Mail Notices

Malls close for the following ptabei as under, subject to the neceaaary alterations t TUESDAY, Deo 31 For Northern Porte and Weal Coatit, per R tomahana, at 6.20 p m

MINING

United Press Aeßoolat!on~Ry Eleotrio Telegraph Dunedin, December 30 Daring the week returns have been re ported from 12 dredges the total yield being 257 c z lOdwt 13gr or an average of 2loz par dredge

Returns—Ferseverance 1138 ssSlwt 13a;r, Matau 17 z, Molyaeux Hydraulic 11 z 161wt, Upper Waipori 7cjs lOlwr. Tbe dredqee only worked about half a week.

COMMERCIAL.

BURNSIDE MARKET

DuNsmir, Dec 30 At the Buroside market 135 head of fab cattle were yarded, ranging from good to prime. Bidding was slow, and last week's prices were barely maintained. Bast bur locks made from £9 to £10. extra prime £10 10s to £11 s', medium £7 15a to £8

J2. 6d, light £6 to £7 10-*, best cows and heifers £8 6s >.o £9 sa, medium to good £6 7a to £7 17a 61, light and aged £3 10a to £5 17s 61

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

Tbe Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter" bury, Ltd, quote as follows on December 30, 1901:—

Wheat- Prime milling Pearl «. 2e 7.1 „  Tuscan,„ 2s 8d Hunter's 2a 7d Oatß—Duns 2a to 2s Id „ Danish 2s to 2s Id  Sparrowbills 2°. to 2a 23 „ Canadian 2s 2d to 2s 31 Barley—Malting, prime 2s 3i to 2s 6d Inferior 2ft Peas—Blue Prussian 3s „ Partridge 3a 6d to 4s Chaff—Good oatsheaf 47a 6d to 50a Grass Seed—Farmers 2 j to 2a 3i Tne above are prioes current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31. 1901.

]'f seems but yfsterday that wo were entering npon the twentieth century, and now, Time, with noiseless foot step', h»B brought us to the close of its first cycle. During the twelve months which have passed since Ist January, 1901, many events have occurred of supreme importance to the nation and

to the dwellers in thia p-vrt of the

world. Other incidents of lesser moment that have attracted passing

notice, or have created temporary ex cifc< raent, are forgotten, for Time has eaten out the letters which recorded them in oar inetnorieg. There are, however, many incidents to commemo rate the year just passed. Some are tangible and solid monuments that mark the progress of the human race towards the goals of civilisation and knowledge. These are represented by the marvellous discoveries of Marconi in wirf lesa telegraphy, and the advances made in serial navigation. Some are bat the shadows of the past, memories

of the great and the good; but these are more enduring than marble, mor6 lasting than the Pyramid", for they are

enshrined in the hearts of the living, and will be handed down to posterity from generation to generation. Foremost amongst these illustrious rapmories is the death of Victoria the Good, who for sixty-four years ruled over the vast empire of which these islands form a part. It is needless to describe here the beneficent reign of our late sovereign, or to dwell at length upon the universal sorrow thafc thrilled through all the widely separated regions which had owned her sway when the intelligence of the great Queen's death was flashed from shore to shore. She needed no material monument to per petuate her memory, which is embalmed for all time by tho love of her people I and the refp?cfc of the world. The murder of President McKinley wag another memorable incident of the year just closing The lato President had done hVduty well and faithfully during the whole of his public career, and he had earned the love of his fellow £ nuntrymen %ad the repect of foreign nations, so that his untimely end caused univers^ mourning. Qther exalted personages have passed away during the period under review, and some, like Signor Orispi, the Italian statesman, have left names thafc make history. Death baa been busy during the year in New Zealand. The veteran states man, ..John McKenzie, whose name is indiasolubly associated with the land settlement of this polony, was amongst those who have joined the great majority. Coming still closer home we find that between seventy and eighty of those residents of this county who saw the year 1901 ushered in have not lived to see its exit. Amongst these were Messrs John Grigg, E, W. Han- Haer, Alfred Harrison, J. M. Furze, C. Rimmington, Edward Williams, R. Simpson, Dr Oordner, Herbert Steel, Andrew McPherson, Arthur Wilson", and others ; also B£rs Pocock, Mrs Sturgeon, Mrs Bishop, Mrs Fooks, Mrs Ager, Mrs Reid, sen., Mrs R. Stock-

dill, and, we r.egrefc to say, a number of others, whose yoqth migfct have hels£ipt prospects of a longer life, They haye all gone from us, but they are not forgotten, and we know that in every home in which they have left a blank there will to day he tender memories of the loved and lost. But the past ig gonp, and our duty is not to mourn over what might have been, bat to bo live in the present, that we may have nothing to reproach ourselves with hereafter* Everybody can do something to make those around him a little better or a little happier. Life is a mountain,ap the sonny elopes of which youth joyfully folios, while aga plods wearily down the s^ady ejide. It is within the power of the ysung <# reject much of the glad sunshine upon the paths &l thpse who are travelling down the darker an<J rougher side. These may also do come* thing to make the roads of the young

safer than they are, by pointing out the pitfalls in them, or by doing their best to have them removed. Thus, it is in the power of fcoth o!d and young to help one another and to make life brighter and happier all round. We know that even in this selfish world of oars there are many -who do endeavour to act up 'o'the line of conduct we have indi cated ; and the brightness they shed on all around them in sufficient evidence of the value of their contribution to tbe sum of human happiness, With regard to the future the prospeots are generally satisfactory. The war in South Africa still lu'ks largely in the public eye; but there are not wanting signs that the end is near. It is clear to every un prejudiced raind that the Boars woaid never have continued their hopeless struggle but for tbe cruel and treacher ous attitude of men in leading positions in Great Britain. wbo*e open encourage ment of the enemies of their country has been fco'ishly tolerated by the Imperial authorities. Even under tbe wearing down system now carried on, the Boera cannot continue in armi much longer. But there have been indications that the Imperial authorities recognise that this war cannot be allowed to go on like Tennyson's brook. Noonecanaeefar enough ahead to assure Great Britain that no complications will arise with a foreign power in tho near future, al though the international horizon looks clear enough now. In case of any such disturbance the Boer war would be a very awkward factor to be considered. We should not, therefore, be surprised at any time by an announcement that Indian troops are to be sent across the, Arabian sea to terminate this cruel war. Mr Ohamborlain may have meant that this step would be a last resource when he made his statement about the coloured troops of tbe rmpire the other day from bis place in Pari ament. Meantime, " onr boys " are ever ready to fight, and—whit i« more—to endure hardships and disease and death for the honour of the old flag and for the in tegrity of the empire. Thera are many homes in New Zealand to-day where thf se young soldiers are greatly missed, and! come alas, in which they are mourned also ; for their lives have been given for the cause they served. For the sake of those amongst us who are so intimate'y coanested with the Trinsvaa 1 war, we are especially anxious for the end to come. The trade pros pects are somewhat hazy just now owing to the uncertainty as to bow the Federal tarift will affect New Zealand. We are not rash enough to forecast the future in this connection, but we have sufficient confidence in the rulers of this country to predict that if there I should be breakers ahead we shall weathor them in eafety South Africa offers a wide field for enterprise, and when that field ia ready for exploitation New Zeahnd will be about, ready to take her share. One of the eventß of the year which specially deserves men tion is the establishment of branches of the Farmers" Union throughout New Zealand. There can be no doubt that the organisation of the principal class in this colony will go far to check the undue influence of the Trade Unions in the legislation of this country. We have not space to deal with many other mattereij'tip'culation upon which wou'd be certainly interesting, but we may conclude by saying that on the whole there ia every prospect of a prosperous future for this country, and we heartily wish all of our readers A Happy New Yeae !

A LESSON IN COLONISATION.

Oussia is regarded, and jaatly so, aa the least ad van cad country in Europe from a Ifcivilibation point of view. Her institutions and methods of Govern-

ment are far behind those of the other European States. Her citizens have little or no voice in tbe making of the laws for their own Government and for the paost part live in such a state of ignorance and hopeless dejection that they seem to have no desire whatever to improve their condition. That be ing the general and accepted idea with regard to the condition of Russia and her people, it comes somewhat in the nature of a pleasant surprise to be in formed through the medium of the Daily Mail that Russia at the present time is engaged in a huge colonisation scheme for the settlement of Siberia on model lines. During the last five years the Government baa established 1,000,000 peasants as small farmers in Siheria. The method has been to select suitable persons and send them as pioneers into the new territory for the choosing of land suitable for agricultu ral and pastoral pursuits. These p; oneers have then returned to their villages, and have escorted wholo fami lies eastward—-tho railway faro being roughly a shilling for every hundred miles, All along the route medical attendance is provided free, and for children, the aged, and tbe sick food is issued gratis at the chief stations- Some 13,000,000 acres have already been allotted to these emigrants, together with grain and meal to tide them over the first winter, and seed and imple ments for the first year's harvest. Nearly 200 churches and 120 schools have been built in the past three years. The capital required for the first year's work has been advanced to all in need of it, and no interest has been charged.' Moreover, no taxes are or will be imposed on the nejr arrivals until they have completed three years' residence. All furniture and agricultural iraplo mi'nts required have been sold by tho Government to the emigrants on "easy payment," terms.

Local and General.

To QrJB Rjbapbb§— "A'here will be no Issue of the Ashburton Guabdjam tomorrow, Ne^v Year's Day,

Wbatber Forecast' — Captain Edwin wires:—Moderate to Birong porthery winds, changing westward ; glass fall j indications ot rain.

THB OfFIOEBS OF THB EIOHTB CONTING ENT -Lleubenant A Fooks, of bhe Achburtoa Mounted R flis. Ins been appointed Aotlng Captain in the Eighth Contingent.

Ecclesiastical— It la reporbod la town that the Rev R A Woodthorpe has been offered the charge of the parish of Sb John's, Ohrietchuroh, rendered vacant by tbe death of the Rev H C M Watson,

Church Paradb—There will be a ohuroh parade at Sb Andrew's, Tinwald, on January sfch, of the Ashburton Mounted Riflae. The corps will fall in in As hburton and march on foot) to Sb Andrews fer Divine Service ab 11 a rr. Tha of irin^s at thab service will be dtyotad to the etujroh eul&rge'menlf lutid.

New Evening Paper—The new Welling ton evening newspaper, The Sun, will be issued for the first time on January 4th, 1902.

Wakakui River Board—An election of five candidates to compose the Wakanul River Board, will be held at the Board's offlja on Tuesday, January 14th. Nomina tions close on Monday, January 6th.

Shooting—A trianguW shooting mat oh will bo fired at the Ashburton butts to morrow between teams from the Timaru Port Guards, Temuk* R flag, and Ashburton Rfls

The Pruning Knifs—A contemporary states that the heads of the Lands and Survey Departments have been instructed to out down expenses by £1500 for the coming year, an.-5 it is beloved other departments are receiving similar instructions.

Importing Railway Bridges — The Ca-btnet has decided to import bridges from the United States tor cnrtaln works cow in hand, in consequence of the greatly reduced prioe at whioh steel can be imported from Amerle*. It is said they can be imported thirty to fifty per cent, cheaper than if built on the spot.

A and P Association—A general meeting of the Ashburton A and P Association will b6 held on Thursday, January 7th, to confirm or otherwise the (intendments and additions in Rule iv, affecting the mode of electing officers annually. The resolution

was adopted at a general meeting of members on September 3rd last,

Death of Oaptain Russell's Son— E?ery man and woman in New Zealand of every class and every shade of opinion will siaoerely sympathise with Captain Russell ityl his family in the bereavement) they have enffered in tho loss of their galhnb son,

Lieut L P Russell, who died of his wounds at a place called Holland, near Beginderiyn,

where a British force was recently over* whelmed

LO.L — The monthly met ting of the L.O.L, No« 23, will ba held in tha Arcade Chambers on Thursday evening, when the Building Committee's report regarding a new hall will be considered. The brethren wilt also tender a send-off to Bro S Wilson, who is leaving for South Africa with the [ Eighth Contingent.

The Price of Bread—A Dunedin telegram states thairthe master bakers In that city hive resolved bo advance the price of bread to s£d p?r 41b loaf f r cash, in consequence of the advance in flour to £7 16* per tors.

A Strange Story—Th«* Neio York Herald gives currency to a strange story to the efhcfc that owing to disagreements at the War Office Lord Roberts will 'in April, if not sooner,' resign hia position of

Commander-in-Chief, and will consequent ly nob take part in the Coronation ceremonies.

Roman Catholic Baziar—Yesterday evening there was a large attendance at tie Vaziar in the Arcade rooms, and as s result business was aatl-factory. In addition to other attraction?, music .1 selections are given throughout the afternoon and evening. The baiaar will

ba open this evening. Sons of Tempbbanch—Aehburtoa Is appur ontly becoming a favourite centre for holding various convention* and tha 1 ke. Ii will be interesting to some of oar readers to know tint the Nations! Division of New Zea* land Sods and Daughters of Temperance annual meeting will take place tomorrow in the Templar Hall. There will ha about twenty delegates present from diff rent) pa-fca of the colony, bub, we understand, the ses sion Is nob likely to be lengthy, there being no burning question to be considered. An Unpleasant Position 1- -Nine years ago a resident of Oreymouth vary strangely dlsnpp3ared. His house wss burnt, and although his coat was recovered, ro tr*oe of

the man oou'd be found. From thab day to

this, he hat never been heard of, and a coupe of years ago hia wife re-married. It now appears thit he who was supposed to be dead is alive and on his way to Grey mouth, An extremely unpleasant position for the lady

Jcebbkgs—Tho London special corres pondent of the Press, referring to the appearing of lceberga drifting from the southward, says: —Captain Graenstreet, ot the Rimutaka on thab steamers 1 previous passage, had passed no fewer than 700 icebergs, one of them being computed to be quite four miles long. Captain Green street's theory is thab there must have been an Antarctic volcanic eruption tc set free so much ice. for the occurrence is unusual at this period of the year,

In Pretoria Hospital—A trooper ju9fc returned from South Africa states that during the uiae weeks he was in Pretoria hospital he was traabed with the greatest kindness and consideration by bhe autho rities, tha nurses being especially good to him. His diet during the greater portion of bhe time was brandy and eggs with cham-

pagne every day, till he actually hated the very sight of both stimulants. He was informed by one of the nurses his cost to the hospital averaged a guinea a day, while the usual average was never less than 15s. It is certainly to the credit of the mi itary authorities that our boys are so well looked after when they become ill,

1.0,0 F., M.U.—The quarterly summoned meeting of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge waa held ou Friday evening lasb, Bro J >hn Turton, NG, presiding-. A Urge number of members and visiting brethren were present. Sick pay was passed to five members on the sick list, and also the usual quarterly accounts. The following officers were elected for the enduing term:—NG, Bro W J Leggett j VG, Bro Thomas Barber ; B S, Bro FE Massey, PG H. C. Craighead, PGA. Paterson, and Bro T. Barber were elected to tbe Hall Committee* Dr Boyd was elected a permanent lodge surgeon, vice Dr Maude, resigned. The DOM, Bro A. Paterson, intimated that the District Officers would open the Ladies' Lsdge aboufc Jan. 23rd. A large amount of routine and special business was transacted, and the officers elect were installed by P Gs T. Norgan and C. Mulr, after which the lodg® was duly closed. The receipts for tho evening amounted to £110 14> 7i, including £28 19s 4d hall returns for the quart sr.

Tub Domain.—Referring to the Ashburton Domitn, the Timaru Herald says:-—Ashbur- ton had numerous visitors during Christmas wepk, the great attraction being the first South Island tenuis tournament. This was played on five grass court! in the park. The arrangements were very good, and the oourbs were fairly well sheltered from the wind, What struck bhe most of the visitors, how ever, was the greab good forbane of the Ashburton people in having eti-h a handsome and well laid out park within five minutes walk of the town. Included in the fence whioh surrounds the park are a bowling green tennis courts, athletic and cycling track,

cricket ground, and swimming bath, the whole of these recreation grounds having as framework well laid onb drives and walk', and beautiful trees and shrubs, Truly it is a place thab the municipal fathers and beautt*

fyiogassocia'ion poos of Timaru should spend a week or two in; then try and arrange a plan for a universal recreation ground ab Tirmru In Ashburton the delightful and ocmplebe'y appointed park stands as a monument to the single purpose of the authorities—the outdoor recreation of the people ab a common centre. The New Zealand Wheel Rack—The great New Zealand Wheel Race, the b'ue riband of cycling, was decided ab Lancaster Park on Saturday last, and wa<» won by A Watson, of Wanßa^ui, in the record time of 4min 24§<eo. We may mention that he was riding a Rudge-Whiiworth b'cycle JMPAJIBNT F_TIBNT?|

Property Sale—Mr W Stonyer has pur, chase.i from Mr Steel sections fronting Tanored street, nfx h. to the Baok of Austra-

iaßia t anu extena Kg tnrcugn io jouroeti r street, together with several buildings. On/ Thu eday nfxb Messrs Baker Bros start*, building operations, when they will erect for Mr Stonyer a structure with frontage on ' Tancred street, to comprise <fn3es, store rooms 4 etc, for implements, of which Mr Stcnyer purposes holding a large stock.

lasia, and extend ng through to Burnett i street, together with several buildings. On/ Thu eday tHxb Messrs Baker Bros start*

Fnstiu'tb of A coountants —A meeting of the Co ncil of the Institute of Aojount ants was hfjld at the Wellington Chamber of Commeroo yesterday, Mr W H Gundry, president, in the obair. The results of the October rumination held thronghcu' Australasia were * received from the examiner?, Tbe names of the moceattful candidates from this district, already announced in our columns informally, ar9 Messrs P W Watt, W Piokles, Mr A Geo obtaining a partial pass as an associate

A Chief GonoTable and His Men— The new Chief Constable at Lincoln, addressing the men on pirade, said he should prefer that a policeman, whether on duty or not, should not, bo long as he was in uniform, enter a public house for the purpose of get ting drink, as he thought it was a di grace to the unif jrra.

A Traviller and aTbonk— Some com motion was caused ab the New Plymouth breakwater the other night. While the work of putting the baggage, eto, on the s.°, Takapuna was in full awing, a tin trunk which, Itsis stated, contained tha samples of ajjwellery traveller, slipped out, dropped into the sea, and sank oat of sight. The owner, on learning of his loss, wai greatly perturbed in mind, and implored the assistance of the offioers to regain his lost treasure. He, however, was compelled to j leavi hie treasure beh:nd, ou the understand* ing that it would be recovered the next day and for warded to him. The trunk was reoovered by a diver, and when op*ned the contents were found bo consist of several hundreds of gold and silver watches, the valu» of wliioh, according to the Tarauaki Herald, was estimated at between £2000 and £30C0 Another Core fob Ska-sicknis3—So

many delusive remedies have been suggested for the travellers greatest thTction that

many who go down to the sea in ships have given up all hopa of any protection against sea sickness. A prescription warranted by a correspondent of cna of the New York papers may, however, be worth notioe, as it is at anyrate simple and inexpensive. He reports thab the secret is to breathe with the ship, As the ship falls he breathes out, and as it rises he breathes in. He declares that, whereas he formerly sympathised heartily with Gorsilo's willingness to give a thousand furlong? of sea for an area of barren ground, he finds now thab nothing is pleasanter to him than a long sea voyage.

Interprovincial

United Press Association—By Elec rio Telegraph—Copyright Auckland, Deoember 30 The Hon J McGowan ai rived last night from Rotorua, having travelled overland from Wauganui in order to inspect the tree planting by the prisoners at Waiotapu. Mr McGowan states that he Is well pleased with the work done. The prisoners have coDßtruoted tea miles of fencing, panted soma 80,000 trees, and formed a number of miles of road, which will be cae'ul for the tourist traffic.

New Plymouth, Deo 30 Dr Valentine, district health officer, met the members of the local bodies today ac a conference, re the appofntmenb of a sanitary inspeotor for tha whole of Taranaki North, all the local bodies combining in the payment of tbe salary, whioh w 11 be raised on a population basis, the population cf the district being about eighteen thousand*

Str4tfobd, December 30 The Stock Inspeotor Is purchasing re nvtiuts for the Transvaal today, but so far not a great many purchases have been made. Wellington, Deo 30

The Government has decided to completely organise a Public School Cadet C>rpa throughout the Colony, and place Major Loveday in command. The first oonsigo* ment of miniature Martini Henri Rifhs with ammunition his been received for the use of the boy?.

Thomas Roarden has b en committed for trial on a charge of assault and robbery. The Agricul urnl Department hag had no difficulty in securing the necessary thousand horses for the new contingent, and the task has already been completed. The majority of the animals purchased were raised in the North Island. The horses will be sent to the Trentham and Addington camps as soon as the lines arc ready for themi The Secretary of Agriculture states that ths Department oould easily have obtained another thousand.

Napier December 30 An old residenb cf the district named William Henry Murray died suddenly this morning fern heart disease. Dtjnkmn, Dec 30

A wrestling match for £25 aside between Harry Dunn and Scott for the champion ship took plaoe this evening in the Agricultural Hall. The conditions were the best three out of five styles, bub only'four were wrestled. The Cumberland was taken first, and Dunn soon threw Scotb. In.the Oatoh-ai-o*tch-Can, which came next, Scott proved to be the winner. Dunn then woo the American Side Hold (Scott letting go bis hbld), and the Cornish, and thus won the match. There was a good attendance.

Upper Ashburton Road Board.

The reguhr monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board, was held In the Board's Office, West Street, Ashburton, on Monday, Deoember 30th. Present—Messrs C J Harper (chairman), G A Mo Lean Buck ley, E Herring, M Stibt, and J Tucker. An .apology was received for the absence of Mr R Campbell

CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence was received From Keir's N.Z. Forwarding Agenoy, Wellington, thanking the Board for Its order for one 8;eel Ohimplon Road Grader with extra blades, and stating a shipment was expected shortly, when the Board's machine will be forwarded fully mounted and ready for use

From the Department of Public Health, informing the Board that Clause 26 of " The Public Health Act, 1900/' has been amended, and in future Infeotibus diseases are to be notified to the local authority as well as the District Health Officer

SWAMP ROAD, HINDS Mr Buckley brought) h-fore the Board a letter he had received from settlers who had purchased land from h:m in the Hinds Swamp, asking tint the drains be deepened and the roads fmproved.

' Moved by Mr Buckley, and seconded by Mr Stitt,—That the Board undertake trie Work conditionally on the settlers interested signing a bond undertaking to keep the drains clean and in order in future.—Carried

ROLL ALTKRATIOSS The Clerk was instructed to submit the following to bhe Supervising Vainer, eubjscb to all rates being paid to date s—From Mr Joseph Brooks to Mr D*vid Milne, Lob 19, Pb RS 8767, 1 rood 37 perches, Allenton ; Mr E Gites to Mr Hugo Friedlander, Lobs 33, 40 to 46, Pb RS 6422, 15047, Tinwald ; Mr James.Bed to Mr Andrew Lawrle, Lota 40, 41. 64, 65, Po RS 8767, Allenton ; Mr W D V Presron bo Mr Wm Potter, Lib 86, West Town Belb, Allenton.

WOBjfS It was deoidpd bo attend to the following : Shingling portion of the Lagml.Qi* Road from Rlmmington's Corner to Timaru Track, and the Clerk wm instructed to call tenders for gome 6CO yards of shingle, more or less. Water race crossings in No 4 Winohmore Subdivision to be repaired. Rawle's and Doherty'B Crossings tp be repaired

ACCOUNTS Accounts amounting to £178 12s lOd were passed for payment and the Board ad journed

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—-By Kloctrlo Telegraph—Copyright QUEEN ALEXANDRA. Lohdoh, December 29 •The Qaeen is convalescent, and starts for Sandringham on Monday.

KINDNESS APPRECIATED^ .~ The Princess of Wales, JQord Roberts

and Mrs Chamberlain seat the organisers of the South Australian Sunbeam Society's dinner to poor children in London sympathetic t_e« sagea, the Princets remarking that such thoughtful consideration for tbe poor promoted good feeling between the colonies and the Mother Land.

HUNGARIAN HORSES FOR INDIA,

Hungary is exporting hones to fndia, some of the animals fetching* 1000 rupees.

PROGRESSIVE JAPAN.

Jap»n ia establishing & system ot wireless telegraphy along the Korean coa6t. ' „

THB ZIONIST MOVEMENT Londoh, Dec 30 A. Zionist Congress held at Basle, Switzerland, established a fund for the purchase of settlements in Syria and Palestine

ENGLISH COAL COMMISSION

A Boyal Commission has been ap. pointed to enquire into the duration ot the coalfields of tho United kiogdoin, the questions of transport, cost *od condition of production, and inter national competition

WATERSPOUT INT MOROCCO. A waterspout, followed by a flood, at Saffi, in Morocco, drowned 200 persons, and demolished tbe customs house and all the warehouses

STRIKE OF TRAM CONDUC TORS The tramway conductors in Edin burgh bavo strock against Sunday labour, failing a general wages' settle ment, The Inspectors manned three cars, which continued running SENTENCES ON SMUGGLERS- Derobert, arrested at Pontarlier as being the leader of a gang of 225 French smugglers, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, and fined two thousand pounds sterling. Others implicated in the frauds recsived vac*' ious sentences, and were fined sums amounting in the aggregate to £8000.' THE PORT MELBOURNE - - MYSTERY SOLVED. Melbourne, Dec 30 The body of the missing Ohamber** lain girl was found in the water near the Port Melbourne pier.

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Frets Association—By Eleotrio • Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec 30 The trial of Schaepers is proceeding, Scheppere gave evidence claiming that he was a Free Stater. He admittrd he obeyed De Wet's proclamation with reference to reprisals on the British and puuhhed Loyalists for helping the British. He destroy*d railways and Government buildings, and killed a riative epy after the latter had been tried and sentenced. He denied mur derinu native, and blamed Command ants Vandermerwe, Fouche, aod Xrnit zinger The prisoners t»ken by the Boers ia the Twecfonteia affiir have been re* leased, and have arrived at Bethlehem, Two iJoers wre executed at Mafe* king fer murdering natives iltuter's agency stated that Seven hundred Boers, led by Commandant Smuts, took part in the recent Attack on the convoy in the Calvinia district The newspapers agree that De Wet'l brilliant prowess at Tweefontein recalls Joubert'a tactics at Ma j aba. They claim that the British reverse does not affect the situation The Standard suspects a grave lack of vigilance on the part of the British, The Times makes a similar remark, and adds that it is hardly conceivable that any large portion of De Wet* force of twelve hundred men ascended the ridge to Major Williams's camp, otherwise falling stones would haye revealed their presence The Dutch Taal monument at Rrjrg* hersdorp has been secretly overthrown and mutilated. Lord Kitchener has issued 1606 permits for return to the Transvaal prior ta January lgtb, also eighty special permits weekly for months to worker* in the mines. The Times states that liord Salisbury has conveyed to Mdc Szelf, the. Han-* garian Premier, the assurance that Great Britain would ever be grateful for his chivalrous defence of Great Britain contained in his recent speech, delivered in the Hungarian Diet. [The Hungarian Premier declined to pre hibit the sate cf Hungarian horses to Ens- _ laud, and declared *thab the great j*&iiV nation deserved i stsem. J " " ' Viknna Dec 30 Pro-Doer women of Vienna adopted an appeal to the women of England, containing a wicked accusation that tha troops dishonoured women in the con centration camps. They have also petitioned Queen Alexandra,

THE LATE LIEUTENANT RUSSELL.

Na??er, DecSO The late Lieutonanb Lionel Philip Rusaell. who died as the r'su'b of wounds sustained in the engagement at Begiaderiya, waa tha third son of Captain W R Russell, M HR. for several years leader of the Opposition party in the House. Deceased Wat twenty four years of age, and ~m born at Welling ton» He was educated ab tbe Waagaont College and afterwards ab Cambridge. Ht left Cambridge in 1893, when he returned to New 3 'aland, He went' to EnHand in I9QGj, and j lined the We«b Yorkshire Regiment v a subaltern, and immediately Mb for tho Transvaal. He was ' then attached to fp&g 14th Mounted'liffapfcry,' rind waa io Colonel Williams's column, and later with Colonel H.ckey. He was woqnded in the engage* menb at Begiod*|lyril Another of Captah* Russell's sons, Richard, who lately joined hit regiment in India, has just about arrived in Africa.

THE ASBBPBTQE OOAKDIAI9 : TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 190),



BUSINESS NOTlfflfl FEDERAL COFFEE PALACE, TteUKQtiE, ASHBDBTOH. MRS WHEELER (late <i she Ptince Albert Private Hotel) having pur chased the above old established House is prepared! to receive Boarder* and Travellers. The House has been completely renovated throughout, and haa all the cemforts of a home. Terms "moderate. 12 60 • . •! MW ££ALAND CLOTHING .FAOTOKY



HAS a refutation lor BOYS' CLOTHING that the following tiue« uphold : CALL AND INSPECT Boy*.' Sbiior Suits 6s 6i Boys' Melville Suits 9a Cd Boya' Norfolk Baits lis Boys Norfolk Suits 15s Boys' 8 Garment Suits 18a 6d BoyV Kharkfe Suits 7s Boys' Washing Blouses is Gaas-RDteed to be the very best^qualitv obtainabm foe the money, NEW ZEALAND C-L'OTH ING I? A 0 TORY bOTHIJSO X 1 ACTOR V MEMBERS OP FARMERS' UNION A RE Wormed th*t arrangements are now completed with tho Commercial Union lobuwbob Corporation for iosuring at roduoud rates Ewp'oyeeß of Members of the a( on. Policies may be issued ab once. Mes bs Frikulasdek B3PS, Ltd, are tbe Loml Agents for the Commercial Union otnpaoy. 0 B*Attn¥ & Co, Agents at R.kala. (Signed) O. W. LEADLEY, Chairman North Canterbury District it 166 N Z Farmers' Union



FARMERS EMPLOYEES' AOOI :DE*T INSURANCE WITH reference to the above, we wish to direct altera'ion to the fact that lib- Reduced Rate of Premium h due to the «tterprii«e of the Commercial Union Office mi now thru ths Contract is I>j f'mse, we trust lhe M.embere of the New Zealand farmers' Union will loyally stand by the agrermeat entered into. We ehall be glad o receive proposals FRIEDLANDER BROS, Ltd. Per HUGO FBIEDLaSDBK, Managing Dirrotor. Ashburton, No*/. 30,1901 11 216 TO MEMBERS 09 FdKMEKb' UNION OTHER;!. IMPORTANT NOTICE ft£ WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT, &o. 1 HE ~OCEAN iemdent Gorp ration Casual ... ... , One Million R-VSNtoB 'fob 1900 -£878,492 5a lid. A feE INSURING FARMKRS-Whether JtjL Memfesrt if the Farmers Unlm or not—at Vh'3 Mne rate »tji with the same co'jcrsaions iudif idua!ly, m any other Company ofl. r8 them colleotively, ABSOLUTELY LOWEST BATES GUARANTEED. Prompt »nd liberal settlement of all just u'alme effected locally TO FARMERS *flrrK may elsito that the Reduced Rales of Premiums Bow prevalent on * 1 classes of 'busie'esa are dae to the enterprise of the TJcoaß Accident Corporation, who have been Bteadily bringing cowb the Rates Bince they commenced operations in .the co'ony, and Jfarmutra will find i; to their advant^g® to *oall and ate ub before ootrpV.ing Iwifntsa fsewhete. HKJOJLL BROS., Didtrlot) Agenta



Don't Teas c! ftra \ - \ / - PRINCrS Albert Private Hotel, Wilis Street (ut<ar Railway Station and Post Office), Ashburton. Under New Manage ment. First Class Accommodation for Bo»rflarP, the Travelling Public, and Fami* lies. Good Table krp' t Hot*ndCold Baths, Tar 6 moderate. Loose Boxes for Hiraes. Letttti and Telegrams piomply replied to. «-A. B. VEtuUNtiSAX Proprietor* 11176



Mm /LCORN is now shoeing a beastl fu! Assortment of New Dnsa anode, Silks, Mnsline, Prints, Laces and Trimmingp. Also a lovely selection of Parisian Millinery in Hate, Bonnets Btr*ws, Flowers, Quills, and Feathers. Havirjg secured the services of a first class Milliner aod Dressmaker, aatiefactlon is guaranteed to all, \ewesb j designs in Art Needle Work, Silks, u.aaenes Wools, Transfer &c, always in stock. IT> E wise and save money. Buy your | JL) Boots and 5: hoes ab Mbilor s. Note — Zealandia Boot Store.



BDBINBSB NOTIORB ' Good News to the Afflicted. THE POLYPATHIC MEDICAL INSTITUTE, OF OHRISTOHUEOH. SEVENTH VISIT TO ASHBURTON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 3rd, 2 p m, until 8 p.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 4th, 9 a.m. until I p.m. If P you a»a feeling weary, languid, or "oat of eortf?,** X WRITE and HAVE ADVICE. In many instances the origin of disease is very simple ; and all that m*y bo HCesßary L a little sound advioe, for nature never excuses igooraooe. Knowledge, then, is what ia needed, And ihat you will get if you consult the POLYPA'fHS, THEY HAVE CORED THOUSANDS OF Constltui^n, Ifxamlnation and Absolute Treat* MEDICINES ONLY PAID FOR. SURELY A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY. POLY PATH V, the New Method of Healing, is the surest and most rapid System, as it cures such diseases aa GANGER, EPILEPSY and ASTHMA i —» , .j, . —incurable under the old pyatem—aa well as all i *sßj___l l^^,.^_|p|sr^acsft ii' Chronic and nervoua complaints of women and men, MORE CURES BY POLYPAfHY THAN ANY OTHER SYSTEM IN THE WORLD. They treat ail Female Ailments by the Polypathlo Methods, whioh do away with all examination and local treatment They alao desire to impress upon all nun who are suffering thafc they have the justly celebrated Hindoo Remedy, so well and favourably known in the Old World as the * Anti-Agnechal Tab ale Method.' All desiring to test the system will have such opportunity. I If you cannot Visit, WRITB for Qiestlon List to CHRISTCHURCH, with Stamped , Envelope, ani you will receive an immediate reply. Medicine Packed Free from Observation. Carriage Paid Parcel Pjsfc. THOUSANDS CURED ANNUALLY BY LETTER 12 220



SPECIAL FORNEW YEAR. GRANT AND MOORE HAVE just landed a Seoond Consignment of Ladies and Gentß BOOTS & SHOES for New Xear Trada Ladiea Giaco Shoes 4a 9d, 5s 91, 6) 6d, 8* 61, 10s 6i Special Lino of Lidi-s Strong Button Shoes with Patent Toe Cap 6a 9i Gents Light Booia 9 a 6.1, 10 6d, lis 6d, 13s 6d, 15i. 16s 6J, 22s 6d, 25i Very Choice American Glacle Boots at IS' 6J. 15«, 19s MeDS Strong Boots in Great Variety ; all told at lowest prices GRANT AND MOORE, SAUNDERS' BUILDING?, AS t BURTON 12 211



The Cheapest Shop in Ashburton. LAWN MOWERS. LAWN MOWERS. FROM 223 ©d EACH. locluding ' Monarch,' « Pa&time,' • New Easy,' &c. GAE,DEN~TOOLS. The Greatpst Variety in A6hburton, afc prices to suit everybody, Including tbe New American Scuff-e Dutch, Garden end Plantation Hoes. Garden Rakes, Spader, Forks, Trowel«, Syriugfß, Border Forki, Bnya' Spades, eto /.GENT for the Ok'LRRBATEO •SYRACUSE' Combination Seed Drills and Cultivators. Horse Hoes and Cultivators superior to Planeb Jr at *j less price fHFEP SH cARsT'°'"SHEEP SHEARS- I have j'ißt received my firet shipment, iooluding TUB, BB A, HA, etc; also Turkey and Washita Oil Scones all AT BEDROCK PRICES OARPKNTKKB' TOOLS —As usual, lamup to date In variety and prioe. Tbe largest selection in the Ashburton County to select from G-. meßdins, Tho People's Ironmonger, Burnett Street, Opposite Arcade



A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. WHILTC wishing our many Friends the Compliments of the Season, J. MFLLQR, of tho Zealaniia Boot Store, bega to inform hia many Customers that during the Christmas Holidays he ia ottering some Wonderful Valuo in Footwear Having bought at a big discount 300 Pairs of up to date Boots and Shoe?, he iatends giving his Customers tho benefit of this Special Purchase by clearing the lot at startling feale Prices. The Following are a few of our Piices :— Gmts Boots 7s lid, usn*l price 10< 6J I Mens Shonter Boots greatly reduced Girla and Boys School Boo's 3i IU, usual | Indies Tan Shoes at It 63, usmal price 10s 6& price bi bi I Msob Good Bluchers 5s lid Ladies Pfetty Walking ShoeH at 6i 63, usual I 5 DczsnPiirs of Damaged Boots almost price 8. 6 3 given awsy Childrens Ankle Strsp3 from 2\ \ Our very largo Suck of American* Nufaotur, and English Goods will be greatly reduced during tho holrd-y season. Now's your time to buy. Remember that Mellor's Z s'.andia B.>ot Store is a household word. Atkyour friends where they get the best value in Boots and Shoes, and they will toll you to go to Mellor's Zealandia Boot B ore, tho Loading Boot Shop, Tancred Street, Ashburton.



H. M. JONES _H M. JONES. SANTA CL&US AND FATHER CHRISTMAS ARE COMING AGAIN To Cheer the Young, and remind the Old the years are pacing away THP Undera:g .ed i>AB n very Large and Well Selected Stock of Book*, Stationery, Fancy Goods,'lVya, Coin* and Gla-a, Leather and Plated Ware, Suitable for Sifts. Rewards, and Presentation purposes. Imported direct from Leading London and Continen tal Houses. , —-.,.•—-n t BOOKS. 800K 13. BOOKS. From Ward, Lock ai-d Co., Ctißaellsand Co., Hodder 6nd Stoughtcn, Griffith, Farren and Som, University Prea?, London Sunday Onion, and Others „,,*,.„ TOYS. TOYS. TOY* 4; TOYS, Groat Variety, from Id Doll to a Steam Engine; DOLLS. DOLLB. DOLLS. Sleeping Dellß and Wideawake Djlls, Jointed Dolls, Breakable and Unbreakable Dolls. FANCY GCOD3. FANOY GOODS. Purses, Pooket Books, Letter Cases, (Silver Mounter!), Albums, Photo Frames, Desks, Work Boxes Tourist*' Case*, Ink Stands, Dreeaina n^3s, Musio Case?, Jewel Caseß, Blotters. Cabinet?, G!ove B?xe?, Companions, aca many other lines too numerouß to particularise C!jm& _ GLASS> pL&TKD, AND LEATHEKWAKE BIBLES io Great V«ie«y. Prayer, and Hymo, and Tone Books. CHRISTMAS CARDS—Beantlfol Hand Painted Cards, la. Album of Forty View of Asbburbots, Is ll 260



ULSTER Boob Shop—THOS. YOUNG, Bootmaker, thatks hia numerous friends for their liberal support, and wishes them a Happy .Chrittmas, and a Prosperous Now Year. On acctiunt of not beiDg able to secure Almanac, I efc*ll return to every purchaser for one mon'h from date, equal to 10 per cent on G'oda purchased," Saying completed my stock of Footwear, I solioft inspection cf the eame-THOS. YOUNG, Ulster Boot Shop Tanored Street, Ashburton



REMEMBER our Boots and Shoes will wear like brass, «iv! wo are giving wonderful Bargains at MeM-or's Zeabud-a Boot Stove.



TO SUBSCRIBERS AND ADVERTISERS NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS rrißE Aehburton Guardian will not be published on JANUARY Ist, 1902, ROBERT BELL Manager



The tnost impatient person is the one Buffering from Dyspepsia. He Is irritable, nervous, and despondent'—an obj sob of pity and aversion to those about him. Don't be a tiresome, irritable dyspeptic, and there is no real reason why you should be. Nature has provided & osrtain arid sure remedy in j Xmpey'a May Applet It U an absolutely safe, as well as the pieaeaoteat 1, remedy for Dyspepsia, Biliousness, F'atulenoy, Indj. RPBiioa and kindred complaints, Jmpey's May Apple, whilst oleaming the system, ctsta as a tonic on livor, kidney^ and boweis { ib sbtengthena those organs instead of weakec« ing their action, and the good if; does !■ I permanent. Sold by all ohemiti and Storekeepers at 2a 63 per bottle, goaoke Kow Venas



You cm depend on ridding your Children of Worms with Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful worm worriers^ price Is Smoke New Venus



I CANADIAN SEAWEED CURE, In ones of Rheumatic Goat whioh show a tendency to resist, ordinary remedies w« recommend a trial of the Great Canadian Seaweed Cure, a scientific o»inooond of I natural vegetable principles obtainod iron j the seaweed; The seaweed out c has been tti>d with excellent results by hundreds of viotimp. Sod by all Chemists.—Advfc, Messrs Fletcher Bros are giving seven pence par drzeu for fresh eggs in any until further notloer 8 woke New Veoqj