SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON.

Arrived, Yesterday.

Hineraoa, C. G. S., from Wellington To-day.

Taiaroa. s.s., from Port Chalmers. Cleared. Yesterday.

Lutterworth, barque, for London, Sailed. Yesterday.

Rotomahana, s.s,, for Wellington. Emerald, ketch, for Foxton. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—The Hero, s.s. She left Syd ney on the 17th. Orwell, brigantine, from the Islands; Kenilworth, from Lyttelton. Sailed —Ringarooma, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Wanaka, from the South. Sailed —Wallace, for Nelson. Greymouth, Yesterday. Sailed—St. Kilda, for Melbourne ; Cora, for Picton. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Hero, from Picton ; Clematis, from Lyttelton ; Martha Reid, from Oam am. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Sailed —Tararua, s.s., for Melbourne.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List

Butter, inferior to best, P lb, 6d to Sd. Eggs, 1? dozen, is. Cheese, prime quality, P lb, 6d to Sd. Bacon, prime smoked, p lb, lod to is. Hams, in cloth, P lb, is id. , Flour, in bags, P 100 lb, 13s. Oatmeal. P 251 b, 4s. Lard, P lb, yd. Auctioneers’ Reports. Messrs. H. Matson and Co. report on the 1 ive stock market, <kc., for the week ending Thursday, December 23rd, 18S0, as follows Yesterday being the Christmas market day, a large entry of all classes of fat stock was sent forward to the Addinglon Yards, for trade supplies. Mut-on was but little in re quest, tar more fat sheep being penned than were wanted, and anything but the best lines were comparatively neglected and difficult to quit. During the early part of the sale half of the sheep offered were passed unsold,- and when, later in the day, buyers began to oper ate, it was at very irregular rates, a drop in some instances of more than is per head being no ticeable under last week’s prices. At the con clusion of the auction the bulk of the sheep previously passed were disposed of privately at prices equal to the day’s average. For stores there was a fair enquiry, and most of those penned were sold at values a shade lower than lately ruling. Amongst others, we placed 600 fresh conditioned merino wethers at Ss yd to 6s, and smaller lines at proportionate rates. Average.weight fat cross-breds brought 8s to 8s <?d; prime do, to 93. 6d and I is; merino wethers, to ys. Fat lambs were more difficult to dispose of than at any market this season, and prices were is per head “ dewn.” As high as 10s was paid for a pen of choice Downs, but ys was about the average for prime quality. Taken as a whole, the sheep sale was very dull, and ex hibited a thorough want of vitality from begin ning to end. The fat cattle sale was, to a great extent, a counterpart of the sheep trade, and it was very difficult to do business almost at any price. A large number of the trade had supplied themselves privately outside, rather than risk purchasing too close to Christ mas, and where sales were made prices may be quoted as showing no improvement upon late ruling low values. Useful weight nice quality steers brought Ly to Ly 103 ; extra prime to light weight mixed lots, L 6 to Ly. For store cattle a decline in value may also be noticed, though not Jo the same extent or in com parison with the price of beef. Good lines of two to three-year-old steers are worth L 4 15s to L 6 ; yearlings to three-year-olds (mixed), L.2 ios to L 4. There is but little doing in the pig trade, but yesterday more were penned than usual, and realised fair prices. The totals yarded for the day comprised 65 y2 sheep, 466 head of cattle, and 76 pigs, of which our entry included 3444 sheep, 389 fat lambs, 216 head of cattle, and 48 pigs. On Saturday last our catalogue at Tattersall’s comprised an entry of 83 horses, in addition to sundry traps, harness, &c. Their was a fair attendance, and for the better class of light horses a little more competition was shown than has been notice able of late. We placed a pair of the best draught geldings we have had the pleasure of submitting for some time to a well-known firm for 120 guineas. Of our general entries we sold from 20 to 30 light horses at from L 5 to Ll 4, and a few draught and plough horses (for which at present there is little demand) at from 1.15 to L 25. THE TIN WALD YARDS. Matson and Co. report : —At the Tinwald cattle yards we held our usual fortnightly sale oflive stock, See., at which there was a very large attendance of country visitors. There was an exceptionally large entry for the day, viz., about 7,000 sheep and 450 head of cattle, of which we catalogued about 2,600 sheep, 197 head of cattle, 3 horses, and 9 pigs. We dis posed of most of our entry in sheep, fat cross breds bringing from 8s fid to 93 4cl; store do., ys to 8s 3d ; store merino wethers, 5s 4d. In cattle we sold 101, mixed ages and sexes, at from 1.2 10s to L 4 15s each ; 5 do., Ls 53 to Ly 10s ; Bat L 3 10s; 12 at 39s ; lat US 2s, &c. We also cleared our pigs at from 35s to L 3 per head.

Messrs. T. Ford and Co. report : —At Tin wald, on Tuesday, we yarded 3,400 sheep and over 60 head of cattle on account of Hon. W. S. Peter and F. Tooth, Esq. Of Mr. Peter’s merino ewes 1,200 sold at 6s id each, and 1,500 merino wethers, on account of same owners, brought 6s 3d each, and a line of cross bred ewes from the Alford station brought 7s. 6d each ; 65 head of cattle brought an average of L 3 12s each. Messrs. Jameson and Roberts, agents for R. Wilkin and Co., report;—At the Tinwald sale on Tuesday, there was a large attendance of buyers, and the biddings were animated for the various lots offered. We sold on behalf of our clients as follows : —So fat sheep at 8s 3d, 87 mixed do. at 6s pci, 1,500 store merino wethers at 5s 4d, 190 merino ewes at 4s 6d, 30 rams at 5s ; fat bullocks from L 7 7s to L 8 2s 6d, 26 store steers and heifers at L 4 12s 6d, 63 head do. at L 3 10s, 21 do. from L 3 2s 6d to L 4 17s 6d, 4 young bulls at L2 2s 6d ; best pigs at 555, others at 20s, 265, and 30s each.

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, 1881. Late fee letters may be posted in the guard’s van attached to the 8.30 p.m. train on Saturday, January 1.

Oh Saturday, December 25th (Christ mas Day), all branches, of the Post Office will be closed.

On Saturday, Ist January (New Year's Day)", all branches of the Post Office will be closed. .

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashcjkton for Christ church and intermediate stations at G a.m., 10.30 a.in., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m,, 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Tiraaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a. m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.60 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 6.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

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. Monday, December 27. Fire Brigade Carnival, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. 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. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1880. A Merry Christmas.

A journalist has much to write during the twelvemonths, but he chooses to make his work light when the happy season of Christmas comes round. He likes not to gush about the customs of the season nor to clink together smooth sentences about the Bethlehemitic choir and the burden of its song —“ peace on earth, goodwill towards men.” He prefers to leave that work to the men whose special mission it is and whom it well befits—the clergymen. But he would be rude indeed did he neglect on Christmas to wish his readers

A Merry Christmas, one and all, and to express his best wishes for their welfare. We do so now, most fervently. This season

is one at which it is much better that many things that one would wish to say were lelt unsaid, and however full one’s heart may be on other occa sions, to be silent on this, except in so far as our words add only to the good feeling that ought to prevail. Therefore we have only to join our salutations to the many heartfelt ones we hope every reader of this journal will receive, and to hope that the dawn of Christmas, 1880, will be the begin ning of a new era of health, happiness, and prosperity.

Christmas Holiday.—The Guardian will not be published to-morrow, being Christmas Day.

Telegraphic.— Sunday hours will be observed at all telegraph stations to morrow (Christmas day) and on Monday next (Boxing day).

The San Francisco Mails. Mails for the United Kingdom, Continent, of Europe, and America, West Indies, Sand wich Islands, &c., will close at Ashbu: ton on Friday, the 31st instant, as follows: Money orders at 10 a.m.; correspondence at 5 p.m. Late fee letters may be po. ted in the mail van up to the time of its de parture for Christchurch.

Kauri Gum. —The Auckland Y'-iste Lands Boards propose the imposition of a duty of LI on kauri gum, and have for warded a recommendation to that ( feet to the Government.

The Old Men’s Dinner. —The ma ster of the Old Men’s Home desires coacknow ledge with many thanks the receipt -f a saddle of mutton from Mr. Laucash v, a fore-quarter of veal from Mr. Digba roast of beef from Messrs. Wilkin and Garter, of Gore Farm, for Chris nas dinner for the inmates. “The Bio Gooseberry,”--Mr. St. Hill’s big berries arc not the only mos raised in Ashburton. Eleven others -were shown us yesterday that scaled altogv ’.her 7£ ounces. They measured 3i- inc! in diameter each, and were a little ovt, • 14 inch in length. The gooseberries vm-e large, hearty-looking fruit, and rere grown in Dr. Trevor’s garden on bi dies supplied by Messrs. Sealy Brothers two years ago.

The School Prizes.—We gave the examiners’ prize-list in our issue yestei lay, but we have to add that though, as the examiners’ list, it was exactly what it purported to be, it would have been im possible with the number of books at the Committee’s disposal to give prizes to each of the children named in that list, ami the subjects for which awards were made were therefore grouped, and prizes were given accordingly. We may add, while on the subject of prizes, that the dux silver modal was presented by Dr. Stewart.

A Strange Case. —An Auckland tele gram of last night’s date says : —Mrs. Brooks, of Picton, is at present liex - e searching for her husband and two sons, who went missing in a yacht three years ago on a voyage from Picton to Welling ton. She had been informed that persons answering to their descriptian were work ing at Kaipara timber mills, under an assumed name. The police are making inquiries. She is in a destitute condition, her effects having been sent by the Htvwea to Nelson by mistake. An appeal has been made on behalf of her and her children to send them to Picton.

I. O. O.F. ,M.U. —The half-yearly meet ing of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge was held in the Templar Hall last evening, and was attended by a large number of members. Tiie election to the various offices resulted as follows : —G. M., Bro. G. F. Scott ; N.G., Bro. J. Tucker ; Y.G., Bro. J. Tait ; E.S., Bro. J. ’May nard ; Warden, Bro. Gibson ; J.G., Bro. Hopkins ; 8.5., Bro. Anderson ; L.S. to N. G., Bro. Macfarlano ; R. S., Bro. Stevens ; L.S. to V.G., Bro. T. Maynard. Medical Officer, Dr. Stewart. The pro ceeds of the evening amounted to over L 45. The business having been pro ceeded with, the Lodge closed in a har monious way.

Otago Grain Export.—Reporting to the Dunediii Chamber of Commerce, the secretary showed that during the past eleven months the export from Dunedin of oats and barley was 52,064 bushels, valued at L 4,844; from Oamarn 16,318 bushels, L 2,348; and the value of exports from Southland to Victoria was L 2.790. During the same period the imports from and via Victoria amounted to L 382,649 It was shown that notwithstanding the large trade between the two colonies the Victorian Government had doubled the duty on imported oats, which is now 2s. per 100 lbs., instead of Is., one plea being that the Victorian market was swamped with New Zealand produce.

The Caledonian Sports.—The Com mittee are hard at work making arrange ments for the Sports on Monday. Already the course lias been laid off for the races, and the ground for the other events is being rapidly got into ship-shape. Some half-dozen pipers are expected from various parts of the colony, and there will be no want of cither Irish or Highland dancers. The runners will form the fullest field that lias over started in Ashburton, and for all the run ning events there are a crowd of acceptors, many of them men of good fame, as well as a strong contingent of local talent. Stone-putters and caber-tossers are already rolling up, while many good leapers and vaulters are also on the lists. The hori zontal bar will be a fresh’ feature in the contests, and not a few competitors will enter. The programme has been so ar ranged that seventeen events will come off the first day and a like number the second. It may be mentioned, also, that Mr. Ferry man has offered a prize of LI to be run for by boys under 16, and the Society has added 10s., the distance to be 440 yards. The sports will commence each day at twelve noon, and the piper will parade the town every morning. Altogether there is every prospect of the gathering being the most successful sports meeting yet held in the district.

Elgin School. —The Committee held a meeting in the schoolhouse last night. Present—Messrs. J. Stanley Bruce (chair man), J. Keir, P. Innes, S. Scott, J. Cochrane, and T. Greenaway. The fol lowing resolutions were passed :—Pro posed by Mr. P. Innes, and seconded by Mr. J. Cochrane, “That, relative to a letter from the schoolmaster, he be re quested to furnish the Committee with an account showing the dates when the school books have been sold, to whom, and at what price, and further to hand the Com mittee all sums which he has received to this date from the sale of books. Also that his account for books will be con sidered with the others when liquidating the same. Further, that the schoolmaster hand the Committee all receipts which he has received for accounts paid by him for books.” Proposed by Mr. S. Scott, and seconded by Mr. J. Cochrane, “ That in reply to the schoolmaster’s letter relative to the appointment of his wife as mistress, the Chairman inform him that the Com mittee have not received any intimation from the Board of f Education sanctioning her appointment.” Proposed by Mr. X 3. Innes, and seconded by Mr, J. Cochrane, “ That the consideration of the school master’s letter relative to garden be a matter for the new Committee.” The Committee then adjourned. After the school meeting, the subject of giving the children a treat was considered. The subscription lists opened for the purpose were handed in, and were considered satis factory. It was decided to hold the treat on New Year’s Day in a paddock adjoin ing the school, kindly lent for the occa sion by Mr. Xeir.

Wesleyan Quarterly Meeting.—On Thursday evening last the usual quarterly meeting of office-bearers of the Wesleyan cause in the Ashburton district, was held in the Cameron street Church. The Rev. W. Keall presided, and there was a good attendance of Church officials. ■ The balance sheet showed receipts to the amount of Ll2O 14s. lOd, including a grant of L 45 from the Home Mission Fund, and an expenditure of L 73 19s. Id. with a grant of L 25 to the Trust Fund. Messrs John Orr and H. M. Jones were re-elected Circuit Stewards for the coming year. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Tinwald School Com mittee for the use of the school on Sabbath evenings, and it was decided ,in. future to obtain the new Temperance Hall in that township for future services. The. Roy 14, Keall gave an interesting account ■ of spiritual work accomplished recently in England,- and after an edifying conversation, the meeting decided that arrangements should be made for holding special religious ser vices at an early date for the advance ment of the work of God in the neighbor? hood.

The School Concert. —Last night, the school children gave their concert in the Town Hall, to a large attendance, both of young people and adults, there being an especially full dress circle Dr. Stewart acted as chairman, while Mr. Stott con ducted the children’s choruses. On the platform were ranged some sixty or seventy boys and girls, who, in their holiday dresses, presented quite a gay spectacle. The leaning feature - of the concert was the choruses sung by the children, and we must say of these, that they were-very well sung indeed. The chorus singing of the children bore evidence of great pains having been taken with them by their teachers, and close attention displayed by the children themselves. The choruses sung were “The reapers,” “The snow drop,” “Men of Harlech,” “The bugle horn,” “My own New Zealand Home,” “ Our volunteers,” “ The skaters,” “ Who is a brave man I ’ “ The star spangled banner,” “The red, white and blue,” “ Rule Britannia,” and the National An them. Appropriate flags were displayed by one >f the girls during the singing of “The star-spangled banner” and “ The red, white, and blue.” Regarding the solos, some of ihem were decently sung," but of the others, perhaps the less said the better, and so with some duets. A mite oi a girl—bliss Emily Cotton—was very amusing in her song, “ The little brown jug and Miss T. Butler, whose splendid voice is well known, sang her favorite song “ The shamrock” exceed ingly well. Having noticed the piano s6lo by Master Herbert Books, and the fact that Miss Nelly Shiny played the accom paniment# where these were given, we have done with the musical portion of the evening. Those of our readers who were present at the distribution of prizes, will remember that the Rev. Mr. Hands was particularly funny over what he called “ The Third Standard song.” He was ridiculing the idea mostly all the children had of elocution. Several recitations were given last night in all of which it was painfully evident that the reciters had not been able to unlearn the “ Third Standard Song.” The concert over, the “ art union ” of the big doll commenced. The “ dice box ” was a big revolving one, and so fitted with glass that every motion of the dice was visible. Each child turned the wheel of luck for herself. The first turn threw eighteen, and it was not until sixty had had a try at the wheel that another eighteen turned up. The tics weic then thrown off, and it was found that the winner was Miss Betsy Lambie, the first lucky thrower of eighteen. In her tie throw she made thirty-seven against the thirty-five of her opponent —Miss Ada Muscharnp. The proceedings closed at about a quarter to eleven, with the usual compliments.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) Greece Can’t See It. London, Dec. 23.

The Great Powers have accepted the proposal made by England to arbitrate between Greece and Turkey, but the former has declined to agree to the same. The Basutos Routed. The latest intelligence to hand from the Caps states that the Umhlonhlo and Basutos have been completely routed, and have fled. The Boers have made a fierce attack on Patch strom, but no details are yet to hand as to the result. The Markets.

Three per cent, consols, Adelaide and New Zealand breadstuff's are unchanged at last quotations : viz., Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 495. 6d. 3 Adelaide flour, ex ship, 445. 3 Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 355. Australian tallow —best beef, 335. Cd. 3 best mutton, 365. New Zealand secu rities —Five per cent. 10-40 loan, 103 3 Five per cent. 1880 loan, 107 3 Four and a-half per cent. 1879-1904 loan, 9 63 - Frozen Meat. Aden, Dec. 22. The steamer Prolos, with a cargo of fresh meat, has arrived here from Mel bourne cn route for London. Every thing, so far, has been satisfactory. The meat is in a sound condition, and the refrigerating machinery worked well. The Marquis of Ripon. Calcutta, Dec. 23. The Marquis of Ripon has now re covered. He has resigned his position as Viceroy of India, and will most pro bably leave at an early date for Eng land. ■ ’ ■' Subsided. New York, Dec. 23. The grain panic, which took place at Chicago, has now subsided.

AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Reuter's Agency.) Beer Awards.

Melbourne, Dec. 23,

The official awards for beers at the Exhibition have been published. The awards announced by telegram on the 12th inst. are correct, but the following additions are now known For porter, in bulk, Ehrenfried, second ; for bottled porter, Ehrenfried, second; for bottled ales, Crowe (Chrishchurch), Ehrenfried and Strachan (Dunedin) third; for brown ales, Manning (Christchurch), first;. Hargan (of Dunedin),. Thomson (of Oamaru), Mactaggart (of Palmer ston), seconds; and Cochrane (of Dunedin), third. '•

An Auckland Yacht. Melbourne, Dec. 24. ; The Auckland yacht Taniwha has arrived in the Bay. ; Intercolonial Disarming. The Legislative Assembly last night passed a resolution in favor of disband ing the Victoria Artillery force. The Walking Tournament. In the walking tournament now pro ceeding, Swan, of New Zealand is first, with nr miles; Seymour and Baker have each done 107 miles.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL.

The following are the letters of the Examiners regarding the result of their examination of the Ashburton School: The Parsonage, Ashburton, December 23rd, 1880. Dear sir,—l have examined the' Borough School in geography and history, and some of the standards in reading and recitation. I have the pleasure to report that the children to whom I awarded the prizes in their various classes showed a very thorough knowledge of the subjects in which I ex amined them. The third standard I con sider very backward in both history and geography, but the other standards were well'informed in comparison with children of their own ago I have elsewhere ex amined. I was much pleased with the cheerful, pleasant tone of the children, and met with no obstinacy or dis obedience. There were two or three cases of copying, but they were promptly no ticed by the teachers, who gave every assistance in their power.—l am, &c., A. W. Hands.

I have examined the upper 3rd, the 4th, sth, and 6th classes (standards) in English, including reading, spelling, dicta tion, and recitation. What most struck me was the general evenness of attain ment in each class, as showing an impar tial and patient attention to all the scholars. The clearness and intelligence of the reading were also very marked. A singular anomaly showed itself in the fact that the spelling was always better given under dictation than by the voice. The scholars, though inclined to take matters easily and to talk with one another, were readily brought to order and quietness. The assistants were very youthful, hut intelligent and promis ing. Charles Fraser. Ashburton, December 22, 1880.

I have examined No. 1 class of lower part of the school, and found some difficulty in awarding the prizes on account of their evenness of attainments. I also examined the 3rd division of 3rd standard. I found them very backward in their dictation. I examined the 3rd division of 2nd standard in arithmetic, and had no difficulty what ever in selecting the three best, they were so far in advance of the others ; but there was some difficulty in awarding the prizes, in consequence of the frequent ties in working off questions for final decision. —J. Ward.—Ashburton, December 22, 1880. The Manse, Ashburton, December 23rd, 1880. My Dear Sir, —Herewith are en closed lists of names of scholars, who, in my opinion, stood highest in the branches which fell to my share to examine in your school, during the first three days of this week. These branches were chiefly Eng lish, grammar, and arithmetic throughout the various standards. The discipline maintained and the behavior of the chil dren throughout the whole school during the examination, were very excellent and praiseworthy. I have all the more pleasure in hearing testimony to these things, because I recently observed in a newspaper a report by an Inspector to the contrary. Indeed, with the new additional rooms, now almost ready for use, and with another as sistant teacher also, whom you ought to have had long ago, I think your school should be one of the very best cf the kind, in this new colony.—l am, &c., A. M. Beattie.

A Romance of the Stock Exchange.

(Hvma Nows. )

There has been great excitement in the London Stock Exchange these las', ten days over the doings of a criminally foolish sharebroker’s clerk, who, in his employer’s absence speculated not wisely but too deeply. The young gentleman was left in complete control of his master’s business while the master went on a yachting cruise in the Mediterranean with friends. Unfortunately for both himself and his employer, the clerk —who was a member of the Stock Exchange on bis own account—-took to gambling in stocks and shares. His master had played for heavy stakes and won them in a like game—why should not the clerk be equally fortunate? So, no doubt, the foolish youth thought as' he plunged into huge operations, venturing to have as much as Li 93,000 open in one stock alone, beside much else in others. But the luck went against him 3 and settlement day drew.near with what for him were enormous “differences” to be met. He had been trusted on his master’s account, whose name and authority he doubtless used, and there was no suspicion that there could be anything wrong. Everything, however, was wrong—very much wrong. The miserable clerk saw ruin staring him in the face, and cowardice urged him to make his escape. He became a fugitive, taking with him not only his master’s books, but also his cash balance at his banker’s and other moneys, amounting to Ly,ooo and has not since been heard of. The facts becoming known the telegraph wires were at once set in motion to communicate with the absent broker, who was for . tunately found at some Mediterranean port within a very short time The master hastened home as quick as steam would bear him, and arrived in London on Tuesday. His clerk’s speculations had involved him in a loss of Li 6,000, which he honorably paid 3 so that, including what had been taken away, the master had lost L 23,000 by his yachting cruise, in addition to the expenses which his trip cost him. We should think he will not be in haste to go on another expedition of the sort.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

A REALLY GOOD CASE. [a legend of st. Michael’s hospital.] Everyone knows that St. Michael’s, as we shall take the liberty of calling it, is the largest and most celebrated of the London hospitals. It is situated quite in the heart of the city, and is • about equidistant from London bridge, West minister, Gower street, Smithfield and Whitechapel. I was a student there, and there the happiest days of my life were passed.. And now to my story. A large number of the students had gone down for the short Christmas vacation, and I should have gone also, but was just then “ dresser” to Carver Smith, and could not leave , town ; moreover, it was my week of residence. I must beg you to remember, what is perhaps but little understood by thp general public, that a large part of the watching and care, and a certain pro portion also of the treatment of hos pital patients, devolve upon assistants selected from the senior students. Some of the less important appointments, such as the “ dresserships,” are held by every student in turn ; but the more re sponsible offices, some of which require twelve months’ residence in the hos pital, can only be gained by a few men each year. And for these appoint ments, which are esteemed positions of great trust and honor, and which are

exceedingly valuable as stepping-stones to professional success, there is very keen competition. On the surgical side of the hospital each of the foui visiting surgeons had a resident house surgeon, and to be Sir Carver Smith’s “ H.S.” was one of the highest ambi tions of a “ St. Mike,” for Sir Carver was at that time one of the leading English surgeons. A man named George Adams held the post at this time, and as he is the hero of my story, so far as I have a , hero, I will just say a word about him. He was one of those men that we occasionially meet with, who seem to stand head and shoulders among their fellows —very quiet and reserved, and when he chose quite inscrutable. No one knew where he came from. But his very great ability, his calmness in all emergencies—l never saw him discom posed except once—his mature judg ment, and his great kindness, won him the respect alike of the students, the nursing staff, and the surgeons. Under him were four dressers, juniormen, who assisted in the hospital under his direction. I was one of them. Each week, one of us in turn resided in the hospital, and, as I said, Christmas week fell to my turn, and that is how I came to spend Christmas in St. Michael’s. I ought to add that there were four assistant surgeons to the hospital, but their care was over the out-patient de partment, and it was only in the absence of the visiting surgeons that they had any duty in the wards. Well, it was Christmas night, and our work for. the day was done, except some late visits to the wards by-and-bye, and of course any casualities that might turn up. But Christmas day is usually pretty slack in that respect. It is medical rather than surgical casualities that Christmas day produces. We had got up in honor of the day a little en tertainment in an empty ward, for any of the hospital inmates who cared to attend and were able to do so. We had a famous little programme. One or two of our residents could play and sing well; another had a curious facility in whistling to the piano; another was an amateur ventriloquist and presdigitateur; and I fancy there were also some recitations and tableaux to come off. Also, there was one of the patients, an old sailor, who could sing in a grand, rich, stentorian bari tone and bring down the house. Our chairman—Adams, of course—had just begun, and was delivering himself in a semi-serious way of some very eloquent remarks, amidst great applause—for nothing pleases the lower classes better than a few oratorical flourishes—-when, “ tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, tinkle,” went a small, high-pitched, imperious bell. It was the accident bell !

Oh, ye lay mortals, ye little know how the social and domestic joys of a medical' man are at the mercy of a bell! We invite our friends to tea, we wel come them, we anticipate a pleasant evening, and—there goes the bell 1 We come home tired and wet, change boots for slippers, and get comfortably by the fireside, and —there goes the bell ! We turn into bed on a cold night, and just get warm and snug, when —there goes the bell 1 My bell experiences began that night at St. Michael’s, and I shall not soon forget it. It was Sir Carver’s “ taking-in week,” and his assistants had to attend to the accidents. Adams nodded to me, and off I went to investigate, knowing that it might be anything from a cut finger to a railway smash. I found a scene of considerable excitement in the acci dent-room. Two policemen, aided by a crossing-sweeper and a cabman, had just brought in a patient, and some other spectators had pushed their way in out of curiosity. “ Just happened outside,sir; knocked down by a runaway cab, sir.” “ Lost a lot of blood ; ’fraid it’s a bad case, sir.” Thus the policemen.

“ Ask Mr. Adams to come down at once, and clear the room/’ I said. It was a young, fair-haired girl of eighteen or nineteen, perfectly pale, unconscious and almost pulseless —a strange contrast to her rough, swarthy, weather-beaten bearers. A deep wound in the neck was bleeding profusely ; but, on tearing open the dress, I found I could stop the hemorrhage almost entirely with my finger. Adams was there immediately: in a minute he knew all about it, and had settled his course of action. Quietly he said : “ Send for Sir Carver. Take her to the theatre [the operating room] at once. Ask the other men to come, and get everything ready for operation.” And then to me : “ Keep up steady pressure, and don’t take your finger away for an instant.” Nothing could be found out con cerning her. No one was with her when she was struck down. She was very tastefully, though not expensively dressed. Her features were exceed ingly regular and pretty, and when the color was in her face she must have possessed a very considerable share of good looks. Nothing but a purse and a handkerchief were found in her pocket. The former was well filled, and the latter was marked “ E, Stead.” Adams said at once that she was a lady.

I do not know whether it ever happened before at St. Michael’s that, on the occurrence of a sudden emer gency, no one of the surgical staff was at hand. Strange to say, it happened so to-night. Sir Carver Smith and three of the medical assistant surgeons lived close to the hospital; but in five minutes the messenger returned with the news that Sir Carver had been called to some aristocratic celebrity at the West End, who had met with an accident, and had taken one of the assistant surgeons with him. The second was out of town; and the third, who had been left to act in emergencies, had been taken suddenly ill. We had been discussing the case,, and offering advice upon it with all* that calm assurance that characterises embryo surgeons. But matters now. became serious. Half an hour would' suffice to summon one of the other' surgeons ; but it was plain that some thing must be done at once. We all looked at Adams, who had said very little hitherto, but had gone on making everything ready. He simply said : “ Begin to give chloroform ; I am going to operate.” • “ What are you- going to do ?” we asked.

He told us; but I will not inflict any details upon my readers, but will simply say that the sharp end of a broken

shaft, had made a narrow, deep gash in the roof of the neck, and had wounded a large artery. The operation contem plated afforded almost the only chance of life; and to delay it any longer, Adams said, would be throwing that chance away. It was an operation of the highest difficulty and danger under the present condition of the parts; and could the performance have been antici pated, the theatre would have been crowded with spectators from all the hospitals in London. And there was a young surgeon of twenty-five, called upon at a few minutes’ notice to under take what many a long-experienced surgeon might hesitate to attempt, for it was impossible to perform it without additional loss of blood; and it was not at all improbable that a patient might not survive the operation, to say nothing of after dangers. Adams carefully explained to the other house surgeons what assistance they would have to give him ; and when the patient was ready, commenced at once. Perfect silence reigned, broken only at intervals by a word from the operator, but, indeed, he had little need to speak, for we were well drilled at St. Michael’s, and everything he needed was put into his hand almost before he asked for it. I think I can still see that quiet eager group of young men under the brilliant gaslight, standing around the palid, slumbering, girl; and in the centre the young surgeon, cool, collected, without hurry, without hesi tation, doing his work. I have wit nessed many of the most brilliant operators in England, and of course have seen Adams himself in that theatre in later years ; but I think I never_ saw that night’s operation surpassed either by himself or anyone else. A special demand sometimes calls forth special powers, and acts almost like an inspira tion ; and so it seemed now.

In a short time it was done, and suc cessfully done, and the patient was carried away to a quiet ward, where she was duly cared for by the nurse in charge, Adams, and Sir Carver Smith, who came on later. Our miscellaneous entertainment did not come off; but we scarcely regretted the change of programme. In a place where acci dents are hourly, and operations daily occurrences, one more or less seldom creates much excitement; and when I go on to say that this case excited more interest among residents and non residents than almost any other case I ever saw in the hospital, I wish you to clearly understand that this fact was due entirely to the extreme professional interest in the case and the great enthusiasm of St. Michael’s men for the study of surgery. At the same time, I may state, although not par ticularly bearing on the question, that the patient was an uncommonly pretty, girl; and day after day passed by with out any light being shed on the ques tion as to who she was and whence she came —circumstances quite sufficient to excite in a mind not pre-occupied with such matters as burden the intellect of the average medical student, the live liest interest and curiosity. After the operation she was at first too ill to be interrogated, when she got a little better she declined to give any information ; at any rate, none could be obtained from her. Perhaps she was a little “queer” with feverish or hysterical excitement.

At the expiration of two days I went in to help with the dressings. She was very grateful for everything done for her, and bore her pain very well. For a long time she was in a very critical state. As the euphonious phrase of the young profession went, “She had a very close shave for it.” At the end of three weeks, however, she was in fairly smooth water, and for the first time some of the clinical class went in with Sir Carver Smith to see the case. Hd had hitherto said nothing on the subject of the operation. He was a man of few words; but one word of praise or blame from him was never forgotten by any of us. Turning to us from the patient, he said. “ This, gentlemen, is a case of so-and-so,” and he briefly explained it. Then he ad ded : “ Nothing but the most excep tional circumstances could justify a house surgeon in this hospital in under taking an operation of such importance. In this case those exceptional circum-’ stances existed. The operation is one of great difficulty and rarity. I have once, many years ago, performed it myself, and the patient died. Had my patient recovered, such a recovery would then, I believe, have been without precedent. But the gratification to myselTof hav ing performed the first successful opera tion would not have been greater than is my gratification now at having under my care a case which will, I believe, recover, and whose recovery will be due, without doubt, to the prompt and skilful action of a St. Michael’s Student, my own house surgeon, Mr. Adams.” “ Strong for Carvy, and good for Adams ” was the general comment. Adams pretended to be writing notes; but there was not one of us who would not readily have suffered “ plowing ” in our “ final college ” to gain such a word from Carver Smith.

And now my fair readers, if you will turn to the clinical report of the cele brated case in the pages of the Lancet, somewhere about March, 18—, you will find it stated that “after this point the case presents no features of special interest ; convalescence was rapid, and the patient was discharged cured on the forty-seventh day after admission.” I therefore give you fair, notice that you may lay down this re cord here and not read any further unless you like. , Yes ; she recovered rapidly; and prettier and prettier she grew as she got better. She talked very little, and said nothing at all to help her identifi cation. Inquiry was fruitless, even though the case got into the news papers. The interest among the stu dents increased daily. It was reported that she was an heiress Who had quar relled with her guardian ; that Adams was madly in love with , herthat she was waiting for- him to propose, and then would marry off-hand ; that Adams knew all about her, but kept it snug. And then men got to chaffing.him ; in a mild sort of. a way, wanting to know the “state of the heart,” and the chances of “ union by first intention.” But Adams was impenetrable. Per sonally? I am inclined to think that, whatever the condition of his patient’s heart might be, he was a little affected in that region.. : She was evidently very, fdnd'of him, and liked no one but him

to dress the wound. Still the mystery increased.

(To be continued.)

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1880.



Special Advertisements. O. Carstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, aND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Yailrod. Twist, ami Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircutting, Shewing and Shampooing. EAST STREET, AS3BURTON. 520* THE BEST VALUE FOE READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND 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 Yalue for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 751* Manager. K. F. Gray, A UCTIONEER, VALUATOR, STOCK, STATION, AND GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT, TEMUKA. Agent for Standard Insurance Com pany, and Sub-Agent for the Althouse Windmill. Licensed Dealer in Arms and Ammunition. 782 O R SALE. QUARTER ACRE in Mrs. McLean’s Paddock. Good soil. Well sittiated and cheap. No reasonable offer refused. W. WHITE, 809 Agent. Tenders wanted for stocking and FORKING about 380 Acres (more or less), of Wheat and Oats, on Maronan Staticm ; and for GO Acres (more or less), of Oats, about three miles dis tance off. Tenders to be addressed to John R. Licldle, Tinwald post-office, on or before Ist JANUARY. 812 SICKNESS AND ACCIDENT PRO VIDED AGAINST. The sickness and accident MUTUAL ASSURANCE ASSOCIA TION OF NEW ZEALAND. Registered under the Friendly Societies’ Act, 1877. Head . Office — Sydenham Chambers, Hereford street, Christchurch. Trustees —R. Wilkin, Esq., Christ church; L. B. Nathan, Esq., Christchurch; E. C. J. Stevens, Esq., M. H. R., Christ church ; Hon. E. Richardson, Esq., M.H.R., Christchurch. Rates to Assure— £T per week during disability for 13 weeks, and 10s. per week for further 13 weeks : —2ss. per annum ; 13s. half-yearly; 7s. quarterly. Entrance Fee after January 15th, 1881, ss. Members are simply required to make a declaration that they are in good health and free from chronic disease. Both sexes eligible. Profits divided amongst assured. Members may assure from £1 to £4 weekly. W. W. CHARTERS, Manager. Agent for Ashburton— Charles Brad dell. 811 THE GUARDIAN is on every Tea Table in Ashburton. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



A ccuntry'debating society is wrestling with the question : ‘‘ Is a woman’s waist the best place for arm-y movements. Holloway's Pills.—Pure Blood. —As the vital fluid, when in a healthy state, sustain and renovates every part of the living system, so, when it becomes impoverished or impure it exerts a precisely contrary effect. lt_ is abundantly manifest that any medicine which does not reach the circulation can never exter minate the disease ; but any preparation capa ble of exercising a salutary influence over the blood, must with it be carried to every living fibre of the frame. The lungs, heart, livei, kidneys, and skin, all receive benefits from its more wholesome condition. Holloway,s puri fying Pills operate directly, powerfully, and beneficially, upon the whole mass of blood, whether venous or arterial. They strengthen the stomach, excite the liver and kidneys, expel disease, and prolong existence. —Advt.



Wanted. WANTED— A good WAITER. Apply at once, Ashburton Hotel. 813 XX TANTED —A good general SER W YANT. One who can milk pre ferred. Apply, Office of this Paper, at one o’clock, Friday, 31st Dec. 810 WANTED —A good . General SER VANT ; references required. Ap ply, Office of this Paper. 803 WANTED KNOWN, 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. 600 ANTED KNOWN—That a Church': of England minister’s wife writes that she saves Ten Shillings a Fortnight by using Harper Twelvetrees’ Yilla 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 Tuam streets, Christ church; Price—£9 10s. 700 WANTED KNOWN. , SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT ; STABLES. J. W. M £ RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr.. Bossenberg, and is . making extensive repairs. " Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention, 908c—2860 ANTED KNOWN—Just arrived from England—Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cai-ds. 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,&o. A visit solicited. L. F. Andrewes, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 527 Meetings^ LONGBEACH ROAD DISTRICT. TYTOTICE is hereby given that the AN JM NUAL MEETING of Ratepayers of this district will be held at the Road Board Office, on the 4th day of JANUARY next, commencing at the hour of Twelve o’clock noon.. Business will be to receive Annual Balance-Sheet, and Statement of Expendi ture, &c.; to discuss district matters gene rally, and to nominate and elect three per-’ sons to serve as members of the Board, in the places of Messrs. Grigg (Chairman), Dawaou, and Wright, who retire in rota tion, but are eligible for re-election. A Poll will be taken after the nomina tion, if required, closing at 4 o'clock p.m: W. cuThbert, Returning Officer. Longbeach Road, 17th Dec., 1880. 773 : 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 6th, 1881, for the purpose of laying before the Ratepayers a statement of receipts and expenditure and the- Balance Sheet for the past year. Bv order, C. J. WENTWORTH COOKSON, Ju if., 805 Surveyor to the Board. UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD DISTRICT. The ANNUAL MEETING of Rate payers of this District will be held at the Road Board Office on MONDAY, January 3rd, at 12 o’clock noon, for the purpose of ELECTING THREE MEMBERS in the place of Messrs. D. M. Stitt, and Arch. McColl, who retire by rotation, but are eligible for re-election. • : A Poll, if demanded, will take place the same day, closing at 4 o’clock p. m. D. MoLEAN, 781 Chairman. ’ Amusements. FIRE BRIGADE Carnival. MONDAY, DECEMBER 27. Under the patronage of his Worship the Mayor and the Borough Councillors of- Ashburton, the Directors and Members of the Caledonian Society, and of all the Beauty and Talent of the County. Programme. At 7.30 p.m., the Brigade will march ■ through the town, and at 8 p.m. sharp • • the Concert will commence at the Town Hall. 1. Overture—Pinaoforte. . *. ...... 2. Song— < _ , 3. Scotch Reel, with Bagpipe acom paniment. 4. Glee —“ Hark, the Lark.” Ashbur- . ton Glee Club. 5. Local Stump Speech. 6. Irish Song and Dance. - / 7. Bagpipe Solo. i. 8. Scotch Song. 9. Pianoforte Solo. • 10: Recitation. 11. Glee —“ Sweet and Low. ” 12. Sword Dance, with Bagpipe accora? panimeni. . ‘ 13. Double Song and Dance.. ; " J 14. Brigade Song and Chorus. 15. National Anthem, with full chorus: At : 10 p.m. a Torchlight Procession will -■ take place, accompanied by Mephistopheles > and his Evil Genius. ■ The procession-will ; march round the town, and a Pyrotechnic Display will be made at the Fire Brigade Station;-- Tickets for the Concert may be had from all members of the Brigade. Dress Circle and, Chahsj :4b. j, „ Second Seats, 35. : ; ; Back Seats, 2s.- ■ ’ .'*79o - Te 3jet. . ■ - TO LET—Near the East Belt, -TWO ROOMS, with use of copper and out- ; house, Rent, 6s. a week. Apply, Office of this Paper. 795