EPHEMERIS

d h m First Quarter ... 8 5.57 p.m. Full Moon ... 15 3.17 p.m. Last Quarter ... 22 7.30 a.m. New Moon ... 30 8.55 a.m. Apogee ... ... 3 4.0 a.m. Perigee ... ... 16 1.0 a.m.

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for December.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations: THURSDAY, Dec. 11. For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney Dec. 16th), and South Africa, per Moeraki, at 10.30 a.m.

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Duneihn, Dec. 10 To-day's sales—Beudigo, 2s Gd, 2s 9d; New Roxburgh Jubilee 245.

Commercial.

London Markets.

Messrs Dalgety and Company, Ltd, have received the following cable message from their London office, under date December 8:—" Since our last telegram prices of prime New Zealand crossbred mutton are higher by |d per lb. For other descrip tions prices are firm."

Grain Sale.

A line of 4000 bushels of wheat was sold last Saturday at 5s per bushel, on trucks at LauristoD.

Asgburton Guardian MAGNA VERITAS ET PRÆVALEBIT. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1902.

As a good deal of uncertainty seems to exist with regard to the grounds on which a

DISPUTING LOCAL Ol?riON TOLLS. ■

Local Option Poll may be declared void, we reprint the following extract from

the Dunedin "Star.": — In several instances where No-license or Reduction has been declared carried at tempts are being made, or are contemplated, t:> invalidate the proceedings, and very hazy ideas on the subject would appear to prevail. It may not, therefore, be without interest to explain what is the statutory position. The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, 1895, provides that where the result of any licensing poll is disputod, any fifty electors may require an inquiry to be held in man ner provided by the Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876. The matter in dis pute is to be determined iti the same manner, mutat's mitl.nais, asff the poll had been an electoral poll. Under this statute, so interpreted and applied to the local opti'.'Ji poll, such poll ia to be declared to be void if, upon the inquiry, the stipendiary magistrate should find that any notice of ;he time and place of talcing the poll or of the situation of the polling booths was not u-iven in the manner required by law, or that the poll was open beyond, or was nt open within,the statutory hours; so that intim-i ■ lation or vio'enco was used to such a degree ao-to prevent a-ny electors from voting; or that any voting paper made or obtained otherwise than as provided by the let was put into a ballot-box ; or that any voting paper was taken out of a ballot box otherwise than as so provided, so as to af fect the result; or that any other irregu larity occurred in the proceedings wMiab, in the opinion of the magistrate, tended to de feat tho fairae?s of the poll. Wo aro not in possession of authentic information as to the grounds upon which the validity of cer ta'n "local option polls in Otago and else where is being challenged, but it may be released that it is not so impossible as some people would seem to think that the deter minations of returning officers may be set aside owing to thp polls being declared void through the causes specified, in which • •ase the whole proceedings fall through. There is no specific statutory provision foi? a fresh poll, and as local option polls must be taken simultaneously with those for members of the House of Representatives on the day of the triennial General Elec tions, it is obvious that no Order-in-Council can eire any of the defeats or irregularities named in the statute, the power of the Go vernmeut in this respect being limited by the Act of 1881 to " accidental or unavoid able impediments, misfeasances, or omis sions."

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Cable News will be found on the fourth page to-day. Mr H. W. Barrett. - On enquiry this morning we were informed that the condi tion of Mr H. W. Barrett remains un changed. Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin w ; res :__ Moderate to strong northerly winds; glass fall. EARTH<3K£.K:E_.~SQV,eraI residents of Ash burton felt a slight shc^k of earthquake yesterday morning at about 3.40, ihg direction being from the north east. The Tinwald Salt;. —The weekly stock sale will be held at Tinwald on Monday next, the Isbh inst, in consequence of Tues day being a public holiday. The Finances of Napier.—There will be no Coronation memorial erected in Napier owing to the unsatisfactory state of the boroygh finances. Of the £'400 voted, £200 has been spent, and the other <£200 will not be called up. T^e borough overdraft now stands at £8400, " "

A Child Fatally Scalded,-— A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that a little girl waa brought to the hos pital yesterday, suffering from injuries and died immediately on reaching the out patients's room. The child is said to have pulled a bucket of water on top of her self.

Tick Morning.—Mr Way mouth, who is the financial agent to the Antartio expedi tion, has ascertained that the accounts for the Morning's disbursement alone amounts to about ,£1735," The largest item U £291 2s 8d for coals. Of the total, 4!616 will be paid to the people in Lyttelton, practically all of the balance going to Christchurcfc. Tho accounts will be met by means ot the vote of ,£IOOO from the Hew Zealand Government, which was plac ed to GapUaiv .C'clbeck's credit on Saturday, and by a draft on*the Boyal Geographical vSociety, London,

A Compensation Case.—A Press Associa tion telegram from Invercargill states that at the Supreme Court yesterday the trus tees of J. T. Thompson proceeded against Ihe Mnfcfcr of Puplic Works for £2271 10s, compensation for laud taken for the new gaol, being at the rale of £200 per acre. The Minister offered $800. Judgment v/as given for £1250 in full settlement with .costs, 4*33 Ijjs.

Christchurch Wool Sal^s.—The sec ond wool sale of tlm season's series will be Vj.eld & the Canterbury Hall to-morrow. The following is th© ordor of'sale and num ber of bales to be oferpi, comprised in 3U99 lots :—New Zealand Fanners'C'o-qp'era tivo Association, 1523 bales j Messrs H. Mat son and Co., 2293; Friedlander Bros., 487 ; JJalgety and Co., 1053; J. T. Ford and Co., \.Gs~i Fypp find Co, 2189 ; National Mort gage and Agwoy Qoy,, 189; N. Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency'fcoy., X£QB; Mr F. C. Tobart, 513. For the corresponding #ale pf Just year ll ; 601 bales were catalogued.

Dunedin Drainage Scheme.—The Dun edin Drainage Board had before it last night the drainage engineer's scheme for the drainage of the city and suburbs. He recommends intercepting the sewer to con vey the drainage to the southern ocean, and estimates that it can be carried out within the £200,000 provided by the Act.

Chinese Bodies.—ln view of the wreck of the Ventnor, and also the possibility of legislation prohibiting the disinterment of bodies buried in the colony, it is not un likely, says a West Coast exchange, that the bodies of all Chinese who die in New Zealand will for the future be embalmed and shipped at once to the Celestial Empire.

Auckland Electric Tramways. —As ' showing the enormous amount of traffic dealt with by the Auckland Electric Tram ways Company during the first weok in which tho new cars have been running, it is of interest to note that in that time over 70,000 people were carried —a number about equal to the whole population of Auckland. Wine Industry.—The effect of prohibi tion on th 9 wive industry of New Zealand was briefly discussed at the conference of fruit-growers at; Auckland yesterday. It was pointed out that the carrying of prohibi tion would, under the present law, prohibit the sale of light New Zealand wines, arid a motion was passed expressing the opinion that New Zealand wines should be sold in all restaurants freo of license.

Mayfiet.d Presbyterian Church:.—Afc a meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery held yesterday the Rev P. J. Eiddle brought up the report of the Commission appointed to visit the mission charge at Mayfield, and stated that it h:id made great and steady progress since taken over by Mr W. Haiu. There is one church and four other preach ing stations. The missionary has three ser vices every Sabbath, and also holds week night cottago meetings. There are two Sunday schools in the charge. The income for the past three years was: — 1900, .£392 10s 2d; 1901, £183 17s lid; 1902, .£l7O 19s Id. The congregation considered it would be desirable if Mr Ham had a seat on the Presbytery. The following finding was agreed to: —" That the Presbytery Ex presses its satisfaction with the report, is gratified that during the past three years steady progress has been made in the dis trict, that the missionary is doing his work faithfully and with success, and is heartily supported by the office-bearers of the church and prays God's best blessing may continue to rest pn that charge." Regarding the re quest that Mr Ham be given a seat in the Presbytery and Assembly, it was decided to point out that his position is clearly defined by church law, a,nd could not be altered ex paptby the General Assembly,

C tclists, when purchasing goods, should beir in mind that Messrs Oates, Lowry nnd Co. have the largest assortment of cycling requisites in New Zealand. Their Ash burton Branch have unpacked several new designs in patent clips for pump, etc., also a new shipment of vulcauised tyres, which are being sold at 22s 6d each. 12 59

The Tailoring Trade Dispute —The secretary of the Tailors' Union objected in Court that Craighead and Berryman put far more work in suits than ordinary (Chrtstchurch) tailoring. Manufacturer's agents explain that Craighead and Berry man's linings have to be made and imported specially, being better quality than usually sold. They have just engaged several extra Rxperienced 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. New summer hats, shirts, ties, boots, etc., just opened. Compare prices ! Observe the quality !—(Advt.)

A. and P. Association.

A meeting of the committee of the Ash burton A. and P. Association was held yesterday afternqon at wliich there was a <jood attendance, the President, Mr T. Stone, iv the chair. CO RRESBONDENCE. Correspondence was read— From Mr Tabateau, tendering his resig nation as a member, as he was leaving the district.—Received, From the Massey-Harris Company, in referenco to the influencing of judges of implements at the Show by the class steward^.—The matter was held over for consideration by a sub-committee, the parties interested to be asked to attend. LINCOLN COLLEGE, It was resolved that the Hoard of Gover nors for Lincoln College bo written to suggesting that mo»e titno be given for the proposal of a candidate to sit on the Board, and it was further resolved that the Asso ciation's vote for vacancies be given in favour of Mr J. Studholme, junr., and Mr Knight. - VETERINARY SURGEON. The President reported an interview with Mr Gilruth regarding the appoint ment of a veter-innry surgeon for the county. Mr Gilruth had stated that if a guarantee of JHOO could ba forthcoming, he could recommend a competent practitioner. warm d}gcuss[on took place over this question, Intimately, an th.g motiqn cf Mr Studholtne, seconded by Mr A, Macfarlane, it was decided that the guarantee by the Association should not exceed ,£3OO.

MISCELLANEOUS. The gum of three guineas was voted to Mr T. M. Jones for superintending work on the Show ground, and Mr Jones was instructed to look after the Association's property on the ground, A letter was read from the auditor,. Mr Albert Roberts, verifying the Association's financial position. It was resolved to hold a special meeting of members on the second Tuesday in January for the purpose of altering rule re the close of the Association's financial year, and also to consider Mr Bland's notice of motion respecting the election of life members. Spserjd accounts were passed for pay ment, and the Cpmrnittee thereafter ad journed.

News in Brief.

Messrs Mitchell and Turner, drapers, have an announcement of interest to ladies in another column. Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd, will offer for sale next Saturday a horse, gig, and harness, the property of Mr P. Grealy. Messrs Strange? anr|. 'Co., Burnett Street, have a large assortment of i^ys'^nd fancy goods for the Christmas trade now on sale suitable for presents for old and young, In the Qoulburn district, New South Wales, a plague of grasshoppers has ap peared, and farmers are turning stock into the crops before they are wholly devoured by|the pest.

The plant of the Queensland Deep Well Boring Company, which has been imported for the boring at the Kotuku oil springs, has arrived in the colony, and will be sent down to Greymouth immediately.

Lytteltoa will shortly be tho only port in the colony at which a passenger cau step directly from a train on board a seagoing stoamer, a d vice versa.

The annual general meeting of the Can terbury Frozen Meat Company will be held at the Chamber of Commoroe, Cathedral Square, Christchurch, on Wednesday, Dec ember 17th. ■

The Lake Ellesmere fishermen have pre? sented a petition to the Government, pray ing that the sale of trout caught in Lake Ellesmere may be legalised, There are over 900 signatures to the petition.

In another column will be found full particulars of the train arrangements for the coming Christmas and New Year holi days, also (he extra express train service to overtake the expected increased passenger traffic.

The Qamaru "Mail?? says; —Ijb js under stood that at a meeting held last week, the hotelkeepers of Oamar'u came bo a decision that if any of their number infringed the law in regard t'fr seUiug on Sunday, or during illegal hours, or by supplying intoxicated uersons, he should pay.a line of £50.

THE LOCAL OPTION POLL

The Petition for Enquiry.

Tho following is a summary of ihe grounds set out in the petition in which it i 3 sought to upset the results oi! the local option poll in Ashburton, by which No- License, t. as declared carried. The easel will come before the S.M., (Mr C. A. Wray), on Thursday, the 18th inst :— In the matter of the regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876, and in the matter of the Licensing Acts, we, the undersigned electors of the Electoral 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 last, at which the proposal that no licenses shall be granted in the said district was declared to be carried, the said poll is void upon the following grounds, namely: — I.—That notice of the time and place of ; the said Licensing Poll, and of the situation of the Polling booths was not 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. 3.—That the provisions of Section 7, sub section (1) (F) of " The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Act, 1^95," were not complied with, inasmuch as the voting papers and the ballot papers were not given to the voters simultaneously, at more than one polling place.

4.—That the provision of Section 124, sub-section 2, of " The Electoral Act, 1902," were not complied with, inasmuch as the voters did not show the Eeturmng Officer the official mark on their voting papers before depositing the same in the ballot boxes.

5. — That the provision of section 120, of " The Electoral Act, 1902," were not com plied with, inasmuch as persons, other than a returning officer, were allowed to speak to voters in the polling booths, and to ask questions and give general direc tions to assist voters to give their votes.

6.—That at certain polling places the provisions of section 119, sub-section 7, were not complied with, inasmuch as more than six voters were allowed in the polling booths at one and the same time at other than the hour for closing the poll.

7. —That the Deputy-Returning Officers at certain polling places frequently left the said polling places without duly appointing a substitute as required by seotion 112, of the said Electoral Act.

8. —That certain electors were refused to be allowed to vote at the said Licensing Poll, although their names were on. the Electoral Roll of the said district.

9. That the said Poll was improperly held, inasmuch as there was no valid Roll for the Electoral District of Ashburton. (Here follow 60 signatures.) Messrs Stringer and Cresswell and Wild ing, Lewis, and Rolleston, instructed by Mr Q-. M. Watson, have been retained for the petitioners, and Messrs G. Harper and T. Q-. Russell will watch the case on behalf of the No-license Council.

THE SELWYN RECOUNT.

The following is the result of the recount of the votes recorded in the Selwyn district: Continuance ... ... 1258 Reduction . ... 1608 No License ... ... 1804 Number of votes polled ... 3081 Reduction is therefore carried by 68 votes, and prohibition is lost by 38 votes.

CHALMERS AND CAVERSHAM.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dunedtn, Dec 9 Petitions signed by sixty electors in each electorate were lodged to-day asking that the local option polls in Chalmers, where prohibition was carried, and Caversham, where reduction was carried, should be declared void. The grounds alleged in the Chalmers petition are numerous, and include that the poll yv^s not open within the prescribed 1 hours; that the voting papers were not given out, and were in some case 3 refused; that, in some of the booths voting papers were not given simultaneously; that delay and confusion were causer!, and some elec tors were prevented from voting; that more than six voters were allowed in the polling booth at once ; that the returning officer did not see that the ballot boxes i were empty before opening the poll ; that voting papers were issued ,without being officially stamped j that votes were not counted in the manner prescribed j that cer tain persons acted as substitutes for the deputy returning officers, who did not make and subscribe the declaration prescribed. >jome eight other grounds and irregularities are alleged. In the case of the Caversham petition, it is alleged that thp returning officer, prior to the issue of writs, entered on the elec toral roil the names of some 200 persons, knowing that the names of such persona were not witnessed ia the munner pre scr bed ; that the returning officer declared the result without receiving from the deputy at Scofield's store the proper official returns as to the number of votes and voters, and that the returns were arrived at by guess work, estimations, and adjust ment, and that proper returns were not delivered till two days after the election to the returning officer, the licensing box in the meantime having been delivered to the returning officer early in tho morning of the day following the election. It is also alleged that voting papers were not issued simultaneously, and in some instances not given at all; and that more than six voters were admitted at one time into the polling booths. •

Dunedin, Dec. 10. The petition lodged at Milton yesterday, challenging the result of the Bruce Local Option poll, is on much the same lines as that at Port Chalmers.

THE NEW TOWNPOLL.

Wellington, Dec. 9 Sixty-six electors of Nevvtown have lodged a petition at the Magistrate's Court praying to have the recent licensing poll for that district declared void on account of certain irregularities in connection with the manner in which voting was conducted.

Correspondence.

(We do not hold owselyes responsible foi opiniqns expressed by our correspondents.)

A CONTRADICTION,

TO THE EDITOB. Sib,—l noticed in a report of your issue of the 2nd inst., an article on the reason for Prohibition. Your Mayfield correspondent refers to a well-known Ruapuna farmer who is a large employer of labour. By the report it seems that one of his men left him to go to the Ashburton races with a cheque of £\7, and came home drunk, with 10s in his pock&t. Now, as I am the individual which the above refers to| I wish to con tradict such a false and malicious statement. la reading the article, one would infer that I had spent the whole of the cheque at the races. Now, I wish to point out that I can account for every penny spent, and it wns not spent at the races at all. I bought a tjicycle with the money, and any of your readers can understand how much I would have left out of a .£l7 cheque, t would advise your correspondent to be more care ful in future in making such untruthful statements, otherwise I shall have to seek the protection of the law. Apologising for taking up so much of your valuable paper, but I cannot allow the above to go un challenged.-^ram, etc;, D.S.

South Africa.

United Press Association ■ fiy Kleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Capetown, Dec. 8 Lord Milner found that the burghers in the eastern portion of the Orange Colony are satisfied with the arrangements to teach Dutch. Though a few objections were made as to English being made the me dium of instruction, thn parents are anxious that their children should learn English.! i i Capetown, Dec. 9 The Orange Colony Government is con structing an irrigation canal twelve miles long at Pary3, thus affording employment ,to 600 "By woners " or landless Boers for two years.

The Trouble with Vene zuela.

BRITISH AND GERMAN CLAIMS.

AN ULTIMATUM PRESENTED. STATEMENT BY MR BALFOUR. United Press Association —By Electric . Telegraph—Copyright New York. Dec. 9 Members of the foreign legations have left Caracas and embarked on the warships at La Guayra.

Germany claims from Venezuela the im mediate payment of 1,700,000 bolivars (.£68,000). This sum represents the losses of German subjects during the civil war up to 1900. She also demands a satisfactory guarantee for. the payment of additional claims totalling three million bolivars (,£120,000), arising out of the recent civil war, also the settlement of other claims es pecially connected with the German-Vene zuelan railway.

The authorities at Washington are pleased that Great Britain is acting with Germany in demanding a settlement of claims, and regard Great Britain's action as a guarantee that the Monroe doctrine will not be infringed. London, Dec 9. In the House of Commons Mr Balfour j said Venezuela for the past two years had j unjustifiably interfered with the liberty and property of British subjects, and had re fused to settle large claims. All efforts to | obtain an amicable arrangement were un availing. Many of the representations which were made remained unnoticed. An ultimatum had been presented, m conjunc tion with Germany, and if the outcome of the ultimatum was unsatisfactory it was ntended to enforce the demands. j

Russia and Persia.

A WARNING TO ENGLAND.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright gr Petersburg, Dec. 8 Russia is re-establishing a regular ship ping service between Odessa and Bandar Abbas and Bushire, on the Persian Gulf. St Petersburg, Dec 9. The newspaper " Novae Vremya" de clares that if Great Britain persists in threatening Russia's approach to the In dian ocean Kussia will be compelled to send troops to Persia and Afghanistan.

The Education Bill.

United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright. London, Pec. 9. Lord Rosebery, addressing a deputation from the National Eree Church Council, said if the Nonconformists tamely submit ted to the Education Bill they would politi cally cease to exist. The speech has delighted the Eadicals. It is interpreted to mean that Lord Rose bery is willing to accept closer indentifica tion with the active wing of the party. Dr Clifford speakiqg at; Brentford, re ferred to Lord Rosebery's «' inspiring ut terances." " The Times" expresses surprise that Lord Rosebery should counsel resistance to the law, and declares he has oompromis e'lhis future by giving unjustifiable sanction to the anarchical pretensions of the irre sponsible opponents of the Education Bill.

The French Shipping Strike.

United Press Association—liy Electric Telegraph. — Copyright Paris, Dec. 9 The Marseilles ship-owners, refusing to confer with the strike committee, the strikers violently appealed to other work men's associations. The situation has be come more serious,

New Guinea Natives.

United Press Association —Piy Electric Telegraph — Copy right. Sydney, December 9 Advices from New Guinea state that the natives aro troublesome. They recently ambushed a party of 32 officers and men, and killed one soldier and wounded several. Five natives were killed and a number were wounded in the affray. Two gun boats with a strong force have been sent to punish the natives.

A Diplomatist's Indiscre tion.

United Press Association—By Eleefcrio Telegraph - Copyright. London, Deo. 9 'Lord Lansdowne, in the House {of Lords said that Sir Horace Rumbold's recent ar ticle in the " National Review," with re ference to the Austrian Emperor's friend ship for England was indiscreet and repre hensible. The Government intended to issue fresh regulations forbidding diploma tists to publish their experiences without official permission. !

Three Suicides.

United Press Association—~By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Mrlboorne, Dec. 9 Three men coiumitte'd suicide in the city to-day. (3ne, Weir, liariged "himself to es cape from flnapcial worry. The second, Irwin, under the influence of liquor, swal lowed laudanum and strychnine. The third, Montgomery, jumped off the Yarra bridge. He left a letter saying he could endure his wretched life no longer, and waited to see the unknown.

Shipping Conference.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Sthns't, December 9 A conference between the Steamship Owners' Federation and the Federated Sea mens' Union has opened, with the object of framing a working agreement for the coming, year. Under the oxisting agree ment entered into in June last, which forma the basis of the conference, the Seamen's Union bound themselves to accept a reduc tion of at least tsri shiliiugs a month, pro vided that trade had not improved in the meantime, the reduction to date from the end of January next.

The Press are not admitted to the confe rence. '' The question at issue is to whether the trade conditions are such us to warrant re duction, was discussed at great length. The conference has adjourned until to-morrow. It is understood there are prospects of an - amicab.le arrangement. Mr Mills, of the Union Steamship Com pany of New Zealand, was present. I

The Memorial Fountain.

A sketch plan for the proposed memorial fountain to be erected in Bariug Square is now on view in the window of Messrs W H. Collins and Co., East Street. The draw; ings were prepared by Mr Seagerj archi tect, cf Christchurch, and were approved of by the Memorial Committee at a meet ing recently held, and tenders are to be called for the erection of the fountain, the work to be put in hand immediately. From the plan, the proposed fountain will be quite an ornament to the town. It is much, after the same style of architecture as the Albert Memorial, in Hyde Park, London. Three circular steps lead up to the drink ing places, where the usual flow of aqua pura can be used at will from cup 3 with chain attachments. The crest is dome shaped, supported by massive pillars round the sides. In the ceatre is the figure of a trooper standing at ease, with rifle and accoutrements. The names of Britain and her Colonies are inscribed on the top of the structure, and also an inscription " Coro nation of His Majesty King Edward VII." In the centre on one side are the words " In Memoriam," with a space left to fill in the names of those who are lost to sight but not to memory. On the opposite siae is an inscription in reference to the Coronation. The memorial will Btand as a lasting tribute of affection to the f Allen, and also serve to keep in mind the historic event of the Coronation.

The Elingamitc Disaster.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Melbourne, December 9 The Devonport has arrived from Thames. She passed a quantity of wreckage in tha vicinity of Three Kings on November 17th, but saw no sign of the Elingamite's boats.

THE ENQUIRY.

Auckland, December 9. At the Elingamite enquiry to-day, Passey, a steerage passenger, stated that the steamer struck on the bottom, and seemed to slide along the rock. Immediately be fore she struck the officer on the bridge called to everybody to hold on. After that there was a fearful bumping, the ship rol ling until the rail was half under, and the water was on the saloon deck. The ship did not go astern after the telegraph rang. The land was so close that one could almost jump ashore. The Austrians swarmed into No. 1 boat like bees, otherwise the passen i gers rather assisted than hampered the crew. lie landed on the ledge of a rock through the seaweed, but other men who were struggling in the water were pulled off again. He could not say if the rising tide washed any pet p'e off the ledge. He saw no fire or boat drill on the steamer. Philip Jone^ stated that he was standing forward with the look-out man. He saw something like a big black cloud ahead, and asked the look-out what it was. The latter called " Breakers." He was pretty sure the bell was not rung. Charles Lennon said he saw something like a cloud ahead at the same time as j the look out man. They looked till they i could see plainly. That was about a mm! --! ute. Then the look-out called " Break ers !" and the telegraph rang. The pro peller seemed to stop instantly. I J. Gunther, v saloon passenger and in spector for the New Zealand Sugar Com pany, said he was walking the deck when someone called, "Look!" He saw rocks and surf ahead. The engine was stopped before the vessel touched.

Dr Beatie said that on the day of the disaster he heard the bell ring violently in the engine room. The ship continued to go ahead though the engines seemed to stop. It was at least a minute from the time the telegraph rang until the ship struck. There was difficulty and confusion in getting the boats out, due almost en tirely to the inteference of the passengers. He saw fire or six dead bodies in the water. No. 4 boat was pretty full. He believed that the last he saw of her was on Sunday afternoon, when he saw a boat" apparently ahead of them. They suddenly lost sight of her, wh'ch suggested a catastrophe.

Dr Goldie said that he saw the chief engineer on deok when the telegraph rang. There was some confusion in getting out the boats. He was cross-examined at some length as to his statement re the chief engineer being on deck when the telegraph rang. Witness denied that he was excit ed.

Mr Haselden, S.M., said that the Court was of opiuion that the reputation of the chief engineer was not affected by the doctor's statement which simply came out as part of his narrative. Auckland, Dec. ,10 Jas. Morris, apasseDger, said he did not see much confusion or panic after the vessel struck, everyone seeming very cool. The passengers did not interfere with the crew in any way. There was considerable delay in getting tbe dingey launched; the davits did not work well. W. Napier, (a passenger) and William Nupier (passenger) said there was a slight delay in getting No. 3 boat out.

Sporting.

ASHBURTON COUNTY RACfNG CLUB.

After the declaration of the first forfeit, the following remain in the Ashbubton County Stakes, of 160 soys; sis furlongs. Sir George Clifford's eh h Cannie Chiel, by Clanranald—Weathereye Sir George Clifford's eh f Brave Heart, by Clanranald—Safeguard Sir George Clifford's br o Treadmill, by Bill of Portland—Catherine Wheel Mr J. F. Buchanan's b g Secret Society, by I Gipsy Grand or Stepniak—Tempest. Mr J. Collett's br c Eoseal, by Handsome Jack Rosalind Mr G. G. Stead's'br c King Log, by S.tep niulf—Pairymaid - w "•' Mr T. Sheenan's br o Bayonet, by Musketry —Psycho- ■ - . ■'- m "•;« Mr C. Mao Hell's eh c Pallas, by Chain Armour—Nellie Mr S. Solomon's b g Blazer, by St Clair— Mountain Lily Mr S. Wilson's bo Eosemere, by Wesfc mere—Rosalind Mr J. M. Reid's eh f Gladsome, by Seatoa Delaval—Miss Gladys Mr H. Acton-Adams' b f Cyclamen, b Gipsy Grand—Corolla Messrs Lewis and Thomas' eh c RoscommoQ, 'bj' Lqrd Rosslyn—Lady Gertfiido ":'"ti< Messrs Itewis and "EhomaV-b c Weibeck, by Ferkin Warbeck ll—Reverie

The Club will lose about £50 per meeting under the No-License regime. Under No-licenae the Ashburfcon Trotting Club will lose .£36 per annum received from the privileges of the licensed booths at the meetings.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER io, 1902



Dat 'cc. » » »

te 11 12 ]3 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. THE rocent wet weather will necessitate increased attention to your Sheap and Lambs. Do not neglect them by allowing them to suffer from Scour or Lung-Worm. Joseph Ford's Scour anil Lung-worm Mixture, la an acknowledged cure for both Scour and Lungworm and its use greatly im proves the tone and condition of Sheep and Lambs. The following are the opinions of two of Our well-known breeders who use FORD'S MIXTURE :- Buocleuch Station, Mount Somers, 14th March, 1902. Mb F. Ferriman, Ashburton. Dear Sir,—Ee Joseph Ward's Scour and Lung-Worm Mixture.—For many years past I have heard good reports attending the use of the above drench, but until thia season I have not had occasion to put it to the practical test. Early in the season my lambs *ere ecouring badly and in some cases before the usual outward appearances of Scour were apparent, some of the biggest and fattest of them had died. I obtained sufficient Mixture from you to drench 3000 lambs, and from the results obtained, I consider that it is impossible for me to speak too highly of it. At a cost of about l}d per head to drench, it has been the means of caving many of my lambs which were worth 12s 6d each. lam so satisfied with my experiment, that I intend to uae Joseph Fjrd's Mixture as often as I may hare occasion to deal with Scour or a thrift less oondition in my flock, and I can con- j fidently recommend any farmer whose { Sheep or Lambs are suffering from either of the above causes to use Ford's Mixture. He will be well paid for his outlay. Tours faithfully, (Sgd) E. GATES. | Ashburton, January 10th, 1902. Mb F. Fca&tauff, Ashburton,— Dear Sir,—Re Joseph Ford's Scour and Lung-Worm Mixture. — Last season I drenchen 450 of my Stud Lamb 3 with the above drench. They had commenced to scour suddenly, and I had already lost ten by death. I drenched the whole lot once and they commencad to improve right away. A week after drenching they were totally different sheep. The best proof that I can give of the drench is that I have this season drenched the whole of my flock whether they showed signs of scour or not, as I consider it improves the tone and vigour of the Sheep. I can confidently recommend anyone having culls or sheep that are not doing well to drench them with the abovo Mixture. Yours faithfully, (Sgd) T. E. UPTON. F. -FERBIMAN. Patentee and Proprietor. BUSINESS NOTIC S. SPECIAL to Buyers of Ready-made | CLOTHING-. — :O:— "OEING considerably OVERSTOCKED TN Hoys,' Youths' and Men's REAI>Y4UI>U CLOTHING, WE WILL OFFER During DECEMBER the whole of our stock of these j Goods, together with a number of lines IN Boots and Shoes, AT SPECIAL SALE TRICES. j See our Door Display for Bargains ASHBURTON DBAPERY CO. Burnett Street. j I I Helpless with fp Rheumatism ■ You've tried liniments and prescriptions without result. N°CUBB YOURSELF with THE GREAT ... CANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and Not a liniment. A Quiok and Permanent Care. SOLD 3T ALL DEALERS At 3/6 p*R Bottle. Sole Agent for Auitralaaia: GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. ITgresham, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897- FLIGHT years experience with E. G. and i 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. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Hours op Attendance —9 a.m.—s p.m. Private Residence—Care Mes Grant, Will* Street.



BUSINESS NOTICES " Britain's Best Bicycle." J§|^pt BEST IN BRITAIN. : : ROYALTY I : : BEST IN MAORILAND. PaVOrS | RUDGE-WHITWORTH mj' ' ■ " C 1 V i 1 I P R WE* *^/^ UEDUCED OVER . j THE THE ■ ! WOMEN TEA. 1 F°LK ; ! TALK CUPS. I ■ OF the pleisures and unpleasant 1 n-MiMi-Hi «■■»* f ea t ure 3o f Housekeeping and Dressing, and we venture to say that a favourite topic just now is The Paradise oil Summer Millinery and Dresses, now BEING SHOWN Bl MITCHELL & .TURNEB, THE DRAPERS. XMAS — — 1902. I «pf FOR THE BOYS f^^^MWM ¥KSB «ith Dov 1* kuit, a Good fJMMmW^Ok Pocket Knife, Pretty Tie, or numerous M^^mßs^m<^h other Presents Ws£^s?M^s BOYS' Sailor Suits. 5s Gd, 7s 6d, to 13s Cd » Hussar Suits, 7s C>d to lCs Gel t§ffi-';&.:i%&4--':f-'-& „ Norfolk Suits, 0a Gd to 21s ■ ~m^^&&s* YOUTHS' .'^-Garment Suits, 15s 6d to 42s Gd. IRWS All Exceptional Values -Eepresent- Gsssffls'&^ D^ style and duality. !Jm Jr*F*^o&, LIABLE W^^ IP /*«i "CLOTHING^BOOTKOUSE I SHEEP SHEARING SEASON. THAVE'IJUST LANDED MY SEASON'S SUPPLY OF ; 3^ 6d, SHEEP SHEARS, 3s 6d includin« T.U.S. and 8.8.A., N.Z., with plain and perforated grips, Turkey Oil Stones, a splendfd sample. Sweet Oil. Branding Oils—Red, Black, and Blue, in 1 and 5 gallon drnms; Raddle, Lamp Black, Etc. LAWN MOWERS in great variety, from 223 6d to 55s each. GARDENING TOOLS of every description at reduced prices. / BOWLS! BOWLS! BOWLS! As the season has jnat opened, I cordially invite inspection of my stock—Taylor's first q ua.it y only kept. SEW I NG MACHINES. ! I am sole agent for the celebrated " Davey " Machine ; 7 years' guarantee ; Hand £ '3 10s- Trcft^lelromieG 10s to JBB 10s. Call and .inspect. They are worth looking at. G. MEDDINS, The Peoples Ironmonger, Burnett Street, opposite!Areacle, ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. 5 IB Kwa Wt& J*fßs> Saaatf o^a &n9 ■ ■ Bm»mr | QTT'PT^T? TO"R : X?i X-i *»* * j&* # Jfi^**- t^S** I| B irf^"* F^L $t* """W™" ffT& fc^P I N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. Persons who wish to do their own Painting will fnd it to ! their advantage to call at my Oil and Color Store. I have Heady Mixed Faints, Genuine- White U\u\ lyid Oils, or I will mix any shade of our own Genuine Paint. J. WILSON, Paperhanger, Painter, and Sign-writer. >



STANDISH AND PEEECE, Phojtographera under the Royal patronage of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Studio High Street, Christchurch. STKANGE? S Toj and Fancy Bazaar here is causing a sensation. TTSEFUL Present for young and old can U 'be found in endless variety at Strahse's Sample Booms.



npOY Land at Strangk's, Burnett Street



TOYS, Toys, Toys of every description at S,TKANGE? §. EATHEE Christmas at Strangk's. Burnett Street



Sander and Sons Eucalypti Extbact— Under the distinguished-patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diplo ma at the International Exhibition, Am sterdam ; acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Universities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous ' oils, -whlcb. are now foisted upon the rpublic tinder'the name of Eucalypti Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander and Sons' Pure Volatile Euca lypti Extract, we state:—lt is proved by £ests made by the Medical Clinics of thfc Universities at Bonn' and Grief swald )Prussia), that only products that are saturated with, oxygen.and "freed of acids, resinous and othsi'substances adherent t'd primary distillation, will develop the, curative properties possessed^ by the plant. To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from th application of substitutes, etc, in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria, dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., insis£ on getting Sander and' Sons' Pure Vbi'i"Stts| Enjij'* lypti Extract aqd bVsafe.. The Ideal Vulcanised Tyre holds practice ally every New Zealand record, is guaran teed for 12 months and can he supplied an d fitted to yo.ur Cycle without any additional cost. The Leader Tyre 1b our second grade line, manufactured by Idea& Ttbe Coy, Christchnrch a.nd Melbourne, and are guaranteed for 6 months, and is an ab* olutely good e*nd reliable Tyre,—(44vt.}