EPHEMERIS

SON.

Phases of Moon foe December

Mail Notices

Mails cloae foe the following places at aader, subject) to the necessary alterationss ' TUESDAY, Deo 5. For Northern Ports and West Coast, per Kotomahana, at 6.30 p m WEDNESDAY, Deo 4 For Northern Ports and Wantport, per Zaalandi*, at 10 30 ft m FRIDAY, Dec 6 For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (duo Sydney Dec lltsh), and South Africa, ncr Monowal, at 10 30 ft m

MINING

Unibed Prea« Aaaociatlon—By Elsotrio Telegraph.

Dunedin, December 2 During the week ended today, returns have been reported by 52 dredges, the tolal j yield being 1238 21wt lsr j Returns—Manuherikta 45cz 18iwt 20gr, Endeavour 35cz ICMwfc, Waik^ka United 33cz, Speddena freehold 32cz Bdwt, Upper Waipori 260z lOdwt, Mopeka 22<al4dwt, Reliance 2licz Odwt Bdwt, Happy Valley 17i z 3dwh, Lawrence 16oz looz, Enfi.eld 15, Gold Kiflg Uoz 2dwt Dunkdin, December 3 I [Today's sales : —Endeavor 14s, 149; Olrig Se, Point DOr 61 discount, Rise and Shine 14?, Royal Maori, eight parcels at 2Ss 9d GDevlot, B*.

COMMERIAL.

THE LONDON MARKETS.

United Press Association—By Electdo Telegraph—Copyright London, December 1 The Tahra wool clip realised 63, and the Dalethorpe Bgd Ointerbory mubton, 3^'i; Dunedia and Southland 3| \ ; North Island, 2d ; Canter bury lamb 4 5-16 d; fair average quality is Unohanged B?ef is unohanged These prices are official quotations furnished by the Fez n Meat Trade Association, aad the basis of quotation® is on sales of not less than 10G oarcaass of mutton lamb, or 25 quarters of beef. All quotations for mutton are for fair average quality. Quotations for New Zealadd lamb do not include Bates of small lambs or heavies of inferior quality! All hides have been withdrawn from sale in the expectation of an advance New Zealand basils, Is Two (South Australian wheat oargoea of 10,000 quarters and a Vioboriao sailer's cargo (Deoember.Janoary) sold at 291 3d

ASHBURTON SOC MARKET

The usual weekly stock sale was held ! today at the Tinwald Yarrtß before a mode | rate attendance. The slackness in the demand : at recent sales had the tfioct: of considerably redaoing the entries of store sheep, and i another factor In lessening the numbers was i in the seasonable rama, which have vastly improved the fsed and relieved those who wereolearlng off theireurplus stock on aoaoaat of shortness in pasturage. Tho cattle entries numbered 22 head, iDoludinq some good qaality, and the demand also proved ! B»tißf*e:ory, F*t oowp, heavy weighb £10, £8 10. i fa 6 cows £5 7j 6;?, £5 17* 6d, £5 ■ 12* 6d ; steers £6 lOi, £5 10j ; dairy cows ! £4 7a OJ, £3 Hi 6d, fat heifera £5 143 and \£bU ! The entries la fat and store sheep was vary limited indeed, only about 600 sheep in all belnß colleotedi Aboub 12 full pens com pr'aed ihe butchers' lineß, aothiog of special quality being yarded. Competition for these W4B alack, prioee beiog for crossbred ewea in the wool 13« 3d, ahoru 9 61, 9i 91, 8a 3i and Ub 6d ; wetherp, shoro 13s 63; fat lambe 13a and 13s 9J.

In stores, merino owes and lamba its wool, all counted, 7i 1 i and 7s lOi ; orossbredj 7* 51 and 8 61 ; crofsbreds, shorn 63 21 Iq the pig market, small bacon:rs valued 30s, cows £2 10s*

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Aahburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter* bury, Ltd, quote aa follows on December 2, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl «. 2s 5d ) „ „ Tuscan... 2s 6d > Scarce Bunter'a 2s sd) Oats—Duna 2a Id „ Danish . 2s Id  Sparrowbills 2s 2d , ? Canadian 29 31 Barley—Malting, prime 2& Inferior Is 6d Peas—Blue Prussian 3s „ Partridge 3a 6d to 4s Ohaff—Good oatsheaf 42a 6d Grass Seed—Farmers 2a to 2a 3d Ihe above are prioes current paid to farmers on tracks at Ashburtoa

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1901.

With every desire to see Mr Lauren son get a fair field for his proposed attack on the Farmera' Union, we are compelled to believe that he is not anxious to encounter an audience com posed entirely of farmers*. Fe has given do valid reason for not coming to meet the farmers on a day when they regularly visit Ashburton, namely, a Tuesday or a Saturday, although he had the option of selecting one o? these days at anytime within the next four weeks, since there was no necessity for the leaat hurry. Moreover, he could have come to Ashburton by the express and have returned the same evening, had he accepted Mr Lead ley's invitation to name an afternoon on one of those days. Instead of that, he insists upon an evening meeting, knowing well that very few farmers except those living round Aehbufton would be likely to stay in town ju9fc to hear him attempt to justify his vain boaat. He will find it hard to remove the impression, created by his determination not to gome to Aehburton on a farmers' day, that he does not want to make his explanation to an audience chiefly composed of men interested in farming pursuits. For! Dot only has he shown his antagonistic | attitude towards landowners by advo cating in his place in Parliament an increase In the land-tax, but he is doing his best to prevent the farmers from combming-,as $11 the other sections

? of the industrial community have com bined, to protect their own interests. The extraordinary opposition which the Farmers' Union is meeting with from all the out-and-out supporters of the pre sent administration ia a significant and eloquent indication that the policy of the party in power is not, and is not likely to be, favourable to the agricultural interests. This opposition has auch a transparent object that farmers will only have themselves to thank if it succeeds. Its strongest card is to sow dissension amongst the farmers by endeavouring to persuade them that the Union is merely a Oonseivative organisation-—in fact, the National Association by another name. Surely they cannot be deceived by Bueb tommy rot as that, From its very inception, the objects of the Union have been clearly defined. The chief promoters and the Press generally have emphati cally declared that the aims of the farmers in combining ia merely to con serve their own interests, which have been imperilled by the agressions of other industrial combinations, against which Mr Laurenson and his friends have offered no protest. It is there fore quite natural that farmers who approve of much of the policy of the present Government, may be fellow members of the Union with those who are its pronounced opponents. Let there be no mistake about this, The Union is nob a party organisation, which is more than can be said for many of the other UnioDS ; and we greatly underestimate theintelligence of the farmers of this district, if they will accept in this matter the dictum of a man like Mr Laurenson, who has no' sympathy with them, in opposition to j the teaching of their own experience and common sense. We should like to. offer a suggestion to Mr Leadley, who presumably will be allowed to reply to Mr Laurenson on behalf of the farmers on Wednesday evening, which is that whether the latter should introduce the question of party politics into the discussion or not, he himself should leave it severely alone. The farmers do not recognise this question in connection with the Union, and, if we mistake not, they resent the at tempts that are being made by interested parties to force it upon them. It will be quite time enough for them to deal withflt if the party in power at the present-, <jr any future time, should igaore their claims for just legislation. It ia generally understood that Mr Leadley is opposed to Mr Laurenson in party politics But he will do well to remember that the farmers have nothing to do with this. As he has taken upon himself, as President of the Union, to represent them in this matter, he will do well to keep his own political views in the back ground. He has simply got to show that the far* mers care nothing about party, and that the attempt to connect them with the National Association is a foolish invention of the enemy.

Local and General.

Pbksonali— Dr Hunter ia still progressing favorably—Mr E G Wright has returned from Rotorua, apparently much benefited by his trip* He was in Ashburtoa today,

Fiasco Mail—The Ventur* with fcho Ban Franoiaao mail has arrived at Aaoklftod.

Unixbd School Sports— The entries for the United School Sports on December 16 closed on Saturday, and reached the respectable total of 423.

The Weatheb—-Tha rain which eeb in during Sunday night continued with a abort interruption yesterday until midnight; The value of this welcome rainfall ab the present junoiure can hardly ba overesti mated,

Newlands Fchool—A capital entertain ment is being arranged by Mr Percy Jones and the Committee of the Newhncb School, to take place ia the schoolroom on Wednes^ djty, 11th Decemberi An excellent conoar is to be followed by a danoe.

£ohool Treat at Chbotsey— The annual treat in connection with the Cherteey Sehoo was held in the sohool grounds on Friday November 29, when there was n large gathering of the children and their friends. After an hour or two of outdoor exorcise, racing, jumping, etc., an adjournment was made fco the schoolroom for tbe distribution of prizes, The Chairman of the School Committee (Mr J H Stewart), aftwr a few words, read the Inspector's report for the lasb examination, and then after some hinging by the sohool children, presented tha prizes. An exhibition of physical drill with musical accompaniment was then given by the sohool children, after whioh every body proceeded by very vigorously skipping or otherwise enjoying themselves, to get an appetite for the generous tea provided for them, la the evening a dance was held, when there was a large attendance. The dance music (piano) was provided by Miss Ironside and Mr Robson. Songs were rendered by Misa Blng and Messrs Gill (2), and an extremely amusing sketch by Mr Morgan, all of which were much appreciated.

U.A.O.D— The half yearly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge, U4OD, was held last nighh, when there was a large atten. dance. The lords' report) was received, and asck pay passed. The balance sheet and I auditors' report was adopted, and it was j resolved that in future the auditors' repprb |be printed. The election of office bearers for the ensuing half year resulted as follows : AD, Bro Mulford; VAD, Bro Bowman } See, Brp H Stephenson j Treasurer, Bro H 0 Shrlmpton; A D BY, Brca Crooks and ; Johnston ; V A B'a, Bros 0 B,rowa and L Johns; IG, Bro W T*ib; OG, Bro Sandoe j Auditor, Bro Stock ; M S, Bro Paarsou; and were installed iato offioa by the D P Bro Koight, assisted by P S Bro Boulden, both of the Timam Lolgo. Bro Higgioa waa nominated as DP, and Bros Crooks and Marsdea as Rep. to the GL, The auditors' , foes were fixed at £1 1* per audib, <md to be retrospective as far as the last audit was concerned. A P. A. emblem waa presented to Bro Kennedy. After the Lodge had been oloaed tn due form, refreshments were provided, and a pleasant evening was Bp:as. Up to OA^a BioydLH Goopg—There ia now on ylew at Messrs Oatea, Lowry & Oo'a Zaa -1 I&ndin Cycle Works an entiroly new and varied assortment of the very latesb in cycling requisites. Among the new eamplea jusb received are new designs in ladies' skirt clips. These handy little c'ipa, so neat and useful, are indespensable to every lady cyclist; The firm have also received a ship* menb of the new ' Garrard' Free Wheels. These new wheels (which fib any standard make of bicycle) tire very neat, and ara the means of Baying an enormous amount) of pedalling ; are most effective, having » roller back pedalling brake, and so simple in con struction that any perrga can fib them in a few minutes. Wade's Worm Figs are moat effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking them price, Is , Smoke New Venae

Cheviot Advices.—Today's advices from Cheviob state that there was a light shook at 9.45 p.m. last nights another at 1 aim* this morning, and a heavy one ab 3.60 aim*

Retiring Cmii Servants—A number of Civil servants in different parts of the

colony, over sixty years of age, have received notice that; they will be retired from the 31st inst.

Weather Forecast! — Captain Edwin wires:—North to east and |£Uthea«t gale after 16 hours from now ; indication* of much rain.

Mb Lauiiknsqn and the Fabmehs* Union —Mr Laurenson advertißes in another column that he is particularly Bcxioua the farmers should attend his meeting tomorrow evening to hear him * put before them some faotg regarding the so-called Farmers' Uoion and Us Canterbury President.' This affair is getting interesting.

An Awfoi, Example—Beferring to the Soob of 2i e»oh in fcb® truant) oases reoently before the Ashburton B.M. Court, the Oamaru Mail cays:—This awful example by the Magistrate should prove a deterrent. It is presumed that the costs of the cases represented more than the ridiculously nominal fines imposed*

Championship Cop—The Champion Cup presented by the Aehburton Poultry Sooicty to the winner of the priza for two years for beat) Hamburg cocks ia on view in fcha window of Mr J V Deßesr. The holder of the cup ia Me S Melotyre who carried off the prizes for 1900-1901. The oup it a silver one, and has a nicely engraved inscription on it and the figure of a Hamburg cock.

The Earth Honger—As an indication that there ia still a desire to possess good freehold land in oar district (says the North Otags Times) it may be mentioned that the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) have sold during the last few weeks farm properties aggregating in value opwardi of £8500. The land in qaeation comprises some of the fineso in the

district. The Latb Boyai. Tour—lt is stated by the Manchester Guardian that the Duke of Cornwall has expressed his intention of establishing a museum in his household which shall remind him of his remarkable tour. It ia supposed that this private museum will be established at Marl borough House, which, it is now generally under stood, will become the Duke's London home.

The Peoples' Favobiib—We notice that Mr P. D Johnston has now landed his ship ment of 1902 model Rudge-Whit worth Bicyoles, and we would advise our readers to inspect same, as the Rudge-Whttworth, is recognised an the leading machine in the Old Country and in the colonies, and it is justly entitled to the familUr name 'Britain's Beeb Bioycle.'

News in Brief.

The New Zealand Loan Company announce to their clients that Mr E S Leversedge is now in charge of their Rskaia Branch, and that Mr Catcatb will attend Rakah once a week to see clients on important) business matters

The Star of the East Lodge has decided to postpone their 'open Lodge' social, whioh was to have been held tomorrow evening, until next Wednesday,

Applications will be received by the ohurchwardens of S& Stephen's Church until Monday, the 9bh inst, for the position of verger* A sohedule of duties may be seen at Mr Sbrimpton's offiae, Burnett Street*

Tinaild Town Board.

Tho usual monthly meeting of the Tinwald Town Board was attended by Messrs 0 Doherty (chairman), J A Clothier, and I Williams

Correspondence was read from the County Council, forwarding account for Board's share of Licensing Committee's expenses £2 17s lOd, and the same was ordered to be paid From Mr B Bird, applying for permission to p!aoe a pipe across the footpath at Fried lander Bros' store.—The application was granted, the work to ba done under the supervision of the Surveyor The chairman reported having arranged for the purchass of dog collars for the ensuing year, and a Registrar and recistri tion office for the sale of same was decided upon It was resolved to oarry cut a former motion connected with the dog registration matter.

Accounts amounting to £27 14s 6d were duly passed for payment, and other routine work concluded tho business

MAYFIELD.

(From Oar Own Correspondent)

A very good entertainment) was given on Friday lasb in the schoolroom, in aid of tbe May field Pubiio Library. The Mayfitld Christy Minstrel Troupe made their first appearance, and met with a hear y reception from a big audience, the schoolroom being overcrowded. A great deai of trouble had been taken by those interested, and the. evening was a great eucoes*. Mr Ryan, as ' bones,' was excellent % Mr D Sewell, as

* tambo' and Mr Cooper as conductor. Mr Ryan gave some of his sptandid step dancing and Ringing, and was very heartily encored. Two junior members of the troupe met with hearty applause, Master H Dellow with his solo ' Chiming Belie,' and Master G Whiting, • When mother puts the little ones to bad,'

and aho in his character song * Are you there Morlarty.' The singing and choruses

were all good. The aecond parti of the programme was a * farce,' which wag well acted and oause&much fun. Mrs NaH waa a most able accompanist* Mr G Scwell

thanked the audiencs for their appreciative .Attention, aod oilled for votes of thanks for

Mrs Holland all those who had gone to so much trouble bo give such an amusing and |mal entertainment

A.A.C. & A. Club's Sports.

The following are the handicaps for the meeting to be held on December sth :•—

BPNNING. EVENTS. Lidieß' Bracelet—M J Lynskey ecr, W Anderson 10yds, W Flewellyn 11yds, D Frledlander 12yds, R G Shearman }2yds, B Oulverhcmse }6yds, F B Bobilliard 16yds, G Diokenson 18yd?, L J Hobb3 l9Vds, X Marsden 21 yd?, E Crisp 21yds, R Hodgson 23yds, G L Robinson 24yds, W Bowling 24yds, W Purchase 25yds, A Curtis 26yds, ft Sandstein 26yd», W Amos 26yds, F Seldon 2§yds, E Biokman 27yds. H Moon 2?yds, J Gaekey 28yds, M Bruoe 29yds, J W Stephens 32yd?, 4 ijruee 3§yUs

100 yards Flab Handicap—M j Lynakey scp, W Anderaon lyd, D Friedlßndj&r 2yds, E Sfasarman 2ydp» L Hobba Syda, F 8 Robiiliard 3yds, B Culverhnuse 4yds, E Marideo 6yds, H Moon 6yds, W Amos lfi», E ?,hkuv.\n Byds, J C»BkQy Sydff,

BICYCLE EVENTS*

Gardening for the Month.

DECEMBER,

KITOHES ©ARDBN.

Keep the hoe going regularly in every place, particularly after heavy rains, and when the ground is sufficiently dry : this, while it adds to the purifying of the soil, aleo enriches it and invigorates the crops, at the same time giving bo quarter to Insects or their broods. In showery weather epritkle a little salt over the asparagus beds. Celery will cl»im a con siderable amount of attention this month. Continue to pick out plants as recommend* ed in former months, and have prepared, if not already done, trenches for the reception of . the main crop In large establishments, and where celery is in demand, it is always desirable to have one or more trenches six feet wide; plant across in lines twelve or fifteen inches apart. This plan, however, is not so preferable, unless to economise space; rows in a trench, with a foot between the plants, are easier managed, and produces the beet celery ; the reason ia obvious— the plants have more root room, and are easier earthed up. The practice of divest ing the young pants of their leaves is vo'y ot jeotionable. Lift the plants with a ball of earth, and select the planes as near a size as possible. This plant is fond of moisture, and should be frequently watered with liquid manure. Thin oufcerops that are croffded. Sow endive, cress, mustard, lettuce, and radish. Thin out onions, taking care always to gather those for present use which have the least bulbs ; hoe deeply between the rows, and harvest the r!pe bulbs of the autumn sown crop. As soon as the gooseberries are ready for tarts stop naing the rhubarb, as the longer it is gathered now the weaker it will be next year. Make another sowing of turnips towards the end of the mouth.

Cucumber and Melon Frames. Attend to the instructions of last month; apply a little liquid manure to the roots ' occasionally; give tolerably free ventilation during the day and also daring cloae, warm nights.

GREENHOUSE. The treatment recommended last month will, in most cases, be applicable in this. The business of potting must be proceeded with according to the growth of the plants. Many of what are termed hardwooded plants seldom require more than an annual shift to larger s?zed pots, but this should be done jas; before they begin to grow. Balaams and other tender annuals should now be placed near the glass. Hsaths will require close attention ; do not allow them to droop for want of water.

Flower Garden and Shrubbery. Water at the roots, and in the evening sytinge over the foliage of all late planted trees and shrubs, particularly evergreens. Primroses and other spring fljwaring plants should now be taken up and planted in a reserve corner, so as to make room for planting oub autumn flowering annuals, such as balsams, French and African marigolds, &c Finish planting dahlias, and water well in dry weather.

OB CHARD AND FRUIT GARDEN. All snpetfluous wood in currants and gooseberries should be removed, 60 as to admit the light and air for the ft ivourlng of the frait and ripening of the wood. In gathering gooseberries for tarts, avoid the common, practice of clearing the bnshes ; it is ranch better to thin tha fruit, or divest them of only half their load. t a';e strawberries should be watered, but withhold as far as possible moisture from thos that are ripening.

The Attack on a Chinaman.

A reporter o! the Cbristohuroh Star inter* viewed some of the patties concerned in the rooonb attack oa fee Bow ia H gh Street. The reporter want over to inspect the ruins o( the latter establishment, and saw several glaoiera hard at work mending breakages. The proprietor, he was Informed by a Celestial compatriot, had 'gone up a town with polices man to Ciurt.' But a customer was there, who said 'I've known Tee Bow for nearly twenty years, and I'd trust him any where with my owu daughter. He is a good deal more reopeotable and well behaved than many of the Europeans I know* He bears the very beat of characters, and it is simply shameful he er.onld have beon treated like that.' Another gentleman residing opposite said, 'I was very glad to see that article dealing with the attack on Yee Bow's place, published in this morning's paper. There Isn't) a more respectable neighbour or better principled man in Chriatchuroh than Yee Bow; and I've known him for many years. I blame the police for nob arresting half a dostra of the larrikins. Ohristohuroh has any amount of these hoodlums, and, like a drunkard with exouaea for drinking, these gentry are always ready to make any excuse for their devilment*'

Attempting to Defraud the Customs.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Wanganui, Deo 2, At the Courb today a man named James MoAinch was charged with having, on October 22nd, at Wanganui, made a false declaration purporting to be a declaration of the value of goods imported by him into the colony of New Zealand. The evidence was bo the effaob that on October 2nd a parcel containing opal riDgs and a brooch came by post, addressed to the defendant, who called himself an opal merchant* The amount on the invoice was £17> The Cus toms Department, being suspicious tha*) the value of the goods was understated, had the same valued, with the result that the ooab price was found to be aboub £35. The goods were aeizid and the man was charged with attempting to defraud the Customs. A fiie of £100 was imposed

The Wellington Fire.

KKQUIB? RESUMED.

United Prc-fB Association—Ry Electric Telegraph—iOopyrjgbb Wellington, December 2

The inquiry into the death of William Crawford, the victim ot the Oriental Hotel fire, was continued today, and was further adjourned till tomorrow. The evidence given by the boarders who escaped showed that they were considerably in the dark as to the means of txit from the buildings in case of fire. The' Superintendent of the Fire Brigade said he had always regarded the place as extremely dangerous to live in. He had ordered the owners to carry out certain work to facilitate exits. This had nob been done. During his evidence the Superintendent said ropes were not an efficient means hi escape from burning buildings; there should be railed balconies with fixed iron ladders leading to the ground.

WEAR AND TEAR.

All around ua on every hand there is the overworked woman, who has devoted her life to others. She is the salvation of the home; hers is the tie tfaab binds the family together. This incessant toil and overwork sooß shows, for she gives signs of being 'rua down.' This condition, of health is really caused by indigestion. If the food is per fectly assimilated, and its strengthening elements diffused through tbe blood as nature intended, there would be steady recuperatioo, and tbe strain of work would not be felt. Itnpey'a May Apple does effec tive work in sustaining women. Jt acts gently and promptly on the digestive organs, and makes them act as nature intended they should. Impey'e May Apple is pi asanb, palatable, and potent, and is an ideal family medicine.

CABLE NEWS.

r United Press Assooiabion—By Eleotria i Telegraph—Copyright COMPULSORY NATURALISA. TION OF ARMENIANS. London December 1 M. de Blowifz states that the trana- Caueian officials have been ioßtracted to cooapel the naturalisation of 40,000 Armenian refugees. A LIFE SENTENCE. Giimour, a well-known Victorian, has been sentenced to penal servitude for life for a murderous assault on Louisa Kolib Lich. The trial created a gen sat ion in Paris, THE CAUSE OF GERMAN ANGLOPHOBIA. The Anglo-German Press declare that Sir H, Oarapbell-Bannernun ii the chief cause of the Anglophobia in Germany. RUSSIA AND JAPAN. £t Petersburg, December 1 The Czir baa given audience to Marquis I to, formerly Premier of Japan. GERMAN OPPRESSION OF THE POLLS. Berlin, December 1 Prussian schoolmasters flog Polish children unable to say the catechism and pray in German. Protesting rela tives have been arrested, and one mother has been heavily sentenced« A SEQUEL TO A DUEL. Vienna, December 1 As a sequel to a duel connected with a social scandal the redoubtable Herr Wolfe, leader of the Pan-Germans in the Austrian Reichsrath, has withdrawn permanently from that Chamber, TOASTING KING EDWARD IN NEW YORK. Naw York, December 2 Seth Low, Mayor of New York, at St Andrew Society's dinner, toasted King Id ward, which was received with remarkable enthusiasm. MR CARNEGIE. Mr Carnegie has presented 100,000 dollars to be dovoted to the aged poor of New York. FERRY BOATS IN COLLISION. Two ferry boats collided at San Francisco during a fog, and twenty persons were drowned THE FIGHTING IN SOUTH AMERICA The town of Colon has been trans ferred to the control of the Conserva tives THE MONTE DE PIETE FRAUDS Melbourne, Dec 2 The directors of the Monte De Piete Company, »s a result of investigations, have discovered misappropriations amounting to £16,500, MOUNT LYELL COMPANY. At the annual meeting of the Mount Lyell Company a dividend of half a crown bonus and eighteen peace a share was declared; THE AUSTRALIAN COM MANDANT. Mr Barton informed the House of the appointment of General Hutton as Commandant, with the local rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. All staff appsint cnettts are to be made from Australians. Parliament adjourns on Wednesday until a fortnight over Christmas. SIR HENRY BERKELEY. Sydney, December 2 Sir Henry Berkeley is a passenger by the Warrimoo. THE FACTORIES BILL. The amended Factories Bill, which has been circulated, provides for a minimum wags in a modest form. No one employed in a factory may receive less than half a crown % week. It prevents giving or taking a bonus for employing females as apprentices or improvers. It gives attention to extinguishing fires at factories and means of escape from fires at factories and hotels;

Important Speech by Sir Gordon Sprigg.

Uoited Press Association—By Electric [Telegraph—Oopyrighb London, Deo 2 Sir Gordon Sprigg, speaking at the Caledonian Society baaqaet, said the army of Gape Colony numbered 18,000, three-fourtha being mounted, and it was increasing weekly. The colony was controlling thirty one districts, including the Traoakeian territories with a view to preventing the invaders return or encouragement; thereto, and paying the whole cost of the town guards. The Government sod Lord Kitchener were working in perfect harmony. The meeting of Parliament was dependant on the ending or the war. The attrition of the enemy was proceeding steadily. The loyalists were in » hopeful mind, bat a large debt had been incurred in maintaining requisite forces. The Oaatotns Conference would be the first step from which the federation of the States would gradually mature. The Government opposed the ultimate sob division of the colony into two States.

The Far East.

linked Preoa Association—By Electric Telegraph -?Oopy right E London, December 2 The Times St, Petersburg correspon dent states that the Mancburian ne gotiations have ended in Japan ob jecting. The Daily Telegraph's Washington correspondent states tbafc Russia, hoping to control Oorea, urges Japan to negotiate for the possession of the Philippines instead. Shanghai December 2 An edict has been issued blaming Prince Taan for the Boxer troubles. Ifcjidepoees his son from the position of Heir-Apparent, and expels him from the palacee.

German Tariff Bill.

United Press ABsooiabion—By Eleokrlo " Telegraph—Copyright Berlin, December 2 Four million signatures have been appended to the Socialist petition against fcfae Customs Bill. London, December 2 Eeuter foreshadows one of the tcpsc violent debates ever held ia the Reiph «tag o» the Customs Bill,

Messrs Leadly and Laurenson

The foliowiog let tar has been handed so at for publication :~ .Lytteiton, 80th November, 1801. 8. W, Lsadlev, Esq, Aihbarton, Daar Sir.—Your la«t letter with all its lonuendos and misetatcments need nofc b« replied to at this time. Today I elmpiy write to tell you thai I am determined nob to be humbugged by you any l oDger . and that oa Wednesday night, at the OJdfeliow*' H»". Artbiirton. I will d,al with both you and the National An. The meetfau will .take place at 8 p.m., and His Worship the Mayor «sf Aehburfcon has kindly consented to preside,—Yours obediently* i Geo, Laukbkson*

SOUTH AFRICA.

ENEMY IN OAPI COLONY

Unlbed Press Association—-By Bieotrlc Telegraph-Copyright London, Decpmfcer 2 Commandos totalling 1500 men occupy positions in the west of Cape ! Ooiony some distance from the rail* waya and where water is scarce General Frenth, with eight column*, is operating to the sonthwarda atsd eastwards of the invaders, and Joyaliit troops occupy various villages A member of the Sixth Contingent^ writ ing from Voiksrueb on the 11th October. desires to ooatradiob the report which he hfti teen in some New Zealand paper* ihab the OoDtiogenc wanted to oome borne, and had aaked Mr Seddon to arrange accordingly, • We are, 1 he adds, * quite prepared to do our twelve months I with you would contradict the report).'

Sympathy With General Buller.

DEMONSTRATION IN HYDE FABK« United Jfreea Association—By Eleobrio Telegraph— Copyright Londoh, Deo 2 A meeting of 20,000 people in Hyde Park adopted the previously «nnonne«l resolutions concerning General Boiler. A constable broke the processionists gift effigy of Sir R Bailer, and a dis turbance w*s narrowly averted. The gathering consisted mostly of workers. A small minority raised shoots against Lord Roberts and Mr OhamberUin, feir Redvers Buller's dignified retic ence is interpreted as a reboke to tb« demonstrators.

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES v. SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Sydney, Dec 2 New South Wales first innings oloied for 458, Noble 55, Gregory 30, Howell «4, O Gregory 16, Duff 30. Jooa took 4 wiokata for 121, Trtvera 3 for 129 South Australia in their first inning h*v« lost six wickets for 86 mat. Hill 60, Reedman 14, were the chief scorers

ENGLISHMEN V EIGHTEEN OF GLEN INNES

Sydhei?, Deo. 2 | Id the match Englishmen versus 18 of Glen Inoes, tho local team ia their first ioninga made 111, Bioe 37 and Bond 24 being fche chief scorer?; The Englishmen hare lost two wickets for 66, Bobaoa 25. Hay ward not out) 28.

DEATH OF GEORGE LOHMANN.

London, Dec I Wsorgc Lohontin, orbketeor, died of Consumption at Matjsßfontein, in South Afrio*.

The Labour Difficulty on the Railway.

United Presa Aasociatfon—By Eleotrio Telegraph Auckland, December 2 The position with regard to the discharge of men from the works at the northern end of tho North Island Trunk Railway become! daily mo-e extraordinary. Several men who wore employrd oa the 'me state that at leaib 3CO mea < uo of a total of about five or fix hundred employed were hat week diaohkrgod without any explanation. The work in for the most part carried on by oo*operativa contracts, parbies being divided Into six men. The slatstnent mado t>hat the men diapenaed with had completed thoic contracts it denial by the men fchemselvee. In nearly every instance the oontraota were far from computed when the men wera diaoturged. All the tingle men have had their nrvioea dißpßnied t»itb, and only the married remain. The men can fewj no raaaon, nnleu a financial oae, why the niii^ber employed ■hould be , tedaoed. The faction fco be thab nearly all the aiagle men havefceen discharged, and ia place of aome five or sir hundred employed a fortnight back and some Be^« D hundred a few montha ago, now barely Vo or three hundred are engaged on the work* v whloh stretch from Ongaruhe to beyoni the Wanganui River. \

Mount Somers Road Board.

— ■♦ The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board was held on Monday, when there we-e present Messra Chapmao (chairman), Hitoholl, and O*rney. Apologiei were teoaived for the absence of MeeeH Harrison and Herring, She latter oa acooant of iilneee. BST BQADS. The Chief Surveyor wrote stating that the former tracing of the by road neat Mr Fawoetfc's, was quite correct, aed that a ro*d soufd be taken up tha river bed, - provided it does not encroach upon private landj NEW RQAD TO LA&OBWSB, The Chief Engineer of Roads advised thftt the grant towards the road to Lascellea wai not yet available, also that the Board could not receive authority to proceed with the, work In the meantime ; the matter would, however, be referred to the Minister of Ltnds on, hia return from tha Soubhi A letter was also woeived from Mr MoLaohlan, M.H.B'i stating thab he would endeavour to have an advance mide as sooa ac pestlble, if out contrary to regulations^ BO AD If RAB POTT'S RIVJSB. Mr C McMillan wrote drawing the Board* afctentioa to the state of the road near Pott'i River, and it was decided te hays it attended to as boqh ag a team was available, TENDERS, Tenders were accepted as under:-—Web» ber'e Road—Formation 5a per chain, shing ling Is lOd per yard ; WGiiham. Cemetery Road—(Alford Forest) EhJnßHng la 6d per yard ; W Giiham. Ayrfcon'a Rosd—Cutting B|i per cubio yard i W Giiham, Ayrtoo'i Ro*d—Drain £1 5s per chain ;W E Wok freys* AOOODNTB. Accounts amouatiog ba £55 9s Bi were patsad for payment, and the Board adjourn-

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Kleotrlo i Telegraph I Djjnbdjk, Decembers William Mcßwaa was oommifcted for trial today for assault and oausiog bodily barm, It is alleged he assaulted » man after they had a drink or two together, with the retalt that the man's leg was broken. The piakpooket arrested on Saturday who gave hia name as Frederick M&thews, ap« peared at the Police Court today. The Court deoUued counsel's request to redoes the oharges to common thefts, and a little later counsel withdrew. After hearing the e?H dence the acoi^ssd pleaded guilty %<y eaoh of the three charges, aod was remanded to the. Supreme o<mvS for seateaoe.

T6E ASHBUETON GUABDIAS* : TUESDAY, BEOEMBEB 3, 1901



Da&e December !l II

2  3 ... 4 „ 5 M» 6 .

Rt«es 4 17 4 17 4 17 4 16 4 16

Seta 7 22 7 23 7 24 7 25 7 26



Last quarter New mooß Apogee Firß'u quarter Full moon Ferigee

D 3 11 9 19 25 24

H M 9 20 am 1 30 a m 8 sam 11 46 p m 3 0 pm



k Mile

2 Mi's

D Rodgera , ' J Davidson H Bell A Dividsoo W J Robertaon ... G L Robinson .„ J Knor H Mood A Ander&on W T Laggett) ... L Busheii A Robertson ... S Gudaell J Gudsell E Rickmaa P S Nieolla If Amos „. J Stephens

7 cor syda 35yds 39yds 45yds sOyda 50yda 65yds 70yda 75yda 75yds 75yda 75Fda SOyda SOyda 80yds 90yds 95yd6

scr 96yds 65yds lOOyda 130yda ISOyde 165 yd« 175 yds 180yda 180yda 190 yds 170 yds 195 yds 190 yds 190 yds 200 yds 200 yds



BDBINESS NOTIOFB ' H. M. JONES H.M. JONES SANTA CLAUS AND lATHEK CfIBISTMAS ARE DOMING AGAIN To Uhcer the Yo-'Eg, and remind the Old the years are paislng away fpHR Undersigned h»« » very Lirge and Well Pe'ected Stock of Book?, Stationery, JL Fancy Goods, Trya, OhSoa and Qwb, Le&ther and Plattd W»r«, Suic»bte for Gifts B«w»rdi, and! Preseatatiois purposes. Imported direot from Leadioa London and Ooatineß %%i Houees. BOOKS. BOOK^. BOOKR. Jfom Ward, Look acd Co , O^Bsella and Co , Hr>''d r and Stoughton, Griffith, Farren and See*, Uoiivßrilty Press, London Sunrtny Unioa, and Oohnra TOYS. TOYS TOY--.,, TOYS. Great V-uiety, from Id Do'l to s Steam Engine; DOLLS. DOLLS. DOLLS, Sleeping Delta and Wideawake J) .Us, Joined Dolis, Bre;*kib!e »nd Uubreakable Dolh, FANCY O( DBS. FANCY GOODS. Purees, Pocket Book*, Letter Cases, Hiivor Mounled), A'bums, Photo Frames, Desk?, Work Boxes, Tourist*' O*"", Ink S acde. Drctsing Caees, Mueio Oasea, Jewel Oaaee, B otters. Oikbioefce, Giova Kjxqb, <Jomp-»jsioaß, and many other Hoes too oumerooß to j)»rMnul&riße CHTNA OLASS, fL^TED, AND LKATHXkWABE BIBLES in Great Ymcty, Prayer, and Hymn, asd '1 uai Books, OHKIBTBIAB CARDS—Beautifcl Hand P.iated (Jarde, 13. Albuti of Forty Views of * Aibbortos, Is II 206



The Cheapest Shop in Ashbu.ton. LAWN MOWERS. LAWN MOWERS, FROM 223 6d EACH. Including ' Mooarch,' ' Pastime,' ' New Easy,' &o, GABDEN~TOOLS. The Greatest Variety in Aehburton, afc prices to saib everybody, Indicia;* ths"New Americ«r. fiouff c Patch, Garden and Plantation Hoes. Garden Rakes, SpacieF, Forks, Trowel*. Syringm, B-jn'er Fork?, Boys' Sjurle*, etc AGENT for the GFLEBRATED 'SYRACUSE' Combination Seed Drills and Cultivators, florae Hoes and Cultivators superior to Planeb Jr at less prica SHEEP SH^ARSr^IsHEEP SHEARS- I have justs received my first shipment:', including Tl7 8, BB A, .HA, etc | also Turkey and Washita Oil Scones alt AT bedrock pbiOes ' OARPENTEHB' TOOLS—As usual, lamup to date Id variety and price. The Htgnnb neieotion^in the Ashhurton Oouatj to select from G. IMLKlfellSlS, The People's Ironmonger, Burnett Skeet, Opposite Arcade



tHAT NICHOLAS & PICKFORD'S 18 THE BEbT AND OHISAPEST PLAOE FOB FOOTWEAR THERE 13 EG DOUBT. ORDINARY PRICES! Ltdißs' Glace 2 Bar Snoes 5s 9d, only a few pairs Ladies' Glace Walking Shoes, Patent Cap Lace or Strap, 6s|9d Ladies' Tan Walking Shoas from 7a Ladies' Smart Canvas Shoeg 3-5 9i and 4s 9'l t black or tan Gents'. Oaovas Shoee 59 6d, 6s 6d, &nd 7a 6 i Girls' And Maids' Oaovas Shoes 8s 3J, $a 6d, 3s 9;i, 4« and 4a 6d Ladies' Tennis Shoes 2s 9d, 3s 9d, 4^ 6!, 6a 6d t 8% lla 6d, and Hi 6d Gents' Tennis or Bowline Shoee 2s 9d, 3s 6d t 7s 6d, 12s 6d/16s 6d, 13s 6d Sd, 20a, 22s 6d Ladies' Evening Shoes from 8s Men's Bluchers, nailed or plain, from 53 6d Boys' and Girls' School Boots from 4a 9d ChiSdrefj'ij Strap Shoes, sizes 2 to 6, at from 2* 31 Girls' 2 Bar Shoes from 8s 6d Gnnta' Cricketing Boots, Banning and Cycling Shoes, at various prices Hundreds of other lines at equally low prices NICHOLAS AND PICKFORD, EAST STREET;



First Shipment ," JUST ARRIVED. To be followed by Regular Shipments direct from Oeylon by every Mail Boar, OF THE RKNOWNED CEYLO_N TEA.' rpHM KIRVANA TEA COMPANY, X Colombo, Ceylon, have made arrangements to s?nd to New Zealand REGULAR SHIPMENTS OF THEIR CHOIOfii OEYLON TEAS, feeling sure the Tea drinking public will much appreciate a PURE, OHOIOE OEYLON j TEA, Direct from the Grower, UN ' TAMPERED WITH. READ TH°isl. Thos? Teis are Packed in Oeyloa, and are absolutely PURE. People rarely consider the DANGER of drinking low class Teas. NIRVANA is the highest grade known t© the trade, and is sold by i all leading grocers at the same price as ordinary Tea. ASK FOR IT. DON'T FORGET THE NAME, Sole Agent) Appointed— J. T. COOCH, Ashburton. i Free Sample and Pamphlet on application



H hi §*• m i I—l W3* OCS /-fi ss s ?. W si 5°- I <T w cr o M to. I S if a pg if ' B If 'fg h-^ I- ' ! «i « •< /*S ""a SB O § Q H| gg £ I J5 1 1 > sr p s>" ? 5-8 § »



HCOMgARP •y^ L YC.IZ •with iSf TEA r _ AT AST PRICE ..ssftw »/8 2/4 2/8 KOYAJj HOTiiifP ABHBDRTON. ' MR A. WHITAKER, late manager of Aahbartion O'.ab, has entered into posawsion of the above Hotel. Every oomtorb and eoovenknce, B'iahinc Hub at moath of Ashburton Kivor | . 6 ' U_lß4 J. WILSON HAS ft LABGB &BBAUTIFUL BTOOK OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS, Cheap or Expensive, to Suit All Glasses of Booms ■BURNETT STREE'U



O i [gLOTJIING rIcTORYI [•____. ■ ® NEW ZtiAL&NI) CLOTHING EACTOKY HAS n repatabion for BOYS' CLOTHING that the following lines uphold : GALL AND INSPECT Boys' Sailor Suits 5a 6i Boys' Melville Suits 9s 6d Bdye' Norfolk Suits 11s Boys Norfolk Suits 15a Boys' 3 Garment Suits 18s 6d Boys' Kharkte Suits 7s Boys' Washing Blouses 4j Guaranteed to bo the very best quality obtainable for the money, NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING "P ACTORY LOTHING X 1 AC TORY DO you want yonr home tio look nice and fresh for fihriatmas ? Then send along any furniture whi-jh needs ie»oovedng or renovating to H BAIRSXrw, who makes It look like mm UW i



SKIN BALE. The uaaa! fortnightly ekiia sale waa held in Ashburton yesterday, whenb'isineaa in skins and bag wool was fairly brisk, Lawer grade croßsbred skins Bold afe lid up to la 9d, better quality realising 2s to 33 3<i, morinoa were cleared ab la 2d to la 9d, and 2a 4d to 3s Id reepeotivoly. Pelts made 3d to 81, B*g wool realisad from Id up to <3|i per lb Pat Jfipar lb.



You can depend on ridding your Children of Worms with "Wade's Worm Figs, the wopdejrfal wprm womers; pr>e@ Is