Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, sabjsct to the necessary alterations : FRIDAY, JANUARY 4 JTor Northern Ports and Wsstport, Auj tnlia, etc, to ooonect with Moan* at Wei IlngtOßj per Tarawera, at 6 30 p m SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 For Northern Po;tB, per Te Anau, at 10 30 a m For Northerc Ports and Weatport, per Rotoindbana at 6 30 p ns , Exptcßt delivery and special messenger service* will bo established «t Aehbnrtcn as Irom Ist January 1901. F-xpress delivery will cover letters and parcels »«* exceeding three lbs in weight, for which i. ;, ea fee of a xpence has been paid. The special mes> senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the grab mile and threepence each additional mile op to two miles or time payment being made •

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Traini leave Ashburtora daily for— CHRIBTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, II *m 3.15 pm,57 5p m (express) | TIMARU—«ti 10.55 a, m, 5,50 pm j DUNBDIN—at 12.64 p m (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trainn airive daUy at Ashburtoo from— OHRISaJOHUROH—afc 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 •> m, 2.55 pm DUNBDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINOBURN-at 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for January

BUN.

Commercial.

GHRISTOHtjRIf^GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are as follows:— Whofct—Hauter'Bj pearl and velvet, 2s 4d fco 2s sd, and Tuscan 2a 5d to 2a 64. | Oftta — Canadian Is 9J, «borts feed is @d to Is B£d, Dunn Is 7d to li §d, Danish }e 7d to Is 7|i Barley (nominal }-~M&ltinjj| 2s delivered Flour (millers' quotations Bojjiin*!)—-Rolle? £7, stone £6, sharps £3 os, hr&n $}3 ? Ofttmeal—£lo Be»n«—2« 4d to gs 5d Peas—Prusiiao Bluee 2s to 2s 3d, parti' ridge 2» 4d to 3s 6d Oatshesf Chaff — 42a 6d at nea? country stations. Hay—£3 5s to £3 IO». delivered : prlatest baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegraw, farmars' lot* iaf di to 2s, prime heavy, towis dressed, 2s ii to 3s M, Cocksfoot, 2id to 2sd ?or bright seed, to 3d for cs6r» good, town machine dressed 3.61b to 17ib seed, 3id to W, oowgraes §d to 6d, extra choice 6|d, White x>loijrer t &d to 7§d. Dairy Prodooe^Oheeu^ dairy ,Sd to fed, f»afcorj 5d to 6d, Botter^-f»otoryi looal, JOd, dairy 7d to Bd, salt, io boxes |6d to 7d. B»oon and htrai s|d to6(J, factory bacon aad hams, £d perlb higher. . 3 he Above prices, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to farcsen, f.o.b LytteKon.

THE SECOND WOOL SALE AT TIMARU.

The eecoad wool sale of the season opened in the Theatre Royal Timaru at 7 o'clock last evening, and was oarried on with vigour, but owing to the very lengthy catalogue it wae found impossible to complete the sale. An adjournment was, therefore made at II o'olook when about half the catalogue had been diet* posed oft The gale was resumed at' 9 o'olook this morning. There was an excell ent attendance of buyers, and a good attend ance of wool-growers and farmers. The sale bo far as it has proceeded was exceedingly good, and showed a very healthy tone. The growers are well pleased with the prices so far realised. As the sale is not over, we are unable this morning to give a summary of prices for the various lots, bus it was notloable that fine wools showed an advauca of Id to Id os previous sales.— Herald

BURNSIDE MARKET.

United Press Association—By Kleotrio Telegraph DrjNEDiN, January 3 Business during the holidays has been confined entirely to the Burnside market, there having been no Auctions of grain, wool, skint*, etc. Fat Cabbie—l4B head yarded, one half being good to prime. The demand was nob so good as expaoted, and a number were turned out nnsoid. "Best bullocks, £9 to £10 12s 6d; extra fat, £1115s; medium. £715s bo £8 17* 6d ; others, £6 10s to £7 6s 6d; best oows, £6 to £7 10s } others, £4 15s to £5 Iss.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Chbisxobitboh, January 3 The yarding of store sheep numbered 5100, and was principally made up of large lines of wethers and breeding eweß. Com petition was good, and only two lines were passed at auction,the prices realised showing an advance en late rates. A South Canter bury station line of 1000 four tooth wethers made 16s 2<i, and other lines of 300 brought 15s 3d to 15s 4d, and 200 15s 3d ; 180 two booth ewes Bold at 16* 6d, 260 six tooth 16s Id, 145 mixed ages 15a lOd, 600 do 15s Bd, 106 do 16a, an>? 880 do 13s id; 283 ewes an3 lambs 13s 4d, and 230 do do 12s Id, all counted Them was an entry of over 4000 fat lamb*, most of which were prime sorts, but there were many lots that were unevenly finished, and others were only forward stores. Com petition on the part of both export buyers and butcher* was keen, and the rates ruling prior to the holidays were well maintained. Small lots in the front pens were bought by the butchers at 13« to 16s 9d, prime freezers made 14s 6d to 16s 6d, and 16s lOi to 17s 0d for special lines, light and unfinished sorts 13s to 14s. About 3250 were token for fret z'ng There was % medium entry of fat sheep of mixed quality, competition being keener for butchers' sheep than for freezers, and good ewes sol 1 well in proportion to wethers. Wethers made 17a to 21a 6d, and ewes 13s 6d to 18s, and up to 203 for extra good j The supply of beef was made up of 152 head, of which only 12 were steers, and the , quality was only fair. The markat was Ir-; regular, but there was practically no change in values, which ranged from 18s to 24s rM ! per 1001b, according to quality. Steers made £7 5e to £9 15s, heifers £5 to £9, and cows £4 15s to £8 15s Of a mixed entry of stores the beet lots in were two pens of fifteen bo eighteen months old oattle. and there was not very much demand. A few three year heifers made £\ 3s 6d, mixed fifteen and eighteen months £2 2i to £2 10s, yearlings 275, dry cows £2 5s to £4 2'. Dairy cows made £4 to £8 10a, competition not being very keen There was a fairly heavy yarding of ptg«, fate being in good demand, but stores were very difficult to dispose of, Baconers 32a 6d to 49a. equal to an average of 3§9 per Ib, porkers 21s to 32a, equal to 3J-d to 4d per Ib, store* 12s 6d to 16s, and suckers and weanera 4s to lie 6d

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Vebitas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1901. THE SIXTH CONTINGENT

A good deal of uncertainty exista amongst volunteers for the front residing in the country districts as to the lines apon whicHjthe men are to be selected. The former Contingents were not all filled np on the same system ; some being made up of men who bad been connected with oar volunteer force ; some by men selected by the New Zealand' Government; while some were organised and equipped by private subscription. In the case of the latter especially there wag a good deal of dissatisfaction caused by the way in which the men were selected, and xn*ny good men, who had no friends at court, found themselves thrown aside for others with more influential friends. But this did not damp the ardour of some of oar young men, and two at least of these who volunteered from Ashborfcon for one or other o! the earlier contingents persevered, and at length got to the front, One went with the fourth contingent, going specially to Dunedin to get into it, and be has fallen in battle. Another has returned invalided and if) now striving to be included in the Sixth Contingent. There are, we know, several other returned troopers, who are anxious to return, but, owing to the vagueness of the Govern men e advertisement inviting volunteers they are unable to find out just what the position ia. To an outsider it would appear that any returned troopers, especially those who have come back on sick leave, would as a matter of course be permitted to return to their regi ments free of coat, and be supplied with horses and equipment—as the proposed new .contingent is to be sop plied=rrat the cost of the Imperial Government. But nothing of that sort is to be gathered from the Government advertisement, which has been recently published in all the principal news papers ia the colony Nor have letters direct to the Defence Department elicited much light; on the position of our returned troopers. From what we can gather the men on leave have to send in their names with the rest of the volunteers and take their chancp. In Canter bury only 105 will be accepted altogether, and we know that there are at least twenty men in that district who are here on sick leave and anxious to go to the front again. Home of these fire below the standard height now fixed, and although they were considered tall enough and good enough to go and fight for the Empire some months ago, they are by no means confident that they will be amongst the chosen ones. Now we think the. authorities ought to have made it quite clear, that returned troopers desiring to go back to South Africa, should certainly be able to do so. On the face ©| it these men—if they can pais the medical examination—must be better than reornitr. Not that we have a word to say ftgaingt recruits from the colonies, who on their first opportunity showed what excellent stuff they were made of, But it is no reflection on new levies to say that men who b»ve

had some experience in South Africa. | mast be preferable to those who have « not. We eee that the names of the j volunteers to go from Oanterbuiy will j be published on Saturday morning,' which means that the selection is to be ] made to-day. "We can only hope that thoße who have served the Empire so well in the past will not be over looked,

Local and General.

Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires—North to west and soiUh-wenb gale ; glass fall; indications of rain Nhw Penny Stamp—A new supply of the universal penny stamps baa been received at the post office, and they are now on sale. The Federal Commusion—The Federal Commission will probably hold lit first meet- j ing about thslSfchinst., and be required to rtport during May. Pupil Teachers' Examination—Amongst the pupil teachers who have passed their fourth y«»r examinations are Miss Kate Breeze, of Athhurtbn, and MiM May Stanley, of South Rakaia. To Ooa BiA»uHß—On'the first and fourth pages interesting reading matter will ba found. •M/JUdy'a Bafcohel' thii week contains a few novelties for the cuisine worth the attention ofladiss. An article entitled'How Buller's men took defeat' is very Interesting. Postal—Letter* from plaoet beyond the colony, addressed aa under, were received at the Ashburton Post Office, during the month of October, and are still unclaimed : —T Butler, Mrs H Bennett, Samuel John stone, Kate Beadie Caledonian Societies' Sports—On the second day of the Timaru Caledonian Society's Sports the Aehburtori rider, J. Major, won the half and three mile cycling events. The athletes were also again to the fore.-—At the Donedln Caledonian Sports H. Holland finished second to Baltton in the two-mile championship, being only beaten by a couple of inches. Swimming.—The contest for the Ono Mile Amateur {Swimming Championship of New Zealand took place at Lancaster Park yesterday afternoon, when M. E. Champion (Wellington) won by one hundred yards. Time—3lmin 31£aec, the standard time for the mile being 35min. Character asp Colour—Balzao has made some ourioua statements aa to his observations amoDg women. He Bays that the dame who wears orange or green is quarrelsome; one who likes black, or a yellow hat, is treacherous; white indicates coquetry; pink marks gentleness and thought; eenti mmtal women affect grey; purpia denotes advancing age. Colonial Officers Promoted — The Christohurch Iress London correspondent writing on November 23, says that a Gazette announces the appointment of fifteen colo nial officers and men to be Second-Lieuten ants in various line battalions. The appoint ment of Lieutenant E F S Seddon, of tbe New Zealand Bough Ridere, to be an extra aide-de-camp to Lord Roberts iB confirmed. Lake Ellesmbri Outlet—At the request of Mr R Heaton Rhodes, M. H. R , the Minister of Lands, ths Hon T. Y. Duncan, intends proceeding to Lake Ellesmere to-day to enquire into the possibility of preventing the flooding by the i.ake of the farm and pastoral lands, by having an outlet for the surplus water. Mr J. McLaehan, M, H. R. for Ashburton, will also go with the party. Fat Lambs—Two of tbe primtst lines of fat lambt offered at Aldington on Thursday, were the first drafts from the Chatmoss and Loweliff Estates. The Ohatmosa lambs, 470 in number, were taken by Messrs Nicoll Bros., at 15* 3d, and the same firm purchased the Lowcliff draft of 570 at 15s 9d. Mr Dobson, tha manager of Lowolifif, considers that th'se kmba are the best tor siz\ quality, and condition, he has ever sent off the estate. ?pobts Association—A meeliag of tbe programme committe of the Ashburton Sports Association .was held lass night, and s rough programme for the Sports on 2lst February was drafted. The proprammo should attract r god attendance as it includes Volunteer and Fire B'i^ade competitions as we!] as cycling and pedestrian events (o&ah and amat eur). The Fire Brigade competitions should attract good fields, aef the brigades are now in tr lining for the tournament to be hsld in Christchurch about the 28th February. Meiers Oifeß, Lowry & Co. have offered a prize value £1 la for 1 mile bicycle race for Volun teers in uniform, «nd Messrs Notthcote, Flower, and the Mail Office have also offered special prizes. A Labour Saving Contbivancb —A lady it goes without saying that she is American— who is troubled with a hueband who stays out very late at night, has grown ilred of sitting up for him and treating him to a homily on irregular habits. She has fitted up a phonograph in Ms bed-room, and imm ediately the poor man opens th > door the >phonograpii begins, and he has his lecture while the wife slumbers on iu peace. We' have not heard how the scheme works, and therefore cannot suggest its' adoption in this country, but SB-.a labour-saving oostrivfttice it should be very popular, if proved to be a success. A Lady Recobd Breaker—A lady cyclist we read of in American journals is attempt ing a three thousand mile record. She had already reeled; off some 2600 by latest accounts. One report says ;—Miss Gast has a ravenous appetite, but she is suffering severely from lots of Bleep. She partakes plentifully of black coffee, and according to one of the pacemakers she put red pepper In her shoes to aid in keeping her awake. The entire exhibition is a disgusting one, and ought to be stopped by the polica The Chinaman As A Jockey.—Consider able amassment was caused the second day of tbe Cromwell races (states the Argus) by the appearance of a Chinaman attired in full jockey eoßtum«, and riding a pretty fresh horee. Tbe rider too bad e few preliminary canters befoss the starting and. long odds were kid against his retaining his seat, but although Mr Celestial bumped a HttH he won the admiration of the crowd by sticking to the pigskin like wax. The Cigarette Bbetlb—Doubtless, if yon are a cigarette smoker, you have sometimes put between your lips a cigarette from a new package, applied a ma'oh and'found that while it would draw freely enough, you could not light it, Examining it you have perceiv ed that the paper wrapping was perforated with holes, mostly round, about the size of a pin's head; and it is ten to one that you have found every other cigarette in that paokago destroyed in the same way. Whereupon you hayfl probably either thrown away the package or else taken it back to the tpbaooemst to complain, and in that case b. aye been informed that tfje tobaoaonißt b.as been the victim of his worst enemy—the cigarette beetle. This beetle damages pig&rettea by boring his way out of them, after being hatched and coming to maturity in the heart of the tohaccp. Universal Penny Post—The following circular on the subject of penny postage has been issued from the General Post Office by the Secretary (Mr W Gray):—from tbe Ist January, 1901, the postage on letters or letterheads posted for delivery within the colony, or for the places enumerated in the schedule below, will be, for each £as or fraction thereof, one penny. For places not named, the rate of postage will, for the present, remain at 2|«i for each -|jz or fraction thereof, except Australia, which will continue to ba 2d. Schedule—United Kingdom, Cook, Ducie, Easter, Norfolk, Pitcairn, Samoan, Society, Solomon, and Tongau Islands ; Ne«v Hebrides; %nd the undermentioned British possessions and protectorates, viz :—Aden, Ascension, Ba hamas, Barbados, Bermudas. British Central Africa Protectorate, British East Africa Protectorate, British t?uiana, British Hon duras, British North Borneo, Canada, Cape Colony, Ceylon, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Gibraltar, Gold Coast, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Johore, Labuan, Lagos, Leeward Islands (viz., Antigua, St Kitt«, Nevis, Dominica, Montserab, and ths Vlrgip IsJaath), Malay States {protected) (viz , Psrak, Selangor, Negri-Sembillan, and Pellang), Malts, Mguritiuu, NsstJ, N«w foundland, Nigeria'' (Northern), Nigeria (Soufehern), Orange River Colony,'Sb Helena, t»rawak, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, ptraita ettlementu, Tobago, Transvaal. Trinidad, Tprk'e Islands, Ugauda, Windward fslandf (viz , Grenada. St Luoia, St Vincent, and the Grenadines), j3wh»r.

Weather Reports for December

(Eh« weather .throughout December was unseasonable and variable with considerable range of temperature. Rain fell oa 10 days, registering a total of 2.042 inches, the heaviest being on the 25th, when I 035 was registered. Strong, dry, norfcr-east wiedß I blew from the 13th till the 23rd, which ! rapidly parched the land on the plains. It blew from the N.E on 17 days, N.N.E 1 day, S.E 7 daye, N.W 4 days, and S W 2 days. The highest) temperature in the sun —14ideg—was registered on the 18th ; the lowest—6Bdag—on the 25th. The highest temperature in the shade was recorded on the 18th, giving 91deg ; the lowest on the 26th, gave 45deg. There were two days without sunshine. W.W.B. Domain, January 2nd; MOUNT BOMEBS. { Rain fell on 18 days; most in one day, December 25th, 1.25in ; botal for month 4in. ■ Average rainfall for December for lost eight I years, 3.08.—A. Edward Peaohe. ' ALFOBD STATION. Mr E Herring advises;—Rainfall during December 1900—Alford Forest 6 89in, Alford Station 1.54in; rainfall during year 1900— Alford Forest 82.721c, Alford Station 33.83ic; average of previous ten years—Alford Forest 61,05in, Alford Station 35.73in

Letter From The Front.

Lsfeter from Corporal V WW Steward, to his parents, dated Palmletyfontein Novem ber 15fch:~ (Continued ), On this march we have passed through Tafels Kop, Marbaa St aad, Venteradorp and a few more places, bub Ventersdorp was the only place of any sizei We arrive at Olerksdorp te-morrow, which is on the rail way line nob far from Johannesburg. It is reported we will make a base camp there and stay there two weeks or more. If so of course I will have an opportunity of wribing | to you again from there. I hud some good j fun with some Botr girls and women the other day. They had buried all their clothes and stuff thinking that we would burn down their houses, I was told effia i charge of a party of men to sej what they had buried, and if it was only women's i gear to take it back to the bouse for them. Two girls about nineteen and twenty showed us where the stuff was buried, and we gob it up, tin boxes and trunks full of fal-lals, linen, &o, some very prettily trimmed straw hats and bonnets on top. Of course I had to turn ic all out, while they stood there, to sea what was really in the boxes, and as one of the girls was engaged to be married, and had her trousseau carefully packed away the situation was at times embarrassing. Quite contrary to the rule among the Dutch girls they were really pretty, bub unfortunately they could net speak English, so I bad to do all my talking through a Capo boy or else by signs, anyhow they g&ve ma » cup of ooffee and half a loaf of bread at the end of my labours. The girl's sweetheart was fighting against us that morning, and I per suaded her that he would be certainly shob if she did not make him give up his arms and surrender. It would make you Bad to see the women ; they are all awfully miser able, and very frightened when we appear. You see other columns have been in the habit) of bringing down the houses, if the masfeerjjeaimob be accounted for satisf aotsorliy. Tho women and children ara either sent into Pretoria or else put into the few houses left standing, with so many days' supplies—Bub we do nob do this, although I am sure we ought to.—The harshest measures would be kindest in the long run, as the women are starving now. They look as if they have been crying for months. Most of them oan j •peak a little English. We have been in the habit of commandeering everything, pigs, fowls, eggs, iaur, m aly, all they had, and we have done remarkably well sometimes,, but yesterday all thii was stopped, and we are threatened with five years * ard,' if we even enter a house unaccompanied by an offi.er. Thab means to say, we cannot buy anything eithor. The fellows will find it harder than aver to live hot. We have captured 4100 cattle, 9000 sheep, and 83 waggons since we left Zeeruat, not a bad haul. A great many deaths are reported at Tuli from fever. One Canterbury squadron with Cecil Cox and Seymour are there, also Tuckey. Ido hope they are all right.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the , Ashburton County Council was held tc-day. Present—Messrs 0 J Harper (chairman), K 6 Wright, 8 8 Chapman, GAM Buckley, J Johnston, J Lsmbie, M Stitt, and W Morgan. | WATER BAOB BRIDGES. Mr Lambie pointed oat that sheep bridges over races required attention, especially, owing to eucn large numbers ef lambs and •beep going to the fret zing factory a Otrier, members spoke i» favor, and Mr Lambis ultimately moved, and it |w4 was unanimously resolved that the engineer take steps to have sheep bridges erected over water races on main roads. en»inher's befort. The engineer's report was read as follows : Aehburton-Rftkaia Water Supply.—'The supply is being well kept up from the various aouroes. Considerable expenditure has be 3a necessary in the olearing of headworks and mains in the lower district). The willow protective work put in tome months ago at Puddiog Hiii to secure concrete channel is doing well, and is now making considerable growth. Some fords have been constructed in Wakanui district in lieu of decayed culverts, and some additions have been made to sheep bridges throughout the district. The half-yearly overhaul of water races has been commenced and considerable progress has been nude In the upper diatriofc,. Aihburbon-Rangitata Water Supply.— This service is fairly satisfactory throughout, and the supply from Hinds Gorge is, so far, sufficient for requirements* She supply from Westeifield was slightly intermittent for » time, bub it now fully restored. You will observe from the accompanying* letter from the railway engineer that the «»e of the railway advert foe proposed rape for Messrs Gliding! and others has been granted, so that the work may sow be put in hand. Mount Somera and Forks Supplies—There ii an abundant lappljr throughout this district* County Bridges—The protective work recently pub in oa the upper side of road north of Pudding Hill Bridge is proving effective, and the willow growth is now muoh stronger there tha» formerly. Abeufc thirty chains lower down the river similar protection is required for a distance of seven chain*, for the purpose of securing the reserve there, and also a farther length of three ohainl near the inlet of auxiliary channel. This, however, is not the proper time for putting in willow work, aad I think the protective work there is net very urgent, and can be deferred till June. Footbridge Markers Bridge, South Road, asked for by Hampstead Towo Board—Oa examining tha site, I find that the cheapest mode would be to place It alongside the present road bridge, leaving one space of about tweuty?eight feet to of ear tho water way, and another of ten feeb—width of footing say five feet, cost, about £130. If glapad on the line of footpath she expense would fee muoh greater, as there would be nearly a chain of bridging and filling up required, with handrails on each side. I presume (he former proposal would meet the wishsc of the Town Board, but this matter of site had better be referred to them before anything* is done, : County Plantations—The gorse grubbing near Cracroft is finished, and olearanses are being effected near Hinds and at other places. The larch plantation on Reserve 2571. Pudding Hill is in a very thriving condition, and the remaining 15 acres of ib between the concrete channel and the river should also be planted with laroh for which that district seems peculiarly fitted. Larch might do equally well on the higher ground at Alford Forest, where I understand tkere are coneid'rable areas of reserves for plant* ing, but these do not seels to be under con trol of the OeunoH " Riv«r Enoroaohment near Bawles Gross ing naa^ Ashbarton FiTar—The heavy floods of Qotoftei 1 last carried awayaool iidenble portion of the northern bank, and the overflow underinined'and brought) down About half the length of' concrete groin erected there many years ago ? so that, if unchecked the river in he ivy floods will fa»?e» fceodwipyio tgake for tjfe AJford

Forest Road, and overflow the district. (The 1 river bank requires protecting from one half > chain balow the groin for a distance upwards of about 12 chains, and from this upper pofnt an embankment 3£ feet high is required, extending in a north easterly direction for about 6 chains. AH the willow .trees in the river bed there should be removed to form part) of the protective work. This work should be undertaken about the end of autumn. I estimate the oosb at £60 It was resolved that the Engineer's recom mendation re planting wiilowa be carried oat. It was decided in connection with the footbridge ab Markey's bridge, that the Engineer's proposal be carried out, and a copy of the report to bis forwarded So the Hampatead Town Board before the wore is commenced. It was also resolved that the Engineer's report oa the overflow of the Ashburton river, be agreed to. A letter was rsad from Mr Card, applying for compensation for work done to repair damages to the temporary intakes in the river bed, leading to tag channel, supplying the Canterbury Mill and Wakauui Oteek, and caused by the extraordinary floods of October last* The Chairman and Engineer reported that a large outlay for restoration outside ordinary maintenance had ocoarred, and although it appeared Mr Pnrd had spent £40 on these spacial work*, u.bV could not recamraend more than £50* Mr Wright w»s of the opinioD £30 was a liberal sum, and further, the payment should be classed as a gratuity.—*lt was resolved to grant the sum of £30 to Mr Ourdi &, circular was read from the Post Office Department forwarding £23 6s Eld, being refund of working expenses of Mayfield telephone, and supplying statement! of accounts, AOOovaxs. Acoounti amounting to £58110s 4t3 were duly passed for payment< (Left sitting)

Badea Powell and Lagmhor.

It will be remembered that the employees of the Ligmhor Estate sent a present to Baden Powell as m mark of their admiration of his noble defence of Mafeklng- The hero has, with a keen knowledge of human nature eenb by way «f acknowledgment, his own photo, with the words: " Wibh cordial good wishes to the employees Lagcnhor Estate, from B 8. S. Baden Powxll, 25th Nov., 1900," written by himself at the foot, also a letter, of which the following is a copy: —

Bcufch African donitabalary. pKKTOBIA, No?. 26, 1900. Dbae Sir,—l have feo'day received tha very kind pretenb and signed' address from the ©mploj<§» of the Lttgmhor fistatp, Ashbartou, N.Zi It) givoß iho Highest gratification to all of us who were in Mafekmg to fiod that <ur effortt there to oarry oat oar duty have been eo geseroasly appreciated by *ll classes of Briton* all the world over; and I psnoaally feel moab highly honoured by this fepeol&l mark o{ good will from your tubicriberi. This model of » bo»r iwhioh animal above all others per«onifie« pluck and daterminstion) joined to the hftndtaoma block of ]»de(whioh aigniSes good luck) will—while keeping my papers in good order—serve me aa a guide and friend. I shall ever treasure this memento with feelings of cordial gratitude to my kind frienda on the Lsgtnhor Estate, And with m»ny thenka to yourself.—l am, yours very truly.—R S S Baden Powell. To W R H Willoughby, Esq., Fon Seo. P.8.—1 beg to forward herewith a photograph of myself, hoping it) may be acceptable. The secretary of the associated employees, Mr Seymour Willoutjhby, has kindly permitted us to retain both letter and photo at this effica until Saturday evening.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

RUSSIA IN MANOHUEIA.

THE DEMANDS OF THE POWERS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyrishu London, January 3 Russia is retaining complete military control of Feng tein, the most important province of Manchnria, and allows re sumption of Chinese cival administration under Russian protection. Niu'chwang and some other places are not to be re stored to China until Russia is satisfied' that pacification is complete. Tha lime say« this agreement Is utterly irreconcilable with Russia's professions to Ohina and the Powers. I The Chinese Government has notified Ministers and the Powers that it Is able to guarantee the performance ef the de mands. Li Hung Chang states that the Emperor is willing to banish offenders named by the Ministers to the north west frontier in China, and that they will be beheaded if they return.

The Commonwealth Celebrations

United Pitch As&oofotton—By Etotdo Telegraph—Copyrlghb Sydney, J»n S Some grievances have arisen among the guests of the Government respecting the non-delivery of Invitation cards, and tike arrangements for lodgings. A prominent Victorian visitor, S!» William Zeal, President) of the Legislative Council, considered himself slighted by the position allotted for him at the State banquet. When he saw the seat he refused to take it, and left the hall. Sob* secmently lie wrote a letter to Sir W, J- Lyne complaining of the treatment received, and stating that he would not accept any farther hospitality from the Government. To-'day was almost generally observed as a holiday. Beautiful weather prevailed, the heat being tempered by a fine breeze. The pressure on the leading hosteiries is now relaxing. To-day there was a great military dis play. From an early hoar every possible kind of conveyance was in demand to carry the populace to the Centennial Park. The trams were crowded, the 'bosea obtained high fates, while nothing short of gold could fad nee a cabdrjyer to take passengers to the field of action, where the Army of the Empire displayed itself in all its glory. At the saluting base were gathered the fashionable people of Sydney society and distinguished guests. Messrs Beddon and Oarroil occupied seafis amongst others on the special platform. As the troops formed up, the first line cons'sted of the infantry in a line of quarter column $ the second line was formed of the eogineers and departmental troops; and the third Hne the mounted brigade and field artillery. Other branches of the service, such as the naval forces, the Garrison Artillery, the Army Service Corps, and Medical Staff Corps, were poraded asinfsntry. The regimental bands brought up the rear of the respective regiments. Lord Hopetoun received a great ovation on reaching the parade ground. He was received by a ganeral ualnte, and he then proceeded down the cavalry line, from the right, and up the infantry line from the left, the bands playing a slow march. The Mounted Brigade moved to the saluting base during the- inspection of the Infantry. Lord ■ Hopetoun, who was mounted, wasattlred in a general's undress uniform, and was attended by two atdes- As soon as the Governor general had finished the inspection, he returned to the saluting point, and the march past pommenoei.

The Royal Horse Artillery cama first, followed by :bo Life Guards. It was an imposing spectacle, the sunlight glancing on the Bririant uniforms of the Imperial troops and their shining accoutrements nsaMng up a dazzling e-cene. The Cavahy passed in dashing style but the Indian Cavalry displayed fine* control of their horses. Their three solid columns moved like clockwork. The men eat their horses like statues of bronze. They received a magnificent reception, and probably raised greater enthusiasm than any other foree. The inarching of Imperial troops was something to ha remembered. The Grena diers and the Eifia Brigade divided the honours. The colonial forces hare nod yet; reached the English standard in thle respect, and there was not the same dock work precision. The Marines from tha Davy, together with sailors, marched splendidly, arousing the enthusiasm ef 150,000 spectators. The Queensland and Tasmanian Contin gent—the latter led by the redoubtable Major Cameron, of Sooth African fame raised enthusiasm to a high pitch. A ■imilar effect was produced as the New Zeaiandtra marched past. The Hew Booth Wales Lancers made a brave show While they had not the stateUneei of Uw English cavalry, they displayed the abas* don individually which marked their eon rades on the African veldt.

The actual number of troop3 on parade was 9679, and In the march they took an hoar to pass the Governor-General. The streets were crowded with vlftlton and sightseers all day long. Variety was lent to the decorations by certain change* in colours wrought over night. To-day Martin Place, in front of the Post Office, is featooced in green paper streamera, wh'ch in the gentle breeze swell like the ea, promising a beautiful effect when the ; electric light is tnrned on to'night. All day long the military bands nave been playing on the band stands erected t every few hundred yards in the ■treete/ A beautiful sight was the great display at the cricket ground by fho children of the public schools. Upwards of tta thousand children took part, in the pre« sence of thirty thousand persons. The children were dressed in white, eaelr school being distinguished by a parHeolar coloured ribbon or tie The girls per* formed a pretty flag march, describing circles, triangles, and other geometrical figures with excellent precision The boys displayed their ability in dumbbell and s<ngle*stick exercises. The Governor General visited the ground during tha afternoon, the children cheering him and sinking. There was a commercial demonstration' in the shape of a luncheon to oommemor* ate the inauguration of theCommonwealth and welcome Laid Hopetoun. Over a thousand gaesTg were present. The' Governor General did nob appear, apolo* gislug for his absence en the ground that he was tired after the military function of the morning. . - Mr Barton received a good reception, but that accorded Mr Reid overshadowed , all. For fully five minutes peal en peal of cheers rang out, showing that the leader of the Freetraders wan amongst hit* own in the commercial community. A toast to the memory of Sit Henry Parkes was drank in silence. Tonight there is plenty of amusement! In the shape of fireworks, the phiiharmonla I concert, the cycling carnival, and the , theatres, where it is * command night.'

The Federal Ministry

PREPARATION FOR THE ELECTIONS

.-'; United Press Association— By Kleotrfs Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Janaary 3 The Federal Ministers are getting their relative matters in order. Tho right Hod E Barton has wired to the Treasurers of the various BUfeet I that the customs and excise reventto would have to be credited to the Com tnonwealfch consolidated account m from the let of January

The Financial Crisis.

United Press Asiooiatton—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright . '

London, Jan 2 The Marquis of Dnfferio has with drawn his resignation from the direc torate of the London and Globe Finance Corporation in order to meet the shareholders.

DUKE OF YORK.

United Frew Ansodatien—by Ktaobrio Tslegraph—Oopyrlgbt

London, Jan 3 The Duke of York hag been appointed Colonel ... of * the Royal Marines.

Mr Ward has telegraphed to the Agrst General :—* Th« colony propose* to give the M«ori chiefs an pportunity of meeting the Euke of York. The meeting* will he held c'oie to the large oontrct, ta enabla the ohiefa to visit and return in one day.*

CRICKET.

Melbourne, Jan 3 In the match, South Aaatrali* t Victoria, South Australia's second icnloga closed for 177—Wakeley 20. Victoria won by 238 rani-

CANTERBURY v. AUCKLAND.

Ohristchdrch, Jab 4 There was beautiful weather for the Canterbury - Auckland match. Auckland wod the ton and decided to go In. MlHt stood out of the Auckland team owing to hip band being iojuted in Duaedin. Bii pl»«t w»s filled by Stephens; W Sternum and D Hay batted, and Callaway opened to Stemtott with Bk maiden. Hay drove to leg for tw« off Kobertion, and scoring commended. Both man appear well.aeb.

Sporting.

AcpKLAND, January 5 At the sale of the WelKngtoQ Park yew« lings this afternoon, Mr H Friedlftndsr, of Ashburtoo, purchased the Hotchkise-]>dy Augueta oolt for 540ga, and the St L*ger<£v« filly at 33gs.

United Prifs Anoolation—By KlM^rk Telegraph

!$■ A HBtfttrGN BUAtfcBIAJ . *RtOAt, 4, I*ol



Full moon Last quarter Apogee New moon First quarter Perigee

D 5 13 12 21 2? 34

H M 11 44 am 8 8 am 10 30 pm 2 6am 9 22 p no 11 0 pm



i>»te January 91 tl M • t

5 4 5 6 7 8

Ri«eß 4 29 4 30 4 31 4 32 4 34 4 35

Sefce 7 41 7 41 7 40 7 40 7 40 7 40



Under the distinguished patronage of Igil Mftjeßty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics tad Uni versities all over the globe. That the erode, resinous oils, which are now fuiated upon tbe public nodor the name of Bttcalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander as Sods' Pare Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt ib proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only prodoots thab are saturated with oxygen and freed of acids, resinous and other (substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by tht plant. To avoid the appalling consequent}*'! result* ing from the" application of subitftntes, "rtal, in drotp, bronchitis, diphtneria,fJysent«ry, interttal inflammation, etc, insist !n getting i Sandek and (tons' Pdbh Vpwi £>r uemt Extract, and be safe, Wades Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm j Worrier-, neyer fail toi &duH« or flhUdpejJ j Price Is ' I Smoke New Venwa 1



TTAVING takea a lease of one of the new shops in Davis's corner, j am now showing a large and varied stock of Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery Electro-plate, Eto. suitable for Christmas and Wedding Pre sents at prices which defy competition. Note the Addrpss—Davis' Cornpr. 4 Cough Cure, Wahoo, Koolibah and Benjamin Gum go to Ashbdkton Dupci G y



P5 0 O * i i o ! 525 S QQ O < * QO ! * 1 a o © to QA as * % < M S s S ! § |" 2g I £ ! 21; - p^ * O Q CD s , od pq _p _^_ STILL ADVANCING. CEAIGHEAD & BERBYMAN TTAVE just opened out, exa.s. Paparoa JGL from London, th« largest thipment of New Gooda they have hitherto Imported, comprising the most up to date Suitings from the betb Manufacturers as now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customers auch » splendid range of new materials _ of guaranteed qual ty and stylish patterns' to choose from as should please even the most fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the leading fit ma in Christohuroh or other cities. They are also showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., this season Customers would do well to place their orders enrly as C. &B. have already a large bumber of suits on the books promised before Xma». IX 140 G. JESSON, PRACTICAL WATCHMAKER AND JKWBLLBR



THEi YEKDICT OF ALL PRACTICAL RIDERS IS IN FAYOTJB OF EIDING BUILT with Butted Tubing, Short Heads, Narrow Tread Archer Box Crown, Jin or lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheels! Any style Saddle, Handles, Chute, etc. Any gear, any height frame ; aleo dust-proof throughout, ONR PKICK TO ALL—£2l OATES, LOWRY AN! CO., Zealandia Oyolfl Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U,S . Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. v t mmmnum "*T" mm mimiinwM DIRECTORS, with power to iasun Policies and pay claims: Hl> Bei-l, Esq, Chairman. | Percy 84 Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albeet Mabtin, Esq, MD. j E Tbbvob Qovld, Resident Secretary.; BTBONGEST LJFE ASBUKANCE SOCIETY IN THE WOKLD Financial Position. Asßuranoe in force ... .„ £219,670,058 j Surplus over liabilities ... £12,711,97 Accumulated funds.,. .„ £58,373,185 J Annual income ... ._ £11,286,145 A Mutual Ofßoe. A 1! surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of tho Guaranteed Cash Value Policy. NICOLI7 BROS, Agents, Ashburtoo. 12 47 PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' OLOTHFNG, T> OYS' Graard Suits 8a 6d ; Boya' Bloaees 4a Boys' Norfolk Suits 12a 6d; Waehing Suite 2? 6d " Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18a 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12s 6d. A nice variety of Summer Goats in Kharki Serge, Sattein 9 Alpaca s HJte. NZ, CLOTHING FACTORY- F. H. BECKINGSALB, Manager. WILLIAM PATCHING, EAST & BUBNETT STREETS, ASHBURTON, S4DDLEK & HABNBSS MAKBB. "—j lj \x) "■ "H/I" Y C-'IPETEiST STAFF now includes FIRST GLASS COLLAR AND SADDLE MAKERS. Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed. Repairs Executed Promptly and afe Moderate Kttea ■MMWiIIMMIPMMfIIiJIIMMIWJIJMWIJMIIIMIIIIMHIW ■' ■■■ ' ' "" '"'■""■ll> ''" "' ""* " WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 1 €7E SHALL BE KEPRESENTKD at the Chriatoharch and Titnaru fttUtit, ftnfl W have made eatisfactory arrangements for disposing of CLIPS privately fahburtoD. Conßignments will be received at our Asnburton or Tlawild efcoree, »ndjl«n* on to •itherCtiristcharch or Titnaru, free of all charges, except railage; . Clients who wish to Bend thok Wool direct from their nearet»b railway ifcation will ease ooneign ae followß : — ' If intended for sale at Asbburtjon—Friedlander Broe 1, Ltd Siding, Ashbarton If intended for sale at Cbrietcliurch—Brown and Sola's Sidiug, Addicgton If iotended for sale or shipment at Timaru- Mill & Go's Siding, Timuru If intended for shipment at LyUeltoD-N.Z.SbippfDg CoVUumpiogSbea/Lyttelton WOOLSACKS, TWINE BEANDIN(J OIL, and ,ali other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. *J""'""'J «y» Oar Next Sale will take place at Timaru on THUBBDAY, JANUABY 3, 1900 JHEIIDLANDER BROS, LTD. PoJypatMc Medical Id statute. Conner of Glouoeeter Street and Latimer S uar«-, CHBISTCHUBCH, (Immediatoly behind the Ex Buildings). FIFTH VISIT TOIISHBURTON. FBIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUAEY 4, 190L 2 o'clock p m until Bpm FATUBDAY, JANUAKY 5, 9am until 1 o'clock p m CONSULTATION FREB.—GRANGE'S HOTEL. a POLY PATH Y, the New Method of Hauling, Is fchs -«• s?ffii * purest and most rtpid System, &s it cures with abiolnte js« 1 r'&Srltf^m. owtaioty such diseases aa Cancer, Epilepsy and A ethma, :^MW&^HSSM& inonrabk under the old nyitem, »s well a» ail Ohronio and Norvoua Complaintu of Women and Men. Mobb Cvm9 MADE m POLYPATHY than any other syitem in the Thousands oijestimonials Epilej?tw Fjts Fob Eight Yb&es j aj,so m«iws f^^^SSSS^l^^Sm your Medioines have doae me ft great deal of good. I ittsiOJiiSssSS&Hflifi feel better in every way, and thatsaina at the heart have entirely left; me. I hav« w% had one fit sioco taking I llHPl^rfflSßi^Hnß vour Medioiae—l remain, your* truly, ; I^l^M^MaiiaWPßrS long disease and sxtrbme D»BiLjiy_ 1 i h&ve much pleasure in Bending this letter, thft&King you very much for tho benefit I have derived from your mm^o^Sßl^^KßrM medioiDe, which I have been o«ing alz week«. im _~*-*»| lll&^i^llHIB reduced in weight from ISib^bdown toStttlMndl had quite given myself op to my Maker; bat th*ni ue» - a^er I had been under your treatment Bin* «*3fi »y g8 friends could see ft change in ma, and I could feel » v 'i^^^^^Sl^SS^Br^ myself, aad have been improving ever since, ITgn o»n w- h — TO( # ?^4i^sqggM^* ir f§ ÜBO this letter for a teutimonial, or refer anybody to Bi« "s^r-^^^^j^^^HrajpJgg*"' Wishing you every prosperity—Youre reipeefciufly, 12 147 {John Ewbick