SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON Arrived. Yesterday. Hawea, a. 8., from Nelson, Picton, and Wellington. To-day. Rotorua, b.b., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Neptune, brig, for Newcastle. To-day. Rotorua, s s., for Northern Ports. City of Cashmere, ship, for Timaru. - SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Caledonia, from Norfolk Island. Sailed —Rotomahana, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Alhambra, from Wellington, via the South; Sarah Pile, brigantine, from Kaipara. Sailed —Auckland, ship, for Port Chal mers; Alhambra, for Melbourne, via the West Coast. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived Merksworth, steamer, from . Westport; Rotorua, from Melbourne.___

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. The business in the grain market during the week has been of a very limited cha racter. Prices remain the same, but ope rations are merely confined to trade lots, and only milling samples of wheat meet with any enquiry. Flour is rather easier, and the demand for best brands continues fairly good. Oats have remained without alteration in prices, and meet with very little enquiry. Malting samples of barley have been sold in small quantities, but prices are in no way altered since our la«t report. The new season’s ryegrass seed has been offered, but the regu lar market prices have nut been ascertainable. From ad accounts, the samples will be very good this season, and no doubt prices will be satisfactory to growers. During the week some splendid showers of rain have fallen, and great good has been done to the crops. . We fear, however, that many of the latter will hardly repay for cutting and harvesting. On some farms the oat and barley crops are scarcely six inches high, and it will be a very difficult matter to reap them. The grass paddocks have been freshened up considerably, and the forward crops of wheat and oats have been well filled out by the recent rain. Shearing toward the hills has been retarded somewhat, owing to the weather, but a few stations have now nearly finished —the wool is coming in fast for shipment. Messrs Matson, Cix and Co. report of their usual sale at Tinwald, as follows : There was an average attendance of farmers and biddings were for the most part very spirited. We quitted nearly the whole of our entry at puces fully equal to, if not better, than Christchurch prices. In sheep, w? sold 400 shorn two-tooth mixed crossbreds at 8s 8d ; 3 years do do, 7s 4d ; 198 merino ewes, 3s qd ; 156 merino wethers, 5s 3d ; 147 do, 6s 6d ; 87 crossbred wethers, 8s; etc., etc. In cattle, we sold over 100 head at very satisfactory values. _

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, December 24 Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar— Horses ; 1.30 p.m. 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. 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. 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 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 County 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.

BIRTH.

Randeel.— On the 22nd December, at her residence, Belt road, Ashburton, the wife of A. W. Handel I, of a son.

DEATH.

Hampton. —On Dec 23, at her brother’s residence, Tinwald, Alice Hampton, aged 24 years. Much and deeply re gretted by her sorrowing friends. Belfast papers please copy. ___

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1881. Local Industries.

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

We think themembeis of the Local Industries Association have acted wisely in not allowing their Society to fall to the ground. If it has not accomplished very much in the past, there is no reason why it should not do so in the future. But truth to tell, the members have been somewhat apathetic; they have hardly (as a body) evinced that interest in the thing of which it is deserving, as the generally sparse at tendance at the monthly meetings has shown. There are, happily, signs of better times coming, and it is impossible

to say what new industries may not be projected when money is more plenti- ] ful, and the cloud of depression which has so long been lowering has passed altogether away. And in the event of any new industry:'Being proposed, it is highly desirable in the interests of the public that such an Association as the one under discussion should be in ex istence to investigate the affair thoroughly, and pass its judgment upon it. If the Association has done nothing else, it has at least given us an Indus trial Exhibition, and introduced the Cheese and Butter Factory to the public. This scheme is at length beginning to assume shape. The shares are going off well; the day has actually been fixed for the appointment of permanent directors; an eligible site has been offered on fair terms, and, thanks to Mr Bowron, the Association knows how and when to secure a com petent manager. In fact there is every reason to believe that the project will turn out most successfully. Two other important industries were discussed at the last meeting of the Association, viz., a woollen factory and a paper mill. A plant for the first named was offered to the Association on what appeared to be exceptionally favorable terms, and there is no doubt that Mr Bullock was right when he said that he had always re garded a woollen factory as one of the most remunerative undertakings which the Association could engage in. Cloth ing we must have, and considering the quality of„the goods turned out at Kaiapoi and Mosgiel, there is no reason why we should depend any longer upon the Home market for our tweeds at any rate. The Mosgiel factory is, we believe, paying well, and the Kaiapoi factory now that it has business men at the helm, is also doing well, and promises to develop into a great concern. The people of Oamaru, too, are about to start a fac tory of their own for the manufacture of tweeds, blankets, and other goods, and they evidently mean business. There has been nO shilly-shallying with them. They took up the project about the same time as the people of Timaru, but while the latter were blow ing about what they were going to do Oamaru went to work, appointed direc tors, issued shares, secured a site, and having put their hand to the plough, did not look back. The shares have been rapidly taken up, in fact so en couraging are the prospects of the con cern that a telegram published in yesterday’s papers, announces that it is proposed to increase its capital to and to place a number of shares on the Victorian market, from which place promises of support have been received. We congratulate the Oamaruites on their push and energy. Even from little Kaikoura comes the prospectus of a projected woollen fac tory, and several persons in Ashburton have been written to asking them ,to become shareholders. But why should we not go in for a woollen factory of our own ? Here we are, most centrally situated, with water power , available, and a fair prospect of making the scheme answer. But it is evident that Barkis is not willing. At the meeting the other night, it was urged as an ob jection against the woollen factory scheme that the members of the asso ciation must not have too many irons in the fire. But after all the irons would be very small ones. The capi tal of the cheese and butter factory is only and that sum surely does not represent the entire available capi tal in the district. The time has ar rived when the establishment of local industries requires to be more carefully considered than heretofore. Properly conducted these industries mean wealth and prosperity, and directly or indirectly benefit to the entire com munity. This is an agricultural district, but it is not wise to place too much reliance upon our agricultural resources. We have all experienced the ill effects of a bad harvest, and the climate of this colony is so variable that the farmer cannot reckon with anything like certainty upon his crops turning out as he could desire them to turn out. Then all the more reason for having two or three strings to our bow. And this brings us to the consideration of Mr Braddell’s suggestion respecting the establishment of a paper-mill for the manufacture of paper from straw. From information furnished to the As sociation by Mr Braddell at its last meeting, it appears that the requisite plant for a paper-mill capable of turning out five tons of paper per week, ready for the market, and worth in England L 25 per ton, is Li,Sso. They pay L 3 5s a ton in England at present for straw. Here an unlimited supply of the article can be had for 20s a ton at any time, while frequently the straw is obtainable for the trouble of carting it away. In fact last season many far mers burned great quantities of straw as utterly useless. The Cheese and Butter Factory promises well, but it should not absorb all the money and energy in the district. If Ashburton is to make headway she must adopt the motto of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, and “ Encourage Local In dustry.”

No Business. —There was no business at the local Court this morning. South Rakaia Road Board.—The annual general meeting of ratepayers will be held on Dec. 28. Cable Interruptions.— The cable be tween Trinidad and Demerara is inter ropted. The cable between Shanghai and Amoy, and also the cable between Flon" Kong and Amoy are broken.

Town Hall. —The Amateur Dramatic Club announce a grand performance on Boxing night, when will be produced Buxton’s comic drama of “ Nan, the Good-for-Nothing,” and the screaming farce of “ Betsy Baker. ” We hope the company will draw a full house.

Singular Case of Fish Poisoning.— A very singular case of fish poisoning is communicated by a correspondent of the Press. The writer tells of a little girl, 13 years of age, who some time ago, when in the act of suspending a fish of the bara coota species, it slipped through the fingers of the girl, one or two of the fish’s bones embedding themselves in the fleshy part of the base of the index finger of the right hand. A well-known doctor was called in, but did no good. The fish bones can now be felt just underneath the skin, the poor girl’s finger being bent and powerless at the middle joint. But the most singular thing about this case remains to be told. The girl cannot, for instance, partake of any kind of fish, no matter how small thequantity, without immediately ex hibiting very alarming symptoms of poison ing, such asafluahedfaceand violent vomit ing, the last being one of the most promi nent characteristics; and even ordinary salt is sometimes attended with nauseating effects. On© ,would like to know who that “ well-known doctor ” was.

Christmas Cake. — lf you want a good substantial Christmas cake,, give “ Free Trade ” (otherwise called ’’A turn. — [Advt.] i Muzzled Laborers. —lt sieems, accord ing to a Milanese journal,-that the Prefect of one of the first cities in Italy, who is a rich landowner, has, in this civilised age, resorted to a feudal custom, obliging his field laborers to wear an iron muzzle during the grape harvest, to prevent them tasting a few bunches of grapes. School Treat. —We are glad to hear the Borough school children had a thoroughly “ good time ” at Windermere yesterday, where their kind host and hostess, Mr and Mrs E. G. Wright, en deavored to make their small guests as happy as possible. A return home was made about 5.30, and the train arrived a little after 7 o’clock, the children hurraying in right good style as it 'dreht, lipijat the platform.

An Enthusiastic Audience. —At a concert at Temora on October 12, in aid of the new Catholic Church, Miss Slattery, the principal vocalist, evoked such en thusiasm by her singing that several mem bers of the audience wrapped up nuggets and threw them to her on the stage. The Volunteers. —The Volunteers mustered at the drill shed last night and, under the command of Lieut. Douglas, marched through the town to the music of their band. Having reached the Ash burton Hotel, the men proceeded to Quill’s Hotel, where those who went to the front were paid by Colonel Packe, after which they marched back to the drill-shed and were dismissed. We un derstand that it is the intention of the men on Monday next to proceed to the island near the Old Men’s Home and fix up the rifle butts. A start is to be made at 7 o’clock in the morning. We must take this opportunity of remarking on the great improvement noticeable in the playing of the Volunteer Band, which, under the conductorship of Mr George Hoskins, is becoming first rate. Fire Brigade Conference.— The fol lowing fire brigades have intimated their intention of sending delegates to the Association Conference to be held at Timaru in February ; —Ashburton, two ; Christchurch, three; Invercargill, two; Kaiapoi, one; Lyttelton, one ; Napier, one ; Naseby, one ; Rangiora, one ; Spit (Napier), two ; Waimate, one.

Direct Steam Communication. —An important communication is expected by the Government from the Agent-General by next mail, in reference to a direct steam service between New Zealand and Great Britain. Since the session instruc tions have been sent to Sir F. Bell to make all possible enquiries as to the practicability of such service at a moderate cost, and the best terms on which this could be obtained. Sir F. Bell is directed to transmit a full detailed report at the earliest opportunity, and this is understood to be now on its way out. Poisonous Sweetmeats. —At the Coroner’s Court, Clerkenwell, recently, Dr Danford Thomas held an enquiry re specting the death of Kate Austin, aged three years, whose death was caused by swallowing a coin in some sweetmeats. From the evidence adduced, it appears that in the neighborhood of Clerkenwell packets of sweets are sold in which coins are placed, being baked in the centre. The deceased child on Sunday, September 25th, got a farthing in the centre of the sweet she purchased, and she swallowed it. On the following Wednesday morning she was taken with severe vomiting and diarrhoea, and on D r Smyth attending he found her in a state of exhaustion, from which she never recovered. On making a post mortem examination he found death was caused by inflammation of the intes tines and peritonitis, following the swal lowing of the coin. In answer to the Coroner the doctor said he had attended quite a dozen cases of the same description, most, of the children having swallowed the coin.

A Dissolute Negress. —At the Wel lington R.M. Court the other day a negress, aged 15, was sent to gaol for a month as a vagrant. Though charged with having no visible means of support, she was arrayed in “ swell ” attire. She had been in the habit of frequenting houses of ill-fame, in which she sometimes passed the night; at other times she slept in the open air. When arrested she was surrounded by a crowd of larrikins of her own age.

Maori Feast. —A great feast was given last week at Taiporohenui, to the natives just returned from Parihaka. The follow ing list.of purchases for the feed (says the Hawera Star ) will give an idea of the ex penditure incurred on account of these entertainments :—Eighteen head of young cattle, 1,000 loaves of bread, 7 hhds beer, 50 gals spirits, 10 bags sugar, 5 boxes tea, 20 pigs ; also about L 25 worth of tobacco and matches. The total cost would pro bably be about L 250, to raise which a number of tenants of the natives in the neighborhood of Hawera have been dunned to give “orders” on account of rents coming due.

A Black Sheep in the Fold.—One black sheep in the Salvation Army, Frederick Spencer by name, has been sentenced to eighteen months’ hard labor for embezzling various small sums of money belonging to his employer. Prisoner had besides induced a young woman to go and live with him, pretend ing he had good wages, and was ‘ ‘ coming in for a lot of money.” She had been in the way of attending the Army services, and prisoner introduced himself by en quiring specially as to the state of her soul. To the father of the young woman he represented that he was married to her, and that “ it was the Lord’s wish.” A Rat Story.—Our (Daily News) Naples correspondent writes ‘ ‘ Many, many years ago a German soldier sold a kitten to the municipality of Agnone, and in course of time this kitten became a cat, all black with the exception of a perfectly white tail, from which it took its name of ‘ Coda-bianca; it was kept in the theatre of the town, which, like all such places, abounded with rats. Instead of persecut ing these rats, the cat seems to have con cluded a pacific alliance with them, and to have, as it wore, a president.il authority over them. The custodian of the theatre often observed them participating in the food of the cat, who, when they fought among themselves for some dainty morsel, restored order by a cuff of its paw. The custodian even had to explain to the Com munal Council that the food he had to provide cost more than the sum allowed for the purpose, but the Council decided to continue the liberal rations, for as long as the rats shared the cat’s food they did not gnaw the scenes of the theatre. Time passed on,thecatbecame old and toothless, no weapon remaining to him but very long claws, which, however, were pro portionately weak. Of late years the theatre has been always closed, and the rats had increased enormously. Last week a revolution took place among them, and when poor Coda-bianca tried as usual to restore order, the rats turned upon him in a fury, and bit him to death. At dawn the next day Coda-bianca was found dead in the middle of the stage like some tragic hero. The youth of Agnone made a solemn funeral, carrying Coda-binaca through the streets on a bier covered with black velvet, and leading in strings the numerous progeny of the celebrated cat, all black with white tails like himself, and of the sane gentle and intelligent disposi tion. Coda-bianca at the time of his death weighed ten kilogrammes, and the number of his children was a hundred. A speech was made in the Town Hall of Agnone, and it was decided to take revenge on the rats by scattering poison all over the theatre.”

A Merry for the Old Men. —The maWec ■ of the Ashburton Home desires td with many thanks, the receipt of LI, and some verses from “ A farm laborer.” eighteen gallons ale from Mr Digby, brewer, and a roast of beef from Messrs Wilkin and Carter, Grove Farm.

Local Industry. —The question (we hear as we are going to press) as to the advisableness of starting a woollen factory in Ashburton has not yet been dispensed with, as we hear that it is the intention to call a public meeting of those desirous of forwarding the movement dur ing the first week in the new year. The object is to farther consider the matter as laid before the last meeting of the Indus trial Association.

Christmas Cheer. —Those who require Xmas cheer are invited to take a tour through Mr Thomas Taylor’s premises, in East street.— Advt.

A Judge of Poultry, —Poulterers, like a good many other persons, are taken in sometimes. The other day a school master stepped into a poulterer’s shop and observed : “ You have some fine turkeys this morning?” “Yes, sir,” said the poulterer, “ all fresh from Norfolk to-day.” “ What is the price ? ” “ You can take your choice, sir ; I have them at all prices. ” “Well, I have to give ray boys a treat, but I do not want them to be too tender. There are a dozen here, pick out four of the toughest.” The poulterer obeyed. “ Here, sir, you have four of the toughest birds in my shop.” “ Thank you,” said the schoolmaster; “ I’ll take the other eight.” “ Clover old pedagogue, that,” remarked the poulterer.

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Ecclesiastical. London, Dec. 21. A circular has been issued to the English clergy by Dr Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury, in which the latter pro poses that more direct communication should be established between the Home and Colonial Churches, with a view to encourage the spread of Chris tian knowledge in the colonies, and also for the spiritual benefit of emi grants. Spain Protests. Madrid, Dec. 21 In the Cortes to-day Signor Armio, Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced that a protest had been made recently by Spain to England against the charter granted to the North Borneo Trading Company, and that diplomatic corres pondence was now proceeding between the British and Spanish Governments in regard to the matter. The Mails. Albany, Dec. 22. The P. and O. Company’s steamship Surat, with the Suez mail, which left London on November ißth, arrived in King George’s Sound to-day.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per rboter’s agency.] Prorogation of Parliament. Melbourne, Yesterday. The Victorian Parliament will be prorogued by proclamation to-morrow afternoon.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Nemesis! Auckland, To-day. The German gunboat Habich, has ar rived after a seven months cruise amongst the islands, and has punished the mur derers of two German subjects, by burning a village and hanging a native. The Editor and the Bookmaker. At the Police Court to-day, William Weston, a bookmaker, was fined L 5 and costs four guineas, for assaulting Rath bone, proprietor of the Observer, news paper. The cause of trouble was a para graph giving the list of Southern book makers, with which it was safe for the public to have dealings, Weston’s name not being contained in the list. The Hon. John Hall. Wellington, To-day. The Premier leaves for the South this evening, and will be absent for a few days. It’s only a Sweepstake. The information under the Gaming and Lotteries Act against Sir William Fitz herbert, the Hon. John Martin, and two other gentlemen, for taking part in a sweepstake on the Hutt racecourse, was heard to-day before the Magistrate and three Justices of the Peace. The follow ing judgment was delivered by the Magis trates. They think they must convict the defendants as they think the facts alleged are proved, and that they are prohibited by law. They also think that in cases like this, persons who are likely to commit the prohibited Act would think it was prohibited by nothing but the law, and, therefore, as the only deterrent is the money lost, that should always be suffi ciently substantial to deter. In this spe cial case_they think...the eminence of the position of the defendants, and the publicity and.deliboratiop of the act, calls for the vindication of the .law. The de fendants would be fined LtO each. The Hon J. Johnston, who was one of the Justices on the Bench, dissented from the decision. Manslaughter. The coroner’s inquest resulted in a ver dict of manslaughter against Mary Ann Weston, iound drunk in the street, with a dead child in her arms Shipping. The ship Nelson, from Glasgow, at the Heads. All well.

BOROUGH SCHOOL.

The distribution of prizes at the above school, and the breaking up for the Christmas holidays, took place to-day. The ceremony took place in the main school-room, the prizes being arranged on a table, behind which sat Mr St. Hill (who distributed the prizes), Rev. Mr Beattie, Mr Ward, and others. The children pre sented a pretty sight, and several parents and friends were also present. Mr St. Hill, before distributing the prizes, made a few remarks of the kind usually made on these occasions. The speaker also took the opportunity of thanking the Rev Mr Beattie for his trouble in examining the school. The Rev. A. W. Hands had not thought it necessary to take any part in the proceed ings. Mr Ward,J in speaking of the examina tion, remarked that the children were most attentive and eager, and ready to answer any questions ; and so pleased was he with their conduct and proficiency that he could have gone on examining for two or three hours longer. The prizes having been given away, in which Mr Ward assisted, The Rev Mr Beattie addressed a few words to the children. He was extremely pleased to be able to be present on this occasion, and to think that the children or many of them should be sp efficient, as their examination proved. He regarded Emma Bean as the dux of the school, for she had returned him a reply to a question as to the best way of going .from England to New Zealand.

bat he did not think that many ;p people could do much better.'- cThfT j; ev. gentleman went on to say that thbsd srho had not gained prizes should not be ; liscouraged on that account, for though: hey had not reached the Successful stan- J lard, they had very reached it, and ( ihould look forward to year. < After some other kindly remarks, the rev. gentleman sat down amidst applause. 1 Appended is the prize list: — > Order of Merit. Standard Y.— Emma Bean, Ist; Henry Tasker, 2nd ; Isabella Williamson, 3rd ; George Pilkington 4th. Standardly.—Florence Williams, Ist; Kathleen Henderson, 2nd; Helen Barratt, 3rd ; William George Murray, 4th. Standard HI. —First Division : James Mutch, Ist; Edith Bean, 2nd ; Edith Pilkington, 3rd; William Bennett, Thomas Underill, and George, Hefiord commended. Second Division 1 ■ Compton, Ist; Stewart McOallum, 2nd Harry Mills, 3rd ; Robert MoCallum and Moses Dailey commended. Class IV. —Ethel Gates, Minnie Leitch, Rosa Worner, Rosa Rook, Louisa Olsen, Susan Barber, Rosa Bevan, Elizabeth Stigley, Lucy Stephens, Elizabeth Addis, Jessie Mutch, Annie Ede, Jessie Trezise, Minnie Barrett, Bertha Taylor, Lucy Dailey, Ada Simmonds, Elizabeth Sim monds, Emma McCutchen. Jessie Mutch, Ist; Arthur Prichard, 2nd; Elizabeth Addis, 3rd; Hubert Milsom, commended ; Jessie Trezise and Emma McCutchen, equal. Class V., Standard ll.—May William son, Margaret Shaw, Hannah Cheat,

Margaret Graham, Affarah Priston, Maude Williams, Ada Wilson, Elizabeth Hunt, Alice Baker, Maude Hill, Agnes Woolley, Esther Gates, Bessie Hender son, Emily Cotton, Marion Compton, Lilian Cotton, Leah Nicholson, Emma Ede, Harriet Haines, Emily Porter, Louise Mussen, Kate Toppin, Annie Griffin. May Williamson, Ist; Margaret Graham, 2nd ; Margaret Shaw, 3rd; Alfred Prichard and Agnes Woolley, equal. Class Vl.—Walter Fawcett, Ist; Maggie Tait, 2nd ; Agnes Millar arid Ellen Woolley, equal. 3rd Class, Infant Department.—Lucy Baigent, Ist; James Scott, 2nd ; Nellie Powrie, 3rd; Andrew McCallum, Maud Bean, Aunie Bennot. 4th Class.—Hetta Leonard, Ist; Rose Leonard, 2nd; Charles Olsen, 3rd. Perseverance and Good Conduct.—lst Glass, George Hoare ; 3rd Class, Ernest Rands. SEWING PRIZES. Standard V—lsabella Williamson, Ist. Standard IV—Flora Williamson, Ist; Ellen Barrett, 2nd. Standard 111 Alice Poole, Ist; Martha Pearson, 2nd ; Edith Poole, 3rd ; Lilly Ivess, 4th ; Alice Broomfield, sth ; Lucy Stevens, 6th. Standard ll—Maude Williams, Ist; Agnes Woolley, 2nd; May Williamson, 3rd ; Lilly Cotton, 4th ; Eliza Hunt, sth; Anna Cheat, 6th. Standard I—Ellen Woolley, Ist; Mar garet Tait, 2nd. Special Prize (Mrs Andrews) —Emily Fletcher. . # Knitting, Special Prize —(Mrs St. Hill) Edith Pilkington ; Matilda Williams, highly commended. Darning—Kathleen Henderson. Prize for good conduct—Edith Barrett. Presentation.

The prize distribution being over, Miss Emma Bean, made a presentation on be half of the school of a handsome locket and signet ring to Mr and Mrs Stott. Mr Stott, in acknowledging the gifts on behalf of himself and Mrs Stott, said how surprised he was when last night he heard (for the first time) that a presentation was to be made to him. He had been in har ness as a teacher since he was thirteen years of age, and so he had not got any prizes for a good many years, but yet he ; had not forgotten his feelings as a prize-win ner. He was glad to think that Ashbur ton’s educational advantages were much greater than they were four years ago. Thanking them once more for their thoughtfulness, Mr Stott sat down amidst prolonged applause. The children then sang, “My Happy Home,” and “ The Men of Harlech ” very nicely, after which Mr Hodder addressed a few words to the children, wishing them a “ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” Cheers for the Examiners, the Chair man, the ladies, Mr Stott, Mr Wright (the latter unprompted), and for themselves (suggested by Mr Mayo), were then given. The children sang, “ God Save the Queen,” and the proceedings terminated. The Examination. The result of the school examination is thus described by one of the examiners in a private letter. This was the third year in which he had taken part in awarding prizes, and this year he had examined the fourth and fifth standards, and the ex amination was highly satisfactory, and very creditable to the teachers. Miss Emma Bean was clearly the dux of the school.

PROFITABLE TEARS.

In Paris the other day a lady who was passing through the great cemetery at Pere la Chaise remarked another lady—young, of course, and interesting —kneeling in an attitnde of complete misery at one of the tombs. Her long veil and other crape-covered garments showed her to be a widow; and the first-mentioned lady, who had also lost her husband, though at a much earlier date, was touched by the profound grief of the fair mourner. Observing that after the lapse of some hours she still remained in the same position, absorbed in the same occupation, she accosted her with words of consolation, and learned that she was the Countess de Montrond, arrived in Paris to visit the tomb of the deceased Count. Ex planations followed, in the course of which the younger widow displayed a telegram received from the country, announcing the dispatch to her of a remittance for 2,000 francs. The money, of course, had not arrived, and the Countess was in great em barrassment. Her new friend could not do more at the moment than lend her 700 francs; but this was done with alacrity, and the elder lady pro mised to call upon the younger at her hotel. Needless to say that no such person was known at the hotel.

[For continuation of reading matter see first page.]

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1881.



-VTORTH BRITISH & MERCANTILE INSURANCE COMPANY, Capital ... £2,000,000, Are now prepared to effect Insurances on Growing Crops and Threshing Machinery. POYNTZ & CO., Agents, 424 d Ashburton. m ; H E ACID CURE. y. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheumatism, 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 Christinas Presents AND NEW YEAR’S GIF IS. 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 John Meech, kRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, ff UPHOLSTERER, &c.. lORNETT. STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Easy Chairs, Couches, English and jnerican Chairs, Single and Double Iron bd Wood Bedsteads. All kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and jlolotb. A large assortment of Repps ad Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of hrniture from Ll 3 and upwards. _ All Ends of furniture re-covered and repaired i the very lowest prices. All work guaranteed and completed at ke shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, ad highest prices given for second-hand omit are. _ ■Note " 1 '••''os—Cheapest House m shbuitui:, Office, Burrmtt



Wanted. STTANTEPsirA good HOUSEMAID. W ’ 'Applyiat once, at Butler’s Family Hotel' 42(1.1 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 WANTED— TENDERS for CUTTING 68 acres of wheat with a string hinder, 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 Lkdce, Elgin. ~ 405 d 'ANTED 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 6d. Apprentices Wanted. 306 d WANTED KNOWN —During the Christmas Season, FRIEDLaNDER BROS, are selling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUIT, Currants, 6£d ; Elemes, 7d ; Sultanas, 8d ; Candied'Peel. Is 6d ; Best Butter, 6d; and General Groceries equally cheap for Cash. 318 d KNOWN—If you want to «< Gi’ow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstead Mills. T'sranted known. spring VV AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS YERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) 827 c WANTED 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 Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 760 c WANTED KNOWN — Christmas and New Year Cards —Just arrived, the Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, including Scented Satchets and Fringed Cards.—L. F. Andrewes, Book seller and Stationer, East street South, Ashburton. 766 c



Special Advertisements. 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. PAYITT, Corn Merchant, <fec., 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 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 SHE E T MUSIC very cheap. Lowest Prices for Cash. 293 d



IgtS 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. Back from the front.—The scare at Parihaka is over; our vo lunteers have proved themselves equal to the occasion, and although no Gghting 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 Boors from C. HAWKINS’ never-to-be excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came back with their “ understandings’ nearly aa good as when they left this go-ahead little township. Try C. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c O. Carstens & Co., (Lath Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G. B. 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. 257«*



Special Advertisements, HE ifetewALUE FOR READY MONEY IS TUB MEN’S AND EOYS’ 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. NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANY (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 £JANTERBURY MUSIC DEPOT. ASHBURTON BRANCH. Milner 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 £55. 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



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. O. BOTTRK.



N 0 Scott Bros, celebrated PER. ALE. GRASS STRIP Immediate delivery. POYNTZ & CO., 422 d Ashburton.



0 N s 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.



AKANUI ELECTION MR WASON’S COMMITTEE will meet at the Central C immittee Rooms on MONDAY, Dec. 27, at 8 p. m. S. E. POVNTZ, 425 d Clerk to Committee. 0 HRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT / TO THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. With to-morrow’s issue a Special Chistmas Supplement will be presented to every town subscriber. The whole of the tales and matter are by local authors, and will be found full of interesting and thrilling detail and consist of the follow ing, viz.:— “ The Nabob’s mistake,” by E. Y. C. “Christmas Eve with a Brisand,” by W. Hall. “ Making a Night of It,” by “ Mask.” “A Tragedy in Real Life,” by “Briton.” AYING ASHBURTON. GIVING UP BUSINESS, EVERETT 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.



Holloway’s Pills. —The changes of tem eprature and weather frequently upset persons who are most careful of their health, and most particular in their diets. These correctives purifying, and gentle aperient Pills are the best remedy for all defective actions of the digestive organs; they augment the appetite, strengthen the stomach, correct biliousness, and carry off all that is noxious from the system. Holloway’s Pills are composed of rare balsams, uumixed with baser matter, and on that account are pe culiarly well adapted for the young, delicate, and aged. As this peerless medicine has gained fame in the past, so will it preserve it in the future by itsrenovatingandinvigoratingqualities and its incapacity of doing harm.—[Advt.]



THE GUARDIAN in published everj evening, giving every day k '-7 a, up to the hour of going to press. This is better than \mjihg a .sixpenny weekly.



Meetings M OUNT SOMERS ROAD DISTRICT The 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* berg will take place to fill the vacant seata of Messrs J. E. Taylor and A. E. Pa ache, who retire by ballot, but who are eligible for re-election. A poll, if demanded, will take place the same day, and dose at 4 p.m. 0. J. WENTWORTH Returning Officer for the Mount Somers 384 d Road District. / a OUTH RAKAIA ROADBQABD. RATE annual meeting-or PAYERS. Thereby give notice that the'Annual General Meeting of Ratepayers will bo held at the Road Board Office, South Rakaia, on WEDNESDAY, the 28th day of Dec., 1881, at 10 a.m. : , r , \ Business: — To receive Report and Statement of Accounts for the year. 0. N. MACKXEj ' M 417 d Chairman. T OWN HALL BOXING NIGHT, MONDAY. DECEMBER 26th, 1881. Will be produced by the ~, t ■ DRAMATIC COMPANY,! 1 1 ' The great Comic Drama'of NAN THE GOOD-FOR-NOTHING To Conclude with Morton’s grander Farce of BETSY BAKER AND HER SIXTEEN SISTERS, As performed at,the Royal PrincetU)’ Theatre, London. - Admission:—3s, 2s, :Ib." Doors open at 7.30, commence at 8,-. 4lßd



Pioiij Notices. gANK HOLIDAYS. TUESDAY, 2Vtb December, and MONDAY, 2nd January next, will be observed as SPECIAL BANK HOLI DAYS at the various Offices in New Zea land of the undermentioned Banks. ~'N The Union Bank of Australia, Liuuted. (Signed) JOSH. 1 CALMER, Chief Officer for N.Z. The Bank of New South Wales.! ; (Signed) J. R. HILL,. Inspector. 1 The Bank of Australasia. (Signed) E. W. MORRAH, , Inspector. The Bank of New Zealand. T (Signed) D, L. MURDOCH, - General Manager. : The National Bank of New Zealand, Limited. (Signed) W. DYMOOK, Inspector. The Colonial Bank of New Zealand. (Signed) GEO. COWIE, ... 356 d General Manager.‘i



BERING TWINE BINDER. Only a few Machines left, for which early application is necessary. JAMESON & ROBERTS, Tenders. 7 TENDERS are invited for CUTTING and TTING, with string, 120 Acres Grain Crop. Tenders close JAN. sth. Any tender not necessarily accepted. !.; r FRANK M. FOSTER,-..!u 421 d Winilow.j 1 1 O BUILD TENDERS will be received at Shy Office until 4 p.m. on Sed January, 1882, for Building STABLE (in brick or stone) in Ashburton. ... i, f.T Plans and specifications may be seen until Wednesday, 28th, at Mr Cooksohls, Ashburton, and after that; date-; at imy office. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. J. C. MADDISON, Architect. Hereford street, Christchurch. 40fid



For Sale. _ : ' ‘.i. - • JQEERING TWINE BUSIER. FOB SALE, a second-hand Machine, in first-rate order, having cut only IJLO acres. . JAMESON & ROBERTS, ‘ 412 d Ashburton.. p O R S A L E— BRIGHAM’S MOWERS & REAPERS. JAMESON & ROBERTS, 314 d Ashburton. O R S -A ; L I#. Rural Section 28403—705 a• ■ Rural Section 28404—95 a 23r Rural Section 28405—103 a lrl3p Rural Section 28406—387 a 2r -20 p - ■ Rural Section 28407 —234 a. 3r lOp All the above can be had as one com pact Farm—is nearly ; all laid down Jhi English grass, and well fenced, with plenty of water. Apply, ■ : f 213 d MATSON, OOX & CO. i O N SALE BY THE UNDER SIGNED. Andrews and Beaven’s celebrated Cantekbuby, Zealandia, and Attstea llAN Chaff Cutters, From £l3 upwards. Horse Gear from £lolos, simple strong and compact. 998 a POYNTZ & CO. IJI O PRINTE R S. MACHINE FOR SAXE. FOR SALE Cheap, one Second-hand Double Demy Tape Printing MACHINE, in thorough working order, with rollers* moulds, &0., complete. . . n MESSRS P. * —"n v -- 851,0 .. AsUburtonj