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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 09, 1908
Page
4
The text lists December dates with moon phase notes including First Quarter and Last Quarter. It records specific times for lunar events such as new moon and first quarter, though some entries appear garbled or misdated.
The piece argues Milton’s dramatic power lies in Satan, paralleling Napoleon's intellect and ambition. It likens Milton’s creation to a natural force shaping Napoleon, suggesting both figures reveal extraordinary strategic wit and courage. The analysis contrasts epic imagination with historical prowess.
The passage argues a parallel between Milton's Satan and Napoleon, praising the poet's energy and courage in disaster. It compares Milton's dramatic creation to Napoleon's display of invincible energy, suggesting a shared intellect and physiognomy in moments of vast conflict.
Captain Edwin warns Westerly winds may bring a falling barometer. Parliament set for February 10. Oats ready to reap by two weeks as 100 new reapers sold in Ashburton. No-License debt stands at £3825 with £15 in bank credit. Staveley miller installs Austral cows machine and Hornsby engine. Birds threaten early cherries. Born protects trees. Government inspector Williamson injures collarbone in Tinwald accident. Ashburton shearer praises Darling Downs farming. Lake Heron ducklings booming. Wild oats spread discussed. soil cultivation and crop rotation urged. Canterbury Methodist Synod meets Christchurch. Ashburton reps present. Immigration debate in Wellington. No-License supporters donate to council debt. Christchurch Presbytery sets Mayfield induction date. Church extension grants listed for 1909. Light motor cycles from Motosacoche attract interest in Carsons.
Crops of wheat on heavy Tinwald district lands appear promising with yields up to 60 bushels per acre. Ashburton rivers reportedly fishable. The temperance debate voices calls for permanent licensing districts while local affairs touch on school excursions and post office tenders.
West's Pictures returns to Ashburton for an all night show and a second night with a full program of new films. De Groen's regal orchestra appears for the first time in Ashburton. The screenings use West's electric plant with a 12 hp Wolsey engine to reduce flicker and glare. Seats and booking at H M Jones's shop with no extra charges. Tickets priced 3s 2s 1s.
The back country shows a heavy snow fall from Monday night into Tuesday morning and a cooler atmosphere follows. Light rain began Monday, with heavy rain through Tuesday. crops and turnips look healthy and well soaked for the season according to the local correspondent.
Reports from Mayfield Methven and Lauriston describe heavy showers and a snow burst that boosted soil moisture. A total 1.61 inches fell Monday through Tuesday with November rainfall at Mayfield 0.42 inches, aiding newly sown turnips grass seed and soon to be drilled crops as shearing continues and sheep feel the chill.
Weather notes report heavy rain December 8 in Gisborne and Carterton easing dryness and boosting grain yields. Dunedin Central Otago sees rain and snow improving crops and mining prospects, though Ida Valley, Harnscleagh, and Bald Hill Flat warn worse or ruined conditions amid continued heat and rapid fruit ripening.
Seed note highlights OW Sutton's Imperial Green Globe Turnip as a premier main crop, described as an excellent existing strain by National Mortgage.
The British and German commissions will begin delimitation of the British and German boundaries in New Guinea in January and report to their governments afterward. Also notes on South Australia’s new governor Sir Day Bosanquet and Tasmania’s late Agent General tribute to Mr Dobson. Consols quoted at 834 amid market echoes from King Edward’s health and Vienna outlook. London honors Ziman of Auckland with honorary mathematical scholarship at Balliol College.
The King Edward is recovering from influenza and will travel to Brighton today. Official notices report the King is better and that the Norfolk to London journey did not affect his health.
The government will take no action on the Rosebery Committee report, saying proposals would not fix five House relations. The Commons approved withdrawing the Education Bill as Asquith noted no settlement is near. He praised peace workers and criticized rushing bills while Balfour highlighted church concessions remaining unresolved.
The Westminster Gazette warns that yielding to Lords and Church demands risks erasing the Liberal party. It urges bold action to prevent a major swing back to the Tariff party and a long era centered on protection as the sole issue.
The bill has been read a third time and provides for preventive detention. The court may sentence from five to ten years for that purpose, with the Home Secretary allowed to shorten sentences.
The Vienna correspondent of the Times reports growing fear that Austria my be drifting into war though most oppose it. Marquis Pellavicini plans to leave Constantinople soon as German-Levant and Hansa lines declare direct interest in Near East reconstruction and Germany's duty to back Austria's Levant shipments.
In the Reichstag on December 8 Prince Bulow stated Germany would pursue its own interests in the Balkans and help ease Turkish transition. He denied open or secret plans against Germany and echoed calls for peace. He also noted Italy's mediator role and possible settlement of Italy Austria differences.
A Lokalangeiger interview with Russian foreign minister M. Jevelsky notes an imminent formal alliance among France, Russia, and England to counter Germany's independent Balkan approach, signaling a major shift in European diplomacy.
M Isvolsky said if the Powers accept Austria would annex Bosnia and Russia would press for compensation for those with interests in the Balkan states.
An accidental explosion at a Dum Dum Bengal cart ridge factory killed 11 workers and injured 26 others. The incident occurred as workers operated in the plant, authorities reported.
Mr Waverner after returning from Rome urged universal publication of each government’s wheat wool and other product figures by the International Agricultural Institute to curb speculation by middlemen.
President Roosevelt announces Congress will investigate alleged corruption over eight million pounds paid to France for Panama rights. Reports claim an American syndicate profited up to five million from the deal.
The Standard reports Lord Kitchener will soon be created Field Marshal to coordinate colonial forces in consolidating the Empire army. The aim is a homogeneous force with mobilization and war plans across colonies.
A severe quake in Queensland was felt for three seconds at Crow's Nest with no damage reported. A fire on the Moerakt line in Sydney was quickly extinguished by a portable extinguisher. A Blue Mountains railway crash derailed an engine and 24 goods trucks injuring two guards the engine driver and a passenger.
The Sydney lawn tennis report notes very hot weather making play dull. The Fisher versus Doust match was postponed due to the former's slight indisposition. Fisher practiced in doubles with Wilding in the afternoon, surprising observers after the postponement.
A Crowder at Auckland railway station fell between tracks causing serious injuries and died in hospital. In Huntly WHANGAREI a log rafting accident on the Waiatu River near Ta puki left Edward Roley missing after the incident. Wellington coroner’s inquest reported William Hills died from exhaustion and brain injury after being found near Newtown Park. Nathan Barnett an elderly Benevolent Institution inmate died after wandering from care. A South Malvern shooting accident injured King when a revolver misfired at a social visit to Mr Burkett’s home.
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