Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, eubject to the necessary alterations : SATURD&Y, DECEMBER 29. For Northern Ports, and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6 30 p m. Express delivery and special messenger Bervicea will be established at Ashburton a« from Ist January 1901. Fxpress delivery will cover letters and parcels hoc exoeedmg three lbs in weight, for which an extra fee of sixpence has been paid, The special mes senger eervica means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence «*oh additional mile up to two miles or time novment being made _

Commercial.

WELLINGTON WOOL SALES.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Wellington, December 28 At the Wellington wool sales tc-day prices all round remained on a par with the sale of the 7th inst. The bidding was good at this level and most of the offerings were quitted.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKED

The Aahburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on December 28, 1900:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl _ 2s 2d  „ Tuscan.™ 2s 3d „ Hunter's 2s Id Oats—Duns ». 1« 6£d Danish Is 5Jd Canadians Is 7d SparrowblUt Is 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Ohafl—Good oatsheaf 50a to 52s 6d Grass Seed—Old pasture. 2s to 2a 3d New „ la 6d to la 9d The above are prices current paid to farmers on tracks at Ashburton.

THE TIMARU PRODUCE MARKETS.

Business In the local produce markets la ■till very quiet, and prices if anything are lower than of late; la wheat Tuscan is ab 2s 2d to 2% 3d per bushel, f.o.b. The all round quotation for oats if Is 5d to la s£-d per bushel, f.o.b. Timaru.

MARRIAGE.

FECHNEr-STONK—At Maranui, Westerfield, on December 20bh, by the Rev Blakhton, David Feohnky, eldest son of Mr D. Fech ney, Lyatt, to Annik, fourth daughter ol Mr T. Stone, Maranui.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1900. THE COLOUR LINE.

There are few things more illogical in the attitude of Great Britain towards the varionß nationalities in her vast possessions than her creation of a colour line of distinction between the white and coloured races, who are equally subjects of the British Orown. The Briton makes it his boast that every man ie his brot her, whether he is white, black, red, or yellow, and he looks with indignation at the people of the United State?, who consider the negroes inferior beings. He concedes the Hindoo and the Maori the rights of citizen ship ; he welcomes Indian and dusky potentates in the highest social circles ; he admits his fellow subjects of Queen Victoria to the most exclusive clubs and societies, quite irrespective of their complexion, and he even elects them to seats in our legislative chambers. But when it comes to accepting their assist ance in war and permitting them to stand by our side in fighting against the enemies of our country, the senti mental ' colour line ' is drawn. Then we will risk reverses, sacrifice our own flish and blood, set at defiance the usages of nations ancient and modern, and generally excite the wonder of the rest of the civiiised world, rather than allow any but members of the Caucas ian race to fight with us against men who technically are white, There is absolutely no sound argu ment to be advanced in support of such a resolve as that which has apparently been come to by the British Government in this matter. Whatever other nations may have said against using coloured troops in a war against whites, very few, if an;, heve acted up to the principle recognised by Great Britain: France has long employed Arab troops in her armies. Russia has her Cossacks—who, if not quite so dai k complexioned as Hindoos, are infinitely behind the latter in civilisation. Turkey has enrolled thousands of Arabs and Egyptians in her armies, and America accepts negroes without any hesitation, to fight, if need be, against •<!' comers We might quote ancient hisiory, and show how Roman armies were largely composed of men of all colours and nationalities, yet no historians have adversely criticised that part of the policy of the greatest empire of ancient times, The fact is, the British people are slaves to sentiment, and have lost much blood and treasure through per mitting it to influence their dealings with other nations, with m jre practical tendencies. The age of chivalry in international affairs has passed away. We no longer expect to see our generals trusting to the honour and good feeling of our enemies, as when a British general in front of a hostile enemy said, '•Gentlemen of the French Guards Fire !" Stern necessity has taught us that evpn when the enemy hoists the white flag, our troops would be foolish to recognise it. As far as the present war is concerned we are practically fighting against an uncivilised race of men, far inferior in every respect to our fellow subjects—our comrades in arms, and arts and literature—in India. Nevertheless, in consequence of a sentiment for which there exists no valid reason, we refuse to allow the sol diers of the Queen in Hindustan to take any part in the Boer war. In this con nection we fear that Mr Seddon's propo sal toeend acontingentof Maoris toSouth Africa with the next contingent from New Zealand will not be agreed to by the British Government We have not seen any notification that the mili tary authorities had receded from the position taken up at the beginning of the Boer war, when the handsome offers of assistance from several Indian Princes were declined with thanks. We fear, therefore, that Mr Seddon'B scheme cannot be carried out. We are however sure that if the British Government would recognise that Maoris, Ghoorkae, Sikhs and other coloured subjects of the Queen are ready and willing to stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of the Empire it would be better for the nation's pre»» tige. A time may come } and that before very long too, when necessity will override sentiment, and Britain will be only too glad to accept the services ot all her sons—be their colour what it may. It will be their blood I and not their skins that our country will require. And if we may judge from the countless instances of noble courage and devotion given by our Indian troops on many a field of slaughter, the question of colour should only be admitted, to increase our ad | miration of the splendid qualities they have displayed.

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

Elsrwhkhi! will be found telegraphic ' notices of the numbers of men who are volunteering for the Sixth New Zealand Contingent, amongst them being in cluded some " returned Contin genters." It ia not clear what this last statement means, eincn we were nnder the impression that with few exceptions, the returned troopers bare been in valided home, and have been given leave of absence. Thia being so, and aa the majority of them had to sign for a year, or until the war was over, we cannot understand how they can volun teer for the Sixth Oontingsnt. If they are well enough to return to duty, they will have to do so, and doubtless an order will sho* tly be issued to that effect-. And we presume that the troopers who have already sent in their names for thefContingentf now in course of formation, will be dnly informed of the position. It has.been suggested that the higher pay now offered to volunteers for the front—five shillings instead of four shillings—which is the pay of the first, second and third con' tingents—is one reason for the applies* tions referred to having been teat in. We should hope, however, (bat seeing the earlier contingents have borne the burden and heat of the day, so to speak.their obvious claims to be at least put upon equality with their com rades, who are so much later in the field will not be overlooked by the authori ties.

Local and General.

The Inward Mails. —An English and Australian mail arrived by the train from the north last night.

Weatbbr Forecast —Captain Edwin wires :—Moderate to strong southerly wind*, glass rite, wea'her colder.

Pbimb Beef—Mr W J Siloock has on view a splendid caroase of beef, which was bred by Mr W J Stoddart, of Willowby,and which gained first and special priz? at the last Ashburton Sbow.

Sudden Death—AChrietchuroh telegram states that Mr Robert Plunkett, an old resident, died suddenly on Wednesday ab the Richrnoiid Working Men's Club from failure of the heait.

'1 o Anglers—>The late heavy south west Beas have closed up the mouth of the Ash burton river, and the lagoon is very full, insomuch that foot passengers can hardly get round the blnff.

NkwYbar ffports — The alterations of the train services or January Ist, for the various sports meetings, will be tound in our advertising columns

Ashburton Permanent Euildino ani> Investment Society.—The office of this society will be opened on Thursday evening ntxt Jauuary 3, 1901, from 7 30, to 9 p. m. In lieu of Tuesday next.

Nkw Year's Day Sports At Tinwald.— The Committee of these sports intimate in this" issue that they hare devoted the sum of £5 for toy«, lollies, etc., which will be dis tributed free to the children. Given fine weather, this gathering should prove a very enjoyable outing

The Holiday Season. — The passenger truffle on the railway still continues very heavy. Yesterday the expresses going both north and south were exceptionally well patronised. Today both express trains for the south were long and well filled. The trains are all running well to time.

Ckickkt—The following players will re pns-ru the Imperial Cricket Club in a match against Temuka to be played at Temuka on Tuesday next.—Pi!brow (2), Richards, Cr rp, Marsfien, Amos, Denshire, Choate, Bikenfc, L F Andrews and P L Orr. The train leaves Ashburton at 7.10 ».m

Faxrfield Freezing Works — Farmers aud residents in the Ashburton County wit] bo pleased to know that freezing operations will leopen afc the Fairfield works by the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company on Wed? nesday morning next. We learn from the popular iocs! secretary MrJas Ma'colmson that the company has received a full supply of ei.ock and that a full hoard will be operat ing cext week.

The Military Tournamknt— That mod esty which is characteristic of our volunteers prevented the Ashburton representatives who went to Dunedin for the military tourn ament on Boxing Day from telling of their doings. Consequently we have had to depend upon the Dunedin papers to lift the veil which hid the prowess of our men We find that the following scoured placee :— Bugle Contest, Buglar Simps< n, Ashburton Kifleß 2 Tent competition, Dunedin Navals 99 points, Ashburton Rifles 98 points? Fxpbbimknts in Gas Making—Experi mental effort ie to be commended in a gen eral way, bub if the Ashburton Gas Company is just now experimenting with a new kind of llluminant or trying a new process, may we suggest that the nights of Monday^ Wed nesday, and Friday be not selected for, that purpose, as it is very inoonvenient for the Mail staff. A few evenings ago eaoh com positor had to keep a box of matches by his Bide as a precaution in case the gas went right oat, We understand six boxes have been used in this way during the past week.

Journalistic ENTERi >RiSE.-~The Ofcago Daily Times, and tyipness Annu*!, ia one of the best Journals of the kind we have ever come across. The letter press it excellent, and the original tales, or prize stories are generally much above the average. The illustrations are particularly good, many of them being executed in a manner that, reflect! the highest credit upon the mechanical staff of our contemporary. It is not too much to pay the Annual ie a striking; proof that the printing art has progressed in a marvelloua manner during the past fifty years, and the Annual is well worth keeping as a specimen of one of the finest ex mpies of journalistic enterprise this colony can show.

Female Furies Fight a Dusl — The Daily Telegraph Paris correspc n'ienfr, a»ye : —Two women f'Ught a determined duel with knives in a etreet near the Luxembourg lately. The furiea quarrelled about a, man known as the Beau Chariot, and they elected aa umpire a virago who is known as the terror of the markets. The antagonists took off their corse's for tho fight, and after a fow ruches at each other the younger of the two, who was tho chief favourite of tho Beau Chariot, received a deep puncture in the left Bids of the fuC3. The umpire then separated the pair, and made them shake hands, but the ir jured woman declared that if her face were disfigured for life she would have another due! for revenge.

There is on view at Messrs O^tes, Lowry & Co:s show rooms in Burnett Street, a very pretty and well built Atalanta lady's bicycle, of which they invite inspection.

Mkthvhn Tsain SKRvioß—From January 3rd, the time-table for the Methven line '.miii servioe on Thurarlaya has been alt red. Particulars will be found in our-advertising columns

A Vetbran—Mr A C Cameron, the owner of the veteran Klmberley, informs us that he mod to ride on the pony to Bchool nine teen years ago, and he rode him to victory in the pony trot at Rakaia on Wednesday That is the sort of horse wanted for South Africa

Serious Accident—A serious trap acci dent ooourred yesterday afternooa, about 3 o'olook to Mr George Low, farmer, of Lis more, and Mrs Low. Mr Low was driving homewards from Ashbutton in a daisy cart with a young horse, and opposite Mr Win Baxter'?, Tinwald, the horse took fright at the approaching train from the south and bolted, kicking the trap to pieoes. Mr Low was very seriously injured internally and Mis Low badly kicked about the face and body. Appearances also indicated that the occupants of the Jaisy oart had bean dragged *oms distance along the road. Dr Bolger was promptly in attendance and after an examination of the injuriu, Mr and Mrs Low were removed to the private hospital and placed under Mrs Mackay'a care. Upon making enquiries this morning we learn that Mr Low passed a bad night and the Internal I»juries from which he is suffering are of a very serious character. Mrs Low ii pro grossing as well as can be expected*

Pigs tob the Market—Some tnonthi ago Mr White, an enterprising Httler In the Hawera district, had resolved, owing to the low price then obtaining for pfga bo teat the London market. By the last mail returns oatne to hand showing that a lot of between 70 and 80 piga had realised gross something like BJd per Ib. A previous return was not so good. However, this result is satisfactory In that it shows that if pigs drop below a certain figure locally thoro is yet i profitable outlet for them in London. He shipped on advance made by Mr Kowin, of Lovell and Christmas, whloh, though substantial, showed a loss if nothing further were realised, bub Mr White courageously took the risk, and has come out on the right side, while also testing the market in the general interest

A Cyomno Champion—-Mr E Reynolds from Auckland, probably the ftstest oyolia' In the colony, visited Athburbon yesterday in connection with the agency of the Rndge- Whitworth bioyotes. Mr Reynolds has quite recently arrived from England and the Continent, having proceeded there to compete in the world's championship, but owing to a d ffioulty between the English and Frqnch Cycling Unionf, he decided o adhere to the English League, and waa thus prevented from taking part in the great competition. Be did a lot of touring throughout Kngland, and of course speaks well of the Home roads. Cycling Is still the most popular pastime with almost all classes in the old country. Mr Reynolds attended the meeting of the Harrowgate cyclist's camp, at which all the well known English cyclists were present numbering 180, alfthe incidentals were carried out In fit at class style, the various tents being hand* somely furnished by the different visiting bodies from the English, Scotch and Irish centres. Mr Raynolds of course descants fully on the virtues of theßudge-Whitworth .wheels, for which Mr R D Johnston is local agent

STBENGTHENINa THE BRITISH NAVY.— The Daily News aaya -.—There is authority for stating that the Admiralty hava decided on the formation of an additional nival squadron for home servioe. The exact character of the new squadron has not transpired, bub it ii understood that the intention ta to attach ib to the present reserve squadron, although employed as a second Channel Squadron, the new fleet being kept at home when the Channel Fleet is on a cruise, and vice versa. By this arrangement the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Reserves will have a number of modern ships »t his disposal for the training of coßßtguard and Royal Naval reserve men, who now undergo their training in ships which, though quite suited for coastguard purposes, are pract'eally obsolete. The new rquadron will consist of battleshipß, cruisers, and torpedo boat destroyers, and be under the command of Rear Admiral Sir Gerard Noel, who will trarisfar his fl*g for this purpose from the battleship Alexandra to tho battleship Albion. It is not generally known that for months past the ships of the Reserve Fquadrrn have had their crews up to full strength instead ef only a three fourths complement

An Ashburton Trooper in South. Africa.

AN INTERESTING LETTER

Trooper 0. Smith, who went away with the Third Contingent, writing from H.arri- Emith, to Mr Gudsell, of Tinwald, says ho has had ft very bad time in tho Ho-pita'. He appaars to have had an attack of rheumatic fever, which laid him up for four weeks, and before he was quite well he was down with enterio, this time being six weeks before he was even allowed to sit up in bed. However, he seems to have pulled through all right, and in his letter dated 27th October he was in the cotvaletcant camp at Harrismith, which is in the north-east of the Orange Free State. Trooper Smith speaks in the highest terms of the way in which he and all who were with him in the Hospital were treated while there. Referring to the country in the Orange Colony he says that the southern portion on the Basutoland border is the beat in the State. Oa the flats good crops of wheat, oatß, maizs, potatoes, in fact anything will grow, but it is very mountainous, only about one-tenth being arable. The grass on the hills Is very poor; sheep will not thrive on ib except in very small mebs and there are a great many poisonous grasses which kill a large per cenrage of the sheep* A mob of 200 having the range of many thousand acres will average about twenty-five pounds, so for sheep at present the country is impossible. The cattle are also small and poor, the milch cowb have very small udders and are poor milkers; Residents tell you that the best cattle Imported from England in a few years are no better than the looal cows. Working bullocks turned oub will become fairly fat. Coming up the line from Bloemfontoin to the Vaal River the land is fiat, but so dry that only ma'zs and Kaffir corn will grow without irrigation, except in small patohes. The rain water is stored in great dams, and both cattle aad people drink it all the year round. We drank no other water for weeks. The whole of the Free State ie at a very high altitude which makes the nights very cold. Wa are jußt commencing the rainy season here. To give you an Instance of how dry it Is during the rest cf the year up the centre of the Free State I may tell you that I can only remember about five wet days since I landed, that is before tho rainy season set inf Bub this has been a very dry year. I only got as far as Elandsfonteta, close to Johannesburg, but the country is very little better than the Free State. I did, however, see two or three springs which gave a running stream up there. All work in the Orange Free State and the Transvaal is done by bullocks and a very few mules. You see as many as twenty bullocks in one waggon, and I cannot ramember just aa this moment whether it is three or five tons they put on the waggons; but then the bullocks are not' half the size of New Zealand bullocks. As for horses, *he only one's you see are the Boer ponies, barely fourteen hands high. You 866 a troop of them on every farm. The Boers who are fighting always lead a spare horse as a change. I hear that in some parts of Natal the farmers have draught horses, and farm in the English style. If I could see that part I might think better of the country. As it is, I think very little of it. You can travel for a week in almost any part of the Free State without seeing as many trees as you see round an average New Zealand farm house, though every farmer has his peaoh tree on hand, with a fence of either cactus or quince trees, the only fr.uiti I have seen growing in this country. Bluegums, oaks, and wattle grow. wall wherever planted. The Boers are too lazy even to pick their peaches, so they give the Kaffirs half to pick and dry th«mt That is also the prinoiple by which the little crop they have is harvested. The fencing is all stone posts and barbed wire. Almost anywhere you'can get white stone, which you can split Into pbttt with wedges, the same as we split timber. You can guess that the houses are stone. East London struck me as a town of extremes. There arc fine electric owi running all over the place, yet in the main itreet there is not a patch of asphalt, $nd Wit footpathi are vary rough, >

A STARTLING SPEECH

Prance at the Head of Nations

Paris, Dec 27 General Andre, Minister of War, delivered a startling speech at Beaume, and hinted that while the French Government was negotiating for the purchase of another invention by M. Tarpin, the inventor of melinite, a Nationalist newspaper revealed to the | world what the Government was doing. The invention was calculated to place. France at the head of nations, and he was sorry he was unable to try the writer of the article containing the revelation for treason

FIRE IN A THEATRE

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

(RecelTed Deo 28, 9.16 pm) London, Dec 27 Daring a performance of a panto mime at the Grand Tbettre, Islington, the scenery caught fire, and fell blazing on the stage. There was a momentary panic and a ruih for the doon. The orchestra played the National Antbero, and the fire was extinguished and the play proceeded,

The Bands Competition.

The Bands Contest) was oontinued yester day, when the quartette, euphonium solos and B fiat cornet solos were diipoied of. The judge expressed himself in the highest terms ss to the merit of the playing and the evenness of tho performances. Results:— Quartettes—Wellington Garrison, No 2, 175 points, 1; Port Chalmers Navals, 168, 2. Euphonium solos—E Smith, N £ Valley, 175 points, 1 ; J OBrien, Dunedic Nsrals, 170, 2. B Flat Cornet Solos-J Parker, Wellington, 176 points, 1; W H Coomb), Dunedin Navale, 172, 2.

CORRESPONDENCE

■"We do not hold otineives responsible for opinion* expressed by our correspondent*

BARB WIRE AND POULTRY KEEPING IN THE BOROUGH.

TO THE SUITOR Bir, —I have heard that some of the resi dents of the Borough think that I want to prohibit the keeping of poultry, and the using of barb wire inside the Borough. I wish to b»v that I never had any idea of such a thing. I only desired to regulate the distance fowl houses and runs should be put from street* or dwellings, I don't think any reasonable person would object to such a law, especially when we remember that the health officers recommended that something be done in this direction, in the interest of public health, as poultry are subject to infec tious diseases. As to barb wire, I wanted a by-ltw to prevent it being placed on the outside of fences on the street line* I never thought of interfering with the people's right to fence as they like on their owe land.* My notice of motion was only given in a general way. I quite expected It to be referred to the By-laws Committee, for them to frame, as a very much less important one {re expectorating on the streets) had been done a few meetings before. However, lam so satisfied with the need of such by-laws, I I do not intend to lose sight of them in the futuife. Hoping this explanation will be sufficient, and thanking you for space.—l am, etc, G W Andrews.

A Trip into the Country

(By Ocr Agricultural Reforms.)

Travelling up to the Spread Eagle a day or co since, I was aorry to see the old sheep yards going to pieces, bus as a set cff against thin I noticed a good many improvtinents, and some good grass and orops close to the main road. I should like to have gone further, and teen the Alford Station, bub that mutt be for another visit, Z see Mr John O'Shea has erected a nioe cottage on his land, on which the grass is looking well. The feed was also first-rate on Messrs Fechney'R, Good's, and Btoke's land. The crops on Mr Rippengale'a land were very good. Mr Rouiitreo's sheep and orops are looking first clasp. I saw a large lot of Mr Herring's ewes and lambs crossing the creek, at Mr Rountree'e, and the driver had some bother owing to the bridge approaches not being properly made. Coming down from the Fork*, I no.iced that the country looked grand. Indeed, the way the plantations have come on of late years has created quite a lovely landscape, where once only tutßocks could be seen. At Mrs Good's farm there was some tree wheat. The next homestead, Mr Qhutch's, has bsen recently painted, and he has a fine garden with the fruit trees in grand condition. His wheat and oats look exceedingly well. Mr Archie McAllister iuu some good orops, also a fair lot: of mares and foals in a paddock, which do credit to the breeder. Mr Lawrie's crops are very good, bub J was sorry to ccc the pond made by Mr Stone when he occupied the propsrty, was nearly empty, and the trees looked, when I saw them, much in want of water. The children at the Greenstreet school looked bright and healthy. Greenstreet is about the best part of the Forks, and the crops all looked very well. The paint brush appears to have been much in evidence on the homesteads, and most of them looked very trim and smart* I aaw a fine line of young sheep grazing in Mr Stewart's paddock, which, when fat and taken to Fairfield, should give him a good return for his money, I saw that Mr Sturgeon is working a paddock for turnips, which, with the rain that has juafc fallen, should give him a good crop. Here and there were some smaller holdings, with cows in milk in well grassed paddocks, I passed the property of our fritod Mr Sargent, now in the hands of Meesra Shearer, Munro, aud others, which oont Dues to show what can be done by good farming. If I had been able to see the back of these farms, I could, no doubt, have given you a better idea of the preseut harvest prospects of this district, But con* tinuing along the road, I came to Digby's bridge. The orops right along here are all good. Here I saw some good crossbred ewes and lambs fit for thr factory, which, at pre sent prices, should give ft good return if sold by the lb, and I believe there are now buyers in the district at per lb, who will takeaU the farmers can deliver at a good figure..,.Mr Mclntyre haß some good crops, Mr ffigby has been cutting down his trees, and using the paint brush pretty freely, which has givon a bright and cheerful appearance to his property. In one of his paddocks there is a nice lot of young light horses. Mr Digby always had an eye for a good horse, and ho can always Bhow you one. Mr MoArthur's homestead shows out well near a fine plantation, indicating that the suburbs of Ashburtoa are well adapted for handsome country residences. Something must be Baid in favor of those hard working Celestials, whose gardens are full of all sorts of vege> tables, showing that the demand for them in ABhburton is growing. Mr T Digby's pure bred Leicester* and Linoolns are looking first clacs, fit for show. His farm is splendidly grassed. Mr D Williamson is working land for turnips, this being a good season to fallow the land. He should have a good orop. Mr 0 Digby has a fine crop of wheat, and Mrs Shearman some that looks like 40 bushels to the acre. The oats put on the Ashburton racecourse by Messrs McDon nell Bros, look well for this light land,

Willis Street, Wellington, Mr M Impey 31«t July, 1900 Dear Sir,-—Ploase send me three more bottles of your •• May Apple.'l I cannot •peak too highly of ifc 4 It has entirely relieved me from the headaches which used to distress me on busy days; and a member of my family who used to suffer from chronic palpitation and indigestion has been restored to perfect health through caking Impey's • May Applis.'—! am, yours crate fully, E W WitTON, Butcher You oan depend on ridding your children of worms with Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Women ; Is

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio | Telegraph Weixikgton, Dicehbbb 28 ' Colonel. Pitt hag accepted the membership and chaiimanthip of the Federation Cm mission. Auckland, December 28 The fifth annual convention of the Thtoao phloal Snoiety will be held here oommenoing on December 30 Delegates from Donedin, Ohristohuroh, and Wellington have arrired.

Sporting.

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

Auckland, December 28 The Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting was continued to-day. The weather was lovely, and the ooarie la splendid order; The large sum of £12,835 was passed through the totalisator* Concluding results :— Summer Cup—Hohoro 1, Tertulla 2, Beddington 3. Won by half a length* Tortulla led Into the straight, when Hohoro came throagh and won* by half a length* Advance, Fnlmen, Jabber, and Honesty were soratohed. Renown, the favorite, was never really prominent. Divi<'<-<- '—£7175. Weltkb—Oavallero 1, Regalia 11 2, The Master 3. Won by half a length. Dividend —£4

Font Race—B!ae Paul 1, Orange and Bins 2, First) Whisper 3. Dividend—£3 Yisitobs' Pla*b—Formula 1, Hesper 2, liquidator 3. Dividend—£l 7«

Waitemata Hakdioaf—Defender and Regains dead heat 1, Volee 3. Dividends— Regains £3 12s, Defender £3

South Africa.

TROOPERS RETURNING TO THE WAR.

United PmsK Association—By Kiectrio Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 27 While General Clements was expel ling the Boers south of Magliesberg, a cow gun proved useful at a range of eight thousand yards

Mr Eruger has ceased to confide in the Dutch Government, and refuses to disclose his future intentions.

Adelaide, December 28 Nine recovered Imperial Bushmen are returning to South Africa. Sydney, December 28

Sir Alfred Milnerhas cabled that be presented the chargers sent from Sydney to Genera' Baden-Powell in the presence of the Australian forces, Mrs and Mies Bid en Powell, and many others. The recipient was much pleased with the gift, which was generally admired.

PURSUIT OF DE WET

London, Dec 27 General Knox, with Colonels Barker and PilcHsr and White are engaging De Wet's force near Leuwkop, De Wet hopes to break through south wards;

Sydney, December 27 A cable message has been received by Lord Hopotoun from the Marquis of Tullibardine, and haa been distributed to the various Governments, stating that South Africa is raising a regiment of Scottish Horse, and asking if Australia can eeud 150 Scotchmen. They will be supplied with horses, saddles, and rifles on arrival at their destination. They must start within a fortnight for Durban, and will be paid at the rate of 5s per day for privates. They will be under cix month's engagement, and if tbty wish they will be dismissed at Johannen burg. They can appoint their own affairs. Melbourne, December 28 A cable message has been received* from Mr Chamberlain similar to that sent to Hobart, with, reference to keep ing the South African Contingents up to their strength by drafts. London, December 28

A commando of rebels, anticipating De Wet's defeat, entered Cape Colony eastwards of Betbulie, and then melted sway. Some are declared rebels, and all believe that if captured fighting in the Orange River or Transvaal terri tory they will be shot but if they sur render in Oape Colony they will be amenable to the treason law

De Wet, Steyn, and Oommanda&t Haasbrock recently conferred and de cided to surrender if the rebels were not punished and themselves and other leaders were not deported Mirtial law has been proclaimed at Beaufort West and Carnarvon

Lord Kitchener, at Pretoria, reports that the eastern column of the enemy, which invaded Oape Colony, was headed off and pursued in the direc tion of Yenterstad. The western column wag headed north wards through Steynsburg

Unofficial telegrams state that a por tion of a Yeomanry squadron, while pursuing the invaders, were entrapped ib tbe direction of Prieaka. Ten were wounded, but everybody was released, minus their horses and saddles

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT

Wellington, Deo 28 The new scheme for sending men to South Afriou involves an enrolment of 500 men, of whom 200 will form the new contingent, and 300 will fill gaps in those already in the field. About fifty men gave in their name* in Wellington yesterday, and there was a ■teady influx of recruits this morning* The drafts from other parts of the colony are to be in Wellington on Bbh January, and it is expected the whole contingent will sal about the 20th. Eighty men, inoluding four men who hare returned from the front, offered themselves for enrolment in the Sixth Contingent to-day, of whom fifty-seven were provisionally accepted. The remainder were mostly too heavy or under the requisite height. Auckland, Deo 28 The call for volunteers for the Sixth Contingent for South Afrloa met with a hearty response. There was quite a rush for enrolment. The officers at the brigade office were kept busy all day and about 90 men, mostly of good physique, have given in their names. The medical examination candidates will be held on Monday evening. Nelson, December ,28 For the Sixth Contingent twenty-one men have volunteered in Nelton and twelve In Takaka. There is no information yet from Motueka or from BJeobeim or West Coast. Blenheim Deo 29 Over thirty applications were received for enrolment in the Sixth Contingent, and twenty-four were provisionally accepted. Tbe remainder were rejected, because the applicant! did not comply with the condi tions Auckland, Deo 29 One hundred and fifteen men have so far volunteered here for tbe sixth contingent. Chiwstohorch, Deo 29 About one hundred men handed in their names to the local Volunteer office for enrolment for the Sixth Contingent.

Wellington, Deo 28 Government ha* received a cablegram from Sir Alfred Milner stating that Trooper

Brebner, of Invercargill, who has been with fever, is now convalescent.

The Dreyfus Case

DEMANDS FOR A IRESH ENQUIRY

United Preti Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Paris, December 28 Colonel Picquart, writing to M Waldeck Bousseau, declines the am nesty provided under the Bill, And demands judicial rehabilitation. A violent article by Henri Rochefort in nference to the sentence on Com mandant Cuignet evoked an appeal by Dreyfus to the Government for a fash enquiry He states he will never rest until legal recognition of his innocence has been accorded.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press AMootfttioo—Bj Eteteto Telegraph—Copyright. London, Dec 2a The Chinese peace envoyi urge the throne to accept the terms of the Note the Imperial palaces and tombi being in the band* of the Allies, who are unanimous tod determined. Oouot yon Waldersee bai lent 1600 troops to scour the country between Tien tsin and Yang-tsun, and deal with the remnant who fled to Thochau after their defeat by General Bailloud German and Japanese forces are dealing with pirates and Boxers be tween Tien-tßin »md Taka, American troops are investigating the burning of the Catholic Missions eastward of Pekin. Colonel Tnlloch is returning to des troy the towns north-east of Fskin. Pc previously visited and cleared the Boxers out of these towns, which have since become the Boxer headquarters. Mr P L Warren, British Consul at Hankow, has gone to Nankin, Chinese junks laden with stores are being assembled at Wu-eung with the intention of blocking the channel in case of emergency.

The First Federal Ministry.

United Preei Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Melbourne, December 28 The Age says no one can complain that the Commonwealth will be begun feebly. Protectionist* ought to feel particularly satisfied, for the team at at present understood is the strongest that could be put together in the interest of Australian industry. Sydnkt, Pec 29 There are no fresh development! in connection with the Federal Ministry. Mr Kingston and Sir John Forrest arrived with Mr Deakin, and had a long consultation with Mr Barton, Brisbake, Deo 29 Private advices from Sydney state that Samuel Griffith will be offered the Federal Chief Justiceship.

The Commonwealth

THE CONTINGENTS IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

United Preen Auwniatien—by Blcotrlo Teiegiaph—Copyright

Sydney, D«c 28 The erection of arches and other decorations for the procession li Itill in a backward state, but the various com* mittee& and an army of men are at work, and hope to complete them wifch in tbe time. Melbourne, Dec 28 The Fon. James Frost, a member of the Cape Cabinet without portfolio, Mrs and Miss Frost, Mr T. K. Moore, the Minister of Native Affairs in Natal, who represent the two colonies »t the Federal celebrations, have arrived here. Adelaide, Deo 28 The inauguration of the Common wealth will be marked by the com mutation of portions of prisoners* sentences.

OBITUARY.

United Preii Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright i Londom, Dec 27 Lord Armstrong, the famous gun maker, is dead } aged 90 years.

A Court circular has been issued from Osborne, announcing the sudden death of the Dowager Lady Churchill, for nearly half a century the devoted and intimate friend of the Queen. Although she has been sorely grieved, the Queen's health has not suffered from the shock.

[Dowager Lady Jane Churchill was a daughter of the second Marquit of Conyng ham. In 1849 she married the teoond Baron Churchill, who died in 1866. In 1854 Lady Churchill was appointed Lady of the Bed? chamber to the Queen, and hat held that office ever since,

Wellington, Deo 28 Professor Clarke, Profeaior of modern language, died here to-day at the rmideoot of hit father-In-!*w, Dr Grace, aged 38,

WILLOWBY.

(Our Own Correspondent)

ANNIVIBBA*T BKBHONS Ihe Anniversary sermons of the Wealeyan Sunday School were conducted on Deoember 23rd, by the Rev T Fee of Ashburton. The attendance at both service* mi usually good. The tinging of the ohildren assUted by the oboir, under the leadership of Mr J Wheeler wm mnoh appreciated." On Wed neiday December 26 the annual tea wm held. The subsequent public meeting wm well attended demonstrating the great in tereat taken in Sabbath sobool work, pre sided over by the pastor, Rev J D Jory. Thn superintendent of the schpttl Mr R Maxwell addressed the teachers anil aoholart He said that the attendance daring the past year had been good, teachers have every reason to thank God for labours rewarded, and persevere in their effort* to influence the yonng in the onuse of righteousness Short speeches were delivered by Messrs Grayburn, Harding and Chapman. The singing of the ohildren was mnoh io evidence. Solos were sung by Misses Pratley, Harding, Wheeler, Jory (2), Li!), Mrs Maguionesa of Port Chalmers and Mrs Grigg of Reeftou alco favoured the audienoe and were greatly appreciated. Duets—Misses Ray, Btoddart and L pratley; Miss X Harding and Mr T Wheeler. RRIZS DISTBIBWION The following day, the day school treat and concert was held at which a number of excellent prises were distributed. Mr Chaptnanfeaairman of the totioo! oommitte* occupied the chair. The report wu'in ex« cel'enti one, there being but ''two failures in the school, Au Interesting pre-« gramme of songs and recitations bad been secured by Mr G, H. B. Li!l 8ong», Misses R Hardiog, E Parker, B Pratley, and Mr S Hayman j duet, Mrs Grigg and Mr W Harding; recitations,

TrjE ASfIBUBTOfI. GnAftDfAtf : SATURDAY DftCEMßtf* 2§ ; 1900



Polypathic Medical Institute. Corner of Gloucester Street and Latimer Square, CHRISTCHURCH, (Immediately behind the Exh Buildings). FIFTH VISIT TO" ASHBUBTOJN. FRIDAY AFTEKNOON, JANUARY 4, 1901. 2 o'clock p m until 8 p m : SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 9am until 1 o'clock pro CONSULTATION FRE^ —GRANGE'S HOTEL. Jl POLYPATBT, the New Method of Healing, is fehe <"*" \>j[fr^Hf* nureßt KDd moßf, ripid System, as it cures with absolute 4*M*V&£&Jsaiil o J&ol% certainty Buob diseases hb Cancer, Epilepsy and Asthma, l^a«^^^^s^^ES| incurable under the old ayatem, ac wei as all Ghronio j^^Sl^^^sSf and Nervous Complaints of Women and Men. Mean J^^o^^^^B^S3 pDItKS MADE BY POLYPATHY than any other sysUm 1D thß W'l BOUSANDS OF TFSTIMONIALS Epileptic Fits Fob Eight Yiarsj also heart t Aay&£S^s^^^B|| Yoi r Medicine have done m» a great deal of good. I \&BaSSBSBBI^BKm feel better in every way, and the pains at the heart hare sjnl jßflfilflafSffTgJl entirely If ft me. I have not had one fit sicce taking ISf SJjKHHEHJiaiMiII your Medicine—l remain, yours truly, StijiffiS I^^^MbBBSB^S^S LTJNO DISEASE AND EXTREME DHBXUHr h3ZS&~=&ZuuiimluiKßm I have much pleasure in sending this letter, thanking l^^^^rat^PPgjSmg you very much for the benefit I have derived from your W^W^WmUmWE medicine, which I have been using six weeks. I was mwSiffißßßHm educed in weight from 13st 4'b down to Bst 71b,.and I f^S^fiwßKmW ftftet l had b*en under w trefttmen ( J ?™u y f hi m it F 7 ,*^L r<i&§S^^.' friends could see a ohftDge in me, and I could feel it U^^^X^f^^g^mU^^ myself end have been improving ever since. You can ffTZT c use this letter for a testimonial, or refer anybody to me -JBBPCSa^Ss^S-iT.^' Wishing you every P ro Bpß rity-Yours respectfully, 12 '47 John Klpbick TH'i VEEDICT OF ALL PKACTICAL EIDERS IS IN FAVOUR OF BIDING Any gear, any height frame ; also dust-proof throughout. ONE PRICE TO ALL—£2l OATES, LOWRY AN! CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of US Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims: IT n T4«tt Foo Chairman I Febcy M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Lm, mlb«n, ESQ MD. I E TBEVOB GOWD, Resident Secretary, STRONGEST LIFE ASfiUKANCE SOCIETY IN THB WORLD Financial Position. ACCUmUI A Mutual Office. AH surplus, belongs to the policy holders. Send for particular* of the Guaranteed Cash Value Policy. NICOLL hb BROS, aw A gen ta, Ashhurtop, . i&m PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, IJOY6' Guard Sails 8s 6d ; Boys' Blouses 4a Boys' Norfolk Suits 12s 6d ; Washing Suits 2i 6d " Ab^nt-Minded Beggar " Suits 18s 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12a 6J. , A nice variety of Suraraer Coats in Kharki Serge, Sattcin, Alpaca, 3tc. NZ, CLOTHING FACTORY* P. H. BECKINGBALB, Manager.



FOR SALE, i PURE &HALFBREDTAMWORTH PIGS | rpO Farmers purchasing Halfbred PIGS. \ We are prepared to bJV them for Bacon, | provided they are fattened on grain or Peas. | FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 22 5 J H Role ~~ FOX SALIf, ~" WELL Cured Prime quality HAMS and BAO( N. Cheaper than Boef ir Mutton. Guaranteed grain fed by ifarmera of this district. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. 2 55 ,1 H Bulk, REM&MBER! ~~~ rfIHE SHOP will be OPEN every Night thin week uutil 8 o'clock for tho sale ol" Christmas and New Year Cards. A. H. WILLIAMS, Tancred Street ■J"'J7" ASK FOR .', t w NEW TARIFF CHAMPION BLEND :# other prices: o */6 va *Ao z fzz^ z& TiTiG^aVilhr"S«l7"^r. "T)OKOAN & CoB O Tancred Street. Drapery and cloth ing cheaper than ever—Note as followß— tturkißh towele, eampleß, 3Jd each ; art mttsHaa 2U ; cretonne Z^\ ; prints from 3&d; j l^rge etock tuoked muslins,- wide wirtr-hs | 10i^ ; nainsooks 6Jd ; Unt-n tabling IU-i ; ('Kwdson's and Horrolkeen' calicooa 4s 9d Hem, yards ; mußlin aprors lO^d ; toneb covers 71'; untimaooafsera 6|l; 72 inoh wide; twill sheeting 103 1 i '"B" ftnd yft"ed lofc <iac(=x!urfcain», asb<'nhhingly low prices, from 1*64 pair 4 ls lid, 2i 3d upwards ; ladies , silk watves 9|l ; job line silk and lisle gl;-v-i» *i<? pftir 5 c&shmere ribbot! hoio If.— ' ttnc'N & f'o, f lhp»p '""eh Drapers^ «" VI f' rls~K'T.wn—l'hat our Oilcloths L si ■ «umr are bought direct from the Hntiah Mills, i»nd stand unrivalled for variety and value.-—Mitchell ftnd Turner



TO SU BSORIBERS & ADVERTISERB NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. "THE GUARDIAN" rX7 ILL NOT be issued on TUESDAY, January lot. THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES Trains leave Ashburton daily for— UHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 ft no 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIM ARU—ab 1055 am, 3.50 pin DUNEDIN—at 12 54 p m (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Asbburtoa from— CHHISTOHUP.OH—at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m (express), 3 pm TIMARU~at 10.35 a m, 2 55 pan DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) i SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m i ,—_— ___ . KPHEMERIB Phaseß of Moon for December I) H M Full moon .. 6 10 8 pm Last quarter ._ 14 10 12 am Now moon .- 22 11 51 % m First quarter ._ 29 118 pm 1 BUN. Dace Ri««8 S;ts Deoember 27 .. 422 741 28 4 23 7 41 29 .. 423 741 30 ... 4 24 7 42 31 .. 25 742



CONSULTING OPIIGIAN Mr Ernesfe M. Sandßtein, DBOA:, FB, j MO, who has lately returned after us years' special study in England and Con tinent), may bo consulted on all caeet of defective eyesight. Daylight nob necessary, artificial light being used. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting roomß, Caehel Street W., over M Sandßtein, jeweller, Christchurc* 930 to 1 *' P^o-H^V . - 4 Cough Cure, Wahoo.KooMßAH i. Benjamin Gum go to AsHBDBtO i



A SPRAINED ANKLE QUIOKLY CURED 'At one time I suffered from a severe sprain of the ankle,' says .George E Gary, editor of the Guide, Washington, Va. 'After using several well recommended medicines without success, I cried Chamberlain's Pain Bilm, and am pleased to say that relief came bb coon as I began its u«e, and a complete cure speedily followed. Sold by Ashburton Drug Company, b'ANDEB & SojfS* EpCALYtfTI EXTRACT— Under the distinguished patronage of Hia Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinica and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public under the name of Eucalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypi Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only products thab are saturated with oxygen and freed of acids, reßinous 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., I ip croup, bronchitlß, diphtheria.dysentery, ' internal inflammation, eto., insist. ?n getting Sandbk and Fons' Purb Voi/Ai E IjYfti Extract, and be sfe • §n)oke New Ve»jas i