SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Island Lily, brigantine, from Chatham Islands. Hawea, s.s., from Port Chalmers. To-day. Westport, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Island City, barque, for Newcastle. fcj-Anne Melhuish, barque, for Kaipara. Wave of Life, schooner, for Hokianga. Marmion, brigantine, for Kaipara. Seagull, brigantine, for Westport. W. C. Wentworth, barque, for Kai para. Onward, schooner, for Havelock. To-day. -• : Pleiades, ship, for London. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Wanaka, for the South, from Manukau. Wellington, Yesterday. ! Arrived —Kiwi, from Napier; Ellerton, from Greymouth. Sailed—Westport, for the South. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived Ringarooima, from Mel bourne.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, December 31. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., as SS follows Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. : books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, December 31. Mr. T, Bullock, at his rooms. East street —Leasehold Property ; 1.30 p.m. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 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 Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races and Sports ; first event at 11 a. in. Wakanui Annual Races and Sports. Tuesday, January 3. Ashburton Permanent Building and ln vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p. m. Wednesday, January 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock. Thursday, January 5. Wakanui Road Board —Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street L, O.lt —Monthly Meeting, Templar Hall.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1881. The Otago Runs.

TOWN EDITION. [.lssued at 4.30 p.m. j maaESMEgai ■ iwfu

The question of re-leasing the Otago runs, as may be supposed, is creating : no little interest in our neighboring provincial district, and as the time draws nearer for dealing with its five million acres of land and the three million acres in Canterbury, public interest in both places will no doubt centre on the mode proposed by the Govern ment, which affects the expiration of the present runholders leases of Crown lands. Mr VincentjPyke, the member for Dunstan, convened a meeting of the Otago M.H.R.’s last week for the purpose of considering the question, as it appeared to have been the im pression of the Otago members that the leases of the runs were not to be sold until after the matter _ had been again under the consideration of the new Parliament. Apparently a hard ship is expressed, as the runholders will not have had their “ notice to quit,” and that to give up their runs imme diately would be strictly antagonistic to the recommendations of the Com mittee appointed by the House. The Committee had to report upon certain omissions which had been made by the framers of the Land Act, and which were said to be of so serious a charac ter that an Act should be framed for their provision during the recess. The Committee say that those runholders whose leases expire in December, 1882, or in March, 1883, should have notice at the present time. The Minister of Lands says it is not neces sary, and according to a reply given by him it was clearly understood that the matter was to be left over for considera tion by the new Parliament. But the Otago members do not care about giving the notice to the runholders so much as not giving them the oppor tunity to get their runs back again very much more advantageously than the general public. It was pointed out that the Parliament was prorogued to the 14th of. February, and yet the leases were advertised to be sold at once. Now, as eighteen months will elapse before the leases expire, we think the whole question should be submitted to the new Parliament, as there seems a possibility of the Act allowing one man to secure a number of the sub-divided runs as well as a pre-emptive right over 320 acres of every such run. It certainly is a fact that there is no limitation as to area, but a difference of opinion exists as to whether the owners of sub-divided puns can take 320 acres of pre-emptive right for every run. We think the matter rests entirely with the Lands Board, and for this reason, if there was no other—The Government should be asked to refer the matter to the new Parliament in order to deprive the Board of this privilege before the leases are submitted to public competition. That such a power should be given to an irresponsible body like a Waste Lands Board, is absolutely injurious to the right conservation of the public estate. The Act, then,, is badly framed, and will never he found to work satisfactorily until it provides for the leasing of Crown lands with certainty of tenure, for pastoral blocks only, and that suitable for agricultural purposes to be withdrawn from lease altogether, and sold for what it will fetch. None of our Acts are perfect, add the land act is certainly no excep tion to the rule. Taking everything into consideration we think that no ■ harm can be done, and that no great amount of “ law ” will be broken if the Government will suspend operations in dealing with the lands in Otago and Canterbury until the new Parliament has fully considered the propositions made by the Otago members at the meeting last week.

" Ourselves. —There will be no issue of this journal on Monday next, January 2. Withdrawn from Sale.— Messrs J. T. |Ford and Co. notify through their agents, Messrs Friedlander Bros., that the standing crop advertised to be sold by auction on Tuesday has been disposed of privately. Mbthven Races. —The following addi tion has been received to the entries for the Open Handicap : —Mr Clarridge’s Blue Bell, weight Bst 101 b. The name of Mr Clarridge’s entry in the Trotting Handicap is Sampson.

New Telegraph Station. — A telegraph station has been opened at Martin borough, County Wairarapa West, Wel lington.

Letters for Home. —The out-going mail for United Kingdom, Qontinent of Europe, America, etc., via San Francisco, will close at the Ashburton Post Office on Saturday next, 31st inst. at 10.30 a.m. A supplementary mail will be forwarded per express, letters for which must be posted before 5 p .m. of Saturday.

Ashburton School Committee. A special meeting of this Committee was held last evening for the purpose of con sidering the applications for the head mastership of the Borough School. As twenty-seven applicants had written and forwarded testimonials, it was found to be an impossibility to decide last night, and it was resolved to meet again this evening at 6.30 to make the final selection, if possible.

His Worship the Mayor. —Mr Donald Williamson, the newly-elected Mayor, to day took his seat upon the Bench at the Police Court in his Magisterial capacity for the. first time. A Run Down to Dunedin. —Excursion tickets to Dunedin will be issued on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 at reduced rates available for seven days. For further particulars see advertisement.

St. Mark’s, Rakaia. — This Church was very prettily decorated on Christmas Day. The altar, rood screen, and font being one mass of flowers, while on either side of the of the reredos was an illuminated text, “ Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on Earth towards men of good will.” On each side of the chancel walls a text (Luke 11. 11.) was placed. This-latter, as well as the rest of the decorations, reflects great credit on the several ladies who undertook the work, and it was remarked by many that St. Mark’s had never looked so pretty before. The morning service was fullchora!,theprayers being intoned by the incumbent (Rev. E. E. Chambers), who also preached, taking for his text Luke 11. 14. We are glad to say that the church, both morning and evening, was very well filled, notwithstanding the extreme heat of the weather.

South Kakaia Road Board. —A special meeting of the above Board was held in the office, on Thursday, Dec. 22, to consider the proposed “ Storm-water drainage scheme ” proposed by the Mount Hutt Road Board ; present—Messrs C N Mackie (in the chair), E S Coster, D G Holmes. W L Allan, and J Lambie. —The members went minutely into the proposed scheme, and estimated the area of land damaged by storm-water within the two districts, and passed the following resolu tion, moved by Mr Coster, and seconded by Mr Holmes, viz. : —“ That after care fully considering the acreage of the land to be benefited by the proposed storm water scheme, this Board is of opinion that the Mount Hutt Road district will re ceive more benefit than the South Rokaia Road district, and cannot, therefore, agree to pay more than an equal sum with the Mount Hutt Road Board, but will agree to divide the cost required after expending any subsidy received from the County Council equally with the Mount Hutt Board, provided that the total sum required from the two Boards does not exceed L 2000.” It was resolved to for ward a copy of this resolution to the Mount Hutt Board.—The sub-committee appointed to report on the work done by Mr Struthers on McPh ail’s road, reported that it was not completed according to specification, and recommended that he be not paid until the work was properly finished. The Clerk was directed to in form Mr Struthers of the Board’s decision. A petition was received from a number of residents,_ requesting the Board to form a road running from Bushy Park to Chertsey road. It was resolved to let the matter stand over until next meeting. Upper Ashburton Road District.— The undermentioned places have been gazetted as polling places for the election of members for the wards in this district : No. 1 Ward, Road Board office, Wester field ; No. 2 Ward, schoolroom, Wester field ; No. 3 Ward, schoolroom, Forks ; No. 4 Ward, woolshed, Winchmore ; No. 5 Ward, Saunders’ mill Justice of the Peace.—The Mayor of Ashburton, Mr Donald Williamson, has been gazetted a Justice of the Peace, under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876.

The Waipa. —ln reference to the cable message announcing the stranding of the ship Waipa at Dunkirk, the New Zealand Shipping Company have received a cable message, dated a day later than Reuter’s, and announcing the arrival of the vessel, but no mention is made of any casualty having happened to her. Presentation. —At Waikouaiti a pre sentation was made yesterday to the Hon. George McLean by his late constituents of the Waikouaiti district. It comprised a large solid silver salver, weighing 50ozs, beautifully inlaid, and bearing the follow ing inscription : —Presented to the Hon. George McLean, M.L.C., by the electors of Waikouaiti, as a mark of their esteem and in recognition of valuable services rendered to'the district as its representa tive in Parliament during a period of ten years.” To Mrs McLean was given a silver bracelet, necklace, locket brooch, and earrings. Obituary. —The Hon. H. S. Chapman, ex-Judge of the Supreme Court, died yes terday at Dunedin, aged seventy-eight.

The Government and the Natives.— The Wellington correspondent of the Press telegraphed yesteiday : I hear unofficially that Mr Bryce during his visit to Parihaka formally notified to the Na tives that 20 per cent, of the reserves pre viously set apart for them would be con fiscated by the Government in accordance with the terms of the proclamation, as in demnity for the cost of suppressing the disturbance on the West Coast, and the refusal of the natives to submit to the pro clamation. I understand that it was deemed necessary to do this in order to show the natives that the threat in the proclamation would not be allowed to be come a dead letter. I am informed that Mr Bryce further cautioned the Parihaka natives that they would risk losing more of the reserves made for their benefit if they did not prevent the return to Pari haka of strangers who had no legitimate business there, but that the natives dis claimed any power to prevent such return, as the strangers would come if the crops were still in the ground, and would pro bably return to claim them at Parihaka. It is reported that Mr Bryce stated that the crops not belonging to the Parihaka people would bo destroyed, so that the strangers would have no excuse for return ing. From all accounts, the natives seem completely cowed and submissive.

Witnesses’ Expenses. —Considerable amusement was caused at the R M. Court to-day during an animated discussion be tween Mr O’Reilly and Mr Purnell, the counsel for the complainant and defen dant respectively, in the dog killing case. Mr O’Reilly asked to withdraw the case, the informotion being wrongly laid. Mr Purnell had no objection so long as costs were allowed for a crowd of witnesses up from the Hinds and neighborhood. The Court decided to allow 10s to one witness for travelling expenses. “ The railway fare to the Hinds is 25,” quoth Mr O’Reilly; “for what does the Court allow the other 8s ?—for the man to go on the spree with ? ” Ultimately the Court consented to allow only railway fare to the Hinds to each witness, and a shil ling mileage afterwards. “But,” says Mr Purnell alluding to one witness, “ this is not a laborer, and cannot be expected to travel second-class.” “Oh, very good,” retorted the counsel for the com plainant, “we will have a special train engaged for the gentleman."

Caledonian Society. A Directors’ meeting of the above will be held to morrow evening at 7.30 at Quill’s Hotel.:

Meeting of Ratepayers at South Rakaia. —From a telegram to hand from Rakaia this afternoon we learn that the ( annual meeting of the ratepayers of the ] South Rakaia Road District was held j to-day, when the annual report and balance sheet were read and received. About a dozen ratepayers were present. A vote of thanks to the Chairman ter minated the proceedings. Messrs D. Gordon Holmes, John Lambie, and Leonard White were nominated to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of Messrs Holmes and Lambie. Thanks. —The Master of the Ashbur ton Horae desires, on behalf of the inmates, to thank Mr S. Saunders for bis kind and generous action in conveying them to his grounds at the mill, and after providing them with an excellent tea, per mitting them to retire to the garden, and partake of a variety of fruit. Mr Saun ders did not forget the pipe, and the superior brand of tobacco, of which one and all freely partook. When the visitors returned home they were unanimous in declaring they had never spent a more enjoyable evening. The Working Man’s Paper. — The Spirit of the Times is the name of a paper which will shortly be issued in Dunedin in the interests of the working classes. The promoter seems to have but a poor opinion of that portion of the New Zea land press supposed to devote itself to ■ advocating the cause of the working man, for he says :—“ There are newspapers in New Zealand representing all moneyed interests, and though these at present pander to the tastes of the working classes, yet it is well known that some thing ulterior is expected for their patron age. The promoter of The Spirit of the Times feels that the time has now arrived when the working classes should have an organ of their own—an organ that will uphold their rights, and through whose medium working men in the large centres of population should be made acquainted with the doings of various trades in other centres. One great drawback to working men being able to work in harmony with one; another-Has been the absence of such a medium.” The Spirit of the Times may serve a useful purpose if it is honestly con ducted, and does not pander to the tastes of any class in the community—a fault which few specialist papers are without.

CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.]' Victorious Victoria. Melbourne, Yesterday. The cricket match between the elevens of Victoria and New South Wales was concluded to-day, and re sulted in a victory for the Victorians by two wickets. The New South Wales eleven in their second innings, which they had followed on, scored 215. The Victorians made the re quired number of runs, 139, with the loss of nine wickets, and thus won the match as already stated.

More Smallpox. Sydney, Yesterday. Another case of small-pox has oc curred at Woolloomooloo. Political. Brisbane, Yesterday.

It is stated that Mr Archibald Archer will in all probability shortly be ap pointed to the Colonial Secretaryship, rendered vacant by the election of Sir Arthur Palmer to the Presidency of the Legislative Council, the portfolio being temporarily held by the Hon. Thomas Mcliraith, Premier. '

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Christmas at Pungarehu. Pgngarehu, To-day. Christmas was chiefly celebrated by all the men having a holiday. Many of the tents were decorated, and at night illuminated, which presented a very pleasing effect The men behaved themselves well, and not a single case of insubordination or drunkenness has been reported. Destroying Crops. Two hundred men went out yesterday and destroyed about 150 acres of Maori crops. About the same number of men have gone out again this morning. Confiscation. It is stated here that Government have confiscated 60,000 acres of land as indemnity for the cost of suppressing the recent proceedings. Under Consideration. Wellington, To-day. The Government have under considera tion the appointment of a Commission to consider the land claims of Volunteers who have taken part in the wars in New Zealand.

PROGRESS OF SCIENCE.

Sir John Lubbock, in opening the Jubilee Meeting of the British Associa tion at York, surveyed the progress which science has made during the past fifty years. Beginning with the sub ject with which he is most familiar, that of biology, he said that it was esti mated that whereas in 1831 not more than 70,000 animals had been described, now the number was at least 320,000. The theory of spontaneous generation, resulting in the discovery of germs, had had its influence upon surgery, and further researches would probably dis cover methods of stopping the sources of disease. In the period under review—to indicate illustrations from various sciences—most of the gigantic animals revealed by geology had been described/ spectrum analysis had pour trayed the composition of the heavenly bodies ; the mechanical equivalent of heat had been determined ; electricity had made astonishing development ; photography had been discovered ; mechanical science had made wonder ful strides, owing to the new process in the manufacture of iron ; and it was within the last fifty years that our rail way system and our steamboacs had been constructed.

RETURNING OFFICERS MISSING.

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, To-day. The steamer Stella, which arrived last evening from a cruise to the Southern lighthouses and sounds reports that Sergt-Major Neilby and Mr Allan, return ing officers at Jackson’s Bay, left that place for Hokitika about a fortnight ago, and have not since been heard of. A search party has been out four days, with out finding any trace of them. . Later. The Government have not received any intelligence of the missing returning officers for Jackson’s Bay, beyond a com munication from Mr Giles, chief returning officer at Hokitika, stating that he had not received the returns from Jackson’s Bay, and asking that the declaration of the poll might be postponed for a few days.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES’ COURT.

ASHBURTON— To-Day. Before his Worship the Mayor and Mr Robert Alcorn, J.P A Row about a Dog. —Thos. Eastwirk, of Coldstream, was charged with the lar ceny of a sheep dog, valued at LlO, the property of Alfred Nordstron of Tinwald. Mr O’Reilly appeared for the owner of the defunct dog, Mr Branson was present on behalf of the defendant. Mr O’Reilly said he would withdraw the case, as it was laid under a wrong information. Mr Purnell objected. This was not a civil case, and a police case could only be with drawn by permission of the justices. He would not object to the withdrawal of the case, but he would ask for costs. He had a number of witnesses from the Hinds, who had come up solely for this case. At the last moment complainant wished to withdraw the case, because he he had found out that he really had no evidence to support it.-—Mr O’Reilly said that that was not so. A mistake had been made in laying the information. The complainant charged the defendant with larceny, whereas ho had not committed such an offence. They had now laid an information for malicious injury to pro perty. Under that section of the Act the Court could award L2O damages to his client. The dog was a valuable sheep dog. At any rate he would ask the Bench to postpone the question of costs until the case had been heard. A dispute now arose between the counsel as to under which information—that for larceny or the one for malicious injury—the case should be heard. Mr Purnell was per fectly willing to allow the case to be heard under the original information. Mr Mr O’Reilly was just as willing to proceed under the last information laid. The case was not heard at all. A stormy discussion then arose between the counsel as to costs. There were several witnesses whose expenses Mr O’Reilly objected to pay. The Bench ultimately agreed to allow the expenses of five witnesses at 10s per day and Is a mile for travelling expenses.— Mr O’Reilly objected to the Is mileage, when for 2s the witnesses could be con veyed some home and some a long way towards their homes.—Mr Purnell objected thrt the Court had always allowed the shilling per mile.—Ultimately the Bench allowed the shilling, less twelve miles to the Hinds, for which each witness received his railway fare only. Total, including professional fee, L 7. No Appearance. —John Elliott, ar rested on Monday for drunkenness, and liberated on his own recognizance of LlO, failed to appear when called, and the Bench directed that a notice be served on defendant calling upon him to appear and show cause why his recognizance should not be estreated. The Court then rose.

OBITUARY.

The Late Mr Robert Reid.

Those of our readers who take an in terest in agricultural matters, and par ticularly in the matter of improved machinery, will join with us in expressing regret at the serious loss New Zealand has sustained in the death of Mr Reid, the inventor of so many valuable imple ments. We take the following letter from the Otago Witness, which was for warded by the North Otago Agricultural Society to Messrs Reid and Gray : “ The attention of the Committee of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral As sociation having been drawn to the serious loss this district, and indeed the whole agricultural interests of New Zealand, have sustained in the death of your senior partner, Mr Robert Reid, they feel they cannot let this event pass without bearing this testimony to the worth of the deceased, and the immense services he has rendered to New Zealand during the last 20 years. It was here that he first began his business life in this country, and his connec tion with us has been so close and unin terrupted, that we not only feel his loss as a member of your firm, but miss him as a friend. Though his first commencement was in what was then a small township, and in a small way, even then his desire was that the farmers of New Zealand should have the best and latest improvements in all agricultural im plements and machinery, and as time rolled on and our wants grew, so he laid himself out to meet the increasing demand on his re sources, and with unvarying success. Though an invention introduced without any display, we look upon the introduction of the double furrow plough in New Zealand —an introduc tion which was very largely due to Mr Reid—as conferring a boon upon New Zea land, without which large areas, now in high cultivation and occupied by the happy homes of our settlers, would still have been covered with native tussock and grazed over only by sheep. By his diligence and ability, by the labors of his own arm, and the taxing of his own brain, he achieved the success he de served, and his name has become a household word: among us for all advances in agricultural machinery. We only regret that he was not longer spared to enjoy the success so worthily obtained.” It will be remembered that Mr Reid died on his way out from London in the Lady Jocelyn, during last month, where he had been to witness the newest improvements in agricultural machinery. His health had not been good during his stay in the Old Country. The respected firm of Reid and Gray will have lost an able partner, and New Zealand a true and honorable colonist and supporter of local industry in its practical sense by Robert Reid’s death.

[For continuation of reading matter see first page.~\

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1881.



H. D. MON ORIENTAL BILLIARD REFRESHMENT SALOON 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, £sc Christchurch. (J| H E ACID CURE. F. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheumatism, 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 BURTON. 734 c THE undersigned will be prepared, during the coming season, to supply the following articles at the lowest rates: — REAPERS and BINDERS EXTRAS for DO. BINDING WIRE CORN SACKS TURNIP and RAPE SEEDS PLOUGH SHARES And all kinds of Agricultural Imple ments. FREDK. PAVTTT, Cohn Merchant, &c., 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 IS LORDSHIP’S LARDER. THE ONLY ESTABLISHMEN T 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.



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Easy Chairs, Couches, English and American Chairs, Single and Double Iron »nd 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 Furniture. - . Note the address —Cheapest House in Ashburton, opposite 3£wl Office, Burnett gtreet 3160



Wanted. PLOUGHMEN. To first-class men highest harvest bonus will be given. , JOHN GRIGG, 443 d Longbeach. WANTED KNOWN—A GRAND BALL will be held in Mr Clark’s Grain Store, Tinwald, on MON DAY, January 2, 1882. Tickets, 2s 6d each ; ladies free. 445 d WANTED KNOWN— Mrs Hender son, Dressmaker, Burnett street, near Catholic Church. Ladies’ Dresses made from 5s 6d. Apprentices Wanted. 306 d WANTED KNOWN.—SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS YERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) 1 827 c 1 VY7ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Y? Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, i having procured the Newest Apparatus, is. prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at) very low rates. Any orders left at the) Town Hall will receive prompt attention., 760 c i WANTED KNOWN— Christmas and New Year Cards— Just arrived,) the Best and Newest Assortment ever; seen, including Scented Satchets and! Fringed Cards. — L. P. Andrew js, Book-; seller and Stationer, East street South,' Ashburton. 766 c i—- Tl ii - i~r—n.iwi.iwmai ii.mro* Special Advertisements.



The best value for, ready MONEY is THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW-ZEALAND Glotliing. Factory, i Which cun be purchased- at their Retail: Branches all over New Zealand. 1 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



JpIANOS, ORGANS, MUSIC, Etc., AND Instruments of every kind from 10 GUINEAS to 100 on DEFERRED PAYMENTS. OPENING New Premises THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th, Tangrkd Street, near Orr & Co’s. H. J. WEEKS, (Agent for 0. Begg and Co), MUSIC SELLER. 693 d



O. Carstens & Co., (L.vtk Weston's), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBAOCONIST, FANCY GOODS, I 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* 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 NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANY (LIMITED). AN AGENCY has this day been OPENED at Ashburton, with Mr Waxtee. B. Moss in charge. TEMPORARY OFFICE — CORNER OF WEST AND HAVE LOCK STREETS. JOHN COOKE, Manager. ’ "Christchurch, October 1,1881. 782 c



Special Advertisements. BACK FRONT,—The scare at Par jhakdo is over; our vo lunteers have proved themselves equal to the- occasion - , 1 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 G. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c F 450 J O R E BARGAIN—On account of the owner leaving the district—A four roomed COTTAGE, with half an acre of land, in a good position. POYNTZ & CO. N o T C E . In order that the Staff may enjoy a little relaxation like their neighbors, The Ashburton Guardian will NOT BE PUBLISHED on MONDAY NEXT, January 2. W. H. ZOUCH. Guardian Office, Deo. 28, 1881. T FAYING ASHBURTON. GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVBRETT BROS. 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.



Brown says the best way to retain a young lady’s affections is not to return them. The Dean. —“ Well, I’m glad you’re getting on well in your new place, Jemi ma. When I’m in London I will call and see you.” Jemima—“Oh, sir, missus don’t allow no followers !”— Punch, Almost Personal. —Professor (to stu dent, who writes, not for the masses, but for the educated few); “ You should write so that the most ignorant of your audience can understand all you can say.” Student (puzzled) : “ What part of my production is not clear to you, sir 1” “ How many glasses did the Herr Doc tor drink, Gretchen V asked a German landlord of his daughter, on his guest leaving the cellar. “ Eight, father,” re plied the girl, “ The rascal!” exclaimed the irate host. “ Why he gave me strict orders never to drink more than three !”



Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— Diseases of the Bowels.—A remedy, which has been tested and proved in a thousand dif ferent ways, capable of eradicting poisonou taints from ulcers and healing them up, merit a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Holloway's Ointment repeatedly on the abdo men a rash appears, and as it thickens the alvine irritability subsides. Acting as a der : - vative, this unguent draws to the surface, re leases the tender intestines from all acrid mat ters, and prevents inflammation, dysentery, and piles, for which blistering was the old fashioned, though successful treatment, now from its painfulness fallen into disuse, the dis covery of this Ointment having proclaimed a emedy possessing equally derivative, yet, per fectly painless powers.—[Advt.]



Meetings ALEDONIAN SOCIETY. Directors’ Meeting will be held in Quill’s Hotel TO-MORROW EVENING, at 7.30 p.m. All Accounts against the Society must be sent in by that time, or no payment for perhaps twelve months to come. J, MaoLEAN DUNN, Sec. 449 d



Tenders. V, R ZEALAND RAILWAYS. CANTERBURY INTERIOR MAIN LINE (Oxford-Malvern Section.) < WEST OXFORD CONTRACT. S FORMATION, PERMAMENT WAY, AND BRIDGES. I WRITTEN TENDERS will be received ] at this Office until noon of TUESDAY, the 3rd January, 1882, for the above Contract. They are to be marked on the , outside, “ Tender for West Oxford Con- , tract,” and addressed to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Dunedin. Telegraphic tenders, similarly addressed and marked, will be received if presented at any Telegraph Office by noon of the same date, provided that written tenders are lodged at any District or Resident Engineer’s office by the same hour. Drawings, specifications, and general con ditions may be seen at this Office, and rt the Public Works Offices at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. By command. W. N. BLAIR, Engineer-in-Charge, Middle Island. Public Works Office, Dunedin, 3rd Dec., 1881. 304 d



V. R. V] EW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. 1 HURUNUI-WAITAKI RAILWAY. MAIN LINE. TIMARU ENGINE-SHED CONTRACT. WRITTEN TENDERS will be re ceived at tbis office until noon of TUESDAY, the 3rd January, 1882, for the above contract. They are to be marked on the outside, “ Tender for Titnaru Engine-shed Contract,” and ad dressed to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Dunedin. Telegraphic tenders, similarly addressed and marked, will be received if presented at any telegraph office by noon of the same date, provided that written tendexs are lodged at any District or Resident Engineer’s office by the same hour. Drawings, specifications, and general conditions may be seen at this office, and at the Public Works Office at Christchurch, and at the Post Office, Timaru. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. By command. W. N. BLAIR, Engineer-in-Charge, M.I. Public Works Office, Dunedin, Dec. 19, 1881. 403 d Ashburton borough council. TENDERS are invited from persons willing to perform the duties of SCAVEN GER to the Borough for One or Three Years. Specifications may be seen at the Town Clerk’s Office. Tenders to be sent in to the undersigned not later than Twelve o’clock noon on THURSDAY, the 29th December. CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, 21st Dec., 1881. 397 d TENDERS will be received till SAT URDAY, Dec. 31, for BUILDING an Office in West street. Plans and specifications at JOSEPH CLARK’S, 444 d East street.



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. rpO BUILDERS. 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. MADDISON, Architect. Hereford street, Christchurch. 406 d Late Advertisements. QHERTSEY HANDICAP SPORTS, TO BE HEED ON 2ND JANUARY, Commencing at 11 o’clock. Entrances for Athletic Sports : Women’s Race, free; Nos. 10 and 13, 2s 6d; all other events, Is. For Horses, ss. Tilting at the Ring, 2s 6d.



No one allowed to enter a horse unless a subscriber of half-a-guinea on or before I 22nd Dec. Non-subscribers of half-a guinea on 22nd December entering a horse must subscribe one guinea to the funds. All horses breaking in the Trotting Match must at once be turned round. All races to be handicapped. Three competitors to start in all events or no race. The Committee reserve the power to alter or strike out of the programme any of the above events. All protests to be investigated by the Committee at the termination of each event, and their deci sion to be final. JAMES PATTERSON, Hon. Sea



Public Notices. SHBURTON BOROUGH COUN EXTRAORDINARY VACANCY. An Extraordinary Vacancy in the Ashburton Borough Council having iccurred in consequence of the Electiou )f Councillor Williamson, to the office of Mayor, I hereby give notice thatanELßO riON for ONE PERSON to fill the said vacancy will be held at the Borough Douncil Chamber, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, on WEDNESDAY, the 11th day of January, 1882. Nominations in the form prescribed in the second schedule of the “ Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1886,” wifi be re ceived at the Town Clerk’s Office, till 12 o’clock noon, on THURSDAY, the 25fh day of December, instant. Forms of Nomination can be obtained at the Council’s office. CHARLES BRADDELL, Returning Officer. Borough Council Office, 21st Dec., 1881. 396 d ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. Notice is hereby given in accordance-, with Section 2 of the Dog Registration Act, 1880, Amendment Act, 1881, that ■ at a Meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council, held on the 12th day of Decem ber, 1881, it was resolved that the FEE for the Registration of Dogs for the coming year be TEN SHILLINGS (10s) per dog. N.B.—All Dog Licenses Expire on the Slat December instant. CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. The Clerk will attend at Mr D. Williamson’s Store to Collect Rates 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. pOAOHERS BEWARBI 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. TWINE BINDER. Only a few Machines left, for which early application is necessary. JAMESON & ROBERTS, OIL. RATES. 437 d D. OLIVER, C. G. HAWDON. 337 d Ashburton Agents. Railway Notices. ZEALAND RAILWAYS. EXCURSION TO DUNEDIN 31st DEO. AND 2nd JAN.



Excursion Tickets to Dunedin will be issued on 31st December and 2nd January at the following fares :—From Christ church and Ashburton—First class, 30s; second class, 20s. From Temuka, Timaru, and Waimate—First class, 20s; second class, 15s. Tickets available for return within seven days from date of issue. Passengers may break the journey at any stopping place either going or return ing. 448 d To Let. T~ O LET, on FOR SALE—A Three roomed COTTAGE on half-acre of ground, N. W. Belt. Apply, R. S. Bean, Tinwald, or Office of this Paper. 44gd TO LET-Three SHOPS and 3 OFFICES, in Saunders’ Buildings, lately occupied by T. R. Hodder and Co., as a Drapery and Clothing Establishment. Apply, Robert Axcorn. 143 d For Sale. IJIHE COMING HARVEST. MESSRS REID & GRAY have on on-Sale, at their Works, Cameron street, all descriptions of WIRE and TWINE of best quality. 451 d O R SALE. Three ENGINES, Three COMBINES, and Three ELEVATORS, in complete working order. Trial given. Apply to JOSEPH CLARK, East street, 452 d Ashburton. JQEERING TWINE BINDER. FOR SALE, a second-hand Machine, in first-rate order, having cut only 110 acres. JAMESON & ROBERTS, 412 d Ashburton. Jl O R S A L E BRIGHAM’S MOWERS & REAPERS. JAMESON & ROBERTS, 314 d Ashburton.



F O R Rural Section 28403—705 a Rural Section 28404—95 a 28r Rural Section 28405—103 a lrl3p 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. o N SALE BY THE UNDER SIGNED. Andrews and Beaven’a celebrated Canterbury, Zealandia, and Austra lian Chaff Cutters, From £l3 upwards. Horae 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. 861 c Ashbortonl