SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Jane Douglas, s.s., from Kaikoura and Wellington. May Queen, barque, from London. To-day. Penguin, s.s., from the North. Sailed. Yesterday. Catherine Leed, barquentine, for Cape ' Town. Janet Ramsey, schooner, for Invercar gill- , - SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived— Firefly, brig, from Newcastle. Sailed —Atlantic, for Noumea. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Spec, schooner, from Lyttel ton ; Taiaroa, from the North ; Te Anau, from the South ; Penguin, from Auckland, viV the East Coast; Go-ahead, from the i&iat Coast. —Te Anau, for Auckland, via the ' East Coast ; Wanaka, for Picton and - Nelson ; ship St. Leonards, for London. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Bernica, barque, from New castle. Sailed—Bornica, for Ormaru. Dunedin, To-day. Sailed —Waipa, ship, for London.

THE CHURCHES.

SUNDAY AND WEEK NIGHT SER VICES AND MEETINGS.

EPISCOPALIAN CHURCH.— Tancred Street, West. Rev. A. W. Hands, Incumbent, Sunday. Morning, at 11, Rev. A. W. Hands. Evening, at 6.30, Rev. A. W. Hands. Baptism, 3 p.m. Sunday-school, at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Evening Service at 7 p.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Choir Practice at 8. Thursday, -Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting, at 7.30 p.m. Country Services —Sunday. Tinwald, 6.30 p.m., Mr. J. Ward. Willowby, 3 p.m., Mr. J. Ward. Longbeach, at 3p. m., Lay Reader. Mount’ Somers, 11 a.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Alford Forest, 3 p.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Alford Station, 6 p.m., - Rev. A. W. Hands. RAKAIA PARISH. Rev. W. H. Elton, Incumbent. Sunday. St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia. —Morning at 11, Rev. W. H. Elton. Evening, at 7, Rev. W. H. Elton. St. John’s, Barrhill, 3 p.m.. Lay Reader. St. James’, Chertsejq Rev. W. H. Elton. Kyle School, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. All Saints, Sherwood, 3p. m., Lay Reader. Communion. —First Sunday in the month at St. Mark’s. Second Sunday at St. John’s. Fourth Sunday at St. Barna bas’. Fifth Sunday at St. James’. ; Baptism in St. Mark’s, and Children’s Service at 3 p.m., second Sunday in the month. ' Sunday School. St. Mark’s, St. John’s, and Kyle, at 2.30 every Sunday. Friday. Evensong and Choir Practice at 7.30. — St. Mark’s. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.—Have lock Street, West. Rev. A. M Beattie, M.A., Minister. Sunday Services. Morning at 11, and Evening at 6.30, in the Church. —Rev. A. M. Beattie. Wakanui School, at 3 p. m., Re /. A. M. Beattie. Sunday School in the Church at 2.30 afternoon.—Air. W. Gavin, Superinten dent. Tuesday. Finance Committee —First Tuesday of every month, in the Church at 7.30. S. S. Teachers’Association —Second Tues day of evexy month, in the Church at 7.30. Wednesday. Pastor’s Bible Class in the Church Yestry—Weekly at 7. Week night Service at B—Rev. A. M. Beattie. Thursday. Tinwald School —Weekly service at 7.30. Friday. Choir Practice at 7.3o—Mr. Savage, con ductor ; Mr. A. Stott, organist. RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. —Town Hall, Rakaia. Rev. B. J. Westbrooke, Minister. Sunday. Rakaia Town Hall at 11 a.m. Alford Forest Main School, at 3 p.m. Mount Somers School, at 6 p.m. Methven Road Board Office, at 11 a. in. WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. —Cameron Street, East. Rev. W. Keall, Pastor. - Sunday. Morning, prayer meeting at 10 ; service . at 11, Rev. W. Keall. • Evening, at G. 30, .Rev. W. Keall; Com munion after Service. Sunday School —Afternoon, at 2.30. COUNTRY services. Old Men’s Home—Afternoon, at 3, Rev. W- Keall. Tinwald —Evening, at 6.30, Mr. H. M. Jones. Seafield —Afternoon, at 2.30, Mr. J. Buchanan ; Sunday School at 1.30. Monday. Cameron Street Church—Prayer meeting at eight o’clock. Tuesday. . Class Meeting at 7.30. Thursday. Preaching Service at 7.30, Rev. W. Keall; Class at the conclusion of the service. Friday. Choir Practice at 7.30. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. —Wills Street, East. Rev. Arthur J. Smith, Pastor. , - ; Sunday. Morning School at 10 a.m. Morning Service at 11 a.m., Mr. J. . Scott. Afternoon School at 2.30 p.m. Evening Service at 6.30 p.m. Supply. Monday. Ladies’ Class—ln the Church at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday. Divine Service, at 7.30. p.m. Wednesday. Quarterly Meeting, at 1 p.m. Thursday. Class Meeting at 7.30 p.m. Friday. Choir practice at 7.30 p.m. NEWLANDS PRIMITIVE METHODLST CHURCH. Sunday. MorniDg School, 9.30. Service at 11a.m. and 6.30 p.m. (Anniversary Sermons, Rev. A. J. Smith). ASHBURTON FORKS. Sunday Afternoon Service at 2.30 Mrs. Jowsey. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL Burnett Street West. , Rev. Father Chervier. Mass at 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of every month. Benediction service in the evening of the same day at 6.30.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m.-, and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow;, Hinds, jjldatroam, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 ,i.m., and 420 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Watert.on and Longbeach, it 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Fr«m Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From-Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Thursday', December 9. Mr. T. Bullock, at the Prince Albert Boarding-house Furniture. Twelve o’clock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ac. Wednesday, December 8. Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Meeting of Members, at 7.30 p.m., re Railway Tariff, Local Industries Association, Monthly Meeting. Concert and Ball, opening of the new hall, Tinwald. Concert to commence at 8 o’clock. Thursday, December 9. Public Meeting, Wakanui Schoolroom, at 7.30 p.m., re Railway Tariff. Monday, December 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, December 14. Amateur Dramatic Club, Town Hall, at 8 sharp.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 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 Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton fro.m Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashrurton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a. m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1880.

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

The Old Men’s Home. —The Master of the Old Men’s Home wishes to acknow ledge with thanks the receipt of a parcel of wearing apparel from the Rev. A. M. Beattie, M.A., Ashburton. Any similar donations will be thankfully received. A Lottery Troon’- —Recently a swag ger up North bought a numberof tickets in Abbot’s L 5,000 sweep. The winning num ber he sold to a publican for two drinks. Yesterday the money was divided between the holder and the winner, and all hands are happy. Church Anniversary. Sermons in connection with the anniversary of the Cambridge Primitive Methodist Church will be preached to-morrow morning and evening by the Rev. A. J. Smith, of Ash burton, and on Monday next the indis pensable tea meeting is announced to take place. The Cambridge Methodists retain some very pleasant reminiscences of simi lar festivities held last year, and it is to be hoped that the present anniversary wilTequal if not excel the success of its forerunner.

The Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the' Tariff. —The Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which of course represents the agricul tural interest of the district, has called a meeting to consider the railway tariff, for Wednesday next, when it is to be hoped all fanners who can possibly attend will be present.

Gold at Stew art Island;— The infor mation yet to hand regarding the dis covery of an apparently rich gold-bearing reef at Port William, Stewart Island, is somewhat meagre, but there appears to be no doubt that a gold-bearing reef has been found. The discoverer, however, is keeping the matter as quiet as possible. Those who have seen the specimen in his possession distinctly say that goldis clearly perceptible.

Gift to the Library. —Mr. G. D. Branson lias presented the sum of LlO to the Ashburton Library, to be expended in the purchase of new books. The money is the amount recovered by him in a recent case, Branson t). Harold. It is intended by the committee of the Library that a list of members be hung up in the reading room, with a view to finding out who take free use of the room. The next quarterly meeting of the Library Association ■ takes place on the 9th. The committee have a balance of over LlO to the good.

French Canadian Heartlessness.— The heartlessness of some of the French Canadian villages of Quboc Province is almost incredible. Every few weeks some poor decrepit old creature is brought or sent in Montreal and abandoned on.the street. The other day a poor woman named Labelle, 80 years old, was carried into the Central Station and deposited in a chair, while the man who had led her departed quickly. She was found to bo very ill, and was taken to the general hospital in a semi-unconscious condition, after having explained that her progeny were tired of her and wanted to get rid of her.

Tinwald School Committee —The monthly meeting of the above Committee was hold in the schoolroom on 30th No vember, all the members Being present The average attendance for the month of November of 62 scholars was considered satisfactory, it was ascertained that parents of several children still neglected to send them to school, but having adopted the compulsory clause of the Education Act, the Committee are deter mined to enforce the clause where they deem it necessary. With this end in view parents of defaulting children will be visited by members of the Committee. The examination of the school takes place on the 22nd December, by the Inspector, and the Committee are arranging for prizes to : be given as soon as convenient after the Christmas holidays. The school will break up the day after the examina tion, and will re-assemble on the 3rd of January. The Unemployed. —The Government, after very careful consideration, have come to the decision that it is advisable to reduce the rate of wages paid to the un employed on work provided for their bene fit. The new rates will be 4s. per day instead of 4s. Bd. for married men, and 3s. for single men, the prices for piece work being proportionately lowered. The reason given for this reduction is the large number of men in Canterbury and Otago who still prefer to remain in receipt of Government pay, rather than accept slightly higher wages from private employers for farm work. On the other hand, the unemployed on the West Coast of the North Island are rapidly deex-easing in numbers, as the men are finding work on farms and stations. But in the Seventy Milo Bush the deferred payment settlors are in great distress, and it is understood that some work will be found for married men on the continua tion of the Wellington-Napier railway. Deferred payment settlement in that district, so far, has proved a lamentable failure.

The Railway Tariff. —The meeting to protest against the railway tariff was held in Waterton Library Hall, on Tues day evening, Mr. John Grigg occupying the chair. Mr. Thomas Taylor, who, wo believe, was the prime mover •in the matter, was unfortunately laid up with an attack of bronchitis, and was of course absent, but his absence was apologised for. The chairman addx-essed the meeting, ex plaining how the new tariff worked to fanners’ disadvantage, and recapitulated much of what has alrcadj’ been ax-gued against its imposition. He urged tho agriculturists of the district to bo united in opposing the tariff, and to sign the memorial against it prepared by the Ash burton Committee. Mr. Joseph Clark spoke in terms similar to those he made use of at the Tinwald and Ashburton meetings, keeping before the meeting the facts that the tariff was not an equal one, and that it would tax every bushel ra ; sed another penny, and fhe whole district LG,OOO. The farmers present all signed the memorial, which will lie at Mr. Hudson’s store, Waterton, for all who have not yet adfxibitcd their names. Ashburton Race Club. —A meeting of the racing club was held last night at Quill’s Hotel, Mr. S. Saunders in the chair. The; Secretary read his report, recommending that for tho future the right of cards and sports should be re tained in the hands of the Committee, also, suggesting certain improvements to the course so as to make the running track better than it is at present. After considerable discussion, it was resolved to leave the considex-ation of the first portion of tho x-eport for the ixext year’s com mittee to. deal with, and a committee con sisting of Messrs. Hay Smith, S. Saunders, T. Quill, C. C. Fooks and Jacobson be appointed a committee to in spect the course, to decide upon the best means of improving it, and to report at a meeting to be advertised.' The Treasurer then read bis report of the financial state of the Club, showing a profiton the meeting of L 97 9s. 7d., and a balance of L 174 13s. 7d., of assets over liabilities. The'balance sheet was adopted as read. Mr. Wilkie was accorded a vole of thanks for his services, and L 25 as an honorarium. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. 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. It is abundantly manifest that any medicine which does not reach the circulation caix never exter minate the disease ; but any preparation capa ble of exercising a salutary influence over the blood, must with it be carried to eveiy 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.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

( Pei- Rented s Agency.) London, Dec. 2.

The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 14,750,000. The state of the wheat and tallow' markets is dull. Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day 8,800 bales were offered, making a "total of 71,400 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale was weaker. The with drawals to date are 5,000 bales. The Trial of the Land Leaguers. Mr. Parnell, on account of the meeting of Parliament, fyag applied for tho post

ponementof the trial of the Land Leaguei’s. It is proposed to serd American'lawyers to Dublin to defend their cases. More Outrages in Ireland. Outrages in Ireland are still on .the . increase. ■ ' '' ' ’ : The Combined Fleet.' * ' London, Dec. 3. . Russia has consented to the proposal of England that the combined fleet should not disperse until the remainder of the Berlin Treaty is fully executed. Dissolved. Constantinople, Dec. 3, News liavb'been 'received-' from Scutari” that, owing to the settlement of the'cesr sion of Dulcigno to Montenegrins, the Albanian League lias now been dissolved.

AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Renter's Agency.) New : Zealand to the Fore. Melbourne, Dec. 3. In the six days’ walking content,; Swan has made 250 ; Baker, 248, and Seymour, 240 miles. The Intercolonial Conference. Melbourne, T.o-day. As a result .of.-the-■lntercolonial (Con ference, it lias been agreed-;-between Victoria and South Australia to adopt free trade intercourse across their borders.' South Wales and South Austi'alia have, however, decided to renew their , existing border duties. Another Massacre. News has been received that the captain and three of the crew of the cutter Delia have been massacred by the natives . at Port Webber. The Border Duties, The Border Duties Convention which is to bo renewed between New South Wales and South Australia provides for the payment to the former of L 47,500 annually. Commercial. Sydney, Dec. 3. Hennessy’s brandy is quoted at 365. 6d. to 3Gs. 9d.; bulk, quarters 11® K ero ' sene, Devoe’s, per gallon, Is. 9d. to Is. lOd. New Zealand oats, per bushel, 2s. 3d Candles, D. R.J., per lb., B£d.; D.R.0., per lb., B]d. Adelaide, Dec. 3. The price of wheat per bushel is 4s. 9d. with no buyers. Town flour, Lll ; coun try, L 9 10s. to L 9 15s. The tone of freights is firm. ' The New Ireland Massacre. Sydney, To-day . The scene of the massacre of the captain and three of the crew of the cutter Deila is at Port Webber, in New Ireland. 1 'Her Majesty’s schooner Beagle brings news of the outrage. She also reports that the Marquis De Ray’s immigrants have shifted from Likiliki Bay, New Ireland, and are actively preparing to leave and settle in Queensland. Gold in Queensland, Brisbane, Tq-day.

New goldfields have been gazetted in the vicinity of Mount Perry, near Burnett river, to the north-west of Maryborough, in this colony.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Asoociation.) Not Stamped. Wellington, To-day. The Magistrates convicted the proprietor of the Albion Hotel for having in his pos session seven boxes of cigars not bearing stamps, as required by the Act. The Magistrates were of opinion that there was no attempt to defraud the revenue, and expressed a hope that the penalty would be mitigated. Tuahi. TheHinemoa, with the mui-dorer, Tuahi, on board, arrived at 11 o'clock this morn ing. A large number of people were on the wharf to catch a sight of the prisoner, Tuahi. Ho walked ashore, and was at once driven to the gaol. He appeared quite calm. A Good Shot. Dunedin, To-day, Private Grant, of tho Bruce Rifles, made 57 points out of a possible GO at 500 and GOO yards. The Weather. Heavy rain is falling this afternoon, which, interferes with the. attendance at the cattle show.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

4t I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains.”—Longfellow.

I have no shares in the Town HaljU Company. I don’t know whether I ought to breathe a thanksgiving for this or pour out regrets. I can see in the Hear future a chance of the hall becoming a good pro-, perty, but the wox;k to be done before this is brought about is not small. Only a very small sprinkling of the shareholders seem to care a snuff about how the busi ness is conducted, or if it is conducted at all. Some time ago, the directors, tired of; many weary waitings on the nights set aside for general meetings, tried to reduce the number required to be present before business could go on. They knew fit was' easier to round up eight whole-hearted men than fourteen half-hearted ones. But the brighter lights of tho Company yabbered out an enxphatic “ no,” when the voting came. The . result is that Bob Elston has to be retained us “ whip ” for, the Company, and while be courses the absentees, the loyal men sit in the “upper room ” and discuss the advisablonoss of playing Yankee grab for drinks. If the opponents of the reduced quorum move ment are Good Templars, there’s an awful responsibility resting on their shoixlders.

High class education must have fallen in value in New Zealand. There were thirty-six applications for the situation of master of the Ashburton'High School, at a salary of L 350 per annum ; and amongst them were men evidently of superior abilities and education —Oxford, Cam bridge, and London graduates. It is becoming a question in my mind whether we are not going in too thick altogether for education. It is an acknowledged fact that there have been too many immi grants imported whose capacity for work has been more in tho direction of brains than hands ; and the fact of so many ap plicants for so paltry a salary as L 350 shews that there must bo a largo number of unemployed among the educated as well as among the. working classes. Anyhow, the HiglqSchool Board is hard to please. It seems that among the thirty-six aspirants there must have been some difficulty ixx making a selection, iixasmuch as thirty-one were weeded out and five selected; and of these one at least lives so far axvay as Wellington. But the High School Board are rich and propor tionately liberal. They are going to pay the expenses of the five to visit Ashbur ton, and wait upon the Board, who will then have an opportunity of judging of their physical as well as their mental abilities. Happy candidates. , Happy High School Board; and happy students of the future. *

Some of our local institutions don’t seem to pull well together. The last turn up seems to have been a sort .of. quad rangular duel in which the Borough Council, the Fire Brigade, the Dramatic Society, and the Town Hall Company have all taken a part. So; far as the ; old man can fish it out, it seems that the Fire Brigade wanted to raise the wind, and with that laudable object in view, they made up their minds to give a concert and dance in the Town Hall, and; applied to the owners thereof, for the use of that im posing structure. It was granted to them

for a certain night, but then the Dra matic Club, through its enterprising guide and philosopher (his name is not David Garrick, by a long chalk), stepped in,’and setup a previous claim on the ground that-he and ‘his club held a i pre-emptiye right to the-hall whenever they ■■■had a blood and thunder . .drama in which to e.x .hibit their talents. , The directors of the hall sat in solemn conclave on the question, and after listening to evidence, hear ing arguments, and weighing all the bearings of bo weighty a matter, they de cided to let the A.D.C. have the hall ; whereupon a great cry arose on the side of the vanquished ones. Joe Dolman, whe officiates as tjio father of the Fire Brigade”, andtalces aiivcly interest inhischikfs’wel fare, -let out,-- and. Iris-language -was des cribed as being “ impertinent,” .inasmuch ,as he told the directors that if the Towr Hal) was on fire “ho would stop in bee and let the darned, thing- burn, down;’ Then arose a cry of indignation, and tin city fathers put. on ...sack.-cloth. and aahei and wept, because their adopted child ha< gone astrajb and,had acted wrongly ii their sight. And they ulade things Warn for Joe, and called upouj his bos to chastise him severely, and this wa done, according to their words, and thebos verily laid.it on heavily.' ’ And ’ this Fir Brigade had among its children axxothe bad boy named George Parkin, and then was also a lad: about the same ago win sat at the feet of the city fathers, am it became'visible to the city fathers tha George yearned more towards his brethre in the Brigade thair to the fathers, an the prophets have .said that a whip wit many tails is in store for George, therefor is George at the present time in gres tribulation and vexation, of spirit.

The Wakanui Road Board are down on gorse, and very properly too.. I think the Longbeach Board should follow suit. There are a good many chains of road in front of a certain man’s property that are gradually being overrun with the prickly fence element. That certain man shall be nameless, as I have no wish to cause a run on your capital letters, nor to injure the chance Winalow-Tinwald may have of separation, for if that nameless man were to be sat upon for gorse just now it would break his heart. John Grigg’s figures are too heavy as they aTe, but a gorse prose cution would be the last straw for the camel.

This is how the Wanganui Chronicle speaks of its contemporary the Wanganui Ilerald :—“Although we were welbaware that his performances in untrustworthy or purely fictitious narrative would match those of the old serpent, when occasion demanded theiioexhibition, we could not but regret that patient industry.and bril liant inventive powers should be so mis applied. ” What a waste of words to call a man a liar. Chisfa.

South Rakaia Road Board.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday. Present— Messrs. G. N. Mackie (Chairman), D. G. Holmes, E. S. Coster, W. L. Allan, and John Lambie. OBSTRUCTING ROADS. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr. C. Lake and inform him that if he does not remove all fences and obstruc tions, which he has erected across tho roads in the township, before noon on Fx-iclay, 3rd instant, the Board will remove them at his cost, and that if he again erects them, the Board will prosecute him ’and press for the full penalty of LlO'per day. It was resolved that it he a standing instruction to the Clerk to at once remove any obstructions which may be erected across the. Streets of the township from time to time,; RIVER PLANTATION. Mr, Coster moved the motion standing in his narre—“ That the Board recom mend the proper authorities to vest the river plantation in the South Rakaia Domain Board.” Seconded by Mr. Lambie, and carried. COItRBSFONDENGB. A letter was received from Mr. William Gil! with reference to his account for damage done by the Board to his property at Chertsey. Ordered to be acknow ledged. ; From Mr. J. N. Sharp, complaining to the Board that Mr. C. Lake had fenced acx’oss several roads in the township so that persona using these roads , are com . polled to scramble over wire fences and barricades, and stating that ho had com plained to the cons L able on the subject, but he had refused to interfere. From Mr. Joseph Holborough, asking for. an extension of time for the comple tion of his contract for forming Jones’ road. Extension granted. A petition was received from the residents of Foxton, asking the Board, to have certain fences near their. property rehxoved and the roads formed. It was resolved that the fences in question be removed, and that the Clerk report on tho roads. , From the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Company, with reference to the Hatfield railway station, informing the Board that the Directors would have the crossing removed if the Boax-d will pay the cost. It was resolved to have the work done at once.

From several ratepayers at Chertsey, asking to have a road made from Kyle to Chertsey. It was resolved that a tracing of the proposed road be forwarded to each party owning land through which it was proposed to take the road, offering them LlO per acre for the land required. From Mr. N. Walsh in reference to taking on and dismissing the men of the road gang. The letter was ordei’ed to be acknowledged. THE LAND ACT, 1872.

On the motion of Mr. Holmes, seconded by Mr. Coster, it was resolved —“ That one aero of rural section No. 24,970 be taken, under the Public Works Act, 1870, for tile purpose of a shingle reserve.” Carried. It was resolved to instruct the Board’s solicitor to give the necessary notice on behalf of ’the Board to parties owning land through which roads have to bo formed. WINDMILL PUMP. Moved by . Mr. Holmes, seconded by Mr. Coster—“ That a No. 3 Myers’ im proved windmill pump and tanks be pro cured and erected at the well at the corner of Mackie street, and that Messrs.. Mackie, Coster, Holmes, and Allan be a sub committee to superintend the erection of the same.” Carried. : Thompson V track; '' It was resolved to have the road known as Thompson’s Track repaired, from the railway crossing to the township.' THREE-CHAIN ROAD'. : On the motion of Mr. Coster, seconded by Mr. Allan, it. was resolved to call for tenders for the Formation of four miles and a quarter of the road along the three chain reserve. It was resolved that the Clerk procure the wire necessary for fencing the planta tion on the three chain reserve. • : ' NEW ROAD.- : - , Mr. Allan moved, Mr. Coster seconded, and; it was • carried— “ That the land necessary for a road one chain wide - be acquired along the west side of rural sec tion, 5732, and that the Clerk-ascertain - from the several owners what, they will, take for the land requjred. , -[■')! ANNUAL ELECTION. The Clerk was instructed to take the necessary steps for the election of three members in place of Messrs. 0. N. Mackie, E. S. Coster, and W. L. Allan, the re tiring members. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of Ll6O 15s. 4d. were submitted,, and passed for pay ment.' The Board theiradjouriiod.

THE OPUNAKE MURDERER'S CON FESSION.

The Wellington Fast's correspondent telegraphs fuller particulars of Tuahi’s confession:than have yet been published here. . The statement was madp to Mr. Hursthbuse,,themiterpreter, on Wednes day :— “ I left Opunake with no, intention of committing any crime, but to look for a horse. On the other side of Te Ngamu I met Miss' Dobie. I gob' off my horse and tied it to a flax bush on the-road side, and followed her back. When I overtook her she was frightened, and took 6s. id. from her pocket and gave. me. . I took out my *pbcke£-knife, opened it, and stuck it in her throat. She fell down, but was not dead; I ’ then dragged her to the first flax bush. * She continued to struggle, and. I cut her throat again. I then* dragged her to another flax bush, and afterwards fo where she was. found and where she died. I took off my trousers there, ■ threw . 'them ' - into the flax bush, and then went to get my horse, which had;got I'odfee. Whilst catching it, Hone Pihama and his party passed along the road, and I hid myself from them. I afterwards caught them up, and quickly .overtook them near the- telegraph office. I galloped in amongst them, passing them before they noticed me. The.knife I used is the bne_ produced ip,eyidence, marked ‘TH.’; T ’did not thi'ow it awpy. It must have dropped from my pocket. ; The blood on'my moleskin trousers is hers ; also that on my coat. The blood on the other trousers is pig’s blood; I don’t know why there is so little, blood on the coat. I had ss. in the mornirig. When I came back after committing tire crime I spent 3s. 4d. in dire hotel, gave 3s. Gd. to another man, and spent 3sd., including a threepenny piece; at Coffee’s .store. ' After she. died,’ I washed my hands in a small stream. I told nobody what I had done. I want now at once to be killed without further trial. May not her relations kill me ? Or; may I kill.myself J She called out once before I stabbed,her. She saw me get off my horse, but did not run away ; she merely walked on as if unsuspicious. I had j no desire bub to kill her. It was a momentary impulse and act.”-

A Harvest of Beetles.

The provincial official journals of Russia give some curious statistics of the harvest of beetles in the Southern Provinces. In many parts of Khar koff the only harvest.reaped this year by the peasants has been that of the Anisoplia austriaca, for collecting which the local assemblage have granted small subsidies. The results of this harvest are weekly published in the Kharkoff Government Vcdomosti, and the num ber received to-day contains a long' list in continuation of previous ones.- From this we iearn that two tons of beetles have been reaped in the Commune of Veselandskij, five tons at Vasilievsky, seven tons at the German colonies at Belpzersk, and fifteen.tons at Prishiisk. Such figures as these but faintly bring home to the mind the ravages wrought by the insect pests of Russia, and their prostrating effects on the prosperity of the country. The visita tion, indeed, is as extraordinary as it is beyond human skill to cope with. Fifteen years have elapsed since; the waves of the Black Sea first washed on the Russian shores the eggs of the Anisoplia austriaca, and yet, so fa l - from the phenomenon being exceptional in its character, it has been constantly repeated since, and the Odessa Vestnik received this morning contains another announcement that fresh “ swarms are ripening in the sun on the sands near Sebastopol.” Where- they come from is a mystery. The larvre is first seen floating on the waves of the Black Sea, the beetles break into life as. sopn as the eggs get stranded on the shore, and then swarm after swarm of Anisoplia : austriaca pass over the Crimean valleys into the interior, every year increasing the area of their ravages, and every year diminishing by millions the sorry earnings of Russian peasants. How to deal with the evil is one of the great problems of to-day in . Russia. Machines of all descriptions have been tried, but have proved more or less worthless, as indeed must all mechanical appliances against a pest so vast that a single field in Kharkoff was calculated to contain 350,060,000 insects. ’ A short while ago it was said that a fly had been discovered with a propensity for killing corn-beetles, and it may be safely - assumed that it will only be by means of some such an tagonistic insect, or by the. agency of birds at present absent from the Russian steppes, that the evil will be ultimately supressed. ,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER < 1880.



■\T7ANTEU.— THE GUARDIAN tells V\ your Wants for 1?. —cash.



Special Advertisements. THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND BOYS’) MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, which can he purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best descrip tion. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satis faction. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT TUB WHOLESALE PRICE. JSS' Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarfs, Bags, Portmanteaus, Rugs, and Blankets at Wholesale Prices. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. 910 WM. SPARROW, Manager.



O. Carstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBAGCONIST, FANCY GOODS, j AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 520*



Meetings. Ashburton agricultural 1 & PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. A GENERAL MEETING of MEM BERS will be held at the Town Hall, Ashburton, on WEDNESDAY next, Bth December, at . half-past Seven o’clock, to consider the question of the Rahway Tariff. , GEORGE JAMESON, 685 . Secretary. ROAD DISTRICT, A PUBLIC MEETING will be held at the Wakanui Schoolroom on THURS DAY, the 9th instant, at 7.30 p.m., to consider the Railway Tariff question. . H. T. WINTER, Chairman Wakanui Road Board. Ashburton, Dec. 2, 1880. G7B Tenders ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. are invited for the supply § of three 'hundred and fifty (350) DOG COLLARS. . : i Tenders, together with a sample collar and a guarantee deposit of £5, to be sent to the Town Clerk’s Office not later than 12 o’clock ; noon bn MONDAY, the 13th instant. Full particulars on application to : ' ! CHARLES BRADDELL, • Town Clerk. Borough Comicil Office, 4th December, 1880. IWltt null ||BB■aBBaaBB IIW^BW,M *- l; * tll,rtMtlWlf,l Lost. . . £1 Reward. LOST, from Wakanui, bn . Mondayi November Ist, One ! Chestnut ' HACK, branded HD on the left shoulder, with hollow back. - Last seen in the direction of Barrhill. —Anyone returning 'hinv to the above Reward. 487 DO you Want The ; News of the Day. Read the Ashburton Guardian Price, One Fenny. "R. CAYGILLj of Walker street, Christchurch, is AUTHORISED toCANVASS for Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian.



Wanted. WANTED— By a young respectable woman, a SITUATION as-HOUSE MAID or WAITRESS in a Hotel. Country preferred. •. 667 WANTED, a LAD to Milk, „ and Kill Sheep and make himself‘■'useful on a Farm: Apply Office of this Paper. CG9 WANTED— A Young Woman as GENERAL SERVANT for a country hotel. Apply, Office of this Paper. . . _, ; _ 068; TITANTED, SITUATION as Plough- W man, or to do general Farm work. —Apply, Office of this paper. ... . . 042 -yyr .- A N • T E D . TENDERS for GRASS, in the Pad dock at the upper end of the Domain, td be seat to the undersigned not later than Twelve, o’clock at noon on THURSDAY next, the oth.D.eceniber. . For particulars, inquire of H. W. Charlton, Caretaker. By order, J: WARD, 686 ■ Secretary to Domain Board.



WANTED KNOWN,That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton, are open' DAILY, from 9 a.rn. till 5 p-m- Portraits taken in any weather. Groat Reduction in Price. 606 WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND STABLES: BAIT "T W. M'RAE bogs 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 WANTED KNOWN—Just arrived ' from England—Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cards. New Zealand Illustrated Annual, Young Ladies’ Jour nal, and Bow Bells, Is. 6d. each. ■ Family Herald and Family Reader, Is. each, and all other Magazines supplied at Christ church Prices. Colonial and European Newspapers, School Books, Stationery,&c. A visit solicited. L. F. Asdkewes, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 527 TifANTED KNOWN —That Visiting VV Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at--the ‘• Guardian” office, opposite the Railway Station.



Money. MONEY TO LEND. mRUST MONEYS—£2,OOO, £4OO, and § £250. Thesa sums are now ready for investment on real security, at current rates of interest. F. P. O REILLY, 899c-22G0- Solicitor, Tancfed street. Public Notices.- ROAD DISTRICT. IMPORTANT NOTICE. \ In accordance with the. Canterbury Ordinance, OCCUPIERS and OWNERS are hereby required to REMOVE immediately all GORSE, BROOM, etc., growing on the roads front ing their property for half a chain wide, otherwise the .same will be. done at their expense. 079 H. T. WINTER, Chairman.



SHEARING will commence at Dundas, Monday, December 6th. Price 15a. per 100. Apply, SAUNDERS BROTHERS. . 657 mHE KELLYS !. THE KELLYS ! ! X;' THE KELLYS XJ I Coming, Coming, Coming ! Glorious success in Christchurch 1 ; Over 100 Life-size Views of the Kelly Outlaws. Hundreds of other Views of the principal Cities of the World, including the Glasgow Riots. Admission—One Shilling ; and a Pre sent to every Visitor. ■ 494



TIiWALD TEMPERANCE HALL. rPHE OPENING of the: above NEW X HALL will be celebrated on WEDNESDAY, December .8, 1880, • by a ''i ■ ’ - ' GRAND CONCERT, To be held in the NEW HALL, ’ And followed by a ■ PLAIN DRESS BALL To be held in Mr.- JOSEPH CLARK’S GRAIN >3 IIED (kindty lent for the occa sion), . The Concert to commence, at Bight p.fh. . Admision—Front Seats, 2s. ; Back . 1 _ Seats, Is, The Ball immediately afterwards, in the Shed, decorated- for the occasion, forming a splendid Ball-room, 100 feet long. ■ ‘ ’ Admission—Gentlemen, 2s. 6d. , THOMAS WILLIAMS, (541 . Hon. Sec.



’ANT TO FARMERS. Osborne Harvesting Macliinery. • Osborne Harvester and Binder, to bind with both string and wire, price £7O. " Ditto ditto,, with iron road wheel, and patent lifting apparatus, price L 75. . • . . f - String attachments to fit on old wire Binders, price L 6 10s. N.B. —No charge for fitting if sent to our store. . ; Osborne No. G Side Delivery Reapers and Mowers. . . Osborne No. G ; Tilter or Back Delivery Reapers arid Mowers. Osborne No. 5 Mowers. EXTRAS FOR ALL THE ABOVE MACHINES KEPT IN STOCK. Sole Agents in New Zealand— ROBERT WILKIN & CO., - ; New Zealand Wool Stores, 624 Christchurch.



McDoiigaiTs Carbolic Sheep Dip IS .the Best and Safest in the Market. ' A true specific for Scab, instantly destroying Ticks, Bice, and all. effectually cleansing and stimulating the growth of the Fleece. ' Sold in 101 b. and 201 b. tins, and 501 b. kegs, by ■ " ROBERT WILKIN & CO., : New Zealand Wool Stores, ; 62^- f3 ’ t - Christchurch. _ '



rpHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. SUBSCRIBERS, either in ;or Country, who may have reason ,to com plain of any Irregularity in the Delivery of the Guardian , are Requested to com municate with ' the undersigned, . when immediate attention will be paid to such complaints. ,u ; , CHXS. DIXON.



. Public Notices. 1 !\ [card.] , Theodore b. jacobsen and o. PEEZ, A JR C H I T E C T S. Note office— HEREFORD STREET, WEST, Chei.stcjxdkch. 571- Agricultural Ijiens. rIIHE Undersigned are open to receive ■ -■ on Growing Crops. 610 r , ■. ,G G NNINGQAM =&• CO. ■ ‘ ‘ u: 'Wbbr^ i‘ • ' v. ltfßo-1881. ! UAA ‘1 THE LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES (Free of Coniniisfion) oh all WOOL placed in their hands for SALE in the London or Continental Markets. • . - : • We are, offering special inducements to" shippers of wool ■'to .'our London Agents, having’ made arrangements wherfeby the wool will receive such an amount of attention- priori to sale i that farmers can calculate upon exceptionally good prices being procured. - Insurances bn'Clip can> be effected- from sheep’s back to London. ■ • - Woolpacks supplied at most reasonable prices. . ,



For further particulars'apply to ' - P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. ; 611 ' ‘ ’ Christchurch.} LL DEBTS due to Ashburton Hbisald and Guardian business must be Paid S.. ■Ei Poinsxz, on behalf of the Assignees, at the Guardian Office, East street, Ashburtonand his receipt alone, will be a sufficient discharge. S. SAUNDERS,. • For Self and Cb-Assignefes. For ' Sale. Gr RA S S S T RIPPER S. TWO SCOTTS’ GRASS STRIPPERS FOR SALE-CHEAP, . : :; ; 658 : SAUNDERS BROTHERS. FOR SALE, BY TENDER. . ■1: mHE GOODWILL and PLANT, of .a X Srst-dIass;LIVERY, STABLE, fto gether withA Line of 'Royal Mail Coaches in full running order. , Tenders are invited for the' purchase of a Coaching and Livery Business, carrying the Royal Mails between the’Orari Rail way; Stationand the ; aihi Bush, {gift Geraldine, together with all necessary plant, including Two Coaches, capable of cairying twenty-five passengers each ; Double and Single Buggies, Brake*, Twelve superior Horses, Harness, &e._ There is an opening for an enterprising man, seldom to be, met with.* rl-ha busi ness has been-established'five yearsf'and has been, and is, steadily, increasing. Satisfactory reasons given for disposal. : Tenders toclose At NOON bn DECEM BER 31st, 1880, to be endorsed “ Tenders for Coaching Business,” and forwarded to the undersigned;- from whom,alli lars may be obtained. PQYNTZ & CO., Ashburton ; : ,Gr, KENNEDY- &; CARTER// O'j ' ’’ ■"' ‘ Proprietors j ; . 628 Geraldine.



Poyntz & Co. H AYE FOR SALE, on advantageous and easy terms of payment, the following . TOWN AND SUBURBAN PROPERTIES:— A good five-roomed House, on quarter acre of land, - within three or chains of the East Town. Belt. A compact four-roomed House, with.ono. acre of land, well fenced.l Threc*. quarters of an acre laid down as a paddock. ~ . . . . .... ... A nice four-roomed'House on half-acre of land, near the Gas Works, well finished throughout. Town Sections, 742, 743, 465, 466, 467- Town Section 711, upon which is r erected a capital four-roomed House fitted :- . with every convenience. , i- r t A : tivo-roomed Housed. with outbhild-1 ings, on a quarter acre, well fenced and planted, on.N. E. Belt. MONEY for investment, on approved security, in sums of £SO? and upwards, at current rates' ‘ - ggg Sporting. TROTTING CLUB. PREIJMINA^iPRdKiRAMkE (Subject to alterations.) DEOEMB E R 16 th,‘ 1880 XI List of Officers : Starter, N. M‘Le»ri,-;Esq;.; Judge, M. Stitt, Esq.; Hon. Treasurer, 0.-Digby Esq.; Hon. Sec. A H, C. Jacobson, Esq_;. Handicapp.ers,"Messrs. I ; Clerkidf the 1 Course, J S." Saunders/Esq.“



1 First Race (sd st4rt at'l p.rri. ,! ‘ . * 1. Maiden TrOt, ’ in* saddle, of sovs; A. for, aU horses £5 iii public. Three miles. No weight ' lesslhan Til istohe.ii’SshiifahcS^os;! 2. Maiden Harness Trotting Race* of soya., ITour miles., ,To be rpp in two-wheels vehicles 5 Of ' any'descrip tion. Entrance 155.; 3. Ashburton Champion Handicap! Trotting i Race, rin . saddle, of sovs. Entry .1* soy.acceptance 1 sov. Four miles. Weights 12 stone*-", 4 pound.' 4 The Buggy TouRNjtMENT " of four miles,-fbfj—'Bovs; Entry 1 sov.; acceptance 1 soy._Any four-.,, wheeled vehicle oy:ned ; by *a r member of the Club alloVed to enter! 5. , WuIiTEIV-IHANDICAP BiAGBi I Of{~4&>VS..! Three miles. Entry los. ■ To b<£ i ridden by njembeth ofithe Club. Ho weight less than 15 : stone, , ... RULES AND REGULATIONS. Entries for' Nos, 1,2, and.s tOibe made by 5 p.m; on Monday 13th December, !) I 860.; ■ ’ . . •r- \ : Nominations for Nos. 3 and 4 will be— . received uj) till same time.. ; . 5 * • Handicaps will ba I declarbdv bn»t& ground, . and - acceptances to be ■ i *nade-\ within fifteen minutes after the’posting Of Z the, handicaps. ,; •' | No hotse will be allowad to compete at "■ this meeting unless owned and commonly resident in the district previous do No vember Ist. iln any race three horses must ;start to qualify the first horse to Iclaim the full stake., If only, two start, \ stake-will,be given,, dud ho'.money .will be--' awarded for a walk-over,,, ~,..,7. ~ i Five ? per : cOnt. deducted frOrii ali l prizea' for expenses. t f r Full prograbnne 5 will be published' ih the issue;of ; the Ashbubtqn Guardian-oh* Tuesday, December^tin •■ .->O-;; dvdll " H. C. JACOBSON, Ci 9 ! Hon. Sec.