SHIPPING.

POST OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Marmion, brigantine, from Kaipara. Owake, schooner, from Foxton. Sea Bird, brigantine, from Pelprua Sound. Janett, ketch, from Waitapu. To-day. Wanaka, s.s., from Wellington. Ringarooma, s.s., from Melbourne, via the South. : ' SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. »w.: . <■ -AtTOKrasn>, Yesterday. Sailed—Rotorua, #9., for- Sydney. Auckland, To-day, Arrived—Tararua, .s.s.,y from Sydney, via Russell.. ; > - / ‘ : ■ Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived-—Wanaka, ■ from Pictbn and Nelson; Hairea, from the North; Pen guin,- from the South ; Endeavor, schooner; from Oamaru. Sailed—Pengu in"for Picton and Nelson; Jane Douglas, for Eaikoura and Lyttelton; Kiwi;' for Napier. The Hinemoa leaves for Picton early to-morrow morning. . i ;■ 1 ?' i t vWEtiiNGTo^,;Tb-day, Sailed—Hinemoa, C.G. s.s, Hinemoa, for Picton, . { Greymouth, Yesterday. Arrived —Elizabeth : Firth and Mary Bahnatyhe, froth Wellington Mary Campbell, from' Dunedin ; Wild Duck, from Wanganui; Crest of the Ware, from Oamaru. ’ Sailed—Grafton, for Wellington. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Ehbank Castle, schooner, from Lyttelton (put in); Te A.ri’au, s.s., from the North. Sailed— Gabrielle Alice, barque, for Newcastle. ‘ : - ' Melbourne, Yesterday. Arrived—P. and O. Company’s steamer Siam, with inward Suez mails, dated Lon don,- N0v.,5.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under:—

Friday, December 17. For Otago, per Wanaka, at 11.15 a.m.; late fee letters, 11.30 a.m.; guard’s van 12 noon train;

For Northern Ports, per Oreti, at 1.50 p.m. plate fee letters, 2.10 p.m.; guard’s van, 2.40 p.m. train. For Kaikoura, per J ane Douglas, at 3.20,p.m.; late’ fee letters, 3.30 p.m.; guarej’s-van, 4.5 p. m. train. Friday, December 31. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Ac., as under Money orders and registered letters, at 5 p.m.;. books and newspapers, at 9 p.ni.; ordinary letters, at 10 p.m. A supplementary mail will be closed at 7 pm. on Saturday, January, 1, 1881.. Late fee letters may be posted in the guard’s van attached to the 8.30 p.m. train on Saturday, January 1,

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, Coldstream, 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 a.m., and 420 p.m., daily. For Greensfcreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m, daily. For Wakaniii, 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., 4.35 p.m., and 7,50 p.m. From Chertsey, Ac. 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; Spmers, 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. Tuesday, December 21. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Sheep and Cattle. .. - -Friday, December 24. Mr. T. Bullock —Usual Weekly Sale. - ' Tuesday, January 4. Quill;-and -Co.; Monthly Sale; Mount Somers. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ac. To-Night, Thursday, December 16. Thistle Lodge,’ S.G., Monthly Meeting, Masonic Hall, 7.30 p.m. . To-morrow, .Friday, December 17. Ashburton Fire Police, Meeting of Mem bers, Shearman’s_Hotel, 3 p.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

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

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All; notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature -of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1880.

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

Mr. Edward Wakefield is no common man, nor is he even a common member of the House of Representa tives. Whenever he speaks or writes his productions bear the stamp of ability so great as to reveal their author, whether he wishes to be known or not. His occasional articles in the New Zea land Times could all be picked out by any intelligent man acquainted with his style; and the effect they produce is one which no party can afford to despise. Few men make less friends. His own party are never sure how long they will escape his heavy rod, and his opponents can neverforgive his unmerci ful lashing when they have once felt it, so that he is far more feared than loved, and it is not the prejudice of affection that assigns him the palm of the ablest speaker in the New Zealand Parlia ment. Those who have watched his actions and noted his expressions during the last year, will not accuse him of being a blind or even fervent sup porter of the present Ministry, and his speech at Geraldine on Monday evening betrayed no great affection nor admiration for at least three of its members; but it was a very clear and unanswerable narrative of the position which any intelligent patriot must find himself compelled to occupy towards a Government that is struggling honestly to meet the financial difficulties of the colony, and to arrest the downward im petus in credit and competency which ten years of increasing recklessness had brought upon us. He does not believe in Major Atkinson’s notion of activity in taxation, nor in the favors he bestows on the “ fortunate Taranaki ”; he con demns Mr, Rolleston’s idea of educa tion ; he admits that Mr. Oliver is driven by his Otago constituents into actions he does not himself approve of; he ridicules Mr. Hall’s propensity for incubating new Bills and even greatly exaggerates his failures in getting them passed. But he puts forward the great fact that this Government is practising, and not merely promising, economy— that they led the House wisely and well in the reduction of salaries—and made this duty easy by giving the House no choice about taking twenty per cent, off the Ministers’ salaries, in stead of taking care to get their own proposals in that direction defeated, as the Grey Government had done. He shows how they had taken most earnest and effectual steps to save the colony as far as possible from Mr. Sheehan’s cor rupt and ruinous expenditure on moun tains and scoria, and from the agents who receive 46. an acre to induce them | to “prefer quantity to quality,” He shows how Mr, Conyers was dismissed, notwithstanding all his Otago influence and friends; and reductions; on rail way expenditure “in various shapes and forms were made, so that the rail ways, from being a dead loss, were now paying as much as 9 per cent, on the .outlay In Canterbury," These and many other substantial benefits to the colony left him no doubf as to his duty to support the men of'deeds, and not. the men who, promising economy, practised only extravagance and unbounded profusion and cormp

tion. On the question of education, we, think Mr. Wakefield was far from displaying his usual ability. He fails entirely to show in what direction ecdnomy could be effected without a great loss of efficiency, or how he would compass universal education by parents paving fees for their children ; and he appears to wish his audience not to see how much more the poor, and how much less the rich would pay under the system, if system it can be called, which he advocates. But, taken as a whole, the Geraldine speech is one calculated to educate his constituents and the electors of the colony, and is one which we ’ have no doubt will be generally noted by politicians.

The Dunedin Cup. —Mr. W. Walters’ three horses —Piscatorious, Libeller, and Grand Duchess —will not face the st. rter for the Dunedin Cup, having ,ieen scratched yesterday. Christmas Holidays. —lt is announced that single faro tickets issued at any sta tion between Amberley and the Bluff from December 23rd to January 3rd will be available for the return journey until January 5 th.

The Holiday in Christchurch.— To-day is a close holiday in Christchurch, the weather being beautifully fine. The Anniversary Sports at Hagley Park ;.ie a great success, but the results of the various events had not reached us when we went to press. Ministerial Changes. The formal resignations of Mr. Rolleston as Minister of Education and Mr. Oliver as Munster of Mines were placed in the hands or his Excellency the Governor, and the ap pointments of Mr. Rolleston as Minister of Mines and of Mr. Dick as Minister of Education were duly signed by his Excel lency.

The Gazette. —The Gazette is net an immaculate production. Recently it pub lished Mr. John “Griff” as one of the trustees of the Longbeach cemetery, in stead of “Mr. John Grigg.” Now we find it publishing the following gentlemen as trustees of the “Ashburton” ceme'-ery: —Messrs. W. T. Chapman, A. Macfarianc, G. Grieve, R. Boulton, and W. Brown. Lakrikisism. —A Timaru contemporary says Some practical jokers have Incely been freely indulgingin a kind of midn ght mischief which is far from creditable. A few days ago a number of newly painted residences and fences, including the Hibernian Hotel, were smeared with a composition of boiled linseed oil and brickdust. Some time between midright on Saturday and daylight on Sunday morning a portion of the fence enclosing Mr. Driscoll’s property in North street was torn down, a number of the palings being deliberately broken. This kind of mischief is strongly suggestive of the utter inadequacy of the police protection which Timaru in common with many other parts of the colony enjoys. To commit the whole town to the charge of a couple of constables at night seems ridiculous. A Terrible Fall, —Further particu lars regarding the lad Leith, who fell over a precipice at Auckland, state that the unfortunate little fellow was the son of a Mr. Leith, second lighthouse keeper. While gathering Christmas flowers on Monday afternoon the boy tumbled over a cliff, 220 feet high. The father of the boy and the head lighthouse keeper tried to reach the spot by sea, but owing to the rough sea the boat was stove in. They signalled to a passing vessel bound for Auckland, and on Tuesday the Customs launch went to Tiri Tiri, but it was blow ing a gale, and she failed to affect a search. It is believed that the boy fell on a ledge 200 feet down, and the body bounded foff into the sea below. The lighthouse keeper was lowered down the face of the cliff, but failed io see the body on the ledge. The lad’s mother clings to the belief that he fell in a chasm in the ledge not explored, and will be found alive. The School Treat. —The school treat to-day was a most successful event. A ten o’clock they mustered at the school and marched, headed by the brass band and piper Elder, to the paddock adjoining Messrs. Saunders Bros.’ mill, and which those gentlemen kindly lent. The paddock was a very happy selection, inasmuch as, being sheltered on all sides by high gorse fences and on one side by well grown poplars, the disagreeableness of a strong nor’-wester was reduced to a minimum, and thorough enjoyment of the sports was rendered possible. All sorts of games likely to amuse the children were arranged for, and after some time had been thus spent tea and cake were plentifully served out. The tea was prepared in three large boilers requisitioned from friends for the occasion, and Mr. Potter displayed groat cooking abilities in getting the con gou ready. Some of the committee mem bers were present and a large number of parents, all of whom lent such aid as was necessary in distributing the good things and keeping order. We are happy to have to say, however, that their services were not much wanted in the latter x-e ---spect. The toys, which Mr. Shury so promptly procured from Dunedin, were distributed in the shape of prizes for races, Ac., and every little one got some /sourenir or other of the treat. All wont off very happily, and the gathering was thoroughly enjoyable. A Lift for Love. —Last night a pro cession of carriers, Ac., headed by Piper Elder and Drummer Eagle, marched from the post office to the Baring Square reserve. The object of the turnout was to do a kindness to Mr. Charles Hayes, the old man who keeps the railway book stall. Mr. Hayes occupied a wharo in Baring Square reserve. There wore several other similar erections on the re serve, and for reasons perfectly satisfac tory, which need not here be given, the Borough Council decided to order the re moval of those buildings. An order to quit was therefore issued. All obeyed it instanter, except Mr. Hayes, who, having only just entered into possession, and having nowhere else to go just then, pleaded for grace. A month’s grace was allowed him, and possibly he might not have been further disturbed, for we hear that there was a tacit agreement amongst the councillors to wink at his remaining. Anyhow, poor old Mr. Hayes was troubled at the idea that he had overstayed his time, and might at any moment be ejected. Some friends, especially the carrier? who congregate at the station at every train, and among whom Mr. Hayes is very popular, resolved to lend him a hand to remove, and the procession of last night was the re sult. Dozens of willing hands soon put the little building on a dray, and in a few minutes it was transferred to its new site, a section lent by Mr. Orr. While the work was going on, a subscription was raised to put a new floor in the house, and about L2 was collected. After the house was shifted the procession marched through the town. In this there was no harm whatever, but there was no necessity for cheering and making oilier demonstrations at the houses of jth.Q leading residents, a proceed ing which was not called for, and which the purpose of tire gathering really was not worth. Those who got qp the gather ing never intended that occasion should' be taken to make demonstrations of this kind, and it was a pity that what was meant to be an act of kindness to the old man should have finished up with the cheering, Ac., referred to, and which we understand has given offence to the reci pients of the attentions. We desire to correct a statement that has been made to the effect that Mr. Hayes received an offer' f;f permission to use one of the Borough cormg.cjs rent free. He is not aware of any such Joying been made to hin?..

Acknowledgment. —The master of the Old Men’s Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks, the receipt of two boxes of cakes and sandwiches, from Mr. Aiten, confectioner, Ashburton. Being a holi day, the gift was very acceptable to the inmates, and was quite an unlooked for treat.

The Caledonian Sports. —Last night the Directors of the Caledonian Society met in Quill’s Hotel, and made further arrangements for the sports. Mr. Wilkie’s kind offer to aid in clearing off the running walk was accepted, and Mr. James Scott was appointed superintendent of sports. Two prizes—a first of LI and a second of 10s. —were added to the programme for running long jump, and another for a horizontal bar competition. Cole’s Circus.— To-morrow wo will be visited by what the posters call “The greatest show on earth.” We don’t know about that, but if we may judge from what our contemporaries from the first landing place of the show to Christchurch have said about it, it is the biggest thing that ever visited New Zealand. Wild beasts, wild Indians, wild riding, wild tumbling, sufficient to make one’s face lengthen by a foot with astonishment comprise the great, show, and we mean to see “ the greatest show on earth,” which a descendent of the immortal Cooke is taking round the world.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

k: Rente)'s Agency.) AMucli,,Needed Measure. Y.. London, Dec. 15. Pro/esSoi*' Fawcett, Postmaster-Gene ral, has now ji rider consideration a pro ject for the institution of a parcels post between England and the colonies.

AUSTRALIAN.

{Per Renter's Agency.) Abandoned. Melbourne, Dec. 15.

In the Legislative Assembly, the Judicature Bill has been abondoned, and therefore lies in abeyance for the present. Opening of Parliament. Sydney, Dec. 15.

Parliament was opened by Commis sion at noon to-day. Proceedings were of a formal character, and without interest. The Governor’s speech will be delivered to-morrow.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Fraudulent Bankruptcy. Nelson, To-day.

The trustees in the bankrupt estate of T. S. Wymonel, draper, have resolved to prosecute him for issuing a fraudulent balance sheet. The Australians’ Visit to New Zealand. Dunedin, To-day. The Australian cricketers definitely leave Melbourne on January 11th, leave of absence for Sleight and Groube having been obtained. The Dunedin match is fixed for January 20, 21, and 22. Dunedin plays with 22. Leave of Absence. Judge Williams has obtained leave of absence, and proceeds Home in March.

THE HOLIDAY IN TIMARU.

[By Telegraph.]

(from our own correspondent.) Timaru, To-day. Owing to the rough weather, the re gatta had to be postponed. The flower show is a great success, the display of flowers and fruits being the best ever witnessed here. The vegetables are not so good as last year. During the day the Rocket Brigade paraded the streets in the lifeboat.

ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GRAND LODGE, 1.0.G.T.

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, To-clay. The 7th annual session of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand of the Independent Order of Good Templars was opened last night. There was a large number of representa tives from all parts of the colony present. A deputation from the District Officers of the Rechabitcs presented an address of welcome to the Grand Lodge on their first visit to the North Island. The Report of the Grand Secretary showed an increase of two in the number of Lodges, but, not withstanding this, the number of mem bers had decreased by 5(>4, the total on the roll being 7,090. Six now lodges are in progress or being commenced, the charters having been issued since Nov. Ist. The Degree Temple showed the same number as for the previous year. A number of special sessions had been held on the west coast of the Middle Island, Nelson, Blenheim, and Welling ton, which had been productive of great good. It was resolved that the Executive be recommended to continue the visitation of districts. The financial report showed the position to be fairly good. At eight o’clock this evening a testimonial is to be presented to Bro. J. W. Jago, P.G.W.O. T.

THE IRISH QUESTION.

Fresh Outrages.

The Judges Threatened [By Cable.]

London, Dec. 15.

The intimidation of landlords in Ire land by evicted tenants and Leaguer continues without abatement, and fresh forms of outrages are heard of almost daily, especially against landlords who have been ostracised by people of their district. The latest form of intimida tion by the leaguers is prevention of ex port of cattle by those landlords against whom .they have a spite, and several cases in which cattle intended for ex port have been prevented from leaving farms are reported, The judges of the Irish Supreme Court have received letters, threaten ing them with murder if they convict Land Leaguers at their approaching trial for conspiracy. The Ministry continue to meet daily in Cabinet for the consideration of the various measures to be introduced when Parliament reassembles. At yesterday’s Council meeting, the ques tion of bringing forward an Irish Land Bill was discussed for some time, and the various points of the proposed measure were gone into by Ministers.

CRICKET.

Chatmoss v. The Ashburton Muffs,

The above match which, was conducted throughout on most primitive principles, concluded yesterday afternoon. In their second innings the Chatmoss team com pletely demoralised their opponents, who were in the field, and some of the Mufls will have cause for the next few days to have painful recollections of their ex periences in leather-hunting. As will be seen by the appended scores, the visitors were not disposed of until they had totaled up 142 runs, leaving the Muffs 102 to get to obtain a victory over their plucky op ponents. Notwithstanding this formidable array of figures, the Ashburtoniaus were not diV.ieartened, but, despite their best efforts, they had to succumb to a defeat, which we need not assure our readers was taken in the best possible spirit. In fact, it. would be difficult to say which team went home most satisfied with the day’s sport, the victors or the vanquished. The players were so well satisfied with their day’s fun that it is understood the match istobc.au .annual institution in future. The following are the scores made in the second innings :—•

Borough v. County Second Eleven.

The Borough Club tried conclusions to day with the County Second Eleven. Want of systematic practice told some what on the play of the young club, which has been but a short in existence, and they only got rid of their opponents when the County had scored 161, and that playing two men short. Assuming the bat the Borough men got together, or rather three of them did with the extras, 30 runs, quite a necklace of eggs hanging down from the double figures at the top of the scoring sheet. In these circum stances the Borough men “ followed on.”

SPORTING

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB,

Starter, N. M'Lean, Esq.; Judge, M. Stitt, Esq.; Hon. Treasurer, E. G. Crisp, Esq.; Hon. Sec., H. C. Jacobson, Esq ; Handicappers, S. Saunders and C. C. Fooks, Esqs.; Clerk of the Course, S. Saunders, Esq. The inaugural meeting of the Ashbur ton Trotting Club was held to-day on the racecourse. The attendance was not so large as we had hoped to have seen, and we fear this fact must have been pain fully apparent to the purchasers of the usual privileges mid the executive of the Club. The weather in the morning pro mised to be superb, but before the first race the prevailing wind threw off its zephyr-like proportions, and, assisted by the accumulated deposits of dust, made things exceedingly unpleasant for the spectators. Wo append details of the sport, up to the hour of our going to press :

Maiden Trot, in saddle, of 15 sovs; for all horses which have never won £5 in one event in public. Three miles. No weight, less than 10 stone. Entrance los. Mr. O. Digby’s Bijou (Physick) ... 1 Mr. Dickens’ Ploughman (Mcßae) ... 2 Mr. M. Morsehead’s Bones (Owner) ... 3 Bill, Maori, and Ginger also ran. Bijou was the first to get into his stride and led by six lengths past the stand, bis immediate successors being Ginger, Bones, and Ploughman, the latter going in exceptionally nice style. At the far side of the course Ginger spurted up to the leader, but shortly after fell back, and Bijou turned into the straight with a com manding lead, Ploughman taking up second place, with Ginger third. This order was maintained past the stand the second time, Bijou increasing this lead as they made the railway turn. At Pike’s, Mcßae called upon Ploughman, who looked very much like winning, until he broke at the last turn, thus leaving Bijou with a considerable lead, which he in creased to the finish, •winning with great ease from Ploughman, Bones and Ginger cantering in third and fourth respectively. Time—lo mins. SO.sccs.

Maiden Harness Trotting Rage, of 10 sovs. Four miles. To be run in two-wheeled vehicles of any descrip tion. Entrance 15s. Mr. W. B. Compton’s Firefly... ... 1 Mr. J. W. Mcßae’s Brandy ... ... 2 Mr. J. Wilkie’s Donald ... ... 0

Firefly led Brandy by a length fur the first mile ; Donald, being harnessed to a very heavy vehicle, could not live with the other pair. Second time past the stand, Firefly was still leading ; Brandy hard held second ; Donald having pulled up at the turn into the straight. At Pike’s, Mr. Compton increased his lead to five lengths, Brandy getting up again at the next turn, but, trotting very unkindly, lost his position coming down the straight. During the third round Brandy several times got near the mare on sufferance, but the result was never in doubt, Firefly winning very comfortably by six lengths. The winner was well driven by her owner. Time —1C mins. 30 secs. '

Ashburton Champion Handicap Trot ting Race, in saddle, of 20 sovs. Entry 1 sov.; acceptance 1 sov. Four miles. Weights 12 stone 4 pound. Mr. W. B. Compton’s Firefly, 300 yds. (Owner) ... ... 1.. ... 1 Mr. O. Digby’s Jess, scratch (Physick) 2 Mr. Price’s Ginger, 350 yds. (Owner) 3 The horses retained the positions allotted by the handicapper until entering on the second round, when Firefly began to go up to the leader, and at Pike’s passed him. On completing the second round Joss, who had not improved her position, and Ginger pulled up beaten, allowing Firefly to complete the distance alone, which she did in the very good time of 13 min. 30 sec.

The Buggy Tournament Handicap, of four miles, for 15 sovs. Entry 1 sov.; acceptance 1 sov. Any four wheeled vehicle owned by a member of the Club allowed to enter. Mr. J. M'Rae’s Brandy, scratch ... 1 Mr. J. Wilkie’s Donald, 200 yds. 2 Mr. Irvine’s Taipo, 250 yds 3 Immediately after the start Donald passed Taipo, who was completely out paced. Brandy gradually 7 crept up to the leader, and after they had gone three miles passed him, eventually winning with

ease. A little excitement was created at the finish of this race by Donald bolting, but Mr. Wilkie succeeded in stopping him without any accident occurring. Time — 17 mins.

The Welter Handicap was the last race on the card, but it took place at too late an hour for us to give the result in tins issue.

Jeunesse Doree Under Arms.

The plight of the jeuncsse done, forced by the conscription out of the ease and indulgence of civil life into the rough discipline of the camp, is a topic much illustrated. Two young men, in the singularly beggarly fatigue dress of the French fantassin, are at the corvee. The hand-barrow, which answers for them to the galley of the antique slave, is laden with spoil from the stable where they are plying pitchfork in small imita tion of the labor of Hercules. Says one, “ Are you ready, my dear Baron ?” “As you please, my dear Viscount.” And with this mutual notice they bear off their burden. Says full private the Count Vielleroche to Corp. Le Tailleur, both being reservists called out for exercise, “ Now, Corporal, there’s a good child, and give us an easy time of it.” “ But, Private Vieilleroche, do you presume to suggest his duty to your superior officer ?” “ Oh, no, Corporal; only I shall pay you that old bill, and intend, the moment training is over, to order ten suits cash down.” “ O, mem , Monsieur le Count; in that case —”• It is, perhaps, the Count and an aristo cratic comrade we meet sallying forth, lunettes on nose, treatise under arm, from the sails dc theorie. They pro duce emblazoned cigar-cases, and pre pare to light up. The Brigadier, pass ing, observes and resents this display. “ People ought at least to have the decency not to swagger with such machines before comrades who are hard pushed to beg, borrow, or steal a pipe of canteen tobacco.” Monsieur is Count meets the rude thrust with the soft answer that turneth away wrath. “En verite, ’tis annoying, Brigadier ; perhaps you would do me the great favor of accepting one ?” Brigadier, promptly responding with action suited to the word : “ What I said, you know, was not for myself, gentlemen ; and, after all, it would be a pity to waste stuff like this on clods who would not knowhow to appreciate it.— Tinsley's Magazine.

Great Storm in the Sun.

Observers of the sun found indica tions of intense commotion on the nth, 12th, and 13th of August. The sun spots were numerous, large and active, and protuberances shot up their rose-colored tongues with increased force and velocity from the surface. The earth made instantaneous response to the solar storm. A magnetic dis turbance suddenly commenced, accom panied by an unusual exhibition of earth currents continuous and strong. It is years since the Greenwich obser vatory has recorded magnetic distur bances of equal magnitude, and it sends forth a timely warning to telegraph en gineers, and especially to those concerned in laying submarine cables, that earth currents may now become frequent, as compared with the quietness of recent years. A superb exhibition of aurora accompanied the magnetic disturbance. An observer at the Stoneyhurst Obser vatory describes it as recalling the mag nificent displays of 1869,’70 and '7l, while the play of the magnets was one of the most violent ever recorded at that observatory. The auroral display was extensively observed in England and Scotland. One observer describes it as an outburst of streamers, appearing like wavy, swaying curtains from the zenith to the near horizon, with the loveliest green tints near the zenith. Another writes that the streaks ex tended from horizon to zenith, the color being principally pale blue with a redish tinge. Another paints the display as a brilliant band of white light followed by streamers, each streamer fading away before the succeeding one became very bright. Still another records a glowing celestial picture of the northern horizon skirted by a bright white haze, terminat ing in an ill-defined arch, from which sprang a large number of streamers, stretching towards the zenith. The same phenomenon was seen by American observers, although it did not receive the attention bestowed upon it by European observers. It is. evi dent, however, that the epoch of grand auroras and magnetic storms has re turned, and that our noithern skies for months to come will probably be lighted with auroral flames. More earnestly than ever arises the question of the cause of the sun spot cycle and its in timate connection with electric and mag netic phenomena. No one doubts that the commotion in the solor orb is re flected on the earth hi the flashes of auroral light and the erratic movements of the magnetic needle. We can see the cause and note the effect. But no one, if the theory of the disturbing in fluence of the great planets is rejected, has found the clew to the secret of sun spots. We can only grope in darkness while we wait for persistent searchers to solve the problem, and admire with mingled reverence and awe the mighty power with which the sun sways his retinue of worlds, and the strength of the sympathetic chord by which each planet in the system reflects in auroral light and disturbed magnetism the abnormal condition of the great central orb. —Providence journal.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

PATIENT KITTY. Fred Raynor and I were apprentices together, or what would have been called such in the good old times. We were in the house of Halland Brothers, general warehousemen, Gravel street, city, and a very respectable house it was. There was nothing flashy about it; it was not what is now-a-days genteely called “ enterprising,” a city term, which covers some strange doings, but it did a good business in a safe, old-fashioned way. Its customs were so old-world that the younger of the two partners always slept on the pre mises, instead of leaving at four or five o’clock at late.st, as others in his posi tion do, for their villas in the country or by the sea. They made their money slowly, but very surely, as all folks must do who have a tolerably large connec tion, and are always getting discount for their ready money. Our principals were, I believe, as kindly as they were honest; but in my humble sphere I was not at that time brought into much personal connection with The link between them and their employers was Mr. Raynor, my friend’s father, and their head clerk. He was as much respected by his in feriors as he was by the members of the firm, but I am not so sure that he was liked so well, at least by the junior clerks. He never said in words, of course, that because he was virtuous it behoved us to have no cakes and ale, but his virtue was so very patent, and also, let me allow at once, so perfectly genuine, that it not only reproved all dissipation, but even suppressed the harmless ebulition of our youthful spirits. He had also the unpopular habit of applying for subscriptions under the name of “ our mites,” in aid of missionary enterprises, both abroad and at home ; of the discouragement of Sunday trading ; of the abolition of the liquor traffic; and even of the purging of Great Britain from the crying sin and shame of tobacco smoking. We did not mind giving our four penny pieces, - though it was sometimes inconvenient, half so much as having to write our names down, as was always insisted upon, injhese charitable lists. He would thank us for our donations in the most earnest manner, but at the same time would reflect upon our hand writing, in which “ he was surprised to find so little improvement, considering the experience of which we had had the advantage during our engagement with Halland Brothers.” At Clapham, where he lived, if not in the odor of sanctity, in an atmosphere of good report, he was president of its Teetotal Society, vice-chairman of its Band of Hope, honorary secretary of its Anti-Climbing Boy Association, and, in short, the working member of all its benevolent institutions. He often assisted them very liberally, considering his limited income, with his purse ; but liis gift of oratory was always at their service, and he poured it out into lecture hall, assembly, and schoolroom in lavish profusion. In those days a free pass to the pit of the theatre was a great boon to us; but we did not so highly estimate even a platform ticket to a meeting in Zion Chapel, or to the Young Men’s Improvement Hall to hear old Raynor lecture. He was most generous in the distribution of these favors, and not to make use of the privileges thus offered to us was to give him great offence. Poor Fred led a sad life with some of us on this account.

He certainly suffered considerably ; for whereas during the delivery of the old gentleman’s addresses his eye only occasionally wandered to one or the other of us, it always made the wretched Fred its starting-point, and generally came back again to him after any pecu liarly “pow'erfal” appeal to our “ nobler natures,” as much as to say, “ What do think of that, you young reprobate ? Did not that reach your very marrow 7 ?” Not that poor Fred was a reprobate, but that he had a natural taste for plea sure of all kinds, and did not by any means count the listening to these im proving discourses as a pleasure. But at the same time he reverenced h:s father most profoundly, and thought him not only one of the best men alive, but gifted w’ith extraordinary talents. “ It is my fault,” he used to say, “ I don’t like his lectures. Everybody w'hose opinion is worth having tells me they are first-rate. It is sheer stupidity, I know, that makes me fail to see their merits ; but, thank Heaven, I do under stand how good the old governor is, down in his very boots.” In this artless manner Fred Raynor used to confess to me his faith in his parent; but the world at large w j as doubtless scarcely aware of the feelings that did such honor to the lad’s nature. The reason of this confidence in my case was that Fred \yas what we in those days used to call "sweet upon” my sister Kitty. Of course the thing ought never to have been " dreamed of’ — only young people have no command over their drearps—Tor Fred had but ninety pounds a year, paid monthly, and poor Kitty next to nothing at all; but they made a fool’s paradise of their own, and lived in it. Freds behavior under these circumstances was worthy of a better cause, or, at all events, of a more feasible one. The frugalities he practised with the idea of eventually buying a furnished residence and setting up housekeeping on a micro scopic scale were tremendous, and reminded me of the asceticisms of the cloister. He drank ginger-pop with his dinner instead of Half-and-half, started an hour earlier from his home at Clapham every morning, on foot, that he might save his ’bus fare to the office; and always kept his gloves in his pocket save when in the company of his divinity. To be sure he would break out now and then, as habitual drunkards are said to do after months of abstinence, but by no means in the same way; he would indulge himself by buying some pretty little present for his darling, which gave her infinite pleasure, save for the thought of the sum it must have cost him. But he always'used to silence her by protesting that the money was a " windfall,” and did not affect the great mass of his savings (about La x : Bs. 6d.) at all. These windfalls grew to be very frequent after a little while, and with their frequency (though I did not associate the facts together very par ticularly afvtls J T noticed that Fred, whqse constitution was always'

delicate.''got to s have a thinner and more careworn appearance. Indeed, I remember saying on one occasion, when he bought Kitty her first locket (and angered, me ;by declining to accom pany me to the play on the ground of having no money), that he looked as if he had starved himself to buy it. More over, when I did occasionally persuade him to go with me to any entertainment, he not only did not take the same in terest in it as of yore, which I could understand from his love-lorne ' sfate,' but he used to fall asleep during the best part of itr,- such as the Ballet,' which I really could notunderstandv-*«Jt* , was* v * bad enough for one’s, friend, to .jfalbjn •. love, but that he should do so with - one’s sister was a double niisibr|un9-, and desolated me as it were both ways, ' t for Kitty and I, being orphans, lived ; ' alone together; and her attentions, which should have been exclusively j devoted to me, were now , divided - between myself and Fred; while, as I have said, I lost my friend’s,companion ship. This state of things went on for about a year—quite long enough to knit the two young people together very firmly, and to make me feel Fred to be quite “ one of the family ” —and then the bright little bubble burst. Jacob , M Raynor discovered what was going on, and stamped it out, as though it had been the foot-and-mouth disease instead of the tender passion. l For my part, considering the great benevolence of his character, I thought it was done rather brutally. There was to be a total cessation of all intercourse; the lovers were not even to wnite to one another for two whole years, when Fred ' would come of age. After that, said the old gentleman, if his son was still blinded by his folly, he might take his own course, though it would ne;er have his father’s approbation. I confess it seemed it me that Fred showed some lack of spirit in submitting to such harsh conditions ; for since he did not mean to give Kitty up, and was not in the end to have the paternal sanction, I could not see what advantage was gained by denying himself her society in the mean time. But his sense of-, duty, notwithstanding we felt sure that his employers would have dismissed him for taking his.own way in such a •• matter, forbade that course. He-told me that he had expressed himself very, strongly, though with great respect,' to ; his parent; and that it had taken all he knew to prevent an immediate rup ture. “Itis my father’s love for me,” he said, “ which makes him so inexor able, since he cannot believe that my ; happiness lies where it does ; while, as to making me an allowance on which I could marry, it is the simple fact that he has not a guinea to spare, so we must not be 100 hard upon the go vernor.” ; , ,

“He would have guineas to spare,” - said I, bitterly (for I felt for poor Kitty), “if he did not throw them away upon Ojibbeways and other un converted tribes.”

“ Well, it is bis own money, Frank,” ; t ) answered Fred, gravely, and bethinks he is doing good with it.” And Kitty, of course, took the same view of the affair as Fred. She worked ' her; fingers to the bone in many articles of fancy work (in which she had a very pretty taste), and disposed of them for such prices as she could get, in order to have a little purse by the time those terrible two years should be over; and though I discountenanced’ her in so doing, I believed the constant employ ment saved her a deal of fretting. The toil, too, seemed to do her no physical .. harm; her blue eyes werb as bright as' 1 ever, and her little mouth had always a cheerful smile for me that.had far, more! of hope in it than of resignation. Her only happiness for the present, how ever (except what lay in looking for ward) was, I verily believe,, to hear me talk of Fred and his doings ; how the dear creature looked, what he said (and, in the case of a message, even how he said it), and how he kept up under his v disappointment. .; - Now, as a matter of fact, I had very little to tell her; for though of course I saw Fred at the office, I saw him no where else. He would leave directly his work was over, and come in the morning as punctually as usual, but what he did with himself in the mean time I could not find out. From cer tain appearances, however, I had mis givings as to his own course of life; he ' had a wan and dissipated'^aii^afid would sometimes fall 1 ’ asleep over r; his , ledger in a way that seemed to me to' hint at very late hours overnight. T thought it quite possible; knowing his

natural love of pleasure, that he had , r . overrated his own strength of character, and was stnving to drown. his sense of disappointment in the usual manner. Young as I was, and not, I am afraid, of too strict principles myself, I thought it my duty, as Kitty’s brother, to hint , ray suspicions, But Fred asSUredimel * they were groundless. “I have nq heart, my dear fellowj' just now’,” he said, " for any amuse ment, whether harmless or otherwise, and I,find it best to be alone nnd at : - home.” .. . . ,/ ( 76 be continued. } .

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1880.



Cuatmoss. —2nd innings. Grant, st Sykes, b Price 21 S. Reeves, not out 51 J. Reeves, b Price ... ... 22 Lovatt, c Sykes, b Price 1 M. Scott, b Price 0 B. Ede, b Price 1 J. McLean, b Sykes 0 H. Fowler, Ibw 29 J. Walker, st Eagle, b Sykes 4 E. Williams, run out ... Ladbrook, b Sykes 0 0 Osborne, c J. Beeves, b Sykes 2 Alpine, st Eagle, b Sykes 0 Extras 11 Total 142 Ashburton. —2nd innings. Dixon, run out 3 Fritz, c Beeves, b Grant 5 Eagle, c J. Beeves, b Walker 2 McRae, b Williams ... 2 Wilkie, b Scott 0 Price, rim out 7 Sykes, b Osborne 18 C. Ireland, not out ... 16 Jones, b H. Fowler ... ... ...' 8 Nolan, st 0 Mainwaring, c H. Fowler, b Beeves 0 Power, b S. Reeves ... 1 Strangman, b S. Reeves 0 Byes 23 Wides 3 Total 88



Special Advertisements- HE BEST VALUE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Clothing Factory, Branches, all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand- Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Beady Money. Ashburton Branch : EA ST ST REE T . : ' WM. SPARROW, ?51* . Manager. THE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving * every- day’s news, np to the hour of going to, press. In l3 18 tetter than buying a. weekly. READY MONEY is Tire • JIANUFACTUKKO BY THE NEW ZEALAND Which can be purchased at their Retail



Special Advertisements. O. Carsteiis' & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBACCONIST, 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* A NEW DEPARTURE. DAWN OF A NEW ERA IN THE HISTORY OF TAILORING. ONE of the great requirements of the Colonics at the present time, is— CLOTHING MADE TO ORDER, AT READY MADE PRICES. In order to meet this want and bring our PERFECT FITTING SUITS, Within the reach of all, we have made arrangements which will enable us to offer CLOTHING MADE TO ORDER from COLONIAL or IMPORTED Materials, at the following Prices: — Boy’s SUITS from £2 Men’s SUITS from £3 7s. 6d. Men’s TROUSERS from 18s Cd. Ladies’ MANTLES from £2 ss. PERFECT FlT—Any Stylo Required, and First-Class Workmanship guaranteed in every case. CRAIGHEAD & CO., TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr & Co.) THE GUARDIAN is on every Tea Table in Ashburton. METHVEN 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. ALL DEBTS due to Ashburto n Herald and Guardian business must be Paid to Mr. S. E. Poyntz, on behalf of the Assignees, at the Guardian Office, East street, Ashburton, and his receipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. S. SAUNDERS, For Self and Co-Assignees.



The meanest man on record is the one who saw an archery club out practising and went and got seven arrows and stuck them into a cow in the next field. No amount of protestation could induce her owner to acquit the archers.— Boston Post. This Offence op Superiority.— With the abolition of kingship and aristocracy, equality and humanity begun. Thus there is no tyranny of poverty except in the fears it brings. Still distinctions con tinue. In the will of majorities the young adventurer finds the domination of society. The distinctions of classes irk and annoy him, and he allies himself to each malignant party that assails, what is eminent. He will one day know that this has not removed them. They are in the nature of things. No congress, nor mob, nor guillotine, nor fire, nor all together, can avail to cut out, burn or destroy the offence of superiority in per sons. I never feel that anybody occupies my place. The reason why Ido not have what I want is that I want the faculty which entitles superior power. Some men dare much, but it is because they are in ttyeir place. As long as lamin my place j am safe, The best lightning rod for your own protection is your myq spine.-k Emerson.



President Seguicr never spared the lawyers in his Court, and some of his re marks concerning them were quite in the savage vejn of Czar- Peter. 'When the docket was called one day pnp yyas where neither advocate was prggent. “C?o on with the case,” said the president, gleefully ; “ Now we have a chance of getting at the truth.” On another occasion, where only one side was present: “ Let him argue both sides,” said Seguior, settling himself in his chair, u Begin now for the plaintiff.”



Holloway's Pills.—These PHli are mofe efficacious in strengthening a 'debilitated coa« slitution than any other medicine in the world. Persons of a nervous habit ;of body;, stud all who are suffering from weak digestive or whose health has become deranged by bilious. affection, : disordered stomach, ofc liver complaints, should lose no time in, giving thefie. admirable Pills a lair-' .trial. • 'col jsj asthma, or shortness of breath are also within the range of tlie sanative powers of this very remarkable medicine. . .The- cures- effected by these Pills are not superficial or temporary, blit complete'any permanent. - They 'are as ; m3d' as thdy are efficacious, aud may be given Witli confidence to delicate femaks and young chib dren. Their action on the liver, stomach, and bowels is immediate,-beneficial, > and lasting,' restoring order and health in. every case.— ADVT . . Hallway Notices. V. R.' '' k i Y NEW ZB ALAND' RAILWAYS., . CHRISTMAS AND NEW iYEAR HOLIDAYS. " ! . PARES. ORDINARY SINGLE. FARE ■ issued jfroin any ' Station i .to':. Vhy, Station on the Amberley-Bluff system from December 23rd to January ‘ 3rd: Will be available up to and including January. sth. . ■ . W. : ,M. m HANNAY jH - . Assistant General Manager’s Office, ‘fiuiieditt, DeC- IQj 1