SHIPPING.

POET OF LYTTELTON. i Arrived- i Yesterday. Eyvor, barquentine, from New York* via Dunedin. . Marmion, brigantine, front Kaipara. Magellan Cloud, brigantine, from Kai- Hannah Barratfe, Bchooner, from Picton, | via Welllington. Sailed. Yesterday. Normon Macleod, barque, for Loudon. Wanganui, ship, for London. Recamia, ketch from D’Urville’s Island. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Loch Orr, from London. Sailed Sovereign, for Rarotonga; Arawata, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Sailed —Wanaka for the North ; Lady Agnes, barque, for Camara. Timaeu, Yesterday. Arrived —Westport, from Lyttelton > . Eliza Mary, from Wellington, !

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. The grain market during the past fort might has been exceedingly quiet, and very little alteration in values has oc curred. If anything, wheat is slightly lower than when we last quoted prices. For small retail lots of good quality milling wheats, about 4a 2d to 4s 4d can be obtained here, but very little business has been done at these prices. A mode rate demand for flour in trade lots has been experienced, but prices are very much easier, and wo quote best samples at about L 9 to LID. The prices for oats remain the same, and the fall in Mel bourne does not seem to have effected values |hei-e to any extent, but we hear of greater activity for this cereal in the neighboring provincial district b£ Otago, Barley for malting pur poses meets with some little enquiry, but only good samples can find buyers at anything like a price worth quoting. The weather has been dry, and winds more or less strong, have had a good opportunity to affect our crops, especially in the light lands. We hear of the hay seed crops being severely shaken already in some parts of the County, bftt a large quantity of hay has now been stacked in good condition. For shearing purposes and for station work the weather has been all that could be desired, and large quantities of wool are now finding their way to the railway stations and stores. The clip is said to be a very fair one, and much heavier than last year’s. All kinds of grain are now coming out in ear, and it is to be hoped some good showers ef rain will soon follow to fill the kernels out well.

Auctioneers’ Reports. Mr T. Bullock reports for the week ending IDeceaiber 10: —At the Bazaar, Burnett street, ,3a Saturday, there was about the usual attend ance of country settlers and others* and a somewhat more spirited bidding than on the previous week. There was an enquiry for first-class draughts, most of those entered being only of medium quality. The entries of the day were 25, comprising draughts, light har ness horses, hacks, and weeds, of which I suc ceeded in disposing of to at the following prices, namely:—Medium draughts, from Li 5 to L2O 10s; light harness horses* L j 15s to Lll; hacks, from Lio to LlO ids; weeds and scrubbers as low as L2 and L 3. I held a sale of freehold properties at the Bazaar immedi ately after the horse sale. There was a fair attendance, and a fairly spirited bidding for the several properties offered, but the reserve placed en two or three were considered rather 400 high by buyers, and consequently passed. Several lots were sold at the following prices, namely;—Town section 682, Havelock street, L 43; town section, 105, Tinwald. > _Lu.iGH tor f-orock}, Town section 464 and other properties were passed, not reaching owners' limit, but there are several enquiries for them, and they will likely be sold privately. 1 also sold engine, combine, and elevator, with everything complete, on account of Messrs Eden and Moorhead, for the sum of 0295.

Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. report as follows :—On Thursday, at Messrs Friedlandet Bros.’ salerooms, Ashburton, we submitted, on behalf of the trustees of the late Sir J. C. Wilson, a portion of the Hinds Estate, com prising 1,858 acres of freehold, divided into ten farms. Hie estate has been highly cul tivated and under skilful management ; fences, etc., in perfect order. There was an unusually large attendance, and competition was very keen for the various lots. The sale was a success, and also an evidence of better things to come.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Saturday, December 17. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his rooms— Privileges, Caledonian Sports ; 2 p.m. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20

Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Tarda—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-night, Friday, December 16. United Masonic Ball, Masonic Hall, 8.30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20. Musical Festival, Town Hall, 8 p.m Wednesday, DecbMbeß 21. Local Industries Association, Monthly Meeting, Upper Town Hall, 8 p.m. 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.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

ypirwH Leave Ashburton foe Christ- CHUECHand intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 11a.m., mid (Express)s.4o p.m. fpxixH Leave Ashburton for Timaru abb South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.32 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p. m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m, (Express), 4.85 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m. (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

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

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1881. The French Commercial Treaty.

The Commercial Treaty between Great Britain and France which was negotiated in iB6O, and was to have expired this year, was calculated to be of so much benefit to both countries that it would be a loss to the civilised world if it were allowed to lapse. It has proved not merely to be a great blessing financially to both countries, but has greatly served in other re spects as a close connecting link be tweentwoof the foremost —if not the two foremost—countries in modern civiliza tion. The laws of political economy, however, are little understood in France, and the splendid advantages of free trade are little appreciated, except by those who have especially gained in purse by them. The French Parliament is still in the main a Protectionist Parliament, and though the manufacturers of brandy, wine, silks, etc., are well aware of what they have gained by the treaty, there is another section of manufacturers afraid of the competition of British cotton and woollen goods, and quite willing to sacrifice their country for their own personal profit. At the instance of these persons, M. Tirard, on behalf of the French Government, urged on the British Commissioners appointed to negociate a renewal of the treaty, that special duties should be imposed upon the classes of goods mentioned, and the British Commissioners very natu rally refusing, it was thought by many people that the treaty which had worked so well in both countries would come to an end. It was agreed, however, as a sort of compromise, in the French Parliament that further negociations for the renewal of the Commercial Treaty should not be opened until it was ascertained that the British Government intended to con clude a new treaty. That assurance having been given in the Queen’s Speech on dissolving Parliament, the question has been re-opened, and the old treaty has been provisionally ex tended to Feb., 1882.

It is not yet at all certain whether a new commercial treaty will be con cluded with France. It it is not, it is very certain that trade between the two countries to the extent of several mil lions of money will be lost. The British Commissioners are anxious to avoid the incurring of such a loss, but at the same time are not at all prepared to accede to any terms which France may dictate, and have therefore stated in very distinct language that they will not accept any treaty less favorable to free trade between the two countries than that now expiring. That is the present position of the question. That commercial treaties have the tendency to direct trade into particular channels is clearly proved in the case of the Melhven treaty with Portugal at the beginning of the 18th century. By virtue of this treaty the duties on Portuguese wines were so far lowered that 1 ever since port wine has been almqst jtlje,. national beverage of Great Britain,*and the light wines of France,

which were previously in the greatest request, became almost entirely neglected, or only used by the wealthy or those to whom price has been ho object. . Even in the colder part of the empire, in Scotland, the clarets which were specially in use in Stuart’s reign have been almost entirely superseded by port wine, until the commercial treaty of iB6O brought the older drink again into vogue. It may be freely admitted by all who have directed their attention to political economy that commercial treaties are more or less infringements of the sound doctrine bf free trade, and are clumsy expedients. But wiih regard to a knowledge of this science, both theoretically and practically, it may be fairly asserted, without undue boasting, that the Continental nations of Europe are far behind Great Britain-, and allow ances must be made for their ignorahcE They do hot seem yeb to understand that in international trade whatever injures your customer injures yourself, that whatever benefits him benefits yourself, and that those people who want their commodities paid for in cash and not in the usual way by goods, will soon find their customers elsewhere to people who trade In the usual and most cprtveriient Way; Meantime 'commercial treaties, am better than prohibitory duties'. _ Already the commercial treaty negotiated in 1860 between the Emperor Louis Na poleon on behalf of France and Mr Cobden on behalf of Great Britain has done much towards educating the French people as to the principles oi trade, and they will learn more yet.

A Reaper and Binder Hospital.— The aocount of “ a look-in at Ray’s,” the well-known reaper and binder expert, in the Wakanui road will be found on another column.

TttE Weather. —Hot, dry winds have been the rule and not the exception throughout Canterbury during the past week, and it is feared the crops will suffer in consequence. In the Timaru and Oamaru districts they have never Had such a dry .season for years as the present one, and the crops will be very light indeed.

Longbeach School Committee. A meeting of this body was held on Wednes day evening, to make arrangements for a tea meeting and concert, the proceeds of which are to be appropriated to the pur pose of giving the school children prizes and a treat. It was decided to hold the tea meeting and concert on the evening of the 23rd inst., and the treat on the fol lowing day. The former will take place in the Main School, and the latter in a paddock near the school, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee by Mr Dawson The tables at the tea party will be provided for by Mesdames Grigg, Frampton; Dawson, Taylor, Ruridell, and Donaldson. Several ladies and gentleirien have consented to assist at the concert, and as the object is a praiseworthy one we hope to see a good attendance. Nice Distinctions. —The Veto Zealand Times states that some absurd reasons were given by voters for the way they voted on Friday, none were probably more so than those given in the Hawke’s Bay Herald. At Havelock one man openly stated that he polled against Captain Russell “ because he wore an eye glass.” At Hastings several others gave as their reason for voting for Mr Sdtton f£ that he had promised to relieve tho working man of direct taxation,” evidently completely ignorant of the fact that the working man does not now pay direct taxation. And to these men is viven tWranohiao We know of one voter who refused to vote for a “ Liberal ” because the candidate dyed his moustache.

Poor Humanity. —At the Round-hill diggings, Invercargill, on Wednesday a Chinaman was buried alive in his claim. His remains have since been unearthed, and brought to Riverton. Elgin School. —The monthly meeting of tlie Committee of the above was held on Wednesday last ; present—Messrs J. Stanley Bruce (chairman), T. Holmes, A. Letham, and G. Cox. The Chairman stated that since the last meeting the Board of Education had temporarily ap pointed Mr T. M. Wilson in charge until a master can be obtained. Further, that since Mr Wilson had taken office the attendance had very greatly increased. It was resolved that a fortnight’s holidays be given from the 23rd instant, terminat ing on the Gth January, and that the general holidays be fixed by the new Committee, to take effect during harvest. It was further resolved that the Chairman make the best arrangement he can to have the schoolhouse cleaned. It was also resolved that Mr Proudlock be re quested to return the Committee’s ac count-book, and settle his account to date of his leaving. Accounts were passed amounting to LlO 4s sd, and the Com mittee adjourned.

West Coast Middle Island Railway. —At Greymouth last night a public meet ing was held, at which a committee was appointed to receive a commission ap pointed by the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce to report upon the East and West Coast Railway, and furnish all pos sible information as to the resources of this district, and as to the necessity of starting the construction of the line from this end as well as from the Canterbury side. The meeting was well attended, and the committee was composed of lead ing citizens, managers of coal mines, saw millers, the county engineer, etc.

False Pretences —At the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court at Timaru yesterday the charge against John King, the well-known auctioneer, of obtaining money under false pretences, was heard, and resulted in the accused being sen tenced to one year’s imprisonment.

The Break in the Cloud. —There are (says the New Zealand Herald) indications of a returning prosperity in several direc tions at the present moment. Those corners whereat the unemployed have been wont to congregate and rail against everything and everybody, are less fre quented than they were a few months ago, and any combined cry as to want of em ployment has n I 1 beard for some months. In ail the suburbs residences are being erected, and everywhere there ap pears to be a minimum number of houses unoccupied. Most of the manufactories in the town have large quantities of work in ‘hand. Revivals of prosperity are seldom other than slow, but it is to be hoped the indications referred to are to be relied upon, and that we have seen the last of the recent depression.

There’s Nothing Like it. —An American exchange says :—The man who does not advertise has it done for him finally under the head of “ failures in busi ness.”

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[I>ER REUTER’S AGENCY.] The Markets. London, Dec. 13. Consols, New Zealand se curities —Five per Cent. 10-40 Loan, 1053 Five per Cent. 1889 Loan, 105; Four and a Half per Cent. 1879-1904 Loan, 101 Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 565; Newr.Zealand ditto, 52s ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 41s

6d ; Australian tallow —best beef, 39s 6d; best mutton) : London, Dec. 14 Consols have declined }4, to New Zealand quotations are firm at last quotations. Colonial breadstuffs and tallow are unchanged. The Gracious Queen.

A fund has been started for the relief of distressed Irish women. The Queen has subscribed L2OO, and other large contributions have already been re ceived; • The Row in Tunis, intelligence to hand from Tunis states that certain Tunisian Government officials have forcibly expelled the workmen of Mr Levy, a British subject, from the estate of Enflda, the owner ship of which has for a long time past been in dispute; , After the removal of Jitr Levy’s employees, the Tunisians installed a number of French work men in their places, and the latter are now in possession of the estate. The Press and the Pope. Pams, Dec. 14 The French Ultramontane press have lately published articles in reference to the situation of the Papal See The papers concur in stating that the Pope’s position has become unbearable, an,d that the question of Hi§ Holiness’ defiarttire from Rome is now seriously mooted. ;

AUSTRALIAN.

[t’Bß REUTER’S AGENCY.] Obstruction;

Melbourne, Yesterday.

Great opposition has of late been shown in the Legislative Assembly to the policy of the Government, and the members of the Opposition have now adopted a course of deliberate obstruc tion and stonewalling, with a view to prevent the passage of Bills which the Government are endeavoring to press forward before the prorogation at Christmas. It is expected that in consequence of the tacticS of the Op position the Harbor Triist Bill will be abandoned.

TELEGRAMS.

[pick PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Lively Times for Wellington Plural Voters. Wellington, To-day. The Returning Officer for Thorndon to-day laid an “information against the Hon. 0. J. Pharazyn for plural voting at the recent election. An information has also been laid against two electors in South Wellington on a similar charge. Thb caSea will be heard oil Thursday. A man named Smith, of Alfredtown, has been arrested at Masterton on a charge of voting twice at the Wairarapa North election. A Sad Accident. Blenheim, To-day. A man named Henry Boyce was killed in the Wairau Valley yesterday by the upsetting of a wool dray which he was driving. In coming down a siding the dray capsized, throwing several bales of wool on the top of him. Death was in stantaneous. The deceased leaves a wife and four children.

HANDICAPS FOR THE CALE DONIAN SPORTS.

The following are the handicaps for the various races to be Pim on Monday next Hurdle Race, 440 yards. A. Rae scratch McFarlane scratch H. A. Foster scratch Darcy Hyland scratch John Groves ... ... 10yds C. Spray 15yds F. Betts 20yds Grand Handicap. 200yds. 300yds. 400yds. R. McFarlane scratch scratch scratch D. Hyland ... scratch 5 5 H. Tovey ... scratch 5 5 H. Primmer... scratch 5 5 H. A. Foster scratch 5 6 A. Rae ... scratch 5 5 J. D. Church scratch 5 5 A. Anderson scratch 5 10 W. Gilmour... 3 5 5 R. Lechner... 3 5 10 J. Groves ... 3 scratch scratch F. Betts ... 5 10 15 C. Spray ... 10 10 3 Half Mile Race. J. D. Church scratch A. Rae scratch John Groves scratch 0. Spray 20yds F. Rett; 30yds D. Leitch 50yds One Mile Race. John Groves scratch J. D. Church 10yds A. Rae 10yds 0. Spray 40yds W. Bayliss D- Leitch 80yds W. Anderson \ Handicapped

CRICKET.

WEST CANTERBURY ASSOCIA TION v. ASHBURTON.

The above match was resumeed to day on the Domain ground. The follow ing are the scoro up to the time of our reporter leaving the ground : Ashburton —Ist Innings. G. Andrews, c Peary, b Anson ... 3 A. Andrews, b Simpson 1 A. Curtis, b Simpson 5 A. Farquhar, run oat 3 L. F. Andrewes, c Hopkins, b Simp son... ... ... 15 W. B. Denshire, b Feaiy 16 A. Fooks, b Anson 3 Wix (sub.), not out 0 Lyttelton, b Anson ... ... ... 1 Jefferson (sub ), h Simpson 3 Hoskins, b Ansi-n ... ... ... 0 Byes ... 3 Leg-byes 1 Wales 1 Total 55 West Canterbury.—lst innings. T. Feary, b Hoskins 7 G. Rutherford, run out 1 T. H. Anson, b Fooks 2 H. Feary, b Hoskins 0 S. Simpson, c Hoskins, b Fooks ... 0 T. Croker, b Fooks 8 Kemp, c and b Hoskins 3 Cresswell, b Fooks 2 Hopkins, c Hoskins, bFooks... ... 1 W. Rollet, c Andrewes, b Fooks ... 7 T. Sawle, not out 4 Byes 2 Total 37 Total of both innings ... 110 Ashburton C.C.—2nd innings. Farquhar, b Anson 7 Jefferson, c Simpson b Anson ... 7 Wix, b Anson 6 G. Andrews, not out Id Denshire, Ibw, b Feary 2 A. Fooks, b Feary 0 Byes ® Leg-byes

Total for 5 wickets t ... 45 The Ashburton Eleven won, with'four wickets to go down.

ASHBURTON HIGH SCHOOL.

Distribution of Prizes- The Ashburton High School breaking-, up for the Christmas holidays and distri bution of prizes took place at the School to-day. The whole of the pupils were in attend ance, and a good many parents and friends were also present. Dr Trevor, Chairman of the High School Board, presided, and gave the prizes away; ..... , The pupils occupied their usual places at the desks, the adults being seated in chairs at the lower end of the schoolroom. At the opposite end on a table were ranged the nicely-bound prizes, consisting of voyages and travels, poetry, biographies, etc. Seated by the table were Dr Trevor (presiding), the Rev. A. M. Beattie, Mr Hogg, the head master, and Mr Buchanan;

the- Se'bond master. The Head master, Mr Hogg, said that the proceedings to-day would consist almost entirely of the distribution of prizes, but before that ceremony took place he would wish to make a few remarks respect ing the history of the school in the past and only year of its existence. The work commenced on the 7th February. During the first term there were only seventeen boys on the roll. In the next term both the scholars atid himself were exceed ingly gratified by the appointment of his (Mr Hogg’s) earnest and zealous colleague, and he corild riot refrain from expressing his dense of the way Ho risld zeal both in school arid out of it. _ The school had indeed been fortunate in the

appointment of Mr Buchanan. When Mr Buchanan came he brought with him a number of pupils; with the result that during the second term the roll had increased to thirty pupils, and during the present, the third term, there had been a further slight increase, the total number of boys being at present thirty two; This he Considered was very satisfactory, although he did not regard numbers as any criterion of the success of the High School. One grand result arising from an institution like this was perhaps hardly fully appreciated by the public, and that was the raising of the standards in every elementary school

within the sphere of the High School. In connection with this he hoped that in the course of a few years the influence of the High School Would cause, eich boy and girl to receive a better education in every elementary school throughout the district. (Applause.) He might say that in Class 111. there were a number of very young boys, and he must confess that he had some scruples about admitting those boys at the time of their admission; but on looking over their examination papers he was surprised to find the good wo.k done by these small boys, and had changed his opinion about them. For they had shown common sense and originality that he looked in vain for, he regretted to say, amongst the older boys. Having entered into some details as to the work ing of the school, which showed the insti i tution to be in a highly satisfactory con dition, Mr Hogg called upon the Chair man to distribute the prizes. Dr. Trevor said that he need not as sure his young friends that he had very great pleasure in performing the gratifying duty he had been asked to undertake to day, but before he did so he would like to say a few words to them which they would hear all the more patiently now that they were all in such good spirits at the prospect of Christmas and the holi days. Their school was quite a new one and he was pleased to think that it was already ' a successful one and that the pupils enjoyed such facilities for acpuiring knowledge among such competent teachers as Mr Hogg and Mr Buchanan. There was only one thing that remained to be done and that was for the boys to do their duty and to strive, by their good conduct to second the efforts of their masters to make and keep the school all that it should be. There was nothing more pleasant in after life than to remem ber that the school at which you were brough t up was a famous school (applause). He did not suppose the Ashburtcn High School would become an Oxford or Cam bridge University, but be was sure it would become one of the bestschoolsinthe colony (applause), it would be a great thing for

them to say when they were grown up, that they had been educated at the Ashburton High School. They were re ceiving an education which would fit them, when they should be men, for the pursuit of any profession or calling. But let them remember that education was not without its responsibilities. They were receiving the education of gentlemen, and they must take care they acquired the habits of gentle men. They must put down anything like rowdyism or larrikinism, and set their faces against any approach to lowness or vulgarity. (Applause). He hoped they would spend a happy Christmas, and he believed they would, because last evening ho had asked Mr Hogg whether during the past term you had done your work, and he said yes. Now the only people, whether boys or men, who really enjoyed a holiday were those who worked hard at the proper season. He had always noticed that the boy who was diligent at the desk was usually diligent in the cricket field. He trusted they would benefit by the holiday, and come back to their work with i enewed energy and vigor. (Applause). And now as to the prize?. This giving away of prizes was not an unmixed pleasure after all. It was very pleasant, of course, to hand the successful boy, full of pride and triumph, the reward of his diligence and application, and it was also very pleasant to think how pleased that boy’s parents and sisters and brothers— and he supposed he would not be going too far if he added sweetheart (laughter)— would be at his success ; but what about the unsuccessful ones, the boys who had no prizes I Well, to dismiss the question for a moment, he would tell them a little story about a prize. They had all heard about Sir John Franklin, the great Arctic explorer, and how he had perished while away on one of his perilous expeditions to the North Pole. Well one of his party,

a young surgeon to the expedition, had been found amidst the snow and ice, and lying by his side was a prize he had won at school. Amongst all the h-rdships and privations he had undergone, he had carried this book with him, and prized it above everything. (Applause), lint they must not suppose, the successful ones, that because they were prize winners this year that they would be equally fortunate next year. They must not relax their efforts because they had won one victory, but having gained that vantage, they must endeavor to hold it. And now a word to the boys who had not won prizes. Well, he was very sorry for them, but yet they must not be discouraged. He

thought it- was Peter the Great who was as a young man so often defeated in early life. Battle after battle he lost, and those about him were discouraged and dis satisfied. But Peter was not cast down. He afterwards said that his defeats had taught him how to conquer. A boy who would take defeats like that was not likely to be put down for long. .(Ap plause. ) Then again they had all heard of the famous American General Stonewall Jackson? As a boy he was not particu larly brilliant, but every time he was de feated he tried again, and they all knew he had ultimately become one of the most famous generals the world had ever known. (Applause.) His success had been so great simply because he had im proved his condition just a little bit every time he met with defeat. If they would make as good use of defeat as that they might depend that their parents would be as proud, of them as if they had carried off prizes.... Well, he would not preach to them iaby longer, but once more wishing them pleasant holidays and a happy New

Year, he would proceed to distribute the prizes:— The prizes were then given away, thp doctor accompanying each presentation with a few kindly and appropriate words.' The prize list was as follows: —' Glass lll.—lst prize, Ivess; 2nd prize, Buchanan u. , Class ll.—Class prize, Fooks; prize for English,. Tasker; prize for < Mathematics,’ Clark ii. ; prize for Latin, Fish n.,, » Class I. —Class .prize, and Feltonj equal; prize for Mathematics,' O’Reilly} special prize for Arithmetic," Felton. The Rev. Mr Beattie now rose at the invitation of the Rector, and remarked , that he was very glad to have that oppor tunity afforded him of offering his feficita- tions on such an occasion as this. The 16th december was a famously reddetter day in the annals of Canterbury; And es pecially was it memorable in Ashburton as being the day on which the first distribu tion of prizes was held at the High School. He was pleased to think that the Rector and his assistant, Mr Buchanan, were doing sound and substantial work: here. With one remark that had fallen from the Rector he was especially pleased, and that was that the High School would exert a beneficial influence on the primary schools throughout the district. Doubt less this would be the case, and he hoped the day was not far distant when the Ash burton High School would take a high place in the colony as an educational institution,, and perhaps be affiliated, to the Christchurch University. Sdhopl lifdj he would remind his young friends was not merely valuable for educational pur poses, but also for the excellent training and discipline which the pupils received, artd this discipline was absolutely neces sary to the turning out of good useful., men. After some further remarks the rev gentleman said he had very great;, pleasme in proposing a.vote of thanks to Mr riogg and his able coadjutor, Mf Buchanan. He would take the oppor tunity of remarking that he thought the Board of Education had : been very .for tunate in securing the services of so capable a master as Mr Buchanan. (Applause.) The vote of thanks was seconded by Mr Hodder, who in doing so expressed his satisfaction with the school and the teachers. The motion was carried with accla mation. The Chairman said he could not allow that occasion to pass without thanking | Mr Hogg and Mr Buchanan, on behalf of himself and the Board of Governors, for their exertions in connection with the school. The Head Master responded in a few words. He trusted both his colleague and himself would prove worthy Of the very flattering remarks that had greeted their efforts that day. and he hoped next year that the school would be in a more satisfactory state still. There was one thing he would like to remark before he sat down, and that was that they had been Working so hard lately that they had had no time to prepare an entertainment befitting such a company as were as sembled to-day, but ha hoped next year that this would be remedied. Mr Buchanan was proud to think that his name and that of his colleague had received such honourable mention that day. The successful working of the school he partly attributed to the fact that his col league and himself were working in harmony and also in a great measure to Mr Hogg’s untiring energy. They both loved boys, and endeavored to train them to become manly without fear and without reproach. Especial care was taken to prevent the employmrnt by the boys of objectionable language, and this offence was always punished. He would like to mention the names of Ernest Felton and Reginald Hodder, for they had the responsibility o f directing the minds of all the young gentlemen attending the school. They looked for great results from the school in the future, and he did not think they would be disappointed. (Applause). Mr Joseph Clark, Tinwald, proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was seconded by Sergeant Felton, and carried unanimously. Three cheers were then given by the boys for Dr Trevor, with “one cheer more.” The doctor having briefly re sponded. the boys gave three cheers for the visitors, followed by three for the ladies, and after a parting cheer fo r the masters the proceedings terminated.

SPORTING.

SOUTHLAND JOCKEY CLUB RACES Invercargill, Yesterday. The first day’s races were rather poorly attended. The following are the re sults:— Derby.— Mameluke, 1; Flageolet, 2 ; Butterfly and Nigger also ran. Time, 2min 58£sec. Maiden Plate. —Brewer, 1; Flageolet, 2; Alice. 3. Time, 2min 58£sec. Southland Cup. —Tasman, 1; Volun teer, 2. Adamant was scratched. Time, nearly Strain. Southland Hussar Plate.—Plough boy, 1. Eight others started. District Selling Race.— Kingbird, 1; Tom King, 2. Patch also started. A Hack Selling race and Hurry Scurry closed the day’s sports.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

WESLEYAN CHURCH FINANCES.

To the Editor.

Sir, —The financial report as given on Tuesdayeveninglasi, and published inyour issue of Wednesday, was scarcely definite through the Circuit and Trust Funds being amalgamated by the Treasurer in his speech, and I take the liberty of giving a clear statement of the church income for the year ending Sept. 30,18 1: —Circuit Fund, including connexionaland special collections, L 423 2s lid ; Sunday School Fund, L 24 ; Tararna disaster sub scriptions, L2O 14s Id ; Trust or Property Fund, L 448 Os lid ; total, L9l& 17s lid. —I am, &o, W. Ke.vll.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1881.



WASTE PAPER for Sale, 2d per lb., at the Guardian Office. rW ZBAJjAJNO -L.OAJN AJNU 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. Ohrifltohurch, October 1,1881. • 7820



Wanted. ANTED KNOWN— Mrs Hender son, Dressmaker, Burnett street, near Catholic Church. Ladies’ Dresses made from 6s 6d. Apprentices Wanted. WANTED KNOWN—During , the Christmas Season, FRTEJLLaNDBR BROS, are selling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUIT, Currants, 6|d ; Blemes, 7d ; Sultanas-. BdCandied Peel, Is 6d ; Best Butter, nd; and General Groceries equally cheap for Cash. 318 d WANTED KNOWN—If you Want to Grow a splendid Crop of Turnips, Purchase some ef Mayo’s Bonedust, —Address F, MAVo, Hamstead Mills. WANTED KNOWN. —SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS YERRALL is now Showing her 1 First Display of Spring Millinery. Co- i In mho street (opposite Cookham Hou>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. WANTED KNOWN.— just received A consignment of “ Novelties,” together with new. rare and generally esteemed varieties of Flower Seeds, annual and perennial, in addition to those cata logued. Those of my customers who have not had their orders lor Garibaldi Bulbs, Carnations, s&e., will oblige by calling for he same. A very fine stock of bedding oht Plants will be ready in September and October. W. Gimblett, Colombo street, Christchurch. 580 c 30Gd 255 d 827 c 760 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. 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 rnHE COMPLIMENTS 01? THE x SSASOX. 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. -7 wi .PisW‘hiugY6hTlnstruments on Deferred Payments. A quantity of SHEET MUSIC very cheap. Lowest Prices for Cash. 293 d John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNET T STRE ET, Opposite the Mail Office. Easy Chairs, Couches, English and American Chairs, Single and Double Iron and Wood Bedsteads. All kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and Oilcloth. A large assortment of Repps and Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of Furniture from Ll 3 and upwards. All kinds of furniture re-covered and repaired at the very lowest prices. All work guaranteed and completed at the shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, and highest prices given for second-hand Furniture.



Note the address—Cheapest House in Ashburton, opposite Mail Office, Burnett street 316 c



QANTERBURY MUSIC DEPOT. ASHBURTON BRANCH. Milner & Thompson Desire to inform the residents of Ash burton and surrounding districts that they have appointed Mil H. M. JONES their sole Agent for this district, and invite inspection of the Instruments, Music, Ac., now displayed in the SHOW BOOM, above Mr Jones’ Shop. PIANOS by all the beat 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 10a 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 bo pur chased on Deferred Payment from 20s per month. Orders for Tuning executed by a first-class professional. Pianos on Hire. 770 c J



Special Advertisements. Back froivi the front.—The scare at Rarihaka is oyer; oftr, vo-1 lunteers have proved themselves ‘equal to the occasion, and although no fighting was done, they were the “ boys” to do it had it been required; a brush with the “ blackfellows ” was what they went for. Nevertheless they did a good deal of hard tramping up hill and down dale; and the astonishing fact is that babat of them, having been., provided with STOUT BuOfS from C. HAWKINS’ never-to-be excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came back with their “ understandings” nearly as good as when they left, this gb-ahead '.ittle township.. Try C. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c



gPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. Christmas Story. As a special attraction for Christmas, the Proprietor of the Ashburton Guardian offers a Prize of Three Guineas for the best original Christmas Story, to be written by ail author resident in ,the Asnbilrto'n County, and published in the columns of the Guardian. The story will, be published in the columns of this journal, and the Pro prietor reserves to himself all right and privileges connected with its publication. A Committee of gentlemen will adjudge the M. S. S. and make the award, and due notice of their decision will ap pear in tiiose columns. CONDITIONS... All competitors for the Prize frill be required to Comply' with the following conditions i— (1) The story must be. written by a buna fide resident of the Ashburton County. (2) The numbed ot words employed must not "ekceed 400 lines. (8) Competitors will be required to write on white paper only ; on one aide of the paper only, and in a plain legible hand. No member of the staff of this journal will be allowed to compete. (4) All the MSS. must be addressed to the Editor, and may be signed with A vmh de plume, but the writer’s teal name and address must be enclosed, not necessarily for publication. (5) No award will be made unless more than three stories are submitted.



(6) Rejected MSS. cannot be rb -urned. N.B.—All MSS. rtulst be sent in on or before December 20. Any manuscript coming to hand after date will be ineli gible. XT D. MONK’S * ORIENTAL BILtIARD AND REFRESHMENT SALOON is NOW OPEN DAILY. Tables by Alcock and Thurston of the highest quality. Carved in solid walnut. ! Cojne and bCU one of the FINEST BILLIARD SALOONS In the Colony, FLEMING’S BUILDINGS, TRIANGLE Next A. Wilson, Tobacconists 25c Christchurch. rji h s Acid cure. F. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc. May be obtained from MacßaY 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 e rjIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, noted throughout the Colony for the best fitting and Genuine Well-made CLOTHING Of Every Description, are the LARGEST PRIZE-TAKERS At the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition having been awarded FIRST ORDER OF MERIT, AND ALSO HIGHLY COMM EX I) ED BY THE INTELLIGENT JURORS. One trial will prove the Superior Quality of all Products. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Branches at all the principal Towns. HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, BLANKETS, RUGS TWEEDS, At Wholesale Prices. NEW SEASON S GOODS NOW SHOWING. Ashburton Retail Branch : East Street. W. SPARROW, 692 c Branch Manager. 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 1382 ; Family Header (div. 42); Boys’ Standard (new series) ; Latest Novelties in Pipes. P. CLARK, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Montgomery’s Buildings. 319 d 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. 267a*



Special Advertisements. H is LORDSHIP’S LARDER. THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE WORLD WHERE A GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK, AND A GLASS OF BASS’ ENGLISH ALE, Can bo obtained FOR ON& SHILLING, THE BEST MENU TO CHOOSE FROM IN C H RIS TCHU BC Hi 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. F. Furness, JpRUITEKER AND CONFECTIONER Pine Apples Strawberries Cherries Nbrs, And all other FrUils in Season. REFRESHMENT ROOMS—Tea and Coffee Always Ready. and Saunders’ Build ings. 363 d ASHBURTON REGISTRY OFFICE, For Male and Female Servants. All orders for Servants by letter or otherwise receive prompt attention. L. F. ANDREWES, Labor Agent) Last Street, 765 c Ashburton.



T EAVING ASHBURTON GIVING UP BUSINESS-, EVERETt BRO . Will on Saturday, December 3, commence A GREAT CLEARING SALE Of their new and well-selected Stock of GENERAL DRAPERY; And to effect, A spte'edy clearance will, in addition Vo 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.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is rnven the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



Anniversary Day. —The thirty-first anniversary of the Province of Canterbury was observed to-day in a very unosten tatious way by the public of Ashburton. Although a holiday to all intents and purposes, there seemed to be nothing in the way of amusements to attract atten tion, if we except the cricket match between the West Canterbury Association and the Ashburton County Club. A few persons only, however, were attracted to the match, the windy nature of the day making it rather unpleasant to be out of doors, and so probably preventing any one inclined to witness the match. The town itself presented a very deserted ap pearance, and business was entirely suspended.



• continuation of reading mailer first page.]



Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Notable Facts. —Intense heat augments the annoyances of skin disease and encourages the development of febrile disorders; therefore they should, as they can, be remove by these deteigent and purifying preparations. In stomach complaints, liver affections, pains, and spasms of the bowels, Holloway’s ungent well rubbed over the affected part immediately gives the greatest ease, prevents congestion and in« flammation, checks the threatening diarrhoea and averts incipient cholera. The poorer inhabitants in large cities will find these remedies to be their best friends when any pestilence rages, or when from unknown causes eruptions, boils, abscesses, or ulcerations point put the presence of taints or impuri'ies within the system, and call for instant and effective curative medicines. — [Advt]