SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Torea, schooner, for Kaipara. Examiner, barque, from Greymouth. Yesterday. Vision, brig, from Kaipara, Thames, ketch, from Peloms Sound. Cleopatra, brigantine, from Greymouth. Lyttelton, p.s., from Timaru. Sailed. Saturday. Penguin, s s., for Wellington. Magellan Cloud, brigantine, for Kai para. Waitaki, s P s., for Dunedin. Fawn, brig, for Sydney.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Tuesday, December 27. 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—Dorses ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, January 3. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock. Thursday, January 5. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Farm Stock and Plant. Tuesday, January 10. Messrs J. T. Ford & Co., at the Spread Eagle Hotel—Farm Stock and Imple ments.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-night, Monday, December 26. Amateur Dramatic Club, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races and Sports ; first event at 11 a.m. Wakanui Annunl Races and Sports. Tuesday, January 3. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, January 4 County Council, at the Comity Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock. Thursday, January 5. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street L.O.L.—Monthly Meeting, Templar Hall.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1881. The Salvation Army.

Within the last few years an organisa tion, which is now stated to number some 12,000 officers, has a fund of nearly 1,9,000, and reckons its income at something like L 60,000, has sprung up in the Old Country, and is likely to cause a great deal of annoyance, if not disgust,, at the follies enacted at many of its proceedings. Indeed to such an extent has this Salvation Army indulged in coarse and vulgar profanity, that the Home Secretary has been obliged to issue proclamations for bidding processions of any such re ligious bodies throughout the United Kingdom, much to the indignation of the Salvationists in particular. As it may not be generally known where and how this organisation originated, we may state that in 1865 an American gentleman, named Booth, seceded from the Methodist New Connexion, in which body lie was a minister, and and with his wife and family organised a society on entirely unsectarian prin ciples, with the avowed object of rescuing the very lowest of the low in the back slums of cities, and who were out of reach of the normal influences of religion and morality. This family invited young men and women to come forward and help the good cause by enlisting in the Army of Christ under this Mr, or self-styled “ General,” Booth. Like the “ corpse ” to which Artemus Ward belonged, they nomi nated themselves as cadets, captains, lieutenants, majors, etc., but their pro fession was far different. _ These persons commenced operations by singing hymns in the public streets, and, when permitted, frequented the public houses and other haunts of vice, for the purpose of endeavoring to re deem the outcasts of society. How far they have in one way been suc cessful, the few figures at the com mencement of the article will suffice to convince our readers, but what amount of real good is done by these enthusiasts is extremely difficult to arrive at. A few months ago a town or remote village in Great Britain was without nightly performances cf “ Salvationists,” and the various ac counts of the disgraceful scenes which havejoccurred show the extent to which this religious prostitution is carried by this army, and, as a result, an opposition band has been formed calling themselves the “ Skeleton Army.” The natural outcome of all this is, that, as may be expected, when two distinct armies oppose eaeh other there are unseemly melees, peaceful inhabitants are dis turbed, the police and military are called out, and general disturbance is made in otherwise quietly disposed communities. The only way to lessen the disturbances was by prohibiting public processions, and this appears to have had a good effect. It appears, however, that open air meetings are not in any way prohibited and so the various “ captains ” now preside at them instead of parading through the streets with their armies; but we believe their proceedings are too often characterised by scenes that are a dis grace to any civilized nation. A rumor has reached here that a branch of this Salvation Army is about to be established in our own oiony, and in all probability before long we shall not be surprised to witness the spectacle of a number of men and vomen, in marching order, singing hymns with stentorian lungs in the principal streets of our cential cities. They may possibly do good, but in our opinion much more good can be done if they confine their “ preach ing ” to within the four walls of a suitable building, and spend their money in the more legitimate way of paying their individual tradesmen’s ac counts, and not robbing their em ployers. As a matter of fact, it is just amongst the members of these publicly advertising worshippers that that most hateful of beings, the “ hypocritical scoundrel,” is generally unearthed. That he is easily found in such com pany, is a well-known fact to the detec tives, and for this reason, the Army may not be without its uses. Still, we prefer to see such an organisation utilised for a better purpose, and it is a most humiliating fact to find that such large support is given in England to work, which to say the least, can never be effected by a parade of religious feeling, cloaked with such hypocrisy. ,We hope that !

the strongest Measures will be taken to prevent the “ skirmishers ” of the Sal vation Army, ever parading their vir tues in this colony, by means of proces sions in our streets. We have had quite enough of religious processions already. If they come, they must be satisfied with indoor performances, and we hope the Government will speedily take steps to prevent the “ Salvation ists” making any demonstration of such a character in our streets.

To-Day’s Holidays.—To-day was ob served as a close holiday in Ashburton. The chief attraction was the Caledonian Society’s annual sports gathering, a re port of which will be found elsewhere. Numbers found their way to the beach, and would, no doubt, spend a pleasant day “ down by the sad sea waves.” So far as we can learn there have been no accidents to mar the day’s enjoyment, if we except a slight mishap to the trap of Mr Davis, cabinet maker, one of the wheels of his convej ance parting company with the rest of the vehicle.

Dramatic EnTeßtaiNment. —To -night the members of the Dramatic Club will ap pear at the Town Hall, the pieces selected for the occasion being “ Nan, the Good for-Nothing,” and “ Betsy Baker.” Both comedies are well within the range of the Club’s abilities, and we expect to see them done full justice to, and the per formance witnessed by a full house. The Court.—To-day being a Court holiday, there was no business transacted at the Temple of Justice, a few ine briates who had partaken too freely of the cheering clip having to remain in durance vile till to-morrow.

Acknowledgment.— The master of the Hospital desires to return thanks to Drs Trevor and Rosa for a quantity of fruit sent to the Hospital for the patients ; also to Mr Smith, gardener, Wakanui, for fruit and onions.

A Meteor.—About 2.30 on Sunday morning a particularly brilliant meteor was observed. It rose, as it were, at the back of the Court-house, and was of a lovely green tint.

The Borough Scavenger. Com plaints are being made of the very unsatis factory manner in which the scavenging work is being performed just now. At this particularly hot season of the year the Borough Council should enforce the carrying out of this work without delay.

Christmas Decorations at the Churches. St. Stephen’s Church has been prettily decorated in honor of the season. The stem of the font is garlanded with flowers and laurels interwoven, while in it are a number of beautiful lillies and the head of a cabbage tree, The pillars are all prettily decorated with floweis, laurels, and toi-toi grass. The pulpit and reading-desk are covered with green leaves and flowers. The altar is also decorated, and above it is a large cross formed of the feathery part of the toi-toi. Over the chancel is the illumin ated text —“Unto us a child is born; unto ua a son is given.” The text is bordered with leaves and flowers. Over the entrance door inside is the text— ‘ ‘ Glory to God in the highest. Each pew door is decorated, and the whoie presents a very pretty appearance, and reflects great credit on the taste of the ladies who were engaged in the work. The Roman Catholic Chapel is pretily decorated too. The altar looks very nice, and the pillars and windows, etc, are bright with flowers and leaves.

The Year’s Insolvencies. —The num her of declarations of insolvency filed in the Supreme Court of the colony during the year 1880 was 777, the assets in which, as shown by lists and statements filed, amounted in the aggregate to L0G0,525 17a Id, and the liabilities to L 689,428 16s 2d, the deficiency being L 88.902 19s Id,

Leasing Refreshment Rooms. —The railway traffic manager advertisea for ten ders for leasing the railway refreshment rooms at Christchurch, Ashburton, and Studholme junction. Sudden Death. — A Dunedin item states that Captain McDiartnid, of the brigantine Fairlie, from Sydney, died very suddenly on Saturday afternoon. He was having a meal in the cabin, when he sud denly fell forward on his knees and ex pired in a short time. The cause of death was apoplexy.

Accidents and Offences. From Auckland, we learn that a man named Harry Jones was burned to death at Whangapua in a building called the Yankee Restaurant. —Richard Best, for felonously receiving stolen goods from John Arnistein, was sentenced to six months with hard labor.—The police have arrested a man named Frederick Zane, and on searching his house they found two cartloads of linen stolen from clothes’ lines, and L4O worth of boots and shoes, shoemaker’s tools, etc., taken from the premises of Messrs Gar rett.—A lad named Butierworth fell over a cliff in Judge’s Bay while gathering flowers, and was seriouly injured.

Auction Sale. —ln this issue will be found particulars of the extensive sale of horses, cattle, and implements, to be held at the Spread Eagle Hotel, on January 10, by Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. A Caution. —ln another column per sons are cautioned against trespassing on the Westerfield estate without permission. A Nuisance.-— We desire to draw the attention of our Inspector of Nuisances to the fact of a dead dog lying in West street, near Messrs Tucker and Restell’s yards, in an advanced stage of corruption. Such nuisances should be removed promptly during this hot weather, or serious results are likely to take place. Longbbach School Treat. —Our cor respondent writes : —“ A tea party and concert was held in the main school, Long beach, on Friday evening, to raise funds for the children’s prizes and sports. Both were a financial success, and great praise is due to the Committee, and too much cannot be said in praise of Mesdames Grigg, Thompson, Dawson, Taylor, Rundell, and Donaldson, who supplied the necessaries for a splendid spread, all being personally in attendance and ably assisted by their daughters and friends in supplying the many comers with the good things of this life. Tea being over at 8.30 p. m., the room was cleared of the table, and seats put in order in a very short space of time, when a very good amateur programme was got through in a style which should have pleased the most captious critic, and those who were present must have felt that they had had their two shillings worth. At 1 p.m. on Saturday all the children and their parents assembled in Mr Davidson’s paddock adjoining the school, which was kindly placed at their disposal, where the children indulged in the usual sports under Messrs Taylor and Jennings’ super intendance, while Messrs Davidson and Rundall were endeavoring to get hot water and everything in readiness for the children’s tea, which was on the tables at 4 p.m. The same ladies that supplied the tea on Friday night were in attendance, and liberally supplied the parents and children with all necessaries. After tea, Mr Grigg delivered a very in structive address, accompanied with good advice to the parents and children, and it to be hoped the latter will follow his advice to attend school more regularly. The children being then formed in a circle, Mr Grigg, assisted by Mrs and Miss Grigg, distributed books to the amount of L 5 amongst the children as prizes, in ac cordance with the Inspector’s report. Afterwards Mr Grigg in a kindly manner distributed a large quantity of lollies, and the. children separated after having spent a very enjoyable afternoon.”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Locking up a Lady Leaguer. London, Dec. 23. The President of the Ladies’ Land League has been summoned at Cork for seditious conduct. She was com mitted for trial, and as she refused to give bail, has been imprisoned. To Resume his Post. Paris, Dec. 23. It is announced that M. Roustan, the French delegate to the Bey of Tunis, who has been on a visit to this city, will shortly resume his post at Tunis. The Tunisian Trouble. Tonis, Dec. 23. Three of the principal tribes in Southern Tunis continee to resist the French army, and further fighting has taken place between the tatter and the insurgents. What the Pope Says. Rome, Dec. 23. The Pope in receiving a deputation of Cardinals to-day, stated in the course of his address that his position in Rome was daily growing more unbearable, and he feared that the Church would have to submit to further severe perse cution. Russian Interference. Constantinople, Dec. 23 It has transpired that the Russian Government is opposing the settlement arrived at between the foreign bond holders’ delegates and the Ottoman Financial Commission for payment of the Turkish debt, on the ground that the same pledges the expenditure of certain new revenues of the Turkish Empire. Six Months for Slander. Mr O’Donovan, formerly correspon dent of the London Daily Neivs has been sentenced to six months imprison ment for libelling the Sultan. Lord Dufferin, the British Minister, is inter esting himself with the Porte on behalf of the prisoner. Sir Evelyn Wood. Capetown, Dec. 23.

It is announced that Sir Evelyn Wood has refused the Lieutenant-Go vernorship of Natal, and has embarked for England.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] ’ Prorogued. Melbourne, Dec, 24. The Victorian Parliament was pro rogued to-day by commission. Intercolonial Cricket Match. The Intercolonial Cricket Match between an eleven of Victoria and an eleven of New South Wales was com menced to-day. The first innings of the Victorians closed for 232, and at the close of the day’s play the Sydney team had one wicket down for 21 runs. Fire, Sydney, Dec. 24. An extensive fire has occurred to day at Forbes, in this colony. Five shops were completely destroyed, and the total damage is estimated at fully Lzo,ooo, Two persons have been severely injured by the fire. England v. South Australia. Adelaide, Dec. 24. The cricket match between the English team and fifteen of South Australia was resumed to-day. The first innings of the local team closed for 244. At the close of the day’s play the English team had two wickets down for 126 runs—Selby, not out, 5G Barlow, not out, 46.

CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

The Caledonian Sports are always anxiously looked for by both the athletes and the public ; indeed the gathering is the only one of the kind we get through out the year, and so no wonder we prize it so highly. The morning broke hot and sunny, andthereseeraed nodoubt about our being in for another “ roasting hot day.” The attendance was somewhat small for the first hour or two, but pulled up dur ing the morning. But it was during the afternoon that the people began to as semble. There were no cards of the sports and this was found a great incon venience. Surely the Society would have lost nothing, even if they gained nothing, by having a few cards for sale on the ground. The sports were held on the So ciety’s new ground near the hospital, about four acres in extent. The ground was in anything but a fit condition for athletics, and both runners and jumpers were thus heavily handicapped. Round the paddock a substantial post and rail fence marked of the ground, within which the sports were held. Close to the main entrance to the grounds the grand stand was erected, under which Mr Brown, of the Central Hotel, dispensed liquors of the best to crowds of thirsty patrons all day long. The other publican’s booth (also run by Mr Brown), was situated near the gates. Mr T. Taylor, of East street, had two booths for the sale of fruit and con fectionery, and appeared to do well also. The weather was oppressively hot, indeed the blazing sun made athletic contests anything but a joke. Near the principal entrance gate was the dancing stand. Be tween 10 and 11 o’clock, the band arrived, and infused a little life into the proceed ings by playing some popular selections. These were repeated at intervals through out the day, and were much appreciated by the public. Some of the arrangements were very bad. The secretary’s tent was rushed all day long by people, and reporters were quite unable to obtain the slightest in formation. The handicaps, which should have been posted up outside the tent, were conspicuous by their absence, and to seek information inside the tent was almost always nseU-sM. Then, again, there was a large blackboard, which was merely used to write the names of the events just before they took place, but handicaps and all other particulars, including the results, were not shown. Had it not been for the courtesy of one or two mem bers of the Committee, etc., it would have been impossible to learn anything at all.

The following were the results up to the time of going to press : Open Handicap Hurdle Rack. Men; 440 yards. J. Groves (10 yards) 1 R. Macfarlane (scratch) ... 2 F. Betts (20 yards) 3 Only these three faced the starter. The men kept their original order until the greater portion of the ground was covered. Groves was in fine form, and McFarlane was also fit and well. To wards the finish McFarlane held a strong lead which Groves decreased by strenuous exertion. The race was a moral for Mc- Farlane, however, had he not unfortun ately fallen when within two yards of the tape, and Groves passing him, won. Mc- Farlane was second, and Betts a fair third.

Quoits. W. Compton 1 G. Stephenson 2 G. Kidd 3 McFarlane also played,

Open Handicap Hurdle Race. Boys ; < 440 yards. ; ' ] Joseph Docherty ... ... 1 i James Johns ...■ ... 2 _ i • There were only two entries for this i event. Both boys started from scratch, i but as runners they were most unequally matched. Docherty was considerably his opponent’s senior, and won as he liked. Pipe Music—Pibbochs and Marches. John McKay... ... ••• 1 A. Tolmey 2 A. McKay 3 These were the only competitors for this event. 100 Yards Flat Race. Hi Hyland - ••• 1 A. Kean ... 2 4nderson, Cassil, Loekhead, and Leohner also ran. The men started from scratch. Hyland soon took the race in hand, and won without much trouble ; ‘Kean a fair second. Running High Jump (Men). S. Smith (4ft. llin.) 1 Loekhead (4ft. lOin.) ... 2 Four others also jumped. The men had to jump against the wind, and the ground was in a terribly rough state, and caused several complaints from the competitors. Running High Jump (boys.) J. Jones (4ft 7in) ... ... 1 J. Docherty (4ft 6in) ... 2 Two others competed. _ Highland Reel (in Highland costume). D. Buchanan 1 J. Murray ... ... ••• 2 The two local men did not compete, but gave place to the strangers. The dancing was very nice but must have been fright fully hot work in such weather. Grand Handicap Flat Race ; 200, 300, and 400 yards. FIRST HEAT. H. Hyland 1 I. Anderson ... ... ... 2 R. Lechner ... ... ... 3 Tossing The Caber. Stephen Smith ... ... 1 Talbot ... ... ... 2 There were several others took part. Standing High Jump. I. Anderson (4ft 4in) £ S. Smith (4ft 4in) ... ... J These two being equal divided first and second money. Several others Competed. Grand Handicap Flat Race, second heat —300 yards. H. Hyland ... ... ••• 1 R. Lechner ... ... ... 2 I. Anderson ... ... _ ... 3 The others were a considerable way behind. Lechner a good second. Sword Dance or Ghillie Callum. J. Murray ... 1 D. Buchanan ... ... ... 2 Half-Mile Handicap Flat Race. D. Church (scr.) 1 0. Spray (20ydsl 2 J. Grooves (scr.) ... ... 3 These were the only three who ran. Spray found his twenty yards useful for the best part of the distance, but towards the finish he was collared by Church, who secured first place, Spray a fair second. Pole Vaulting. J. Hunt (Bft. 4in.' 1 J. Jones (Bft.) ... _ ... 2 There were two other entries.

A CHRISTMAS TALE FOR LITLLE AND BIG.

It was high noon in the middle of the night. Graveyards were yawning for all they were worth. The little ones had been sent to bed, and were all fast asleep—in our mind. Pa and ma had told them that if they were very, very good old Santa Claus would remember them. The stockings had been hung up by the chimney, and wafted an aroma of forgotten feet about the room.

Tommy, and Mikey, and Little Peter, and Daisy, and Eflße Louisa, and Freddy, and Emilino, and Maggie, and the baby, and Robby were lying spoon-fashion, and were holding each other in bed to prevent themselves from falling overboard. Ever and anon a sound was heard, and ten little pairs of eyes would open, and ten little tongues would ejaculate, “What’s that.” Then all was quiet.

“ Ouch ! ” “ What’s that ? ” “ Santa Claus is coming.” “No he isn’t, either Effie stuck a pin in me,” yelled Robby. Then ma came in, and with the pan cake-turner, made Robby think that Santa Claus had only brought a slipper, and he was getting the whole of it. “ If you don’t go to sleep immediately,” said pa, “he won’t come at all.” “ I heard him on the roof a little while while ago,” said ma. “ It was the cat,” said Freddy. “ Kin we all sleep together every night, ma ? ” asked Effie. “ I won’t sleep with you again unless you leave your feet out,” protested Erne line. “Ma ! ” yelled Maggie, “Robby’s biting my toe. ” Pa and ma gave each little one in turn a dose of the pancake-turner, and with drew.

Soon they were again all asleep, their tired parents thought. The clock struck one —real hard. Pa and ma loaded themselves with the presents. There were drums, and horns, and whistles, and dolls, and sets of knives and forks, a whole lot of pretty little things. They snoke into the bedroom. Their faces were as happy as an under taker’s in a yellow fever district. They loaded several stockings up to the muzzle, when little Tommy whispered to Mikey— “ Santa Claus is got his wife with him.” This startled pa, and he jumped. When he came down he sat on a tack with his bare foot. The tack was stand on its head doing a circus act. Then pa did a circus act, and stood on his head. He flew through the air with the greatest of ease. He went through the door like a bullet through cheese. In his fight he tripped ma up, and she landed on the bed and squeezed all the air out of Tommy, and Mikey, and little Peter, and Daisy, and Effie Lousia, and Freddy, and Emeline, and Maggie, and the baby and Robby. It took ten pairs of bellows to make them as good as now.

All th-j pretty toys looked like the inside of a mince pio, and the children had to stay in the house and belt tin pans the next day to make the neighbors’ children think they had all got drums for presents.

Moral—Don’t lie to the little ones about Santa Claus.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

JOHNSTON Y. McKERROW & CO.

To the Editor.

Sir, —As defendenta in the above action just heard in the Resident Magis trate’s Court —we should like to bring under your notice the decision of the Re sident Magistrate, it being, as we think, of some importance to mercantile men. The facta of the case, as shown in evi dence, are briefly these. In October, 1881, a man named Dunbar, took a plough to plaintiff, a blacksmith at Methven, and instructed him to make extensive repairs to it. Johnston admitted that he had but the slightest possible knowledge of the man—in fact was not quite sure of his name, but assumed that he was qur ser vant. Johnston made the repairs and then handed over the plough to some per son sent for it by Mr R. Patton, of Meth ven. Several months afterwards, John ston, very much to our surprise, made a

laim upon us for the value of those re mits (L 6 6s), and finally sued us for the unount. Now it was distinctly shown in widence that Dunbar at the time he took ;he plough to Johnston’s, was not in our smploy, but in the employ of Mr Angus Murray, nor had he ever, so far as we are vware been our servant, and further, that neither he nor any other person had ever been authorised by us to get the plough re paired by Johnston ; in point of fact we were perfectly ignorant of the transaction until the claim for payment was made upon us. It was shown that some time previously we had expressely told Johnston that he should not do any more work for us, and that he had applied for payment of his account to both Murray and Patton, proving that he felt uncertain as to whom he should look to for the money. Some person on our behalf had, it seems, actually borrowed a plough from Mr Patton, and this plough was then in the possession of Mr Angus Murray, who handed it to Dunbar, on the latter stating that he wanted it for Mr Patton. Dunbar then appears to have taken it to Johnston. The repairs effected, we may observe, were of the most extravagant nature, con sidering the value of the plough. Dunbar was not called for the plaintiff, and fiy-ther it was clearly shewn, as already pointed out. that we had never authorised him or anybody else to nledge our credit. Mr Beswick, R.M., nevertheless gave judg ment for the plaintiff for the amount claimed with costs, and moreover refused us leave to appeal from his decision, which we wished to do on account of the im portance of the principle involved. We are advised that in order to support his claim the plaintiff was bound to prove that Dunbar was our agent, either express or implied, and it certainly seems consis tent with neither common sense nor jus tice that a man whom we had never heard of should be allowed to take a plough which we had never seen to a blacksmith whom we had expressly told should never do any more work for us, and that that blacksmith should then make extravagant repairs to the implement without in any way consulting us, and charge us with the cost.—We are, etc., R. M'Keekow & Co. [lt certainly seems a most extraordinary decision for any Magistrate to make in the face of such evidence.— Ed. (?.]

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1881.



N o 0 E All persons INDEBTED to me will oblige by paying their Accounts as soon as possible, as I am sorely in want of the money, owing to the late fire. C. BOURK. 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 QANTERBURY MUSIC DEPOT. ASHBURTON BRANCH. Milner & Thompson Desire to inform the residents of Ash burton and surrounding districts that they have appointed Mr H. M. JONES their sole Agent for this district, and invite inspection of the Instruments, Music, &c., now displayed in the SHOW ROOM, above Mr Jones’ Shop. PIANOS by all the best makers— Broadwood, Collard and Collard, Erard, Pleyel, Bord, Challen and Sons, Ascher burg, Lipp and Sohn, Chappell, Ronisch, Bechstein, Kapp, and others. Sole Agent for John Brinsmead’s Gold Medal Pianos. Specialities Our Dresden Model Pianos, which took First Award of Merit at the Ashburton Exhibition, from £35 to £65. Harmoniums and Organs, from £7 10s to £SO. Concertinas, Accordians Violins, Flutes, and all other kinds of Brass and Stringed Instruments on hand. Any orders for Books, Music, or Instruments not in stock here can be supplied from our Christchurch establish ment by first train. The above Instruments can be pur chased on Deferred Payment from 20s per month. Orders for Tuning executed by a first-class professional. Pianos on Hire. 770 c JJIS LORDSHIP’S LARDER. THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE WORLD WHERE A GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK, AND A GLASS OF BASS’ ENGLISH ALE, Gan 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 beat possible style. John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &a, BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. JBasy 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 Vinda of furniture re-covered and repaired »t the very lowest prices. . All work guaranteed and completed at the shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, and highest prices given for second-hand 860 d W. H. MESSENGER, Purveyor. VmllnHL Note the address —Cheapest House in Ashburton, oppqsitc MaU Office, Burnett * Sloe



Wanted. WANTED —A GIRL, between 14 and 16 years o£ age, to attend to children ancldo lighthouse work. Apply for address,-Office jftf this Paper. 386 d YITANTED V v Thresh Nine Hundred(9()o) Acres of \v heat each. Tenders will bo received by the. undersigned till 7th JANUARY, 1882. Machine tofind all men. 429 d H; T. WINTER. WANTED KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mato, Hamstead Mills. 255 d WANTED KNOWN.—SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS VERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) 827 c ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Hall will receive prompt attention. WANTED— TENDERS for GUTTING 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—During the Christmas Season, FRIEDLaNDER BROS, are selling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUIT, Currants, Oid ; Elemes, 7d ; Sultanas, 8d ; Candied Peel, Is 6d ; Best Butter, Cd-; and General Groceries equally chean for Cash. 31 8 cl



\‘a ANTED KNOWN —Christmas and \\ Ni-;vv Year Cards —Just arrived, the Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, ihclddlng Scented Satchets and bridged Cards.—L. F. Andrewes, Book seller and Stationer, East street South, Ashburton. 7C6c Special Advertisements. mHE BEST VALUE FOk READY J_ MONEY tS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED by THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be 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



jj 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, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair 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 T’arihaka is over; our vo lunteers have proved themselves equal to the occasion, and although 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 STOCI 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. 9980 N : EW ZEALAND LOAN MERCANTILE AGENCY PANY (LIMITED). AND COM 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. 7820



Special Advertisements. THE undersigned will be prepared, during .season, to supply the following arficles ®t t ne.lowest rates: — REAPERS and BADERS EXTRAS for DO. ,; : BINDING WIRE ; CORN SACKS TURNIP and RAPE SEEDS " PLOUGH SHARES And all kinds of AgricuHural Imple ments. FREDK. PAVITT, Corn Merchant, Ac., Ashburton. Agent for John Anderson, Canterbury. Foundry, Christchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, Importers of Agricultural Imple ments, Christchurch; and Agent for the United Insurance Company. 150 d HE ACID CURE. P. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc. May be obtained from Mackay Bros, Manchester street, South, Christ church, Wholesale and Retail, or from Mr Thomas Collins, Main South Road, Timaru. AN AGENT WANTED FOR ASH EAYING 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. BURTON. 734 c GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVERETT BROS.



TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.30 p. m. j



[.For continuation of reading matter see first page.] | Internationa!, Exhibition, Christ church. —Those that wish to be repre sented at the International Exhibition to be held in Christchurch in March next, should inform us of their intentions. We have been connected with all the Exhi bitions held in the colonies. At the late Adelaide Exhibition we represented sixty exhibitors, for which we received ten special gold medals, forty-nine first and one second award, three of which were New Zealand firms (D. Strange and J. T. Martin, Invercargill, and T. Sevan, Wellington). Our plan is to represent the exhibitors, transact their busines, fix their exhibits on their space, attend to the judging of exhibits on their space, and anything necessary while the exhibi tion remains open; at the close pack and send back exhibits or sell them, or duplicates thereof if required. It is very inconvenient for exhibitors to come to the Exhibition to fix their exhi bits, which amounts to an expense, be sides the loss of time which must neces sarily be expended on them. Then, again, the exhibitors have a benefit, they have no trouble of getting space. They let us know how much is required, and we get it for them, as we have a large amount granted to us. We fix the ex hibits on a better space than if they ap plied themselves. Our terms are mode rate. We specially caution the public against giving their exhibits to so-called Exhibition agents, who go the rounds of Exhibitions and run exhibitors into debt and other difficulties. On account of our not being able to give exhibitors the exact amount of our fee, as it is impossible to do so until we know the size of exhibit, they may rely on it being most reason able. The exhibits should be addressed “Albert S. Manders and Co., Christ church Exhibition.” If exhibitors will kindly send a note stating how much apace they require, no further trouble will be necessary.— Albert S. Manders and Co., British and Colonial Manufacturers, Agent. Head office—9l Little Collins street East, Melbourne; and at London — St Paul’s Buildings; Adelaide—67 King William street; Perth, Western Australia; 6 Town Hall. Permanent branch in Christchurch after Ist of February.— Advt.



Meetings. TTT AKANUI 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. -1/TOUNT SOMERS ROAD DISTRICT mie ANNUAL MEETING of RATE PAYERS will be held at the Road Board Office, Mount Somers, at 11 (Eleven) a. m. on THURSDAY, the sth day of January, 1882. After the Election of Two Mem bers will take place to fill the vacant seats of Messrs J. E. Taylor and A. E. Peache, who retire by ballot, but who are eligible for re-election. A poll, if demanded, will take place the same day, and close at 4 p.m. C. J. WENTWORTH COOKSON, Returning Officer for the Mount Somers 384 d Road District. QOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD ANNUAL MEETING OF RATE 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. 0. N. MACKIE, 417(j Chairman.



Amusements. OWN HALL. BOXING NIGHT, MONDAY, DECEMBER 26th, 1881, 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. From the Hinds, about a fort night ago, one Brown Draught HORSE, branded S with J conjoined on near shoulder. The above reward will be paid to anyone who may lead to the recovery of the same to the undersigned. Any person detaining the horse after this notice will be prosecuted. Lost. reward. 399 d HOUGHTON & CO., Hinda



Public Notices pOACHEES BEWARE! All Persons found TRESPASSING on the Westerfield Estate without the sanc tion of the undersigned, in quest of fish or game, will be prosecuted according to law. ! D. OLIVER, 437 d C. G. HAWDON. UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. RATES. The Clerk will attend at Mr D. Williamson’s Store to Collect Rates on Every Saturday, from 12 o’clock until 4 p.m. N o 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 AC 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. BERING TWINE BINDER.



Only a few Machines left, for which early application is necessary. 337 d JAMESON & ROBERTS, Ashburton Agents. BONES. —Wanted Known, that Mr F. Mayo, is a Gash Purchaser of Bones in any quantity, at £3 per ton. Address, F. Ma t o, Hampstead Bona Mills. 834 a Tenders. ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) REFRESHMENT ROOMS. CHRISTCHURCH, ASHBURTON* & STUDHOLME JUNCTION. TENDERS will be received up to noon of the 10th JANUARY, 1882, at this, office, for the LEASING from Ist Febru ary, 1882, to 31st December, 1883, of the REFRESHMENT ROOMS, at Christ church, Ashburton, and Studholme Junc tion, Railway Stations. Tenders may be for one or more of the Stations named, but a separate rate must be stated for each. Specifications, with terms and condi tions, together with forms of tender, may be seen at the Traffic Manager’s Office, Christchurch and Dunedin, and the Stationmaster’s Offices, Ashburton, Timai u, and Waimate. FREDK. BACK, Traffic Manager. Traffic Manager’s Office, Christchurch,,Dec. 23rd, 1881. 438 d TENDERS will be received by the undersigned up to noon on SATUR DAY, the 31st inst., for CUTTING and STOCKING about 400 Acres of Wheat; yield from 25 to 30 bushels. Contractor to find wire or twine. Crop will be ready about middle of January. WM. L. ALLAN, Acton Estate, 440 d Rakaia. T o BUIL D E S TENDERS will be received at my Office until 4 p.m. on TUESDAY, 3rd January, 1882, for Building STABLE (in brick or stone) in Ashburton. Plans and specifications may be seen until Wednesday, 28th, at Mr Cookson’s, Ashburton, and after that date at my office. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. J. C. M ADDIS ON, Architect. Hereford street, Christchurch. 406 d



For Sale. TWINE BINDER FOR SALE, a second-hand Machine, in first-rate order, having cut only 110 acres. JAMESON & ROBERTS, 412 d Ashburton. O R SALE BRIGHAM’S MOWERS & REAPERS. JAMESON & ROBERTS, 314 d Ashburton. F O R E. Rural Section 28403—705 a Rural Section 28404—95 a 28r Rural Section 28405—103 a IrlSp Rural Section 28406—387 a 2r 20p Rural Section 28407 —234 a 3r lOp All the above can be had as one com pact Farm—is nearly all laid down in English grass, and well fenced, with plenty of water. Apply, 213 d MATSON, COX & CO.



N SALE BY THE UNDER SIGNED. Andrews and Beaven’s celebrated Canterbury, Zealandia, and Austra lian Chaff Cutters, From £l3 upwards. Horse Gear from £lolos, simple strong and compact. 998 a POYNTZ&CO.



mO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. FOR SALE Cheap, one Second-hand Double Demy Tape Printing MACHINE, in thorough working order, with rollers, moulds, &c., complete. MESSRS P. & D. DUNCAN, Wills street. 851 c Ashburton’ Barristers, Solicitors, & Branson & Purnell, JgARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS EAST STREET. 46a C. W. Ireland, JgARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton. 8»