SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON.

Arrived. Yesterday

Sarah and Mary, brigantine, from Bluff.

To-day. Wan aka, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Tararua, s.s., from Wellington. Go-ahead, p.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Thames, ketch, for Peiorus Sound. Janett, ketch, for Waitapu. Omaha, brigantine, for Chatham Islands. , , , Prince Alfred, barquentme, for NV el ington. Pet, barque, for Newcastle. Esther, schooner, for Pelorous bound. Herald, schooner, for New Ply month.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS

Auckland, Yesterday

Arrived— Oamaru, brigantine, fiom Camara. Loch Fleet, barque, from Lon don. Mazeppa, from Sydney. . Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Auroraand Aspasia, schooners, from the East Coast. Sailed —Hawea, for Picton ; Oreti, for Manukau. Timauu, Yesterday. Arrived —Young Dick, from Newcastle. Poet Chalmers, Yesterday. Fredk. Bassil, barque, from Newcastle. Adieu, brigantine, for Greymouth. Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived —Rotomahana, s.s., from Mel bourne, via Hobart Town. Sydney, Yesterday. Arrived —P.M.s.s.; Australia, from Auckland ; Wakatipu, s.s., from Welling ton ; Rotorua, s.s., from Auckland.

MAIL NOTICES.

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

Friday, December 24. For Northern Ports, per Penguin, at 7.30 p.m. ; guard's van, 8.30 p.m. train. A supplementary mail per Penguin for late fee letters only will be closed on Saturday, 25 th December (Christmas Day), at 7.30 p.m. ' 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.m.; ordinary letters, at 10 p.m. A supplementary mail will be closed at 7 p. in. on Saturday 7 , 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. __ t On Saturday, Ist January Year s Day), all branches of the Post Office will be closed.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Cliristchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a. m., and sp. in., daily 7. For Chertsey Rakaia. &c., at 10 a. in. and 5 p. m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, -jaldstreain, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at G a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at G a.in., 10 a.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Friday's, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4. 30 p. m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at G a. in.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.20 a.m., 4.35 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. Fv«m Teiu«h«i. ami Timaru at 10.15 min. off'? pnn:, arid 8.15 p. m.-'d-Hy- From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesday's and Saturday's at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily 7 . From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesday's and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G, Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Friday, December 24. Mr. T. Bullock —Usual Weekly Sale. Friday, December 31. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Freehold and Leasehold Property. Two o'clock. Tuesday, January 4. Quill ami Co., Monthly Sale, Mount Somers. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Tuesday, December 21. Degree Temple, Fortnightly Meeting, Templar Hall, at 8 p. in. To-morrow, Wednesday, December 22. Arch Purple Meeting, Templar Hall, 7-30 p.m. Professor and Madame Hasehnayer, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 23. Concert, in add of the Borough School Prize Fund, Towm Hall ; commence at 7.30 p.m. . Wednesday, December 29. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock.

Monday, January, 3. Upper Ashburton Hoad District —Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, Hoad Board Office, at 12 noon. Tuesday, January 4. Longbeach Road Board —Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, Road Board Office, at 12 noon.

Wednesday, January' 5. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, January G. ’Wakauui Road District—Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, at the office of the Agri cultural and Pastoral Association Show Grounds, at 12 noon.

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 Timabu and South, at 7 a.m.. 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p. m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timat-u, Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4. 33 p.in., and 7.50 p. in. 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 he written on tlio face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted ’ until countermanded, and charged accord ingly Ail 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 n The Editor.

BIRTH.

Major.— Oa Dee. 19th, at the residence uf Mr. W. H. Puddieombe, the wife of the late Frank Major, Esq., of son. Both doing well. 791

The Ashburton Guardian. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1880. Dogs.

'TOWN EDITION. [lamed at 5 p.-m.]

Parliament last session dealt pretty thoroughly with the dog question when it passed the Dog Registration Act, 1880, which comes into force on New Year’s Day next. 'The Act, we think, will enable action to be taken without trouble against keepers of unregistered dogs, and ought to have the effect of reducing to a minimum the number of non-revenue-paying canines which everywhere abound in the colony in defiance of the police. Ihe Act of last session applies to all New Zealand —that is, a license fora dog, taken out, say in Ashburton, will be recognised in Auckland, but every dog in the colony must be registered, even in the case of such animals as are exempted from the payment of fees, and dogs used for rabbiting are so exempted from paying fees. “ Local authorities ’’—these are, Borough Councils, County Councils, and Road Boards —are compelled to find offices, where dogs may Re registered, and where registration collars may be supplied. The registration lapses on the first of January, and has then to be renewed, but a provision is made for only half registration fee being charged when the registration effected after the month of July in any year- An important feature in the Act is that it considers the “ owner of a dog ” to mean “.the occupier of any house or premises where any dog is ordinarily kept or permitted to live or remain, and includes the keeper of a dog, or the person in whose care such dog may temporarily be ; whether loose or con fined, or who may harbor any dog.” Settlers would do well to beat - this in mind, as a due regard to this clause may save.? vexatious prosecution. Regarding dogs without collars, Clause 13 is very

explicit. It says : Dogs without collars having the proper registration labels thereon shall prlma facie be deemed to be unregistered, apd any person or his agent, upon whose land such dog may be found, or person duly authorised by the local authority, may destroy any such dog.” Owners of dangerous dogs had better take note of the fact that such animals must not be at large without muzzles, and dogs that make attacks on people, or are found running at large amongst

sheep, or frighten horses, may be kill cl on the spot by any one, and at the same time the owners of such dogs are liable to heavy penalties. When a dog changes its owner, the registration con tinues good, and the new owner takes the place of the person in the eye of the law who first made the registration, but the new owner must apply for tiie alteration to be made in the register. In the matter of seeking damages against the owner of a mis chievous dog, it shall not be need ml to prove a previous mischievous pro pensity against such dog. The person who may try to evade the law by usmg a counterfeit label or badge shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding and the same penalty is recovera ole against a person who may use an obso lete badge. For removing the regis tration label from a dog’s collar, or l re collar itself from a dog’s neck, die penalty of £lO may be exigible from * the offender, and should the dog be destroyed under die Act in consequence of such re moval, the owner of the dog may recover the lull value of the animal, from the party who removed the bar ;e. Altogether, if the provisions of bis Act are carried out, in a short t; ne there ought not to exist a si; gle animal within the colony whose cha ac tor is at all questionable.

Drunk. —A man accused of drum ill ness and disorderly conduct was to-..ay lined 55., or twenty-four hours' iiupric jo in ent, by the R M. Wife Desertion. —The charge of ’• ife desertion against T. P. Gleeso), Hinds, was this morning withdrawn by accus d s wife, and Gleoson was discharged. Pedestrian ism. —Edwards, the cham pion pedestrian, and his trainer, were passengers to New Zealand per the Union Co.’s s.s. Rotomahana, which arrived at the Bluff yesterday. A Municipal Loan. —Messrs. G T. Clark and Co.,' financial agents, have floated the six per cent. loan for the borough of South Dunedin, at a premium of 355. per cent. Fkee Travelling —A man named Hamilton was to-day fined 205., or four days’ imprisonment, for travelling on the railway without a ticket. He ban no money to pay either ticket or fine, an lie went to prison.

The School Doll. —We would rem ind parents that only a few of the doll art union tickets remain, and those win., in tend taking shares should do so at mice or they will be too late. The draw mg will be' on a new principle, and every ticket-holder will turn the apparatus her self. The drawing will take place at the concert on Thursday evening. Wire Binders. —A case of some interest to farmers and others who have to leal with reaping and binding machines, was commenced at the Dunedin R.M. Court yesterday. The plaintiff claims LLOO damages for loss of working bullocks, whose death 1c alleges was caused by their swallowing pieces of wire which were in chaff supplied to him by defendant. The Nelson Election. —Mr. Alfred Harley addressed the Suburban electors at Richmond on Saturday night, and re ceived a vote of Blanks. He declared himself a Radical, and spoke in favor of secular education, abolishing the Upper Houss, and Jin elective Croveinoij <ukl against selling Crown lands. lie locked on the institution of a Colonial Bank of Issue as a means for the liquidation of our debt.

Tom’s Case. —The Chief Justice s notes and other papers concerning the case of Tuhi, having been read by Ministers, were transmitted yesterday to Ids Excel lency the Governor for perusal, prior to tho meeting of the Executive Council, which takes place to-day, and at w.dch the fate of the prisoner will be finally determined. It is generally thought that the law will be allowed to take its course. The Jumcatuiie Commission. — At Ihe opening of tho Criminal sittings of the Supremo Court at Invercargill, yesterday, his Honor Judge Williams, alluding to the Judicature Commission, said that one of the results of their labors would pro bably he the simplification of the process and lessening the expenses ot the Supreme Goijvt, lid spell being tho case, there was a possibility 7 of a more frequent sitring of the Court being held in Invercargill.

The Bakaia Concealment of JJnmi Case. —The girl Brimmiconib, who is under a-charge of concealment of birth, was to-day brought up before Sir. Nugent Wood. Previous to the hearing of the case his Worship ordered a}l boys to be removed from Court. Constable Bo'.vse went amongst the crowd of idlers in Court, and reported that no boys were present. He found two females, however, who were asked to withdraw', and they did so. Evidence similar to that taken at the recent inquest was then taken, and alter a lengthened hearing prisoner was com mitted for trial.

New' Method of Preserving Raw Meat. —A. new'ami apparently most valu able method of preserving raw meat, discovered by Professor Arthnini, of Florence, and patented in this country, promises to have a great effect upon our markets. According to a report by Pro fessors Barff and Mills, of the Glasgow University, and Dr. Stevenson, of Guy’s Hospital, meat six months old was found to be perfectly sound and good, the mus cular fibre unchanged and the nutrr ive properties unimpaired. The material em ployed is said to be less expensive t um salt, and not only wholesome, but pleasant to the taste.

Til RE ATE XING L ANGU AG E. — Fr edo r i civ Johnston, Ealing, laid an intormation against Alexander Findlay, for using abusive and threatening language towards him. There had been a disagreement over the trespass of some cow's, and the case was evidently a neighbors quarrel, ami the accused had apparently not been very choice in his adjectives when speak ing’to Mr. Johnston, nor very affectionate j? his wishes for Mr. Johnstons welfare. Findlay, on the other hand, said that he had been subjected to a groat amount of peHy persecution and continual nagging by Johnston. His Worship said the case was exceedingly petty, and ought never to have been brought before him, Findlay acknowledged the threat to “ punch,” and would be fined ss. and 245. costs, and if the parties came before the Court again, tney would bqtli be bound over to keep the peace.

ClJyiu Cases. —Several cases of little public interest were heard tins after noon in Court, some of which were un defended, and resulted as usual in judge ments for the plaintiffs. One case was a claim by a groom of an entire horse for wages, Ll 3 11s. After a lengthy hearing his Worship gave judgment for L 4 7s'. Gd., the claim having been for Ll 3 lls. In the case of Wood v. Holmes, Wood, made a claim of Ll 3, for training and riding the horse Sir George for the Ashburton Steeplechases in 1879. Judgment for L 3 with costs. Hodgson v. Aitken. This was a claim of L2B 13s. Id. for goods and on an lOU. Since the acknowledgment, defendant had gone bankrupt, but no notice of the bankruptcy had been sent to plaintiff. Defendant had promised to work out the debt, and also to settle up. After defendant and plaintiff' had given evidence, His Worship gave judgment for L 27 3s. Id., with costs, In a trespass case, Corbett v. Price, L 5 damages wore sought, and opo shilling was recovered, with t'csts,

The Drama. —Among the passengers by the s.s. Rotomahana yesterday, was Herr Bandman, the German tragedian, who, with several other members of the profession, comes under engagement to Mr. W. H. Reynolds, the well-known author and actor, who lately played several successful engagements through out New Zealand,

Profits of the Manchester Gas works. The Gas Committee of the Manchester Corporation arc enabled out of the profits realised during the year ending 24th June last to hand over a sum of L 52,000 to the Improvement Committee for the purposes of city improvements. Consumers of gas will be glad to learn that a reduction in the price charged of Id. per 1,000 cubic feet is to be recom mended to the Council.

A. Hakd Hit, —'liss Clara Stephenson (says the Kv-tnam Times ) put to shame, the gallantry of a large number of the sterner sox at the Theatre Royal, last evening, by quietly coming to the front of the .stage in the middle of one of the acts with a chair, and requesting “ Will same gentleman be kind enough . to-, hand this chair to the lady who has Been stand ing since the performance commenced.” Tim request was at once complied with, but there were many present who felt un comfortably'“ sun*'l ” at that particular moment.

An Unusual Capture. —An unusual capture has been effected at Argues Mortes, on the Mediterranean coast, be tween Marseilles and Cette. Two whales were beaten upon the rocks, and, after a desperate struggle, with, some fishermen, wore successfully taken in tow, and dragged into the waters of the canal, where they are disporting themselves, in perfect health. One of the monsters measures about 11 yards in length, and the othe-, a younger one, about six yards.. It is very rarely that cetaceans are found in the Mediterranean. h Shocking Discovery at Sea. The 1 ghastly discovery of a British vessel afloat with a dead crew is reported by' the JSFeiu York Mail. A pilot boat on the 22nd re ported that two days’ sail from that port' she encountered the British schooner Gladiator bottom up. She was in the track of vessels. A boat’s crew wore sent to scuttle. The terrible stench of decom posing bodies from the cabin compelled them to desist, and in moving round the ship they found a sailor hanging by a rope from the bowsprit. The effluvium was so overpowering that the pilots had no doubt that the dead bodies of the crew wore in the ship.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Pet Rente)'s Agency.) Obituary. London, Dec. 20. Obituary—The Duchess of West minster and Mr. Frank Euckland. Meetings Prohibited. The Viceroy of Ireland has pro hibited meetings being held in Queen’s County, and has despatched troops there in order to preserve the peace. An Arrival. The Right Hon. G. J. Goschen, Am bassador extraordinary to the Porte, has arrived in London. AUSTRALIAN. (Per Renter's Agency.) The Temora Goldfields- Sydney, Dec. 20. From information to hand, it is stated that a rich leader has been stuck on the Temora.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Frees Association.) Supreme Court. Timaru, To-day.

At the Supreme Court this morning James Cunningham and James Gilchrist were indicted for larceny from a dwelling. Gilchrist was acquitted and Cunningham was sentenced to eight years’ penal servi tude. On receiving his sentence the latter declared he had been twice sentenced by the same judge innocently. He thanked his Honor, and said he hoped Judge Johnston would live to sentence him a third time, when it would be for some- Bought up. Mr. R. Stausell, proprietor of the South Canterbury Time*,' hits purchased the Timaru Mceniny Telegraph. Assaulting Celestials- Hcxedih, To-day. At the City Police Court a boy named Sheehan was fined 40s. and costs, or four teen days’ imprisonment, failing immediate payment, for assaulting two Chinamen. Drowned- A Miss Wilson was drowned at the Ocean Beach this afternoon. Mr. Kings ton the proprietor of the Baths, who went in after her, unsuccessfully tried to rescue her, and was brought out insensible.

The Vagaries of an American Journalist.

A letter bearing the forged signature of Garfield, the new President of America, was circulated during the election, and the sentiments it con tained alienated from Garfield the votes of three States. Regarding the writer of the letter, and the forger of Garfield’s signature, the Burlington (Vermont) Review says:—Philp came to this country from England in 1866, and had newspaper connections with the New York Star, the Brooklyn Monthly and the Brooklyn Union while Theo dore Tilton was editor of the latter. He was a live journalist, and full of fun, and we might say “ deviltry.” At one time he invited a large number ot reporters to a spread at Delmonico’s, and just before the waiter carried around the checks, was conveniently called out. The result was that each guest paid for his own “ grub,” and this was only done by a general pooling of the cash of all the parly, and then sun dry watches and charms had to lie in pawn. If we remember correctly it cost each in the end some 10 dols. for that champagne supper. The night before he wound up his connection as managing editor of the Union he in yited the reportorial staff to his room, and remarked' that a certain applica tion for increase of salaries, through his representation to the proprietors, had been favorably acted upon, and; a subscription for a handsome watch, pro perly engraved as a recognition of his services was promptly filled up. Before quitting the office the next day for good, Philp wore the watch in his vest pocket. It was a good sell, and so well done that one.* ; .and. all forgave the actor. It is" needless to say that the exigencies of tire Union at that time demanded a reduction, which took effect at the veritable time that, Philp promised an increase. Philp generally did things on the spur pf the and when he determined to take unto, himself a wife, it was not after .much waiting. In consequence he was illy

prepared, at least he did not have a swallowtail coat. But good-natured joe Howard had one, and an order for it on Job’s wife was solicited and re ceived. - The good lady, recognizing her husband’s city'editor, sent him up into her husband’s dressing-room. Philp emerged in a complete suit, both outer and under. After the ceremony the outfit was pawned, Simpson furnishing a ticket, which was mailed to Howard from Albany. Philp is not a bad hearted fellow, whatever he said. Heretofore’ fils very audacity has pro tected him., ■

A Frightful Fate.

Providence R. 1., November 15th. — A Rightful affliction lias befallen the fam’lv of an industrious mechanic in tliis city, an affliction the like of which has not been known before. On Tuesday a boy, Harry Molyeraux, son of Charles Molyereaux, a hull watchman, was tr ken to : the Rhode Island Hospital, suffering from a well-de veloped case of hydrophobia. Cast evening, about 9 o’clock, as his mother, Marie, was; sitting in a chair in the tenement of the people who live up stairs over' at- No. 55, Ship street, she was "suddenly taken with froth : . ing at the mouth and spasms. It occurred to these people that she, having been bitten ■by her boy, might be laboring under the same disease, and they therefore shut her j up in the room and notified Lieutenant Davey of , the Fifth Precinct. That officer immediately repaired tothehouse, which is but a short way from the police station, and entered the reem where she was; As soon as he entered the room the woman, who was lying on the bed, jumped up and made a spring to get hold of him. He had the pre sence of mind to pull some of the clothes off the bed, which he threw over her head, : and in this way was success ful in holding her. A message was sent for Dr. Palmer, who pronounced it hy drophobia, and ordered her removal to the hospital. The police ambulance was sent for, and after the woman was securely bound she was placed therein and conveyed to . the abovenamed institution. It was a terrible sight to see the woman and her actions while being bound up by the officers. She would snap and snarl like a dog, and if persons were outside the house, and heard her bark they would be fully assured that there was a dog in the house, if they did not know to the contrary. She would set her eyes first on one, and then work one corner of her mouth like a dog, show her teeth, and after give a deep growl, bark, and snap. It was perfectly horrible to behold her; besides, frothing at the mouth as she did, made her still worse to look upon. She was carried safely to the hospital and lodged there. About 1 this morning the boy’s father was also bitten, and there are grave fears that he, too, will be taken with the loathsome disease. Mrs. Molyeraux is 31 years of age, quite good looking, and has a sister in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who is well off. The family are' respectably connected, Mrs. M.’s, father being postmaster of the city of, Dublin, Ireland. The boy Harry is about the same as when taken to the hospital; if anything, a little better.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE WINSLOW CUP.

To the Editoh. Sir, —I expected to see the nominations for the Winslow Cup published in this morning’s paper, as the entries closed yesterday. I suppose their sporting reporter must have been asleep. As I am interested in this event, I hope you will endeavor to let the public know what horses are going foi this race, as all the district cracks are supposed to meet there at weight-for-age, and the owners will then know what they have to compete against.—l am, Ac., James W. Mcßae.

[Our correspondent has to bo informed that, owing to an error in the advertised distance of the Gup Race, the lime for receiving entries has been extended till the 2pth—Saturday.— -Eel. A. (/.J

A WEEKLY HALF-HOLIDAY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The frequency of the holidays and half-holidays granted by employers in Ashburton proves that the hearts of the said employers arc in the right ■ place, and that their minds are actuated by other considerations than more money making. Employees in stores and shops used to be considered as just so many machines composed of bone and muscle, and long hours and constant work, with out any recreation or time wherein to im prove their minds, was the rule, and couscv quently, employees as a class were just what the circumstances in which they were unhappily placed, made them—mere drudges. But, the schoolmaster has since “ been abroad,” and the employers of Ash burton have evidently benefited by his instructions, as is seen in the readiness with which they grant a holiday when asked. They seem to understand the force of the old adage— All work and no play Makes Jack a dull boy,

and sometimes something worse.; But, sir, why not institute a weekly half-holiday in Ashburton, say every Wednesday or Thursday, from noon ? This is not a now idea—if novelty should be put forward as an objection. In many towns and cities in these colonies such a weekly half-holi day has been established, and, I happen to know, in many places with very happy results, the employers being just as glad as the employed, of the weekly relaxation. I need not say to the intelligent and large hearted employers of Ashburton, that a weekly half-holiday would eMail no loss in their business ; they know, I am sure, what has been amply proved in other places, that just the same amount of busi ness would be done. The thing being well advertised, the people in town and country would fall readily into the. ar rangement, and after a few days no incon venience would he felt by anyone, and the young men and business people gene rally would have a certain time on which they could count for recreation and mental improvement. I dare not take up more of yqur valuable space now, but I trust the idea will be entertained by emy layers, and acted upon. I am,. Ac., ’ . Ah Employee.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

PATIENT KITTY.

[ Continued .]

It may naturally be imagined that something like a renewal of springtide came to my poor Kilty (since she was so soon to be Frederic’s) after the weary winter time she had endured. She had shown a natural exultation at the pro clamation of his innocence, though she had required no proof of it herself; and also a certain ineffable joy when she first heard the tidings of his return. But now she once more lost her spirits, and became pale and silent as before. “ Why, Kilty,” said 1, not hesitating to rally her upon'a point which a few weeks ago it would have been cruelty to touch upon, “ it is a very poor com pliment to Fred to wear those melan choly looks ; he will expect a smiling welcome, and the same bright, cheery face that vou were wont to greet him with.”

Then she burst into tears and sobbed out that was the very thing that made her sad ; her brightness and her mei'riment, she felt, wore gone, and her beauty too. Fred was faithful, doubt less, but the girl who had won his love was no longer in ex istence, and only this sad substitute for her awaited him. Here she pointed piteously to her changed self, with which it was likely enough, she said, he would be far from satisfied. Of course I told her that since the change, if change there were, had taken place on his account, it should only make her dearer to him 3 and even added, in my desire to comfort her, that it was to be hoped that Fred him self would not be quite the man he was ; but my arguments made as little way with her as reason usually does with women. Indeed, her very trouble was curiously characteristic of the sex ; for who, being male, could bear dis appointment, and almost despair itself, for years, like a gentle saint, and then, when the sun shone forth at last, make himself miserable about the loss of a few pounds of flesh and the acquisition of a gray hair or two ? I will do Fred the justice to say that these defects in dear Kitty, it he ever noticed them, made no sort of dif ference in his devotion to her, which

■\vas as great on his return as it had ever been, though perhaps of a graver and more earnest kind. And it was astonishing, when this was made plain to her, how quickly the woman began to grow into a girl, “as though a rose should shut and be a bud-again.” On their marriage-day the bridegroom, in deed, poor fellow, looked many years older than the bride, for the disgrace of his father had sunk deep in him; and even the great kindnesses of the Messrs. Halland had something of bitterness in them, inasmuch as they were reminders of it. As for me, I had expected a little coldness from myiormer friend on ac count of my want of faith in him, but that idea was dissipated at the very first clasp of his hand. “ How could you have thought me otherwise than guilty, Frank, when I as good as told you so myself by releasing Kitty from her engagement?” “ Yet she did not believe it !”. said I. £! But then,” returned he simply, “she is an angel.” When I think of. what she suffered, and how long and all alone (since she alone believed in him), and how she went on doing her duty, even to her brother, without heart or hope, I am quite of Fred’s opinion. And this it is, I say, when the young couple, rally me upon taking a wife, which makes me so hard to please. It is also partly their fault that I remain a bachelor, for we all lived together, and so happily that I do not desire a change; indeed, I openly accuse them of conspiring to. spoil me and keep me single, that I may always be the bachelor uncle, who shall leave ten thousand pounds apiece to each of their children. • As they have four at this present vyriting, it will be necessary for me to amass a considerable fortune to accomplish this. I seldom talk to Fred—for divers reasons—about the times when we were junior clerks, to gether, but I did once ask him to ex plain that mystery of the music hall, whence I certainly, saw him emerge, though he so confidently asserted he had been at home all nighf., “Well,”, he said, you might have seen me in the crowd about the doors, for I passed by there.on my way from Chan cery Lane, where I had been to leave a parcel.” _ “A parcel in Chancery Lane, at mid-, night ! No, my dear Fred, that really will not do.” Then he laughed and blushed, and said: “Well, you needn’t tell Kitty about it; but the fact is when my poor father declined to consent to our mar riage T determined to save all I could, and began to work out of office hours at copying for law stationers —” “ Then those were the ‘ windfalls ’ ” interrupted I. “ Yes ; when I had earned a pound or two, I could not help giving'Kitty a percentage of it.” And that was why he had looked so haggard and weary ; not from the sting of conscience, but through sitting up of nights driving the quill ! Upon the whole I am inclined to think, quite apart from the prosperity that has at last befallen him, that Fred eric Raynor was worth waiting for, and that Patient Kitty (as I always call her) has been well rewarded for her fealty'. James Payn.

( Concluded.)

MR. SQUAB’S DOMESTIC CRISIS.

Sylvius Squab married Octavia, daughter of Samuel Jones, a respect able citizen, whose name has long been in everybody’s mouth, and as soon as the honeymoon had waned, took her to a bower on Strawberry Hill. The first serious effort was to come to a proper understanding respecting the relative privileges of each-*-a term I use ad visedly, as it is mostly about the lady’s mamma- and the' gentleman’s pretty cousins and their privileges' that this understanding is necessary, Isut “proper understandings,” alas, are attained only after many atid bitter misunderstand ings; so‘that for . six intensly excited months Mrs. Squab was in tear's and Mr. Squab in fine frenzy;'- Then, \vhen their bones of contention were fought into nothingness,'they; settled . down and became rational beings, and' as rational beings they’ lived together for

six years. But at the end of that time,, as Mr. Squab was but 26 and his wife, but 24 years of age, they were, it will seem, still blessed with youth and a capacity for folly. Samuel Jones , was dead and just buried, and the young couple were sitting in their darkened sitting room pulling off their mourning gloves. They had returned from the 1 dwelling that now contained only the widow of the late Samuel Jones and his seven single daughters. It was a solen » moment, and both husband and wife were depressed for Mrs. Squab’s cook had chosen this melancholy and inappropriate season to “ give warning,” and Mr. Squab had received an old man’s blessing, and nothing more, by the will'of the departed Samuel. “ Boor papa !” said Mrs. Squab, tenderly. “ Very,” said Mr. Squab, spitefully flinging his gloves into the depth of his hat, as" if they, were the remains of a departed citizen and his hat a grave. “What do you mean, Sylvius?” asked Mrs. Squab. “ What I say, my dear. He’s left you nothing, though you always made out he liked you better than the other girls, and that is why I acquiesce when you intimate your papa’s poverty.” “ This is "no time for irreverent levity. If you have no feelings your self, you might at least respect the feel ings of others ” Mrs. Squab sighed, to indicate that she was the unhappy possessor of feelings, and then said; “ I shan’t think of giving Elizabeth a character.” “Of course not, my dear. That’s only consistent with the family gene rosity— especially as poor Elizabeth de serves it!” “ I wash you could hold your tongue if.-you can use it only to revile, the dead. I wonder you don’t attempt to conceal your mean mortification in le ceiving what you deserve from the ‘ family generosity’.” ; “ l ! nr afraid you’ve lost your temper, dear.”

“ I don’t regret if I have, Sylvius. My losses don’t affect me!” [This in allusion to Mr. Jones’s will.] “ Evidently, though you always pro fessed a lasting regard for the poor old man.” [This in allusion to Mr. Jones.] “ Are you bereft of your senses, or what, Sylvius ?” . “ The latter, I think, my dear. When does El ; zabeth threaten to leave you?” “ Her wages are due this day month, and not one instant “ Hush, clearest; if you scream like that she will hear you. I must talk to the r girl and ask her to stay.” “ Ask her to. stay ?” “ Well, if you like to eat humble pie and apologize to her, why —” “ Do you think I would condescend to apologise to a servant ?” “ I wish I could think you would. It is only right that you should; and in my opinion there is as little condescen sion required in apologising as in quar reling and fighting with the cook.” “ I request to know, Mr. Squab, when you have’seen me fighting with the cook ?” . . “I have seen sufficient to make me blush for you, and to make my heart ache for the poor girls who, one after another, come here- to be annoyed and affronted by you.” “Don’t make yourself ridiculous! Me affront a common servant girl !” “i wish you would not annoy me by. misusing your pronouns, dear, l.ve noticed that you never visit your friends or your mother, but you return with some fresh vulgarism.” “Oh, dear!.. I am surprised that, since you are so fond of servants, you should be annoyed, by what you must hear so frequently in- their .society. 1 am . quite amused —ha, ha ! But I know your despicable motive ; you think you can hurt me by speaking disrespectful of my dear mamma. How ever, you waste your small invention by sotting it to .that work j for both mamma and I regard your opinion with the contempt it merits. When, I should like to know, has she done anything to offend you ? ’ I am sure'she loves you as if you weie her’bwn soii.” “Thank heaven, I’m not.” “ But you are, Sylvius; and when she comes to live with us—” “ Live with'us-1” T “Yes, Sylvius. I had intended tq tell you when yqu : were amiable ; but since you place that beyond my power by continually being a brute to me, I must t<4l you now. Papa has left nor thing but unpaid bills behind him, and mamma and my dear sisters have absolutely nothing except a few hun dred pounds that must be kept for then dowries ; and so I have asked them to come and live with: us until the girls shall marry, and Uncle John dies and leaves mamma sufficient to live upon with comfort.” “ Why, your Uncle John is as young as I am, and your sisters are older and plainer than you.” “ Mr. Squab !” “ Now listen to me, Mrs. Squab. That woman —” “ Whom do you mean by ‘ wo-

man ?’ ” “ I mean your mother; and 1 say ‘ woman’ in charity, for her temper en titles her to a very different definition. I say that she, and those women, your sisters, shall never darken my thres hold.”

“Am I to have nothing ? ” Is not this house as much mine as yours ? Do you suppose for one instant that I married you for yourself? Do you think I was won by the name of S —quab ; by your personal beauty ; by the charm of your intellect, or the amiability of your temper ? Ha, ha ! Faugh ! ” . - “ You cannot tell me anything that can further convince me of the sordid nature of your motives, madam. And don’t think your remarks about my personal appearance affect me. But I can tell you this much—not one of your v.ulgar crew shall live in the same house with me!” “ Then I, too, am not fit* to live in the satne house with you. ’'Bbt if not, I consider such a monsfej; as you are unfit to live in the same house' with rife, and I demand a separation and a settle ment.” -.“ If you please, madam.” ;V. “ And I shall quit this house for ever to-morrow morning.” q: - “ If you please, madam.” “ I shall go to mamma.” “I have not the slightest objection, madam. >My; solicitor shall wait upon yqu there.”: And I, shall take. the : ■ dear chil dren.” -

v Shan’t leave Georgie behind you.” an . infant at this period, cutting his,:teeth .under adverse circum stances. ■

“ I consider you a brute.” “My opinion of you I keep to my self”

“You are not a man: you are a— Oh, you ” And then Mrs. Squab left the room, slamming the door so vigorously that Georgie was awakened, and convulsions ensued. v' £

{To be continued.)

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1880. -S 8—“ -1.3-K-/-B —SS S—r - , „ ' I , 11, ,1. .11 ■ ■JJ, I 111 I, I.



THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PUBLISHED EVERY 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. DO you Want the Ne'.vs of the Day Read the Ashburton Guardian Price, One Penny.



Special Advertisements. s rn he b e s t value s 1. bob . ; READY MONEY ( IS TUB t MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING \ 51 AN UFACTURE D BY t THE NEW ZEALAND | Clothing Factory, Which can bo purchased at their Retail ' Branches, all over New Zealand. 1 A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE BRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s (hirments arc the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EA h T STRE ET . WM. SPARROW, 751* Manager. O. Carstens & Co. ( Late Weston’s), PROS PEC U BUILDINGS, mOBAOCGNIST, favcy GOODS, i AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Piyes, G.B. D. Pipes N.iilvod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircut ting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 520* K. F. Gray, A UCTIONEER, Y ALUATOR, STOCK, STATION, AND GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT, TEMUKA. Agent for Standard Insurance Com pany, and Sub-Agent for the Althouse Windmill. Licensed Dealer in Arms and Ammunition. 782 ] QUININE WINE. Highly recommended, and acknowledged to be THE REST TONIC Yet introduced to the public. As a vehicle for the administration of cod liver oil it is unsurpassed. Prepared only by 0. Neate, CHEMIST, ASHBURTON. N B.—Beware of spurious imitations. 793 HRISTM AS AND NEW YEAR. The Undersigned, in thanking his Friends and the Public generally for the very liberal support that has been accorded to him during the last three months, j wishes to inform them that lie has now on hand a Variety of CHRISTMAS CAKES. ’ Biscuits, Ac., of all kinds, Pastry, Buns, Ac., Fresh Daily. | A. O. Aitken, BAKER AND PASTRY COOK, Saunders’ Buildings, ; ASHBURTON. 792



Holloway's Pills.—At the change of seasons many persons feel oppressed without knowing why they are so—they are aware something within ’ them is wrong, though they cannot detect the defected organ. A few doses of these powerfully purifying and eminently cooling Pills will restore regularity to every part of the system—will cast out all impurities lurking in the frame, ■ and will thrbroughly expel the last traces , of disorder, however obscure its cause.' With Holloway’s medicine belief is insured without risk : erroneous action is rectified without disturbing natural regularity, health is rermstated, and with it return' the cheerful feelings which unmistakably tell the invalid that all within is right again.



Wanted. WANTED— A good General SER VANT. Apply, Office; of this Paper. 752 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. 6QOj WANTED KNOWN —That a Church of England minister’s wife writes that she saves Ten Shillings: a Fortnight by using Harper Twelvetrees’ Villa Washer, Wringer, and Mangier, com bined ; and, although she permits no rubbing, the clothes are beautifully white, and much cleaner than when done by hand, while the saving in mending has been astonishing. Sold by J, KERN, Range Maker and Importer, corner of Manchester and Tuam streets, Christ church ; Price—£9 10s. 700 WANTED: KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT : • , . STABLES.. .... JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the _ , public that he has taken the' above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is .making-extensive repairs. : Buggies and saddle horses on hire; Lowest prices and best, attention, i ; , ' 908 c—2B6 g ! ANTED KNOWN—Just arrived , , from England—Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cards. New Zealand , Illustrated Annual, Young Ladies’ Jour nal, and Bow Bells, Is. 6d. each, ’ Family : Herald and Family Reader, Is. each, and all other Magazines,supplied at Christ church Prices. Colonial and European Newspapers, School Books, Stationery,&c. A visit solicited.' L.; F. Andrewrs, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 527' Meetings. ROAD UPCER ASHBURTON DISTRICT. The ANNUAL MEETING o£ r Rate payers of this District will bo helu at the Road Board Office on MONDAY, January 3rd, at 12 o’clock noon, for the purpose of ELECTING THREE MEMBERS in the place of Messrs. D. McLean, M. Stitt, and Arch. McGoll, who retire by rotation, but are eligible for re-election, .... , , A Poll, if demanded, will take place the 1 same day, closing at 4 o’clock p.m. D. McLEAN, 781 . ;; Chairman. ROAD DISTRICT. The ANNUAL MEETING of Rate paj’ers will be held at the office of the Agricultural and Pastoral ' Association (show grounds) on THURSDAY, the ■•■6th. ; day of January, 1881, at 12-noon, receive financial statement; etc., and to ELECT THREE MEMBERS in- the room of Messrs. H. T. Winter, Hugo Friedlander, and Joseph Hunt, who retire by ballot, but are eligible for re election. A Poll, if deraanded t will be taken on the same day, closing at 6 p.m. CHAS. 0. FOOKS, Returning Officer. Ashburton, Deo. 21st, 1880. 787., Cfoll Mt A N ARCH PURPLE MEETING will be held in the Templar Hall on WEDNESDAY Evening, o’clock. Visiting Brethren are invited- to attend. 777 By order of ihg W.M. Lost* £1 Beware], LOST, from Wakanip; on. Monday; November Ist, One Chestnut HACK, branded HD on the left shoulder,, with hollow back. Last seen -in the 1 direction of Barrhill.—Anyone returning him to Fiuedlander Bros, will receive the above Reward. ' 487 Gazette in Bankruptcy. V. R. In the District Court of Christchurch; Holden at Ashburton. In the matter of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, the several Acts amending the same, and of . the, Bankruptcy of GEORGE HORACE JOHN WEEKS and ; CHARLES:, - : DIXON, both of Ashburton, and carrying on business there together in co-partnership as printers and pub- : lishers, under the style or firm of- ; Weeks and Dixon, Debtors. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the sitting of the above Honor able Coart next; after the expiration of - ten days from, the day of the publication : hereof,' application will be made to the said Court on behalf of the abovenamed debtors for an order of discharge., Dated this 21st day of December, 1880. BRANSON & PURNELL, n ; 785 Solicitors for the Debtors. R. IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF CHRISTCHURCH, h HOLDEN AT-ASHBURTON. J ;: r In the matter of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, r.jandithe.-, amending the sarnie, andihthe raatt&r of the Bankruptcy; vof -GEORGE" ELMS PIKE, of Aslibuttonybulcher, and cattle deajer, a debtor, "’[ .f >; ■. ! -VfOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN; j that the creditors of ‘ the : aboTO-named '■* debtor having failed to elect a creditors’ trustee, I have this day appointed Fredk. Pavitt, of Ashburton, commission agent, as and .in theabpVp| bankrUp^;-and - furthef that the said--- Fredk. Pavitt has this day filedMn the, : above Court a written acceptance under his hand.of the office of creditors’.trustee. Dated this 2lst day of December, 188(3. ’’ ‘ ,W. MARTIN, L ; Clerk of the Court s E. ;G. Crisp, Solicitor for Debtor. 790