Commercial.

Wool Sales

Sydney, December 17 The wool sale closed firmly ; greasy, 13£ d, scoured 19^d.

Napier, Dec. 17

The first wool sale of the season was held to-day, the catalogue comprising over 6000 bales. There was a full attendance of local, southern, and English buyers, and prices all round showed satisfactory impro venaent, low grade crossbred advancing from l£d to 2d on last year's rate1 *, and fine, bright crossbred wero a to |d higher. Very little high-class half bred or merino was offered, but a small parcel in good condition gold up to 10d.'

N.S W. Wheat Harvest.

Sydney, December 17

The completed ollicial returns of the wheat harvest shgw a yield of 1,4-11,000 bushels. If the whole area originally sown is taken into account, the average is 1.1 bushel per acre. The amount ef seed sown was greater than the quantity har vested.

Addington Live Stock Market.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph. Christckukch, Dec. 17

Cattle.—At the Addington market.to-day there wore good entries, and also a good attendance. In fat cattle 265 head were yarded, nearly all of good to prime quality, and a few extra heavy bullocks. Competi tion was easier all round, and a drop of from 3s to 4s per 1001b has to be recorded, best beef making to 31s, other sorts to 28s per 1001b. Steers brought .£8 10s to £13 12s 6d, heifers £6 10s to £10 12s Gd, cows £5 12s 6d to .£lO 15s. A good demand existed in all classes for store cattle, and a clearance was effected at the following rates: Yearlings 27s to 36s 6d, 15 to 18-month old cattle £2 8s to <£3 9s 6d, two-year-old steers £4 18s fid to £o 12s (3d, do. heifers £4 10s, two-and-a half to three-year-old steers £6 10s, three year-old heifers £o 17s 6d, dry cows 35s to £4 10?. Dairy cows were a medium entry and sold at £4 5s to £8 10s, and up to .£lO.

Sheep.—Fat sheep were a large entry, the greater portion being fat crossbred owes, with a fair yarding of good to prime freezing wethers, but many pens would have been more in place in the store pens. Good demand existed for all prime freezers, both wethers and ewes, but butchers' ewe?, except for the best, bad an easier tone. Prime freezing wethers, shorn, IBs 7d to 20s 6d, few extra heavy wethers 24s (id to 295, lighter weights 16s 6d to 17s 9d, mixed sexes 16s 7d to 19s Gd; freezing quality ewes, best kinds, 16s Id to ISs sd, others 14s Co 15s 9d, butchers' ewes, best, 13s to !7s Bd, extra heavy to 19s 3d, inferior 9s to 11s 6d. Fat lambs—l7o4 were penned, and there was a keen demand and prices generally were a shade firmer. Prime freezers 15s to 16s 6d, lighter 13s 4d to 14s 6d, butchers' best 15s to 16s lOd,others 11s 9d to 14s 6d. Store sheep—3soo were penned, and there was a strong demand. Shorn crossb ed wethers 12s 8d to i4s lOd, hoggets (shorn) 12s 9d to 13s, woolly do. 15s 2d, crossbred ewes and I:imb3 9s to 12s,

Pigs.—There was a fair entry, with a keen demand for porkers and stores, baconers making 45s to 545, about 4£d to 4 J-d per 1b ; porkers 30s to 40s, fully 5d to Gd por lb ; large stores 20s to 30s, weaners iss to 19s, suckers 10s to 14s 6d.

Burnside Stock Market.

United Press Association —By Electric T( l.ajraph. Dunedtn, Dec 17

Fat Catti.?, —165 were yarded, of which several lines were extra primo heavy weights, There was a moderate demand, and price.? showed an advance of 2^s per head on last week's rates, Best bullocks brought £12 to £ 13, extra prime, £14 10? to £ 6 ; medium to good, .£9 to £10 17s Gd, light £7 2d 6d to M 15s, beat Cfws and heifers £* 10s to £10 12a Gd, medium to <ror;d £6 12s 6d to £7 15s, light and agod cows£V ins to £Q 10s.

Fat Shktcp. 1222 were penned, mostly shorn, and the sales opened on a par with last week, but the demand for ordi nary quality was much less pronounced, and prices for these dropped Is to Is 6d per head. Best shorn crossbred wethers, 19s Gd to 225, extra heavy 25s to 275, medium to good Ids 6d to 19s, light 14s Gd to 16s, best shorn owes 18s Gd to 205,., axtra up to 30*, medium to good ls>s to 17s, light 133 to J.4s 9d. Lambs —700 were penned, and met good demand, at a slight reduction. Bost brought from Z2s <jid to 13s, extra prime 14s 9d, good to best llu 6i'to 12s 3d, medium 8s to lCs 6d.

Pigs—l 32 w.ere penned, and mot with good demand, nnd last week's price* were maintained. Suckers fetched 15s to 20s, slips 21s 6d -to 245, stores 26s to 28s, por kers 3's to 445, baconers 505t0735, choppers up to 975,

Geraldine Farmers' Yards.

There was a good attendance at the Geraldine yards yesterday, and a very good sale. There w*s an entry of about 3000 sheep, which sold as uadisr j— 2 and 4-tooth wethers 12s 2d ; 2-toofch, J3s ; ui*U 2rtopths, 11s ; ewes and lambs (all counted), 7s 6d; ewes in the wool and lambs, 8s 2d s fat lambs, 12s Gd; fat ewes, 12s 6d. There was also a fairly good entry of cattle, most; of which found buyers after the sale at satisfactory pi"iCcS.

Dunedin Grain Market

Dunedin, Deo 17

V» rheat iB in good demand, but the quan tity offered is limited and business is within a &ms\l esmpass, Prime milling 5s 6d to 5s 9<S, good to best #s t# §s 3d, medium 4s 7d to 4s lOd, wl ole fowl whe^ 4s 4d to ;is Gil, medium 4s to 4s 3d, inferior 3s 6d to 3s lOd; sucks extra. Oats. —The demand is confined to best milling, feed sorts being only saleable in small lots. The quantity in hand is small. Prime milling 2s 8d to 2s 9d,'best bright gfc.prfc feed. 2s 7d to 2s Bd, medium 2s 3d to 2s sd, ijifejjjor Is9d to 2s 2d, sacks extra.

Clearing Sale.

TheN.Z. Farmers' Co-.operaH.ve i.ssocj# ti<m, Mr H. A. liloyd, auctioneer, held » ve>vy successful clearing sale at Mr IJ. Osborne's fapn^, WiLpwby.. There was a very good attendance, f ojlgwjug are the prices realised: — Implements.—Harrow £3, double.-furrow ploughs M and <£3, roller ,^lO 10s, stripper £7, hay rako £6, disc .£O, dray aud framp £13 10s. I£q£Ses. (Draughts)— Bay gelding, aged, £35, 'fcay umza, C'yrs» && > bay ffeldinS. Syrs. £4.3 ; bay ge'ldiiig", aged, ; bay mare, £12 ; brown gelding. .£3O ; two year lings at £30 each; one yearling filly, £16. Cattle. —2 hoifers at £7, 2 cows at £4, und % at £6 7s 6d, 1 heifer 1 cow in profit £9,' gprfngerg £$ ss, £5 10s, and £8 10a.

Pigb.—2 sows at .£2 2s (3d, othei-sat £l 10s, £2, and £2 7s 6d, 1 boar at 2.}gns, and 8 porkers at 18s.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1902. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

News by the San Francisco mail will be found on the first page, and Cable and Cricket News on tho fourth page.

Weatheb Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires :—Gale from between north-west and west and south ; glass fall but rise after ten hours from now ; weather colder.

The Inward Mails.—The Ashburton portion of the San Francisco mail arrived by the express to-day.

An Old IDENTiTY.--An old Ashburton identity, Mr John Lloyd Crawley, who was an auctioneer here some twenty odd years ago, is at present paying a visit to this town.

Bank Holidays—The banks in Ashbur ton will be closed on the following days :— December 25fch, 26th, 27fch, and January Ist 2nd.

The Lagmhor Rifle Range.—Mr H. Ford, acting on behalf of Mr Gk A. M. Buckley, has concreted the whole of the pit on the Lagmhor rifle range. The Ashr burton Mounted Eifles now possess the best rifle range in the colony.

Magisterial. — The only case heard at the Court this morning was one in which a first offender was charged with riding a bicycle on the foothpath in Peter and East Streets. He-pleaded guilty, and was find 5s and costs. Messrs D. Thomas and E. Alcorn were the presiding Justices.

Personal.— Mr E. Empson, who has been engaged in music teaching in Ashburton for some time, was on Wednesday the recipient of a present of some of Dickens' novels as a' memento of the esteem of his pupils. Mr Henry Stephenson, junr., made the presentation, and Mr Empson suitably replied.

Guessing Competition.—The guessing competition promoted by the Christchurch Cycling Club, by which a prize of a Massey Harris bicycle was offered to the one who guessed correctly the result of the New Zealand Wheel Race, has been won by Mr M. Robertson, of Wellington. Three other correct guesses wore sent in subsequently to Mr Robertson's.

Canterbury Frozen Meat Company.— The annual report of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company states that after writing .£SOOO off tho works for wear and depreciation, the . balance-sheet shows a profit of .£0690. Of this amount .£3OOO was distributed in June last as a dividend of 4 per cent. The directors recommend a further dividend at the 3ame rate.' This leaves a balance of <£690.

Cojijiittbd For Trial.—At the Magis trate's Court, Christchurch, yesterday morning, William R. J. Birmingham was com united for trial on three charges of stealing a silver watch, a pair of field glasses, a leather bag, and other articles, of a total value of .£l7 10s, in South Africa and on the troopship Orient, from members of the Ninth Contingent. Bail was allowed, accused in .£SO and one surety of .£SO.

Reward of Merit.—lt will be remem bered that Mr Robert Jame3 Smith, son of Mr W. W. Smith, caretaker of the Ashbur ton Domain, was recommended to the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand for his bravery in rescuing.two persons from drown ing in the swimming baths. He has now leceived a certificate from the society, but we think he should have had a medal.

Baking Square Church Bazaar.—There was a very good attendance at the Barmg 1 Square Church bazaar yesterday, especially in the evening, when the concert and Mi- Beech's grarnaphone provided a very at tractive programme. The same ladies and gentlemen took part in the concert, which appeared to be thoroughly appreciated by the visitors. If; wag arranged to re-open the bazaar thi-^ evening should tfce weather per mit, but not in the afternoon. The straw ber-ries.an,d cream teytt will beruo as usual, as well as the side shows and nail driving competitions. Admission will be frep.

The Lath Mr Uki,i,.— There was a very large attendanca—about 200—at Mr Rio* hard Nell's funeral, which took place at Mount Somers yesterday afternoon. A most impressive service was conducted by the Rev. 11. Purchase, assisted by the Revs. T. Hamilton, of Fendalt.m, G. B. Inglis, and G. Westbrooke. At the close Mr Inglis spoke iv terms of the highest priise of the character of deceased. Several visi. bors were present froiu Ashburton and elsewhere, and doubtless if conveyances had been available the number would have been largely increased. A large numb'yr of floral tributes were forwarded, including a hand some wreath from the Hampstead school and jkeachers. • :

The Canterbury TtiiES.—The " Canter bury Times" Christmas number is, a3 usual, well worth purchasing, and is specially adapted for sending to friends at a distance in order to give them .some idea of what wanner of place the City of the Plains is,'for th'ePiotrAjal Supplement isa collection of admirably selected and beaut i? fully executed illustrations of Christchurch and suburbs. Many of the views of the city have been tnken from tl>e Cathedral tower, aud tho pfp.pt js yjjry good' indeed. The tales, sketches, e]to., are well sei<jcte4, and t}ie letterpr.ess is a.'credit'jfco'theqqlony.

EBi)acpjQf m Freezing CifABaES. — The Canterbury Frozen Me,fifc Go,m'pany' an nounce in ti^is issue ttiafc thy rates fqr freezing and shipment on lamb and tegs have boen veducsd by five per pent for the season till the end of May, The rate? from Belfast and Fairfield now are—On mutton 1 l-10d per lb; on tegs 1 l-8d per lb; on lamb 1 2-10 d per lb, less five per cent, Tfce rates include all charges from receiving stocV alive ftt tj}e. works to plac ing the meat, frozen f,o,b ; with freight paid to England.

Board of Educatton.—At the meeting of the North Canterbury Board of Educa tion yas'terday, Mrs G. M'Keague was ap pointed' mistype ftt Ealing. The Normal School Committee' reGOrftineaied that sub ject to classes fovtho instruction of teachers in drill being formed, Sergeant Byrne, ColotnvSergeant Blackwell, and Sergeaufc Gates'should be appointed instructors for Chris^church, Rangiora, and Ashburton respectively, The Board recorded its regret at Sihe death 'of Hfrv IJighard Nell, pupjl teaclier at Hampatead, and it was resolved that a letter "oif condolence shonld be sent to his relatives.

Hakaia M^a.'^ S^ttle^ent. —The Eakaia Mead Estate, lately purchased by the Government from Sir '$. liealey, wi^l be cpejie4 fpf applicajtiQn on Wednesday, January s|§t: f^o3, at the . Courthouse, Rakaia', jjiider " jse ieasje-iu-parpe^uity system, fhe .estate is situated on jbhfe north bank q£ t>h§ Eakaia river between Bankside and Eakaia, aiid aGiHPFis.ed $ total of 5906 acres, subdivided inte 21 lots',- Varying 1 iv size from \l\ acres to 794 acres, and the rentals have been fixed at Is to Gs 9d per acre p,er annum. All particulars may be obtained from thg Crown Lands Office, Christchurcli.

The Coronation Souvenirs. — The master of the Elgin school writes to us as follows; —'.' l£ would appear ' from your recenjb lo.ca£ .(ponied into the Chrisfcchurch "Press) thf)bt tlio Borough, had been specially honoured in this district, wher^s I understai/d that every sphool has received its shape." Wp may inform Mr Hunnibelltbafc the paragraph in .our paper referred to by him wa,s based on informa tion received from the headmaster of the Borough school, and there wag nothing to show that every school had received a similar letter. Indeed, the Premier's words implied, the contrary. The Longbeach Bfl.ad Board invites ten ders for cutting and grubbing gojse on re serves, and also for the'right of cutting cocksfoot from the roads within the Long hoach road district. Tenders close of Jan uary '^ti». Messrs Kaye and Garter, %vq.i#, sofid f and produce merohapts, ChriSjfchurch, Lyttel ton, and Ashburton, announce that their rew,es%tative will be in'attendance at their ofdee in the Apcadg, on market days. The firm are c&sh buyers of n\[ classes of farm produce. Correspondency should be addressed to the firm at Christ, church,

Sudden Death.

We regret to record the death of Mrs Burns, mother of Mr W. Burns, ironmonger, of Havelock street, who dropped down in her son's house this afternoon shortly be fore three o'clock, and died a few minutes after Dr Hunter arrived. Mrs Burns was for many yearß caretaker of the Borough school, and was well known and much re- * spected by a large section of the people of i this town. I

News in Brief.

_ Mr Henry Stephenson will sell by auc tion on Saturday, a quantity of Japanese goods suitable for Christmas presents. On Tuesday, he will sell geese, ducks, and tur keys for the festive season.

The prizes paid in money at the recent Metropolitan Show amounted to 10s; in private prizes .£363 6s 6d and value of medals .£ll2 16s.

The South Canterbury Dairy Company is steadily extending its operations. Cream eries have already been started at Fairlie, Albury, Temuka, and Pleasant Point, and another will be opened at St Andrews.

Mr David Wilkinson, one of the oldest identities in Wellington, died last might, aged ninety-two years. The deceased ar rived in the colouy by the ship Olympia in 184!.

A start was made yesterday on the erec tion of the municipal abbatoirs at Timaru. The work is expected to be completed in five months.

Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd, have 2000 bales of cornsacks to arrive and are booking orders. They have on hand supplies of new sftason's binder twine and all harvest requisites.

The " Ofcago Times " understands that Messsrs W. Evans and Co. have placed their Crown Roller Mills, in Manor place, in the hands of a local firm of auctioneers, and this well-known flourmill will be sold by auction early next month.

W. Martin, the well-known cyclist, left Melbourne on Tuesday for Christchurch in order to compote at the Christchurch Cycling Club's meeting on Boxing Day.

Twenty-eight applications were received by the Napier Harbour Board for the posi tion of harbourmaster and chief pilot. The final ballot gave tho appointment to Cap tain Lake^of the steamer Penguin.

The Prohibitionists of Auckland are mov ing in an effort to unseat Mr Whiteford for alleged treating They stnte that the £200 deposit is available, but they are undecided whether to proceed.

Mr Henry Stephenson, representing- the Dresdon Piano Co. here, has just to hand a fresh consignment of pianos at prices from 35gns to lOOgns. The piancs are now open on view at his rooms, Havolock Street. Easy terms can be arranged to suit pur chasers. A guarantee gireu with every in strument.

Our readers are reminded that the Baring Square Church Bazaar is to be open to-night for the last time. A large quantity of goods left over will be sold cheap. The side-shows and competitions will be in full swing. The strawberries and cream, lollies, flowers, and dips will be in evidence. No charge will be made to-night for admission. Mr E. Undrill is preparing a programme for a free concert during the evening.

The Weather.

Tho abnormal weather still continues, heavy rain tailing in Ashburton almost continuously again yesterday, and the weather this morning being threatening and exceptionally, cold. In the country districts matters in this respect have been even worse. In Ruapuna nnd its neighbour hood, three or four inches of snow fell on I Monday night, and about 11 a.m. yesterday a terrific h-tilstorm broke over the district, the stones being nearly an inch in diameter. Neediest to say a good deal o,f damage was done by it. In one instance a. paddock of 200 acres, in which turnips had just shown aboya ground, has been completely devas tated. Ne .vly shorn sheep too have suffered a good deal, Indeed, the general effect of tho late rough and unseasonable weather musb be very serious, apart from the im mediate danger done. The potatoes must suffer to a large extent", and the ground generally will become sodden, and ufter wards hard and baked when dry weather sets in, which may we presume be expected some time. At about 12 o'clock yesterday a tremend ous hailstorm was experienced at Staveley, lasting for about ten minutes. One of the largest stone 3 measured three inches in diameter, and mos-tof them were the size of sparrows' eggs. ■At Mount Somers the hail was still heavier and it is reported that some broke through t he iron roof of a blacksmith's shop. We have been shown the tops of' some po tatoe plant, from" that district which were cut off by' the hajl, and it is said that many acres'of potatoes iji the same locality Have tjeen similarly cut down.

The Musical Union.

The sacred concert given by the Ash buvton jßjaisical Uufon l^st pfefiisg in the Oddfellows- Hall was very well attended, notwithstanding the inele,menf; weather. The overture by the orchestra from Han fjel's " Messiah " went very well, and Mrs f)enshire followed witH a s.q!o, " Vorrei," by Tosti, which was given with great deli eaoy of expression, and loudly applauded. Mrs Donald McLean's pianoforte solo was encored, and in response to a recall, she very good-naturedly gave another, in spite of the condition of the instrument, and again delighted the audience. The piano )pt the Ifall is certainly not now—shall sve eay—up-tordator and it is Qru.el to ask a musician like Mrs Donald MoLean to use it, in its present condition. Mr Schwartz ren dered " The Raft," (Pinsuti), in a very effec tive manner, and in response to an enthu siastic encore ' repeated the last portion of \i, Bor £h.B e.£ftond p^r'fc Qf the programme, jjendGlssahnk''«fcjong of liaise' 1 was pro duced, and it is no reflection on the Union to say that this composition is rather beyond the powers of a young Society like the Ash burton Musical TJnion. The effort, however; was a Very creditable one, and some of the work was very well done; showing a good deal of careful preparation, Miss Eickmau gave the solo'paut'in tkPraise ye the Jjord" very correctly, and Mrs Dee's rendering of ."Sing ye Praise " was' a creditable effort. Misses Itidd and CJark sang tho duet " I waited for the Lord " In a pleaslas fanner, but Mr E. Craighead was not quite so suc cessful as usual in the air <f He Cometh," and the tecjtativp " \V^ called tHrougn the I)arkne.s.3." Mrs b§e and Miss dark's due.t, ."My song shall ajway \\s thy M^vciy •' was ■jyell received, as jyas the (^losing Qhoru§, thp audience waififtg for % fei? moments. i 4 ex pectation of the National Anthem baing the conclusion of the concert, but for some reason this was omitted. On the whole the Union may be congratulated upon the work it has accomplished in a very short time, if not upon the selecti^ pf" A Hymn of Praise." ' The conductor qt the Socioty, Mr Gillies, may also be complimented upon having infused a most enthusiastic, spirit into £he Union, which givers great j^opes of a successful iuturt}. '

A School Burned Down.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Waimate, December 17

The school at Knpua, about five miles from hore'was burned down about 8 o'clock on Monday evening. Two settlers driving pttsfc sfew the flames, and found the firewood shed attached to the school on fire,' The_re was'no water available, and the tire soon spread to the school itself, which was de stroyed and all its contents. The teachers residence 'of two ' rooms, attached to the school,'"was also burne^i but everything 1 which the rooms cotitaped was saved. Tha origin of the fire is 'unknown! The' school broke up on Friday, and no one was at tha sphool on the day Qf' the fire. There naif been service jn the building gi Sunday evening,

Ashburton County Combined Schools Athletic Sports Meeting.

The following are details of the results of the various events at the above sports, held on Tuesday last in the Domain : —

Schools distinguished as under :—(Bor ough, B ; High, HS; Tinwa'd, T; Hamp stead, H; Lismore, L; Winchmore, W; Catholic, C; Eiffolton, E; Winslow, N ; Westerfield, W F ; Longbeach, L B.)

Nursery Handicap, boys or girls under 7 years—A. Lennan 1, D. Thomas 2, Newman 3.

50Yds Skipping Race, under 12 years- Ethel Betts, IT, 1'; Alice Stock, H, 2; Alice Ainsworth, H, 3.

75Yds Skipping Race, over 12 years (girls)—N. Collins, B, 1; Amy Stock, H, 2.

lOOYds Hoop Race, over 12 (girls)— Lizzie Tutty, H, 1. A walk over.

50 Yards, boys Ito 9, scratch-First Heat: W. Clark, B, 1 ;N. Stephens, H, 2 ; T. Lagan, C, 3. Second Heat: J. Betts, H, 1; F Brown, B, 2 ; Warrie Watson, LB, 3. Third Heat: T. Leeson, B, 1 ;T. Alexander, B, 2. Final : Clark 1, Stephens 2, Betts ?.

75 Yards, 7 to 11, scratch—First Heat: T. Fitzgerald, 0, 1 ; H. John, H, 2 j J. Cameron, H, 3. Second Heat •- S. Lagan, C, 1; M. Roulston, H, 2; W. Thomas, B, 3. Third Heat -. O. Blackler, B, 1 ; J. Church, B, 2; R. Rickman, B, 3. Final; Lagan 1, Blackler 2, Fitzgerald and John, dead heat, 3. Time—llsecs.

100 Yards, 11 to 13, scrat6h—First Heat: A. Helem, T, 1; N. Fitzgerald, C, 2; S. Berryman and Friedl&nder, B, dead heat 3 Time—l 4 2-sth seas. Second Heat: Geo. Aston, H, 1; H. Culverhouse, T, 2; F. Fee, B, 3. Final: Aston 1, Culverhouse 2, Fee 3. A close finish. Time -13 4-sth sees.

120 Yabds, 13 to 15, scratch.—First Heat: E. Travers, HS, 1; P. McClatchie, B, 2; L. Helem, T, 3. Time—ls£. Second Heat: ft. Coward, W, 1; J. Blackler, B, 2; L. Madden, C, 3. Time—ls l-sth sec. Final: Coward 1, Travers 2, McClatcliie 3. This was a great race, the three placed being close together. Time—ls l-sth see.

Physical Drill, (wands) —- Borough School girls (under Miss Curd.) A very attractive display, which was loudly applauded.

220 Yards, 15 and over, scratch.—J. Sinclair, HS, 1; S. Honeywell, L, 2. The only starters. Honeywell made a plncky fight, DU^ Sinclair had the rac9 from the start. Time—2s^ sees.

100 Yards Handicap, 7 to 12.—First heat: W. Bishop, C, 1; C. Hendry, B, 2yds, 2; A. Eeid, B, scr, 3. Time—l 4 l-sth sees. Second heat —W. Blackler, B, scr, 1 j Eeg. Hill, L, scr, 2; H. Berryman, B, Byds, 3. Time-14 2-sth sees. Third heat— S. Fee, B, scr, 1; C. Upton, B, scr, 2; A Helem, T, scr, H. Time—l 44 sees. Final—W. Black. lor 1,-W. Bishop 2, A. Helem 3. Time— 14 l-sth sees.

100 Yakds Handicap, 12 and over.— First he;it: E. Coward, W, 6yds, 1; L Madden, C, Byds, 2 ; L Helena, T, 6yds, 3. Time—l2secs. Second heat—S. Kingston, HS, scr, I; B. Withell, E, 2yds, 2; C. S. Thomas, HS, 6yds, and L. Steele, B, 6yds, dead heat, 3. Third heat—E. Travers, HS> 4yds, 1; G-. Aston, H, Byds, 2; A. Sutton, B, Byds, 3. Time —12^secs. Final—Kingston 1, Coward 2, Travers 3. Time—ll3-sthsec.

Half-Mile Walk Handicap, 11 and over—C. White, B, 80yds, 1; J. Sinclair, HS, scr, 2; E. Clark, B, 3. The winner, a very small boy, got over the ground in good style, with occasional tendency to breaking, but he won easily. Time, 3.55.

Physical Drill (Dumb-bells)— Borough School Girls (under Mrs Willis). The girls marched on to the Oval in a manner that spoke volumes for their discipline. 1 heir exhibition was much admired, and was frequently applauded.

220 Yards Handicap Eace—-S. King ston, HS, 4yds, 1; S. Honeywell, L, scr, 2; B. Coward, N, 12yds, 3. An interesting race. Time—23§secs.

High Jump, under 12-McT£ee, B, 3fr, 10iu : , 1.

Half-Mils' Bicycle Race Handicap— First Heat ; o,' Dighy, \V, scr, 1; S. King ston, HS, sor, 2, Second Heab. N. Fitz gerald, C, 48yds, I; J. Patterson, L, 32yds, 2, Final : Fitzgerald ], Digby 2, King ston 3, Time -1.20.

Physical Dbill (Boys). — Ashburton Borough School (under Mr E. Purchase). The marching of the boys was excellent, and the rifle drill was exceedingly well done, elioiting much applause.

Physical Drill Drspr,AY and March Past. — This wa3 a repetition of the display given earlier, and a march past of the three squad?. It was admirably done by all.

Long Jump, over 12— W. Booth, IT, 3ft. Sin, 1; G. Aston, H, 2.

Long Jump, unijer 12— G. Eoberts, B iqft.'4'in. 1 ■; EJ. Turner, B, 2.

440 Yards Handicap—J. . Sinclair, HS> scr, 1; S. Honeywell, L, scr, 2; E. Travers, HS, 16yds, 3. Time—s9sec.3. Decorated Bicycle (Girts)—K. Scaly, B, 1 ■■. E. Anderson, B, 2; L.'Snodgrass, B, 3.

High JipiP, over 13-^S. Kingston, HS, 4ft. 4}n. 5 1 jB. Oorbett, B, 2.

880 Yards Handicap. Race (open)—J. Sinclair, H S, scr,' L ; S. Honeywell, L, scr, 2 j E. Travers, 3. Time-2.34 3-sth sec.

Rehay T^ace, 440 yds, under 12—Borough >s>ehooj X Tefwn ; Upton, IJobarts, and Bl^eklai^ 1 j B Tpa^j -I'ee* o S?pitbj Steele'and tyills 2. " ' ' ' ' '

Hop, Step and Jtjmp.—S.' Kingston, HS, 29ft sin, 1; E. Travers, HS, 28ft sm, 2; T f Gud,sell, HS, 27ft lip, 3

V4RiETf R_ace. — 0, Thomas and L, Hardie, HS, I. This event caused much amusement. ,

Eelay Eacb, 880 yards, (over 12)— P. MoClatchie, S. Jones, J. Blackler, S. Whit aker, B, 1; C. Thomas, Blackbarn, L Hardie, Morrison, HS 1, 2.

S ijEEj?i(K.CEf4 ; aß Handicap, 440 Yards (open)—S. Kingston, HS, Byds, 1 5 J. Black ler, B, 16yds, 2 ; S. Whitaker, 8., 32yds, 3. This event created much excitement amongst the supporters of each competitor. Time— 7Qsecs.

Menagerie Rac|j, competitor to drive 3. pet ovey 1 given cQutse.. —0, Svjcopk, B, 1. A very laughable ite,in, traineridous cheer ing greeting the winner and hia dog.

Sack Race.- B. Withell, W, \ \ H. Lang don, S, 2 ; W Thomas," B, 3. Another highly exciting contest, but Withell was too clever for his opponents.

It may be mentioned that most of tho boys and girls engaged in the events wore black bands on their arms as a n^ark of respect to the msmory qf the late Mr K. Nell. * . : ' . "

A Protest by a Jud ge.

United Press Association —By Electric Te,le.g.rap,h.

Gijips-pcffu^cfl, D,ep. 1? # Judge Denniston made a statement in the Supreme Court this morning ooncern ing newsptipar attacks and criticisms on the twelvo months' sentence pronounced bythe Court last session on a man charged with committing incest on Ijis daughter, His Honour said accused was indictecf for incest but tl|e jury acquitted him" of this charge, and of tb'e attempt to pommi|; itj and gonyipted him on the second count of the indictment viz. ? infjtcent assaujtl That could only mean that the jury disbelieved pr doubted much of the girl's evidence. In convict jag of e?en the minor offence, the jury a4eled a recQ.mm.Bnd.ation to mercy, confirming in his opinion their disbelief in the story of the girl in its entirety. The only reasonable inference from such a verdict was that the jury was not satisfied of more than that accused coming home very drunk behaved indecently to the girl. The findings of the jury and the action of jihe Coui't thereon were of: course open to the fullest criticism, though }t might well bethought that the opinions of the jury and the Judge who ■ hearcf and saw the witnesses were entitled to some considera tion. But'it was reasonable to expect the Facts ■\yould be fairly*sfotgd! "Vyhatever might be his sliopfccqiningsj Jje was noj: conscious in discharging the serious dtyty of apportioning punishment to crime of being §ithgr garelgss o.r caljpi{3,

Shooting.

ASHBURTON RIFLES V PORT

GUARDS.

A match was fired on the Timaru range on Tuesday between the Ashbiirton Rifles and the Timaru Port Guards B team. The weather was fine and bright, but at the 300 yards range there was a considerable glare and a changing light. The match was fired over three ranges, 800 yds,. 500 yds and GiOyds, and resulted in a win for the Port

Guards. After the match both teatas sat down to an excellent dinner at the Com mercial Hotel, and a pleasant hour, was spent in speech and song, the health of Host Bryan, who has done 'much for shoot ing men, beiug specially toasted. The following are the scores : —

POST GUAEDS. "

ASHBUETON BIPLES.

ASHBURTON MOUNTED RIFLES.

The competition for the Selwyn Challenge Glasses and Captain Fooks' prize took place on Tuesday on the Lagmhor range, and proved a close contest. As shown by the scores below, Sergt. Cow and Lance-Coipl Jeff made a dead heat, and according to the rules of the match each man had to fire one shot sit 500 yds to decide. Lance-Corp Jeff drew first shot and scored a bull's eye, five points. Sergt. Cow followed with a similar score. Jeff again got five, but Cow for his second shot got two points. The first prize, the Selwyn Challenge Glasses valued at fourteen guineas, presented by C. A. C. Hardy, Esq., M.H.8,., therefore fell to Lance-Corp Jeff, and Captain Fooks' prize to Sorgt. Cow. The scratch man, Sergt. Stuart, made a total of 59 points, requiring five points to tie. Following are the scores:

Croquet.

A very enjoyable match was played in the Domain on the Croquet Club's ground on Tuesday, resulting in a win for Ashbur ton by eight games to four. The following are results: —•

Lathes' Singles. (Ashburton) (Avonside) Mr 3E. Saunders beat Miss E. Scott Miss F. Leahy „ Miss Scott Miss D, Roberts „ Miss Atkinson Gentlemen's Singles. Mr W. B. Denshire (Ashburton), beat Mr Stevenson (Avonside). Mr S. Longuet (Avonsido), beat Mr Makeig (Ashburton) Mr Cooper (Avonside), beat Mr N. Eoberta (Ashburton} Ladies' Doubles. 3Jr3 Saunders and Miss F. Leahy (Ashbur ton), beat Miss and Miss E. Scott (Avon side). .Gentlemen's Doubles. Messrs W. B. Denshire and F. Makeig (Ash burton), beat Messrs S. Longuet and Stevenson (Avonside). Combined Doubles. Mrs E. Saunders and Mr. Denshire (Ash burton), beat Miss Scott and Mr Steven son, (Avonside). Miss F. Leahy arid Mr Makeig (Ashburton) beat MissE. Scqtt and Mr S. Longuet; (Avonside) ' Miss Atkinson and, Mr Copper (Avonside^ beat Miss D. Roberts an,d Mr Gillies (Ashburton)

Mi=!s Curlett and Mr Perm (Avonside), beat Mrs Crisp and Mr N, Roberts (Ashburtoa)

The Canterbury Frozen Meat Industry.

TRIBUTE TQ THi PIONEEHS,

In the course of his address at the an nual meeting of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, the Chapman (Sir George Clifford) made the following references to the pioneers of the frozen meat industry in Canterbury ;—

" The hand of death has been laid heavily upon us. The first, and perhaps" the heaviest loss, was that of him whose wisdom of forecast and promptness of action primarily led to the formation of thia Company—Mr John Grigg. Every inha.bi« tant of this colony owes a debt of gratitude to him for the forcefulness with which he secured to Canterbury the leading, posi tion in the frozen meat trade, in rapici succession wo lost the business ability of Mr Ohjiystall, and the practical experience of Mr Giirfprtft. It seemed as ii, we had secured a Chairman of an ideal type in. Mr John Deans, whose absolute command of public confidence secured an equal share pf confidence in $he a4myiistr.at^on oj ox& affairs." But again i^; was fat§d th#t w« should deplore the loss of a straightforward, capable Chairman, almost b.efore ha.d proved his worth. 'If I have any fitness to succeed him, it' seems to me historical rather than personal, inasmuch, a§ m_y father was the'first to introduce sheep \xx\,o New Zealand for the purpose of wqo^. gfowing as an indussr|al entej:prjse,, M

The Local Option Recount

THE MATATJ^A ENQUIBT.

rnitecj P^ess Association By Electrio

Telegraph—Copyright

TNVERCAitGir.r., Dec 17

The hearing of the petition to upset the Mataura licensing poll when prohibition was carried was commenced at G-ore to-day. An objection $6 the form p.f petition. wa§ leffcfortKfi Supreme Court to decide. Evidence was given- that the booths at Otamita, Gore and Waikawa Valley, were either not open at. 9 a.m. or were closed during some part of tho day. The hearing will be continued to-morrow and then ad journed till after the holidays, as the Magistrate has to open the Bruce enquiry^ Invercargill, Dec IS. On resuming to-day at Gore in the appli cation to upset the prohibition vote in Ma taura, Mr Hosking applied for an adjourn ment, which was granted till the 19fch Jan. M> Cruickshankr, S.M, and counsel for both parties left for Milton by the express, and open the Bruce inquiry there. fo-ra.orrQW.

At the Lower IJutt Court y§efeerc}aj:, E(e, Mclrthur," S.M, recorded a' qonvictjoij agaiust a publican, who "pleaded guilty to soling liqi<oi% qn election day, and ordered defendant to pay 275, posts." Ifls Worship toq.lt a lenient vie^' af the case as the de fendant admitted the offenoe, and it was, the fipst q^so of the Ijiud.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN": THURSDAY, DECEMBER iB, 7902



Private C. Cowles Private W. Cowles ... Corporal Foster Private Grandi Lieutenant Kerr Private Bond Private Stokes Private Toneycliffe ... Private Silverton ... Private Waterua

Yds, 28 24 28 25 25 27 30 26 30 20

Yds. Yds. Tl. 31 30 89 32 31 87 27 31 86 31 30 86 31 29 85 31 27 86 27 24 81 25 29 79 29 20 79 26 28 74

831



Private Potter ... 29 29 27 86 Sergeant Hefford ... 29 28 27 81 Private McElrea ..28 32 22-82 Private Tovey ... 23 28 28. 79 Private Parson ..24 28 26 78 Sergeant Willers ... 24 29 18 7L Private Nicoll ... 21 27 19 67 Private Hodgson .. 19 27 19 67 Private Bright ..23 20 19 62 Corporal Leitch .. 19 28 11 58

731

Majority for Port Guards, 100 points,



300 yds I Cor pi. Jeff 29 Sergt. Cow ... 28 Tr. Doyle ... 23 Tr. Doig ... 24 Sergfc. Stuart 29 Tr. Christian 26 Cor. Straohan 26" Tr. Hardy .. 22 Tr. Stone ... 25 Sergfc. Morrison 24 Tr. Doherty... 21 Tr. Storrier ... 22 Cbpln. Blakiston 25 Sergt. Ironside' 26

500 yds 23 25 31 26 --30 . 27 26 26 23 27 20 20 16 1.7

Hdop. 12 11 8 11 scr. 5  6 7 7 2 12 9 8 7

Total 64 -64 62 61 59 58 58 55 ' 65 63 53 51 50 SO



F. FEBRIMAN. F. FEKRIMAN, ■FXAS for Sale a Leasehold Grazing Property of about 1000 Acres. A good Sheep Farm. FOR SALE, ta M ACRES, yrell watered land, within a mile of Mr John Cochrane's Wakanui property. ■ F. FERRIMAN. - FOR SALE. : SEAFIELD. : Q/"fc/\ ACRES of Land, in oapifcal con dition. The greater part of the purchase * mosey can||remain at 4£ per cent, per annum F. FERKIMAN. BUSINESS NOTICES. H GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897. F* IGHT years experience with E. G. and i F. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dnnedin and InvercargilL Has coininenood practice in rooms upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Kooms, Burnett Street. Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement. Gold and Porca'ain crowna made >• also sets of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Houbs of Attendance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Besidence — Care Bins Grant, Wills Street. Helpless with A Rheumatism ■ Ton'r* tried linimenta and prescriptions -without result. Now ... CUBE YOURSELF with THE GREAT ... CANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and Not a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Cure. SOLB BT AIL DEALSBS At 3/6 pxr Bottle. Sole Agent for Australasia: GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. KERR BROS. '\\f ISH to remind their Customers and It the Public that they have removed to their Shop opposite Mail Office and three doors above their old place. KERR BROS, Burnett Street. Oh, Ye?! Oh, Yes ! "VfOW is the time for Brass and Enam- SS elled PRESERVING PANS. SANDOWS DEVELOPERS and Dum bells (Sandow will be hero on 24th inst.) Good Cycle Covers at 12s fid, fitted, guar.in teed for 6 months. The Cheapest Shop in Ashburton for Ironmongery and Cooking Utensils.—Gk MEDDINS, The People's Ironmonger. TH|TANTED KNOWN,—That if others |V cannot satisfy you in your purchases of Drapery, because you're so hard to please, come along to us, you're just the sort of customer ttj enjoy serving at Mitchell & Tokner's. FIRST-CLASS Columbia Bicycle in real good order, £8 cash. Rudge Whit worth, used only 12 months, £8 )os. Stars £5 and £7, and many others. No reasonable offer refused. Easy terms arranged.—J. Ocr &Co. JUST ft To'TZEMIND YOU 1 IH 9 That with every SJI A B worth bought *0T» WORD I we are givin o aII ■ Christmas Present IH -fl £^S. OUR 15s line of Covers is going XO fast. Guaranteed for six months. Better have one. They're real hard wear. G. H. Cabson, Eclipse Cycle Works, Tancred Street.



BROS.



KERR BROS, Burnett Street,



NEW MODES COSTUMES and Millinery for the coming Xmas Season. Ladies are I'equested to place their orders, now, and not to leave it till too late to have : our attention. Lovely Muslins, Pompadours, and French Spots for BLOUSES & SUMMER COSTUMES JUST LANDED—A large assortment of L idies and Childrena Sunshades, all colors. 45 Ladies Black Skirts, made in latest style and nicely finished, to be sold far below usual price. We excel in Ladies Underclothing and Corsets of all makes. Lace Collars, Collarettes, and Fancy Fronts, Ladies Black Beaded and Sequin Belts (Quite New) Our usual nice Assortment of CHRISTMAS CARDS To The Gentlemen, Eiudly give na a call for your Xmas ' Suit, made to measure, we will pleaso you. Also on hand — i new lot of choice shapes in Collars aud very Pretty Ties, Swimming Drawers:and £aits for the Bathing Season, BOOTS still going well at under Wholesale cost, as we (as pre viously advertised) are in iuture going to cease keeping Boots and shoes. Mens' Boater Straws, Harvest Straws Panama and Felt Hats, to suit all. NORTHCOTE AND HEFFORD, THE CQJINEE



j BUSINESS NOTICES. • - LADIES & GP.NTS., First-class Bicycles for Hire, Every Machine Complete & in Perfect Order. ]VJ EW CYCLING REQUISITES. Our stock of accessories is the JL T largest in the* Colony. Just landed new shipment of Continental Vulcanised Covers, £Bs 6d each. ———New Spring Pump Clips, Candle Lamps, Acetylene Gas Lamps. REPAIR DEPARTMENT.—Our repair plant is capable of turning out the work in a moat satisfactory manner. English and American Machines repaired on the spot. Christchuich, Wellington, Napier, Tiinaru, and Burnett Street, Ashburton. 12 170 ;OVEE THE THE WOMEN ; TEA' rOLK TALK CUPS OF the pleasures and unpleasant ieß^^^^^M"—^™^P=S^ features of Housekeeping and Dressing, and we venture to say that^a favourite topic just now is The Paradise ol Summer Millinery and Dresses, now BEING SHOWN BY MITCHELL & TURNER, THE DRAPERS.



" Britain's Best Bicycle." ipSili? BEST IN IJEITAIN. : : S^l^iSm^ : : BEST IN MAORILAND. I^^^ ! aVOrS ItUDGEWHITWORTIf IK^ JH PVPT-PS «■« -5* REDUCED R. P. JOHNSTON, AGENT, BCT. NETT STREET. flgd|l|l|l frff oj§2o« TVI c TiO .^ T. TAT* V^AllTiOdl TT^C! XHrj^lwuU VJk iUUIoCIVca 1 j^^^s^i^r SANTA CIiATJS AND PATHEB XMAS COMING AGAIN. - - H. M JONES. - - A£\ Cases of Toys, Fancy Goods, Books, Stationery, China, Glass, Plush,. Af\ TOY Japanese and Leather Goods j^Vr Suitable for Christmas, New Year, Birthday & Wedding Presents Imported direct from Leading London Houses. Must be Sold Lowest possible Prices. Call early & often Christmas Cards in great variety. Pianos, Organs and Bicycles sold. Easy payments Cricketing, Croquet and Tennis Material H. M. JONES.



NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD KATE & ARE now ready to supply their Friends ■ f^] Af?r I * felT? with their , J. _*^_i_V#



CHRISTCHURCH, LYTTELTGN AND I ASHBURTON, Grain, Seed and Produce Merchants. OUR representative will be in attend ance on market days at our Office in thp Arcade, Asliburton, during the season. We are Cash Buyers of all classes of FARM PRODUCE. Please address correspondence fco KAYE and CARTER, Clu:istchurcb. 12 216 TREMENDOUS REDUCTION. HAVING Sold my business, my stock of Groceries, Hardware, etc., must be reduced. £1000 - " £1000 Worth to be clewed regardless of Cost, so bring along tha Cash and you will be simply surprised at my prices. J. T, COOCH, Opposite Railway Station, FOR Christmas Season.—Just Landed,-— New Currants sd, New Peel Bd, New Sultanas 7d per lb. New Almouds and Muscatels, Chocolates and Confectionery; also a shipment of Choice Japanese Goods, at Caekon it Co.'s, Tancred Street. FOR SALE—FowI Netting, 36 x 2, at 2d per yard for 50 yards, and lid for j 100 yard lota.—Hardlet Bbob. 10 101



Sander and Sons Eucalypti Extract— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diplo ma at the International Exhibition, Am etesdsou^ acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Universities a.l} ever the globe. That the crude, resinous olis, whjch are now foisted upon the public under the iianio o< Eucalypti Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander and Sons' Pure Volatile Euca typii Ei^rgct, we state: —If is proved by tests inad,e by tha Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn &i*4 Griefswald )Prussia), that only products iHac'" £.i'§ saturated with .oxygen and freed of acids, resinous %n& otho substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop "the curative properties possessed by f;he wlap|;.. To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from th application of substitutes, etc, in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria, dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., insist on getting Sander and Sons' Pure Volatile Euca lypti Extract and be safe.