Commercial.

Agent-General's Report.

United Press Association—Hy Electric Telegraph. Wellington, Deals.

The following is the Agent-General's cablegram, dated London, 13th:- Stocks of mutton are light and firmly held in a few hands. Very little business is doing, prices being nominal and the market very uncertain. Canterbury, 5-Jd ; other North Island mutton, sd; Eiver Plate, 4fd. A better demand exists for lamb. Canter bury brand s|jd. Beef, dull, and stocks of New Zealand on hand are light. Hinds, sd; fores, 4d. Butter is steady at 114s per cwt. Cheese is very firm at" 59s per owt. Hemp, steady, good to fair Wellington, spot £32; January to March shipments £28.

Wheat Sale

A line of wheat, 1100 bu3hels, Hunters, was sold on Saturday at 5s per bushel on trucks at Eakaia.

Dunedin Grain Market

In the wheat market, Canterbury holders rule the situation, and sales of large mixed lines are reported during the weak at prices ranging from 5s to 5s 3d in trucks, the buyers in most cases being Chrisfcohurcli millers. A few lots have been secured by Dunedin millers, as high as 5s 3d on trucks Ashburton having been paid for Hunters and Tuscan, and up to 5s 8d f.o.b Lyttelton for prime pearl. This establishes the mar ket price of Tuscan at 5s 7d to os 8d Dune din, and velvet 5s lid Dunedin. Holders of prime milling velvet arc now asking 6s on trucks, equal to 6s 3d Dnnedin. Such abnormally high prices look exceedingly dangerous, but millers, without wheat, are confronted with the alternative of paying these extreme rates or closing down their mills.—" Otago Daily Times."

Havelock Street Mart.

Mr Henry Stephenson reports :—-There was a good attendance at my usual weekly sale, and a large yarding of pigs luet with good competition. Weaners from 8s Gd to 12s 6d; stores, 14s and 16s; porkers, £10s 6d to 31s. In cattle I sold one cow at £3 10s. Poultry.—There was a large entry. Mixed sorts 2s to 2s 6d ; roosters to 3s 3d; ducks, 3s to 3s 6d; geese, 5s 6d to 6s Gd. Produce—Potatoes, 8s to 10s per sack. Wheat, Us to 15s, according to quality. 1 also sold a lot of drapery, furniture, and sundries at satisfactory prices.

DEATH.

Nell.—At the Ashburhon Hospital, on Dec 15th, Richard James, second son of George and Lucy Nell, Staveley. Aged 16 years and 4 months.

Asgburton Guardian MAGNA VERITAS ET PRÆVALEBIT. MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1902. A NOTE OF WARNING.

No thoughtful person can rail to recognise that the recent Local Option Polls have sounded a nofcp of warning which re-echoed from cud to end of New Zealand, and can not be ignored. The voice of the people has everywhere declared for temperance reform, and such an emphatic pronounce ment of public opinion demands immediate consideration. Everyone in this country is vitally interested in the drink question, yet ifc is one that so far has been practically leffe in the hands of two sections of the com munity—the persons interested in the con tiuu'ince of the liquor traffic on the one hand, &ud the No-License party on the other. Between these twp extremes is the great Moderate Party, which has hitherto tVicen very little interest in the matter, except on polling day, and immediately afterwards, when, ns on the last occasion, they exoress astonish meni? that so many can be found to vote for the abolifciqu pi: the traffic. They take no account of the fact that the No License agitation has been going on vigorously for years, and that it has been'encouraged by the natural spmpathy which all thoughtful men and women must feel with the professed aim of the promo ters—namely, temperance reform. They (the Moderates) have not made any effort worth epetking of to deal with the evil of drunkenness, and now the timohas arrived when a great many - who cannot sbictly speaking be classed as prohibitionists—have determined that something shall bo done ; and thes/e have sacrificed their convictions by voting f<>r No License to compel the adoption "of remedial measures. Three years ago, in dealing with thp necessity for temperance reform, we urged that th^e' who did not approve of the total extinction of the liquor traffic should eudeuvour to make a compromise with ths Prohibitionists by supporting the abolition of open bars, and the infliction of proper penalties in the earlier stages of intemperance, thus preventing jt from developing into, what some consider, aa incurable disease. We pointed out that the abolition of open bars would tend to do away with the " shouting" custom, and that gradually public opinion would lead to as much reform as 13 possible in this matter. But although the Press in other? parts of the colony, as well as here, urged action upon the Moderates, they have maintained a miserable inactivity, until now they see looming ahead " Total Prohibition" in New Zealand. We have always opposed Prohibition on principle, and have given our reasons in these col umns. Moreover, we hold that it is a ter rible reflection upon trie county of A.Bhbui7 -ton that the great majority of the electors think the only way to keep the inhabitants sober is to place temptation out of their roach. But we think the Moderates, tp | gother with some of those more immediately ! interested in keeping the heavy drinkers in check, have themselves to blpine for what has happened. Had the Moderates insisted I upon the strict enforcement of the laws now on the Statute Book with regard to the ! liquor traffic and the treatment; of drunkr ards and had they endeavoured to do away fwiih bar drinking, which is mainly an Anglo-Saxon custom, they would undoubt edly have effected such a great reform ia the drinking habits of the people that a majority o.f the electors wou)d never have been induced to declare at the ballot box .that the Ashbur.ton people could only be -kept sobor by legal compulsion. This de clsra.tion -has, however, been made in such an emphati/3 manjjer thai alj persons, not actually connected with thq trade, must ac cept the verdict. If we may assume th&fc every vote cast for No-license on Nwyembi-r 25th throughout this electorate was so castl with deliberate intent, it would seem that an attempt to upset the poll Qn merp tech nical grounds, would be a violation of the representative principle, and would have no permanent effect, and although we eauuot wonder at the trade fighting t>e matter out as far as the law will allo.v, the great bulk of the public seems prepared tp accept tho decision of the majority. Our own opinion is, however, that had tha Moderates throughout New Zealand com bined to work as vigorously for temperance reform as the extreme Prohibitionists have done, the results would have been different. Unless they take warning from the past, they may rest assured that the day is not far .distant when it will be an offence against the lav to import any alcoholic liquor into any part of Weyv Zealand. Tf they will combine to deal with ths evil of intemperance with as much energy as tho No-License party has been doing, there may bo some hope that this wretched /'D?inlc Question" may_ cease to be the cause of so m^ifjh contention, heart burning, aoad even misery as is due to it at present.

STANDISH AND PREECE.

Photographers under the Royal patronage of the Prince and Princess of \7ajfis. Studio Hiph Street, Christchurch, Eaas.—Messrs Fletcher Bros, are buyers of fresh eggs in any quantity at 8d per d >zen, either cash^or contra, until further notice, '

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Weather Forecast. — Captain PJdwin wires :—Strong winds from between north and west and south-west; glass fall again after 12 hours. Hampstkad Town Board—Nominations for a member of the Hampstead Town Hoard, in lieu of Mr Edwin Thomas (resigned) are due on 19th December, at I Mrs Crosby's house, Hninpatead. Angling.—Fishing at the mouth of the river on Saturday morning Mr George Kidd lauded two big trout, one turning the scale at lOlbs and the other at 141bs. The fish were on v;ew on Saturday in Messrs John On- and Co.'s window. The Reserves at the Beach.—Since the holiday season commenced, the need for a water supply at the Seaview beach and public reserves at the seaside has become more apparent, and it is to be hoped the County Council will take step 3to hare this much felt want supplied. Dropped Dead—A telegram from Christ church states that about two o'clock on Sunday afternoon Mrs Wm. Ash, of Sydenham, dropped dead, after finishing her dinner. Pioneer Amateur Club.--At the annual athletic and cycling meeting of the Pioneer Amateur Club, held at Lancaster Park (Ohristchurch) on Saturday, several Ash burton High School boys took part. In the 220 yds Flat, for the Secondary Schools' Challenge Cup—S. Kingston (Ashburton) finished third.

The Prick of Flouu. —The present price of flour —<£13 per ton for sacks, JU3 10s for iOO's, £13 !5s for 50's and .£l4 for 25's, is the highest price flour has touched sinco May, 1893, when, with wheat at 5s per bushel, flour was £13 per ton and bran and pollard £i< 10s per ton. The Otauejce Settlement.—Among the returned troopers who were successful in the ballot for the Otauelce Settlement were accord ng to an Auckland telegram, the fallowing;—-Otago: J. Bowden and W. J. Green. Canterbury : T. EL Overton, H. J. Gluyis, D. Johnson, and G. C. Derrett. A second ballot is to be held to allocate the holders of the respective sections. A Doubtful Eemkdy.—The '• Outlook," the organ of the N.Z. Presbyterian Church, says:—" No-License" as a remedy for the acknowledged evils which flow from the drink traffic, is as yet only in its experimen tal stage. Many thoughtful Christian men have honest doubts as to whether Prohibi tion will ultimately prove more than a palliative, the real remedy lying deeper down.

The TnrARU Show.—The balance-sheet in connection with the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association's late show/shows a credit balance of .£224 16s. One mem ber of the Association, at a meeting held on Saturday, said that the show had been a success from a financial point of view, but from an educational point of view it was disappointing. Chess Congress.—Following are the nominations received for the annual Chess Congress to be held at Dunedm at Christ mas : Grierson, Cashen, and Miles (Auck land) ; Barnes, Kelling, and Connell (Wel lington) ; Ponpard (Cliristobureh) $ War saw, Forsyth, Edwards and Balk (Dunedin) ; J. Mason (Palmerston North). Cooperative Works and Farm La bour.— At a meeting of the Oamaru branch of the Farmers' Union, it was resolved to urge the Government to discontinue cq? operative works from now till the end of April, in opder that men may be available for farm work. 'A deputation is to wait on the Minister for Land 3on hi 3 arrival in Oamaru to make tho lequest. One farmer stated that he had lost £200jone year through his inability to procure hands to carry out work.

The Size of Grain Sacks.—TheTimaru Agrioultur.il and Pastoral Association pas sad a resolution .'it a meeting, held on Satur day, as follows :—" That this Association, while recognising the difficulty of handling the present-sizod grain sacks, does not, in consideration of the after use of thorn, see its way to recommend an alteration in the size.', This was the outcome of a letter from Mr Koaayne, Gefceral Manager of the New Zealand railways, askins for au expres sion of opinion from tho Association on this question,

i Anniversary Day.—Tho public will be well entered for to-morrow in the way of sports and amusemonts. Sporting men aud others will find an excellent bill-of-fare provided at the Lauriston sports meeting, i at which there will be good fields to contest i the various events. The combined district schools will hold a sports gathering in the Domain, Qoqd entries havp been rpoeiyed iv all thp events, and should the weather be f:ne, a capital day's sport should result. In the evening, a complimentary social will be given to Mr McLachlan, M.H.R., and during the afternoon and evening a bazaar will bfl held in the Wesleyan Church grounds.

[ A Rev.ly 'co the BoiiUjsitEr.r..—Legal gentlemen, liko doctors, differ. Mr R. J. Thornton, who has been retained for the petitioners in tjhe Chalmers local option poll matter,writes tothelifunedin ", Star" ; —" I was much amused at the letter of J. MacGregor, which appeared in your last night's issue. If the licensing poll in Du nedin is declared void, then that poll is in law a ' nullity,' whichj being interpreted, means that no'poll has taken'place "at all, sand therefore what was intended tp be a poll has no legal effect whatsoever. You then ask yourself what was the previous determination of the electors ? It was confcinuancp, and therefore continuance must still reign, assuming that the present poll for reduction is declared void."

The Grtjb Pest —" On Thursday evening (says the Oamaru Mail) there was a swarm in Oamaru of a species of flying beetle, birqwn in cqloui: and similar in appearance and habits to the May bug to be met with in early summer at Home. The buzzing of the clouds of these insects that infested oyery garden in the town was compared by one resident to the sound of the Bushing of winter from a pipe. Though, in some gar dons, nearly every tree and shrub was covered, no damage of any kind seems to have been done by our little visitors." These "little visit >rs" were probably the gpass gpub beetles, which are so much in evidence just now after sundown. By the way, now is the time for destroying these insects by lighting fires in all convenient places, In thia way, thousands oould be killed, and this would certainly check the evil.

Local Option in Victoria.—ln Local Option voting in Victoria, the voters, and not the licensing committees, determine the number of licenses that shall be taken away. There was' a poll recently as to re di^eing the number of Ji'ce'nded houses in the Flpmmgcon .rqad <J'tvistoU oi No:th Melbourne from 57 to the statutory num ber of 20, and the voting was —for 20 hotels, fs6f? votes; for 22 hotels, 1 vote; for 30 hotefs^ 1 yqte; for 35 hotels, 1 vote; for 37 hotels, 1 vote; for 40 hotels, 337 votes; f(p 45 hotels, 3 votes; for 47 hotels, 1 vote; for 50 hotels, 4 votes ; for o I hotels, 1 vote and for 57 hotels, 246 votes. The number qf hotels was reduced to the statutory number of 20 by a majority of 32. Com pensation is awarded under the Victorian Act.

The Eailways.—-During the four-weekly period ended Nov. 8 the Government rail ways produced a revenue of .£138,490. against an expenditure of £98 682, as com pared with £130,831, and .£80,955 respec tively last year.

Eickards' Company. —Mr M. Marcus, touring manager for Harry Eickards' Com pany, the principal attraction in which will be Sandow, the world-famed athlete and exponent of physical culture, was in Ash burton to-day, making arrangements for the appearance of his company at the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday, December 24-th.

Gardening. — During December every thing will be in full growth. The hoe must never be idle. Sow beet, Early Horn carrot, scarlet runner and French beans, turnip, lettuce, radish, cabbage, spinach, endive, cauliflowers, and early sorts of peas and beans; earth up cabbages, potatoes, etc; dress asparagus and sea-kale beds with lib of salt to the square yard, and give aspara gus and rhubarb liquid manure; plant out celery.

MAYFiELD.—Our Mayfield correspondent writes:--The past week of fine weather has been most welcome, and shearing has been in full swing. Crops are looking exception ally promising now, also sheep feed, and sheep are coming on well. I have heard of some large percentages of lambs this year, also some very low one?. One farmer with 1000 ewes counts 1050 lambs. Several others give 100 as their percentage.—The Brass Band is making good progress under the able tuition of Mr M. Eyan. The Band will be a great attraction to Mayfield.

Lawn Tennis.—A match will be played on the Domain Courts to-morrow between the Ashburton and Avonside Lawn Tennis Clubs. The following are the teams selected : —Ashburton — (Ladies) : Mes daiues Tennant and M Friedlander; Misses A. Orr, Whitehouse, W. Purnell, and Alcorn; (Gentlemen) : Eev. E. Whitehouse, Messrs C. F. Salmond, P. H. Cox, H. H. Fooks, D. Friedlander, E. Shearman, F. Seldon and G, Friedlander. Avonside— (Ladies): Misses Clarkson, Goodman, Wat kins, Crawford, Whitehead, and Curlett. (Gentlemen) : Messrs S. Louguet, L. Lou guet, W. Blackwell, S. Taylor, 0. Webb, F. Cowper, A. Whitehead, and H. Perm.

Rakaia Spoets and Races. —The accept ances for the horse events at the Rakaia Boxing Day sports and races are published in this issue. The gathering, as in former years, will be held in the Domain, which affords plenty of shelter for picnic parties, besides possessing all the advantages of a country racecourse Seme of " the lights of bygone days" figure in the acceptance, and if at all in form should make the racing interesting. In the athletic events Mr J. Davison will be a competitor, and his powers as an athlete are so well known that the athletic portion of the programme will be more than usually interesting.

The Abolition op Barmaids.—A Gis borne hotelkeeper (says the " Gisborne Times") has taken the lead in the matter of of the abolition of barmaids, and for the last few days has had the temerity to run his hotel with only male attendants behind the bar. Many young men in town have resented this, and no longer frequent the house in question. It is stated that they intend to boycott the hotel until the bar maids are reinstated.

Baring Square Church Bazaar.—We would call special attention to an advertise ment in another column, setting forth the attractions of the bazaar, which is to be held in the grounds of the Baring Square church on Tuesday and Wednesday. These include fish pond, snow ball, shooting gal lery, post office, Christmas tree, Christmas Qike, lolly stall, flower stall, strawberries and cream, fruit salad, etc.; also a refresh ment stall opan a'l the time; while there will be a large and varied show of goods, ornamental and usoful. A concert will be given each evening, and seeing that the charge for admission is only 6d, there ought to be a crush.

Where to Hire Bicycles. — Mesrrs Oatea, Lowry and Co. have a large assort ment of bicycles for lure at charges most reasonable-. _ 12 172

News in Brief.

The Hay district, New Sovjth Wales, has lost oyey WQ,QOO sheep sinco December last owing to want of rain. An industiy new to Greymonth has jnst bean started there in the shape of a steel factory. The Wellington master bakers have raised the price of bread to fourpence per 21b loaf. ■ Qn Friday a block of property in Feather aton street, Wellington, was sold by auc tion, and realised <£?42 per toot. This is claimed to be the record for Wellington. Messrs Strange and Co., Christchurch, distribute with this issue a bill regarding their special sale, of clothing now on for a fawdays^algQ special Hues" for Christmas q,nd New Year presents, Mrs C. A. C. Hardy, of Rakaia, has given a beautiful' gold modal and Mr C. A. C' rfardy seven handsome silver medals for competition at the annual New Year's sports in connection with the Burniiam In dustrial School. The. manager of the school desires to acknowledge the gifts with thanks.

Some enterprising youngsters in the south are said to be iv the habit of collect ing starlings' eggs, spotting them with ink, and passing them off as thrushes' eggs, and selling them to the County Council.

The people of Nelson (according to the ?[elson ff Mail") are protesting against the arbitrary and unconstitutional action of the local authority in deciding to erect munici pal buildings on a site without consulting ratepayers. They also cry out against the pernicious mode of financing the project; by an increased overdraft, and revenue frqm separate accounts.

Suggestions for New Licensing Bill

A correspondent, writing under the sig^ nature of " Lex," has recently contributed to the " Otago Daily Times " some sugges tions for a new Licensing Bill which are worthy of .serious consideration as con stituting an honest attempt to solve an in tricate problem. In considering these sug- I gestions two first principles have to be kept | in view— the lawjnust be made sufficiently emphatic, clear, and workable to render evasion difficult, if not impossible, and at the same time simple justice must be meted out to thosp engaged iv the trade. There are certain outstanding evils in connection with the liquor traffic as at present con ducted, which a' Licensing Bill largely framed on the lines suggested by " Lex " would directly aim at. Foremost ampng3t i^ese are Sunday trading and trading after closing hours. To aid the police in obtain ing convictions for such bre.aeh.e3 of the law it is proposed—(l) That there should be only one bar in a house, and that bar should open directly on to the street; (2) that all the back exits of a licensed house should be kept locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. ; (3) that every licensod house should keep a register of boarders; and (4) that every person, not being a boarder, found on lic^ ensed premises after an interval of 10 minutes after ciosiug time, shall be punish able by penalty, his presenpe on the pre mises being prima, facio evidence that the house was opon for the salo of liquor, for which tho licensee will be held liable

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN v NEW SOUTH WALES. United Press Association ~By Ejectrie Telegraph Sydney, December 13 The Australian Eleven made 191. The principal scorers were Dull" 66, Noble 38, and Hill 28. Howard took six wickets for 48. The New South Wales Thirteen, in their, second innings have lost four wickets for 111, of which Mackay (not out) mad& 45, and Ebbs worth "37. " ' = ■ • ;■ [In their first innings the Thirteen scored 227,3

Obituary.

Me. E. J. NELL.

" Whom the gods love, die young," it is said, and never before was the truth of those words more painfully realised than when the news came to hand of the death of ; one of the most beloved amoDgst our young i citizens, Mr. R. J. Nell. The late Mr Nell had been ailing for about a week, having taken ill on Sunday, the 7th inst., at his home at Staveley. He wa3 brought to the Ashburton Hospital on Saturday afternoon, where he died afc seven o'clock this morn ing. It appears that he had indulged in a long bicycle ride over a week ago, and although this was not sudicient to account for his illness, it probably had something to do with it. For some years the deceased ha. 11 een subject to a bowel complaint, which was of such a nature as to be at all times dangerous, and after he had completedthe r da above ref en ed 1 o, he was suddenly sei 'c d with pains in the stomach, and medical attendance was procured. As the symp toms became more alarming towards the end of the week, it was deemed advisable to 1 remove him to the Hospital, where every attention was given, but the poor young fellow lingered on and passed away as above stated. The deceased was 16 years of age and received his education at Springburn School and the Ashburton High School, which he entered at the beginning of 1900. At the end of the year he was dux of the lower school, and winner of the Board of Governoi-s scholarship, which he held until he left the school in July 1902. He was prominent in athletics, football particularly, and was a strong swimmer; and was also the most popular boy of his year with both teachers a&d fellow pupils. After leaving the High School he was appointed to the position of pupil teacher in the Hampstead School, and was studying for the third year pupil teachers' examination which takes place this week. The late Mr Nell was a son of Mr G. Nell, who is connected with Messrs Sharplin and Cos. sawmills at Staveley. He was beloved by all who knew him for his courtesy, manliness, and upright ness of character. The flag at the Hamp stead School was at half-mast to-day out of respect to the deceased.

As a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr E. J. Nell, the teachers and pupils of the High and the Hampstead schools gathered in fibody at the Ashburton Hospital this afternoon, and followed his remains to the railway station, from whence they were conveyed by the Springburn train. The funeral will take place at Staveley on Wednesday, at 2.30. p.m.

Strike at Timaru.

Timabu, Dec. 13 A strike has occurred at the Harbour Board's quarry here, sixty-two men going out. A double gang of sixteen, working in two shifts, one at the crane 3, ha,ve knocked off, according to the rule, on account of the crane breaking dawn on Thursday mornings A deputa.tioa met the Engineer and Chairman of the Hoard, and one man, Leeming, made use of words which caused the Engineer to dismiss him as an agitator. Other men concluded that Leeming was dismissed fov having^acted as spoilsman, and all hands in the quarry struck work at noon,

The matter came before a special meeting of the Board this morning, and a motion was parsed not directly answering the re quest of a deputation for the reinstatement of Loeming, but ordering the suspension of all work-in the quarry until further notice. "Meautime," it is announced, "the men will not be required, and are at liberty to accept work elsewhere, and it is uncertain, when the quarries will be reopened.'4 This order involves the discharge of several others besides the strikers, black smiths, and so on in the quarry. Probably, however, other work will bo started, and a number of the men will'be re-employed if they like to accept the work.

The Archbishop of Canter bury.

United Tress Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

( London, December 13 Ihe two doctors in attendance upon the Archbishop of Canterbury have summoned Sir Thos. Barlow, Physician to the King's Household to a consultation. A bulletin b sued at eleven last night an nounced a further los 3of strength.

Unemployed in Britain.

United Press Association By Electric Telegraph—Copyrights London, Dec. 13. Mr Keir Havdie declared that half a mil lion workers are unemployed in Britain. He urged the Government to devote. .£IOO,OOO, to supplement local efforts, to provide work and fqod foy the destitute.

Swimming.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright JSydnev, December 13 Cavill put up a new world's swimming record for 100 yards, covering the distance in 59sec.

A Clergyman's Troubles

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph,

Fremantle, Deo. 13. The Rev. Trernayne Bunston is a passen ger by the Ckuba. Ho states that he left Sydney owing to his strained financial posi tion. He had intended making a lecturing tour in America, but on arriving found it was impossible to fulfil his intentions, in consequence of the exaggerated statements published concerning his position. He therefore decided to return to Australia, where he will remain till he has cleared, himself.

Cycling

United Pre3s Association—By E'ectric Telegraph—Copyright Melboubne, Dec. 14 The following are results of events at the Austral Wheel Race meeting : — One Mile— Champness 1, Gudgeon 2, Forbes 3. Won by a wheel. Time, 2 mm 33 2-sth sec. Ten miles—Beauchamp 1, Morgan 2, Le ■iyis 3. Won by a foot." Time, 24 mm 8 l-sth sec, ' •.,*.,,,

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Donedtn, Dec 13 Dredging returns:—Empire, 490z 9dwt; Success, 450z 16dwt; Earriscle'ngh No. 1 340z 14dwt; Duustan Lead, 320z; Happy Valley, 31oz- Island Block, 250z 12dwt; Royal Maori, 230z lOdwt; Molyneux, Hy draulic, 230z sdwt; Ngapnra No. 3. 21oz sdwt; Lawrence, 2Qoz; Chicago, 20oz; | Golden Bed, 12oz Sdwtj Teviot, lOoz 4dwt. Dunedin, Dec 15 Returns—Sheddan's 38oz; Golden Run 340z; Royal Waimumu 320z; Meg and Anuie 250z 7dwt; Waikalca 240z; Golden Gate 230z; Rise and Shine 21oz 14dwt 12f»rs; Gabriel 20oz ; Mac Charlton 20oz; Cairn kndlie 12oz 3dwt; Waikaka United 12i>z; Nelson Creek S4og ; Notown 50Q3. ;

G-beymouth, Dep. 13 Dredging returns i—North Beach (124 hours), 54oz3dwt; Kohiuoor (110 hours), 4'2oz 7dwt ; Callaghan's Creek (112 hours), 30oz; Reeves' Proprietary (125 hours), 230z 2dwt j Pactolus No. 1 (4-J days), 20oz; Greenstone Creek (100 hours), 17oz ldwt • Leviathan (102 hours), 12oz 6dwt; Levia than Freehold {104 hours), 12os 3dwt. '

Sporting.

The Committee of the Tinwald Racin" Club have decided to extend the time for receiving nominations till Saturday next. at 9 p.m. An advertisement drawing attention to this appears in another column.

The Southwark Tragedy.

\ Evidence of Poisoning. United Press Association — By Eleotric ! Telegraph—Copyright i ' London, Dec. J3 The evidence of the analysts in the Chap j man case shows that Maude Marsh di9d of antimonial poisoning. Some arsenic waa also present in small quantities. Towards the end of October George Chapman, licensee of the Crown Hotel Southward was arrested for the murder of a barmaid named Maude Marsh, employed by him. The similarity of the symptons of the barmaid in her last illness having recalled those in the last illnesses of Chapman's first two wives, led' to the order for tho exhumation of the two bodies. The first Mrs Chapman waa interred on December 30th, 1897, at Leytonatone, Essex. She died at the age of forty-one, at the Prince of Wales beerhouse, Bartholo mew Square E.G., on Christmas Day, 1897. The second Mrs Chapman died on February 13th, 1901, aged thirty-six years, and was buried at Lymm, Cheshire, on February 15th.

The Trouble with Vene zuela.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Dec. 12. The"St James's Gazette" trusts that Great Britain will not allow herself to be come entangled in Venezuela, bnt will restrict, her action to the enforcement of her actual claims. Germany is talking of the occupation of Caracas to maintain her offended dignity. General Feriero is entrenching his posi tion, or. The" Standard "says that after Presi dent Castro's . scornful treatment of the reasonable demands of the Powers arbitra tion cannot be substituted for a definite settlement.

Lord Lansdowne, the Foreign Secretary, speaking at the United Service Club dinner in London, and referring to the Venezuelan trouble, said these little ebullitions were not without their advantage, as England would see British aad German sailors unitedly enforcing just demands. Washington, Deo. 13 " Colonel Hay, Secretary of State, replying to President Castro's proposal to Mr Bowen, the American Minister in Venezuela, that he should ask for arbitration, authorises Mr Bowen in his own discretion to use his good offices to effect peace; but whatever is done in that matter he will represent not the United States, but Venezuela, at the j Venezuelans' request. ! Berlin, Dec 13 German official circles affirm that if the prizes were really destroyed, it was dne to their unseaworthiness, or for military rea sons. The fleets were originally ordered to seize the revenue cutters before the block ade. New York, Dec 12* Americans assert that Germany sank the prizes in order to prevent the necessity of removing them to British ports. A number of President Roosevelt's Go vernment admitted that the Powers had & right to seize the Customs, blockade the ports, land troops, and occupy the capital, without infringing the Monroe Doctrine. Germany, in writing, and Britain, verbally, had agreed not to seize territory in lieu of au indemnity, or to make any attempt at permanent occupation. "V,.

Imperial Politics.

United Press Association—By Electric . Telegraph. London, Dec 13. Lord Lansdowne, Secretary of State foe Foreign Affairs, madoJa speech at the United Service Club dincer in London. After referring to the Venezuelan crisis (as reported elsewhere), he proceeded to say that Italy had given Great Britain indis pensab'e facilities against the Mullah in Soraaliland. Great Britain must maintain her invincibility at sea. The burden she was bearing in the. form of naval expendi ture was being home in a good cause, and Japan was now a partner. He did not agree that the Imperial Com ference had produced small results. The frank intercourse of ideas had paved the way for a future agreement, extending over many years, upon oommercial, naval," mili tary and financial questions of vital import ance to the Motherland and her depend encies . Although it was not true that all Anglo-French questions were settled, yet the wind was blowing in the right direc tion.

Labour Crisis at Marseilles.

United Press Association—liy Electric Telegraph - Copyright Paris, Dec. 13 Ihe bakers at Marseilles have struck, and arc being replaced by Army bakers. Owing to some gangs of labourers re suming work at the quays, the dockers in terfered, and compelled the police to retreat. The Commissary of Police was wounded in the face during the struggle. The gendarmerie then charged and dis persed the-mob, arresting fifteen, who were armed with knives. The military occupy the thoroughfares leading to the docks, and the free labourers are being protected. A meeting of 8000 naval reservists and dockers censured the Government, de manded the withdrawal of troops, and threatened violence in reply to the brutality of the police. Shipowners urge the Government to pun ish the reservists.

Restriction of Immigration.

HATMAKERS IN AUSTRALIA

United Pre*s Associntion—Hy Electric Telegraph—Copyright.,

Sydney, Deo. 14 The detention of the hatters has given rise to a good deal of adverse criticism in certain quarters. 'Sir" John See strongiy pro tested to Sir E Barton -that the; detention of white labx>ur : inipoE.tedund.Qt co.nia»ei; fox' a special industry was opposed to the spirit of the Immigration Restriction Act. Sir E Barton after a lengthy consideration pf the case, last night ordered the hatters' release. Previously the Federal authorities were advised that six more hatters had arrived; by the Oruba at Fremantle for the same firm, and had not been allowed to land. Permissson was a'so refused an Indian firm of.importers in Melbourne to bring out a number of Brahmin expert workers of silk Eastern goods. London, Deo. 13 The " Economist " newspaper says the ex clusion of the hatters is inconsistent with the principles of the Imperial Conference | which aimed at the maximum of facilities for Imperial intercommunication, and. the maximum identity in legal rights enjoyed in each part of the Empire by citizens of all parts. The law as enforced in SydneY was dangerous as offering an encourage-' nienttothe South African Labour'Par^j to sliufc Australians cfas of the Band. "

A telegram published on Monday last stated that the Federal Customs officials had refused to admit, under the Immigra tion Restriction Act, a number of felt hat ■workers who arrived under engagement to a Sydney manufacturer.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1902



F. FERRIMAN. • Jc xLixLxtX jjx A.JM $ TT|"AS for Sale a Leasehold Grazing Property of about 1000 Acres. A good Sheep Farm. FOR SAIE, M fc£ ACHES, Tell watered land, within a mile of Mr John Coohrane's Wakanui property. F. FERRIAIAN. • FOR SALE. : SE4FIELB. : O/\/\ ACRES of Land, in oapital con -01/U dit;on. The greater part of the purchase xnoney can remain at 4j per cenb. per annum. F. FERRIMAN, BUSINESS NOTICES. H GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897 "TjsIGHT years experience with E. G. and J*; F. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dunedin and Invercargill, Has commenced practice in rooms j 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, i Gas administered. All work guaranteed, ! Roubs op Attendance —9 a.m.—s p.m. Private Residence—Care Mrs Ghant, Willd Street. j Trm^=> ziz—-i 1111 Helpless with a ; Rheumatism •-■ Tout* tried liniments and prescriptions without result. Now ... CURE YOUBSEL7 with THE GREAT ... CANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medioine and Not a liniment, A Quick and Permanent Curs. SOLD BY ALL SEALERS At 3/6 pie Bottle. Sole Agent for Australasia: ' j GEO. W. WILTON, I Wellington. . _ « Csn I HAVE still one juvenile machine | left. JE7 will buy it. G. H. Cakbos Eclipse Cycle Works. JipOYS, Toys, Toys of every description _1_ at Steange*B. REASONABLE Lines 2Jlb tins Canadian ♦C 7 Tomatoes lOd, 2£lb tins Californian Fruits Bd, 2Jib tins Asparagus Is, 21b tins Green f'tas 13, 21b tins Strawberries Is, Cartoon French Prunes Bd, Raspberry Jam Is por iar, Granola 6d packet at Carson and Co.'s. : FIRST-CLASS Columbia Bicycle in real good order, £8 cash. Rudge Whit i worth, used only 12 months, £8 103. Stars £5 and £7, and many others. No reasonable offerrefused. Easy terms arranged.—J. Ojkb d^Co._ FOR tip top value in Boots try Mellor' Zealandia Boot Store. SHEEP Shears, all latest and best makes also large stock of genuine Turkey and Washita Oil Stones at lowest prices at John ] Ore and Co. i PATTY Pan baking powder contains a patty pan at each end of tin WE have just opened a beautiful range of White Figured Muslin at lOd, Is, Is 2d, Is 4d, Is 6d, Is 9d per yard; also a range of coloured muslin for Blouees and Dresses, at 7d, 9d, lOd, Is per yard.—Grant j and Moobe. I TO CYCLISTS—Just to Laud aspecialty; the Gripwell Cycling Shoe, with steel plate inserted, 12s Od.—Stock's Blue Boot . Store ! ; 12 50 XMAS EXTRAS—Another lot of those noted White Skirts at 2s 1 Id to hand ; Boys' washing Snilor Blouses 2s lid; Women's Sailor Hats Is, Is Od, Is lid, 2s 6dj white washing Gloves 0d; white Belts Is. A choice selection of Tucked and Fancy Handkerchiefs, at Gibbaed's. FINE Flavoured Wines from the celej bnited Waverley Wine Vaults; 1 do/, bottles in acasf; 8 Port, and 4 Coasiantia, or assorted us desired 22s Gd per case. Only a few cnses left".—Fletcher Bros', Cash Supply Stores,



BUSINESS NOTICES. OVER | THE THE I WOMEN TEA EOLK I TALK CUPS I &~\^ c P'easurea an(* unpleasant .„ ... . features of Housekeeping and Dressing, and vte venture to say that a favourite topic just now is The; Paradise ofj Summer Millinery and Dresses, now BEING SHOWN BY MITCHELL & TUENEB, THE DRAPERS. " llritain's Best llscycle." IlliS?? I BEST TN" RTMTATIsr • . JtUlAlill •i^Z^h Favors /VYV^^^^^W Workini" RUDGfi-WHITWOKTU Imf H Vi^X JR- &~Jk -*L_^# O oiul VT^k***** <* \ R. D. JOHNSTON, AGENT, BURNETT STREET. j^^^^^^^ c^2O« Inspect for Yourselves- SANTA CLAUS ABTB FATHER XMAS COMING- AaAIN. - '.- H. M.' JONES. - - AjC\ Ca3es oJf Toys, Fancy Goods, Books, Stationery, China, Glpss, Y.nh, Af\ -*7 *~r Japanese and Leather Goods Suitable for Christmas, f^ewYear, Birthday & Wedding Presents ——Imported direct from Leading London Houses. Must foe Sold Lowest possible Prices. Call early & often Christmas Cards in great variet)\ Plan or, Organs and Bicycles sold, Easy payments Cricketing, Croqi et and Tennis Material LM)IK- & GENTS., i Flrst-ela^'-'llfcycie.s for Hire. Every Mudsill Complete & in Perfect Order. TV? EW CYCLING REQUISITES.-Our stock of accessories is the Xl largest in the Colony. Just Janded new shipment of (•ontineiUsil Vulcanised Covers, 22s (id each. ———New Spring Pump Clips, Candle Lamps, Acetylene Gas Lamps. — REPAIR DEPARTMENT.—Our repair plant is capable of turning out Mac work in a most satisfactory manner. English and American Machines repaired on the spot. Christenurch, V^elliugton/Napier, Tiniaru, and Burnett Street, Ashburfcon. 12 170 NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING Earn? 9 9 B fl 6 B £ «c 0 a % E 0 * N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. SHEEP SHEARING SEASON. THA V E JUST LANDED MY SEASjON'S SUPPLY OF 3s 6d. SHEEP SHEARS, 3s 6i including T.U.S. and 8.8.A., N.Z.j witu plain and perforated grips Turkey Oil Stones, a splendid sample. Sweet Oil. Branding Gils—Red, Black, and Blue, in 1 and 5 gallon drums; Raddle, Lamp Black, Etc. LAWN MOWERS in great variety, from 22s 6d to 55s cash. GARDENING TOOLS of every description at reduced prices. BOWLS! BOWLS! BOWLS-! As the season has just opened, I cordially inyjte inspection of my stock—Taylor's first quality only kept. SEWING MACHINES. lam sole agent for the celebrated " Davey " Machine; 7 years' guarantee ; Hand £3 10s • Treafle from .£6 10s to .£8 10s. Call and inspect. They are worth lookicg at, G. M E D D I N S, The People's Ironmonger Burnett Street, opposite Arcade,



Deckbjber, Holidays—For the Christmas holidays cyclists will find Messrs Oates, Lowry and Go. the best place for cycling goods or ropairs. The tii'in havo just landed several new lines, including the latent vulcanised tyre, which are being sold at 22s 6d each. 12 171 The Tailoring Trade Dispute — The secretary of the Tailors' Union objected in j tJoujit that <3^f iaHEAp and Berryman put far move worit in suits than ordinary (Christchurch) tailoring. Manufacturer's agents explain that Craighead and Berry man's linings have to be made and imported I specially, being better quality than usually 1 sold. They have just engaged several extra I tiiperipnced 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 ivqw £3 10s. New summer hats, shirts, ties,' boots,' eto., just opened. Compare prices ! Observe the quality!—(Advt.)



mOY Land fit Stbansk's, Burnett Street



BTRANGE'S Toy and Fancy Bagaar here is oansing a sensation,



TT^EFUti present for young and, old qau U be fo'undt in endless variety aj) Stbanqe's Sample Booms