EPHEMERIS

6UN.

Phases of Moon for December

Mail Notices

Mails olose for the following peaces at under, aubjeot to the aecesnary alterations : TUESDAY, Deo 17 For Northern Ports and Weßtporfc, per Katornahana, at 6.30 p m WEDNESDAY, D?o 18 SAN FRANCISCO MAIL For Northern P.jrts and Weatport, aUo Samoa, Hawaii, Philippine?, Japan, United States, Canida, United Kingdom, (due London Jan. 181b), and Continent of Kurope, per T*r*weri, at 6 30 p in

MINING

Eotedin, December 16 Returns—Empire 46 z 2dwfc, Gold Bed 20<z4iw f, Golden Gate 17 z Bdwt>, Golden Beach Ilcz 6iwt 4 >rs Dunbdin, December 17 Today's sales—Endeavor 13', Golden Rivpr 6? 7£d, Hokitik* River 12s 6d, 12s 6i, 12s 9d, Royal Maori 24s 6d

COMMERCIAL.

United Press ABEooiation—By Kleotrio Telesraph Wellington, Dec 16

I The Agenb General's cablegram, tfaied Loadon, 14th, ia as foliows t —Dull aale for all qualities of muUon, Stocks on hand are heavy. Price on spot for Canterbury mv tin ia 3|3, DunediD, Southland, and Wellington Meat Exporb Company 3d, other North Island 2;} l, River Piate S:|l. There ia a better demand for lamb aud the market 1b speculative —Canterbury brand flf I, other brands flf I, Australian 4J-1. Beef ia quiet- New Zealand hind 3 2g ', fores 2|i. There 13 good demand for butter, 104j to 10?s. Boma holders are forcing sale?. Argentine 110*.

DEATH.

Murphy.-December 15th, 101, at) hia late residence, Chertßsy, Patrick, the beloved husband of Mary Murphy ; aged 62 years. K.I. P.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1901.

A brief Act of eight clauses was pissed las" session, which at first sight ; eotD3 of much more importance to the public than a great many other mea sures that hive been paased by Par iiamenfc. It ia called "The Mortgages of Laud Act, 1901," and was originally introduced two years ago by the Hon. Mnjor Steward. It has been twice be-fore paesi d by the lower chamber, but waa thrown out by the Council. Its preamble sets forth that it is " an Act to provide that mor'gigea of land may bo dealt with without the cost of expensive deeds or instruments " And the interpretation declares that " land includes any ettate or real property." Schedules attached to the Act provide' the necessary forma for proceeding under i l, and tie most minute direc tions ate given to enablo atiy intelli gent person to fill up the proper docu ments. The framer of the measure, no doubt, thought that a reform of the cumbersome and costly proceedings until now required to conrpiete a mort gage of real estate would be welcomed by-those who might be compelled to . borrow on their property. Hitherto, i the mortgagor has found the law costs ! a very heavy tax, for they always fall upon him, and these costs should be considerably reduced under the Mortg»geß Bill, Jt might eo^m a rather curious thing that the lawyers in the House who spoke on the Bill whan it waa under consideration pro posed to support it. But they wore almost unanimous in the opinion that it would not make the least, difference to their profession, £jv they evidently .assumed that the mortgagee would in every case iusist on a lawyer preparing tha mortgage. This point was made quite clear during the discussion, and it had probably a good deal to do* with the complacency with which the legal members of Parliament permitted Major Steward's measure to pies into Uw. One o£ them (Mr Atkinson) jocularly suggested a variation of a toast popular with the legal profusion as follows: —"The jolly mortgagee who makes his own mortgage." It will therefore be seen that the lawyors in Parliament do not anticipate that the new Act will afford much relief to those it was intended to benefit. Sir Joseph Ward howaver thinks that, except when money is very scarce borrowers will not be obliged to go to lenders, who will put them to needless expense j r.nd he considers the Act will afford a considerable measure of relief, iWe confess wo have our doubts, | although there ia no valid reason why ifc should not.

Local and General.

Weather Forecast; — Captain Edw'm wlna "•—Mo3erato to strong weatorly winds glass rice

This Maykikld Minwuele—On aooounb of the unfavorable weathsr tho concert an nounced to bake place at Sfaveloy on Satur day by Iha May field M ins! role, in aid of the Cheviob Relief Fund, was postponed till tomorrow (WodneacUy) night. The company will also give a cf>ucerfc for tha same objact at Liemore on Friday ncxK I1) is hoped thcro will be a Jarga attendance ab both concerts.

Bowline! —A three rink match waa played on the Canterbury Club's groon yesterday tnorninj?, between teatni of tho Canterbury ani Ashburton Clubs. Tho visitors were d«fo*tnd by fourteen points :—Ashburton— C.)lcman (-kip) 22, Craighead (nkip) 10, Gee (skip) 24—56. Canterbury—Tuylor (ckin) 23, Barlow (4up) 32, Oakley (skip) 15 -70 After the ou'-ch the visitors were enter tained ub lunoboon by the local club

Camtvj:a.—-Tho cantata ' Bethlehem ' which ia to be rendered on Wednesday eveninf, by the Primitive Mo:hodiKt Choir, assisted'by frien Is, In one of Root's very pnest compositions I<; is descriptive of tl c events loading up to'the birth of Christ. After iho event follow* the * Cry from R;um ' the U'ght into Egypt, the prayer of Maiy f»nd JoHt'ph, the beautiful solo in, Ihe lieldH of Nazireth, culminating in the Grand Chorus, * B'eesing and Honour.' Vhero v/i}l be a good orchestra and we feel sure lint the public will d fj well to hear tbla beautiful production. ! ■ . . i i ...

Ttib We/UHBr—Ab Rakafa aboub midday i yesterday a severe hailstorm occurred, which I is reported to have damaged somewhat J severely the early crops. J

Personal—Sir H Barkeley, Chief Justice ef Fiji, with hia family, passed through Aahbarton by today's rxpreee. He retams North towards the end ot iho week, en route to Fiji, after his recent trip to London.

Death at the Hcibpitalj—A man named George Wi'ks, !ate of Rnkaip, who haß b en an inmate in the local hospital for about two month*l, died there yesterday at 4 o'olook in the afternoon,

Providing for the Poor and Diß -tre SED— The municipalities of Stockholm and other Swedish cities have entered into contracts with the Salvation Army to care for the poor and distressed. In Stockholm there are now eighteen social institutions n aintained by the army.

SoHOLAflsrnp Examinations. — One girl and four feoye, scholars attending the Ash burton Borough School, have gone to Ohrist church to compete for the scholarships t ffared by'the N-C; Board of Education. The ex»miar*tioa takes place tomorrow and Thursday*

Canterbury Times — With tomorrow's issue of the Canterbury Times v, supplement will bs enclosed descriptive of life and scenes amoDg the Coral Islands. The pictures are all well printed, and give some beautiful views of eoenca among those wonderful it lands of the Southern Seas.

Athletics.—Four members oi the A.A.C. &A.C. will be competitors at the R*ngiora Sports Meeting on New Yoai'd Day. The names of the competitors are Messrs M J Lynskey, E Maraden, B Culverhouso, aud W Anderson, They will nominate for the Rcliy Race, and several other items on the programme. They should give a good account of themselves in the Relay Race, which is of four takes—22o yards each,

Reminder to Gabdbnebs—During Dec ember everything is ia full growtha The hoe must never be idle. Sow beet, carrots, ec.vrlob runners and French bean?, turnip, letticf, raddish, oabbage, spinach, endive, cau'ifiowere, and early sorbs ot peaa and beins. Earth up cabbages, potatoes, eto. Dress asparagus and eenkale beds with lib of salt to the fquire yard, and give aepiragas and rhubarb liquid manure. Plant out celery.

Crops in Wakanui—The crops in the Wakanui district are aaid to be very little injured by the reoeut heavy rainet Ther e are, of course, more black heads than usual, buo little of whab is known as the bild head. One farmer states the growth during the past fcrtnighb to have bsen enormous, a crop of oata in ono instance alone rising fully 18 inches.

The Die VERY—The Anftarctio ship Dis covery, ia txpeoted to leave Lyltclton od Thursday next, and we have been requested to state that vegetables and fruit would be thankfully received by those on board* Mr Ferriman, of this town, will be glad to receive consignments, which he will take charge cl, and forward- to Lyttelton tc morrow if the local residents wiah to con tribute some of these necessaries.

Haebour Improvements— Voting took p!ace at Nelson yesterday throughout the whole district on a proposal to raiae a special loan of £65 000 for harbour improvements. Considerable enthusiasm was shown in favour of iha work, which is to be proceeded with according to plans prepared by Mr Lialie Kaynolds, CE, Many in the city and coantiy districts lent carriages to convey people to the poll. The result cf iho poll waa as follows :— For proposal, 1274; against, 66 ; informal, 7. 1 here is one very small return to come in.

Riflb Shooting—A team of the Rsr> giora R figs c*tna to Ashburbon yesterday to try conclusions with the Ashburton Guards. The shooting had hardly begun when the rain fell heavily, and the match was abandoned at 3.30. An express had been ordered to c*ll about five o'clock to carry tha mon across the river, and they had to wait on the other side for nearly an hour, four men wading the river and getting wet to their waisfct. The Ranglora R;fl3B were leading by thirteen points when the shooting ceased. Ie ia probable the Guards wili go to R^ngiora for another match on New Year's Day.—A triangular match waß fired yesterday on the Temuka range betwean teama from the Temuka and Aahburion R flea and Timaru Porb Guards, the Guards winning a very close and exciting match by fife points. The conditions were seven shots each at 300 and 500 yards, two sightera allowed, Tha weather was very boisterous-. The ecorea of the respective teams were— Part Guards 427, Temuka RifiUs 422, Ash burtoo Rifbs36s.

Peel Fopest—The ladles of the Peel Forest district have for some time past been busy in collecting things useful and ornamental fur a sale of work, which waa held on Friday. The proceeds are for the Sunday School prtzas, and any surplus will be handed to the Melanesian Mission chip fandp Ths following "were the stall holders:—Afternoon tea stall, Mrs Barker and M' s Dennisboun ; rummage stall, Mrs Macfarlane and Misa R D Acland ; clothing stall, Miss H Acland and Miss Jenkins ; bran pie, Mrs Thomson ; fancy stall, Mm Hawdon and Miss Batker ; sweets stall. Miss Dennistoun. The day was wretched as to weather, light rain falling all day, but in spite of this quite a large number attended, and the sale was & eacoesa in every way. The net proceeds amounted to £18. Mrs Hawdon's stall was yery attractive, there being ft large number of pretty nick-nacks on it, and Miss Denniitctiu's stall wp extremely nice and tasteful. All Miss Dennistoan's sweeta ware her own make, &nd they were put up in papes? baskets of prebtyahapo and colour and sold well. Mr Kemprhorn had a vegetable stall, and did a fairly good business,

The Leeston Sports —At the Leeston Cycling Club'd meeting yesterday, A Davidson, of Ashburton, won both the »m%teur cycling events on the programme. He was mounted on Britain's Best Bicycle, the Rudge Whitworth,

Dried Fruits—lb seems strange to us that Now Season's Dried Fruits, such as currants, sultanas, etc, are sold cheaper in Ashburton than by any of the Chriatohuroh housee, which any of our readers will readily see by comparing Messrs F<etoher Bros advertise ment; with any of the Ohriatchurch store keepers' advertisement). We consider they should be well patronised on account of their keeping the prices of groceries to the lowest payable level. There ia no doubt about, ib, if they were net doing business in Ashburton our readers would havo to pay far higher for their goods. So therefore it is to your interest to give them all the business yeu can.

Colonial Wobkmanship—ln thabicyole industry colonial workmanship is far before the imported article, for this reason, that) they are specially constructed to stand the rough roada of this oolony. Messrs Oftfcee, Lowry and Co. have been building Zaalan dlae for twenty years, arid their machines are unequalled in design, strength, and 'iajehs

Ashburton County Combined Schools.

SPORTS MEETING.

Officials— Pfttron-G A M Buckley, 3sq; President— D Thomas, Eiq. Vbe.Presidents — Father O'Donoell, H Friedlander, 0 A 0 Hurdy, MHB, J MoLachlan, KH R, H Wilia, W Oraighad, J 0 Oawaey, A Orr, J A Clothi r, JSoodgrafiß, Derry' Wood and A Whicuker, Begs. Oorr. miUee—Messrs C D Haidie, J S Tec nant, D Thomae, W Brock, H MoSherry, M Bruce and 0 Oiimpbell. Treasurer- Mr Olin Ojimpbell. Hon Seoretary— Mr M Brnoe. Referee—Mr W Shear man. Sturter—Mr D Wood. Judges — Meiers P Cos, R Shearman, M Lyn>key, FRotiUard. Timekeeper—Mr JV de Beer. Cicrka of the Course—Messrs F N' kea, A Ourtif, G Crom c Marksmen —Messrs H Gul en, D Friedlander, J Reid, W Atderson, and H J Maon. Pavilion S&ewards—MeßtrsG Northoole, H Milaom, W Purahase. Telegraph Board —Mestra MoSherry and Colee« Jadge (Diill) —Sargb Shandley

Notwithstanding the bright promise of the morning, a change oamo over things just about noon, when a sharp shower fell, aad iho threatening oppearance of the weather afterwards bad a serious effect on the atten danca at the Combined School Sohool Sports, and the heavy showers which continued to fill during the afternoon, seriously inter, fered with the Bparts, and eventually compelled several items on the programme to be abandoned* During the day some musi oiaus supplied some excellent band music, Following are the results :—

(N >te—B, Borough School; B[, Hamp- Btead ; E, Eiffalton ; W, Winchmore ; C, Catholic ; H S, High School) Nursery Handicap (boys) under 7-F Brown 1, H Bsrryman 2, T Newman 5 SO Yards Skipping Race, girla under 12 Firfit heat—lS Bxss (11)1, M Olsen (H) 2, L Smart (B) 3. Second heat—A Stock (H) 1. E Beech (B) 2, D Vmoent 3. Final heat— A Stock 1, E Bmis 2, L Smart 3

Hoop Race, 103 Yds (Girl^-M Buohanan (B) 1, H Stock (H) 2, A Hurrell(H) 3

50 Yards (7 to 9), Final—W Thomas (B) 1, B Wilkie (H) a, H Steel (Bj 3. Won by threcquarters of a yard

76 Yuds(9to 11) Scra^h-First Heat— C Upton (B) 1, 8 Fee (B) 2. R Steel (B)3. Second HeaD—VV Northoote (B) 1, E Baker (H) 2, L Newman (B) 3, Third Heat—M Rouleton (B) 1, H Simpfoa (B) 2, R Hill (L) 3. Final heat—Upton 1, Northoote 2, Fee 3. A capital race

100 Yards (11 to 13) Scratch— First heat —L Madden (O) I, A Gidd (B) 2 R Page (B) 3. Time, 13£>eo. Si-oond heat—O David son (B) 1. L Chiida (H) 2, H Minnie (B) 3, Time, 133ec. Third heab—Coward (Win alow) 1, H Bland (W) 2, P Calien (E) 3. i ime, 13§eo Final heat—Coward and Madden, dead heat, 1 ; Davidson 2

120 Yards (13 to 15), Scratch—Firsb heat —8 Baßs (B) 1, E Travere(H S) 2, P McUlat 1 chic (B) 3 Time—ls§<eo Second heat—S Kingston (B) 1, R V\ atson (H S) 2, O D gby (W)3 Time, 15seo Final heat—-X Dgston 1, Watson 2, Baas 3 lime—ls£aoo

220 Yaids (15 and over), Scratch—J Sn' olair (H S) 1, B Coward (H S) 2, S Honeywell (L) 3. Time—2s,eo

Physical Drill (Wanda)—-Borough Sohool Girls, (under Mrs Willie), 1 ; Hampstead Sohool G r'.s, (under Mies Williamson), 2

100 Yards Handle*p (7 to 12)— First heat —8 Berryman (B) ecr 1, J Cameron (H) 4yds 2, J Simpson (B) ecr and R Steele (B) scr dead heat 3. Seoond heat—S Whitaker (B) sor 1, L Ohilds (H) scr 2, O Upton (B) 2yda 3. Third heat—A Gsdd (B) cor 1 F L^gan (OJ ncr 2, W Clark (B| Byds 3. Final heat— Uadd 1, Chllds 2, Whitaker 3. Time ISfaeo 100 Yards Handicap (12 and over}—G Acton (H) 6yc3a 1, P O'Grady (W) 4yds 2 S Thomas (H) 6yds 3. Second heat—S Basa (B) 4yds I, D Robertson (W) aor 2, E Travels (H 8) 4yd3 3 Third heat—S Kingston (B) 4yds 1, C Davideon (E) 6yds 2, O Digby (W) 2yds 3 Final heat— Travers, David*oa and Bass dead heat 1, Robertson 2< Time—l3§ )ec. Half Mile Walk Handicap (1[ and over)— J Sinclair (H 8) 1, D Robertson (W) 16yde 2, Time—4min 31-faeo

Physical Drill (Boye)—Borough Sohool (under Mr E Purchase} 1, Hampstead Suhool (under Mr Colee) 2.

2LO Yards Handicap—J Sinclair (X S) ecr 1, S Honeywell (L) sor 2

The decorated bioyclea were judged iv two divisions, the Borough School entries and the Hampstead School separately. In the former the awards were~K Arrow 1, D Fooks 2, 0 Patrick 3. In the Utter—L Williams 1, M Hunt 2, E Kelly 3. By the time this event) was reached the rain was coming down in torrents which greatly mat red the effect of what otherwise would luve been a very pretty diepliy. Even as it waa, a good number of the nineteen bicycles entered pub in an appearanoe, and some of the decorations showed great taste and skill* Meadames Cilliaa and Oow&rJ were the judges

The remaining portion of the programme, which included Borne very interesting eventß —amongßb others a relay race—were poßt poned until Saturday afternoon. It ia to be regretbed tint the attendance fell so far ahott of whab might reasonably have baenexpeotet?.

Hinds Wesleyan Church

The anniversary tea and pub'io meeting was held in the public school ou Thursday, Dtoember 12th, and io spite of rather unfavourable weather, a good gathering assembled and partook of the good things provided by the ladies. The tables presented a tempting display cf viands of the beat description, and were waited on by the following ladies ; —Meedamea Morriah, Hales, Storrier. MeKeczie, Frampton, Hanaen, and Misses Gbb, Maxwell, Norrieh, and Tar* botton. Tea over, the after meeting was proceeded with* Tbe Rev J D Jory occupied the chair, and gave a short address. Friends from Willowby and Winslow rendered very efficient help in the excellent musical programme which followed, the following ladiea and gentlemen iakiDg part v— Mr and Mrs J Wheeler, T Wheeler, S Hayman, Messrs Hopwood and Pratley, Mi 8863 Gibbe, Maxwell, Pratley, and Mrs Stoddatfr. A recitation by Miss Lill waa rendered in a very pleasing manner. Two soirring addresses by Rev Jame3 Skinner and Mr H Grayburn, also formed parb of what was a very erj jyabie meeting, and after the usual votea of thanks, waa brought to a close by the benediction. On Sunday 15th December, the Willowby Choir rendered a Service of Song, ! Over the Line, 1 in the church, which waa very much appreoiated by the large congregation which assembled, the church being crowded to the doorp. The evening service waa conducted byihe Rev Mr Raine, of Aahhurtoo,'and was bright and irgpiriDg throughout.

John F. Sherulan

1 When the Lamps are Lighted,' the play with which Mr Sheridan opens his seaeoa on Thuraduy evening next 1, has proved a very profi' able purchase for the popular comedian. Mr Sheridan opened both his Melbourne and Sydney seasons with this play, and in each city the theatre was packed nightly with enthusiastic audienoese The play waa specially written for Mr Sheridan to show his varied gifts in character aotingi Dan Rafferty's rehearsal scans Is generally admitted to be one of the funniest of Mr Sheridan's sketchee, and never fails to set tha whole house in roara of laughter. The company supporting MrSheridanis especially strong, and includes several English artists, carefully selected to suppcrb Mr Sheridan on his tour. The company also includes a number of Australian favourites. * When the Lamps are L'ghted,' will be followed by ' Fun on the Bristol,' and ' A Trip to Cnicago.' Diy sale of tickets and box plan at H, M, Jones.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

GREAT SMALLPOX OUTBREAK FKARED. London, Dec 15 The Hospitals Committee of the Metropolitan Asylums Board expresses fear that London is on the eve of a great smallpox outbreak, and advises that 250 beds be prepared in readiness. ! SALMON OVA FOR NEW ZEALAND. Thn Tay Fishery Board has presented New Zealand with 150,000 salmon ova. The Duke of Richmond presented 50,000 from the river Spey. THE KANAKA BILL. Brisbane, Dec 16

The Government has requested Lord I Hopt'toun to reserve the Kanaka Bill for the King's assent, in order that Queensland may have an opportunity of appealing to the Throne against this raeaeore. The Government represent that the Bill is in direct conflict of the principle laid down by Mr Chamber* lain that legislation which imposes disqualification on account tf race and colour, is contrary to the conceptions 'guiding British rule throughout the Empire, and that the provisions indict a grievous wrong on theStateof Queens land, as distinguished from the reit of the Commonwealth. PURCHASE OF FREEZING WORKS. An English syndicate has purchased the Central Queensland Meat Export Oompany's works at Lake Creek. The property includes 16.0C0 acres of grazing freehold, The price was £80,000. THE TIMBER TRaDE Sydney, December 16 The scow Moans, engaged in the timber trade, has been sold to Messrs Pike and Co, of Sydney; She will be employed in the hardwood trade between Sydney and New Z^alard. NEW ZEALAND SWEEP WINNER Miss M Hill, of Victoria Avenue, Wanganui, has drawn the third priz«* of £450 in Tattersali's sweep on the Newcastle Cup WAGES ON THE BARRIER Broken Hill, Dec 16 The Amalgamated Miners' Associa tion resolved to support the miners in , any attempt to resist the proposed re-, duction of wages on the Barrier THE KING'S CORONATION. Melbourne, Dec 16 The Federal Parliamentary party is arranging a visit to London for the coronation. It will probably number about 30.

Fire on a Train.

DAMAGE TO LUGGAGE AND MAILS.

Adelaide, Dec 16 Shortly after the express left Broken Hill for Adelaide a fire, supposed to have been caused by an explosion of gasoline, started in the van which contained extra large consignments of luggage and mails. The speed of the train was increased in order to reach the next station and obtain assistance. This fanned the flames, which fp-ead rapidly, and there was much excite ment hmongsb the passengers. The guard stuck to his post and threw out the inggfcge ti!l the fire was so fierce that he had to escape on the footboard. The van was gutted. Several bags of mails and a largo quantity of luggage were destroyed.

A Turkish Outrage

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Constantinople, Dpc 16 Three Bulgarian soldiers strayrd across the Turkish frontier in a fog. The Turks beheaded one, and sent the district authorities hia head, alleging that he was a rebel.

Affairs in China.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. London, December 16 The Court has left Kaifenghu and reaches Pekin on the 7th prox. One fourth of the population of Shenai province have difd of starva tion.

Intense Cold in New York.

Npw York, December 16 The cold in the north western States is the intensest remembered, la a blizzard at Wyomiug, ten perished.

Rifle Association Meeting.

United Press Association—By Elootrio Telegraph . Wanganui, D^o 16

The first rifla meeting onder the manage ment of the Defence Department com mences at Trentham on the 20th February. The aggregate matches ate skill retained on the programme, excepting the Mariborough and ladies, for which sqnad shooting matches at 200 and 300 yards hvse been substituted, both counting for the aggre gate. In order to encourage rifle shotting the Defence Minister has agreed to allow ammunition and sighting shots free of cost. There Is to be one sighting shot only, which cumot be onnted In the score. The annual subscription has been struck out, and the entries for ma 1 chesreduced. Lee- Enfiolda and Martini-Enfielda are to be used, private riflns being debarred. The camp will te pitched at Treithatn, and arrangements have been made for mesaiog. Railway passes, second class, will be issued to all competitors on application to the officers commanding the different districts.

SICKNESS IS A LUXURY.

Can you afford it ? Thab nick headache, that dizziness 1, drowsiness, and Irritable feeling means mis chief. They are indications of a disordered stomach, and if you are no 3 prompt in applying a remedy you will find before long that you are suffering from chronic consti pation and dyspepsia, and then you will know what it costs to be sick. Quite easy to atop all this at the very start. Just spend half.a-arowa on a bottle of Impey's May Apple, whiofa may be bought at any chemist's or storekeeper's, and give it a tria'. Impey'a May Apple acts on the system gently and pleasantly ; it cleanses the stomach, stimulates the liver sweetens tb<* breath, and restores you to good health. Impey'a May Apple cures to stay cured ; it is an tdeal family medicine, and may, be taken by the most delicate person with the utmost confidence. Sold by all chemists and itorekaepere bfe 2s 6i per bottle,

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Freai Aeiooifttlon—By Elaotiio Telegraph—Copyrigh

THE MORTALITY AT THE CONCENTRATION CAMP

A COMMANDANT CAPTURED

London, December 16 The Olanwilliam district ia clear of Boers,

Commandant Theron has again been driven north.

The mortality in the concentration campa for October and November combined was 298 men, 761 women and 4904 children.

Mr Chamberlain, in a letter to ths Birmingham Unionist. Association, at tributes the personal abuse of. himself to the Opposition's disorganisation and lack of leaders.

Commandant Bsdenhorst haa been captured.

BOERS DISCOURAGED.

DE WET AND DB LA BEY,

London, December 16 The extension of mining has dis couraged the enemy. De Wet is dii inclined to Uke the offensive. Some of De la Key's commandants are en gaged estimating the damages to farms in view of their postponed meeting.

VALUE OF BLOCKHOUSES.

The country within a hundred milef radius round Johannesburg is now pafe owing to the blockhouses.

BURGHER SCOUTS.

Allison's Burgher Scoots number 150, and are increasing daily.

A GALLANT GARRISON.

The garrison at Tontellborwh Kop, whiah numbered only 20, besides re pelling the enemy'g attack, fought nightly for weeks to obtain water. The Boers had four killed and twenty five wounded. According to the enemy seven civilians in the village of Ton tellborech Kop, Including two women, were killed and six wounded. The garrison lost three killed and fifteen wounded.

ELOFF RETURNING.

Eloff bftß sailed from Amsterdam for Delagoa to enquire into the sunat'on, and if he finds it desperate will urge the Boera to seek terms.

AN IMPORTANT CAPTURE.

Colonel Oolenbrander reports the capture of Badenhorst and fourteen men at feterkfontein Dawkins co operated with the operations in Water berg, Lord Kitchener considers the capture importune and that it will hare a good effect;

Renter's Agency reports that two of Badenhorst's adjutants, aleo Adjutant Oevos, with remounts from Botha, were captured.

THE AFFAIR AT WILKRANS

London, Doc 16 The Boers at Wilkrans left many wounded in the farmhouses. Seventeen Boers have been captarftd in the Orange Colony.

BADEN-POWELL'S RETURN TO WORK

London December 16 The remainder of the 20th Fuitara and the second battalion of the Royal Munster ffusiHers h&ve Bailed for Sooth Africa,

NEED OF MORE TROOPS AND BLOCK HOUSES

Ihe Times and the Standard empha* sisb the necessity for more infantry and for rapidly extending the blockhouse system in order to compensate for the insufficiently Mounted forces.

The construction of a railway from Machadodorp to Ermelo has begun, Blockhouses are erecoed along the Hue as it progresses.

The Eighth Contingent.

COMMENTS BY THE LONDON PRESS.

«lA WONDERFUL INSTANCE OF PATRIOTISM."

Uaited'Press Association—By Eleotrto Telegraph—Oopyrighb London, Dec 16 The Times says New Zealand's offer of a farther Contingent is & wonderful Instance of patriotism in relation to the colony's population. I The Tiroes, the Styndqrtf, and th« Telegraph applauded Mr Seddoa'i grave and scathing rebuke to the anti-pat riots. They assert that the fact of it emanating from the moat Radjpa.l colonial Premier is significant Brisbane Deo 16 ! The Premier is surprised that Mr ! Barton has done dq more towards I sending a Contingent to South Africa, especially in face of the action of New Zealand and Canada. He thinks that 3000 might be sen*". Queensland is ptepared to raise her quota on a popu lation baeis, say, §00. Ottawa Dec 18 Three hundred and fifty Canadian officers have volunteered io connection with the Canadian Contingent.

CAMPING ARRANGEMENTS

Per Praia Association—By Elepfcsio Telegraph Wellington, December 16 ODtefa will be four camps for the Eighth Ooatiofwst —at Auckland, Wellington, Ghrlstcharob, and Dunedin. The man will be pat through medioat and other te«ts s and subsequently will be drafted to two main camps—one in each Island, probably afe Wellington and Christohuroh. Preference will be given to returned troopers physically fit 1, nexb to volunteers in mounted corps, and nexb to volunteers in general. Single miMl will be preferred to marrledt Ib ia expected the Contingent will be dispatched la about a month Applications for enrolment in the Eighth Contingent began to reach the Defence Office yesterday, and poured in today Only three of the replies received by the Premier from members of Parliament re specting the despatch of the Eighth Contin gent were unfavourable Captaio Drury, of the Seventh Contingent who was invalided from South Africa with a severe bullet wound in bit leg, U now in Wellington, and is anxious to return to the ron\ but the surgical report is unfavourable and ha may receive a position on tht Defence st»ff here Auckland, December 16 About forty applications were handed in to tha Brigade Offioe this moraine; for the Eighth Contingent, Several officers are Included

THE ASHBTJKTON GUAKDIaN ; TUESDAY, DECEMBEK 17, 1901



Date December 16 a » 17 ... 18 .. 19 _ 20 -

RlB6«l 4 17 4 17 4 17 4 18 4 18

Sefcs 7 35 7 35 36 36 37



Last quarter New moon Apogeo First, quarter Full moon Fed gee

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0 H M 3 9 20am 11 2?.3pm 9 130a m 19 8 sam 25 11 46 p m £4 3 opm



ojjttm»i»mim ijUjEfcA..!—!. ». ,i,iiTiiii.iii—. mm F. FERRIMAN { ALFOBD FOREST ROADi XHA?B received ioHtructlons from Me Alexander BiDgham, who is leavii-R for Mosgtol tt »n early date, to Sell tsis House of lix room* «od of ao &oro of land AUo If &cc<B of land, a^j ioiog Mr Honderaop. A cafit»l paddook with a good 9tep of Hay on pars ot ifc Also J acre Section, »flj <in'rg Mr R X Moaking, on the Alforrl Fore 4 Road Fall pMtoalara may be had on F FMI HI MAN, Land and BistHte Agf-r>t H^velook Stiost IH \VK the following Mitrs avj»i'abl« to lend on Br*t class Freehold Kuril Lands - £7600, £6000. £4000 »nd £1000 hi 4| per cent, also other sums on least- F FERRIMAN, | Licenced Land Broker FOE SALF, AT ALLENTON, ABOUT 2k Acres, situated on the continuation of the N.E Town Belt, upon wh eh Is erected a first class House of 6 rooms, and good Stables. Part of the land is laid oat In good orchard- lerma or mhh F FERRIMAN, L-uid and E tote Agent FOE SALE, TAMORED STREET, A GOOD FOUSE, close ho the Masonic A H-»H. The Proper y musb be sold m »he owner is leaving ft Christchurch. This property RiMANs Land and Estate Agent FOR &ALE, WAKAWUI ROAD, A PROPERTY consistins' of 1 rood 20 perches with h: nae of 4 rooms -*«rt—""^BBIIUJt. L-\nd and F.sfct'e A?wt FOR SALE, A BARGAIN near the Woollen Factory .-* Acre of Land, with a 3 roomed Hout*e and Scullery, pump inside. If you are sacking a good home on easy terms see thk F. PERRIMAW, L»nd and Estate Agent "TofTsALE, AT HAMPSTEAD, HOUSE of 4 room" and l-Bth acre of I/uid anl Estate Agr-nt ' TO~LBT, AHOOSE of 7 rooms and Scullery corner of the N B Town Belb F FERRIMAN. Land and Fgtatre Agent TTOUSB in Peter Street of 6 rooms F FERRIMAN, Land and Es-a'e Aget.t BUSINESS NOTICES MEMBERS OF FARMERS' UNION A RE informed th»t arrargemen'va are now completed with tho CommcrcW Union tntarasoe Corporation for wearing »t ---fcedused rates Enp'oyoos of Members of iho Union, Policies may bo i*Bued at tnce. Meb-Bb Fbkdlasdeb Baos, Ltd, are tbe Loo«l Agents for the U rnmerchl Uaion Compftoy. tl Harm & ro, Aga^tß at B k»U. (Signed) G. W. LKADLKY, dhalrmaD North Canterbury District) ii 166 • N Z Farmtrs' Union FABMEBS EMPLOYEES'" AOOI :' DEST INStJRANOB WiTH reference te the above, we wish to direct att»nfion to tho fact that theßednceSßateof Premium is due to the enierpriee of fcho OommerOial Union Cffije and- now that tha Oi-ntract is in force, we trait) the Members of the Naw Zealand Farmers' Uoion will loyally stand by U>e sgf^emeot entered infco. Wo shall be glad o receive propoeals FRIEDLANDER BROS, Ltd, Per HUGO FRIKDLANDEK. Managing Director. Aibburtoa, Nov. 30,1901 11 216 TO MEMBERS OF FaBMBKS' UNION AND OTHERS IMPORTANT' NOTICE RE WORKERS' COMPENSATION AOT, &c. THE "OCEAN Accident Corporation Capital ... ... Onu Million Rbvende yon 1900-£878,492 5a lid. A RE INSURING FABMBRS—Whether Members ef the Farmers Union or not—-ad the isms rato and with the s&me concessiona individa&liy, sa Roy other Company offers them collectively, ABSOLUTELY LOWEST RATES GUARANTEED. Prompt and liberal settlement o! ail Jasfc o'&lms ejected locally TO FAKMBUS ""ITrTE may stats that the Reduced Rates of frenv.ume now prevalent on a 1 classes tf baslnesa ore due to the enterprise of the Ooewi Accident Corporation, who have been steadily bringing rowo the Rates siree they eemmßnoed opsratlona So tha colony, and Fnimers will find ii to their advaatag® to call and <ice na before competing business elsewhere. BIOOLL BROS., Uisklct Agouti



IN the Appearanoe of SWIFf CYCLES there has ever been a charm, and their general utility has been a never failing source of satisfaction to riders. TOE ECLIPSE CYCLE CO., AGENTS, Tailored Street* Catalogues on application* FIi'DKKdL CQFF'E PALACE, Tbiakglk, Ashborton. MRS WHBBLKR (late of the Prince Albert Private Hotel) having pur chased the above old established House is prepared to receive Boarders and Travellers. Tbe House has been completely renovated throughout), and has all the comforts of a home, ierir.s moderate. 12 60 BOUGHT at 5s in the £! speciaiTptjbohase OF GOOD SONGS. npHE Undersigned have Becured ab the J_ above price from a big Melbourno firm, who were largely overstocked, 5.000 copies of good up to date SODg% rnouh of which are of very recent ißsue, and composed by the following veil known authors:—Gounod, B»rri, Blockley, Poutat, Bilfe, Michael Watson, Molioy, Bishop, Lover, Mendels sohn, Behrend, Trotere, Sullivan, Verdi, Glover, Picoolomlni, Hatton, Handel, G Bri bel, Wallacp, Pinsuti, Oowen, Rieubau t, Klela, Geraldlsme, Scott Gatty, Tito Mattel, Uecas S-ephen Ad»mp, loir. Jude, B«£ikel, Toati, Sir H R Bish.p. Bethold Tours. Biamentha', Loder, Coisford D:ck, Hope Temple, Arditi and others. From the tb ye * composers, is wi 1 be seen at a glance that this is not a cheap rubbishy collection of time expired copyright stuff, but a selection of some of the very best Bongs by the beet composers, usually retailed at 2s each (two ehillings) nett. In ordsr to effect) a speedy clearance tneee will all bs eo'.d io sealed pack'-'ts, coutaining 10 aonj.B etch for s^, or an average pries of 6d eaoh. Each packet will bs muked • Soprano,' 'Tenor,' 'Ooatruito, 1 and ' Baas, end the Sfittingi of the Borga contained therein, w li be specially ejected for those voices, Samples <f these are cow on view in our window, and the pnhlic cm jvlge for themselves of the value • ff^red. Premises open lor bußineaa every Tuesday and Satur day only.  We are also thowing eomo now jinoe, containing marvtllou* valun, in tht fallowing bound vole :-■ Wick, World ««»« Polio/ (95 nongs, 3a), 'Ghfae Song Folio, (ICO aongs 4j 6d), ' Uoivereal Pianoforte Folio,' (62 pieoea 3a 6d). Also a selection of new an<i r.ovc! piano lamps ir. various Bhadea und ooioara, showing a beautiful Boft li^ht a', 9a bl 15i nnd J?s pair, piano Boonoee (oardlestisksj, iv ariislio desi^.,B 6* 6,1,9 6d, 12a 6d, 158,*18j 6d, and 30a pair, bmall goods of every deecripfctJn. GRACE BEOS, Arcade, Aahburton. Tuesdays and Saturdays. "" »: K. COUCH, Jewellkr, of Tancrbo Ktbeet, IS effsring for Chrietmaa Bsason only—Big ' reduoTion?, a'mosb at coat price, io Jewellery, Watches, Electro I'iato, Clocks, etc, suitable for present?. The O'.e.ipeab Jeweller ia Towa. All Goods marked in. plaio figuroa. Noteaddrsaa—Tancredbuoet,



BUSINESS NOTICES _______™_» LOOK OUT I LOOK OUT! FOR MELLOR'S SPECIAL BOOT SALE 13 NOW ON. f^UK\V rCOOJS, Good B-.J01.8, and wonderful Value for tho Coming Show and \j HoU^y*. ro^pa.e our Prices, Com^aro the Valuo with any other Boofc Shop Pries Lists in A=bbarton. We are determined to mike things me:ry foe a few 1 *yß' THK FOL' OWING PRICKS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES: n-.n<V Back, Whit->, or T»n B-.raps 2i 6d Gent's English Boots, graab Valuj Kh b i Glrla «o«d Soho-»1 Boot., Special 4< 63 ladies' VValking Shoes, very choice at iMeu'Bre.Jßoodß ■ot*,vp!yc*sy litliug7a lid 6s 11-i Urtiei. 1 v. ry pretty Walking hou going at Boys' Boots, usu.d i noj 8, 91. now 4j 9d 5 3 HJ J b Indies' Slip ere, only a few Pairs left 3j 11(1 Men'- X uch«ra beat V»lue in 3*uterbury Girl* 1 Boys' bd«l Maids Aokle Straps from 5 11 -1 ' M to 4a 9d RBMKMB2R, if you Shop with us you *»ye Money. We a£ yon again to O°mP*M our Pikj-s, and wo ere euro you will be convinced that MKLLOK'd is by far tho Bust House for Value ia Canterbury Nole the Address— JAMES MELLOR, TANORKD STREET, ASM BURTON- | H, M. JONES __ H- M. JONES SANTA GLAUS AND FATHER CHRISTMAS ARE COMING A«AIN To Cheer the Young, und remind tha Old the years are passing away rTIHK Undersigned ha« at very L»rg3 und Well Selected Stock of Biok*. Stationery, 1 Fancy Goods, Tcye, China nod G'a-s, Leather and Piated Wars, Suitable for U.fta, Bewarde, and Presentation purposes. Imported direct from Leading London and Lontinet tal Houses. BQoK^ BoQKSi BQ( From Ward, Lock ard Co., Oauaellsand Co., Hodder and Stoughtcn, Griffith, Farren and Sons, University Preea, London Sunday Uuion, and Others m ~ xra TOYS. TOYS. TOY*. TOYS Great Variety, from Id Doll to a Steam Engine; DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLLS. Sleeping Delia and Wideawake Djlls, Jointed Dolls, Breakable and Unlraakibie Dolls. Pg FANCY GC.OD3. FANOY GOODS. Parses, Pooket Booke, Letter Cases, (Silver Mounted), A'bums s Photo Frames, Doskr, Work Boxep, Touriatß' Oases, Ink Stands, Dresßinß Oisea, Music Oasea, Jewel Oases, Blotterß, Oabinete, Glove Bjxob, Companions, and many other linea too numerous bo particularise) omN& GLAS S, PLaTED, AND LBATHBHWARE BIBLES in Great V*ri e iy, Prayer, and Hymn, and Tune BooUb, CHRISTMAS CARDS—Beautiful Hand P-wnfcad Cards, Is. Album of foriy View of Asbburton, la ll 260 Pawing. Pla-ning^ Moulding. NEW SAW~IiILLS. IN ORDBE to meet; the demands cf the Trade, we have erected in connection with our Timber Yards in West Street, a Coropleta SAWING, PLANING AMD MOULDING PLANT. SEASONED TIiBBE, We are now in a position to supply oar Clients with SEASONED FLOORING, MATCHLINING & MOULDING of every description. Bandsawin^ to order, and Brackets and Fretwork executed to any pattern required F SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY JQBT L&NDRD—Ex Lizzie Taylor, 47,000 hit RED PINE dU Ex Huia, 22,000 foet WHITE PINR Ex Helen, from Hobart, 22.C00 feet BLUE GUM IN STOCK—Doors, Saabms, Gates, Hurdles, Bricks, Oament, Lime, and every requisite for the Trade W. H. COLLINS & C 0,,.. Hardware Merchants, House Decorators and Painters, SawtnilleM, Timber and Goal Merchants, and Suppliers of every Requisite for Building Purposes. EAST AND WEST STREETS, ASHBUBTON. P.O. Box 35- Telephones 14 and 15;



First Shipment JUST ARRIVED. To be followed by Regular Shipments direct from Ceylon by every Mail Boat, OF THE RENOWNED CEY LO_N TEA. THE NIRVANA TEA COMPANY, Colombo, Ceylon, have made arrangements to send lo New Zealand REGULAR SHIPMENTS OB 1 THEIR CHOICJL CEYLON TEAS, feeling sore the Tea drinking public will much appreciate a PURE, OHOIOE OEYLON TEA, Direcb from the Grower, UN TAMPERED WITH. l^,, BEAD THIS— Thes<s Teas are Packed in Ceylon, and are absolutely PURE. People rarely consider the DINCJKR of drinking low class Teas. NIRVANA Is the highest grade known to the trade, and is cold by all leading grocers at fcho came yrice [as ordinary Tea. ASK FOR IT. DON'T FORGKT THE NAME. Sole Agent Appointed— J. % COOOH, Ashburton. Free Sample and Pamphlet on application .1. WILSON HAB » LARGE & HKAUTIFUJi SIO.K OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS, Cheap or Expensive, to Suit All o!asses of. Booing BURNETT STREET Soiol^e .Now yenus



An earthquake, with its mystery, Will cause the etoutesb heart to piuse, The braveab men io history Have trembled at old nature's laws. The man who then invokes the B&ints Would rather aiokuens long eadure, He knows the thing for chest complaints Is W E Woods' G"eab Peppermint Oare. , Wades Teething Powders' for Babies are soothing, reduce fever and i prevent Uotohee; price, U



Smoke New Vaam