THE ARHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— ' OHRISTOHUROH—at 7,20 am, 11 am ! 3.16 p m, 7.5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 3,50 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.64 pm (express) SPR tNGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daUy at Aahburton from—> OHKISTOHUROH-at 10.45 am, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU-at 10.35 a m, 2.65 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-ate 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

BUN.

Phases of Moon for December

MINING

WEST COAST DREDGING RETURNS

Returns from the dredges of the under mentioned West Coast gold dredging companies have been reported as follows for the week ending November 30th s— Pdctolus (130 hours) 103oz I7dwt, Green - stone Junction (week) 530z 13iwb 12gr, Buller Junction Junction (128 hours) 47u», Leviathan 120 hoars) 46 -z Bdwt, Al (107 hourß)3sr zlOdwt, Greenstone Creek (190 hours) 340z, Reeves' Proprietary (118 hours) 270z lOdwt. North Beach (11? hours 220z 12dwt, Kohikohi (105 hours) 21oz, Hau Hau Creek (98 houra) 20oz 12dwt, , Grey River (132 hours) 20oz, Hokitika I River (136 hoars) 18oz 31* t

Bunedin, December 1 The following dredging returns are re ported :- Molyneux Hydraulic 230z ; Per« severance No 11, 20oz 6dwt 9gr ; Earnscleugh No I, 21rz 18dwt; Earnsoleugh No 11,24 cz j Ngspara No 111, Isoz 6dwb % Chicago, 19cz 3dwt ; Golden Link, 7oz 18Iwt 7gr ; Re murkables, 3'Z sdwt; Alexandra Eureka, 23 z ; Oldg, 230z lldwi; Golden Beach, 10jz 19dwb Bgr ; G^ldan Bed, 13cz 63wt; Enter* prise No I, 32rz 9dwti; Clyde, scz ; Mafcau, 9oz; Electrio, 620z ; Junotion Electric, 16iz; Greenvale, 4.zlodwtu Dunedin, Deoember 2 Today' J sa'es—Endeavor 13a, 13s, 13] 3d, 13s 3d, 13a 6d, 13s 6d ; First Chance ?«, 6s 9d, 63 9d ; Leviathan, five paresis ab la ; Royal M^ori 27« 91, 28s, 28a 3d, 28a 3d. Returns—Golden Run 70ob 4 iwfc, Empire 450z, Meg and Annie 41c ss sdwt, Golden Gate 25cz sdwt, Endeavor 35cz lOdwt, Happy Valley 17&Z 3dwt»

COMMERCIAL.

HAVELOCKL BTREE33 MART

Mr H. Stepheoson reports that there was a fair atcendanoe at his weekly sale en Saturday. There was a medium entry of pigs, and prices show an advance on last week; Suckers and weaners 5s 3d to lOi, stores 10a to 12i, porkers (small) 20i; Cows £6 and £6 10s. Fowls la 9i to 2a 6(5, snd up to 3s for rooatere. Potatoes 5* 6i to 6a per sack ; wheat 7* 6.1 per sack.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2. 1901.

One of the most remarkable features of this age of progress and enlighten ment, is the scarcity of orators in Great Britain and her colonies. Poets and prose writers, especially novelists, have increased oat of nil p-oportion to the population ; bat men like Burke, ShericUn, the elder Pitt, Disraeli and Gladstone, have probably no equal in this age. America has produced of late years far more examples cf genuine orators than wo have, Mr Bryan, | who contested ftbe Presidency of 'the States last year, being one of the most celebrated. It is not the purpose of this article to 1 discuss the reasons for the striking de cline in an art, which probably confers more power upon the master of it than any other personal acquirement. We merely deaire to urge our younger readers to cultivate assiduously the study of elocution. Even women can be largely benefitted thereby, and as for the men, who may expect to be called upon to tak© their share in pub lic affairs it is still more desirable, for we know that the general neglect of the important art of public speaking plays into the hands cf demagogues and aturnp orators. These are enabled to monopolise most of the leading posi tions in public matters, and the results are to be seen on every hand, "We do not deny that even amoßgst these, whom a brilliant New Zealand journal iatonce termed 'politice.l blatlierskiters' ' there are some men of ability; bat en the other hand, the majority of them have none. Meantime really able men, conscious of their short comings as public speaker?, tako little or no part in the manage ment of the business of the country, but leave it to the 'gasbags' who are so much in evidence where talking is possible. We have, on more than one occasion, advocated the inclusion of elocu* ion in thepublicschoolcurricul im this being of far more value in adult life than some of the subjects taught in our schools. How many of our men, for example, find the Latin they have learn ed at the secondary schools of any appreciable advantage to them in their way through the world ? We merely select this as one compulsory subject which might well be displaced for elocution. But as the Education De» partment has not seen lit to make the change suggested—a neglect which may be attributed to political reasons —-westrongly adviae that the matter' should be taken up in all centres of population. If the State will not under take the teaching of thai splendid art which enabled Demosthenes to lead the terrified Athenians to face the con qaering Macedonian j which stilled the noisiest Bpirita ia the Commons of England while Burke thund ered his denunciations of his poli tical opponents $ and which, enabled ; Gladstone to maintain f owor, in spite 1 of a hostile majority against his foreign policy, let our young men and women take up the study on thoir own account. That can be done by the establishment of debating clubs and elocution classes in the centres of population, anywhere ia fact where sufficient support can be obtained. The Ashbnrton Qattiojhc Literary Society includos a debating' .class in its programme, and one has been commenced at ILyle, thanks to Mr J. Lanibie's enterprise. , Thp I good results of these c'.ubs have el ready become noticeable, in the fluency with which some members of

them r xprosa themselves in debate. W would suggest to tbe Library Committee of the Borough Council that it would bo oi great public advantage if inducements were offered to the younger portion of' the community to form a strong deb«t-| ing club in connection with the Public Library. Tiifire is a convenient room npstairs that might be placed at their disposal for a nominal charge to pay for the lighting, etc. If each a Olub were established on sound principles, andtlareutterwell managed,more of our citizens might be able to take their proper ish&reitt publicaffairs, with credit to themselves and advantage to the community.

Local and General.

Tins Oats Consbacts.—An important letter from the Premie!: to Mr John MoLich- J&n, M H 8., reg»rdiog the Gftts Contracts, appeara on our fourth page Coal Octpdit—The coal ontpub from West port last week was 8511 tons llewt, of which 8196 tons 18owt was from the Weetr porb Coal Company's mine?, and 314 ton* 13dwt from the Weebport Co.Operative Go's mines* Special Discount—The Ashburton Dra pery Company advertise for the month of December a special discount of 5 per cent, oS ali cash purchases, and also goods of all descriptions at an exceptionally low price fo r Ohriatmas of 1901 Meat fob the Army—The Premier has received a cablegram from the Agent General intimating with reference to the 'contract* for the supply of meat for the Army in South Africa that the War Office will receive offers by cable if received by January 6th next. , The Freezing Season—-Up to tbe present) the bookings for the new season, which opens at the FairSeld Freezing Works on Monday nexb, are very satisfactory, and it is expected that the year will be one of the best that the distriob has ever known, as lamba are in a very forward condition, A Clumsy Thief—A pickpocket was caught red handed on Saturday afternoon outeida the Princess Theatre, Dunedin. He dropped » purse and bolted, but was captured. Two ladies' purses were found on him. He is supposed to have gone south from Christohuroh Peksonal—Mr IRC 0 Graham, we learn, is nob showing much signs of impiovementi, and his illness is musing his friends some anxiety.—We are pleased to learn that) Mr Herring, who hat been laid up for a few days, is nearly convalescent,—The Hon M»jir and Mrs Steward returned to Ashburton by the express today. Fat?al Accident—An InvercargUl tele. gram statas tbab Alian Kennedy, aged sixty seven, the contractor for building a bridge over the Aparima River at Fairfax, for the Wallace County Council, lost his life on Saturday evening by falling from a plank Into the river, his head striking a stringer in the descent. Deceased leaves a widow and family, resident at Walaniwa, Good Sheep Country—As an illustration of the fattening properties of the pastures of the Ashburton County, it may be mentioned that earlier in the season a well known Soathbridge sheep farmer finding that h:« fl >oks were d iog no good on his own land, travelled his ewes and lamba to the Ruapun* distriut, and they have done so well there that he expeota in a week or two to have a heavy draught for fretss ng Narrow Escape and Plucky Resoub — On Saturday one of the young men who oamij to the Woolston Tanneries' pionic in the Aehburton Domain bad a narrow escape from drowning, He was, however, resoued in the nick of time by Mr Smith, junr., son of Me W W Smith, the curator of the Domain, Mr Smith plunged into the baths dressed as he was, and pulled out) the Btrug* ling man, This ia the seoond time young Smith has distinguished himself in a similar manner, as some months ago he oame to the reaoce of a man who was unable to getottb of the water in the swimming baths. The Fats of War Medals— It is said that numerous war medals are pawned which are, from lack of funds, never redeemed. Occasionally a veteran leaves instructions to place hia war medals in his coffin, and bury them with h»m. Requests of this kind were sometimes made by Peninsnlar and Waterloo veterans in Chelsea Hospital, and were always attended ta. It was reported some years ago that a certain colonel, when In extremis* directed that hia medals and orders should be thrown into the fire in his presence, and fused, bo gaard against the decorations subsequently falling into irreverent hands. Presentation—Mr W Bowdeo, who has been bookkeeper with Messrs Hardlay Bros, ironmongers, for three years, and has been appointed accountant to Messrs Goss Bros, timber merohanss, Christchurch, was the recipient of two presentations on Saturday. Mr J W Hirdley, on behalf of the firm, presented him with a cheque and a portm»n* teati, and in doing bo referred to the esteem in which he was held by the firm. They were sorry to lobs his Barvioes, although pleased to know that he was improving his position. If, however, he did not) get on as well as he expected, they would be glad to have him back, and would keep the situation open for him for a tims. In th&b cisc the cheque would help him to keep his Christ mas holidays, and the portmanteau would be of use to pack up his things and bring him back. On behalf of the employees, Mr W E Dolman presented Mr Bowden w th a stiver mounted pipe, and hoped as he smoked I ib that he would have pleasanb recollections of the .times they had spent together. Mr Bowden suitably replied, thanking both the firm and his fellow employees for their gifts. He lefb by the express on Saturday evening for Christchurch to commence his row duties. The members ef the Githolio Literary Society and the Dramatic Class also presented Mr Bowden with a gifc, as a i memento of his long connection with themi | Dos Silver—Don Silver is without doubt i the best substitute for solid silver, and is guaranteed to wear white throughout. This metal is m»de up into Spoons and Forks, and is sold at a very reasonable price by Messrs Fletoher Bros., Cash Grocers. Table Spoons and Forks 7s 3d per half I dozen. Dessert Spoons and Forks 4s 9<i per hilfdozsn* Ib ia made in two patterns— Old English and fiddler Up to DATS Biotolk Go;RS—Thpre is now on view at Messrs Gates, Lowry & Go's Zaa. landia Cycle Worka an entirely new and varied assortment of the very latest in cycling requisites. Among the new samples just received are new designs in ladies' skirt clips, These handy little clips, so neat and useful, are indeapensable to every lady oyoltati The firm have also received a ship ment of r the new'.Garrard'Free Wheels. These new wheels (which fib any standard make pf bicycle) are very neat, and are the means of saying an enormous amount) of pedalling; are most effective, having a roller back pedalling brake, and so simple in con struction that any poreoa oan fib them in a few minutes,

Lawn Tennis— ■&n important meeting of the Aehburiou Tennis Club ia called by the Ssoretary for tomorrow evening. Vital Statistics.— The vital statistics for tba month ending 30ih November are- Births 33, marriages 3, deaths 8. Wkatheb Forecast! — Captain Edwin wires: —Strong winds to gale from between west and south west and Bouth ; glass further rise, but falling again after 12 hours from DoW, with wind from the northward!; indications of rain. TINWALB PRBSBYTERIAN CHORCH TBA Meeting--The annual tea meeting in con nection with the Tinwaid Presbyterian Churob wiil take place nexb Thursday, when the musical portion of the entertainment will bo of a special character Mtsteriods Phenomena at Cheviot— A Government telegram from Cheviot states that since Friday a sharp cannonading and dull booming sounds have preceded and followed earthquakes. At 2 am today a sharp noise in the air preceded a series ol light shocks. At 3.59 a m a very violent shook from the north was followed by a dull sound in the earth Shoohng—The postponed match Ashbur ton Mounted R'flas v Veterans will be held ab Lagmhor on Thursday next sth instant, the teams being the same as advertised for laat week. Drag leaves McCoonell's stables at 1.30 p m sharp. Tee Lambs' Bracelet—-The bracelet) which the lady members of the A,A«G. and A.C. have presented for competition at the sports on Thursday, is at preeent on view in the window of Mr F Curtis, jeweller* The bracelet is a gold one, with a large whole pearl in the centre gwith rubied claw-set round it, and a line of smaller pearls on either side, and altogether is a very hand some piece of jewellery. Building Operations—The foundations of the first seotion of the new Somerset Hotel are now completed, ani a good start has been made with the brick work;— The alterations at the reading room of (he public , library are nearly finished, and a great improvement has already been affected,— Active operations ia the removal of the old Post Office are being taken, and the wbol c ' structure will shortly be cleared. Two sections of the old building are to be re moved bodily* The contractor for the new Post Office is now engaged ereoting the outbuildings &t the back of the main block Public SchoolsSpobts Association—The second annual sports meeting under the auspices of the North Canterbury Public Schools Amateur Athletic Association, was held at Lancaster Park, Christchurch, on Saturday in fine weather. There was a record nutrber of competitors, and the attendance of the public was very large. Great interest was taken in the d;ff jrent events, and the meeting as a whole was an unqualified success. A number of events were got off before midday, the chief being the 880 yds championship of North Canterbury public schools, which was wan by T Imder, East Christchurch school, with B Ryder, East Oxford, and C Ganavan, Opawa, second and third. Time, 2min 24f«os>i The massed drills by 2000 children were most impressive. Them were 3500 entries and 1500 competi tors* The Normal School won the shield- Considering the large number of entries the management was excellent* 10.0. F., M.U. —At the last ordinary meeting of the AehViurton lodge of the X.0.0.F., M.U., Bro. J. Turton presiding, a visit) was made by the District Officers, and following the election,<sf two new members an address was given by Bro. T» Norg&n, who represented this dhtrioc a 5 the A.M.O. at Norwich,' He had met with a cordial reception at this important conference and had been most hospiubly entertained at the various meetings and excursions, the Con' ferenoe lasting a week. There was a lot of business transacted, and the Chairman, Bro. Ruahton, conducted the proceedings in a most exemplary mannor, 615 delegates were present including fettnles, whioh was a new feature. 23 female lodges altogether were formed during 1901. It was suggested at this conference that visiting members should have a vote at all ordinary meetings excepting in financial matters. The increase reported in new lodges, and members, he reported, as very greai during recent years. After giving details of his trip to England, Bro Norgan wae thanked by those present for his address by several of the brethren LONGBEACH SCHOOL COMMITTEE — A meeting of the Committee of the Long bsacb school was held on Saturday evening Present—Mr Golllns (chairman), Messrs T Soal, Norriss, Fisher, and Bookings. Before the business in connection with the school commenced, the Ch»irman moved the following resolution, members stand ing ;—" That this meeting records its appreciation of the good work done by the late Mr William Houston, who, for 20 years, was a member of this Committee, and for many years chairman of the ! Committee, and desires to express the deepest sympathy with tbe bereaved family in tbe great loss they have sustained by his death." Several members spoke of the late member an an honourable and upright man. The Master's report was considered, and owing to the prevalence of sickness, the attendance wad so much below the average thit the Committee decided to close the school for six weeks* Inspector Ritchie's report) on the school was considered, and the Committee tendered their thanka to Mr John Watson for the high standard of proficiency attained. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned till the firab Wednesday in February, The Peoples' Favobixb—We notice that Mr X D Johnston has now landed his ship ment) of 1902 modal Ruige-Whibwortfa , Bicyolesg and we would advise our readers to inspect samo, as the Rudge-Whitworth is recognised as the leading machine in the Old Country and in the colonies, and it is justly entitled to the familhr name 'Britain's Bead Bicycle.'

WEAR AND TEAR.

All around us on every hand tbsie is the overworked woman, who has devoted har life to othess. She is the salvation of the home ; here is the tie that binds she family together. Thiß iaoessant tail And overwork soon shows, for she gives signs of being 'ran down,' This condition of health is really oiused by indigestion. If the food is per* faotly assimilated, and its strengthening elements diffused through the blood as nature intended, there would be steady recuperation, and the strain cf work would not be felt. Impey'a May Apple does effec tive work in sustaining women, Js acts gently and promptly on the digestive organs, and makes thorn act as nature intended they should* Irnpey's May Apple is pi asant, palatable, and potent, and is an ideal family medicine. Who beat the Englishmen at cricket ? Who taught them how to play f \yho played the deuoe with every wicket ? Australia leads the way. What plays the deuce with cough or cold? What makes consumptives fewer 2 Oh! What is that worth more than gold Wood's Great Peppermint Cure. Wade's Wobm fogs are moat effective and nqfe unpleasant; children { l^riye after takipg them pio^ I*

CABLE NEWS.

United Preeß Aesociation—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

THE ALLEGED PLUNDERING IN PEKIN. Paeis, November 29 The Chamber of Deputies, at thn Premier's instance, rejected by 814 votes to 163, a motion condemning tbo alleged plundering by the bishops and missionaries at Pekin, after the siege. ACCIDENT TO THE DUKE OF TEOK London, Nov 30 While the Duke of Teck waa hanting with tha Cheshire hounds his bores struck a wire o?er a fence and threw the Duke, who received slight concus sion of the brain and a severe oontusion of the hip. His condition causes no alarm, One hundred men are engaged in London searching for Goodie, who is alleged to havo been responsible for defrauding the Bank of Liverpool of £170,000. DIVORCE CASE. Mrs Burnaby, daughter of Lord Delamere, divorced her husband on the grounds of adultery with Ltdy Sophia Scott, daughter of Earl Oadogan. Sydney, Nov 30 London advices indicate that the derelict reported by the Loch Broom on November 18th is probably the Glasgow barque Norfolk Island, bound from Glasgow to Table Bay, which wts burned at sea in iiititude 25, longitude 23 west. Pome of the crew were saved, •nd landed at Bshia.

SOUTH AFRICA

Uuiten Press Asinsciatlon—By Eleotrlo Telegrapfci—Copyright

London, November 29 Captain Mahan, the well known specialist in naval and military affairs, in criticising the Boer war, writes ; — •Doubtless the general public every \ where consider that Great Britain has lost prestigp, but the more careful spectators, especially foreign Govern ments, believe Ihe Empire emerges stronger and bet tea, notably as regards the military aspects of the colonit s.' The Pretoria correspondent of The Times states mora troops are needed to accelerate the attrition of the Boers. The frequent meotings of the enemy to discues the situation show that they arc less pleased wi th the prolongation of the struggle, «nd they ought to be bustled everywhere while in this state of mind December 1 Several hundred Boers made a de termined attempt to cross the railway west of Middleburg, in the Transvaal, but were repulsed, suffering onsider-* ably From the beginning of 1902, no per sons will be allowed to land in the Oape or Natal without a. permit certi fying that his character is satisfactory, and he is in possession of means for maintenance

The Case of General Buller.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Nov SO A. draft resolution to be submitted at a demonstration in favour of Gene ra! Bullor in Hyde Fark tp-morrow, declares that Bailer's speech on October 10th was osed as a mere excuse for his dismissal, which was really dae to his refusal to alter the Spionkop despatches. The Standard, contradicting the state* ment, warns Sir Redvers Bailer that unless he restrains his injudicious backers the Government will be com pelled to break their magnanimous silence. The p%per broadly hints that when Sir George White declined to treat for the surrender of Ladyamitb, and heliographed to know if the in structions to surrender were authentic, they were deliberately repeated but disobeyed. The Standard says that if the evidence supports the charges, a profound revulsion of feeling will be created. It adds that the only extenu ating hypothesis is that the shock of two defeats had destroyed a brave man's nerves and paralysed his judg ment. The Devonian Society of London entertained Sir Redvera Bailer. The General said discipline compelled his reticence, otherwise he would gladly tell everything. He dwelt on the hard ships the troops were en da dug, and said the Devonshire Regiment had marched 997 miles in 143 days, con stantly fighting.

Championship Athletic Meeting.

THE AUSTRIAN REPREBEBTA TIVES,

Sydney, Nov 30 The team to represent New Sonth Wales ! at the Amtralaalau Championship Athletic Meeting ab Auckland has been completed 1 by the addition of H Henderson (sprinter) and A L McAlister (running, h'gh, and broad jumps, and pole vault), So far, Victoria has chosen only iwct of the eleven the Aesocia'lon intends to Bend —G A Moir (sprinter) and 0 H Gardner (bardies and broad jamp). Queensland sends six, including G Hawkes (hammer and weight), Darcy Wentworth (440yd8, 880 yds, and mile), and D F Oorrlgan (walks).

News in Brief.

An extraordinary general meeting of the Farmers' Union will be held at the A. and [ P. Aaaoociation'B Rjoms tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. Business Important, A party of fire persons, while fi^hiag on the Obakl beaoh, secured about 1400 herrings in one haul, The same party secured several fiad mullet. Messrs Nicoll Bros, the agents of the Qoean Accident) laauranoa Company, invith farmers to o*ll and interview them before completing their Insurances. An adyertise ' ment will appear in tomorrow's issue. Mr D D Hyde has made an estimated calculation that the number of eggs oon aumed annually in New Zaaland is in round figures about 173 millions. This lob of eggi would weigh about 800 tons, and calculating them at 6d per drzsn bheir value is o'ose pon £322,916. The Colonial Sugar Company wire that chey have reduced their Sugars 10s per ton; but we fiad on looking at Fletcher Bros.' advertisement that they have re* duoed their Finest Oane Sugar 3Qj per toe, or la par 701b bag; so any of btar readers requiring aoy should note their prices before buyiag elsewhere ' ' ''

Cheviot Belief Fund.

The following subscription* have been received towards the Cheviot Belief Fund;~

CRICKET.

ENGLISHMEN v AN EIGHTEEN.

United Press Asiooiation—By Eleotrlo Telegraph —Copyright Sydney, November 30 The Northern District Eighteen, In their match at Mnitland agatctb the Englishmen, lost fifteen wickets for 557, and then de clared the innings oloeod. The Euglithmen have lost one wicket for 70. Received December 8, 102 ano Sydney, December 2 The northern district cricket match wil drawn, a rain etorm interfering with the play* U&pp, on the local side, made 114 not out. The Engliahmans eoore for five wioktta was 221—Hayward 66, Jeesop 48, Quaife nob out 55, were the priuoipal scorers.

NEW SOUTH WALES v. SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

In tha matoh New Booth Wales vSoubh Australia, New South Wales have lost) three wickets for 219—Trumper 21, Kelly 77, Iredale 45, Noble not oub 47, Gregory not oub 20.

METHVEN.

(From Oar Correspondent)

Shearing in now in full awing when the weather permits. We are having occasional •howers which impede shearing, but are doing wonderful good to crops and grate. Foed is nob too plentiful, but grain oropi are now coming on well. It is hoped we will geb an abatement of the dry, nor'weat winds whioh have been bo prevalent lately. Bab taking all in all we are much better off than many other districts. A socul was heli in the echoolroom on Thursday, 28th insfc., as a farewell to the Rev A D Beavan, who is leaving the dUtrloO to help io the Rangiora. district. Nearly every family of hil congregation were represented, besides many friends Jrorn other denomination*. Mr £yne gave » numerous selection of melodies oa hit gramaphoce, whioh were highly appreciated* Songs were given by Miss Hibbs, Rev B-aven, and Mr Knight. Light refreshment! were dispensed by the Mite, whioh were done full justice to Mr G H Alingfcoo, on beha'f of Mr Baaven's friends, presented him with a purse of sovereigns, and In » few well chosen word*, expressed the deep regret; of the congregation *b losing his servlo^e, and wished him, en tiieir beb«tf f : ; every tuooess in his new field of labour* Oa behalf of the Sunday School teachere and scholars he waß also presented with •> hand* same bible. The Rev Baaven suitably replied, and a very pleasant evening ended by tinging Auld Lang SyoeJ The annual school examination U agala over, an ercellenb pass being the retail,' refloating the highest; credit on the teaching ■tafl;

The Premier Waited On.

Ab Danedin on Saturday several depute' tions waited on the Premier. (The first deputation was one from the mercantile community, and urged taking seeps to establish direct steam communication with South Africa. The Premier replied that the Government had taken authority to spend £30,0C0. and would leave no stone unturned to make the service a satisfactory one. Baft tor the steam companies having taken tat matter in hand and attempting to bluff the Government, the I*ttar would have had the service io operation six or eight months ago* He indicated that the steamers employed would be of t-he tramp class, fetid that quick c mnjunication was nob io much o be desired as regular dis tribution and cheap freights.— As bo the alleged ealcirs of mine* on the West Coast, the Premier said the proper coarse was for aggrieved parties to seek a legal remedy. Posnib'y, ai in the ; oase of Fuchsia Crjik, cvi ocoa would oome out whioh would justify the Government in instituting a c- minal prosecution, If the parties took ac-liw, the Government would back them m. To do otherwise wou'd ba fco reverse !ha propjr crurse of procedure la such eas s.—The S uth Island Poultry As sociation'a Executive aeked thac pool try should be all iwed to travel on giving half an - hours notice, instead of giving notice the J night before, and should go by a fast train ""' when bUOh was travelling, and that one ■ person should acoompaay consignment, as in the c»i<b of agricultural exhibit*, &b excursion fares. The Minister promised to look into the matter.—The Premier goes south today, and visits the Orepuki chat* works*

Sporting.

D.J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

SECOND DAYi Dunedin, Novomfcer 30 Concluding results— * , ; Stethbnson Msmobiai! Stakes—Goldipur 1, Blazer 2, Goldepur led the whole way, sad won entily by a length at the fiouhi Div-£4 18i Second Rack—Ayrdsla 1, The Serf 2, Silver Rupee 5. Won by a neck, Div— On Ayrdale £2 16 j, on The Serf £1 Grand Stand—Red Gauntteb 1, Petrovna 2, Edelweiss 3. D.v-£2 18s Jovknilk—Lidy Roßslyo 1, Navawe 2, Sarchedoa 3. Div~£2 4s Faekwell—Falmen and Wild Weit dead heat, Red Banner 5. Diva—Falmen £116f. Wild We>t£lßi The sum of £3878 10s passed through the totalisator for the day, making £6126 10s for the meeting, aa against £10,555 l»«b year

Dunkdin, December 2 The Dunedin Jockey Club paid away £1230 in stakes at the Summer Meeting, the (principal winters being—Hon G McLean £410, T Godfrey £190, J Brett £115, S Solomon £100, MoLean Bros £90.

CHRISTCHURCH RACING CLUB.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Okristohukoh, December 2 The following handioapa bare been da 1 oared fcr the Summer Meeting of the Ohristcburch Racing Club j— Nursery—King Stork 813, Stepdancer and Lock Lay 712, Targenleff, Bombardo, and Furious 79, Gladisla, Punsmu, md Walks 7 7, Oe Morska and NabaileJ 4 Wisdsob Handicap-Strathnairn 8 12,, Dundas 8 7, Huku 8 3, HermoM 7 12, Scottish Minatrel 7 8, A quails 5 10 | Selling Hack —Yseulfc, Ualiver, and Ba. vanoah 85, Waihora 7 13, Blaoher 7 11, Rcfiex7 6, Makautujiia 74 < Fltikg Handicap—Her mo»a 812, Battle ory 88, Whirlwind and L»dy Dundaa 85, Antigone 83, lady Medallist 713. Paliat and Uannoaite 7 12, Lapidary 7 10, Wepeotr and ObariuteerJ 8, Romany 7s, Paawal, Margot, and White May 72, Cretonne, C^lotype, aud Savannah 6 7' High Weishx Hahdica?—Huka 12 K3» The Master 1113, Ciandeboye 11 9, MmUm 10 13, Nnnos O'Neill 10 11, Single Kt«H and Swtveifoot lOst

THE GdABJDJiIS ; MONDAY, DEOIMBEE 2, 1903,



Date •ecembor 2 .. 3 ... „ 1.. tl 3 ~ ,i 6 —

4 1? 4 17 4 17 4 16 4 16

Bets 7 22 7 23 7 24 7 25 7 26

«



Last quarter Now moon Apogee First quarter Full moon Perigee

MM

I) 3 11 9 19 25 24

B M 9 20 am 2 23 p m 130 a m 8 sam 11 46 p m 3 0 pm



>r Trevor „, \ita Trevor Sev R Baine „. Vfr Wm. O'Grady (per Mr Kiddey)

£ • 1 1 0 10 0 10 0 10

Total

2 11



BUSINESS NOTICES * TO MEMBERS OP FAKMBiib' UNION # AND OTHEiW. IMPORTANT NOTICE M WOBKEBS' COMPENSATION &OT, &o. the~oceah Accident Corp ration Capital One Million Bivenub foa 1900- £878,492 5a lid. A KB INSURING FARMERS—Whethei Members ef tha Farmers Union or out—at the same rate an 3 with the BameooEcesßions individually, aa any other Company cfl ri fchem collectively, ABSOLUTELY LOWFSE RATES GUARANTEED. Prompt end liberal settlement of all just o!»JmB «ff;oted !>cally Kicoll Broß' AGENTS, ASH BURTON. II 18 T HAVE FOR SALE — The Latest and Mop!-. Up to date Farm Machinery in tbe market THE GOLD MEDAL DRILL The only Dritl that carried off s Gold Medal in an aetral Field Trial. Light draught) combined with stsengfch, a perfect power, and ft trial given, Inspection Invited, THE PLANO LEVER HARVESTER AND BINDER The simpler, strongest, Sight draughb, Will oaf and tie any orof. Moat up to d»te in tbe market). See testimonials to confirm fcbove. JONf S' CHAIN DRIVE MOWER JDoi&g »w»v with the ocgß makes it the 1 !mple»c ftcd beet cabtiog m»cb!iae m^de, HAY R^KE-Inspect Hay Bake for strength THE ROTARY DISC RIDGKR This Maonine takea the [.lace of three Imjt'emmtg, end doe« ita work better, & gt«ftO i«viD{r to mangel and toraip growers. -Pkoijhs, H*trowß, S;>rißgtined Oalciva.' to;t, ftod »I! kinds of F<>rnn Machinery Kepi tn hund^. Prices Moderate, And Terms very ***f. Kxtrai for above kopb in stock Agent for Soutbisod Imp'emeDfe and Enlinepriog Company BIC¥OLEB and all Reqaißitea—Tha latest model Chain Envoy, beautiful machine for etfenglb, style and finish. The coming maofame-—Chainleea E&voy, no sogK or obaio, bab rolls »!onjr the eaaieet running machine in the market; once riddeo, always riddeo, isispeottOE invite 1 Distticb 4 gent Colonial Mutual Life Association Fire cod Marine Insurance effeoted FO bTaLE, gome Gco<3 FARMS, from 60 to 5000 Aoret MONEY To Lend from 4| per ocsst For pertlculsrs apply W. STONYER, J * ARCADf?, Maohlts6itT» Grain, Irißuratice, Land, Estate And Gommiesion Agont 9 243 FOR WATCHES] 01-OOKS, JEWELLERY, SILVER AND ELKOTRO-PLATE SEASONABLE KOVISLTIE3, .JKto, GO TO G. JESSON, Peaottcal Watchmaker and weller Burnett Street, Bomeraefe Hotel) Aihbui'tots. —Eepairs a Specialty.— Preeentftfcion Committees liberally doalfc with, BAKER BROS. Complete ITurntsliliig', XJSS DEBTA KEBS. IMPORTANT. T DESIRE te TfIANK my Caetomerß for TiM Favors, and to intimate that as I am HSAVIKO THE DISTRIOT, ■M IS NECESSARY THAI ALL OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS BE SETTLED FORTHWITH, For Absolute Sale, AT [ANY SACRIFICE, EUEKITURE & FANCY GOODS' JAMES BAKERi Fuiniture »nd Fancy Goods Warehouse, Havesock Btraefc 1 I Smoke Hew Venae



BSEOCAL NOTIOS. fTtHE undersigned begs to inform bis: X numerous Customers and Friends that he'has removed frnm his former residence to a more Central and prominent) position on the Main Boid, within five minutes Waik of his former place, his Business having increased co considerably these last few years (hat he found the land inadequate to cultivate stock enough fos his cuetomare. Tbankir-a his Patrons and Friends for thoir increasing support, and trusting by unremibtiufj attention to their requirements to secure a cntinusuoe of ther confidence, and the honour of tbeis ktad reoommenda* tloD. James Porter, CLIFTON NURSERY, AUentor, Aehbutton. IMwiOATE&Co'c *•! mHE ECLIPSE CYCLE CO., TANORED STREET, ASHBURTON. Enameilicg, Plating and light Engineer ing Worke. © i rWEViTZE ALAND ICLDUnHGi^CfOiIY] KEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAOTOKY HAS a reputation for BOYS' CLOTHING ibat the following lines uphold : CALL AND INSPECT Boys* Sailor Suits 5s 61 Boys' Melville Suits Si €d Boya* Norfolk Suits 11s Boys Norfolk Suits 15a Boys' 3 Garment Suits 18i 6d Buyh' Kharkte Suits 7a Boys' WashiDg Blouses 4? Guaranteed to be the vory best <£t7AUTV OBTAiNJiBLR for the money, KEW ZEALAND IriLOTHIHG "OAOTORT IijLOTHIiSG X AC TORY



BUSINESS NOTICES ' BL M. JONES ____ H..M. JONES SANTA CL&US FATHER CHRISTMAS ARE COMING AGAIN To Cheer the Youug, aad remind the Old the years are passing away mHK Underp:g-ed hasj ft very Large and Well Selected Stock of Books, Stationery, JL Fanoy G'o.i6, Toys, China aad Gas, Leather and Plabed Ware, Suitable for Gifts, ■ Rswarda, &ud Preseotation purposes. Imported direot from Leading London and Oontinen nd Hoaets. BOOKS. BOOKB, BOOKS. From Ward, Lock acd Co , Oaaseilaaad Co., Holder and Stoaghton, Griffith, Iftrrenund Sen-*, University Press, London Sunday Oaioo, and Others TOYS. TOYS. TOYP. TOYS. Great Variety, from Id Doll to a Steam Engines DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLLS. Skoping Dalle and Wideawake Djllb, Jointed Dolla, Breakable and Uobreakable Dollsn FANCY GCODS, FANOY GOODS. Pursea, Pocket Booke, Letter Oases, (Silver Mounted), Albumß, Photo Frames, Desk", j Work Boxes, Tourists' Csm-s, Ink Stands, Dfeeßins; Oaees, Maaio Oases, Jewel Oases, ! Bolters. Cabinet*, Giove Boxes, Companions, ard many other lines too numerous to particularise CHINA. GLASS, PLATED, AND LKATHEKWABE BIBLES in Gre&t V-uiety, Fcayer, &ta\ Hymn, and Tune Books, CHUISTMAS CARDS—Beauiifcl Hand Pointed Cards, la. Album of Forty Vi-iws of Ashburtcn, Is ll 206 The Cheapest Shop ia Ashburton. LAWN MOWERS. LAWN MOWERS FROM g2a 6d EACH. Including ' Monarch,' ' Pastime,' ' New Eaßy,' &c. GABDEN~TOOLS. The Greatest Variety in Aehburtcn, at prioos to auit everybody, Including tfaeJJNew Ameiiosir. Scuff c Dutch, Garden and Plantation Hoeß. Garden Rakes, Spades, Forks, Trowel". Syringes, Border Forks, Boys' Spades, eto 4GENT fur the CELEBRATED 'SYRAOUSE' Combination Seed Drills and Cultivatora. Horse Hoes and Cultivators superior to Planet Jr at £ less price SHEEP SHEAR.§T' o:"^H£EP SHEARS. I have Just received my first shipment), including TUB, BBA, ;11A, eto; also Turkey and Washita Oil Stonea all AT BEDROCK PBIOE9 OARPKNTERS 1 TOOLS—As usual, I am up to date in rstiety aad prloe. (The largest) Beieotion^in tbe Ashburton Count; to select from g. meSdins, The People's Ironmonger, Burnett Street, Opposite Arcade TDAI NICHOLAS & PICKFOKD'S IS THE BEST AND CHEAPEST PLAGE FOR FOOTWEAR THERE IS KO DOUBT. ORDINARY PRICES! Ladies' Glace 2 Bar Stooea 5a 9c3, only a |ew pairs Ladieß' Glace Walking Shoes, Patent Gap Lace or Strap, 6s*9J Ladies' Tan Walking Shoes from 7a Ladies' Smart Oanvas Shoes 3^ 91 «nd 4a (M, black or tan Gents' Oanvas Shoea 53 6d, 6s 6<3, &nd 7s 6d < QhW and Maids' Canvas Shoes 8s 3 i, 3a 6d, 3a 93, 4s and 4a 6d Ladies' Tennis Sho.ea 2s 9d, 3a 9d. 4-3 6d, 6a 6d, Ba, 11s 6d, and 14s 6d Gants' Tennis or Bowline Shoes 2s 9d, 3s 6d, 7s 6d, 12s 6d,*16« 6d, 18s 6d 6d, 20a, 22s 6d Ladies' Evening Shoes from 8a Men's Bluchers, nailed or plain, from 5a 6d Boya' and Girls' School Boots from 4a 9d Children's Strap Shoes, siz3s2 to 6, at from 2a 3d I Girls' 2 Bar Shoes from 8a 6d f Genta' Cricketing Boots, Running and Cycling Shoes, at various prices I Hundreds of other lines at equally low prices NICHOLAS AND PICKFORD, , BAST STREET; I hmi !■■ huh mm ■iiM.»i—iMiiniiiiiin ii I ■ ' mmmmmma^mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm —i



BANDS « SON. BUILDER 3, CARPENTERS, ETC., METHVEN. I mmmmm f\ ATES, Hurdles, and Building Material VJT kepb in stock. Also Wall Papers, Paints, obo. Funerals conducted. 11 17 MR T. WEJBLEY, (Of Meßirs Webley and Sons), PIANOFORTE k ORGAN lUNBRB, IS IN ASHBURTON. Town and Country Orders sent ia to Mr Llewellyn Owen, Mr Horace Gates, or the Commercial Hotel, will be promptly attended to. ~~ko yTlHho"tis l, ASUBURTON. MR A. WeiTAKEB, late nunager of Ashburtoa Oiub, has entered into possession of the above Hotel, Every oomtorb and oonvenifneo, Fishing Hub at mouth of Aahburton River n_iß4 J. WILSON HAS a LARGE & BEAUTIFUL STOCK OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS, Cheap or Expensive, to Suit All Oiasees of Rooma BUBNETT STREET t First Shipment JUST ARRIVED. To be followed by Regular Shipments direct from Ceylon by every Mail Boat, OF THE RENOWNED CEYLON TEA.! THE FIR.YAWA TEA COMPANY, Colombo, Ceylon, have piade arrangements to send to New Zealand REGULAR SHIPMENTS OF THEIR CHOICE OEYLON TEAS, feeling sure the Tea drinking public will much apppaoUte a PURE, CHOICE OfiTLON TEA, Direcb from the Grower, UN TAMPERED wrfH. b BEAD THIS— These Teas are Packed in Ceylon, and ara absolutely PURE. People rarely ponsiderthe DANGER of drinking low class f NIRVANA is the highest grade known ts the trade, and ia sold by all leading grocers at bhjs came price as ordinary Tea. ASK FOB IT. DON'T FORGET THS NAME. Sole Agent Appointed— J. T* COOOH, Ashburton, Free Sample and Pamphlet on appHcatioo £>mok@ New Venus



New VeaQf



Smoke New Venus



You can depend on ridding yoar Ohildrea of Worms with Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful worm worrier* pnee Is Smoke New ¥enae Wades Teething Powobbs for Babies are soothing, redqeo feyera^d preyect Uotohea ? price, li