EPHEMERIS

Phase* of Moon for December

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

(Trains leave Asbburfcoa dally for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 730 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m {express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 3.50 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 pm Trains arrive daUy at Ashburton from— OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 %m, 12.48 p m (express), 3 pm TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 2.55 pm DUNBDIN—ab 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-afc 8.45 a m«

Mail Notices.

Mails eloie for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations : TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 For Northern Port», and West Coast, per Botomahana, at 6 30 p m. For Somoa, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, nlse United States, Canada, etc, United I Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco (due London January 4th), also South America, Teneriffe, and United King dom (per Paparoa), speoially addressed correspondence only, also paroels for United States, United Kingdoml Continent of Europe, etc, per Rototnahana, at 6 30 p m. Money orders at 2 p m ; registered articles at 5 p m, PI|WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5. S^Bar Northern Ports, per Zaalandia, at 10 30 a tn. For Northerr Ports and Westport, per Tarawera, at 6 30 p m.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

THE ENGLISH MARKETS

(Received Wakapuaka Deo 3, 925 pm, London, December 2 The following prices are ruling : —Cross* bred wethers And* maiden ews, Canterbury, 4£d ; Danedin and Southland, none offering; North Island, 4£d. Lamb, prime Canterbury 6d ; fair average, including Eunedin, South land, Wellington, and secondary Canterbury, 5Jd, New Zealand beef, 1801b to 2201b, fair average quality, ox fore, 3§d ; ox hinds, 3|d. River Plate croisbred or merino wethers, heavy 1 13163 ; light, 3f 1. At the hide sales there was no demand, and practically the whole of the offerings were withdrawn. Lieberg's Extract Company has purchased the North Queensland Meat Export Com pany's works at Alligator Creek, Queens land.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on December 5, 1900:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl .„ 2s 2d   Tuscan.„ 2s 3d „ „ Hunter's 2s Id Oats—Duns ... Is s£d to Is 6d Danish Is s*d to Is 6d Canadians Is 6d to Is 7d Sparrowbills Is 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 50s to 52a 6d Grass Seed—Old patture, 2s to 2* 3d New „ Is 6d to Is 9d The above are prices current paid to fanners on tracks at Ashbnrton.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

The usual weekly atock sale was held at the Tinwald yards to-tiny, there being a fair attendance. The yarding of cattle was email, but the quality proved better than usual, whilst in the sheep entries there was an Improvement in numbers. Fat steers and cows made up most of the oattle entry, only one dairy cow being yarded, and tales were of a satisfactory nature to their owners. —Messrs Thomas, Farmers' 00-ap nnd Fried lander Bros sold—Fat cows £6, £9, £6 si, £7'Bs, £6 10s, and £5 12s 6ri. Heifers— £7 ss, £6, £6 17a and £7 8 Steers—£B 15i £7, and £4 15.—Dairy cows £4 7«. Prices for sheep were still maintained at a very high level, both in the butchers' pens and also in store lines. la the former Mrssrs Friedlander Bros sold shorn crossbred ewes at 12b 6d, 14< 9d, 14s lid and 15s 6d ; merino ewes Q> lOi ; merino wethers 17s for a show pen, backward sorts B', and for lambs they obtaiced 15s 3d. The Farmers' Cc operative Association sold shorn ewes at 13s 6d, and 2 lambs at the same figure. Mr P, Thomas' sales in the fat pins were—Crossbred ewes 15s Bd, we«.hera 18n meriuo ewes 9s lid, crossbred ewes in the wool 18s, hoggets 15i 3d, merino wethers (shorn) 14a. In th» store sh ep line? Meosrs Fried lander Bros mads really good sales io 13e 7d (all counted) for 74 six-tooth crossbred ewes and 93 lambs, and two other lings of cix and eight tooth ewes with lambs, account S Mulling, also brought tho same high rate. Old ewes with lambs realised 11s 4d, crossbred dry awes, four and six tooth 17 •■; The Farmers' Cooperative Association mado sales of aged msrino ewes (shorn) with halfbred lambs \t Bs, and for 285 shorn dry merino eweß in fresh condition they got 7s 7d and 7s 101. Mr D Thomas sold 64 aged crossbred ewes with irregular lambs at 11s lid. Mr E W Hantner'a sales were 88 crossbred ewes with 112 lambs lls lid.

THE HOME MARKETS

Mei»erc Dalgety and 00. report under date London • November 30th:—" Frczea mutton prices are firmer, prime New Zealand oronbred being worth 4|d to 4^l perlb. Btookg are very urnall. Prime 1* Z:aland iamb ii worth 6d to 6|d per lb. Stock* are nearly exhausted, and prospects are good. Prioes of beef are * shade firmer. We quote Tiotorian prim* faotory batter at 110s to 119 a par owt. All raediam and inferior qualities are relatively neglected. Leather {and basils are in fair demand, md prices are folly maintained*

MARRIAGES.

Oaklet- Wakeham—On Novembir 14,1500 at the Prenbyterlan Churoh, Tinwald, by the Rev G B Inglii, Hebheet Robert Oaklkt, ion of the late John Oakley, of Halkett, to Oathebinb, eldait daughter of Mr Thoi Wakeham, of Tinwald

CkARK-DxATH—On Not 9,l9oo,afcGranvill« If ew Sooth Wales, Alfrid Clark, second ■on of the Iftte Geo. Clark, Cbristchnroh, to Aknib Kathlbbn Death, seoond daughter of the late Joseph OUrk, of Tin w»!d

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1900. TRADE WITH SOUTH AFRICA

A tei-echum In oar last issue informed «■ that the Government has decided to call for tenders for a proposed steam service between New .Zealand and South Africa, tenders to state the subsidy required, while the steam vessels must be capable of carrying at least 4,000 tons of cargo, and be fitted up witb freezing chambers, &c. This fctep has evidently been taken in con sequence of the expression of opinion given already by a large section of the commercial and agricultural portion of the people of this colony, A well attended meeting to discuss the ques tion of trade with South Africa was held last week in Dunedin, another took place at Oamaru on Saturday, and the Canterbury Farmers' Association at Timaru convened a meeting for the lame day to deal with this matter. Evidently those interested in the produce trade are extremely anx- Joub to secure whatever advantages may accrue to those first entering upon a systematic trade with South Africa. The question whether it' is sound policy (o attempt to create a trade, which requirea a considerable amount of assistance from the State, that is to say, the taxpayers as a whole, is too large to discuss fully in this article. Obviously, however, it has a very important bearing on the subject of creating a trade with South Africa. On the one hand we have the statement made by one of the speakers at the Timaru meeting/ that the British, French, and German Governments had all asgisted ventures of the lame kind ;

and on the other hand we know that' trades and industries which have to he maintained at the expense of the community at large by bonuses and subsidies, can never compete success fully with similar industries requiring no such assistance. It would, there fore, be prudent on the part of the New Zealand Government, before ac tually accepting the responsibility of subsidising a line of steamers for the South African trade, to get some more authentic information on the prospects than they appear to be in possession of just at present. It may be good policy to throw a sprat to catch a mackerel, but it is just as well to make sure the mackerel is there to be caught There is much to be said in favour of New Zealand being early in the field,al though we do not agree with all the views that have been expiessei on th'i ■übject by those who are agitating for a line of subsidised steamers. For [ instance, Mr Evans, chairman of director* of the Orown roller millr, Dunedin, and of the Atlas Milling Company, Tintaru, who addressed the meeting held at Timara, said that the import trade of South Africa was very large prior to the war, but as a matter of fact it was nothing like to large as that of Australia.. Indeed, if we are to judge solely by the past history of the former, we should say that the prospects of a trade with it would not promise very handsome returns to any exporting country. The value ©f the imports into Gape Oolony and Natal ' cannot be termed large, and moreover, ! the bulk of them come from Europe and America. Johannesberg was by far the largest city in South Africa when the war began, and a very small proportion of its imports bonefitted any Australasian colony. We do not mean to say, however, that there is no open ing for a trade with South Africa jn the future. On the contrary, we think that as in a very few years there will be an immense population engaged in mining industries there, the prospects of creating a good trade between that country and this colony is decidedly attractive. There is probably no indus try more favorable to an import trade with adjacent countries than mining in all its branches. The miners, and all those associated with their industry, must be fed, and we know that agriculture and stock raising do not thrive in mining districts. Conse quently, it goes without saying that the countries nearest to the gold bear ing districts of South Africa, that are best adapted for producing grain and live stoe'x will undoubtedly command the gold fields trade. In this respect, New Zealand is certainly handicapped as against Australia, which is from 1000 to 2000 miles nearer. Still, the quality of this colony's produce will give it a strong claim, and if we can get a good fooling before the rush that is inevitable sets in—*• may be able to hold our own. Meantime, we can take advantage of the fact that, owing to the war, produce is now at an abnormal price in some parts of Africa, and may get the start in supplying -the demand. It is probable that later on, vessels trading to and from New Zea land ma} get return cargoes, for South «.frica produces many things that we do not, On tf c whole, although WB cannot expect such a fabulous market for our produce in that country as spme enthusiasts seem to expect, we shall be acting prudently in getting ready for eventualities.

Local and General.

Pebsonal.'—Gods' able Swnley, of Rakaia, was in town yeatetday, having sufficiently recovered from his illness to be about again

The Assault on a Cabman—The charge against James Gatherer, of assaulting John Howard, a cabman, some weeks ago, in (Jhristchurch, was dismissed;

State Aidbd Immigration.— The Premier of Queensland a aces thai owing to the con dition of the colony, the Government) will nob bring out any more free immigrants.

JtoTTBR Boxis—A sawmitler at D.tane virke sent away 500,000 ft of white pine to Melbourne by two sailing vessels last week. Most of the timber is to b» converted into butter boxes.

A Haul—The light fingered gentry appear to have been busy on the Wingami raoe oourse on Thursday (says the Taieri Advocate), One, at least, of them made a haul, when he relieved a Chinaman of £22.

Sports For Women.—The opinion of M Emile ZoU on the question of sports for women will be found in an article on our first page. A report of a speech by the Right Hon C T Ritchie, president of the Board of Trude, appears on oar fourth page.

Polickmin Graduating —Commissioner Tunbridge (says the Otago Times) onght to feel flittered by the fact that a number of the Wellington police have laid to heart his advice to study law so closely that several will sit for the barristers' examination within the next twelve months.

Magisterial—A first offender was charged this morning before Messrs R Alcorn and W H Rule, Justice*, with on December 3rd, being drunk and oreating a disturbance in a public place. He waß convicted and dis charged for the first offence, and fined on the other oharge. "- '

The Coal OuTPur--The coal output from Wsstportlast week was 849? tons 19owfc, of which amount the Westporfc Coal Company •hipped 7438 Sons lßjwt, and the Weitporb Co-operative Company }055 tone lowt. From Greymouth the Blackball Coal Company exported 1931 tons 16owti coat, ani the Brnnner Company 2425 torn 4owt coal, 107 lons 18cwt coke, and 53 tons Bowt bricks.

Krvger's Hat and Firs—Ex-President Kruger's dilapidated silk hat was sold at Steven's auction rooms on Wednesday for L2B, and his carved briar pipe brought eight and a half guineas. Six Federal fags used by the Boers during the South African campaign, were sold at the same time for £6 10a

Unusual.—A somewhat novel editorial difficulty has baan announced in the "Hima laya Chronicle," in the fol owing words:— •'we have to apologise to our readers for the paucity of matter in to-d*y's issue, in consequence of some of our stuff having absconded, after haying drawn more pay than was due to them.

A Niw S*cy—From Odessa come details of a new religious community whose chief tenet is idleness. Basing themselves upon the parable of the lilies, which * toil not, neither do tbey spin,' the Melevantohlna reject all work except that of the household, wear coarse, sombre garments, and restrict themselves tn a diet of bread and cheap fruits

A Big TtmHiL.*~The tunnel to be oon struoted on the nejcb seotion of the Midland railway from the present terminal at Goat Greek, is to be put through the range at the back of the Otira Hotel, and it is estimated tjbab it will take cioie on seven years to construct). The bridge over the Otira River to connect Jbhe present terminus with the tunnel wUI, it is anticipated, be a work of some engineering difficulty owing to the torrential nature of the rjver. Ay Eil's Qmjn HABim.rrAi an instance j of the tenacity to existence displayed by eels the "Mataura Ensign" mentions that in one of the country districts near Gore a traction engine was engaged recently, uprooting willow stumps from the edge of a dry oreek, in which there hud been no water for months. At the root of one of the stumpi an eel very much alive was discovered, apparently little, if any the worse for his enforced absence from hit usual place of abode. '

False Worn. PAfKim».—Several sates of false packing of wool oatne to light when buyers were passing wool after the sale on Friday (says the Timara Post). A nice, bright, fine fleece or two had been neatly placed at the mouth of some of the bales, and so shown to the buyers to value, but on examination of the bulk the bales were found to contain inferior wool, mob as coarse and dingy crossbred fleeces, the result of which was that the wool was rejected and rightly too.

Cost of a Dairy Fabm.—A gentleman acquainted with the dairy farming industry in Taranaki supplies the Oamarn Mail with the following figures, which be states show the average results obtained :—A farm of 100 acres will cost, say £1000, and will carry 20 cows, costing £150, milk cans, cart and horse will cost another £50, giving a total outlay of £1200. The yearly receipts may be estimated as follows:—Produce of 30 cows, each £5 10s, £165 ; calves and pigs, £60; total, £225. Interest on £1200 at 6 per cent is ■ £72, leaving a profit of £153. Working expanses an small, as the farmer's family generally does the work.

Pbiskntation.—Yesterday afternoon the boys and girls of the scholarship dan ab the Borough Sohiol, who go up for examina tion shortly, presented their teaoher, Miss Stanley, with a very pretty gold brooch, with the initials of the pupils engraved on it. Miss Lottie Liggett, a member of the olass, made the presentation, and Miss Stanley, In a few well chosen words, returned thanks.

A Tbahsfobmatioh,—A obio, pretty girl in a red blows, looking* trifle warm, boar ded a London'bus the other day. Immed iately there was a murmur of "move up," and place was made for her to be seated. This done, the girl in the red blouse thrush her hand into the leather satchel swung at her tide, and produced what appeared to be a bunch of cigarette papers. She deftly extracted one, and gently rubbed it over her hoe. Bohold a transformation. No longer a flushed moist visage greeted you, bat one that was cool and calm. She bad merely used the newest toilet article—poudre papier.

Beturnbd Soldibss ik Want— The Mayor of (Jhristchuroh, Chairman of the Canterbury Patriotic Fund, has written a very nice letter to those returned members of the New Zealand Contingent, who have not yet applied for assistance. He writes he says beoause " these men may probably be too sensitive to apply personally, and may suffer and endure undeserved hardships in preference to making their wants known." The Committee, as trustees for the public of Canterbury, disires to render assistance to any suoh returned soldiers who have served their Quteo and country so ably.

Shooting Match—The following team of the Ashburton Mounted Rifles has been selected to fire against the Ashburton Guards on Thursday next:—Captain GAM Buckley, Lieutenant A A Fooks, Sergeant- Major T F Gibson, Sergeant G Morrison, Sergeant Jones, Corporal Stewart, Corporal Ironside, Troopers Clark, Wilioughby, MoConnell, Grange, Trumpeter Mahoney. Emergencies—Troopers Bray, Moore, and Thomson.—The following will represent the Ashburton Guards: — Captain Sparrow, Lieutenants Niooll and Shearman, Color- Sergeant Schwartz, Sergeant Percy, Corpo ral Anderson, Bugler Leltcb, Privates Bell, Johnston, Marsden, Stock, Taib and Dorm. Emergencies—Sergeant Grant, Privates Page and Sparrow.

U.A.O.D—The half-yearly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge was held last evening. There was a large attendance of memberi, In the absence of the A.O Bro Marsden D.P was voted to the chair. One candidate was initiated into the Order, and two proposed for membership. A consider able amount of correspondence was dealt with* inoluding an appeal for assistance for a brother in the North Island, who was in need of financial help. This was met by Toting a sum out of the Benevolent fond of the Lodge. The balance sheet and auditors reporb was then read. The latter congratu lated the Lodge on its sound financial position, a considerable sum having been added to the funds of the Lodge ; also paying a compliment to the secretary on the admir able m&nnez in which the books of the Lodge were kept. After a short discussion the balance sheet and report were unanimously adopted. The election of officers for the ensuing hslf year then took place, and resulted at follows:—A D, Bro Kennedy; V.A, Bro Bunnell; Secretary, Bro Stephen son; Treasurer, Bro Shrimpton; A.B's, Bros Crooks and Stook ; V.A B'a, Bros W P O Connor and Granger; IG, Bro Moriarty ; 0.0, Br i Gobbt; M.S, BroPeanon; auditor, Bro Bell; G.L representatives, Bro R Mars den, D.P, and T Crooks. The officers were installed into their various positions by the D.P, Bro Marsden in a very impressive manner, and the D,P was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for so doing. It was decided to hold the next meeting on the 17th inst, as usual. The DP, on behtlf of the Lodge, presented Bro Gobbe with a framed P. A diploma. Bro Gobbe returned thanks. After transacting formal business the Lodge was closed by the ne*ly»3leoeed A.Dt, Bro Kennedy, The members together with several members of the ladies' lodge, then sat down to tapper, when with songs, speeches, &c, a very pleasant time was spent, an interesting address being given on Druidioal matters in the North Island, by Bro Kidd, of Palmereton North,

KRUGER'S CRUSADE

411 is Lost

United Press Association—By Eteotitc Telegraph—Copyright Berlin, Dec. 3 Kroger gave an interview to a Belgian journalist at Cologne, in which he stated that all is lost. London, December 3 The Bnglish newspapers declare that the frank and honourable course adopted by the Kaiser is in the truest interests of the Boers, who themselves relying on the success of the ex- President's mission, are devastating the country

The limes says the Kaiser's action unpleasantly impresses the Nationalists of France of the sagacity of M Waldeck Rousseau's line of conduct.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

A PARTY OF GERMANS OUT OFF

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 3, 925 p.m. Hong Kohtg, Dec. 2 The .Kalgan expedition has experienced a reverse. A party of Germans were cat off and compelled to abandon their dead and wounded.

A German named Count Yorck, who waa commanding at Kalgan, has been suffocated by the fames from coal pans while sleeping in a Chinese hut.

Hqnxj Kong, December 2 Li Hang Chang learns that the Court has agreed to execnte Yn-shien,

Theastronmomictl infltrumentsejrected by Jesuits en the walls of Pekin have been removed. Half of them »re destined for Paris, ana half for Berlin. This vandalism is excused on the ground that the Court it unlikelyj[to return to Pekin, and that the instrument are en dangered by the populace.

VISIONS OF TROUBLE

"It Is to be,f»ared,"say« Paris Autottp, M that, in spite of tht goodwill #f some of the Powers, and in spite of their alleged disinterestedness, matters will end with a outtiug op of the Chinese Empire, a cabbing up which cannot Uke phoe without destroy ing the European equilibrium."

SUDDEN DEATH IN A PULPIT

United Press Amooiatlon—By Rleobrlo Telegraph Wkstforv, December 3 The Rev J M Bourne, Primitive Methodist minister at Denniston, died in the pulpit on Bunday evening. Immediately after eiving out the opening hymn he fell to the floor and never spoke* Heart disease was the cause of his death. Be had been stationed in Canterbury and Hunterville. He was about to preaoh an "in memorlam " sermon on Mrs Barton, a hospital out* patient, who had been found dead in her bed from heart disease.

OUTBREAK OF RUFFIANISM IN LONDON.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph —Copyright

(Received Deo 3, 9.52 pm) London, Dec 3. A party of Hooligans stabbed a man, shot a woman, and murdered a police man in Whitechapel* A perfect reign of terror exists in certain parts of London at the present time on account of the prevalence of what has been termed " Hooliganism." Late English papers contain stories of outrages from Hoxton, Whitechapel, the Borough, the New Out, Eusson and Kentish Town, ranging from murders and stabbing affrays to assaults and thefts, and feuds among the Holligans themselves. Men and women alike have been made victims of entirely unprovoked and cowardly assaults, and the police have been roughly handled by the " pushes." (These " Hooligans " are pangs of ruffians which correspond with the "Pushes" which infest Sydney, and were a source of considerable danger to life and limb until the New South Walee Government pat a check on them by arming the police,)

COLDSTREAM ROAD BOARD.

The usual meeting of the Coldaiream Road Board was held yesterday. Present— Messrs £ H Dobson (chairman), J Stud holme, E G Wright, W Wills, and D Miller. COBBEBPONDKNOB Correspondence was received from the Receiver of Land Revenue, enclosing payment of thirds. The District Engineer of Railways wrote consenting to a deviation of 23 degrees at lot 7, on the direct road to Eating — Messrs Hantner and Bridge wrote that they would probably commence the survey this week. BATES The Olerk was initructed to obtain payment of outstanding rates, and apply for advance on subsidy. MISCELLANEOUS A resolution confirming the Bank over draft was carried. Mr Wills applied for leave to make about three chains of ditch along the south side of the Waipuna road, from the bridge to the north-west corner of his section, and permis sion was granted' ACCOUNTS Accounts amounting to £124 were passed for payment, and the Board then adjourned till the first Monday in March.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Auckland, December 3 The constable at Waifai reports that Antony Rasora, a fisherman, was drowned last evening. He went for a sail with Mils McLean, and when near the landing place the boat capsized. Basora placed Miss McLean on the bottom of the boat, and then attempted to swim ashore, but oamo back without reaching it. On nearing the boat he aank. Miss McLean was rescued.

Wellington, December 5 In the Supreme Courb to-day the Chief Justice gave judgment) in the libel action George Hewison, labor agent, Wellington, v Thomas Shute, of Taihspe. Defendant telegraphed to the plaintiff as follows concerning the train fare of a servant :— "Unless the money wired is returned immediately will sue for obtaining money under false pretences." His Honor held that the words were defamatory and not privileged under the Electric Lines Act. Judgment was given for plaintiff for £2 damages, and oosts as agreed; Fifty-two men have arrived afc the Mount Cook barracks to go into training io view of the Commonwealth celebrations. They were inspected by Colonel Fenton this morning, and saddlery and accoutrements were issued. Drill will commence to-morrow. Major Loveday is in charge. The contingent will pnb&bly leave for Sydney by the Monowu on the 22nd inst.

At a meeting of Master Plumbers today, J. W, Swales p-nd 0. Annett who recently went to Melbourne to take part in the formation of a National Association of Plumbers were present. They urged the establishment of a State Plumbers Assooia* tion in New Zsatand. The objects of the master plumbers interested in the movement are to spread the knowledge of sanitary science, to institute preventive measures against bad workmanship, to obtain representation on sanitary bodies, and to take precautions to safeguard the public health.

In the Supreme Court the jury failed to agree on the verdict concerning the Wybertua case, and were discharged. A new trial will take place next week, A oew ferial of Mary Henderson for the murder of Mary Luke by performing an illegal operation commences in the morning. Christohtjrch, Dec 3 At a meeting of the League of Wheelmen tonight the suspension of K. Lewis by the North Canterbury Centre was confirmed and ib was decided to acquaint the Australian Leagues of the fact. The affiliation of the Karangabake Club with the Auckland Centre was confirmed? On the recommendation of the Ot»go Centre H ¥ Cameron was reinstated as an amateur. The amalgamation of the Dannevirke Cycling Club and the Caledonian Society under the title of the Dannevirke Athletic and Cycling Club was approved. No action was taken with regard to a protest from the Christohuroh Cycling Club taking Good Friday and the following Saturday for the Championship Meeting. 6 Sutherland gave an aooount ef his doings in Paris as the League's representative and said that the League would receive about £100 as its share of the profits of the Worlds Championship Meeting. DtTKipm, Deoamber 3 References have been filed in the disputes between the Otage Metalworkers Assistants Union and the Master Ironworkers of Otago and Southland, and between the Boiler makers and Iron Shipbuilders Union and the Master Ironfounders of Otago and Southland. These come before the Conciliation Board on the 10th and 11th last.

A case was heard in the Supreme Court to-day, Searle v Weaver, a claim for the possession of the Waterloo Hotel,Caversham, and £IQO damages, for breaoh of covenant, defendant, whole the licensee, was recently charged with Sunday trading, and convicted, and this it was contended was * breach of the le»se, which had two years to run. At the same time, on behalf of defendant, counsel moved for relief against forfeiture, The Judge reserved his decision.

Transvaal War.

The Fighting: at Siitfoateia

Boers Bepalsedwith Heavy Loss

Mounted Trcops ia Pursuit

Bravery of New Zeala&Aers

Heavy Casualties Aao&g Offioerg.

United Press Association—By Electric Teleff raph—Gopyrigh t (Received December 3,9.2 p.m) London, Dec 2 General Baden .Powell has resumed duty;

Lord Kitchener is requisitioning horses and rapidly mounting the irregulars.

The Catholic and Unitarian ministers at Worcester, where the Afrikander Conference is to be held. > protest against the presence of the Australian troops who were recently detrained there.

The next of kin of soldiers who have died in the South African campaign wiU receive the war medals.' In answer to an inquiry respecting an individual case, it was stated at the War Office recently that such medals would in due course be forwarded, excepting in cases where ail the dead man's effects had been bequeathed to somebody other than the next of kin.

London, Dec 3

The details of the engagement at Beitfontein, sooth-east of Bronkhorst Spruit, show that General Pagefc, in surrounding the enemy during the evening, intended to attack at dawn'

The enemy obtained reinforcemects, including three guns, and made a determined attack, bat were repulse! , with heavy loss, and withdrew during i the night to the north-east. ' General Faget occupied the position vacated, and sent mounted troops in pursuit. The New Zealanders showed great gallantry, and lost five oat of six officers,

Message from Lord Roberts.

Wellington, Deo 3

The Governor has received the following cable from Lord Roberts, dated Ladystnith, 2nd inst. :—

" I have received through Lord Kitchener an account of the action in which the men of your colony, ander General Paget, bore themselves with even more conspicuous gallantry than is thetr custom. They have, I regret to learn, Buffered severely, five officers out of six being wounded* I am enquiring about the wounded, and asking for a report as to their progress, General Faget) especially mentions for gallantry Captains Crawshaw and Chaytor. New Zealand may well be proud of suoh men,"

THE FUNDS OF THE EMPIRE LEAGUE

London, December 3

The Empire League's first distribu tion of funds it received for the aid of widows and children of colonial forces, also for the aid of those disabled, includes £350 to New South Wales, £200 each to Victoria, Queensland and Hew Zealand, £100 to South Australia and Western Australia, and £60 to Tasmania.

A force of Band Rifles is being established at Johannesburg, compris ing all British workers between certain ages.

THE HARLECH CASTLE TROOPERS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Ddnedjn, Dec 3

The mayor has convened a public meeting for Wednesday evening, to take steps to give a fitting reception to the troopers and officers returning by the Harlech Castle. Elaborate programmes have been prepared, and will be iubmitted to the committee.

The Otago Patriotic Committee, who has given every assistance in the way of outfit and allowances to every returned trooper, and temporary assistance where required to troopers passing through, besides looking after the interests of the relatives of those at the front, have cabled to Mr Shields, a for mer member, new resident in Melbourne, to look after the Otago and Southland men on the Harlech Castle, and draw upon the committee.

LETTER FROM THE FRONT.

WHAT A TELEGRAPHIST SAW.

Mr M. O'Brien, who was on the local railway staff for some time, and ia now chief clerk in the telegraph department of the Imperial Military Railways, Pretoria, writing nndtr date October 10, says :— After leaving Bloemfontein for Pretoria we had a giddy time; no tucker bub bully baef and dog biscuit*, tho latter dirty looking but good. The country was devastated in ail direotions, many stations being burned and showing shot and shell holm, while redoubts, entrenchments, shell coven, etc, showed what had bern going on all along the route of Bob's match. Bridges aod culverts had been blowu up, and huge diversions had been constructed to take the trans over temporary treatle bridges. The work of the Royal Engineers is marvellous They are at work oil along ths Hie reconstructing bridges in stone and iron, and how they have got the material together under tht circum stances is a mystery, as the Boers are con tinually surprising them and destroying the almost completed works.

The line aheud of cue train was cat and we backed away with all speed, Brabant's Horse retiring before the advance of Ollivier's commando. Next day we had the pleasure of aeeins Ollivier going for all he was worth across the country towards Bethlehem Hills, with General Hunter's Column, 3000 strong, in pursuit. Hunter's transports were ten miles behind him then, ■0 his poer Tommies would not get much feed that night). At Honingspruit siding we came upon the remains of a train captured and burnt by De Wet, and at Yeljoens Drift we were detained a night while the West Lancashire* and two armoured trains amused themselves by sniping a few hundred Boers in the kopjes between ns and Vereeniging. The track of Bob's advance from Bloem fontein to Johannesburg is close alongside the railway, and it marked by the skeletons of hundred! of transport animals, broken down waggons, carts, eto. The whole route looks like a vacant section [in a big city, covered with broken bottles and empty biscuit tins. This is supposed to be a cold water campaign, but if that is ao the water must have been carried in whiskey bottles*

THE ROYAL VISIT.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Londok, December 3 The Ophir'i crew will comprise naval and jnercantile hands, with gunner, boatswain, and carpenter. The reisel will be regarded from the semce standpoint as a royal yacht.

CORRESPONDENCE

We do not hold ourselves respenrible for apinioup exprPßse<l by our correspondent*

ARE THE WOMEN TO BLAME!

TO IHK BDITOB. PIR,-— Tn a recent iesue oa the atrocities committed in Chine, you quote largely from, and apparently endorte, the sentiments expressed by Julian Ralph, in the Daily Mail, wherein he attributes much of the nee and development of the "Boxei" move ment to the unwise conduct, of missionaries, especially of the lady workers, I was under i he impression that the correspondent of the London Times had onde and for all exploded that absurd theory, but like lots of other misrepresentations, when once they get » start, it is difficult to run them down. I am enclosing with this portion of a letter, appearing in the British Weeklyol September 20, and if you cam find room for it, it is only fair that your readers should read a complete ref utation'fco the charges made by Jullaa Ralph.—l am etc,. Watchman.

Julian Ealph heads hit article,' Women who make trouble,' seeking to lay the onus of the present disturbance ■pon the lady missionaries chiefly. He says: 'Irritation began with antagonism to missionaries.* Now, Dr Morrison was the first ?fotestanb

i Missionary, and he landed In Chin* in 18O7# I There can, therefore, according to Julian ; Ralph, have been no irritation or antagonism I prior to thii date. How does he account for this massaore of 120 000 foreigners In 877 ad, aod for the antagonism to the Portuguese, which ended in their expulsion in 1545? Fow does he account) for the murder of Thomas Pirez ie 1620. and for the bitter contest and bloodshed wbieh compelled tho Dutch to retire in 1662! How does he account) for the oldest record of the East India Company, 1637, and the bombarding of five English ships! How does he account for the following extract from an edict translated by Fere Premare 1 The barbarians are like beasts, and not to be ruled od the same principles as citizens. Were anyone te attempt controlling them by the. great maxims of reason, it would teod to nothing but confusion. The ancient

king well understood this, and accordingly ruled barbarians by misrule; Therefore, to rule barbarians by misrule ia the true and the best way of ruling them.' It would be.easy, did space permit, to men tion many other similar cases prior to 1897, such as the treatment of the early EDgluh Embassies. In the face of these few facts, however, I ask, is It fair to say that "the irritation began with "the missionaries," or that it is the •'women who make trouble P' Julian Ralph farther refers to the European dress of lady missionaries ac being regarded by the Chinese as 'indecent beyond the excesses of the most dissolate of her sex,' and yet he has not the common honesty to even qualify this remark by stating that the large majority of male and female misslen aries living at other than ports wear the native dress.

Still more unjust is the following: Kissing is regarded as a vicious and an unspeakable act, yet oar missionary women kiss thtir husbands and brothers in the streets. No one can deny the possibility of this most improbable conduct Julian Ralph may know of isolated oases, bnt to represent this as customary Is as gross a misrepresentation as it is possible for any man to make. After nine years of life in inland China, and after visiting stations in nine of the provisoes, I have never heard of such a'thing. Fact* are better than mere assertion. That mission aries are oareful, even to an extreme, the following extract from a letter dated China, May 12 1888, will show. Note ft is on* lady parting from another lady: And here we stop to part, alas, a Chinese parting! Wo only clasp our own hands and agitate them slightly to express all the feeling we would pub into, an English embrace if we could. The letters from which this is taken were printed in the Far East) in 1889. Without trespassing further upon your space I leave these facts to speak for themselves, Frank discussion we shall welcome, if we are wise, but against gross misrepresents* tion voder guise of seeking discussion we do at least protest.—Yours truly, Marshall BrOOMHAMi

A NEW NOXIOUS WEED.

TO THIS EDITOR

Sib,—On Saturday last a gentleman living near Waterton brought a plant to the Domain to be named, which he had dis covered growing in hin neighbourhood. As I have aot previously observed or kaown tht plant to exist in the Aihburton county, It may be well to state that it is the common English teasel or " Fuller's Thistle-*' In growth, form, and colour of the flower the plant closely resembles the so-called Gall* fornian thistle, but is slightly smaller, while the prickles or spires are Dot so long nor so stout as in that species, The taaselmay be distinpulßhed from all other plants of its class by its partially triangular, and softer fleshy stems. It is a very objectionable plant on cultivated farms or pastoral country, and should be destroyed wherever it is met with. The teasel is an annual and generally grows vigorously, and i»a well known way side lower in England. The plants oould be exterminated in a single seasoc by mowing them down close to the ground, and thus prevent them from seeding. There Me several varieties well known to botanists, hut all are extremely ohjsctionable plants in crops or fodder. It it poMible that the plants may occasionally bs mistaken for tht Oalifornian thistle,—l am, etc.,

W.W.B.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By EUotrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Dec 3 A boat's crew picked up off Cape if ore* ton, reported that the Lund liner Naming from Taku, bound for Sydney, had broken down, and was drifting near Tweed Heads. The vessel has been taken in tow since A tornado devastated the town of Narribrl. Scarcely a building escaped damage, and many were entirely demol* ishnd [Narribrl Is about 350 miles north west of Sydney, in the centre of a flourishing agricultural country]" The Alameda, for San Francfcco vja Auckland, took £200,000 worth of specie. The Ooningham divorce salt has began. Ihu respondent swore that Dr O'Haran commuted adultery on a specified ocea* slon. She, however, thought; that her' husband condoned her conduct Counsel for Obningham, who took up the ease after Abigail's arrest, withdrew from the pase owing to Conlngham making a statement which he had withheld from his counsel Melbourne, December 8 Sir George Turner and Mr Isaac*, who submitted themselves to their constituents on taking office, have been reelected defeating their opponents decisively BByssßLi, Dec $ King Leopold presided at a cabinet meeting, at which it was decided to apologise for the smashing of the windows of the British Consulate at Liege Manjia December 3 Twelve hundred Filipinos in the vicinity of Yigau have surrendered to the Americans

SPORTING

United Frew Association— By Electric Telegraph Auckland, Deo 3. Mr Evett hat declared the following handicap* for the Willingtok Gup, of 650 soys ; one mile and a half—Advance ICat 101b. itoreas Sat 3lb, Fuimen Bst 8!b, Tortulla Sat 81b, Strath nairn Bst 71b, Coronet Bst 71b, Ooenr d« Lion Bst 61b, Benown Bit6tb, Miss D*lav*l B,t 41b, Ideal Bst 41b, Djin Dj n Bit 21b, Battiaaxe Bat lib, Dundas Sit, PaUdin 7tt 131b, Materoa 7«t }2ib, Nhiliit 7*t Ulb, B^ UrtuU 7it 101b, 80 Peter 7it 101b, PalaT« 7at 101b, Oanoie Cbiel 7«b I0!b, Ottluk 7it 81b, Okosri 7.4 8 b, Melwood lit 61b, Bkobe loff7*tsb, Jotrepid 7at 41b, Nobility 7«t 31b. Robert McCarthy 7<t 3!b, Phooka 7tb 2!b, Fashion 7at, Sirluo 7at, Jewel Gnn 7at, JKatint let, Rubin 7t*, Lady Lome 6at 121b, Field Rom fet IKb, Oaoopiii 6at> Ulb, Njj*.

THE ASHBtJMoft GtARDIA»7 ftJESftAI D&CEMBifis 4, j§oo



'nil moon >&Bfc quarter Jew moon 'irst quarter

6 14 22 29

10 8 pi 10 12 m 11 51 % i I 18 pi



Dftfee tecembsr »t ii j» ii if

4 5 6 7 8 9

»«M

4 16 4 16 4 16 4 16 4 16 4 15

Sett 7 24 7 28 7 26 7 27 7 28 7 29



THE SEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY MEN 1* Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3b 6d Men's White Canvaa Tennis Shirts 4s 6d Men's Fanoj Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3s , Boy»' New Straw Hats from la Men's Frame Hats in New Shades 4a to 12s 6d The Largest Stock in Aehbnrton. CYCLING SWEATERS in Fawn and White, from 6« Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Litest Novelties, AT THE N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY.. F. H. BECKINGSALB, Manager.



ZEALANDIA CYCLES. BXJiLT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Butted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Donlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months, Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Mannfactarers in the Colony WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 WE SHALL BE REPRESENTED at the; Ohrlstehurch >ad Tlmaru fixtures, ao« have mada satisfactory arrangements for disposing '.of CLIPS privately Aibburfcon. Consignment! will be received at oorAsnburton or Tinwald storei, and.sent onto either Ohriutoharch or Tlmarn, free of all charges, except railage; Clients who wish to send tholr Wool direct from ihelr nearub railway Nation will eaae consign aa follows: — If intended for sale at Ashburton—FrJedlanderßßros,B s, Ltd Siding, Aihburton If intended for lale at Gbriatohuroh—Brown and Son'i Siding, Addington If. intended for safe or shipment at Timaru-Miil & Go's Sidin?, Timiru If intended for shipment>t Lyttelton-N.ZiSbipping Oo'CDnmpißg'.Shed^LytUlton WOOLPAOKS, TWINE BK AN DING OIL, and .all other Shearing Bequiaites supplied at lowest rates. One Next Sale will take place at Ohristchurch on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1900 *RIKDLANDER BROS, LTD.



SPECIAL SH WTHIS WEKK OF CURTAINS, BLOUSE MUSLINS, CURTAIN MUSLINS, DRESS LAWNS, CURTAIN NETS, PIQUES & PIQUETIIS, CHEAPER THAN YOU CAN MAKE THEM BOY&' DBiLL SLITS IN ALL SIZES & COLQBS. —New Goods ex t?.s. Delphic.— LINOLEUMS, ALLOVBR LAOES, OARPET SQUARES, VAL & TOOHON LAOES, HEARTH BUGS, FANCY & MARKET BASKETS, L4BIFS AND GENT'S UNDERCLOTHING IN FULL RANGI3 OF ZfilTA & TARIOUS OTHER MAKES. MITCHELL AND TURNER



ASHBURTONOFFICE ••LYTTELTGN TIMES" » CANTERBURY TIMES ' ••ST4R" " SPOKTSMAN ' WHERE Aclvortisemeßbß and Subscrip tions will be received, and tiles can T NORDON, Managing Age-it for South Canterbury, BURNRII STREET, |Entracce to ihomW New Auction M»rt) Ltd. \TJE have sev«»l really first-class Farm VV for Bale on our books, and farmer fcinhtnß to purchaie would do well to call on as for particular* i — & Acres Rakaia District 365 , ( j» it 500 „ Drotnore  1000 „ Ijauriston „ , 1180 „ Springburn „ « %0 n Wakaoui „ j IOSI „ Ohert y  ■ 1958 „ Dro m? . F( MandKer '"*"'* spbainbd akklb quickly cubed 'At one timo I buffered fiom a severe •pram of the ankle. 1 Bays George E Cary, editor of the Gidiv, Washington. Va. 'After using several well recommended medicines without Baccses, I cried Chamberlain's P*irt Balm, tied am pleased to say th&t relief cams an soon as I begun its use, and a complete cure speedily followed.' Sold by Ashburton Drug Company TiKB yo«r Repairs to the Jubilee 800 Shop



A GOOD COUGH MIDIOIKK Ifa epeaka well for Chamberlain's Cough Remedy whets druggUU use it in their own families la preference to any other. ' I hay« sold Chamberlain 1* Congh Remedy for th« past five years with complete satisfaction to myself and customer*,' says Druggist J Goldsmith, Van Etten, NY. 'I have always used id in my own family both for ordinary coughs and colds and for the cough following 1» grippe, and find it wry t-ffieaoioiu.' For sale by AshUurtcm Drug mpany



Smoke New Venui



There Are still some great bargains obtain able ab the Dresden Piano Oo'a saleroom in Mr Henry Stophenson's premiaei, HaTelook Street. There are pianos ranging in prioe from 17 guineas up to 60 guines, and organs from 11 guineas upwards. The attention of the publio is drawn to this, as the remainder of the stock must be sold, and prices and terms are far more favourable than on any prevloss occasion—no reasonable offer being refuted. Inspection and .enquiries are in vited. Every Instrument carries theOonv pany's full written guarantee, and no better chance of obtaining an instrument dm ever been offered to the public of Asbburton.-~ Advt. 12 5 NOTICE.— The rapid Shirt Gloss is so ' easily used that a obild can gloss I collars and shirts, and Rive them the appear anoeofnew—JobnQbb&Co aodSHWRMAN Bios



WiATHIB FOMOABT. — Ciptain Edwin wires s—North to west and south-west gale, after 12 bonri from now; indications of »i».