Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1900. A GOVERNOR IN HYSTERICS.

The Governor of Fiji, Sir G T M O'BnenK.O.M.G, is in a fluster. He is evidently afraid lest Mr Seddon's federation scheme may lesson his power and importance, if indeed it may not efface him altogether. He probably feari that under the regime in which New Zealand would be the central 1 figure, the halo surrounding the Com mander in Chief and Consul General of the Western Pacific will be somewhat dimmed. His method of attempting to avert such a contingency, it, to say the least, original Speaking the other day at the opening of a hospital in the Fiji capital, be is reported to hare said " that the New Zealand party was only seeking federation with Fiji in order to get the natives' land. It had always been the same in every country under any kind of government. There ate in New Zealand white men always taking land from the colored owners. In New Zealand the colored people are cooped up in the fragment of land that has boen left them. Many have no laad at all, and what had happened io New Zealand would happen her« if New Zealand gets the country." This would be an amusing statement for any fairly educated British subject to make ; but coming from an officer holding the high diplomatic position of Governor, and Oommander-in-Chief and High Commissioner for the Wes tern Pacific, the speech was not only a serious indiscretion, bat an exhibi tion of most astounding ignorance. It is of course, quite unnecessary to point oct the mistakes the Governor of Fiji made in his references to the lands of the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, since every New Zealand school boy could set him right on that subject. Perhaps the most effective way of convincing him of his mistake would be to invite him to pay a visit to some of the Maori chiefs, more par ticularly those in the North Island. That would open his eyes about whether " white men are always taking the land from tin coloured owners." We may, however, remark that al though Sir Q. T. G'Brien. might have been within his rights m urging the Fijians not to federate with any British self-governing colony, he certainly took a new departure as a representative of the Imperial Government in so doing We fancy that when he receives the despatch, which will Joubtless be tor warded to him from the Secretary of State for the colonies dealing with his remarkable speech, the Governor of Fiji will wish he had been a little more prudent in expressing himself upon the subject of Islands federation.

Local and General.

otMRD ©f HoNOOR,«-The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry will form th« Guard of Honour for his Excallenoy the Governor, in the Jubilee procession on the 17th lnnt.

A Bio Chorus.-—At the swearing in of the Governor-general of Australia national airs will be rendered by a choir of 10,000 school children, with an adult chorus of IGOO, and massed bands.

The Agknt General.—Referring to the Pacific oable contract, a London Arglo-Colon i*l journal says that "Mr Beeves has the main portion of the responsibility on his shoulders.'

Getting Exp*RiiNOß.—Qui a a colony of New Zealaodm »?e in London business housed gaining experience, which will be valuable to them whoa they return to Now Zealand.

Hint to Wool growers—A leading wool buyer mentions, for the Information of gn z: ers, that it is very desirable to keep ' bellies ' and * pieces' separate when pack* ing their wool, otherwise re-sorting is imposed on buyers.

Individual Communion Cops—Both the First Church and Knoz Church congrega tions, Dunedin. hare decidced by practically unanimous resolutions to adopt the indivi dual cup in the communion service.

Safe HIMIAK FLY—The Temuka Leader is informed that the Hessian fly is likely to cause a good deal of damage to wheat crops this year. Several are already affected, and in one instance it is probable the crop will be fed off.

Freh Passes Fob To&unxiibs,—The Mayor of Christchuroh telegraphed to the Promier t agaln asking him to grant free panes to the volunteers of Canterbury, in order to enable them to attend the Jubilee celebra' tiont in Ohristchuroh. Mr Reeoe is asking all the Canterbury members of Parliament •a telegraph to the Premier supporting hit application.

Sokolabshif ExAiciKAfioK—The examf nation for the High School scholarships commenced to-day. There are nineteen caadiilates—eleven boys and eight girls. Nine schools are represented, namely, Borough 7; Hampstead, Tinwald, Winslow, and Flemington 2 each ; Longbeach, Mount Somers, Ohertsey, and Willowby 1 each.

Banjo's Impressions —Mr;"Bai>jo" Pater ■on, the war correspondent, now touring tho colony, is not only delivering lectures, but is engaged In taking notes of New Zealand; la the course of an interview he admitted thar he is astonished at the prosperity of the colony, and said that he never saw grass grow till he passed over the Canterbury plains.

Tinwald Presbyterian Church—The annual tea meeting ia connection with the Tinwald Presbyterian Church took place yesterday evening in the Templar Bali, liawald. Favorable weather, and the fact of this 'gatheriug of ihe clans' being generally looked forward to, accounted for the good attendance. The tables, which were all radiant with -summer blooms, and well laden with confectionery, were presided over by ; —No 1, Meadamea Fergie and MoLeod. assisted by Misses Lewis and Sims ; No 2, Misses Cairnoross, Campbell, McKay I and Dowdc; No 3, (Bachelors') Misses Me. harry (2), Shearer and Stewart, The lady attendants at the tables were kept busy, supplying the requirements of the large gathering, and, doubtless felt relief when it was announced that the after meeting time had arrived. The Rev Mr Skinner occupied tha ohair and opened the meeting in the usual manner. Addresses were then given by the Chairman, who briefly sketched the progress made by the Presbyterian Church in the Tinwtild and Flemington districts during the past year, and hoped for a pros perous future ,He was followed by the Revs. Jory (Wetleyan), Riddle and Inglis, all of whom spoke in eulogistic terms, of the good work done by Mr Skinner. The musical programme consisted of anthtms by the choir, (under the leadership of Mr Mo- Keczie); solos by Misses Poison, Watson and Clark, and Mr J Cow j afviolin solo, which was much appreciated, was played by Mr MoClurg. Miss Clark and Mr MoKen. zle aecompanled the soloists. At the conclusion Mr Me harry proposed the usual vote of thanks to all who had assisted to make the gathering so successful, paying a •pedal tribute to the ladies of when the Tinwald people should all feel proud* for the suooms which attended their efforts, The benediction was then pronounced, tad the 'gathering of the clans' for 1900 terminated

WiAMtttt RiPOBT-Captain Edwin wires: Strong south west to south and south east) wfnd; glass fall; Indications of rain.

Long and Large Bsoad Beaks—A pod about nine inch?B long containing eight large broad beans has been brought to our office. It waß grown by Mr Hardia senior of A»h« burton.

Lucky-A small syndicate at Window, near Ashburton, were tbe luoky drawers of twoocßh buda in TattersaH'a sweep on the Melbourne Cup: One bond was for £10, and tbe other for ten times ten, the few who had subscribed getting between them £110, lees the 5a each ticket had cost them,

Garden Party at Rakaia—There was fine weather for the garden party held in connection with 8b Mark'a Church, at Rakaia yesterday. There were games of every description, and the party spent a very enjoyable afternoon. The Aahburton Bras* Band wag in attendance and played the beat part of the time. The gathering took plaoe al the vloaragc.

Thi Late Sir HasiCt Atkinson.—Mr. John Duthie has recently been in consultation wih Mr W. P. Reeves in reference to a bast of Sir Harry Atkinson, for the oolony, The work would have been placed in the hands of Mr Thorniorof t, R. A., but owing to press of business that well-known aoulptor is unable to undertake ;ths commission. The work, however, will be plaoed in the hands of a ieaiptor of repute.

Enxbbtainment. — The Wftimftte limes has the following :—The pupili of ftlre Cur* is, who h»i conducted » very eucoesuful dancing class in Waitnats, entertained their teacher and frienda at a danoe on Friday evening in St Auguetine'a Sunday aohool room. Ample refreshments were provided, Miss Gaitt presided ad the piano, and the witching hoar nw a merry twenty-five coupled disperse.

The Eiitkl Towbr—From the recesses of her wonder vii satchel, 'My Lady' haa pro dnced this week a moet interesting account of « visit to the Paria Exhibition of '89, and while there an accent of the famous Eiffel Tower. The «rtio!e will be found on our fourth page, and on our 3ra6 page an article entitled * Excessive Athletics' is worth perniftl

The Oath or Allegiance—A district order signed by the officer commanding the Canterbury district* appears in our adver. Using columns. It states that Section Mo 11 of the Defence Act, 1186, having for tome time past been contravened by the illegal administration of the oath of Allegiance, csrtain officers named are now duly authorised to administer the oath and enrol members to the Volunteer force in the Canterbury district

Schools Excursion—This morning about one hundred scholars, teachers, and friends of the Tinwald school left the station there by special train at 7 o'clock, to join the 7.20 train at Ashbnrton, on an excursion to the Christchuroh Exhibition, The Elgin scholars, numbering about fifty, joined tke same train at this station. Both parties return by the 8 o'olock train to-night, and the Tinwald contingent will be taken on from here to their destination.

A Singular Marriage—lt is said that a young man of good prospeotß, who visited Cbristohurch and went through the Cup and Show festivities, having a wild tima of it (says the West Cocut Times) is now repenting at leisure. It appears that being flush in pooket meeting a good many Mends, and poseflsing an unwholesome thirst, he was in a semi-intoxicated condition moat of his time, and one morning ha woke up to find he had been married the previous afternoon. Ha had never met Mb bride before, and bas no recollection of the ceremony. Bashing off to Wellington, he pot the whole matter to the hands of a legal firm, and there it at present stands.

Machines versus Men -Improved mach inery is expected fco displace several hundred men in one of the large tube factories in Pennsylvania soon. The new machine is for welding couplings, and will revolutionise the nuking of couplings in every tube works in the country. One machine will do the work of h»!f adma coupling welders. In it is fed the Iron or steel material at one end, and it turns out the Snished coupling at the other. The machine is operated by electricity and the welding in done by the ■&m« power.

Journalistic Amenities.—Many of our contemporaries are in the habit of appro priatiog paragraphs, and in some oast* whole articles, from our columns without any acknowledgment. Some of them, for obvious reasons, do not know that this is contrary to journalistic etiquette, but this can not apply to our Christohurah contemporary tbe Press Yet we often find in it unacknowledged clippings from oar columns. For instance, this morning, oar paragraph about " Banja " Patterson'* remarkable appsaranoe to several Ashburton reiident", when he was really in the North Island, is re-printed verbatim without acknowledgments W* have no olj clion to our pars being used in other papers, but when we see some of them going the rounds of the Press with an acknowledg ment to the first appropriator, we do object,

There are more human beings going about the world pale, listless and miserable, because what they eat does them no good, than ever poverty, sorrow and misfortune were accoun* 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 is thit ? Well, from many causes, but chiefly from the fact that disregarding symptoms, people will not take care of themselves. Diet, you aayi No ; oure first, diet afterwards and 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 (Advt)

Lord Hopetoun.

ARRIVAL AT PERTH.

i United Piess Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright) Perth, Deo 6 I Lord Hopetoun arrived this morning, ' Lord Hopetnun's health greatly improved during the voyage, but ha is still pals and thin, and far from strong. He was unable to leave his cabin until two days, ago. He hoped he would be strong enough for his tfficial duties on his arrival in Sydney, His illness was acute dysentery, contracted at Meerut. Owing to Lord Hopetoun's illness aod the uncertainty of the time of his arrival, no pubiio demonstration took place, and no solute was fired. The Administrator of the Government, the Premier, Ministers, and the Mayor viaited aboard the Victoria. The Admiral received a telegram ititing that Lord Hopetoun in too weak to tranship at Fremantle fr< m the steamer. The Royal Arthur will proceed to Adelaide, where he will join the warship. He will fix the date of his landing in Sydney when he reaches Adelaide, but it will probably be December 15th.

CABLE NEWS.

♦— United Press Assooiation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright New Yorjc, Dec 5 Ihe Commission appointed to report on the Nicaragua Canal scheme favours the ownership control by America. The canal will be of larger dimensions than had been proposed to construct, costing 200,545,000 dollars, to be completed in ten years Borne, December 5 A thousand feet of the great embankment on the river Tiber collapsed London, Decembers Rear Admiral Beaumont, who wasrecently reported to suooeed Admiral Pearson in command of the Australian Station, is con* ferring with the Admiralty. He sails for Australia in the middle of December MiLSOURifB, December 6 ■ The old age pension! scheme has been drafted. It provide! for the appropriation of £50,000 from the consolidated revenue for the latter half of the present financial year. This gives 7s weekly to persons over 65 and permanently disabled. Applicants must have resided twenty years in the oelonyi Adelaide, December 6 Parliament has been prorogued.

Wesleyan Church Garden Patty

"Menorlue," the realdence of Mr and Mrs W. H. Co'!ins, presented quite a gay and animated appearance yesterday afternoon, on tbe occasion of the garden party held undsr the auspices of the Baring j Square Wesleyan Church. There were | about 250 visitors, and probably many more would have been present had the weather continued warm, but towards the latter part of the afternoon there was a wintry coolness, and every indication of rain, but the latter happily held off. " Mennrlue " is an ideal place for a fete of the kind hold on Thursday. Croquet on the clean well-kept lawn, tennis in the courts, cricked and roundels in the paddocks • and bright fl twera, creepers and shrubs in profusion for the delectation of those who preferred to lounge about and reab. The email Uom mittee which had charge of the sports were highly successful in their efforts, and the competition for. cocoa nuts was not the least exciting of many games, the aoectatora perhaps deriving'as large a share of fun as the contestants A gramaphone, kindly lent and manipulated by Mrs Fearoe, of Allenton, was a source of unbounded interest, and a party of instrumentalists rendered a number of orchestral items in excellent style. Tables for bea were laid in the garden, and, from five o'clock to half past'six, the ladles were very busy attending io the sharpened appetites of their visitors; In what was termed " The Witohee" Tenl>," enchanting maidens dispensed plates of strawberries and cream in exchange for the nimble sixpence. At about nine o'clock, a huge bonfire was lit, and as the large crowd of old' and young surrounded the burning pile, the effect was exceedingly picture'spe. The "camp fire" element was still more in evidence when the Rev. Thos. Fee gave an original patriotic recitation, followed by one from Mr E. Undrill, and shortly afterwards the party dispersed homewards. Mr H. G. Barry man, the Church Secretary, and his host of willing assistants, have reason to be gratified with the success of the gathering, which was probably the best yet held in connection with Baring Square Church. This could not, however, have been attained without the vwy hearty co-operation of Mr and Mrs Collins and the members of their household, who were enthusiast! a in their eff »rts to make things 'go,' and each one worked like Trojans.

HOSPITAL BOARD.

At the meeting of the Hospital Board held on Wednesday, the Hospital Committee's report wns read as follows :—

Your Committee beg to report that during the past twelve months they have held twelve ordinary and seven speoial meetings. At the request of your Board, your Com mittee prepared a new set of bylaws for the working of the Hospital, and also made Important recommendations as to the reorganisation of the Hospital staff. After the bylaws had been received by your Board and materially altered they were finally adopted in April last). The matron and the members of the staff took up their respective positions during the month of May, and are giving every satisfaction to your Committee. The wardsmac gave notice to leave after having been there only a short time, and it has not been found necessary to fill his place. Your Committee had a gas engine erected to provide a better supply of water. The gardener will, therefore, now be able to attend to his schedule duties and not havo a large portion of his time taken up with pumping. A new tank stand has also been erected. The question of drainage has only been very recently relegated by the Board to your Committee, and the matter will receive your Committee's attention. Attached was a list of patiauts admitted and discharged each month during the past twelve months, which showed that there had been admitted 213, discharged 203, and it appeared that the average cost per day for the whole year was 7s Id per patient per diem.

The report was signed by Mr H Fried lander, the chairman of the Hospital Gommltitet,

Living Picture Display

To-nigbt in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cooper and Macdermott wilt, give one of th<ir famous patriotic pictorial displays descrip tive of the wars, and the company hats the reputation of having the very best exhibi tion of the kind in the colony. It is a story of the war, and though nob of the variety type is so arranged as to provide so varied a programme as to maintain the interest from etart to finish. The company has secured crowded audiences in the largest theatres throughout the ctolony, and occu pied the Auckland Opera House no less than thirteen times. They wi*h it to he known that this is their first appear»noe in Aih burton, and that they Inve no connection with any return visit of any company with a similar n*mo. In this connection the Southland lima i ' It was anticipated that the disappointing exhibition of a recent kinematograph would seriously affect the attend ar cc at this entertainment, but happily these fears were not realised, and it is a pleasure to be able to Bay that tke speca*<r< were quite satisfied with the performance The entertainment is a most enjoyable one.' As many teachers have considered the display one calculated to inspire patriotism, aod have been anxious for their pupils to witness it, Messrs Cooper and Maodermott will give a matinee to morrow (Saturday) afternoon, at three o'clock, at pi ices with n the reach of all, and gives an opportunity to witness the fiaesb living picture display without being out at night;

Do We Read Fewer Solid Books.

Are the people of to-day less disposed to read solid books than were th eir predecessors of a generation ago ? If we accept the statements of certain critics who pretend to understand the public taste the answer must be in the affirmative j but if we take publishers' lists as a guide the reply will be an emphatic negative.

The Hit of new books given week by week in the Pvbiithers 1 Circular proves that the supply of fiction is extraor dinarily great. Publishers being business men, we most assume that the demand, though not always entirely satisfactory, is also great. Are we hence to conclude that the intellect of England is declining ? By no means. For as in the age of Shakespeare the literary genius of the country found expression through the drama, so in the age of Meredith it finds expression through the novel. The best work done to day in Literature i& done in fiction. Were a competent critic to look back upon the books produced within the last ten years he would say that those which are likeliest to be known half a century hence are novels.

Athletics.

United Preea Association—By Electric Telec raph—Copyright Sydney, December 6 Rowley is unable toaooept the invitation to attend the New Zealand Athletic Meeting Boßoingrave will be authorised to represent New South Wales at the meeting.

SHOOTING

ASHBURTON MOUNTRD RIFLES v ASHBURTON GUARDS

A match bstween the above corps was fired at Lsfimhor yesterday ; eeven shots at 200 and 309 yard p. A veiy strong south west wind blew across the targets. At 300 yards aim had to be taken on the rightedge of target, which accounts for the low scoring; ab that range. The following were the individual scores: — ASHBVRTON MotJNTBD RI7LEg

Hampstead School Committee

The monthly meeting of the Hampstead School Committee was held last evening. Present—Messrs Cawsey (chairman), Payne, Hunt, Thompson, Sage, Ramsey and An drews. Mr Crooks sent an apology CORBESrONDENOI Correspondence was received From the Board of Education enquiring if any form of fire driil was practised in the school.—The secretary was instructed to reply that in view of other forms of drill undertaken, the fire drill was not considered neaeisary The Secretary for Education notified that the school would be supplied with a flag, a vote of £1500 having been passed for the purpose of supplying schools with national flags The Board of Education forwarded a copy of the Amendment Act in reference to eiec tion of iU members Circulars in referenoe to school prizes were received from Mr H M Jones MASTER'S RIPOBT This report showed number on the roll 330, attendance 290 ■ VISITING COMMITTED Mr Andrews reported that the gutters had! been cleaned out, and the fences had been left till next month Meairs Payne and Thompson were appointed visiting committee for next month MIECELLAKEOUS The Chairman aaid he bad not obtained the rod and scraper as it was not required till after the holidays. The certificates for the children in lieu of prizes would be to hand on Monday next Mr Andrews and himself had ascertained that only some 100 children proposed to go to the Exhibition if an excursion was ran, and the idea had therefore been dropped as no doubb the few inter>dirg to go would tfo so by other cheap trains HOLIDAYS It was resolved to give an extra week's holiday on aocouat of Jubilee year, and that the school break up on Friday, December 14, for six weeks ACCOUNTS An account amounting to £1 6s wae passed for payment and the committee adjourned

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do doc bold onrseives responsible for opinion*! expressed by our correspondent*

A SLIGHT CORRECTION

TO THB EDITOR

Sir,™ Might Ibe allowed to point out in , your loctl re painting awards what appears ,tome as a slight mistake. You credited me with gaining an award for "painting still life anima't." The intimate knowledge I have acquired of what constitutes length and breadth in an Ashburton paddock leads me to suppose that my models may be animals but surely—not still life. In fact I have often regretted the lack of repose of manner displayed by an irate and local bovine when plunging madly on the end of a line, especially on auoh occasions as when the repe parted. If you intended to convey to my mind in a gentle manner that my exhibits looked as if they had never moved nor ever would agitate a leg again I am duly admonished and promise a slow but sure improvement. lam also led to believe that the award was a silver medal, the 'awards'! being honourable mention certificate?. Hoping you will forgive this correction in the interests of the agile and mot>t muscular natives of the plains,—l am, etc., Ethel S. Jokes

Beer Poisoning Epidemic

United Press Association—By Kleotrfo Telegraph—Copyright

London, Dec 6 As the result of the beor poisoning epidemic, it is estimated that £50,000 worth of beer has been destroyed,

POLITICAL.

The Premier at Bokitika-

One Premier addressed a Urge public meeting at Hokitika on Wednesday evening. After dealing with general matters and the work of last session, he indicated the future Government policy as follows t —There would be nothing sensational in next year's legit lation. Dae of the first} measures would be that dealing with local government. There were too many local bodies, involving too muoh administrative expenditure. A Con ference would be held to discuss the Local Government Bill, which, he considered, provided for a form of local government far superior to the present system. The people would themselves be given the power to ■weep away unnecessary bodies. The Referendum Bill would be again introduced, and Parliament would be asked to paiß it. Many large questions required to be pasted, and the adoption of the Referendum would facilitate their passing into law. The Factories Act and the Shop Hours Act would be amended. The greatest sweaters at the present time were mercantile offices and banks. An alteration in the law would bring them within its scope. The time was ! fast approaching when the State should have a coal mine within its control. They should nob interfere If the present facilities were sufficient, but if they were not the State should step in* The Admiralty had oontraoted for 4000 tons of Westport coal a ; month, America also wanted Urge quantities, and the State Itself was a large consumer. The Government should explore, prospect, and develop, and, if necessary, open mines to meet this demand. Land settlement) would also receive attention. The Governor would be enabled to proclaim the lands within the Midland Railway Reservation open for settlement on January 15. The Government hid made arrangements by which they would be enabled to subsidise ■ line of steamers for South Africa. The Government had acted as agents for the prodneers, and. for the War Office in contracting for the supply of 10,000 tons of oats They were prepared to act in any similar way where they oould benefit the country* Reference was then made to some remarks of the Governor of Fiji as reported in the Fiji Times* These remarks were most of' tensive, fend made an insulting and untruth

ful statement wiih reference to the action 6* this and other colonies in rpsptct of tRe Natives. He would insist that this Governor should prove his «Wement, or retract tad apologise. New Zealandc rs had been most humane in their treatment of the Natives. They had givpo back 65,000 acres to torn* landless Native* of the Bomh It-land. The North Island Natives bad five million aores of land, The rent paid to the Maoris under the West Coast (North Island} Lands Settle ment Act amounted to" £25,000 a year. Fiji was a crown colony, and the white iobabi* tints had no representation. They should have representation in the government of their country. The trouble was that the Governor's utterances might alarm the Natives as to the retention of their land. Where that danger would end they conld not at present see ; it might have the effect of preventing Tonga joining with the other islands in coming to Britain, and Other nations might take advantage of the utterances of this Governor in order to pre judice the interests of the Empire, With regard to Federation with Australia, he might say that he was opposed to ft in , its present aspect. Parliament hid agreed to the appointment of a Commission to report on this question, and the personnel of that Commission wouldnbe osrefully considered* No appointments bad yet been mads, bat he could nftsore the oonntry j hat only men whose voices would carry weight with the people would be appointed. Reference was made to the South African war, and he read the casualty list received that evening, giving the names of those killed and wounded at Reitfontein. There was no war now, it was murder. Thii sniping and marauding must be stopped, If they had not enough men they should send more. We were quite prepared to send enough men to clear out all the enemy. Those who broke their parole should be shot, and he felt sure Lord KUeheaM would stand no nonsense from them. The gallantry of our men was then referred to, mention being made of several incidents, la a slowing peroration, Mr Seddon held that as the colonies had expended the blood of their sons in maintaining the honour and preserving the Integrity of the Empire, in defending it from aggression and assisting in cementing unity, the colonies had justified a claim for their representation In the Council of the Empire. The Premier was listened to attentively throughout, and was repeatedly applauded, being enthusiastically cheered at the eoßi elusion of his speech.' A vote of thanks and confidence was carried with acclamation.

CRICKET

A most enjoyable game of cricket wM played in the Domain on Thursday afternoon between the Imperial Cricket Club and the bankers and clerks. The Imperials batted first, and made the big score of 136 for four wickets, when they declared their inning* closed. The bankers knocked op 108 for ilk wickets, when time was oalltdY For the Imperials, the batting honors wen divided between J Smith 37, P Orr 35, B Amos 26* The bowlers were P Orr, Richards, and pilbrow. For the bankers, P H Cox 37 (not) out), Salmond 15, 3 Friedlandcr 13, and Piokles 12, were the highest scorers, Tfea bowlers were Seidon and Frtediander. Is was decided to play the two innings on! next Thursday afternoon, so a good gain* h looked forward to.

An Anglophobe's Wild Scheme

FRANCE TO PREPARE TO INVADE ENGLAND.

DEBATE IN THE FRENCH SENATE.

United Press Association—By Eieottlc Telegraph—Copyright Pakis, December 5 The debate in the French Senate on the Navy vote was made remarkable by a f ary speech by General Mercier, of Dreyfus cm* fame, who wildly attacked the British Army and Navy, Amid the protests of membert, he moved that it be an urgent instruction to the Government to prepare a rcheme for the rapid embarkation and ditrmbarkation of troops. He added tbitt if she went to war with Great Britain, France mtut takt th« initiative and invade.

M.Follierep, the President of the Senate declared a revoluMon would only follow such an interpellation if it was prooe*ied wirh. M- Laneesan, Minister of Marine, declared the Government would never for an instant entertain it. The announcement was received with «heern. The authorities in the French Riviera art delighted that Queen Victoria will return t« Cimifz in the spring if nothing unforeseen occurs in the meanwhile»

Fire in the Greta Colliery.

FIVE MEN ENTOMBED.

United Prens Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Sydney, D«c 6 The Greta Colliery Is on flre, and fi?e men —Buck Fuller, Hislop, John CroweO/and Fred Crowell—are entombed. The reteoen were driven back by the heat and smoke, and hope of saving the men hai been abandoned. Sydney, Dec ? All attempts to rescue failing, and ai the fire was spreading rapidly, the Grata Colliery has been oloted dowa<

Transvaal War.

United Press Association—By Bltotrfo Telegraph—Copyright

London, December 6 Gereral Paget had four days' fighting with 2bCO Boers, with five guns, two pom poms, and a Maxim, under Ban Viljowu On the third day Colonel Oradook's New .Zealanders, forming the British leftfank, were heavily attacked. General. Paast delivered a counter attack, and enabled the New Zealaoders to rush the positions. Two small commandos are raiding near Lady smiths

The telegraph has been ont close to Grahamstown, and the military have dis covered 5000 stands of arms on the estate of * pro Boer in the Constantia district, (Jape) Colony.;. N Botha, late a member of the Volksraad, and now at Kroonstad, expressed the sane views as M De Villiers, and denounced ex President Steyn. Ha also suggested that the appointment of a partly nominated Council as the Government for the aew colonies would give time for racial weonde to heal.

Botha, ex member of the Volksraad, noir at Kroonstad, has iuaed % pamphlet declwr* ing that England's original mistake In Boath Africa was her weak, spasmodic policy, hence the attitude of the Boers. Hereafter the Briton and the Boer will be peaceable under one flag. The exequatur of Mr 6 Potts, at Nethet* lands Consul at Lorenco Marquei, has beep withdrawn. (A. few days ago we were informed by cable that) the Portuguese officials, alleging grave reason** had withdrawn uxte^uatur from Mr Potts, the Transvaal Consul ab Dehgoa Bay.) Dec 5 Gunner Gowin, of the New South Wale* Troop, died at Kfmberley from wounds, Dee 6 Among the killed at Reitfontcin were ;— Queensland Bathmob, Private Wright) Victorian Bushmen, Private Mackenzie. Severely wounded—Queensland Mocattd Troops, Sergeanb Austin and Private Karl; Yicf orian Souhtnen. Private MoCurdy. . Lord Roberts visits St. Helena; " His daughter is rapidly recovering from fevor SydviTi Deoember 6 Pesplte the threatening weather, the railway station and main thoroughfares wen densely "thronged for the welcome to, the returning ioldi«rt» The utmost enthusiasm prevailed along the line of march, bat the order «f tha proce»«ien was not interfered with. The New ZV.-uulers received aa ovation at th« various points. The men look exceedingly well, and it was bard to believe that they had experienced all tbt hardships olthf

T&£[ ASHBURI'OfI §FAftDiAN; fRII)A? $ DftCJEMBtfJS 7, 1900



200 yds 300 yds CaptGAMßuokley 28 31 Sergeant Morrison 30 26 Sergeant Jones 29 24 Lieutenant A Pooka 29 21 Corporal Stewart 28 22 Trooper Bray 31 18 Trooper McDonnell 28 20 Trumpeter Mahoney 28 18 Trooper G'arke 26 19 Ber^t-M»j >r Gibson 23 20 Trooper Grange 22 19 Corporal Ironsides 16 19

Total 59 56 53 £0 50 49 48 46 45 43 41 35

318 257 Average per man

576 47i

ASHBITBTOK GtUB»S

20iyd« SOOydi Private Bell 31 2-1, Bugler Lei toh 25 2i) Sergeant Percy 22 21 Qorporal Anderson 23 19 Corporal Willis 24 13 001-Sergb Schwartz 27 13 Private Stook 19 19 Private Marsden 21 15 Private Dorm 21 7 Private Sparrow 14 14 Private Tait 12 10 Lieut Shearman 17 2

Total 55 54 43 42 42 40 38 36 28 28 22 19

256 191 Average per man

447 37£



JOHN T. COOCH, GROCERY, HAEDWARE, CROCKERY, & PRODUCE . MEECH \OT. SAUNDSRS' BUILDINGS, ASHBUttrON. (O) MY Sfcook ie larga and! well awo-ted, and sp*»oi»l?v suited to fcheooming festive season * Thnfew linei I quote wi'l co»vino«vynu that, I am as cheap as my neighbourly I only keep firs!; quality (roods, and y « onn depend upon attention and civility. Prices quoted are for cash ouly. MiHaquln Sugar 16* 61 par 70ib bag ; Rollor Flour per sack 14«, per lOOlbc 7s 6d, per 50 b 5s lOd ; Finest Oatmeal per bag, 2* 9' ; G">od T«» par Sib box. from 7« 6d ; Wor cester Sauc-p, 3 bottles for 1* ; Sardine*. 3 tins for 1" 5 English Brown Wtodacr Soap, Is per dozen cake* ; Finest now Christm** Fiuita, eto, at lowest current prices. The Jam Seano/i is now cnmlng on, a^d T q'iot«» for Mason* p»tent j*m j*r« lqt, 8s 6d per doz 5 2qb, 6a 91 per dcz ; 21b Glass jvn j \rs, 2i 10 1 per d^z ; Covered |elly j*rs, 4« 9d per dos. My Crockery and Glassware stock has just been replenished by two shipments straight from the manufacturers, and a peep at my window will jr.ire yon a, good idea of the valne I j am giving. Full B*eroom Seta from 12s 6d : Cups and Saucers from 4s 6d par doz j Jogs from 2s 6d per act of 3. I am a buyer of Bather and Eggs all the year round, and can truly My' highest) price given ;! Mrs Liu/b priza Separator Butter always in stock. My Hardw".r« Peps*" mnnti h well atoeked with general furnishing and domeitio Iron mongery. A nice assortment of Enamelled and Brass Preferring Pans, Milk iMshea and Strainer?, Wire Di h Covers, Churns, Buckets, Lawn Mowera, Hollow Ware, Hay Forks, Bakes, Rope, Tin Ware, eto. You will find my prices In this line hard to beat. All kinds of Produce in stock, including OUs l»eaf, Bran, Sharps, Chick Wheat, Oat*, Potatoes, &c, at market rates* Note the * ddress— BAUND \HS> BUILDINGS, ASHBURTON. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY •■■■a* # Q # *"*' i. ■'■ MEWS Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3s 6d Men's White Canvas Tennis Shirts 4s 6d Men's Fancy Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3a Boys' New Straw Hats from Is Men's Frame Hats in New Shades 4s to 12a 6dJ The Largest Stock in Aehbnrton. CYCLING SWEATERS in Fawn and White, from 6a' Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Novelties, AT THE NZ, CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BBCKINGSALE, Manager. ZKALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Batted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Ennlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manufacturers in (he Colony WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 WE SHALL BE KEPRESENTFD at the Chrisfchurch and Timaru fixture*, and have made satisfactory arrangements for disposing of CLIPS privately £«hbnrton. Consignments will be received at our Aanburton or Tinwald stores, and ,aent on to -Uher Christchnrch cr Timaru, free of all charges, except railage. Clients who wish te send their Wool direct from their nearest railway station will ease oopflign as follows :™  If ialendeS for sale at Asbbnrton—Friedlander Bros 1, Ltd Biding, Aehburtoo If intecded for sale ab Cbristchuroh—Brown and Son'a Siding, Addington If intended for eaie or shipment at Tiraaru—Mili & Go's Sidinp, Timaru ;''.lffintended for shipment>t Lytteltoß—N-,Z|Shlppft)g Co'e^Dußipißg^Sbed, lytteltcu WCOL"PACKS, TWINE BRANDING OIL, and ,all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Oof Next Sale will take place at Ohristchurch on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1900 PRIIDLATOER BROS, LTD; f~* — FOR I / ASHBURTON OFFICE %l J j^ '' \ *• | | -• LYTTELTON TIMES" El SJ I fc I " CANTFRBDRY TIMES ' 1 nATE & C " SPORTSMAN ' S o B^1 TTTHBRE Advertlßenwnta and SnbMrip* m JjiTCJJp[|||jM|l| W tiocs will be received, and files can f mßpe°E. NORDON, m J^ Managing Agent for South Canterbury, J^immjP^ f BURNETT STREET, ■ MsjmW^^ if 10' (Entrance to Thomas' New Auction Mart) I n HE N.Z. FARMERS' CO-OPEFATIV mMg&MWmjJ ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY NEW TARIFF Ltd. CHAMPION BLEND "W E have ••▼•»J^»"y fi«t-olaea Farm •in, ftTum oolr rc- »V for Bale ob our books, and farmer v© OIM&H PKK-fc.s>. .> ffißhing to purchaae would do well to call on nY& 'AO 2/2 2/4 3/8 - tajS" £ k .u m, m CHINA TEA USED BY US.^ »• » „,»„„, - — 1000 „ Lauriston  1180 „ Springburc „ 750 „ , Wakaoul „ 1031 „ Cherts y „ ICES, ICEF. 1958 „ Drom^-e „ T. F. GIBBON, Manager A SPRAINED AKKLE QUICKLY COBSD ICES loes, Ices, Strawberries and Dream, 'Afc one time I Buffered from a aevere ' sprain of the ankle,' aaya George E Gary, and loed Drinks at Flower's Refre.hment ***** * th* Guide, Waahington.Va. 'After using several well recommended medicines _ _ . „., without succaaa, I cried Chamberlaia'a Pain Rooms, Baet street. 11211 Balm, and am pleated to a»y that relief came ——■ aa soon an I began ita use, and m complete 11/ aN iED Known—The repid Hghtciog curß E peedi)y followed.' Sold by Aahburtoo |V Shirt Globs has by far the larpeat tale Drug Company in New Zealand-John Ore and Co and —-—— ■-^ —-—-— —— » Shbakmanßbos ¥1/ Young mm t ■^ w ? wear Black and Brown Boots Smoke Hew Venas lg 6 9d,at D. Sierra's' 1999 t



THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS CO OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY, Ltd, Offices, Warehouaea, and Grain Stores : Weab Street, Aahburton. ETERY Deaoripbion of Farmera Requliitea at loweab ratea. Groceries, Hardware Saddlery, Oorntacks, Wnalpeoka, Twine, Oila, Tinware, Horae Covers, Eto. Eto. GRAIN SOLD ON COMMISSION. Having reliable information from our Agents In other parts of the Colonies, we are in a position to obtain hlgheet poaaible prices for all grain placed in our hands for diipoaai. Shareholders ahould be particularly care ful to enquire from ua and inspect onr gooda before ordering elsewhere. T F GIBSON, Manager. NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY. ESTABLISHED 1859. capital—on! million THE Premier and Wealthiest Colonial Company, Noted for Promptness and Liberality Paid-op Capital and Reserves, . £400,000. Fire and Marine Bisks, Also,— Bisks on Growing Crops. Threshing Machines, etc, accepted at lowest current rates ! E. W. Hanmer, AGENT THE EQUITABLY LIPrT ASBURANCE SOCIETY OF U.S. Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issao Policies and pay claims: H D Bell, Esq, Chairman. Albert Martin, Esq, M D. Percy M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. E Tbevob Gould, Resident Secretary; Strongeab Life Assurance Society in tbe World. Financial Position. Assurance in force ... ... £219,670,058 Accumulated funds... .-, £58,373,185 Surplus orec liabilities ... £12,711,975 Annual Income ... ... £11,286,145 A Mutual Offioe. All surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Caih Value Polioy. MCOLL ol£Oßs<, Agents, Ashburton. 12 47 THE CANTERBURY FROZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE EXPORT COMPANY, Ltd. tDHE FAIRFIELDJPREEZING WORKS THE above Works are now ready to resume operations and Freezing Space a being booked. Applications for apace can be made either to the Works or the Chris ten urch Office. F. WAYMOUTH, Seorefeary. 139 Hereford Street. Cristohurch, December 1, 1900. 12 19 TAKE your Repairs to the Jubilee Boot, Shop. 9 20 ■nuM EPHfcMERIS Phases of Moon fox December OHM Fnll moon — 6 10 8 p Last quarter «. 14 10 12 am New moon «. 22 11 31 % m First quarter _ 29 118 p m BUN. Date Riies Seta December 6 %i 416 ?26 j „ 7 m 416 727 „ 8 .. 416 728 „' 9 .. 415 729 „ 10 ... 415 * 780 „ 11 «, 415 731 THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES Trains leave Aehburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—ab 7.20 ■ 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—ab 10.55 am, 3.50 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—ab 4,25 p m Trains arrive daUy at Aeh burton from— CHKISTOHURCK-at 10.45 * m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIM ARU-at 10.35 a ni, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 8.45 a ml Mail Notices. Mails oloae for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations : FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Tarawera, at 630 p m SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8. For Northern Port*, per He Anau, at 10 30 am. For Northern Porfca and Wcstport, per Rotomabana at 6 30 p m. Note—Persons posting Christmas cards at book rates are remindH of the neoesainy for keeping the oorers open for examination. If the packets are sealed up, so that contents cannot be examined, letter ratea will be charged. Commercial. *_ —- RAKAIA STOCK SALE. Owing to the small attendance of farmers and buyers at the Rakaia monthly sale, the prices were not good. Mr D Thomas was the only auctioneer who sold, The following were the prices realised for all that waa placed. Cows sold from £5 to £5 10s ooe fat wether aold at 15s 6d, and pigs brought from 6a to 11s. CHRISTCHUROH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS. Quotations are as follows ; — vVheat—Hunter's, pearl and velvet, 2a 4d to 2a sd, and Tuscan 2e Sd to 2s 6d. Oata — Canadian la 3d, ehort feed la 8d to Is B£d, Duns la 7d to la Sd, Danish la 7d to la 7fi Barley (nominal)— Malting 2a delivered Flonr (millers' quotations nominal) —Roller £7, atone £6, sharps £3 IQa, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beanu—2i 4d to 2s 5d Peas—Prussian Blues 2s to 2s 3d, part 1 ridge 2a 4djgp 2s 6d Oatsheaf Chaff — 42a 6d at near country stations. Hay—£3 5s to £310 a, delivered : primes* baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegrasa, farmers' lots Is 9d to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed, 2s 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 2£d to 2f d for bright) seed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dreased 161b to 17ib seed, 3Jd to 4d, cowgrass 5d to 6d, extra choice 6^d, White clover, 6d to 7Jd. j Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to s|d, I factory Sd to 6d. Butter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 7d to Bd, salt, in boxes 6d to Id. Bacon and hams 54d to6d, factory bacon and hanis, {d perlb higher. The above prices, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b, Lyttelton,



NOTICE.-The rapid Shirt Uloit is 10 eaßily used that a obild can gloss collars and shirts, and give them the appear anee of new—John Obr & Co and Shjbarmak



Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm worrisrs, never fail for adults and children prloe if



New Zealand's athletes at the front In cricket, football or the hunt He shines In any sport or game. His prowess has a world wide fame. But training has Its ÜBual ills, As over heat that causes chills Then don't delay, but health secure, By taking Woods' Great Peppermint Core. t> UILDERS will find it to their advantage _D to get estimate* for Iroemongeryfrom Habdlbyßbos Wade's Worm figs are most effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking l em Price Smoke New Venus