SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. Te Anau, from Melbourne, via the South. Sailed. Yesterday. T. B. Taylor, schooner, for Wanganui. Prince Rupert, ketch, for Gatlin’* River. Mary King, schooner, for Kaipara. Tui, s.s., for Stony hurst. Annie Melhuish, barque, for Newcastle. To-day. Te Anau, s.s., for Auckland, via East Coast Ports. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed —Ethel, for Newcastle ; Tairoa for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Cleopatra and Mary Banna tyne, from Greymouth; G. M. Tucker, from Newcastle ; Hawea, from Picton and Nelson ; Kennedy, from Nelson. Sailed —Wakatu, for Nelson; Jane Douglas, for Kaikoura and Lyttelton. Timaru, Yesterday. Sailed—Kestrel, for Gatlin’s River; Hannah Barrett, for Wellington. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Rotoraahana, s.s., from Auck land. Melbourne, Yesterday.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.ra., 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 Ashrurton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a. m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, •ioldstream, Rahgitata, 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 Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, »t 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a.ni. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Fr»m Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.ra. daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G, Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, December 4 Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street - Lot 28, Township of Trevorton, with three-roomed Dwelling-house. Two o’clock. Tuesday, December 7. Mr. T. Bullock, at the Prince Albert Boarding-houso —■ Furniture. Twelve o’clock, MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Thursday, December 2. Public Meeting of Settlers in the Long beach District, re Railway Tariff, in the Waterton Library, at 7 p. m. To-morrow, Friday, December 3. Ashburton Racing Club, Meeting of Mem bers, at Quill’s Hotel, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 8. Local Industries Association, Monthly Meeting. Concert and Ball, opening of the new ball, Tinwald. Concert to commence at 8 o’clock. Monday, December 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock.

Tuesday, December 14. Amateur Dramatic Club, Town Hall, at 8 sharp.

The Ashburton Guardian. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1880.

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

The Railway Tariff. —A public meet ing to protest against the evils of the present railway tariff is to bo held to night at seven o’clock in the Waterton Library.

The Racing Club.— -A general meeting of the Racing Club is to be held at Quill’s Hotel to-morrow evening to receive the financial and other reports, and to arrange for improving the course.

Death of Mrs. Nugent Wood.— Yesterday Mr. Nugent Wood was to have sat on the Christchurch Bench, but received a telegram in the morning an nouncing the death of Mrs. Wood at Riverton. The lady died suddenly on the day previous, and Mr. Wood has of course gone south, where he will remain for a few days.

Longbeach Cemetery. —ln the Gazette of Nov. 25, received last evening, it is an nounced that the following gentlemen have been appointed trustees of the Long beach Cemetery : —John Grigg, Andrew Dawson. James Moore, Norman Thomp son, and Thomas Taylor. Mr. Grigg’s name is misprinted “ Griff.”

The Fire Brigade. —The usual practice of theFireßrigade was held last night, when the engine was taken over to the cricket ground, and, in fulfilment of a promise given,to the club, the pitch was thoroughly soaked. Horses for the journey of the engine were supplied by Messrs. Parkin and Dolman, but we were sorry to observe that as usual the hard work of pumping was left to be performed by the members of the' Brigade alone. We should fancy the Brigade will practice on the cricket ground another time —when the cricketers have a little elbow grease to spare, and are willing to spend it.

Hard on Editors. —General Haskell o‘ the Salvation Army entertained a large crowd on a St. Louis street corner the other day. He told them that he was formerly a circus man and a good card player. He said that over in East St. Louis the Army had a camp where they fed the hungry. He didn’t care who came —if he was right out of the penitentiary and was hungry he should have something to eat. It was no use talking religion to a hungry man. First fill his stomach. You could never convert a hungry man. There had never been an instance of it on earth. Of the different political parties, he said that there were good men in each party, good men in the Democratic party as well as in the Republican. More than that, there were good men who were editors, and in Casey county, la., George W. Ashton, editor of the Clarion, had been converted to God, the first instance in the history of Chriatianty.

The Caledonian Sports. —A meeting of the directors of the Caledonian Society was held at Quill’s Hotel last night, at which it was decided to hold the sports in the yards of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, The Society is to be con gratulated on securing the show yard, which is well fenced off, and in every way suited for the gathering. Arrangements were also made for selling the privileges of the sports, and Messrs. Quill, Reid, and Anderson were appointed a Com mittee to draw up conditions of sale, Mr. Quill to be auctioneer. It was decided to advertise the programme of the sports immediately, and instructions were given to have that done forthwith, at a cost of not more than LlO, the managers of the two newspapers having promised to act liberally by the Society in the matter. Mr. James Wilkie, captain ; Mr. J. C. Dolman, lieutenant; and Mr. George Parkin, treasurer of the Fire Brigade, at tended, and asked the Society’s patronage for the entertainment to be given by the Brigade on the evening of the first clay of the sports. The request of the Brigade was complied with, and several individual members of the Caledonian Society, who aided greatly in the success of the recent Scotch concert, kindly, promised their help to the Brigade. Before closing, the meeting resolved to hold directors’ meet ings every Wednesday evening at eight o’clock, until sports day.

Trotting. —Trotting is the sport of our American cousins, and, like all other things to which they have given their special attention, they have much elevated the sport, and the sure and steady im provement in the trotters’ speed is a thing to be noted. In 1859 Flora Temple first trotted a mile in the “ teens,” scoring 2 min. 19fsec., and so wonderful was it considered that the length of the track was seriously doubted. Not until 18S7, when Dexter made 2min. 17|sec., was that record beaten. Four years elapsed before Goldsmith Maid, in 1871, lowered the time to 2rain. 17sec. In 1872 the same gallant mare clipped off another quarter of a second, while in 1874 she lessened it successively to 2min. IGsoc.; 2min. Is|sec.; 2min 14|sec.; and 2min. 14sec.; but at that time none but she could beat herself. Four years later, in 1878, Raven wrested the honors from the Maid, trotting in 2min. 13jsoc., but his crown was snatched from him by St. Julian in the fall of 1879, when the new hero trotted in 2min. 12|sec. The value of these extra seconds is, of course, enormous. It is said that 100,000d01., or nearly L 21,000 has been offered for Maud S., who has just beaten St. Julian, with the marvellous record of 2min. 10|sec. To give our readers some idea of the pace attained by the latest champion, we may state that it is just about equal to that of the winner in the Ladies’ Purse at our recent race meeting.

How to Quiet Them.— Several Maori prisoners at Ripa Island haring been un ruly and defiant of late, their liberal allowance of food has been reduced to bread and water.

The Wheel of Life.—Mr. Ward

registrar for this district, reports for last month : —35 births, 3 marriages, 7 deaths —3 from accidents, 1 from cancer, 1 from consumption, one from inflamation of the lungs, and one from tubercular meningitis.

Inquest. —The inquest we referred to yesterday, was held at Chertsey, in the afternoon, before Dr. Trevor. Dr. Stewart performed the post mortem ex amination, and bore evidence to the cause of death being “embolism of the right auricle of the heart.” The jury re turned a verdict accordingly. Unclaimed Letters. —The following letters from places beyond the colony were received at the Ashburton Post Office during the month of October, and re mained unclaimed on the Ist December : —W. Benham, J. Griffiths, Fredk. Howard, A. G. Jaques, John Riddle Kerr, Patrick Nolan, John O’Connell, Daniel O’Connor. H. Reed (2) William Robarts, H, L. Stapley (2), Michael Holden.

The Town Hall. —lt took an hour to run in enough shareholders of the Town Hall Company to form a quorum last night. The gentlemen who were most bitterly opposed to reducing the number of the quorum and bringing the holding of a general meeting at any time within the bounds of possibility, were conspicuous by their absence. All the business re quiring to be done was the formal con firmation of the resolutions jiassed on the 19th October, and five minutes sufficed to do that after the hour had been wasted.

A Modern Soloman. —A very good story is told of Captain Beckham, who was the Resident Magistrate at Auckland for many years. A young woman brought a man into Court for. the sustenance money for a baby, of which he was the reputed father. In order to escape pay ment,-the man brought three or four other mean skunks to swear that they were equally guilty. Judge therefore of their consternation when Beckham ordered each of them to pay five shillings per week for a number of years. Captain Beckham was applauded, the woman delighted, the men dumfounded, and baby numerously fathered.

Spurgeon's Style of Preaching.— ln the course of a sermon lately, Mi*. Spurgeon told a story of an Irishman who once found a sovereign, and, taking it to the bank, it was reported light weight, and he could only get 18s. for it. One day ho saw another sovereign, but this time he thought he would have nothing to do with it. “Shore no,” said Pat; “I lost 2s. by the last one.” When the laughter occasioned by this story had died away, the preacher added with great earnestness, “ I have made you smile that you may laugh to scorn the foolery which keeps men from Christ because some of His servants are not all they ought to be.”

A Red Hat in the House of Lords —“ A clergyman who has recently come out from England says that the extraordin ary spectacle of a Roman Cardinal sitting in the British House of Lords will be witnessed before many years. It seems that the heir apparent to the title and estates of the Petre peerage is a Roman Catholic priest, upon whom the Pope has recently conferred the title of Monsignore. The rev. gentleman has already renounced his claim to the estates, but of course he cannot dispose of the title in the same way, and when the present peer dies the Monsignore will succeed to his seat in the House of Lords (of course if ho should survive him) and beyond doubt will re reive the Cardinal’s hat from the Pope. The School Treat. —At a special meet ing of the School Committee, letters from Mr. John M‘Lean, Lagraohr, and from the traffic manager of the railways were read. The former granted the use of his paddocks for the children on the IGth in stant,and thelattcrgave the terms on which the children and their friends would be conveyed per train to Lagmohr —Four scholars would be taken for 2s. 9c1.; two teachers for 2s. 9d. ; and the public at 2s. 9d. per head. This was considered high, and the Committee resolved to try the manager again, with a view to having a special train put on forLIO. The members of the Committee undertook as usual to canvass for subscriptions, and we hope they will be well received by friends of the school and scholars, when the visits are'made. The annual examinations were fixed for the 20th, the ministers in town to be asked to do the work and aw r ard the prizes, the wives and daughters of the members of Committee being requested to examine and adjudicate upon the sewing work. Government authorised the Com mittee to advertise for a third mistress at £—per annum. The next meeting of the Committee was fixed f»r Monday, when the canvassers would report. Poisons in Paris. —The Paris autho rities have recently been preaching a crusade against the use of poisons. It seems some flagrant instances have been detected, and thatnothingshortof vigorous measures could suppress a dangerous practice. In many cases the use of the poison was almost gratuitous. Arsenic in room papers, it is admitted, gives a bril liant hue, now indeed no longer fashion-

able, but very beautiful, and not other wise to be obtained. The poisons which have been selected for suppression by the Parisian police seem to have a less im perative raUon d'etre. They include a kind of yellow sackcloth in which Ameri can hams have, in certain cases, been packed for the European market. Many of these are quite harmless, and keep the commodities fresh and pure, but in some chromate of lead has been used to render the sackcloth waterproof, if not air-tight, and though the result has been attained the hams have been poisoned. A peculiar kind of salted herring has also been placed on the schedule of comestibles, as the analysis shows that the color is obtained from bichromate of potash. But a more

insiduous attempt has been detected in the case of children’s toys, colored with poisonous paints. The French authorities when they commence a crusade generally continue it to the end, and their efforts differ both in energy and success from the capricious and dilatory proceedings by which, in this country, slightly poisonous

food is often allowed to be sold with im punity. —London Gluhc.

Closed or Letter Telegrams in Paris,

—lt would appear from some recently issued statistics of the French telegraph service that the system of closed or letter telegrams is already largely in use in Paris. This method of communication consists ip blowing the telegram paper itself through a pneumatic tube instead of manipulating its contents verbally along the telegraphic wire; and it appears that the pneumatic system at present at work in Paris has a total length of 79,600 metres, and that it is worked from six stations, at which are located steam engines having a total power of 153 horses, besides six water meters. The service comprises a main system with double line, at which terminate seven supplementary systems with branches. Trains run every three minutes on the main system, and every five minutes on the supplementary systems. The system was introduced on the Ist of May, 1879, and it is now pos sible to communicate from one part of Paris to another and receive a reply back for little more than half a franc, or about one-fourth of the cost of an ordinary telegraph message in London. The extent to which the pneumatic service is used in Paris may be Judged from the fact that something approaching 400,000 despatches of all kinds pass over the system every month.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[Per Renter’s Agency.) Monetary and Commercial. London, Nov. 3Q. Three per cent. Consols 100|-. Adelaide wheat, per 49Glbs., ex warehouse, 525.'; best Australian beef tallow, per cwt., 335. 6d.; best mutton tallow, 355. Four and a Half per Cent. New Zealand 1879-1904 Loan, 95|. Best Scotch pig iron, No. 1, f.o.b. in the Clyde, 525. 6d. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day 8,300 bales were offered, making a total of 54,000 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale was firm. The Marquis of Salisbury on the Irish Question. London, Dec. 1, The Marquis of Salisbury addressed a large audience at Woodstock, Oxfordshire, last night. In the course of his speech, his Lordship referred at length to the address of Earl Granville, at Hanley, on the previous day, and to the pro nounced intention of Government in re gard to Ireland. Alluding to the pro posed Land Bill, he said the Tories would oppose any measure which would lead to confiscation of the property of landlords, and he ridiculed the idea of creating a peasant proprietary in Ireland. Referring to Earl Granville’s announcement, that Government would introduce a Bill deal ing with, the present disorder, and pro viding for the future happiness of Irish men, his Lordship strongly urged the necessity of first repressing the existing anarchy before taking steps to remedy the grievances of the people. Abolished. Government have decided to abolish the positions of Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer and Lord Chief Justice of Common Pleas. The Time Fixed. It has been arranged that the sculling match for the Championship between Hanlau and Laycock shall take place on 17th January, over the usual Thames course. Laycock has now raised the necessary stake of LSOO.

AUSTRALIAN.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) Making Progress. Melbourne, Dec. 1. The conference now sitting is making satisfactory progress with regard to the Border duties and the Chinese question. The Six Days’ Walking Tournament. Melbourne, To-day. In the six days’ walking tournament, which commenced on Monday, Baker, Seymore, and Swan (of New Zealand), had each done 15G miles up to midnight last night. Six competitors now remain. No Jurisdiction. Adelaide, To-day. The Court of Inquiry into the stranding of the Sorata, which has been sitting for some days, has now decided that it has no jurisdiction in the matter.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Asoociation.) Gaining Ground. Gisborne, To-day. Mr. William Clark, who floated the South Pacific Petroleum Oil Company, is at present negotiating with the natives of the East Coast, and has succeded in obtaining the consent and signatures of a large number of the native owners to a deed of conveyance of a portion of the Rotokautuku Block to him for oil boring purposes.

Likely to be Floated. The Loclmagar has been moved 200 feet seaward, and if the tide and wind continue favorable, she will soon be floated.

Giving Drink to a Drunk Boy. Dunedin, To-day. At the City Court, the Bench dismissed the information against James Muir, publican, Caversham, who was charged with supplying liquor to a boy who was intoxicated. It is said the evidence was flat perjury on both sides. Prize Brewers, Speight Bros., brewers, Dunedin, to-day received a telegram from Melbourne, stating they had taken first and second prize for strong ales. The City Time Keeper. The city clock and bells were formally started by the Mayor at noon to-day. West Coast Coal. The gas engineer has reported strongly in favor of Westport and Grey coal for gas making purposes.

SPORTING.

Dunedin Jockey Club Spring Meeting. (by telegraph.) Dunedin, Yesterday. Second Day. Selling Race, one mile and a half. Swagmau ... ... ... 1 Tasma... ... 2 Playboy and Tera were scratched Betting—4 to 1 on Swagman. The favorite went away with the lead and was never caught, winning easily by twenty lengths. Time—3min. 12aecs. Grand Stand Handicap, one mile and a quarter. Band wick ... ... ... 1 Hilarious ... ... ... 2 Dolly Barwon... ... ... 3 Playboy ... ... ... 0 Betting—2 to 1 on Band wick. Won by a length after an interesting race. Time—2min. 28|secs. Consolation Handicap. Adamant ... ... ... 1 Libeller 2 Sir William ... ... ... 3 Dolly Barwon and Levant also started. Time—lmin. 57secs.

GOLD IN THE SOUTH.

[by telegraph.]

Invercargill, To-day. A cutter from Stewart’s Island brings news that a well defined gold reef has been discovered there at Port William. The sawmill hands are leaving work in consequence.

DEAD OR ALIVE?

[By Telegraph,] Wellington, To-day, The New Zealand Times' Greytown correspondent writes that, on Monday night, while in conversation with Mr. Hirschberg, who had then just returned via Manawatu Gorge from Wanganui, Hirschberg told him that on the previous Friday a large number of Maoris had come down the Wanganui River with wool and produce. Some of them had come from one hundred miles inland, from the district where it was stated that the pakeha Moffatt was recently shot. He entered into conversation with them, and one of them addressing Mr. Hirschberg, said ; “ Look here, you pakihas think Moffatt is dead. I will bet you Moffatt is not dead. I will bet you that in two months you will see Moffatt alive,”

ROAD BOARDS.

Wakanui. iThe usual meeting of the .Wakanui Road Board was held to-day in, the Board’s office, Moore street, when there, wore present—Mr. H. T. Winter (Chair man), and Messrs., Hunt, Friedlander, Earle, and BrOwn. FINANCE. The Clerk stated that the credit balance at the hank was L 1557. Mr. Friedlander, who occupied the chair fora/fime previous to the arrival of Mr. Winter, reported that the County Council had granted the sum of LBl which had been in dispute between the Board and the County. : The deposit of ; L1,200 fell due on the 12th Nov., and as -it was useless to let the; money lie idle he had placed L6OO of it on deposit for three months. The Board, approved of the Chairman’s action. CORRESPONDENCE. Letters were received from— John Corbett, regarding the drain on Corbett's road, between the terrace, and Leadley’s, and asking that it should be made deeper. The Surveyor was empowered to act in the matter. John Griffin asked for an extension of his contract for two days, which was granted. Messrs. Branson and Parnell wrote as follows regarding Leadley and Butterick’s drain : Re Leadley —We have received from your clerk, a fresh claim by Mr, Leadley, under the Public Works Act. It seems to us that by putting in a fresh claim, Leadley has virtually discontinued proceedings on his former claim. Whether he has a right to do so or not, seeing that compensation court has been actually ap pointed to determine that former claim, is, in our opinion, very doubtful. However, assum ing that lie has the right to discontinue oh his first claim, and make a second one, we think that he cannot'serve a fresh claim without, in the first place, giving the Board a proper notice of discontinuance, on which the Board’s costs in the matter might be taxed ; and that, in the absence of such a notice, the second claim is informal, the first still remaining good. We would, however, suggest, as the points raised are somewhat novel, and as we have not sufficient authorities at hand to guide us, that the opinion of counsel should be taken on the matter, and accordingly await the further in structions of the Board.—(We are, See., Bran son & Purnell.

Resolved to leave the matter in the solicitors’ hands to act for the Board’s interest. RAILWAY TARIFF. Mr! Friedlander recapitulated what had been done in the district regarding the memorial the new railway tariff He wished the members to act in the matter, as the tariff was against the in terest of the district. The Board might vote a sum to aid in meeting such ex penses as may be incurred in opposing the tariff, which expenses would be trifling. Members of. other Boards had agreed to do so., He would also ask the Chairman to call a meeting to protest against the tariff, and ho thought, further, that the memorial should be brought before the constituents of Messrs, llolleston and Hall.

Mr. Earle said ho w’as about to call a meeting of the kind suggested by Mr. Friedlander, with whoso views he cor dially agreed. The Chairman (Mr. Winter) thought the signatures of residents to the me morial, without a meeting, would be sufficient.

Mr. Friedlander moved—“ That the Chairman be asked to call a meeting at Wakanui, to consider the railway tariff, on Tuesday, December 9.” Mr. Earle seconded, and the motion was carried. The memorial to the Government was then signed by the members present. surveyor’s report. Stanley Road. —The contract for metalling this road has been completed satisfactorily. Bruce's Road.— The formation of the road to the full width is just upon completion. The contractor is-tliree weeks over his time. We cannot say he has been negligent, as he also had the contract for metalling Stanley road, which he completed first He has been at work on his contracts the whole time. Wakanui Road. Formation of this road is being proceeded with, and should be finished in a few days. The contractor is two weeks over his lime. He complains of the dry Weather having delayed him. lunis' Road. —The contractor is proceed ing satisfactorily with the formation of this road.

Beach Road. —The contract for forming to full width is being proceeded with. MainUnahce of Ronds. - On account of the dry weather during last month, the roads have required but little attention. Buckley's Road. —The contractor has com menced work on this road.

We have inspected the Boundary road, and find it is in a,very good sla<e. The metalled portion of the roads in this part of the district are very little used, traffic being principally at the side of the road. We have called, for, tenders for metalling two miles from side drains.

Levels have been taken and tenders called for re-forming the Wakanui township road to : the full width, i educing grades on cuttings, and metalling the road.' i We would suggest to the. Board the idea of sowing grass seed on the roads that are being formed to the full width, thus preventing the water scour, and also the large quantity of soil that is blown away during dry north-westerly weather. We would drary the attention of the Board to the large quantity of land near the Borough that is cut up up into suburban sections, with new roads, etc. The Board have no map whatever, showing the position, area, etc., of these valuable rating properties situate in their district.

The ratepayers’ roll s in course of prepara ion.

The Clerk was instructed to ascertain the cost of the map proposed in his report, and to report at next mooting. It was resolved to give general notice by advertisement in both papers to owners of sections to clear gorse from the roads, written notice to be served upon those who neglected the advertised bint, and incorrigibles to be proceeded against. It was resolved to sow white clover and grass seed on the sides of Wakanui road, Bruce’s road, and Beach road, which were now being formed. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting was decided to be held on January 6th, the Chairman and Surveyor to make arrangements for hold ing it if possible in the office of the Agri cultural and Pastoral Association at the show ground, Mr. Books tn act as rci urn ing officer for the election of three members, in place of Messrs. Winter, Friedlander, and Hunt, who retire by. rotation. TENDERS. Tenders for the advertised work of the Board were accepted as follows; No. 32, metalling Boundary road, A. Betts and Co., 7s. 6d. per chain; No. 33, forming Wakanui Township road, P. Stewart, 4s. 9d. per chain; No. 34, metalling same, T. Trevurza, lOd. per yard. STOPPING A ROAD, Mr. Chalmers waited on the Board re stoppage of road. through Mr. G. H. Moore’s property, Wakanui Homestead. The Board had no objection to the closing of the road provided Mr. Moore paid all expenses in connection therewith. , . ...... ...;.ACpOUNTS. Several, accounts were passed for pay ment, and the meeting adjourned. Mount Somers. ' The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the Office, Mount ; Somers, on Monday, November 29th, 1880. Present—Messrs. A. E. Peaclie (chairman), W. C. Walker, and J. E. Taylor.

The Surveyor’s report was read and considered.

It was decided te have plough furrows

drawn along all the roads in No, 2 ward that are unfenced.

It was also decided to construct pro tective works above the Valetta to Spread Eagle road, with a view of protecting the road passing through the dry river bed on the Bast side of Taylor’s stream. Resolved—“ That the Valetta road, Mesopotamia road, and Polhill’s road be repaired as soon as possible. Mr. Taylor applied for permission to run the water from his race across his and McLymont’s roads. The request was granted, provided Mr. Taylor makes a proper provision for storm water, to'pre vent more than a certain quantity of water from flowing down the water race. Mr. Corsbie interviewed; the Board relative to a drain on the Alford Station rroad.' . The Surveyor was instructed to report. It was resolved that the account for the cost of formation, Ac., Alford Forest roads, and also cost of Taylor’s Stream Bridge connection, be forwarded to the 'County Council. Mr. M. McAvey interviewed the Board relative to a further payment which he considered was due to him on the Anama Downs road contract. Ihe Board advised Mr. MoAvey to apply to Mr. Fraser, the late Clerk to the Board, for a certificate. A counter-petition re proposed separa tion of the district was framed, and the Clerk was directed to get as many signa tures to it as possible, and forward it to his Excellency the Governor. Correspondence was read as follows .; — From Mr. J. Tisch, enclosing cheque for rates. The Clerk stated that it had been acknowledged. From Mr. J. Boyle, requesting the Board to re-form Valetta road.

From the Ashburton County Council, informing the Board that, the exchange of roads on Messrs. Gould and Cameron’s property-had teen completed. From the Union Bank, Ashburton, acknowledging the receipt of £S ss. to credit of geneial account. It was resolved that the Clerk be directed to prepare balance-sheet, returns of expenditure, mileage of roads formed and metalled, Ac.,' and that a special meeting of the Board be held on Decem ber 21st to consider the same.

With reference to the gravel pit pro posed to.be opened in the Township road, near Harvey’s, it was resolved that the Surveyor ascertain if a suitable; pit can be obtained, and confer with the Chairman on the matter.

Tenders were opened, and one accepted for each of the following works :—No. 23, Tramway Reserve road, Alford Forest— Donald, Forbes, £l4 Bs. ; No. 33, Mor row’s road—Donald Forbes, £4l 15s. ; No. 34, maintenance of fords—Hewson and Cook, £3O.

CORRESPONDENCE

We do not hold ourselves responsible for th opinions expressed by our correspondents.

CORONER’S INQUESTS.

To the Editor.

Sir— Your leader in yesterday’s paper, I honestly believe expresses the opinion of the general public, relative to holding unnecessary inquests in cases of death from natural causes, which I observe has been practised here to an unlimited extent —the result of which has been, first, sad and painful feelings to the relatives of the deceased, subjected to such unnecessary in vestigations ; secondly, the inconvenience and annoyance to jurors summoned to attend for no real reason ; and thirdly, a professional fee paid to the coroner, who is also a medical surgeon, whose useful ness would be greater were he not coroner. I think the time has arrived when a general meeting of the inhabitants should be held to request our representa tives to demand that the R.M. of the district should be appointed coroner, at a fixed yearly salary, which granted, I honestly believe would prevent half the inquests being held that are now.—l am, «fec., , A Juryman.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1880.



Special Advertisements. THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND BOYS’) MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best descrip tion. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satis faction. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE i WHOLESALE PRICE. | JS3*- Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarfs, Bags, Portmanteaus, Rugs, and Blankets at Wholesale Prices. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 910 Manager, [ASH RECEIPTS Printed at “ The ' Guardian” office. rpHE GUARDIAN ia on every Tea Table in Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. O. Carstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Yanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 520* THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING. PRICE— ONE PENNY. ADVERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisements are very reasonable.



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.



Meetings. MOUNT SOMERS BOXING DAY SPORTS. MEETING of persons interested in the above will be held at Hood’s Mount Somers Hotel on SATURDAY, December 11th, 1880. 670 ASHBURTON RACE CLUB. A MEETING of the above CLUB will will be held at QUILL’S HOTEL, cn FRIDAY Evening next, December 3rd, at Eight o’clock. ... . Business : I.—To receive the Secretary’s Report and Treasurer’s Balance Sheet. 2.—To consider the best means for ■ 1 improving the Course, and other matters of importance. By order, \ JAMES WILKDiI, 631 Hon. Sec.



Amusements. TAKE NOTICE ! REMEMBER I ! mHE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB 8 guarantee their Patrons Two Hours good side-splitting Fun and Mirth, On BOXING and Following Nights, December 27th and 28th, When,they will produce those Novelties, VJA. HIGH LIFE BELOW STAIRS ; A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS ; NOTHING LIKE PASTE, O; , Billy Doo, the Bill Stick eb. and Million Prices on these nights ! Full value for your money guaranteed ! ! 071



THE KELLYS ! THE KELLYS ! ! THE KELLYS !! ! Coming, Coming, Coming ! Glorious success in Christchurch ! Over 100 Life-size Views of the Kelly Outlaws. Hundreds of other Views of the principalities of the World-, including the Glasgow Riots. Admission—One Shilling ; and a Pre sent to every Visitor. 494 Railway Notices. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) MOUNT SOMERS. BRANCH. During the wool season, a man will be placed at the terminus to receive and load wool into railway wagons. Arrangements have been made for supply of wagons and covers. Further information can be obtained from tlie station masters, Ashburton and Tinwald, or the porter at the ter minus. FREDK. BACK, Traffic Manager. Traffic Manager’s office, Christchurch, Nov. 29, 1880 G 53



Wanted. TIT ANTED—By a young respectable V\ woman, a SITUATION as HOUJSE MATD or WAITRESS in a- Hotel. Country preferred. .667 WANTED— A G eneral. SERVANT. Apply to Mas. Douglas, Post Office. 666 TTTANTED, a LAD to Milk, and Kill » » Sheep and make himself useful on a Farm, Apply Office of this Paper. 669 WANTED —A Young -Woman as GENERAL SERVANT for a country hotel. Apply, Office of this Paper. . . . 668 WANTED, SITUATION as Plough man, or to do general Farm work. —Apply, Office of this paper. 642 WANTED, a respectable GIRL, 14 or 15 years of age, to make herself generally useful. Apply, Office of this paper. 622 ANTED KNOWN—A CART will travel round Ashburton on SATUR DAY NEXT, to dispose of Waterton Produce. Eggs, 14 a Shilling. Butter, 6d. per ib. 663 WANTED KNOWN, That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.in. till 5 p.m. Portraits .taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 606 WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE begs to inform the , public that ho has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 908c—286g WANTED KNOWN—Just arrived from England—Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cards. New Zealand Illustrated Annual, Young Ladies’ Jour nal, and Bow Bells, Is. 6d. each. Family Herald and Family Reader, Is. each, and all other Magazines supplied at Christ church Prices. Colonial and European Newspapers, School Books, Stationery,&a A visit Solicited. L. F. Andkewes, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 527



WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the “ Guardian’ 1 office, opposite the Railway Station. TIT ANTED.—THE GUARDIAN tells VV your Wants for Is.—cash. Public Notices. H E R N G SHEARING will commence at Dundas, Monday, December 6th. Price 15s. per 100. Apply, SAUNDERS BROTHERS. ; 657



JMRORTANT TO FARMERS. Osborne Harvesting .Machinery. Osborne Harvester and Binder, to bind with both string and wire, price L7O. . Ditto ditto, with iron road wheel, and patent lifting apparatus, price L 75. String attachments to fit on old wire Binders, price LG 10s. N. B.—No charge for fitting if sent to our store. Osborne No. 6 Side Delivery Reapers and Mowers. ‘ Osborne No. 6. Tilter or Back Delivery Reapers and Mowers. Osborne No. 5 Vfowers. EXTRAS FOR ALL THE ABOVE MACHINES KEPT IN STOCK. Sole Agents in New Zealand— . ROBERT WILKIN & CO., New Zealand Wool Stores, 624 Christchurch.



McDougalTs Carbolic Sheep Dip IS the Best and Safest in the Market. A true specific for ir'cab, instantly destroying Ticks, Lice, and all Insects, effectually cleansing and stimulating the growth of the Fleece. Sold in 101 b. and 201 b. tins, and 501 b. kegs, by ROBERT WILKIN & CO., New Zealand Wool Stores, 627 Christchurch.



Agricultural liens. THE Undersigned are open to receive applications for CASH ADVANCES on Growing Crops. UJ.I VXi.LMYiilg 610 P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. HE Undersigned are prepared to make .J-J tlJlo tu Uldli.C LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES (Free of Commission) on all WOOL placed in their hands for SALE in the London or Continental Markets. We are offering special inducements to shippers of wool to our London Agents, having made arrangements whereby the wool will receive such an amount of Wool Season, 1880-1881.



attention prior to sale that farmers car calculate upon exceptionally good price: being procured. Insurances on Clip can be effected fron sheep’s back to London. Woolpacks supplied at most reasonable prices. For further particulars apply to P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. 611 Christchurch. [card.] IIHEODORE B. JACOBSEN AND 0. PEEZ, f ARCHITECTS. Note office— HEREFORD STREET, WEST, Christchurch. 571 ALL DEB T S due to Ashburton Herald and Guardian business must be Paid to Mr. S. E. Potntz, 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; rjpHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. - SUBSCRIBERS, either in Town or. Country, who may, have reason to; com plain of any Irregularity in tlie -Delivery of the Guardian, are requested to com municate with the when immediate attention will be paid to such complaints. CHAS. DIXON.



RASS STRIPPERS. TWO SOOTTS’ GRASS STRIPPERS FOR SALE CHEAP. 658 SAUNDERS BROTHERS. FOR SALE, BY TENDER. THE GOODWILL and PLANT of a first-class LIVERY STABLE, to gether with a Line of Royal Mail Coaches fn full running order. , Tenders are invited for the purchase of a Coaching and Livery Business, carrying the Royal Mails between the Oran Rail way Station and the Waihi Bushf via Geraldine, together with ■ all necessary plant, including Two Coaches, capable of carrying twenty-five passengers each; Double and Single Buggies, Brake*, Twelve superior Horses, Harness) Thera is an opening for an enterprising man, seldom to bo met with. Tim busi ness has been establish ed five years, and has been, and is, steadily increasing. Satisfactory reasons given for disposal. Tenders to close at NOON on DECEM BER 31st, 1880, to be endorsed “ Tenders for Coaching Business,” and forwarded to the undersigned, from whom all particu lars may be obtained, ' • nAV Jt'UXXN iXi 05 W.) Ashburton ; Or, KENNEDY & GARTER, POYNTZ & CO. 628 Proprietors, Geraldine, Poyntz & Go. HAVE FOR SALE, on advantageous and easy terms of payment, tho



following : • TOWN AND SUBURBAN ... - PROPERTIES:— ' A good five-roomed House, on quarter acre of land, within three or four chains of the East Town Belt. A compact four-roomed'House, with one acre of land, well fenced. Three quarters of an acre laid down, as a paddock. A nice four-roomed. Hous e: on half-acre of land, near the Gas 'Works,' weU finished throughout. Town Sections, 742, 743, 465, 466, 467. Town Section 711, upon which is erected a capital four-roomed House fatted with every convenience. A two-roomed House, with outbuild- : ings, on a quarter acre,, well fenced and planted, on N. E. Belt. ' - MONEY for investment, on approved security, in sums of £SO and upwards, at current rates j . ; ' . 595 Consultations. TTTTT.T.TAM COLLINS’ CONSULTA- Vy TIONNo.I ON THE . CHAMPION RACE, ' To be run for in Melbourne on the Ist Januany, 1881. Forty-nine Nominations. 1,000 Gonsultors at 10s. Each. First prize, £l4O ; second, £lO5 ; third, £75 ; starters and non-starters divided, £130; all net. In forwarding cheques, please add exchange. Two stamps needed, one for reply and one for result. To bo drawn as sooii as filled.. : Dunedin Cup Consultation to follow, for tame amount. Address W. Collins & Co., Auctioneers, Strathallan street, Timaru. . ... . 650, HFRIEDLANDER’S CONSULTA . TION, No. 1, ON THE CH AM PION RAC E, To be run for in Melbourne on January 1, 1881. FORTY-NINE NOMINATIONS. 1000 SUBSCRIBERS, AT 10s. EACH. First Prize £l4o"] Second Prize 105 ‘ Third Prize ... ... 75 >• All net. Starters (divided) ... 65 j Non-starters (divided):... 65 j In forwarding cheques, please add ex change. - Two stamps needed, one for reply and one for result. To be drawn as soon as filled. Address—



H. FRIEDL AND ER, Tobacconist, P.O. Box 117, Timaru. 548 J. L. FLEMING’S GrRAND GoNSULTATION, No: 2, ON THE LCWER HEATHCOTE CUP, To be run Dec. 27, 1880. 1000 Subscribers at 10s. each. First horse ... ... ... £l4O Second do 90 Third do 50 Starters and non-starters (divided) 220 If cheques are sent, exchange must be added and stamps for reply and result J. L, FLEMlNG>.Auctioneer,-, High street, Triangle, Christchurch. „ N.B. —Note the address, 612



J. L. FLEMING’S Gtrand Consultation, No. 3, ON THE DUNEDIN CUP, 1881. 3,000 Subscribers, at£l each. First horse .... ... ~.. £750 Second do. ... ... ... 500 Third do. ... ... ... ’ 260 ‘ Other Starters (divided) ... 500 Non-starters (divided)... i ... 1000 If cheques are sent, exchange must be idded and stamps for reply and result. J. L. FLEMING, Auctioneer, &c., High street, Triangle, Christchurch. . N.B.—Note change of address. . 613



c O ITS HI TA T I ON No; I ON ' DUNEDIN CUP, 1881. STAR PROBLEM. 2,000 MEMBERS AT £l, First ... ... £BOO Second ... Third ... Starters ... Non-Starters 400 200 250 350 Total £2,000 39 Nominations. . ■ : Address—STAß PROBLEM, Gate of C. J. HARRIS, Star and Garter Hotel, , Or, Box 10, P. O. , Oamarti. No. 2 Consultation will be opened im mediately after No. 1 closes. ; ; £SO PRIZE. : • 1. A Special Prize of £SO will be ! awarded to any correspondent who First pilaces the first three horses in their rela* tive position? in the Cup. ' 2. Letters received each day will be : kept distinct, and opened after the race, ; in order of priority, as received, until win ner is found. ; . : 3. If the horses be correctly placed by more than one' person- oh the ■ same, day, such persons to divide prize. Each letter must have a 2d. stamp enclosed, .or*' not ’ eligible; for competition. - Letters received from November 22nd, 1880, to February. 23rd, 1881, inclusive. ■ / \‘ ; 4c. A Coihmittee of five to superintend their decision to be final. 1 Address—D. O. PRIZE, Care of C. J. HARRIS, V ■ ■ i Star and Garter Hotel j' ■■■■’ » ■ 602 Or, Box 10, P.U., Oamaru.