Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following place 3, as under, subject to the necessary alterations: TUESDAY, Dec. 30. SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

For Northern Ports and West Coast, also Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, United States, Canada, etc, abo Continent of Europe and United Kingdom, via San Francisco (due London Jan. 3ist), per Rotomahana, at 5.45 p.m. FRIDAY, Jan. 2.

For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney Jan. 7th), and South Africa, per Monowai, at 10.30 a.m.

Commercial.

Sydney Markets.

Sydney, Dec. 29

At the Homebush market, a strong line of New Zealand prime sheep brought from 22a to 24s ; crossbred wethers, best, 18s j good 15s, medium UsGd; ewes, best 16s, good 14s, medium 11s. Cattle—Best bul locks £16, extra .£l9 15s, good .£ll 15s, medium £7 15s; cows, best £10 10s, extra .£l3 2s 6d, good £7 15s, medium .£6 10a; best beef 45s per lOOlbs,

Ashburton Grain Market.

! The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative AssociatioD of Canterbury, Ltd., quotes as follows or. Dec. 29th 1902: Wheat- Tuscan I Pearl J- 4s fld to 5s Hunters J Oats—Duns 2s fid to 2s 9d „ Danish ... 2s6dto2s9d „ Sparrowbills ... 2s fid to 2s 9d  Canadians ... 2s 9d to 3s Barley—Malting, prime 3s 3d Inferior ... 2s 9d to 3s Peas—Prussian Blue ... 5s „ Partridge ... 3s Gd Chaff - Good oatsheaf ... M ss t0,£412s 6d Grass seed -Farmers' ... 2a (Jd to 3s 3d. The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ash burton.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1902. OUR ROADS.

The letter from MrE. Herring, published in this issue, read in conjunction with what has been, said and written by Messrs David Thomas, T. Bullock, and Edward Taylor on the same subject, shows that it is time some better system of vond construction should be adopted in this country. It is all very well for those who are in the habit of preaching that New Zealand is the most progressive country on the face of the earth, to say that our roads are not so bad as they might be, or as they are in some region that has no decent high ways at all. But the fact that we are altogether behind most European countries, and even Australia in this respect cannot be disputed. We have frequently drawn attention to the unsatisfactory system ol road making in vogue in New Zealand, a system whose inefficiency is accentuated in and around the centres of population. W». once heard a traveller who was spending a short time in a New Zealand town remark t i;it the local bodies in this colony seemed 10 prefer the " cheap and nasty " principle in roading the country, instead of consider ing tho comfort and convenience of the public and tho durability of the work. The tact i-*, there is a grett tendency to false .'couomy on the part of our local bodies in road-making, if not in other matters, and :ho results oftpu illustrate the truth of the jld adage " Penny wise and pound foolish." I.'he shmgle used on our roads may be ali very well for roadinc- thinly settled dis tricts, but where the traffic is heavy :t is ground into sand and dust in % very short time, and while the grind ing process is being carried on by the people who use the roads, they are paying tor doing ifc in the wear aud tear of their horses and vehicle?, and the extra haulage required. The* roads too, have to be re paired continually, and we believe that they cost in the end, more to keep in repair than they would if made with better material than shingle, and were mopp scientifically constructed. All that is'^one now to make a new road is to fornj it, and cover it with what is termed shingle, but is generally a mixture of boulders, shingle, and sand. Now and then a traction engine is run over the top of this apology fora road, but the subsequent work of making the road is done by the unfortunate public, assisted by the elements. Should there bo a loug spell of dry weathjsr, nobody ventures on to the surface of the roadway ; the traffic runs on either side. But should there be much rain, and the ruts in the side tracks be too deep for any heavily loaded vehicles, they are perforce obliged to tackle the " shingle.' Those wh(, b&ye seen a loaded dray oiossing a ribbed can undprstaij4 TV hat this means to horses and vehicles. Ifc is much, to be regretted that the local bpdjes in this county could not see their way to fall in with the proposal of the County Council to purchase a steam road roller on certain conditions, ft ig probable that if the whole of the Koad Boards ip. the. county, with the Borough CouncilandtheTown Boards, Avere to confer with a view to re-consider this question, an agreement might be come to which would pnable the County Council to carry out the proposal fco purchase a road roller for general use throughout the district. There are other matters in connection with the important subject of road-making that might W/3JI jbo considered at such a conference as we Lq.ve sug gested, chief amongst these being the question whether it would not be possible to obtain a better material for roading purpose^. The local bodies have so far looked upon' the x^lafo.o cheapness of shingle as compared with any road metal available as a bar to tho adoption of other material. Bat ifc is worth while to ascer tain whether by combination amongst the bodies interested, some arrangement could not bo made that would result in this county a,fc auyrate, being supplied with more up-to-date streets %n<| highways.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Prtce of Bread.— On and after the Ist January, 1903, the prico of bread in Ashburton will bs 7|d cash and B.^d booked.

Mb Hugo Frtedl.vndee. —Eecent advices from Mr Hugo Friedlander, who is at present in Germany, state that he is greatly improved in health, and that he intends prolonging his slay on the Continent

The Eakata Sale.—The next sale at the Eakaia yards will bo held on Thursday, January Bth.

Mb Seddon ao Governor.-—The Waira rapa natives aro signing a petition to King Edward praying him to appoint Mr Soddon Governor of New Zealand upon the expira tion of Lord Eanfurly's term of office.

LAN»sr,jr.—A Priesg Association telegram from Chi'istchijrch states that a large landslip has occurred at Whiteclift's, at the north end of the railway yards. Some two thousand of more tona of earth canie down from the face of the hill, derailing a waggon and totally destroying a small cottage, which was unoccupied at the time.

InvSATio^ Threepenny Pieces. —A Dunedin paper states that imitation three penny pieces, made apparently o£ cartridge pauep or similar material and then silvered over or covered •pith silver paper, are in Circulation. They so. closely resemble the genuine article that shopkeepers, tramcar conductors, and others may easily be de ceived, and a sharp lookout ghould there fore be kept for them.

Weather Forecast. — Captnin Edwin wires •.—Strong to moderate winds from between west and south-west and south; glass rise.

The Hailstorm.—Accounts from Valet ta and Hackthurne show that standing crops have been damaged by the Lite hail storm, 300 acres of Bats being completely out down. Much damage has been done everywhere along the track of the storm, but fortunately it was not a wide one.

The Maggie Wells' Concert.—Lovers of music will have an exceptional oppor tunity of having their taste gratified to night when Miss Maggie Wells and her talented assistants will submit the pro gramme which appears in another column. Miss Wells is eaid to be possessed of a magnificent contralto voice of marvellous power, pathos, range and sweetness, and it is confidently believed that in tho near future her name and fame will be widely known. We strongly advise our readers uot to miss this opportunity of hearing her. She will be strongly supported by Mrs Prendeville Wilson (Wellington), Miss Richey, and Mr C. Read (Christchurch), Messrs McClurgand Anderson (Ashburtou), The concert will commence at 8 p.m., doers open at 7.30, and the prices are popular.

" Threepenny Beers."—The Oamaru " Mail," one of the few New Zealand news papers advocating uo-license, thus comments on the abolition of " threepenny beers " in Invercargill :■—" The more dearly those who indulge to excess have to pay for the seductive element of their indulgence, the sooner there will be an end of their capaci ty to pay for it. As the less one has of the publican's wares the better, the less ono can purchaso with a given sum the better. Forty drinks at 6d each would do infinitely iess harm than eighty at half tho price, even if the cheaper wore equal in quality to the dearer. If there be any trade more bhan another which if- demoralised by keeu competition and the cutting of prices it is the licensed victuallers.

A Novel Idea.—The inspector of police is invited to be present at meetings of tlie Licensed Victuallers' Association in Inver cargill. The " Southland Times " says : — i" He would hear the various reports sub mitted, and, if any contravention of the law was brought under notice, he could take what action he thought fit." It is contended that "this would do away iwith the necessity of any member of the 'Association giving information against a tallow tradesman;" and we are told that the idea meets with general approval, and will, perhaps, be brought into operation.

TI. A.O.D.—The fortnightly meeting of the Star oil Ashburton Lodge of Druids was heJd last evening. There was a fair attendance of members and Bro. Stock, A.D., was in the chair. An appeal was received from a Dunedin Lodge on. behalf of a brother who was in need and a sum was voted to assist him. One candidate was initiated into the order. P.D.G.P. Bro. Hunter, D.G.V.P. Bro. Smith, D.G.T. Bro. Walker paid a visit to the Lodge and were accorded a hearty welcome. The D.G-. Lodge Officers gave some interesting information on the -working of the Order, and a vote of thanks was passed to them for their attendance. The Lodge was then closed, after -which light refreshments were partaken of, and a pleasant time was spent in harmony, the meeting dosing by the sinking of •" Auld- Lang-Syno."

A Nkwspapeu Man's Opinion.—The agricultural reporter of the " Weekly Press" says—" Tapanui, backed by the celebrated Blue Mountains (teeming with fallow deer) and having a broad expanse of fertile rolling downs in front, is an exce,eding]y picturesque upland town; prosperous too, and by no means lacking in good accommo dation and genuine hospitality, in spite of tho ban of prohibition under which it has existed for suine years past. It is one of the suiall states of the Prohibition Clutha ter ritory, and whatever the merits or demorits of intoxicating liquor may be, the abolition of its sale in the Tapanui district has cer tainly not retarded the growth of a single blade of grass, neither has it lessened the increase of stock, m<r diminished the area of land uuder cultivation. The town itself looks prosperous, and the people who rode or drove, or othorwise came into the local show, had every appearance of being happy and prosperous themselves.

Caubages for Cattle.—A novel anil successful experiment in the raising of fod der for dairy cows has been under taken by ilr A. It. Waddie, of Leppertou, New Ply jioufcb. Tliis gentleman a year or tvvo back abandoned the dtiMps of a mining engineer .■md took to dairy farming, and he soon as tonished his neighbours by going in for raising acres of cabbages for the purpose of feeding his cows. It appears that cabbage possesses extrofdinary ' nutritive properties and that it gives a more profitable yield to the acre than either oats pr grass. The very wef; season |ust pasped through in Taranaki has resulted in tlie grass becoming flaccid and non^nutritive, but on the-, cab bages the effect has been excellent. There fore, MrWaldiei9 now m >re firmly then ever convinced of the merits of his some what extraordinary departure from the methods of the average dairyman.

The Bt.yE Ribanp cik (Jvci.iwg.—At Lancaster Park on Christmas Day, the amateur riders competed for the most valu abl^trophy in the colony, the Rudge-Whit worth Cup, val'.'s 100 guineas, presented to the N.Z. League of Wheelmen by Rudge- Whitworth Ltd., of Coventry., England, which was won by B. M. Rpcfger, who started from scratch. Rodger was mounted on Britain's best bicycle, the Rupgb-Wbit- WOKTH.

News in Brief.

Mr David Thomas is now booking orders for corn3acks, ex^ship and ex store.

The annual excursion in connection with the Primitive Methodist Ghurch will leave the church for the beach at Q o'clock on New Year?s Day.

Mr C, Beech. Tanored Street, calls atten tion to' hiß tea rooms, and sequegts the public to give his birthday and wedding cakes a trial. He waits on families daily fir orders for bread.

Scotch lasses dressed in tartan costumes will acfr as waitresses at a number of re freshment depots to be' opened in London, where oatmeal in various forms, from por ridge to puddings and cakes, will be offered to customers.

Willioby.

(From our own correspondent J

The. quarterly meeting of the circuit officials of the Wiljowby Methodist Church was held in the Vestry' on Thursday, Dec. 26th. The Eev. J. D. Jory presided, and there were present—Messrs J. Williams, W. Harding, W. Kepninertftn, Joseph Watson, Alex. McEenzie, jj. Benbbw, B. Maxwell, S. S. Chapman, H. W. Grayburn, Jno. Watson, and S, ifayman. The quarter not being quite complete, it was resolved to hold over the baianco sheet for a week until complete returns were in, The in come, however, is expected to a.bout balance the expeuditure. Any deficiency will be made up by the various congregations in connection with the harvest festi vals'. The Sunday Schools and. Christian Endeavour Society wore reported to be in a satisfactory condition. It was also agreed to take advantage of the ministers attend inf the annual conference in Christchurch in'VebrUa'ry" to take the services for two Sabbaths in the circuit, Messrs W. Hard ing and H. W. Grayburu were elected Cir cuit 'Stewards for the coming year. Mr S. S. Chapman was elected representative to the'Conferencg, Mr Harding being ap pointed substitute. A vote of sympathy was accorded to the family of the late Mr Werren in their bereavement, and a letter of congratulation was requested to be sent to Mr"Fi;anipton, felicitating him on his restored healtji." It w&s agrped to make a combined circuit effort at Wjllowby in con nection with the Saryest Festival to clear off all Trust and Circuit; debts, and thus enable the Church to commence its ]Jew Year free of all liabilities. At the close of the meeting, the members present were provided with refreshments by Mesdames Williams and Harding who received a vote of'thanks therefor,

Correspondence.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible fen J opinions expressed-by our correspondents.) \

THE LARRIKIN NUISANCE.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sib, —Would you kindly give me space to ventilate the nuisance of hoodlums lying in wait on New Year's Eve, at 12 p.m., bom barding the roofs of houses in a most shame ful manner to the danger of person and damage of property. La3t year it wa3 carried on for an hour in the vicinity of East Bolt; being dark and vacant sections about made it impossible to know where the stones came from. The curs know well the police are never seen towards the Belts, and know they are safe to do any sort of mis chief. If the Sergeant could spare a Constable once or twice a week on either side of the line, especially the Wakanui Road and East Belt, I* feel sure it would have a good moral effect on the larrikin element. Can you tell me if the police are expected to protect p3oplo within the Belts from such nuisances ? If such intolerance is repeated this coming New Year's Eve, I have provided myself with the means of protection, let the consequence be what it may.—l am, etc., Ratepayer.

THE LUXURY OF TRAVEL.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, —I can fully endorse every remark Mr E. Taylor made, re the improved means of locomotion at Home. Mr D. Thomas, from his extensive motor car rides, bears similar testimony to the excellence of the public highways by the use of broken metal rolled down.to a fine even surface by hun dreds of steam road rollers, some rural Co«noils-'bwning two rollers and scarifiers. The Ashburton ■ County Councillors are wide awake and only this year were pre pared to purchase a first-class road rollev for tho use of the Road Boards if the mem bers thereof would only guarantee cost and arrange amongst themselves for its con-j stant use. To that fair offer there was no response. 1 found all the country roads I at Home nicely rounded, clear of vegetation, 1 not a loose stone or a rut, although the sum mer was similar to that we are experi- j encing. But ft r the policeman, there was nothing to limit the speed of the thou sands of motor oars and motor cycles which were everywhere too much, in evidenceT Travelling, too, in rubber-rimmed vehicles on such roads was certainly better for horse, trap and rider, than our grinding down miles of loose river-bed shingle. The traveller finds all needful information recorded in raised cast-iron lettering every mile he travels. I remember the time when clay was worked into bricks, which, after being burnt were broken into rough road metal, then burnt clay shale was tried, and these were supplanted for thirty years by broken furnace slag. Now nothing but finely broken ragstone and monntain lime stone is used in West Yorkshire. The pon derous Baxter's stone-crusher elevates the: rock, crushes, riddles,, and delivers into railway trucks at the quarries 28 tons of, stone per hour, in two sizes, one for founr dation, the finer for surfacing and repairs. But for the passing .of the Local Govern ment Acts of 1888, and subsequent amend-. ments, which have placed Great -Britain in the foro-rank of nations in local self government, neither Messrs Taylor, Thomas nor I could have told this tale of travelling by road at Home. Our New Zealand Local Government is practically identical with that which the British Legislature dis carded fourteen years ago. Having had practical experience in the working of the old British and New Zealand Acts as well asau insight into the new system at Home by the courtesy of the St Aldermen and Councillors' of the West Hiding County Council, to whose meetings I was invited, I have no hesitation in saying that we are quite out of date. But if locomotion by rood is bad, what of our State-managed railroads' by comparison 1 Fit only for funerals. " The exulting sense —the pulse's maddening play is ■that of the traveller on any of the big companies' lines in Great Britain as seated in a luxuriously furnished third-class carriage, he finds that in half-a minute after the signal to start, the long train is speeding at the rate of 30 miles an hour* increasing as rapidly to 50 or6o'miles.. Entering the station at the rate of 40 miles an hour, it safely kinds him at tho exact place required, thereto find'si. willing porter at his servioo. All this luxury of travel for only a pe.nny a mile. Only "5" per cent, of the travelling Britons patronise the first class. The Midland Company abolished the second-class 2ii years ago. Others fol lowed that success. The Lane, and Yorks Company are ab.oiit to abolish^ t^e first-class section. Of all'modern methods of travel at Home, fcimt by. electric tramcar 'takes, the cake/- On all the tnajn tp\yn streets they follow each other every five minutes from 6 a,m. to Up.m, Light, bright cars, of two decks, clear of advertise ments, for a penny a mile you can travel in unrivalled comfort for long distances. In monarchal England, there is but one class, in Republican France therp are two, jn the same vehicle. Demo cracy demands a.lso two classes in their underground railway in Paris. There, the second class fare is three sous (ljd) for' any distance. In London, a lift conveys 30 or 40 passengers to the Twopenny Tube. Here again, brightness and light (electric) preyai}—qtfito a contrast to the dingey, underground''MetVfipptoif^n'' railway, Still worked by steam power, In the wholesome atmosphere of the Tube, yoii can travel any distance up to'its length,' 14 miles, for twopence. To the stay-at-home New Zea lander, the luxury of travel wjU long remain an unkpqwriexpeineHce.—!tam, etc., ! ' '' ' ' E, Herring. p,g t —Jn reading over my letter, I see that I have omitted reference to the electric car service, competing successfully with the raihvay-s in e,ony§ying pas^agers from town to town in populous districts.- Such railways will have"to be electrified in the near future! The County Hall, Wake field, cost .£l2o,ooo—building/ contract <£BO,OOQ, decorations and furnishing #30,0p0 site, etc., about £10,000. Except" for hold ing balls and functions, I consider it superior in every way to the interior of the Hotel de Ville, Paris, which I visited recently. —E.H. ' «

INTERPROVINCIAL.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Stratford, December. 29 On Christmas Eve, about 4 p"m., Mrs George, aged 45, a farmer's wife, living at Stanley road, dropped dead in Wilson's tea rooms, Broadway, with a fy»hy, six weeks old, in her arms. She, complained of feeling faint, and suddenly fell forward. Drs. Carbory and Scotb were immediately* on the spot, but the woman pas,t assistance. W\a.nga'nuj, Dec. 29.

Several chimneys were thrqwn down by the earthquake and some damage is also reported in the shops through articles being capsized and in '.private houses ornaments were smashed, The shook was preceded half an hour earlier by a light shock.

Nelson, Dec. 29 A short, but sharp earth tremor was felt here shortly before noon to-day.

A heavy northerly gale with rain is ranging, and the Lawn Tennis Champion ship play was postponed for the day. No finals are yet available. ■ Timaru, Dec. 29

Mr Brown, manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Temuka, met with a bicycle accident on Saturday night by colliding with another cyclist. He was rendered unconscious by the fall and had not regained consciousness by noon to-day. Christcijurch, Dec. 29

The Lyttelton Harbor Board has appoin ted Mr Cyrus J. K. Williams, of Queens land, engineer at a salary of £500 per annum for a term of three years.

The N.Z. Amateur Athletic Association to-night adopted rules fpr centre govern ment very similar to those of the Swimming. Association,

DARING ROBBERY.

♦ : United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Wellington, Dec. 29 During the luncheon hour to-day, Solomon Thompson, a young man, broke one of the lnrge plate glass windows of Messrs Stewart, Dawson and Co.'s shop at the corner of Willis Street and Larabton Quay, and helped himself to a handful of jewellery which was on exhibition. He wusseizod by passers by and handed over to a Constable. The mrtn's action was one of considerable daring, as the shop is in one of the busiest parts of tbe city, and there were hundreds of people about.

CRICKET.

N.S.W. v. VICTORIA,

Melbourne, Dec 29

The wicket was fast and true. N.S.W. won by 136. Victoria in their second inningß made 181, Graham 36, Macalister 37, Stuckey 22, Armstrong 36. Howell took 9 wickets for 52. .

Arundel Gun Club.

The third match of the Arundel Gun Club was fired on Boxing Day. The day waß very unfavorable for the match, as it rained nearly all the time the match was on. Considering the weather a good num ber of competitors turned up, and every thing went on very well. Mr Petrie sup plied a very nice luncheon, and the officials worked hard to make the meeting a success. The shooting was not very good during the rain, but after it cleared up some very good shooting was done, add When the last match was being fired off the excitement rose very high. The following is the result of the day's meeting :—

First Match, a sweepstake of ss, divided into three prizes, and a trophy (a beautiful marble clock) presented by Mr E. D. Petrie, 7 shots (handicap.) Wiuner to take the trophy. (15 entries.) —W. Grindill and J. Beece tied with seven birds each, and in firing off W. Gnndill won; T. McLSy, J. Ashby, A. Eiby and H. Eiby tied for third place. In firing off A. Eiby won.

Second Match—A Sweepstake of 10s and a trophy, 21 shots (handicap.) Sixteen enteies.—David Prater (8)'21, J. Jenkins (6) .217-and-Ctop.JiiiVins (7) 21 tied, and agreed to divide the money and fire off for the trophy (a silver teapot.}" Tn firing off.Geo. Jinkins Jwon. J. Ashby, (5) 20, A. Eiby (6) 20, Donald Fraser, senr., (7) li), were the next highest shots. ..,."'••

An Enterprising Band.

The new band recently established at Mayfield by Bandmaster Ryan,.has made a very good start. On Christmas Eve, the Band, represented by twelve members, under Mr Evan,; and driven by Mr James Dellqw, left .Mayfield at,,about ; ;9 o'clock, after going through th"c ,tQwnßhip f -and playing, Christmas carols at -the residence; of almost every resident, ".and .crossing the Hinds, called at every place on the north, side, till, .they, got, ( to ; - Mr Mulligan's,,, .at; ,Barfordj, ; ,by. j /w,honi;. they were very liberally,treated.:; .Aifcerrtvcrojss ing the Hinds, they were very well treated by Messrs T. Harrison, Austen> an(^ others; although it was. then. . past midnight. Almost;; everybody gave them refreshments, and a contribution towards the funds of the Band. Mrs Smith, at the Lismore school, was exceptionally good to them, 1 but they were sorry to find =that Mr Smith was very ill. Tie, however, expressed himself pleased to hear: the music: The Band then worked back to. Mayfield, a^icl went past Messrs Dunnett, Oakley, Gallagher, Payne, Foster Irvine, Mu.vison and Morrow's residences. Thence they went to Hekeao, calling on nearly all the residents in that locality, although a few had; to be missed owing to the want of. more • time. The financial results of the tour were -very sa^is.fi\(itory, doaationa from, half-ja-orown to or.c guinea aggregating ove.r : . . Thiß_should_ prove a good advertisement for* tlie Bau<r,~tof alttiougir-xne—members have only had six weeks practice, the work was excellent.

The Ban<l is anxious that all those who treated them so well should know that their kindness is appreciated,. and i ©know lodged. ■ ■, .. ;

LISMORE.

(From Ou? Own Correspondent.)

Just a f«w lines to wish you the compli ments of the season. . I may say we people of Lismove ?ind. surrounding district have not bad so happy and pleasant a time as we generally expect for the Christmas season, the weather having been so unfavourable for holiday making and pleasure seeking. The disa.ppcintment3 in that respect have been many, especially for the sch.Qol com mittee and children,, who held their annual picnic and social on Boxing Day. The rain falling heavily all the afternoon prevented any outside sports for the children. How ever, they did the best they could under the circumstances by getting up games in the schoolroom. Towards 5 o'clock the ladies and committee provided tea and cake in plenty for all present, an.d I think they all enjoyed thpm.selvas thoroughly, forget ting th'p" rain outside, whioh had then begun to ease off. After tea, visitors and parents came in and the school was cleared for games, and towards dark. th,e ga^es were all over, and ch^dren, and visitors took their sestq looking forward to the distribu tion of prizes, but amongst that assembly two very familiar facias were wanting, which, helped to cast a gloom over the whole, of the proceedings, the. schoolmaster anc( hjs pleasant T?lfe *>$$% My Smith,, I am very sqrry to say, is laid up. in bed with a bad foot,- thus preventing him from making liis appearance amongst us. The. disappointment to the children, ytm very great indeed, a$ th.ey had amongst them selves subscribed together and bought a very handsome pipe, intending, to. surprise their master by making him'this presenta tion. However, they would not be daunted, If the master could not come $© tk.^m they could go, to, the, Esc|ip,otaa^tar, which they 414. We. all visits together in wishing him a speedy xeobvery and a happy New Year to himself and family.

Coming back to the feature of the day's programme. The chairman of the School Com,m,ittjee took the chair, and after a few $emarks oj& the absence o,f tho master and t^s wife, he proceeded to distribute the prizes, which, judging by the children's faces, gave great satisfaction to.^ all. The gchool was then cleared and danoing, songs, and recitations were the order of the even ing fir all who. could stay.- At midnight tea and refreshments were handed round, and after that themost of the older people wenc home to their beds, I think thoroughly satisfied with their day's enjoyment under the circumstances, the younger people staying on till the small hours of the morn ing, some hoping by the aid of daylight to he able to cross the Hinds river with safety, which they could not do in the dark. Two families were debarred from attending their sohool picnic on account of the dangerous state of the Hinds Bjver, with no bridge, not even a stock bridge, to cross. Perhaps the New Year will bring' a change for the better in this respect, , ' .'

The French Navy.

Paris, December 28. M. Pellqtan, Minister of Marine, in an intepvie\f, sharply criticised the Budget Oqmmit^e of tiie Chamber of Deputies for giving him ten million francs above what he asked for, so that, in case of danger, the grews. in the Mediterranean might be com pleted in twenty-four hours, He wished to save in that direction, to enable, him to spend more to provide the ports of shelter in the colonies for thenavy.

Waterton Notes.

Since writing my last notes tbe Christ mas holidays have arrived and everybody has been wishing his neighbour a " Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," or briefly, the " Compliments of the season." The enjoyment natural to these holidays has Wen considerably marred by the very un seasonable weather titff Jhas been experi enced during the last-, fortnight. Days, that have promised well, have tempted holiday-seekers to a day at the beach, only to half drown them before the day was over; while others, suspicious of its vagaries, have refused to visit an outing, and thus this festive season is passing this year very ouietly.

The school broke up for its holidays on December 23rd, on -which occa-.ion each child attending the schooi received a very handsome book present as a memento of the year's work. Sewing prizes were also awarded to the girls, one prize being given to each class.

The broken weather, while it- has pro duced abundant feed for present wants, has very much hampered the farmers in their endeavours to secure their hay-crop. Some of the hay, I have been led to understand, has been cut at least a fortnight, and is still in the fields, the result being that as a' fodder its value this year will be much* de preciated. The rape crops ate this year abnormal, and many farmers have a diffi culty in getting stock to eat them, the margin between store and fat being so light that they do not care to speculate on prices. Harvest is still in the future, the bad "weather holding the crops back, much to the delight of the birds that are making sad havoc on some of the earlier crops. With a few fine sunny days, the rattle of the reaper would be heard in these crops and cause the little depredators to seek fresh fields on which to work. The boys are making use of their spare time bird nesting, with, 1 hear, good results. During this festive season, death has visited two homes in this district, and cast its dismal shadow over the households. The first visited was that of Mr J. H. Andrews, and here a bright little fellow (9£ years) was claimed. He died very suddenly, baing ill only a few days. The second was chat of Mr/Werren. Here He claimed the husband and father. Mr Warren had been ill for nearly twelve months, during which time the best medical advice both in Ashburton and Christchurch was sought, but without any benefit. A visit to Botorua had a like result, The disease refusing to answer to treatment. The' last three months he was confined entirely to his bed, and on the 16th inst.,-he passed away at the early age of 36, leaving a wife and seven children to mourn their loss. The two families have- th» entire "sympathy of the district in their affliction. A memorial service in connection with the death of Mr "Werren, was con ducted f.y the Eev. J." D. Jery, in the Wes leyan church on Sunday last.

Land in the North.

Per Press Association—By Electric .:'.". Telegraph.

New Plymouth, Dec, 29 The Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki, Mr J. Mackenzie, has just xe r turned from a three" weeks' tour of inspec tion in the northern portion of the province. In the course of an interview with "a " Daily News" representative, MrMacKenzie stated that there are fully a hundred thousand acres of land, chiefly in the Upper MokaiT and King Country, well adapted for close settlement. The land is ranch better than • expected, the soil being good. It is well watered, the elevation is low, a large por tion being open scrub and forest, accessible now by old native tracks, so that there willbe no difficulty of getting provisions and grass seed to the holdings when the land is taken up. A grea.t deal of the land is suitable for dairying, the other portion . for cattle and sheep raising. During the tour horses, wild cattle and pigs were seen in large numbers, native and imported gamo being very plentiful. Numerous swarms of hees were also seen. Much of _thje_bMsh is light, and there are man; streams suitable for canoeing, in an ex j ploration by tha district surveyor, Mr Skeefc, the region in the Upper Tongapor^ utu-Eiver was discovered to pass through the main rafcge of hills tapping thirty thou sand acres of excellent country of a some what high elevation. It is understood that a vigorous palicy of cutting up the \and will at once be adopted, with a view of throwing it open as soon as possible. Seven survey parties have already been ar ranged, the only difficulty being roading, for -which it is probable burnt papa will have to be depended on 'at the northern end, .

Thames, Der. 29. The Hon. J, McGowau telegraphed to the Minister of Lands a few-days ago, strongly advising him to push along the opening of lands in the Thames, Waikato, and Kawhia districts/there was strong genuine feeling* in favour of settlement in thesa parts. The following is the reply of the Minister:— " Your telegram to hand re opening more land in your district. lam giving instruc tions and matter will be placed heforo Cabi net."

Brother and Sister.

(By Chas. W. PuuNEiiL.)

O, brother mine t toil on a little longer, The crown of toil shall come to you some day , The clouds shall pass, the sun' reveal its brightness,, An,d a.ll the world assume an aspect gay. Wot ever $n our ears as we inarch onwards. Th,e drunis of life resound with their deep roll, Sometimes with lively din they wake the welMHj, " Sometimes with mufßed tones they stir the soul*

The deserts spread afar their drear ex" pauses, The mountains lift their frozen heads on Mgn, Tet through the flowery mead and pleasant woodland *'' - The sparkling ri»ulefc Sows, merrily- O, sister mine, why fall your tears/in sor row? "Why weep for that which brings a little pain ? The pain will pass like night into the

morning, And joy and gladness shall come back again.

The darkest clouds are but a transient - curtain Which veils awhile the blue ethereal sky, Whose beauties soon shall greet our charmed vision. Its tender glories calm the troubled eye.

Aud ye who, by the lot of Fate remorseless. Are made to toil in sombre ways alone, Who deem your lives a bitter woe and burden, And your sad destiny for bemoan, Let your despondent hearts remain un shaken,

Unceasingly revolves Fate's restless wheel, ' "' Upspring the lowly from their humble posture, ' -••■•.-. The proud from their exalted station reel. -: ' :-

The world stays not, but in a long.-muta : two; -■''•' All things upon its breast suffer achangg, ]Jpbn the gamut of mankind Time's finger^' In endless play and alternation range.

O, brother mine! grieve not-for labours wasted, 0, sister dear! weep not for love o*er thrown; The fragments or a thousand human, idols Adown the path of life are thickly strowu. Believe not that Life's blossoms have de parted Because its bitter fruit has touched your tongue; Once more the tree shall bloom, and its sweet fragrance O'er your rejuvenated hearts be flung. I —"Canterbury Times,"

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1902



*' *"" ■' —'■•-*•* <■■-« r:.-.--;., .i.-i. ■■■■.■■--. .-. . f  m BUSINESS NOTICES. '_ ' GKBO. MEDDINS, j Tli© People's Ironmonger. IH WE just landed ex " Wainaate," 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 Turned and Enamel Ware, Brass and Copper. Harvesting Requisites. Hay Forks, Hay Rako?, Scythe* and Handles, Reap Hooks. Tools for Harvst Field, such as Scrow Wrenches, Stst3 of Spanners, Files, Hammers, Vyces, Punches, Cold and Wood Chisels, Plyers, Pincers, Copper and Iron Rivete, Tacks, etc. Castor and Other Machine Oils. ' Ready mixed, in all colors, While and Rod Lead, Hematite, Boiled and Eaw Linaeed Oils'. Apent for Scott's " Atlas," Shaddock's " Orion," " Zoalandia," and Hepburn's Ranges, Davey's Celebrated Sewing Machines. Inspection Cordially Invited. Burnett Street—Opposite Arcade. Santa clajjs~Lnd father XMAS COMING- AGAIN. - - H. M X JONES.. - - Af\ Cases of T°y8 ' Fancy Goods, Books, Stationery, China, Glass, Plush, Ajf\ Q<\j Japanese and Leather Goods 5000 BOOKS. BOOKS. 5000 Prize, Reward 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, . Ail imported and best value obtainable Christmas Cards in great variety Must be Sold Lowest possible Prices. Call early & often H. M. JONES. Something Useflil from the Zcalandia Clyde Works, j YOUTHS' "Atalanta" Bicycles ... £15. Just the thing for a Bright School Boy. GIRLS' " Atalanta" Bicycle - .£l6. j An ideal Preseut for a youag 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. Packed in neat box ready for post"—:4s 9d each. , , TO TOURING CYCLISTS.-Call on us, and we will examine you* machine (tree "■'A^olslowm-offa SwStR the »* up-to-date in the iMI. CHABGES.—AII Repairs and Suudrie3 at Chnstchurch prices. ( i JLshburtan Branch—Burnett Street. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. CHRISTMAS- _ ( PRESENTS. i^ENSIBLE and Useful Present? to give to your, friends. A GENT'S SILK TIE, -Cftl , ftfc the New Zealand Clothi a g Factory. ASlllVljSl ' Call at the New Zcalatid Clothing Factory. A GKXT'S SILK HANDKERCHTEF, j A TRAVELLING RUG, clothiD|? Factoryt A GLADSTONE BAG, paflt()ry> SEE OUR GREAT CHRISTMAS DISPLAY. ■N.Z. CliOTHYfa FACTORY. ALEX. HBNDRY, Manager. | O.ME AND SEW OV I | GHRInTMAS PRESEN i S IN ENDLESS VARIETY. Electroplate Goods of very best quality and design. English Cutlery of mvry description. WATCHES, WATCHES. CLOCKS, CLOCKS. Presents (or Ladies. Presents for Gentlemen. COMB AND SEE. W, H. COLLINS &"CO., ' in ■■■■■■■mom !■!■■■■ <■" "■' mmiiiiiwii iMiiW—Finw^»'rrnoiiwn*T —1-~- —— Persons who wish to do their own Painting will fnd it to their advantage to call at my Oil and Color Store. 1 have Ready Mixed Paints, Genuine WSiHe Lead and Oils, or I will mix any shade of our own Genuine Paint. J. WILSON, Paperhanger, Painter, and Sign-writer. A MERRY CHRISTMAS «»* - - HAPPY NEW YEAR, A S usual MELLOR'S Zealandia Boot Store is having a merry time in Footwear. Remember if you want to spend a Happy New Year go to MELLOR'S and buy a pair of his easy fitting Boots or Shoes You can get any style or shape you like. DO NOT FORGET THAT— MELLOR gives by far the best, value in Boots & Shoes in Ashburton SO BE WISE AND BUY YOUR BOOTS AND SHOES AT j M E L L O R ''S 2EALANIMA BOOT STORE, Tancred Street. «



F. FE BRIM AN. —————— '' i X AJtbJALLJbjXI/& i riIHE roeent wet weather will necessitate | increased attention to your Sieep and Lambs. Do not neglect them by allowing | them to suffer from Scour or Lung-Worm. Joseph Ford's Scour and Lung-worm Mixture, Is an acknowledged cure for both Scour and Lung worm and its use greatly im proves the tone and cond tion of Sheep and Lambs. The following are the opinions of two of our well-known breeders who use FORD'S MIXTURE :— Buccleuch Station, Mount Somers, 14th March, 1902. Mr F. Ferriman, A&hburton. Dear Sir,—Eo 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 irove scouring badly and in some cases before the usual outward appearances of Scour were apparent, some of the biggest and fastest of them had died. I obtained sufficient Mixture from you to drench 3000 lambs, and from the results obtained, I consider that it is impossible for me to speak too highly of it. At a cost of about ljd per head to drench, it has been the means of saving many of my lambs which were worth l2s 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 Sheen or Lambs are suffering from either of the above causf 8 to use Ford's Mixture. He will be well paid for bis outlay. Yours faithfully, (Sgd) E. GATES. Ashburton, January 10th, 1902. Mr F. Ferbiman, Ashburton,— Dear Sir,—Re Joseph Ford's Scour and Lung-Worm Mixture. — Last season I, 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 comraencad to improve right away. A week after drenching they were totally different sheep. The best proof that I can give of the 'drench js that I have this season drenched the whole of my flock whether they showed signs of scour or not, as I consider 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. FERRIMAN, Patentee and Proprietor. FOR SAT, E. Within two miles of Ashbnrtm. 2S\ ACRES of Land, wi£h comfortable \J Housa and Stable. Seasonable terms or cash. F. FEBR-MAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOITsALE mRACTION ENGINE, by Aveling and JL Porter; 6 h-p.; can be seen working. BUSINESS NOTICES. * Only tills season's Tweeds sold- Bailors. »™?_ nnilE 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 tpt,al, and therefore deserve a fan fare of atteniipa. For " all-round sterling value" in Reliable floods try H. <-\ Babrett's Drapory Clothing, and.Boot Warehouse, " Tho Hal!/' Last Street. Note-Discount at the rate of one shilling ia the Pound off all Cash purchases. H- GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897. FiIGHT years experience with E. G. and x F. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dunedin j and Invercargill. lias commenced practice in rooms upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Booms, 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. Hours of Attemdance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Residence—Care Mrs GpAjsrT, Willd*, Street. _ ___, Helpless with fp Rheumatism ■ Tou'va triod liniments and prescriptions without result. Now . . . cure; yourself with THE GREAT ... CANADIAN - . . B£AW£ED CURE. A medicine fctuj Not a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Cure. SOLD BY ALL DEALERS At 3/6 psk Bottle. Solfl Agent for Australasia: ' . GEQ. W. WILTON, Wellington. EOR SALE—FowI Netting, 3G x% a t 2d per yard for 50 yards, and ljd for 100 yard lots.—Habdlbt Bkos. 10 101 SHEFFIELD Cutlery and Electro Plate Having secured a large line of the newest samples, we are selling them at wholesale prices.—Carson anp Cq., Tancred Street. , 33NEY GARNER, late Woollen Mills, gives cash for sheep skins, hides, etc, Tuesdays and Saturdays. Behind Hitching aad Miisiom's, West Street. Give him a trial. ' , ®1 "T GOOD assortment of Men's light r\ Glacie Boots at 12s 6d, 13s 6'd, ISsfid, 595, 2"s ; Ladies'and Gents' Tennis Shoes with beet quality rubber, and guaranteed |o yre&v well—Grant anp Moore.



STANDISH AND PREECE, Photographers under the Eoyal patronage of the Prince and Princess of Wale 3. Studio High Street, Christohurch.



rnOY Land at Stbange's, Burnett Street TOYS, Toys, Toys of every description at Strange's,



i "My face is my fortune, Sir, she said. And truly, for she used New Century Soft Kubber Hair Curlers.—Advt., Eggs.—Messrs Fletcher Bros, are buyers of fresh eggs in any quantity at 8d per dozen, cither cash or contra, until further notice.