DEATH.

Burks. —At her residence, Havelock Street, Ashburton (suddenly), on tho 18th inst., Julia Burns, in her 60th year.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1902. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires :—Gale from between north and west and south-west; glass fall; weather warmer; indications of rain. Proposed New Masonic Hall.—Mr A. Ager, architect, is at present preparing plans for a proposed new Masonic Hall for the Ashburton Lodge, E.G. Magisterial.— At the Court this morn-, ing, before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., two first offenders, charged with drunkenness, were convicted and discharged. Local Talent Recognised.—Mr A. Ager, PA'chitest, informs us that he has been i requested by the Town Clerk of Palmerston j North to prepare plans fdr new municipal i buildings, library, and theatre at a cost of £9000. Tinwald Racing Club. —Owners are reminded that nomiuations for all events at the Tinwald Racing Club's meeting on New Year's Day, close with the secretary, to morrow evening, at 9 o'clock. The Levels Estate.—The Mayor of Tiniaru received a telegram lust night from the Hon W. Hall-Jones, stating that the Cabinet had decided to take the Levels estate, near Timaru, under the compulsory clauses of the Lands for Settlement Act. The Seddon Testimonial Fund.—The Wellington portion of the money collected for the Premier's purse is to be used in the purchase of a casket, to be presented to Mr Seddon on Monday.

Personal.—Mr Clayton, tailor, had a , seizure yesterday afternoon at the door of his shop in the Arcade. He fell on a bottle j of water he was carrying, and cut his face ( badly. Conbtable Hogan came by just after wards, and had Mr Clayton removed to his own house. We regret to learn that his ' condition to-day is not much improved. Utilising Rivers.-—The Premier stated on Tuesday that the matter of inviting a Swiss and an American expert to visit New Zealand to advise as to the utilisation of the powers of the rivers of the colony was now uuder consideration, and an announcement would probably be made after the next full Cabinet meeting. Released frox Prison.—Mr William Richardson, the well-known temperance lecturer, who served two weeks' imprison ment for non-paymont of a fine in connec tion with the trouble at Sir Joseph Ward's meeting, at Auckland, was released yester day. An Auckland telegram states that he was demonstratively welcomed last evening, a procession of several thousands passing through the city, Mr Richardson being continually cheered.

Tuarangi libmb,—The master (MrT. M» Mori'is^ey) acknowledges with thanks the following contribution?, etc,: —Mr S. J. Gordon, papers aud magazines ; Mrs Aling ton, illustrated papers ; Miss Barlow, papers and magazines ; Mr W. G. Brittain (Ohristchurch), magazines; Railway receiv ing box, magazines and papers; Catholic Literary Society, magazines; Mr Rule. I sausages. Mr Cambridge, at the Ash burton Drug Co., has kindly consented to talio charge of any parcels, etc,, that may be. left at his shop for the Home. I Thr Weatheb—The 'Pool Forest corres pondents of the " Lvttalton Times" writes : —We have had the most extraordinary wea ther ; constant showers have retarded shear ing matters. Last Monday morning, after continuous rain all night, wo had a fall of one and a half inches of snow, which was heavy . nough to split down' branches of gooaiberry and current bushes, aud to-day (Wednesday) we had a very heavy thunder storm, with large hailstones, many measur ing lain long by Hint bioad. The fall of holi was heaviest near the Orari School, at Upper Bridge, where lam informed, it l;iy nearly two inches thick. Eegajlar Attendance.—At the dk« tribuiioa of certificates at Hampstead i School this morning tiyo. .c^ses of regular ! attendance were commented uppn and | warmly upplauded. They are cortaialy j quite lecords in their particular line and I are made by two little girls who aro sisters. '' Alice Thomas the eider of the two has never I been absent for seven years, and her sister : oaisy has done the same for six years. i The•Ueadtfj.aotfiy stated that the next year , fee Loped to giye a medal to all who never i missed an attendance aud jt i§ to bo hoped that the two littie girls mentioned will be among the recipients.

Fike at Timaeit Hospital.—A fire oc enrred at the Tiiuaru Hospital early on Tuesday morning, which, fortunately, was discovered in time to prevent any very serious consequences. Additions are being made to the fiogpital at present, and the contractor for these had a quantity of lime stacked at the back of one of the'wards. The rain got to the lime, and generated com bustion, and the heat through the wall | ignited the woodwork inside. At 4 a.m. one of the nurs?s discovered the wall tim bers fco be on fire, and ca).!sd the house steward, who succeeded in getting the fir.? under with tha fire appliance? at the in- I stitution. The damage done was estimated ! at £20. Eggs.—Messrs Fletcher Bros, are buyers of fresh eggs in any quantity at 8d per dozen, either cash or contra, until further ! notice.

News in Brief.

Messrs W. H. Collins and Co. have Christmas presents in endless variety in stoclc, find they invitp all bo yU\t their establishment and inspect. During the current year, 79,936 tons of Westport coal ypvs .shipped to the China naval stations. Attention is directed to an advertise ment by Ml- Chavloa J. Sfcyclie offering for sale the property of Me C p Northcote, situate in Burnott Street, west. At a sale of Hutt suburban land on Wed* nesday, every section was 3old at an average of <£1200 per acre, the total sale am >unting to .£8670. The highest prico was .£lO a foot. Ml- D. Thomas will offer for sain at the i shburton Yards ou Tuesday next, 20 head of fat sieers and heifers, also other lots of sheep, cattle, and pigs, The office of the Ashburtou Veemnn&nf' Building and Investment Society will be closed on the following days:— .December 25th. 2Gth 27th ? and January Ist and 2nd.

Mr J. T. Cooch notifies that as he is leaving 'Ashbnrton he must dispose of his valuable stock of glassware, crockery, etc., regardless of cos.t.

Mr David Thomas, in conjunction with Mr F. Ferriman, will offer for sale by auction on Saturday, Dec. 27th, at the Arcade, properties on account of various owners as per advertisement.

We beg to .acknowledge receipt from Messrs W. H. Paling and Co., 'Sydney, of a copy of their Christmas annual, '■which contains a collection of popular musical pieces. The plans for the Transportation Build ing at tho World's Fair, St. Louis, nre near ly" completed and the contract will be let ip a few day?. This building, which will be larger fchaij any yflt Jet, is to be 525 by by 1300 feet, The sum of JMOI, contributed by a ni?to.r bor of Irish residents in Auckland, was fop warded to Mr John Pillon, M.P., by tho Wednesday outward mail, for the Irish Parliamentary Fund, Tho Prohibition Crusaders have now commenced a crusade against the registrar of electors at Auckland, that official having been summoned to attend the Police Court next Wednesday, for numerous alleged breaches of the electoral law.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

Borough School.

UPPER DIVISION."

The pupils in the upper division of the' Borough School were assembled in the main building at 2 o'clock yesterday, a number of parents and friends being also present. Mr Craighead, chairman of the School Com mittee, opened the proceedings, and an nounced that Mr David Thomas had kindly ' consented to distribute the prizes, and Mrs D. Thomas would present those for sewing. The Headmaster, Mr CD. Hardie, then d«live'ed an address to the school. He commenced by congratulating the scholars upon twelve months of honest, faithful endeavour on their part, and he expressed his belief that the memory of this would be a bright and happy one, and an incen tive to sustained eff of tin the future. The work had gone on smoothly and pleasantly with not a single discordant no'e. Success had crowned the united efforts of teachers, and pupils, and he was proud of his school. Not only did the senior class all pass the standard examination in August laat, but did so with special credit, while every de partment of the school came in for its meed of praise. In the scholarship examination just held they had done excellently, and on Friday last at the school sports they were again to the fore. Mr D. Thomas' challenge cup for swimming again comes to one of their boys. " There was, however, a higher teat of merit than mere examinations and carrying off prizes for athletics. What we had to attempt was from day to day ever to do our little best, and with the develop ment of character would come greater pos sibilities for solf-improvemont." During the year a library of some 117 books had been opened, and was well patronised, and its value to tbo older boys and girls could scarcely be over-estimated. The woodwork classes had called forth Mr Sandford's heartiest commendation. Referring to the staff, the headmaster thanked the members most heartily for the enthusiastic co-opera tion given by them, and he concluded by wishing the scholars a bright Christmas aud a happy and prosperous New Year.

The Chairman congratulated the teachers on the year's work, and said that the whole town ought to ba proud of the school. (Applause.) He might say that the Com mittee recognised the worth and skill of the teachers, and considered it its duty to o j-operate wth them and to interfere with them as little as possible. He called upon Mr D. Thomas to present the prizes. Sir Thomas said he accepted the invita tion to distribute the prizes the more readily, as he considered that successful scholars should have their work recognised in come way. He contrasted the condition of the Borough School now in'various ways with the position a few years ago, when teachers, committees, and parents were continually at loggerheads, with the result that the pupils were neglected. Things were altogether moro satisfactory now, with able Committees and a first-class headmaster aad headmistress, and other teachers. How ever, as be knew how anxious he was when a boy to gfct hold of his prizes he would nob detain them much longer. Shakespeare had Sdid, " All the world's a stage, und all the men and women, (and boys and girls) on it, merely player?." In this he was right as he usually was, and the boys and girls would find when they went out into the world, that they were merely actors figuring on a large stage. Although they had worked consistently and well during the past year, and deserved commendation, he thought that some of them might have done better still if they had thoroughly realised what their opportunities meant to them. They could not all be prize winners, but they could strive to. cpnie as near to being so as possible, a,ud they should think more of the anxiety of their parent?, (es pecially of their mothers), that they should do well. Mr Thomas then gave the young people some good advice, urging upon them to be diligent, obedient, manly, honest, and loyal, and coholnded by wishing them a marry Christmas and a happy New Year. His address was received with loud applause from the school. Mr Thomas then dis tributed the prizes as follows ; —

Standard VI—E. L.-Lechner and P. V. Norman (equal) 1, Ida Bass 2, Arthur Leg ijefc 3, George Smith 4. Sewing -E. L. Leehner 1, IT. Collins and L. Funire (equal) 3. Composition—lda Bas3. Attoudance — ' P. McClatchie. Standard V-F. Barrett 1, E. Turner 2, 1 E. Andrews 3, E. Sage 4, M. Segars 5, E. Totfcy 6. Sawing -- K. Heseltine 1, P. Makeig 2, Conduct--L. Graham. Improvement it Friadiaudeu, ML Osborne., '! Standard IV —R. Jones ', V, Breeze 2, E Bass 3,13. Campbell 4, H. Eennor 5, M, Hayeß'6, M. Smith 7. Sewing— h. Snod grass ,1, S. Langdou 2. Attendance—E. Taylor, W. Patching, M. Patching. Con (juot—W. Harrison, H. Kingham, K. Scaly. Standard lII—R. Leehner 1, N.HardieS, E. Hayes ?, Maggie Ross 4, Amy Fee 5. Sewjrjg—B'.' A\hin 1, L. Lowe and'M. Rosa (equ'd) 2/ Ggndjict-AV gickford. Spel ling— B. Boss. .Standard If—N. Beech 7, Winnie Min nis 2, F. Kickman 3, W. Patterson 4, A. Crnnt 5, E. Jessop 6. Sewing—R. Makeig I, G. Vincent 2. Geography—S. Dorm. Conduct—W.Shaw, W. Hardie. Modelling and papor-folding—J. Snodgra=>s 1, G-. R >b-

erts 2. Standard I-Edward Loggett 1, George ; Hayes 2, Ruoda Young 3, R. Smith 4, S. Mc i Callura 5, Stuart McCaUutri 0, Walter CJarlc ' 7, Arthur Young 8. ' Woodwork (class marks) —W. Barber, A. and P. Association's prizes —tools to the value of, W. Greenslade §s, W. Brown 6s, G. Silc.ock 7s, -L. Watt ss, L. Steele Is Bd, X! Steele \a Bd, 1?. Norman Is Bd, Mr H. M. Jones' special prize for industry and improvement, boys—Wm. Bolton; Mr D. Thomas' special prize for industry and improvement, boys—W. Dunbar, girls— "' The~s9wing PJ*SS w?re presented by Mrs i Thomas. ' The Rev. E. Whitehouse said he should certainly like to add his congratulations upon the remarkable success of the school. It was to him a matter of great regret he fraa uct n^ade '.he acquaintance oF this in stitution Ip^ayer. he had had hjs son in it for a'time, as they fc'new, &u<s b&d been able he thought to form a pretty fiQvvqai opinion of the excellent tono main tained in school, imdput in the playground. He said the school had »ade what he be- Jieved was a record for the colony, and those remaining in it would have hard work to beat it. (Applause.) Redid pot wish to reflect on other schools, but he thought the Borough had set a briilianfc example of successful work. lie 'wished them the compliments of the season and every happi aess. (Applause.) The Chairman said he had a pleasant little surprise for them. He had received a very nice letter from the scholarship pinners asking that the school might have another week added to the vacation, and it had been decided to give six weeks instead of five. (This announcement was received with enthusiastic cheering.) The Chairman concluded by moving a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Thomas for their kindness, whiah was carried by acclamatkn. —Mr Thomas replied.and called for cheers fo." the teachers, which wore very lustily ' given, and the school'then broke up for she weeks,' ■holidays. Song? "were sung during the afternoon by the older pupils.'

INFANTS.

Prior to the presentation of prizes* in the upper school, pri/.qs were distributed in the Infant Department by the Chairman (Mr Craighead,) special for good con4uct ns under: — V. 3—Cedric Gibson. P. 2 —Bertie Holmes. P. I—Charlie Hardio. A gift book was also given to each child

Sacred Heart School

The r f nnual distribution of prizes at the Convent School took place yesterday' after noon. This event is always looked forward to with much interest, not only by the pupils theinsolvee, but also by lovers of art and good music, for both of these are to bo seen and heard therein. Over 100 adults were present, and each and all took a lively interest iv the work of the pupils, and were

much impressed with the excellence of the ' entertainment provided. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on the Rev. Mother and those associated with her for the great pains they had takon to bring the pupih up to such a high pitch of perfection a3 was noticeable in their performance. lie fore the entertainment commenced, the visitors were shown round the rooms con taining the art needlework and oil paint ings, the latter of which -»ill form the sub ject of a special notice in a future j issue. It is almost needless to say that the work was admirable in every respect, and demanded the highest en comiums from all who saw it. The pro gramme was then gone through, in which the following took part:—Misses McKay, Dove, Cox, Berryman, n igby, M. Brick, Brophy, Langley, W. Brick, Alberta Shrimp ton, Paul, and Reid. Miss Bournique presided at the harmonium, and Miss Cullen was leading violin. The Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell then ad dressed a few words of congratulation to the pupils and those in charge. He con gratulated them on the evidence of progress made during the year. It was a source of gratification for them to know that either the teachers or the Inspector had blundered, as the report was not to hand. The accom plishments of the children were such as tended to soften the sterner realities of life, and also tended to brighten the matter of fact principles with which life was associated. The rev. gentleman then pre sented the prizes. Following is the PRIZE LIST. Good conduct, (Boarders) —To be drawn for by Winnie Brick, Rose Morland, Cis3ie Buckley, Mary Dove, Mary Toner, A. O'Grady. Day pupils—To be drawn for by Amy Digby and Dorothy Denshire. Regular attendance—Emily Cox. Christian doctrine —Rose Morland 1, Mary Toner 2.

Bible history—Rose Morland. Class VEI. — Reading and. recitation, to be drawn for by Grace Makeig and Amy Digby ; writing, Mary Dove; arithmetic, Grace Makeig; algebra, Amy Digby; geography, Kathleen Denshire; history, Grace Makeig; grammar, Nina Reid; com position, Grace Makeig; drawing aud map ping, Cissie Buckley; French, to be drawn for by Grace Makeig and Amy Digby; general progress, Ina Guy. Standard. VI. —Reading and recitation, Lena Coster ; writing, Ada Thomas; arith metic, to be drawn for by Mabel Berryman and Lena Coster; geography, Ada Thomas; history, Lucy Devlin 1, Annie O'Grady 2;. grammar and composition, Mabel Berryman' composition, Polly Coster 2; arithmetic' Norah Daily 2 ; drawing, Lena Coster. Sbaad.ird IV.—Reading and recitation, Florrie Brophy 1, Alberta Sbrimpton 2; writing, Dorothy Denshire 1, Hannah Langley 2; arithmetic, Dorothy Denshire; geography; Dorothy Denshire; history, Madeline Brick; grammar and composition, Madeline Brick.

Standard 1T..-Christian doctrine, Olive Shrimpton; reading and recitation, Mary Walsh; writing, Mary McCormick; arith metic and tables, Olive Shrimpton; geo graphy, Maty McCormick; spelling, Olive i Shrimpton; general progress, Tena Mc- Cqrmick; general progress, Mary Soal. Standard 1. —Reading and recitation, Olga Harrison ; arithmetic and spelling, i Nessie Dove; tables, Monica Muller, writing, Margo Muller. Extras.—Music, (piano) Ist class.—Mary 1 McKay 1, Emily Cox, Mary Dove and Mabel Berryman draw for second prize; second class, Nina Reid. Violin, Winnie Brick. Theory of music, tq be drawn for by Mary McKay, Emily Cox and Mary Dove. Singing —• To he drawn for by Mary McKay and W. Brick. Gil painting—Landscapes, Mildred Brock; , flowers, Ila Paul. Crayon drawing - Lona Coster. Plain and fancy needlework — Cigsie IJuckley,

Ashburton High School.

A larga number of parents and friends were present at the Ashburton High School yesterday afternoon to witness the annual ptize giving ceremony. An apology was sent by Sir W. Steward.

Mr A. Orr, chairman of the Board of Governors, opened the proceedings, and stated that the school had now been in existence for twenty three years, and that a great deal of successful work was being dono by the teaching staff. As Chairman of the Board, he said that they were ex tremely sorry to lose the services of Miss Biiuchop. No complaints of any kind had reached the Board during the year, and he thought this a very good indication of the manner in whi^h it had been conducted. Hfi referred to'the new (ioverni^ent system of higher education in terin3 of unqualified approval. Mr J. S. Tennant, the headmaster, then re^id his- report, stating that the average attendance for tho year had been 47. Eight had left, and twenty-seven new pupils had been admitted during the year. He drew attention to the fact that about 50, per cenb of the pupils attending the school did not remain there. mpVe than a year. Such a short school liPa was pvac-tically useless, as it required several years to fit scholars for competing in advanced examinations. The work of the school had been considerably extended during the year, and it now em braced book-keeping, shorthand, and wood work. The new Government regulations brought free education a sfcep nearer, and went along way'towards solving the scho larship difficulty. He urged the boys to use their leisure tiiae wisely 4uPt?f> the holi days. In concluding, he 1 wished MisS Bau chop every success in her new sphere of life. He thanked tho Board for their unvarying kindness, and the boys for their goo 4 behaviour, and wished them a Merry Ghvistmas and a Haßpy Mew ¥e.ar, The Rev G. B. Inglis wished the boys to take the good advice that had been given them. Ho pointed out that schools were for the purpose of fitting them for after life, and so they should make the most of thjjlr tfme y/hi}e they w§r6 3* school. He wished them all to'try to make their homes as blight ns possible, and referred to the. late Mr Nell as an example of what could be accomplished by sheer force of goodness. He then distributed the prizes. Th 3 fol lowing is the prize list: - Form | V—English—Robert Bell, French —Janet Eenner feud Douglas -Craighead. Latin—Leslie Hardio, Mathematics—Ethel Choato, Geography Alex. McTtne. Forn;. V—English—Lily Williams, Latin —Lily Williams, jfrrenoh—Ernest Renner and Lily Williams, History - Ernest Renner. Form Vl—Dux'of schopl—Cecil Collins, English - Sarah McTvor and Albert Coch rsnp, Latin—Sarah McTvor and Lucy Min nis, Mathematics—OpGfl Gojlins. an 4 Hedley Watson, Geography—Cecil Collins, Boman History—Albert Anderson, JrpnQh—Sarah Mclvqi'.

Booking and Shorthand.— Ljly Williams. and Alex McEae, Drawing—Ethel Choate and Bessie Fee. Writing Olive Snodgrass. Botany—Lily Williams (junior), Lucy Minnis (senior.) Sewing—Mary Roberts and Julia Coward. Woodwork—Douglas Craighead. Tennis —Violet Snodgrass. ■' • Prizes presented by the A. and P. Society for woodwork—Gr. Craighead 1.. C Collins 2, H, Watson 3, S. Corbett 4, C. Thomas 5.

Mr John McLachlan, M.H.K., said be was pleased to see such a good school, and such a fine looking lot of scholars. The Government h-id come to the rescue again iv tjie matter of education. It was clear they had n,o bnsp motive or the plan would have been'made public before the election, and a friend had told him that it would have given him (the speaker) another t^o hundred ypfces, He hoped if he wai pre sent at the next " break'up?> that he would ccc the school twice as large as it i 3 afc pro snnt. Ho promised that if occasion arose he would use his influence to obtain a Government grant for a new school. The Rev. E, Whitehouse said that tho fame of the Ashburton High School had reached him on the West Coast, and he re remihdod the'pupils that everyone of them helped to make t&e reputation of- the school. He urged thg old boys to extejnd a welcome 1q npw ones and to tre.it them with kind ness and courtesy. Mr Collins did nof; wish the work done in the primary schools to be overlooked, as a great deal of labour was necessary to fit a boy for a High School, He was confident

that if as a result of the new regulations the attendance at the school increased the Government would be asked to provide a new building, He was glad to think that the teachers and pupils always worked to gether harmoniously. The Rev R. Raine jocularly proposed that the wood-work class should be en gaged to build the new school. He said that in every home and in every school there should be two boars - boar and forbear. In concluding he wished both pupils and i teachers a happy holiday and a merry ■ Christmas. Master C. Collins on behalf of the school then presented Miss Bauciiop with a hand some dressing case as a token of the esteen in which she is held. In reply Miss Bau chop thanked the scholars and teachers for their continuad kindness ever since she had come amongst them, and also for this parti cular mark of their affection. After the thanks of the meeting had been conveyed to the Board, and to all who had assisted in making the function a sucoe ss afternoon tea was handed round by the girls. ___________

THE ASHBURTON LOCAL OPTION POLL.

The Enquiry.

The enquiry into the circumstances at tending the recent Local Option Poll for the district of Ashburton, commenced this morning before Mr C. A. Wray, S.M. Before the proceedings commenced, a large crowd gathered outside the Court, and at the time the hearing started wended their way inside, filling the public portion !of the Courthouse in every part. Several ! prominent members of the No-License ! party were present. Among those who among the Court spectators were Mrs Clark, the lady who so successfully worked the Ashburton district in the interests of the No-License Council, Eevs. Fee and Walker, Messrs McLachlan, M.H.R., D. Thomas, D. McLean, Captain Coleman, and prominent members of the trade in Messrs A. Lane, M. Lagan, and others. The Court opened at 11 o'clock. The Clerk of the Court then read the introductory portion of the petition, and the contents as follows, were taken as read :— COPT OF PETITION. In the matfcer of the Begulation of Local Elections Act, 1876, and in the matter of the Licensing Acts. WE, the undersigned Electors of the Electorate and Licensing Dis trict of Ashburton, hereby declare that we verily believe that at the Licensing Poll holden in the said district on the 25th day of November la3t, at which the proposal that No Licenses should be granted in the said district was declared to be carried, the said Poll is void upon the following grounds, namely :— 1. —That notice of the time and place of the said Licensing Poll, and of the situation of the Polling booths was noj; given within , the time or in the manner required by law. 2.—That the said Licensing Poll was open beyond, and was not open within,the hours required by law. '' Jt f ' •■

3.—That the provisions of Section 7, sub section (!) ;{]?);£? *^Tjhe .Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act 'Amendment Act, 1*95," were not complied with, inasmuch as the voting papers and the ballot pkpers were not given to the voters simultaneously, at the following, amongst other polling places, namely: S6afiold,: Mayfield, and Mount Somers. 4.—That the provisions of Section 124, guh-sect;ion 2, of " The Electoral Act, 1902," ■vrere not complied with, inasmuch as the voters did not show the Returning Officers the official mark on their voting papers before depositing the same in the ballot boxes. s.—That the provision of section 120, of (l The Electoral Act, 1902," were not com plied with, inasmuch as persons, other than a returning oflloer, were allowed to 8 oeak to voters in the polling booths, and to ask questions and give general direc tions to assist voters to give their votes. 6. That nt Ssafield and Hauipstoad (amongst other places), the provisions of Section 119, sub-section (2) were not com plied with, inasmuch as more than six voters were allowed in a polling booth at one aud the same time, at other than the hour of closing the" said poll. 7. That the Deputy Returning Officers at the polling places at Winslow, Tinwnltl, and Seafield, frequently left tho said polling places without duly appointing a substitute, as revjuired by Section 112 of the sa.|d Elec toral A fit,

8. That the following persons (amongst others), were refused to be allowed to vole at the said Licensing Poll, although thoir names were on the electoral roll of the said district, namely : Edmund Joseph Sale, Frank McTigue. 9. That the said poll was improperly held in the following respects :— (1) There was no valid roll for. the Elec toral District of Ashburton, inasmuch, as \ — (a) Names were improperly added to the roll after tho issue'of the writ for the'elec tion of a member for the said district. (b) The following electors (amongst others), were upon the electoral roll of 1899, and voted at the general election of a member of the House of Representatives for the said district in December of that year, were upon the revised roll for 1903; but, though still retaining their qualifi cation as electors of the said district, were illegally and wlth.ou.t notice yer^ovecj fpom the said rqll, and were) prevented froiri voting at the said poll, namely;--(Here follow 42 names.)

(c) That the following porsons (amongst others), appeared on th,e said rolled were allowed, to vqte, sucl* persons were under the age of2L years:—Henry Harris, Percy Thomas, Thomas Tait." (d) The provisions of Sections 57 and 59 of the said Electoral Act were not complied with,j And we gray that enquiry may b.e made into the said poll under the provisions of " The Regulations. Act, 1876," and that the said poll may be declared to be void. Given under our hands,this Ninth day of December, 1902. (Here* follow 60 signa ture.'.)' The Magistrate, after looking over th,e petition, remarked that h,e could gee, no evidence of t'hp signatures to the petition having been made properly attested before a Justice of the Peace, or a magistrate. I» view of this, he would raise the point of his having no jurisdiction, Mr Stringer replied, stating that there had' been no such attestation properly taken tjeforea Justice of -t-h..e Pea.cc, accord* ing to Section 48 of the Act, As a matter of fact it had not, but it was not necessary, he submitted, At any?ate, he was quite ppepare<J to araue the questioQi If c_ took it that the Magistrate would not dismiss the petition on those grounds, Mr Stringer, with, him Mr Wilding, ap peared for the petitioners. Mr Purnell appeared for the Seturning Officer.

Mr Harper said that he appeared on be half of an elector, Mr Fee, to oppose the petition. • ' ' Mr Russell said he appeared for Mr Raine, another elector.' • The Magistrsto at "the beginning of the proceedings as^ed a question regarding the boria fides of "|ihe .names set out In the petition—really as to whether they were electors. Argument then ensued as to the right of Mr Harper and Mr Russell to appear, Mr Stringer contending that they Were present by courtesy. ' Mr Harper said that if he did not claim to appear fop Mr Fee, he would claim to Appear as a ainieus curiae, exactly the same as had happened in the Otago case, The Magistrate replied, remarking that all he wished to lcnow was the position, and who the gentlemen represented. Mr Stringer then continued his address. Ho said that he proposed to call a foirnal witness so as to open the proceedings, and then agt for an adjournment, as he -was not prepared at the present juncture to proceed "During the adjournment he jsrould adjust and eliminate certain matter contained in ijhe petition. Mr Harper hem rose and said that he did not wish to be considered as consenting to the validity of <he petition. He was pre pared to argue the point at once, and had

come prepared to argue it. It was a point that was argued in the Otago petition. To illustrate the position: Hero was an elec tion, which had at the present declared largely in favour of no-license. The other party were seeking to set it aside, and rightly of course had come to the Court. He maintained that at nnyrate they ought to bear the burden of taking the initiative of going to the Supreme Court. All these points might be. saved by a motion of man damus in the Supreme Court. He further contended that the enquiry had commena ed

Mr Russell rose to speak, when J Mr Stringer submitted that his learned friend had no status to takethe jurisdiction of the Court. A« far as these poceedings ■were concerned his learned friends were not parties to it. If the motion of mandamus waa a good point to go upon, then His Wor ship should not commence the proceedings Mr Harper contended that the parties remedies were equal. Mr Russell claimed the right to appear, and pointed out his side had a locus standi. The rights of the electors he and his learn* ed friend appeared for had been challenged j aad having voted they had a perfect right to see that their interests were looked after. Mr Stringer: How can.we tell how you voted ? Mr Rusaell submitted they had a, right to go on. The Magistrate: The enquiry has not commenced. In regard to the question of jurisdiction the Magistrate said that he waived his right on that point, and was prepared to hear formal evidence. T. W. Tayler said that he was returning officer for the Electoral District of Ashbur ton. The general election was held on the 25th of November last. Had been sub poensad to produce the roll. (Witness here produced the roll for 1902, Mr Stringer remarking that it was a formidable looking packet.) Had the returns from the deputy returning officers in his possession. The roll used at the last election was compiled from the roll used at the election of 1899.

Mr Stringer said that in the Wakanui petition oase some years ago, the language of the Act was conclusive regarding tne roll, as that case came under the Electoral Act. Under the Electoral Act much more discretionary power was given to a Magis trate. A different principle was laid down under the Regulation of Local Elections Act. Counsel here quoted (he case of Bastings v Stratford and law points at issue thereon. The Electoral Act was nob incorporated, and when they came to consider the proper conduct of the poll, they would have to go to the Regulation of Local Elections Act. In the Akaroa case, the question was the keeping open or shutting of booths at the proper time. If that election were a local instead of a general one it would have had to be declared void. An enquiry, he sub mitted, was conducted on very different lines to an ordinary election petition. With regard to the exclusion of particular voters from the roll, he would prove that they were on the roll in 1899. In the making up of a fresh roll the Act provided that their names should be left on the roll, and in this case it had not been done. The only way of faking a person off the roll was by an objection, in which case notice would have to be given to the person objected to, and the Magistrate hears such objection in the Revision Couit. Feeing that these persons were on the roll for 3899, they had a perfect right to assume that their names were on the roll for the lost election. Under Section 52 of the Act under notice, a gopd many names could be struck off without notice, but according to sub-section 2 of the Act, a period of six months would have to elapse. Absence from the district was not a pr-oof that an elector had left the district. In the Wakanui case they wave dealing with a roll that had been prepared for the first time, and therefore the position, there was that if electors' names were not on the roll it was due to their own negligence. In that case, matters were entirely different to this petition, Counsel submitted that Hia Worship cou'.d enquire into the circum stances connected with the petition. Coun sel asked that if supposing the returning officer had failed to make up a supplemen tary roll, could His Worship enquire into that? He (Mr Stringer) submitted that he could. In the ease before th*& Court not a mere error had occurred, bift'a'deliberate. infraction of tha expressed proVisioiTaf the Statute. .. \

Mr Harper followed, and said "that his learned friend had submitted that his Wor ship mi^ht go behind the. roll. He con tended that the Magistrate could not go, behind the rail. The Electoral Act wag divided into two main parts respecting the compilation, and when tt\e tim.e had elapsed for persons to, place their names on the roll, then the roll was the legal one for the dis trict. He went on to show that no per son had any status but the returning officer. When dealing with the roll and all matters connected therewith, he submitted the Magistrate had to follow the usual course of procedure afc enquiries of that nature. He submitted that the Magistrate could not go behind $\e vol].

Mr Stringer said *that if the roll had, been so compiled as to make the cosnpAla* tion of the roll incomplete through certain omissions, then it was open to His Worship to go beqind the roll. The Magistrate said that ho had read the cases mentioned by counsel, and was. of opinion that he had no power to go behind roll. Mr Stringer then askod that the enquiry be adjoupned, au,d stated that notice would be give,u to the other side of any abandon-, ment of certain counts in the petition. The enquiry was then adjourned to Thursday, February sth.

The Sandow Season.

An unusual amount of interest is already evidenced in the forthcoming appearance of Mr Richard's new Continental English and vaudeville stars, formed to introduce to New Zealand the mighty Sandow, who play at the Oddfellows' Hall on "Wednesday even ing next, December 24th. Mighty indeed this great artist must be to judge from the reports which have reached us. The " Ar gus " says of his opening performance in Melbourne ;—" When the placard ' Eugen Sanclow * appeared on the proscenium there was a wild spontaneous shout of welcome and a moment later, when the curtain rose and rovealed Sandow himself, there was a prolonged uproar. With hia clear skin glowing pink under the lights, he stood on a revolving pedestal, clad only in his leopard akin, trunks and sandals. The back of The seus is the finest thing in the world, wrote a celebrated art critic in dealing with the sculptures of the Parthenon, The signifi cance of b|B ?em.ark was only properly un derstood when people saw the marvellous development of Sandow, Smdow's develop ment is not only wonderful, it is beautiful as well etc," He is bound to create a great sensation in our colony where his followers already are legions. Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew, whose engagement has been a very successful one; are ■ prominent members of the'drama'tic profession. Their appearances in Australia under Mr Ricards' management have inaugurateda new'erain vaudeville in Australasa. The comedy to be presented by them on Wednesday is entitled " When tv^q hejipts'are one" a"nd is' said to conibiß£ humour and pathos. The Bioscope pictures of the Coronation Celebration and a voy age across the Atlantic on the N.G.L. steam er '•Kronprin'z Wilhelm" are excellent. To complete a fine company of Vaudeville performers Prof. Cann, the English Concer tina King, Mark Antony, seciety entertainer little £,o<yers and Misses EayJon.es and Nit Leete, are included. The bo.x plfW for the season oppns to-morrow morning at Jonos'. Already a hirge number of enquiries regarding reserved seats have been mad© and it will be necessary to book early to secure seats.

THE ASHBI'RTON GUATDFAN : FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1902



F. FERRIMAN. F. FERRIMAN, TnrAS for Sale a Leasehold Grazing Property of about 1000 Acre?, A good Sheep Farm. FOR SALE. h*K ACHES, rell watered land, within mile of Mr John Cochrane's Wakanui property. . F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE. i SEAFIELD. : q /\f\ ACRES of Land, in^eapital con dition. The greater part of tlie purchase monay can remain at <H per cent, per annum F. FERRIMAN, j BUSINESS NOTICES. Railway Uefreslmieiit Rooms. TSK Booms having been thoroughly renovated. right throughout I am bow in a position to cater for all. ; I have now on tap a special brewed New i Ze-iland Alo, equal to English; made from ■ pure English malt and hop 3. j N.B. As usual, the be3t brauds of Wines ' and Spirits kept. . "i J. DINEEN, j LESSEE. I H GIIESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. | By Examination, October, 1897. ! TT'IGHT years experience with E. Or. and . Jpj F. "W. Greshani, Dentists, Dunedin ! and Invercargill. j Haa commenced practice in rooms : upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' ; Auction Eooms, Burnett Street. j i Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement, j Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also sets ' of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. < Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Houes of Attendance —9 a.m.—s p.m. Private Residence—Care Mrs Grant, Willd Street. ! We guarantee our Teat ! XBBk better value, better grade than any Bold. EVEN compare our 1 when 2A CHJIMPIQJi"" j WITH ANY TEAS 'MPORTEDIN ABESJUP JUST AS GQQD^rak moniy \ «OATE&Co.'s" O . ijjk \ WHY BUY THEM ? l|| 1c per lb, Finest Fresh Separator i Butter, Willowby Factory; ackuow- ! ledged superior flavor to any other brand on ! the market.—Carson and Co, Sole Agents. I FUKTHER Consijjnmont" of Men's Colo- ; nial Tweed Suits for Christmas and Holiday wear, 26s 6d, 30s, 355, 39s ; all well ■ made with good linings.—GßANT i Mooiik. t XMAS EXTEAS.—To enjoy your Xmas ! Duff thoroughly, be sure and put it \ inside one of our specially mude Suits ; from ; One Guinea upwards; better qualities 255, ; 278 6d, 29s 6d, 32s 6d, 355. Astonishing ' line of Tweed Trousers 6s lid; superior do. j Ss 6d, 9b lid, 10s 6d, 11s 6d, at Gibbabd's. MAS EXTEAS—At the Eeady Money Shop, Tancred Street, you can get j best value for your money in Lace Curtains, ] Quilts, ThWo Covers, Art Muslins, Cre- i tonnes, Towels, Sheetings, and general drapery; t mallest working expenses ; losses by book debts avoided; Stock clean, f reah, and up-to-tl»te. Lowest Bedrock Spot Cash Prices. FAT HE E Christmas at Stkangk's - 1 Burnett Street j M A S~EXTRAS —59 only English ' Sample Umbrellas, (all different : handles) 2s 6d to 12s 6d, well worth 3s lid j to i7s 6d ; Ladies' Hand Hags (11 only), i real Russian leather 4s lid totis lid, worth j double; White Embroidered Blouses3s lid I and 4s lid, usually 6s 6d to Qs Cd; very j suitable for Xmus presents, at E. Gibbaed's Beady Money Draper. ( SHEFFIELD Cutlery and Electro Plato } Having secured a large line of the j newest samples, we are sel iDg them at i wholesale prices.—Cakson and Co., Tancred '



'"- BUSINESS' NOTICES. ■ LADIKS & GENT'S., First-class Bicycles for Mire. Every Machine Complete & in Perfect Order, YEW CYCLING REQUISITES. Our stock of accessories is the] l\. largest in the Colony. Just landed new shipment oi j < lonti3teiihil Vulcanised Covers, B£s 6d each. New Spring Pump Clips, Candle Lamps, Acetylene Gras Lamps. REPAIR DEPARTMENT.—Our repair plant is capable of turning out t-he work in a j most satisfactory manner, English and American Machines repaired on the spotr. Christchmch, Wellington, Napier, Timaru, and Burnett Street, Ashburton. 12 170 OVER | THE THE ! WOMEN I FOLK , TEA I J^juj^ | .TALK CUPS. I 4~\F the pleasures and unpleasant ] ■MWJMMiiMJfcg-™-in- ■■«— m&HßlMM^^ra features of Housekeeping and Dressing, and we venture to say that a favourite | topic just now is i Th© Paradise oi Summer| Slillincty am! Dresses, now BEING SHOWN MITCHELL &.TIMEB, THE DRAPERS, SANTA CLAUS AND EATHEB, XMAS COMING- AGAIN.. -. -. H. M. 1 JONES. - ' - A£\ Cases of T°ys ' Fan°y Goods, Books, Stationery, China, Glass, Plush, A,f\ Japanese and Leather Goods rS2\s 5000 BOOKS BOOKS. 5000 ■■--■ Prize, Reward and Presentation Books- Leather Goods. Leather Goods Dolls Dolls. Dolls, Dolls Great Variety. All sorts and sixes from Id to 15.=. Toys, ' Toys. Toys, Toys . Toys. . All imported and best value obtainable ChnstmasCards in great variety Must be Sold Lowest possible Prices: Call early * often O-'ME .AND SEE OUR CHRISTMAS PHESENIS IN ENDLESS VARIETY. Electroplate Good* of very best quality and design. Knglish Cutlery of every description. WATCHES, * WATCHES. CLOCKS, CLOCKS. Presents for Ladies. Presents for Gentlemen. COME AND SEE. \V. H. COLLINS & CO., "Britain's Best Bicycle." £~ "? \ 'ROYALTY BEST IN BKITATN. = • $£ , | : : BEST IN MAOKILAND. l^/^ * PaVOl'S (I ->^£- j] Jtl^%^^^^f Men Swear RI7J>GE-WHiHVORTH Wg .JB I PVr 1! U Q TB. - REDUCED R. D. JOHNSTON, i AGENT, BURNETT STEEET. J^^^^^^^^ oW^SO* Inspsct for Yourselves- ,i^fi^ HEW ZEALAND CLOTHINd .FACTORY. supeeioe |NEW^^ALANDj SUPEE[OR *"' |clothinc^tor7| coys ' N.Z. CLOTHISa EACIORY,



STRANGE'B Toy and Fancy Bazaar here is causing a sensation.



Those of our readers intending to bay a Citristm-is or' New Year present, should give Fletcher "Rr.s. a call, as during De- CQinbgp they ayo giving 2a in the £ disoouot off all ptatediv-are, clocks, and cutlery, sq i fhal anyone studying econony, should see their stock, aud get prices before buying elsewhere ' TTTSEFtTL Present for young and old can U bfl found in endless variety a^ Stbangk's Sample Rootae-