SHIPPING.

POET OF LYTTELTON. ARRIVED. Jan. I.—Wellington, s.s., from Wel lington, Picton, and Nelson. SAILED. Jan. I.—Albion, s.s., for Sydney, via Wellington and east coast. Jan. 2.—Wellington, s.s., for Dunedin.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails leave the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at xo. 20 a.tn. 4 p.m., and 7.30 pan., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 r.m daily. For Rakaia at. 10.20 a.m and 4 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinv.aid Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangilata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at" 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at ,15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. Sydney J. Dick, Chief Postmaster. NEW POSTAL REGULATION. Letters posted within the colony having the ames and addresses of the senders printed on the address side of the envelopes, accompanied by a request that f the letters be returned if not claimed within a stated period, will be retum d unopened. Provided, however, such letters shall have remained in the post office to which they may be addressed at least ten days. NOTICE. A travelling Post Office having been estab lished on the Southern line of railway, letters bearing a late fee of 2d. may be posted at any station in the mail carriage attached to the expre=s train, and they will be included in the mails made up in transit for offices on the main line and branches.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-Day. By Messrs. Ac! an cl, Campbell & Co., at tbc Bazaar, Asliburtopf^jT^^reiQck,— o’clock wo Wood’s reapers and binders. MEETINGS, Ac. . January s—Annual Meeting Mount Hutt Road Board. January s—AnnualMeetingMount Somers Road Board. January 6- Annual Meeting Upper Ash burton Road Board. January 7 —Annual Meeting Wakanui Road Board. January 7 —Annual Meeting Longbeach Road Board. January 7—Monthly Meeting Ashburton County Council. January B—General Meeting Ashburton A. and P. Association.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER. SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1880.

The collapse of the great bridge across the Tay at Dundee cannot fail to cause much consternation in engineering circles, as well as amongst the travelling public. The fall of this bridge turns what has been admired as a great engineering triumph into an engineering failure, and the acci dent will probably have the effect of check ing for a time enterprise in the direction of spanning large tracts of water with colossal viaducts. The completion of the Tay Bridge, and its apparent success as a railway track over a wide arm of the sea, had the effect of giving impetus to even a larger undertaking of the same description, namely, a bridge over the Firth of Forth. Last accounts inform us that preparations were being made for commencing the Forth Bridge, and its successful erection would have placed London within a working-day’s ride of the extreme north of railway-reached Scot land. The check given to the Forth Bridge, however, will only be temporary ; for it is a reasonable deduction that if engineering skill can span a great river with a bridge that will withstand the force of wind and current for two years, and then only partly succumb to a fearful gale, the same skill, on finding out the weak point of the first structure, will be able to replace it with one whose added strength will sustain for twenty years or longer shocks of greater severity than that which ruined its predecessor. The loss of life by the fall of, the Tay Bridge, however much to be deplored, is only history repeating itself. In all great en • gineering undertakings, in a line different and more extensive than formerly known, martyrs have been made to the cause of science, and the human race has had to pay in lives a heavy penalty for learning where errors have have been made, and .how to rectify them. The bridge just destroyed was the largest ever undertaken in any part of the known uorld, and before it was opened for traffic the most severe test the best skill could devise was applied to it, and the result seemed satisfactory to the best practical eyes, ere human life was entrusted upon its huge, though seemingly delicate piers. What ever of culpability or recklessness may have existed in connection with the building of the bridge or with its working as a part of a railway system, will as suredly be dragged to light, and whoever is to biamo—whether engineer, contractor, railway manager, or workman —for tho loss of 90 human lives,will be held answer able. Still, even the forfeiture of a hun dred culpable lives who may, directly or jidirectly, innocently or guiltily, have caused the deaths of those 90 innocent travellers will not again restore the

dead io the world they, have left for tTer. Their part in time is played, and their untimely end is to be deplored, but they leave to those behind a valuable legacy—an opportunity, when all the skill of the scientific world is centred upon one object, of profiting for the future by the lesson their fatal en gulphment in the waters of the Tay leaves open to be learned. While we cannot but deplore on the one hand the sad calamity—we would be inhuman otherwise—we cannot shut our eyes on the other to the fact that the terrible accident has been ruled by an all wise # Providence to happen at an opportune time—at a time when the scientific world was big with great viaduct enterprises, over not simply rivers of ordinary force, and over whose waters gales of great force sometimes blow, but actually when it is contemplated to bridge the English Channel, and connect the coasts of Eng land and France with a structure similar in character to that which has given way with such fatal consequences midway between the Scotch counties of Fife and Forfar.

As we have said, the time is big with lessons of living moment to the travelling public, and it is to be hoped the contri butions to engineering knowledge given by the weak point of the Tay Bridge will be such as will in a large measure secure travellers in the future who may cross the new structures —when these have been com pleted, and they assuredly will become an accomplished fact—against unwarned death by a failure of the railway roadway midsea.

It may be well to give a few figures showing the magnitude of the structure whose partial destruction has had such a fatal effect. One of the chief railway companies in Scotland is the North British, and finding that a great detour could be avoided between Dundee and Edinburgh by spanning the Tay at the latter town, the idea of the present bridge was conceived in 1860 by Mr. T. Bouch, engineer. For some years Mr. Bouch’s mind had been directed to the idea of a Tay bridge, and at almost every meeting of the North British shareholders the proposal cropped up—now ridiculed, now approved to some extent. Ultimately the imperative necessity of making the line to Edinburgh from Dundee direct instead of circuitous, and thus bringing more equal competition into play with the Caledonian Company for the direct English traffic with the extreme north of Scotland, became apparent; and Mr. Bouch, having perfected the plan of the bridge that has just suffered, the design was accepted in 1870, the estimated cost being something like £360,000. A tender by Mr. Grote, the contractor who built the bridge, was accepted, at a figure somewhat under the estimated cost, and the the work was proceeded with. It took between six and seven years to com plete, but its completion had the effect of hugely increasing the traffic on the line of the company that promoted it. The bridge took the Frith of Tay water at the Mag dalen Green, about a mile and a half from the centre of the town, and, following an oblique direction towards the southern shore, struck the Fife side near the hamlet of Woodhaven, half a mile further up stream. The exact length of the bridge over water was two miles, but a quarter of mile of approach was required on either side, and its great length gave it the credit of being the longest bridge in the world. In all, the structure crossed the estuary in 84 spans, the first 14 of which from the Magdalen Green were founded on rock. Six of these were 2i ft long, one 155 ft (to meet rock foundations, and to avoid sand) and seven of COft; another eighteen of 60ft followed ; then eleven of 120 ft; one of 150 ft, and thirteen huge leaps of 230 ft ; from these the spans gradually shortened, from twelve of 136 ft to ten of 120 f t; and then came two of 80ft ; till the southern approach was met in three spans of 60ft. At the Wood haven, or southern end, the piers were of brick, built on shore and floated out to their position in the river. The remainder of the piers were iron cylinders solidified with concrete, and sunk in the bed of the stream. These cylinders formed pedestals for the supffcrt*t-o|loin. wrought iron pil lars on which the'-roadway structure rested, half a mile of which -appears to have given way in the night and caused the accident. The townspeople of Perth raised objections to tbe bridge, inasmuch as it would interfere with the passage of ships up to their wharf. To quash this objection it was necessary to build the structure at an altitude sufficient to admit vessels of heavy tonnage to sail under, and if our memory serves us fairly, the span over the deepest current was 80 or 90 feet high. The writer, however, sailed under a side span in a steamer as large and with as lofty masts as any in the New Zealand trade, and this before the larger spans wore built. The roadway was wide enough to admit of a second line of rails being laid down, but it was deemed ad visable, for safer working, to lay only one- The structure as it spanned the wide estuary had a most fragile appearance in the distance, but notwithstanding its ap pearance of lightness it took 8200 tons of iron in its construction, 87,000 cubic feet of timber, 15,000 casks of cement, and 10,000,000 bricks, and it was considered so great an undei'taking as to be worthy of a hand-book of no mean size, being de voted to details of its history, and a scien tific description of the work of its erection.

The “Guardian.” —To-day our readers receive the “ Guardian” in the form wc promised the paper would assume as soon as suitable machinery for working it could be procured. The necessary machinery, after unavoidable delay, has at last arrived, the printing premises have been extended by the erection of an engine house, and the intake of another room in the block of buildings in which the “ Guardian” is printed, so that we are now in a position to fulfil our promise_of giving to our readers a sheet the same size as the Christchurch “Press.” The new shape is handier for the reader than the one we were reluctantly compelled to assume at the outset, and tho awkward inside sheet has been dispensed with. The new machine is a super-royal Wharfcdale, by Dawson and Sons, of Otley, and the appearance of our pages this morning, and the fine clean print they display, will at a glance show the improvement its in troduction has effected. Anew “Otto” gas engine is being erected in the engine house just built for the proprietors by Mr. M'Laren, builder, and early next week it will supply driving power to all the print ing machinery in the office. As scon as all the alterations on the establishment are complete and the engine in working order, the machinist, Mr. Berry, will bo happy to show the machine at work to any visitors who may so desire. Bridge over Taylor’s Stream. —With the bi'idge over Taylor’s Stream, near Morgan’s Hotel, the contractor, Mr. Butt, is making good progress under the disadvantageous circumstances of the river bed, driving through which is ex ceedingly difficult. He has driven up to now 33 piles, and only fifteen remain to be driven. On the north end of the contract a commencement has been made with the superstructure, and already a considerable advancement has been made with it. Owing to the roughness of the river bed, and the size of the boulders, pile driving is exceedingly difficult, and nor more than a sixteenth of an inch is gained per stroke.

Aspirants for Fame. —There will be an appearance or two before the R.M. this morning in consequence of a case or two of too much whiskey, and one in which His Worship will be called upon to decide on the merits of two combatants who “had it out” yesterday afternoon near the sale yards,

The Mayor. —ln the “ Gazette ” of 24th ult., the name of Mr. Hugo Friedlan der, Mayor of Ashburton, appears a,s a Justice of the Peace under the Municipal Corporations Act. The Telegraph Office. —lt is notified that in consequence of the strike amongst the telegraph operators, and till ar rangements can be made to overtake the wox-k, the Ashburton office will close at 5 p.m. and open again at 7 p.m'. until 8 p.m. for the reception of telegrams.

Mount Somers Road Board Election. —At the nomination yesterday of candi dates for the three wards in the Mount Somers Road district, Messrs. Duncan Cameron, and W. C. Walker were the only nominees for wards 1 and 5, and these gentlemen were declared elected by the returning officer, Mr. J. C. Bell. For ward 2, Messrs. Chapman, Peaohe, and Tisch were nominated, and a poll will be taken as betweenthemon Tuesday next at Alford Forest schoolroom, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Strike of Telegraph Operators.— Yesterday the telegraphic system of the colony was somewhat thrown out of gear by a strike of the operators, about 100 of whom ceased work. The dissatisfaction is with the conduct of Government in stopping all overtime payments, and re quiring the men to remain on duty all or any hours, as the service may require, without any remuneration for the extra time. In towns where there are morning papers, with special wires at work, the duties are especially arduous and the hours very long. The action of the authorities in requiring the men to stay on duty far into the morning for no more pay tlxan they receive for an ordinary day’s work is as hard a piece of colonial cheek as one would meet with any where, and though we are not admirers of strikes under any circumstances, we fancy the present is one that does not require much justification. As a result of the strike a large number of telegrams for the evening papers could not be forwarded, and much delay of ordinary work took place. Mount Somers Sports. —Our corres pondent at Mount Somers writes that on New Year’s Day there was an excellent gathering of “ all nations ” on the ground where the sports wore held, and a full programme was fought through item by item, each being pluckily contested. The whole affair was carried through in perfect harmony and good will, and no difference either in religion or caste was manifested. [The prize list is not en closed in our correspondent’s parcel.]

Timaru Caledonian Society. Mr. George Kidd, blacksmith, Ashburton, took first prize of £5 for Highland costume at the Timaru Caledonian Society’s sports on Thursday, and third for Highland reals.

Amateur Entertainment. —The enter tainment given by the Temperance Dra r matic Club on Thursday was very poorly attended, by an audience, in the gallery principally, rowdy in the extreme. The programme was as well pex-formed as on the°occasion of the first entertainment by the Club, but the chilling effect of a poor house was painfully apparent on the spix-its, both of actors and vocalists. Amongst the latter the most successful were the gentleman who sang “In my dreams,” and the young lady who sang “We gathered shells.” The grand trans formation scene was a great success, and was well appx-eciated, as it was oxx its first production. The scenery throughout the dramatic pieces was much admired and applauded. The artist is Mr. C. Bourke.

The Timaru Boil Over.— On Thursday the town of Timaru wore a gala aspect, and everybody seemed to be holding high holiday. A stranger visiting the place would never for a moment have thought that at one time a fierce Irish faction fight was expected to come off on New Year’s Day. Still, for some days in the early part of the week such was looked for, and the occasion likely to call it forth was a proposed procession by the Ox-angemon. In x-esponse, howevex-, to the wishes of the citizens who did not desire to have the annual holidays spoiled by a street brawl, the Orangemen postponed their procession, and as a consequence all went as merry as a marriage bell. Notwithstanding, the police mustered in large numbers as a precautionary measure, 300 special con stables paraded, badged and truncheoned, and-the volunteers of the town and dis trict were'under aims, as well as the Fii’e Brigade and Fife Police. All, however, passed off quietly, and the utmost good feeling and good humor prevailed.

Parish of South Rakaia. —A meeting of the Vestry of the above parish was held at Rakaia on Wednesday afternoon. Present—the Rev. W. H. Elton, Incum bent, Chairman ; Messrs. O. V Hardy, Churchwarden ; C. N. Mackie, F. B. Passmore, and W. Cox. The minutes of the former meeting were read and con firmed. The Churchwardens’ statement of accounts for the quarter was read and discussed. A letter was read from Mr. C. S. Mackie, complaining that BarrhiU Church had been deprived of one of its ordinary services. It was resolved to let the matter stand over for the present. It was resolved that a special meeting of the Vestry be held in about a month to con sider whether the church at Sherwood shall be taken over by the parish or nut. The rev. Chairman informed the vestry that Messrs. J. Grigg and John Mann had each presented the parish with a town allotment at Methvcn.

The Old Men’s Home.— Tho Ashbur ton Home Committee report that they have accepted the following tenders for supplies for the year ending Dec. 31, 1880 : Rations and extras, Orr and Co. ; medi cal comforts and fuel, Friedlaudcr Bros.; interments, T. A. Gates,

Perils by Land and Sea.— A corres pondent writes to say that “ three cleanly individuals,” resident in Ashburton, essayed a bath yesterday in the waler-hole at the other side of the bridge. In making their way thither they were accosted by a person in language anything but parlia mentary. The correspondent asserts that the bathers walked through a public reserve or road, which has been enclosed and planted as a vegetable garden by the person referred to. We are not “an fait in the exact locality, and cannot »ay whether the ground in question is public or private property, but certainly there is no need for the use of such language over the matter as that quoted by the writer as having been hurled at the bathers. A Philosophic Fiend. —“ I should like to sell you a gimlet,” said a careworn looking man as he walked into an office the other day. “We have no use for one,” replied the cashier. “But you should always look into the misty future,” went on the fiend demurely; “next winter you will have to make holes in your boot heels, so you can get your skates on.” “I use club skates—no straps required.” “You may want to screw jjsome boards together some time. The old-fashioned method of driving the screws in with a hammer is pernicious, as it deteriorates the tenacity of the fangs of the screw, as it were.” “ Nothing to day, sir.” “This gimlet acts as a cork screw.” “I don’t want it.” “It also may bo used as a tack hammer, a cigar holder, and a tooth brush.” I don’t want it.” “It lias an eraser, a pen, an ink stand, a table for computing compound interest, and a lunch-box attachment.” “I can’t help it, I don’t want it. ” “I know you don’t. You’re one of those men that don’t buy a gimlet unless it has a restaurant and a trip through Europe, and an Italian opera company attached. You’re the kind of a man who wouldn’t live near an electric light to save a gas bill.” And the pedler walked out with his mental plumage on the perpendicular. —New York Star.

Sunday School Treat. —Yesterday the Presbyterian Sunday scholars from Waka nui, Waterton, and Ashburton, enjoyed a treat in the Manse grounds through the kindness of the Rev. Mr. Beattie, his good lady, and the several teachers. The children assembled at the manse at eleven o’clock, and an ample lunch having been served on the sward, games, races for prizes, and other enjoyments were engaged in by tbe chil dren, who spent the day right jollily. The weather being “ Queen’s weather,” the meeting could not fail to be pleasant, and the pleasure was enhanced by the pre sence of the Brass Band under Mr. Savage, who kindly lent their services for the occasion. Themembers of thebaud also greatly aided the teachers by giving prac ticalhelpinthe conduct of races,games, &c. Mr. Steele’s donkey “ Nelly” carried many juvenile passengers round the grounds in the course of the day, and was perhaps as popular an agent in the day’s pleasure as any. Rev. Mr. Beattie and his lady, as well as several ladies of the congregation, were very energetic and painstaking in caring for the children’s comfort, and we were glad to observe that the little one’s highly appreciated the interest taken in them. A large number of children were present from the country districts, with their parents and friends. Mount Somers Road Board. —A meet ing of the Board was held on Monday, 29th December, 1879. Present —Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman), J. E. Taylor, Duncan Cameron, and W. S. Peter. The. overseer made his report for the month, which was considered. The clerk was in structed to invite tenders from- persons competent to conduct the duties of Mount Somer Pound. Tenders to be sent in not later than noon of Bth January, 1880. He was also instructed to write to the Com missioner of Reserves asking him to re commend to Government to vest all gravel reserves in the Board. The Board agreed to buy from Messrs. Gould and Cameron land for a road through sections 20589. 1530, and 23724, at the rate of LI per chain. The clerk was instructed to advertise that the Board proposed to stop the road from the south-east corner of section 23518 to south-east corner of sec tion 19975, and to take in exchange there for a road from the aforesaid south-east corner of section 23518 to the south-east corner of section 24989, joining Govern ment road at south-east corner of section 25614. Accounts were then passed and the Board adjourned.

The War in South America. The “Panama Star and Herald” of Oct. 7th publishes intelligence from Lima to Sept. 24th, stating that the Peruvian corvette Union arrived at Callao on Sept. 20th, after a long and fruitless voyage to the Straits of Magellan. The commander miscalculated in expecting the arrival af Punta Arenas of the vessel Gleuelg with war material from Europe for the Chilian Government, and the vessel so eagerly watched for, reached its destination in safety. On hearing this intelligence at Punta Arenas the commander of the Union decided-to: return to Arica. Only a few days after his departure from the Straits another vessel, the _ Genoese, laden with arms and ammunition for the Chilian Government, arrived, and finding no obstacle in the way, proceeded on hex voyage to Valparaiso, falling in after wards with the Loa and Amazonos, which had bee i despatched for her protection. How it Cuts.— The argument that the Government by a property tax are legislating in favor of large land-owners seems to us an absurd one (remarks the “Otago Daily Times). The large land owners will have to pay double the x-ate imposed by the late Government on their laxxd, and to pay on improvements as well. The Piako Swamp Company, fiv instance, will, we imagine, have to pay fully ful l times as much as they would under the Land Tax Act, and the only consolation such large proprietors will have is /that others who escaped before will now_have to contribute.

Cabul.— The writer of “ Zigzag Papers’ in the Sydney “Echo” says:—“ In the face of the interest which has recently centred in the ill-fated city of Oabool or Cabul, it may interest the general reader to know that the first mention of the word occurs in Sacred Writ. It occurs in 1 Kings, ix., 13, and was applied to the twenty cities which wex-e givexx by Solo mon to King Hiram, in retunx for his ser vices in supplying timber and other mate rials used in the construction of the temple. Hiram was not pleased with his present, and in disgust called the place Cabul. In Hebrew the word has no meaning ; but all through the East the connections associated with the word have meant ‘disgusting.’ Strange that the name has had an evil meaning. To this day the term ‘ Cabolee,’ in the East, is always employed in the sense of detx-ac tion or depreciation.”

Vxciokian Parsons. —At a station near Bundaberg, not far from Gympie, four clergymen happened to meet By pure accident, and as is customary in the bush, were hospitably received by the wife of the owner, who was absent from homo on business. Before retiring for the evening it was suggested that prayers should to read, and then it transpired that not one of the reverend travellers had a prayer book with him. After an excellent ex tempore petition, heartily joined in, the hostess placed some unopened bottles of spirits upon the table, apologising for being without a corkscrew in the house. Each of the four parsons simultaneously produced his knife, and, to the amuse ment of all, each knife had as part of its constitution an efficient corkscrew. This story is told by one of the four.

The Czar. —With respect to the re moured visit of the Emperor Alexander to the Berlin Court, the semi-official “ Norddeutsiho Allgemeina Zeitung,” in a letter from St. Petersburg, publishes the following intelligence:—“According to very definite assurances I have received here (in St. Petersburg), our monarch intends to remain dining a considerable portion of tho month of November still in Livadia. His Majesty contemplates then paying a visit !o tho Empress at Cannes, in“ the South of France, and thence returning hither (to St. Peters burg) at the beginning <>f December. On Dec. 8, according to the traditional usage, the festival of the Order of St. George is to be celebrated as in former years in the Imperial Winter Palace. Whether the Emperor Alexander, on Ins journey to or from Cannes, will take the route through Berlin is not yet known in this city. The story which has appeared in some organs of the Press, to the effect that on our sovereign calling at Berlin the Emperor of A ustria and the King of Italy would like wise rae.et him there, is declared in St. Petersburg to he a perfect myth.”

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Special. ) London, Undated.

Ncavs from Afghanistan states that General North, commanding at Gandatak defeated a Mazatoola Ghilzai chief severely.

{Herald Special .), London, Undated,

The Czar has consented to divide the Government of Russia Avith the Czare- Avitch.

A proclamation has been issued granting the right of rural municipal self-govern ment to Siberia.

(Argus Special.) London, Dec. 30.

The officials on the Dundee side of the Tay bridge saw the train advancing from the Fifeshire shore, and then a sudden

flash of light, extending from the bridge to the water. Wondei'ing at its non arrival, they traversed the bridge, and found a sudden gap in the centre, where the train, consisting of an engine, van, and six carnages had been engulphed in the water. Thirteen latticed girders, covering upwards of half a xxxile had fallen. It is believed that the ten'ific force of the gale meeting resistance from the passing train caused the disaster. No one was saved. It is now understood that the passengers numbered about 90. The mails floated ashore with nxuch of the wreckage. Divers have been employed to search for the bodies. There will be a Government enquiry. AUSTRALIAN. (Special. ) Melbourne, Dec. 30. Shipping parcels of wheat are offering at 4s 9d per bushel. INTERPROYIN CIAL. Auckland, Jan. 1. The Rotomahana made an excui-sion to the harbor of tbe Groat Barrier Island. She was piloted by a master of long ex perience in trading to the islaxxd. When leaving Port Fairy she struck on a rock, but passed safely over, and returned to Auckland without making any water. It is presumed no damage was done, but divers were sent down to examine, and she leaves for the South to-morrow. Captain Logan gave his usual annual excui-sion in aid of the charitable insti tutions. The United Schools held a festival in the" Domain, and were ad dressed by Mr. Chiuiquy. Wellington, Jan. 1. Splendid weather prevailed to-day for the holiday, and the sports and exeux-- sions were well patronised. The carbine match between Nelson and Wellington Artillery Cadets was fired to day, and was won by the former by one point. Hxe gun competition between the same companies takes place to-mor row evening. Waimatb, Jan. 2. At Waimate races yesterday, Mr. Allan, rider of Hindoo, in the Consolation race, was seriously injured. His hox-se fell and x-olled otfer the jockey, who now lies at the hotel insensible, suffering from con cussion of the bx-am. The hox'sc was hurt, and will have to be destroyed. O amaru, Jan. 1. The Caledonian sports to-day were a gx-eat sxiceess. About five thousand persons attended, and the weather was fine.

The receipts from the bazaar yesterday were LO2.

Dunedin, Jan. 1

New Year’s Eve passed off more quietly than for many years past, and there was an almost entire absence of rowdyism. A number of volunteers and special con stables were kept ready in case of their services being requix-ed. To-day the weather was splendid, and everything in favor of the holiday. The Caledonian gathei-ing was a great success. Dunedin, Jan. 2.

The Caledonian Gathering yesterday was the centre attraction. The likudicap race, for which there wcx-c 25 entries, in cluding pedestrians from all parts of the colony, was won as won as : —J. Whyte, 1; J. Samuel, 2 ; F. Knox, 3. D. Dun can, with a start of 120 yards won the mile race easily, Burke at scratch finished a good second 10 yards off. The x-ace was run in 301,sees, the fastest time south of the Lino.” In wrestling, Border style, there were not so many good men as usual. Tiff-n won easily. In Cornish and Devoixslxire wrestling, Fe.x Nolan won.

In the cricket match —Dunedin v. In vercargill—the former made 199, Spring contributing 55, Paramor 47, G. Clarke 32. Invercargill made 89 and 27. The steamboat excursion is largely patronised. New Year’s Eve was unusually orderly, owing to the presence of a large number of special police, the ordinary force hav ing been wholly withdrawn from the streets. One company of volunteers paraded, hut their services were xxot re quired, Invercargill, Jan. 2 The weather yesterday and to-day has been beautiful for holiday making. The Caledonian Games passed of most successfully, both as regards competition and attendance. L 207 was taken at the gates. Mary Leman, widow of “Billy, the Bellman,” living in a cottage at Punt Greek, was burnt to death with the cot tage last night. It was not at first known that she was within. The remains were afterwards found. A young man named Hawkins, was lately committed for trial for an alleged rape on the deceased, whose character was decidedly shady. Mr. Crowe, of the well-known firm of auctioneers, the major of the Southland volunteers, died last night from apoplexy. He had previously been in good health. Deceased stood high in the masonic craft, and took an active interest in everything affecting the welfare of the town. He was a member of the Municipal Council at the time of his death, which casts quite a gloom over the town. The Horticultural Society’s Show at tracted a large number of visitors. Thousands travelled to-day to the Bluff and Riverton regatta. Every open and closed truck was utilised.

All the six telegraph operators, except the officer in charge, struck, absenting themselves this morning, in concert with other employers and other chief officers, owing to the stoppage of overtime.

THE LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

London. Dec. 31.

Consols, 97 L Tho total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,070',000 quarters. The divers at tho scene of the Tay disaster found the carriages, but none of the bodies of tho victims.

Arrived—Benares, from Port Chalmers, Oct. 31st ; Orari, from Lyttelton, Oct. 4th ; andDuthio, from Sydney, Oct. 7th. January I.

The diver found portions of tho train which fell through the. Tay bridge. Some bodies have been recovered. Subscrip tion lists have been opened for .the relief of the widows and orphans of the victims.

Tho British revenue returns for Decem ber quarter show a decrease of half a million, compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. Sir Garnet Wolseley returns from the Capo this month. Madrid, Dec. 31.

An unsuccessful attempt Avas made to day to assassinate tho King of Spain and Queen Christian Avhen they Avere entering the Royal Palace in this city. The assassin, named Gonzales, a Galician waiter, fired a pistol at the King and Queen, but their Majesties Arere untouched. The assassin has been arrested. iSojiBA-Y, Deo. 31. Affairs at Cabul are quieter. General Baker is now in active pursuit of the Kohistonees.

January 1. The dispersion of the Afglians since tho action of the 28th has been complete. The enemy lost 3000 killed. CaPETOAA'N, Dec. 30.

The Transvaal Boors have held a meet ing, at which they adopted resolutions to re-assemble in April and summon the Yolksrad. Tho meeting elected a Presi dent, and then dispersed. Constantinople, Jan. 1. Sir 11. A. Bayard, the British Ambas

sador, lias suspended relations with the Porte, and awaits orders from the British Government as to further action. St. Petersburg, Jan. 1. The Empress of Russia is recovering from her recent attack of pleurisy. AUSTRALIAN.' ( Rente) V.) Melbourne, Jan. 1. The Champion meeting was held to day. The weather was magnificent, and the attendance good. Champion Race—First King, 1 ; Wel lington, 2; Petrea, 3. Won easily by two lengths. Seven started. Time, 6min. 40£sec. In the cricket match to-day—Australian Combined Eleven v. Fifteen Victorians— the latter in their first innings made 207. Combined team, first innings, two wickets for seventeen runs. Sailed —Rotorua yesterday, Arawata to day for Bluff. Sydney, Jan. 2. New Zealand wheat, 4s. Gd.; oats, 2s. Gd.; maize, 2s. sd. ; sugar, Company’s No. 1, 3Ss. Mr. Parkes, eldest son of Sir. Henry Parke s, the Premier, died to-day. Adelaide, Jan. 2. Wheat, ss. 4d.; flour, Ll 3 10s. PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, Jan. 2. Parades in regalia of the Hibernian Society will take place at St. Patrick’s Hail on Sunday morning. A National Bank officer has won the LGOO prize in Abbott’s consultation on the Melbourne race. Seventeen prisoners await trial at the cx-iir inal sessions of the Supreme Court. The charges include rape, forgery em bezzlement, horse stealing, wounding, larceny, and uttering counterfeit coin. A lire broke out in a four-roomed cot tage, adjoining the Parnell Soap Factory, occupied by a man who had. left the house twenty minutes before the flames were first seen. The fire started in a back room. Graham, stown, Jan. 2. The place is very dull. Most of the residents have gone to the Auckland races. The Fire Brigades at 12 o’clock on Wed nesday night played seven jets of water from their large water supply. White and colored fires were burnt, and the night being dark, the jets, which were formed into a number of designs, had a fine effect with the colored lights. Alexandra, Jan. 2. The sports here yesterday were a great success, there being a large number of spectators. The families the Hauhaus were largely represented. Tawliiao’s family, with their friends, however, predominated. All passed off most happily, the Pakehas and Maoris fraternising pleasantly. Not a single fracas occurred. A concert took place in the evening. The nigger enter tainment in aid of the Public Hall at tracted the sympathies of the natives, re sulting in a full house. The dancing con cluded at daylight A concert and soiree in aid of St. Saviour's Church, and the usual dance wore hold in the schoolroom, and had a bumper house of settlors and their families. Hawera, Jan. 2. Yesterday’s sports were a grand success. Marshall, Wanganui, won the L2O cup handicap. The weather was glorious. Three thousand people were on the ground, and there were ninety-seven en tries in the various contests. Wellington, Jan. 2. The Australia, with the London mails of the 4th December, left San Francisco for Auckland on 22nd nit. She has a largo shipment of white fish ova for the Government. The City of New Yoi-k, with the December Colonial mails, ar rived at San Francisco on the 30th ult., two days in advance of due date. Government have given instructions to the Deputy Commissioners of the Laud Tax department to immediately sue for arrears of Land Tax. The ship Western Monarch, from Lon don, was towed into harbor this evening. She -Flings, IGO passengers. The tender accepted for the Newmarket junction contract of the Kaipara-Waika.to railway was that of A. Maguire, AucklanctT" L 6870. The contract for draining &c., at the proposed workshops site at New market has been let to Mr. W. Blevvden, of Auckland, for the sum of L 2099. The strike among ’the telegraph opera tors to-day is owing to the alteration in the hours of work and the abolishment of overtime. It will not be known until afternoon how many are out. Blenheim, Jan. 2.

Twenty-three Blenheim operators have refused to work on the new system, and are determined to resist the extension of hours and abolition of overtime. A depu tation waited on the officer in charge, and requested payment of salaries up to 31st December which was refused. The operators allege they will take legal pro ceedings. The men say they are willing to work the usual hours with overtime allowances as hitherto. Several men have already received offers of other employ ment, and some are leaving Blenheim. Oamaru, Jan. 2.

The Caledonian games held here yester day were well attended, and were the most successful of the kind which have taken place in Oamaru. All the events were well contested, and the arrangements for the conduct of the sports worked admirably. Murdoch Elder won the prize for bagpipe music, and for Highland reel dancing Murray, of Dunedin, was first, as also for dancing tho fling and the sword dance. Strong was first in the wrestling competition. Irish jig—Keat ing, 1 ; Murray, 2 ; M'Cluskoy, 3. The half-mile handicap was won by A. Dal gleish. To-day was the second day. Elder won the prize for bagpipe music. Shantrew’a dance—Murray, 1; Buchanan, 2. Wrestling (Cornish style)—T. Harper, I. Hurdle race of 440 yards—Fraser, 1 ; J. Dalgleish, 2 ; A. Dalgleish, 3. Sailor’s hornpipe—Gleeson, 1; Buchanan, 2; M'Cluskey, 3. Mile race—J. Dalgleish, 1; A. Dalgleish, 2 ; A. Smith, 3. The cup for the largest prize taker will pro bably go to S. Smith, of Oamaru. T!.e sum of L 250 was given in prizes. Harry Luxon, for assaulting Jane Hal low, Eliza Dale, and Elizabeth Luxon, was remanded till Monday. Tho Customs’ duties at tho port of Oamaru for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 1870, amount to L 3230 4s. lOd. For the corresponding period of last year tho amount was L4IS4 Os, Bd.

Tho Now Year’s Day celebration aas a grand success. There was fine weather, and the town was crowded with visitors. About six thousand persons attended the Caledonian Society’s Gathering, which passed of with great success. Tho Bazaar in aid of the Athenroum is is proving highly successful. During New Year’s Eve and yesterday over L3OO was t ken. The hall was crowded to excess last evening. The wet weather of Tuesday and Wednesday has not done so much damage as was at first anticipated, and harvest prospects are all grand. The Telegraphic operators hero struck to-day, but have agreed to resume Avork to-morrow. So far as Oaraaru is con cerned the strike has virtually ended. Dunedin, Jan. 2.

To protest against the regulation en joining an extra hour’s service and dh> continuance of overtime, the majority of the telegraph operators employjd in tho principal offices of ihe Colony Avcnt out on strike this morning. At Blenheim, 21 out of a total staff of 23, and at Dunedin 12, went off duty, and their example Avas followed by the entire staff at Oamaru,

Thiiaru, .and Invercargill Napier and other stations are expected to turn out also. Mr. Maginnity, tho Assistant Manager, was in Dunedin yesterday, and has taken steps to prevent the public being inconvenienced by tho strike. Hie operators have inserted an advertisement in the local papers, asking the public not to prejudge the matter in dispute. It is reported that the places of those on strike are to be filled by cadets. The New Year holidays have passed nfi more quietly than for years’ past, and the weather has been splendid. There was an immense attendance at the Caledonian sports, and thousands travelled by the tramway. The lucky holders of the LIOOO prize in Camei'un’s sweep a.e three City Cor poration employees, of the second horse a basket maker in Princes street, and of Potrca, a storekeeper at Pino Hill. If the third horse proves to be Martmdale, as one telegram gives it, the third money goes to a well-known ship captain. Yesterday forenoon a very narrow escape from drowning occurred to a little girl "named Margaret Bradbury. ‘While attempting to get on board the ship Wanganui, she fell between the vessel and the Port Chalmers railway pier. Mr. J. Frayne, the second mate of the Tararua, witnessing tho accident, immediately jumped overboard and rescued the child, who was taken on board the ship, where restoratives being applied she soon re covered. Great praise is due to Frayne for his promptitude in jumping over board.

THE TIMARU ORANGE TROUBLE.

— [by telegraph.]

(from OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Timaru, Jan. 2,

The two rioters arrested yesterday were remanded by the Bench till to-morrow, when the cases will be gone into. Eight are now aiTostod, and one more is wanted.

This morning an advertisement and local appeare-1 in the ‘ ‘ Herald. ” calling on Orangemen and their sympathisers to assemble at noon and walk in procession. A large crowd gathered in front of the Town Hall; where the procession was to start from, only to find the entrance pla carded with notices signed by the Mayor, calling on Her Majesty’s peaceful subjects not to assemble, and the Master or*the Orange Lodge intimated that the resolu tion of the Lodge declax-es that Orange men shall not walk and requested its obser vance. There is no attempt at any pro cession xxor demoustatioxx beyond a few men wearing marigolds in their button holes. Liter. Despite the Mayor’s request, and the Master’s intimation, many hundreds of Orange sympathisers assembled at tho Town Hall at noon. Business was al most entirely suspended, owing to a majority of employees desiring that they should be allowed to take part in tho pro cession. As it turned out, the adver tised procession proved a failure, the Oxnngemen declaring their intention not to walk at present. '' Their object is to have a grand gathering of tho Order from all parts of "he colony a few months hence, when they will be sufficiently strong to march without tho protection of the police, or the assistance of in dependent citizens. Three more arrests have been made in connection with the late riots. All prisoners will bo brought up-to-morrow morning.

WINSLOW ANNUAL SPORTS.

President —E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R, Vice-President —J. Garter, Esq. Judge of Horse Races—Mr. 11. E. Wright. Judge of Athletics—Mr. A. Grant. Starter of Horse Races—Mr. S. Saun ders. Starter of Athletics—Mr. M. Stitt. Clerk of the Scales—Mr. A. Frisby. Clerk of the Course—Mr. H. Rainey.—Committee —Mi'. James Scott (Chairman) Mr. J. Williams (Treasurer) Mr. S. Saunders, Mr. A. Grant, Mr. H. Rainey, Mr. J. Cavauagh, Mr. A. Frisby, Mr. T. Williams, Mr. J. Walker, Mr. H. E. Wright, Mr. G. James, Mr. C. Martin, Mr. J. Stoddart, Mr. J. A. Hewitt, Mr. J. B. Rogers ■—(Secretary). The annual sports at Winslow were held on New Year’s Day, and the ‘Com mittee fully maintained their liberal repu tation by the bill of fare presell ted,-.and the efficient manner in which the mem bers of the various Committees conducted the events of which they had the super vision. The weather in the morning was anything but promising, the rain having fallen heavily all night, but by 10 a.nx. the sun came out brightly, and the day, so far as the weather was concerned, was most enjoyable. The Ashburton towns people turned out in full force, and all manner of means of locomotion were put into requisition, the railway being.-of course the most popular, and the railway authorities deserve the thanks of the public for their arrangements. Besides the railway there were vehicles on the road of every degree, from the well ap pointed carriage and pair down to the humble farm dray, and the irrepressible pair of donkeys were conspicuous in a neat little buggy. There were eques trians on horses, some of which were steeds of fashionable breeding and high condition, whilst others were remarkable for the amount of bone visible. However, by noon, there mustered some 1200 or 1300 people on the ground, and we found ou arrival that our old friend Harris was dispensing creature comforts, and had as much as he could do with his staff of assistants. Mr. Savage had a re freshment booth, and his viands must have been of good quality from the liberal manner in which he was patronised. A conspicuous feature about the sports was tho comparative absence of the gambling fraternity, the only representatives being a totalisator, which did not seem to do an overwhelming amount of trade, and a man with dice, who was promptly suppressed. He aftervvai’ds tried to eke out an honest livelihood at the highly intellectual amusement of “ Dood!e-em-buck.” The wild beast show attracted some attention ; tho “biggest lion in creation,” being duly stirred up at. intervals, gave an occasional roar, which was varied by the strains of a barrel organ. During tho day the enliven ing strains of the Ashburton Brass Band caused a diversion whenever a lull took place in tho events, and a series of im promptu dances were got up at frequent intervals. Children’s sports, not included in the programme, wore carried out throughout the day to the intense delight of the juniors. To come to the legitimate business of the day, tho first event was the hurdle race, which brought four to the front, and we had in Tam o’Shantcr the best hurdle racer in the district present. Tho follow ing is a description of the vai’ious events won :

Hurdle Rage of lOsovs. (open), 1]- miles, over G flights of hurdles. Mr. H. A. Andei sou’s Tam O’Shanter ... (Wilson) 1 Mr. Leahy’s Raven ... (Woods) 2 Mr. H; Muir’s Lone Hand (Owner) 3 Mr. R. Pullar’s Donald... (Bell) 0 Raven got slightly the best of the start and took the lead over the first hurdle, the same order being maintained for the first x'ound, Lone Hand close up, Donald refusing at the first hurdle. In the second round, Lone Hand made his effort, and a grand struggle took place between the three at the last hurdle, the whip being used freely, Tam o’Shantcr winning-by two lengths from Lone Hand, four lengths separating Raven and Lone Hand. Donald was still toying his second hurdle when the race was won.

Winslow Cur. 11 miles.. 20 sovs. Weight for age. • Mr. M'Causland’s Orange Peel, aged, 9st. 41b. (Bell) 1 Mr. A. Grant’s Steamer, aged, 9st. 41b. - Mr. H. A. Anderson’s Tam O’Shanter, G years, 9st. 41b, ... (Wilson) 0 Mr. R. Little’s All Fours, aged, 9st. 41b., ... (Appleton) dis. Orange Peel got all the best of a bad start, and All Fours the worst. Steamer and Orange Peel passed the stand the first ■ time in company, both pulling h'fcL' Tam O’Shanter here bolted off the course. On the second time round, the Peel led by a length, All Fours a bad third. On the last round Orange Peel came away, and won by a length and a half, Steamer second, All Fours nowhere. A protest was entered against Orange Peel on tho around that he was not a district horse. The protest was disallowed. Hack Race of osovs ; 1J miles. Mr J. Carter’s Decimena ... "" 1 Mr. Frazer’s Donald ... 2 Mr. Hearn’s Ace of Hearts, Mr. O’Leary’s Jessie, Mr. Edgeworth’s Miss Elswick, Mr. J. Williams’ Merrylegs, Mr. J. Devery’s Nellie, and Mr. W. Begg’s Messenger also ran. ' i Decimena won by five lengths,. hard held, Donald second, the rest tailing of in a very extended file. Mr. Carter’s win was a popular one, as it is the first his favorite stable has scored for many years, and allhough he starts with a hack race, we may venture to predict that with the quality of the stock he possesses he will take front rank in sporting matters in this district before long. Trotting Race of ssovs.; distance 2 miles. Mr. M’Rae’s Polly ... (A. Wood) 1 Mr. Sycamore’s Tommy (Owner) 2 Mr. J. Scott’s Darkie .., (Crawley) 3 This was a hollow affair, Mußae’s old mare doing as she liked with Tommy. Mr. Scott’s horse was only put in to make the necessary number of entries, and could not get in sight of the other two. AVon by 100 yards. Publican’s Purse, for horses owned between the Hinds and Rangitata. First prize, Gsovs., given by Mr. Harris; second, a bridle, given by Mr. Stephens. Mr. A. Grant’s Steamer ... (Ede) 1 Mr. Sealey’s Raven... ... (Wood) 2 Manilla, Miss Elswick, and Duimcna also started. Won by 3 lengths. Consolation Race of Ssovs.; for all beaten horses ; catch weights ; one mile. Mr. J. Frazer’s Donald ... (Tindall) 1 Mr. H. lyiiur’s Lonehand ... (Lewis! 2 Mr. J. Devery’s Nellie ... (Toppin) 3 Mr. Bigg’s Manilla and Mr. Sycamore’s Tommy also started. Nellie led away with a good start on the first round. Lone Hand led, Donald in close attendance, and he gradually gained on the old bay and won by two lengths, his rider being a very small boy, who sat • all over the saddle, but managed to stick on and win. This finished the horse racing which was superior for the sport it provided the public with, than many more ambition* committees occasionally attempt to palm off upon the public as sport.. The athletic sports then commenced and we must here give our thanks to Mr. J. B. Rogers for his courtesy to our reporter, and congra tulate the Winslow Sports Committee on having a Secretary who knows his busi- • ness. The first event was the 100 yd race, bringing seven aspirants to face the starter. R. Macfarlane ... ... ... ... 1 0. Risely ... ... .... j ... 2 H.’ Stent, J. Harris, J. Banjul. Leach, and A. Anderson also started.- T h'e fpace was fast, and Macfarlane won by a yard Standing High Jump. J. Loach, 4ft. liin.' ... ... ... 1 Ike Anderson, 4ft, Oiin. 2 P. Collins and G. Harris also com peted; the former was very abusive to the Committee. Three-Legged Race. Muir and Stent ... ... ... 1 McDowall and Risely ... ... ... 2 Men’s Hurdle Race. C. Risely ... ... 1 J. Leach ... ... ... ... 2 Maloney, Barr, and A. Macfarlane also ran. Good finish, won by a yard. Sack Race. R. Edgworth ... ... ... ... 1 R. Powrie ... ... ... ... 2 Cleave ... The winner of this event proved him self a perfect kangaroo and Powrie who did the double shuffle business' came in a good second after having a tumble or two. Egg and Spoon Race. G. Jauxes, H. Muir, Powrie, Lecher, and Edgworth competed, hut the race was declared xxot run iix accordance with the rules, and no prizes were awarded. Running High Jump. J. Leach, 4ft. BJin.. ... ... ... 1 T. M‘Dowall, 4ft. 8-Jin. 21 , H. Stent, 4ft. BMn “ 2 I ec l llal A. McDonald ... ... ... 0 This was a well contested match. M'Donald retired early. Leach first • cleared the top height, the other two only being able to get within an inch of his leap. On jumping off for second place M'Dowall and Stent both cleared the same height as the winner, and dhided the second prize. Married Women’s Race. Mrs. E. Harris 1 Mrs. Griffin 2- Mrs. A. Ede ... 0 A grand race, the winner showing good jockeyship, winning by three lengths, the second coming in a good second, the third not having sufficient pace for the ‘ company, was distanced. One Mile Race. J. Groves ... 1 W. Bayliss ... ... ... ... 2 B. Stewart ... ... ... ... 3 After one false start the three got away, Groves having the worst of it, the first time round Stewart and Groves passed in company, Bayliss a bad third. The finish brought Groves in a winner by 20 yards, tho third man nowhere. Vaulting with Pole. H. Fowler, Bft. Sin. ... . ... ... 1 John Hunt, Sft. 2in. ... ... ... 2 Mat Moroshcad... ... ... ... 3 A good contest, Johnny Hunt vaulting well, and if he improves in the same ratio for another year or two Johnny will take a deal of beating anywhere. Single Women’s Race. Maggie M’Tcaque ... ... ... 1 Anno Hepburn... ... ... ... 2 The other female pods were Lucy Ede, F. Bartlett, Mary Ede, Rose Cribb, Maggie Foreman, Mary Px-adgctt, and Jane Morris. A dead heat was the result' of the first attempt, tho fillies making a grand finish, axxd on the run off the smallest but the best bred of the two came in a winner hard held, displaying both good training and muscle. Men’s 220yds Rice. J. Loach... ... ... ... ... 1 Macf arlan e ... ... ...... 2 <■ Robinson, R. Edgworth, and 0. Risley « also ran. Woxx by 3 yards. Running High Jump. Maloney, Rift Gin. ... ... ... 1 r Leach, IGft. 2in. ... ... ... 2 Hop, Step and Juju*. Maloney, 37ft. 9in 1.,^ Ike Anderson, 37ffc Bin. ... ... 2 t Leach ... ... 3 Old Men’s Race. T. Hay man ... ... 1 Menzics ... ... ... ... 2 i Lewis ... ... ... ... ... 3 Consolation Rack. Ike Anderson ... ... ... X The proceedings wore brought to a conclusion by a display of fireworks,, kindly supplied by Mr. J. R. Steel, of s ~ Ashburton, consisting of rockets, rine wheels, &e., and a most enjoyable ■ days sport was brought to a conclusion. 1

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 1880. P T •** * l11 111 Ml■ 11 IjIBHI 11



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