Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places as ander t subject to the neoeaeary alterations: FRIDAY, Jan 3 For Northern Purta and Wsstporb, Australian States, etc, to connect with Westralio, per Tarawera, ab 6.30 p m Saturday, Jan 4 For Australian States, via Bluff and Hobart, due Melbourne January 11th, JapiD, India, Chica, Straits {Settlement, South Africa, eto, a'si Oontinenb of Europe and United Kingdom (specially addressed via Brindisi), (due London Feb 16.h), at U 30 p m For Northern Ports and Wealporb, per Ketonrnham, at 8 30 p m The next best despatch for the United Kingdom is via San Franoisoo, leaving Ashburton oa s\n. 8"h, and due in Ljucloc oo Peb Bth

COMMERCIAL.

United Proas Association —By Kleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, January 1 The tobal wheat and fl >ur t>fl>a'j for the United Kingdom i« 2.850,000 quarters, and for the Continent 980,000 quarters.

Tha British revenue for the quarter ended Dtoember was £W 991,C03, the Customs contributing £9,337,000, excise £11,513000, and stamp duty £2,020,000.

■Sydney, January 2 The Imports iut-) Sydney, cxolueiveof gold last, year, totalled £19,916,000, an increase of £231,030 ; and tho exports £14.976,000, an increase of £1,809,000 compared with the previous year. The imparts of gold ahow a decrease of £1,458,000.

The insolvencies in tha State numbered 462, and the liabilities £207.000, compared with 640 aud £744,000 respectively the previous veor.

Newcastle for the year jusb oloaed ex ported 3,105,000 tons of coal, nearly 83,0-0 tons more than in 1900, though the returns of the last three months shawed a large falling eff. New Z ialanl took 242 003 tons, an increase of 37,003 on the quantity taken in 1900.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1902.

A few days ago we published a letter from the Hon. Major Steward, suggest ing that; the site in East Street on which the Courthouse stands should be let for building purposes on a Glasgow lease, and a new aud more commodious Courthouse built on the old Post Office section at the corner of East and Wills Streets, This proposal is not new, as it has befn made frequently by citiz ans' of Ashburton having an eye to the improvement of this town. If we mis take not, the suggestion for the re moval of the Coartboaae was made in the Borough Council quite recently by one of its membere, but the idea did not seem to meet with much favour. It seems to u®, however, that the pre sent is an opportune time to give this matter careful consideration. There can be no doubt that it would be much roore convenient to have all the Government buildings together, or that the appearance of Eaat Street would be ! much improved by the substitution of a block of handsome shops for the some what unsightly structure at the corner of Havelock Stree\ Major Steward points out that there would be an actual gain to the State by the method of procedure suggested by him ; and, —without accepting the figures he gives ' in support of his view—it is safrj to say that thero certainly would be uo )038. There is * very strong argument in favour of the proposal, which. sLp-jld remove any doubt as to the propriety of the burgesses heartily supporting the scheme, which is, that if it were car ried out, the borough would be very substantially benefited financially, At the present time, the valuable property oa which the Courthouse stands is free from all borough rates, bub if there were shops upon it, the lessees would pay rates, and a raoment'a consideration will show that this would maao a con siderable increase to the Borough revenue. The advantages of the exten sion of the business portion of the town to Baring Square are too obvious to need debating here. The question might be dealt with in the first instance by calling a meeting of the burgesses to discuss the proposal, Of course the Government may decline to sonsider the matter at all, but we hardly think that if it is put forward in a proper manner there will be mtich difficulty in making as arrangement beneficial alike to theGovernmeaf,the general pub lic and the Borough. It might be worth while considering whether it would not be advantageous to the Borough tq deal direct with tho Government in pro posing to lease the land on which the Court House stands for a loag term, If this could be done, and the Borough Council could sublet, it seeraa to us that it would ba a very profitable tran saction.

Local and General.

London's Death Rate—The death rate in London for the paab year was 17.7 per 1000.

A Record fob the TopA&rsAyoK. — The grand total passed through the tobalisator for the four days' raoiDg of the Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting, which was concluded yesterday, was £73,539, a record for New Zealand;

Oama.ru Sports—Oa the second day of the Oamaru Caledonian Society's sports (held yesterday) JFechney (Ashburbon) was second in the One Mile Handicap.—The total revenue for the two days was between &100Q and £1100.

Personal—3sr and Mrs Rudolph Fried lander have returned from their trip to the Od Country, looking all thq better for their holiday. We learn that they enjiyed tha trip very much, and we have no doubt that Mr Friedlander has picked tap a wrinkle op two in the course of his travela,~Mr CFM Wroughton was in Ashburton and distrfot during the New Year holidays, looking up old friends.

Change op Business —Ths Polytechnio Drapery Company announces that they have purchased the business lately carried on by E Gibbard, of Tanored Street), and to make room for shipments coming forward Gribbard?a stock will be sold ab auction prices, and eaoh customer spending 53 is to get a piece of music as an extra discount. This should be a good chance for keen buyers.

Dcnedin Sports— On the sacond day (yesterday) of the Dunedla sports H Holland (Aahburton), 30yds, won the Five Mies Bicycle Handicap, A Kalston (sor) saoend ; ulbo third in the Caledonian Cycling Ohftmpionship, won by J Conmil, with A Ralston second.

Hollis CyoLßS—Tha display of Hollla cycles now ou view at John Orr & Co's is well woithyaf inupection by all cycling enthus iasts. These jtnaohinss are made from genuine Bg.A parts by the celebrated gunmakere, I. Hollas & gone, Birmingham, which should be fufficient guaraoteb of their efioienoy. The models we have seen are superbly fiaiphpd, and the high standard of quality attained in the manufacture of the Eoiiia bicycle has been mosb rigidly maintained. Smoke NewYenas

Weather Forecast! — Captain Edwin wires:—Moderate southerly winds; glase rise.

Vital Statistics—The vital Btatistlos for the mouth ending 31st Beoember, 1901, are : —Births 10, marriages 8, deaths 8 ; for the last quarter—births 61, marriages 13, deithß 28.

Ashburton's Contribution to the Eighth -The men eeleoted for the Aahbu -

ton station of the Eighth Contingent will join the Ssuthens sections at the express this evening, on their way to the oamp at Addingtoni It was stated some time ago "■ha*; the Eighth Contingent would leave New Z aland about the 31st icat. Expansion of Bosikess—-We are pleased to report) that Messrs Friedlander Brop, Ltoited, have opened a branch business in Queen Street, Melbourne, where they will carry on grain and chipping transactions Mr KDe Bier is manager of the branch, and Mr J R FrledUnder is od the stsflf, We wish the firm every success in their new Ventura.

The Manawatu Railway-—The Premier has informed Mr Field, MH R for Otaki, that he understands that) the offer of the Govetr.manb for the purchase of the Manawtttu rai w*y is to be accepted by the shareholders. Id is, however, lbs intention of the Government, before concluding the purchase, lo make a final inep ctlen of the permanent way sod rolling stock. Camp Meetikg~A public camp meeting will ba held iv the Demain on Sunday next, January 5, commencing at 3 o'clock, under the Buapieati of the Primitive Methodist Church. Old fashioned hymns will be suug, and several hearty addresses will be delivered including ono front) Miss Lill, who is study ing with a view of entering the mission fiild in China. la the evening a love feast will be hold in the Primitive Methodist Church, whets Miss Liil will pgun address the audience.

The Price of vVoot -As an instance of the extent to which farmers are being affected by the present low prioa of wool, the Eiawera Star states thab at a reoenb sale a bale of 402!b of firet class English Leicester brought but 2£ i per Ib, and netted the grower bu". £1 3s 3d IeBS txohange. A short lime ago a bile of euoh wool would have been good for £20. Heavs Railway TKAin?ic~Eighb trains an hour for the greater part of Wednesday, from 6 15am till 1 yesterday morning, pasßod through the Lybteltou tunnel. The smoke gob very thick, and ihe live rather greasy, sand having to ba usedi One hun dred and eighteen trains travelled between Ohmtcburch and Lytteitoo, and not a single mishap was reoprded. The time table was adhered to remarkably well, the last tnin reaching Christohnroh ten minutes behind fcinv*

fonooii PlOHlO— Both ja?eniles and those of riper years who attended the Baring Fquaro Sunday School treat on New Year's Day, had an enjoyable time, and though disappointed in not; being aWre to use the oval to any greab extent, good use was made o? the hookey ground, where numerous g^mes were played amid muoh merr.meob. Nearly a aocra t f the delegates attending :he National Division meeting of the Sons of Temperance sat down to tea spread be neath the trees, and subsequently added much interest to the sports oi the energetic f kefaion in whioh they .organised foot races, for the nonce under the auspices of their worthy Order. A number of other visitors were present, and participated in both amusements and rtfreshmeato. Timaeu Sports -The Caledonian sports were continued at Timatu yeetereay. Tha weather was showery and cold, and the attendance moderate, The chief interest was in the gymnatisc and eword display by a Christchurch professional and his pupils. Tiie cycle events were bebter than the firsb day. Marriott won the half mile, Huiton the mile and two mi'.ea, and Fairwaather the three miles. W Angland won the 161b inmmar event, 121 ft sin, and afterwards threw 129fc 7in, the hummer weighing 161b Without a handle. " He pat the 16ib weighb 35fb2|ln. D-Marao.vered2of« Bia in a long jump, and 41ft in a hop, step, and jump. JJ Eforgan, in the running high jump, reached 6fc 4 n, and W Fi zjerald 9ft 9in in the pole vault. P MoAahffa (15yds) won the 150 yards in Jsieo, H Payne (scr) the 300 yards in 31f sec, X Bennison the quarter mile hurdles in 65J e«c, and J Mc^nllffe (15yde) the half mile event in 2osln Iseo.

Wesleyan—At the clrouib quarterly meeting of ofijoe bearers connected with the Ashburton Ws>lßyan Church, held on Thursday nignt, there were nine members present, including R<*v Thos Fee, who was in the chair* It was reported that during the last three monthß several church members had left the district, but a similar number hftviog recently settled here, tho roll of membership stood at about the same as in September last. The circuit expenditure was over £7 in exoess of the income, and it was decided io ask the town aad country congregations to wips cff the total debt of 3>y £50 by thanksgiving offerings on a Sunday to bs fixed by the circuit stewards and superintendent) Minister. In the ab sence of report^ consideration of Sunday Sohooi matters was deferred. Messrs John Orr and H M Jonas were re-flleoted circuit) stewards, and the eatno gentlemen were appointed representative and substitute representative respectively to the aiauual Conference which is to take p'aee in Dunodin noxb Februarys Sooiety and poor stewards were likewise elected, and other matters, more or less important, having received attention, the meeting adjourned at a com paratively early hour.

Pbesen.satioit—Ab the weekly msetingof the Citholio Literary Bq.oiety ? held -jn tha Boys' School last evening, 9 social eyaning was apenb amongst) the members to make a fibbing send-off to their late worthy Prasir dent, Mr J Kennedy, The Bey Pr Kennedy [resided, and in the course of a very able speech befitting the oocasios, presented Mr Kennedy, on behalf .|)f the members of tho Society, with a very neat and substantial walnut writing desk, The rev ohalronn said thab Mr Kennedy .had proved himself an invaluable member of the Sooiety, and as President was all thab could be desired, and ho aasored Mr Kennedy that in !eivag, it ahcu'd be a consolation bo him to know that his services were thoroughly appreciated by Ihe tremherSi During the evening several (f the members, by able speeches, alluded to the high esteem and respect in which the §sfliety holds Mr Kennedy, Mr M J Burg m ajao presented, asa mirk of personal esteem •■o Mr Kennedy, a handsome ink stand. Mr X nnedy replied, thanking the members for lijeir preseufc»tion and good wishes ior b.in> self and family, and assured them thab no one was more eorry than himself for having to leave them, and although resigning as President, he would continue as a member as long aa he was able. Songs, icmtitions, eta, weie givea during the evening, and the maeting terminated with ' For he'a a plly good follow/ and cheers for Mr and Mn Kennedy, and family. Mr Kennedy left for his niw home in Garaldine by the express, Second-hand Bicycles—We would advise our readers who may r<quire & really good second hand Bicycle to go 1 to the City Cycle Wo'.ka, Bttrnetb Street, whare you can obtain various makes of machines, fa good ordoa, from £3 to £10, All the above machines have been reduced by one«half their

value The eighth consignment of this season's new goods just unpacked by Messrs Gates Lowry & O*i, comprise the very latest* in cycling rrquis'tes, among them are now styles in cyolingoapea and Lacas's latest candle lamps. The public cap always rely on getting the best of everything ab the Cycle Works Buruefcb Street, Dried Fruits—lt seems strange to us that New Season's Dried Fruits, suohas currants, sultanas, etc, are sold cheaper in Ashburton than by any of the Ohrhtohuroh houses, which any of our readers will readily see by oomparing Messrs Fietcher Bros advertise ment with any of the Chrie'.churoh store keepers' advertisement. We consider they should be well patronised on account of their keeping Che prices of groceries to the loweec payable level. There is no doubt about ib, if they were not doing business in Ashburton our readers would hays to pay far higher for their goods. So therefore it is lo your in'.ereat to give them all the business you can Wade's Worm Figs are moat effective and not unpleasant; phildren thrive after taking them price, la

Sporting.

AUCKLAND RACES

FOURTH DAY

Ellerslie Racecourse J*n 2 Concluding results : — f tebpleohasb — Vnltigear I, Rufus 2, Stray bird 3. i)iva~£4 7a 6d and £2 2i 6d Kewmakkst — Hohoro 1, 8b Olga 2, Tflkopuna 3. Uiv3-£4 4i 6' and £6 9$ Pi ate — Cruciform 1, Bluejacket; 2, Hippo wait Div-£L 4s 6d Font Handicap, of 100 eova ; five fur louga-Mr H Frtedlander's Si) Luanda 1, Lady Avou 2, Gladys Rose 3. Div—£2 9a and 17a

METHVEN SPORTS AND RACES

The annual sports and race-meeting were held ab Metbvao on New dear's Day, in Mr J Nee's paddock, adjoining the township, and another successful venture la added to , the list of the many held in the * Highland City.' In spite of the dull and somewhat threatening weather, a large number of visitors from the surrounding country arrived, and the township turaed out in ids fulness, the attendance being fully up to the average of this annual function. The rain held off and nothing Interfered to mar a pleasant d»y's outing and, spor'. The Committee had worked well, everything passing off without a hitch. A special meed of praise is due to the Indefatigable secretary, Mr 0 H Allington, to whose untiring energy much of the success is owing. Mr L Wood was judge; Mr H M'Lean, starter; Mr J Sullivan, Clerk of course; Mr Jonathan H bbs, Clerk of scales ; and all did (heir utmost to promote the suocess of thn raoiop, Mr J Stewart, Mr J L Bhir and Mr T \langin had charge of the a!hletiu events, and discharged their duties in a manner pleasing to all. The Msthven Brass Band, under the conductors hip of Mr Kdwin Lock, performed during the day and contributed much towards the pleasure of the visitors. The racing generally was good, and tome of the events were especially interesting', notably the Hmdicap Time Trot, in which some spleadid trotters made their appearance, wlch tha result that a One race was run. Mr R Lyne's Lignite starting from the back mark made a sensational run i in the last round, leaving the fta'd as i though they were standing still, and at the distance he looked a certain winner, when he broke, and the j >» key was unable to pu'l him up in time, Cardiac coming through and winning in splendid etyh. The Victoria Cross Race, an innovation as far as Methven is concerned also provided a very interesting : and exciting event. This race was open to members of tshe AshburtoQ Mounted Rifias, four of whom entered ; Trooper Brown of Mount Somers; Trooper Stringfellow of Chertaey, and Troopers Hibbs and Campbell of Mefchven; The horses had to be ridden : ever four flights of hurdles, then the riders to dismount under fire, pick up dummy and oover the same course to the winning post. The event, whioh was rue in heats, revailed thac the ' amateur rider' was able to rida as pluckily and coolly as many of his profet tional brethren. The local man was first pist the poet in each heao, though in neither case was it easily wont The struggle between Hibbs and Stringfellow was excep tionally good, the former winuing a hard run race by about a length and a quarter. The final resulted in a splendid victory for Hibbs, who succeeded in dismounting, picking up j the dummy, and off again in a, remarkably j short time, which gave him the advantage and the raoe The following are the details :— Op^n Maiden Fiat, a Handicap of lOsovs; Becond horse to receive 1 bgv from ihe stake. About six furlongs Mr G Baxter's eh g Baira, 9ab 31b (Fox) 1 Mr G T Smith's oh g Warning, 9ib ..2 Mr H McLaan's L'Abandonno 3 The only starters. Won by a leogbh, four lengths separating second and third. Maiden Tro", Handicap, of 7 aov«, second 1 sqv from the stake Mr W Btpokllll'sb g Marawhiti saeo (J Stewart) .. ..  1 Mr W Gordon's br g Simple Harry, Baeo 2 Mr H Harvey's blk mPheon.ssec ... 3 M&rawhl soon oaught the limit horses and lead tha whole distance, winning easily. Methven Cup, a handicap of IS soys, second horse to receive 1 soy. One mile and a quarter Mr R Ball's b g Birney, lOsb 21b (W J Wood) .. .. .. .. 1 Mr J Smith's bgNo 9, lOat 7ib (Smith) 2 Mr Richard's eh g Carlo, Hat Tib ..3 Mr JMee's All Saints also started, Ab the distance Barney dma away with a great) rua and was nob troubled, winning easily by about three lengths, Carlo a length away

Handicap Trof, of 10 sovn, second 1 soy from the stake. About) two miles Mt G Baxter's br g Cardiac, 15360 (J Stewart) .. .•  ... 1 Mr J Harris' b g Harris' b g Jack Nim ble, 22 00 (MoOrea) .» 2 Mr H T Smith's m m Dipl ma, 12eeo 3 Mr R E Lyno'a Lignite, Mr C E Ayrbon'a Jubilee Pluoger, Mr R J Shiel'a Irish Girl, Mr Harvey's Pheoo, and Mr Daherty'a ! Nancy also started. A good rac, Cardiac winning by about a length and a half, Diploma close up third Ladies' Purse, a handicap of 10 soys, second 1 soy from the stiket About) six furlongs. Mr G T Smith's eh g Warning, 9ab IQlb (G Smith) ... «■ ... ll Mr H H Sharplia'a cb g Incho»pe, list 71b «. .„ 2 Mr H McLean's oh g St> Reef, 10it 31b... 3 Mr H T Smith's Artilleryman also ttorbed. Ar illeryman failed to get away, and the others raced together to the distance, where Warning pulled away and won easily by six lengths, the same distance between second and third Hack Raoe, of S soys, second Igsi Hsif $ mile Mr W Carlbon's Bingle^ 9sb lOlbs (W J Wood)    •• 1 Galway Jack , ... ,„ 2 Bauble , . ... . 3 Tenderfoot, Primrose, Nancy and Brass also started, Won by a couple of lengths, Victoria Cross Rac?, First £5 sa, beoond £ Is Firsfe Heat—Trooper Campbell 1, Trooper 1 Brown 2 Second Heat—Trooper Hibb3l, Trooper Sbringfellow 2 Final Heat—Hibba 1, Campbell 2 Consolation Raoe, % handicap of 5 soya, Besond lOs 1 About e\x furlongs Mr H H Sharplia'a Inchcpe, lOjt 41bs (B Sharplin) 1 Mr J Nee'a All Salnre, 9it 3tb .. .. 2 Mr H Moan's Sb Reef; 9«t .. .. § Artilleryman »od No 9 also started. Won by a length, The Athletic Events resulted as follows : Maiden Race, 100 yds, First £1, second 10s ~-P Fahey 1, Kendall 2 Hurdle Race, 123yda, First £1 15s and trophy, neoond 15j—D Fergus sor 1, H E Gordon 7yda bhd cor 2 IOOYda Handicap, First £1, second 10s— J R Griffin 7yds I, P Cronin 7yds 2 440 Yds H&ndioftp—First £1 10s, aecond 15s-G Hebblewhite I2yda 1, H R Ledger wood 10yds^ . Consolation Race, gOOyds—Firsb £J, second JOa-^-W Campbell I,'G Ironeide 2 ' -■ ■ Boys' Rao6, lOOydg—A McDonald 1, G Bridon 2 Boya' Obitacle Race~W Burroughs 1, H Wright 2 Girls' Raoe~B Rolls 1, M Stoba 2

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Aseociation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Jan 1 The Prinoo of Wales reprefeats the King at the Kaiser's birthday celebrations. Playing on a system Lord Rosslyo won 100.0 HO frarioa at Monte Carlo. Sir John Colomb has addressed a memo randum to Lard Selborne, First Lord of t)he Admira Ity, In which he proposes that C*nada and Australasia should provide naval reserve garrisons at Hong Kong and Wei-haf-wel. Ha holds that fn the event of war there is little fear of warehips attacking coaling stations owing to the Ecvrci'y of ammunition and the limited Ufa of gmn. Lord Marcus Beresford has been appointed s querry and manager of the King's thoroughbred stock. This is interpreted to mean thac the King will continue racing. i Slgnor Marconi makea Trans-Atlanfcie wireless experiments from iha O*pa to Sooth America. London, Jan 2 | King Edward conferred the Victorian j Order upon the Grown Prince of Siam, on the occasion of his maj irily. New York, January 1 The Bowery Theatre has been destroyed by fire. New York, Jan 2 General Palmer has been elected President of Caba. Ottawa Jan 2 Canada's exports last year were valued ab 196 million dollars, and her imports at 190 million dollars. Sydney, Jatmary 2 The first coin of the gold issna bearing the King's effigy was struck afc the Sydney mlnfc today. The Federal Execatbe passed the necessary regulations for the operation of the Immigration Restriction Act, Sir Gordon Sprigg.the Cape Premier, In hia New Year greetings to Mr Barton, saysj—'M^y y-ur eff>rts with ours ensure it being a year of pesos in Sotrh Africa.' Mr Barion replied with similar eentimanta.

Old Age Pensions in England.

Uoltod Press Association—By Kleofcrlo Telegraph—Copy right.

London, January 1 A thousand delegates have convened a Trades' Union Congress and Co-ope rative Union Congress, to tneefe at Exeter Hall on the 14th, to formulate ao old age pension scheme, The Executive of the Foresters' Order unanimously adopted a resolu tion against State aided old age pen sion?.

The Wesleyan Twentieth Century Fund.

United Press Association—By Elect! lo Telegraph—Copy righ London, Jan 2 The Wesleyans of the United King dom last; Sunday collected £65,000, completing the fall amount of their Million Guineas Jubilee Fund.

New Zealand's New Commandant.

United Presa A«aoc!atlon~By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright) Albany, January 2 Major-General Babington, the newly appointed Commandant of the New Zealand d< fence forces, accompanied by Mrs and Mies Babingtcn and Captain Campbell, his chief of staff, bis arrived here bj the Himalaya, en route to New Zealand.

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Brussels, January 2 The newspaper Independence Beige tells Kruger that if Great Britain grants the Boers independence, she will lose all prestige, and the entire British nation will rise to protest against aban doning what has been gained at.so greit a sacrifice. London, January 2 i The blockhouses in the StanJerton j district frustrated Botha's attempt to send reiuforceniPhts to De Wet. The Standard states that the British defence at Tweefontein was more stub born and sustained than was at first apparent. The picqaet on tbe crest was seized and killed, and no shot was fired until the Boers, descending, stab bed the Yeomanry with the picquet's bayonets. A gallant rally was made, Major j Williams, while directing the defence, | fell with fourteen wounds. The tide of the fight ebbed and flowed, bat num bers $old\ The captured Yeomanry was stripped j and then released. ' | Ten miles from the scene of the fight | De Wet, with five hundred men, two j quaSi and two pom poms, fought a rear guard action with Major General Elliott, in the direction of Reitz. The commando afterwards divided north east of LiridJey. frustrating pursuit. Concealed Boers shot Steere and Kerr, intelligence officers, dead, during a parley with pseudo-surreuderers at Warmbathp. The <fQ" Battery brought back to j England four Victoria Grosses and two Distinguished Servica Orders.

The Colonies and the War.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Jan 2 There are already twelve hundred local volunteers for the Federal Con tingent.

A Policy of Isolation.

Ualtsd Press Assooiatlon —By Slootrid Telegraph—Copyright s

Budaprsr, Jan 2

Ooloraaa de Fz=jli, the Hungarian Premier, receiving » deputation of Liberals, complained tbab Enrope— and especially Germany—was pursuing a fiscal commercial policy tending to isolation. He added, tha* on the 12th December, the House of Reprf feivos struck for an equitable settlement between Hungary and Austria, ontbe basis of a common customs tariff. •& grace responsibility rested with tha National parties through Austria inter poking irrelevant obstacles.

FLEMINGTON.

The lab of January was a red letter day in the history of Flemingtor. The School Committee had arranged to hoiiitt the New Zealand fhg on that day, and the event was looked forward to with interest. The pro* n°edings were opened by singing thft 100 th P<s»lm. The chairman, Mr ttJ 3?aylor, then mavfl an address which was well fifccad to profit all who listened t.i it. His youngest daughter had been selected to hoist the flag, and she performed the ceremony cnretuljy and euooeaefully. A slighb bireeze was Wowing at the tints, and it ex+'eaded the fltgto its full dimensions and showed ifcs Ofautiful oolourg, Afcer hearty oheet» the National Anthem was eung mh the Rev J Skinner was asked bo say a few word*. tie did bo explaining the mining of. the fltg that was now fl ating above them. He tfja that fnnr Pa tnighb well express that meft&iog —British possession, power, privilege and patriotism. H» was cure that, if any enemy ever landed on our shores, the Plemlngton men would rally roand that fitg and defend their country. Hearty oheei I were again given, atad the interesting ceremony olosed with the benediction

O:i the same day the uaual Sunday School pionio was held "ab Mr Wm Anderson's hou^e. The weather was all that could be desired, and the games, the friendly inter' oonne, the good things whlob the ladien had provided, and the beautiful surrounding, all tended to m-ke the masting most er-Jiyable. Prisns were distributed to all the scholar*, and lollies, the gifb of Mr Mitchell, wera scattered broadcast and eagerly picked up. Mr Mitchell never forgebs the young people, and the Sunday School teachers and the parents feel graceful to him for his kindness Hearty thanks were also accorded to Mr Wm Anderson for throwing his groaads opeti and for his attention to aIS the wants of hia numerous guest*. Mr Andrew O:r too had his need of praise for a number of valuable pr z s, which called forth keen competition in saok and other races, Tho shades of night fell all too faitt, and every one wenb home greatly dellgbliea with th« day's outing

Tinwald Town Board.

A epeolal meeting of the Tinwalcl Town Biard was held last night in the TeiuspUr Hall, Tinwald. Present-Messrs 1 Doherty and T Williams *

The Chairman stated that the epeolal business was to oonrder tha appointmeot of a day in the week on which to observe iba baU holiday for shops It was resolved that Thursdays be th» statutory half holidays for shop* A meeting of the Board waiL ataa h«i<| after the abwe to receive an application from the Clerk and Surveyor for a twelve months' leave of abssnee on account of his acceptance of a captain's commission ici the Eighth Contingent for South A frioa Mr Scaly moved—Thab the »ppHo»tlon of Mr A A f ooka for twelve months 1 leave of absence be granted to enable him to pirooeed to South Africa in order to carry out hit duties aa an efficer with the Eighth Contin gent Seconded by Mr T Williams and carried uoanitnous'y Mr Doherty moved,—That this Board takes advantage of the present oppor tunity to place on record its high appre ciation of the valuable eery toes of its Oterk and Surveyor, who has oooupied thatptMitlon for so many years, and trusts that he will return to the district)'in due course and reeume his duties Beconded by Mr Gudsell, and carried uuanimously

CRICKET.

THE SECOND TEST MATCH.

ENGLAND v. AUSTRALIA:

Melbourne, Jan % There waa beautiful weather today atd a Jarge fttteuduncp. '-As the day worsen the wlelsßt beaame excellent, The partnership fjr the sixth wickbfc raised the hopes of this Australians, while Hill's exoelhnbperform ance remove! the match from being aa absolutely one Bided one : Australia. First Innings .. , - \\% Second Innings Darling, c TyldesWy, b Biruon  23 Tramblf, c Brauud, b Bkroec,  16 Kelly, run ouS; ... .. ,7-v 5 Hgvvell, 0 Hfy»varf], 0 Barnes ... 0- Jpnee, c Mkdarf n, b Birnen  •♦' 6 Gregory, c b B »rnes .... ,„ 17 Hill, c Jocea, b Biunes  • • §9 Trumper, c Liiley, b Barnes   ift Noble, !bw, b Biythe  ,'„ 16 Duf, nob out ..  ... 7J Armstrong, not; out .. ,;  26 Bundriea .„ ,„ ,' t 9 Total for nine wickets .. : , 300 England First lanings «.  ,„ 61

Mishap to the Mapourika.

Uuifccd Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Nelson, January 2 In coming the Fienoh Paeii »boo.t> 4 o'clock this morning, the steamer Mapomika swerved, and touched the beaoon with her bow, canting the beacoti. No damage was done to the steamer, but it is believed the lamp on the beacon was broken. Those on board the steamer taw 6h<» light keeper put off from tbe main land bo the beacon, Ihe Mapourlka went) atterip, fend. did not oorae through the ]j?a«s for a &o«p]«i of hoursi A preliminary enquiry hat been held by the Oolleobor of Custom*, who will forward the evidence to- the Marioa Department.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(Wo do not bold oarmlves responsible tan opinions expressed by oat correspondent!

SALEYARDS AT MAYFIELD.

TO THE EDITOR

Sib,—During the last few years aach has been tbe change la the Mayfielcl tni Ria«puna districts that I think it is about time we followed the encouraging lead given by the Metbven settlers and have a stock sale, Bay monthly, at Mayfield. As you are aware, sir, Mayfield ie 22 miles from Tinwal i, and over 23 from either Methven or Geral'ltne oa the direct road between those places* It !■ alae a convenient (.lags for 'sheep to gat (q from the Rangitata and Ashburton gorges. Again, ibis a csntre from which roads radiate in every direction, and it like wise the centre, or nearly so, of one of the premier stock fattening districts in New Zealand, a district in which pretty well all tbe lambs bred ace fattened, and a great many ahsep on surplus turnips, making the grazws in the district large buyers of ewes and store sheep.—l am, cto, Ewabd Taylor,

f HJS ASHBUETON GDABDIaN j JTBIDaY, JANUABY 3, 1902



F. FERRTMAN FOB SALE, TANCEED STREET, ASHI UftTON. A SOTOD INVEi-TMENT. I'HaVE reoeived ln^raotioni from Mr Kdward'Gibbaid to sell part of Town Section 108. sitnatfd In lancet Ktreo% opon which »a erected a vety ccmEoodu.Ui »nd convenient Dn-per'a •- hup. wii.h dwelling attachtd, large front gla-ts wiadowi", g.-.od poßit'.on. The jit-.p^r y let to a Rood tenant, and is yielding an S'anuiil rental of £91 Ful! pattieuhrs m»y be had on appli oatSou to ■ ■ F FEKRIMAN, Lind and Estate Agent, Ashborton SHEEP FARMS. 1" HAVK several roo;! Sheep Farms for sa!o, ranging from 850 to 1800 Acres. The pr« pertius are well fenced and wiifcered aad are within eaey acce;B of a market. Fall particulars on application. F. FERRIMAN, L*»nd and Estate Agent FOB SALE. I HAVE rtcoived Inetructione from the owner, who is leaving the district, to sell two acreß of land at Allenton. fcogather wlh the stable erected thereon ; mus^ be cold ab unoe< F FERRIMAN, Licensed Land Broker, Land and Estato Agent BUSINESS NOTICES I O "* ID L-J • ■§.§ f-ri v * 00 5 Xi iPj " § J --'§ 2 w M 1 § > §l 6 > >y . *= 3 no ,_J I I W « H OQ Qh s fFl^oTlcir" 'SEVENTH VISIT TO ASHBURTON Of THE Polyp&thio Medical Institute, CHRISTCHUROH. FBIDAY Aftiernooo, January 3rd, 2pm until S p.m SATURDAY, 4-.h, 9am nn'al 1 r-m Coß»olbation free—Moflfttt'u Hotel - 12 222 *j™"™ T.._ „. ...- l < ■BIW 2i£ ALAND CLOTHING FAOTOJRY HAS arepotation for BOYS' CLOTHING I'hafc the following lines uphold : CALL AND INSPECT Boys' Sailor Suits 5a 6J Boys' Melville Suits 9s 6d Boya'Norfolk Saita lla Boys Norfolk Suits 15s Boye' 8 Garment.Suite 18s 6d Boyb* JKharkte Saita 7s Boy&' Washing Blouses 49 G»rsut«eil to ba tfeo very bbot;.qualiot OBtAINABtB for the naot.ey. HEW ?*E&.LHND CLOTHING UAOTOBY LOTHIHO Jf AOTORY



BUSINESS NOTICES . 1 Good News to the Afflicted. THE POLIPATHIC MEDICAL INSTITUTE, 01? CHRrsTOHUBOH. ;■ EVrNTH VISIT TO ASHBURTOM TO-BAY TO-MORROW, FiIIDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 3rd, 2 pm. uatil 8 p.m. SATURDAY, JANUAKY 4th, 9 am, antil I p.m. wtL "I F you are fesling weary, languid, er "oat of oorte, '** tes£*Ltf -*- WRITE and HAVE ADVICE, la many iastanoes J^i**^fe^^&A'ho origin of diseasa is very simple ; and all that m%y bo J^^^^^^^^S^infOenßry i- a litt'o found advics, for nature never gMSßWMstßßfiSi*™*** ignoraaoe. Knowledge, then, h what i« needed, mSBBBB£SB&S3* nd ihafc you will get if you conaulfc the POLYPATHS, iw^^^^^^^M THKY ? AVE CDIVED THOJJ3ANDS OF B^HBb(&3hImIRB Consult*! ion, Examination and Absolute Treat- BBSBSSSmB MEDICINES ONLY PA7D FOR. mH^3|^Hß| SURELY A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY. POLY PATH V, the New Method of Mealing, is flttßOaSfSm^^^^^Mflß the surest) and most rapid Sysfcem. as it cares snoh HgP^H-g^g^^gMt diseaeea as GaKOER, EPILEPSY, and ASTHMA Zl_^' 1 —incurable under the old system—as well a 8 all •SBfj^^l^^^ggfci' Ohrontc and nervoad complaint of women and men. MORE CURBS BY POLYPATHY THAN AKY OTHER SYSTJM IN THE WORLD. They treat all Female Ailments by the Polypathlc Methods, which do away with all examination and local trea'ment. . They alao deeire to impress upon all man who are suffering ih«jt fchfy nave the jastly celebrated Hindoo Remedy, so well and favourably known in the Old World as the * Ami-Agneahal Tabule Method.' All desiring to tesb the extern will havo each ifycu cwnob Visit, WRITE for Question List to CBRISTOHURCB, with Stamped Envelope, and yoa wilt receive an immediate reply. M>dlcljw Packed Free from Observation. Carriage Paid P«*reei Post. THOUSANDS OURED ANNUALLY BY LITTER 12 220 ~ " w!e~Te~l l MBIT HE R SUGAR NOR BR BAD, BUf IF YOU WANT EMBROIDERIES WE OAN SHOW YOU THE FINEST RANGE EVER OFFERED I X ASHJJURTON. BUT DO 'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT. 00MB AND SEE THE GOOD 3IN WINDOW. TUB RESULT IS CERTAIN BUSINESS WITH MITCHELL & TURNER. The Cheapest Shop in Ashburton. LAWN MOWERS. LAWN MOWERS, FROM 22s 64 EACH. Including * Monarch,' • Pastime,' • New Easy/ &c. GARDEN~TOOLS. Tr°TGEN yTir\h: rOKL FEBRk?E yD .'sYMOUSE' Oombiaation Seed Drills and Oaltlvatora. florae Hoes and Cultivators saperior to Pianat Jr at i leea pnoe SHEEP SHEARvST' 0' SHEEP SHEARS- I "have just received my firat ahlptnenb, iooludiog TUS, BBA, 11A, etc; also Turkey and Waaliita Oil Stones all AT BEDBOOK PRICES OARPBiKkB' TOOLB-Ab mual, I am up to date Id vvwty and price. (The largest) selection.in the Auhburton County too(> from G. MEDDINS, The Peopled Ironmonger, Burnett Street, Opposite Arcade "^l^™ PALAOF-, ""* TOWS CLOCK. Xeiakgle, Ashburtqn. , , „ . AS there are m»ny porsona lo both Town MEB WHEELER (Uto of the Pnnoo A Albert Private Hotel) having pur- and Q Oun( . ry who have promised support to chftßed the above old oßtablwhod Honso la prepared to receive Boardera and Travellers. th . g o jjj eot au^ no doubt would like to see The House has been completely renovated throughout, and has all lha comforts of a t h e (j! oc k j n the' Cower, they are asked to boms, Terir.B moderate. la ou —— ■ forward their Subscriptions aa promptly as |j ii § I &■/%«! » ThQ Bum o f Forty-Five Pounds is yeb t required, Bnd aa the Clock has been ordered, ib is desirable that the neoosaßry amount ( """ bei° "•■"■•• W.H. COLLINS. m Mayor. .). WILSON TTAB a LARGE & BEAUTIFUL STOCK ... * JJL OF ARTISTIC HEISOH,MOATES; wall papebs, i f\^ y°u wi?lh a harpy New year * If Cheap or Expensive, to Suit All ' \J so buy your Boots at Mbllob's Zealanuia Bo fc Ptore. Groat Bargains Glasses of Rooms , they £ay at Mei/lok's *— : —-— ~ ~~ k BURNKTT BTKEEV « bauoke New veaae »



Bander & Sons Euoaiypti Extract,— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, acknowledged by Medical Qlinlos and Uui versities all over the globs. That the crude, resinous oils, whioh. Ire now foisted upon the public under the name of Euoalyp Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extraol, we state :—lb is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities &b Bonn and Grieiewald (Prussia), that only product* that are saturated with oxygen and freed of acids, resinous and other substances adheren to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by the plant To avoid the appalling consequeDceß result ing from the application of substitutes, etc., in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria, dysentery internal inflammation, etc*, ins'it fn getting Sander and £ons' Pobh Voi itinh Eto tvm Ex.SQAOT. and be safe



CANADIAN SEAWEED CURE In oases of Rheumatic <3out which show a tendency to resist ordinary remedies wo recommend a trial of the Greab Canadian Seaweed Cure, a scientific compound of natural vegetable prlnoiples obtained fr-tn. the neaweedi The seaweed core his been tried with excellent results by hundreda of yiobirae, Sold by all GiieKji«ti.«-4dvfc,



An earthquake, with its mystery, WiH cause the stoutesb heart to pause, The bravest) men in history, Have trembled at eld nature's laws The man who then invokes the salute Would rather sickness long eadure D He knows the thine for ohesb complaints la W E Woods' G-eat Peppermint Oare IMPATIENT PATIENTS. The moßb impatient person is tho one puffenug from Dytpapsia. H.a is if pi table, nervous, and despondent—au ohjaetof pity and aversion to those about) hitm Don't be a tiresome, irritable dyspeptic, and there is no real reason why you should be. Nature has provided a csrtain and sura remedy in Impey'aMay Applet It is kg absolutely safe, as well as the plaasantesti, remedy for Dyspepsia, Biliousness, Flatulency, lodi* gsst ion and # kindred complaints. Impey'a May Apple, whilst cleansing the system, acts aa a tcnio on liver, kidney?, and bowels ;it strengthen!! those organs instead of weaken« fng their action, and the good it doe* ie oermanent. Sold by alt chemisti and Storekeepers at 2s 6d per bottle. Wadbs Teething Powdbes for Babies are eootbiog, red ace fever aqd prevent Uotcbee ; pHoe, $|