loving towns, and it is saddening lo think that any order of men, no matter what their|prinoiples, if not antagonistic to the the community, cannot, when they so choose, array , themselves in the little badges of their order, raise such flags and banners as may please them, and walk in innocent procession through the public streets, without being .madly set upon by an infuriated mob.of roughs, to, whom those badges, flags,, and banners, may be displeasing. In, thp recent riots we fancy the blame rests with the Catho lics, seeing that both at Timar u and Christ church they were the aggressors. We are glad to be assured, however, —and the characters of the men who have been apprehended over the matter give proof of the‘ assurance—that the outrages hart been the work cf the most ignorant anc unthinking of the faction, and that though the aggressors were certainly Catholics, and' were .impelled to their .work by the ■amPi impulses that have brought about faction/ fights in the past, their better thinking fellow-countrymen and co-re ligionists had nothing whatever to do with the outbursts. The Catholic com munity: as a body are to be commended for their prompt denunciation of the out rages, and we hope that as a more en lightened. public, opinion advances such ebullitions of feeling as have happened this week in Christchurch and Timaru, and upon which we were on the verge in Ashburton on Saturday night and Sunday will; be sent to the region of things im possible.

One feature af the Timam scare, how ever, is especially noticeable—the weak ness of the police. We have always believed that when the Riot Act'had been read, the time for all parley with a crowd and toler ance- of an, unruly assemblage was at an endj and any man.reinaining on the street did so at hisperiL But the Timaru . police oflicialaseem to have this part of their duty-still to learn, for though nearly 100, organised men were on the ground when the Resident Magistrate read the Act, ,no steps, whatever were taken to disperse..the crowd §nd quell the dis turbance./: Doubtless an inquiry will be made-into the conduct or the chief officer who.hsd such a .belief in his own per suasive povyers that he refrained from attempting tq disperse the rioters,[and from asserting the power of the law, and chose rather. to persuade . the ringleaders to desist from their illegal doings. When the Biot Act isiead no man has any right to he on the street, and the police should at once have exercised the power the law gives them, and charged the men who had endangered the public peace. The read of the Biot Act is the last resource of the police, and when it is taken to there .should be no backing out, no shirking the duty that, follows, otherwise the police force and the machineiy of the law are in of coming into contempt, as they evidently did in Timaru. It is idle to talk of stopping processions ; —they are harmless in themselves, and any body of men has aright to parade the streets when occasion requires. But the illegality comes in when other citizens are so intolerant as to dare stop those proces sions or interfere with those taking part in Father Hennebcrry’s processions were not interfered- with, and his green badges were not insulted. Had they been so, it jnrould have been the duty of the police jbpreventitasfar as possible, and to punishfthe offenders. Such wasunquestion ably their duty on Friday. The Orangemen are just as much entitled to a free march in through the streets as were Father Hennebery’s teetotallers. The . processions can do no harm whatever, if they'are let alone, and it says little indeed for either sde that the display of so .many .yards of green or orange silk should . lunje tne effect of setting several hundred meh by the ears, and plunging a whole ■' codunuuity into terror. When riots of OW'-kmO— Wcaj-e/erred to take place, ~ thepumahment should be'pronrpt, telling, . and exemplary. ■

, n The Post and Telegraph Offices.— . Cta New Year’s day, Sunday hours will be observed at all telegraph stations through r out thecolony, and post-offices will be en . tirely closed. Thx San Francisco Mail. —The next . mails for the United Kingdom, America? &e. , via San Francisco will close at Ash -0 : burton on Saturday morning at 10.20. Thx Land I ax. —A notice appears in . our advertising columns calling the atten tion ol land owners to the fact that all persons liable to pay the tax must do so ' forthwith, or proceedings will be taken for the recovery of the same. It is pay able at the Poet Office. ' ' Chkxstmas Services. —The Church of St. Mftrhi Bahaia, was. very prettily deco rated by the ladies for the service held qn Christmas Eve. The usual morning service with the celebration of Holy Couir nrauion was held on Christmas Day at which there was a very good attendance. The service was choral, Mrs. C. H. M'Lean officiating as organist. That Well Again. —The Havelock street well caused some discussion in the Borough Council last night, A lengthy letter from Mr. Hardy led on a still,, lengthier argument as to the merits and /demerits of the well and to the question of what body had the onus of passing it , . .and taking it off the contractors hands. , It. was finally decided that a Committee : of the Borough Council should attend the next practice of the Brigade and satisfy themselves as to the usefulness or other of the tube well in question. ? ...KEqual to the Occasion.—Because he viand, to oust from office a man who so ; > l-ritr'forgot, his duty to the law of the land ,'ijps-to stand for the Mayoralty of , Dunedin - fiffcite he held what the law reads as a ‘i .S'mention of profit under tfeo.'Citv Council, , Mr. ,Walter has incurred the wrath of the A ; spiall souled, individuals who < odcupy fbe beuchpsof the Diinedin City .'Council, and they have allowed their .small-mindedness to appear in their con ,t, ■ duct They, passed a petty resolution /r. ■ nduslngtbs Mayor’s salary to LI. To ■i . this the Mayor delivered the following b scathing .reply:—Gentlemen, I beg to thankthe Council for voting no salary— -1 because 1 look oh a pound as no salary. 1 > > Can assure the Council that daring the •tp-.bomber.of.-years I have been associated * •; with it X have never, either as Gduficillor ;-,or Mayor, looked upon it as a source' T pf o■; income tQ me. 1 can assure you, gentle- F£>.,;men, that the duties of tins Council, the w-l-i duties of this seat, will bp carried out as S'sjsjHß;, 1 .received LIO,COO a ycai - . in not the matter of the salary voted: me. ns Mayor that will cause me to m&f/'Aflfd.evioik n.efficiently ; the work will ne as efficiently without salary as

Australian Mail. —On Wednesday morning supplementary mails for Austra lia will be despatched per express train to connect with the Tararua at Port Chal mers. Bishop Redwood. —Bishop Redwood conducted two services in the Catholic Chapel on Sunday. On both occasions all the available space in the building as well as the temporarily added accommodation was fully occupied. School Treat. —On the 2nd of January, the scholars attending the Presbyterian Sunday Schools in the district will enjoy a treat in the Manse grounds. The band will be present, and complete arrange ments have been made by the Rev. Mr. Beattie and the teachers for the children’s amusement. Amongst the attractions will be Mr. Steele’s two white asses, which he has kindly lent for the enter tainment of the girls. Processions. —The procession mania seems to have affected the Borough Coun cil, or to speak more correctly a limited section of it. Last night Councillor St. Hill dilated at length upon the propriety of all municipalities calling upon Go vernment to prohibit processions in town ships. This idea would not work very well in Ashburton, as to get uj) a march (if such a law were passed) it would only be necessary to assemble at the north end of the bridge, and then to ‘ ‘ pvocesh ” to Tinwald or Winslow, and we have no doubt the folks on the other side of the river would give a hearty welcome to the visitors.

The Masonic Hall. To-day the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Masonic Hall will take place. The Masons will assemble in full masonic costume at the Town Hall at 12.30, and march in procession to the site of the Hall at half-past one. At 2 o’clock the ceremony will commence, being per formed by he R. W.D.D. G.M.. assisted by the Grand Lodge Officers. Hie in stallation of the officers for next term of the Somerset Lodge will take place in the Town Hall at 5 p.m., and a banquet will be given in the Lodge-room at 7. 30. At the site of the hall a platform has been erected for the accommodation of ladies desiring to witness the ceremony. Who Did It ?—Referring to the shindy in Timaru, the “ South Canterbury Times " thus tells who the lot were who came down upon the Orangemen—“lt would be a gross libel on the law abiding and peaceably disposed inhabitants of this town to say that the disturbance had any local significance. The rowdies, or at least the majority of them, were not men, but overgrown boys ; they did not belong to the civilized community of Timaru, but they were the gatherings—shall we say the off-scouringa and dregs—of the coun try. We will not insult any religious de nomination by suggesting that these un tamed semi-savages, were inspired by any thing approaching Christian zeal in inter fering as they did with a harmless dis play, ruining a public festival, and robbing one of the chief holidays of the year of all its enjoyments.

The Caledonian Society. —The set tling, over the late sports, took place in Quill’s Hotel last night, and we under stand there will be a good balance in hand after all liabilities are paid. Considerable dissatisfaction has been, expressed by several of the competitors who came from a distance, at the prizes not being paid over on the ground, as is usual at other places, or at any rate on the same even ing the events were run off. Another grievance was the deduction of five per cent, from the amount of all prizes. This deduction was not named on the pro gramme, and the infliction of it is rightly considered a hardship by the winners. However, we must “ creep before we gang,” and the infant Society will learn all. the wrinkles as it gets older. Special Constables. —On Saturday afternoon the police, having the experi ence of the - rows in Christchurch and Timaru before their eyes, and having heard reports of a proposed demonstra tion in the shape of a similar shindy in Ashburton on Sunday, took timely pre cautions, and requested a number of bur gesses to assemble at the Town Hall at 9 p.m. At the hour appointed Mr. Guinness, R.M., and Mr. Hugo Fried lander, Mayor of the Borough, were in attendance, and 55 “specials” were sworn in. The resident contingent of the cavalry were also ordered to be in at tendance. We are glad to state, how ever, that there was no necessity for either constables or troopers, as the good sense of those in town, now enjoying their holidays, prevented any demonstration, and the streets of Ashburton were both nippe crowded and more orderly than we have ever known them on ft (Sunday, and we trust that our reputation for good be haviour will be retained throughout the present season, and Ashburton be made an example to other parts of Canterbury. Bishop Redwood preached most impres sive sermons to large and appreciative audiences, both morning and evening, and gpfifep In raMi fetll telling terms, of Jhft Wlshes and opinions on the late dis turbances elsewhere.

Wild Beast Show. —Our juvenile population will have a practical means afforded them of studying natural his tory this week, Messrs Higgins and Co. having arrived with their celebrated African wild beast show. Among the ex hibits is the “ largest Hon in any show,” stated to weigh 8001 b. Having inter viewed him we can assure our young readers that he would not be a desirable animal to have for a pet. A most in teresting operation was performed on him yesterday, just before leaving Timaru. It seems that the animal had one of his claws growing into his paw, and for some two years his proprietor has been making liberal offers to medical men in various parts of the colonies to exti-act the claw, but up till now no medical man could be persuaded to pluck up the courage to tackle so refractory a patient. Dr. Maclntyre, of Timaru, pluckily under took to perform the operation, and Leo, having been duly lassoed, and tied and strapped down safely, the doctor, after two or three attempts, succeeded in cutting out the claw, and dressing the wound. The roars and yells of the lion are described as something terrific, and in his struggles a heavy iron crow-bar, which Mr. Higgins uses as a persuader, was bent by the brute's jaws as if it had been a sheet of paper. The operation was, how ever, successful, and Dr. Maclntyre’s courage was highly applauded. The only recompense he would accept was the claw, which he retains as a trophy. Amongst other animals in the show is a beautiful

specimen of a cheetah, a couple of Russian bears, and other wild beasts 'which are worthy of a visit.

Telegraphic Invention. Professor Klinkerfues, the d/ -•* >r of the Observa tory at Gottingen, lias patented a new telegraphic inventioi, by which it is said to bepossiale to send : :s many as eight mes sages simultaneous]} along the same wire. A portion of the invention is,an apparatus which simultaneous!’--writes down all the messages as they av. ive at the station to which they are addressed. A Chilus’ Good-Bye. —“Atlas,” the well-known contributor to the London “ World,” supplies the following to that journal: —“A family is leaving town. After the usual evening ceremonies, baby is being put to bed. She says carefully her prayers, and then adds of her own accord; ‘ Dood-b} , : ' >d, lam going into the country. ’ ” A Shabby Theft. —A Wellington paper says : —One of the meanest petty thefts recorded for some time has occurredin con nection with the fire-escape, stored in the Corporation yards. The canvas shoot attached to the escape was stolen a short time since, but the matter is now in the hands of the police, and we trust to see the thief brought before the Resident Magistrate in a very short space of time.

The Potato Bug.— The “ Southland News ” notices that in one or two gardens about Invercargill, a large grub has made its appearance among the potatoes. This unwelcome visitor is described as being of a dark green color, nearly two inches in length, and about the thickness of an or dinary lead pencil. It goes to work on the potato stalks, which it cut s through. In one garden from twenty to thirty wore found within a very small area. Well Paid. —I have been told (remarks ‘ Atlas ” in the London “ World ”) that the Attorney-General had no less than two hundred guineas marked on his brief for attending at the Guildhall Police Court on behalf of Mr. Levy Lawson the other day. This, with “ refreshers ” for each subsequent attendance, and merely for a preliminary inquiry, strikes me as being pretty well. It seems that barristers’ fees keep up, notwithstanding the depres sion in trade.

A Delicious Pudding. —Take a deep pudding dish, and butter it ; cover over the sides and bottom with thin slices of bread (white or brown) ; then a layer of pared or cut apples or pears, or both, mixed with any other fruit you like; then sprinkle some sugar ; then a layer of bread in slices or bits ; then fruit, and so on until the dish is full. Lay thin bread over, then fill up with any fruit juice, or water lacking this ; cover with a plate or dish, and bake in a slow oven four hours. Hot or cold, it is simply grand. Any sauce would spoil it. Convict Treatment in French Colo nies.—An immense sensation has been caused in Paris by the assertion of M. Humbert, the returned Communist, that in the penal colon} where he was a con vict, he had seen men held up by the legs, and in that position flogged ; that he had seen men beaten with the knout, and after eveiy blow a hot iron passed over their wounds ; and fingers cut off by torturing pincers. When these things had been said in the tribune of the Cham ber, they had always been denied by the Ministry, but be could bring over whelming proof that they were true : he had not only seen the wounds caused by torture, but had tended the victims.

He Still Loved Her. — A man named Worsley was killed a few weeks ago in the Wairarapa, and upon searching his effects a will was found leaving all he was pos possed of to his wife Eliza Jane Worsley. There is nothing very singular in his action so far (says the “ Manawatu Times ”), until it is stated that the woman to whom he has bequeathed LOO in cash and other property, deserted him in 1863, and during the sixteen years which have elapsed since she absconded, she has been living with another man. The police have received information that she has been living iq Palmerston for some time under an assumed name, and we have been re quested to make the fact of the legacy known, so that she may come forward to claim it.

“Mrss.” —A woman who opened a small millinery store in the western part of Detroit engaged a painter to paint her a sign. When it came home the other day she saw that it read, “ Mrss. J. Blank, &c.,” and she called out, “You have an extra ‘ a’ in ‘ Mrs.,’ and you must paint the sign over again. ” The painter saw the error, but he did’nt want the job of correcting it, and lie replied, “ Madame, haven’t you had two husbaqds V “ Yes, sir.” “You were a Mrs. when you lost the first V' “I was.” “And do you think a woman can go on marrying for ever, and not lengthen out her title ? Mrss. means a woman who has been mar ried twice, and is young enough to marry again ; and only yesterday a rich old ’coon was in our shop and said, if he had any idea that you were heart-free, he’d come up ——“ Oh, well, you can nail up the sign !” she interrupted ; and it is there to-day. Babies’ Cauls. — It is a queer testi mony to the enlightenment and progress of the time that we find this week that a judicial authority in Victoria has fixed the commercial value of “ babies’ cauls” at at LlO a pair as “ charms against drown ing.” The circumstances were that an action was brought in the Melbourne County Court to recover damages for the loss of some property, in which two babies’ cauls were included, The plain tiff valued these articles at something near LfiO, and considered them “ valuable, as he had sepp them frequently adver tised for at a price c>f L 10.” The judge, in dealing with the claim, “ said ha con sidered such things as cauls w-ere only rubbish, but they appeared to have a marketable value, and therefore he must allow somethin;* for them. He estimated their value at 14Q,” This, (hen, (says the “ Australasian) in ay we suppose, be fairly takep fia an average commercial quotation for this class of goods. What inalght little instances of this kind gives gives us from time to time of the primi tive superstitions dating from an im measurable antiquity which linger in the lower strata of society, wholly unaffected by the influence of science and enlighten ment. which we aye offep tflld is supreme pvpp men’s thoughts at tho present day. After all, intellectual enhghtenment, like social civilisation, only influences a por tion of the community, and leaves whole classes utterly untouched, and a prey to the stupid superstition on which their minds have been nourished from time immemorial.

An Ocean of Wheat.—A correspon dent of the “Chicago Tribune,” writing from the Dalrymple farm, says:— “Jnst think of a sea of when; containing twenty square miles —13,000 never,— rich, ripe, golden ; the winds rippling over it. As far as the eye can reach these is the same golden sunset rule In all there are lit) self-binding reapers at work. During the harvest about 4000 men are employed, and during threshing GOO—their wage being 2 dels, a day with board.”

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH &, FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

(Age Special.') London, Dec. 24. News from Afghanstan states that the rebels sacked the Bazaar at Cabal. There is an incendiary fire in the city. There is continuous firing between General Roberts and the Afghanistan. The distress in Ireland is increasing. A relief fund is being subscribed in England. The Queen gave LSOO. London, Dec. 27. Latest news from Afghanistan state-, that Jevad is arousing the wildest fanati cism. Colonel Tyler and other officeis at Candahar were wounded by a fanatic ,who ran a muck at them on Tuesday. The Afghans have attacked General Roberts. The British routed the enemy with great slaughter before General Gough arrived. The Imperial Government have adhered to the Suez mail time table as already fixed. Washington, Dec. 25. The United States Government have issued regulations placing restrictions on the importation of Australian cattle. ( Renter's) London, Dec. 25. Later Cape news states that Sccocoeni voluntarily surrendered. London, Dec. 27. A difficulty has arisen between England and Turkey in consequence of the im prisonment of a priest for transiting the English Bible into Turkish. The British ambassador made strong representations unsuccessfully. Sir H. A. Layard threatens a rupture of relations unless the priest is released. Calcutta, Dec. 25. General Gough arrived atShahpur, and effected a junction with General Roberts yesterday unopposed. General Roberts expects to assume offensive operations immediately. The tiring at Jugdulluk is explained by a further attack of Ghilzais who were repulsed. Calcutta, Dec. 28. No later news from the front No news from Gough or Roberts. The arrival of Gough at Cabul is entirely unconfirmed. Melbourne, Dec. 29. In the Intercolonial Cricket Match, New South Wales in their first innings made 139, second 103. Victoria won in one innings. Sydney, Dec. 29. A private inquiry into the cause of the railway collision was hold on Saturday. The result is unknown, as the Press was excluded.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Renter's T-iegram.\ Sydney, Dec. 27. A railway collision occurred at Para matta The express train from Hawkes bury ran into a waiting passenger train, and six persons were injured, several carriages being'smashed. The exact cause of the collision is unknown. The traffic manager was aboard the engine. An in quiry is to be held to day.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Dec, 27.

At a meeting of the Providential Assurance Society, Major Green was elected trustee, vice Mr. M'JECeown, resigned. The only accident at the races was a lady attempting to cross the course when the horses were coming out for the Oup race. She was knocked down and slightly injured. Arrangements are being made to have the telegraph laid to Ellera}io grand stand by New Year's Day. Mr. Sykes, a principal in a largo manu facturing industry, is now in Auckland, having visited Sydney Exhibition, for the purpose of exhibiting his weaving machinery. Mr. Sykes proposes to co operate with any person interested in the establishment of a woollen manufactory in Auckland, and to assist, by supplying the latest and most improved machinery. The Auckland Lodges have sent a tele gram of sympathy to the Christchurch Orangemen, and an assurance of support. A meeting of all Orange Lodges is called for Monday evening by the Grand Lodge of the North Island, at the Protestant IJall, to consider what steps shall be taken to call upon the authorities to punish the promoters of the Canterbury outrage. Public opinion strongly con demns Inspector Broham for abnegating his functions and invoking the services of a priest to maintain order'. Pastor Chiniquy is. expected to arrive per Hero on Sunday night.

Auckland, Dec. 20. St. Stephen’s new Presbyterian church has been opened at Ponsonby. A free performance at Choral Hall yesterday, by the Choral Society, was crowded.

Thomas Gilfillan, a colored man, has been committed for stabbing Fred Werner at Keith’s boarding house. Nafjeb, Dec. 20.

The recent rains have done much damage to crops. Mr. J. Williams, of Hastings, has 90 acres of wheat under crop, and he hoped to reap a good liar vest, but owing to the rust which has appeared, ho intends o.s soon as fine weather ssta in to burn the whole crop. The Natives last week stopped the sur vey of roads at Tahoraiti, threatening the surveyors, who desisted. The bumptious Natives were not even among the owners. Mr. Hallett, accompanied by Mr. Masters, Native Interpreter, will proceed to Taho raiti to resume the survey of the roads. If the Natives again interfere with the survey they \yijl bo arrested, as Mr. Hal lott will be accompanied by two or three constables,

New Plymouth, Dec. 27. A young man named D. Wareliam was killed while bush felling yesterday. Tire harbour works blast at the Sugar Loaves was fired at 3 o’clock yesterday, and loosened about 1000 tons of stone. Wellington, Dec. 27. William Hales, for voting twice at the recent election for ’VVdllibgton country

j districts was committed for trial, bail being allowed. | The barque'Bebington ran into harbor last night and was put in quarintine by the pilot. There is no communication from the shore yet. She has 120 pas ; songers. Jt is believed the sickness is j serious, otherwise the pilot would not semi the vessel to quarantine without the I Health (biker boarding. The Harbor Master and Health Officer are now leaving for the quarantine station. The Wellington Artillery intend send ing two detatchments to the Easter en campment at Christchurch. The Dunedin Artillery won the Carbine Ma ch against the Wellington Artillery by 27 points. The scores were—Dunedin, Gl7 ; Wellington, 590.

Wellington, Dec. 29. R. S. Choeseman, the well-known solici tor, died yesterday at the age of 77. Applications have been made to the stewards of the Jockey Club to allow the totalisator lit next race meeting. Havelock, Deo. 29, The race mooting took place on Satur day. Owing to wet weather there was a small attendance. Timaru, Dec. 19. A special mooting of the Orange Lodge is convened for to-night. A procession is proposed on New Year’s Day, when pre parations will he made to firmly resist, any nterference. The conduct of the Inspec tor of Police in not ordering the arrest of offenders is generally condemned. The clergyman at the Catholic Church anim adverted severely yesterday cm the con duct of the rioteis aid asked all who would promise not to take part in a iimilar proceeding on Now Year's Day to hold up their hands. Jt is said only three hands were Held up. Doctor Maclntyre performed the opera tion of removing a nail from the fore paw of a large full grown lion at the menatrerie this morning. The nail had been growing into the foot, rendering the brute hmie. Ten pounds had boon offered for its extraction at Sydney, but Dr. Maclntyre's fee consists of this nail, which lie pre serves as a trophy. A man named Halford has been been committed for trial for assaulting his wife. Dunedin, Dec. 27. Mr. W. K. Weldon, Superintendent of the Armed Constabulary, and 18 con stables, left for Timaru yesterday after noon, to assist in quelling the riot there. F. L. Jetfooat, a settler of 30 years’ standing, was found at Saddle Hill on Christmas Day with his brains blown out. Deceased was subject to fits, and it is not known whether his death was accidental or whether, when under the influence of one of these fits, lie shot himself. Mr. Henry Tews ley, late Chairman of the Harbor Board, died after a lingering illness yesterday afternoon. 1 Dunedin, Dec. 29. Bishop Moran last evening from the altar asked the Catholics not to notice what might he said or done against them by any Society in the country. H o in culcated patience and forbearance, and to keep clear of all contests arising out of religion. They need not fear their holy religion and it was unworthy of them to mimrle in street bnwls The Rev. Dr. Rose by also referred to the Timaru riot, and expressed the opinion that the mere mention of any regalia should not have resulted in such an affray. He expressed his disapprobation of any desire to sanction anything calculated to insult die religious feelings of any section of the cornu unity. Invercargill, Doc. 27. The town was quite deserted yesterday, nearly everybody having gone away by railway. 'the largest number went to Riverton where there were sports and a rifle match—Riverton v. Invercargill R tie Volunteers, —which was won by the former by two points. Hundreds were unable to go to Riverton through defec tive arrangements re issue of tickets, and also on account of insufficient rolling stock, and there is great dissatisfaction in consequence. The town was quite deserted yesterday, nearly everybody having gone away by railway. The laigest number went to Riverton, where there were sports, and a rifle match—Riverton v. Invercargill Hide Volunteers, which was won by the former by tw<> ponds. Hundreds wove unable fr« go to Riverton through defective arrange ments re tlie issue qf tickets, and also on account of insufficient rolling stock, and there U» great dissatisfaction in conse quence. Invercargill, Dec. 29. At the second sale of the Emvood sections on Saturday the price averaged L2CO per acre. Some much needed rain fuU last night. Another good prospect has been ob liqued from i'rintz’s claim, Inglewood. It is said that some men bare started work at a place near Mcrrlvale Station with good prospects.

LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(A 'euta 's. ) London, Dec. 20. The total reserve of notes and bullion in ihe Bank of England is L 15,200 000. Arrived—Himalaya, from, Lyttelton, Sept ember 23rd. BERLIN, Dec. 28. A (Tey-man company is forming to replace Qoddefroy ami Sous in tlie Samoan and Pacific trade.

Per our Special Wire.

INTERP RQV INO!AL Wellington, Doc. 20. Owing to file great expense in working the Piuintaka incline section of the Wel liugton-Featherston railway, rates of fares ami freight have been increased over that portion of the lino. A delatchiiie.nt of the Nelson Artillery Cadets arrived this morning to try con clusions with Ihe Wellington Artillery Cadets at gun drill. It is nut fixed when the. competition takes place, 1/y a boat capsizing on 'Saturday two young men narrowly escaped drowning. A telegram received from Foxton states that the schooner Jane Anderson, which recently stranded at, Manawatu bar, had boon re-launched, having sustained but little damage. James Smith, formerly of the OGth Foot, was found dead at Carterton this morning. The cause of death is not yet known. Fourteen criminal, five civil, and two Id el cases a.ae put down (or healing at tlio sittings of the Supreme Court on Monday nex\

No further communication lias been held, with tkg ship Bebington at quaran tine sSitior.

Arrived-—Wakatipu, from Sydney, at 7. SO n >n. Pa c ß'mgers for Lyttelton— Mis? Hughes, Mesdames Denis, Cave, and nudd. Messrs. Denis, L’amsden, Schofield, Garforth, Moore, Maimvaring, Mills, Graves, ami 23 steerage. 57 tons cargo. For Dunedin—Messrs. Anderson, Max will, and 17 steerage. Sade l- -Taravua, for Melbourne" via Lyttelton. Ti.maru, Dec. 29. • Serious riots are anticipated here on New Year’s Day between the Orangemen and Catholics. Both bodies are making every effort to increase their strength, and the authorities are taking all precau tions, and will be fully prepared to pro tect the Orangemen if they march. The feeling of the townspeople is strongly in favor of the Orangemen because they have never attempted to interefere with the Catholics in their processions. Dunedin, Dec. 29. The remains of the late Mr. Henry Tewsley, of the firm of Sargood. Son, and Ewcn, and ex-chairman of the Otago Har bor Board, were borne to their last resting place in the Northern cemetery this after noon. The cortege was a long one. A store at the corner of Frederick and Clarendon streets, occupied by a man named Dnwo and his wife, was burned down shortly before eleven o’clock last evening. The fire was discovered by a passer-by, win gave thealann. The brigade was promptly on the spot, but they had considerable difficulty in finding the fire plug •on account of its having been recently covered with road metal. Dowe had his furniture insured for L6OO and his stock for L4O in the Norwich Union Office. The property is owned by a Miss Patterson, for whom Mr. Havrep is agent Evtra precautions have been taken by the pofice in order to prevent a repetition of last year’s disgraceful behaviour on New Year’s morn, and any persons found grossly misconducting themselves will be charged with riot. The City Council, with a view t) assisting the police, have agreed to keep all lamps burning through out the night.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

♦ (Per Albion at Bluff.) The following additional news arrived per Albion : Victoria. A small torpedo fuse accidentally ex ploded at Williamstown while Capt. Man deville, tho commander of tho Cerberus, and Gunner Groves were experimenting. Both were rather seriously shaken, and sustained a few flesh wounds. The luter-ITniversity Cricket Match— Melbourne v. Sydney—lias commenced. The Melbourne eleven made 370 in their first innings, Campbell contributing 117, Horan 10!). The Minister of Instruction states that if payment ly results is adopted, the cost to the Department will bo increased from L 500.000 to L 055,000. The Department employed 126 new teachers and 814 assistants, divided into six classes. 25 teachers were in the first class, and 1132 in the fifth class. New South Wales. A handsome Sevres vase, tho gift of the French Republic to the City of Sydney, was presented to the Mayor by Capt. Mattliieu on board the Rhine, with con siderable ceremony. Tho Mayor sent a cable message to the French Government, thanking France for the vase. The International Fat Stock Show was the finest collection of fat cattle ever seen here. The show of fat sheep was fair. The “ Yass Couri jr” reports the Dar ling and Blount district? crowded with swagsmen, mostly Victorians, in a starving condition, seeking employment. A movement by stockowners has been initiated for establishing a dead meat market in Sydney for supplying local con sumption, and for the receipt and storage of meat for exportation. The Orient made tho passage from Qneenscliffo to Sydney in 37 hours—the fastest on record. Allen, charged with brutally ill-treating a pupil at a Sunday School, was acquitted. It is reported that the Executive is in favor of hanging all the huahraugois. The full Court affirmed the conviction. South Australia. It. is intended to hold a preliminary exhibition a,t Adelaide prior to forwarding exhibits to the Melbourne Exhibition, A wheat trophy, made of this season’s wheat, is to be prepared for the Sydney Exhibition. The Hon. G. Sanclcrnan is visiting this colony with a view to making large pur chases of stud sheep for the far northern portions of Queensland. Experiments show that wool of the best quality can be grown north of latitude 25. It lias been decided to collect subscrip tions in aid of the distressed poor in Ireland. A competition of reapers for a L 4,000 prize has taken place. Of 27 entiles 14 appeared, including two Victorian machines and one Yankee. Rupert Smith, of Victoria, and George Phillipson, jun., of Wangaratta, weie the Victorian entries. Phillipsou’s machine created a favorable impression. The final trial will take place on December 23rd. Queensland. Parliament was prorogued to Feb. 3. The black bushranger, Campbell, ap peared at Pine River, 100 miles from his old haunts, and robbed several houses. it is proposed to lay tramways in the streets of Brisbane. Western Australia, There is great activity at Jararadajio. Scwellis supplying orders of jarrah for Adelaide and New Zealand- Captain Boyd and crew, of the w.vecked Hen Ledi, arrived at Champion Bay in a life boat.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Wk do not hold ourselves responsible for ihe opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE HYDE FAMILY RELIEF FUND.

To the EmTOH. Sin,—Will you allow mo through your columns to try to express to the many friends in Ashburton who hava so nobly and kindly assisted mo in mv late troubles (the result of the fire in Tanore.l street) the heartfelt thanks which 1 feel towards them. You are aware. Sir, that owing to the tire I was reduced to poverty and actual want, having lost the whole of my little stock, which I had worked hal'd to got to .the completeness, in which the fire found it, and also a.U my little family

valuables, including even the clothes, boots, Ac., belonging to myself; wife, and seven children. But, Sir, the way ray Ashburton friends came forward to re lieve me, with clothes and subscriptions, touches the inmost chords of a father’s heart, ami words fail me to express the thankfulness I feel. In conclusion, I, would like to thank., besides all my friends who have subscribed so liberally, Messrs. A. Oir, J. Ivess, T. Bullock, and R. Friedlandcr, who so kindly interested , themselves on my behalf by collecting subscriptions ; also all others who have contributed their time, energy, or money to relieve the necessities of a family bereaved.—l am, Ac. Joseph Hyde, Tinsmith, Ashburton. Subjoined is a statement of amounts received * From Mr. R. Friedlander ... £55 2 6 Net result of concert, Town Hall 21 2 0 Result of entertainment, Tem plar Hall ... ... ... 10 9 Collected by Mr. Reuben Davis, coppersmith, Railway Works, Christchurch, and forwarded to Mr. J. Ivess 4 5.0

ROWDY AUDIENCES.

To the Editor. Sir, — Wilj you kindly allow mo space to call attention to the following facts During the pcformance given by amateurs in the Town Hall on Boxing night, both performers and the audience in the body of the hall were subjected to great annoyance from the audience in the gal lery. The constant interruptions that were given to those who were exerting themselves to interest and amuse were simply disgraceful. Such conduct would not be tolerated in any minor theatre in London. There are a class of people who attend places of Amusement with the ex press purpose of causing all the annoyance they can. Such people should be dealt with as they deserve—ejected by proper authority. Amateurs may have faults and failings, which they will no doubt try and improve, with the hope that the fre quenters of the gallery will do the same, otherwise all concerned will be bettor without thelatters’ presence.—l am, &c,. One who was Present.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

(From the Ashburton Herald, December 29. ) “I am not yet so bald that you can see ray brains. ” — LoNr.Fjiu.ow.

Tho air was thick on Saturday,—very thick, —and a heavy weight bore down on the spirits of my fellow-townsmen. My neighbour Jones came to me with a fear fully important face and “ whispered with white lips ” that Constable Farmer had “ pressed him tor the army 1” Poor Jones wa s sadly put out, seeing that he had never fired a shot in his life, and was terribly afraid of the crack of a rifle. He didn’t like the idea either of showing his ignorance of whether the powder should go in to. a gun first or the bullet, junthe was certain to close both.eyes came to take aim. 1 tried to soothe his troubled spirit, by telling him he wouldn’t require to shoot at all; that ho would get a stout stick put into his hand, and all he’d have to do was to hit the first man ho met- never mind whether he wore orange or green. Tremblingly Jones asked —What if he hits back ! “ Never mind that,” said I; “just hit again.” Poor Jones became ghastly pale, and left my humble abode. Half-au-hour after, when 1 betook myself to the Hall to swear in as a special constable before our venerable R. M., I saw Dr. Stewart, and Dr. Trevor, and Dr. Ross, all making excellent time for Jones’ house—the anxiety of mind was too much for him, and his sudden illness, consequent on the tax upon his brain, had deprived his fellow citizens of the aid, in time of trouble, of four good men, of fine muscle of themselves, and three of them good healers of muscle that might have given way. Truly the orange and green have much to answer for. Fancy the whole town being in a fervent for two days and a night over a fight that was always going to happen ; but never came off. If those terrible Irishmen are going to fight, why, in the name of everything green and yel low, don’t they do it, and not keep us waiting, and wincing, and agonising over a row that’s always coming, but never comes. Strikes me very forcibly that all the crowd want a jolly good wallopping for disturbing peaceable men’s minds in the way they did on Saturday—and all for nothing. I don’t know whether to com*, pliment the Catholics for keeping quiet, or the Orangemen for holding off; but it would be far better if both would remem ber that. Ireland is far away from here, and that there are thousands of quiet men in New Zealand who have no more conception of what the two sides differ upon than they have or care to have of the features of his man hood of the moon.

1 was there, but I didn’t wear any kilt. My calves are not so “ buirdly ”aa they were when I was young, so I concluded that it was better to keep them modestly incased in respectable tweed unmen tionables. I remember during the Crimean war, when the Hoots Greys and Colin Campbell’s Highlanders were so great a scare to the .Russians, that a poor Russian prisoner, brought into the English Camp, trembling asked who were the ‘ ‘ creatures in petticoats T’ His amazement was huge when a naval officer explained that the Highlanders were the “wives of the men on the grey horses !” On Fri day I got hold of one of my friends in a kilt, and out of the wet we betook our selves to a domicile on the belt. Our host’s daughter Jenny had been born on New Zealand soil, and had never seen a Highlander “in the raw,” as Jimmy M‘Rae would put it. When we entered her cheery dwelling, the sunshine left her pretty face, and she sneaked behind her father, modestly prompting him that a pair of spare ’s of his hung handy behind the door - might not Mr. get them. Her idea was that in a jumping contest an accident had happened to my friend, and he had had to make for the nearest shelter. 1 must compliment piper Elder on his lung power. It must be a powerful pair >.f bellows that could keep up the wind for t.vu solid days, aa he did, and then skirl nearly all night long hi a triumphant march through the streets with all the available tartan of the Caledonian Society fluttering behind him. Long may his chanter yell. Chispa.

3

•Tuesday, December 30, 1879.1

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN