The Ensign. GORE : THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31. 1903.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1273, 31 December 1903, Page 2

The Ensign. GORE : THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31. 1903.

So rapidly is history made in the.-e strenuous times that it is almost impossible to give credence to the evidence of one's mental vision as yielded by a backward glunce over the events of the past year. Even though time and tide wait for no man it = is certain that humanity has taken time by the forelock during the months that have sped by since lust a new year with all its possibilities hopes and fears was born. Each day has been burdened with stirring ;;v;j'Hs of world-wide significance, whether making for the greater happiness of mankind or its further misery. So vast, indeed, is the record ol Ike world's achievements along the Jines of desirable progress or advancement in evil that the student of eontemporary history is apt to lose sight of all save the events of surpassing magnitude. Each must be given its due weight when estimating the value of the era of progression now closing. Each must be classified and each must be apportioned its place as a strand in the complex network of human nobility and degradation, greatness and insignificance, strength and weakness, purpose and passion evolved from the lives and emotions of all who Lave contributed in any degree to the salient features of the year's historv. Every one has played a part in the great drama. The strong have done more than the weak, but not one has escaped some measure of responsibility for the shaping of greater or lesser events in a process as mysterious as the source of life itself. And so we come, dominated by feelings varying with the impressions of our own shortcomings and failures to attain unto high ideals, within hail of another milestone along the journey of mortal experience, burying dead hopes in the dead past, facing the dawn of a new era with that confidence which alone is given by cheerful optimism springing from ignorance of what the future may hold in store. The worst may befal us ; but so may the best. It is human to hope for the best, and at this season it is peculiarly meet that we should follow the instincts of our kind.

As in the case of individuals so in the experience of our nation oreat changes have occurred; great crises have been faced and great possibllitics are contained by the immediate future. The year has been one of marked progress to the British Empire—a year of action and a year of preparation. The chastening effects of [ dearly bought victory in South Africa led to rigid national self-examination, the results of which, if intelligently interpreted, must lead on to further greatness. During the year the King markedly stimulated the friendliness of foreign Powers by visiting several European potentates, included among • these being his Holiness the late Pope. His appearance in France was greeted with unfeigned enthusiasm by the people of that country, the ultimate result being the sweeping away of many of the more ' in~surniountabli' barriers to the reestablishinent of a cordial and fricmliy understanding between that I'oimtry and Britain. The visit of the Kinc and ( L Mieen to Ireland was another of the happy and auspicious events of the year. The magnificent loyally of the Irish people indicated that tlm bond of national unity was as inseparable as ever, and on their j part the King and Queen performed a labor of love in a manner which j entirely dissipated the faintest traces : of doubt that Ireland was not truly j British in its devotion to the Throne, j The fact that the grievous disabilij ties under which the country had labI ored for centuries in regard to land tenure had been more than partially ! removed accounted in some measure for the outburst of popular rejoicing at the King's visit to Ireland. But behind all the outward demonstrations of gratification there, was discernible a solidly grounded patriotism which augurs well for the security of the Empire in future times of stress and storm. That which has almost completely overshadowed nearly every other event in British history of the past year has been the preferential trade movement so ably led by

Mr Chamberlain. It will be remembered that twelve months ago the late Secretary of State for the Colonies was still pursuing his "masterly policy of pacification in South Africa. In March his work in this connection wa3 completed. How accurate were his impressions that the assurances of the Boer and Dutch leaders that they would accept the new situation could be relied upon has since been proved by actual down peacefully under British rule, experience. The Boers have settled and the yoke has been made easy for them to bear. The only problem now pressing for solution in South Africa is the labor difficulty. This is a Matter not lightly to be disposed of, as the future of the country depends largely upon the decision finally arrived at. However, all difficulties between Britain and her erstwhile enemy have been effectually buried, and a lesson is offered for the edification of the outside world in that the sting of national defeat from the Boers' standpoint should have been so quickly and wonderfully salved. His South African mission successfully fulfilled, Mr Chamberlain addressed his best efforts towards advancing the cause of fiscal reform—to awakening in his kinsmen the capacity to realise, and the patriotism to enquire into, the causes handicapping Britain in the race for commercial supremacy. For several months Mr Chamberlain pursued his campaign with moderate success, and finally, chafing under the restraint placed upon his freedom of action by holding Cabinet rank, he resigned his office and was immediately accompanied by Mr Ritchie (Chancellor of the Exchequer), and Lord George Hamilton (Secretary for India). Mr Chamberlain has given no more concise view of the position than that contained in the historic letter to the Premier (Mr A. J. Balfour) conveying his resignation, couched in the following terms : " I have most carefully considered the situation as it affects the Government and the great question of fiscal reform. When you, in replying to a deputation in reference to the corn tax, and I at Birmingham, called attention to the change in the commercial position during the last half-century and suggested an inquiry into the subject, I do not think either of us intended to provoke a purely party controversy. We raised, not for the first time, a question of the greatest national and Imperial importance in the hope that it would , be impartially discussed by friends and . opponents, and then an inquiry in- • itiated which would lead to a conclusion that would be accepted by a majority of the people and be represented accordingly by the results of the next general elections. Whether the view was reasonable or not it cer- , tainly is not shared by the Liberal t leaders, who scouted the idea that a , system generally acceptable in IMG , could possibly require any modification in 1!)03, the whole party organisation being directed against' the"attempt to alter, or even inquire ; nto, i the foundation of our fiscal policy. The advocates of reconsideration, meanwhile, have to grant them the advantage. Owing ■ to the admitted qifferences of opinion among the Unionist party, organisation being paralysed, and our opponents in full possession of the field, they placed in the forefront of their arguments their objection to the taxation of food and even any readjustment of existing taxation towards the mutual tngos of ourselves and the colonies and tbe Empire's closer union. The i unscrupulous use they make of the old I ci v of a ' dear loaf ' has, in the abi sence of full public discussion, caused i a serious prejudice to be created. The i people are generally alive to the dan- ' ger of unrestricted competition on the i part of foreigners, who close their ' markets against us while they find in < ours an outlet for their surplus pro- _ duction. Still, they do not appreciate f the importance of the colonial mari kets to our trade, nor the danger of ' losing them unless we meet in some s way their natural patriotic desire for picfcrence. The result, for the present at any rate, is that preference to the ; colonies involving any new dutv. how- ; ever small, on. articles of fooh.'even if s accompanied by a reduction of taxa- ' tion > on other articles of food of . equally universal consumption, is • ot ■ acceptable to a majority of the conI stituencies. However regrettable or mistaken this decision, no GovernI ment of a democratic country can ig- , nore it. Therefore, I feel, as the imi mediate practical policy of preference i cannot be pressed hopefully at present —although there is a very strong feeling in favor of the other brgneh of i policy, that of giving fuller discretion i to the Government to negotiate with i foreigners for a freer exchange enabling it to retaliate in the absence of concessions to a just claim of yreu*.nr i reciprocity—and as I believe yon <har« > with me these views, it seems to mo • to be absolutely justifiable to adopt i them as the policy of vonr Governi ment, although they involve some changes in its constitution. As Sect retary of State for the Colonies I ; have been in a special sense the re- ' prcsentative of a policy of closer uni ion. I believe it is possible to-day—-i it may be impossible to-morroiv—to i make arrangements for such a union. I have had unexampled opportunities of watching the trend of events aid appreciating the feelings of our kins- - men beyond the seas. I stand In a different position from my colleagues and I would be justly bl'nmoablft t 'if I remained in office and accepted (lie e.v- , elusion of so important a part of inv i programme. T think, with absolute loyalty to the Government and its ■ general policy, with no fear of embarrassing it, I can best promote 'he cause outside. I cannot but hope thut in an independent position my arguments will meet with less prejudice than from a party leader. Accordingly, I suggest that you limit the Government's present policy to the assertion of our freedom in connection with all commercial relations with foreigners, and agree to iny resigning, I will devote myself to' explaining and popularising Imperial union. Experience has convinced mo it is essential our future welfare and prosperity." Mr Balfour's replv was equ rllv noteworthy. He said : '" I agree with you that the time has come for a change in the. fiscal canons whereby we bound ourselves in our dealings to other Governments. It seems paradoxical that you 'should leave the Cabinet at the moment others are leaving, disagreeing on this very point. yet I reluctantly admit that there is some force in the arguments based on your special persona] relations to preference. You have done more than any man—living or dead—to bring home to the citizens of the Empire the consciousness of Imperial ' obligation, and the interdependence of ] fragments whereinto the Emnire is ' divided. I believe you are right in 1 holding interdependence should be 1 expressed by commercial equality with 1 nolitical and military relations. I 1 believe with you that a closer fiscal < I union between the Motherland and tho 1 colonies is good tor both. and. based s on fitting terms, the advantages will J increase as the colonies grow in wealth and population. If ever there 8 were any differences between us they t merely related to the practicability of 3 a proposal requiring colonial limitat- c ion in all-round development, protec- s tion. and the Motherland's part in tiie h establishment of preference for impor- * tant colonial products. I say noth- s ing about limitation, but as regards '>

preference, involving taxation, however light, upon foodstuffs, I am convinced with you that opinions are not yet ripe. The reasons are discoverable in past battles and recent political misrepresentations. I am deeply concerned at your inability under the very special circumstances to remain a Minister. I do not venture to raise an objection, and if you think you can best serve the interests of Imperial unity by freely pressing your views on preference in an independent • position, I will not critise your determination. The loss to the Government will be great indeed, but the gain to the cause you have at heart may be greater still. If so, what can I do but acquiesce." Thus did these two men gird them for the fight which appears destined to be one of the greatest and upon one of the most momentous issues in modern British history. Mr Chamberlain has since electrified the world by his mastery of the details ot a policy so intricate and so far-reaching. He has beaten his opponents to their knees and has lighted a torch of reform which is setting the whole Empire ablaze and must eventually accomplish the destruction of the fetters binding Britain hand and foot to the bloodless skeleton of industrial stagnation and commercial retrogression. Mr Balfour also was found dependable in the crisis that has arisen, and worthy of his high calling as political head of the nation. In his great speech at Sheffield his party a lead and his sentiments in October fie gave the country and have since proved a tower of strength to his erstwhile colleague. " I am asking facilities for better bargaining," he said on that memorable occasion. " My fundamental request is that the country should give the Government, from whatever party it is drawn, freedom to negotiate with other nations on an equality of heodoin, whereof we have been deprived by no force of circumstances or foreign pressure, but by our own pedantry and conceit." The battle is still raging. and though it may not conclude for years the people of Britain are being educated up to perceive the source of national weakness added 1 to the dangers threatening from without. Once that educative process is complete the remedy will be applied zeaiously and unflinchingly, with a regard always to the preservation of national prestige and the undiminished ylory of England's greatness. The passing of another year also reminds us of the comparative littleness of human effort. Death has claimed many of the foremost in the arena of the world's diverse affairs and yet they have gone leaving scarcely a ripple on the surface, their places being promptly and adequately lilled by others pressing forward. The death of Lord Salisbury in August last is an instance of this, although possibly his previous retirement from the field of active politics may have contributed largest to the fact of his demise being universally regretted as the passing of a great and good man whose loss to the Empire bore no immediate relation to any crisis then in process of development. In March last the civilised world was strangely stirred by the tragic death of one of the n-jst brilliant of British national heroes— General Sir Hector Macrlonald. The painful circumstances overshadowing his untimely end were the occasion of universal grief of the most poignant nature. No subsequent search proved right or warrant for the foul stigma attached to his name while living and to his honor when doad, and the departed hero has been enshrined in the golden memory of his kinsmen all over the Empire as one of the most notable figures in the military history of his day. Another national sensation was afforded by the report of Lord Elgin's Commission which was appointed to inquire into the conduct of the war in South Africa. An appalling state of unprcparcduess existed at the outbreak of hostilities. That even such victories as were secured by I'ritish arms during the early part of the campaign should have been achieved appears little short of miraculous in view of the subsequent knowledge imparted by the inquiries of the Elgin Commission. The real capacity of the British soldier as a lighting unit stands out with greater prominence than ever, and his masters, the War Office and petty political understrappers, remain hopelessly convicted of ignorance, ineptitude, and criminal neglect almost passing comprehension. Some slight eflort had since been made to prosecute reform along lines indicated by the Commissioners' report, but for all the fair promises made for redemption in the future it is probable that Britain will continue in her policy ot drift, muddling and sprawling into difficulties and trusting to the sheer force of national strength of character to extricate her when occasion demands. Other matters contributing to the history of the year wore the unsuccessful attempt of Sir "Thomas Lipton to possess himself of the coveted America Cup, the death of Cardinal Vaughan, the widespread distress among workers in the cotton industry owing to the operation of trust magnates in America, together with a more than usually heavy list ot squalid tragedies indicating that an element of barbarism is still leavening the nobler characteristics of our race. So far as America is concerned the year has been marred by a record of lynching, and other fiendish cruelties towards the negro race which have staggered humanity and besmirched the lame of an otherwise enlightened and humanitarian people. The predilection .Roosevelt for the negroes and his support of their claims to political equality, no doubt aided considerably towards incensing the American white population against them, this latter characteristic givijicj rise to the opportunity for Kussin s administering a richly deserved snulj in reply to an American protest I against atrocities being perpetrated upon the Jews. President Koosevelt gave stronger evidences of his desire to rid the United States of its unenviable fame in the matter of promoting trusts and monopolies to enable oppulent oppressors to still further grind the faces of the poor to exploit the national assets and national resources of the country for then own selfish ends. Necessarily the bitterest hostility of the infamous class aimed at has been excited against him, and already an unholy alliance of millionaires has been formed to secure his defeat at the next t residential election. On the Continent of Europe and the outside world at large the year has been heavily with noteworthy happenings. Ihe death of Pope Leo XIIJ. closed the career of a remarkable figure in the woild s history. After a period of protracted deliberation Cardinal Sarto was unexpectedly elected to, succeed him on the pontifical throne, and his reign which opened auspiciously appears likely to be continued in happiness and to be fruitful in blessings to those coming beneath his beneficent sway. The British campaign in Somaliland was pursued with varying success during the year, the characteristic blundering by responsible heads at the War Office again proving , a source of helplessness an d weakness ( to those operating in the field. '''he Macedonian atrocities need' but little comment. Suffice it to say that thousands of Christians were ruthlessly butchered by Moslems, tihe Great European Powers raising no linger to : suppress the horrors or mitigate their j ilood-curdling concomitants; of lust i

and rapine. In July, the Servian Army, as a result of widespread conspiracy, revolttd, and mutdered King Alexander and Queen Drags, -ogether with several relatives and Cabinet Ministers. The pretender, Prince Peter Karageorgevitch, was proclaimed King amid popular rejoicing. Britain at once refused to officially recognise the new regime until the regicides were adequately punished, but as this condition has since been no more than peifunetnrily complied with, matters remain on their former footing. Latest information available was to the effect that distension wbr '.gain brewing in the army, so the future is by no means innocent of shadows of events likely to disturb the peace of King Peter and those associated with him in the government of ihe country. A matter of the utmost concern to Britain which has lutterly arisen is the distinctly belligerent attitude of Hussia and Japan in regard to tbe qursiion of the former's evacuation of Manchuria. Japan has easily fathomed tbe duplicity of her opp' nent, and of ihe two is probably the inmeanx'ous for war. By the terms of the Ani'lc-Ja[.anese treaty, in tbe event of hostilities Britain would be required to preserve a neutral attitude only so long as no other Power intervened to aid the cause of Bussia. Should this contingency arise, Britain would be compelled to make war upon the ally or allies of Russia. However, ihe succ ssful application of the arts of diplomacy may yet avert a rupture, but it will first be necessary for llussia 10 give more tangible proof than has let been afforded that her intentions towaitU Manchuria are bona fide in accordance with her previous undertaking.

Australia has given abundant evidence of its marvellous recuperative powers within the past year. Twelve months ago the country was prnct'cally devastated from end to end by the effects of a disastrous and prolonged drought. So great indeed was Iho prevailing distress, that the various governments were compelled to put chase grain seeds for distiibulion among the farmers who bad suffered most acutely. Truly Australia, in a practical si iiFe. sowed in tears, and is ret. pi g with joy, lor a more abundant ard richer harvest has not been experienced over a period of many years. One result of Australia's plenty will h> to close a profitable market against New Z'uland produce for a considerable time. However, seeing that tbe prosperity of our immediate niigbbors is nt stake, we on this side of the waier cm afford to contemplate their sudden accession of good fortune with gr tilication, borne of certain knowledge that material advancement in one portion of the Empire is bound to influence in some degree the progress of the whole Britii-h community. Tl e Victorian railway strike was perhaps the must ri maikable Australian incid u nt of tbe y: r. 'lhe actual declaration of a state of Mi ike was precipitated upon the workers, who h»d formed no conception that events would march with such rapidity. Toe rank and filn were not c insulted ; their leaders acted first and discussed the p'>sitio l with them of erwards. And so it came about that after a few day"' rebellion the. strikers capitulated, ai d weie Kenerously treatid in the hour ot til"ir ignominious doftat by the Government. In New South Wales tbe Women's Suffrage Bill received the Iloyal «s<ent towards tbe end of Me.y, and the new order of things hns recently bien tested, with what iceults it is difficult to deteimine. The Federal elections a tew days ago aiT.ndi d a tremendous surprise in revealing the extent and potentiality of the lnlior vote, 'file chitf cause for Rratificaiion is tlv fact that the li cal i-sue which was placed more directly before the electors tba i any other qu'stiiin agitating the public mind ncoived such wholehearted suppmt at their hands. 'J he list of crimes of violence attained to the proportions characteristic of Australia ; considerable interest was excited by Ur McCarthy's rain-making experiments ai Broken Hill (*ll of them, however, proving aboitive) ; and beyond these matt rs other events call lor nu special reference in the course o£ a necessary brief review of the salient features of the past year.

In New Zealand much foo'l for reflection hits been afforded. Affairs political ol c nr-e bulk largest in tbo record of the immediate) past, and it is questionable whfthcr any department of common life remains which is not c.itit oiled in some measu c bv political influences.- The general electiui s had but u-cently b'en completed ii year ago, and speculation was rife as to what the outcome of several important changes in ihi- personnel of the House of Representatives would be. Tne results of thi liceunn;.; polls at that time also indicated substantial changes, and public opinion whs probably roost largely excit d in tl.ii Cjni'oclurn ilvm in that having rtlerei ce lo the c in.-t,un ion of the new House. C\m.-ide)ntiii> 1 ti|;;uion ensued upon the ru-dura'-inn .1 i.o license ill Mataura, Druce, Ch.ilmeit. Asbburtun and Newmwn, and after many months of contention (as a result of which the poll for Mat ura was upheld and those for Bruce and Newtown upsM) the new order of thinps win ushered in in this distiict. at the end of June ln.-,t and hns since been accepted by nil with the utmost good grace. In Bruce niirl Newtown licensing committees were eli-cled who iefus«d to (.-rant licensee. Their action reviewed by the Supreme Court and upheld, and now the matter, so far as Newtnwr, is umtcrned, is before the Privy Council for fimil decision. A very grave scandal occi.-iorn d by the publican? of Newtown contii>uirif* to sell liquor in definite of the Committee's mandate, and political inlluei c roav be accepted as the cause operating i,gainst intei--feience by the law. When, how.ever, public opinion compelled the mutter to be examined into by the c 'Urts of justice the illegal action of the various liquor sellers was promptly panished, and since then no attempt baa been made to cnenly defy tho law. The Premier's notorious Licensing Mill afforded one of the semations of the tension, and owing to the masterly generalship of the prohibition party in the matter of pa-ping hostile resolutions at public meetings in every corner of the colonv the representatives in Parliament declined to accept the lcsponsibility emailed by bringing the measure into law, and it was ultimately defeated on a motion to carry it to the committee state. The principal objection of licensing reformers to the bill was the no lic-nse no l:quor clau-f, and they realised that if this particular pioposal were given effect to it Wuuld cripple tbe prohibition movement almost beyond hope of recovery. It; was anticipated during the early part of the session that many new members in the H-mse would assist in ibn effort towards curtailing the aim st despotic power wielded by the Preni'cr. For a time everything aoguied well for the accomplisnment uf ,-uoii an end, hut eventually Mr Sedduit e: mpleteiy J, mingled the Liberal following, uud it incek y obeyed his evety behest. The session was unduly prolonged on account of almost every imfoitxnt m»asure bei"g kept back until tho last. L gislation was simply scrambled through, and among the questions of the greatest possihle moment ta which fullest consideration should have been given, but which w»s rusbel pell meil on to the Statute Bock, was the Preferential Trade Bill, the effect of which is to penalise tho wares of outside countries. No doubt the measure is on right lines, but its details were never studied, nor was the slightest thought given to whether it would hamper or assist the great movement at Home headed by Mr Chamberlain. The general prospetity of the colony remained unimpaired during the year, arid at present there are no visible sipns of business depression or stagnation discernible upon the horizm. In ihe larger centres of population great progress has been made. Municipal life has received a decidid ti ! !ip by the installation of elccttie tramways, drainage and water schemes, and the inauguration of other important public woiks. Employment continues to b« abundant, wages pood, and everywhere there are the most gratifying manifestations of a forward movement in trade and commerce which must necessarily make for the material advancement of everyone in the community. So far as our own district is concerned an ample share of the prevailing prosperity has been available. Good prices for wool and stock have con iinued, the dredging industry has iiiade substantial advance, and though grain values have declined somewhat, countervailing advantages in other directions have been secured. The spring proved most suitable for the rapid and abundant growth of vegetation of all kinds, assuring a bountiful harvest, a phenomenal lambing, and the continued well-being of all kinds of stock. In the outlook for the coming year every prospect pleases, inspiring confidence to realise upon the priceless legacy of hope bequeathed by the immediate past. None may command success, but eaeh may merit it; and it is in the assurance that guch sentiments may dominate the thoughts and aspirations of all during the period whose gates are bow opening before us that we join in the universal refrain proclaiming heartiest good wishes for a happy and prosperous New fear.

There will be no publication o( the EtttMN on Saturday, 2nd January. A redaction in the price of bread is announced by the bakers of Goro and Mataura. The prices will now be 6Jd cash and 7d booked.

With thia issue we publish oar annual pictorial calendar, which is of a highly aitstio character. The illustrations are in the best style to be procured in the colonies, and the calendar is printed on the best paper. Any subscriber who may have accidentally been missed can procuie one by applying to the office.

A trap accident occurred on the Waikaka Valley road on Tuesday afterroon, when Miss B. Williamson, daughter of Mr A. Williamson, Waik&ko, had the misfortune to meet with a nasty spill. It appears that Miss Williams was driving twj children towards Waikaka, when the horse bolted and ran into a ditch, throwing the occupant* over the front of the trap, the wheel of wbioh passed over the driver's leg, fracturing the thigh. The children escaped injury. Miss Williamson was picked up by Mrs K. Sheddao, who was driving behind, and conveyed to Waikaka Siding, from thence by train to Gore, where she was removed to Mrs Kelly's private hospital. Dr Copland H attending the sufferer, who is progressing as fovoiably as can be expected.

The Southland Education Board has received the following telegram from the Secretary for Education : —" I'lease state whether in your district exemption has been claimed for girls from geoniet.iCHl drawing. If so, it will be arranged that full marks may be obtained in national scholarship examinations by any candidate who takes one branch only (of drawing), and, if deemed advisable, a buiiab!e announcement may be made by the supervisors, lioys must attempt both branches."

The attention of those in need of good horses is drawn to the clearing sale of Mr Martin at Wendon on the Dlh of January. The whole of tho animals are of superior quality, but more especially is this the case with the team of four draughts which nre admitted to be of the beUin tho district aud are guaranteed sound and staunch.

From a Nelson exchange wc leain that Master Leslie Dolamore (recently a pupil of East Goro and Southland High Schools, and now studying at Nelson college) has gained this year's scholarship for general proficiency at Nelson, known as the " Under 18" scholarship. Holloway's Pills and Ointment. During piercing winds and excessive variations of temperature every one is more or less liable to internal and external disease. Throat, chest, liver, bowels, kidney? and skin all suffer in some degree, and may be relieved by tubbing in thia Ointment, aided by prope. doses of the l'ills, for administering which full directions accompany each box ; in truth, anyone who thoroughly masters Holloway's instructions will, in remedying disease, exch.irpe the labor of an hour for the profi'. of a lifetime. All bronchial, pulmonary and throat disorders require that the Ointment should be thoroughly well rubbed upon the skin twice a day with great regularity, considerable briskness, and much persistence.

Servant wanted. Wright, Stephenson and Co. sell stock at Gore on Tuesday, sth January.

S. McDonald, bootmaker, inserts startling notice.

The very latest New Year novelties at Gatehouse and Brims.

Drag leaves Inder's stables fjr Wyndbani races on Friday ni'irnin^. A Gore resident testifies to quality of Doan's pills. 0. B. Buchanan visits Clinton on Tuesday, 12th January, on account of holidays. J. F. Wilson, dentist, visits Gore on IK'.b January, and remains till 22nd. Lady's gold watch lost. All coals cash on delivery r.t Mclvcr's coal pits, Waikaia.' Dalgety and Co. hold clearing sale on Wednerday, (sth January. lioman Catholic services for the month cf January notified. The master bakers in Go c and Mataura insert notice re. the price of bread.

On account of holidays ih-rc will be no sale on 2nd January at Wright, fitiphenson and Co.'e bazaar.

"Never Despair " is to be staged in Gore Tcwn Hall on Tuesday night. Southland County Council invite tenders for different works.

Services at Methodist and Presbyterian churchos notified.

To duy the world looks with wonder and renewed interest at the selling organisation of McCormick machines. Notwithstanding the extraordinary record made by the McCormick in 1902, the opening seasjn for (oreshadows even greater achievements in the sale of their harvesting machines. Having in view the demand for a larger output of machines to meet the increased requirements of the agriculturists of tho entire world, the work of increasing the facilities of the great McCormick plant has been going on almost continually.—(Advt.).