EPHEMERIS.

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for December.

Commercial.

Australian Markets.

i Sydney, Dec. 24 Wheat — 5s Sd to 5s lOd, New Zealand chick, 5s 6d to 5s 9d* Flour—£ll 10s to £12 per ton; Manito ban £12 5s per ton. | Oats—N.Z., Algerian, 3s 7d to 3s Bd, prime feeding 3s 9d to 3 s lOd. Barley, New Zealand feeding, 4s 6d; malting, 4s 9d to 5s j Californian, 4a 3d to 4s 4d. Peas, blue, 10s. Maize, prime, 5s 3d to 5s 6d, Argentine i 4s 6d to 4s Bd. Bran —Is 5d Pollard—ls 9d Potatoes—£7 to £8 per ton. Onions—Wellingtons, £Q to per ton, local, £4 to .£4 10s. Butter—Prime, 9Jd to 10|d Ba,con—-lUd. to lsJ2d i Hams —New Zealand, Ts 2d. Melbourne, Deo. 24 Wheat—Old 5s 9d, new 5s 6^d. The ; Victorian wheat crop is turning out lower than was expected. Flour —JBII 10s per ton. Oats—Old, 3s 2d to 3s 6d, new, 3s to to 3s 4d. Maize—4s 6d. Bran—ls 4d Pollard—ls 8d Potatoes— £6 to £7 10s per ton Adelaide, Dec. 24 Wheat -5s 2d offering, and a halfpenny advance wanted. Flour ■—£ 11 per ton. Bran—ls 6id Pollard—ls 6£d Oats, unchanged.

Geraldine Live Stock Sale.

Owing to the wet weather, and the flood ing of the rivers the Geraldine stock sale on Wednesday was only moderately at tended, and the entries forwarded were much fewer than usual at this season. Fat ewes brought 13s lid, 14s, 14s Id, ]4s Bd, 14s 9d, 14s 10d; fat lambs, 12s 6d; ewes and lambs (all counted), 10s 4d ; 2-tooths, 9s 6d, 10s Gd, 13s 7d, 14s 6d; aged ewes and lambs (all counted);9s, 9s 6d, 10s, 10s lOd; 4,6 and 8-tooth ewes, 10s and 11s 6d. There was only a poor entry of cattle. A springer brought £o 12s 6d; 18-months' old bull, £3.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. sATUEDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1902. THE CLASSICS IN EDUCATION.

A good deal of controversy has been going on lately in this and other countries, where the Anglo-Saxon tongue is the vernacular oa the question, whether it is proper to give 80 much prominence to Latin in the secon dary schools and Universities. There is a grov/Snjj feeling that the practical part of education is o'i more importance to young men and women than the ornamental part; that scientific and technical training is more valuable and rational than to be taught to deliver a Latin oration, or to road Homer in the original. When the time available for acquiring knowledge is comparatively so shor£ it is argued that the useful must precede the ornamental. No one denies that the study of the classical writers is to some extent beneficial, and that it- may tend to cultivate a love of the beautiful in art and nature. But on the other hand, it is pointed out that the pro gress of civilisation throughout the world, and the vast increase of the fields of litera ture amongst our own nnd other modern nations, have removed the necessity of seek ico- amongst the writings of Greek and Latin authors for tVose gems of thought that may be found in classic literature. We admire those noble works, which tor cen turies have formed the only portal to a University education, but we maintain that it is absolute waste of time tt» compel all aspirants to academical distinction to go through a long and tedious training m one as mo?e languages, which will not be of the least use t& them in after life, unless they wish to become members of the lenrned professions. And why shoull the knowledge of Latin be mn.de compulsory in any of these ? Our luwb are not written in a dead language, and there is no neces sity for doctors to write their prescriptions in Latin. Our own language is a much more expressive and copious one than any of tfce languages of the past, and why should we ignore its advantages, and at the same time condemn our $\fp.% aad daughters to years of needless mental labour tq the neglect of more useful studies? The ex planation may be found in the innate con servatism of human nature on certain eubiects, of which education is ono. In the Clark a«6is the priests were the only instruc tors while' Latin *as the common tongue of the learned tliypughoui the whole of Europe, and men of different nation? cojild not communicate with one another except in that language. But now one can find no difficulty iii {^veiling through any part of Europe if he oq,n fspaafc , &OWJSJ?- The advocates for retaining tne d.etuj lan<ma*es in the University course claim that the study of the Greek and Latin author;* is elevating to the mind, which we may admit wifcjj some reservations. Yet can anyone deny jfchap the stijdy of the sciences is not infinitely more so V But if in this respect there vrevd Ujttje difference, j what is* there to compensate for forcing boys and girh to take tip uncongenial j jst^dies, which in ninety-nine cases out of a I hundred will have little, or no influence on | ifeeir future lives ? The years thafmen, a r*'t even wom^n, have v.'^st.ad in such nrofitless "tttdies at the most yaluable p'erfod of their lire* ■ WQuM h,vp been much inorfc profitably unvoted to work from which they i£.'<p« have reaped far more benefit, and which might also have resulted in advantage (o the world at large. No one can wonder at the tenacity with which those who have ! once passed through this educational mill, stick to the traditions of the past, and wish to make everybody see with their eyes. There is no feeling in the human mind stronger than the affection for old associa tions, but the old days when Latin was the only door to knowledge, have gone for ever, i The time has come when the practical must supersede the sentimental, and the people require that their children shall be better fittad for fche wprk they will have to do, than they can be by a University train ing under the present system. Reform is everywhere demanded, and it must come, if only to enable us to hold our own with other nations, which have long since recog- ! nised the necessity of eliminating all use- !; less work from their education systems, j Even our American cousins have ceased to ' consider a knowledge of the ancient classics, a necessary part of a University education, j while the Germans, who are in the front rank of enlightened peoples, treat the Eng- j lish language as we do the Lafcjn, and also ' make scientific training the most neGessajy ' part of education. ;

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Weatbb Fobecast. — Captain Edwin w i rGS : —fcrong winds to gale from between north aii west and south-west; glass fall, but rise s'ter 16 hours from now. The E>sj>ital.—A man named McFar lane, n,g& 55, a native of Yorkshire, who was adutted to the Hospital about a fort night agi died in the institution yesterday afternooi Soholstic—The High School Board to day seleeed Miss McGregor, of the Nelson Girls' Cdege,for the position of mistress of the Ashlirton High School. Temuiv Sports.—At theTemuka sports ' on Boxig Day, J. Fechney won the half mile angsaile handicaps from scratch, aud J. McTifjie rau second in the 440 Yards Hurdles.and won the Consolation race. • Chris'mas Greetings.—The Mayor has received;he following telegram from Sir Joseph Yard :-" Heartily wish yourself and Cowcilloss the season's compliments." j The Mtfov suitably replied on behalf of j the Uoriiigh Councillors and himself. j The Jomain —Tae Curator of the Domain inforingvis that another large eel has been taken out of the waters, this one weighing about 10t>s. The waters of the Domain can weli afford to be rid of these monsters, and it isto be hoped the lads engaged in eeling wll continue to have plenty of luck. ! Cath>lic Young Men's Societies.—The first atnual conference of the federated Catholfc Young Men's Societies was held in Wellington on Christmas Day. The re port and balance sheet was very satisfctory. It was decided to establish a magazine, and Ashbnitou was fixed as the place for the next coherence. Mtlkary Tournament.—The Military tournament began yesterday at Duaedin, but thY~wearner-~wa~s very unfavourable. The Fiw Mile Volunteer Champion. *ace was woe by Lance-Corporal Grudpi*f 6f Ash burton, Private J. Stewartr-being second. Sergeant Win. Anderson, of Ashburton G-uards,ran a dead heat with Gunner Dix for the ftile Volunteer Championship. ' Persckal—Sir William and Lady Stew ard hav< left for Hanmer, where they will remain ibout a fortnight. Captain Vernon Stewarc left Ashburton to-day lor South Africa.—Mr H. F. Nicoll, of the firm of Nicll Bros., returned to Ashburton, after a nsit to the Old Country, yesterday, i Mrs md Miss Porter, of Allenton, have tist returned from a six months' trip tothe Old Country. They had a very pleasait time, notwithstanding that then? was a orreat deal of wet weather. They came tc Sydney by the Orontes, one of the fineat toats in the Australian trade. (

Preientation—Mr Jas. Reid, of the Railway Department, who is removing from ishburton to Lyttelton, was on Wed nesday evening presented by the Foresters of Askrarton with a handsome gold Mal tese coss, suitably inscribed, as » mark of appredation of his long aud valuable service to the Order, in which he has passec through all the chairs.

A .STew Mail Service—On the Ist of Janixry next, a new mail service will be inaugurated between Baling and Carew, the latte' place being a new postal district situated between Ruapuna and Arundel. Mr L. Williams, of Mayfield, will act as nini' carrier. A3 the settlers round about fchisDow district have hitherto been com pelbd to travel several miles for their cor resphdence, the new service will prove of mujh benefit to all those affected.

7hs Late Db. Bluett—ln spite of the abominable" weather and the short notice, a cotsjderable number of friends and resi dents of the Rakaia district turned out to paj a last tribute of respect. The burial service was conducted by Rev. H. IT. Mithias, at Rakaia Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. The doctor ' was only in his fifby-seoond year. His death has cast a gloom over the whole place.

Information foe Anglers.—Mr Shury has received a note from Mr John Stud holme, junr., stating that the bridge on Wrecu's road about three quarters of a mile from his homestead is brokea down, but that; anyone going to the mouth of the Rangitata may for tho present go through the paddock just behind his house.—The Rakaia river is in flood, and is too dirty for fishing.

A Changeable Skason.—A resident of Springburu informed a representative of this paper yesterday that a fortnight ago he had the unique expsrience of gathering strawberries in the snow. It was a pretty sight, he said, to see the lovely deep pink heads of the strawberries peeping through the pure white snow. Truly tho vagaries of the elements are wonderful.

The Late Mr H. W. Barrett. —The re mains of the late Mr Barrett were conveyed to their last resting place this morning, aud were followed to the cemetery by about 30 vehicles, making a tota} number of about 150 persons. Messrs Q. F. Podita, &wan ston, P. Orr, W. Baxter, O. $.eid and J, Higgs acted as pall bearers. The service tit the grave was conducted by the Rev. G. B. Inglis. A large number of wreaths were forwarded from relatives and friends.

Complimentary Concert, —On Tuesday next, the 30th inst., the 4-shburton public will have an opportunity of hearing Miss Maggie Walls, % "young contralto, who will make her first appaaroase hepe on a cpnqert platform. Miss Wells is only seventeen. On the advice of Madame Dolores (Trebelli) she is about to go to England to have her voice further cultivated. She has received let^fcsrc cf introduction to Madame Patti, Miss" 'A'4a' Gsojjsl.ey, and Mr Santley, and other leading jgaglislP sjngeys. Qn Tues day evening, Miss Wells will give th'feo numbers, and will be strongly supported by Mrs Prendeville Wilson (Wellington), Miss Puchery, RAIL, and Mr C. Reid (Christ church), with Messrs MeClurg and Ander son nAjihburton). The programme will appear in af later issue.

A Phenomenon. —A unusual phenomenon was witnessed in . the' north-eastern sky i&p afternoon. A rain cloud, which our veportor wag £aforuied'by a gentleman well verged in such matters w'.ip of extraordinary thicknes?,Uungovei- the sky in the direction of the Peninsula,- wfcerg raiu was evidently decending in torrents. The peculiarity of the phenomenon was that it came to a tevMinatioß 91^ the pastern side in a straight Imp from the' ?ehijth to thp horizon, and jmcJer spch peculiar circu'nistances it is possible "fqv a drenching rain to fall inside a prescribed ■atea, wfrile, i person could stand ten yards away and' be as dry as a bone.

Mr Hornibeook's Classes. —On Wed nesday afternoon Mr Eugene Sandow paid 3, yjsisb to Mr 'Hoi'nibr#ok'c classes in Saun ders' Buildings, when seven puj/iis were bought forward, and put through•& number of^exerci?flS under the direction of Mr Hornibrook, one meniber of the class (Gon stablfl Eade) giving an exhibition of weight lifting, putting up a 1201b dumbell above his. hend with one hand. The Mayor, Revi T, Fee, Sergeant Barlow, Messrs* Bui? lock and Malet, an<J Drs Hunter and Boyd were also present. Mr Sandow expressed himself as much pleased with Mr Horni brook's pupils, their general appearance showing that they had received very care ful training. In a few words of advice, Mr Sandow told the pupils to study their physical culture, and not abuse themselves in any way. Several of the younger pupils were present.

Tee Blue Ribald of Ctcling.—At Lancaster Park on Christmas B&y, the amateur riders competed for the most valu able trophy in the colony, the Rudge-Whit worth Cup, value 100 guineas, presented to the N.Z. League of Wheelmen fay Rudge- Whitworth Ltd., of Coventry, England, which was won by D. M. Rodger, who started from scratch. Rodger was mounted on Britain's best bicycle, the Rudge-Whit wokth.— (Advt.) Those of our readers intending to buy a Christmas op tyeTy Year present, should give Fletcher Bros. a,&&ll, no during De cember they are giving 2s in toe'£ discpunt off all platedwai-e, clocks, and cutlery, so that anyone studying econony, should see fch.ojr stock, and get prices before buying elsewhetb

The Holidays.

The usual Christinas services were held in St Stephen's Church, Ashburton, and St Andrew's Church, Tinwald. In the Domain, the Ashburton Tennia Clnb J3 tournament was begun and the first rounds were got off by six o'clock. The day being fine, a good many people went to the beach, while a few went to Peel Forest.

PIC-NICS,

Including visitors, about 150 persons connected with the Baring Square Sunday School, proceeded by traction train to the Wakanui Beach, on Boxing Day, where it had been decided to hold the school's animal picnic. The outward journey was a most enjoyable one, but shortly after arriving at the rendazvous, heavy showers commenced, to fall, and, by the time lunch was over, the rain became so drenching that a speedy return home became impera tive. Camp was immediately struck, and, after the living freight, with a quantity of paraphenalia and surplus eatables had been stowed in the vans, a start was attempted. But the grassy road had become so sodden that the wheels of the engine failed to grip, and the tedious process of wire roping from the beach to the main road was pro ceeded with. Both young and old, and Messrs Watkins Bros,' locomotive staff ac cepted the inevitable with good humonr j and, while the trip home took five hours, instead of the usual two hours or less, various methods were adopted by sundry excursionists to make the time pass merrily. Some of the attempts were decidedly novel, and the übiquitous snap shot fiend who was on the alert for ludicious and happy situa tions will doubtless revel in the success of his productions. On arriving at Baring Square, about half-past seven, it was found that an advance party who left the;bea,ch by private conveyanceu-^ad. tea ready; in the school room, and their thoughtfulness was recog nised by a good old-fashioned cheer. Dur ing the journey to Ashburton a youth named McKay had his ankle injured from the wheel of the light van at rear of the brain passing over it.

The St Andrew's Church (Tinwald) pic nic went to the beach on the south side of the Ashburton river, there being several truck loads of people, drawn by a traction engine, as well as other vehicles. The rain of course militated against the success of the outing, but everybody seemed deter mined to make the best of it, until on com ing home the engine came to a standstill, owing to^the soft road, and everybody had to walK the rest of the way—some miles— home. However, the young people have had some pleasure and a novel experience.

There were several private pic-nic parties on different parts of the beach, most of whom appeared to be imbued with a genuine Mark Tapley spirit, and so made the best o£ everything.

The Sandow Company.

Although Christmas eve was not a con venient time for an entertainment in Ash burton there was nevertheless a good" ac tendance at the Oddfellows' Hall on Wed nesday evening when Rickard's No 3 Com pany appealed. The princip.il attraction was of course " The Mighty Sandow," whose fame has spread to the farthest corners of the earth, but the other members of the Company well sustained the reputation that had preceeded them. Professor Maccan's axhibition with a number of concertinas was worth going a long way to see and bear; his clever imitation of bands and other instruments being loudly applauded. The Misses Nita Leete and Ray Jones met with an excellent reception, and " Little Fanny Powers " was delightfully fresh and piquante both in her songs and dance. Mr and Mrs.Sydney Drew were excellent in a bright little comedy sketch, and Mr Mark Anthony created roars of laughter with his comic stories, and in his recitation referring to Tommy Atkins showed that he possesses great talent in that line. As for the star Sandow, no mere description of what he did could adequately convey to those who have not seen him an idea of the remarkable success that ha 3 attended his efforts to cultivate the magnificent physical powers Nature ha 3 endowed mm -vvirn; —tie maae his appearance first on a revolving pedestal, and assumed different attitudes which threw out tho various muscles of his body, and that exhibition alone must have been an object lesson to those of our young men who were present, seme of whom might be capable of being almost equally well de veloped. " Lifting weights of 130lbs and 2 L2lds ab»ve his head \*/ere as nothing to SandoWj stretching oijt a spring developer twice as far as six men appeared to be able to do by three pulling at each end, did not tpouble him much, and various other as tonishing feats called forth unbounded astonishment, and elicited rounds of ap plause from the audience. Another sur prising feat was to tear in half with his lingers first one, then two, and lastly three new packs of playing cards, in the last case I§6 Card? were so torn. Yeb another was to pick up a man Sylip probably weighed twelve stone, .and swing him up in the air and hold him at arm's length several seconds. But the crowning act nearly took th.3 spectators' breath away. He ca'ls it the " Tomb of Hercules." Lying on his back be raised himself on his arms, and legs, from the knee downwards until ajl was rigid, and he resembled a living stand sup ported by four pedestals. The attendants then placed upon him a large slab covered with velvet, and on this heaped up all the weights that had been used during the exhibition, two 130lbs each, one 2121b5, one 2301b5, several 561bs and finally the six attendants, who must have aggregated nearly half a ton, the total weight being probably about a ton. . And this enormous weight Sandow supported for three or four minutes. Had his arms or legs given way he must have been crushed to death, and realising this it is not to be wondered at that the spectators held their breath until the fearful pressure was removed and the great athlete rose and bowed to them. This exhibition of what physical culture can do for the human body was a most instructive and valuable lesson, and one that we trust will have good results in this town, as it has elsewhere.'

Correspondence.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

TICKS ATTACKING WILD, FOWLS,

TQ TjSE EDITOR.

Sir, —In reference to your remarks on the subject published in Monday's Guardian, I would state that it has long been known to naturalists that ticks of various species attack native birde. The late Mr Maskell, <gf Wellington, jcepprted thpm attacking penguins twenty years agoi and shortly afterwards Mr T. W. _liirk ? the present Government Biologist, discovered them on gulls and on an albatross. Some years ago J. discovered some on a shag shot on the Ashburton KifPFf Tne discovery by Mr J. Smith, of Wesfoerfield, of those detestable insects on wild ducks confirms the fact that they are mors.common ans widespread than we suppose them tq be. A remarkable feature in the history of these ticks Is that they only attack native New Zealand birds, and, at the present time, are. not known to attack birds in other parfc3 of the world, They are also forms all new to science, while each species of bird attacked has its own species of tick. Camels, cattle, deer, dogs, horsey, sheep aijd snakes are the usual victims of ticks,' but the several foyms of ticks attacking theui belong to a different group to those discovered attacking Ne^ Zealand biuds. Ticks generally live in the grass, where they could easily attach thein? selves to the animals or birds feeding op resting thereon,~-I am, etc, W.W.S.

Rakaia Sports and Races.

The Eakaia Boxing Day Sports and Races were held on the Eakaia Domain yesterday. Although some heavy rain fell before seven in the morning, there was a very large attendance, some 1500 people being on the ground. The course was in good order, and the officials worked well together. As a tribute of respect to the memory ofcthelate Mr D G Holmes (Patron), and the late Dr. Bluett (Hon. Surgeon), mourning ribbuns were carried by the officials. Tho pubHoans' booth this year was in the hands of Mr O'Reilly, of Chert sey Hotel, and he appeared to do good busiuess. The refreshment booth was looked after by Mr and Mrs James Irvine, who provided many good things of the season. Shooting gallery, Punch and Judy, and the usual noisy bookies, and a fair sprinkling of spielers were in evidence. About 1 o'clock, a slight shower fell, and soon after 2 o'clock a steady southerly rain set in, which did not tend to improve matters. The fields were good, and the the races well contested. The Ladies' Bracelet was run twice, the rider of a horse called Stoat, giving the order to go, which was responded to, and a most excellent race was made between All Saints, Birth day, and Stoat the latter just winning on the post. When the race was run on the official start, All Saints won comfortably, closely followed by Birthday ; Stoat being out of it. The Burnham Band added to the day's amusement. The last of the sports were carried out in a thorough soaker.

Following are the results :— ATHLETIC EVENTS.

Boys (under 16), 220 yds Handicap; prizes 10s, ss, and 2s 6d—J. Brown 1, W. Sheehan 2, S. Manion 3. A well contested race. Girls (under 16), 100 yds Handicap; prizes 10s, 53, and 2s 6d-A. Wright 1, A. Saun ders 2, E. Hampton 3. Boys (under 12), 90yds Handicap,- prizes 7s 6d, 4s and Is.—J. Breading 1, D. Sheehan 2, D. Brown 3. Men's 100 yds Handicap; prizes 25s and 10s.—J. Davison 1, R. Peckhara 2, P. Dolan 3. Won very easily ; close finish between second and third.

Girls (under 12) 80yds Handicap; prizes 7s 6d, 4s. and Is.—A. Wales 1, E. Wales 2, 0. Edgington3. Men's 220 yds Handicap; prizes 40s and 15s.—J. Davison 1, M. O'Reilly 2, R. Peck ham 3. A good race and a close finish. Boys (under 10; 60yds Handicap; prize 3 ss, 2s 6d, and Is.—L. Alexander 1, Jen Liddy 2, Jack Liddy 3.

(HGirls i under 10) 50yds Handicap j prizes ss, 2s 6d and Is.—May Middleton 1, Sarah Middleton 2, Jenny Middleton 3..

Men's One Mile Handicap; prizes 60s and 30s.—P. Rowntree, 60yds, 1; C. Coffey 2, J. Coffey 3.

Burnham Band Boys' Race—B, Malcolm 1, T. Lynch 2, R. Steven 3, J. Halford 4. Men's 440 yds Handicap; prizes 40s and 20s,—J. Davison, scr, 1, M. O'Reilly, 28yds, 2.

HORSE RACES.

District Flat Race, of 8 sovs; second horse 1 sov. from the stake. About three-quarters of a mile. Mr R. Baxter's ch g Beira, aged. lOst 51bs ■ ' • . (W.Fox) 1 Mr M. T. McAnulty's b g Marksman, 3yrs, 9.0, ... ... (C. Dunn) 2 Mr G. H. McCarten's b g Woodbank, 4yrs, 9.4 ... .. (Clark) 3 Galway Jack was scratched. Won easily by three lengths. Ladies' Bracelet, of 11 sovs ; second horse 1 sov. from the stake. About l£ miles. Mrs J. Nee's ch g All Saints, aged, 10.4 (W, Fox) 1 Mrs F. Demuth's b g Birthdey, aged, 9.9 2 Miss E. Curdy'sßye, 9.13.. ... 3 Stoat also coinjje ed This was a good j race run a second time owing to the rider j of Stoat in the first attempt giving the order to go. The starter, it is understood, fined him a pound. ; Open Saddle or Harness Trot, of 15 sovs; second horse 1 sov. from the stake. About li miles. 1 Mr W. Cromie's b m Impudence, aged, 15secs ... .. (T. Cromie) 1 Mr a. jw^c»KWv'o-v-g~-£iiu;odiQ I _.agi!d^ 30secs ' ... ... (A. Stewart) 2 Mr Jas. Morland's ch g Redwood, aged, 33-secs ... ... (Owner) 3 Viking, Edward R., Hard* Cash, Terata, Columbia, Cocoanut, Pirru, British Pluck, Maggie and Kitty also started. A" good race throughout.

Farmers' Plate, of 20 soys, second horse 3 soys from" the stake, About H miles. Mr T. SheenanV b, m Antigone, 4yrs, list 121bs ... (Sheenan) 1 Mr F. Demuth's br g Birthday, aged,

OstlOlb ... ... (Mrlnwood) 2 Mr J. Nea's eh g All Saints, aged, Ll.O ■"■■ ' (Fox) 3 Publicans' Purse, of 10 soys; second horse

1 soy. from the'stake. 1 mile. Mr G. M. Aynsley's blk g Eoper, 3yrs, Bstolbs . ... .. (Eadcliffe) 1 Mr D. McCormick's blk g The Wild Man from Borneo, aged, 8.7 (I^vans) 2 Mr F. Demuth's b. m Miss O'Connell, 9.5

(Mr Inwood) 3 Open Saddle or Harness Trot, of 20 soys, second horse 3 soys from the stake. About 2 miles. Mr W. Cromie's Impudence, ISsecs

(T. Cromie) 1 Mr J, Fitzgerald's bgHard Cash, 22secs (Owner) 2 Mr A. W. Baxter's br g Carodic, 37sec3 3 Hurry Scurry, of 5 soys; about fof a mile. Miss O'Connell ... ... 1 Eye ... .. .. .2

Lawn Tennis

THE ASHBUBTON CLUB'S TOTJBNA '

The Ashburton Lawn Tennis Club's Tournament began on Thursday afternoon on the grass courts in the Domain, the Weather being windy and cold. "The courts were decidedly soft, but in much better (j'rder than was expected in view of the rain of the previous day.-The circumstances were unfavourable fo? brilliant play. There were strong contingent! from South Can terbury, Qamaru, and "liunedin, and the local Clubs were well represented. The handicap matph.es weye th.c first to be played, but the only games qlqsejy contested were those between Messrs A. T. Spain and P. H. Cox, and A. Borrows and E. Salinond, in both of which matches seventeen games had to be played. The following are the results olthft firgt day'f play j—l ' Mbn?s Singles" Handicap (Mrst Grade). ' First Eound~A. W. ¥in| (fee 4-6,15) beat's. Longuet (sbr) '9-8/ T. Qrr (oy?@ 2-6, 15) beat E. F. Armstrong (sor) 9-3; A. T. Spain (owe 15) beat P. H, Cox (owe 3-6, 15) 9-8; C. H. Thompson (scr) beat T. Colthart (owe 3-8,; 15) Q-4 j C, A, Sujton (rec 3-6,15) beat L7Lopguet (reo 3-0,15) 9,-2; A- Bor rows (owe 3(^)"b'e&t El' Salmond (owe. 2-6, 15)9-8;H. Curtis' (rec 2 T 6, 15) beat D. Fi/iediand.e'r (rec 3-6,15), 9-7, Men's Singles Handicap (Second Grade)

First Bound—W. Y. Purchase (owe 3-6 > 15) beat R. Shearman (owe 3-6, 15) 9-6; F. Cowper (ofl?e 15) beat/VY, H. Amos (rec 15) Q-l; j. M. Dawson (s'er) beat S. Taylor (owe 3-6,15)9-7; P. Gray (owe 2-6, J5) beat A. Hart (owe 2<S, 15), 9-6; P, White (reo 15) beat S. Dixon (sc'r) 9-7; D. Wood (scp) beat L. Boss (reo 2-6,15) 9?6,

Ladies' Singjjes Handicap,

Miss Armstrong (owe 4-6,15) beat Miss E. Jackson (owe 4-6,15) 9-4,

Ladies' Doubles Handicap,

pisses Sirj,ndish and Fullarton (rec 2-6> 15) beat Misseg Shnsy and'Mcorn (rec 2-q, 15),^-i. :■ : ':: ; :' ''

Effects of the Drought,

S?dnet, Deo. 26 The decrease in the quantity of wool carried on the railways this season, com' pared !with last: year, is already 185,000 kales. ■ . r: The concessions oh the carnage or starv ing stocb' mean- a: loss of upward.s of '£100,000 a ydar. ' ' '

Mount Somers Sports and Races.

The annual sports and races were held yesterday in tho Mount Somers Domain. What promised to be a very successful meeting wns completely marred by, the wet weather. The special train which left Ashburton shortly after 10 o'clock took up a large number of people. About noon it began to rain and continued on throughout the afternoon, at times coming down very heavily. The paddock was a perfect quag mire, pools of water lying everywhere. After the second race had been run, a I meeting of the committee was held, and after a consultation with the owners it was decided to go on. Unpleasant as the sur- I roundings were, the officials worked like Trojans, and deserve special commenda tion. Mr Peache, the judge, left for home during the afternoon, Mr Nosworfchy tilling the vacancy. A good many families made for home thoroughly drenched. The gate takings amounted to £15. The refresh ment booth was in charge of Mrs Lillian. The Methven Band was in attendance, and after playing a few tunes, packed up and spent the remainder of the day under shelter. One athletic event was got/Off, and the rest abandoned. Following are | details:—

Maiden Plate, of 9 soys j second 1} soy form thevStake. Six furlongs.

Mr F. Warren's br g Tenderfoot, syrs by Artilleur, 9st 71b ... (Owner) 1 MrW. Gilbam's b g Glendevon, syrs 9st ... ... ... (B. Griffin) 2 Mr W. Grieves b m Mavis, 3yra, 9st (MrW.J. Wood) 3 Ladies' Chain, lOst 21b (A. Morris) also competed. Glendevon slipped the field at the start, but the heavy going soon brought him back. Tenderfoot then assumed com mand, which he kept to the end, winning* by a length and a-half, Ladies' Chain and Mavis some distance away. Maiden Trot Handicap, of 9 soys j second H soys. . One mile and a half.

Mr S. W. Burkitt's b m Bertie G, 4yrs by Electioneer, 9secs (W. Price) 1 Mr H. Harvey's bik m Phem, 6yrs, 3sece (D. Harvey) 2 Mr H. O. Jones' eh g Libertine, aged ' 6secs ... ... ... (R. Joneß) 3 Jack Nimble, scr (S. Hood),, Wildman 6secs (H. Hood), Cranky Jack, Bsecs (Ownes). and Freebooter, 9secs (Mcßae) also started. Bertie C. soon left his companion and led past the stand, with Cranky Jack as his nearest attendant. Libertine caught the last named at the back, and a little further on both he and Cranky Jack broke, but soon settled down again. Bertie C. by this time had established a good lead, coming in an easy winner, Phem, who had trotted well throughout, passing Cranky Jack and Libertine, gained Becond place, the rest strung out.

Mount Somers Cup, of 14 soys; second 2£ soys from the stake. One mile and a-half Mr W. J. Carleton's eh m Gold Bangle syrs, by Gorton 9st 121b (Mr Wood) 1 Mr S. Brown's oh m Fairy Rose, syrs 9st Sib .. ... .... (Sussey) 2 Mr W. T. Deak's b g Barney, aged list lib ... ... (Grieve)' 3 Soubriquet, 9st 121b (E. Griffin) also ran. From a good despatch Gold Bangle and Fairy Rose raced in company in the lead, Barney and Soubriquet lying behind. At the end of the first circuit the last two made effort to improve their positions. Three furlongs from home Gold Bangle came away from Fairy Rose and left the field, passing the post six lengths to the good, Barney and Soubriquet pulling up. Stavelet Trot, of 13 soys; second 3 soys from the stake. Two miles. Mr W. H. Moses' g g The Doppleganger . by Baltimore- Daisy Bell, aged, sor

(Owner) 1 Mr H. 0. Jones' oh g Libertine, aged 26secs ... ... (R. Jones) 2 Mr A. Wilson's blk h. Transit Royal, aged, 14secs ... ... (Healy) 3 Jack Nimble, ISsecs (S. Htiod), and Wildman, 26secs (H. Hood) also started. For the first mile Libertine led, and The Doppleganger'threaded his way through in the next two furlongs, and got on terms with Libertine at the top of the straight, where tho latter broke. The Doppleganger was kept going, and. although Libertine maJe up some lost ground, he suffered defeat by four lengths. The others-were unsuited to the heavy going. Anama Handicap, of 12 soys ; second 2 soys from stake. One mile. Mr W. J. CarletonVch m Gold Bangle syrs, by Gorton, list 2ib, mcl. pen. (MrW. J. Wood) I Mr S. Brown's eh m Fairy Rose, syrs 9st 51b (Sussey) 3 Mr W. T. D'oak's b g Barney, aged list 71b ... .., (Grieve)" 3 Nutcracker list 101b (Mr Claridge), Sea Wave; 9st 9ib (Warren), and St Finbar 9st, (Crowley) also ran. The heavy rain made it impossible to distinguish the horses, but when they came near enough. Gold Bangle was some lengths in front of Fairy Rose, maintaining her advantage to the post, winning comfortably. Nutcracker and Sfc Finbar were the last two, some distance away.

Springbukn Welteb, of 10 soys ; second li soy from the stake. One mile and a

quarter. Mr F. Warren's br g Tenderfoot, syrs by Artilleur, lOst ... (Owner) 1 Mr W. J. Carleton's ch m Gold Bangle, syrs, list 101b ... (S. Carleton) 2 Mr Dugald Fergus' b m Kitty, 4yrs 9st 91b (Owner) 3 These were the only starters. At the start Tenderfoot took the lead,Gold Bangle at his quarters, Kitty tailing off. A fur long from home Tenderfoot drew away, and eventually won hard held by a dozon lengths. Consolation Handicap, of 6 sovs; second 1 sov from the stake. Six furlongs. Sea Wave, 9st 71b (Warren) i Barney, list 71b .'.; .„ 2, St Finbtir, 9st 71b 3 Won by two lengths, St Einbar twelve lengths away third."' Medley. Race, of 5 sovs; second 1 sov fronj the stake. About one mile. Double Shuffler . (E.Mcßae) 1 Valyo .' 2 Lord Roberts', Mavis, Ben Lomond, Ugly Mug, Laddie, and Phem also ran. The. winner took the jumps \a fines stylei, scoring; easily. The 'unplaced horses provided some good sport in the race home, passing the post in a bunch, The only athletic event run off was the Maiden Race, 100yds, prizes 15s and 7s 6d. J. McGee won, E. Burn second. Two others comp'eted. The weather cleared just before the last event was run.

Ifq times were taken for the various races, pn accouut of the sodden nature of the ground.

CRICKET.

Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph » Bctnedin, Deo. 26 The Canterbury v Otago cricket match commenced yesterday. Otago batted first and made 89, Canterbury's first innings closed for 133. Otago' was disposed of for 98 runs in the second innings. Canterbury require 55 to win, and has lost two wickets for 19 runs,

Dunedin, Deo. 27 Canterbury won by seven -wickets.

The Trouble with Vene zuela.

United Press Association—By Electric i Telegraph —Copyright ■ ■ New ■ York, "pec, BQ. The opponents of President Kotfseveldt's arbitration urge that his hands might be tied if the Allies were ultimately compelled to enforce the award of the United States. Svich oooroion would possibly endanger Monroeism. -

London, December 26 Gennanyls reservations exclude from Pi-esidorib'Roosevelt's arbitration the claims of forty Germans, amounting to £62,000, arising out of the revolution of XB9B, ipjs goods supplied to the Government troop*;' forced loatisi tind'other requisition*. " • '■' l It is believed 1 in Berlin that if President Roosevelt does arbitrate the United States will give an indirect guarantee' for a finalf settlement by Venezuela '

THE ASHBURTON GUAT?DIAN": F/TURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 190s



Dat »ec. j» !) )> )> » » »

to 22 23 24 25 {26 27 28 29

Rises 4.20 4.21 4.21 4.22 4.23 ■ 4.24 4.24 4.25

Sets 7.38 7.39 7.39 7.39 7.40 7.40 7.40 7.41



First Quarter Full Moon • Last Quarter New Moon A-pogee ... Perigee ...

d tin 8 5.57 p.m. 15 3.17 p.m. 22 7.30 a.m. 30 8.55 a.m. 3 4.0 a.m. 16 1.0 a.m.



iliiiii— liv. !■■■ iiiuwnniii-mifnimnri. iini-f-ri _ F. FERRIMAN. Jo iLJ_lJ_____j_ao I nnHB recent wefc weather will necessitate inoreased attention to your Shepp and Lambs. Do nob negleat them by allowing them to suffer from Scour or Lung-Worm. Joseph. Ford's Scour and Lung-worm Mixture, le nn acknowledged cure for both Scour and Lungworin and its use greatly im proves the tone and condition of Sheep and Lambs. The following are the opinions of two of our well-known breeders who use FOED'S MIXTUKE:~ Buecleuch Station, Mount Somera, 14th March, 1902. Mr F. Ferriman, ' „ Afchburton. Dear Sir,—Re Joseph Ward's Scour and Lung-Worm Mixture.—For many years past I have heard good reports attending the use of the above drench, but until this season I have not had occasion to put it to < the practical test. Early in the season my lambs were scouring bad]y and in some ■ cases before the usual outward appearances j of Scour were apparent, some of the biggest and fattest of them had died. I obtained sufficient Hixture.from you to drench 3000 lambs, and frem" the • results obtained, I consider that it is impossible for me to speak too highly of it. At a cost of about l^d per head to drench, it has been the meanß of saving many of my lambs which were worth I2s 6d each. lam so satisfied ■with my experiment, that I intend to use Joseph Ford's Mixture as often as I may have occasion to deal with Scour or a thrift less condition in my flock, and I can con fidently recommend any farmer whose Sheep or Lambs are suffering from either of the above causes to use Ford's Mixture. He will be well paid for his outlay. Yours faithfully, (Sgd) E. GATES. Ashburton, January 10th, 1902. Mr F. Fkbriman, Ashburton,— Dear Sir,—Ee Joseph Ford's Scour and Lung-Worm Mixture. — L.isfc season I j drenchen 450 of my Stud Lambs with the above drench. They had commenced to scour suddenly, and I had already lost ten by death. I drenched the whole lot once and they commenced to improve right away. A week after drenching they were totally different sheep. The best proof that I can "give-.of the drench is that I have this season drenched the whole of my flock •whether they showed signs of scour or not, as I consider f it improves the tone and vigour of the? Sheep. I can confidently recommend anyone having culls or sheep that are not doing well to drench them with the above Mixture. Yours faithfully, (Sgd) T. E. UPTON. E. FERKEMAN, Patentee and Proprietor.



BUSINESS NOTICES. Only this season's Tweeds sold. HH ATT f\Ts Q BuKNRTT JLiLXJLAiJL&Oe Stbeet. To the Electors of Asli burton. Another Man in the field. J, L. HIG-GS, PAINTER, of Tanored Street, HAS decided to stand on the Liberal platform, and would solicit your support and patronage in all branches oE the Painting and Decorating. Trade. Pictures Framed. Sign-writing a specialty. Call and see the latest in PAPERS. Permanent Building and Invest ment Society. T OANS GRANTED FROM .£25 and upwards at current rates', j Full particulars on application. Office —Tancred Street. Office Hours — 9.30 a.m. till 4 p.m. First Tuesday in Month- 9.30« a.m. till 4p.m; and 7 till 9 p.m. ALBERT ROBERTS, Manager. H GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897. TT'IGHT years experience with E. G. and JPj F. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooms upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Rooms, Burnett Street. Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement. Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also sets of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Houbs of Attendance —9 a,m. —5 p.m. Private Residence—Care Mrs Ghant, WilU Street. IHII-Z-S==|||||| HeSpiess with A Rheumatism --■ You've tried linimentfl and proscriptions without result. Now . . . CUBE YOURSELF with THE BREAT . .. GAE9AD3AN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and Not a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Cure. SOLD BY AX.L DEALERS At 3/6 pxr Bottle. Sole Agent for Australasia: ' GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. '■ j TJ^OR SALE-Fowl Netting, 36 x 2, at JJ 2d per yard for 50 yards, and l|d for ICO yard lots,—Haboi^t Bros. 10101



BUSINESS NOTICES. m?_"_ "TVTT?TVF_T!*T£! lxi_ii« IViJciJJJLIXiM !_>, The People** Ironmonger. I HAVE just landed ex " Waimat'e," etc., direct from the makers—A Great Variety of Goods suitable for the present season, including BRASS AND ENAMEL PRESERVING PANS, Cooking Utensils to suit everyone in Tinned and Enamel Ware, Brass and Copper. Harvesting Requisites. Hay Forks, Hay Rakes, Scythe? and Handles, Reap Hooks. Tools for Harvest Field, such as Screw Wrenches, Sets of Spanners, Files, Hammers, Vyces, Punches, Cold and Wood Chisels, Plyers, Pincers, Copper and Iron Rivets, Tacks, etc. Castor and Other Machine Oils. Ready mixed, in all colors, White and Red Lead, Hematite, Boiled and Raw Linseed Oil?. Agent for Scott's'/' Atlas," Shacklock's " Orion," " Zealandia," and Hepburn's Ranges, Davey's Celebrated Sowing Machines. Inspection Cordially Invited. X Burnett Street—Opposite Arcade.



a A MERRY CHKISTMAS a i - - HAPPY NEW YEAR. y _^™ TO _, ie !® A S usual MELLOR'S Zealandia Boot Store is having a merry time in d A it) Footwear, Remember if you want to spend a Happy New Year go to £ MELLOR'S and buy a pair ol his easy fitting Boots or Shoes You can £ get any styJc or shape you like, d y DO NOT FORGET THAT—. '• BIELLOII gives by far the best Value in Boots & Shoes S ■ in Ashburton SO BE WISE AND BUY YOUE BOOTS AND SHOES AT Mi? i i nt? 9 s 1j Ij iU v 1 IX k3 J ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, - Tancred' Street. a r : SANTA CLAUS AND FATHER [ XMAS COMING- AGAIN. I -. - H. M. 'JONES. - - \ /LX\ ases °^ s > Fancy Goods, Books, Stationery, China, Glass, Plush, Ajf\ ' . 'jCV Japanese and Leather Goods jE\s ' 5000 BOOKS. BOOKS. 5000 Prize, Eeward and Presentation Books. —— Leather Goods. Leather Goods. Dolls. Dolls, Dolls. Dolls Great Variety. All sorts and sizes from Id to 15s, Toys, Toys. Toys, Toys. Toys. All imported and best value obtainable Christmas Cards in great variety Must be Sold. Lowest possible Prices. Call early $ often EL M. JONES. Something Useful from I lie Zealandia Cycle Works. YOUTHS' "Atalanta" Bicycles ... £15. Just the thing foe a Bright School Boy. GIRLS' " Atalanta " Bicycle ... £16. An ideal Preseut for a young Lady, These Machines are fully guaranteed and of new designs. . Easy terms arranged if required. Genuine English Silver King LAMPS. These beautiful Lamps are very acceptable to any Cyclist. Paoked in neat box ready for post —14a Od each. TO TOURING CYCLISTS.—CaII ou us, and we will examine your machine (free of ohargo) before starting on your holiday tour. ACCESSORIES.—Our stock of Cycling Goods is the moat up-to-date in the district. CHARGES.—AII Impairs and Sundries at Cbristchurch prices.



Ashburfcon Branch —Burnett Street. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING EACTORY. CHRISTM ASjPRESE N TS. QEKSIBLB and Useful Presents to give to your friends. A GENT'S SILK TIE, .„, „ . t, / —Call at tke Mew Zealajad Cfetlung Factory. A SET OE STUDS, , . , _. , —Call at the New Zealand (Slothing i^cioiy, A GENT'S SILK HANDKEECHIEP, , —Call at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. A TJIAV ELLim RUG. &fc Cl<)thing ftetey( A GLmsTONE BA.O, {he n^ Zea l an( j Clothing Factory. SEE OUR GREAT CHRISTMAS DISPLAY. N.Z. CLOTHIM FACTOBY, ; ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. \



COME AND SEE OUR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS IN ENDLESS VARIETY. . Electroplate Goods of very best quality and design., English Cutlery of every description. WATCHES, WATCHES. CLOCKS, CLOCKS. Presents for Ladies. Presents for Gentlemen. COME AND SEE. W, H. COLLINS & CO.,' Persons who wish to do their own Painting will Pnd it to their advantage to call at my Oil and Color Store. . I have Ready Mixed Paints, Genuine White Lead and Oils, or I will mix any shade of ©lir ©Wll Genuine Paint, ' J. . WILSON, Paperhanger, Painter, and gSign-writer. j



The Ideal Vulcanised Tyre holds practic ally every New Zealand record, is guaran teed for 12 months and can be supplied and fitted to your Cycle without any additional cost-. The Leader Tyre is our second grade line, manufactured by Ideal Tyre Coy, Christchurch and Melbourne, and are guaranteed for 6 months, and is an ab soluteJy good and reliable Tyre.—(Adyt.)



STANDiSH AMD P^EECE, Photographers under the Royal pati'onag^ of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Studio Hi<?.h Street, Christchurch.



At Grange, South Australia, a Mrs Steel ■went to sleep ou the steps of a rowing shed, and fgll into the water and was drowned. • f The Qamaru " Mail '• says severe f i\>sts j were experienced in some 6f*£he couirtryj districts on Thursday and Friday nights, and potatoes were badly hit. From Windsor the " Mail" learns that large j areas f>f potatoes were more or \eis serious- ' ly injured, '



! j^TRAWBERRIES and Cream at H