SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Kangaroo, s.s., from Westport. Iris, barque, from Newcastle. Augusta, brigantine, from Bluff. To-day. Waitaki, s.s., from Wellington. Penguin, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Lyttelton, p.s., for Timaru. Wild Wave, schooner, for Pelorus Sound. Advance, schooner, for D’Urville’s Island.' , Elizabeth Conway, schooner, for Wel lington. ' Saxon, schooner, . for D’Urville’s Island. Saucy Lass, schooner, for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS

Port Chalmers, Yesterday.

Arrived—Beautiful Star, from West port ; Adieu, from Greymouth ; Hawea, from the North. Sailed —Emily, for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, report on the pro duce markets for the week ending Lecember 22nd as follows :—Wool ; At our auction sales held on the :19th there was a fan attendance of buyers and others interested in the trade. There was brisk competition for all lots offered atup to within on last month’s rates, beyond, which point buyers would not advance ; several lots had consequently to be withdrawn, not reaching owners’ reserves. At the salerooms oh the following day the same disinclination to operate up to the level of former rates was very apparent, and for many lols of heavy cross breds there was little or no competition. From Dunedin we learn that the opening sales of the season passed off with spirit, but at an average decline of %d in crossbreds, and id on merinos, compared with the opening rates of last season. Melbourne advices report crowded attendances at the sales and brisk competition, but such .high rates were not lulling, owing to the inferior condition of the parcels offering.—Sheepskins : There was a good attendance at the usual Thursday’s sales, and notwithstanding the quantities of wool taken by fellmongers during the past few weeks, biddings came freely. Prices were generally on a par with late rates, but for batchers’ heavy crossbreds and pelts a slight reduction mast be noted. We submitted a nicely assorted catalogue, for which the follow ing prices were obtained—Butchers’ crossbreds, large, 5s 8d to S s 6d ; second quality, 4s 8d to 5& ?d ; merinoes, large, Ss 6d to 6s 4d ; second quality, 4s id to 4s ild. Country crossbreds were quitted at 2s 8d to $s gd, and merinoes 2s 3d to 6s 6d. Pelts made up to is 3d, and and lambskins were quitted at is to is yd.— Hides.: There is no improvement to note in the demand ; 4d is now full market rate, and this we obtained for all sent forward. —Tallow: The demand is fairly brisk. For hard clean mutton 27s is current down to 19s for badly saved. Rough fat commands to The latter figure was obtained by us for all forward.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, December 26. Mr J. Ivess, at Grange Farm, Furniture ; 12 o’clock. Saturday, December 31. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Leasehold Property ; 1.30 p.m. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.80 p.m. Tuesday, January 3. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards —Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Monday, December 26. Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering. Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races and Sports ; first event at 11 a.m. Wakanui Annunl Races and_Sgorts.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1881. Christmas.

TOWN EDITION. [.lssued at 430 p. m..j

Christmas is upon us once more; ere another issue of this journal ap pears, Christmas Day, iBBx, will have become a thing of the past. And so, in accordance with a time honored cus tom, we take up the pen to say a few words anent the season. Not, we fear, that we can say anything that is very original bn the subject; like those of Love and Spring, the topic has, we know, been handled by other writers before us, and has (this is between our-! selves) become the least bit in the world threadbare. But still we feel that to allow our jolly white-bearded rubicond visaged old friend to make his re-appearance amongst us without so much as “good day to you,” would be to slight him. No, he is very welcome indeed, and if we cannot (on account of the day) do everything we could wish to celebrate his arrival to-morrow, why we will make up : for it on Monday, when we hope to drink his health with three times three. Half the pleasure of a thing lies, we are told, in its associations, and while we eat our beef and plum pudding here in this Britain of the South, our thoughts are bound to wander back to that tight little island, 16,000 miles away, and the Christmas past and gone when we ate our Christmas dinner and told our Christmas stories with those whom we are perhaps never destined to mix with again. But still we shall not forget them, and they assuredly will not forget us. Our way of spending Christmas to be sure, will differ somewhat from theirs. If they have what is called “an old-fashioned Christmas,” they may have a snowy Christmas Day, with a nipping east wind, and a leaden sky, frozen ponds, with the hoar-frost whiten ing garden plots and bed-room win dows. And then overcoats and in fluenzas will be in the ascendant. Well, ice and snow and blazing fires are very pleasant things to read about, but after all, perhaps a sunny day, with a bit of blue sky and the meadows gay with spring flowers (common though they be), and bright green foliage are better, we have the best of the bargain always provided that there is no nor’- wester blowing. However, Christmas anywhere and everywhere is a cheery time to the Englishman. But while we are making preparations to enjoy “ the festive season,” and are laying in stores of good things in honor of it, let us not altogether forget those who are less fortunately circumstanced than ourselves. Within a stone’s throw of our doors, or many of them, is an insti tution filled with old people whose brightest Christmases have passed away for ever, and to whom the return of the season brings little joy, and but serves to awaken, with not a few of them, sad associations rather than pleasurable ones, for it must recall other Christmases long gone by, and spent under far different circumstances. We allude to the inmates of the Old Men’s Home. Several of the towns people have generously sent donations of Christmas . cheer to the Horae, and it is to be hoped that their example will be widely followed, in order that

the poor old fellows may participate in the good things of the season. Well, we have said enough. Let us wind up by wishing each and every one of our readers a very MERRY" CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

The Author op the Prize Story.— We have the permission of the author of “ The Nabob’s Mistake,” our prize Christ mas story, to disclose his name—Mr E. J. Collins. His motto, Non sum quaUs eram, was chosen because, although now a school master, he was formerly a journalist in the North Island. Newlands. —The farmers have com menced to cut the oats at Newlands. We are glad to hear that ,despite the dryness of the season and the high winds recently experienced, the crops are generally look ing well in the above locality, j Challenge. —Some difference of opinion jhaving existed between two local citizens ‘as to the merits of bread turned out by two rival bakers, a batch from the re ispective ovens was judged this morning by Mr George Wilcocks for one party, ; and Mr George Eagle for the opposing tradesman. The result, we are informed, was in favor of the gentleman who has dubbed bimself “ Free Trade,” and the amount of the stake being L 5, the suc cessful competitor is, as may be imagined, 'exultant over his victory. I The Big Gooseberry Season. — For several.seasons past, several of the garden tiers in the vicinity of Ashburton have grown some enormous gooseberries, and so much interest has been shown this year with regard to the subject, that a friendly competition is now to take place, and the champion gooseberry grower of the County will, next Saturday week, be published in these columns. Christmas Cheer. —Mr A. Thiele, of the Triangle, gives a pressing invitation in ianother column, to visitors round town to ;night, to have a look at his shop window, jwhere all sorts of Christmas cheer is ex b ibited.

: Earthquakes. —A slight shock of earth quake was experienced in the Empire City yesterday morning at 7 o’clock. By telegraph to-day we learn that another and a much heavier shock was felt at the same place at nine minutes to 11 last night. The latter shock was of long duration, accompaniedr by a rumbling noise, and the direction north and south. The Grand National. —A meeting was held yesterday at Messrs Saunders Brother’s Buildings, to consider the ad visableness of holding the Grand National at Ashburton. Messrs Lindsay and Clulee, who were present, and represented the Grand National Club, have gone to select a suitable course. The Obnoxious Act. —A public meet ing, convened by the Mayor, was held at Wellington last night, to discuss the question regarding the recent fine imposed on Chinamen for playing fan tan. Five hundred persons were present, and the Mayor presided. The following resolu lution was carried :—“ That the circum stances connected with the first conviction under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881, which took place on the 22nd November, are of that peculiar character that in the opinion of this meeting they should be brought under the notice of the Government.” It was also decided to petition his Excellency, praying for the remission the fine inflicted by the Bench, and' a deputation was appointed to wait upon the Minister for Justice to furnish any further information that may be required. Suicide. —A gum-digger named Joseph Smith hung himself at Kaukapakapa, Auckland, recently. Wanted, an Owner. —The present is rather an unlucky time of the year for a goose to lose itself, and we anticipate the honest manager of the gasworks will have many applicants to-night for the strayed bird advertised .elsewhere.

Our Heathen. —At an inquest at Dunedin yesterday, a boy aged 14, who was a witness, stated that he could neither read nor write, and was unaware of the existence of the Bible, and had never been taught a prayer. The Holidays.— The express train this morning consisted of fifteen carriages and three trucks, drawn by two large engines, and conveyed a very large number of ex cursionists through Ashburton en route to Dunedin, Invercargill, . and the Lakes The reasonable fares will make these ex cursions very popular, as it places within the reach of most people ; a cheap and pleasant holiday trip during this festive season. We hope the Government will have similar advantages given to those who take their holidays at Easter instead of Christmas. A number of Ashburton residents left by this train to spend their holidays, and it is expected a large number will leave by the special this evening. Many, also, have gone north, and intend visiting the older settled districts of North Canterbury. ‘ The Explosion in Wellington.— At the inquest yesterday on the body of Mrs Anthony, who was killed by an explosion on Wednesday, no further particulars beyond these which have already appeared in our columns were elicited, except that Dr Diver’s theory was that Mrs Anthony was scraping out the mortar with some hard instrument, and so caused the ignition and explosion. A verdict was returned of “ Accidental Death,” and the following rider was added : —“ That the attention of the Government be called to the fact of largo quantities of dangerously explosive powder being mixed up in the city and sold, : without any steps being taken to regulate or limit such sale. ”

Mayfield. —A correspondent sends us the following:—“ The inhabitants of May field will be lost now for a place to hold water-race meetings, as there is no more preaching about here, the minister having left. It used to be the principal topic of conversation before going into church and the first thing after coming out. They talk about “ water on the brain” being a dangerous complaint, but when people get a water-race on the brain I think it is time to get a doctor, either an M.D. or a D.D. in the district, especially when the com plaint has got so bad that it cannot be let alone on Sunday during divine service. The Road Board sittings are all done standing, and that on Sunday too. There are some go to the front to sing, but I don’t know whether their thoughts arc about singing, or preaching, or water-race I have seen and heard so much of this that I think it my duty to remind them of it.”,

The Sweepstake Prosecutions. After the decision of the Wellington Bench yesterday in the sweepstake prose cutions, notice of appeal was lodged in all the cases. The legal points aaised by the defence were :—lst. That the defendants were not partners in any known legal in terpretation of the word as used in the 18th and 19th clauses of the Act ; that the partnership referred to was evidently that of persons who promoted a sweep for a consideration of profit, sharing the profits or loss as a matter of business. 2nd. That the sections of the Act referred to evidently contemplated others than the partners in the sweep, as they expressly referred to those who hold tickets or were assured prizes. 3rd. That the whole policy of the Act was to put down organised and professional gambling, not to interfere with private amusement, and that the legal definition of gambling was play to excess, not the mere act of playing a game, even for money. During the hearing of the case it transpired that the informant, Detective Chrystal, had actually held the hat while the tickets were being drawn. An information was, therefore, immediately laid against Ohrys tal for assisting in the affair.

Journalistic. —Mr J. M. Twomey, one time agent for the Press Co. in Ashburton, has purchased the Temnka Leader. An improvement is certainly noticeable in its columns, and we hope the new proprietor will meet with every success. The Christchurch Caledonian Gather ing.—The programme of events: at the above Society s gathering, to be held at Lancaster Park, 011 2nd January, is pub lished in this issue.

Libel. —James Bary Simpson, formerly teacher at the native school, Ahipara (Auckland), has been committed for trial for criminal libel on Mr Eeid, postmaster, Ahipara. The libel was an accusation of opening letters. A Crop por Sale. —A preliminary an nouncement, with reference to the sale of 880 acres standing crop of wheat, appears in this issue.

The Southern Runs. —A public meet ing on the land question, called by the Trades and Labor Council, was held at the Princes Theatre, Dunedin, last night. About 300 were present; Mr W. D. Stewart in the chair. Messrs Stout, Pyke, M. W. Green, and Bracken, were the principal speakers. A resolution was carried urging the Government to post pone re-leasing the runs until the whole question of dealing with the pastoral lands of Otago was further considered by Par liament ; also expressing concurrence with the resolutions come to by the conference of M. H. R’s. The Wellington Personation Case. —The Hon. C. J. Pharazyn was yesterday committed for trial on a charge of plural voting at the recent election for Thorn don. Bail was allowed, his own recog nisance of L 5. The Bench stated that they were perfectly satisfied with the ex planation given by Mr Pharazyn, but they felt bound to send the case to a higher court, as the question of fact was one for a jury. The correspondent of a contem pory writes : —Accused, who is over eighty years old, behaved with great eccentricity, and flatly refused the assistance of counsel, and insisted on con ducting his own case. He also disdain fully rejected the offer of a chair on the floor of the Court, and persisted in stand-

ing in the prisoners’ dock like a common “ drunk,” declining even a seat in the dock." He made a rambling statement in

defence, and wound up with an irrelevant attack on the press generally, apropos of nothing at all. He created great amuse ment by reciting imaginary articles and telegrams which he declared would appear in the New Zealand papers setting forth and commenting on his delinquencies. Christmas Cake. —lf you want a good substantial Christmas cake, give “ Free Trade ” (otherwise called R. Lancaster) a turn.— [Advt.] Christmas Cheer. —Those who require Xmas cheer are invited to take a tour through Mr Thomas Taylor’s premises, in East street. — Advt.

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Settled. London, Dec. 21. The claim against the ship Pareora for salvage has been settled by the owner paying L 2,000 to the owners of the tug which towed the vessel back to the Thames after she had slipped her cables in the Downs. The amount claimed was L-5,c00. Ship Ashore.

The ship Waipa, bound from Lyttel ton to London, is ashore at Dunkirk, on the northern coast of France. The vessel is believed to be seriously in jured, and is now full of water. Monetary and Commercial. London, Dec. 22. Consols have advanced to The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is Ln,250,000. The Bank rate of discount remains at 5 per cent; market rate, New Zealand securities are unchanged at the following quotations:—Five per Cent. 10-40 Loan, 104; Five per Cent. 1889 Loan, 104 ; Four and a Half per Cent. 1879-1904 Loan, Ade laide wheat, ex warehouse, remains at 565; New Zealand ditto, 52s ; Ade laide flour, ex store, 41s 6d. Aus tralian tallow —best beef, 39s 6d ; best mutton, 44s 6d. Shifted His Quarters- Owing to ill-health, Mr Parnell has been removed from Kilmainham gaol to the gaol at Armagh. Dissatisfied Landlords. A largely attended meeting of land lords has been held at Dublin, at which resolutions were passed condemning the Land Act, and setting forth the inten tion of the meeting to demand com pensation from the State for losses incurred through the carrying out of provisions of the law. Could’nt Agree. The projected International Ex change at Dublin has been abandoned in consequence of the disputes which have arisen between the members of the Executive Committee, in regard to the proposal to ask the Queen’s patron age. Released. Kettle, a prominent Leaguer, who was arrested in May last, has been re leased from custody, owing to continued ill-health. Seizure of Arms.

A seizure of thirty rifles and fifty re volvers was made to-day by the. police at Limerick. Treading on a Big Man’s Toes. Constantinople, Dec. 22 Mr O’Donovan, formerly correspon dent of the London Daily News with the Russian expedition to Merv, has been arrested here for publicly slander ing the Sultan. The Franco-Tunisian Treaty. Rowe, Dec. 22. In the Chamber of Deputies to-day, Signor Mancini, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a statement to the effect that the Italian Government would not recognise the treaty con cluded between the Bey of Tunis and France, and was carefully watching the action of the latter country in Tunis. England, Signor Mancini added, has tacitly accepted the Franco-Tunisian treaty.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Smallpox. Sydney, Yesterday Another case of smallpox has been reported to the Health Board from Woolloomooloo. The Wakatipu. Sydney, To-day. Sailed—This afternoon, steamship Wakatipu, for Wellington. Progressing Favorably. The small-pox patients at the Sana torium are progressing favorably. For What it is Worth. -Brisbane, To-day. It is rumored to-day that Sir A.

Palmer, Colonial Secretary, has been offered the position of the President of the Legislative Council, vacant by the death of Sir Joshua Bell.

The Markets; Adelaide, Yesterday. Wheat, per bushel, 4s 8d; town flour, per ton, Lll ss; country brands, Lio 10s. Freights to the United Kingdom, from Adelaide, 52s 6d; ditto, from outports, 555. England v. South Australia. The cricket match between the English team and fifteen of South Australia was commenced here to-day. The local team went first to the wickets, and when stumps were drawn for the day they had put together 194 runs for a loss of seven wickets. The atten dance on the ground was only moder ate. A Depressing Item. Melbourne, Yesterday. New Zealand oats are very depressed; feeding is quoted at 2s ud; milling sorts at 3s id. Home for the Holidays.

The Victorian Parliament will be prorogued to-morrow (Saturday) by Commission.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] The Prophet and his People. New Plymouth, To-day.

The: Urenui correspondent of the Taranaki Herald writes:—“ I hear that Te Whiti, through his son (who visited his father in gaol), has ordered all the natives back to Parihaka. The natives who gave me this information cannot say whep, they are to go back, but it is evi dent that Te Whiti is in communication with his people.”

A Patron of Sport. Wellington, To-day,

The Government have received the fol lowing telegram from Auckland : —“ Taw haio writes that he is coming to Alexan dria, to act as judge at the sports and races on Monday next. A Big Purchase. Dunedin, To-day. Mr G. M. Bell has purchased the Wai mea station, with 5,000 acres adjoining, for L 50,000.

CHRISTMAS CHEER, 1881.

Following the time-honored chstom, the principal shops in the town were fairly decorated with evergreens this morn ing, and the display of all the good things usually required for “jolly” Christmas, were fully up to those of former years. In the butcher’s shops some splendid car cases of all kinds, and small goods, etc., were displayed, and which towards the afternoon appeared to diminish with re markable rapidity, evidencing that a very large business must have been done during the day. As there was no prize offered for the best display of meat the butchers did not take much interest in getting up such a good show as the size of the town warranted. We hope that next year a prize will be offered by the Pastoral Association, so that our butchers may vie with each other and give us a really good display. In Timaru, Oamaru, and Christchurch some splendid displays of meat have been made by the principal butchers in these places. In the grocery goods Mr Andrew Orr and Messrs Orr and Co. had the usual creature comforts, arranged in a most tempting manner, not for show alone, however, as there were indications of a very large business being done during the day. Messrs Friedlander Bros, had also a capital display of everything nice and cheering. The bakers and confectioners were also to the fore, Mr Thomas Taylor and that interesting individual “Free Trade” ap parently doing all they could to supply the enormous demand for Christmas cakes and bread, which country as well as towns people require at this season of the year. Mr Thiele displays, in prolific abundance, Christmas and presentation cakes, but any attempt to describe the very excellent manner in which a quantity of other seasonable delicacies are shown would certainly bo beyond our descriptive powers. Mr E-anger shows a number of dainty edibles, some of which are of most grotesque design; and in Mr R. Alcorn’s grocery shop window are evident signs of the energetic proprietor not having for gotten the visit of Father Christmas. Loungers around the shops of Mr Davison and his neighbor, Mr Randell, at the Town Hall, certainly secured to-day the most pleasurable locality, for, besides the immense quantity of fruits and green groceries displayed, the immediate vici nity of the above shops was redolent with the perfume of flowers. The fruiterers also have excellent displays of the most tempting of fruits, including grapes, strawberries, and cherries, and will pro bably find that their stocks will be con siderably lessened before to-night. Taking all the other stores and shops doing busi ness here, the displays of Christmas cheer for 1881, are very creditable indeed for Ashburton, and no one can complain, we feel sure, at the quality of the goods of fered. We must not forget to mention that the hotels were also very nicely de corated, the Somerset, being most pro fusely adorned with all kinds of ever greens. -.

A WIPE AND QUEEN.

It is generally believed that in India women are little better than domestic slaves ;■ but a recent event in the Burmese Court at Mandalay shows that King Thee baw has at last found his match, and a woman who can assert the rights of her sex. The Queen was recently confined of her third child, which proved a daughter. Now, King Theebaw desires to have an heir to the throne, and he resolved there fore, like Napoleon, to provide himself with another wife. Indeed, he bettered Napoleon, for he took two new wives, one of them the granddaughter of the Kan- Pat-Menghee, and the other the daughter of a minor official. The Quean soon heard of this, and, as she was unable to go to the King, she sent him a peremptory order to pub away his new wives at once. King Theebaw replied that he should do nothing of the kind, that ho was tired of Her Majesty, inasmuch as she only pre sented him with daughters, and that he was determined to free himself from her control and to be a real king. Seven or eight days were spent in angry messsges ; but at the end of that time, the Queen left her apartments and went to those of the King. Arrived there, she seized the monarch, carried him off to her own rooms, and locked him up with the baby. She then went off and attended to affairs of State, her first act being to cast the two new wives into prison, and to have them heavily manacled.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE REV. A. W HANDS IN EX PLANATION.

To the Editor. Sir,—l think it only just that the parents of the Borough School should know that I had.explained to Mr J. Ward the reason why 1 was unable to examine the school children, and Mr Ward could have explained my absence to Mr St. Hill had ho chosen to do 50,... It was from,

no lack of interest in the school that I was absent, but pastoral work among the sick and other parish work made it im possible for me to undertake the examina tion without neglecting far more impor tant work.—l am, &c., A. W. Hands.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1881.



IJIHE ACID CURE. F. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma'ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc. May be obtained from Mackay Bbos, Manchester street, South, Christ church, Wholesale and Retail, or from Mr Thomas Collins, Main South Road, Timaru. AN AGENT WANTED FOR ASH BURTON. 734 c Christmas Presents AND NEW YEAR’S GIFTS. JUST Received, a Choice Assortment of Christmas and New Year Cards, Dolls, Humming Tops, and Shell Goods in great variety. Letts’ Diaries for 1882 ; Family Reader (div. 42); Boys’ Standard (new series) ; Latest Novelties in Pipes. F. CLARK, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Montgomery’s Buildings. 319 d "PIANOS, ORGANS, MUSIC, Etc., AND Instruments of every kind from 10 GUINEAS to 100 on DEFERRED PAYMENTS, OPENING New Premises THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th, Tancbeo Street, near Orr & Co’s. H. J. WEEKS, (Agent for C. Beoo and Co), MUSIC SELLER. 693 d John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. JSasj Chairs, Couches, English and Chairs, Single and Double Iron and Wood Bedsteads. All kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and Oilcloth. A large assortment of Repps and Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of furniture from Ll 3 and upwards. All kinds of furniture re-covered and repaired at the very lowest prices. ■ All work guaranteed and completed at the shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, and highest prices given for second-hand fmitdxe. .Note address-Cheapest House m Ashburton, opposite Mail Office, Burnett • 3166



Wanted. ■\X7" ANTED—-A gc *V Apply, Cameron atteet '*■ A good BLACKSMITH, and Gray’s Works, 532 d WANTED— A good HOUSEMAID. Apply at once, at Butler’s Family' Hotel. 426 d WANTED— A practical UPHOL STERER. One accustomed to polishing preferred. Apply, J. Meech, Cabinetmaker. 420 d WANTED— A GIRL, between 14 and 16 years of age, to attend to children and do light house work. Apply for address. Office of this Paper. 386 d \IC7"ANTED Two MACHINES, to VV Thresh Nine Hundred (900) Acres of \Vheat each. Tenders will be received by the undersigned till 7th JANUARY, 1882. Machine to find all men. 429 d H. T. WINTER. WANTED— TENDERS for CUTTING 68 acres of wheat with a string binder, and ■ Stocking. Carting, and, Stacking the same. The stacks to be built where ■ directed. Tenders to be sent in not later than MONDAY, 2nd January, addressed to J. Stanley Bruce, Elgin. 405 d WANTED KNOWN—Before pur chasing your Christmas and pre sentation CAKES, please give Mr Thomas Taylor, the Baker and Confectioner, of East street, a call, and inspect his really fine display of Cakes and Confectionery. 419 d WANTED KNOWN— Mrs Hender son, Dressmaker, Burnett street, near Catholic Church. Ladies’ Dresses made from 5s fid. Apprentices Wanted. 306 d WANTED KNOWN—During the < Miristmas Season, PUIEDLaNDER .BROS. ;u’o soiling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUI T, Currants, fiid ; Elemes, 7d ; Sultanas, Sd ; Candied Peel, Is fid ; Best Butter, fid; and General Groceries equally cheap for Cash. 318 d 7" ANTED KNOWN— Christmas and V . New Year Cards— Just arrived, the Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, including Scented Satchels and Fringed Cards. — L. F. Andrewes, Book seller and Stationer, East street South, Ashburton. 766 c Special Advertisements.



mHE BEST VALUE FOR READY X MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can he purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the very best for ready money. Ashburton Branch : East Street. W. SPARROW, 692 c Branch Manager.



The compliments of the SEASON. Heads of Families, and all who wish to obtain suitable articles for Christmas Presents AND NEW YEAR’S GIFTS Are respectfully invited to inspect the unrivalled assortment of Toys, Fancy Goods, Christmas and New Year’s Cards, etc., just opened up by the undersigned. Also STATIONERY. Plain and Fancy Note Paper and Enve lopes, Account and Memorandum Books, School Books, etc. An extensive stock to select from. Schools liberally dealt with. H. M. Jones, EAST STREET AND BARING SQUARE, Pianos, Organs, Harmoniums, and all kinds of Musical Instruments on Deferred Payments. A quantity of SHEET MUSIC very cheap. Lowest Prices for Cash. 293 d



TJ D. MONK’S ’ ORIENTAL BILLIARD AND REFRESHMENT SALOON is NOW OPEN DAILY. Tables by Alcock and Thurston of the highest quality. Carved in solid walnut. Come and see one of the FINEST BILLIARD SALOONS In the Colony. FLEMING’S BUILDINGS, TRIANGLE Next A. Wilson, Tobacconist, 25c Christchurch.



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, 6.8. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Pair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a* Back from the front.—The scare at Parihaka is over; our vo lunteers have proved themselves equal to the occasion, and although no fighting was done, they were the “ boys” to do it had it been required; a brush with the “ blackfellows ” was what they went for. Nevertheless they did a good deal of hard tramping up hill and down dale; and the astonishing fact is that most of them, having been provided with STOUT BOOTS from C. HAWKINS’ never-to-be excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came back with their “ understandings” nearly as good as when they left this go-ahead little township. Try C. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c



NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANT (LIMITED). AN AGENCY has this day been OPENED at Ashburton, with Mr Walter B. Moss in charge. TEMPORARY OFFICE — CORNER OF WEST AND HAVE LOCK STREETS. JOHN COOKE, Manager. Christchurch, October 1,1881. 782 c



Special Advertisements. i THE will be prepat ed, dutdn^%*e ; season, to supply the following articles'yvt the lowest rates: — reapers and'Sinkers EXTRAS for DO. BINDING WIRE CORN SACKS TURNIP and RAPE SEEDS PLOUGH SHARES And all kinds of Agricultural Imple ments. FREDK. PA VITT, Coen Merchant, &c., Ashbueton. Agent for John Anderson, Canterbury Foundry, Chiistchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, Importers of Agricultural Imple ments. Christchurch; and Agent for the United Insurance Company. 150 d H is LORDSHIP’S LARDER. THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE WORLD WHERE A GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK, AND A GLASS OF BASS’ ENGLISH ALE Can be obtained FOR ONE SHILLING. THE BEST MENU TO CHOOSE FROM IN CHRISTCHUBCH. Unequalled Accommodation for Ladies. Dinners, Banquets, Ball Suppers, Wedding Breakfasts, and Picnics pro vided for, in the very best possible style. W. H. MESSENGER, 360 d Purveyor. Q N S A L E. Scott Bros, celebrated GRASS STRIP PER. Immediate delivery. POYNTZ & CO., 422 d Ashburton. ■ Q N S A L E; A few of Walter A. Wood’s Improved TWINE BINDERS & HARVESTERS. Several of these machines are working in the County, and giving every satisfac tion. POYNTZ, & CO., Agents, 423 d Ashburton.



E A YIN a ASHBURTON. Will on Saturday, December 3, commence A GREAT CLEARING SALE Of their new and well-selected Stock of GENERAL DRAPERY, And to effect a speedy clearance will, in addition to the already very low prices, offer,, as an extra inducement, a DISCOUNT OF TEN PER CENT. The Shop To Let. The Fixtures, Fit tings, &c., For Sale. GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVERETT BROS.



Crowded Out. —R. McKerrow and Co. ’s letter will appear on Monday. Our Uncles. —lt is estimated that the pawnbrokers of the United Kingdom — 4,372 in number—take in during a single year no fewer than 200,000,000 pledges. This calculation is founded upon a curious return made by 731 pawnbrokers in the principal towns of England, whose busi ness during last year was represented by a little over 32,500,000 pledges. Of these, the pledges since proved to have been stolen were, we are assured, only 1 in 14,000. These 32,500,000 transactions gave rise to 1,887 cases in the police courts, involving the giving into custody 450 persons. The total number of these pledges given up was 2,311, valued at LI,OBO. In 730 cases the pawnbrokers had themselves given information which led to detection.



[For continuation of reading matter see first page.] Late Advertisements. Grand Caledonian and ath letic GATHERING, To take place at LANCASTER PARK, CHRIST CHURCH, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1882. Committee —J. Anderson, jun., James Campbell, 0. C. Oorfe, P. Cunningham, F. W. Hales, P. Hunt, A. R. Kirk, Major Lean, W. R. Mitchell, A. M. Olliver, Struan Robertson, F. N. Robinson, A. Cracroft Wilson, E. 0. J. Stevens, Dr Mcßean Stewart, R. Sutherland, H. A. Watt, F. Wilding, J. Wilkin. PROGRAMME OP EVENTS. (Open to all comers.) Value op Prizes.



1. 100 yards 2. 120 yards Handi cap 3. 440 yards Handi cap 4. 120 yards Hurdle Handicap 5. One Mile Hurdle Handicap 6. High Jump 7. Long Jump 8. Two mile Walk ing Race Handi cap 9. Throwing the Hammer (161bs), Mr Sutherland’s Cup, value 10. Highland Fling (in costume) 11. Reel of Tulloch (in costume) 12. International Tug of War 13. Wrestling, Border style 14. Putting the Stone (161bs) 16. Pipe Music (Pi brochs and Mar ches) OK Whisky Trophy, Cup given by Messrs R. Wilkin & Co., value 16. Tossing the Caber 17. Pipe Music (Reels Strathspeys) O K Whisky Trophy, Cup given by Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., value... 18. Sword Dance, or Ghillie Callum ; open to residents in Canterbury only. First prize £2, and O. K. Whisky Trophy, Cup given by Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., value £5 5s 19. Irish Jig 20. Best Dressed .S .S h 5 ® S £ 5 s. £ s. 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 10 3 0 10 502 0 1 0 44 2 0 3 0 10 53 2 0 75 2 0 3 0 10 •"■to 3rd 0 » Prize.



Highlander ... 5 0 21. One Mile By cicle Handicap... 5 0 2 0 1 0 22. Five Mile By cicle Handicap... 5 0 2 0 1 0 23. Band Competi tion 12 0 8 0 5 0 The sports will commence at 11 a.m. sharp. The order of the various events will be published in the Returning Card on SATURDAY, the 31st instant. The Rules of the Canterbury Atheletic Club will be obsrved so far as applicable to the Programme. The Committe reserve right of postpon ing the gathering in case of wet weather. In the event of such postponement no claim for expenses incurred by intending competitors will be recognised, and no entrance fee will be returned. The Tug of War Prize will be com-* peted for by teams of ten men, represent ing different nationalities, to be chosen on the ground. No Second Prize will be given for any event for which less than three com pete, nor any Third Prize where less than four compete. The entrance fee to the Band Competi tion will be ss, to every other event 2s 6d. All entries must be made in writing to the Hon. Secretary, Mr J. A. Caygill, Lewis and Gould’s Buildings, or Box 25, P. 0., Christchurch, on or before THURS DAY, the 29th December, by 5 o’clock p.m. No entry will be received without the entrance fee, and colors must be de clared at the same time. The Committee reserve to themselves the right of taking post entries for any event except the Handicaps, and of mak ing any alteration in the Programme or Rules they may deem desirable. Admission to the ground—One Shilling. Meetings. ELECTION. MR WASON’S COMMITTEE will meet at the Central Cimmittee Rooms on MONDAY, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m. S. E. POYNTZ, 425 d Clerk to Committee. wttt'AKANUI ROAD DISTRICT The ANNUAL MEETING of RATE PAYERS will take place at Moffat s Mill, on JANUARY sth, 1882. Business —



To receive Balance-Sheet, etc. , &nd to Elect Two Members in the room of Messrs James Brown and David Wilson, who retire by rotation, but are eligible for re-election. A Poll, mediately at 5 p.m. if required, will be taken im after the nomination, and close 0. 0. FOOKS, Returning Officer. District Office, Dec. 17th, 1881. 373



Meetings jyj-OUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD. The ANNUAL MEETING of Rate payers will be held at the Road Board Office, Methven, at 11 a.m. on THURS DAY, the sth day of January, 1882, to Elect Two Members in the place of Edward Chapman and John Avia Pannett, who retire by rotation, but Who are eligible for re-election. Nominations will be received up to 12 o’clock noon. A Poll, if demanded, will be taken on Wednesday, the 11th January, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Schoolhouse, Barrhill, and at the Road Board Office, Methven. W. B. COMPTON, 402 d Returning Officer. QOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD. ANNUAL ELECTION. In hereby give notice, in pursuance of the Canterbury Road Board Ordinance and the Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876, that an ELECTION of TWO MEMBERS of the South Rakaia Road Board, in the place of David Gordon, Holmes and John Lambie, who retire by rotation and are eligible for re-election, will be held on THURSDAY, the sth day of January, 1882, at the Road Board Office, South Rakaia. Nominatians must be in the form prescribed in schedule 2 of the Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876, must be addressed to the Returning Officer, and delivered at the Road Board Office, South Rakaia, before noon on Wed- 1 nesday, the 28th day of November, 188 L A. MAKEIG, 389 d Returning Officer. J>ANGITATA ROAD DISTRICT. The ANNUAL MEETING of RATE i PAYERS will be held at the Lismore Schoolroom, at 11 a. m. on TUESDAY, • January 3rd, 1882, and an ELECTION , to fill the vacancies caused by the retire: . ment by ballot of Messrs Trevor, and; ■ Morrow (who are eligible for re-election) . will be held immediately afterwards, and the Poll, if necessary, taken between 12 noon and 4 p.m. on same day. . J. C. BELL, Clerk to the Board. 20th Dec., 1881. 381 d QOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD. ANNUAL MEETING OF RATE j PAYERS. ) I hereby give notice that the Annual General Meeting of Ratepayers will be ) held at the Road Board Office, South’ Rakaia, on WEDNESDAY, the 28th day ? ) of Dec., 1881, at 10 a.m. ) Business: — .. To receive Report and Statement of > Accounts for the year. C. N. MACKIB, 417 d Chairman, f r ) Amusements- T OWN HALL BOXING NIGHT, MONDAY, DECEMBER 26th, iBBx. Will be produced by the DRAMATIC COMPANY, The great Comic Drama of NAN THE GOOD-FOR-NOTHING To conclude with Morton’s grand Farce of BETSY BAKER AND HER SIXTEEN SISTERS, As performed at the Royal Princess’ Theatre, London. Admission —3s, 2s, Is. Doors open at 7.30, commence at 8. 418 d



Found. STRAYED into the Gasworks yards, a GOOSE. Owner can have same by giving description and paying for this ad vertisement. Apply on the Works. Pacu Notices. R. Ashburton oou nt y council. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. ~, The County Council’s Offices will. CLOSE to all business on the 24th De-. cember, 1881, at Ip.m., until 3rd Janu ary, 1882, at 10 a.m. By order. !’ F. MAIN WARING, Clerk. Ashburton, December 19, 1881. -374 d Ashburton council. COUNTY SLAUGHTER-HOUSE LICENSES. Notice is hereby given that those per- ; sons wishing to obtain Renewal Licenses for 1882 should apply to the Council be fore WEDNESDAY, the 4th January,, 1882, the Council’s next sitting. By order. F. MAINWARING, Clerk. ;f Ashburton, December 19,1881. 375 d ./a SHBURTON BOROUGH CQUN-V ' \ cil. EXTRAORDINARY VACANCY. An Extraordinary Vacancy in the' Ashburton Borough Council having occurred in consequence of the Election of Councillor Williamson, to the office of Mayor, I hereby give notice that an ELEC TION for ONE PERSON to fill the said vacancy will be held at the Borough;; Council Chamber, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, on WEDNESDAY, the 11th day of January, 1882. Nominations in the form in the second schedule of the “ Regulation, of Local Elections Act, 1886,” will be re ceived at the Town Clerk’s Office, till 12 o’clock noon, on THURSDAY, the 29th day of December, instant. Forms of Nomination can be obtained at the Council’s office. CHARLES BRADDELL, Returning Officer. Borough Council Office, J '■ 21st Dec., 1881. ,396d< UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. RATES. The Clerk will attend at Mr D. Williamson’s Store to Collect Bates on Every Saturday, from 12 o’clock until 4 p. m. No further notice will be given. By order. ROBT. D. PULLAR, 268 d Clerk. THE undersigned having Disposed of his Business, requests that all CLAIMS against him will be sent in on or before the Ist January, and all AO-, COUNTS due to the same be PAID on the above date; otherwise, will be sued without further notice. Temporary Office Next door to brick buildings, Tancred street. Days of attendance Tuesdays and Saturdays. 380 d JOHN FOWLER. BONES. —Wanted Known, that Mx F. Mayo, is a Cash Purchaser of Bones in any quantity, at £3 per ton. Address, F. Ma y o, Hampstead j Bone Mills. 8840