SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Dido, schooner, from Waitapu. Herald, schooner, from Foxton. Seagull, brigantine, from Port Chal mers. _ Omaha, brigantine, from Chatham Islands. Clio, schooner, from Waitapu. Reward, schooner, from Waitapu. Esther, brigantine, from Pelorus Sound. Crbydoh Lass, schooner, from Waitapu. Prince Alfred, barqucntine, from Pelorus Sound. ' ‘ * ..bailed.. - Yesterday. Kenilworth, schooner, for Auckland. Grafton; s.s., for Wellington. Wakatipu„s. s. for Wellington. Clematis, brig/for Hokkinga. Neptune, brig; for Newcastle. Island City barque, for Newcastle. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. r. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Pirate, schooner, from Raro tonga ; Oceola, brigantine, from Mel bourne ; Rhqderick Dim, brigantine, from Dunedin* - ■ Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Tui, from Kaikoura and Lyt telton ; Rotorua, from the South. Sailed—Borealis, for Lyttelton. The Rotorua sails for Auckland, via the East Coast, to-night. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Kate McGregor, from Auck land. ’ Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Oreti, s.s., from Northern Ports ; Adieu, barquentine, from Grey mouth. Freetrader, barque, from Hobart Town. Penguin, s.s., from Northern ports. Sailed —William and Jane, schooner, for the Coast. Port Chalmers, To-day. Arrived—Taiaroa, s.s., from Timaru, Arrived—Taranaki, ship, from London, 89 days out, all well ; Ned White, from New York. Adelaide, To-day. Arrived—Orient Steamship Company’s s.s. Potosi, from Plymouth.

THE CHURCHES.

SUNDAY AND WEEK NIGHT SER VICES AND MEETINGS. EPISCOPALIAN CHURCH. — Tancred Street, West. Rev. A,.: W. Hands, Incumbent. Sunday. Morning, at 11, Mr. J. Ward. Evening,.at 6.30, Rev. A. vY. .Hands. 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, G. 30 p.m., Mr. J. Wa r d. Elgin, Mr. J. Ward. Longbeach, Rev. A; W. Hands. Waterton, 2.30 p.m, Rev. A. W. Hands.

RAKAIA PARISH. Rev. W, H. Elton, Incumbent. Sunday. St. Mark’s. Church, Rakaia.—Morning at 11,• Lay Reader. Evening, at 7, Rev. W. H. Elton. - St. John’s, Barrhill, 11 a.m., Rev. W. H. Elton. Kyle School, 3 p.m,, Lay Reader. All Saints, Sherwood, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. St. Barnabas’, Methven, 11 a.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’. Fifths Sunday at St. James’. Baptism in St. Mark’s, and Children’s Service at 3 p.m., second Sunday in the month. u. . - Sunday School, St. Mark’s, St. John’s, and Kj'le, at 2.30 every Sunday. Friday. Evensong and Choir Practice at 7.30. — St. Mark’s. Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Morning Service and Holy Communion, at St. Mark’s, Rakaia, at 11 a.m. 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. Ashton School, at 3 p.m., Rq'. A. M. Beattie. Sunday School in the Church at 2.30 afternoon.—Mr. W. Gavin, Superinten dent. Tuesday. Finance Committee —First Tuesday of every month, in.thb Church at 7.30. S. S. Teachers’ Association—Second Tues day of every month, in the Church at 7.30. Wednesday. Pastor’s Bible Class in the Church Vestry—. 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. 30—Mr. Savage, con ductor ; Mr. A. Stott, organist. RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. —Town Hall, Rakaia. Rev. B. J. Westbrooke, Minister. . Sunday. Rakaia, Towii Hall at 11 a.m. Chertsey School, at 3 p.m. WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. —Cameron Street, East. Rev. W. Kcall, Pastor. Sunday'. Morning, prayer meeting at 10 ; service at 11, Rev. W. Baumber. Evening, at 6.30,-Rev. W. Baumber. Sunday School—Afternoon, at 2.30. COUNTRY SERVICES. Old Men’s Home—Afternoon, at 3. Tinwald Evening, at 0.30, Mr. J. E. Buchanan. Seafield—Afternoon, at 2.30; Sunday School at-1.30. Wlllowby Afternoon, at 3, Mr. J. Buchanan, Wakanui—Afternoon, at 2.30, Mr. G. W. Leadley. Monday. Cameron Street Church—Prayer meeting at eight o’clock. Tuesday. C ass 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. Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Divine Service, at 7 a.m. , in the Cameron street Church. PRIMITIVE. METHODIST CHURCH. .sr-WiLLS Street, East. Rev, Arthur J. Smith, Pastor. - Sunday. Morning,School at 10 a.m. Morning Service at 11 a.m., Rev. A. J. Smith. Afternoon School 2.30 p.m. Evening Service at 6,.30,, Rev. A. J. Smith. Monday, Ladies’ Class—ln the Church at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday. •’ Divine Service, at 7.30. p.m.

_ , Wednesday. Choir practice at 8 p. m. >:i, Thursday. ' Class Meeting at 7.30 p.in. NEW’LANDS -PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. _ Sunday. , Morning School, 9.30. Service at 11a.m. and 6.30 p.m.’(Mr. H. Dally and Mr. E. Watkins). W ASHBURTON FORKS. Sunday Afternoon Service at 2.30 Rev. A. J. Smith). 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 Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under: Monday, December 13. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, per s.s. Durham (for specially addressed correspondence only) :—Ordi uary letters, at 11 a. m. ; books and news papers, at 11 a. m. ; money orders, at 10 a. m. ; registered letters, at 10 a.m. ; late fee letters, at 11.20 a.m.; guard’s van, 12 noon train. Tuesday, December 14. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Te Anau. Wednesday, December 15. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi (for specially addressed correspondence only), Continent of Europe, Point de Gallo, India, the East, Aden, Mauritius, Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Suez, the Mediterranean Ports, Australian Colonies, &c.: —Ordinary letters at 7 a.m. ; books and newspapers at 6 a.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14th; money orders at 4 p.m. on Tues day, December 14. Late fee letters may be posted in the travelling Post Office van attached to the express - train on Wednes day, 15tli December.

The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will close at the Chief Post. Office, Christchurch, on Saturday, Ist January, 1881.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Monday', December, 13. Mr. T. Bullock, at Winslow —Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Pigs, &c. One o’clock. Tuesday, December 21. J. T. Ford and Go., at the Ashburton Yardr—Sheep and Cattle. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. Monday, December 13. Public Meeting in connection with .he Good Templar Order, Town Hall, 7.30. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, December 14. Meeting of Milkmen, at Mr. Harrison’s Auction Room, at 7 p.m. 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. in. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.30 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a. m. (Express), 4.35 p. m., and 7.50 p. ra. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a. m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1880.

■; town; edition. [lssued at 5 p.m.]

Accidentally Shot. One of the Armed Constabulary, named Henry Jerred, accidentally shot himself this morning, whilst loading his revolver. He was removed to the Christchurch hospital.

Ashburton Kilwinning Royal Arch Charter, S.O. —The consecration of the Royal Arch Chapter will take place atrhe Somerset Masonic Hall, on Thursday, the IGth instant, at 12 noon. Visiting Com panions are cordially invited.

The Bird Nuisance. —At a meeting of the Auckland Pastoral and Agricultural Association to consider the bird nuisance, a resolution was carried that the associa tion should at the end of the season en deavor to get farmers universally to buy poisoned grain to reduce the pest, and that a sum of money in aid be sot apart at She annual meeting of the association. 1.0.G.T. —A special session of the Grand Lodge Executive is to be held in the Templar Hall on Monday evening, when the Grand Lodge Degree will be conferred on eligible members. After the session, a public meeting will take plr.ee in the Town Hall, at which addresses will be delivered by Bro. J. W- Jago, Rev. Dr. Roseby, and Rev. Mr. Ross, all temperance champions in this colony. Mr. Jago and Dr. Roseby have already addressed Ashburton audiences, and have borne out the high terms in which tem plars speak of them as temperance orators. Rev. Mr. Ross is new to Ashburton.

Sale of Privileges.—' The following privileges were sold by Messrs. Quill aid Co. at their auction room to-day ;—Trot ting race privileges—Publican’s booth, Mr. D. M'Kcnzic, Lll. All the orhor privileges were withdrawn, not realising the Committee’s reserve. Caledonian Society’s privileges—Publican’s booth Mo. I—-Mrs. Butler, Ll 7 per day ; publican’s booth Mo. 2—D. M‘Kenzie, Lli per clay ; confectioners’ booth No. I—Mr. T. Tay lor, L 4 10s. per day ; do. No. 2—T. Hicks, L 4 per day ; gates—C. Held, L 25 per day ; right of sports—J. Wilkie, LI 15s. per day ; sale of cards —not sold ; horse yards—Hay Smith, LI 10s. per day. Total result of sale, Ll2O 10s. His Excellency’s Proposed Tour. — His Excellency, Sir Arthur Gordon, will make a tour of the whole colony in the early part of next year, leaving Welling ton towards the end of January. The various districts of the Berth Island will ho first visited, and afterwards various parts of the South island, including the West Coast Sounds. The probable route will he from Wellington to Lyttelton, thence overland to Westland ; by steamer to the Sounds and Bluff, overland to Dunedin, Christchurch, and Lyttelton, thence by steamer to Wellington. Lady Gordon is expected to arrive in New Zea land next March, coming by one of the Orient steamers to Melbourne and thence by the Union Company’s boat to the Bluff, where she will probably be met by his Excellency.

The School Treat. —At the meeting of the Ashburton School Committee last night, at which all the members were present, the secretary stated that’ he had as yet received no reply from the Rev. 0. Fraser, but.that Mr. Ward had promised to devote a few hours each day to the work of examination while the examina tion lasted. The members of the Com mittee who had been collecting subscrip tions reported having collected L 32 Gs Gd, some of which, however, had not yet been paid. When all the money was collected there would be about LSO at the disposal of the Committee. It was rcsolvoo to spend L2O in prizes to be awarded at the examination, Ll 5 be spent in toys, and Ll 5 in refreshments for the children. Sub-Committees were appointed to select prizes and arrange for refreshments for the children. Owing to the opposition raised by many parents to the railway 7 trip, it was decided to abandon it, and to write to Mr. E. G. Wright thanking him for offering to bear a portion of the ex pense. The choice of a suitable place for holding the sports was left to Dr. Stewart and Mx - . Boyle. The holidays were fixed for the 16th and 17th instant. The ordinary business of the Committee was then proceeded with, and is reported else where.

A Patriotic American Dog. —Recently a party of gentlemen, most of them from the State of Virginia, visitcd-Arizona Ter ritory to inspect certain mining property in which they were interested. They wore accompanied by a dog belonging to one of the party. When near the Mexi can boundary line one of the party sug gested an indulgence in Mexican refresh ments on Mexican territory, and they consequently crossed the border and entered a Mexican caravansary on the south side of the American boundary line. No sooner did the American dog cross the boundary than every Mexican cur in the Mexican village pounced upon him and he sought refuge between the legs of his master. Ho retained this cowardly atti tude so long as ho remained in Mexican soil, his tormentors, in the meantime, threatening him on all sides. But as soon as the party returned :to American soil, the dog, which had a few minutes ago showm so much of the white feather, was completely transformed, and turning on the Mexican canine tribe, he fought them one after another and put them all to flight. The story is vouched for by a gentleman of reliability.

The Borough Cricket Club. — A meet ing of the newly formed Boi’ough Cricket Club was hold last night, at the shop of Mr. L. F. Androwes, Mr. J. Hardloy in the chair. There was a good attendance of members, and the very animated man ner in which matters connected with the Club’s welfare were discussed, gives pro mise that the infant Club contains the germs of some energetic cricketing en thusiasts. A letter from the Tinwald knights of the willow was read, expres sing regret that, in consequence of a prior engagement, they would be unable to enter the lists with the Borough team on Anniversary Day, and suggesting that the 3rd January be appointed on which to try conclusions. The meeting then re solved that a challenge be sent to the second eleven of the County Club to play a match on the IGth. It was decided to ask his Worship the Mayor to become President, and Thomas Bullock, Esq., Vice-President of the Club. Practice has hjtjjerto taken place, under difficulties, in the vicinity of the Templar Hall, but henceforth, W£ iipderstand, a portion of the Domain is to be utilised for this most essential feature in the success of any club. At a former meeting of member:}, the following office-bearers wore elected : —Captain, Mr. L. F. Andrewes ; Vice- Captain, Mr. M. J. Hosking; Secretary, J. McDonald ; Treasurer, Mr. J. Hard- ■ ley ; custodian, pro ion, Mr. L. F. And;;ow ( es. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings have been sot apart for oc casions of practice, which is to be hoped will be gone in for most religio,u3ly ; As fcjjq . newly fledged Club has amongst its ijjem- ' hers * several who are . neither strangers either to the willow or in trundling, wo may expect very shortly to hear of their exploits on the sward.

The Maoris. —The Parihaka survey is proceeding steadily without any obstruc tion on the part of the natives. There have been no more attempts at fencing, the Maoris contenting themselves with guarding the gap in the wheat paddock fence where the road passes through.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Pei Rente) 's Agency.) The Reserve of Y/ealth. London, Dec. 0. The total reserve in notes and bul lion in the Bank of, England is, 1,14,000,000. New Zealand Securities. New Zealand five per cent. 1880 Loan, LlO7 ; five per cent. 10.40 Loan, LlO3. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day, 4,100 bales were offered. There was more enquiry, but the demand was principally specu lative. 10,000 bales have been with drawn from sale, since the opening of the auction. Land League Courts. Liokt>ox, Dec. 30. The Irish League has .now instituted courts for the settlement of disputes between landlords and tenants on the land question. The Marquis of Ripon’s Illness. Calcutta, Dec. 10. Latest telegrams for Allahabad, re port that all feverish symptoms have' lefttheMarquisof Ripon, but he remains in a very weak condition. Turkey out of Temper. Constantinople, Dec. 10. The Porte has addressed a circular note to the Powers, calling upon .them to restrain Greece from proceeding with any increase of her armament, and to ask her if she will accept the compromise proposed in October last —viz., that the territory to the south of Janina and Larissa should be ceded, but not those towns themselves. The Porte adds that if Greece replies in the negative, a rupture must ensue. '

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Renter's Agency. ) The Knights of the Willow. Melbourne, Dec. 10. The cricket match between the Aus tralians lately returned from England and the Victorian representative eleven was commenced to-day. The latter went first to the wickets, and were all disposed of for 16S runs. The Aus tralian team went in for their first inn ings, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had lost two wickets for 47 runs. Murdoch was bowled after scor ing 26 runs. Victorian Politics- Melbourne, To-day. The course to be pursued by the Opposition in regard to the vote of want of confidence, proposed by Dr. Smith, will not be decided upon until Tuesday, when the motion comes up for discussion. The Age anticipates there will be a very close division. V.R.C. Champion Meeting-

The entries for the races on New Year’s Day are generally small. For the Champion Stakes there are 49 subscribers. The Australian Cricketers.

The Australian team of cricketers leave for New Zealand on the 4th January. Commercial. Sydney, Dec. 10.

Henncssy’s brandy, case, 365. ; bulk quarters, ns. ; kerosene, diamond, per gallon, is. 7j/d. ; Devoe’s, per gallon, 2s. id.; New Zealand wheat [? oats], per bushel, is. 3d. . maize, per 601b5., 2s. ; tobacco, Raven’s twist, per lb., is. 7d. ; candles, D. RJ.’s, per lb., candles, D.R.O.’s, per 1b.,8j4d.

Adelaiue, Dec. 10.

Wheat, per bushel, 4s. 7d., tone quiet; new wheat, 4s. to 4s. 6d. per bushel; town flour, Li 1 ; country, L 9 15s. Freights to London, sailing vessels, 475. 6d.; freights to the United Kingdom, 50s. to 52s 6d. ; freights to the United Kingdom from out-por’.s, 525. 6d. to 555.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Asoociation.) A Denial. Auckland, To-day. Mr. G. M. Reed writes, contradicting emphatically a statement made in the daily papers, that he has arranged with the Loan and Mercantile Company to take over a block of land in Poverty Bay for special settlers. Ho says he lias not had any transaction with any Loan Company in New Zealand, his arrangement with his special settlers precluding the necessity for any such arrangement. Patetere. Steps are being taken to convene a public meeting in Auckland to discuss the question of the Patetere lands. "Xiord Mayor’s Day.” The Mayor give's a banquet next Wednesday. A Watchmaker Drowned. Wellington, To-day. A German named L. Drexler, a watch maker, was drowned early this morning. He was seen standing near the edge of the breastwork, and shortly after calls for help were heard, but he sank before he could bo rescued. An inquest will bo held. The cause of the attempt to destroy him self is supposed to be through inability to obtain work.

SPORTING.

Oamaru Races, O am abu, Yesterday. The races to-day were much better than yesterday. The weather was line, but the attendance was small. The following are the results : Hurdle Race. —Robin Hood, 1 ; Little John, 2 ; Milo, 3. Shillelagh also ran. The Hack Hurdle Race was won by Noumai. Counties Handicap.—Little John, 1; Ned Kelly, 2 ; Sultana. 3. Flying Handicap.—Luna, 1 ; Sylvanus, 2 ; Clarence, 3. Novel Handicap.—Nimblefoot, 1; Jean, 2 ; Ned Kelly, 3. Consolation Handicap. Libeller, 1; Adamant, 2 ; Milo, 3.

CRICKET.

Ashburton v. Prebbleton. A match between these two Clubs was played to day on the Domain Ground. As will be seen from the appended scores, the bowling, assisted by a very trccherous ground, was much more effective than the batting, butthefirst innings, which resulted ip a tie. created considerable excitement aipongst t)ie players and spectators. E. Prebhle hqivlpd well if)V tjpo visitors, and Denshire fielded very bnlljaptly far homo team. The following are the sssres

CHISPA’S LETTER.

“ I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains.” —Longfellow. There is to bo a torchlight procession, with fireworks os a finish up, on the even ing of Boxing Day. That day will have been filled up by the Caledonian Society’s sports, and great fun and grand sights may bo expected. On the same night the Dramatic Society jy:ll hold the mirror up to nature. Coming nearer to the present date in this month’s history, the 17th supplies us with Cole’s sublime circus, and coming nearer still the benefit night of Mrs. Thompson (Lizzie Lezette) happens on Tuesday. (Long may she wave.) But all these sights and scenes pale in their grandeur before the enter tainment Chispa is to give to his friends one night, this incoming weelc. I’ll toll you when on Monday, if it cost my last shilling. You know my old friend and crony Charlie Hayes, the ancient gentle man who sells Guardians and other luminaries of literature at the railway station. The Borough Council have pro nounced an edict of doom to the old man, and he must remove his specimen of rninaturc architecture from the site it now occupies on Western Baring Square. He is too old now to take up his bed and walk, and in these piping times of pros perity sections run at too high a figure for him to buy one all to himself. Then the building bye-laws interfere with him as to the style of architecture he must adopt if he were to rear his superb mansion in sublime East street. To avoid all hum bug I have gone into partnership with him in this trouble, and have opened negotiations with an ex-Town Councillor, who has leased us a section not far from Baring Square. The terms are a draft on the Bank of Humanity, and another draught of the milk of human Kindness, the Vholc deeds to be registered in heaven. Having secured a section I pro ceed to engage hands to aid in re moval of the house, furniture, and effects of the said Charles Hayes. The follow ing carriers have been specially retained for the occasion :

G. F. Scott, with man, horse, and marc ; MacFarlane— pereet fits— with equimty ; Andy Wood, his dray and ho-se ; Ben, Smith and all his plant and stock-in trade ; B<*b. Cullen, with his complete nun-out;

John Hcfford, and his establishment toto\ A contribution of cabs, &c. from Jamie M’Rac and his chumship. All these gentlemen, men and horses, will attend on the night I specify. Flowers for decoration will be plentiful, and there will be a good time. A procession of my very dear friends in Ashburton will march from the Post Office to the site of the present mansion, and fifty men will aid in its removal. A gentleman of the bar has promised to contribute twelve pints of Quill’s best to slake the thirst that must follow the exertion of pulling down and rebuilding the house, and similar contri butions will be thankfully received. If any member of the great brotherhood of humanity to which old Charlie and I be long, has not been personally invited, let him come, and welcome, when I issue the summons, and let him bring with him such flowers as he can to strew on the deserted site of the mans'on, in memory of, and in tribute to, the stern sense of humanity, consistency, economy, and justice, that forced the Borough Council to remove my old friend and partner from his home in the hollow. Ido not know about the- band, but if Piper Elder is about he jyill head: the procession.

Cliispa went to Wakanui on Thursday. He didn’t; regret going, for he was dis abused thereby of a notion that has been in his head some time —-viz., that farmers don’t bother a great deal about public matters, whether they concern themselves or not. After my visit to Wakanui, I have only to say to such as have hitherto held the same opinion as I have—-Don’t you believe it. There were sixty men rolled up to that meeting, and I’ll go bail you wouldn’t get more in the Town Hall for a similar object, unless there was some hope of hearing a wordy set-to between tljc oratorical gladiators of the Borough. Bravo Wakanui!

Scene—A schooLhouse (vulf. Fancy’s map of the County for the particular locality). School under repairs, and master having a holiday betakes himself to the the school pump and drip tub for a bath. Enter to the master, (who is bare to the buff and blind with soap), the Inspector. Inspector —Oh! Are you the master? Master (blind with soap)—Nothing to day, baker, thank you. Inspector —But, why is the school closed -—this is not a holiday ? Master (still blind, and ears full also) — No, nothing to-day. Inspector —l said this was no holiday. Why is the school closed !

Made)' —l’ll go in and see (rushes off to house, still blind). Old woman, any bread to-day 1 Voice of “ old woman ” —None to-day, James.

Master (again in tub)—None to-day. Inspector (impatient, and dignity offended)—But I’m the INSPECTOR ! ! ! Master (wakened up at last) —Oh, you are. Then the school is under repairs, and I’m in soap. Now then. Exit Inspector in a passion. Next report, anything but complimentary, but master popular in the district notwith standing, and Committee say the Inspector.”

Our sporting proclivities have now taken a start towards trotting, and from balmy morn till dewy eve, the owners of quadrupeds, which in most cases are only fit for cat’s meat, can be seen careering along East street, smashing up boylders and pasterns alike. The demolition of the boulders does good to the community at large, and the complete breaking up of a-\ old crock is Perhaps an end to a career of misery and illtreatment to the animal its self, and the two ruins together are in effect a direct gain to the public .at large. I am led to these remarks because one of these sporting characters called upon, mo tp Ipplt at-a Ijprsg ; he ’ had' hj ’training.

He evidently took me for a judge of this kind of tiling, but as yours truly is a mere infant in arms so far as 1 ‘ training ” goes, the trottist got hold of the wrong kind of a reporter for once. However, Chispa went. to the training stables, which consisted of a dilapidated shanty, and therein found the high mettled steed. Ea passant, I may say that'most of the mettle, he was possessed of was in connection with his shoes. He was a poverty-stricken looking animal of a ding}' red breed, and he had what ap peared to bo a good-?ized table-cloth .wound round each log, and a peculiar sort of an edifice —something like a clothes basket—-hung on his countenance. Mr. Fill-up, his trainer, explained to me that the table-cloths'were ba'ndages" to* reduce the swelling consequent on the hard train ing the animal had undergone, and that the clothes-basket was a muzzle to keep him from eating : his bedding. Fill-up had just deliverod hiinself of this informa tion. when Bucephalus got his tongue* through a hole in the clothes-basket and picked up a straw. His trainer promptly kicked him in the ribs and lovingly said, “ Got out, you sod !” and further ex plained that the great ait of training was kindly treatment. He then said that he was ’ only anxious to meet Tito Kowaru, or some other good animal, at the trotting match, and then he would show them the way round, and then ho went to work and gave an extra twist to the table-cloths, so as to reduce the'circu lation of the blood in the. crock’s legs, and I said “ Good afternoon,” and left with an impression that I had learnt something about training horses. Oiiisfa.

Brutal Murder at Chatham Islands.

About three years ago a young girl named Susan Snoswell, a native of, Lyttelton, came down to the Chatharaa, having been engaged as servant by a ’ squatter, Mr. Charles Kerr, residing at the north end of the island. About the end of a year from the time she was en gaged, a Maori named Wi Warepa, one of the principal natives, of the Chatharns, asked her to marry him. She consented. She was very young, about seventeen, and rather good looking. Wi Warepa was of a most suspicious and passionate disposi tion, and a fervent disciple of Te Whiti, exceedingly jealous, although, according to native reports, his own character was immoral in the extreme. On Friday morning, the 19th of November, a blacksmith of the name of Child, went to Warepa’s house, which is about three-quarters of a mile from the beach. Finding it, locked he looked in at the win dows ; and, seeing blood on the floor, he went right away to Mr. Deighton’s, the R.M. They both went together and found the room, which is 10ft. square and 7ft. high, in a fearful state. A large dried-up pool of blood was on the floor, which had evidently been attempted to be cleaned up. Blood stains were on the side of the room, and even the ceiling was splashed all over. It was a terrible sight. They then saw the marks in the passage leading to the back door, of a bleeding body having been dragged out. About 130 yards from the house, lying in a small gully, there was the body of the unfor tunate creature, literally from the mouth upwards smashed to pieces. In looking into the house, under an old pea coat and some bloody clothes belonging to Warepa, a piece of her jaw, skull, and some teeth were found. The man was then arrested. Ho struggled a little, but was thrown down and handcuffed, and lodged in the lock up. An inquest was held, on the body. One of the jurymen on the inquest, found the weapon with which the murder had been committed. This was a pair of tongs all bent, twisted and bloody. Warepa has confessed, and said he only did what he thought was perfectly right, as his wife had been un faithful to him, both with white people and with natives; that "he had had a severe quarrel and locked her out, threatening to murder her, or as ho,ex pressed himself, kill her outright if she came near the house again. She did so, and he did the horrible deed. He is a very powerful man, and must have beaten her until he had no breath to continue. He is fully committed for trial, and has reserved his defence until before the Supremo Court. He goes up per the Omaha.

SCHOOL INSPECTOR’S REPORTS.

Ashburton. At the School Committee meeting last night, the Inspector’s report was read as follows : Ashburton School, examined October, 18S0. Attendance—

Genebai, Remarks. —When the Infant’s School, in course of erection, is completed, there will be abundant accommodation for the present enrolment. During the present year the want of classrooms has been a serious drawback, but in future there should be no cause of complaint in this respect, as the room now used by the head master and that by the ABC classes will bo available for the purpose. The gallery will require to be removed from the latter. As on former occasions, the out-ofhees for the boys were in a dis graceful state. There have been several changes in the teaching staff since last ex amination. The average .attendance entitles the school to four adult teachers, viz—head master, mistress, assistant master, and infants’ mistress. I would recommend that a mistress for the upper department be appointed, and that the present mistress (who has for some con siderable time very successfully managed the junior classes) ho continued in the same position. With but very few excep tions, the scholars presented in Standards Yf, V, IV, and 111 have passed a,very unsatisfactory examination. The papers throughout wore grossly careless and in accurate, showing a very slight ac quaintance with the subjects taught. The questions given were in every sense similar to those used in other schools, and in no case were the minimum require ments for the respective'standards ex ceeded. The class lists attached to this report show fully the state of the work in each standard. Order and. discipline are neglected, and many hard spent hours of the teachers are wasted from inattention and want of application on the part of the pupils. Continual chattering, copying, and opening of books are some of the difficulties that an examiner : has to con tend with. Every month''programmes J of

the work gone through by the different classes should be handed in by the teachers and the head master should make a point of thoroughly testing the value of the instruction given. The general condition of the First Standard and pre paratory classes is very fair, and this por tion of the school is carefully and ener getically conducted.— W. ,L. Edge, In spector, November, 1880. "Regarding the report, and the state of the school which it indicated, the Board Secretary wrote : —• Christchurch, December 3, 1880. To Div Macbean Stewart, Chairman Ashbur ton District School Committee. Sir.—l ha'-c tho honor, to.forward the Inspector’s report upon the school in Ashburton with ■’standard lists attached. In doing so, I am directed to call the Committee’s atten tion to the very unsatisfactory condition of all the classes above the first standards, and to say that the school will be again in spected in'three monthsafter.thocloseofthc ■.Christmas holidays, when, unless there is a decided improvement, the Board will "consider What steps shall betaken.—lam, Ac., J. Y. Colhorne Veel, Secretary. The Chairman (Dr. Stewart) stated that he had shown the: report to the Head Master, Mr. Stott, who had written the following :■ —• Schoolhouse, Ashburton, December lOtli, 1880. Mr. Chairman, and Gentle men.- —In considering the Inspector’s re port, you will allow me to place briefly, side by side with it, some of the circum stances which have lately brought it about. 1. During the year, the at tendance, (as you are aware from the monthly report) has been very large, somewhat irregular, and lias taxed to the utmost the exertions of the teachers in every department. 2. The staff of teachers has never been equal to that allowed by the Board. An additional adult teacher is required. The Board at present pays for the instruction of only four pupil teacltbrs. 3. Six teachers have left us during the year, and their positions have, except in the last 1 case, been invariably •filled with teachers of the first year. Some of these were beginners, who received much care and instruction from the masters, but disappeared before doing any effective work in return. 4. About six months were lost in all before the vacan cies could be filled up, thus throwing a heavy burden on the remaining staff. 5. Insufficient space and furniture put both teachers and pupils to great inconvenience. As regards order and discipline, I must say that all the teachers have worked with a will, systematically and carefully, and I have seen little, if any, cause of com plaint. I propose, with your permission, to cease teaching drawing and music, ex cept as extra subjects- for a short time ; and hope with the aid of the new teacher to make up the ground apparently lost in the meantime. I am, &e., Alexander Stott. The Board having evidently taken the matter into their own hands, it was de cided to remit the report to the Head Master and staff. Wakanui. Wakanui School, examined Sept. 30, 1880. Attendance— Number on roll-... 7 2 Average last quarter ... ... 41 ~ last week ... ... 46 Present at Examination... ... 60 Teachers— Mr. Guinucy, Master, Standards VI., V., IV., and 111. Mi s Leach, Mistress, infants and Standards 11. and I.

General Remarks. —This school was examined this year somewhat earlier than usual, at the special request of the Com mitteec. A change of teachers was to take place the day after the inspection. Taking into consideration the exception ally irregular attendance of some scholars, fair progress has been, made, and the master has evidently performed his duties in a painstaking and conscientious man ner. Nine out of the ten children in the third class, who tried Standard 111, suc ceeded in passing, and their work was quite equal .to the average. The copy rind exercise books were neat enough, but the writing was irregular and ill-formed. In the lower standard several failed in arithmetic. The order was good, and the children present were attentive and well behaved. The fences between-the closets require some slight repairs.—W. L. Edge, Inspector. Oct.'sth,-1880.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ENTERTAINMENT S ABUSED.

To THE EDITOR. Sir,— lf you will give me a small space in your excellent journal, 1 will make a few remarks, by way of checking what I -consider a growing'evil in connection with entertainments. Entertainments, if pro perly conducted, would be a great benefit as well as amusement, especially in out lying districts, where young people especially not having access to good libraries' or the opportunity of mixing with good society, as is the case in towns and more thickly populated, districts, would grqw mopish without something to enter tain them.,' But, like most other good things, these entertainments are in danger of going into extremes.and becoming pro moters of evil instead of good. Now, I think all who' are discreet,, and lovers of order, will agree with me that when these entertainments are kept on through the whole of the night until break of day, and when young girls have been dancing per haps six hours on a stretch, and naturally become so heated ami the whole system under great excitement, it is very dangerous for them to go out into thecoldair, and per haps without any additional clothing to what they had on. when dancing. Many' a blooming healthy girl has taken cold under such circumstances, and consump tion and death have been the result. From two to three hours is quite long enough for such laborious exercise, and when the clock strikes twelve it is quite time for all parties to go home. It is no ; wonder, children grieve their parents and servants lose their situations when they reniain at such places until morning, and then go home lit for nothing bub sleep all the day, and. .perhaps the doctor’s atten tion the next day. But sir, in the dis trict from which I am writing, not only the young go to those extremities, but married ladies with three ’or four children. Not long since I attended all entertain ment in connection with a day school, where all the children in the district as sembled, with most of the inhabitants ; and after being supplied bountifully with the good things of this life, such as tea, cake, &c., all of the children were presented with handsome pre sents consisting of books and toys of all descriptions, and all enjoyed them selves, I have no doubt, with the various games that were carried oh until nearly dark. At dusk all repaired to the school room, to witness some very pleasing and interesting scenes from the magic lantern, which exhibition was brought to a close about ten o’clock. That hour \vas time for all children to be in bed. But when; it was announced that, a dance would take place, most of tlie young folks prepared the rooin and tfaeihselves Tor action, and

if they- had kept it on for two hours after all the former sports, and then dispersed and gone home in something like reason - able time, I for one should not complain. But when married ladies will drop their children down iti some corner and join the young folk in keeping on the dance until daylight, I think it is carrying the enter tainment to such an extreme as to become an evil. Fiincy a bachelor residing in a house adjoining, who, being more discreet than some of these ladies, on retiring to rest, found three of their young ones placed in his bed. Unwilling to disturb the,.,,, innocent*), lib betook himself to the floor for rest.—l am, &c. Discretion.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1880.



as they stood when our reporter left the' ground ;— ' Ashburton—1st Innings. Hodder, c E. Prebble, b Taylor 4 A. Fooks, b E. Prebble 4 Mayo, b B. Prebble 0 G. Andrews, b E. Prebble ... 1 Denshire, b E. Prebble ... 4 Shury, run out ... •• ... . .. 5 Lecltner, b E. Prebble... 3 Marsh, b E. Prebble ... 7 Groves, b Collier Douglas, not out 0 0 Nelson, b E. Prebble ... 0 Extras ... .13 Total ... ... 41 2nd Innings. Hodder, b .W. Prebble..-. ... .. 3 Fooks, run out ... . 6 Mavo, c W. Prebble, b E. Prebble .. 0 Andrews, notout . 13 Denshire, not out ... ... ... . 10 Extras ... .... . 7 Ashburton second innings closed for 107. Prebbleton —1st Innings. Whithnir, b Shiny . 5 J. Taylor, b Andrews ... J. Prebble, c Denshire, b Shury Collier, c Fooks, b Andrews ... . 7 . 5 . 3 Hurst, b Andrews ... ... . 5 G. Taylor, b Andrews ... E. Prebble; c Douglas, b Shury Coltman, c Denshire, b Shury . 4 . 1 . 3 Pavne. c Lechner, b Andrews . 0 W. Prebble, c Denshire, b Shnry . 1 J. Prebble, not out ... . 0 Extras . 7 Total .41



Number on roll 447. ■■ Average last quarter ... 33i Present at examination 394 Staff and Distribution— Mr. Stott, headmaster, Standards VI. and V. Mr. Mayo second master ,, IV. Miss Henderson, Ex. P.T. ) III. Mr. B. Stewart, P.T. ] ” Miss McDonnell, P.T. . ) TT Miss Andrews, P.T. f ” i 1 • Miss Stewart', mistress, and ) •. ; T. / three pupil teachers j and infants. Results of-Examination in Standards- Childret ’s Per- Standards. Presented. Passed. Age. centage. 1 *8 42 7-7 87 II. ... 6i 30 87 49 III. ... So 13 io'6 16 IV. ... 40 3 M’6 7 ’ V. ... 12 3 12-8 25 : VI. ... 2 i 14- 5° Totals, 243 92 39 Percentage of number presented (243) to number on lists (447), 54- Future Arrangement in Standards of Scholars present at Examination : — Passed Standard VI. ... I .. ' »" i- - 4 „ ,, IV. ... 12 Ill So „ „ II 97 „ „ I. ... 73 Below Standard I 157 Total 394



Result of Examination in Standards— VI. V. IV. ITT. IT. I. Tl. Presented 1.4 3 IO 17 8 43 Avt age 14 14 n '3 11 9 - i 8-1 Passsed 0 I 0 9 6 5 21 Percentage ... 4 S Present Classification — : Preparing for Standard vr. ... 2 ft ti V. ... 3 IV. ... 12 ll ” III. 7 »> • >> II. ... 16 I. ... 20 Total 60



Special Advertisements. THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY is THE MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND BOYS’) MANUFACTURED BT mHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING 8 FACTORY, which can be purchased at thoir 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. i 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 THE WHOLESALE PRICE. i JfrsS" Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Tics, Scarfs, Bags, Portmanteaus, Rugs, and Blankets at Wholesale Prices. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the Now Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch ; EA S T ST REE T . WM. SPARROW, 910 Manager. 0. Carstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1. 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* METHV.EN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorised agents for the Ashburton Guardian. Subscribers will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention. THE GUARDIAN is published everj evening, giving every day’s news, up to the hour of going to press. This is better than buying a sixpenny weekly, WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting | Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at tbc “ Guardian ’’ office, opposite the Railway Station. -,;' . .; ■ : - DO you Want the News of the Day Read the Ashburton Guardian Price, One Penny. '



Special Advertisements. milE GUARDIAN is on ‘ every Tea Table in Ashburton. 7"ANTED.— THE GUARDIAN tolls V\ your Wants for Is.-—cash.



Holloway’s Ointment -' An infallible remedy for bad Legs and all kinds of Wounds.—The suprising sale of these, invaluable rhediciriesMn every part of.the;civl-a lised world is the most convincing .proof, of their ! efficacy. They Speedily cure bad legs, old wounds, scrofula, and" other diseases of the skin. Thousands of persons . suffering from these dreadlul maladies have been cured by them after every .other means had failed ;,and it is a fact beyond ail doubt that there is no case however obstinate or long- standing, but may be quickly relieved and ultimately cured by these wonderful medicines. Their united action is irresistible ; more need not be said in praise of these, celebrated Tills. 1 Let those, who doubt their excellence five them a trial. —AnvT. . . : " ■'! ’ 'd Wanted. WANTED, a Good General SER VANT. Apply. Office of this Paper, , • 1 733 ANTED —A good CARPENTER. Apply, Monday morning, Ba. m. r to Dunn «fc Ray. : , ■ .. 732 WANTED, for the Ashburton Borough School, a third female TEACHER (certificated). Salary, £9O per annum. Applications and testimonials to be ad dressed to the Chairman Ashburton Borough School Committee, and Sent' in on or before December 30tb. By order, J. Ward, Secretary. . 724 WANTED, —A HOUSEMAID. — Apply, Quill’s . Commercial’ Hotel. 688 WANTED, for a few weeks, a Com petent Person to assist in Sewing. Apply.. Guardian Office. 713 , WANTED KNOWN, That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton, are open, DAILY, from 0 a.m. till 5 p.m.. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price, j ; . 60G ANTED KNOWN—That a Church of England minister’s wife writes that she saves Ten Shillings a Fortnight by using Harper Twelvetrees’ Villa Washer, Wringer, and Mangier, . coßa bined; and, although she permits _no rubbing, the clothes are beautifully white, and much cleaner than when done by hand, while the saving in mending has been astonishing. Sold by J. HERN, Range Maker and Importer, corner of Manchester and Tuam streets, Christ church ; Price—£9 10s. 700 WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. 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. . . , »QBc—2B6o ANTED KNOWN—Just arrived from England—Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cards. : New Zealand Illustrated Annual, Young Ladies’ Jour nal, and Bow Bells, Is. Gd. each. Family Herald and Family Reader, Is. each, and all other Magazines supplied at Christ church Prices. Colonial and F.uropean Newspapers, School Books, Stationery,&c. A visit solicited. L. F. Andrewes, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 527 Meetings. O TIC E T O D AIR YME N, A MEETING of MILKMEN will bo held in Mr. Harrison’s Auction' room, Havelock street, on TUESDAY Evening next, at 7 o’clock, when matters of im portance will be discussed. 704 WILLIAM BARTLETT. rjl O W N H A. L L. MONDAY, DECEMBER 13tii, 1880. A FREE PUBLIC MEETING will be held in connection with the Good Templar Order, when the following Gentlemen will address the meeting:—The Rev. Dr. Rosbby, G; W.C.T. ; Mr. J. W. Jaoo, P.G.W.C.T. ; Rev. Ross.



Doors open at 7.30. Chair to be taken at Eight o’clock. All Members entitled to Grand Lodge Degree are requested to attend at the TEMPLAR HALL, at 0.30 on MON DAY Evening, 13th instant. By order, 727 B. ELSTON, P.D. Amusements- A MATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB. Under the patronage of the .Mayor and Borough Councillors, - Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, Ashburton Fire Brigade, and Oaledpnian Sports. V - ’O The Lady of-Lyons. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14th AT THE TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. Farewell Benefit of LIZZIE LIZETTE (Mrs. Thompson)'., PAULINE—LIZZIE LIZETTE. A BALL will take place after the Per formance—Admission 2s. 6d. 726 A MATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY. TUESDAY, DECEMBER. ... 14 (Lizzie Lizotte’s Benefit Night). At the conclusion of. the Dramatic per ■ (;formancef I■■ IV / ‘; )*. : A PLAIN- DRESS BALL Will take place in the Town g * A Splendid Band, and air : Master of Ceremonies. r.oi.T Admission—Gentlemen, 2sii6d. 714 THE -KELLYS ! ?THE KELLjYSd'S THE KELLYS.! ‘I 1. Coming,. Coming, Coming ! Glorious success in Christchurch !. Over 100 Life .size Viewg of the Kelly Outlaws. * finndrecls of otker Views of the principal Cities qf the XVqrld, including the Glasgow Riqtgj. A Adrqissiqn —One Shilling ; and a Pre-r sent to every Visitor. 4^4