Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following piaoea as under, subject to the necessary "Iterations : SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 For Northern Ports and Weatport, par Rotomahana at 6 30 p n> MONDAY, JAN 7 For Tasmania, Australia, (due Melbourne Jan 13) India, China, Japan, Straits Settle : meat, South Africa, etc United Kingdom (due London February 17th), specially addressed via Brindlsi, and Continent) of Europe, per express feo connect with Mono ! wai ( at 14.30 pra For Northern Ports and Weatport, per Tarawera, »t 6 30 p|m Express delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashburton ac ttom Ist January 1901- Fxprass deliveiy will cover letters and parcels not: exceeding three lbs in weight, for which ats extra fee of sixpence has been paid, The special mes senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being nude, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence gash additional mile op to two milee or time payment biting made

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for January

StJN.

Commercial.

TIMARU WOOL SALES.

The second sale of the Beason which commenced in the Theatre Royal on Thurt day night was continued, at 9 o'clock yteterday and concluded at noon. There was a full attaadauce of buyers, some seren teen in all operating, and the sale was a very brisk one. Prices obtained were above those ruling at previous sale by about f d to Id on half-bred and merino, £d to £d on three quarter-breds; coarse orosabreds did not show any improvement. Seven catalogues were submitted, representing a total of 5861 bales. A pleasing feature of the sale was the small quantity passed in. Tfrnam, Oamaru, and Kaiapoi Woollen Factories purchased freely Prices obtained at this sale were :—Half bred super, b^d toß|d : do. medium, 6i to 7|d ; three quarter br«d, 56! to 6Jd $ cross bred, medium to fine, shi t to 6d ; do. coarse, 4£d to s£d ; merino super, 7£d to SM; medium, 6d to 7|i ; merino pieces to 7|d ; crossbred and halfbred pieces and bellies, 3d to sd; locks, 2d to 3d.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashbnrton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-oporative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on January 4, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl «. 2s 2d „ „ Tuscan.^ 2s 3d „ „ Hunter's 2a Id Oats—Duns .- la 5^ Danish Is sid Canadians is 7d Sparrowbills Is 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2a Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2a 3d Ohaff-—Good oatnheaf SOa to 52* 63 Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2a to 2a 3d New „ Is 6d to la 9d The above are prices current paid to farmers on tracks &t Ashburton.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUAERY 5, 1901 Federation and New Zealand.

The New Zealand Federation Go i o> ission, which begins its labours on the 18th instant, does not seem to promise any satisfactory settlement of the great question, whether or not New Zealand should enter the Austmlism Common* wealth. To begin with the majority of the members have already expressed opinions opposed to Federation. It in, therefore, not at all likely that theee gentlemen, who are fairly level headed, will be induced to choice their views on this matter simply aa a result of the brilliant celebrations they have just witnessed in Sydney. If there were no other means of forecasting the gist of their report than this knowledge of their opinions, we think we might safely assume that it would be adverse to federating with Australia. But there is a much more potent factor in deter mining the attitude of New Zealand on this subject, for some considerable time to come at anyrate, and that is the socialistic tendencies of the party now in power in thi« colony, We all know that when the Hon. W P Reeves was a member of the present administra tion, his strongly pronounced leaning to socialism was the subject of much uneasiness to a large number of the Government supporters, both inside and otiteide the House. But times have changed, and presumably, the fervid eloquence with which he so often defended his views, has borne fruit in later days, for at present the whole I Cabinet is in full sail towards the haven so ardently desired by Mr Reeves. This is abundantly proved by recent measures taken by the Government, The establishment of poultry farms, the decision to enter into competition with private breeders of sheep, horses and cattle, and the proposal to establish &t th,e expense of the state small market gardens in the vicinity of the large towns, are all examples of the intention of the pre sent administration to introduce cer tain prominent features of socialism into this country. We have nothing to say against socialism pure and si tuple. Possibly under a different system from that which prevails in most of the civilised countries in the world at the present time, the inhabi tants of the earth might be gene rally caore pontented and happier than they are at present. But the effect of grafting upon the existing system of individual effort and indivi dual reward, a bastard socialism under the guise of state ownership, jfi&nnot fail to be highly prejudicial to the interests of the people as a whole. The obvious result of thie will be to strengthen the hands o| the party in power, for at the rate we are going, tba Government will very soon be the oraljj as it is now the principal, employer $f la^oar, and the head centre of all our national .industries, This being so, it is easy to Understand that New landean Jbave nothing in common .jprith Australia, and we look upon the ap pointment of the federation commis fjop »s ojjee! tja^pe acts of

apparent deference to the popular desire | for the judicial consideration of great , questions which have always distin-? guisbed the present head of the! Government. We consider the decision 1 of the Commission may safely be fore { told, and while it can in no way represent public opinion in this country it must be adverse to federating with Australia. Some indication vi the gulf which separates the party chiefs in Australia and Now Zealand may be gathered from Mr Barton's reply to Mr Seddon's suggestion for a partnership in a swift eteam service between New j Zealand and Australia, The Federal Premier, while, agreeing that a faster Bef vice was very much to be desired, said he had no donbt that private enterprise would meet the demand. Public men holding such opposite views on a question which ia the cardinal point in the policy of one party, can never come together.

Local and General.

(Demuka (E'botting Club—Nominations for the Temaka Trotting Clubi meeting close tonight At 10 o'clock, with the secretary. Bobovqh Imfeoviments —- The Borough \ Councit laborers are noyt putting down | concrete channelling from the corner of Wills Street to the East Belt, on the Wakanui Road, and on the western bI«Jo of Oass street, betweea Moore and Tancred streets. Bbitish Abmy Rbform.—The main feat urss of the British Army Relorm have been decided on and the new regime will commence early this year. An outline ef the proposals will be found in an article on oar first page. j Cantebbuby Fbozen Meat Company—An I extraordinary general meeting of the Canter bury Frozen Meat Company wili be held in the company's office, Christcharoh, on Friday, the 11th iust, at 2.30 p m. ! The Small Bibs Nuisance--At Wednes day's meeting of the Levels County Council the clerk stated that he had paid away during the month of December no less than £117 tor small birds'eggs. A member said that this represented 13,440 dozen eggs—a good record for one month Labgk (iOOßKbebbies.—Mr James Elliott has shown us a sample of what he can grow in the way of gooseberries. The berries are of the half red and white variety and are as big as good sized plums. They are quite ripe, are of fine flavour, and in hot) weather like this very refreshing. Fruit Crop — Complaints are pretty general that the yield of cherries throughout the Achhurton County this year is exceptionally small, in facb in many oases the trees are altogether fruitless. This resalt is said to be due to the cold wet weather at the timo of the blossom being out Shropshire Rams for New South Wales—The largest shipment of Shropshire rams from this colony was taken by the Zea landia for Sydney on Thursday. The rams were purchased by Messrs Geo. King and Co. for a Sydney client, from Mr Rupert Parry, the well knowo Tim»ru breeder. They were all two-tooths, and coming from such a well bred flock as Mr Parry's should be much appreciated in the colony to which they are going.

Tbansvaal Comot.—Although our troopers in South Africa are nob permitted to become possessed of any Boer weapons, there ia nothing to prevent them from securing any other relics of their sojouin in the enemy's country, and accordingly several curios have reached this colony. "Sesterday a packet was received from Corporal Alfred Willis of the New South Wales Mounted Bearer Corps, containing amongst other things a, nnmbsr of Kaffir ornaments, wont' ens bracaleta—not golden, Kruger "coins not gold cither, each article being labelledl The Price of Cocksfoot in London—At I the request of the Banks'' Peninsular Farmers' [ Association, MrR tfeaton Rhodes, M.H.H., wrote to the Minister for Agriculture (the H n T. Y. Ludcud) asking him if he would hava the London prices of cockfoot cabled to New Zealand- Mr Rhodes has just, received a reply from tha Minister to the effect that he haw instructed the Agent Genet al for New gaaland to cable these i quotations to this colony. High Scuoot Boabd—The usual monthly meeting of the Aehburton High School Board ! was held yesterday afternoon. Present— Messrs Andrew Orr (chairman), S. Chapman, and M, Stilt. An apology for absence, on aGcount of illness, was received from Mr Denshire. The Bank balance was shown to be dn #223 18i ?d, Sundry aoooucfes were passed for payment, amounting to £6 12b 3d, and the meeting adjourned. Fxtba Prime.--On Thursday about) ft i dozen lines of fat lambs—Aggregating j between 600 and 700—from growers its the K.fle,Dwmore, Elgin, and Fairfield districts r-wera killed at the FftUield freezing works, and on being weighed averaged 43lbs per brad, and were all labelled " extra prime " quality. This Is *n unprecedented esparieroe in the annals of any freezing works in the colony,, and is conclusive evidence of the sp'endid fattening pro parties of the light plain land Id this dibtricbt

Hospital Commmtbe.—A meeting ofth» Hospital Committee was held yesterday. Present—Messrs J. D&viaon, S S Chapman, and M. Stitt, the latter being appointed chairman of the meeting. Mr H Friediander waa appointed ohairman and also treasurer for th® ensuing year. Dr Trevor's report was road, and proved to be of a satisfactory nature. A list of patients owing money to the institution was laid upon the table. Messrs Chapman and Daviscra were appointed a Visiting Committee for one and two months seapeoklveiy, and after accounts were passed for payment, the meeting terminated. Divorce In Higjh Lite.— A jndiclal eepsr atien h*s taken place between Prince and Princess Aribert of Anhalt, The deeds were signed and the necessary formalities were completed during Prince Christian's recent Btay at Berlin. There will (says the Wgvld) be no divorce suit, the Prince having raised uo objection to the course proposed by his wife. Prince Aribert, who has res gned bis commission in the Prussian dragoon regiment of which he was a captain, lefb Berlin re cently on a visit to his iather, the Duke of Aolmlb, at Dessau, and is now at his eatate of Zerbat, but ie said to be contemplating a tour ifl the East. Princess Aribert will reside in England in future, and her depar ture from Berlin is much regretted by the JBmperor and Empress and all the Court.

Gbeejtstkeet. —• A most enjoyable evening was spent at Mr Shearer's ehedon New Year's eve, when over 50 couples assembled to wel come the new year In. The room was prettily decorated with evergreens and Christmas lilies by the gentlemen of Green ebreefc. Excellent music was supplied by Mr Anderson, assisted by Mr Stewart, violin, Misses Shearer, Messrs Doherty and Mo? Lauahlan, piano. Songs were sung by Misers Shearer and Bountree ; Mr Shearer, * Lass o J Gowde'and 'Scotland Yet'; Mr MoOonneH, 'Philadephia' and 'Wet Paint'; MrOurd.'Sons of the Sea. 1 Mr Mahoney danced a step dance acd Mr H Bradford a Highland Fling. The refreshments were in the hands of Mesdames Hill andCorbitt and were delicious. The table was decorated with scarlet poppies and oats. Mr 0 Blaok officiated as M 0, assisted by Mr Grace. Dancing was kept up till early hours in the morning.

Sandbr & Sons' Eucalypti Extract— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, rssinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public and*r the name of Euoalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pare Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by; the fi^edigal Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and.&riefawald (Prussia), thai only products that are saturated" with/or^gen and 1 freed of acids, reainoua and other substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by 'the plant. To avoid the appalling conaequences result ing from fche application of substitutes, etc., in oroup, bronchitis, diphtberia.dysentefy, internal lnsasnmation t etc., insist fn getting Sanpbb an.d Sons' Pebb Woia) E psvfi %IBAOT, and be s*fei'

Weather Pkpqrt —Captain Edwin fore caitß:—north to west and southwest gale, glass fa'!, indications of rain. Queen Of Folland.—lt is officially announced thai the marriage of the Queen of Holland will take place at the end of January or the beginning of February, Personal ~-Wearsp'eased tos(ate that Miss Buck Bchodlmisirees at Newlande school who had to Bpend her Christmas holiday In the Ashburtoa Hoepital, under medical treatment, is recovering jast and ia leaving for a trip to the Const.—His Worship the ' Mayor is expected to reach Ashburton on Tuesday evening. : Sanitary—A great number of people throughout this county are just now suffer ing from severe colds, cougbe, and similar complaints. In fact there appears to be a mild form of iDfiuerss* going about, with the result bhat there are a good many dejected looking individuals to be met with in all directions. After all what else could be expected when the temperature falls 30 degrees in twenty four hours, which happen* 1 ed Iksi) weak.

.. Holiday Trif—Mfcßsrs R Shearman. D ; Grant;, Frank Curtis, and 8 Madden started on a fortnight's driving trip to the West Coast yesterday afternoon is a conveyance driven by J Newman, When Mr Curtis was bicycling to the starting poinb yesterday ho bad rather a severe fall from hia bicycle opposite Shearman Bros. la Burnett Stregt He vu attended to by Mr Shearman, and eventually it was necessary to send for the services of ft medical man, Mr Curtis having fainted ; subsequently he was able to star* en the driving tour. Postal Bates .—As enquiries have reached U3 with rcapect to the rates cp accounts &o ■ent through the poet with the fl*p of enve lope turned in wo are informed by the local postmaster that no alteration haa been made on former oh rges. Practically 'here fore the alteiatiou does not, effect) sommer oial papers &c and the reduced rates only refer to correspond* ncs. , (Thb Botal Waxworks,—The manage, ment of the Royal Waxworks announce that) they will appear at tho Oddfellows 1 Hall to-night. They will exhibit fifty Ufa size figures, including an ingenious mechanical .figure of the Sleeping Beauty, the Royal Family, the Dreyfus group, Kruger, and a number of other •<couth African notabilities. The company includes several artistes, who are all specialists la their various roles. Aihas, 3a a conjuror of the highest order, Lieut Wilson is a prince among ventrilo quists, while Mr Kit sou is one of the best dancers in tho colony. Wherever the com* pany has Bhown they have made long stays, their popul-rity increasing the longer they were in a town. The management apologise for not appearing on their original date, bub will positively appear to-nightt | The Mayfteld Telephone.—At a reoent meeting of the County Council, the chairman drew attention to a letter that had been received from the Post Office Department, Wellington, stating that the operation? of the May field telephone office for the years 1899—1900 had resulted in a lose of £46 10a for which sum the chairman said the Council was responsible. At the meeting held yesterday, a later letter from the Depart ment waa read from which it appeared thac the former calculation waa wrong, and that instead, the office showed a profit of £7 13s 3d, for 1899, and £15 12s lid for 1900. Mr E G Wright who had been instrumental in having the office opened, said that) he knew there could have been no deficiency on the estimates supplied to the Department and the figures showed that the guarantors would be released in four yerra instead of thftflvß originally agreed upon.

News in Brief.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company wili'sell at Tatters&ll's, Oamaru, on Saturday next), 50 specially selected draught! mares and geldings, suitable for the requirements of farmers. Messrs Mating and Bhatlor»sa wi!l hold a horse fair at Geraidine ou Friday next, when they Wilt offer for sale a large line of draught hackney and harness horeec On Wednesday nrxs they will offer, at the Ger»ldine stock market, a liao of 2,150 flhtep in lots to suit buyers.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

RUAPUKA NO. 1 DISTRICT. It was decided to levy rate due, 14th July, 1900, although members regretted the necessity to call up the rate. In this connection the Chairman Intimated that the result of his visit; to Wellington to interview the Premier to obtain & grant in aid had not been successful. He had the greatest difficulty, and it was only with the assistance of Mr Walker that he was able to obtain ad interview with Mr Seddon, who, whilst not personally unfavorable, Statecjinothing could be done at present), and co promise could be obtained as the Premier was too maoh occupied with social and other fuctioasat that time to give the matter much attention, and he thought it would be necessary to return to Wellington at a later and more favourable opportunity. VALUATION DEPARTMENT. A o'aim of £102 8s 3d for revising rolls and also £5? 13s 3d, balance of cost of valuation, from the Valuation Department, came in fer a severe criticism from various members of the Council. Mr Lambie expressed in strong terms his disapproval of thU department, whiob, he eaid, was created to extract money from the ratepayers and to provide employment for officers of this department. He pointed oat that the work waa formerly done by the Road Boards, and a matter of fact the actual work was still continued by them. If such a, useless department as that under notice were set up it should, bethought, be paid for by the general public and not the burdened taxpayers of the colony, and he considered the Council and other public bodies should strike against the department which had grown up like a mushroom and really waa of no value whatever. Mr Chapman aUo expressed his disapproval and added that no one appeared to have control over the valuation officer* The Chairman said the department waa a oolonial iniquity, but yet he was satisfied all they could do was to protest, and that this would really have no effect. Mr Wright was of opinion that if a protest were sent) in ia Writing to the Land Tax Department a Committee to be formed to prepare same, it might have some beneficial effect, and this waa decided upon,

! Ultimately the valuation accounts were passed for payment. Mr Wright also movad that Road Boards ' and other local bodies within the county be asked to famish the Council with the several amounts claimed by the Yftlaation Department for last year and the number of transfers made during that time itt each locality, , :■,■...■:'. .: ' :- i' RfTS. It was decided to levy a rate in Ruapuna Ho, 2, due January 1901. MOUNT SOMEK3 pEIDGE* Mr Wright advocated the planting of willows to protect the south approach to the Mount Somers bridge. He asteedthat the eflgineer be authorised to inspect and advise if necessary to undertake any works in protection of Wood's crossing and thts was agreed to. ■:" LYTTBIiTON HABBOR BOAEO. A circular was received intimating that the biennial election of members of the Harbour ! Board falla on llbh February, and asking that s^eps be taken by the Council for the selection of its member. It was decided thali the Council meet on 11th February for this purpose, and also for holding ibs next ordinary meeting. • MOUNTSOMBHS BOAD BOARD. Mr Wright meved that the Board be informed that the Council is willing to j undertake charge of the work of making a track on the Wintcrsiow Run by their engineer, providing the Road Board is willing to hand over the work entirely to the Counoil, with the approval of Government, who hnd granted £200. i IRRIGATION FARM; I Mr E Foray th, the lessee of this farm, the lease of which expires in May next, wrote [ that he was witling to lease the farm for another year at the name rate aa at present, viz,'7s per «cret ■' ' . ••• It was resolved to advertise for tenders for a 5 or .7 years' teaee. PAYMENTS TO GOVEBNMBNT. It was decked that the Treasurer and any two other members should sign interest cheques.

RKSBBVE 1174. Mr W H Rule applied for two months'free grazing of part of reserve 1174 on the ground tnaJi during three months' of hia lease there was little er uo feed on account of the ravages cf the grass grab. It Was agreed that Mr Rule's request be granted for one month, and further, that tenders be called for a lease for two years, the land to he sown down with grass from' Ist February, 1901. THE INTAKE Messrs Wilding, Lewis and Bolleston, j solicitors, wrote that they had been in< I structed by Mr O. Digby to call attention to the serious risk of damage to their client's property by the state of the approach to the I intake, wf water from the Aahbnrton river, for the channel supplying the town, and asking for a report by the Engineer, and intimating further that the Council would be held responsible for any future damage. It was agreed to tend a copy of the Engineer's report ia answer to the letter. DAMAGE BY MOODS Mr D. Cameron, of Springfield, wrote ■ drawing attention to the damage done to hit | property by the heavy floods from tha aux'« liary channel on the 17th and 18th October. ' . It was resolved to refer the letter to the Council's Engineer, to bring up & report *t next meeting. MISCBE.LANEOUS An application for the remission of « small rate due by Mr Dalley waa granted, o£!he Engineer was authorised to Inspect an encroach ment) of the river at Hood's crossing bridge, and report on same to the Ooanotl; INSPECTION OF DAIRIES A circular was received from the Agricul tural Department, intimating that ib had decided to commence the work of dairy inspection as from January 1, 1901. WATES BACB APPLICATIONS Messrs J Brown and Rule and Mrs Charles applied for water races. The first applica tion was referred to the Engineer to report on, and the two latter were granted. OFFICERS AND SALARIES It was decided to increase the salary of the assistant clerk, Mr Pritchard, to £70 per annum, and also to .employ a boy, age not to exceed 16, at a salary of 10? per week. The chairman and other members spoke highly of the services of Mr Pritehard* DOMAIN AT BALING Mr George TiUon wrote stating that a public domain had been formed at Baling, and aeking for a grant from the Council, It was resolved to apply to Mr Tilson for further information, SPECIAL'MEBXING A special meating was then held, to adopt special orders re the boundaries of the Anama and Rangitata Road Districts, DOG COLLARS The prices of dog collars and the sale of same was arranged similarly to last year. The Council then adjourned.

Mutiny on a Warship.

TROUBLE ON THE BARFLEUR

GUNSIGHTS THROWN OVERBOARD.

FIFTY MEN PLACED IN IRONS

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Oopyrighb Hong Kong, Jan i The crew of the British battleship Barfleur mutinied at Hongkong, and throw the gun sights overboard. They complain of unfair treatment regarding looting in Chios, and the severity of the petty officers. Fifty of the crew were placed in irons

MR SEDDON IN AUS TRALIA.

United Press Asscjiation—by Electric telegraph—Copyright

Received Wskapaaka Jan 4, 3|58 pm, This office 835pm {Delayed in transmission on cable.) Sydney, January 4 In the course of an interview with the I>anedin Stem commfssiorißpat "the Commonwealth celebrations Mr Saddoa said he had accepted an invitation to i visit Brisbane and leaves for there on Tuesday next. He spends two or three days in Toowoomba and Bris ( bane and returns to Sydney and then visits Melbourne en route for the Bluff, where he is due at the end of the month, An Imperial passport officer to-day informed MrSeddon that the Orient, with the Queensland troopers from South* "Africa,, will take the New Zeal and era now on board her and the liarlech Castle men who remained here lor the Commonwealth festivities to Brisbane, leaving H ydney on the SKn, and Brlsbtne for Dunedin direct on the Isih of January. The Orient will have about 120 troopers for New Zealand, From Dunedin she goes to Wellington. Mr Seddon further said that he hopes to arrange the penny postage difficulty with the inter-state Post master-Generals, The trouble that baa arisen is due to the red tapeism of the postal officials. He has Been Mr Crick in the course of the day regarding these matters. The Dnke of York cannot accept the invitation to open the Mew Zealand Parliament as Imperial legislation would be necessary to enable it to be done. The Dnke and Duchess? of York will make a good stay in the colony as Lord Hopetoun has intima ted that they wish to have arrange ments made for meeting with the Maori chiefs,

South Africa.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

WNWHOLBSOMB _ pONDENSEp 1 '■■,'; ,■■; mi]dk.

Tim CONTAIN JDYNAMITE AND BDJLLETS.

Received January 4, 8 52 p m LpNpON, Jan' 4 A consignment of ballets and dyna mite fiom Capetown, packed in con densed milk tins, has been seized at Fraserburg, the capital of one of the districts where martial law has been proclaimed. Lord Methuen is pursuing Boer convoys past Vryburej. Private Morgan, of the New South Wales Bushmen, has died from wounds ceived.

London, January 4 The horses of the Boer raiders in Gape Colony are footsore, and lack fodder. The country in the direction of Fraserburg is barren. The military authorities are collecting all the re mounts and grain The Boers captured and destroyed the mails due at Carnarvon on Decem ber 30 A party of Boers from the eastward. have reached Maraisburg. femall' parties are in Griqualand West, work ing towards Prieska ' \ " The Loyalist Defence Corps in Cape Colony is enrolling briskly, L©rd

Kitchener urges Sir Gordon Sprigg to seed well mounted men. He Bays that the enemy are few, but very mobile The Standard's correspondent, de scribing- the fifteen hours' fight at, Rhenosterkop, at the end of November states t>ltat the huhaviour of the New Zealanders and Australians was one of the finest features of the war, Fioer fighters have never faceda foe The Times states that, though Oape messages indicate nervousness, there is nothing to justify serious anxiety The citizens of Gape Town are volun teering almost <>,n masse. < Finding Fraserburg garrisoned, the Boers'" western commando diverged more north westerly in two columns, with flanking parties, clearing thfl country of every thing eatable Tli« British have evacuated Jagers fontein «md Fauresmitb, and the Boers have occupied them Commandos have appeared in Beehn. an aland Two thousand Boer prisoners at Green Point and STmonstown have been transferred to ii: u i, sports, enab ling, a thousand troops to proceed north Melbourne, January 4 Lord Kitchener has cabled to the Minister of Defence that he under-: stands that Australia is sending men to fill the vacancies in the Contingents, and asks when he may expect them. He pajs a high tribute to the Aus tralian soldiers, and , adds, if the' proportion of men sent is over and above the number required, it will enable him to send home aomo of those having urgent private reasons for returning. He also asks that the men be fully horsed. It is intended to send about 400 men, and ex^ra horses. The troopship Orient arrives to-night with returning troopers. Passing Oape Otway she signalled, "Have threa hundred sick, but no carriages are required*".

LORD ROBERTS' ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright, (Received Wakapuaka Jan 4 1136 am) This office I 29 a m : London, January <& Lerd Roberts baa arrived in, London. He had a splendid welcome, fourteen thou Band troopH lining the streeta from Padding ton station to Buckingham palace London, Jan 4 Lord Eoberts, in accepting the Freedom of Southampton, referred to the heavy debt of love and gratitude due to the colonists. He highly praised Lord Kitchener's wise counsel and ever ready help. There w»a a brilliant scene on Lord Robert's arrival at Paddington Station. The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, the Duke of Connanghr, the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Wolesley, Sir Evelyn Wood, the Marquis of Laafdowns and Mr Brodriok welcomed him. He made a triumphal progress to Buckingham Palaoe. The crowds were most orderly, and there were splendid decorations. Fifty guests were present at the Palace luncheon. The Prince of Wales-eferred to the very difficulb and trying campaign nearly concluded. They were heart glad to welcome home a gallant soldier. Lord Roberts, in reply, said that he was proud at the most unexpected ai>d magnifi cent honours conferred on him by the Queen, and the splendid welcome of-the pubhu. Be regretted that more of hia comrades were nofc present, and he much wished that repre sentatives of the great colonies could have accompanied him, the colonies which gave their bravest and beat to fight for the Mother land, in signal proof of the unity of the Empire, under one flag and one Sovereign.

The Fatal Shooting Case.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Hawera, Jan 4 Id connection with the fatal shooting of the boy Peeb'es, at Normanby, on Boxing Day, at the Police Court, the police with drew the information for manslaughter against Thos GUtoy, owner of the gallery, and proceed under Section 152 of the Criminal Code Act, which provides that everyone who has in his charge anything, which in the absence of precaution or care may endanger human life is under the legal duty to take reasonable precautions against, and use reasonable care to avoid such danger. Witnesses stated that Gilroy used reason able precautions. The Bench dismissed the aase, and in doing so referred to the want of regulations governing the use of galleries. They considered those societies, which benefitted from the use of galleries, should take every care in the interests of the public safety ' '■ ■ ■

Interprovincial.

United Press Assboiatiou—By Electric Telegraph Auckland, January 4 The Kanieri left Onehunga at noon with the southern portion of the Frisco mail Wehcingeon, January 4 If the Duaedin citizenß deolrle as suggested to defer further receptions of returning troopers till the arrival of Colonel Robins and party. Mr Ward wiil order the Orient) to oome direct to Wellington, In thab case the may be expected about the time of the sailing of the Sixth Contingent. At the Conference of the Educational Institute the balance sheet showed £433 to credit of the legal defence fund. The recommendation of the Committee declaring that in the past the syllabus has been overloaded with arithmetic and that the work of the 6th Standard ought to be distributed over » seventh standard was adopted. Colonel Penton returns to Wellington from Sydney on the 15th of this month. . New Plymouth, January 4 The custom return show a revenue for 1900 of £21,346 »a against £20,349 in 1399. The exports from New Plymouth were £399,507, and from W&itara £104,221, against £336,965 and £77,391 in 1899. . CHRISTCfItfBOH, January 4 The Union Steamship Company has pur chased an interest iv the Vancouver service, baying acquired from the New' Zealand Shipping Company the steamer Warritnoo. Probably the Union Company will put the Moaaa on the line, the idea being to have a three weekly instead of a four weekly service as ab present. With the Aorangi and Miowera there will be four steamers in the service. The arrangement is to remain in force till the expiry of the present con tracts with the New South Wales, Queens' ; fond and Canadian Governments in 1903 : At the Conciliation Board there was a ' sitting to-day to bear the dispute between ' the Iress Oompa'tiy and the Lyttdtsn limes ' Company and the Canterbury Typographical' Union. The employers ask that the i Wellington award of the Arbitration Court be made to apply to Canteibury. The union asks that the rates be raised to3£d per thousand for linotype operations, i Geo» Fenwick of the Otago Daily Tinas, \ and J O Wilkln of • tho Lyttdton Times represent the employers The North Canterbury Centre of the League of Wheelmen has decided to hold a long distance cb.Ampiocsb.ip of the Centre at Lancaster Park on the evening' of January 17th. Tha riders will race foe ona hour. Dpnkdin, January 4 An inquiry icto the case of Gusto Wahlberg was opened at the Magistrate's Court this morning. Wahlberg wae a seaman ob the *hip jSJojc a«d^4e«erted on .21st November. He was arrested and senb back I to the ship* and he fell overboard and was drowned off the heads on the day of sailing. Hia friends' asserted that the man was urfit to send to sea. The "''Star suggested in enquiry. Mr Allen, MH.R,, wired to the Authorities with the Above remit; The

evidence showed that the captain gave inatruotioos to allow no one aboard, but if asy attempted they were to be shot in the leg. The doc'or who wanted to see Wabt« berg was therefore refused admission when be came alongside. A witnee*, however,, stated thut everyibing possible had bean doce to lave Wahlberg. The enquiry Wai adjourned until the arrival of the Zior in port, ■

THE CROPS.

(By oar Special Reporter.) WINGHMOKB. A reoonfc journey front Ashburton to Metfo* yen by the main road gave a representative of this journal an opportunity of casually noting the progress of the oropa, Adjacent to tha main thoroughfare. Below Capon's, and portion of their property, a paddock Sot wheat, and another of oaba ifaowi op well for the lightish character of the land. Before reaching the Winohmore homestead a nioe | crop of oat* ii fast maturlogt and will ••©« be ready for the maohine. The proprietor of this estate does not appear to have much area nader grain this season* This portion of the diatTiot gives clear evidence* of th» ravages of the grub in the gtMi paddock** Above the homestead there are Urge block* sown down in turnip*, evidently late- town, and only promising fairljr aofer, Opposite) Mr Bland I*,1 *, between his property ud Mr Stitt'a, two extensive blocks of wheat and oata are in evidence, and should yield well* At the turn of this road two large field* of short oats are situated on the left, evidently about the last towing of the eeaioo, aaa leaving plenty of room for advancing. Springfield. Between fche cross roads op towards thejt Springfield homestead, (Mr Otomeroc's) are two grand orops of wheat), well advaeoed, and promising nnoommonly wel". She) grounds in front of Mr Oameron's handtomo dwelling looked charming with an extesaiTS array of flowers and shrubs, now ihowiog aft their best, Ooe or two other fields of grain are meb with between here and Metbreo, but the bulk of the country is having a r*rt tbie season, as Mr Cameroo's total area nndet crop this ye*r is only about 2000 seres of wheat, and a similat- area under oats, which is of oonrie, very considerably less theia niuaU As in some other parts of Canterbury, cneii struck by the absence of sheep in the pad docks, late high rates having tempted owner* to clear off much more than, theltf lurplai holdings.

: LAGMHOB AND WeSTEK»IELO A cursory inspection of the crops in (ho Lagmhor and Westerfiold tiutrieta reveals a most satisfactory state of things. (Fh« heavy land on Mr Smith's farm always yields well, so the crops on it this year ar« nob so greatly superior to those of prevlosi. seasons, as is tho case on the lighter toils la the locality. Messrs Mawson Bros, Mr Langdon, and Mr T Stone have all gob'soot* capital paddocks of grain, while th« fe«d fM only just beginning to look dry. This is not : the case, however, on the Lagmhor estate, | where in some paddocks the sheep ara ; nearly hidden in the grass and clover. It would astonish an Argentine farmer, lift alone a South African or Australian one, to see the extraordinary nambsr of sheep on [ comparatively limited areas enclosed in som* j of the Lagmhor paddocks, which are dotted all over with them. The effect it very striking just cow that shearing is just over, and their scow-white fleeces glisten in the sunlight. Mr Buckley does not seem.to have quite so much land under cultivation 86 ueudj. but OD the other hand there appear to be more sheep. Mr Buckley evidently believes in rape as sheep feed, and accord* ingty there are many hundred acres of this crop, looking very well where tbettook are not already feeding it off. The farm od the Lsgmhor Road occupied by Mr C Doherty is nearly all tinder grain crops, and is most be in gr>od heart, for few crops la the district, look better. It may be mentioned here that these note} are only inter, ded to represent the generis appearance of the crops on the line of traffio through the districts referred to. Later OS it is intended to give some idta of lh« estimated yields.

The Australian Commonwealth

HOW THE INAUGURAION WAS OBSERVED IN CHINA.

United Press ASaociation—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyr \ ghfe.

! (Received January 4, 915 p m) ; London, Jan 3 Lieutenant - General Oaseke re viewed the British troops at Pekin on January lat t partly in honoc of the inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth. Count yon Waldersee, Oommander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces, was present at the review. General Gaeelee afterwards enter* tamed the Australian officers at Tien tain, The British officers entertained thd officers of the Victorian Contingent in honour of the Commonwealth.

A QUESTION OF PRECEDENCE

Sydney, January** The Catholic Frees explains thtfc Cardinal Moran refused to attend the Commonwealth proceasion and banquet because be was nob allotted precedence to the Primate, He states that the Premier informed his private secretary on Monday night that the committee of management had awarded prece* dence to the Primate, and Government did not see its way to upset the arrange* ment nnder the circumstances; Car dinal Moran decided to take no part in any of the social functions till hiadsa position was recognised. The other' Catholic Bishops visiting Sydney rt fused to participate, considering an insult had been offered to the Catholic body, The day has been devoted $0 sport and other pleasure functions. Despite the sweltering heat there was a higat« tendance, including a large sprinkling of visiting military, at~ the Sydney Pricket Ground, where the Celeb?* fcions Sports Committee initiated a gigantic athletic programme, cotaprit* ing seventy seven events. There were over a thousand entrants, including most of the Australian champions and a number of New Zealand and other athletes. The various championship races were well contested, W Simpfon 1 {Ohriptchnrch) won the three mile Running Championship in }smm $f • 3-gsee. D Smith (Queensland) won the Mile Ohatnpionnhip of Australasia in 4min 47 S-Bmc. The Common* wealth aquatic demonstration in the afternoon was a big success, and th« waters of the harbour presented an animated appears nee. LoNftOK, January 4 A Commonwealth banquet was held at Mafeking amongst the Australians bolonging to Earl ErroH's Brigade, Colonel Kelly presided. One of the Tasmanian officer gave the toast of the evening.

Federation and the Pacific

FBABS IN FRANCE

\. , -A MONROI DOCTRINE

Uoi&ed Press Association—By Eieofcrio '""*~~ Telegcaph—Copyright Paris, Jan 5 The Paris newspapers express a fear that the Australian Commonwealth will apply the Mtluroe doctrine to tht Pacific, causing ottsbarraismeot, :;

He; a Bbtn-»rofc GUjablAk-: BATtJBDA? J^ANtJAtiY 6 ■ iaoi



'oil moon <ast quarter Ipogee Jew moon 'irefc quarter 'erigee

D H U 5 11 44 am 13 8 8 am 12 10 30 jpm 21 2 6<i in 27 922 p m 24 11 opm :



KI«(!B

fc*eti

baaazy >» it

S 4 5 6 '7 8

• ft

4 29 4 SO 4 31 4 22 4 34 4 35

7 41 7 41 7 40 7 40 7 40 7 40



ST. STEPHEN'S OHORCH Aehhiuton, FKAST OF THE EPIPHANY (SUNDAY, January 6»-n.) 11-a m—Matins, Holy Communion and Sermon 3 p m-GREENSTREET, the Vicar 6.30 p m—Evensong and Sermon Preaoher at the mnrnlng aad evening services - REV. A. W. WIGGINS, 8.A., from India. R. A. WOODTHOEPB, M.A, Vicar , ___ _— O . J" ° pJ s g3 o < ph GO 5Q 1 L . 5 grrt -a m. OO bq O U QD M g m w2 O i H Pi uj **- ! 5 9.§ P - o S cq ft "~~MONEYI)FIIORfGAGBT I HAVE a sum of J820.000 to lend on firsb class freehold SeccHty of farm land at 4| per cent. \n lame to suit borrowers F FEERIMAN THE DAINTIEST LITTER WHEEL THAT EVER WAS" «• The Bambler." HAVING sold oat of my old etock of these superior Bicycles, 1 have xjsd opened up a fresh consignment of the LATEST PATTERN "RAMBLER" SPECIAL LIGHT RaCERS, ROAD RACBjRS, A ROADSTERS in all Macs »rd all fitted with the evp» hstlng G&J detachable Tyre. « THE MAMUBJ^BS!*. 1 OALIi AJND INSPBOI THE STOCK, Price Easy. Riding Easy. Machines the Sfcrong«s* op Earth. ACCESSORIES IN STOCK. 'JTHER MABeTfITTKD WITH G & J TYRESt D. THOMAS. I SMO&E IMOSISG^'S r TQBAOOO The Latest and Best Afanafaotared by O Williams & Co ' Hleamond, VA,



STILL ADVANCING GBAI6HBAD k BEBBYMAN HAVE just opened out, ex e»a. Paparoa from London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto imported, j comprising the most up to date Suitings from the best Manufacturers as now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Ooods now affords customers such & splendid range of new materials of guaranteed qual ty and stylish patterns to choose from as ehould please even the moat fastidious, and their prices, workmanßhip, and fit will compare favorably with those of the leading firrna in Christohuroh or other t eitie.i. They are also showing a grand lot of ■tar »ew H»te, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc, this mf seas n Customers would do well to place W their orders early as C» &B. have already » &rge t-.nrnber of suits on the books promised btforeXmaa. ____ILM° - GL JESSON, PRACTICAL WATCHMfIfiwEK AND JEWELLER T_T AVIKG takes a lease of one of the mew «hopa in Davjs's corner, % am now ebowiUK a large and varied stock of Watches, ■" - Clocke, and Jewellery Electro-plate, E6o. auitable for Cfarißtrnaß and Wedding Pre eentß at) priceß which defy competition. *"■■■" Note the Addreea—Davis 1 Corner. / JAMES B^KER. FOBNISHIKG WABBHOUSB, v (Havelook Street.) ITTE guarantee to sell at Ohristchuroh . prices for Cash or Time Payments. 1 141 n FOR BALE, PURE & HALFBRED TAMWOBTH PIGS frO Farmers purchasing Halfbred PIGS. We are prepared to buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* 12 5 J H Rule. MAS and New cards and Dolls in great variety at; Mbs Amoen'b, also a varied assortment of articles including Needle Work suitable for presents. All the Toys offered at nominal prices to olor. NICOLL BROS. Niooll. E F Nicoia, L A Nioou. Merchants & General AgentSj BUYBBB OF FAT SHEEP k LAMBB. AGENTS FO X— Chrt«tohareh Meat Cof, Ltd Islingfcoia Fertilisers Little's Sheep Dip Occam, Aooident and Guarantee Corpora tion, Ltd United Insurance Co., Ltd. (Fire and Marine.) GRAIN BOUGHT AND BOLD ON COM MISSION We ehall be pleased to receive samples " from farmers who.bave parcels for disposal. gEAtioN Books K«b and Audited, We have received sums of Trust Moniee. ranging from £100 fco £1000, to lend ob Freehold Securities at 3| and 6 per oenfe* F-p jt tm ■ : Xt U X ±« We receive regalM ConaSgnments from Auckland, Sydney, and the .Islands .and have in itock Apples, Peare, and taut in »e%son sA\ the year round* '.SEEDS. We rtodk Clovers, Ryenam, Bape, and ,;, Catnip Seed4rf«^Ueqmuty._ ■ j



'.' THE VEBDICT 01 ALL PBAOTICAL. EIDIES IS IN I , EAVOUB OF ■ j \ BIDING OUILT with Butted Tubing, Short Hearla, Narrow Tread Arohjor Box Crown, £in or lin JO pitch roller Cha'us, overhanging chain wheeM Any style Saddle, Handles, Chain, etc. f. Any gear, any height frame ; ivl?o dnst-proof bhroughout, K _ ONK. -PiilCß TO ALL—£2l OATES, LOWRY ANi CO., Zeajandia. Oycle Works, BUBNBTT STREET, ASHBURTON. 1 The Equitable Life Assurance Society, of U.B *7 _ : ■ ' Head ""Office for New Zealand—Wellington.' ■•*■'■ •■ ': DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims: - ■■]{',■ If F» Bkll, EgQ, Chairman. I Pebcy M Thohsok, Inspector of Agencies. Albbbt Martin. Esq, MD, | E Trbvor Gould, Resident) Secretary;- STBONGEST LIFE AsSuKANCE SOCIETY IN THE WORLD Financial Position. Assurance in force ... .... £219,670,058 I Sarploß over liabilities ... £12.711,97 Accumulated funds.., ._ £58,373.185 | Annual income ... .„ U11.286,145 A Mutual Office. Ail snrpius belongs to the policy holdera. Bead for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Value Polioy. NICOLI7 BEOS, t Agents, AahhurtoQ. 12 47 PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, TJOYS 1 Guard Suits 8a 6d ; Bcya' Blouses 4a b- Boys' Norfolk Suits 12s 6d; Washing Snits 2? 6d " Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18s 6d Best Value so be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Saifcs from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12s 6d, A nice variety of Sum mer Goats in Kbarki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, Dtc. - . _ —;o:——- | NZ, CLOTHING FACTOHY- I F. H. BECKINGSALE, Manager.