Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places aa under, subjecb to the necessary alterations; WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 For Northern Ports and Westport, per' Tarawera, at 630p m, late fee letters, 6 40pm THURSDAY, JANUARY, 10 For Wentport direct, per Diagadee ab 10 30 am For Northern Porte and Westport, per • Rotomahana afc 6 3Q p m j

The next beat despatch to the United Kingdom is via San Francisco, leaving Ohrisqchurch on Jaa 16th, and due London Febl6. , j Note—The Australian Commonwealth not yet having adopted penny postage.letters for Australian Colonies must be prepaid ?-d per half ounce If only prepaid one penny they will be surcharged double the deficient postage Express delivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashburtoo as from Ist January 1901. Fxpress delivery will cover letters and parcels not exoeedieg three lbs m weight, for which an extra fee of sixpence has been paid, GDhe special mes senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made .

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for January

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trainß leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 75 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55.a m, 3.50 pin DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daily ab Ashburton from*- OHRISTOHUROH—ab 10.45 am, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU-at 10.35 a m, 2 55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m

Commercial.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET

Toesday, Jan. 8. D Thomaa sold small pens of fat lambs afc 17s &d, 16a 6d, and 17*; halfbred ewes 17a 9d. The Farmers' Co-operative Association cleared fat crossbred ewea ab 15* 7d, 16a lOd, and 133 9d ; merino wethers 143 Sd, Com petition was good, and the above rates showed enhanced figures. In store sheep there was also a brisk demand. Messrs Friedlander Bros made sales of 200 mostly halfbred ewes with 85 lambs, the latter well advanced ab 13s 9d (all counted), whilst for two lots of 63 and 93 well forward lambs they received 143 6d and 153 4d. For a line of 345 merino ewes with 340 lambs they made 10s 6d. The New Zealand Farmers' Co operative Association had good saleß m li% 2d and 143 3i for 58 four and Bit tooth msrino wethera m forward condition. For aped merino ewes they made sales of 71 and 58, with an equal number of iambs, at 10i6d and 10:. A line of woolley h\lfbred four and six tooth and broken mouth, changed bands at 18< BJ. D Thomas cleared 16j 2d for two, four, and six tooth ewe 3 m good condition, whilst for 286 crossbred ewes and 288 lambs 13a 3d v.as the price.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are as follows : — -Vheafc—Hunier's, pearl and veV t, 2a 4d to 2i Sd, and Tuscan 2s 5d to 2a 6'!. Oats — Canadian Is 9(1, short feed Is 8d to la B£d, Duds Is 7<J to Is Bd, Danish Is la to Is 7| 1 Barley (nominal)— Malting 2s delivered Flonr (millers' quotations nominal)— Boiler £7, stone £6, sharps £3 10e, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2s 4d lo 2s 5d Feus—Prussian Blues 2s lo 2s 3d, parb" rid#e 2s 4d to 2s 6d Oatsheaf Chaff •— 42a 6d ab aear country station?. Hay~£3 53 to £3 Kb, delivered : primesb baled £4, f ob Seedß—Ryegrasß, farmers' lots Is 91 to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed, 2s 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 2|d feo 2fd for bright seed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 16lb to 17lb seed, 3-^d to 4d, cowgrass 5d to 6d, extra choice 6id, White clover, 6d to 7Jd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to 6d, faetory4|d to sd. Butter—-factory* looal, lOd, dairy 7d to 3d, salt, in t boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams s£d to 6d, factory bacon and hams, £d per Ib higher. Iho above prices, except where otherwise abated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b Lyttelton.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1901. SHINGLE v. METAL.

It would be a great advantage to the residents o£ Ashburton and a vast improvement to the appearance of the town, if the Borough Council would inaugurate some different system of making streets, and keeping them m order, from that which prevails at present. We doubt whether such fine boulders could be found on any public way m New Zealand aa cwx be,, picked up m most of the streets of Ashbnrton. Some are as large as a man's head, while most of the stones lying about are on an average larger than a gooae egg, It hag been urged by the few persons who defend the system of street making m vogue here, that the Borough could not affo rd to fay for broken metal, or— to put it another way—that by using shingle there is only the carting and spreading to pay for, whereas the metal would have to be broken, We inighis point out that, even admitting that the difference m the relative cost of shingle and broken metal is sufficient to justify the general use of the former m certain localities, there ought to be a limit to the size of the stones used. That some care can be exercised m this direction, we need only compare the streets of the Borough after a few days dry weather with the roads jast outside the town boundary, Those under the control of the Upper Asbburtos, and Wakanui Eoad Beards and even the Hampsfcead and Tinwald Town Boards are m far better condition than our streets. One is not continu ally bumping over a big boulder with a convulsion that nearly knocks him out of his trap, or sends his bicycle Hying,! necessitating being ever on the watch Yet that is the position o£ persona having to use the streets of Ashburton A visitor recently gave it as hh opinion | that the people of this town were of a very reflective frame of mind, as they t alwayß weafc along on their bicycles

with their eyes on the groucd No wonder, —they wish to keep their bodifiß off the ground, With regard to the question whether shingle is really a cheaper material to use for street formation than broken metal, we we should think that a very brief inveajiigation of the subject will show that it is not. The first cost is not the whole cost; The expense of keep ing shingle made roads m repair is an everlasting one ; the road properly made of broken metal will lost for many years with very little estra outlay. If the Borough Council were to prepare a return of the amount laid out,in mending alone, upon the streets of the town dur- I ing the last fifteen years, and compare that with the initial cost of putting I broken metal /on every one of them, wo think the comparison would open the eyes, of both Councillors and rate payers- Besides the aecertainable cost of formation and maintenance of our streets, there is the large item of public expenditure on lamed and prematurely wora put; horses, damaged vehicles, bicycles, etc, and the results of acci dents to human beings, which nobody can correctly estimate. It is quite certain that the loea m the wear and tear of live and dead stock, caused by the roughness of our shingle roads, is a much larger item than many people imagine. Seeing that this town of Ashburton is making great strides m the way of improvement, we think thiß subject of better streets should be con sidered without delay. It would be worth the while of the Borough Council to investigate the question of shingle versus road metal thoroughly, and even if the ascertainable cost of the former ia less than that of the latter it should be remembered that the axiom " Penny wise and pound foolish" applies to public bodies, as well as to individuals,

Local and General.

Weather P sport -—Captain Edwin fore casts:— Northwest to west and south gale, glass rise, indications of rain, weather odder, The Box Fly. — Bat'fl-.es have become very troublesome m Timaru for fche last few days. They are later than usual m making their appearance this year. His Xubn Poon—Professor Huffin says that persona who have taken an active part m tha fioienMfio world should be killed at eiuty, as not being flexible enough to yield to the advance of new ideas. Ha is himself nearly fifty peveD. A Busy TiMß—lmplement makers and others are having a busy time effecting repairs to reapers and binder", m preparation for the coming harvest. Threshing machine owners htve been hard at) work for some weeks past getting their planb m order for the extra work their maohines will be called upon to perform, owing to the anticipated abundant yield, Voi-rjJSTEBRS—Owing to a number of the members of the Guarda being away holiday making, the attendance at Monday evening's parade was small, about twenty-five of all racks beicg present. The company was under command of Captain Sparrow, Lieut enanb Niooll a'so attending. The company exf raised m extended order under direction of Color Sergeant Schwartz, acquitting themselvea creditably. The instruction of firing and manual exercises was aE&igced to Corporals Tucker and Anderson. Tin forFillino Teeth—A dental special ist has made a d;scovery that is likely to have a decided influence upon the future of dentistry. Thia practitioner declares that m ordinary cases tin is qnlte equal to gold for fining teeth. Chemically pure tin ib run into a rm.uld of proper.shape- and when cold is cut by a lithe into very thin shavings. These aro U3ed m the same way as gold They are eaid to bo more adaptable and cohoeive than gold, and while nob as durable will answer every purpoto Blood Stock.~Mr Hui^o Friedlander, who returned from the North Island on Tuesday, brought with him a chestnut) and two by fillies, which ho purchased ah the | Wellington aDd Sylvia Patk sales, held at ! Auckland: They are of the best blood m the co'ony, as will be seen by the pidigieea below : — Chestnut filly, by St Hippo— Jadestone; bay filly, by Saaton Delaval— Miss Gladys ; bay filly, by St Leger—Eve. The co!fc by Hotchkies—L»dy Augusta, the purchase of which for 540 guineas was mentioned m a recent issue, is yeb to arrive. Sports Association—Aba meeting of the Programme Committee of the Ashburton Sports Association, held on Tuesday even ing, the Secretary was instructed to write to the League of N Z Wheelmen and the N Z Amateur Athletic Association for permits to hold races on February 21, And it wae decided to hold a meeting of delegates on Thursday, January 17, to approve of the programme, when Captains Sparrow and* Dolman, of the Guards and Rifles, and Captain T. Barber, of the Fire Brigade, would be invited to attend. Concert at Peel Forest —- A highly j er joy able concert was given by a picnic j party from Ashburtoo, who are now camped < m the bush. The schoolroom was nearly rilled, though only some eighteen hours' notice had been given* The programme contained nineteen items. The Misses Jones' songs were much appreciated, and their humorous quartetfc, * We Can Bub Weep,' fairly brought down the house. Miss Meyenberg's singiag was very pleaaiog, and Mr Calverb's concertina playing was excel lent. The accompaniments were ably played by Miss Bonnington, Mrs Hawdon kindly provided a coffee supper for the performers m Mr C Whetton's cottage. Christchobch tBESBY.TER'k.—Ab a meet ing of the Christqhuroh Presbytery held yes terday the following business of local interest was transacted:—The action of the Asbbur ton Church Finance Committee m borrowing £200 for additions to the manse during the j Rev GBlnglis's absence m the New Hebrides was approved. A petition was read from the j Majfisld Churoh congregation praying that Mr Hayes, of that church, should be allowed to perform the marriage ceremony. On the motion of Dr Erwio th« petition was recom mended to the General Assembly. The Revs vVestbrooke (Springburn) and Skinner (Tin wald) were appointed delegates to the General j Assembly to be held ab Waoganui on Feb ruary 12th. The sessions of Ashburton and Memington were commiasoned to send dele gates to the Assembly. Co-Operative Families— Servant girls are not wanted ab Lin wood, Chicago. There are sixty families m that pretty suburb, and they bad so mach trouble with help they gave up m disgust. They have now organised a cooking association with a man m charge, and established a general kitchen and dining-room. The groceries, vegetables, and meats are purchased m large quantities by two women, who have full sway for two weeks. On their retirement two other women, wives of members of the association, take up the task of planning meals. "The scheme is delightful," said a member of the association. "I naed to have to work all the time. Now when its meal time I simply pat on the children's wraps and m less than five minuses we are sitting down to a nice, warm meU. Expenses are shared pro rata, children being count ed as adults."

A MAamnQENV GiFr—Mr Andrew Oar-1 negie intends presenting a Bum of three mil-1 lion dollars to the city of Pittsburg for the I ':purpose'of establishing a polytechnic school' for instruction ia practical mechanics &adf the teaching of industrial science. • Alleged Embezzlement—Afc the Chriet i chutch Police Court on Monday J B Kirk, a traveller for Messrs Beath and Do, was i charged with stealing; the sum of £295 14s 3d, the property of John Emill Winkleden. Aroused was remanded till Tuesday next. St. Patrick's Day Pports Association.-— As will be seen from an advertisement else where, the annual general meeting of the St. Patrick's Day Sports Association will be held m the Arcade Chambers oa Thursday, January 10th. at-8 pm, when all members are requested to be present. ALLtGED Indecent Assault—On Monday ab the Christohnrch Police Court), John Richardson Jones' was charged with inde cently assaulting a female under the age of 16 years. The ffirl had been found m bed m the house of accused; who lives m Sydenham. Accused was remanded till Saturday. AEfiwciAii Ffcowfiss—ln the way of arMfioial flowers a decided novelty has just made its appearance. At first glance the flowers would readily be taken as the real artiolo, bub upon examination ib will be found that almost everything m the oeanter feita is made of feathers: These odd orna ments are made m the Azores Islands by the natives, who use good feathers m place of the linen, paper, or wax used m this oosn try. The feathers are first cleaned thoroughly and then . dried, after which they are sorted' • -.' Mr Stead she Author, of False Stash ments—Mrs Stewart, a nieoe of the ex- Premier of the Cape, and of. Miss Olive Schreiner, and therefore an impartial and authoritative witness, m a communication to the Daily Express, gives the He to Mr Stead's calumnous charges against theßritish soldiers m South Africa. She says:—While I would deeply resent any dishonour done to the womanhood of my beloved native land, I cannot but declare that I believe Mr Stead's statements to be unmltigatedly false. A New Exercise—A breathing exeroise, which is said to work wonders In the way of filling up "Bait cellars' m the neok, hollows m the-aheeks, expanding contracted chests, and curing many of the minor ills which flesh is heir to is taken thua :—Stand out of doors m the sunshine, or by an open window, hold the chest up and inhale through the nose as long as possible. Exhale equally slowly. Fifteen minutes of this exercise twice a day will effect a great improvement m health and appearance. A loose drees is a necessity, or the ohesb cannot be properly expanded: Women Gardeners—A correspondent of the London Daily News has been visiting Lady Warwick's hostel at Reading, where girls Are trained m horticulture. There is no attempt to convert English young- ladies into ploughmen. Some of them are m the conservatories at work among the flowers. A party of ha!;E a dczen or so are getting a practical lesson m root pruning. They have one or two men about the place; bat the girls are not afraid of the spade ; they can manage a good barrow load of manure, and out yonder across the brefzy strawberry beds is a little party of them plying Dutch hoes with a vigour and an aptitude that , would do no discredit to their brothers. The only little special touch of the feminine it m the use of gloves. The fees for ordinary students are at the lowest £65 for a year of 42 weeks. This covers board and residence and all teaching, including fees at Reading College. i QtTEBN • WILHELMINA AND PbINCB Henry.—The Queen of Holland is undergoing the ordeal that is the lot of every betrothed one. Her appearanos, manners, habits, and character are closely disoussed. Says one Gossip :—-Her cheeka are firm and nicely rounded. The neok is almost statuesque, but rather sturdy for a s'atue. Her mouth is nice teoause of the blcom of her youth, bat (he drawn down corners are not indicative of emooth temper. The very well shaped obin expresses firmness of will. Strong voli* ticnisa prominent quality of Wilhelmina. It is said that Prince Henry, the future hus band of the Queen of the Netherlands, was educated entirely by Pastors Sander, Khefoh, and Welbelme, until he was tent to the Gymnasium-at Dresden Prince Henry ia a good traveller, and hse gone all over British India. Hi is extremely simple, not to esy homely, m his tastes, But he is proud, and has, perph&ps, & tbin skin. Nothing annoyed him more than to be spoken of m a Berlin comic paper as cne of the many princely suitore who wore drawn up at Potsdam for the young Queen to choose from.

Ashburton Borough School

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Borough School Committee took place last eveniag, there being present—Messrs W Craighead (chairman), H M Jones, J Phaup, R McCallum. and H Steel* After the general routine business, the chairman said that the committee had & credit balance of £23 Is lid m the bank* i?UPIIi TBACHEB Ib was resolved to leave all matters is connection with the appointment of a pupil teacher m the hands of the chairman to confer with the head master, and if the master had not gob anyone to recommend, to advertise foe one. Mr Jonea thought that the committee should advertise for a pupil teacher ab onoe. 16 was also decided to leave the matter of tha grass m. the Client on school grounds with Mr Phuup, to do his best'with. VISITING COMMITTEE Messrs Jones and Steel were re-appointed Visiting Committee for the rest of the holidays, SCHOOL EXOUBSION It was suggested that there should be a school excursion, and Mr Jones moved that ib be to Sumner* They thoughb thab Febru ary 7th would be a suitable date* Ib was decided that the chairman convene ft meet* ing, whenever he thinks necsßsary regard ing the above, and all who could attend woulS be invited to do s% ACCOWNTS After passing accounts amounting to £4 10a 4d the meeting adjourned

Geraldine Road Board

The monthly meeting of the Geraldlne Road Board was held yesterday. Present— Messrs J Kelland (chairman), W P Stud holme, and X Brophy Me A Peterson, Orari, wrote withdrawing from his lease of Reserve 2139—Overseer to relec The contractor for tho Waihi Bash road work wrote that he hoped to hare the first cutting ccmp!eted next day c Mr W T Turner asked the Board to pay half the cosi; of making a cutting—Board oannob alter former resolution la regard to the complaint re catble dama ging willows m the riverbed at Belfield, the Crown ranger suggested granting a license to each settler on the river to occupy hie frontage for grazing—Approved of Tho Government Valuation Department an account for revising the roll—Amount to be paid, but the charge considered excessive. Clerk to get) details Several ratepayers wrote requesting re pairs to tho bridge on Wilk's road—Bridge to be taken down and open ford made Mr M Guerin asked for pipes at his gate— ' Granted I Mr J Sullivan, Levels, drew attention to [ the state of the road near his hut at) Kakahu —Worst holes to be filled m Ib was decided to enforce fche 10 per cent penalty on all outstanding rates after the 31sb last . . The Board agreed to clear the goree at) Earl'a and Improve the inHweroßßing I (The overteer rrported on tho works done and it) was resolved thab die fork of ereot ing a ntook bridge at Kelhber s crossing could not be undertaken Aeeotmtßi amountiug to £53 m oa were pasted for payment ,«■

In The Country.

■ [By an Agricultural Reporter. Driving past the Fairfield Freezing Workß one Is much struck by the improvement apparent m fhe various paddocks owned by the company. Substantial iron standard and wire fences have been erected and where formerly, only tuasock grew, there is now a luxurious growth of English grasses, and rape, whilst m one field where oats has | been sown for feed I should say a yield of !30 buahele would result. Messrs Kelly* D6ig, Lamb, and Langley, have promising crops of grass and oats, and they appear to have extensive stocks of ewes and lambs ~lt is to be hoped farmers will take the hint ao often given by experts and keep their beat ewe lambs for replenishing purposes m the future. I know of instances where this has been carried out for the last year or two, and from last year's lambs 1 have known of a return of 80 per cent. MrC Stewarc has some first class rape on his property aad his farm seems but lightly stocked. Passing to wards Seafield I noticed that Mr Lloyd possesses a fine crop of grain, although not m « grain growing district. In bis paddocks are well advanced lambs and some equally good were observed at Messrs Bonifam's and Jameson's. The clover m the fields towards tie sea gave evidence of b eplenuid return ofl what is possible with a good season to a fair amount of moisture to bring It on. Good crops oi! oats were also met with here and there and I observed MrLejadiey busy sowing a large paddock m turnips, latter on I shall continue my notes on portion of this district

ROAD BOARD

Mount Ilutt

The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board was held on Monday, 7th inst. Present—Messrs Morgan, MoFarlane, MoLeau, and Batty ■- Mr Steele interviewed the Board respect- Ing the road to his land. It was decided that Messrs M&cFarlane and McLean inspect the road The Clerk was instructed to inspect} Mr Threlkeld's fence complained of by Mr Quaid. Its was decided to advise Mr Holmes that the approach to the pit on his land should he made up to prevent water running In, acd that the shingle fan at the dry creek should be reduced. The Clerk was instructed to buo for certain rates, and to see Mr Mollraith re shingle for the River Road : It was decide d to endeavour to meet the! Minister of Lauds when visiting Highbank J Mr Cameron wrote re shingle pit on his j land.—lt was decided to allow the contrac tor for opening the pit as required, j The Valuer General forwarded his account, 4*4 13s 6d, for revising roll.—The amount^ was paeeed lor payment Mr McOonnell applied to have the road made up to hia gateway on the Back Track, —The Board decided not to do this Mr O&Uaghaft'a tender for reforming road at Highbft&k was accepted Accounts amounting to £197 9a 2d were passed for payment

THE RHENOSTERKOP AFFAIR.

The speolal correspondent) of the fr<ss' writing from the front, re the Rhenosterkop fight fays:— The New Zealanders, ender Major Jowsey, were being splendidly handled by Captains i Crawßhaw, Bourn, Ghaytor, Lieutenants Tucker, Rose, Fitzherbert, Cameron, Banks, ' Somerville, and Montgomorie. These cffi : cera were exposed to a, contlouous hail of bullets all the day as they had to constantly pass along their lines. I beard one officer remark :— ' I would go to the devil to command a body of men like that,' By this time the fire was general ail along the line, a constant roar of musketry, the rat tat tat tat tat of the pom pom and the boom of the 12 and 15 pounders. It was terrible, and seemed as if all the demons m hell were let loose. Would any man expect to come cub of it alive ? It was even chances of life and death; Early m the campaign it was a 100 to one chance, bub on the 29th it was like running through a heavy shower and escaping dry; To expose oneself meant j,instant death ! The men lay low aod fired | for life and victory. I Trooper HJC Harper, of the Third, went round all day carrying water to the wounded and ammunition to the firing line. Perfectly cool and colifctec 1, he rendered valuable asiistacce, and his mates speak m the highest terms of bravery.

South Africa.

United Press Association—Tsy Elect tic (Telegraph- Copyright

London, January 7 Members of the Liverpool Regiment recently captured m Helvetia, have been released. The invaders m Gape Colony have reached Oalvinia, some 250 miles north of Capetown. Others are south and east of Richmond. Martial law has been proclaimed In j Oalvinia, Picquetbe rg, Cranwiiliam,! Talbagb, Paar!, and Stellenboßcb. Owing to a discovery of a plot to'j destroy the Capetown Water Works the Tabla Mountain Watershed is strongly guarded. A gunboat is watching afe False Bay, twenty five miles south of Table Bay. '£' London, January 8 j Mr Malan s editor of the Africander organ *Ons Land, 9 has been arrested and released on hail for £500 cm a charge of publishing a defamatory and seditious article attacking Major General French and his troops. A Sonth Australian Bushmen, bug lei* Davis, died of enteric m Johannes burg. The British Workmen's Society report that one hundred thousand men have been, enrolled since the Oape v&overiiinens appealed to the loyalists to assist m repelling the invaders, Sydney, J»n 8 The participation of a large number of vioiting soldiers gave an Imperial ring to the welcome of the Orieat'a returned soldiers. Major - General French and Colonel Pole Penton boarded her on her arrival and wel comed them. Mr Beddon was amongst the large crowd on the wharf. A guard of honour was provided by the Imperial Fusilier Regiments, and they were escorted by detachments of the local forces, the Indian Contingent, the New South Ws»les, Queensland, and New Zealand returned South African troops, the Queensland and New Zealand Federal Contingents, the New Zea'and ■: pipers, and the Queensland Headquar ters Band. The men marched to the barracks amid enthusiastic crowds m the streets, and formed up on the lawn, and were welcomed by a brilliant! assemblage, including Lord Hopetono, Sir WLyne, Mr Barton, Mr Sodden, Sir John Forest, and other distinguished visitors, ,

The Commonwealth Celebrations

United Preim As^jofcUon—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, January 8 The Federal Carnival came to an end to night with a great banquet to the Preaa, Over five hundred were present Sir William Lyce occupied the ohair, supported by the Ministry. Mr Birton was also present After the usual loyal Coasts had been honoured, bit William Lyne gave the totsb v.l ' The Press of the Empire. 5 He s»id this was the mosb successful gathering of journalists ever held m the southern hemifiphere, representing every part of the Empire. The journalism of the Australian colonies and m New Zealand was a credit to those who engaged ,«n it. He paid a tribute to Mr Lambie and Mr Spconer, who died at their posts of duty In South Africa Bepresentatives of each colony responded to the toasts, MrJL Kelly replying on behalf of New Zealand, which was repre< sec ted by a number of journalists Major General French, responding for the Army said our soldiers had been twitted m the pact with being amateurs, but thebes» generals of the British army had Mierted.. that colonials knew how to play (he game.. When Britain wanted to close the war, she Applied to th»Au»trslaei»n colonies for men, and they would be lent Mr Seddon goes to Toowoomba to'morrowv and thonoe to Brit bane. Mr Carroll goes to Melbourne on Thursday Sir W J Lyne states that it is Intended to repeat the illuminations and' deoorattoM m the city on the viaib of the Dake Mid Duchess of York The assault at arms organised m connco tioa with the Commonwealth Celebrations attracted a large gathering. Some fins exhibitions of fencing were gives by the Imperial troops The New Zealand bagpipers played at the Government House luncheon. Mr Sedden to-night entertained the pipers at the Hotel Australia, where a large crowd gathered to hear their playing Mr Reid has gone to Tasmania to open the Free Trade Federal campaign. He visits the other colonies Melbourne, January 8 (The objectionable Federal Customs sched ule has been wiihdrawn, and the Him 0 0 Kingston consults the Chambers of Com morse m the matter

CRICKET.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA v. NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydnef, Jan 8 la the match New South Wales v South Australia, New South Walee's firat innings closed for 918. Howard made 64. Poidevin 140, Kelly 34. The innings Uited nine and a half hours, and produced .two world'• records, establishing the highest score and five individual centuries m » firstalftM match; The South Australians, m their second innings, lost seven wickets for 144. Jarvis made 49, and Hill 20. (The previous highest score was made by New South Wales m the match against Victoria m February, 1882, the score being 775. This match was also memorable for the fact that Murdock scored 321 for New South Wales, Garrett 163, and 6 P Jonea 109. Murdoch's ecore was the record highest individual soore until beaten by | Clem Hill, who a year or so »go made 365 not oat.)

AUCKLAND v WELLINGTON

Wellington, J»n 8 The ioterprovincial cricket match, Anck* land was continued thismom ingf. Wellington's first innings closed for 297 runs, end Auckland's for 262. Tho Boores are :— Wellington, first innings—Houldsworth 1, Robertson 8, Midlane 102, Clarke 76, Tucker 70, Duncan 10, Crotnbie 63, Uph«m 44, Read 0, Wright not out 1, Hales 1, extras 26 ; total 397. Attckxaud, first irniDgs—Hay 144, Mills 22, H B Lus-k 0, McCormiet 3, N B Luak 1, Ohlaen 5, Stemson 19, Marshall 2, Elliott 24, W Mill? 21, Stephens not cat 0, extras 16 ; total 262., Wellington, Jan 9 At. the time nppointed for resuming the Wellington-Auckland orickefc match rain ies m and the game is cot likely to be returned foz some time if at »IJ.

Ihe following have been selected to p!»y against the Methvcn team on the Domain Oval tomorrow, play to start! at 1-30. psn sharp; — Pritchard, O Andrews, L F Andrews, Cho<tto, RcbiUlard, E NicoH, Pilbrow, J Friodlsnder, Moreden, Richards, and P Orr. Emergencies — D«n»h!io s « Baigent, and Soberteon. Players are requei* ted to be on the ground sharp to time to enable two innings to be played.

The Federal Rifle Meeting.

United Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

Sydney, January 8 The greater part of the day afe the National Rifle Association's Meeting was occupied with the first stage of the Queen Victoria match—4oo, 500] and 600 yds. The prizes m this match amount toJBIOOO. The top scorer today was Private Gargett, Victoria, 98. The New 2foa« landers were—Robinson SB, Loveday 87, McCarthy and Winslade 15, J Wilson 83, Ballinger 82, Stedman 80, King 79, Shepherd 78, Gatland 77, Holland 76, Jones and Bodds 75, Inf pen 74, Tobin 72, Cox and Macgregor 70, Wilson (Fielding) 68, Pritchmar 55.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Asaociatiou—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright

Losdoh, Jan 7 The Cologne Gazette states that Great Britain originally wished the Anglo* German agreement; expressly to exclude Manchuria from its scope* The Times, saya the Anglo-Gemm agreement does not affect) British rights and interests m Manchuria, Paeis, January 8 "Le Petite Parisian," the organ of the French Minister of Agricultnt c, states that the Emperor of China and an Iniaen* tial party favour extending the protecto rate of the Czar, over the whole of Northern China. French interests, the newspaper says, are confined to the South of China. London, January 7'■ The Vienna correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that Russia com pleted, m 1899, an agreement with LI Hung Chang for the gradual; assimilation of Manchuria by Kasala. At the same time Russia arranged treaties securing the nentrality of the Shah of Persia m the event of hostilities, and allowing Cossocks m P«?isla, Bokhara, and Khiva to actively co-operate m carrying out the Russian plans.) Prince Sheng has been appointed Vice- President of the Ministry of Commerce, with a view to the revision of the Chinese commercial relations of the Powers, v I General Waldersee, appreciating the energy of the Governor of Shantung m protecting the Germans, refrains' from sending European treopa to carry bat repressive operations m Shantung.

THE ASHBURTON ■ GCIABDtAM WeMbsl)a¥, J"ANtJABf D, 1901



Hill moon i&Bt quarter Lpogee Jew moon 'irsfc quarter 'ci igee

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5 13 12 21 27 24

11 44 am 3 8 am 10 30 pm 2 6am 9 22 pm 11 0 pm



Date January >> >» »» »! II

8 9 10 11 12 13

Rises 4 34 4 35 4 36 4 37 4 38 4 39

Seta 7 m 1 W 7 39 7 39 7 39 7 38



V MAS and New Year cards and Dolls m ,/V. great variety at Mas Ai,COBN's, *»3td a varied assortment of articles including Needle Work suitable for presents. All the Soya offered at nominal prices to clear,



Cure for Cholera lotantum—Nbveh;. Known io Faib Luring laeb Mayan infant child of oar neighbor was Buffeting from cholera iufantum The doctors had given up all hopes of recovery. I took a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy to the house, telling them I felt sure, it would do good if used according: to directions. In two days time the child had fully recovered. She child la now vigorous and healthy.' I have recommended this remedy frequently* and have never known ib to fail.—Mrs Curtis Baker, Bookwalter, Ohio. Sold by Ash burton Drug Company Smoke New Veins



A GOOn COUGH MEDICINE Many thousands havo been restored to health and happiness by bha use of Chamber lain's Cough Remedy. If tfflfeted with any throat or lung troub c, give it atria', for ib is certain to prove beneficial. Coughs that have resisted all olher treatment for years have yielded, to this remedy, and perfect hoalth has been restored. Cases thab seemed hopeless, that the climate of famous health resorts failed to benefit, have been perma nently cured by i»s use. For sale by Ashburton Drug Company



THE BEST BEMEDY TOR STOMACH AND BOWEL TROUBLES " I have been m the drug business for 20 years, and have Bold most all of the proprietary medicines of any note* Among the enbire list I have never found anything ! to equal Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and \ Diarrhoea Remedy for all stomach and bowel i troubles," Bays 0 W Wakefiekl, of Columbus, j G*. " This remedy cured two severe cases' 1 of cholera moibua ia my family, and I have 1 recommended and Bold hundreds of bottles of ib to my customers to their entire satisfac- j bion, Ib affords a quiok and sure cure m » pleasaub form.' For sale by Aehburton Drag Oompaay I fcmoke New Yenuj



Smoke Hew Venaa



TRIAD PBiZK cojn-PjesxiiciOM THE "TRIAD" offers a prizo of two guineas to the person who gives the correct number (or nearest to the correct number) of births registered m the colony for the year ending 31st December, 1900, To close 20th January, 1901 For Puzzle Competition specially for juveniles, see Itiad. CONDITIONS. Competitors may send any number of gueeses", provided each is aceompaniied with a receipt for ss, or more, ftsm a different ' Triad' advertiser, as p<jr list below. A]ax Washing Powders Anglo N.Z. Cycle Co. Auckland forwarding and Parcehi Delivery Agency Bing, Harris & Co, Arrow Brand Boots Ourtis, F, Jeweller Gawne'a Sauces, Pickles, Vinegar'; etc Gear Meat Co Gregg and Co, W, Coffae, Starch, etc Hayward'e Pickles and Saucea Job 88, HM, Triad Agent Kirk patrick, .8, and Co, X Jams Kharki Oigaretfceß, Eagle Co's Kozie Teas, all Grocers; Lane's Creosoted Emulsion Meddinß, G., Ironmonger Mrs Miller's Cookery Books Nelson, Moate and Go's Te& N.Z Express Cullen, agent Nicholas & Pickford, bootmakers Ocean Accident and Guarantees Corpora tion, Ltd. Orr, A, Draper Sanderson's Scotch Whisky Somerset Hotel, H S Drummond Spring Bloßßom Tea SuraturaTea Teed and Co» s Corn Cure Tonking'a Linseed Emulsion 1 Wahoo Loaeby'a, * Koolibah Loaaby's Walfcke's Soap Wills' Three Castles Cigarettes & Tobaco gates & Co. Arthur, seed merchants



SMOKE NOSEGAY TOBACCO The Latest and Besb Manufactured by 0 WILLUMS & CO , ■Richmond, V A..



MRS JOHNSTON fTIEAOHBR of the Pianoforte and Blnginß" Havelook Street



A P Of O . &* <* & tf CD *j» go N ° *-.. pq M m *" h 3g 5 s * © $ oq H m «H 3g 3 S S i » S ft «



&i ASK FOR L . 8 tA 0 ATE& Cos L*& 1 NEW TARIFF %-..^J CHAMPION BLEND ft OTHER PRICES: '& m GHSNA TEA USED BY US/ :



PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OP BOYS' CLOTHING, T)OYS' Guard Suits 8s 6d ; Boys' Bloases 4s Boys' Norfolk Snits 12s 6d; Washing Suits 2* Gd 11 Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18s 6d Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12s 6&" A. nice variety of Summer Goats m Kharki Serge, Satteio, Alpaca, Etc. N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY- F. H. BECKINGSALJS, Manager.



NICOLL BEOS. Nicoll. E F Nicoix, L A Nicoll. Merchants & General Agents, BUYKBS OF FAT SHEEP & .LAMBS. 4GENTS FOR- Christchurch Meat Co;, Ltd Islington Fertillsera Little's Sheep Dip Ocean, Accident and Guarantee Corpora tion, Ltd United Insurance Co., Ltd. (Fire and Marine,) GRAIN BOOGHT AND SOLD ON COM MISSION We shall be pleased to receive samples from farmers who have parcels for disposal. Station Books Kept and Audited. We have received sums of Trust Monica. ranging from £100 to £1000, to lend on Freehold Securities at 4£ andb per cent* F R U"l T. We receive regular Consignments from Auckland, Sydney, and the Islands s and have ia stock Apples, Pear?, ftad Fruit m «e%son all the year round* SEEDS. We Btock Clovers, Ryegrass, Eape, and Turnip Seed of reliable quality.



FOR SALE, PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTE PIGS rrO Farmers purchasing Halfbred PIGS. We are prepared to boy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, FAEMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO« 2 5 J H Rule.



/ JAMES BAKER, f FCRNISHING WABBHOCSB, f - (Havolock Street.) TJE guarantees to sell at Ohristchurch prices for Cash or Time Pay tnsntfl. 1 14



STILL ADVANCING. OBAIGHBAD & BBEBYMAN HAVE just opened out, ex a.a. Paparoa from London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto imported, comprising the most up to date Suitings from the best Manufacturers aa now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable •] Tailoring Goods now affords customers such ! a splendid range of new materials of guaranteed qu&l ty and stylish patterns to ohooae from as should please even the most I fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, 1 and fit will compare favorably with those of the leading firms m Chriatchurch or other cities They are also showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., this season Customers would do well to place their orders enrly as C. &B. have already » arge number of suits on the books promised before Xmae, 11 140



The Equitable Life Assurance Soctety, of U.B Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington, DIRECTORS, wibh power to iiisue Policies and pay claims: H D Bell, Esq, Chairman. ) Percy M. Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albert Maktin, Esq, MD, j E Tbevor Gould, Resident Secretary; STEONQBST LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY 11$ TB[E WORLD Financial Position. Assurance In force ... .„ £21^,670,058 I Barplua over liabilities ... £12,711,97 Accumulated funds... .- £58,373,186 | Annual income ... ... £11,286,145 A Mutual Office. AU Burplus belongs to the policy holders, Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Gash Value Polioy. NICOLL" BROS, Agents, Ashburfcon. 12 47



1 tMs verdict of all practical riders is m ; favour of KIDING BUILT with Butted^Tabing, Short Heads, Narrow Tread Arch'or Box Crown, Jin or lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheels 1 Any style Saddle, Handles, Chain, etc. Any gear, any height frame ; also dust-proof throughout, ONI PRICE TO ALL—s2l GATES, LOWRY AND CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STRUT, ASHBURTON.



WISHING yCV THE OOMPH MINTS OF THE SEASON "fTp Owing <o Sickness, your Xmaa ia JI.JL . * n°fc 68 merry, or your New Year as happy as you desire, or your many friends wish you, remember that J?iaintelcoa, the great Herbal Remedy, having cured others, will cure you, and mak« tha year 1901 the Healthiest and Happiest; you haee Bpenfc. Tot it. Are you tuibject; to Headache, jf so PIiAKTEKOA is tha Remedy. Bead the following: — Mr J. G.MotD, Blacksmith and Wheel wright, Gladstone, writes under date 13/7/19C0 Dear Sir,—l have suffered for years from Frontal and Bilious Headacheß and have tried many so called Headache Cures without success, but after using one Bottle of your woaderful Kemedy, my headaches (are a thing of ihe past and I consider myself permanently cured. I give you this testimonial voluntarily and cannot speak, too high'y of I'lantekoa.—Yours faithfully, Mr Chades A 4 Lolly, of the well-known business 6rm of Lolly &, Co., Lind and Eaiate Agents, 56 Willis Street, Wellington, Bays— gi t. ( — l have mti'ih pleasure m recommend ing yoar Planteko^. to anyone who may suffer from headache, I uecd a bottle of this medicine several months ago, and since then I have not had one single sttafik, and have felt, m splendid health. I consider this the more remarkable as previous to taking Plantekoa I W&B subject to violent head aches, on an average once a week and had recourse to Headache Wafers, Powderp, efro. which only gt-va me temporary relief. You can mention rry came to anyone yon know Buffering m like manner, I shall only be to pleaced to recommend Plantekoa. Obtainable Everywhere, Tey it, OT7EIS.— - ;



Mann ing & Cob NEW SEASON'S • . BOTTLED ALES AKD STOUT, IN QUARTS AND PINTS, THE BEST IN THE MARKET Equal to the Leading Brands of ■ ENGLISH ALES. Agentn for Ashbarton—Messss Shbab mah Bros. THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS CO OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY, Ltd. Offiors, Warehouses, and Grain Stores j West Street, Asbburfcon. Ip VERY Description of Farmers' 'J Requifflites at lowest rates. Groceries, Hardware Saddlery, Corneaoks, Woolpaoks, Twine, Oils, Tinware, Horse Covers, Etc. Etc. GRAIN SOLD ON COMMISSION. Having reliable information from our Agents m other parts of the Colonies, we are m a position co obtain highest possible prices for all grain placed m our hands for ditpoial. Shareholders should be particularly care ful to enquire from us and inspeofe onr goods befcxe ordering elsewhere. "fTTE have several really first-clans Farmß YV for Sale cm our books, and farmerr wishing to purchase would do well to call os us far particulars :— 1000 Acres Laariston District 750 „ Wakaflu'i „ 1031 . „ Cherlsey „ 2958  Dromore „ 1180 „ Springburn „ 276 „ „ „ 574 „ Waterton t , T. F. GIBSON, Manager



THE I MoCORMICK •TTT A 8 AWARDED AT THE CHRISTOHITROH SHCW, November S, 1900, j The Certifiosat© of Merit, Which, carries with it a SILVEB MEDAL, | the highest award given to Harvesting at this Show, It wins !n PARIS mote Awards than any other American Exhibitor there, besides ANNEXING the Orand Field Ta'i Trophy of a Gold Medsland 200 Francs^ AGAINST ALL COMERS. and Inspect this Superb Maohlne before buying elsewhere. Morrow, Bassett & Go % ASHBURTON. M. PRIEST, Manager " "FoYTcX ~* Kennedy & Muir BFG to Notify the Farmers and Horse Ownoru m Hie Aahbnrron County that they have TAKEN OVER Rkid & Grays Artburton Branch of JOBBING & ENGI NEERING, and are prepared to carry on all classes of work as usual ; and also intend to extend the Business by adding HORSE-SHOEING. COACH BUILDING, j & GENERAL WHSELWRIGHTING I Both haviog been employed by Reid & Gray I for many years, anrt having large experience as Horse Shoers, Implement Makers, and Couch Builders, all work entrusted to their j care will be exeouted with despatch and at moderate prices, 10 NATIONAL MORTGAGE & AGENCY CO OF N.Z, LTD,, TIMARU IMPROVED FARMS FOX SALE. 530 acres Rangitata, 250 acres Claramonfc, 250 acres Waitotia, 200 acre* Waihao, 250 acres Kingsdown, IGOOaora Ota'o, 500 acres Totara, And others of various eta In Soath Oanfeer bary Improved Farms for lease, with light of purchase 1170 acres Fairlie, 505 acres Totara, and 268 acres Totara Also unimproved agricultural and grazing Ttma of various frizes on the Baincliffe and Levels Estates, ard two well improved gtatbn properties of 7COO acres each