THE SCHOOLS.

Prize Distributions.

HAMPSTEAD SOHOOL.

The following ia a summary of the remarks made by the Rbvb Woodthorje, logl 8, and Mr Teonanc at the break-up of the Hamp- SSeftd Bohool :— The Rev U B Inglie assured tfaa children that it afforded him very great) pleasure to be present at the function. He had listened with interest to Mr Brock's report, and was pleased to find the school w\a So such a, iatiefftotory condition. He also tested the children's kaowledge by aakirjjt them where the Book cf Proverbs w»b to be found. But they were ready for him, Rod promptly Rave him the informauotii He concluded by wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and waa heartily ap plauded on resamicg his seat-. Mr Teananti also epoke. He aaici that he hoped the time was very near when ali flofaalare who tni pa«6ed throagh a public Hohoo! should be able to go into the High Bohool if desired to do so, and he wae striv ing to got the Hfgh School Board to give more scholarships in the future. Mr Teooant atlao wished the children the compliments of the season, and hoped thab they would make use of their holidays so tha 1) when fchey C»m9 back to school again afterwards they would bo able to say what they had aeea. Bey R A Woodthorpe hoped the children would use thnir holidays to the best advan tage. He assured them that the most of his knowledge was gained In the holiday time. He wanbed the boys and girla to educate themselves at home ; education was an absolute necessity in the world, Ba also urged the importance of punting aa a por tion of school educatioD,as well aa drawing. tDo see a painting or drawiug was to a certain extent education for a child. After aa Interesting and instructive speech Mr Woodthorpe cocc'uded by wishing the children a very enjoyable holiday, and a very merry Christmas The diobributiDg of certificates was then prcoseded with.

ALLENTON SIDE SCHOOL.

Afc the Prize distribution the Allenton Side School was very taitftfully decorated With choice flowers and the children looked at their beat, being full of expectation at the prospsot before them. The pr'zis were Bunaerois3, and gave great satisfaction to those who were Buocees/ul in winnirg them. CDhero was a very good attendance of the parents and friends present, who seemed tnach interested in the proceedings. The chairman of the Borough School Committee, Mr Craigheadf prasided, and the Rev Mr Fse dietribu'ed the priz?s, and gave an amaeiog and interesting address to the children. The chairman congratulated Miss Burr and her assistant on Ihe excellent work done by them daring tho year, and cA ed for nearly oheers for them, which were heartily given. He then wished them a Merry Christmas and a Hoppy New Year, and the proceedings terminated. Tbe fol lowing is the Pris» List : ~ Standa-d 111-Progress, Emily Campbell (attendance), 1, George Hoaken (attendanor) 2, Eldrick Ede 3, Fred Cameron 4. Con doot, NelHe Edmonds ;Drawing s Ellen Kaox. Special Pr'zs for Drawing, given by Mr H M Jones, Rose Howaon; Sowing, Alioe Harris, May Keweon Bfe*ndard II — Progreap, Hops Brigans {•titendance) 1, Milly Smith 2, Nellie Phaup 3. Conduct, Bosste Loy ; Drawing, Willie Henderson ; Attendance, George Edmonds. Standard I (Aj—Progrtß*, Charlia Turner (aUendancft) 1, Alice Campbell 2, Roy K>reel 3, Evelyn Brigans 4. Drawing, Tudor Tora- Hoeon ; Attendance, Adam K-;rsel and Jessie Phaup ; Sewing, Winnie Clark Standard I (B)—Progress, Dwcy Preston 1, Hugh Bjaox 2, Jiroea Steele 3, Maggie H&nnagin 4. Conduct, Grace Taylor, lofants—Every child reoeived a book

FAIRTON SCHOOL.

The Fairton school dosed for the Christ mas holidays on Friday afternoon. Owing to the unsettled state of the weather for tome time pasts the Committee, decided that rather than take the rick of a wet day for pipnio and sports they woald present each child in attendance with a book priz? in- Btead. These, and a few special przs were ftcoordioglj presented by the teacher, Miss Hodgson, to the children, ia the presence of a few parents and friends. Handsome inkstands for 'Merii' were pre sented to Allan Hooper, Alfred Daly, Chrie Harold sn4 Lee I.i:Kiiloh. Work boxes for aewing were gained by Kite Harold, Rose Ford, and May Mateer, while for beat •genera! progress' fince the opening of the school Alfred Daly won the boys' prizi md Lettie Ford the girls'. Mr H tA Jones' prizi for writing was won by May Anderson, who also ties with Violet Neale for Mlee Hodgson's'c nduob priz\' Before dismiss ing the children, they were llbarally supplied with lollies the gifb cf Mr Carey.

The Troops Question.

United Preaa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Sydney, December 20 Mr Barton states that he intends to wait till the Imperial authorities offi cially announce exactly what they require before moving in the matter of sepdisfg a Contjsgent. Adelaide, Dec 21 In the Council the Attorney-Gen©* fa] stated that if other States decided to send another contingent to the Tsransyaftf, Independently of the Oom •» monwealth Parliament, at the request and expense of the Imperial authori ties, the Government of Sooth Aus tralia will fall into line.

MR BARTON HAVING A GOOD TIME

Received Dec 21,12 56 a m Melbodbne, Dec 21 The Age, commenting on the refer ence in Lord Soaebery's speech to statesmen and the new sentiment of the empire.says;—"Mr Barton may not perceive any personal application in tkis,, but his friends think this new sentiment of empire ought cer taioly to have animated the Fedural Premiers as actively as it did the Prime Ministers of Canada and New Zealand. What we know is that while Lord Kitchener cabled to Mr Seddon grateful thanks for the offer of a Oontiogentj we have Mr Barton holding ba k in a timid sort of way, saying that more Australian troops will be got ready if England asks for them. Nothing of the new sentiment of empire can be seen in such an attitude, Mr Barton entirely misre presents the public sentiment in Aus tralia."

Home and Foreign.

United Preae ikaaooiatloQ—By Eleobrla Telegraph—Copyright Received Deo 21, 1115 am WAR WITH JAPAN Sx Petersburg, Dec 20 Oolonel Agapejffj lecturing here after residing in Manchuria, said a war with Japan would be dangerous at present, owing to Japan's great naval resources and ability to land 160,000 soldiers at the theatre of war within a fortnight

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Unltad Press Association—By Eleotrie Telegraph INVEBOAKGILL, Deo 21 A petition, bearing over 300 signatures, has been lodged with the Chairman of the Southland County Council, demanding o, poll oa the ratling of val«e»

RUAPUNA WATER RACE SUPPLY.

Atfhe iovitafion of the Chairman of the I Uouniy Council, the ratepayers of Nos 1 and 2 Special Wa'er Hate District met yesterday utternoon nv. thg Kuapuna Hail to discuss the question of tha restoration of the main channel from tha headworkß. Mr 0 J Harper presided, and there were »!bo prseent; the County Engineer, and Messrs J Doyle senr, W Baliantyns, W G Doyle, VV Gal lagher. J Soott, D Fraaer, E J Hall, J WibheP, E T«ylor, W T,-etheway, T Bennett, C Jaine, Edward Smart*, J Foster, and W J Alien. The Chairman explained the position and the results of his visit to Wellington as already reported in this jonrna'.—After repeated interviews with Ministers, £1000 of a grant had been obtained on condition that £2000 was raised by the local body interested. This £3000 would nooeasadiy he slightly reduced by the cost of Mr Nipier Bell's services, £100 and Incidental expenses. It was for the meeting to decide upon the best manner for the restoration of this channel. Mr Napier Bell's greater scheme would fall to the ground, as now being beyond the'r meane, but his curtailed scheme could well be carried ont, and extra concrete channelling could thus be provided with the surplus of over £800 6 a? the lesser plan was estimated at £1950. This additional channelling would provide a further measure of safety in the rbky portion of the headworksi The Chairman referred to the faob that in 1891 Mr Baxter, the County Engineer, had reported on the channel proposed at the foot cf the terrace through tb.B swamp, buu want of fimda prevented this being adopted. The Chain man intimated that it was quite useless to expect the County Council to provide more funds now* The Burplus of £850 in the Ashburton Raugitata water supply diatrict had been voted towards the Ruapuna restoration, and beyond this it was quite impossible to make a further grant He had been much grati6ed at the success of the application to the Government, resulting in the £1000 grant, which was really more than he had anticipated, although~be had asked for £3000. He urged upm those present] the prudenca of now undertaking the woik at onoe, as it was quite possible if the grant were not availed of now, it might ultimately lead to its withdrawal! The proper season ha-i now arrived for the the construction of the necessary concreting. The Chairman re^i a letter from Mr Geo Gould, regretting his inabiluy to attend the meeting. The proposal of the Council to find a further sum of £3000 for the completion of the raoe—as he uudersbood it—had his hearty support, and ho hoped it would be given jflfeco to. The Chairman pointed nub tb»b he Ind no knowledge of this £30CO grant referred to, aa the limit of the Council wbb the £850 eurp'us water funds. Nothing fun her could be expected, and Mr Gould must, thareforo, have laboured under a misapprehension in writing as he had done. Reverting to Mr Bell's report, where provision waa made for a, ftaw of 900wgallons per minute through the proposed channel at the intake, there was no necessity for this s zi of pipe, ac, the County Engineer reckoned 7000 gal'ons would be all chat wae lequired to ensure a cafe supply to the lower race. It waa now for the ratepayers to decide whether the County Counoil should proceed with the reconstruction as per Mr Bell's curtailed plan of restoration, which was on very similar lines fco that of their own engineer's report:. Mr W G Doyle enquired wh&t quantity of water would be carried over tha channel above the terrace into the district, and the Engineer np'iai 5000 gallons per minute. Mr Taylor pointed out that Mr Bell reckoned the race would convey as much as the culvert, v'z, 9000 gallons; The County Engineer considered that ib would not carry that quantity. When full, the race would carry 7000 gallons, bub with absorption 3000 gallons only could be reckoned upon at the lower portion of the raoe, and i his repre sented about 4500 gallons at the upper end. Mr Ballantyne thought Mr Bell had not I reported on the quantity the raoe would deliver to ;he ratepayers. The Eegineer farther stated that anything more ttuu 15 inches of water would bo dangerous. Mr Ttylor said thab as Mr Bell waa praotioilly appointed umpire they had ft right to assume his ideas would ba correct. The Chairman showed that as the raoe would not c*rry 9000 gallons, there waa, therefore, no necessity to construct such a large culvert,, and a further saving on the cost would ba effeoted by a culvert of less eizi. Mr Doyle, sent, asked if there was surplus water, would the Council make use of same. The Chairman stated if there was any water to spare the diatriob lower down would be glad to pay for ib, and their special aocoanb would be credited. Mrß>xter and Mr 801 l had both reported that the curtailed Bcheme could ba oarried out, Mr W G Doyle waa of the opinion thab under the circumstances no other than the curtai'ed eoh erne could now be adopted and he would move in favor of the restoration, being thus carried out, adhering as close as possible to Mt Bell's plan, and the motion was seconded by Mr Fiaser Mr Bailantyne enquired for information as to how the original loan of £6000 had been procured, and what was the nature of the petition 1 This should be ascertained, and he suggested that matters be delayed mean, tlnrsu, He pointed out that the maintenance was the serious aspect of the matter tip his miad, and he thought) the rating Bhould provide for the necessary cleaning. He waa not afraid ef the head wocks construction, which he would personally undertake if the Council would buy the watar The Chairman explained that the first loan of £5000 was obtained,by open voting, The petition would eirnply be the usual initiatory one of asking the Council to provide the monej, and the balanoe of the £6000 would also no doubt be the result of petition. As to maintenance, it must be clearly and dis tinctly understood thab the Counoil had neither the power nor the funds to main tain the race, Tho annual maintenance after the water flowed must necessarily be a charge on this special district, and ib musb ba obvious to be meeting there was no other course, Ths present interest on their loan came to 3d per acre, and the" whole charge for restoration and main' benanoe would only amount to 6d per aore Mr Ballantyne pointed out) the risks to the race from slips, which would increase the maintenance oost The Engineer estimated that maintenance would not extend over £150 or £200 at the outside annually Mr Taylor here stated emphatically thab Mr Bali had expressed the opinion that Ruapuna could not make and also maintain j thab race Mr Ballautyne explained that as a trustee in Bx'bntyne's Estate, he would nob hesi- j bate to do "ids as to the reconstruction, and he thought Mr Gould would agree with him, i bub the maintenance phase he must oonfebs j frightened him. Mr W G Doyle considered thab all the slips likely to fill in were already settled, and he failed to ace that the maintenance would be anything of a serious matter The Chairman agreed, and pointed out thab a race over similar country near Orari, although oostly to construct and giving a lob 0! trouble at first, was practically now no expense. He blbo reminded those present thab they were now getting a small supply of water free, and by this the Counoil was practioally losing £50 per annum, but withoub bhis limited supply the district would suffer with severity when a dry season was experienced. He might further toll them plainly thab if the £1000 Government grant were not at once availed of, there would be a great difficultly in again gobbing ib on the Estimates. The Council meb again in January, when he urged that tenders should be called for the work and completion made before the next frofts set in Mr J Doyle maintained thab a grievous mistake would ba made if any further delay occurred in at onoe oarrying out the cur tailed construction Bohetne. The maintenance question need nob influence thb ratepayers, an having gone so far they would not ba risking a further sum than tha loan of £\2i)d. Mr Ballaatyne conteod&d that as the result of a visit he bad paid to the race £600 per annum would be the maiotainanee charge, in any case he reckoned £400 would be incurred instead of £150, Would the Council find part of the maintenance ? This would solve the difficulty. ' The Chairman :No ! 1 Mr Bennetb thought the msiatenanoe oould be let by tender. :

The Chairman pointed out that id airness to other ratepayers further delay would prove dangerous in several ways. Surely their landa would bear its burden, which would be laae than Oreri ratepayers incurred. They muat run certain riaks, and the re' construction risk w.ia on« ihey should certalnlj take if th. y wished to improve the value of their land. He cou'd not under stand their lieaifcaion, The miserable , trickle of water they cow gob no doubt) made them ap.ithetic, and even this oould not always be free Mr Taylor: We have paid for it for 20 years The Chairman, in reply to Mr Bennett, pointed out that tondere oould not bo called for maia'aining a race which at the presen did not exist. U was impracticable, as tenderers would not even look at tho proposed work Mr Taylor here referred to the resolution of the ratepayers where they aeketf that no curtailed eaheme should be oarrled out. The old ioheme he contended had proved a mUarable mesa ail over, aad with this in Tiew he asked how any sans and reasonable person oould go Id for a further loan! The ratepayers he urged had a right io be careful. The action of the County Council wag enough to make them lose all faith in publio men Mr BaHanbyne thought Mr Bell had not considered the ratepayers portion of the raoe, *nd he suggested cbtaioing an expert opinion on the maintenance question—for himself. He would move as an amendment —"That the matter be delayed aad the question of maintenance referred to the County Counoil with a view to relieving the ratepayers " Mr Bennett asked if any guarantee would be given by the Counoil as to an ultimate supply of wAter being secured The Chairman replied in the negative The amendment on being put was declared by the Chairman na lost, although some considered i' oarried Mr W G Doyle here objio^od to both Mesßra Baliantyne and Scott voting, as only representing one p'operty OnMrJ Djyle'a resolution being put it was lost by fiur votes to six, ana the amendment was therefore adopted Mr W G Doylo would like to know what hotter scheme those present could suggest The Chairman said this postponement would now mean a !obs of twelve months. They could not possibly expecb to escap-. maintenance, and they would hava to continue to p*y iu'.eresb on the £6000 without any retura for the next 42 year?. The pressnt gtatuious supply might) b« stopped At any moment . Oa the motion of Mr J Doyle, seconded by Mr Ballantynn, a hearty vote of thanks waa accorded the Ch&irmtn for his serv.oes. J

The Eighth Contingent.

SHOULD THE MEN BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN AFRICA.

Wellington, December 20 Tbo question whether members of the Eighth Contingent can remain in South Africa sfer their term of engagement hat expired has boen settled. They must oomo bick. An exception will be made in cases of m?n who obtain appointment?, and are recommended to bd allowed to remain by the officer commanding the Contingent.

EQUIPMENT OF THE CONTINGENT.

Wellington, Deo 20 Aeked by a reporter tonight as to how the equipment for the Eighth Contingent was getting on, tbe Premier eald nothing much had oeen done as yer. It was rather a surprise to find in the newspapers advor* tisamenta that the boot oontraob had been secured by a Wellington Brm, considering that bo Ministerial authority had been given for that or for any other oontraob aa yet. The contracts are to be deals with by the Cabinet tomorrow, and the doairo of the Government is to spread the orders over the colony as much as possible, co tint the despa'ch may be facilitated, and the benefit of the work spread over as big a suifaoe as possible. It has been stated that there will be rearlotioos as to the colour in horses to be oV.osea for (he u?e of the Eighth Oontlngent, As a matter of fact ihoro is to bo no reetric* tion whatever! The Bister ateamprs, Cornwall and Surrey, hava been selected for the conveyance of the Eighth Contingent to South Africa. The vessels are being chartered from Messrs Burb and Co One will leave Wellington and tha other Lyttelton. The steamer, which leaves Wellington, will probably be about tbe 20th January. Ib wil call at Auckland to pick j up the horses and the northern section of the "ontingenb,

Wellington Dsoomber 21 The number of Wei ington applications for the Eighth Contingent b 485, besides which about 100 have been referred to their proper districts^ Captain Ross, of the Scottish Horse, had an interview with the Premier yester day, on the question of raising recruits in New Zealand. Mr Seddon bold h<m that he was prepared to send aa many m«n aa were wanted, bat they must go aa New Zeal&nd Contingent. Captain Ross therefore decided to discontinue his recruiting mission. It is now certain that Colonel Davles will be offered, and ib is considered probable that ho will accepb, the command of the Eighth Contingent. New Plymouth, Deo 21 Nearly 80 applicants have already applied for the ten places allotted to Ta^anakl In the Eighth Contingent Nob one returned trooper has yet applied. Among the volunteers Is Captain Tannton, Adjutant of.the Taranaki batalllon. Hawera December 21 There are over 70 applications for the ten positions In the Eighth Contingent allocated to tbe Hawera list, and five or six returned Oontiogenters among thenu

The following offioera have been appointed the Recruiting Board for Aehburton j—Lieut Pooke, Aahburton Mounded Riflas ; Captain Niooll, Aehburton Guards, and Dr Bolger, Medioal Officer. The Board will aelecb, and have medically examined, the reOruits from lbs Aehburton district, and the men passed are to reporb themselves at the Defence Office, Timaru, on the 27bh insfr., and will be granted free passes. Applicant! for commissions In the Eighth Contingent (other than officers In the Defenoe Forces) who wish to aerv<3 in the ranks if nob granted a commission, must present themselves before the Reoruiting Board ab their owe centres, bo that they may have a obanoe of enrolment failing selection as officern.

THE LATEST

AiastraUan.

United Press Assooiabfon—By Eleofcdo Telegraph—Copyright

Received December 21,10 6a m MINERS' WAGES Adelaide, Dec 21 The directors of the Moonta-Wal laroo mines have informed their em ployees unless the price very materially increases it will be necessary to with draw ten per cent of the increase in wages given a coople of years ago, con ditional on the price remaining above & certain figure. THE DEADLOCK IN WES TRALIA Perth, Dec 21 Mr Morgans haa informed the As serably that the Government has refused his request for a dissolution, and he had resigned, and Mr Lake would be sent for. Mr Morgans accused his reputed followers of ratting, »nd doubted if they would b@ true to their new chief, {Received December 21, 10 10 am) HEAT WAVE AND OYOLOHB Brisbane, Dec 21 The heat wave continues unabated, and several deaths from sunstroke and heat apoplexy have occurred, Amm

afe Barcaldine had been digging & grave, 1 aud when he climbed out be dropped dPad. Cyclones did much damage to property in several townships. I

AN PXOiTING INCIDENT The combination of Wirth'a circus and a shipment of cattle caused trouble on the eteamer Paroo. A bear broke loose and a panic ensued amongst the cuttle. The bear, »fter maw ling seve ral oows, was captured carrying off a calf.

SOUTH AFRICA

THE ACTION OF CANADA AND NEW ZEALAND COMMENDED

THE PKIOE OF MULES

KOCH CONVICTED

THE TREATMENT OF REFUGEES

DAMAGE TO BrRMINGHAM TOWN HALL

(Jolted Presi Association—By Eleotrla J Telegraph—Copyright J

(Rooeivad Deo 21, 9 17 «.tn) London, Dec 20 The Times says the readiness of the Canadians and New Zealanders to reenlist answers the monstrous calam nies some Englishmen are not ashamed to uttor for foreigners to repeat. Renter's agency reports tba»; Ame rican dealers having raised the price of mules the British war office will trans fer the orders to South America unless the rise is abandoned. John Koch has been convicted in connection with the recent plot at Johannesburg, D* mpers, testifying on behalf of the refugees, admitted that while Krnger fed the poor and refugees on mealies only, the British supplied the refugees' camps with fbur and groceries. The Birmingham Liberal Association is responsible for £150 damage done at the Lloyd George Town Hall meeting,

A LONG LIST

Received December 21, 1113 a m London, Dec 20 Thirty charges against Scheepers in clude murder, arson, and train wreck ing

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT

A SUGGESTION

United Press Association-— Bj Eleotfld Telegraph Wellington, Deoomber 21 Maj >r Andrew, commanding the Sixth Contingent, cab'es to the Premier that the Contingent! are all well* He suggests that there should be a Now Zetland brigade, the men of which should nob weigh more than ten stone with officers and staff, the officers to be Now Zmlanders and the brigade to bs commanded by New Zaalandere. The Im perial Government should provide two pern poms, transport, an engineer, and a eignailiog scout and field hospital. There is then a prsdbility of New Z;aland maintaining its identity in the field.

THE ASHBUBTOy QUAfiDIAft ; SATPBPAT, DECEMBER 21, 190),



ENTERTAINMENTS. ADDFELLOWS 1 HALL, LAST NIGHT 1 John F, Shoridau, The Popalar and JnimiUble Comedian TO-NIGHT, JOFTANNA MURPHY, -Drcseedin Pad si&u Guwns ma.de to order. Ladiep, you must Dot miss them *£ Trip to Chicagc.' Funny, Funnier than a Pantomimo KOMBO and JULIET—MR SHERIDAN \ AS JULIET Sea the Mothorin-Lmw scene. IRISH versus YANKEE Irish Win In a Walk Prices - 4-t, 2> 6d and Is. Day Bale and ' BoxPian»6H< M. Jonbs' 12316 Government Notices. f — i ■■ " i i. ._ NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. TRAIN SERVICES CHRISTMAS DAY. fTHHE only trains that will run In the -L Ckristoburch-Tim»ni District) oa the 26th inab. will be the 8:0 a. tn Christohuroh to Ashburton, 3-15 p.m Aehburiion to Christ ohuroh, 7:25 ft.tn Titnaru to Ashburton, 10:55 a.m ABhburton to Timaru, the 10:20 a.m and the 11:0 a.m trains Chrlstcburoh to Dunedin and Dunedia to Chriatoburub. No goods traffic, 12176 BY ORDER. NEW 2B3ALAND RAILWAYS. Traiu Arraogetnenta, December 26th. RACES at Mount Somerß,—Excursion Train Ashburton to Mount) Somers and Sprlogburn, at 10.15 a m, Tinwald 1D.23, returning from Spriogbura ad 640 p m, Mount Somora 6 55. Stops at all stations, if required. An extra train will leave Ashburtoa for Springburo, at 835 pin, setting down paaseDgera where required. Cycling Sporbs at Ohdstchurch—The eveniDg train from Ohristchuroh to Ashbur ton and Methven will start ab 5.25, and be due from Rakaia at 7 40, Chettaey 7.58. The evening train from Methven to Rakaia, aod Rakaia to Methven, will run 35 and 40 minutes later than timetable times reapeot' tively Night trains Chriatohuroh to Duuedin and Dunedin te Chriatohuroh, at 820 and 810 p m respectively No goods treffia on the 26th inst Excursion fares any station to any station, Fee handbills 12 178 BY ORDER



DAVID THOMAS AHOADB HORSE_ FAIB. FKIDAY, JAN. 10, 1902. MY NEXT HORSE PAIR will be held on the above date, for which I am now receiving entries. 12 155 D THOMAS FRIEDLANDER BROS, LTD FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY, NOf having sold Mr B* A Cccks's Farm of 912 Acres aO Mayfield by Auction we ar© now prepared to deal privately lor ame, Full particulars on application to FRIEDLANDER BROS. Ltd. g-'-L'-'-L— Jg9i PUBLIC NQTIOEB v n rnTii DBUIDS PICNIC WILL BE HELD AT LONGBEACH on THURSDAY N*XP, (Boxing Day*) MEMBERS of bith Lodges and their friends heartily invited* Hob water provided. Drags leave Templar Hall at 8 am sharp. Seaba must be booked by Saturday "night to enable Committee to provide con veyances; Tickets obtainable from 12 166 D, STOCK, See. to Committee. "~ TOWN~~CLOCK^ — o— \ 8 there are many persona in both Town and Country who have promised support) to this object, *cd no doubd would like to see the Ciook in the Tower, they are asked to forward their Subscriptions aa promptly as possible. The sum of Forty-Five Pounds is yet required, and aa the Clock has been ordered,; it is desirable that the necessary amount shall be in hand. W. H. COLLINS, 174 Mayor. PUBLIC NOTICE IN Pursuance of the Public Reserves Act, 1886, Notice ia hereby given thai Reserve 2639 will be set aparb for the Mount Somera Annual Sports on THURSDAY, December 26'h, inst, on which day the Sporti Oommitteeare empowered bo make the following charges for admission :— For eaoh Adult—One Shilling For eaoh Horse—-Ode Shilling. A E PEACHE, Chairman Mount Somera Domain Board 12 117 ___ x ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL~* CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. NOTICE is hereby givon thab the Council's Offices will be CLOSED from 4,30 pra on 24th DECEMBER, 1901, to 9 30 a m on 2nd JANUARY, 1902. By Order, F; MAIN WARING, Clerk Aahburton, Deo. 21, 1901 12 183 BE wise and save money. Boy yoasr Boots and Shoes at Mellor's, Note — Zealandia Boot Store. T) EM.EMBBR oar Boots and Shoes will £\> wear like brass, and we are giving wonderful Bargains at Mbllor's Zealandia Boot Storei ! DU yon wish a happy New fear. If so bay yoar Boots at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Ptore. Great Bargains they say at Mellor's. WANTED every ose to remember that Mkllor's Zealandia Boot Store Ie selling Boots and Shoes at reduced prices, MAKE no mistake ; If it is Boots aDd Shoes you require, then go straight to Melior's Zealandia Boob Store. Sou can get hundreds of pairs to pick from at Meuqk's,



FUNERAL NOTICE. rpHE Frion Is of Mr and Mra Harming are X re^peotfu'ly informed thab the Funeral of their late beloved daughter, Jolu Mart, will move from their residence, Willowby, on MONDAY, 25r<* mat, »t 1 p«i,"Tor tire Ashburfcon Cemetery Baker brop., 12 192 Undertakers Public notices ~~ Mil. and Vol. Office, Timaru, 19th December, 1901 DISTRICT ORDER. Bth N.Z. CONTINGENT. A PPLICANTS for Commission* in the 11 Bth Contingent (other than Offioers of the Defence Forces) who wMi to serve in the ranks, if not granted a Commission, mas'! prase a 6 themselves before the Reoruit iag Board ab their own Centres, so thab they may have a ohanoe of enrolment), tailing selection t»a Offioera O. S; BAILEY, Lieutenant Colonel, 12 184 Commanding 8.0. Sub. Dintricc glSs blowingT~~ "TTIvSITORS to Ohristohuroh are reminded V that special Exhibitions of GLASS BLOWING will be hell thrice daily during Christmas and New Year weeks—lo to Noon, 2 to 5, and 7to 9 »t the Glasi Works, 16 Manchester Street Admission Is ; Children 6d Each Visitor reoeives a Present) of our own manufacture 12 186 " n"cTtTg^ mHE Offices and Grain Stores of th« X undermentioned firms will be closed for Christmas and New Year's Holidays as follows: — DECEMBER 25th and 26th. JANUARY Ist and 2nd. FRIEDLANDER BROS., per Morifz Fried lander, Secretary D. THOMAS, per Chae. Jennings NZ. FARMERS' CO-OP. ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY, Ltd. T, F. Gibson, Manager. . 12 182 ashlurton borough council ~ NOTICE is hereby given thab the Muniolpal Offices and Circulating Library will be CLOSED lor the Christmas Holidays from 4 pm on TUESDAY, the 24th iosbj, bill 9 &m on FRIDAY, the 3rd January. By order. H H FOOKS, 12190 Town Clerk* _____ . EAST STREET, at a Reduced Rental, SHOP and Premises lately occupied by Mr George Worner T BULLOCK TO LET ROOMS In Arcade Chamber*; also In Victoria Buildings T. BULLOGK. TO LET DWELLING of Five Rooms, Vorao^ah, nod Scullery ; conveniently sUu&tod ; frooting Wakanui Roa«i East Possession can be given nexb week '2 BULLOCK TO LET 9 AT A LOW RENTAL FEMIBES sdjoiniog MeConell's Stable* TaQored Street, lately ooaupied by Mr R T Clark I S BULLOCK



WANTED. 1 liIOUND, ia CJnpg Street—Long Blue " Overcoat—Apply offioa of tis p.«p<-r. 12 185 HPHK DUST PAN, is no Abauoir, bub a J_ Great Slaughter ia now going on in the Toy Line. '12 169 \\7 ANTED- Girl to assist in Housework, W —Apply Mbs MackaY, Havelock Street. )2 156 LOST, ia Anhburton-—An old Cigarette Holder ia Case» Fnder kindly return to this office. 5s Ri ward. 12 113 TT7ANTKD, at onoe-A Steady Youth, Vf must be able to take charge of a hot Be and make hitneolf generally useful ; good wages to good applicant.—Apply this office. 12 m gjiOH &ALE — Black Currants, Rasp- JD berries, and Cherries, at J. Milli* champ's, TorruceNurßery, ABhburton, 12189 WAIN'iliD, at once—Geaeiftl Servant good wages.—Apply ' A.U,' Mail Office 12 146 BARING Square Church—Servioea Tb mobrow—-Ma J Havman, MomiDg ; RetT Fes, Evening. Subject—'A Mirn ouloua Kscape.' Solo—Ma W Graob ■ 12 188 Q ARING Square Church—Servioe Chr Jst- JL> mas Nigbt at 7,30; Solo by Mb W Grace. Anthems, &o, by Choir, (Jolleotion tor Unildren'a Homa 12 187 PRIMITIVE Methodist Church-Set R Rains willpteaoh ia the above Unuioh twice Tomorrow. Morning Subject— ' Frtiih '; Eveuing Subjeot—' IJevile.' NEWMAN'S DKaU~wlu leave the Stables on Christmaa Day at 10,30 a w for the B.ach ; 2s return. All inteact i»g t^ go ly the Drag must secure iheir i'lokau bafcrdlOESDAY MorniDg 12 194 rTTANIED Known—That Santa Glaus Ti haß paid a visib to the Misses Page leaving a splendid assortment of Fauoy Lollies and Toys for the G.rli and Boys ; aieo a choice assortment of Chocolate Boxes, Uadbury'a a Epeoialiy.—The Ariel Confec tionery, East Slreeti WE are booking orders for Christmas Poultry of all kinds at J H JtwiTT's, | Butnett Street, Asbburton U^-HRLSTMAS CARDS, Noveitiee, Pr^. Bents, Toyp, Djllb, &0., ia Great Variety, at THE DUST PAN 12 170



FOLLOWING are acme of our Xmas Prices, which ahow that we are not behind the umea : 70ib beet Jam tiugar 14j 6d, Raisins s£i, Sultanas 6^d ( Currants sd, feel Bd, Cooot»nut 7d per lb, and di other Goods just as cheap at Kres Bhos, Burnett Streeb BJRING THE CHILDREN to The Duet Pan to tee the Gooda from England, America, Fiance, Japan,s»nd the Australasian Colonies 12 171 FOR Oiiriaimus— i'etk Frsen's London Biscuits in eight varieties. Swiss Wine, ■ S»ns Alcohol.' Auaiebrouk's and (Jnobufy's Chocolates, New Currants, Peel, Almonas, Dates, and Figa of finest quality."-Carson & Co. WHERK shall, we go to make our pur clubcs to greet Santa Olaue, and for Chtigtmaa i*nd New Year preaauts? Why to H M Jones, svhcsra there ie a great varieiy of toys, fancy goods, chaste, beautiful, and useful to suit all rtquiremer.to, from a penny doll to a piano, a penny whistle to a b cycle. Open every evening to Ghrisimap,—MM YES, there can be doubt, no possible dotabr that Mellor fiZaalandiaßiot Store leads for value, :'''iT7 ANTED -All Men fc>r ccc Colonial VV Tvvaod Trousers 7a lid, Two Pair* Black Cashmere Sox for le lid, White Washing Hats Is 6d at Pjeaboe's, * Cash Draper JAM or Preserving J..rs, If you vie walling any of theeo, give us n call Mation's j »r?, pints 4a 91 per dcz;n, quarts 5s 6', half gallon 6i 9i. Mason s improved Quarts 7»i half gallon 8a 61 dtz, Jam or Je!ly Tumblers from 2s 6ci per doz-n. Earthenware jars from '6i dczan,—Fletcher Bros Cash Supply Stores WE VVi*nc Hoom, and During this Month are g.ving anme Exceptional Bargains in Drapery and Clothing—W H Pearcb, Corner East and Burnett Street, mOYS, TOYS—Every at tide must, be sold JL by Xmfts Eve. Bring the Children to Pearce'h, Cash Draper mHB SHOP will be open every Night Thia Week until 9 o'clock, Saturday until 11 o'clock, for the sale of ChristtrmH ard New Year Cards. A X H WILLIAMS, Eaafc Street WANTED TO SELL—Samplea Table Centres, Mantle Drapes, Etc, Toi'et Sets, Etc, mußt be sold to make room for the Toys—W H Pearob, Ci«h Draper WANTED KNOWN-New fruiti just arrived, new Currants 4|i and Sd per lb, new Saltanas at 6§d, new Valencsas s^i lb, new seeded rnielns (full weight) 7d per lb, new Cooking figs 7 per lb. Finest r Cane Sugar 70!bbage 14s 6i, 56ib bags 12j, 401b bags 8s 91 at Fletcher Bros. Cash Cash Supply Stores WANTED KNOWN -That J Moibon has made immense reductions in order to clear more quickly, and make room for his new Chnistmas Stock of Boots and Shoes, of best quality jußb arrived Repair ing done at once, best leather üßed ; the Hall —next Court House, Ashburton. 11 153 FOUND -The Ready Money Shop in Tancred Streeb (opposite Arcade)— Best value in Men's Merino Pants Is lid, Brown Cotton do Is 6d, Heavy Ribbed do Is 9d, Singlets Is lid; Cord Trousers 4s lid, Strong Saddle Tweed do 8a 6d ~Y\T ANTED Known—Lovely Prints from V w 4£d, Fancy Pinafore Muslins 3J<l, Madras Muslins for Blouses in Pink, Oream, Blue and Black 7|i, Large Aprons llfd, Corsets 2s 6J, Cashmere Hose Is, "at the Ready Money Shop, Tanored Street ** riIHK Scene has Changed," say J. Visitors to the Ready Money Shop. Largo Hearth Rng=> 2s 9J, Door Mats Is, Best Wool do 3a lid, Yard wide Carpet Is 2d, Yard wide Floorcloth Is 4£d> Latest Carpet Designs and Tiles in two yard wide do at Lowest Spot Cash Prices LOOK HERE-Crepe Cretonnes 4£d, Double Width Reversible do 9|d and Is, Lace Curtains from Is 6d, 70 inch White Twill Sheetings 10£ d. Strong U.B Tabling 104 d, Nainsook, fuil 421n wide, 5s 9d a dozen at GibbaSd's, Ready Money Draper DRESSES— Broohe Silk Luatree 6b lid, 7s ID, 8s lid, drfas length, Summer Beiges 6s 9d, Nuns' Veilings Id a yard, Summer Tweed Effects 5s lid dresa, French Poplins 8s lid, All Wool Serges 69 6d, Reversible Zephyrs 5s 9d, at Gebbabd's, Tanored Street, opposite Arcade TTTANTED KNOWN-Gxbbard h»« pur- IT chased the stock of Q F Smith, Rangiora, £1 worth of Drapery for 10s j Is Straw Hats for 6d ; 4a Felt Hats for la lid ; Paper Collars, 4 bpxes for Is. The stock must go at any price space limited, priue no object, Come «<) 0000 to Gibbarp's for bargains. ■



Now that fresh Meat is bo dear, it Is more economical to use the following -• 21b Tins Corned Beef. (Beliaatjper tin 1 0 21b Tins Spiced Beef (Belfast) per tin 1 0 21b Tins Corned Mutton, per tin ... 1 0 21b Tins Spiced Mutton, per tin ... 1 0 21b Tina Preserved Rabbit, per tin 0 1* lib Tins Preserved Rabbit, per tin 0 7 2:b Tins Rabbit and Bacon, per tin 1 0 31b Tins Ox Tongues, pßr tin ... 3 6 lib Tins Camp Pit,, per tin ... 1 3 lib Tins Our Flag Salmon, per tin 0 8 lib Tins Red Oregon Salmon, per tin 0 9 lib Tin Salmon Cutlet, per tin ... 0 10 lib Tins Red Sockage Salmon,per tin 1 0 Bqual to Cocktail) ■lib Tins of Salmon Steak, per tin 10 lib Tins Cocktail Salmon, per tin 11 |lb Tins Salmon Cutlets per tin ... 06£ lib Tins Fresh Herrings, per tin ... 0 7 lib Tins Star Mullet, per tla ... 0 7 lib Tina Herrings in Tomato Sauce per tin ... - ti . ... 0 10 lib Tins Kippered Herrings, per tin 0 10 lib Tine Lobster, per tin... ... 0 10 lib Tin Preserved Bloater, per tin 010 \ Smoked Sardines, large tins ... 1 0 „ small tins ... 0 6 Good Sardines, large tins ... 0 8 „ small tins 4d and 04| Albert Sardines, Jarpe tins ... 1 0 Finest Polled Bacon 7£d by roll, perlb 0 8 SAUCES Mellor's Mild or Piquant £p!nt bottle 0 8| Mellor's Mild or Piqnantlplnt bottle 1 '6 Lea & Perrin's 1 pint ... ... 2 6  \ pint bottle ... 1 4 Worcester \ pint bottles 3s 9ddsz, or per bottle ... ... -0 4 Worcester 1 pint bottles 7s 6d doz, or per bottle ... ... 0 8 Oar Own \ pint bottles sd, 1 pint 0 9 Tomato Sauce (Flag brand) ... 0 9 Catsup (Flag brand) ... ... 010 Anchovy Sauce C& B \ pint bottles 1 4 JAMS, MARMALADE, Etc, 21b Jars Plum Jam, pei jar ... 1 0 lib Jar Raspberry per jar ... 0 9 i lib Tins Jam 3s 9d doz, per tin ... 0 4 21b Tins Plum Jam 0 8£ 21b Tins Raspberry Jam per tin... 0 11 lib Tin Raspberry Jam per tin ... 0 6 lib Tin Keilders Marmalade per tin 0 8 21b Jars Keilders Marmalade, per jar 1 9 Jelly Powders to make 1 pint, assorted flavours, per packet 0 6 —o— FLAVOURING ESSENCES Cross & Blackwell's Lemon, Vanilla, Almonds, Cochineal, Pepper men b 0 9 Colonial Essences loz bottles ... 0 5 Colonial Essences l|oz bottles ... 0 7 Colonial Essences 2Joz bottles ... 0 9 CANDLES Colonial Wax Candles Plain or Flnted bythe box 6d, or per lb , 0 6| Prices National Sperm 6|d by box, or per lb ... ... ... 0 7 BAKING POWDER ETO Esmond's, large tin lOd, Edmond's, email tin ... ... ... 0 5| Edraoud'e Egg Powder 7d, in tins 1 0 Morton's Cream Tartar, per lb ... 1 3 „ Tartarlo Acid, per lb ... 110 Brurmer Monde Garb. Soda ... 0 3 FARMERS SUNDRIES Save money by buying one of our thrifty Honse Wife Kerosene Pamps at Is and Is 6d. Thrifty House Wife Pomp saves its cost in a very shorb time OILS, ETO. Draught Castor Oil 16s 6d tin, £1 12s 6d per case Raw Linseed Oil, per drum, £13 9 Neats Foot Oil, pet ga1,... ... 3 6 Neats Foob Oil, per drum ...15 6 Turpentine, per gal ... ... 4 0 Valvoline, 4 gal tin ... ...17 6 Raddle, per ib 0 4 Nails 51bs Is, per lb 0 3 Staples, per lb ... ... 0 3 Molasses for cattle, per cwt ... 7 6 SCO doz Tumblers and Wineglasses from 2s 6d per doss, If you are wanting any it will pay you to glva us a call 500 Gross Corks from Is 3d per gross Finest Nehon Hops, per lb ... 1 0 Bleached Ginger, per 1b... ... 1 3 Herbal Beer is cheap and wholesome ,



£'S MBI EVif MB, U rfURCH"IN^!I^ GROCERIES 1 ' ■ FROM —■' ' FLETCHER BROS., Special Notice to those who buy oa credit-Hard Facts for Hard Figures Pay Cash and Save £ £ £ a Year. problem, propounded by oar Price List-in your head or with pemrtKShS&SKSSIfTRSSS from the pr cea you are charged by buyipg on Credit, and see the Pounds ywJSddiSS In a year by Purchasing your Groceries from ue * wbuio mt# LEADERS IN OUK LINE Jjgg IMITATED BUT NOT EQUALLED Like a Oat Watches a Mouse—We watch to give you Lowest Price* and Highest Values. It is a mystery to «i why ioaie people will go and pay from five to twenty per cent, or Is to 4s in the Poimd more for their Goods to set a miserable thrin percent, or lees than 7|d in the Ponnd back again at the end of 12 month" Ihe only conclusion we can come to is (hat they have not compared Prices Hemenaber we have no big salaries to pay, make no bad debt*, and each utiola is bought at the lowest bed rock prices for Bpot Oash. COMPARE our PRICES with the Prices you are paying. FLETCHER BROS, DECEMBER PRICE LIST Fineat Cane Sugar, 761b bag 14s 6d j 561b bags, 12s; 40lbs 8a 9d : or £23 dm ton ; Brewers' Crystals (special Preserving Sugar) 2f i per )b, or 70;b bag, 15s W. OUR NEW SEASON'S FRUIT FOR CHRISTMAS b d . Finest VJstozzaOarrants, per lb 0 5 Finest New Sultanss,* per lb ft «I Fine New Currants, per lb ... G4£ Finest New Valencias n«r lh "' ns! Finest New Layer Mrs. per lb ... 0 I Finest New Dales pet Fb ■"'ft I Finest New Cooking Figs per lb 0 7 Finest New Muscatels Der lh "" i a Good Old Figs, 31bs Is, or per per lb 04| New deeded liSns fall wlht*" 0 7 lib Bexes New Fisher box ... 0 8 New Oalifornian Prnne", pTr fb - 0 8 New gdTy Almonds, per lb' ... 1 2 New Mixed Peel, per Jb P '" oft New Valencia Almonds, per lb ... 1 6 7ib Tins Lemon Peel ocr tin "' 9 New Jordan Almondß, per lb ... 2 4 Good Old Muscatels,'per lb, 6i"and 0 8



SEASONABLE GOODS At first hand prices with m middle man s profits §!i! Z\ m S ree* *P ricot* P<* tin 0 8 ll v mms £ reß' p e»<sh eB, per tin 0 9 If? Jos Pres. Pears, per tin 0 9 /^ib Tins Pres. Tomatoes, per tin 0 9 bhips Lime Jules, per bottle ... 1 0 Mouseiatt Lime Juice, per bottle" 2 4 Paramatta Lime Juice, per bottle 0 9 Lemon Squash (Manning*) bottle 1 0 I Manning's Raspberry Vinegfcr, per bottle ... ... ... 1 9 Raspberry Vinegar (Sfc George) per bottle ... , ..." 1 8 Lemon, Raspberry, Pineapple, Cloves ' and Pepperment Syrup per bottle 1 0 ' Bowntrees Lemonade Powder.lbottleO 9 Herbal Beer extract to make 8 gal lons, p*>r bottle ... ■„, o-l-* Timara or Christchureh Oatmeal 251b bags 3s 3i ... ..  , .... :', Wheat Meal 261b bags ... ... 2 3 Neavcs Food,.per tin ,„ [" t Q n Dr Brandt's Food, per tin '**" i n Mellin's Food 3s and la 9d per tin' Patent Groats & Barley, per tin . 0 9 Bepger's Food, per tin ... ... j g Finest White Sago, per 1b ." 0 2 Brawn's Corn Flour, per 1b 0 2* Finest Pearl Tapioca, per lb " 0 I finest Flake Tapioca, per lb „■ 0 2 finest Pearl Barley per ib ..02 Qaaker Oats ... #>t . . 016 Finest Wo 1 Japan Rice, per lb '" 0 2 Finest Rolled Oats 7d and Is Split Peas, per lb , tt> q 2 CONDENSED MILK Swiss Milkmaid brand, per tin 0 ?4 Murray's Milk 5a 9d doz, per tin § 8 Golden Vale 3s 9d doz, per tin 0 4 ALMONDS, NUTS ETC. | Sicily Almonds, per lb .„ 1 2 | Jordan Almonds, per lb ,„ 2 4 | Valencia Almonds, per lb ,„ 1 6 | Shell Almonds, per lb ... ,„ 0 If Barcelona Nuts per lb ... ,"„ 0 Pea Nuts, per lb ... '" q New Walnuts, per lb ... ,'.'." 0 _____ • v CONFECTIONERY Conversations by tin 6d, per lb ... • Scotch Mixtures by tin sd, per lb 0 8 Milk Kisses (delicious) per lb ... 1 0 Oream Caramels per lb ... „ 10 English Hard Jujubes per lb ,"., 1 0 Frosted Caramels per lb ... I £ Cream Dates, per lb ... ... 0 11 Eating Chocolate 3Jdand 7d per cake Princess Mixtures per lb »„ 0 The Trade Supplied —o— PICKLES AND VINEGAR Captain White, per bottle ... 2 4 Hey wood Round, per bottle , Oil Hey wood Patent Stoppers, per bottle 1 1 Hey wood Sweet Pickles, per bottle 1 4 Vinegar 6J, Bi, 104 per bottle. Is 6d, 2* per gallon ETC, ETO. If you are wanting Fencing Wire not* these Prices— No 8 Black Fencing, percwb 11 8 (Johnson Best) per ton £11 £ 8 Galvanised Barb Wire, per ovrt 0 15 6 (Best) English Wire), per feon £15 6 0 SHEEP SHEARS. BJB.A. and Union per pair ... 3 8 5 Tons Rock Salt to be cleared oat at 4s per cwt Castle Brand fine salt, per cwt ,„ 4 3 Biue Derwent Potatoes per sack 6 § NORTON'S EGG PRESERVATIVE | Gal. Tins to Preserve 20 doz. pet fcin ; ti i § 4 Gal, Tins to Preserve* 200 dog. per tin 10 0 ! Eggs all the year round la the result of using fcinger's Egg Producer Is fd per packet



CHRISTMAS PRKSKNTS—We are allowing TO par oenfe. discount, (2» (n tbs £) ef all Plated Ware, Clocks, Watches, Etc , during December. Al2 months guarantee gives with every Clock or Watches sold. Anßinmm Watches, etem wind, 93 6d eaob, Wittt* bary Watoheß, shoib wind, 10s 6d oach, Ladies 1 Watohep, 12s 6. FLETCHER BROS. QASHSU^PL? STORES, EASI STREET, ASBBURTON, & WIGH BTRBBT, * CHRIBTOHURCH, . i