EPHEMERIS

Phases o! Mood foi January I

BUN,

Commercial.

OHRISTOHUROH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS. Quotations are a» follows :— Wheat faomiu*!)—Hnnter's, pearl, and velvet 2a 3d to 2s 4d, and Toioan 2s 4d to 5d Oata (nomJnal)—Canadian la Bd, shorb feed Is 7d to la Bd, Duns la 6d to la ?d, and Danish Is 6d to la 7d Barley (nominal)— Malting 2a delivered Beane—(nomi nal) Peas—-(nominal) Flour (millers' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, atone £6, sharps £3 10s, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Oatsheaf Chaff — 42g 6dl at near country stations. Hay—£s 5s to £310s, delivered j prlmest baled £4, fob Seeda—Ryegras*, farmers' lots la 9d to 2b, {.prime heavy, tows dressed, 2a 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 2£d to 2|d for bright seed, to 3d .for extra good,, town machine dressed 161 b to 171 b seed, 3|d to 4d, cow^rass 5d to 6d, extra choice 6£d, White clover, 6d to 7£d. Dairy Produoe—Cheese, dairy 4d to sd, fautory 4id to sd. Batter—factory, local, IQd, dairy 7d to Bd, salt, m boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hama s^d o 6d 9 factory bacon and hams, id per 1b igher. The above prices, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b Lyfctelton.

TO CORRESPONDENTS

G,W, Ashbuston—Begrefc we oarmot ioeert yoar aanttibntion io its present form.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY. JANUARY 25, 1901.

That the subject of the better lighting of oar Btreets is at last attracting the attention of oar municipal authorities was shown by the remarks of more than one member of the Borough Coun cil at th© meeting on Tuesday evening. It has long been recognised by tbase of the public who have to be out after dark, that the lighting arrange. ments of the town are not satisfac tory. The town lamps are lighted nightly for eight uion'hs of the year, and then only until 11 o'clock at night, after which numbers of people have to feel their way home at the risk of colliding with other travellers, or a lamp post, During the four months when no street lamps are lighted, this blind man's buff business begins as Boon as it becomes dark, and at the present time, as we know, thw occurs about nine o'clock. So far as our experience goes, human beings cannot see m the dark any better m summer than they can m winter, and therefore, from tbe standpoint of mere public convenience, there does not seem to be any reason for having no light m the town during certain months m the year, when nature makes no such distinction. If the Council had been logical, it would, %lv.v mak ing ifca regulation as to lighting, have also established the Ourfew Bell system, and at least insisted upon everybody -bciDg at home before II o'clock. Indeed we should not like to say that by bo doing they would not have conferred a benefit upon society; But let that, pass for the present, doubt lees Or Jones and the other reformers m the Council will eea to this matter later on. In the meantime the question is—are the people whose business or pleasure requires them to be about town after the clock strikes eleven, or those who have to be out after dark from December to March, not to be considered at all ? It may be urged that this matter of increased lighting is entirely one of finance. Of course 1 we admit there is something m that, but we are convinced that tbe burgesses of this town, who aro willing to expend over a thousand pounds m the erection ola handsome municipal building would not begrudge a reasonable ex' ceadftpre on a matter of public eonyeni©n,ee and utility. We under stand that the Bjigge#tl#n£i made m the Council on Tuesday merejiy igoatem' olated that a few ejctra lamps ahould fee erected m <^»r^ places, and tb»t, m the principal streets at lw*U some shop-Id be kept burning after eleven o'cleek afc night. The time has come when we may reasonably beseech tbe Council to lighten our darkness.

We bare before us a bound copy of: the Canterbury Standard, a newspaper es^ tablißbed m July 1854, and published by Mr James Willie, of GhrtstcharcK The volume, which has been kindly lent to ua by "Mr Whittaker of this town, ia extremely interesting, and we eball make farther reference to ifc later. But jaat now we merely wish to show bow it emphasises the astonishing pro gress that has been made m inter communication during the last thirty or forty years of the Qaeen'B reign. This may be gathered from the perusal of the Standard Extra of March 17th, 1862. This contains the announce ment received the day before by the s.s. Storm Bird* fust arrived ftfc JJyfe telton from Dnnedin, that the Prince Consort had died on the 23rd of Decem ber, 1861. Top aew« bad been first receivad m New Zealand at Dnnedinon March 15th, and the Standard copied from the Otago Witness. The new« of the death of Queen Victoria reached' New Zealand, and every part of the | civilised world included ia the electric j line system, within a very lew hoars after the sad event occurred* Facts j like this serve to show m a very atriking manner,Jhow closely the won derful discoYtriew science faai made,

hare brought together the uttermost I parts of the earth. I

Local and General.

Wkatheb Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires :—Strong weßfe to south-west and south eaßt winds, glass rise. Burns Anniversaet.—To-day, January I 25, is the 142 nd anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns,. Scotia's Immortal Bard. St. Stephen's Church. —Special memoria services will be held at 86. Stephen* Church next) Bunday, both morning and evening and at 3«afield and Dromore m the after noon. The Schools - The Allunton, Harap stead, and Convent schools will reopen on MoDday next, 28th insb. The Main school will open when repairs see finished} notice of which will he given. The Frisco Mail—A speoia! train left Chriatohurch at 2 p.m. this afternoon, and arrived m Ashbarton just as we were going to pr«i>. It will, no doubt, b« sorted. promptly as uinal. { ASHBffRSON COONTT COUSGIX—The Of*!! monthly meeting of the Aehburton County Council will be held on Monday, February 11, when, besides transacting ordinary business, the Gounoil will elect a membtr for the Lybtelton Harbour Board. Mbmobial JServiob—A united churches memorial service, for ear late Queen, will be held m the Oddfellows' Hall on Sunday evening, at 3 oMook, The Rev Mr Harding! who has lately arrived from England, will , take part with the local ministers. Phenomenal Wbathir •—The unsettled weather which hue prevailed more or lesa dun ing the summer co far, was further illustrated today when after sundry cold showers a emart hailstorm broke over the town about 2 pm. It only Iseted however a few minutee. Gkatxtvjdb—A urn-ill toy picked np two £10 notes m the gutter m Hereford street, Christchurch the other day, and after some trouble discovered the rightful owner, who rowarded his honesty by giving him the princely Bom o£ one shilling. Niagara. Utilised—Niagara Falls at present develop 50,000 horse power for electrical energy, and the power ii to be doubled. The river is tapped a mile above the falls by a caaal, which oarrics the water to the power house. There ib pours m volume down pits 1600 ft deep, oat m the solid rook, and returns to the river below the falls by a tunnel under the city* At the bottom of each pit is a gigantic turbine npon which fails a solid stream of water 7£ft m thickness Sea Snakes.—lt is not generally known that venomous marine snakes are found eff the coasts of New Zealand. At the last meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society, Sir James Hector showed some specimens of Hydridae, with other sea snakes from various parts of the world. The sea-snakes, he explained, inhabited the Pacific ocean and tropical seas, but had been captured as far south as Catlin's river m New Zealand. An Adventure With a Shark.—Three gentlemen who were fishing for sohnapper outside Sydney Harbour recently had a rather ezoiting encounter with a grey shark, 14ft m length. The men were harpooning salmon when the shark,, after takiDg two fish off the harpoon, swallowed it. He then made en attack on the boat,and drove his head through the bow below the waterline, making a hole Bin m diameter. The occupants at onoe ballasted the other end of the boat, and made for the beaob, stern first, the water being up to the seats when they reached land. LeabYkar Pbivilkgbs.—lt seems there are some historical grounds for the notion about the leap year privileges of BiDgls ladies We learn from Chambers' Journal that m the year 1288 the Scottish Parliament passed an Act by "vhich it was decreed that m leap year s mitden lady of either high or low estate shall have liberty to speak to the man sbe likes. If he refuses to take her he will be mulot m the earn of £IC3 more or leas, as hia estate may be except and always if he can make it appear that he is betrothed to another woman, then he ehfll be free. Good precedent for the modern anti-bachelor party. Death of Pbincess Lubecju -Princess Lubeckl, known m the colonies as Madame Labecki, died at Nelson on Wednesday, says a Press tehgrara, ag«d 86 years. Deceased was the widow of thekte Princo Akis Konstanlin Lubeoki, fotmer'y of Warsaw (Poland), who settled m England after the failure of the Polis-h revolution m 1831, m which he tor k a prominent fart. Tha deceased princess, who was a native of Kant had resided m Nelson for the last tix years. From the Front —Troopers Wilkie and Powell, both Ashburtosi boys, who returned from the frcnt by the Orient, will arrive by to-night's express. Trooper Wilkie came the length of Timaru last night, and got eff the train there to visit some friends. Laat night quite a number of citizens assembled on the platform at the railway station to see three or four returning troopers, who were passing through for the north, Trooper Fraaer, who returned by the same train received a hearty welcome at Temuka, fiom which place he hftile. Additions to Ashbortok Club.—Under the supervision of Mr R Bird, architect, the additions were started to the Ashburton Club on Monday. Us P Williams Is tha contractor, and when completed, the build ing will form an extensive addition to the present premises. The new frontage will extend 18 feet along Burnett street, running back a distance of 90 feet. The new billiard room forming portion of the extension will measure 58 x 18 feet, wfrilf t the walla will be 16 feet from Soor to ceiling, clear of walls; Nef Tourist Routh—A new field for tourists ii likely to be opened up. A cor* respondent of the Otago Daily limes, writing from South Westland, states that a tourist has just crossed from the Hermitage to Waiho, »b South Westland, m one Spy, Ha describes the route as the shortest and by far the mosb picturesque route across the range, and points to the fact that ii more widely known it would bacome a regular thoroughfare for tourists m seargh of scenery of surpassing grandeur. The track is through fine bush country, while wonder* ful glaciers and splendid mountain viaws ocmplete a scene of unusual beauty. Mb Gates' Motor Car— Mr Oates Is at present m the Hawkes Bay|distriot, In the beginning of the the present week he took a .couple of friends for a trip on his motor par, and a very pleasant time was spent 'by the party. They proceeded to Has 4- Ingß pi& Jllve and retnrned to town by way of Taradale»|the car running smoothly and pleaeanfc!^ wherever the n§tgre of the road wculd permit. It was extremely interesting to note the perfect control Bfr Oates had over the machine, how easily and admirably he steered, turned, and sjboppedib within incredibly short distances and how simply and qirckly its rate of progress was yarl^d, Increased or lessened, as occasion required, car was, of of coarse, the object of marked gttenjeion along the route, and daring the short »tay made at Hastings ie was curiously inspect ed by a considerable crowd.

The New King.

Sis Majesty's Arrival m London i Saluted foy tfce Crowds Audience At St James's Palace i United Prtus Association--Bj Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Lokdow, January 23 The King, the Doke of York, the Doke of Oonnaught, and Prince Chriatlan, reached London at one o'clock. The orowd quietly aahtted, the Kfng gravely bowing. Hit Majesty drove to Maryborough Hoote, and later met the Privy Council atSb Jamei'a Palace. The lord Major and Aldermen were m Attendance. The Dake of Devonshire communicated to the Council the news of the death of the Queen, ftnd the moceinion of her son. Sydney, January 24 The Admiral received m cable meuage it»tio« that the King was proclaimed today. No Information is yet to hand from the Imperial authorities m reference to the designation of the King. A Commonwealth Gazette tonighb an* nounces that the King was proclaimed at St Jamea'e Palace at 2 o'clock today. Mkj,bournb, January 24 The King wan taluted with twenty one guna. The Lieutenant-Governor cabled cod* gratulstions. ( (Received Wakapuaka Jan 25, dam, (This office 10 20 am Adelaide, January 25 Lord Tennyaon, m cabling condolences to the King, added—" For myself, I ehall ever remember with the deepest gratitude the 4|aeea't constant and true kindneu to me and mine." -

RANCH ATA RACING CLUB

, »- ■ „,,- The annual meeting of the Bangitata Racing Club was held at theßridgs Hotel on Saturday last. Mr Fetrie was voted to the chair, and there waa a good attendance of members' The Treasurer's report showed a credit balance of £7, with about £3 to some m, which was considered very satisfactory.' The following officers were elected :—Presi dent, Mr A J Hawdon; Yice-Presideuts, Messrs D Knight, T Eraser, and S Rae, senr. Stewards—Messrs J Rae, W Ashley, junr, A Brown, D Knight, A O'Neil, X Evans, J Henry, E Ball, and A Blissett; Judge, Mr 0 Scott Thomson ; Starter, Mr B R Mao- Donald ; Handicappers, Mesars B R Mac- Donald and A C Watson ; Clerk of Scales, Mr J Lorgeliy ; < Jlerk of Courie, Mr J W Ashley ; Trewarer, Mr R D Petrie ; Secre tary, Mr G H Patrick. A committee of management was appointed, Mr D Knight, chairman, to Ret the course and other things m order. The races are to be held on Thursday, March 28. ,

The Railway Artisane Prssne tation

United Preos Association—By Eleotrio , Teiograph Wellington, Jan 24 The workmen at the Pttone workshops are taking up the proposal to make a presentation to Mr Ward m acknowledgement of the recast increase m wages, and a echerae is being pre* pared by which eaoh railway employee throughout New Zealand nil be given an opportunity «t making a sixpenny osntribir lion to tha Ward presentation fund. Apart from this i is the intention of the Petoee men to organise a banquet to Mr Ward, at which the presentation will probably be made. Mr Fisher and Mr Wiiford, MHRa., are eiso ito be presented with tokens of esteem on that QpSEißon.

Fatality at Sumner.

. _ : A MAN RUN OVER BY A 3BAM A fatal accident ooouirred on Thursday nighb at Surnner. Two trams had left the bathe, the first »fe ten o'clock, the second about seven minutes Afterwards. A man named J T Park was observed by several people m one of the cat a of the former. It , was a dark night, and it ia supposed that he j fell cff m (some manner without being observed. The second tram was 120 or ISO yards past the bridge, whets a heavy jolfc was felt, which threw it off the linea. Park's body was found lying across them, rua over j about the middle, horribly cut about sod mutilated.. The driver of this tram, Mi J. Lloyd, e»ye that when seen he could only give a few gasps, and died almost im mediately. It would seem impossible that the unfortunate man oould have been run over by the earlier tram, as that had experienced no jolt, and it is not clear how he came to be lying aoroif the lineii The police took charge of the body, which was conveyed to Moreton's Marine Hotel. The deceased was fifty-fire years of age, and worked at the Addingtqn Workshops. It is said that his wife is th« sister-in-law of Mr William Bowron, of Ohrißtohureia, and that he was staying at Sumner with Mrs Bowron when the distressing accident occurred, .

Zealandia Stern and Wild.

The Dunedin §iar's London corres pondent, after reporting a lecture by Mr J Oathcarfe Waaon on New Zealand at the Imperial Institute says :-r- The limelight yiewg shown j?y Mr Wason, included, as usual f too many scenes of * ISealandia, stern and wili,' of ragged mountains, chilly lakes, seething solfataras, and fierce Maoris, not at all calculated to attract the yeoman farmer. I have pointed out before, and I must do so again, the advisability of the Government's sending Home a complete eerie* of views of the indus' tries, the amusements, and the settled districts of the colony. The neat homesteads, the rich crops, the flocks of sheep apd herds of cattle, reaping, shearing, threshing, ploughing—these j are what should be exhibited to the great British public. The indispensable limelights should convince the intending settler that he is going to an Antipodean England, not to a land of oppressive grandeur and solemn seclusion. The virgin forest is to him not ao attractive as the fruitful and matronly plain. The lay to lure the emigrant is not • She wandered down the inoantoin Bide,' but' Oh, the roast meat of New #ea!at?d,' The present series of lantern slides is too much con' jined fe? joatare unadorned.

BEATS OF THE QUEEN.

THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE NATION

London, J»n 23 The German Crown Prises' Arrives at Qsborne to»day. The Queen had always hoped nob to die Id her sleep lest she would not be surrounded by her beloved ones, and her wish had been gratified. A few days ago her Majesty thoughtfully told the attendants to go for a walk, and take sotna fresh air. AH the Government establishment*, ships, celoaiat ageaoi«s,aDd public buildings hoisted Hags hall-mast, and minute guns were fired at the various port*. Baoes and athletic fixtures were postponed, some being aban° donsd altogether, (The organ ab the Crystal Falaos played the "Dead Maroh," and the entertainment stopped. (Eh* bells of the cathedrals and of the ohurches m the smaller Tillages tolled. Pablio bodies are adopting resolutions of profound sorrow. Several French papers ascribe the Queen's death to her anxiety over the war. The Parliament Buildings ab Quebec are draped m black. Stock exchange! m different places are olesed. SYMPATHY FROM AMERICA. President MoKinley cabled to the King I America's ainoerest sympathy at the loss of the venerable and illustrious Sovereign whose noble life and beneficent influence had promoted peace, and won the affection of the j world. ] The House of Representatives passed a unanimous resolution expressive fof profound sorrow, and adjourned, as a sign of reipect to the deceased monarch's memory. ;

HOW A NATION WAITED FOR THE NEWS.

London, January 23 j (The people's breathless fear grew tense and more poignant as each bulletin was published, The Prince of Wales' telegram to the Lord Mayor was the first intimation of the < death of the Queen, and ended the suspense ab seven em Tuesday evening. I The general feeling was on* of stunned i bewilderment, drowning all expressions of ■ grief and knowledge of the real extent of the j nations loss. The Chairman of the London County Council, addressing a meeting of members, referred to the dead Sovereign as " the beat loved and inosb illustrious of all our monarchs." ; Ab the usual Hilary Term dinner, at Gray's Inn, the Master, Mr Beetham, said : " We musb, according to constitutional neage recite 'God Bave the King.'" The obapel bell then tolled eighty-two times m honour , of the eighty-two years of the Queen's life, j The haalth of the Ring was then duly honoured. After the news of the death the ecu few bell at Windsor pealed a knell, and also the churches m the provinces, at Balmoral, and along the whole of Deeeide.

CONDOLENCE FROM AUSTRALIA

Sydney, January 24 The Earl o! Hopetoun has forwarded per sonal condolences to the King, and similar messages from tho Commonwealth State. All tho foreign Consuls have also com munioated their regrets to the Governor General. The only effect the demise of the Grown will have on the irgfcitutions of tho colony is that the members of Parliament and tho Commonwealth Ministry are required to swear allegiance to the King. The anniversary regatta has been post poned! The Government have requested the pub lic nob to osberve the day as a holiday, Royal purple and black are being ueed as mourning drapings on the public buildings, Mr Barton hopes to arrange a uniform procedure m regard to mourning throughout the States. The inter-State cricket match between New South Wales and Victoria has been postponed for a week. AH flags were hoisted bill sunset on the flaefr. The Permanent Artillery fired Royal salntes. Flags will be at half maßb to-morrow, and remain bo till the evening of the interment, Melbourne, January 24 Mr Seddon received the first intelligence here m & cable message from Mr Beeves announcing the death. He states the news will cause great sorrow among the Maoris, Mr Carroll has reoeived a oable message from Tamahau Wahapnku expressing the grief of the Maoris at the Queen's death. Hobart, Jan 24 The Imperial troops paraded m the Domain m the afternoon, and held a memorial service for the Queen, A thousand local troops assisted. The scer.s was an impressive one. The senior chaplain conducted the service. The Hiphlana Band played the 'Funeral March,' the hymns 'Days and moments quickly flying,'' Peace, perfecb pease,' and • The Dead March' m • Saul.' '

THE CORRECT MOUBNING FOR ROYALTY.

United Press Association—By Electric . Telegraph Wellington, Jan 24 The Government buildings are being draped m black, and the General Post Office it teßfcponed m black end white inter twined!. This is said to be the oorreot mourn ing for Royalty, Mr Hamilton, the Registrar of the Otago University, was consulted on the point. The Acting Premier has sent out the fol lowing telegram to payers clergymen, and other prominent men':—Ab it ig difficult m a scattered community to attain unanimity of actipa m connection with the lamentable death of our beloved Queen, the government pnggegts that the following be adopted ;— Public to be respectively invited to observe a oloae day of mourning on the ocoasion of the funeral of the Queen. A general holiday will be proclaimed throughout the colony on that day. For that purpose women sad girls are to wear a band of black ribbon on the right arm above the elbow, and the men are to wear a strip of ribbon on the lapel of the coat until after the funeral of the Queen. Flag* on the public buildings, m addition to being at halfmast, are to have a black streamer a foot above each flag. Business plaoee to arrange their flagi similarly. Clergymen are to fix Sunday as a day for universal mourn iag Borvioes m the different churches through out the oolony.

PUBLIC OBSERVANCES AS TO MOURN ING.

ORDER IN COUNCIL BY THE GOVER NOR. The following Orderin-Couaeil relating to j public observances as to mourning for her j Majesty Qaeen Victoria, wan made by his Exuellenoy the' Governor ai> Wellington yesterday :— "Hla Excellency the Governor of the colony of Mew Zealand, having been advised by the Secretary of State for the Colonies el the lamented death of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and aoting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said polony, doth hereby en. join as followa upon Her 1 lata Majesty's Loving and Lamenting Subject! m the said colony, In token of their grief and sorrow for the great loss the Empire has sustained :— 1;. All ministers of. religion and all con gregations are invited on Sunday next, the twenty Hewnthlastaiit, «nd alio on the day appointed for the futonl of Per late Majtsty, to hold solemn servlo* of pablia worship and mourning on behalf of the people of the colony. '• 2. The New Zealand Ensign, with a scarf of crape •hashed to the fjsgstaffone foot above M*e 'flag, •hall be displayed at half meat on all public buildings m the colony till sunset each day, and until sUßnefe of the day appointed for the funeral. |. All ihips io the varions harbours of the i

colony are Invited to display their ensigns at' half maat each day until, and including the day of the funeral. 4 AH officers of the Government are enjMned to wear mourning until further notified. All other subjeata of Her late M&jesty are requested to do the Bame m such manner t a their loyalty and feelings direct. 5 And generally, until after the day of the funeral, it is enjoined that all festivities of a public nature be suspended, and that on that day all place* of business and public entertainments be dosed.

Christohuboh, Jan 24 Speoial services were held m the oh arches, and the Cathedral bells rung muffled peala at intervals. All the business places were closed. Many are adopting tho suggestion of the Mayor to wear black on the left arm for a month The draped picture of the Queen was shown this evening sA, the Exhibition In a dim light, and was visited by large crowds of people, some of whom sat before it for hours, The art gallery at the Exhibition was thrown open, and the Hfs sJssa portrait of the Queen there was draped, and at the foot a magnificent; wreath was placed by the City Council on behalf of the citizens, and as the day wore on hundreds of other wreaths were laid there

THE LATEST

EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY AND REBPEOT. i United Preen Association-—by Electric Telegraph—Copyright i Received Wakapuaka January 85, 9 am, this Office 9 40 am) Sydney, January 25 The absence of English cables ie supposed i to be due to a blook on the wires, caused fey | the death of the Queer). : Many public bodies laid wreaths at the foot of th a Qaeeu's statue, while the statue of the Prince Consort was garlanded with white flowers. While the royal salute was being fired the Fleet Admiral and all the officers assembled on their respective vessels m fell drew uniform. Melbourne, Jan 25 A special service, held m the Orthodox Greek Churcb, was attended by several Consuls. Ad eloquent sermon m apprecia tion of the virtue, wisdom, kindliness, and humility of the late Queen was delivered. The Government is endeavoring to arrange j for a memorial service m which the Imperial I troops may take part), | Adelaide, Jan 25 1 All official and social functions have been I abandoned. Messages of sympathy have been received from all parts of the State.

Wellington, Jan 25 The Minister of Railways has directed that on the day of the Queen's funeral no railway business of any kind is to he transacted between 11.30 and 12 noon: No train is to be started within that time, and every running train is to be brought to a standstill for half an hour.

The Mourning Arrangements

.♦ ' ■ With reference to the telegram Kent by the acting Premier concerning the arrange* meats and suggestions a« to observing mourning for the Queen, the Mayor of Ashhurton has senb the following reply :— The Hon. the Aotiug Premier, Wellington —I acquiesce m suggestions telegraphed by you m connection with mourning for her late Majesty, and will endeavour to oarry out all details ac far as lies m my power to do ao.—Htrao Priedeandeb, Mayor The Countj chairman has also forwarded a reply as under :— To the Acting Premier, Wellington—l cordially approve of your proposed arrange* mentß m memory of our beloved $ueen~ O J. Habpbr, Chairman County Oouuoil There will also be found m our advertising columns, »n order m Council dealing with the same snbjeot, to which attention should be gives. An advertisement will also be found In this issue calling upon the members of the Ashburton Mounted .Rifles to attend church parade at Sfc Sto^hens Church on Sunday morning. We understand that the other corps haye also received in* instructions to join m the church parade-

The Queen's Dolls

— —■♦ The stories of the early life of the Queen become invested with a greater interest now that she has gone than they had m her life time, since they go to show the benb of her sympathies and inclinations. Some years ago the Strand Maga&ne published an article on • the Queen's Dolls.' The article which is profusely illustrated w&s read and revised by the Queen herself, who sent through Sir Henry Ponsonby the following memoran dum:— Her Majesty was vary much devoted to dolls, and indeed played with them till she was nearly 14 years old. Her favourites were small dolla, small wooden dolls," which she could occupy herself with dressing, and who had a house m which they could be placed. None of her Majesty's children cared for dolls as she did ; but then they had girl companions, which she never had. Miss Victoria Conroy (afterwards Mrs Han mer, and an aunt of Mr E Hanmer of Ash* barton), came to see her once a week, and occasionally others played with her, but with these exceptions she was left alone with the companionship of her dolls. In a postscript Sir H Poneonby adds: Since writing the above, I have been informed that it is not correct that ' none of her Majesty's children oared for dolls,' as the four eldest princesses were very fond of them* In & subsequent note, Sir Henry adds: The Queen usually dressed the-dolls from some boofcismes ebe saw either m the theatre or private life A HUNDBBD AND THIRTY-TWO DOLLS There is, iadeed (Miaa Low writes), amply evidence m the care and attention laviahad upon the dolls of the immense importance with which they were regarded by their Royal little mistress ; and an additional and interesting proof of this is to be tound m what one might pall the * dolls' archives' (these records are to be found m an ordinary copy book, now s little yellow with years, on the inside cover of which is written m a childish, struggling, but determined hand writing, • List of my dolls.' Then follows m delicate feminine writing the name of the doll, by whom it was dressed, and the charaoter it represented, though this par' tioular is sometimes omitted When the doll represents an aotress, the date and name of the ballot are also given, by means of which one is enabled to determine the date of the dreselog, which must have been between 1831 an 3 1333, when, Sir Henry says, * the dolls were packed away.' Of fehe 132 dolls preserved, the Queen herself dressed no fewer than 32, m a few of which she was helped by Baroness Lebjsen, » fact that is scrupulously recorded m the book, and they deserve to be handed down to posterity as an example of the patience and ingenuity and exquisite handiwork of a twelve year old princess. 1 DROLL LITTLE WOODEN OBEATURBS.' The dolls are of the most unpromising material, and would be regarded with Hcorn by the average board school child of today; But if the pleasures of imagination mean anything j if planning and creating and achieving:arf) 3a themselves delightful to a child, and the cutting-out and making of ' dolly's clothes '■ especially a obarm to a little girl only second to nursing a live baby, then there is no doubt that) the Princess obtained many more hours of pure happi ness from her extensive wooden family than if it had been launched upon her ready dressed by the most expensive of Parisian modistes. Whether expensive dolls were not obtainable at that period, or whether the princess preferred theso droll little wooden creatures, as more suitable for the representation of historical and theatrical personages, I know not; but tha whole collection is' made up of them, and they cartaioly make adorable little puppets, being articulated ab the knees, thighs, pints, elbows, and shoulders; fttsd available for I every kind of dramatic gestura^ind attitude. It> must be admitted that thsy ara not I i*3thetieai!y beautiful, with their Dutoh doll—not Dutch—ty^e of face. Occasionally, owing to a chin being a little more pointed or a note »little blunter, there i« ft slight,

j variation of expression; but, with the exeep' .lion of height, which ranges from 3in to 9io, they are precisely the same. There is i the queerest mixture of infancy and matron" linepsin their Httte wooden taees, due to the combination of email sharp noses and bright vermilion cheek? (coDsisting of a big dab of pajab Sn one tpot) with broad placid brows, over which, seatly parted on eoch temple, are painted elaborate, elderly, greyish curls. The remainder of the hair is coal biaok, and ia relieved by a tiny yellow comb perched upon the back of the head. , LADl£fi «F THE COTO" AND STAGE. Tine doils dressed by Her Majesty are for the most part theatrical pemonages and court ladies, and icclude also some males (o?who£ there are only i vme seven or eight) In the whole collection) and a few little babies tiny creatures made of rag with painted musiin faces. The workmanship m the frocks ia simply exquisite; tiny ruffles are sewn with fairy stitohes; wes pockets on aprons (it muet be borne m mind for dolls of Sin or 6in) are delicately finished off with minute bows; little handkerchiefs nob more than |la square are embroidered with ted silk initials, and have drawn borden ; and there are chatelaines of white and gold beads co email that) they almost slip oottof ons'i, bands m handling, and one is struck afresh by the deftness of finger and the unwearied patience that must have been possessed by the youthful fashioner. A whole group of ' dolls represent) characters m the opera of 1 Kenilworth,' which was performed ia 1131 at the famous King's Theatre. It would br interesting to know whether her Majelty herself was taken to the operai (' She went to the opera and saw the bailer, of whioh she was very fend,"several times.'—Note by the f|ueen)—or whether the costumes were described to her, or whether the knowledge was obtained from printing—(' None existed 9 —V.R.}—whioh latter theory, owing to the - minuteness of detail, seems the moit prob able. To this set the Princess Viotorla coctributed two of the charaoters—Robert Dndley, Earl of Leicester, and Amy Rotaart AMY ROBSAKT AND QUEEN ELIZABBTH. Amy Robsart, who was placed ia tbt ballet by Mile, Broeard, a very popular dancer of the period, has a long, narrow riding habit of green satin, with ft short habit bodice of the same material trimmed with a narrow gold line down the frost, and coming to a point at the waist* Her sleeve t are tight, and she wears a large broad* brimmed black velvet hat of the "Di Vernon " shape, with whits curling feathers falling on to her forehead. This is ode of the most realistic of ail the dolls, and the dress wat no doubt an exaob reproduction of the one worn by tha actress. Queen Elizabeth, m this ballet (dressed by Baroness Lehzec), is magnificently attired m » robe of gold tinsel stuff with puffed sleeves and a heavy girdle cf gold beadi. Her long round train hanging from her shoalderle made of the same material, trimmed with ermine and lined with bright crimson plush, as are also her shoes. Bound her neok she wearß pearls ; and a wonderful little crown of crimson plash, with points of gold paper festooned with pearls, adorns the Boyal head. DOLLS' FOBMTOBE There are several little tables and chairs covered m silk apd chintz, and some fMciaat ing tiny bead trinkets and little crystal tea ' services of the kind sold m boxes some 20 ! years ago ; but which are very difficult to ; procure nowadays* One of these services, set out upon a tiny table, ie represented. The two ladies who are standing at the table are Madame Proche Brooard aa she appeared m the ballet of < Kenil worth ' m 1831-33, and Madame Zephyrine Galebstie: A word of mention must be made of a small white satin oradle, made from a cardboard-box, contain* ing a set of twins; and of a numerous variety of satin quilts edged with lace, and silk ana satin cushions, no doubt used for the drawing room eofaat

The Fifth Coatiagent at the Front.

■ ■ •'■'♦ -"■ -" ■ We are permitted to make the following extract from a letter from Corporal Vernort Steward ?— Klekrsdokp, Nov. 22,1500. There is a rumour going round that we leave here to-morrow morning. There may be not the slightest possible troth m ii, but I'll jusb get a note written In case there should be, though 1 know of no chancs of posting it. Klerkadorp turns out to be a very decent place, about the size of Mafekiug, and far superior to it m every way as a site for a camp. At first none of as ware i allowed to enter the town, but after two ; days general leave was given during day time, that is to every man who was not warned for duty. Klerksdorp ia between 70 and 80 miles distant from Johannes burg, and !a only eight miles from|the Vaal River and Cransvaal border. It fg connected with Johannesburg by rail, but bhe line was blown op several months ago, and no stores of any description have entered the place for 14 months. The shops m town are absolutely destitute of food stuffs. You can bay nothing eatable, and every place has a very barren look. Some of the shops are as large as Strange's, and there are one oe two very fine public buildings. I hunted through every stationer's and fancy shop yesterday for Christmas cards to send home, but could only discover two birthday cards, and a few old photographic scenes. One English hotelkeeper, who had sacoessfally hidden away a large quantity of food stuffs and cattle, opened his *'pub" the day after we arrived, and served 120 of us with dinner before the day's supply ran out. We had a great feast. The mean was—Soup, roast fowl, mutton, beef, lamb and mint sauce, ooraed beef, ox tongue, and vegetables ([fchese, vsry scarce) ©f every description, with plenty of bread anl butter and puddlug. We had seen none of these things for a very long time, and we all went religiously right through the bill of fare ! There were no spirituous liqaore m the pnb, but a big stock of lemon squash, which however only lasted two &ays c Snoh living was evidently considered too high for common soldiers, for next day th« hotel was closed to all bat officers and civilians. However the rank and file have done pretty well here, I have managed to obtain some sausages or save* loys from the butcher's every day, and t having invested m a frying pan anti billy, am faring not so badly. You may not believe it, but I am becoming a pretty expert cook, and quite plume myself upon doughboys and pancakes. A mat! came m for us yesterday, and I was delighted to receive five letters, two Guardians, and one Evening Tost. November 23. I had to stop yesterday m the middle of my letter to fulfil an unpleasant dafcj* One of oar men (A squadron), by name King, of Wellington, died afe 2 a.m. yesterday of enteric fever, and. together with a sergeant, I was m charge of the firing party. He was burled m the afternoon. Poor beggar, he was only ill a few days, and no one knew there was anything serious the matter with him till the last. I knew him very well, as he used to be m the reserve-, Soldiers' funerals out here always seem to me particularly sad— I have purposely avoided referring to them before m my letters. Just; sewn np m a blanket and burled, perhaps a few hoars after they fall, m seme desolate spot on the open-veldt, ij» a nameless grave. Oh this decaskm, there being a cemetery close' handy, King was burled m consecrated ground. Hspplly enteric fever is quite exceptional with us. There fa only one more case from oar regiment m hospital here. Very big sports were held hex c yesterday by the soldiers. I went over for half an hour chleEy to try'to get some programmes fro eend yon—l enclose fcwo. All the horaea were examined this morning to see if they were fit for 10 days' work, bo | suppose we shall be on the move shortly. It is exceedingly hot, and I am lying almost m a' state of nature, cinder the shade of some willow trees by the side of a creek, while I scribble this note. 1 /there is a strong wind blowing, which, for violenai aid the dust it brings n Ith ib, reminds , me of an Ashboxton nor'-wester. It tttay . k interest you to know that the ladies q

Tfiß ASHBUBTOK OTABBIAH t JPEIDaI, 25, 1901



Full moon Wt quarter Arogee New moos First quarter Perigee

am

8 n 12 21 24

II 44 am 3 8 ta 10 30 pm 8 6 4 m 9 2S pm 11 opm



Dftte fcnnary %% M ti »c it

22 23 24 25 26 27

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Rises 4 52 4 53 464 4 55 4 56 468

Sets 7 33 7 39 7 31 7 20 7 23 7 28



CONSULTING OPTKJIAN MrErneßt; M. Sandstein, D rBGA?,FS, MO, who has lately returned after six years 11 special study m England and Cor tjpent, may be consulted on all cases of defeotivc pyesight, Dajlighb not) necessary artificial light helpg aged. Doctors' pr 801'iptione preparsd. feea pipderate. 0 Bnlfciag rooms, Oaehel Street W., over Sandatein, JBwe!ler c Chriitohurc^, 950 1,2 to 6 daily "11 /f^S AI^RN is now ehowiag benutifal jjIJL aeeortmeut pew Millinery qsw Mantles, new Deeea Goods ",aew gilts etc., io the enlarged premieeF, Ladies ana Children's Pinafores, Aprons, and Underclothing m Qtook and made to order. OUR {Boots and Shoes sell themselves have a look t*t p Ssoo^'s prices. Spjok© New ¥en«B ■ i



Jljecirettablb INCIDENT—There wasone regrettable jncldenb In the Wellington district In connection with ,the death of the Queen, telegraphs oar .eorreeppndent. It oocaired afc Masterton, and jh thas des= cribed by the Post correspondent there:— "On the announcement) of fche death of the Qaeen feeing received the Lawn Tennis Charaplonßhip Meeting was adjonrned for two hoars. Play wasfcfeen resumed. The public were soon made aware of the fact, and a hostile demonstration took place. Mr Hogg, MHB, who had addressed the crowd lamenting the calamity to the nation, referred ftp the fact thab tennis was being played. The arowd than ad journed to the tennia court, and depended that play should cease. This request nob being fSoncoded hooting was Indulged m, and the players were subjected to a lot of banter. Eventu»Hf the fire brigade was procured and *he water waa #boufi to be turned on to the court, when the players dispersed, several were jostled and one found hii way Into the creek." Spoke New Ypw



[THI ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES E ""■i"""1 " Trains leave Ashburbon daily for—• OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 ftm 3.15 p no, 7.8 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.65 am, 3.50 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— OHRISTOHUROH—ab 10.45 %m, 12.43 p m (exprees), 8 pm" TIMARU—ab 10=3-5 km, 2.65 pm DUNEDIN—ab 6.67 pm (sprees) SPRINGBURN-ab 9.45 a m



FOS SALE, PUKI k HALFBRID TAMWORTH PIGS fro Farmers purchasing Halfbred PIGS. Wo &re prepared to buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened oa groin or Peas. FABMESS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* a j h ft_PM»t_ ~~~~ WANTED KNOWN I HAVE a splendid rsniaty of f*ccy Chooolato Boxes just to hand, both useful and oruamental. Please sail and inspect). Fresh Toffies and Gnndies, English and French Chocolates and Confectionery always m Stock, Ices, Strawberries and Cream, Hot Pies and Light Refreshments always ready. A fresh supply of local and Island fruits arriving daily. H A FLOWBB, 12 Confectioner & Fruiterer, East 3b _ SHEEP FARM OF 1252 iS 1252 O ITUA.TED about fonr miles from a R»il» kD way Statioa, divided fat© eleven paddocks, good Farmhouse of 8 rooms, ticullery »nd Pantry, Stsble, Woolthed, Bhe«p Yards, and Dip, Weilwatered with County Water Rices. Full particulars furnished on application t BULLUUK»_ Wades Worm Fig®, the wonderful Worm f Worrierc, never fail foi adaltit or children > Price U



STILL ADVANCING. OBAIOHEAD & BEBBYMAN HAVE juafc opened out, ex a.s. Paparoa from JLondon, the largest shipment of , Wew Roods they have hitherto imported, oompriaing the most up to date SuitiDgs from the beafc Manufacturers an now worn afc Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customers such ft splendid range of new materials of '. guaranteed qual ty and stylish patterns to ohooae from »b should pleaae even the most fastidious, and their prioes, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the lending firms m Chrißtchurch or other cities. They are also showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boota, etc., this . Beau' n Oudtomers would do well to place their ordess early as C. & B. have already a &rgi number of nuits oa the books promined eforaXmM. . " MO './ JMWfS 6tKfß.\ Furnishins Warehouse, " (Havelock Street; HK guarantees to sell at Qhristchuroh prices for Cftßh or Time Paymepta. 1 14 WANTED Known—Tha* what wa do we try to do well. Bear thia m mind, Gentlemen, when ordering your Sorrmier Ou<fit; and, Ladies, remember it) before fitting opyour Boys for the holiday'— Uib cli «nd Turner



inmniMim *»i»nii«^i <ll iiriiii| tt .:^^|iiHqaNiii^K»"'i^; "-iiwiri <lfa»>lTmimiMs2»r-^^ rfftr jatß-inimninmiiiiiiiiiimwwili'i j JMJiliiM li iiMatiiifiH»iMiftii"|i'll|'Bl * ( G BEAT JUBI LE E SALE CF High - Class Drapery (lothing, & Boots COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY 19. (FOB OJ^JS MONTH.) IMMENSE REDUCTIONS IN EVkERY DEPARTMENT. ANDREW-ORR 1901 MODELS JUST LANDED. MAIS' V IM PKOVEMENTS. . COME AMD BEE THIM. I? O0 ft GOOD SECOND - HAND CYCLES TO BE SOLD CHEAP. HO SEASONABLE OB'FBR REFUSED JOHN ORR & CO. Is .Z CLOTHING FACTORY WE h*ve just colluded our HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING and have thrown oat a cumber of odd lines, which we hare marked at ■ prices that will effect a speedy clearance. =SEE THEM AT DOOR.= MEN'S HARD AND SOFT HATS AT Is BACH. MSN'S SOFT SHIRTS. A LABGE VAEIETY OF TIES, ALL BEDUCED TO 6d& In Men's Leather Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Kid Shops 10s 6d Women's Canvas Shoes 3s 6d, Children's 2< 6d Men's Tan Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Tan Boots 15a. N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. THE YEBDICf OF ALL PBACTICAL [EIDEES IS IN FAYOUS OF RIDING BUILT with Batted Tubing, Shorb Heada, Narrow Tread Arch or Box Crown, oi lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheelsl Any style Saddle, Handles, Obsin, «tc, Anygeiir, any height frame ; also dusfc proof thronghoHt 1, ONE FRIGE TO ALL-~s2l OATES, LOWRY AND CO., Z6Rlandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON.