabled to the Premier, that over 200,000 men would be-rf quired in South Africa for some time to come, and yet hundreds of troops are leaving there every week.

Local and General.

To Oub Subscribers—To en»hl* the member* ef our staff to participate in the holiday on Monday, we will go to preu Kb noon

Spobis Assooiatioh—At the'meeting of the Sports Association held last night the question re holding annual o%rnivtl was held over for a fuller meettog which was fixed for Friday December 21s<-. "Thb Creation"—ln our report of the Musical Union* performance on Thursday evening, reference to the excellent work of the Society in the ohotu»es was omitted, "The Heaven'a ace Telling" was admirably given, and al) went wth a goo I siting, a snre evideuce'ofaareful training and intelligent study. It should also be mentioned that the Hail was very tastefully decorated, which was the work cf Mrs Dee and Mies Fooks.

AccrDBNT—A peculiar accidenr happened on Thursday afternoon to Mr Robto. Kerr, of Burnetb Btre«t,by which one of his eyes was injured, to what; extent is not known. He and some others were practising shooting at the Butts, and Mr Kerr who was marking was atrnok by a jagged piece of lead which flew off the target Inflicting an ugly wound. It ia to be hoped that the injury will not permanently affect Mr Kerr'a sight. THB COMBCONWBALJH InvIIATIGNSJ — The invitations issued by the government of New South Wales for the ceremonies connected with the Inauguration of the Commonwealth are beautifully got up on a card some IS inches by 12 inches; The design is appro priate and elegant, and the card ia worth preserving as a memento of a great national event).

The Sundat Schools — Eo«naorrow •Wet noon's demonstration at the Oddfellewi 1 Hall will be addressed by Ben. ThomM Fee, R Raine, and W Lamb, ia the order named. A short chapter (£2th Isaiah) is to bo read in unison by teashers «ad scholars, led by Mr Charles Pixon, who has been asked to preside. The serviM of praise will oomfuriw hjtnoi specially suitable for the occasion, and are identical with those to be sung at the large gathering to take place In the Exhibition Hall, Gkriitohurob, tomorrow »fternoon. Giv«a a fine day, numbers and enthusiasm ibeuld combine to impress the evenb for many yean on the mjadi of our young people!

The New Brighton Mtstkbj—A photo graph of the roii found on the beaoh at New B< ighton has been shown to the captain and other officers of tho Westr&lia, whioh boat arrived at Lyttelton yesterday. They identify the photograph as that of a man named Whelan, who was a passenger by the boat from Melbourne some weeks ago.— Press.

Borough Council.—A speoial meeting of the Borough Council was held last evening* Present—Councillors G W Andrews, H M Jones, J Davidson, B J Paul, and Timmins. Gr. Paul was voted to the chair. Five tenders were received for the new municipal buildings and that of James Smith and Son for £976 15s Id was accepted, with an additional £50 if the best Movnt Homers stone in plaoe of Oamaru.. stone be used for the facings. There was a difference of nearly £50 between the highest and lowest tender. The question of using Mount Somers stone was- left to the discretion of the building committee; The same Committee was authorised to employ a olerk of works. A close day was granted to the Ariel Bicycle Club for sports in the Domain on Boxing Day

MiTHVBtr PoLidi Court—Before D Oam eronand W Morgan, Ksqs, J's.P., yesterday, J MiOenor was charged with using insult ing language to Constable Dillon. The case was dismissed. R Petenen, charged with stealing a hat from H Bates, at Alford Forest, was ordered to pay the value of the hat and Court costs, in all, £1 9s 6d. Heer v Harwood, olaim £3 19s, Beer v V Rouse, olaim £8 Ss Id, Anderson ▼ Stack ; judg ment was given for plaintiff in eaoh case to default. Andtrson v Haekett was adjourned to next Court day for the purpose of calling a witness. Knight v ft Peterson, claim £5 8s 2d ; judgment for the amount claimed, less £1 Is paid since summens was taken out.

Social A* Wakakui,—A social ffu held in the Presbyterian Chord), Wakanul on Wednesday evening lest, There wm a Urge attendance, mainly of young people, who greatly anjoyed the programme of speeches, cons and lantern views. The choir, under the leaden hip of Mr MoKeozie, sang four anthems with good expression, and showed the evidences of practice and careful train ing. Solos were contributed by Mrs Marsden Misses Poison, McLauohtan, Harvey and a recitation by Mr J Batteriek, which was exceedingly well received, Speeches were delivered by Revs Fee and Skinner who both suooeeded in greatly interesting their audience. A aeries of very fine views of Australian scenery were shown on the screen by Mr loglis and after refreshments had been handed round by the ladle*, and the usual votes of thanks passed » most success ful and enjoyable meeting was brought to a clese.

Sunday School Picnic at Wakanoi.— (The Presbyterian Bunday Schools of Wakanni and Elgin held their annual plenio in Mr Bontfant's paddock yesterday. (There was a large gathering of children, teaoheri and friends, and as the weather was all that could be desired, and as all had corns in the best of humour to have a day's enjoyment It goes without saying that a very happy day was •pent. Games of radons kinds were engaged In by young and old. The tea table was spread by the side of the creek, and the Wakanul 'perfection cakes', and the Elgin 'unsurpassed' displayed their attraotions to the good-mannered yonngstere who very nioely sampled the lot. After tea came the distributing of the prizes. Most beautiful books with attractive titles, binding and pictures weie awarded to all the children who had attended Sunday School, and Mr Inglis spoke a few words of praise and en couragement to the teachers and the children for the admirable way in which they had attended and worked during the year. A box of toys was next produced and each child was made happy with a gift. Two boxes of lollies were made to rain their sweetness apon the heads of the children, and after the company bad given three hearty oheers for Mr and Mrs Bonifant for the use of their paddook and had also thanked the teachers for tteir great kindness to the children the party was broken . up, and a start made for home.

BANDIR& Sons' Euoaiypti Kxtraot— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medioal Clinics and Uni versities all over the glob*. Thab the erode, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public und*r the came of Eucalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Barm and Griefswald (Prussia), that only products tbab are saturated with oxygen and freed of acids, resinous and other substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by the plant. To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitutes, etc, in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria,dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., insist foggettiag Sandbb and Sons' Fubbs Voui Ecca lypti Extract, and be safe,

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

London, December 13 Anti-foreigners near Canton secured captive Doctor Young, who ifl ft native Christian, and strung him op by the thumbs and toes with the view of extorting confession from him, Sir 0. Mac don aid, late British Minister (who has now gone to Japan), in his despatches in rtfereaee to the siege of the Legations, states thai Dr Morrison, " The Times " correspondent, volunteered for every dangerous ser vice, and wai a pillar of strength when things were going badly.

Letter From The Front.

Mr W S Chapman of Alford Forest has just received a letter, dated Qob 30fch, from Trooper George Lawson, who it will be remembered was reported when last heard of as being dangerously 11! at Ottoshoops. We make the following extracts which will be interesting to oar readers :— After referring to the number of deaths in the hospitals Trooper Lawson goes on to say, "the doctors kill a lot of them operat ing on them. Some of the doctors come out here for experience. I am not surprised at the number of deaths daring tbjs war. They let anybody be a dootor out here, Mind you there are a lot of good doctors out here, but the majority are a disgrace to the British Army." . , I was much surprised at the size and weight of the Regulars The colonials beat them easy. We had a tug of war at Ot*oihoop, between the Viotorians and the New Zealandera for £50, and the best two out of three and the New Zealanders won eJksyl • i . I hear that the Second Contingent have not biea beaten in a game of football here yet and they challenge all comers. Several of the Boers haye been hung lately for sniping the police when they had paisei sad were sup posed to be loyal. Lord Roberts is just getting to understand the Boers, and does nob allow thfloa so much mercy. When pur column come across a Boer residence, they hunt out the women, but allowing then* six hours tucker and then burn the sfrbw' dowa> It is the only way to finish the war, In a P.S., Trooper Lawson says that the doctor does nob think he will be fit lo go to the front again. He would prefer to wait, but may have to come home invalided all the same, in whioh case he would be soon on the way.

Cricket

The following tyajn will play for Timaru against Aahborton on Monday pro* eseding there by thespeoial traiii, leaving at 6 ». na :—Brown, Feilden, Htlkett, Jtfrerson Kalaugher, Macintosh, Turnball, Valentine, Wright (2). and Wood. The following it the team pioked to re' present the Imperial!, The match oomm' «Doe« at 10 o'clock:—F L Orr (captain) B Amoe, J Smith, I Baigent, Pilbrow, G Aadiewf, L F Andrewe, Rebilliard, Choate, 3 Bftiri, $od Cooper, Emergenoiet—Bicketb Mao Donald, and F>».

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

Ifmnpstead School

BREAKING UP CEREMONY.

At the breaking-up ceremony jester day, the Rev Q B Inglis addressed the ohil dren as follow* .'—lt » the ambition of every thoughtful hoy and girl to succeed in life. But success ii sob inevitable and certain, and will never be achieved unless the conditions are observed* la fact, failure in quite afl common as success, and along the road of life we constantly oome upon break downs. Id the present conditions of life, competition is very keen in every conceiv able department of human activity, and the best men and women naturally come to the front. If, therefore 1, you are listless and put forth no effort yon cannot possibly win the prizes. The value of education as an element in securing success in life cannot be over estimated. Unless one can read, write, and oount, and do these things well, they must of necessity be surpassed by those who can do them better. One great cbjaot of year coming to school is to fit yoa for the business of life, to edaoate yoa, to furnish yoa with moral and intellectual capital with which yon will trade by and bye* There are one or two things I would like to impress upon you to-day. 1. If you are to Hooted in life yoa mast form the habit of taking pains* At present yoa are to take Mini with your lessons, and be determined to understand and master them. Take pains with your work, and finish it op neatly and to the best of your ability. Don't be slovenly and slip shod. We are always suspicions of a boy or girl who exclaims Impatiently, " Oh that'll do," when all the while the work is full of faults and imparfeotiont. It will not do unless It is well done. When yoa have to learn a lesson or perform any task out of school, at home or in business, be sore you take pains and do It as well as yoa can. In this way yoa make your services invaluable, and yoa form a habit that will be of immense service to yoa In life, and ether things being equal yoa are pretty certain to succeed, 2. I would like to Impress upon yoa also the duty of self control. Many people give way to every Impulse that moves them. They do not reflect; they do not reason ; and this is •specially true when we arc tempted by our companions t» do something that is foolish or wrong. We all like lo be » little naughty —sometimes—to think, say and do things , that we have no business to think, say and | do. And usually It is the first step that costs. It necessitates %\\ the others coming | after it. This is true with regard to habile —habits of speech, or habits of living. Intelligence should surely tale, and we should seek to be wise and right in our ways of living. Habits are formed by repeated acts, and habits make character, and oharaoter determines destiny. Actr, habits, character. So yon see life

is a serious business even for young people, and if you would follow good advice you would make up your minds now to do what is wise and right, and lay atones the foundation! of a successful career and a suooessful life. I onoe heard of a wealthy man who had a very dull and stupid son, and he said to his Scotch servant that he was to send the lad abroad to sea the world. The servant, jealous for the honour of the family, held up his hand in horror at the idea, and exclaimed ' Bub the world will see him.' Now, whether we are bright or dull the world will see us. In two or three places the Bible speaks about Christians being living letters of Chrißb. Thab is, they lived so as to commend him, 1 think the idea Is one we should all remember. Boys and girls are the paper or material on which the letter is written. Ib does not matter very much what substances you take to make writing material, whether skins, rags, grass, or woolly fibre'—one thing is common to them all, they have all to be cleaned and made new, and boys and girls have to be thoroughly well prepared foe rf ceiviflg the impressions or marks that will tetl tor the betterment of the world. The writing is really all kinds of good things impressed upon your minds and hearts. It is well understood that a person's character may be best learned from his lattera. These seem to be windows in his breasb through which you may sec his nature. How eagerly the public read the letters of a great man if they are printed after bis death. People expect to know better by these than by any other means what the man really was. Now, you are the writing by which the world will judge of your parents and teachers. You are the living letters that everybody will read. The world will see you. I hope the impression you take on will be bright and fair. The writer—lf we will have it the best writer Is the spirit of God. What He writes on can't be rubbed off. Let the truth of the Bible be reotived into your hearts. The pen —Our teaobers are the pec. They lay on the colours that make np the picture. The readers—There are ■ great number of various kinds. In faot the letter Is exposed to public view. Everyone's life is an open leiw. I hops yours will be a good one.

Ahburton High School

The Ashbnrton High School broke up for the Christmas holidays yesterday afternoon, prior to which, the prizes were presented by the Hon Major Steward* The Chairman of the Board, Mr Andrew Orr, introduced Major Steward, and took occasion to speak in high terms ef Miss Malholland, who had accepted a position in the Timaru High School. He (the Chairman) wished her happiness and success in her new sphere of lifei

Major Steward laid the Chairman h»d been very good In introducing him. He would say a few words before presenting the prizes. IHe expressed disappointment that the numbers of 'he school did not increase as they ought to. After giving the pupils come useful advioe he referred to the subject of prizes. Those who took prizes in school took prizes in after life. If they persevered when they did not succeed at one time they would certainly do no at another. Major Steward then wade reference to the new century, and pointed out how it emphasised the present occasion i He concluded by congratulating the school very heartily on the report rend by the headmaster* He then presented the pr'zefl according to the following list:— I Form IV. ~ English t E Siloock 1, A Gochrane 2; Latin : W Turner 1, E Nell 2 % French: R Nell I, A Claridge 2; Matbe : matics: R Nell 1, W Stoddart 2; Arithmetic: 0 Collins 1, H Bontfant 2; Botany : R Nell 1, S Watson 2 Form V.—English : Sarah Mclvor and Harold Revell (tqual); Latin : H Revell 1, Sarah Mclvor 2 ; French : H Revell 1, May Dent 2; Mathematics: H Revell 1, May Dent 2 ; Arithmetic; H Turner 1, Gertrude Moddins 2; Geography: W B IngHs 1, H Revell 2j Science: H Revell 1, Sarah Mclvor 2 Form VI. (Lower)— English ; W B Inglis ; Latin s Gertrude Meddins; French g Sarah Mcf vor; Mathematics; Gertrude Meddins Form Vh (Upper) -English: P Prebble 1, T Stephens 2 ; Latin: T Stephens ; French P Prebble and T Stephens equal; Mathe matics: P Prebble j Boienae: P Prebble. Drawing : W B Inglis ; Writing ; May Dent; Sewing: Mary Cameron ;Attendance: James Sinclair The Rev Thomas Fee gave a short address. He had no idea when he came of saying anything. He might ase the stereotyped phrase and say that he was pleased to be with them. He congratulated the pupils who had achieved bijoccib both inside and out of school. One of the main purposes for which boys were kept at school was that their pjtnds might be disciplined. A great deal depended on a disciplined mind. The object of education was to draw out the mind and to make men in the truest sense. If this objact was attained the efforts of the teachers were not in vain. There was a time when Gladstone was a boy at school and was not considered cleverer than any other boys, but he had made a name which would never be forgotten. Not many years ago the Commander in chief sat in school, and be had not won fame by indolence. Miss May g-aly, on behalf of the girls, presented Miss Mulholland with a souvenir and token of their affection and respect in the shape of a dressing cases Miss Mulholland suitably responded. Mr Tennant was sorry to lose Miss Mul* hollaed. He took the opportunity on the boys and his own acoount to wish Miss Mul* holian'd success in tbesohool she was going to. He then wished the g'rls and boys a happy holiday. Three oheers wen given for he teaohtrs and the school broke up.

Christchurch Wool Sale.

Messrs Friedtanderßros, Ltd, report upon •he second wool sale held In Christchuroh on Ihureday, the 13h inst: -There was a large attendance of buyers present, and prices showed an improvement on values obtained at the opening sale, chit fly noticeable in finer wools. Following is a iisfe of prices obtained, but since setting up, a considerable quantity of the passed lots have been disposed of, leaving a very small proportion to be carried forward for next sule :—

7S over —, crossbred ewes, 3 bales at E|d. oo over M, eeoond orou awes, sat sd. 2HL conjoined, Ist oross hoggets, 3 »t s^i; faftlf brad ewei, 7 at 6|d ; 1 bain of 20 halfbred awe flaeoei bottom and 26 oroubred ewe fleeces top, at 5d ; crotbbred ewe*, 3 at Si (pawed); pieoea, 1 at 3d. £/8, halfbred ewM, 1 at 6}d ; halfbred ewe, 1 fadge at 4Jd. RB over —, 2ad oross ewe, 6at s£'l; merino and crossbred, lat SJI; orossbred hoggeti, 2at sd. RT, balfbred wethera, sat s|d (passed). U7, bellies, \ at 3Jd ; croiibred ewee, 2at s|d. L 2, half bred ewei, sat 6£d; threequarterbred ewes, 4 at 4|di (passed); orossbred ewe*, 1 at 4§d ; looks and piece*. lat 2^d. J E conjoined, crossbred ewes, 7 at 4{d (passed) HA ooojoined, halfbred ewes, 4 at s£d ; half bred ewes, 3 at 6|d. Mjj conjoioed, Ist oross ewei, 4»t 6|d. —over HP, crossbred ewei, 2at sd. T9, lit oross ewes, 6 at 6d ; threcqucrterbred ewes, 1 at 4|d (passed); orosabred ewee, with 7 rams, 1 at 4}d ; V diamond, orossbred ewes, 6 at 5d (passed); pieces, lat 2§d. X diamond, crossbred ewes, 3at 4fd (passed). OS over —, orossbred wether*. 6at 5Jd ; bellie*, lat 7>k&. H, 1 bale of 26 crossbred ewe fleeces and 19 merino fleeces at 5d (passed). 0 over J coDjotned, crossbred hogget», sat 6Jd ; halfbred wethers, 6 at 6Jd $ halfbred hoggetn, 1 at 6d; crossbred ewes. 4 at s£d; merino ,»ethers, 2 at 6{d; orossbred bellies, 3at 4^d; crossbred wethers, 1 at 4^d, Oakflat, Leicester hoggets, 1 at 4£d ; Leioester ewes, 4 at 4}d, passed; Leicester ewes (ootted), 3 at 4^d passed; crossbred ewee, 6 at s|d ; half bred ewes, part crossbred, 2 at 6£i ; bellies and pieces, 1 at 3}d : cotted orostbred ewe«, 1 at 4^d. — orer 2V, merino, (part halfbred}, 4 at 6d; bailies and pieces, 1 at 3|d ; oross bred, with 8 ram fleeces, 2 at 4js4, passed. O over X, halfbred hopgets and down, 3 at s|d. PE, orossbred and halfbred ewes, 2at sd, passed, oTer s^« halfbred ewes, 11 at 6§d ; threi quarterbred ewes, 8 at 6Jd ; crossbred hoggets, 1 at 5Jd ; crossbred and balfbred ewe. 1 at s£d ; crossbred ram, 1 at

a^d, passed ; dead (bellies and pieces); 1 at 4d ; first pieoai, 1 at 3£d ; belliei, 1 at 4Jd; looks and pieces, 1 at 2\d. T8 over Maranui, balfbred ewes super, 13 at 6|d ; halfbred ewes, 3at b%<\ ; crossbred, with 10 rams, 1 at 5d ; merino ewes, 15 at 7d ; crossbred pieces, 1 at 2Jd ; merino pieces. lat Z£d. 7S, mixed, lat 6Jd. BE, crossbred ewes, 1 at 51 • _ over 42, halfbred awes, sat s|i. JJ crossed, thrt>eq<iarberbred ewes, 5 at Sfd; halfbred ewes, 10 at 6§d; merino ewes, 5 at 7d • locks and pieces, 1 ao 23. ID, crossbred fiwes, 3at sd, passed ; halfbred ewet>, 1 at 6d. D over J, thref quarterbred ewes, 3 at s|d ; halfbred ewes, lat 6d B/, three quarterbred ewes, 3at 5d t first cross ewen (with threequarterbred fleeoes), 1 at 6d. W4, halfbred ewes, 2 at 6d. FZ, merino ewes 2at 7|d. WS conjoined, crossbred ewes, 1 at Sd. 7EL, threequarfcerbred wether*, 2 at 4Jd, passed ; threequatberbred ewes, 1 at sd; halfbred ewee, 7 at 6d ; crossbred ewee (half looks and pieces), 1 at 4rt. AL conjoined, crossbred ewes, 2at ssd, 6M, halfbred ewe, lat 4£d, pasted; cross bred ewe, 2at 4£<s, passed. FJ over -, crossbred, 13 at 5Jd, passed ; bellies, 2 at 3d. PS over —, crossbred ewes, 2 at 4id. M, merino ewer, 3at7d ;cros»bredewes, 3ats|d. M, halfbrpd ewes, 1 at6d, bellies and pieces, 1 at 4d ; XO, crossbred wethers wit h 7 ram fleeces. 3 t4f*, passed; + in[], halfbred ewes, 7 at 6d, merino ewes, 3at 7d, Shrop shire wethers and three qoarterbrad ewes, 1 at 3|d, passed, looks and pieces), 1 at 2Jd ; HE oonjd over —, crossbred ewes, 8 at S^d ; 0 over J coojd, crossbred ewes, 20 at 6d, passed, tbreeqnarterbred ewes, 3 at s^d, passed, crossbred ewes, 2 at 4sd passed, halfbred ewes, 1 at 6d, halfbred wethers, 11 at 6£i, thre<qa«rterbred wethers, 1 ab 53, crossbred hoggets, 1Q at s£<f, halfbred hoggets, 4 at s£d, passed, crossbred hoggets, 4 at sd, passed, merino wethers, 3at 6£l, bellies and pieces, 10 afcd^i, locks, 3 at 2|d, second pieces, 1 at 4£d, crossbred floeoee, with 13 blaok, lat 4Jd ; KD over —, first cross ewes, 15 a« 6|d, first cross wethers, 16 ab 6}d, first cross hoggets, 6 at s|d, passed ; OB oorjjd, Shropshire Down ewes, 5 at s|d, first cross ewes and wethers, 3 at s£d; merino ewes and wethers, 3 at fifd, Leicester ewee, with 8 halfbred fleeces, 2 at 4£4 parsed; 41 over —, merino eweß, 9at b£d ;0, threequarterbred hoggets, 9atsd ; WP conjfl, halfbred ewee, 9 at 7d, crosßbred ewes, 4 at 6d, merino, 2at 6| \, halfbred hoggets, 3 at) 6d, crossbred hor-get*. 1 at 4|d, passed, 44 merino ew* fleece* and 17 halfbred 1 at 5f d, rams, with 4 black fleeces, 1 at 4|d, j crossbred and hulfhrnd flaaces, 1 ac s£d, bellies and pieces, 2 at 3* ; TS, halfbred ewe?, 2at 6d, thre°qaarterbred ewes, 1 at Sd, first) oomb eg merino ewes, 4 at 7d, I second oombing merino ewes, 1 at od, merino, lat s<f, pieces and locks with 25 fleeces, 1 at 4£d ; 0 over R, first combing halfbred ewes, 2 at: 6d, first cross ewes, 2 at 5.Jd, first halfbred hoggets and ewes, 1 at s§d. halfbred hoggets and merino ewes, 1 ab 6|d, first combing merino ewes. 7 at 6|<i, bellies and pieoee, 1 at 4d, second combing merino ewes, 1 at s|<J, merino bellies with 6 fleeces and oofcted halfbred, 1 afi 4|d; first merino pieces, 1 at 4£d; halfbred locks and merino, 1 at 3}4; ELL, halfbred hogget, 1 at 6?, d, threequartsrbred hoggets, 1 ats£d, passed, half and threequarterbred ewes, 2 at 6|d, crossbred ewes, lab sd, passed, bellies and pieces 1 ab Sd, locks with 22 fleeces on bottom, 1 at 4sd ; 07, crossbred ewes, 2 ab SJd ; Co under *"*, halfbred ewes, 4 at s£d, | passed, threeqaarterbred ewes, part halfbred ! 2 ab 5&4, looks and pieces, 1 ab 3d, merino, lab6l d; M 7, bellies and pieces, crossbred on top, lab 6}d; 71 under —, pieces, lat 2|d, bellies, 1 at Id ; OB oonjd, pieces, 1 ab Zhi ; 91, merino, lat 6d; 33 over —, half bted hoggets, and 6 Shropshire rams, 1 at 6d, halfbred ewes, 1 at 5£3, lock', 1 ab 2|l ; 4D, halfbred, 1 ab SJd, passed ; 4H co»j^, locks, 1 at 2|d; F over W coojd, half, threeqaarterbred, and long wool, 1 at 4|d, passed, halfbred ewes, 6 Down fleeces, sab } 2£d, threeqaarterbred ewes, 4 at 4&4, passed, long woo), 2 at 4£3, passed, bellies add pieces, 2 at 3d; —over 71, crossbred, 11 ab 54, passed, merino, 3at 6&d; 20 over -r, crossbred ewes, 7 at 6|d; 3N, halfbred ewes, 3 ab4f 1, passed, merino ewes, 2 ab 6£d; M 7, crossbred hogget, 4atsf 1; AX conjd, first cross ewes, 3at s£l. 91, crossbred ewes. 3at 4£d, passed, 2D, halfbrod, 4 at 6|d;33over —, orosrbred ewes, 14 at s£d, passed ;SH over —, crossbred ewes, 3at 4|l, passed ; xO, fine balfbred, 5 at 6£d, halfbred, 21 ab 6d, threequarterbred, 19 ab 4|l, merino, 1 at 6d, rams, 1 at 4|A* bellies, 3 at 3|d ; KD, crossbred ewe, 13 at 6±i, merino, 4at 6£d, Down cross, 2 ab 6|d, merino ewes, with bellies ab bottom, 1 ab sd,'bellies, lat 4£* ;79 under —, crossbred hoggets, 2 at s£d, halfbred ewes, 3 at 6d ; JA conjd, threequarterbred, 11 at Sd, passed, halfbred, 3 ab sd, passed; Bar through shield, halfbred ewes, sab s|l; OT, croesbrei, 2ab 6|l; fjD, crossbred ewe, 12 ab 6|l, crossbred hoggets, Sab sd, pieces, 1 ab 3}4 ; ZR, first cross ewe, crostbreds at top, 4 at 4|d, passed, threeqaarterbred ewee, 1 ab 4£d; DM cocjd, halfbred ewes, 2 at s£d, crossbred ewes, 1 aY 5d ; FM, merino, 3 at s&d, passed, crossbred, 1 at 4|d, passed.

A Police Officer in Trouble.

Nelson, December 14 Sorgeanb Maokay, in charge of the police here, haa been impended, and an enquiry commenoed before the Stipendiary Magis trate thii evening, the Sergeant being charged with drinking. Inspector McDowell appeared, and laid he did io witb muoh pain, bub was acting under orders from the Commissioner, aa the outcome of an anony mous letter received by him relative to the charge*. It was Mackay's wish that the charges should be investigated. He believed an effort had been made to oonnecb the present oase with the oases recently heard fn Nelson, bat there wm absolutely no foundation for the rumor. He would be pleased if he proved nothing. The only witness examined In support of the charges so far ie a constable who has just been dismissed, and who said he saw Maokay reel when he got oat of a trap, but oould not say whether he was currying some articles in bis »rmi at the time,

SOCIAL COLUMN.

[The matter included in this column is contributed and paid for."]

The London " Daily Mail " on

British Intemperance-

Commenting adversely on Rev G M Sheldon's recent statements about the enormous amount of drunkenness in England, the Daily Mail of August 15th yet says:—

Nevertheless it is true that drunken ness is increasing. Farts and figures j prove this. At the beginning of the century we spent £2 5s per head on drink. By 1850 this had risen to £3. Now the average throughout the country is no less than £20 a year for every family of five, or £4 per head. Our liquor bill last year was just on twice as great as our liquor bill forty years ago. The official Government returns enable such comparisons to be made with absolute accuracy.

The Germans are popularly supposed to be the greatest beer-drinking nation on the earth. Bat for every five gal lons of beer per head the Germans drink Englishmen swallow six. Taking all kinds of drinks together, the Eng lishman imbibes twice as much as the American.

, Weakened Drinks. Bat this is the least unpleasant aspect of the change. Years ago oar beers and ales were made from malt and hops To-day the average staff supplied in the public-houses is & chemical combination calculated to produce the worst and most harmful forme of drunkenness. This is not the fault of the publican. He rarely dares to adulterate, for fear of the Inland Revenue Inspector. When he does, his doctoring is seldom very harmful.

The brewer has been for several years allowed by Parliament to use substitutes for malt and hope. He avails himself largely of the privilege. The brewing journals contain many advertisements telling of preparations that enable ' the same quantity of beer to be brewed with one-third the quan tity of hops.' Soch beers are • pure,' and can be certified ss such by the most careful analyst. But the thirst their acids create, and the intoxication they quickly produce, are of the most harmful nature.

Years ago the public house in our great cities was the poor man's club. There he found some social life. To day the gin pal nee is a strictly busi ness concern, run for the avowed purpose of drinking. All its glitters, all its splendour, its plate glass, its great barrels, its shining silver, give no comfort to the patron. You can do nothing but drink there. The publi can who runs one of these giant liquor saloons would give rc*nt welcome to the man who wanted to play a friendly game of draughts or dominoes in his bail. That is not business. If you have nothing to do but drink you will drink the more ; and people do, Intbmpebate Wombn When the century was young drunkenness among women was very exceptional. To-day it is becoming painfully common. In the public houses in many poorer districts in Lon don you will find as many women customers as men, They flock openly to the saloons, and drink there without disguise. Among the younger factory girls intemperance is attaining terrific proportions. It is quite a common sight in Bow or about the Old Kent road to come across a party of young women, arm in arm, rolling down the roadway, their hats on end, their faces flushed, their hair towz'ed, shouting scraps of music hall songs—drunk In twenty years the certiiicatei deaths from alcoholism among young women went up to 120 per cent. No physician, when he can possibly avoid it, will certify alcoholism as a cause of death, so that the increase must be much greater than even this percent age shows Prunken mothers mean mentally and physically crippled children. Ex cessive drinking is a most prolific cause of insanity. The increase of insanity has about kept pace with the increase of intemperance. Our local authorities can hardly build lunatic asylums to keep p-ce with the growth of madness. Forty years ago eighteen persons in 10,000 were lunatics. To day the average has risen to thirty one One of the most eminent medical men on the Asylums Committee of the London County Council recently stated ■ j that out of the cases of madness he investigated no less than forty seven out of every hundred were directly or indirectly caused by drink, Child Training Philosophers say that no great amount of moral goodness should be expected from a child during its early years j that as every infant's flat features and absent frontal sinus re semble for a time thit of the savage, so too, do hia instincts; that children are born free from evil knowledge, but pone from selfish impulses, as witness the conduct of boys in a public play ground A higher morality, like a higher intelligence, seems to be reached only by careful training. Jt may comfort some mothers to recall th&t some great men, among them Daniel Webster, were repeatedly expelled from school. To those croakers who deplore the present degeneracy of childhood, let one reply as did a king of Sparta : 11 What you say must be true, for I recall when I was young that I heard I my father say that when he was » boy | he beard his grandfather say the same thing.* Granted a good home and sensible: parents, the next need is the real understanding of a child's rights—an ability to pat one's self ia his plsoe. Remember what wonders this worked in that amusing book, " Vice Versa," which so well describes the feelings of the pompous father suddenly trans formed into the outward shape of his thirteen-year-old oon

The prince of educators, Spencer, and our own observation declare that in the management of a child the treatment apt to be adopted is that which springs from the impulse of the moment) or from those doctrines handed down like cooking recipes, from mother to daughter, or from those memories supplied by one's own child hood. Ricbter compared this common

type of mother to that harlequin, whr>i coming on the stage with a tundle of papers under each arm was aakedjrhat he carried under his right. * Ordeis, he cried, 'What under your left? 'Counter orders.' This if also the same mother illustrated by Dv Manner in Punch, who says to the nurse, « Mary, go see what baby is doing, and tell him he mustn't We know th*t in *he physical world every violation of nature'i laws brings its own punishment j thus the child of a few months having been burned , dreads the fire. So, if a child having created disorder with its toys, is re quired to replace them, or when tailing to do so ia deprived of them for % tisae, or when wasteful is obliged to wan^ care »nd theughtfalnesi will be developed, he will begin to understand cause and effect, ana tnat good and evil consequences foHow certain actions as surely M night follows day. It is often easier for parent! or teachers to correct by im posing tasks or bodily punishments; but is not the result often anger In both, antagonism and deadening of the sympathies? Is not the child apt to regard the wrong doing only as an offence against the parent, and not as s> breaking tf the moral law? And, again, is not the harsh treatment of one child to another but the inflex of what be ■ has received from adults ? In Jacob Abbot's "Gentle MtMUm for the Young," he thud advices: "B« sparing of commando, but when com manding do bo with decision and with consistency, and, if evitable consequences follow, the child will soon respect yonr commands as he does those of nature; thus the whole aim of discipline will be to produce a self governing being who later becomes a law-abiding citizen." The wise Probel directs : "Keep the the child near to nature in order to gain a knowledge of God through (Bare ol plants and animals. This will develop into love and sympathy for his fellows. 11 'Teach them,' ss one wise mother said, "that there is nothing so finely arrayed I as the lily of the field, the bees tnl the butterflies, that there is nothing so mean as a he, and so miserable as diso bedience ; that good health, good teeth and good temper come trom plain food and plenty of sleep. Explain the little child to himself ; the functions of his body, the beginnings of life—for is not virtue bssed on knowledge better than innocense based on ignorance? Now that purity and temperance are taught in home and aud echool, it will no longer truthfully be said, 'We send missionaries to the Fiji Islanders and leave our public playgrounds to worse than pagan influences." Next, work has an important place in the training of the child. Does he not feel a sense of helpfulness in shar ing tasks of home, which in after years becomes an obligation to the community. Perhaps this truth will never be better set forth than in Kipling's "Captains Courageous." Then as the years ap proach when the young man or neman fcakeß up her vocation, the wise parent shows love and sympathy, but allows him (o decide for himself that which he can best do to further the work of the world. A high standard and not a high calling should be the object.

THE BETTER WAY

Who serves his country beet ? Not he who, for a brief and stormy apace, Leads forth her armies to the fierce affray, Short Is time of turmoil and unrest, Long years of peace socceed it and replace; There is a better way. Who serves his country best? Not he who guides her senates In 'debate* And makes the laws which are her prop and stay; Not he who wears the poet'i purple rest, And sings her song of lore add grief and fate: . There is a better way. Ha serves his country best Who joins the tide that lifts her nobly on; For speech has myriad ton&aee for every day, And song but one j the law within the breast Is stronger than the graven law on stone; There is a better way. He serves his country best Who lives pare life and doeth righteous deed, And walks straight paths, hcwevnr other* stray, And leaves his sons as uttermost bequest A stainless record which all men may reed; This Is the better way. Nodropbut serves the slowly lifting tide, No dew but has an errand to some flower, No smallest! Btar but eheds some hopeful ray, And man by man, each giving to all the rest, Make the firm bulwark of the country's power j There is no tetter way. Selected.

MY PRAYER.

If there be some weaker one, Give me strength to help him on j X a blinder soul there be, Let me guide him nearer Thee. Blake my mortal dreams come trae With the work I fain would do; Clothe with life the we»k intent, Let me be the thing I meant. Let me find in Thy employ Peace that dearer Is than joy; Oat of self bo lore be led, And to heaven acclimated. Until all things sweet and good Seem my nature's habitude. 32 146 Johm 6. Whittiwu

Transvaal War.

Sydney, Dec 14 Eight hundred and fifty army remounts have been shipped for South Africa. Another steamer takes a quarter of a million pounds of corned mutton for the army. Lonpon. £ieoemb«r 14 De Wet is proceeding toward.* Dewetsdorp. General Knpx is closely pursuing with a strong force ol mounted* and other column*, an<| is converging on De Wet. The Boers captured the Bishop of Zululand near Vryheid, They took his carriage horses and allowed the Bishop to return to Utrecht. light hundred returning Australians j and one thousand Canadians wen given an enthusiastic farewell *t Capetown. The Mayor applauded their gallantry and devotion and presented them with sou yenirs. ' Mr Bro rrick' has dismissed two officers implicated in the Yebmanrf disaster at Liudley and exonerated Oolonel Bpragge,

TMB ASfiBURTOI* GEAR lAN : BATtJBD&t, DEOJfiMBEB 16, 1900



(' i. '■ - ■■' '"■■■'■ ll' ■■ ••■■ """'"' ■'--—'■"■'■' "' " " "" ■ Polypathic Medical Institute. Corner of Gloucester Street and Latisner Square, CHRISTCHURGH, (Immediately behind the Exhibition Buildings), Fifth Visit to Ash burton* fRIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 4,1901. 2 o'clock pmnntil Bpm SATORDAY, JAJSUABY 5— 9 a m until 1 o'clock p m POLYPATHY: THE NEW SY3TEM OF HEALISG. The Polypaths h»ve wod the h arts of fchs people r>t Canterbury. CONSULTATION & ADVICE-FREK, FREE, Surely a Golden Opportunity POLY PATJ-. V, the New Method of Healing, li thi '*". 'MwF^jf s«r*'Bt fcfcd tr.cat r%pid System, as it cure* with abiolati certainty such diseases s» Cancer, Epilepsy and Asthma, |KW^BBS3WWHW incurable under the old system, as we 1 as all Chronic SmmMsfflSsSSsKsEßSSx »nd Nervous Complaints of Women and Men. Moki JJBHBSSbSI'I LI. 'Xi CnuFS MADK BY POLYPATHY than any other ijitem J^SMo^^^^u2^^ in the Wtrld TftMKtWij^Wl^ - ax tinner :— ll|' CJj rlWmESn\Tii Fpil»ftio Fins Fob Eight Years; also beam £ fSS^ESss^SSOtcM Vo;r Medicines have done me a great deal of good. 1 IflMjE&S^^H^^^KM *eß' better in every way, and the pains at the heart hart jH|^^HPßH^E^^9v entirely left rre. I have not had one fit since taking I^HIK^kSC^BBSSS y°uc Medicine—l remain, yours truly, Jeremiah Foster MJNG DISEASE AND IXTKEME DEBILITY I have much pleasure in tending thia letter, thanking UflH^^^mi^^^Kfi you very much for the benefit I hare derived from youi medicine, which I have been using aiz weeks. I wai reduced in weight from 12*0 4'b down to Bet lib, and 1 {flE^^K£Ba£BK¥Hs had quite given myself np to my Maker; but thank God jßk^^BjP^BS^^M^^Bjffi[ after I had been under year treatment nine days mj ffIH^BUHBHNHHBW-fPt frifiidß could see a change in me, and I oonld feel 1! Sjffg^^j^JmSumSggjjj^/^' 1' myself, and have been improving ever since. You cat u*e this letter fora tentimonial, or refer anybody to m< 4bVIHHE9HMKBVPbg9*'^ Wiph'np yon every prosperity—Yours respeetfolly, 12 147 _J_QggJ^g.Bi2£ "Tarents ar! invited TO INSPECT OUR STOOK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, T>OYS' Guard Suits 8s 6d ; Boy8 s Blouses 4s Boya' Norfolk Suits 12s 6d ; Washing Suits 2a 6d 11 Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18a 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s ** - g Man's Trousers 7s Qd ; Tennis Trousers 12s 6d. A nice variety of Summer Coats in Kharki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, "Etc. „».. J NZ, CLOTHING FACTOItY F. H. BECKINGSALB, Manager. ZEALANDIA 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. I>*ESSJSjSSjpy <^j|fJSSS^Jp^SBSSSSSJSJSSjSSSJSSMS*» BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Macufaeturers io the Colony WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 "\JC7E SHALL BE KFPRESBNTED at the Christchurch and Timaru flrtore», and V\' ii H ve made Batiafaotory arrangements for disposing of CLIPS privately flsbburfcon. CoDßignments will be received at our Aanburton or Tinwald stores, and »eot on to 'ither Christcharch or Timaru, free of all charges, except railage. Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from their nearest railway station will eaee consign as follows ;— If intended for sale at Aahburton—Friedlandar BroB 1, Ltd Siding, Ashburton If intended for sale at Chrißtcliuroh--Brown and Son's Siding, Addington If intended for sale or shipment at Timaru Mill & Co's Sidsnjr, Timaro If intended for ahipment>t hybfcelton~N.Z;3bippiDg Co^Dumping Shed, Lyttelton WOOLSACKS, TWINE BRANDING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. ■■ ■""" *O« L ■ni" Oar Next Sale will take place at Timaru on THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1900 tRIKDLANDER BROS, LTD. The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.S Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims: H D Bell, Esq. Chairman. I Pebct M Thomson, Inspector of Agenolti. Albeet Martin, Esq. M». I E Trevob Gould, Resident Secretary; BTBONGBST LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY IN THE WORLD Financial Position. „„..„„,. Assurance in force £219,670,058 j Surplus over liabilities ... 5J2.7i1.975 Accumulated funde... .- £58,373.185 \ Annual income ... „. i11,480,WD A Mutual OBice. All surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of tie Guaranteed Cash Value Policy. NICOLT BROS, Agents, Ashbnrton. " <*i *"STinr^yANCiN"C S T- '"r£Sp OHUBOH no A T^TJ I? A-n Rr RT7 RBVM AKT JUBILEE OF THE CANTERBURY OBAlGiiliiAi) <» jDHitiMIiVLAIM SETTLEMENT HAVE ast opened out, ex a.t. Paparoa THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT (Deo 16.) from London, thalargeabßhipment of t m Services j n connection with the Kew Goods they have hitherto imported, Jubilw o{ tho p rov i no « will be of a speoiai comprising the most}up to date Suitings from charaoter and wil i b e M follows :~ and fib will compare favorably with those of turn and Sermon the leading firms in Christchurch or other The Offertories throughout) the day will cities. They are alao showing a grand lot of be on behalf of the church building fond, Hew Hata, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., thii and the Vicar and Churchwardens appeal to season. Customers would do well to place the parishioners to show their thanksgiving their ordera early as O. &B. have already a to God tor the blessings He has bestowed large number of suite on the books promised uoon this Province during the last fifty before Xmas. 11 140 years, by joining with those who are making -— "~— "" ■ " " & special effort) to extinguish the debt upon Jj'Oßp SALE Sb Stephen'a Church as a memorial of fcb« PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS 'R. A. WOODIIORPE* M.A,^ TO Farmers purchasing Halfbred PIGS. — ■ — ' T^|REBSMAKING—LadIet, we aw wy We are prepared to buy them for Bacon, JIJ busy, and we are likely to keep io» provided they are fattened on grain or P*»s, To avoid disappointment], Orders should M r j placed early.—Mitche '■ and Turner y-*"',?" FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* mo ke New V*WM 12 5 J H Rulb, \



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