EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for December

Commercial.

United Press Association -My Kloctrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Dec. 1] At the Sydney and Melbourne wool sales there was keen competition in all the better classes. Merinos are firm at late rates in Melbourne, and crossbreds of all doscrip- ■ tions are a halfpenny higher than last week

BIRTH.

Clayton.—At Peter Street, Ashburton, on llth iust., Mrs Ernest Clayton, of a son. Both doing well.

Asgburton Guardian MAGNA VERITAS ET PRÆVALEBIT. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 19D2. SPECIAL REPRESENTATION.

The measure introduced by the Premier of Victoria into the State Legislature pro viding for special representatives of the Civil servants in Parliament, is a new de parture, and, in consequence, 13 meeting with much criticism in Victoria. Tho posi tion of that State is such, owing to the enormous proportions her Civil service has attained.that unless some vigorous measures of reform be adopted, the Government em ployees will very soon be able to control the elections, and consequently the whole eoun- Iry. That such a contingency is well within the possibilities of practical politics was shown by the attitude of the Civil servants md railway employees, when the Victorian Ministry announced that a policy of strict economy and drastic retrenchment was ab solutely necessary for the salvation of the State. The Government employees com bined with the labour members to bring pressure to bear on Parliament to block this, with tho result that the Government was defeated and appealed to the country. The claims of tho Civil servants to dictate the financial policy of the State in their own interests were so outrageous that the whole country resented the attempt made to co erce Ministers, and the result was a complete vindication of the Government policy, and the Ministry returned to Parlia ment with a greater following than it had before. But the lesson was not lost upon the Premier of Victoria, Mr Irvine, and one of his earliest measures has been an attempt to prevent the Civil servants from becoming 1 disturbing element in the politics of the •ountry. This is a • Bill providing that Government employees shall- be eutitled to special '.representation in the Legis lature, and it gives them two mem bers in the Lower and one in the ijp f !or Chamber They are not to be on die ordinary electoral roll, and will have a separate one, containing-the names of all persons in receipt of regular income 3 from the State. This Bill has already passed the Lower Housp in spite of the most strenuous opposition promoted by the em oloyues of the Government, and there .seems to bo every pro3poct of its becoming law. '! he situation in Victoria with regard to the ever-increasing numbers of the State employees is undoubtedly more acute than that in any of the other soul hern colonies; but there is enough similarity to to mako tho experiment just initiated by Vtr Irvine a mo3t interesting one to all of them, more especially tp New Zealand, in which the public servants ar^ gradually 'incoming a powerful political force to influence, or be influent ad by the Govern ment of the doy,

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Weather Forecast.—Captain Edwin wives : — Moderate to strong winds from between north and we-sfc and south-west; glass rise.

Omission. -The name of Private Nicolls was omitted from tho list of the team from tho Ash button iiifles to fire against th 0 Port Guards at Tiinaru on December 16th.

Complimentary .Social.—Next Tuesday evening, Dec. 16th (Anniversary Day) the friends and supporters of Mr John ilcL:ichlan, M.H.R., will tender him a complimentary social in the Oddfellows' Hall. Tickets may he obtained from the secretary (Mr D. T. I'odd) or from any member of Mr McLachlan's Committee. .

Tinwald Racing Club. — Owners are reminded that nominations for all races (except the Hurry Scurry) must be made not later than to-morrow eveuing with the Secretary, Mr C. Bennett, at Lagan's Hotel, Tinwald,

Ashbukton Musical Union.—Our read ers are reminded that Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise' will be produced next Wednes day evening in the Oddfellows' Hall, com mencing at 8 p.m., and the Society antici pate having a large house. This will be the last concert given this year. Tickets may be had from the Secretary (Mr E. Manchester), or from Horace A. Gates at 2s each.

Souvenirs op the Coronation. —The headmaster of jthe Borough school has re ccivod a letter from the Premier, stating that while afc Home, a firm of stationers there who have relatives on tho West Coast presented him with a number of commemorative badges and medals, and that he had decided to present them as far as they will go, as souvenirs of the Corona tion of the King. Tie, therefore, asks that those he forwards by the same mail may be distributed, with the Premier's compli ments, to the pupils attending the school, suiting the article to the age and standard of the recipient. Mr Haidie states that the presentations will be made on prize day.

The Railway Station.—The Railway Department is having a long felt want car ried out at the Ashburton railway station in the shape of a fresh coat of paint, and a staff of workmen are at present engaged in painting the station and other buildings, which have not received any attention in this "direction since the alterations were mads at the station some seven years ago. A machine is to be used for putting the hematite on the roof, and is a simple but ingenious contrivance, the paint being dis tributed by a pumping machine, worked by a small engine- The machine is not used for stone color r work—only hematite, and it is claimed for ib that there is nmeh time gained on a big job. The hematite is forced through a nozzle, and the vibration is so strong that when the machine is used upon a high building, it requires two men to hold" the piping £<} keep it steady. No brushes are used, the hema^ b.eing simply sprayed on to the building,

Land for Settlement. — Thursday night's " Gazette" contains an an nouncement that the Government intend to compulsorily acquire under tKe Land for Settlements Act the Mount Vernon estate of 15,056 acres, near Waipukurau.

[ Sale of a Farm.—Mr A. C. Pringle, a member of the Canterbury Land Board, has disposed of his farm, comprising 1600 ncres at Clareinont, near Tiinaru, Mr H. F. I Rosendale, of Ashburton, being the pur- j chaser. Land for Rtcturned Troopers.—A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that as the outcome of the action of Mr Witheford, M.H.R., 36 selections of Crown lands in the King Country, known as the Otaueke settlement, were balloted for by ] returned troopers. There were 295 appli cations, and 35 were drawn. Legusi-ativb Councillors' Terms. — 1 The term for which Messrs F. Arkwright, R. Jones, W. C. Smith, and R. H. J. Eceves were appointed to seats in the Legislative Council expires to-morrow. It is under stood all will be re-appointed. j A Chaff-cutter Destroyed.—Mr T. Cavill, junr.'s, chaffcutter was burned yesterday afternoon, between 3 and 4 o'clock while working at Mr John Cairns' farm, Wakanui. The fire was caused by a spark from the engino while getting up steam. The chaff-cutter was valued at .£l5O, and was not insured. Cycling,—H. Holland, a local represen tative in the New Zealand "Wheel Race, who has undergone a course of training on the Domain track, left for Christchurch by the express last evening. With the aid of A. Huston, Ashburton should' account for some of tho prize money at the great cycling carnival. A Big Trout.—Mr H. G. Berryman suc ceeded last evening in landing what is said to bo the biggestiish ever caught in theAshbur ton river. It was weighed this morning at the railway station, and turned the scale at 191bs 2oz. A gonial joker, on hearing this, remarked cynically, •' very like a whale." A. young whale perhaps, but our represen tative saw the certificate of weight—and the fish, which is 32 inches in length and 21$ inches in girth. It was caught with phantom, soles kin whitebait, at the mouth of the river, several others falling to the same angler. Mr Rickman also secured a very large fish la3t evening in the same locality, weighing 141bs, and measuring 31 inches by 17£ inches.

Pollard Opera Company. — We are pleased to announce that Pollard's Opera Company will occupy the boards at the Oddfellows' Mall on Thursday evening, December 18th, when the latest London gaiety success " The Toreador," will be pro duced. The full strength of the Company, over sixty members, will take part. As an indication of the popularity of " The Torea dor," ifc may be mentioned that the piece was produced for eleven consecutive nights in Auckland to crowded houses.

Ashburton Catholic Litkeart Society —The usual weekly meeting of the Ash burton Catholic Literary Society was held on Wednesday .evening. The sfhool was tilled with members and their friends to hear a descriptive lecture by Mr Frank Scrint The subject was " Whaling ex periences in the North Pacific and Arctic Oceans in 1857." Mr Serint's reminisiences were told in a very happy manner and his exciting experiences ia long years gone by were listened to by the audience with great attention. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Scrint; for his very able lecture. Mr Scrint kindly promised to give his Australian and New Zealand experiences in the fifties on a future occasion. Tinwald School Committee. — The usuiil monthly meeting of the Tinwald School Committee was held on Tuesday evening. Present—Messrs Clothier (chair man), Jas. Hampton, Bonning'ton, S. Giles, J. Gudsell, J. Ifergie, andß. Tremain. The master's report was read, showing, the number of children on the toll lobe 121, while the average attendance for the past four weeks has been 100-6, Miss Bonning ton wished to remind the Committee in regard to the sewing pri/.ss. It wa3 decided to close the school for the -Christians holidays on the 19th for five weeks. In regard to the money returned by Mr Culverhouse, it was decided to spend it in buying two bats for the boys, also the usual C 2 for sowing prizes for the girls, Miss Bonnington and Miss Campbell to purchase the prizes find Mesdiinies Gilmour, Giles, ■uid iYrgrie to iudge the sewing. It wns decided to send Miss Dowds a testimonial t'ro n the Committee. Accounts were passed for payment to the amount of £6 10s lOd, and the meeting then adjourned.

Eggs.—Messrs Fletcher Bros, are buyers of fresh eggs iv any quantity at 8d per dozen, either cash or- contra, until further notice. Cyclists, when purchasing goods, should bear in mind that Messrs Oates, Lowry nnd Co. have the largest assortment of cycling requisites in New Zealaud. Their Ash burton Branch have unpacked several new designs in patent clips for pump, etc., also a new shipment of vtilcauised tyres, which are being sold at 22s (3d each. 12 59

News in Brief.

Mr H. Stephenson announces that to? morrow is the last day of the drapery sale, and everything must be cleared without reserve. From the 17th to the 24th of December water will be shut off from the Wakanui Creek to enable owners to clear it out. On Friday, Daceintjer 2Q,th, the D.omain will be set apart for the Ashburtpn Lawn Tennis Club's Christmas tournament, and all persons p. vgr ten years of age will be charged entrance uioubp. We are requested to draw attention to an advertisement inquiring for old postage stamps by Mr R. J. Kingsley, of Nelson, who is in Ashburton on a short visit.

It is understood that the difficulty which arose at Leslie Hills as to whether certain ! sheep were wot or not, has beeu amicably Settle^. The Minister of Works will open the Waipara-Sfsfirgill seGtion g£ the Waipora- Blenheim railway next Tuesday, The Pre nier hopes to bo pretent, A large shark was caught on the Tiniaru breakwater by Mr E. Boas last evening. j It. measured eight feet six inches. It gave a great deal of trouble before it was landed and despatched by the bystanders, A public meeting is to be held in Wan ganui next week, to consider the best means of assisting in the alleviation of the distress caused by the drought iv Austra lia. Messrs T. H. Undrill and Co. announce that they aro just opening new goods suit able for Christmas yi'e36nts, also the arrival of new bedsteads, tapestry, and other furniture covering. Those of our readers intending to buy .1 Christmas or New Year, present, should give Fletcher Bros, a pall, as during De cember they are giving 2g in the & discount off all platedware, clocks, and cutlery, so that anyone studying economy, should see their stock, and get prices before buying elsewhere.

Correspondence.

(Wo do not hold oursnlres responsible foi opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

A REPLY.

TO r£RE EDITOR, Sib,—Allow me. to say a few words in reply to letter signed "D.S." in your paper, I think he could not have carefully read the paper If he will look it up again he will find that T did not write what he charges ni3 with, for the opinions ot a Ruapuna farmer come under your note 3on " Situa tion under No-license," or "Opinions of No-license," and not m Mayneld notes at all For my part Ido not know who the well-known Ruapuna farmer mentioned is, or who his men are.—l am, etc., Mayfield Correspondent.

Ashburton Mounted Rifles.

Military Sports.

Favoured with fine weather, there was a good gathering of spectators on the Show Grounds yesterday to witness the Military Sports held under the "auspices of the Ash burton Mounted Rifles. The company was 1 under tho command of Captain Fooks, and ! with him wore Lieutenants McLean and Harper, Sergt.-Major Gibson, Quarter-Mas ter Sergt. Rickman, and the officers of the i company. Hon. Lieut. Studholme and Major S.r W. J. Steward vrere also present, and evinced much interest in the sports. ■ The judge was Se gfc.-Major Geo. Rhodes, j C.V.0., who, it must he mentioned, gave his decisions impartially, ana passed many complimentary remarks on the manner in which the competitors acquitted themselves in the various events. The Ashburton County Bras 3 Band was present, and added greatly to the afternoon's enjoyment by playing some choice selection between tho intervals of the sports. Mr Daily, of the Window Hotel, had a refreshment booth on the ground. Following are details of the sports : —•

The opening event on the programme included some graceful movements by the company in circle, in which the men exhibited evidence of careful training.

Potato Race. —In this event, a competi tor rides at a hand gallop down' a line of buckets, and endeavours to drop one potato in each bucket. Eighteen competitors tried conclusions, several of whom had what may be sportingly termed " hard luck," the potato missing the receptacle by a narrow margin. Trooper Buckley was eventually adjudged the winner.

The exhibition of Horse Training by Troopers Stone and Hopwood, was very good indeed. One horse is made to lie dowri^ while the other places its forefeet on the prostrate animal, who is so well trained as to submit without any trouble whatever. Then, a horse is turned on its back, and the trooper sits between the fore and hind legs, the horse meanwhile lying parfectly still. A special word of praise is due to these troopers for their prowess in bringing their steeds up to such a high pitch of submis sion.

Lloyd Lindsay.—A section of four men ride together over first flight of hurdles, Nos. 1 and 3 dismount and fire two volleys, mount, and secfion advances over second flight; Nos. 8 and 4 dismount, fire two volleys and mount, Section rides over third flight, round turning post, and back over hurdles to starting point, wheeling about and dressing. Points counted for time, dressing, jumping, firing, and general appearance.—Sergt. Stewart's section 1; Sergt. Ironside's section 2. Two other sections competed under Sergt. - Major Gibson and Trooper Doyle. The" winning section did good work, the dismounting and mounting occupying very little time. Sergt. Ironside's section started well, but appeared to lose time between the hurdles. The other competing sections were not so evenly matched in regard to their mounts as the winners, although the men, them selves showed careful drill in every respect.

The wrestling on horseback brought out fourteen competitors, and some good sport was witnessed. After a good set to, Troopers Doyle and Hopwood were left to decide supremacy, the former proving victorious.

Lieutenants Me Lean and Harper were the only competitors in the Offers' Alarm, in which the officers run a distance over hurdles in full dress, mount their horses, and ride back to starting paint. Lieut. McLean had a good lead of his fellow officer in the return home, which he retained to the finish, winning comfortably.

Victoria Cross Race. Competitor rides over three flights of hurdles, rescues a wounded comrade under fire, ftnd brings him b^ck over hurdles to starting point. Points counted for time. Prize presented by Mrs L. de C. Malet.—-Sixteen competitors were in this event, the best tim.es being recorded by L^nce-Corpl, Lamb (58secs), Corpl. Strachan (liniu llsecs), Trooper Doylo (oSseos), Irooper-Moore (Xtnin Isec), and Trooper Cookson (limn 7secs.) Several of the competitors did not carry the dummy comrade in the regulation faphion. Some quick work was done by those mentioned, especially by Lance-Corpl. Lamb and Trooper Doyle, who dead-heated. In the run-oil' Lance-Corpl. Lamb won.

Led Skctiqns i;y No. 3 ( —Competitor on No. 3 horse, leading remainder of Section (3 horses), rides from starting point round flag and back past post. Shortest time wins. Prize presented by C. J. Harper, Esq.—Cor poral Strachan, 40secs, and Trooper Hart neli, 40secs. equal. Following were the times made by the others : —Trooper Buck ley, 47secs, and Trooper Jlurphy, 53secs. In the run off, Corporal Strachftn. won in 38seps,l

Event No. 9, Balaclava Melee, was struck off the programme. Strangers' Kescue Race.—Dismounted '• open to members of Infantry Companies and Returned Troopers. Competitor runs over hurdles, rescues a wounded comrade under fire, and returns with him to starting point. First past post wins.—S'ergt. Anderson, Ashburton Guards) lmin ssecs, 1; Private J. H. Rule (Ashburton Rifles], lt£in 16socsy 2. Privates A. Clark, and G. Heseltine (Guards), Lance-Corporal Hefford (Rifles), and Troopers Clark, Doherty, and Stevens also competed, Sergt. Andersen had a yery easy win in th_is event.

Half Sections Over Hurdles.— Chang ing Horses, Two men ride together ©ver first flight of hurdles, dismount, change horses, and ride over second flight and change as before, and ride over third flight, round turning post nnd back to g^ar^ng point, wheeling round und dressing. Fast est time wins. Prize presented by Mrs A. F. Roberts. —Corporal and Trooper Blunden, lmin 18secs, 1. Tho times Jsade by the remaining Dqmpetitor^ weep—Troopers Mc- Kay and otevenson, iminSlsecs; Corporal Strachan and Trooper Hartnell, and Sergt- Major Gibson and Lance-Corporal Lamb, lmin 32secs ; Sergt. Stewart and Trooper Bruce, lmin fj-i^GCs 5 Troopers Shearman and Friedlander, lmin LOsecs ; and Troopers Murphy and Bray, lmin 42seca.

Threading the Needle (Prize to go to lady nominating the winne-) —Trooper Bray (Miss Sandoo, nominator), I. There were eighteen competitors. TrQQper Bray's nomi nator was much in advance of the others with the needle threading, and this gave the the trooper the best chance of scoring. He passed the post fiiist, ftftej.' a close and exciting finish.

Led Horse Over Hurdles.—Competitor leading comrade's horse rides over three flights of hurdles. His comrade mounts at turning post, and two rida home together. Fastest time wins.—Troopers Stevenson and McKay, 55secs 5 1. Other competitors— Corpl. Strachan and Trooper Hartneli, lmin; Corpl. and Trooper Bluuden, lmin. 7sec.; Sergb. Stewart and Trooper Bruce, lmin. lOsec. All the led horses took the hurdles well, with the exception of Sergt.- Majqr Gib'son's, led by Trqoper Lamb, whp refused the hurdles, and dropped out of the competition. The winners made the best of their time at the turning post, where they gained much advantage over their oppo nents. The last event was a Night Alarm, in which sections of four men, with coat, hats and belts off; horses unharnessed, are turned loose in enclosure, Qn alarm being sounded, men dress, catoh and saddle horses, and form up in sections ready for duty. First complete section wins.—Corpl. McLachlan's section 1, Four other sections competed,

Some amusement was caused by a trooper on a cream horse, dressed in clown fashion, riding in the enclosure, and the vagaries of himself and steed who " had 'em all on" caused a great eonsternntion among the juremles. I ' Mrs Sfcudholme gave a prize in the led ' sections over hurdles^ in addition to those mentioned above, After the competition for threading the needle, Trooper Shearman accidentally col* lided with another trooper, and was thrown ' from his horse. At first it was thought he had been seriously hurt, and Dr. Bolger was summoned, but beyond a little shaking, I h.e was none the worse for the accident, I and was soon in the saddle again,

Christchurch Wool Sales.

United Press Association— My Electric Telegraph. Christchurcu, Dec. 11 At tho sooond wool sale of the season held to-day in Christchurcb, 10,026 bales were catalogued, mostly farmers' clips. The wool i 3 excellent, the condition being fairly light in grease and more free from" earth than usual. There was a Largo attendance of Home and local buyers, aud there was spirited competition for merino and half bred wools, which were mostly bought by local and Dunedin woollen mills, at a ten per cent advance, while coarse wools were irregular, and showed no improvement over the previous sale. The prices realised duriug the forenoon. ;vere as follows: — Super greaay merino, lOd and IOfd; medium, B£d and 9-£ d; super greasy half bred, 9d to 10£ d; medium, 7H to 8:Jd; inferior, 4id to 7d; super greasy crossbred, 6-Jd to 7!|d; medium, 5-} dto 6id ; inferior, 3ld to sdj greasy long wool, 4Jd to ssd; greasy Down wool, 6d to Bfd; merino pieces, 7f d; best half bred pieces, 7d to 1% d ; inferior to medium, 4Jd to 9f d ; crossbred pieces, 2d to 4?d; locks, If dto 3£d. At night when single bale lots were sub mitted only local buyers remained and bidding was very languid, on the whole the wool came forward in fair condition, owing to the absence of north-west winds. Complaints were made as to classing, many large clips having bellies and skirts left in. Good merinos wer*» in strong demand, the bulk being taken by the colonial mills, and a rise of fully Id per 1b was recorded. Fine halfbreds showed a rise of % d to Id. Coarse and infirm wools about main tained the rise at last sale but in a few cases clean parcels of coarse met a good sale. Good bellies and pieces were keenly competed for by local scourers and mil lers. Of 10,935 bales offered 8260 were sold at auction. Quotations —Super me rino lOd to Is; medium and good, B*d to 9d ; infirm 7d to Bd. Huper halfbred, 9£d to 10£ d; medium, 7d to Bsd; inferior, 5d to 6d. Super crossbred, 7£d toßsd; medium, s^d to 6^; infirm, 3id to sd. Long wool and three-quarter bred, good, 5d to sid ; infirm, 3^d to 4%d; down wool, s^d to BJd. Pieces and bellies, good, 4^d to 7|d; infirm, 2d to 1 4d. Locks Id to 3Jd,

The Elingamite Disaster.

United Press Association—lsy Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, December 11 Two concerts on the steamer Paroo re sulted in over <£15 being collected for the Elingamite Fund. Wellington, Dec. 11. The captain of the Government schooner Countess of Ranfurly, which leaves Auck land to-morrow for Rarptonga, has been instructed to search the Kermadecs for the Elingamite's missing boat. Dunedtn, Dec 11 At a meeting of the Elingamite Relief Fund Cominiltoe it was decided to hand over the balance of the fund, about .£330 at present, to the Shipwreck Belief Society of New Zealand, oq condition that it is placed to the credit of the Elingamite Relief Fund in the books of the Society, and distributed to aid and assist all bona fide sufferers by the wreck.

The Trouble with Vene zuela.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Njsw Yobk, December 11 The British cruiser Charybdis seized the Venezuelan gunboat Bolivar at Port of Spain., and detained the officers and }an.ded the crew on the Venezuelan ftoaafe, The torpedo boat Quail has started from Trinidad to seize a vessel guarding the Orinoco. The British squadron is blockading the Venezuelan coast to La Guayra, and the German squadron from La Guayra to the Colombian border. 'Tl is believed they will unite to seize the Custom Houses. President Cast ro informed the British and German representatives that he deemed the semjre of the warships lying at the quays aibicrary and unprecedented raiding. The indiguation of the Venezuelans is at the highest pitch. As a justifiable re prisal the Government arrested 97 Germans and all the British residents except two. Thfi Government have appea^d. to. Yene zuelens to take up arms,

I President Castro has granted an amnesty 1 to all politioal offenders, and restored their i confiscated property. A great patriotic demonstration took place in Caracas. The mob tried to break opeu the German Legation and Consulate, and burned the British and German flags. The police did not attempt to repress the hostile doraonsi rations. Intense excitement prevails, and the situation is regarded, as critical. Mr H. W. Bowen, tb,e .^mer-ican Minis ter, has secured the release of the principal British and German citizens, and is pressing ing for the release of the remainder. The Venezuelan warships seized at La Guayra. a.re vessels of no power, and they did not resist, Rolando Reira, a prominent leader in the late Venezuelan resolution, has rallied 2400 rebels, with the object of making a fresh at tempt at a revolution. Large numbers of rebels are assembling elsewhere.

The Australian Brought.

SifP.NET, Dec. 10 In the Assembly Mr Carruthers moved, that in view of the serious effects of the drought and the failure of the wheat har vest the Government ought to make pro vision fov a temporary rebate on the pay ment of the duties on breadstuffs and fod der, and, as far as practicable, for the im portation, on a proper guarantee for repay ineut thereof, of breadstuffs and fodder. He referred to Mr Seddon's offer to send foildei-, and eulogised his action. Sydkev, Dec. 11

Mr C'UTuthers said there wag nothing to prevent the G-overninenfc refunding the cluties on bread stuffs and fodder at once in anticipation of seating it returned from the federal Government, or undertaking to re fund the duties^ on importers entering into bonds to sell at a certain margin above the landed price. Keferring to Mr Saddon's offer, he said i "Mr Seddon was evidently a man who could occasionally rise to meet questions, on broad, humanitarian grounds." ' . ! The Premier, in reply, r.ead the opinion of the Attorney-General to the effect that' the remission of fodder duties would be a violation of the Commonwealth, If any one had aske4 Him, under a proper guaran tee, to importl fo4<W. he would, have given every facility, bu,t" no r.equast had been made. He declared that Mr Carruthers's proposal would lead to interminable diffi- i culty, and involve the country in a los 3of .hundreds of thousands of pounds. The only way to give the consumer benefit would be to abolish the duties, Mr Sod don's offer was a capital husiness move. E[e would tell him if it could be availed of with advantage to the people of New South I Wales he would avail himself of it. Event- j | ally, after a great dea.l of squabbling and several applications for the closure, an ! amendment, moved by Mr Webster, that if the necessity arose the Government should j j import breadstuff's and fodder and sell them j at reasonable prices, was carried on the voices, j | The ship Airsdale, from brought 1100 tons of Chilian hay. The im- j portation was the result of the drought.

RELIEF FROM NEW ZEALAND.

Wellington, Dec. 11 In addition to the Government paying the freight on fedder for the relief of suffer ers from the drought in Australia, it will give free railway carriage to all such stuff to the chief ports of the colony,

STANDISH AND EREECE.

Photographers under the Royal patronage of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Studio Hi&b Street, Christchurch.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Hlectric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, December 10 The bodies of the two wives of Chapman, the Southwark publican, who was recently charged with the murder of a barmaid, ' have been exhumed. The death of the late Mr Harry McCal mont will benefit thß Treasury in death dues to the extent of £320,000. A fire in the Scottish Cold Storage Com-, pany's premises at Glasgow did damage to the extent of .£IO,OOO. Dec: 11. In the House of Commons Mr Btilfour replying to Mr Keir Hardie, said the dis tress in London was much exaggerated. The engagement is announced of Lady Sybil Primrose, daughter of the Earl t>f Rosebery, and Lieutenant Charles Grant, of the Coldstreum Guards. Mr AUcott, manufacturer of paving blocks, is suing Mr Lafroy, the Western Australian Agent-General, for libel in al-, leging that his red-gum blocks were prac tically useless. Mr Lefroy pleaded that. the statement was fair comment, and was published in pursuance of his official duties. •:.'." The Countess of Dudley, after a refresh ing sleep, is substantially better. New York, Dec. 10' The Japanese Government objects to the ~ appointment of Mr Barrett as United States Minister to Japan, on the grcrcmd that he favours the exclusion of Japanese from America. Dec.ll The American Congress passed a BUI creating a General Education Board. It is believed to be a preclude to a huge national benefaction from Mr John Eockefeller, ex celling Mr Carnegie's educational gifts.

Paris, December 20. The Government is arranging a shipping service at Marseilles in accordance with the strikers' proposed scale. The employers will make good any loss if they ultimately lose, and otherwise the Government •wiU. pay the difference. Ex-Senator Leplay is reconciled to Dr. Marcelle's marriage to his daughter. The pair telegraphed that they were safe and happy at Turin.

A miner carelessly dropped a stick of dynamite in the South Wilkesbarre mine,, in Pennsylvania, which exploded, and seventeen were killed. Capetown, Dee: 10 The Port of Durban is replacing the floating dock, which was wrecked in the late severe storms, by another, capable of lifting a vessel of 8500 tons. . Brisbane, Dec 11 The Boer farmer delegates who recently visited Canada are passengers by the Mio wera. which arrived this evening. The Government will afford them facilities to visit the farming centres. Melbourne, December 11 In the Assembly the clause in the Re form Bill giving the Franchise to women was adopted by 53 to 25. Peeth, Dec. 11 A double tragedy -occurred in the Japan ese quarter at Kanowna. A Japanese named Yahu shot and killed a countryman, land woman. Yabu had previously lived with the woman, and had quarrelled with her._ Tabu fired several shots at the ar resting constable, who replied, wounding the murderer in the arm and head.

Sentence on a Nationalist.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph - Copyright. London, Dec. II Mi Dennis Kilbride, ex-member of the House of Commons, a prominent National ist, was sentenced to eight months* without hard labour, on a charge of inciting West meath Nationalists to murder Major- General Devenish Meares, a local landlord. At the previous trial in August last the jury were equally divided, and Kilbride was then realised on bail. Last month he -was sentenced to four months* imprisonment for intimidation at Tipperary.

The Education Bill.

United Press Association—Ky Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, December 11 In the House of Lords, Bishop Moor house's amendment to the Education Bill, ; transferring the responsibility for the re pair of the wear and tear of schools from 1 the church to the local authority, was car ried by 114 to-88, despite the Duke of Devonshire's opposition. Earl Spencer and Earl Rosebery voted with the Government. := v At Lord Hansbury's instance, a proviso was added to the Kenyon Slavey clause, defining more distinctly theright of appeal to a Bishop under the deeds of trust with regard to the character of religious instruc tion.

Re-Stocking South Africa.

United Press Association—Uy Electric Telegraph—Copyright. New York, Dec 10 Great Britain, has collected thousands •£ mules and horses at Lathrop, in the Mis souri State, for shipment in the middle o£ January, to re-stock the Transvaal farms. Many thousands are still required.

The Assouan Dam.

Cairo, Dec 10. The Duke and Duchess of Connaugbt, together with the Khedive and Lord Cromer, are visiting Assouan, in connection with the inauguration to-day of the Nile dam. Sir Benjamin Baker, Consulting Engineer to the Egyptian Government, has been made a Commander of the Bath, and the Grand Cross of Sfc Michael and St. George has been conferred on Sir W. E- Garstin. Under Secretary of Public Works in Egypt both of whom were prominently connected with the construction of the Assouan dam. Caibo, Dec. 11. After the Duchess 'of Connaught laid the last stone of the Assouan dam, the Duke of Connaught opened the lock gate and the Khedive, opened the sluic.es,.

Kauri Timber Company

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright, .:■ *-.-* Melbourne, Dec 11. At the annual meeting of the Kauri Tim ber Company the profits for the year were: stated to be .£31,292, to which was added the Ibalance of ,£14,865, /which had been used for paying off the balance" of the de* henture expenees. A dividend of 4 per cent, was declared, and £23,684 was carried forward, "* . . . . The chairman announced that the direc- - tors had decided to provide for the value of the timber taken off the Company's land during the year, which absorbed £15,863 The idea was to bring the Company's assets within realisable limits by the time the forests had been worked out. The liabili ties of the Company were now jJ253,000, including £235,000 on debentures or a de crease of J830.0C0. The liquid asset? amount- •■* ed to .£34:4,000, including stocks worth ,£235,000, The surplus therefore, was ,£60,000 to which had to be added the value of the mills and land. The directorsand auditors were re-elect ed.

New South Wales Legisla ture.

Sydney, D.eoember 9 An all night sitting in the. Legislative. Assembly' terminated in a scene of wild disorder, owing to the Government forcing 1 through the measure providing for Trea sury Bills, Same very forcible language and epithet^ j were used, and members freely challenged each Cither Two Ministers were especially prominent, and one was compelled to apq* logise to the House, i $he Bill eventually passed.,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: FRIDAY, DECEMBER it, tgos



Date De& 11 ... 12 .... „ 13 ... „ 14 ... „ 15 ... 16 ... „ 17 ... 18 ...

Ei^es 4.1G 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





to^ji' '-:„' nrin.ii iim"iri F. FEBRIMAN. »■' j ' ■ — —* , t F. FERRIMAST TXAS for Sale a Leasehold Grazing Property of about 1000 Icrep. A good Sheep Farm. FOR SALE. I i }m X ACRES, well watered land, within a 'mile of Mr John Cochrane's Watanui property. F. FERRDIAN. FOR [SALE. : SEiFIELD. : 4C*{\i~\ ACEES of Land, in capital con dition. The greater part of the purchase money can remain at 4-J- per cenb. per annum. F. FEKRIMAN, r BUSINESS NOTICES. SPECIAL to Buyers of Ready-made CLOTHING. [■—:O: — HOEING considerably OVERSTOCKED TN Boys,' Youths' and Men's HE I m-MADE CLOTHING, , WE WILL OFFER Daring DECEMBER the whole of our stock of these Goods, together with a number of lines IN Boots and Shoes, AT SPECIAL SALE PRICES. See our Door Display for Bargains ASIBUETON DRAPERY CO rSttrnolt Street. Helpless with gp Rheumatism ■ You've tried liniments and prescriptions without result. °CTJBE YOTmSELP with THE GREAT . .. CANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and Not a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Cure. BOLD BY ALL DEALERS At 3/6 p*» Bottlb. Sole Agent fo? Australasia.: : GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. H GRESHAM, SUEGEON AND MECHANICAL BENTIST. By Examination, Oct-ober, 1897. TT'IGHT years experience with E. Q. and JLli J l. W. Greshain, Dentists, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooms { upstairs from the entrance to Thomas 1" Auction Kooms, 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. Houbß op Attendance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Eesidenoe—Care Mas Grant, Wills t Street. THERE is no doubt, no possible doubt j that Mellob's Zealandia Boot Store Is the best Shop to buy your Boots. "VJCTISE Fathers and Mothers if you want W to save money l>uy your Boys' and Girls' School Boots at Me&lor's Zealandia goot Store. ;



BUSINESS NOTICES ___ ' NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. I ■ ■—~~ ■—- 1 N.Z. CLOTHfM FACTORY. ; OVER 1 THE THE 1 WOMEN | I FOLK i TEA ! TALK ' ! CUPS. , , t I $~\® c pleasures and unpleasant S*^"W illilllNWH f ea t ureß o f Housekeeping and Dressing, and we venture to sayj'that a favourite topic just now is The Paradise ©JJ Summer i ftlillincry and Presses, now BEING SHOWN BY THE DRAPERS, ■ " Britain's Best Bicycle." Jlmlm *$**$p4i:rt ROYALTY BEST IN BRITAIN. : : : : BEST IN MAORILAND. £?§l^\ Favors* .^p^^iipffex Them. jf Jj rt^Eraf^^^^ll^^ Men Sweir miDGE-WHITWOKTU // '.S 1 CYCLES.- %^j RE3}UCEI) E, D. JOHNSTON, AGENT, BOTRNETT S'KEET. c^62O » In?pe3t for Ycrarselvas. ;^^^^ FOR THE BOYSI nj^RM FREE with Boy's Suit a Qood M f^^^m^m^fk docket Knife, Pretty Tie, or numerous M feS^^s>^SftlW BOYS' Sailor Suits. 5s Cd, 7s 6d, to 13s 6d M „ Hussar Suits, 7s Gd to 16s Gd §| - Ts&':sM&&:-'<-$ ■ » Norfolk Suits, 9a 6d to 21s M 1 YOUTHS' 3-Garraent Suits, Lss 6d to 42s 6d. M IfSliPPi Exceptional Values Represent- |j ~™|™™™i^"iM" '•""'' '^"^ i Pei sons who wish to do their own Painting will find it to their advantage to call at my Oil uad G>k>r Store. I have Ready Mixed Paints, Genuine White fccad and Oils, or I will mix any shade of our own Genuine Paint, J WIT-SON, Paperhanger, Painter, and Sign-writer. . „,«»«« WIWBOIB .exttKOTWWMUwCBWaraK^^ SHEEP SHEARING- SEASON. THA V E JUS T IAN DE D MY SE A SjQ N'S SUPPLY OF 3s 6d. SHEEP SHEARS. 35 6d includine T U.H. andB.RA., N.Z., with plain and perforated grips Turkey Oil Stones, a s P "endid sample. Sweet Oil. Branding Oila-Bed, Black, and Blue, m 1 and 5 gallon drums; Eaddlo, Lamp Black, Etc. lAWN MOWERS in great variety, from 22s 6d to Cos each. GARDENING- TOOLS of every description at reduced prices. BOWLS! BOWLS! BOWLS! As the season lias just opened, I cordially invite inspection of my stock-Taylor's first a uality only kept. SEWING MACHINES. I am solo agent for the celebrated " Davey" Machine ; 7 years' guarantee; Hand £3 j 10s; Trear' le from M 10s to 10s. Call and inspect. 1 hey are worth looking at. G. M E D I) IN S, The People's Ironmonger Burnett Street, opposite Arcade.



The Tailoring Trade Dispute —The secretary of the Tailors' Union objected in Court that Craighead and Beeeyman put far more work in suits than ordinary (Christchurch) tailoring. Manufacturer's agent 3 explain thai; Craighead and Berry man's linings have to be made and imported specially, being better qualify than usually sold. They have just engaged several extra experienced man to cope with the rush of orders. Craighead and Berryman pay extra for both labour and material .because their motto is •" Satisfaction." Up-to-date suits from £3 10s. H>w summer hats, shirts, ties, boots, etc., just opened. Compare prices ! Observe the quality < —(A.dvi.)



STRANG-E'S Toy and Fancy Bazaar here is causing a sensation,



FATHER Christmas at Strange's: Burnett Street"



USEFUL Present for young and old can bo found in endless variety at S,teajtge's Sample Rooms.