CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association l>y Kloetric Telegraph—Copyright

London. Dec. 19

The Commissioners who are investigating the mysterious disease known as sl.rt-.ping Bickness, in Uganda, report that 70,000 natives have died in four years, and 15,000 are still suffering. The disease is incurable, and of increasing virulence.

Iv the a l.*.'.ioo 'I'aff Vale Cirliery Com >'.!)y against the Amalgamated Kiihv.iy Ser- Tants' Union, to' recover twenty-eigut thousand pounds for alleged loss resulting from a strike, a verdict wns given against the i£:iilw*y Servaits' Uniou. The assess ment of dauiagos was postponed.

London, Dec 21

The Archbishop of Canterbury slept better and took some little nourishmeut, but he has not gained strength:

London, Dec. 21

The Princess of Wales v a accorched at York Cottage, Sandringham, on Saturday evening. Mother and son are doing well. Paris, Dec. 19

The sailors have unconditionally surren dered. The strike cost Marseilles several million francs.

Sr Petersburg, Dec. 20

The Russian Foreign Office has com municated to the newspapers a declaration that Russia had not addressed any request, but had simply informed Britain of the Russian desire and purpose to enter into direct relations with Afghanistan.

Melbourne, Dec. 20 Sir Edmund Barton has decided to per mit the Oruba hatters to land.

Much damage has been done in the coun try by heavy rain. A number of cattle have been killed by lightning, and the out lying parts of Ballarat are flooded three feet deep.

The Inverlochy's cargo is chiefly con signed to Melbourne, and is valued at from thirty to thirty-five pounds. The insurances, mostly in colonial offices amount from twenty to twenty-five thousand pounds. A scene occurred in the Legislative As sembly, Mr Prendergast charging the Go vernment with corruption in connection with alterations permitted in a certain ten der if or a public work. Mr Prendergast's motion to oppoint a Committee of Inquiry was negatived by 38 to 16. The shipping difficulty has been amica bly settled. In the new agreement which has been signed the men accept a reduction of ten shillings a month. If the state of trade is such as to warrant a further re-, duction another conference will be held in June, otherwise the present arrangement I ■will continue till Jan. 31, 1904. :

The Trouble with Vene zuela.

"United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

New.: Yokk, Dee 19

The declaration by the " Daily News" that Europe's revolt against Momoeism is the real object of the combination against Venezuela is being quoted in America as evidence that Britain is playing a hypocriti- cal part. opinion is opposed to America becoming a guarantor of Venezuela's com pliance to France, who claims priority in the collection of her debts in such event. Italy dissents, alleging that her claims are the longest standing, entitling her to priority if any differentiation is made. New York. Dec. 20. i

The allies informed Mr Hay that there was no' answer for Castro; Venezuela •would not be consulted in any shape, but Mr Hay's suggestion as to arbitration was favourably entertained. Britain is more favourable than Germany, but requires pro per safeguards and adequate guarantees. Germany insists on apologies, ond empha sises various preliminary difficulties, whose removal will occupy some time. Italy is inclined to second Mr Hay's efforts to in duce Germany to hasten her decision. France's decision must also be denned.

An exchange of views is now proceeding between the allies and Me Hay towards a common basis of arbitration.

Advices from Fort of Spain state that a blockade of the Venezuela ports has been proclaimed from to-day. President Castro's position is uncertain, owing to symptoms of renewed revolutionary activity.

Berlin, Dec. 20

The " North German Gazette." replying to the statements of the America Press stigmatises them as an unjust and wilfully prejudicial attempt to differentiate the policy of Germany and that of Britain. Both are wholly and exclusively concerned with the enforcement of just claims.

London, Dec. 21 The Venezuelan blockade has been gazet ted in London and Berlin.

President Roosevelt proposes that Great Britasn, Germany and Italy should submit the issues to the Hague tribunal. The Pow ers counter-propose ' that President Roose velt should arbitrate. Probably he will re luctantly consent if necessary to avoid pro longation of the" struggle.

Received December 22, 8.50 a.m.

New York, Dec. 21

Tho opinion in Trinidad is unfavourable to the blockade of Venezuela, which is con sidered able to exist on its own resources during many months. The stoppage of trade will be more harmful to Trinidad than to Venezuela.

South Africa.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Capetown, Dec. 19 The loyalists declare that theAfrkander Bond intrigues are rapidly spreading north ward, dispito fair words and a fairer pro gramme. Bmgher claims, under Article 10 o£ the terms of surrender, amount to ninety mil lions.

London, Dec. 19 The Grand Jury found a true bill against Colonel Lynch. Delegates from the Welsh colony in the Chubut Valley, Eastern Patagonia, have applied to Lord Milner for the grant of a large tract in the Transvaal for a Welsh colony on similar lines to the Chubut Settle ment.

CRICKET.

LORD HAWKE'S TEAM

THE MATCH AT AUCKLAND,

Auckland, December 20

The match against Lord Hawke's team was resumed to-day in the presence of a large attendance. The visitors continued their first innings on a wet wicket, which cut up during the afternoon when the weather dried, and was, on the whole, in favour of the bowlers. The last three wickets put on 80 runs, Johnston 43, and Stanning 33, being the chief scorers. Both played .attractive cricket. Lusk bowled well, taking three Avickets for 48. The Aucklanders, who commenced just befere the luncheon adjournment only put to gether 120 runs, Mason being top scorer with 26. D. Hay 20, Neill 17, and Clayton 13 were the next best, the batting on the whole being feeble against the strong bowling. In the follow on the local men fared even more disappointingly by losing six wickets for 31, not one of the batsmen reaching double figures. Dowspn was very deadly with the ball, securing two wickets for 2 runs in five overs. The field ing of the Englishmen was of a superior J-ind, and the field was placed magnificently. Auckland require 170 to avert a one innings defeat, and have only four wickets to fall. Auckland, Deo. 22

The Auckland cricketers closed their gecond innings this morning with 72 runs. The Englishmen thus won by an innings and 129 runs.

Mining

Dunedin, Dec. 22

Returns.—Golden Run 540z lOdwt Bgrs, Golden Gate 290z 15dwt, Otago 12oz, Golden Treasure 9oz, New Royal Maori 230z lOdwt, Waikaka United No, 1 230z Bdwt.

Bright Hours' Children.

A large audience greeted tho Bright Hours' <. 'luldren on their appeat:-inee at the Od-lfellows' Hail on Saturday evening. The progrnmm« opened with the solo and chorus, " Close thy !>rem.vy Eyes," which wasex tremeiy acceptable, and was followed by a Skipping Kope Dance, by Misses M. Jen nings and D. Saunders, full of interest to the young children. " Chinb Up, ChiTun, Climb," by Miss Paulino Mason, and chorus by the company, introduced to the audience one of the ever-acceptable plantation melo die?, full of quaint phrases, and netrro appeal, and the pleasing voice of the soloist added greatly to this nmnbr-r, which wai re-rtouinncled. Miss Ruby Edgar's violin solo was one of the capital lines of the pro gramme, and very pleasing to the admirers of Vt-ndi and Keinenyi. A Snow Dano >, by Miss Doris Russell, was an item new to Ashburton, and included some graceful movements. Tho Hornpipe Ballet by Misses SUplefcon, Jennings, A. and D. Saundors, would have extracted applause from the gravest " salt." Miss Maudie Moon capti vated all with her rendition of the " Bis marck Grenadiers," her piquant voice and pleasing mannerism eliciting a well-merited encore. Mis 3 Alice Saunders, undoubtedly one of the best exponents of national and country dancers in the company, gave a claver Lancashire clog dance, and later in the evening called forth high ecomiuin for her dancing in a difficult Irish jig, both of which efforts were enthusiastically re demanded. The solo and chorus, " Hello, my Baby," by Miss Marjorie Saunders and company, was given with its true plantation accent, and was much appreciated. The fancy Scotch dancing of Misses D. and M. Saunders was capitally executed. The item entitled " Victory," by the Company, with hornpipe solo by Miss Nellie Percy,'completed the first part of the programme. In the second portion of the entertainment noticeable items were the Spanish dances by Miss Tina Stapletou, also the comic number " Pour Curly-Headed Coons," by Misses Cooper, "Rule, Moon, and M. Saunders, which was given by request. The Coronation Ballet, by Misses Percy. Jennings, A. and D. Saunders, produced many graceful movements, but the per formers were somewhat hampered by the smallness of the sfcagp. The Indian Ciub exercises, by Miss Miilice Jennings, was unquestionably one of the best items of the evening. The evening's programme con cluded with "Eally round the Flag," a patriotic number, which included solo by Miss Marjorie Saunders, and chorus by the Company. At the conclusion of the first part of the programme, His Worship tho Mayor an nounced that, incompliance with the wishes' of a number of tradespeople, the matinee arranged for Monday afternoon would be abandoned, and an entertainment given in the evening instead. He hopod there would be a large attendance for tho object sought to benefit appealed to every citizen. Ee gardingthe merit of the performance there could only be one opinion—that it -was first-class. (Applause.) During the evening several of the chil dren were the recipients of bouquets and boxes of Chri-tmas greetings at the con clusion of their various items.

to-night's entertainment.

Not content with their brilliant success on Saturday evening, the Bright Hours' Children have prepared a still more delight ful programme for their entertainment in the Oddfellows' Hall this evening, and Miss Ethel Tarsons, a charming soprano, perhaps the most talented of a talented family of vocalists, will assist the children with, two solos; Miss Marjoiie Saunlers will sing the pathetic ballad " Only a Penny," with which Miss Gfrtie Campion made such a tremen dous hit throughout the Colony; Miss Ruby Edgar will play two solos, and Miss Maudio Moon will contribute the most popular of her popu'ar ballads. The programme is undoubtedly the most att: active ever offered in Ashburton.

Accident to the Express

The express train from tho south on Sat urday was delayed nearly an hour, through an nceident to the engine. .Shortly alter leaving Sawyer,s Bay, near Dunedin, the first engine went partially off the line, and the two front wheels ploughed up the s!eeper3 for about one hundred and fifty yisrds before the train was brought to a standstill. There was no sudden concus sion and the only hint the passengers re ceived that something was wrong was a jarring sensation. Tho engine was soon placed upon the rails again, sleepers being being taken from the permanent-way for use as levers.

United Press' Association —By Electric

Telegraph

Dunedin, Dec 21

There is some suspicion that the engine of the north express to Christchurch left the rails on an up grade, north of Sawyerg? Bay, owing to large stones being placed on the lin6. Two stones, unlike the ballast, were found at the place where the wheels left the metals, crushed as if the front wheels had passed over them. Thanks to the deep flanges of the back wheel of the engine, what might have been a serious accident was averted.

J . Timabu, Dec. 22 j * The quarrymen'a sf rike ended at noon to day, and nearly all the men resumed work this afternoon. OamaKU December 22 Mr J. S. L. TTarvoy, a muntry settler, who wus injured by a railway accident, on Satur day, through l;oin£ caught by an engine and carried on the cow-catcher auno dis tance, and then tin own into ft week, a fall ' of over 20ft, died in the hospital last night. [Ha never regained consciousness.

A Treat for Tauranga.—At th« sugges tion of the Mayor, the Bright .Hours' Children kindly visited the<T,inrauga Home this afternoon. ;snd ;;avo theinumt'S a most delightful li(tie entertainment. They said they had uever ha^l such a -.real..

THE LATEST.

HOME AND FOREIGN

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright Received December 22th, 8.50 a.m. Coal in the Transvaal Capetown, Dec 21 The great Eastern Collieries Company has struck at a depth of 23oft a seam of good coal, thirty feet thick, at Grootvlei, in the Transvaal.

AUSTRALIAN

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright ' Received 22nd, 9.24 a.m. Affray With Coiners. Adelaide, Dec. 22 There has lately been much counterfeit coin circulated in the city, and Constable Murphy, in assisting to arrest three men suspected of circulating some, was shot in the breast. The ball glanced off the bone, and the wound is not serious. The . men were tracked to an empty house, and were surprised and arrested. All were armed, and they had a complete coining plant, which was s sized.

Shocking 1 Tragedy.

Kalqoorlik, Dec. 22

A Greek fruiterer, named Pichitsas, de pavled a few days ago on a business trip, leaving his shop in charge of his brother. The latter has disappeared. The police visited the shop, and found the body of Pichitsas's wife with her throat cut, and a child with its head battered in, and indi cations of a fearful struggle. The brother was discovered hiding in a creek with a blood-stained knife and revolver in his pos session, and was arrested.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

United Press Association— By Klectric Telegraph

Auckland, Dec. 22

During the voyage of the Zealandia from Sydney, a steerage passenger named Win. Baker, booked to Auckland, suicided and was found in his bunk with his throat cut by a razor. It i§ stated he belongs to Wel lington, He was buried at sea. The Zanlandia brings 253 rams from Ade laide, consigned to Wellington.

Pat<merston North, Dec. 22

In the S.M. Court this morning, P. Pittan, manager of the London Dentid In stitute, was charged with wrongfully describing himself as a dentist, and was fined £3. At the request of the defence, the fine was increased to £5, and notice of ap peal was given. Defendant used the term in an electoral transfer form which he had Signed,

THE ASHBURTON GUARD TAN V MONDAY, DECEMBER **, 1902



ENTERTAINMENTS. _ -Bright Hours' Children. . to-nToht. Positively their Last Appearance MISS ETHEL PARSONS, The Charming Young Wellington Soprano. Her first appearance in the South Island. MISS MARJOHIE HAUNDERS, will sing " Only a Penny." MISS RUBY EDfl-AR, the Talented Child Violinist, will play Wi< tuwedi's Kuyaviak and Dancla's Rom ance and Bolero. MISS MAUDIE MOON, will sing. New Ballads New Coon Sonpg, All the old favourites repeated. A Christmas Treat for Everyone at 8. p.m. Trices—2s and Is. 12 271 ODDFELLOWS' HALL. ' Lessee Mr Harry Rickards Wednesday Evening, December 24 Positively One Night Only, MR 'HARRY RICKABDS' New Con tinental, English, and American. Company of Vaudeville Stars, headed by the mighty .SANDOW, Tho world famed athlete and exponent of physical culture in his spectacular exhibi tion of superhuman strength, supported by the following great array of vaudeville entertainers :— Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew, in Kennetti Leo's one act comedy i "WHEN TWO HEARTS ARE WON." Mark Anthony. Mark Anthony. Society Humorist and Story Teller. Pkof. Maccjann. Prof. Maccann. England's Greatest Concertina King. MISS KAY JONES, The cultured youug Operatic Soprano. LittIe.FANNY POWERS, MISSNITALEETE. And the most improved Bioscope, showing a wouderfulJy vivid series of animated pictures of the Coronation Celebrations, and a trip across the Atlantic in the N.G-. Lloyd s.s. Kronprinz Wilhelm. Prices—Orchestral stalls 4s, stalls 3s, pit 2?. Plan at Jones. M. Marcus, Touring Manager. 12 234 John C. Leete, Business Manager GRAND COMPLIMENTARY (JON CERT To Miss Maggie Wells,, ■ (New Zealand's Ada Crossley) ASSISTED by leading Christchurch, Wellington and Local Artists, will be given in the Oddfellows' Hall on TUESDAY, 30th December, at 8 p.m. Prices of Admission, 33, 2s, and Is. Doors open at 7.50. Box plan opens at 11. M. Jones' on Satur day, 27 inst. 12 258 H. STErHENSON. EOS SALE. nnilE FOLLOWING- PROPERTIES:— Acre, Ilampstead ; with Dwelling of 6 rooms, bath room, etc. Neatly laid out. Owner leaving district. Price low. Dwelling of 7 room', every convenience and •}-. acre, Cameron Street West; good position. Terms easy. -1- Acre, uear Woollen Factory, and Dwelling of 4 rcoms, A good invest ment. HatDpst( ad.—f Acre, well stocked with fruit trees and nicely laid out, con taining Dwelling of 5 rooms, wash house, stable, and other outbuildings. Must bo sold. Owner leaving the district. -2 Acre, Bast Belt, containing Dwelling of 8 rooms, Wash-house, Stable, etc. Price low. i Acre, Burnett Street, nicely laid out with fruit trees ; dwelling of 5 rooms. A very valuable property. No Reasonable Offer Refused. Easy terms can be arranged for any of the above. Broker for Taylor's Stream Coal and Lime Co. Shares on application. Agent : Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, Limited Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company. Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company. Pianos and Organs on time payments from 20s per month. I have also several second hand Instru ments on hand cheap. HENRY STEPHENSON, Auctioneer, Land, Estate, and Commission Agent and Valuer, ASHBURTON. Fr.edlander Bros. .Ltd. HOUSE FAIR. THURSDAY, Bth January, 1903, OUR NEXT HORSE FAIR Will be held on the above date, for which we shall be pleased to receive entries. FEIEDLANDEE BROS. Ltd. K. FRIEDLANDER, 9 301 Auctioneer. CORNS A.CKS. WE have to arrive, ex ' Herald' and ' Aparima/ 2000 BALES, Full size and full weight, and are now booking orders for delivery ex ship or ex store. Clients will oblige by acquainting us of j their requirements early. ; FEIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. /^\UR New Season s supply of Hinder Twine and all other Hardest requisites is now to hand, and we are in a position to quote lowest prices current. Friedlander Bros, Ltd. TO LET~ |^OTTAGE of three rooms, together with V> one acre of land, fronting Trevor's Eoad, Trevorton.' ' ' 'Apply to " ' T. J3ULLQ.QK, Agent,



. ationai Mortgage & Agency Comp ;ny. ASHBURTON" SALEYARDS. TUESDAY, December 23rd. WILL OFFER- S* Head Fat Cattle fc? <f\ Fat Crossbred Ewes Fat Crossl)re^ Wethers Farther entries solicited. Li; les of Sheep and Cattle for private sale. H. S. BOURN, Auctioneer, 12 2si 4, A, HHWSO N, Agent David Thomas. Arcade HORSE _ FAIR. FRIDAY, JANUARY 30', 1903. I ..* V Next Horse Fair will be held on the iT i above date, for which I am now receiving entries. 12 230 DAVID THOMAS. PUBLIC NOTrCES. Ashburton County Council CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. "T^TOTICB is hereby given that the Council's Offices will be CLOSED from 4.30 p.m. on the 24th instant to 9.30 a.m. on 2nd January next. By order. F. MAIN WAKING, Clerk. Ashburton, December 22, 1902. 12 273 Herrick's Home. A CHRISTMAS TREE, "YXTITH various Sideshows, Strawberries and Cream, Dancing, etc., In aid of Herrick's Home, WILL BE HELD IN THE HTG STORE, METHVEN, on the AFTERNOON and EVENING of the 24th inst. 12 272 Ashburton Borough School Animal Excursion to Timaru, FRIDAY, 30th JANUARY, 1903. Particulars in future advertisements. J. B. CHRISTIAN, 12 264 Secretary. Poison Notice, POISON will be laid on my Property at Netherby from December 22nd, 1902. A. WILSON, 12 265 Netherby. ASHBURTON RIFLE VOLUNTEERS DAYLIGHT PARADE. A DAYLIGHT PARADE of the Com pany will be held at the Drillahed on TUESDAY, December 23rd. Fall in at 7 p.m. Drill order. W. E. DOLMAN, ] 12 267 Captain Commanding, j ■"j^TOTICE is hereby given, in pur- J3I suance of the Public Reserves Act, 1885, Clauses 5 and 6, that the Ashburton Domain will be set apart for the Ashburton Lawn Tennis Club's Christmas Tournament on FRIDAY, the 26th day of December, j inst., on -which day charges will be made for 1 admission on the following scale :—For Children under the age of ten years, free ; for each child under the age of fifteen years and over ten years, Sixpence; for each person of fifteen years and over, One Shilling ; for each Trap. One Shilling. W. H. COLLINS, Chairman Ashburton Domain Board. Ashburton, December 12th, 1902. 12 142 : NOTICE. SPECIAL BANK HOLIDAYS. PURSUANT to the terms of " The Banks and Bankers' Act Amendment Act, 1882," and " The Bank Holidays Act, 1902," SATURDAY, the 27th day of December, 1902, and FRIDAY, the 2nd day of January, 1903, are hereby appointed Special Bank Holiday at the offices of the undermentioned Banks throughout New Zealand :— The Union Bank of Australia Limited, G. E. TOLHUEST, Inspector. Bank of New South Wales, E. J. Finch, Inspector. The Bank of Australasia, C. Winter, Inspector. Bank of New Zealand, James Eitbling, General Manager. Note—The Banks will also be closed throughout the colony on the following days, being Statute Holidays : — THURSDAY, 25th Dec. 1902, Christmas Day. FRIDAY, 26th, Dec. 1902, Boxing Day, and THURSDAY, Ist Jan. 1903, New Year's Day. Ashburton, 12th December, 1902. 12 221 THE Cost of Living is considerably minimised by making your purchases as advantageously as possible. Drapery, Clothing, and Boots are big items in the year's total, and therefore deserve a fair share oi attention. For " all-round sterling value" in Reliable Goods try H. C. Barrett's Drapery, Clothing, and Boot Warehouse, " The Hall," East Street. Note —Discount at the rate of one shilling in the Pound off all Cash purchases, "TT^OR tip top value in Boots try Mellor' X-' Zealaodia Boot Store. i



. BUSINESS NOTICES ' THE BLUE BOOT STORE NEWS; REMOVAL" NOTICE. SOME PEOPLE • Seem to think they can get better value fcr their money in Christchurch than in Ashburtou. We are doing our best to TT> T7^7&/f~i'YirrTF7* ' ' J^JidyJAJ V Jlj that impression. During December, in addition to our usual good values, a large Handsome Picture, 30 x 20, of His Majesty King Edward VIL, will be presented with every 2Cs worth of Goods purchased for Cash, at The Blue Boot Store, Burnett Street, Ashhurton. DQTAr'TT FITTER OF FINE FOOTWEAR. « OJL v/\_>'_OLs Discount Coupons with all Cash Purchases.



THE N.Z. FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY Ltd. s ASHBURTON YARDS. Tuesday, December 23, 1902. WE will offer on account of a Client,— £>f\f\ EWES and LAMBS (in the £4\J\J wool. Forward HOGGETS (in the \J\J\J wool). • Also Fat and Store Cattle, Sheep and Pigs. T. F. GIBSON, Manager. 12 208 H. A. LLOYD, Auctioneer Public Notices IN Pursuance of the Public Reserves Act, 1885, clauses 4 and 5, notice is hereby given that the Mount Somers Racecourse Reserve will be set apart for tho Mount Somers and Springburn Racing and Sports Committee's Annual Meeting on December 26th, when charges will be made for admission thereto on the following scale : ■ - For each Adult ... One Shilling For each Horse ... One Shilling A. EDWARD PEACHE, Chairman Mount Somers Domain Board. 12K8 FOR SALE. THE Property of C. Northcote, Esq. (who is leaving the district), con sisting of $• Acre land, beautifully laid out, together with substantial Dwelling of 7 rooms, scullery, pantry, bath-room, etc. ; hot and cold water laid on. Situate in Burnett street, west. All newly renovated. For further particulars apply to 12 231 CHAS. J. STYCHE. FOR SALtf. CHEAP COTTAGE PROPERTY. OUARTER-ACRE, fronting continuation of Cox Street, about 5 chains from the I N.W. Belt, on which is erected a four- I roomed Cottage with scullery at the back, surrounded by nicely kept garden, well stocked with vegetables, etc. ,£135 price required; on liberal terms. For particulars, apply to T. BOLLOCK. Threshing Plants. 8 H-P. Marshall Engine and Combine, . TUST TO HANI), per " Hermione." 8 H-P. Compound Engine TO ARRIVE SHORTLY. For further particulars apply F. & D. DUNCAN, Ltd, ■ SOLE AGENTS, Christchurch and Ashburton. 12 250 LEAVING ASHBURTON.. Selling Off. 1%/TY Stock must go regardless of Cost. Crockery, Glassware, and Electroplated j Ware almost given away. , Save Money and buy now from ; J. T, COOCH, Opposite Railway Station. NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD ARE now ready to supply their Friends with their NEW MODES COSTUMES and Millinery for the coming Xmas Season. Ladies are requested to place their orders now, and not to leave it till too late to have our attention. Lovely Muslins, Pompadours, and French Spots for BLOUSES & SUMMER COSTUMES JUST LANDED—A large assortment of Ladies and Childrons Sunshades, all colors. 45 Ladies Black Skirts, mado in latest style and nicely finished, to be sold far below usual price. We excel in Ladies Underclothing and Corsets of all makes, Lace Collars, Collarettes, and Fancy Fronts, Ladies Black Beaded and Sequin Belts (Quite New) Our usual nice Assortment of CHRISTMAS CARDS To The Gentlemen, Kindly give ub a call for your Xtnas Suit, made to measure, we will please you. Also on hand—A new lot of choice shapes in Collars and very Pretty Ties, Swimming Drawers and Suits for the Bathing Season. BOOTS still going well at under' wholesale cost, as we (as pre viously advertised) are in future going to cease keeping Boots and shoes. Mens' Boater Straws, Harvest Straws Panama and Felt Hats, to suit all, NORTHCOTE AND HEFFORD, THE CORNER . . . ;• OPEN Letter to Santa Claus.—Dear Santa,-Don't forget to send the majority of your representatives round to our Shop for Toys. We have a splendidly assorted stock ' and very cheap. — Your obedient servant, A. T. H. Williams. SHOP open Every Night, until 8 o'clock, for the Sale of Xmas and New Year Cards. A. T. H. WILLIAMS. TTIOR SALE—FowI Netting, 36 x 2, at Ju 2d per yard for 50 yards, and lid for 100 yard lots.—Hardily Bros. XOlOl



' ; Wanted. Excursion Train to Mount Somers Sports. Fares 2s 2d return. 12 266 WANTED— Two uien Boarders. Apply by letter to ' H/Mail Office 12 270 WANTED —A General Servant; wages 12b Gd per week.—Mrs Percy Cox, Back of Australasia, Ashburton. 12 269 WANTED KNOWN.-Sons of Temper ance Quarterly Meeting, Tuesday, December 23rd, Templar Hall, 8 p.m. Full attendance requested. 12 274 npHE Cost of Living is considerably JL minimised by making your purchases as advantageously as possible. Drapery, Clothing, and Boots are big items in the year's total, and therefore deserve a fair share of attention. For " all-round sterling value" in Reliable Goods try H. c. Barrett's Drapery, Clothing, and Boot Warehouse, " Tho Hall," East Street. Note—Discount at the rate of one shilling in the Pound off all Casli purchases. WANTED Known - Sandow's Develop ers and Dumb Bells. All sizes to suit the yourg, middle-aged, and old, at Shearman linos. 12 208 WANTED Known — For Dessert and Tablo Cutlery, Plated Ware, China ware, etc., suitable for Christma3 and Wed ding Presents, call at Sheaiotan Bros. 12_20_9 \ L_______ WANTED Known—For the Christmas ' Trade, Ale and Stout in Pints,' Quarts j English or Colonial Cider and Ale, in sgal. kegs; Whisky, Brandy, Sherry, Oonstautia and Port of the best brands, at Shearman Bros. 12 210 i JUST landed-Nice assortment of Choc olates in handbags, gloves, and other fancy boxes very suitable for Xtnas presents, at H. Bai asTOw's. A GOOD assortment of Men's light Glacie Boots at 12s 6d, 13s 6d, lssGd, 193,205; Ladies'and Gents' Tennis Shoes with-best quality rubber, and guaranteed to wear well.—Grant and Moore. ERESFI Whitebait and all kinds of fresh Fish by Express To-night, i Booking o ders for Christmas poultry. I Wanted between 60 and 70 psiirs of Hares by next Monday December 22nd:—J. H. Jewitt, Havelock Street. Telephone 115. WE do all in our power to meet the requirements ot our customers in the dining rooms, both by buying the very beat gcods and giving best possible atten tion.—H. Bairstow. ( and Pea Rifles at 10s and 12s 6d each, Cartridges from Is 6d per 100; just the thing for Blackbirds and Sparrows, only a few left, at John Orr & Co. WANTED KNOWN,-That if others cannot satisfy you in your purchases of Drapery, because you're so hard to please, come along to us, you're just the sort o' customer we enjoy serving at Mitchell &. Turner's. "ITirRST-CLASS Columbla~Bicycle in real JO good order, £8 cash. Rudge Whit worth, used only 12 month 3, £8 10s. Stars £5 and £7, and many others. No reasonable offer refused. Easy terms arranged.—J. Orr A Co. SEASONABLE Lines 2-Jlb tins Canadian Tomatoes lOd, 2£lb tins Californian Fruits Bd, 2|lb tins Asparagus Is, 21b tins Green Peas Is, 21b tins Strawberries Is, Cartoon French Prunes Sd, Raspberry Jain Is per iar, Granola 6d packet at Carson and Co/s. SHEEP Shears, all latest and best makes also large stock of genuine Turkey and Washita Oil Stones at lowest prices at John Orr and Co. mO CYCLISTS-.Tusttohandaspecialty; JL the Gripwell Cycling Shoe, with steel plate inserted, 12s 6d.—Stock's Blue Boot Store. , 12 56 FINE Flavoured Wines from the cele brated Waverley Wine Vaults; 1 doz bottles in a caso; 8 Port, and 4 Constantia, or assorted as desired 22s 6d per case. Only a few cases left.—Fletcher Bros', Cash Supply Stores. J XMAS EXTRAS—Another lot of those noted White Skirts at 2s lid to hand 3 Boys' washing Sailor Blouses 2s lid; Women's Sailor Hats Is, Is 6d, Is lid, 2s 6d; white washing Gloves 6d; white Belts Is. A choice selection of Tucked and Fancy Handkerchiefs, at Gibbard's. I HAVE for Sale 2 Juvenile Bicycles, suitable for a boy or girl. The very thing for a Christmas present.—G. H. Carson, Eclipse Cycle Works, Tancred St. THE Cost of Living is considerably minimised by making your purchases as advantageously as possible. Drapery, Clothing, and Boots aro big items in the year's total, and therefore deserve a fair share of attention. For " all-round sterling value" in Reliable Goods try H. C. Barrett's Drapery, Clothing, and Boot ( Warehouse, "The Hall," East Street. Note—Discount at the rate of one shilling in the Pound off all Cash purchases. LINOLEUMS and OILCLOTHS are one of our strong points, and now is the time to get your Dining room fixed up, so that you will be straight before your Xmas visitors come.—Mitchell and Turner. I^TEWI3OOKS ancfNaw Editions—Man ±$ in the Spiritual World, Our life aftey Death, Gems from th,e Fathers, Rev. Meyer's Works, Rev. Millar's Works, Moody's Works, Christ in isiah, Elijah and the secret of Power, Gates of Life, Gems from Buskin and other writers. Great variety devotional works, Teachers pocket and family Bibles, Daily Light, Birthday, andda^ly Text Books, Booklets, beautifully got up; Poets, Morrocco bindings.—H. M. Jones. O CRlCKETEßS.—We'veagood*select tion of cricketing Boots and Shoes, White, Brown, and Strapped Canvas, regu lation spikes 7s 6d.—Stock s Blue Boot Store, 12 57 mENNIS PLAYERS.—Have a look at this JL season's shoes in White Buckskin and assorted Tan Leathers, with the new chrome ■■ leather soling ; rubber can't compare with it.—Stock's Blue Boot Store. 12 55 XMAS EXTRAS.—To enjoy your Xmas Duff thoroughly, be sure and put it inside on,© of our specially made Suits; from One Guinea upwards; better qualities 25s 27s 6d, 29s 6d, 32s 6d, 355. Astonishing line of Tweed Trousers 6s lid; superior do 8s 6d, 9s 114, 10s 6d,. Us 6d 1 at Gibbard's. SHEFFIELD Cutlery and Electro Plate Having secured a large line of the newest samples, we are selling them at wholesale prices.—Caeson and Co., Tancred Street. i



FLETCHER BROS. NEW SEASON'S FRUITS For Our Christmas Trade. ———:x:-—: _ FLETCHER BROS. • HAVE just received their first shipment of.New Dried Fruits, elc t which are of much superior quality to any received during the last few years- New Vositizza Currants, quality second to none ... - - ... ... 0 6 perlb Finest New Sultanas ... . ... ... ... 0 7 Fiuest New Valencia Raisins ... ... ... . ... .). 0 6 " Finest New Seeded Raisins, lib Cartoons... ... ... ...0 7 " Please note that our Cartoons of Seeded Raisins contain lib Betfc weight, not 12oem some Stores are in the habit of selling. Good Old Seeded Raisins, in lib packets ... „ ... 0 6 per 1b Finest New Spanish Muscatels, 6 Crown , ... ... i 4 Finest New Californian Muscatels, 4 Crown ... ... ',:, 1 q " Good Californian Muscatels, 3 Crown ... ... .!. 0 8 " 3. d. id Fiuest Now layer Figs, per 1b ... 0 8 finest New Dates,per lb ... 0 6 Finest New Cooking Figs , ... 0 7 New Table Dates, lflb box ... Oil lib boxes layer Figs, per box ... 01\ Finest Dried Apricots, per.lb ... 0 9 New Jordan Almonds per lb ... 2 6 „ Apples, per lb ... 0 8 „ Cooking Almonds, per lb ... 12 „ Peaches, per lb .'." 0 9 Flickinger Finest Dessert Prunes lb 0 9 Preserved Apricots, 2£lb tins .08 „ Table Prunes, per lb ... 0 8 „ Pineapple, „ .'.'.* 0 9 lib packet Cooking Prunes „ ... 0 7 „ Pears, from ... . 0 9 New Preserved Ginger ... 0 8 New Walnuts, per lb ... ." 0"8 Dessicated Cocoanut ... 0 6 „ Barcelona, per lb ... ... 0 8 Finest Quality Icing Sugar ... 0 6 loz bottle Essence Lemon, Vanilla,' „ Castor Sugar ... 0 5 Cochineal, Almonds, etc.per bot. ' Finest Mixed Spice, per packet ... 0 I^> sd, or doz. ... ... 4 0 per -|lb tin ....; 0 6 2^oz Essences, per bottle 9d, 7s 6dper doz. Genuine Ship Lime Juice, per bot. 1 0 4oz Essences, per bot. Js 3d, or doz 13 6 Lemon Syrup, Easpberry Syrup, Pino Apple Syrup, per bottle ... 1. 0 ■ ; We have a few cases of Colonial Wines, (Port and Constantia) from the Waverley Wine Vaults, to be cleared cut at 22s 6d per case 'CHUISTMAS MUvSKNTS NEW Y l'All PRESENTS Ten per cent. Discount, or 2s in the Pound. During December, we are allowing 2» in the Pound Discount off all Piateware, Clqckware, or Cutlery, purchased from our Establishment. Wo import direct from the Manufacturers, therefore it is needless to say that our Prices are as low, if not lower than any in the Trade. Do not fail to see our Window Display. . . JAM and PRESERVING/ SEASON—I9§» 3. We hold large stocks of Jam Jars of all descriptions, and anyone in want of either a large or small quantity should see our samples, and get our prices before buyipg elsewhere. Mason's Jars, Pints 4s J'd, Quarts 5s 6d, Cs 9d, per dozen. Esdnctioß by the case. Earthenware Jars from 2s 6d per dozen Preserving Pans in Brass, Cast Iron, "Fnamelle 1, and Steel Enamelled from 3a 61 each. FLETCHER BROS.' Fourth Tea Competition closes on February 28th, 19G& First prize—Handsome pair Bronze Figures with swing Clock, 30 inches high, valued at £6 10s. Second jrize—l4 Carat Rolled Gold Watch and Chain, valued at £4- 10s. Third prize—Handsome Hanging Lamp, valued at ,£3 l(.s. Also (numerous other Prizes. Everyone who sends in not less than 30 Coupons will receive a Prize. #■ ' . — -r  ...■■ *...■ ... ,. v GOLDEN TIPPED ORANGE PEKOE, Ceylon, Is lOd.perlb, or Is 8d by the slb tin and Is 7d by 101b tin COUNTESS TEA, Is 6d per lb, or Is 5d by 51b tin and Is 4d by lOlb tin DUCHESS TEA, Is lOd per lb, or Is 8d by 51b tin, and is 7d by 101b tin. ■ EMPRESS TEA, 2s per lb, or Is lOd by 51b tin, and Is 9d by KUb tin * PRINCESS TEA, 2s 2d per lb, or 2s by 51b tin, and Is lid by lOlbtin A Coupon enclosed in every- packet of above Teas- A Few Lines specially interesting to Farmers generally : Nos. 8 and 9 Fencing Wire, per cwt. coil ... ... , 9«> Hog Barb Wire, per cwt coil ... ... it , i#i 15 0 Sheep Netting, 15 guage, centre strand, 100 yd. coil, per yard *.", *.", 02f „ 14guage, „ „ „ . ... !., 03i Fowl Netting, 2in. mesh, 3ft wire, 100 yd coil, per yar.l lfd, per coi ... 14 6 English Raw Linseed Oil, per sgal drum ... ... ... 22 6 English Boiled Linseed Oil, per sgal drum - ... ..." '.['. 2J O Castor Oil, 3s Gd per gallon by the tin Benzine, in 4gal tins, per tin ,„ ... , ... 9 0 Neatsfoot Oil, sgal Drums 15s 6d, per gillon ... "'. '.*.'. 3 6 1 doz Bottles Colonial Wine, 8 Port 4 Constantia, p3r cfse .'.'.' ... 22 6 SUGAR .--?u. Finest Cane Sugar, Al, 701b bags ... ... ... ... 014 6 » » 561b bags ... ... ... ... 0 11 5 » „ 401b bags ... ... " ... ... 0 8 3 Brewers' Crystals, per lb ... ... .«. ... .„ 0 02f ■  per 561b bags ... ... ... ... •0 12 0 „ per 401b bags ... ... ... ... 0 8 9 150 per cent Test Kerosene, 4s per tin, 8s per case -sd*  s d lib Jars Easpberry Jam, per jar .„ 0 8 lib Tins Jam, per do^ ... ... 3 9 21b Jars St. George Raspberry Jam I' 4 21b Tins Plum Jam ... ... 0 84 21b Jars Strawberry Jam, per jar 1 6 | 21b Tins Raspberry Jam ... ... 011 21b Jars Peach and Apricot Jam 1 3 lib Tins Easpberry and Strawberry 21b Jars Raspberry and Goosebery Jaml 2 Jam, per tin 6d, per doz ... 5 $ lib Tins Jam ... ... 0 4 We guarantee to sell as cheap, if not cheaper than any other other Storekeeper in Ashburton. FLETCP ER BROS. Cash Supply Stores. Canterbury Agents for Nimmo and Blair's Standard Seeds Tinwald Orders delivered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Town orders delivered Daily.