Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, snbjsot to the necessary alteration! : BATUBD&Y, DEOEMBER 8. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahaoa at> 6 30 p m. MONDAY, DECEMBEB 10 For 'Tasmania and Australia (due Mel* bourne Djc 16) India, China, Japab, Mauri tiufi, South Africa, also United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, per express at 12 30 pm For Northern ports and Westport, pea Tarawera, at 6 30p:m.

Note—Persona posting Christmas cards at book rates are reminded of the necessiny for keeping the covers open for examination. If the packets are sealed up, so that contents cannot be examined, letter rates will be charged.

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Eieotrio Telegraph—Copyright. London, Dec 6 The American visible supply of wheat 1b 86,591,000 bush®!*.

WELLINGTON WOOL SALES

raited Frees Association—By E'«oferlo Telegraph Wellington, December 7 At to day's wool sales 1200 bales were offered, of which 769 were sold. At anticipa ted there was a mirked fall in prices as compared with last; December. There waa no material difference between to-day's prices and the recent London quotations. The fall was in some instances as much as 6d on halibred, merinos, and super crossbreds; and 2d to 3d on medium and coarse wools.

THE MEAT TRADE

Messrs Nelson Bros, reoMved the following cable from the 0 C and D Company on Ihursday i— '* Today's quotations are as follow :—Best Canterbury mutton, 4f d ; best Napier and North Island, 4£l per Ib."

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashbarton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on December 7. 1900 s— Wheat— Primt milling Pearl _ 2s 2d  „ Tuscan.. 2s 3d „ „ Hunter's 2s Id Oats—Duns „„ la s£d to li 6d Danish Is s*d to Is 6d Canadians Is 6d to Is 7d Sparrowbills Is 61 Barley—Malting, primo 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2* 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf BQt to 52s 6d Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2s to 2s 3d New „ I.6dtols9d The abore are prices carrtnt paid to farmers on fcraoks at Asbbarton.

RAKAIA STOCK SALE

Our nsual report of the above sale, not having come bo hand promptly, we inserted a brief notice of the prices obtained in a previous issue. We learn that there was a good attendance of farmer* and buyers at the sale, and bidding was very brisk. The Farmers' Cooperative Association and the New^Zsaland Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, also sold sheep, the former selling a lin<s of 212 shorn merino ewes and lambs at 9i 2d, all, ooan ted. _______

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1900 LIBERTY OF THE PRESS

The poaitioD of a journalist in Germany must be almost as full of excitement as that of a soldier at the front. The latter has to face shot and shell, while the former ever runs the risk of coming within reach of an arm capable of inflicting very serious injury, although of a somewhat different kind, which Is known as lose irajeste*. Freely translated this is the name of a machine much used in Germany for punishing outspoken editors, and stopping adverse criticism of the actions of the Kaiser. It is certainly a powerful instrument in the hands of a tyrant, and we have seen some remarkable instances of its application within the last few years. A street porter in Marburg was sent to gaol for six months for uttering * disrespectful words* regard to the Empress. Au artisan in Hamburg received a similar punishment for un complimentary references to the Em peror. A workman at Beuthen per mitted himself the dangerous luxury of cursing the Kaiser, and was promptly sent to gaol for a year. A deaf and dumb man at Dusseldorf managed to commit a similar olenee —whether by means of the finger alphabet or by writing is not stated by the paper giving a list of recent caceß, the Vossitche Zeitung —and he was allotted the punishment of four months' imprisonment. On the 7th ef October there were five trials in Germany for hue majeste, and the most important of them was that which resulted in the conviction of Herr Maximilian Harden, editor of the weekly journal Zuhmft. Thiijournalist

is one of the best known in Germany,' indeed he has a European reputation. His offence consisted in commenting upon the Kaiser'g notorious command to his troops going to China to slay and spars not, but to imitate the famous Hun chieftain Attila, who was known as " the scourge of God." Eerr Harden gave a history of this barbaric conqueror, and concluded by saying he i was not the sort of model to set before the German soldiers; and he wound up by remarking that a war of revenge was not to be commended. For this he was sent to gaol for six months. We are so accustomed to the almost absolute liberty enjoyed by the press throughout the British dominions that this sort of thing strikes us as nothing short of tyranny, and so, in fact, it is in the cases we have referred to. But it is by no means certain that the extraordinary freedom permitted to the press in Great Britain and her colonies does not err somewhat on the other side, or, at anyrate, that it does not tend to encourage license, and permit men like Labouchere, Dr Clark, and others innumerable to incite ■edition in our midst. It must be evident that the great latitude allowed by the Government of Great Britain to the enemies within her gates has cost her a great deal, and the recent happenings in this connection arising out of the South African war have gone far to induce a general belief that it is a mistake to allow the press in our own country to openly preach sedition and encourage our enemies to attack us. While we are on this subject we may say that a large section of the community t including many journalists, fail to grasp the enormous influence possessed by the newspapers, both for good and evil; Careless and inconsiderate journalists occasionally inflict serious injury upon communities of their fellow men, and especially upon individuals by making pub ie matters which, in the interests of everybody concerned did not require to be made known. Men have bees rained and families have been broken up by the tactless action of some well meaning but inconsiderate journalist. Writing a report of an incident is as easy as falling off a log ', anybody with ordinary intelligence can do that. It is only the experienced journalist who considers whether pnblioation is ex pedient or proper.

THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT.

Mb Harper, as Chairman of the meet ing of the Hospital Board the other day, Baid that the question of hospital drainage would probably have to be hang up until the Borough Council had digested the Hoalth Act, it being very likely that the Act, which was very Btringent, would disallow draining into the river. One portion of Mr Har per'a statement was certainly quite correct ; the Act is undoubtedly strin gent—in some directions. l'he pro vision as to draining into a river or stream for example, ib distinct enough for anything, and we fancy it will not tako the Borough Council long to digest it. Clause 61, sub-section 8, nt ■«n fol lows :—" kvery persou commits an offence who permits or Buffers dr»in*gfi or refuse from his land or premises to flow into, or be deposited in any water course or stream that flows through a borough, (whether forming part of the water-supply of a local authority* district'; or not), unless he satisfies the Stipendiary Magistrate that no part of the water course or stream within the limits of the borough is thereby defiled, or polluted." According to this it may be possible that the Ashburtou river, not flowing through the borough, may not come under the provisions of the sub-section quoted, but it is evident that "drainage or refuse" cannot be permitted to rua into an open water course stream, or channel, running through the borough. That, at any rate, is our reading of the Act, and therefore, without dealing with the question of polluting the Aihburton, it seems to us that an open drain through a borough is contrary to the intention of the legislature. There can be no doubt however, that some of the clauses of the Public Health Act are fe»rful and wonderful enactments. For instance Clause 35 states that every person shall be liable to a penalty not exceed ing twenty pounds who (sub section 3) knowingly lets for hire any house 4c

. , in which there then is, or, within the previous six. weeks, has been, any person suffering from any " dangerous infectious disease" unless . . , all things therein liable to be infected have been effectually disinfected; and sab section 4 adds that any person letting a house and concealing the fact that any one suffering from a (i danger ous infectious disease," then is, or within the previous six weeks has been living in the bouse or t»ny part thereof shall also be liable to a similar penalty. Now the Act divides diseases into two clas see, " infectious diseases" and (> dangerous infectious diseases." The prohibition against letting only applies to the second class. Yet the first class includes: typhus fever, enteric fever, small pox, scarlet fever, diphthe ria, and bubonic plagues. " Dangerous infectious disease means any infectious disease, which the Governor by notice in the Gazette ieclares to be a dangerous infectious disease within the meaning of the Act." It thas appear* that a landlord may let a house in which one or more persons may within six weeks have died of any of the diseases we have mentioned, without incurring any penalty under the Health Act, pro vided the Governor has not gazetted the disease, which was the cause of death as a "dangerous infectious disease." The disease is not considered so, unless specially proclaimed by the Governor. This is an absurd state of affairs, and we should advise the Government to take the earliest oppor tunity to correct the mistake, which has evidently been made.

THE TRADE WITH SOUTH AFRICA.

It will hare been noticed that in order to strengthen the hand* of the Govern ment in the matter of subsidising a line of steamships to trade between this colony and South Africa, meeting! hare been held in many rural and commercial centre*, and resolutions have been passed advocating the establishment of a direct line of steamers carrying general cargo, produce and passengers between the two countries. Some of the recommendations passed have included the calling at West Austra lian port?, I© Mother column will to

found an advertisement in which the Postmaster-General invites steamship owners to send in applications stating subsidy required for a two years' ser vice between New Zealand, West Australia and South Africa, the ; steamers to be not less than 4000 tons register,with refrigerating accommoda tion and suitable provision for passenger traffic The vessels would be required to leave New Zealand every six weeks, and to call at not less than three or more than six New Zealand ports, and proceed via Freemantle in Westralia »lao Durban, East London, and Port Elizabeth to Capetown. Several neces sary conditions are imposed, s.nd the | " offers "—they are not termed tenders —are to be sent in by January 30. We have already dealt with the ques tion of New Zealand making a bid for the South African trade, and have pointed out that provided it be fostered by the Government of the colony on prudent lines, it must prove advan* taqeous to the producers in this country. The Cabinet has lost no time in acting, Ministers evidently believing that when a thing ii to be done it is best done promptly, In this they will certainly, kave the approval of the country

Local and General.

PBlMt-OAMVlßßDßT—Yesterday afternoon twenty-three truck* of store sheep from Southland passed through for Dunsandel.

Educational—Mr J Baldwin, headma»ter of the Sydeuham school, jr in Athburton, being engaged in examining the Catholic school.

VoiuNTKEK Inspection.—Lieutenant ool onel Mqorfjfrill inspect the.Ashburton Riles and Ashbnr&on Guards on Monday evening.

Stocking tki Biveb—On Thursday the Aoolimatiieatioct Society liberated 10,000 rainbow trout in the Ashburton river at points between Taletta and Westerfield, and from RoilitVt mill to Cole's crossing.

Industries and Oommirob Depart ment—Applications are invited for the position of Secretary to the New Zealand Industrie* and Commerce Department. The salary is £450 per annum. Particulars will be found in our advertising columns.

AsOthkßßSkkUs.—Tod«y we give the opinions of some of the leading Home papers on the Expansion Polioy of the New Zealand Government and the desirableness of federat ing with Fiji. The article it on our first page.

Troopeb Wilxib—Trooper A Wilkie has written to his sitter under date Oct 27th and seems to be in his usual health and spirits, He says that there are sO,oOOßritish troops in the Eastern Transvaal. He does not expect to getaway for months yet,

Ritubns—Amongst the last batch of returns* - received from the Government Printer ■>* two voluminous ones showing the appropriations chargeable on the Public Works Fund and the Consolidated Fund. We fear, however, that the ordinary taxpayer would think - them rather dry reading.

N.Z. Shkep Bbeedfbs' Association.— Owners of unregistered (eligible) flocks are notified by advertisement that the North and South Islands Council have resolved to meet the withes of any who may desire it, by including their flacks in the next volume; Applications will be received np to January 1, 1901,

Pnz the Blacksmith—At a grand benefit matinee trotting meetiDg in America in aid of vnfferers by the horrlbi* disaster at Gat' vestoo, a horseshoe made on the spot by RobertFitz immons, the famous pugilist, was put up and sold and resold until eventually it was claimed at 701 dollars. On the conclusion of the sale Vi %: was loudly cheered-

The Triad— The 7riadtot Eecetnber haa reached us, and is an excellent number of this always readable periodical. It contains some good illustrations, and with it is given a music supplement, which wiU.be of interest to the-musically inclined. The remit ola przs competition is announced, also par ticulars about another competition—which Utter may be found in another column.

Ft Stephen's Church—Sunday December 16th will be observed as Thanksgiving Day at 8b Stephens church. The Vicar and churchwardens appeal to the parishioners to show their thankfulness to Almighty God for the great blessings he has bestowed upon the province daring the past fifty years, by making a aprcial effort to reduoe the debt upon the church.

Cantbbbpby Frozen Mbat Compant.— The annual meeting of the shareholder* of the Canterbury Frczm Meat Company will be held at the Chamber of Ootrmerce, Christ church on December 20th. Immediately after the annual meeting an extraordinary meeting will be held to consider a resolution to increase the capital of the company from £75,000 to £100,000

ShbvicbOF Sohg—A very interesting ser* vice of aoDg entitled '' The Battle of Life " was given in the Flemington tohool on Wed. nesday evening by the Willoughby Choir under Mr Wheeler, who has conducted a singing class at Flemington during the winter. There was a large attendance, the ocoasion being the wind up of the olais for the season. At the olose refreshments were handed ronod by the ladies of the district. The usual vote of thank* brought a very instructlvfrentertainment to a close

YoLUNTMBS Diiesded—Preaching last Sunday at the church parade, held at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland, the Be v George Mao Murray aaid that certain statement* had been made regarding drunk enness among volunteers, were, as far, as his experience went, entirely without found ation- They might possess a few weak men amongst thtm who had fallen bub ho appealed to them to be oare/ul, and not to disgrace, or bring discredit, on the volunteer system, '

Pbwentation —At the conclusion of the teachers' drill class this morning, oppor tunity wai taken to present the instructor— Staff S<Tgeant-M»jor Jones —with a dressing oase, as a souvenir of the classes held by him. Mr Cooper, in a few appropriate remarks, made the presentation, taking the oppor tauity of thanking the Sergeant-Major for hi* uniform courtesy and untiriug patience ; and the recipient suitably replied, stating that the pfofloienoy shown by tha dominies had made the work 1 of instruction more of a pleasure, than tha usual irksome task with raw rcoraita.

B*»IHGJJDRN FrISBTTIRUN CHUBOH.— The annual service of the Springbnrn Pre»by° terian Church was held in the schoolroom last night, when there was a good attend* ance although shearing operations In the district prevented many from attending. The Rev J 6 Westbrpoke presided and ian excellent programme of musical items recit ations etc was provided and greatly tpprcci' ated by the audienoe, performers being there from Ashburton, Methven, Beavlew, and Mt Somers besides the heal talent. The refresh' ments were provided by the ladies of the congregation *nd were done ample justice to while Mrs Nell of Btavely and Mr Mao Kenzie of Ashburtnn accompanied the sing' ing. Before seperating hearty votes of thanks were passed to the ladies for the good things provided and to the performers for the enjoyable evening's entertainment.

Sander k Sons' Eucalypti Extbaot— Under the distinguished patronage of Hia Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, whioh are now foisted upon the rublio undw the Dame of Euoalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pore Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical OHnics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only products that are saturated with oxygen and freed of aoids, 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 oroup, bronchitis, diphtheria,dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., insist in getting Sandks and Bons' Pubh Voui Euca lypti Extract, and be safe,

DROWNING FATALITY

Bhortly a'ter seven o'clock on Thursday night, says the Christ church Star, it was reported to Constable M'Glore, stationed at New Brighton, that the body x>f a roan had been washed ashore on the beach, about two aad a half miles to the north of the pier. The eonstablo seoired Mr A H Wyatt's van, and 1 went to the spot, where he found, just below high water mark, the body of a man, fully dressed in black astraoan coat and vest and tweed trousers, but the boots and socks were missing. The deseaaed had apparently been but a very short time in the water, and there was a cut over the left eye, which was much swollen, end blood was ttill oozing from the wound when the body was found. The deceased wac apparently about thirty-five years of age, of fair complexion, with fair curly hair and a heavy moustache. There was nothing on the body by which it could be identified. It was taken to the New Brighton Hotel, where an inquest will be held on Saturday. The police have been engaged endeavouring to unravel the mystery. Althongh the body has been seen by a large* number of people there is still no clue to fch* identity of the deceased.

The Blackball Mine

United Press Association—-By Bleotrio Telegraph Gbiymotxth, Deo 7 The blocking of the mouth of the Blackball mine and fche cutting of a race will occupy About a week.

KRUGER'S CRUSADE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Berlin, Dec 6 Kruger has n arted for the Hague. Received Wakapuaka D<-o, 7, 10 25 p m, thia Office 1160 pm) The Hagum, December 7 Kruger, on arrival here, was met by the Burgomaster, but no one represent ing the Court or Government was present at the railway station The States General passed a resolu tion of sympathy and welcome. There was intense popular enthusiasm, 700 men and girls chanted selection* of the psalms Another choir at Kruger's hotel sang a special hymn. Three ladies preceded Kruger as he ascended the Btaircase, scattering flowers before him, Members of the Government sub sequently called on the ex-President-

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—by Electric Telegraph Willinoton, December X

The penny postage rate, which comes into foroe on January 1 only applies to the United Kingdom and colonies, hut not to foreign countries or Australia. For the former the rate remains at 2£d and Australia 2d, post oards \\\. Express delivery and speoial messenger services also begin on January 1. Twenty-seven towns are included in their operation. On and and after January Ist) there will be an express delivery and special messenger services ab Aahburton, amongst other plaoes, The express delivery fee for eaoh article is to be 8i for first mile and 3d each additional mile up to two miles or three miles in all. Deli vet y will, unless otherwise directed, be by telegraph message boy. At the Supreme Court John Clancy, charged with iDflicting grevious bodily harm on Horace Holmes and Juliun Mascarini, was found guilty of common assault on Holmes and sentenced to twelve months imprison ment

The postal authorities now have In train arrangements for the commencement of the system of universal penny pottage for letters and latter cards at the beginning of the New Year. Something like ft million of new ■tamp* will have arrived in the colony before the coming into operation of the system, sufficient to give eaoh Post Office in the Colony a limited supply. Farther supplies are under order for delivery as soon as possible The new aeries of postal notes is to be issued at the beginning of the new year, whioh will, it is considered, be an improve ment on the preaent issue. They »?e of artistic design and are to be printed in different colors for eaoh denomination, The present ireua consists of notes of the value of Is, Is 6d, 2j 61. 5«, 7 61, 10j, 12s 61, 15a, 17s 6d, and 20. The denomination of the new notes will be la, la 6d, 2s, 2< 6d, 3», sa, 10s, 15s, and 20 . Hitherto 203 has been what is termed an ' open noto' printed in red ink on yellow paper, and it bears some resemblance to an ornlnary bank note* The new 20s note will be printed in carmine ink on white paper, and like others will be made payable Ho bearer,' whioh willfaoilitate the handling and sorting by the postal officials Christchuroh, Dec 7

J Wateon Kennedy, who was sentenced to three years' imprisonment informally in the lower court recently for uttering valueless cheque*, was brought before Judge Martin this afternoon for sentence. When called upon accused, who is very deaf, handed in a written statement of length ia the course of which prisoner stated that he voluntarily and deliberately committed the crime for the expresß purpose of getting the shelter of Her Majesty s gaol, an afHiobion of the throat and ears precluding the possibility of his earning »n honest livelihood. Kannedy has several previous convictions in New Zealand. He is stated to be a Yiotorian journalist. Judge Martin remanded him for one week, so that enquiries about, him may be made. A proposal had been made for the Northern A and P Association to hold an Autumn Bhow, but » general meeting of the Association decided that ft Spring Show be held as u*ual, and that an Autumn Show be held eighteen months hence, the feeling being that t> Show next year would not be a succe s, after the Jubilee celebrations.

At a meeting of the subcommittee in connection with the Athletic Championship Meeting arrangements were made for the entertainment of the visiting competitors. It was decided to hold a smoke social on the evening of the sports, and to present prizes on the occasion, and to aek all Athletto, Cycling, Tennio, wad Rowing Clubs to make the visitors honorary members daring their stay in Christoharoh. Gbtcmouih, December 7

A memarandunt from the Premier states that members of Parliament who propose going to New South Wales should intimate, their intention to the Premier so that he may send them letters of introduction to the Premiers of Australia, entitling them to the unusual courtesies of free railway passes, etc. A fatal drowning accident ooourred at Lake Brunner to-day, A young man named BanefHd was upset In a dinghy on the lake with another man, who was saved.

N«w Plymouth, Deo. 7 The Petroleum Syndicate have decided to try another bore at Moturoa, close to the one which has yielded oil, and operations have already been commenced. Wanganui, December 7

A conference of Te Aute students pasb and present is being held at Putiki Pah, just outside the town. The object of the conference is to discuss matters for the betterment of the raoe as viewed by the young and rising generation as represented at Te Aute. Amongst those present were Archdeacon William Thornton (principal) and Ngata, an Auckland barrister. Politios are being discussed this afternoon, liqnor and the King Country to-morrow morning. In the evening visitors will be entertained at the Collegiate SchooL

Timarc, Deoember 7 Messrs Guinness ani LeOren, auctioneers, report the sale to Government of 4000 acres of Mr T. OJesohemaker's Otaio estate* The price it not disclosed.

Cooper and McDermott's Living Pictures.

The attendance of the public at the living piotuie display in the Oddfellows' Halt last evening by Messrs Cooper and MoDermott was very good, in ipite of the fact that the company appeared under the disadvantageous circumstances of having been wrongly connected with another organi sation. Whatever doubts may have rested upon the minds of any who attended last evening were completely dispelled, the display being of a first-class character and thoroughly up-to-date. The war pictures of the fir«t part of the programme were appropriately introduced by a series of photographs of Ihe Right Hou J Chamber lain, Lords Salisbury, Roberts.and Kitchener, and the many Generals operating at the fronb. The pictures of the Boer waggons following a commando, a train ride to De Aar, Fighting Mao's Brigade, Crossing a Biver, and the Bed Cross Nurse attending to the wounded »fter. Magersfontein, were splendid illustrations, and vastly superior to anything before showc here, whilst those of the Highlanders volley firing and charging, the capture of the armoured train at Chieveley, were heartily applauded. The seoond part of the programme was chiefly He voted to pictures depicting the New Zealand Contingents at various ftfcsgea of interest, from Newtown Park, '. ■< liugton, to the front, atid as the successive films were produced they were received with applause. A number of humorous pictures were shown, and perhaps the saddest to Colonials, portraits of Troopers "Bradford and Connell (the latter a nephew of Mrs G B Inglis), the first to fall of the New Zealanders in the Empire's cause, The music supplied by the oolossophono, which produced the various items very distinctly, especially the quartet 11 Rooked in the cradle of the dsep," was much appreciated. The elocutionary part Incidental to the picture* was undertaken r j Mr MacdermottjWhosedeacriptiODß were very lucid< Miss Dolman presided at the piano • The final performance of war pictures will be given this evening, as the company leave for Rakaift on Monday. To morrow (Sun day) evening, after church services, a sacred programme will be given, of which the Morning Fest of Monday last says :—'• It is not bhe first time that pictures illustrative of the Story of the Crow have been shown in Titnarn, but it is (he first time that such clear and beautiful .views as were shown last night have been placed before a Titnaru audience." We are informed that the sacred records by the Ooleesophoue are the finest ever heard, and the programme has been voted *• an intellectual treat." There will be a silver ooin collection. To those who have not yet attended we can add to the chorus: •• The best show of its kind ■csn here."

Transvaal War.

THE REPULSE OF A BOER ATTACK.

PRECAUTIONS AT WORCESTER

THE DUTCH INHABITANTS ANNOYED.

(Received Deo 7, 9.52 pm) London, Dec 6. The garrison of Utrecht repulsed an attack of 200 Boers, killing six.

Lord Roberts received an ovation at Durban. He has Bailed for Capetown. Deaths from enteric—Sergeant Me- Gowen, of the Victorian, and Private Morris, of the New South Wales Bushmen.

Detachment*? of Canadian artillery and Australians, with two Maxims, and the New £outh Wales Lancers are encamped on the slopes of Worcester, A cricket match between the Aus tralians and a local team had to be postponed, owing to the troops not being allowed to enter the town, The Dutch residents are incensed at the British precautions, especially at the guns commanding the meeting place of the forthcoming congress. Lisbon, December 6

The reason given for the withdrawal of Mr Pott's exequatur Is that while acting as Butch Consul he continued to help the Boers, and thereby endangered JPortugal'a amicable rela tions with Britain. Melbourne, Dec 7 The Sophocles brought sixteen returned officers and sevent} -four men, including the following New Zea landers :—Lieutenant Nealf, Sergeant McDonald and Trooper Samuels (of the Rough Riders), »nd Trooper Thurston (of the Mounted Infantry). The Mayor and a number of prominent citisens welcomed the men at the Town Hall, and they were entertained at night at the barracks.

The Omrah also brought a number of troops, who had been invalided to England. There were no New Zea kndera among the number.

LIEUTENANT TUCKER.

DB WET'S MOVEMENTS.

DE LA BEY ACTIVE,

CONSTANT CASUALTIES,

KRUGEK'S RECEPTION IN HOLLAND.

Received Wwkapuaka Dec 7 1055 pm This office 1150 p m London, December 6 Captain Orawshaw's and Lieutenant Tucker's wounds are slight; Lieutenant Montgomerie haa received an injury to the bone and it is believed to be severe. Dr Godfrey and Lieutenant Somerville have fractured bones, the former severe. De Wet crossed the Kaareport Drift at Oaledon river op the sth, making in the direction of Odendale, where the Guards hold .the Drift. The river ie now in flood,"

Colonel Knox, with a portion of his force, is pursuing De Wet; the re remainder of Knox's men cross to Bethulie.

500 of De la Key's force determinedly attacked a Pretoria-Rustenburg convoy at Bafels Poort on the 3rd, the e3Oort consisting of 25 Victorians mounted with two guns of the 75th Battery; and two companies of the West York shires, The details show that the Yorkshire light infantry, west of the kopffß, fought with great gallantry. The Boers entered the first half of the convoy and burnt a waggon. General Broadwood is tending assistance. The Boers dispersed on the fourth suffered severely, some being killed by case shot at 50 yards from the gans. The British had 15 killed and 23 wounded.

A great reception was accorded the Canadian soldiers on arrival here. They were Bhown the sights of the city and were invited to Parliament, where Lord Landsdowne, the Pake of Argyle, the Earl of Aberdeen, and Mr Chamberlain delivered eulogiams. Lonbon, Dec 7

Farther details of the battle of Reit fontein show that 4000 Boers formed a crescent, seven miles long. The left rested on the Rhenoster, with ridges in the centre, and tmall kopjes in the rear,

One hundred and fifty Queenslanders ee'zed the heights on the left, wh^re they were 10 hotly engaged at 800 yards that they were reinforced by 100 Victorians, and m section of the 38th Battery. Then the Bushmen and New Zea iandera crept up on the right, occupy ing the ridge. The Australians were continuously subjected to a terrific fire, ks were the gunners of the Battery ;on the left and centre. They reoeived their ammunition with difficulty, and were compelled to jump up, fire, then He prostrate. The colonials were taxed to the utmost to hold their own. The 38th Battery compelled the entm/ to slightly waver. Then^ a general advance) followed, aftor which a deadlock ensued, and for four hour* the Munßters, colonials, and othert were exposed to the entire zone of the Boer fire. After the Boers' ultimate retreat, thirty new graves were discovered The Standard states that the Boers claim to have 20,000 fighting men largely participating in the concerted movements southwards. Lord Kitchener has stopped paying burghers for the hire ot waggons till resistance has ceased.

Wellik«tok, Deo 7 It transpires that Trooper Oppeahata, killed at Reitfontein, is one of the extra troopers sent over sinoe the maia contingtats, and is a ton of Mr E Oppenhaim, Oxferd Terrace, Christohnroh.

Longbeach Road Board

Th» monthly meeting of the Longbeach Road Board wm held on Saturday norning. Present—Messris JON Grigg (chairman), Lill, Body, and Bishop CORBIBPONDENOK After the general routine business, oorres pomienoe wai read •« follows ;— From Athbartoa County Council, aekttow* [ ledging the receipt of memo from the Board* ' and pointing out that the Board had control I over the gravel reserves mentioned, whioh matter was left in the hands of the ohalraas to arrange with the chairman of the Coanoil. From T Oairos, stating that he wm goittg to leave the Board's employ in one matttn from date, as he waa leaving the di trio*.— Received

It was decided that the Board doe* no* require to advertise for aootber man tUT after harvest NIW CNIOBS If was ttao resolved to advertise th« r*» moval of the offices from the Aroada to Burnett Street

Aooomrai After pawing account* amounting to fift lOe 6d, tne Board ad journed

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Preaa Association—By Klecfcrlo Telegraph—Copyright

London, Decembers Boxer placards have re-appeared in Tientsin. The Yangtze Viceeoyi are gaining power at Court, and substituting their troops for those of Tung-fnh-siftßg. Li Hung Chang state* that Shil ll* hang, the new Governor of Shansi, haa publicly executed the Boxer leaden, and is protecting the missionaries. By»jjby, Utc 7 Seven members of the China Con tingent have returned invalided.

CABLE NEWS.

WRECK OF A STEAMER. London, December 6 The Plymouth steamer Roisgali, in a thick night, was wrecked ni>ar Oor biere, in Jersey, The passengers are safe, but the captain and eight of the crew are missing. THE QUEEN'S SPEECH, The Queen's speech was the shortest on record. It only states that Parlia ment is summoned to make further provision for South Africa and Ohio*. Other matters will be left tilt the spring session. OBITUARY. Wibhinoton, Deo 6 Senator Davis, Minnesota; is dead, aged 62 THE CZAR'S ILLNESS St. PETKBfiiima, Dec? The Czar rites dally. His tempera* ture and pulse are normal, Sydney, Dee 7 The crew of the ship Occidents which was burned at sea, have arrived in Sydney, by way of Fiji. The steamer Narrung, which re cently broke down, has arrived here. Srawr, December 6 Under the extended franchise fifteen new members were returned for the City Council,, thirteen ef whom were elected on the reform ticket. Sir Mat hew Harris and Sir Wo Manning were defesvtedf Milbournk, December 7 The Kauri Timber Company's pro fits for the year were £86,665. As dividend of 3s is proposed, which is an large as is practicable in view of the cash payments which have to be made in the near future.

IMPURE BEER.

United Press Allocution—By Kleetrto Telegraph—Copyright)

Lomdon, Dec 6 It is estimated that 250 deaths have occurred from drinking poisonous beer during the past two yean. One Liver pool and two London firms supplied the breweries with poisoned sugar. The introduction of a Pure Beer Bill is announced, to prevent substitute* for malt and hops being used.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, December 7 Lord Salisbury, in the debate on the Address in Reply.strenuouely reiterated that the war would be vigorously prose cuted to the end. British policy was embodied in Lord Kobeits's proclama tion, Independence was impossible, Regarding affairs in China, Lord Salis bury stated that the concert of Europe subsists, and latterly had assumed greater vitality. There was very little doubt that it would prove successful in its objects. Lord Kimberley frankly admitted that the independence of the South African Republics could not be restored, Sir H Campbell Bannerman, in the House of Commons, declared that *1'» with a few insignificant exceptions; were agreed as to the necessity of incorporate ing the conquered territories. The Daily Telegraph says that the supplementary Estimates ask for thirteen millions for South Africa rod three millions for Ohm*

ffifi ASHBUKTON GOABDIAft : SAfUEUAt, DEOEMBEfi 8, I9OC



JOBN T. COOCH, GKOCEBY, HAKDWARE, CEOCKERY, <$; PRODUCE MEKCBAKT. SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS, ASHBURTON. MY Stook is large and well assorted, and specially suited to the coming festive season* The few line* I qaoto will conviiee you that I am as cheap ai my neighbours. I { only keep first quality goods, and you can depend upon attention and civility. Price* quoted are for cash only. j Miliaqutn Sugar 16a 65 per 70lb bag ; R«Uor Flour pec sack I<U, per lOOlbi 7» 6d, per 501b 3s lOd ; Finest Oatmeal per bag, 2i 91 } Good Tea per 6!b box, from 7* 6d } Wor cester Sauce, 3 bottles for Is; Sardines, 3 tins for 1«; English Brown Windscr Soap, It par dozen cake* ; Finest new Christmas Fruits, eto, at lowest current prices. The Jam Seasoa is bow coming on, and I quote for Mason* {patent jam jam Iqt, 5s 6d par doz; 2qb, 6s 91 per doz; 21b Glass jam jars, 2i lOd per doz ; Covered jelly jan, 4« 9d per doz. My Crockery and Giatsware stook has just been replenished by two shipments straight from the manufacture™, and a peep at my window will give yea a good idea of the value I ftm givirn?. Fall Bteroom Sets from 12s 6d : Caps and Saucers from 4t 6d per doz; Jogs from 2e 6d per set of 3. lam a buyer of Batrter and Egg* all the year round, and can truly "ay' highest) price given ;' Mrs Lill's prize Separator Batter always in stook. My Hardware Department Is well Btoaked with genera! furnishing and dametfelo Iron mongery. A nice assortment of Enamelled and Brass Preserving Pans, Milk i)lih«i and Strainers, Wire Di?h Covers, Churns, Buckets, Lawo Mowers, Hollow Ware, May Forks, Bakes, Rope, Tin Warej eto. You will find my prices in this line hard to beat. All kinds of Produce in stock, including Oataheaf, Bran, Sharps, Chick Wheat, Oati, Potatoes, &o, ab market rates. Note the Address — Saundera' Building^. Ashburton THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY MBS»d Silk Striped Teanis Shirts from 3s 6d Men's White Canvas Tennis Shirts 4s 6d Men's Fanoy Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3a Boys' New Straw Hats from la Men's Frame Hats in New Shades 4s to 12a 6d The Largest Stock in Asbburton. I CYCLING SWEATERS in Fawn and White, from 6«", Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Nevelties, AT THE N.Z, CLOTHING FACTOItX F. H. BECKINGSALE, Manager. The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.S Hi ad Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims: H D Bell, Esq. Chairman. | Percy M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albert Martin, Esq, HP. I E Tkbvob Gould, Resident Secretary* STRONGEST LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY IN THE WORLD Financial Position. ABtnranoe in foro« ... .... £219,670,058 I Surplus over liabilities ... £12,711,975 Accumulated fni.d*.... .- £58,373,185 | Annual Income ... .- £11,286,145 A Mutual Office. A>l surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Value Policy. NICOLL" BROS, Agents, Aehburton. —■.■■im*? ZKALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Butted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Dnnlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Month*. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manufacturers in the Colony WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 WE SHALL BE REPRESENTED ab the Chriatchurch and Timarn fixtures, and have made satisfactory arrangements for disposing of CLIPS privately dshburton. Oonsignirpnts will be received at our Asnburton or Tinwald stores, and .sent on to -ither Christchurch or Timaru, free of all charges, except railage. Clients who wish to send thoir Wool direct from ibelr nearest railway station will ; 6&86 eoasign as follows :— If intended for aale at Ashburton—Friedlander BroB r, Ltd Siding, Aehburton If intended for sale at Christolmroh—Brown and Son's Siding, Addington If intended for sale or ehipmenb at Timaru-Mill & Go's Siding, Timaru Unintended for »hipment>t Lyttelton-N.ZlSbipping'.Co's^Hniping'.Shed, LyUeltcn WOOLPACKS, TWINE BRANDING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Oar Next Sale will take place at Cfaristchnrcb onj THURSDAY, DECEMBEE 13, 1900 ERIKPLANDER BROS, LTD. Otlll Aftt/ANftNP * ASHBURTON OFFICE 01 ILL AUVAHUINU .. LY ttelton times- ORAIGHBAD & BERKYMAN " OA, N™^ aRY TIMES ' HAVE nat opened out, ex s.b. Paparoa .< SPORTSMAN ' from Liondon, the largest shipment of New Gooda they have hitherto imported, TTTHERE Adyertiaements and Subsorip comprising the most up to date Suitings from V.V tiona will be received, and files can the beat Manufacturers as now worn at inspected. —*—» *. Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable C NQRDQN* Tailoring Goods now affords customerß such "- ■ ' , „ .„,..„„ a splendid range of new materials of Managing Agent for South Canterbury, guaranteed quaLty and stylish patterns to BURNETT BTREET, ?. hSoaT.*"« t dS-'IS <•*-«>°"•■"»■ ■«*-"- I fls>, and fit will compare favorably with those of _ —™_ — - the leading firms in Chrietohurch or other xtttaNl ED Known—The rapid lightping cities. They are also showing a grand lot of yV Shirt Gloss has by far the largest sale new Hatß, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc, this m New Zealand—John Orb and Co and seas. n. Customers would do well to place Sherman Bbo9 their ordeis early as C, &B. have already » . ; JSl&'ibJi^ °f "UIU °"th" b0Ok" '"xf'SSo Smoke New Venus



ST. STEPHEN'S OHUROH Ashburton. SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT (Deo 9th) 8.30 a m—Holy Communion 11 a m—Matim and Sermon 3 p m-DROMORE, the Vicar 6.30 p m—Evensong and Sermon JUBILEE OF THE CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT (Dec 16.) The Services in connection with the Jubileo of the Province will be of a special character, and will be as follows :— 8 30 a m - Holy Communion 11 a m—Special Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration with Sermon 2 30 p m— Children's Service 4 p m—HoJy Baptism 6.30 p m—Choral Evensong. Commemora tion and Sermon The Offertories throughout the day wil be on behalf of the church building fund, and the Vicar and Charohwardent appeal to the parishioners to show their thanksgiving to God tor the blessings He has bestowed upon this Province during the last fifty years, by joining with those who are making a special effort to extinguish the debt upon St Stephen's Church at a memorial of the Jubilee. R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A, Vioar



NOTICE. mHI ABHBORTOH GUARDIAN AND THE ASHBURTON MAIL CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM F. CLARK, Tobacconist, East Street.



FRANKLY, AN ADVERTISEMENT. "May Apple" is better than pills, oils, salts and other disagreeable medicines. It is eatily taken, more gentle in its action, and, without irritating or weakening the liver, kidneys or stomach, it overcomes con stipation and many ills dependent thereon. It acts gently yet promptly. ( Ask for Impev's "May Apple.' Price 2s. Sm a. New Vmßi