SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. City of Lahore, ship, from Calcutta. Sailed. Yesterday. Taiaroa, s.s., for Timaru and Dunedin. Thurso, barque, for Cape Town. gffTPPma TELEGRAMS. Wellington, To-day.’ The s.s. Wakatipu arrived from Sydney this morning. _ r A , Nelson, Yesterday. The barque Aniza, 122 days from Lon don, arrived at the anchorage this after noon.. x , Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived—Arawata, at 4 a.m. Left Melbourne on the 2ist at 4 p. m. Melbourne, Yesterday. Arrived—P. and O. Co.’s steamer Cathay, yesterday, from Adelaide, with the inwkrd Suez mail, dated London, Nov. 19th. : nangirwTffßHiF ink 1 1 if i|,^-*mji,Li * w ' |Ma iHinnt afTHu-j"■.j-i-'JMJimr■■

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under Friday. December 31. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, &c., as under Money orders and registered letters, at 5 p.m.; books and newspapers, at 9 p.m.; ordinary letters, at 10 p.m. A supplementary mail will be closed at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January, 1, -1831. Late fee letters may be posted in the guard’s van attached to the 8.30 p.m. train on Saturday, January 1.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Friday, December 31. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Freehold and Leasehold Property. Two o’clock. Tuesday, January 4. Quill and Co., Monthly Sale, Mount Somers. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. , To-morkow, Wednesday, December 29. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Monday, January, 3. Upper Ashburton Road District—Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, Road Board Office, at 12 noon. Tuesday, January 4. Longbeach Road Board —Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, Road Board Office, at 12 noon, Wednesday, January 5. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, January 6. Mount Somors Road Board Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, Schoolhouse, Mount Somers, at 12 noon. Wakanui Road District —Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, at the office of the Agri cultural and Pastoral Association Show Grounds, at 12 noon.

The Ashburton Guardian. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1880.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p. m. ]

Crowded Out. —Owing to the demands made upon our space to-day, wo are com pelled to hold over our leading article, a report of the monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board, letters to the Editor, besides other items, already in type.

Death or Nolan. —We regret to have to chronicle the death of this popular and clever jockey. While riding Libeller in the Auckland cup yesterday the horse fell and Nolan was instantly killed. Nolan piloted Lara to victory in the Ashburton cup last month, and on the same horse secured the big event at our previous meeting.

Pictures foe the Million.—-Ashbur ton visitors to Christchurch would do well to visit the establishment of Mr. Beard sley, Manchester street, South Christ church, where they will find a large and splendid stock of pictures. A beautiful assortment of all classes of mouldings, hundreds of designs and thousands of pictures to choose from. The stock is quite new, our Christchurch correspondent informs us, and he recommends lovers of art to try Beardsley’s establishment.

Accidents. —As Mr. Alexander, of Seafield, was driving a buggy well laden with friends from the Caledonian gather ing yesterday, one of the wheels gave in and the occupants of the vehicle were thrown somewhat roughly on to the road. Fortunately no injuries of a serious nature were inflicted.-—At the Heathcote races yesterday Mr. J. L. Fleming, who will be remembered by many of our readers as the contractor for the buildings from which we publish, met with a very serious acci dent. It appears that a bolting horse ran over him, and it is feared that his injuries are of more than a trifling character.

The Old Men’s Home.—The master of the Old Men’s Home desires to ac knowledge the receipt of 2s. 6d. from a friend and 13s. from the Will and the Way Good Templar Lodge, Tinwald, to wards the amusement fund for the in mates; ten gallons of beer from Wood and Co., Ashburton Brewery; three bottles rum, three bottles whisky, three bottles sherry, three bottles port wine, and L 4 3s. as per subscription by Mr. Shearman, Somerset Hotel. At the same time Mr. Harris - wishes to tender his sincere thanks to all those who so liberally contributed towards their Christmas cheer and Boxing Day enjoyment.

Se afield. —On Christmas Day a number of residents at Seafield held a picnic at the Beach, Sports of various descriptions were carried on under the supervision of Messrs. Larnay, Hardwick, and Brown, and on the whole a very enjoyable day was spent. The Templeton Shooting Case. — Yesterday the unfortunate man Kerrison, who was shot by W. P. Gibson on Satur day night flast, was in sucli a low state that it was considered necessary to take his dying depositions, which was accord ingly done at the Hospital, where he is lying.

Another Boat Accident. — A Gisborne telegram, under yesterday’s date says : A fatal accident occurred in the harbor on Christmas evening. A boat containing four men, working on the Lochnagar, put off about eleven o’clock for the shore, and when nearing the river bar the boat’s plug got knocked out and the boat while filling capsized. The occupants held on to the boat until daylight, when one who was exhausted fell off and was drowned. Suffocated. —A fatal fire occurred at Dennett’s Albion Hotel yesterday morn ing. The hotel was discovered to be on fire, and it was supposed that all the in mates were rescued, though one was so drunk that he had to be lowered by ropes, being incapable of helping himself. The fire brigade got the fire under, after about LSOO. worth of damage was done, one wing being gutted. The firemen in going through the rooms then found a man named Smalley, a shepherd, who had just come to town. There was no nob on the handle of the door inside bis room, and thus he could not escape. He was very little burned, and evidently died from suffocation. The insurances on the build ing were—Lsoo in the Standard, LBOO in the KZ.; on the furniture, LSOO in the Union. The stock was not insured.

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN. {Per Reuter's Agency. ) Pedestrianisia. Melbourne, Dec. 27. Swan, the New Zealander, won the pedestrian match with 163 miles; Baker came in seven laps behind. Cricket. In the cricket match, Victoria v. New South Wales, the former scored 206. The latter team, in their second in nings, have lost seven wickets for 61 runs. Allan took five wickets. The Shooting of Mr. Norton. Sydney, To-day. Norton, who was shot by a woman at Dubbo, is dead. The post mortem exa mination showed that the bullet had be come embedded in the brain, and had caused an abscess.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

American Sympathy.

Land League Leaders Burned in Effigy.

Grenadier Guards Ordered to Ireland.

{Sisedal to the Sydney Morniiiz Herald.)

London, Dec. 20. Mr. King has with the approval of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the United States, drafted resolutions to be submitted to Congress, expressing regret at the unhappy position of Ireland, and that the British Govern ment appears to be unable to fulfil its normal duties for the protection of life and property; alfo that the Hon. Mr. Evart, Foreign Secretary ot State be in structed to inform the Government of Great Britain that it is thought to be expedient that there should be im mediate reforms in Irish affairs, and that paification should be prosecuted in a kindly and considerate spirit. A later telegram from America-states that the Congress is likely to adopt the reso lutions, which have caused much ex citement here. Dec. 21. The Orangemen of Londonderry as sembled at Colerai ne,and burned an effigy of Parnell and Beggar, Land League leaders.

A second battalion of Grenadier Guards, so rarely sent out of England, is ordered to proceed to Ireland. In consequence of the disturbed state of aflairs in Ireland, the Empress of Austria, who had arranged to go to Ireland again this tvinter for the hunt ing season has abandoned her intention.

SPORTING.

Auckland Racing Club Summer Meeting.

Auckland, Yesterday,

The Summer Meeting opened to-day, when there was a large attendance. The following were the winners ; Maiden Plate Tim Whiffier, 1 ; Kenilworth, 2 ; Woolbroker, 3. Free Handicap Parawanui, 1 ; Slander filly, 2 ; Hilda, 3. Hurdle Race —Harry Mount, 1 ; The Agent, 2. Lonehand was the first to catch the judge’s eye, but the grey was disqualified, on account 01. his rider having struck the ridec-fi£Mlarry Mount, who finished second.

The Auckland Cup —Foul Play, 1; Maid of Honor, 2 ; Ariel, 3. Libeller, King Quail, Vampire, Yatapa, and Gil deroy also ran. This, the chief event of the meeting, was remarkable in two ways. It was made a dead certainty for one horse and it resulted in a fatal accident. A fair start .was effected, going off with a slight lead, but at the turn out of the straight Yatapa went to the front, with King Quail third. On passing the stand after the first round, Yatapa led, with Libeller second, Maid of Honor third, Vampire King Quail, Ariel, and Foul Play follow ing in that order. The latter passed his horses in rapid succession at the back of the course, the last to surrender being Yatapa. Here Libeller ard King Quail came to grief, resulting in one of the most disastrous occurrences that have ever oc curred at a race meeting. From the best evidence it appears that Libeller fell with his rider, Nolan, and King Quail with his rider, Carrington, fell on top of them. Nolan was killed on the spot, but Car rington is recovering. Meantime, the race went on, and the favorite won as he liked.

Railway Plate —Paramena, 1; Tim Whifiier, 2 ; Slander filly, 3.

THE FIRE BRIGADE CARNIVAL.

Last night the long-talkod-of “ Carni val ” of the Fire Brigade came off. The fun began with a concert in the Town Hall, which was very well filled indeed with the general public. The opening item was a piano solo by Mr. Herman Morris, played in the masterly style he is known to possess, and then Captain Wilkie shortly addressed the audience. Mr. Horace Gates followed with the song, <f He’s the man for me,” slightly localised to compliment the Mayor and Councillors, the Borough Engineers, and the Volun teers, after which Mr. Pelvin M f Duff danced the Highland Fling, in costume,

to Mr. John M‘Kay’s “spring on the pipes.” The skirl of the pipes having died away Mr. G. D. Branson’s glee party sang “ Hark ! the lark ” with good effect, and Mr. Walter Dolman, with a terrific make up, delivered a stump speech, which bristled with puns and sly jokes at nearly every public man in the township. It was a decided hit, and elicited roars of laughter. Mr. R. Cullen then sang a negro song in character, varying the run of it with a few steps of a breakdown. He was well received in this effort, raid he was equally popular in his song “ The days when I was young,” sung at a later period of the evening. Mr. Morris having played another exquisite solo, Mr. Branson sang “ The Tar’s Farewell ” in his cus tomary style. The other items wore “ Sweet and Low,” by the glee party ; two Scotch reels by Messrs. Murray, M'Duff, M'Rae, and Kidd ; a Ghvlie Oallum, or the Sword Dance, by Mr. M‘Rae, the piper being Mr. John M'Kay; “ Hullachan,” by the dancers; , and then the Brigade sang their chorus. The whole membership of the Brigade were on the platform, and took .up the “ Pinafore ” chorus to a local song, sung by Mr. Gates and written by the captain. The song wis a chaffing let out at nearly all and sundry with whom the Brigade has differed in the past; but the poet did not reckon on any addition being made to his lines, and a verse was slipped in composed by the singer, for the captain’s own benefit, which took immensely, none enjoyin; it more heartily than the captain himself. At the end of the concert colored lire was burned, and in the lurid light Mr Walter Dolman, as “ Auld Clootie,” tailed and horned in full, and bearing the orthodox three - pronged fork, danced a ( bout, with Mr. W. Adams near him as Mephistopheles. Leaving the hall rhe Brigade formed in procession after the fire engine, and carrying torches, and headed by the band, they marched up East-street and round to the Fire Brigade station, his Satanic Majesty and Mephis topheles presiding at the sulphur foumain ou the engine. At the station a display of fireworks took place. This was a great success, and for more than an hour rockets shot up and burst in stars, Cathe rine wheels revolved and showered golden rain, Roman candles burned, and colored fires blazed. Quite a number of large beams had been erected on the station ground to facilitate the display, and everything bore testimony to the time and labor spent by the Brigade in making the thing the suc cess it was. The demonstration, w r e believe, will form a fair fund for the Brigade, but if it did nothing else it brought many hundreds of Ashburton residents to a knowledge of how many and who are the men who devote so much of their time to qualifying themselves; for usefulness at the summons of the dreaded fire bell, and this knowledge ought to prevent any crippling in the Brigade’s powers for want of funds. ‘

Mount Somers Road Board.

A special meeting of this Board was held at the office, Mount Somers, on Tuesday, December 21st. Present — Messrs, Peache (chairman), Walker and Taylor. The Chairman stated that the meeting was held to consider the returns of re ceipts and expenditure during the last twelve months.

The following returns were laid on the table :

Return showing Expenditure in the

various Wards of the District. Ward No. I. —Expenditure "on Toads dur ing the Year, L 303 4s. Sd.; payment of old liabilities, 1879, L 216 16s. Sd.; total, 1520 is. 4ti. Ward No. 2. —Expenditure on roads during the year, Li,465 7s. loci. ; payment of old liabilities 1579, 1.68 15s. I id.; half cost Tay lor’s and North Ashburton bridges, 1.2,728 Bs. 4d.; total, L 4,262 is. id. Ward No. 3. Expenditure on roads '.lur ing the year, L 512 15s. yd.; payment of old liabilities 1879, 1.33 S 13s. lod.; quarter cost Hood’s crossing bridge, Li,oog 13s. Qcl.; total, Li.Ssß 3s. 2d, Ward No. 4. —Expenditure on roads during the year, 1.264155. id.; payment of old lia bilities, 1879, L 247 lOs -J quarter cost Hood’s bridge, Li,oog 13s. gd.; total, Li,521 18s. lod. Ward No. 5.— Expenditure 011 roads during the year, L 204 7s. 2d.; payment of old lia bilities, L 235 145.; total, L 440 is. 2d. Otherexpenditureas per balance-sheet, LR926 12s. 3d.; cheque books and interest charged on overdraft, Li ss. 3d.; dishonored cheque charged in error to general account. L 6 15s-; total, Li,934 12s. 6d. Total expended, Li 0,537 9 s - Ic l- Statement of receipts and expenditure of the Mount Somers Road Board for the year ending December 31st, 1880. Receipts—January 1, 1880.

* These amounts include the sum of Liso4 10s. sd. paid for liabilities incurred in 1879. Return showing length of roads formed, metalled, etc., in the district during the year ended December' 31st, 1880 :—For mation, 16 miles 21 chains ; re-formation, 3 miles 33 chains ; metalling, 5 miles 3 chains ; re-metalling, 3 miles 13£ chains ; stone-picking, 8 miles 12 chains ; ditching, 7 miles 28 chains ; cuttings, 4069 cubic yards. surveyor’s report.

The Surveyor’s report was then read as follows :

I have the honor to lay before you a return showing the mileage of roads formed, metalled, &c., in the District during the year ending December 31st, 1880. I beg to point out that out of the grand total of Li 0,537 9s. id. the sum of L. 1,104 10s. sd. has been paid for works done in 1879, and also the sum of LS,SOi 19s. as payment for half cost of construction, &c., of the three bridges over the different branches of the Ashburton river, leaving a balance of L. 3,9 31 2s. id., which has been expended on the various works as shown in the accompanying return. On the various roads named in the schedule, the following works have been done Pipe culverts, 76, at an average cost of L 5 ... ... ...£!}8o o o Timber culverts, 13, at an average costofLiS ... 234 o o Footbridges, 2, L 39 ss. 6d, and L 9 each ... 48 5 6 Making a total of ...£662 5 6 Which amount has been included in the total expenditure for works.

With reference to the return showing the expenditure in the different wards, in explana tion I may state that in the instance of Hood’s Crossing bridge, where two wards—viz., Nos. 3 and 4 —derive an equal benefit, I have placed half cost to eech ward’s account. In the cases of Taylor’s Stream and the North Ashburton bridges, the interests of only one ward being principally affected, 1 have included half cost of construction, etc., to the Alford First Ward,. No. 2.

Mr. Walker proposed, Mr. Taylor seconded, “That the returns, as read, be adopted.” Carried. The Clerk was directed to prepare a statement of liabilities owing by the Board. The Board then adjourned.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTQN.— To-day. (Before Mr. Nugent Wood, R. M.) breaches of the, by-laws. A charge, against John Werner, for 1 allowing a horse to wander at large, was dismissed, defendant pleading that the horse was not at large, but tethered on a section. A fresh summons was ordered to issue. Thomas Hicks was fined ss. for allowing a horse to wander at large. , , , , assault.. A cr6?s action for assault, in which two parties 1 named'' Fleming "and Anderson were in turn plaintiff and defendant, was dismissed on the ground of a question of title being involved.' alleged watch stealing. Arthur O’Neil was charged with stealing a watch. • An application by Mr. Wilding’s managing clerk for an adjournment, in consequence 1 of that gentleman having missed the down train, was objected to, by counsel on the ground of the appearing gentleman having no locus standi in the Court. His Worship decided to go on with the case, Mr. Branson appearing for the accused. Constable Treveljn deponed to arrest ing accused, and explaining the charge to him. Sergeant Felton gave evidence that, on November 28, he received the watch pro duced from James Quinn, watchmaker. On April 7, 1879, he received the receipt produced from Robert Mclntyre, who re ported having had a watch stolen, which he described. Witness saw O’Neill in the lock-up, who said, “ Why did not you arrest me before, Sergeant ? I have been expecting it, and shall be glad to have the matter settled now.” By Mr. Branson —Had conversations with Mclntyre. He stated there was ill feeling between him and O’Neill. About November 24 Mclntyre asked witness if he was going to arrest accused for stealing his watch. Witness said he intended to make further inquiries first. He said, “ Oh, he’s a bad lot. I endorsed a bill for him for L 42, and he has let me in for it, and I have had to pay the money. I’m glad you’ve got the chance of serving him out, and I don’t care a d if it costs meLIOO.” Know a man named Thomas Bradford, who filed his schedule some time ago. Was asked to assist the bank ruptcy officers, as it was believed that Mclntyre had some of the goods. . Robert Mclntyre, farmer, sworn—On November 5, 1879, I lost my watch from my vest pocket, which was lying on a little bush in a paddock where we were stacking. I left it at 8 a.m., and at 11 a.m., Could not find it. The watch pro duced is the one I lost. It is now more worn. . Did not then suspect anybody. O’Neill was there at the time, helping to cart oats in the paddock where the watch was lost. I was on friendly terms with him then, and we have never quarrelled. He has let me in for some money. The paddock has not been since ploughed. It has a high gorse fence round it. There is no right of way through it The vest.was a chain and a half from the stable, and half a chain past the station. O’Neill was about my place for some months afterwards. There was a leather lace attached to the watch when I lost it. I know Thomas Bradford. Have not seen him lately. I know James Porter. O’Neill was working with him in 1879. I saw the watch for the first time since I lost it at Quinn’s, when it was given to Sergeant Felton. Cross-examined by Mr. Branson—l asked some of the men to search the stack for the watch, as they were saying it might be there. I did not ask them to sea°rch there. The watch was loose in my pocket ; it might have slipped out. There was no one else in the paddock but accused, his wife, and myself and my wife. I was in the house several times from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. When I missed the watch I mentioned [it to O’Neill. The men were threshing about there after the stacking. O’Neill said, perhaps the watch was in the bush. I did.not accuse him of taking it till the stack was threshed, as I knew there was no one else about.

James Porter, dairyman, was examined, and cross-examined by Mr. Branson, and gave some very contradictory evidence. James Quinn, watchmaker, sworn— Thomas Bradford came to me at my shop on Nov, 12, and subsequently the same afternoon at Butler’s Hotel with the watch produced, which he sold to me for LI. Next morning I found that the watch answered the description of that lost by Mclntyre a year before. Got the number from Mclntyre, and found it was the same. Then handed it to Sergeant Felton. It appearad to be trodden on, but probably not exposed long to the weather. It could not possibly have been two winters in the ground- 1 had the watch put in proper repair. I should value it at about L 4 10s.

By Mr. Branson —If the watch had been picked up among straw it would not bo exposed and would not suffer. It did not appear to have been brushed up be fore it was brought to me. By the Couri-—Bradford said he had found the watch, but he did not say where.

Thomas Bradford, laborer, sworn—l went to Mr. Quinn’s with a watch in No vember. The one produced is like it, but it was not in the same state. It was quite dark in color. Witness found the watch in Mclntyre’s paddock close to his stock yard, near the house. I was at tracted by something bright lying in the paddock. Found it was the watch which was almost buried. There was a piece of leather lace and a key attached. This is not the same statement I made to his Worship when I was here before. Was not on my oath then. The watch had been in my possession for about eighteen months when I took it to Mr. Quinn. Mr. Branson submitted that after this evidence, there was no case against his client.

By Mr. Branson^—Was ploughing for Mclntyre when I found the watch. Never gave the watch to O’Neill, and was not aware that he ever had it in his posses sion. I rubbed up the watch when I got it. This closed the case for the prosecution, and Mr. Branson then addressed the Bench, pointing out the discrepancies in the evidence of the witness Porter, and characterising the case as one of a con spiracy brought forward by M‘lntyre to persecute the accused, against whom he had a spite. His Worship discharged the accused, remarking there was nothing whatever to connect the watch with accused.

ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

ANNUAL GATHERING. After we went to press yesterday, re-; ports of the following events reached us : Walking MJLscoh (handicap), 2 miles. First, L 3 ;■ Second; LI. J.’Smith, scratch ... ...' 1 Hooper, 50 yards ... ... -• • 2 Minnis and. Hugo ,(25 yards) also com peted. • For ,the first, lap, the competitors re tained their handicapped positions, but in the second Smith passed Minnis, and in the third got on level terms with Hugo. During the fourth lap Smith secured the lead, and as Hugo attempted to mend his position by a very palpable trot he was disqualified in the next lap. At the end of the sixth lap Minnis, who had long been hanging out signals of distress stopped, leaving only Smith and Hooper in it. The latter never had a chance against his more experienced opponent, but walked in very nice style. Smith, who won this event at last years’ gathering, has much improved, and would hold his own in much better company than that opposed to him in this race. Bovs Race, Under 16 ; 440 yards (Mr. Ferryman’s prize). Macfarlane... ... ... 1 Jones : ... ... ... ••• 2 Two others competed, but Macfarlano •proved far too good for the others, winning without an effort. Consolation Race. F. Lechner... ... ... 1 Jl. .Hodder ... - ... ... ■ 2 Grilnionr, Risely, Connor, and Brown also ran. Lechner got the best of the start, which he maintained throughout, Hodder pressing him hard, and the others well up. To-day’s Gathering. There were not so many people at the Caledonian Society’s gathering to-day, but there were at least 500 people on the ground. The weather was hot, and a strongish wind blew all day, sending the dust about pretty freely. The Committee and judges were as energetic as ever, and their efforts to carry out the arrangements did not slacken in one iota. Praise is cer tainly due to the President, Mr. Stitt, to Messrs. Anderson, 1 Reid, Quill, Wilkie, and Scott for their untiring labors, while the Secretary’s duties at the entry tent were “ warm,” to say the least of them, and considerably dusty. •That they were warm his sun peeled and blistered face bears ample testimony. The other members of the Committee all worked well at their respective posts, and the gathering was altogether an un qualified success, though the feeling seemed to bo general amongst the country people that it would be better if the &p rts could be all got off in ono day. The sports to-day began with the Bovs’ Handicap Hurdle Race. 440 yards. Macfarlano, scratch ... ... 1 Foreman, 10 yards 2 Price and Lucas also ran. It was a very good start, but opposite the winning post Macfarlane had passed all his opponents and won as he; liked, Foreman coming second, and Price third. Lucas, who ran a very plucky laco half way round, gave in directly he was col lared. Egg and Spoon Race. R. Lechner... ... ... ... 1 Lowry 2 W. Bayliss, T. R. Hart, John Smith, Hooper. Moorshead, Groves, and Stevens also competed. They got away well together, but Lechner took the lead at once, followed by Hart, but about half way Hooper’s egg dropped, and he was out of it,, and Lowry then took second place in which order -. they finished, Groves and Stevens running a capital race for third honors, both landing their safely. The competitors did not seem to like the taste of the speons. The judge could not place the third. ‘ Tossing the Caber. M. Stift 1 H. Bailey ... ... 2 A. M‘Kay, W. Furness, H. Smith, and P. Brosnahan also competed. In this contest the timber provided proved too heavy for the competitors, and after several fruitless attempts, it was found necessary to shorten the caber by about a foot. Mr. Stitt and Bailey then both succeeded in turning, and Brosna han made a very good attempt. In the final struggle Mr. Stitt succeeded in again turning it, Bailey failing in getting the timber over the perpendicular. : Reels and Strathspeys.; Murdoch Elder ... ... ... 1 John McKay ... ... ... 2 The playing was very superior, and the judge had all ho could do to place the competitors. Sword Dance. Murray ... ... ... ... 1 M‘Rae ... 2 Both competitors made a very creditable show of dancing indeed, but Murray proved too good for M‘Rae. Running High Leap, boys under 16. Foreman, 4ft 3in .... ... 1 : D. Loitch, 4ft 2in ... ... ... 2 Macfarlane (4ft 2in), N. Price (4ft), and N. Jones (3ft Bin) also competed. This was a very good contest between the three last left in, Foreman winning with a very pretty jump. McFarlane, as he is going in for future events to-day, refused to compete for second honors, and gave in to Loitch, Open Handicap Mile Rack. J. Groves, 10 yards ... ... 1 J. Macfarlane, 200 yards ... 2 0, Spray, 30 yards 3 • Organ (scratch), Hugo, Hunt (30 yards), Bayliss and Mayo (40 yards), also com peted. . Organ and Groves went away at a very strong pace, and rapidly drew on the eaders. In the third round Organ led, with Groves close up. Hugo, Bayliss, and Mayo having pulled up. Towards the finish' Organ and Hunt dropped out, leaving Groves to win easily. Macfarlane second, and Spray third. A protest was entered against Macfarlane under rule three. . Best Dressed Highlander. Murray ... ... 1 McDuff ... ... .... ... 2. Mr'. Murray competed in a very fine dress of Murray athole tartan, and most deservedly took first honors, Mr. McDuff being second with a tartan of his own name. These were the only two competitors. Putting the Stone. Eight competed .for this event, which was decided in favor of Laughlan, Contiar being second, i

THE DISASTER AT THE CAPE.

(By Cable.) Capetown. Dec. 26,

' Further telegrams to hand, regarding the disaster in Transvaal state that when the Boprs attacked the detachment of the 94th. regiment, the men were engaged in rescuing a number of swamped wagons, and being without arms were completely crushed by large numbers of Boers, who swooped downonthem. News has. alsoheen received that the Boers of Potchefstroom murdered five Englishmen who were resid ing in the town, and as information of the outrage reached head-quarters, a battery of artillery was despatched, and shelled the place. The enemy were completely driven out and over 100 killed by the London, Dec. 27. In consequence of the.necessity for the reinforcement of cavalry in Transvaal, the Gth Dragoons have been ordered to Natal.

Rakaia Sports.

(from OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) These events which for some years past have regularly come off on Boxing Day, were held oh vt onday, in what is generally known as the Government Paddock. At one time it seemed .more than likely that the sports would not take place this year, a feeling of- indifference generally prevail ing, and meeting after meeting was called for the purpose of getting up the usual committee, but for some time without avail. If these events are to become an institution of the place, a sports committee should be elected of men who will go thoroughly through with the work, and not consider their duties have been done as soon as the prizes ha’-e been paid, but will see that all promised subscriptions have been paid in, all claims satisfied, and the balance, if any, placed so that it might be forthcoming for the next occa sion. A general meeting of subscribers should be held say in November of each year, a statement of accounts presented, and a new committee elected. It is much to be desired that the practice of indis criminate riding and jumping of horses in the midst of the spectators on the ground should be put a stop to ; it ically is a won der that no accident to life or,limb has yet occurred. The attendance yesterday was not so good as formerly, although the weather in the earlier part of the day was all that could be desired. The' sports which should have begun much earlier, did not commence till after 1 o’clock, and although! only fifteen events were on the programme', it was quite half-past six be fore all was over. The following are the events ;

Three horses were entered for this event, but as they all preferred knocking down the bar it could not .be said to be a success. Mehdney’s roan got over once and obtained first prize ; the others got nothing. Boys Under 16 Flat Race, 410 yards. J. Doherty... ... ... ... A. Cox ... ... 2 At intervals between the events a number of children’s races, under the supervision of Messrs. Kemble and Sharp, were got up and eagerly contested, the sum of L 5 having been set apart by the Committee for that purpose. In the latter part of the afternoon a strong nor’-wester sprang up, rendering it a matter of sonie difficulty for the com petitors to get over the ground.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THANKS.

To the Editor. Sir,— Tho inmates of the. Old Men’s Home wish to return their sincere thanks to their liberal patrons for the manner in which they have contributed to their creature comforts this Christmas and Box ing day, and wish them a Happy New Year.—We are, &c., Grey Beards, Chippies, & Nonde scripts.

BATHING AND SWIMMING.

To the Editor. Sir, —It seems to me that the residents of this district are, if not absolutely a sporting community, yet an essentially pleasure-loving one. This impression is deepened when one observes the very close manner in which the devotees of each particular amusement or sport apply themselves to that to which they are most attached—horse-racing, athletics, or the drama. My reason for encroaching on your space, 'is not to attempt to put the proverbial wet blanket upon any of the existing methods by which the public en deavor to drive dull care away, but to suggest one more means of recreation, which, I think, would be both healthful and enjoyable. There are not a few per sons in Ashburton who have spent, the greater part of their lives in a seaport town, where, both morning and evening,- a dip in the briny has conduced in no small measure to cleanliness and recrea tion. Away up on these plains, the for mer resident of tho seaside misses nothing so much as his daily plunge and swim. Until recently there has been no oppor tunity afforded for this additional enjoy ment, except one or two holes in tho river, which are certainly not very attractive to a stranger. The desideratum has at last been supplied in the very excellent stream which meanders through the Ashburton Domain. More than one citizen, while promenading tho banks of the creek, has looked longingly at the spots where a “ header ” could be taken, and a swim of a.number of yards obtained. It has often been asked whether any law would be in fringed were a bather. to don a suitable costume and take his daily bath in the Domain grounds. This question might easily be set at rest, and the rules of public decency observed, were the Domain Board or Borough Council (whichever body has the power) to erect an inexpen sive shed and enclosure for the use of bathers, and charge a nominal sum to meet actual expenses. But this refers merely to the question of bathing. Would it not be possible to institute a Swimming Club ? or perhaps the Caledonian Society—whose object and aims seem to extend from giving scholarships to rewarding the victors in a tug .of war—might take the hint, and during the summer months hold a series of swimming matches. It is ques tionable whether any of the present modes of recreation adopted in the district would have more adherents, or whether any of them would be more conducive to health and usefulness than utilizing the water supply of the Borough in the manner pro posed by . : ■ ■ Dolly Varden.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

HARRY WHITNEY’S INFATUA TION. Harry Whitney and his wife sat on the broad piazza in front of their house in the last glow of the sunset. The whole place suggested home ; the sun always seemed to linger on the maples that shaded it, turning their leaves to brilliant green in spring, and in autumn to scarlet and gold. The broad Tow windows admitted floods of light in every room, and just now they were open, and the white muslin draperies swayed idly in the breeze.

The house was in the midst of a quiet little town, just near enough to one of the great cities for Harry to go to and from his business night and morning. “ You must go, dear,” he said, put ting his hand tenderly over his wife’s rather thin, white one. “ Why, bless your little heart, it is simply common sense, and I’ve no business to let either my preference or yours stand in the way. If the doctor tells me my wife must go to the springs to save her precious health, there is nothing for me to do but to send her. What do you say ?” That it is simply nonsense. I haven’t been quite strong this spring, I acknow ledge ; but when cool weather comes I shall be myself again. How could I pass my summer more quietly than here lotos-eating, lying on the grass all day if I choose, and waiting for you to come at night ?” “ That’s precisely the trouble. You will live too quietly, and all the blood in your veins will turn stagnant, when it ought to be stirred into life. I tell you, Emily, you will settle down into an old lady twenty years before your lime. I’ll promise to go out two or three times every week, and spend my Sundays and vacations there. And go you shall, if I have to exercise my marital authority, which, I confess, has grown a little rusty from want of use.” She went in a week, despite her pro testations that she was not in the least ill, and needed no change. Once at the Springs, she found the hotel life rather gay, and woke to a liveliness to which she had been a stranger for years, while Harry, in his frequent visits,_ en tered into the care-free, happy spirit of the place, and exclaimed, with boy ish exuberance, that it was “ Charming ! exactly like a first-class Utopia.” They were a source of some wonder ment to the new people they met, as they had been to friends who had known them both for years, they were so totally unlike. There were so many dissimilar, points that it almost seemed there could be few in sympathy. Emily was very quiet, so quiet that, although by her intelligent listening she led you to talk more freely than did others, you often wondered, after hear ing her, if she had spoken at all. She was not noticeable in appearance— rather a pale, small creature, with quietly-folded ; hands, always .pre eminently a lady. The hands were those of a lady, too —fine, rather than beautiful. Harry was her exact oppo site—a handsome, broad-shouldered man, with an air of general kindliness and protection which made women and children trust him, and men pronounce him a good fellow. He was fond of good music, dancing, and the theatre ; while his wife cared very little for active amusements, and only for drama or music occasionally. She read voluminiously, having a fine, delicately critical mind, while he seldom did more than keep thoroughly conversant with events of the day. And so oh through a whole catalogue of differences. Yet they agreed excellently well, evidently suiting each other exactly, but as one discriminating friend remarked, “Whit ney and his wife had yet to fall in love.”

On Saturday night he came out, and, dressing for the evening with a kind of boyish gaiety after his week’s work, “ Emily,” he said, in the anxious pauses of tying his cravat, “ I wish you could dance. Why in the name of all that’s blue did your relatives send you to a Quaker school and deny you the luxuries of life ?”

“Necessaries, rather, according to your view,” answered his wife, good humoredly. She was sitting by the window look ing out into the moonlight, where oc casional couples were promenading, the sound of the dance-music coming up from below.

“ Of course I might have learned if I had chosen, but I never cared for it. We lived a very quiet life, and I never thought much of what other people were doing.”

No ; but you lost so much ! There is an exhilaration and excitement about music and dancing which makes me fifteen years younger—when I was a boy of 21, and before! ever knew you, dear. Shall we go down ?” That night there was a new arrival, a girl, or rather woman, . who had been discussed for a week by the little select party to which Mrs. Whitney had become attached, so that she looked at her with some curosity, when they were introduced., Helen Alexander had been described as fascinating; not handsome nor re markable for any. special talent, but fascinating. Her talents were rather of the universal order; she sang, con versed brilliantly, and Mrs. Whitney was prepared to be struck with awe before her. Nothing of the sort happened. She saw a pale girl, below medium height, with black hair, twisted up in rather a severe knot on the top of her head, peculiar dark eyes, with reddish brown lights in them, and a some what large mouth, giving a glimpse of white teeth. There was a few minutes’ buzz of conversation, in which no one knew what anyone else was saying, or to whom, and then Emily Whitney sat down beside a plump, little fair-faced woman who had come to the springs for her baby’s health, and saw her husband lead Miss Alexander away to dance. She watched her in the pauses of her own conversation—it was her habit to be dreamily observant of people—and began to feel a certain: charm about the stranger. Her move ments had all a meaning; there was a grace and ' suppleness in the slender frame which made her‘dancing; beauti ful, and her face became alive with merry excitement.

. Harry Whitney stood by his wife later in the evening, while Miss Alex

ander sang. Her voice full, resonant and clear-toned as a bell, and there was something triumphant in it. She knew the effect produced, and exulted in it with the real artistic triumph of sway ing other minds. Harry drew a long breath when she had finished. “ Ah, heavens, what a voice ! and she seems a woman who could emit flashes of lightning if she chose.” The next day was one of idyllic rest and enjoyment at the Springs. People often said there was never a rainy Sunday there; the sun always shone with his Tull splendor on that day, and everyone drank in pure sen suous enjoyment in draughts of air and sunlight. The boarders went to the; late service at the little chapel in the morning, and in the afternoon lay on the grass or wandered into the woods. (To be conthmed.) ,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1880.



To Balance at Bank £ 9,505 5. «s d. 5 ,, Interests on fixed deposit and 518 current accounts ... 15 1 ,, Share of Land Fund 3,441 I 6 ,, Rates 1878-9 273 14 5 ,, Rents... 6 18 0 ,, Subsidies on rates collected... . ’430 9 6 ,, Refund from deposit account ... n S 0 0 Incidental Receipts— Contributions to roads — ,, Half cost West Coast road ...£iS3 2 „ HalfcostjBound- ary road • ... 122 9 2 ,, Half cost valua- tion list and copy ... ... 28 3 0 ,, Sale of old timber 5 0 369 — 17 7 ,, Outstanding cheques 7 17 5 Total ... 13,669 8 11 Expenditure—January 1, 1880. By main roads and bridges 6,970 14 9 ,, By-roads, drainage, &c.* ... 1,632 1 10 ,, Salaries, including balance 268 to Mr. Fraser* 5 0 ,, Advertising, stationery, office expenses, &c. „ Election expenses 200 4 4 12 19 6 ,, Incidental expdnses, includ- ing valuation, commission on rates, trees and planting 273 I 2 ,, Road Board buildings, &c. 529 S 5 ,, Drain pipes and cartage ... 449 7 3 ,, Timber and cartage... i93 6 7 ,, Cheque books 8 4 ,, Interest on overdraft 16 II ,, Cheques paid in 1879 134 17 3 ,, Dishonored cheque charged error to general account ... 6 15 0 ,, Balance 2,997 2 7 Total... 13,669 8 11



Men’s Flat Race, 100 Yards. H. Primmer 1 - —Corbett ... 2 Boys’ Under Sixteen, Running High Jump. J. Doherty ... 1 A. Cox ... ' 2 Men’s Flat Race. 1 mile. Murphy 1 Freeman ... • 2 Putting the Stone. Blair 1 Teviotdalo ... 2 Men’s Running High Jump. A. Mangham, 5ft 23jin 1 Women’s Race. Miss Shannon ... ... ... 1 Mrs. Thompson 2 Throwing the Hammer. Teviotdale ... 1 Sheehan ... ... ;.. 2 Wrestling Match (Cumberland style). Teviotdale 1 A. Mahoney 2 Men’s Walking Race. 1 mile. Fagan ... 1 Murphy ... 2 Hack Steeplechase. l£ mile. W. Moss’s Terror (E. Lake) ... 1 Mahony’s Roan (Boll) 2 Men’s Running Long Jump. Corbett, 16ft lOin ... 1 Murphy 2 Men’s Hurdle Race. 120 yards. Corbett ... ... ... ... i Stony ... -.1. ... ... 2 Old Men’s Race (over 50 years) W. Doherty 1 W. Kemble... ... 2 Horse Jumping.



Special Advertisements. O. Carstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. BEST VALUE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 520* READY MONEY IS THE MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND 751* Manager.



Removal! Messrs! King Bros., iifi porters of general ironmongery, Christ church, in another column announce their removal to more convenient pre mises in Cashel street, next the Press Office. The show rooms are splendidly fitted up, and they of course are equal to, if not before the times with the selection of ironmongery they display.—[Advt,]



It is strongly suspected that Mr. son’s light got lost while taking its juer vacation. Edi sum-



On the,boulevard ; “Where. have yoy been?” “To my tailor. I had hard-work making him accept a‘little money.” “ You astonish me 1 Why?” “Because he wanted more. : Moonshine.— Son : “Father, the lec turer at the hall to-night said that lunar rays were only concentrated luminosity of the earth’s satellite! What do you think about it ?” Intelligent Parent : “ All moonshine, my son—all moonshine."



Wanted. WANTED — A respectable GIRL, as General Servant. Apply, at the Office of this Paper. , ' 822 ANTED—A good general SER VANT. One who can milk pre ferred. Apply, Office of this Paper, at one o’clock, Friday, 31st Dec.. 810 ANTEDKNO WN, That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 806 TIT ANTED KNOWN—That a Church YV of England minister’s wife, writes that she saves Ten Shillings a- Fortnight by using Harper Twelvetrees’ Villa Washer, Wringer, and Mangier, com bined ; and, although she permits no rubbing, the clothes are beautifully white, and much cleaner than when done by. hand, while the saving in mending has, been astonishing. Sold by J. HERN, - Range Maker and Importer, corner of. Manchester and Tuara streets, Christ church ; Price —£9 10s. 700 ANTED KNOWN—Just arrived from England—Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cards. New Zealand Illustrated Annual, Young Ladies’ Jour nal, and Bow Bells, Is. 6d. each. Family Herald and Family Reader, Is. each, and all other Magazines supplied at Christ church Prices. Colonial and ' European Newspapers, School Books, Stationery,&c. A visit solicited. L. F. Akdrewes, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 627 Meetings. OUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD. the ANNUAL MEETING of-Rate payers of the Mount Somers District will be held at the Schoolhouse, Mount Somers, at 12 noon on THURSDAY, January 61i, 1881, for the purpose of laying before the Ratepayers a statement of receipts aixd expenditure and the Balance Sheet for the past year. ; ' Bv order, .. - C. J. WENTWORTH COOKSON,' JtJN./ 805 Surveyor to the Board. To Let. nnO LET, in Tinwald, a good STORE, I well fitted up with shelves and counters, and four-roomed DWELLING attached, at a very low rent. A small capitalist cannot find a better opening for a general store in New Zealand, this being the largest grain growing district in Can terbury, and -..a; railway being, Made to Mount Somers.' The largest and best attended sales of live stock are regularly held here, about nine thousand head of stock being sold last sale day. ’ Auction eers’ reports of last sale of the 21sb will prove this fact. Apply to S. Stephens, Tinwald. • 821 Educational. Miss Steane, (Late of Ashburton), BEGS to inform the Ladies of South Rakaia, Methven, and neighbor hood, that it is her intention to OPEN SUPERIOR PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR DAY PUPILS, Shortly after the Christmas recess, and she will be happy to treat with any wish ing their daughters or young sons to re-- ceive thorough instruction. Application till Christmas. • MISS STEANE, Care of Mr. Mossraan, 794 Milford, Temuka. Railway Notices. V. R. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS, NEW YEAR’S DAY, iBBI. LYTTELTON LINE. : The ordinary time table will be sus pended, and trains will run as under : Christchurch to Lyttelton 6.50 a.m., 7.25 a.m., 8.5 a.m., 9.5 a.m., and at short intervals from 10 a.ra.' until 2.30 p.m., and at short intervals from 4 p.m. until 8.30 p.m. From Lyttelton 6.50 a.m., 7.25 a.ra., 8.35 a.m., 9.35 a.m., and at short intervals from 10.30 a. m. until 2 p.m., and from 3.25 p.'ra., until‘9 p.nu A late train will also leave Christchurch for Lyttelton at 11.15 p.m., returning at 11.45 p. m., instead of the ordinary 10 p. m. Christchurch to Lyttelton, and 10.30 p. m. Lyttelton to Christchurch., . On South lines ordinary passenger trains will run at usual times, with the following exceptions- ' • SOUTH LINE. The ,4.20 p. ra. Christchurch to Ash burton will leaveats.2op.ro. The con necting trains for Springfield, Whitecliffs, and Methven will each start after arrival of 5.20 South train. The 4.35 p.m. from Timaru to Ash burton will leave at 5.25 p.m. The 4.30 p.m. from Timaru to Oamaru will leave at 5.15 p.m., and the ,4.5 p.m.- from Oamaru to Timaru at 5.10 p.m. . SOUTHBRIDGE BRANCH. The 3.55 p. m. from Christchurch to Southbridge will leave at 5.5 p.m. ■■ ALIiuRY BRANCH. ! The 3.30 p.m: from Timaru to Albury will leave at 5 p.m., and the 5.45 p.m. from Albury to Timaru at 7.15 p.m. WAIMATE BRANCH. The 5.30 p.m., Waimate to Studhblme, will leave at 6.30p.m.; and the 6.17p.m., Studholme to Waimate, at 7.15 p.m. These trains will be correspondingly later than usual at all stations ,to destina tion. I - ■■■'•,■. ■;/ V: k.. Goods traffic will be entirely suspended. - FARES. Ordinary sirigle fare tickets issued from f atiy station to any station on the Amber ley-Bliiff section from Dec. 23rd, 1880, to Jan. 3rd, 1881, will be available for return up to and including'Jah. sth, 1881. • FREDKI BACK," Traffic Manager. Traffic Manager’s Office, " Christchurch, Dec. 24, 1880, 818