EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for December.

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Dunedin. Dec 12 Eeturns Alexandra Lead 51oz, Waimumu 320z, Enterprise I. 31oz IGdwfc 6grs, Enter prise 11. 30oz 12dwt lOgrs, Junction Electric 2ioz 7dwt, Point Dor 23bz, Charlton Creek 2loz 15dwt, Inch Valley 21oz 4dwt, Central Charlton 19oz 2dwt, Globs 19oz 2dwt, Ettrick 18oz lOdwt, Matau 18oz, Chavlton Valley 17oz sdwt, Waimumu Extended 16oz, Waimumu Central 15oz Bdwt, Inchdalel3oz 2dwt, Mystery Flat 12oz 14dwt, Spec Gully Iloz I2dwt. J Dunedin, December 13^ Returns —Eoyal Maori 230z lOdwts; Wai kaka United I. 220z; Central Mataura 9oz I7dwts; Leviathan 12oz 6dwts: Clyde Boz. Wellington Dec. 12 The Kohinoor dredge obtained 42ozs 7dwt for 110 hours. „ The A3. (West Coast) return is 260z for 120 houis.

Commercial.

united Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec. 11. Wheat at Mark Lane is 6d dearer on the week. The American visible supply of wheat is 78,352,000 bushels. Sydney, Dec. 12 Potatoes are easier; local new ,£9 to £10 ss, Derwents .£B.

Timaru Grain Market.

(From our own correspondent.) Timaru, Dec. 12 1 The market for prime wheat is very firm, os having been paid for primo samples on* trucks at country stations, but there are very few farmers who hold any wheat. Fowl wheat has gone up to 4s f.0.b., this i-* really for second milling quality ; inferior fowl wheat is selling at from 3s 3d to 3s 9d, according to sample. Prices for Oats have not altered in any way and quotations aro repeated, namely, 2s 6d to 2s 7?d for bright 'samples, and 2s 2d to 2s 4d for discoloured and damaged. Feed Barley is selling at 3s 3d f.0.b., but there are very few samples on offer; good bright feed oats should be worth 3d 6d when fowl wheat is selling at 4s.

Ashburton Grain Market.

The Ash button Agency of the New Zealaud Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., quotes, as follows on Dec. 10th, 1902: Wheat- Tuscan 1 Poarl r 4s 6d to 5s Hunters ... ... J Oats—Duns 2s6dto2s9d Danish ... 2s6dto 2s 9d „ Sparrowbills ... 2s Od to 2s 9d „ Canadians v ... 2s 9d to 3s Barley—Malting, prim.c' 3s 3d Inferior' ... 2s 9d to 33 p eas —Prussian Blue ... 5s „ Partridge ... 3s Gd Chaff Good oafcsheaf ... 4 tl0?, Grass seed Farmers' .',', 2's ftd to 3s 3d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton.

The following is the Grain Report for the week ending December 12th ;— Wheat.—Beyond one large lino having been sold, very little business has been done, the iocnl supply beiug practically exhausted. Very few farmers have wheat left on hand, and those that have are asking 5s per bushel, and although this price, on .trucks, was paid for the line referred to, millers do not seem inclined to go on at that price, their limit being at present equal to 5s f.o.b. for prime samples. Quotations are nominally Peail ss, Tuscan and' Hunter's 4e 9d to 4s lOd on trucks, for prime milling. Oats. —There is no business being done. One line of short feed has been on offer, but sp far we have not heard of any sale having taken piacb, Oatsheaf Chaff. —Very little on offer, Sellers are asking £5 on trucks, while buyers, limits are £i 10s to .£4 12s 6d.

Christchurch Grain Market.

Den,. 12 The local wheat market is more excised than ever. ■ The sale of nearly 4500 bushels of Pearl wheat at 5s 5d ex store at Adding' ton is reported. The Flour Millers' Associa tion out up the price of flour by £1 per ton. No oats are on offer. Quotations are- Wheat, prime milling Tuscan, 5s to 5s 3d, Pearlss2d to fe'4d.: Hunters' ds 8d to 4s lCd, whole fowl feed 4s to 4s 3d, at country stations. Oats —Milling Canadians 2s 9d to 3s, feed 2s 6d to 2s 7d at country stations,

Asgburton Guardian MAGNA VERITAS ET PRÆVALEBIT. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1902. MR MACGREGOR'S OPINION.

The opinion giv^a. through the columns of the Dunedin " Star " by' Mr J.Qhn ]£s,ogrs gor, a barrister, in that city,<on the effect of declaring a Local Option Poll void, has oc casioned; as injght haye been expected, a good deal of com moat. JvfrJVf.acgr.egor holds | that as Section 3 of the A'esholie Liquors Sale Control Act, 1895. enacts that no license of any description shall be granted or re newed until the electors of the district have previously determined whether licenses are fco be granted, no valid vote of the people will have been taken on this point if the pfficjal declaration of a Licensing Poll is declared void, " and fchafc a3 a result not a single license oould be refte.ved ie June next," This being the deliberate opinion of one of the leading lawyers in New Zea ' land, it may seem presumptuous for lay men to questj.ou it, but, nevertheless, as the matter is one of more than ordinary interest at the present time, it may be interesting to consider the point raised by Mr Mac gregor from a common sense standpoint, and with the information which is within the reach of any intelligent person, In the first place, we may draw attention to a rather important omission in Mr Macgregor's quotation of .clause 3, of the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, 1895. This clause declares that No-license shall be granted, etc., until the electors of the district have previously decided in the hianncr Hereinafter provided. These words jn italics 'Ifaye been overlooked or jgnored by Mr Macgtregor. but it i.s quite evident they require that' the fill of the people must be expressed according to thja law framsd for talcing the Licensing Poll, which is contained in the clauses following that one. If the will of the peoplg has not been expressed in the manner provided, the election cannot be a valid one. Nothing in the clause quoted seems to prevent the CQnstL'ixs&Qß being put upon it that the last vaUd poll tafren. in any district is that which should determine th,g qujasfcipn of licenses to bo granted therein, the only reference to time in the clause being the word " previously," which would appear fco bo applicable to the poll of 1899, should that of 1902 be declared void. 10 Mr Mac gregor's opinion is a true interpretation of the law, how is it that the polls which have been upset since the 1895 Act came into

f orce _in Oaiuaru, for instauce—did not bring about the result with regard to the issue of licenses indicated by Mr Mac- I gregor ? Is it not a well-known principle of British jurisprudence that whenever the machinery of the law fails to at, through some unexpected block, things go on as before, until the difficulty can be overcome? If it were not so, many serious complications would often arise, which are thus avoided. We are not now dealing with the merits of any parti cular case, or discussing the wisdom of challenging a pronounced expression of the I will of the people, in the hope of thwarting j it en mere technical grounds, a proceeding j which cannot be commended. We are merely pointing out that the plain reading of the clause of the 1895 Act does not bear, tho construction put upon it by Mr Macgregor. At the same time we admit that as that gentleman took an active part in framing several of the clauses of the j Act in question, he should be an authority I on what was intended by the Legislature, and should also know how it was that no provision was made for a second poll being taken should the first be upset. We fear that if Mr JVTacGregor'a interpretation of j the law in this matter should turn out to be correct, the occupation of the No-license missionera would bo gouo. There would be no necessity for thoir travelling about lec turing, etc., for thoy would simply have to cause a few little irregularities to occur in connection with the taking of the Local Option Poll throughout New Zealand in 1905 and there could be no more licenses granted for three years. Of course our Prohibi tionist friends would not succumb to such a temptation as this, but the possibility of such a contingency shows tho weakness of Mr Macgregor's contention.

The following remarks appear in the last 'issue of the " N.Z. Tablet." They may, we

ELECTORAL REFORM.

think, be taken as the gene ral opinion concerning the present system of election, which certainly needs re-

form : Independently of this or that issue, it has become evident that the time is ripe for a drastic measure of electoral reform. The very liberality of the law leads to abuses and multiplies the possibility of error. In the first place, tho Government in its laudable anxiety that no one shall be denied electoral privileges, spends large sums in enrolling all whoso name 3 are not on the roll. Then the candidates and their friends get to work, and enrol them over again, while the various factions also send out their scouts and possibly enrol them the third time. Then the roll is more or less imperfectly purged, and the election proceeds. As if to still further complicate matters, the licensing poll takes plane on the same day, but is governed by the Local Elections Aot. A public half holiday is proclaimed. The polling booths are con gested for several hours in the afternoon and the oflicials who are responsible for the election invariably commit minor irregula rities which may form the subject of an eloction petition. Such petitions are the order of tho day all over the colony where the figures have been cose—in some cases even where the result has been! decisive. Again, the ruethqd of recording the voter's decision is bad, It has been argued that the striking out of a name or a proposal to which the voter is opposed is a natural process, which causes the elector no difficulty. The largo number of informal papers rejected at every election tells a different tale. The South Australian system is much better. There the voter makes a crosa against the person or pro posal he desires to vote for, and places his mark in a little blank square placed there for that purpose. All these features might be improved upon. The method of enrol ment is especially loose. The method should be automatic. Every person on at taining the age of 21 years or on attaining the right to the franchise in any way should be enrolled as a matter of course. The electoral franchise should be the basis of fill civil rights. Tt should be to ihe citi zen what the miner's right is to the miner, and should be the passport to the polling booth for the election of all public bodies. This might invplye the creation of an elec toral departinenV and so afford a peg to hang a complaint on that the object was to find billets for Government supporters.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Weatheu Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires : — Moderate to strong winds from between north and west and south-west; glass fal) ?

The Holiday Season,—The retail traders of Ashburton will observe the following days as holidays:—December 16, 25, 20, 1902; and January Ist, 1903. Temuka Caledonian Sports.—The time for receiving entries for the running and cycling event* foe ttje Temuka Caledonian Sports has been: extended to Wednesday, December 17th. The sports will be held on Boxing Day, when .£l6O in prizes will be offered. A special train will run frcm Ashburfcon, returning t]te sara.e evening. Sale qv Crown Lands at Bakaia.—On Thursday, Mr Humphries, Commissioner of Crown Lands, and Mr McNabb, the Receiver of Land Revenue, attended at the S.M. Court, Rakaia, and submitted to public auction some seventy-two Rakaia I'ownship soptipns. Theipp vs,s a very small 4t'tendan.ce and no competition. ' Ohly gixteen gactiotis we're disposed, of at $\\.e upset prica of 4j5 par quartep acto. The balanoe will be open for leasing on certain conditions very shortly. White Pine Timber.-—The experimen tal shipment of white pine timber for pul ping purposes which the Department. of tudustr 63 a#d Cqmiae,re3 is ssndinpr to England, was brought'from the West tfpast of Mapourika last week and will be. for warded to its destination by the Tyser steamer Indradevi, sailing from Wellington Dec 30. The essentials required are that the wood should be soft, white, and free from gum and resin. There are ..thirty- Hye' logs (weighing in all 10 tons) in the shipment. The Dairying Imdustr}:.—Tlje Canter bury Central Dairy Company during the month of November paid away to milk suppliers the large amount of £7646. The Company have, opened new creameries this season at Kaituna, 4nn.at, Ohoka, and Kil linchy, which necessarily iuQi'easss the milk supply. Many of the old suppliers have increased their supply of milk, and generally the business between suppliers and the Company is on a satisfactory basis. In t;he month of November the gutter made amounted to 206,2991b5, this being in addi tion to milk sales. The Company has re cently disposed p'f their retail njilk busi ness.

Bright Hours' Children.—The Bright Hours' Children promise a delightful pi-o grauime for their first entertainment here on Decei^bey 19tk. The Company has bpen strengthened by Miss Pauline Muson, a littlp lady with a very sweet, pleasing voice, and Miss Ruby Edgar, perhaps the most promising young violinist in the colony, The other members of the Com pany, who have already won gulden opinions from the Ashburton people 3 will be seen to greater advantage than ever, with new songs and choruses, and an entirely fresh wardrobe. The children are to appear at the Theatre Eoyal, Christ-* ohnrch, on Wednesday week, under the patronage of the Governor and Lady Itan furly, and will positively take their final farewell of the publio in Ashburton. Gauden Party at Rakaia,— On Wed nesday, a Church of England Garden Party was held at Rakaia. The day was fino, and there was a fair attendance, and the result yras some J&2?. The Buruham B,and added to the afternoon's enjoyment There was no work stall, ~b,ut a nice refreshment stall was in the capable' hands 'of Mrs Tubbj assisted t^y 'several young ladies. Mrs Bluett ha 4 a flower and fruit stall, and tji'is had just the best appearance pf any stalj. ever erected at Rakaia. The result irras most successful, both Mrs Bluett and her assistants working well. Miss Hardy and Jfr-sßuinois had a fruit stall very prettily de.corajted, ans did good business. Dr. Bluett had" charge of a shooting galjery, and did good' business.^ a^thqugh the bglj. was not damaged by being hit too often. The Misses Stanley and Davison took iv hand a dolls aud music stall and made a general clearance,

Ashburton Town Sections.—The Crown' Lands Department will offer by public auction on January 13th, 1903, four Ash burton town sections, of J-acre each, at the upset price of £5. Mb H. W. Barrett.—We are pleased to to learn Mr H. W. Barrett's condition is slightly improved today. He is ablo to speak with more freedom, and is likely to regain power over his right arm. Secondary and Technical Education.— Further provision has been made for free secondary education by the Education De partment by which every child who has passed the sixth standard has a chance of free secondary education. Now regulations are also issued for manual and technical instruction scholarships. Dkath from Lockjaw.—John Lynch, eighteen years of age, of Waikari, was ad admitted to the Christchurch Hospital on Wednesday, suffering from lockjaw, caused by a piece of wood cutting his hand. He died on Thursday afternoon. | Tinwald Eacing Club. — Owners are reminded that nominations for all races j (except the Hurry Scurry) must be made not later than this evening with the Secretary, Mr C. Bennett, at Lagan's Hotel, Tinwald. The programme will be found in this issue.

The Bike and No-License.—A well known farmer stated in the course of con versation to-day that the bike had a good deal to do with the striking out of the top line in the country districts. A great many farmers' sons have been induced by the easy terms offered by cycle agents to purchase machines, and as a tweufcy-mile ride is nothing to them, many young fellows have got into the habit of running into Ashburton on Saturday evenings, and finishing up by getting home on Sunday or Monday, the worse for their trip.

An Enthusiastic Admirer of "Wrest ling.—Mr John Small, who it is understood spent his youthful days in the home of Brit ish Avrestling—Cumberland— and hasalways been an enthusiastic promoter of wrestling items on the local sports programmes, in tends making an effort to eclipse previous "invitations to settle matters on the green." He has already a fair sum in hand towards a prize for boys' wrestling, and hopes before the next programme for the next St. Patrick's Day Sports is issued to be able to announce a prize for every lad who stands up •or at least doesn't fall under his opponent.

Personal.-Messrs W. Storey and T. Blackley, of Bakaia, attended the South land Show, held this week, tho former gentleman acting as judge in several sec tions. They speak*in high terms of the quality of exhibits at that fixture. —Mr Mc- Lean Dun was in Ashburton to-day. Ee ferriiig to our old friend's work in Christ church, the "Spectator" says:—Nobody has worked harder for the advancement of the Christchurch Scottish Society than Mr McLean Dun, who is gifted with a capacity for organisation, and whose services were rewarded t'other night, when he was the re cipient of a gold St' Andrew's cross, wreath ed with thistles— ' the wee thing that jag geth them a. The chief of the society, who is one of. the Clan MoPherson, said many nice things about McLean Dun, which were supplemented by other members pre sent.

St Patrick's Day Sports Association.— At a meeting of the Committee of the St. Patrick's Day Sports Association, jt w^s decided to hold a ro.ad r-aca under the auspices of the Association the second Thursday in January, 1903, the approved course being from the southern approach to the traffic bridge to McConnell's blacksmith shop at Wheatstouo and back. There is a probability of a boys' road race being held over a shorter course during the progress of tho above mentioned race It was men tioned that Mr Kesteven had been ajspoicfr ed the Association's delegate to the Lea gue of Wheelmen, and tie Association may be considered fortunate in Eecuring such an able advocate. The secretary announced the receipt of donations towards the funds of the Association from M^ J, Studholme, jum;., His Worship the Mayor, and also Mr W. IT. Dardis, in addition to those already acknowledged. The necessary guarantee to the Sports Association, was signed-

Proper DpTiNG.-^-In Melbourne strong condemnation of the tea-drinking habit is offered by Dr Kress, whose health lec tures given almost daily form a leading feature of the Seventh Day Adventists. The lecturer asserts that there is inoce poison in a cup of teg,'than in a gl^sg o.f ale, fnr tl|e pqi3on' ot' beer js enaiiiated, but that of tea is not. Tea tans meat and other foods, and thus make 3 them more 'difficult of digestion. He believes in milk and water and the juice of fruits as drink. He says that all bread should be thoroughly baked before being eaten, and he advises the cutting up and rebakiug of th.o bread on being received fros^ the baker. With the aid of a tube he sh owed how much easier the crust of bread was digested than the inside portion.- He asserts that the use of sugar is the cause of many aUmgnta, including rheumatism, He believes that' diseases can be cured by proper dieting. Cyclists, when purchasing goods, should bear in mind that Messrs Oates, Lowry find Co. have the largest assortment of cycling requisites in New Zealand. Their Ash burton Branch have unpacked several new de^igng[ ijl Pftti 3? 1! 5 °HP? P^P? ?tc., algo a nayf shipment oi yulcaviised type's, tfhich [ i|re being qolcj at 22s 64 tjach. 12 59

St Stephen's Church Bazaar

There was a very large attendance last evening at the Oddfellow's Hall, where the bazaar in aid of St Stephen' 3 Church build ing fund, waa In full swing. The various stalls were well patronised and the other attractions were evidently much appreciated Great interest was taken in the hat trim ming, nail driving and other competitions, and the gipsy tent and other side shows were very successful. The sale of work was satisfactory, and the concert was a feature of the evening. This was under the man agement of Mrs Denshire, and with the able assistance of Mr Frizzelle, Mrq.Deo, Miss Hilda itidd, Mrs Donald McLean, Messrs Gillies, Gates, and Humphreys, a most at tractive programme was submitted, which pontained several novelties, some of the items being accompanied by appropriate tableaux, the costumes being pretty and effective. Altogether the p^omotier^ have have good reason to be satisfied with tb.6 results, financial and general. The bazaar will be re-opened to-day at 2 p.m., and will be closed for an hour at six o'clock in the evening. In addition to the other attractions, there will be some special vocal items at f;be concert by lady visitors from Christ (jfyuf^h. The Ashbnrton Brass $and will also be in attendance.

It should be mentioned that Mrs Percy Cox is one of the ladies presiding at the fancy gQods stall, blither name was acci deutly omjtted from our report yesterday. Miss Whitehouse was assisting at the refreshment stall, and Miss Hilda White house at the flower stall.

THE LOCAL OPTION POLL

[returning officers' legal. ex. ; penses, Wellington, Dec. 12 The Premier has received telegrams from Messrs T. E. Taylor, Jas. Allen, H. D. Bed ford, and Thos. Mackenzie, M. H. E/s, pointing out in connection with the peti tions being lodged in the south to upset the licensing polls that the Returning Offi cers have no funds to pay counsel, and it is doubtful if any other party can oppose the petition, and suggesting that! tho Crown should instruct counsel to appear for these officers. The Premier has replied that these representations have been referred to the Colonial Secretary for consideration, but | the Premier's memory is that the Legisla ture provided for all expt|jseg respecting licensing questions being defrayed by the local authorities, the returning officer being the statutory officer. Interference by thei Government, unsolicited by them, but asked for by interested parties op either side? would form a dangerous precedent. Dunedin, December 13. The Broad Bay voting papers bei^g still missing,'the magistrate (Mr Carew) rules that a recount of the Local Option poll is impossible. <

ELGIN.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

A meeting of tho Elgin School Com mittee was held on Monday evening last, all the members being present. Tho Inspector's examination report was received and considered eminently satisfactory, the remarks on the^various subjects ranging from very fair to very good. It was decided to record the appreciation of the j Committee for the good work done during the year by the master, as evidenced by the report. The subject of a children's treat was also fully discussed, and it was finally decided to take the scholars to Timaru on the day fixed for the Hampstead excursion, and to there entertain them. The Sunday School held its annual picnic in conjunc tion with the Ashburton Presbyterian School on Thursday, when the children had a fairly enjoyable time. With the usual shyness of country children they remained rather in the background among the many present. Friday was celebrated as a whole holiday by the school in honour of two scholars having successfully competed at the scholarship examination, and having secured such good positions on the list, namely 3rd and sth. When it is remem bered that the school is a single-handed school, that no age allowance was granted to country scholars, that the result wns due to school work, and that one candidate is but eleven years of age, and that the two topped the li3t in writing, mental arithmetic and spelling, the result is all the more gratifying to both pupils and teacher.

Hampstead Town Board.

The Hampstead Town Board met last evening. Present—Messrs G. W. Andrews (chairman), A. Orr, W. J. Silcock, and A. C. Hardy. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read as follows :— From the Wakanui .Road Board re the purchase of birds' eggs, and from tho Department of Agriculture, forwarding a copy of the Birds' Nuisance Act, also a list of the districts proposed to be sub divided. 1 The Chairman and Mr Silcock considered that the County Council was the proper body to deal with thi3 matter, and it was decided to notify the Wakanui Road Board that the Board could not undertake to purchase eggs. JVroin Wakanui Eoad Board, in regard to \ the maintenance of roads in the Hamp ; stead Town District to which the former body were asked to contribute, and stating that the former decision would be adhered to.

On the motion o£ Mr Hardy, seconded by the chairman, Mr Taylor was included in the committee vice Mr Thomas/which was appointed for the purpose of investigating this matter.

From the Town Clerk, re road forming at the junction of theN.E. Belt.-—Received. From Nicoll Bros., re insurance.—Re ceived, and the Clerk was instructed to, attend to the matter as contained in. the letter. la regard to this matter, Mr Sil cock thought that if a. contract were letjfor £50, a rebate of 5s should be applied for from the contractor. Mr H. A. Picktord. wrote^ asking for his name $o be removed from the roll in respect to a section sold to Mr G-. H. Johnston. It was decided that Mr Johnston should attach his signature to the application before the request could be granted. From Mr E. Thomas, tendering his resignation as a member of the Board, an,d. the same was accepted with regret- Frcm Mr Christopher Lawrence, asking that his n^ma bo altered on the roll.—The Clsyk was instructed to attend to the matter.

From Wilding, Lewis," and Eolleston, respecting a right-of-way" near tha old Sports Ground. — Received,* and it was agreed that thg chairman interview Mr Hoskop., who owns land in the vicinity. Mr Silcock thought that the most Mr Hoaken could expect tho Board to do w.QiiU4 be to fence one side of the road.. DOG COLLARS. The price of dog collars was fixed at 2s 6d for sheep and cattle dogs and 7s 6d for sporting dogs. TUB HALF HOLIDAY. The Chairman was appointed a delegate to the BDi-ough Council, with instructions to support Thursday as the it\qs^. OQnvenj <ant d«iy for tha halt holiday. BOAKD ROOM. Messrs Orr and Hardy reported on their visit to certain room 3 offered in response to the invitations by advertisement for a Board room within the district. The matter was left over till next n^eptiug on the motion of Mr ifa/dy, particulars to be obtained in the meantime. DKAIN. The Board decided to give attention to, a drain as requested by Mr Friz?,eU, ACCQ\JNTS t Accounts amounting to £4 10s 3d were passed for payment, and the Board ad journed.

News in Brief.

Cable News will be found on the fourth paga to-day. Mosstli Joh.n Oj?r and. Co. have a new price list of general merchandise in this issue. Mr Wm. Moses wishes all communica tions intended for him to be addressed to Willowby.

The N.Z. Farmers' Co-operative Associa tion will offer at the Tinwald yards on. Monday 30 head fat and stare pig§, also fat and store sheep and cattle, Mr George Meddins, the people's iron monger, has on sale preserving pans, San dow's developers, cycle covers/etc., all at owest prices. The bazaar and sale of work connected with the Baring Square Church, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday next, promises to be a great success, judging by all th,e at tractions that are offered, The National Mortgage and Agency Company will offer at the Tinwald yards on Monday, 750 forward two-tooth ewes and wethers, 120 ditto, and 100 fat crossbred ewes. According to a contemporary Mr W. C Buchanan, M.H.8., has made a donation to |b.c. "Wairarapa Pastoral and Agricultural Society of iioOO and current interests on loan. The society some time ago borrowed fr.om him isIQOO. Half the amount has been paid off, and the balance is now given, to the society by Mr Buchanan as a donation. The people of New Plymouth, says the " New Zealand Times," are bent iipon hear ing Madame Melba, and in order to induce the manager for the great eantatrice to ar range for a concert there, several leading gentlemen authorised Mr Harry Hooper to offer a guarantee of 4500 for a, single con cert in the go-ahead capital of TaranaM.

The No-License Party.

The Rev- F- W. Isitt Speaks Out

Chh*stck«kch, Dec. 12 At the No-License Reunion, held in the Canterbury Hall this evening, Eev. P. W. Isitt said that a.t next election he would not be found standing for ten electorates as at the recent election. "If the conditions in connection with the taking of the licensing poll were not changed, ten, fifteen, or even twenty candidates, including himself nnd his brother, would come forward and fight the elections, with a determination to win. Three weeks after the election he had offers ■to contest some of the elections, and if'he told the" name of one of those who were willing to come forward it: would send a thrill through the audience. ' j

A Melbourne Suicide.

United Press Association—By Electric- Telegraph.—Copyriglit. Melbourne, Deo 12, The body of a young butcher, named Rebei t Warburton, was found in the Park, He had been shot in the head by a revolver, which v/as by his side. Suicide is suspect ed. It is believed his parents reside in Auckland.

Longbeach Road Board.

The Longbeach Eoad Board met this morning. Present—Messrs J. Bishop (Chairman), W. T. Lill, and J. W. Stod dart. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read as follows:— From Department of Agriculture, for | warding a copy of the Birds' Nuisance Act, and a li3t of districts for sub-divison.—Ee ! ceived, and contents approved of. From the Registiar of Canterbury Col lege, re lowering fords on Griffith's Road. It was decidod to reply to the effect that the Board insists upon the water being taken through its natural course. surveyor's report. The Surveyor's report was read, wbioh stated that the maintenance man had been, engaged in road forming and other work. ROAD FORMING. - It was decided to make use of a traction engine for the road forming machine, it being generally conceeded that the traction would do better work than horses. PIT AT WILIiOWBT. Mr J. Stoddart said that he had seen Mr Frampton re gravel pit at Willowby, and tiie latter did not appear inclined to sell it. The chairman mentioned that he was not altogether pleased at the way the shingle pits were worked. The boundaries were not got at, on account of the staff be ing piled up all round. On the suggestion cf Mr Lill it was de decided to instruct the clerk to report on all the shingle pits on the Longbeach jroad. EKBERVE AT WHEATSTONE. The clerk stated that he did not think theie would be any difficulty in letting the reserve at Wheatstone after the gorse had been cleared off.

On the suggestion of the chairman it was resolved to call for tenders for clearing gorse off reserves. COCKSFOOT. Mr Lill asked what the Board intended to do in regard to cocksfoot grass growing on the roads. The chairman considered that anadvertis ment should be inserted, notifying that terms upon which the cocksfoot could fee. cut may be obtained from the clerk. ACCOUNTS Accounts to tho amount of .£B7 23 8d were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

The Somali Trouble.

United Preas Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right. London, December 12 Everything is ready at Berbera for an immediate advance against the Mullah, via Garrero and Obbia, the columns meeting early in February for a combined move ment.

Naval Preparations.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London*! December 12 The reserve fleet at Devonporf has been ordered to be in readiness to sail at a day's notice.

Contempt of Court

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Melbourne, Deo. 12 The proprietor and publisher of the "Age" were each fined £25 for contempt of Court; for puplishing on October 4th"- an article calculated to imperil the fair trial of A. B. Worthington on a charge of false pretences.

INTERPItOYINCIAL.

[ Per Press Association—By Kleofcrie Telegraph Auckland, December 12. Mr T. W. Kirk, oi the Agricultural Department, left by the Countess of Ran furly for the Cook Islands under instruc tions from the New Zealand Government to report as to the growth and production of coffee, cotton, vanilla, cocoa, citrus, and other fruits in these islands. Mr W. A. Boucher, one of the fruit experts of the i Pepaytuient, who has. had considerable experience of the growth of citrus fruits in California, accompanies him, | Wellington, Dec. 12 The survey of the Athenic was completed this afternoon. It; wm found that tho vessel suffered no damage, and she pro ceeded on her voyage to London at 6.45 p.m. A luncheon was given to-day on board the Union Company's new steamer Moeraki, which is making her first trip to. Sydney in the intercolonial service. The Premier wa3 amongst the guests, and in the course of a speech congratulated the Company on placing such a fino up-to-date vessel of • berth in the service.

Haweba, Dec. 12 It is rumoured in connection with the recount of the Hawer.i election polling that the deputy-returning officers in at least two bqoths committed serious errors in dealings with the ballot papers. At Otakeho, it is said, the wrong corner of the papers was turned down, leaving the voters numbers exposed, and this led to the whole of the votes, 130 in all, being disallowed. At, Okaiawa, it is alleged, the deputy-retuysriag officer did not put his stamp on the corner turned down, tout imprinted it in the centre of the paper. This was not regardted as sufficiently serious to invalidate the votes. Had it been, Mr McGuire^s majority of 10& at this booth would have been lost. The blunders, d.o not affect the election. The Otakeho mistake took Mr McGhiireV majority of 16 at that beoth away, and increased Mr Major's majority on the total by that number.

Ohristchuech, Deo. 12 Judge Deaniston this morning delivered judgment in the appeal by Manning and Co* Ltd., brewers, against a decision of the Magistrate that series of debentures issued by th,e Company should be liable to the sta.mp duty as promissory notes. His Honor held that debentures should be treated as mortgages, and consequently were exempt from duty under the Stamp Act, 1882. Two Chinamen were arrested to-day at Springfield on their way to the West Coast with .£IOO worth, of opium iv their possession. GrREYMOUTH, DeO. 12 Joseph Fifield, a wharf laborer, has sued the Bail way Department for 45450, damages for the loss of a thumb while discharging oargo. The District Court was occupied all day in hearing the case. A verdict was given for plaintiff for .£275. ; !

Arcade Horse Sale.

At the Arcade horae sale to-day (Mr D. Thomas) Mr Curtis disposed of several horses at good price 3, the following (tteing some of them :—Bay mare's, £15 sa, £11, £2Q dBl4. .

THE ASHBURTON GUATOJAN : SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1902.



/ Date Dec. 11  12 » 13 » 14 „ 15 „ 16 „ 17 „ 18

Rises 4.16 4.16 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.18 4.18

Sets 7.31 7.32 7.33 7.33 7.34 7.35 7.35 7.36





F. FERRIMAN. ' HAS for Sale a Leaßohold Grazing Propertj of about 1000 Acres. A good Sheep Farm. FOR SALE. V* X ACKES, vrell watered land, within a mile of Mr John Cochrane's Wakanui property. .^ -. ' F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE. : SEAFIELD. : q/\/\ ACRES of Land, in capital con dition. The greater part of the purchase money can remain at 4| per cent, per annum, F. FEKRIMAN. BUSINESS NOTICES. Permanent Building and Invest ment Society. TOANS GRANTED FROM J825 and upwards at current rates. Full particulars on application. Office — Tanored Street. Office Hours — 9.30 a.m. till 4 p.m. First Tuesday in Month - 0.30 a.m. till i p.in; and 7 till 9 p.m. ALBERT ROBERTS, Manager. Helpless with ft Rheumatism ■ You've tried liniments and prescriptions without result. Now ... CURE YOURSELF with THE GREAT ... CANADIAN. . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and Not a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Care. SOLD BY ALL DEALERS At 3/6 p*b Bottle. Sole Agent for Australasia: GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. MM =11111 H. GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897. EIGHT years experience with E. G. and 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. <3as administered. All work guaranteed. Hours op Attendanck —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Residence—Care Mks Grant, Wills* ■Street. SEASONABLE Lines 211b tins Canadian Tomatoes lOd, 2£lb tins Californinn Fruits Bd, 2jlb tins Asparagus Is, 21b tins Green Peas Is, 21b tins Strawberries Is, Cartoon French Prunes Bd, Kaspberry Jam Is per iar, Granola Gd packet at Cabson and Co.'s. f7?UETHER Consignment of Men's Colo- Jj nial Tweed Suits for Christmas and Holiday wear, 26s Gd, 30s, 3, r»s, 39s ; all well j made with good linings. —Grant t Moorf. "FJ^INE Flavoured Wines from the cele- Jj bra ted Waverley Wine Vaults ; 1 doz bottles in aeas«; 8 Port, and 4 Constantia, or assorted as desired 22s fid per case. Only & few cases left.—Fletcher Bros", Cash Supply Stores. nnO CEICKETERS.—WeVe a good selec- I tion of cricketing Boots and Shoes, White, Brown, and Strapped Canvas, regu lation spikes 7s 6d. —StvCk s Blue Boot Store. - 12 57 XMAS EXTRAS—Another lot of those noted White Skirts at 2s lid to hand; Boys' washing S.iilor Blouses 2s lid; "Women's Sailor Hats Is, Is Od, Is lid, 2s £d; white washing Gloves 6d; white Belts Is. A choice selection of Tucked and Fancy Handkeichiefs, at Gibbakd's. TTfIIRST-CLASS Columbia Bicycle in real JJ good order, £8 cash. Budge Whit worth, used only 12 months, £8 iOs. Stars £5 and £7, and manyolhei-3. No reasonable .offer refused. Easy terms arranged.— J. Orb \ & ;Co. j "f^OK. tip top value in Boots try Mei.lob' j Jj Zealandia Boot Store.



BUSINESS NOTICES ' NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. men. j^Qy^j^fflc^fiY.j BOY n.z. clothTng factoby. OVER I THE THE I WOMEN •' I FOLK TEA J **-«^ j TALK CUPS, g ,- ■ i F the Pleasure 3 an<J unpleasant ' 813™1111""i'■ !■■■—■«■ features of Housekeeping and Dressing, aud we venture to say that a favourite topic just now is The Paradise ofg Summer Millinery and Presses, now BEING SHOWN By MITCHELL & TURNER THE DRAPER 2. __—_—___^__________ui^—mi—mm— iiimh i i -■'t""wiwi ■■■■iinrT~[i'mnimnir "Britain's Best Bicycle." J?*~'*^ BEST IN BRITAIN. : t AT -\ -ttJXAL.iI V\V * U ~* • -pi : s BEST IN MAORIL-ND. p , \ Favors 3 Them. ' RIJD&E-WJIITWORTII 'W*f- MM CYCLES. <Sfk ""X DEDUCED : AGINT, BURNETT STREET. ,^^^^B^^ c^«JO« liupejt for yourselv33. i^^^P^ I.SANTA CLAUS AND FATHER XMAS COMING A^AIN. - - H. M JONES - - Af\ Cases of Toys, Fancy Goods, Books, Stationery, China, Glass, Plush, A,f\ 'jDV/ Japanese and Leather Goods Suitable for Christinas, New Year, Birthday & Wedding Presents ——Imported direct from Leading London Houses. • Must be Sold Lowest possible Prices €all early & often Christmas Cards in great variety : Pianos, Organs and Biej^es so' 4. Easy payments Cricketing, Croquet and Tennis Material H. M. JONES. Persons who wish to do their own Painting will find it to i : their advantage to call at my Oil' and Color Store. I have Ready Mixed Faints, Genuine WSiifc Lead 'and Oils, or I will mix any shade of our own Genuine i Paint. J. WILSON, Paperhanger, Painter, and Sign-writer. SHEE P SHEARING SEASON. THA V B JUST LANDED MY SE A SJO N'S SUPPLY OF 3s 6d. SHEEP SHEARS. 3s 6d including T.U.S. and 8.8. A,, N.Z., v/ith plain aud perforated grips Turkey Oil Stones, a splendid sample. Sweet Oil. Branding Oils—Red, liiaplf, aad l>lue, in 1 and 5 gallon drtims; Eaddle, Lamp Black, Etc. LAWN MOWERS in great variety, from 22s 6d to 05s eaeii, g\rDENING- TOOLS of every description at reduced prices. BOWLS! BOWLS! BOWLS! Ac the season has just opened, I cordially invite inspection of my stock—Taylor's first quality only kept. 1 y y V SEWING MACHINES. I am sole agent for the celebrated " Davey" Machine ; 7 years' guarantee ; Hand £8 10s j TreaT'leixom £<5 10s to £8 10b. Call aud inspect. They are worth looking at. G. M E D I) I N S, The People's Ironmonger Burnett Street, orwosite Arcade. SHEEP Shears, all latest and best makes -*-%te have just opened a beautiful range also large stock of genuine Turkey and y \ of white Figured Muslin at lOd, Is, Washita Oil Stones at lowest prices at John 1s 2 j > ] s 44^ i s . 6d, Is 9d per yard; also a Ore and Co. range of coloured muslin for Blouses and PATTY Pancaking powder "contains a Dresses, at 7d, 9d, lOd, Is per yard.—Grant patty pan tf e.aph end of tin and Moobe. )



The export of frozen meat from South Australia and Victoria to London during the month of November amounted to 2858 carcases of mutton, and 52,040 carcases of lamb. Shipments to South Africa have also been resumed.



Sander and Sons Eucalypti Extract — Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diplo ma at the International Exhibition, Am sterdam; 1 acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Universities all over the globb. That the crude; resinous 'oils, which arc-not? foisted upon the public under the name o£ Eucalypti Extracts,'miy 1 not' be mistaken for Sander and Sons'(Pure Volatile Euca't lypti Extract, we state:—lt is proved' by tests uiadd by the Medical Clinics of the tfrnyorsitijes at Bonn' and Griefswalcl )ferussia), "thai only products t%t "aye saturate^ with oxygen and freed qf a.cids, resinous and othei substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the eunitive properties possessed by ilie plant. To avoid the-appalling consequences result ing from ill application of substitutes, etc, in oroup, bronchitis, diphtheria, dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., insist on getting Sander and Sons' Purk Volatile Eun/» lypti Extract and be safe.