SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Sailed. Yesterday. Omaha, brigantine, for the Chatham Islands. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Te Anau, for the South. Post Chalmbes, Yesterday. Arrived—Eingaroom, from the North. Sailed —Ringarooma, for Melbourne, via the Bluff. Port Chalmbes, To-day. Arrived Anthos, from Greymouth; Taranaki, from London

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs H. Matson and Co. report as follows of their usual fortnightly sale for this district, which was held on Tuesday last at the County Saleyards :—There was a very small attend ance of farmers, and a very large entry both in cattle and sheep. Business was extremely dull, and a large proportion of the entry had to be turned out unsold. Reef sold freely, but store cattle were entirely neglected, unless at ruinous prices to the vendors. In both fat and store sheep the greatest difficulty was ex perienced in quitting them at any prices. The fanners are evidently afraid that unless rain comes soon there will be a scarcity of food.

Christchurch Corn Exchange.

Com Exchange Report for the week ending Friday evening, the 9 l h instant: There is no change to report in the state of the market, dullness being its nominal condi tion, and values in all lines are unaltered. Wheat—Good sound milling samples are worth from 4s 4d to 4s 8d per bushel, f.0.b.; second quality, 3s rod to 4s 2d ; chick wheat, 3s to 3s 66 per bushel. Oats- -Good short milling samples are worth from 25 to 2s id per bushel, f.0.b.; feed quality, is lod to is lid per bushel. Barley—Good malting from 2s 9d to 3 s P er bushel; feed, 2s to 2s 3d per bushel. Cheese and Butter—The former is worth from 4d to per lb., the latter to 6d per lb.

The English Markets.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile agency Company, Limited, have received the following telegram dated London, December 6th :—Wool—Competition is decreasing and market is weaker. Competition on French account is sluggish. Up to date 96,000 bales have been sold. The sales will close on 10th instant. Wheat—market is quiet. New Zea land is worth 57s per 4961b5. Tallow —Market easier. Mutton 40s; beef 37s per cwt.

MAIL NOTICES.

IMTaila close at the Ashburton Post Office os follows :—' For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a-m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Hakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Eangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.ni., 10 *.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m-

TWftfln arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Bakaia at 10.25 4.4/i P-Tn. . and V_.nO jvna- _ From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. 6.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. Prom Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-mobrow, Saturday, December JO. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Suburban Properties; 2.30 o’clock. •MV T. Bullock, at the- Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Thursday, December 15. J. T. Ford and Co., at Friedlander Bros.’ Saleroom —V aluable Freehold Pro perty ; 1 o’clock. Tuesday, December 20. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Monday, December 12. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, December 13. Horticultural Society—Monthly Meeting, Mr Jones’ Upper Room, 8 p.m. Friday, December 16. United Masonic Ball, Masonic Hall, 8.30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20. Musical Festival, Town Hall, 8 p.m Monday, December 26. Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering. . Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races. 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. wm—w—w——w— I "sm*

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ ohuboh and intermediate stations at 7.5 a. m., 11a.m., and (Express)s.4B p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.55 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Express), and 4.60 p. m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.40p.m., and 7.45 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.50 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.16 p.m.

BIRTH.

Cookson. —At her residence, Wills street, Ashburton, cn the 9th inst., Mrs E. Cookson, of a daughter.

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

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1881.

Library Committee. —No quorum being present the usual monthly meeting of the Library Committee fell through last night, and was adjourned till Thurs day next. Messrs Charlton, Douglas, and Ward were the only committeemen who attended. The Warrior’s Uniform. —lt will be remembered that when the Ashburton contingent of Volunteers proceeded to Parihaka, on arriving there they had to exchange their ordinary uniform for the the camp costume in vogue at the “seat of war.” The “ stay at home ” uniforms arrived in Ashburton this morning, and on opening the case, the first swag that caught the eye was that of a member ox the corps, who, whether dersevedly or not —for there seems some doubt on that point—has acquired for himself a not very enviable name. Some wag at Parihaka had Libelled the parcel with various epithets not calculated to make the notorious Volunteer any more patriotic, and the “ hero of Parihaka” will doubt less be well pleased when the march on that place is forgotten. Mr. Cattlin. —Tlrs well-known sur geon-dentist announces his intention of visiting Ashburton next week, and will interview his patients at the Somerset Hotel on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the last time this year.

A Large Purchaser. Messrs T. Kennedy McDonald and Co., the well known Wellington auctioneers, report having sold to the lion. W. S. Peters the Glencoe and Ohanga Stations, 12,072 acres freehold and 39,000 acres leasehold, with 40,000 sheep, 1,850 cattle, and 85 horses, for L 35,000. The Ashburton Rifles, —A meeting of the local corps will bo held to-morrow night, for the purpose of discussing the advisableness or otherwise of taking part in the proposed sham-fight at Timaru on the 16th instant. By a letter from Capt. Hamersley to Captain Bullock the former states that the pay for the “ boys” who wont to Parihaka will arrive in a day or two.

Mysterious Fire Near Rakaia. —Last evening Frank Brown, road contractor, and his assistant, Rees Jones, residing in a tent close to the plantation, and about half-a-mile from the township left for the latter place after tea, and visited the Library, where they remained until half past nine o’clock. They then started for home, but before they got there they ob served a light ahead, and this light they were alarmed to perceive as they ap proached it proceeded from their tent which was in a blaze, and was burnt, to gether with all their clothes, bedding, and belongings before they could ex tinguish the flames. Both men state posi tively that the fire where they do their cooking, which is only about six yards from where the hut stood, was quite out before they left tho place. They imagine that rats or mice may have got at tho matches and ignited them in some way for there were a lot of machines lying about on the floor of the tent it seems. Children sometimes visit tho tent, and it is thought that they may have also got at the matches. There is no reason to suppose that arson has been committed, for the men are both much liked in the place. Broun estimates his loss at L2O, and Jones his at'Ll?, :• (1 j;

A Novel Procession. —Between 6 and 7 o’clock last evening the banging of drums and the cheerful strains of the brass band caused a number of enquiries as to what was “ up.” The solution of the mystery was not far off. Mr R. Lancaster last night opened a new bakery establish ment (adjoining his butchery), and being naturally anxious to give the fact as much publicity as possible, bad engaged the band to parade the town in an express van, following which were a string of some half-dozen other vehicles filled with people, some of whom bore aloft on sticks great loaves of newly baked bread, which was certainly, to all appearance, of most excellent quality. Bringing up the rear of the procession was Mr Lancaster’s watering cart, bearing on its sides the legend “ Free Trade —bread at 5d a loaf.” The procession caused great amusement.

Fire in Colombo Street, Christ church. —A fire broke out in: Messrs Vincent and Co.’s brewery, South Colombo street, about 10 o’clock last night. From the reports in the Christchurch papers this morning, it appears that at about ten minutes to i 0 o’clock the night watchman stationed in the neighborhood observed fire issuing from the roof of the wooden portion of the buildings used for carrying on the brewing operations. The glare from the fire was seen about the same time by two men in the adjoining build-, ing, and an alarm was at once given.' Some little time elapsed before the fire bells were rung, and it was nearly a quarter past 10 before the fire brigade arrived upon the scene, which they did with a steam tire engine and a hand engine, both of which were stationed in in the brewery yard close to the burning building, and connection with an adjacent tank containing between 2,000 and 3,000 gallons being secured, a strong force of water was at once brought to play upon the fire, which by this time had made considerable progress. The other steam engine had in the mean time been attached to the tank in Tuam street. Fortunately all the adjoining buildings were built of brick with slate roofs, and the efforts of the brigade were concen trated upon the building on fire. The men worked with such a will, and were so well directed, that, the supply of water being quite equal to the demand, their efforts were soon crowned with success, and in about half-an-hour from the time when the engines began to play the fire was completely under control. Too much praise cannot be given to tho firemen who, mounted on ladders and on the roof of an adjoining building, carried the hose almost into the very midst of the fire, although at much risk of injury from the falling debris, and being exposed to the possibility, which did not seem very re mote, of a large mass of machinery, tanks, vats, etc., coming crushing down upon them. Nothing definite has transpired with regard to the origin of the five, but it is surmised that it may have arisen from the chimney connected with the steam engine, being in a heated condition, having ignited the roof. The whole of the contents of the building, consisting of all the machinery and apparatus used in carrying on the brewing, were almost totally destroyed, but no injury was done to the other portions of the establish ment. The property was fully insured in the National office, but though the direct loss may be covered, Messrs Vincent and Co. will suffer very considerably through the compulsory suspension of business which will result from the destruction of their plant

TO OUR READERS.

The article which we publish below was written by Mr James Wilkie on the night of the last Ashburton A. and P. Show j and handed to one of our staff for pub lication in The Guardian. Our readers will be able to see from its contents that we had good reason to believe in the hona fides of the supposed facts contained in the article which we recently published headed “An Udesirable Candidate,” it being well known that Mr Wilkie took an active interest in Nelson politics about the time of which the article treats. The following is the article, as far as we can make out the caligraphy, the spaces where full stops occur being either unreadable or missing from the manuscript : “Mr Ivess’s meeting on Thursday even ing was a most successful one from the point of view from which he will judge it, but in our opinion there are good grounds for criticism on several of his arguments. ‘'Mr Ivess opened his address with a reference to his previous experiences as a legislator, the said knowledge of framing laws having been gained by the candidate from an experience gained by sitting in such a political school as the Nelson Pro vincial Council, in which august body he was the representative of what, at that time, was a howling wilderness, known as the ' Inangahua.’ “During Mr Ivess’s career as a law maker in the Nelson Provincial Council he displayed talents for fault-finding and criticism to such an extent that the whole of the Council rose up as a body against him and deliberately ‘ shut him up,’ Mr D. M. Luckie, who now holds the position of Commissioner of Annuities, being the chief speaker on the occasion. Mr Ivess was frequently put down in that assembly, and graduated to his proper level by not being listened to at the latter end of the session. The only legislative duties this would-be popular candidate has as yet perfonndd have been so much is known to newspaper readers as ‘ rag-planting,’ that any action he takes in public matters, can only' be looked on with suspicion; that Mr Ivess wishes to further the interests of the so-called “ rag,” by obtaining a seat on the strength of his popularity as an out and out Democrat of the Berry type, and heading the poll on a popular but false platform. “To show how ignorant Mr Ivess is in respect to reform in the Assembly, we need only refer to his remarks on the land laws. lie certainly could not have taken much trouble to look up facts concerned with the constituency he aspires to represent, or he would not have referred to a pamphlet published some months ago to prove by figui’ea that largo estates was held in South Canterbury when he had larger holdings to refer to in the Wakanui district, and had he any knowledge of the district he aspires to represent, ho could have quoted more significant figures to uphold his borrowed arguments. “ Mr Ivess’ ideas on taxation are of so extraordinary a nature that we hardly know how to criticise then. He appears to feel that any man possessing more than 500 acres of land is an offender to be punished in the most rigorous manner, the law will allow, and he proposes to . . . . increase the tax on land owners, so that when ha by industry or success in business is able to acquire 50,000 acres he will have to pay at the rate of ninepence per acre, whilst the 500 acre proprietor gets off with a half penny rate. Mr Ivess did not seem to consider that there are various qualities of land ; some in the Wakanui being worth perhaps L4O per acre, and the land on other runs not worth twenty shillings; but no matter what the value of the land might be, Mr Ivess proposes to put nine pence per acre on it. Ho certainly can not have gained much experience in his varied travels as to the incidence of taxa tion,- so far as the district he wishes to represent is concerned. ”

Should any of our readers feel curious on the matter wo shall be happy to allow them to peruse the original manuscript, on applying at this office. We shall return to the subject in a future issue.

CABLE NEWS

LATtST FROM EUROPE [per rbutbr’s agency.] Money and the Markets. London, Dec. 6.

Three per Cent. Consols have de clined and are quoted to-day at New Zealand securities have an upward tendency. Five per Cent. x 0.40 Loan has advanced r per cent., 10105; Five per Cent. 1889 Loan is unchanged at 104; Four and a Half per Cent, 1879-1904 Loan, has also advanced 1 per cent., to 10 Colonial breadstuff's are unchanged. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 555; New Zealand ditto, 525; Adelaide flour, ex store, 41s 6d. Australian 'tal low .remains at last quotations. Best beef, 37s 6d ; best mutton, 40s 6d. Best Scotch pig iron has advanced. 2s per ton ; No. 1, f.o.b. in Clyde, 545. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day 8,400 bales were offered, making a total of 104,700 catalogued since the opening. A fair demand was experienced. A Colonist Beaten. London, Dec. 7. The elections for Londonderry took place to-day, and resulted m the re turn of the Solicitor-General for Ireland, who was a candidate for the seat, by an overwhelming majority over Sir Samuel Wilson, the Conservative candi date. Money and the Markets- Consols have advanced % to New Zealand securities and colonial breadstuff's remain at yesterday’s quota tions. Australian tallow has advanced is per cwt. ; best beef is now quoted at 38s 6d; and best mutton at 41s 6d. W 001. At to-day’s wool auction 8,900 bales were catalogued. A fair demand was again experienced for the various lots offered. Alleged Bribery and Corruption in High Places. Sir Samuel Wilson, of Victoria, the defeated candidate for Londonderry, threatens to petition against the elec tion of Mr Porter, Q.C., the newly appointed Solicitor-General for Ireland, on the ground that he used indirect means of bribery to gain his seat. A Necessary Step. Government has invited one thou sand men of the army reserve or re tired policemen to volunteer for special protection duty in Ireland, as Irish police. Struck Dead by Lightning. A severe storm, accompanied with heavy thunder and lightning, was expe rienced here yesterday, during which two persons were struck by lightning and killed instantaneously.

The President’s Address. Washington, Dec. 6.

General Arthur delivered the usual Presidential message to Congress to day, He stated that the question of the construction of the Panama Canal was of grave national importance, and should receive the earnest considera tion of the United States. The Go vernment would renew parleying with England in regard to British Columbia, and it would be proposed that the British Government should modify the treaty so as to abrogate the clauses of the same, which do not comport with the, obligations of America in British Columbia. The President then, in re ference to home affairs, stated that it was deemed’imperative that the army should be increased by at least five thousand men, and that a re-organisa tion of the navy should be proceeded with without delay. He concluded by announcing that a Commission would be appointed to take into consideration the question of the revision of the tariff and a reduction of taxation.

AUSTRALIAN

[PER KBUTER’s AGENCY.] A Concession. Melbourne, Yesterday. It is announced that all the exhibits for the Christchurch Exhibition may be reshipped at this port duty free. The Milburn Creek Copper Co. Sydney, Yesterday. At the Supreme Court to-day, the Hon. Robert Wisdom, Attorney-Gene ral, applied on behalf of the Govern ment for warrants for the apprehension of the trustees in the Milburn Creek Copper Mining Company, Messrs E. A. Baker (late Minister of Mines), W. G. Waddell, and C. Matheson. The ap plications were unopposed. Bail was offered for Mr Waddell and accepted, and orders were issued for the arrest of the two other trustees. Mr Dallev, Q-C., has been retained for the defence, and Messrs Davis and Want for the prosecution. Well Done, Paramatta.

The cricket match between the Eng lish eleven and twenty-two of Para matta, was concluded to-day, and re sulted in a victory for the local team by five wickets. The Englishmen in their second innings only succeeded in put ting together 65 runs. The twenty-two went in, requiring 49 runs to win, and they obtained the required number with the loss of sixteen wickets. The wicket was rather humpy, an 1 the bowling of the Paramatta men dead on the wicket.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Floated at Home- Dunedin, To-day.

The Star says on dit that one of the largest mercantile establishments in Dun edin has been floated at Home as a joint stock company. Election Gossip.

The elections in the city and suburbs aro causing the keenest excitement. There will bo a great struggle for Dunedin East and West. It is generally thought that Mr Dick will bo most closely run, whilst the publicans openly boast he will be beaten. For the Peninsular Mr Seaton seems certain of ref urn, with Donnelly a close second. Mr Fish is a certainty for South Dunedin and Cargill for Central do., with Bracken next. Mr Bath gate has the boat chance for Roslyn.

POLLING-DAY IN ASHBURTON.

There was but little of the customary excitement on election days in town this morning. Mr Shearman as usual had run up a number of flags in honor of the occa sion, and Mr Lancaster’s premises were similarly decorated, and a few more cabs and buggies perhaps than usual were to be seen about the streets. But beyond this there was nothing to indicate that this was the long-looked-for day when the three wooers of the “ virgin constituency” were to have their doubts and fears finally set at rest, and one of them to be made a happy man. But as the day wore on the excitement increased, more people arrived, more vehicles were to be seen about the streets, and the pertinent question of I “Who’s going to get in 1” was more fre quently to be heard. In the hotel bars and similar places betting was freely in dulged in, the Wasonites and Purnellites being ready to back their men “ to any amount,” while the partisans of the cham pion of the “’orny ’anded” ones were equally confident of the success of their, man. The County Saleyards did not present a particularly animated appearance during the day, but the last half-hour is always the exciting time at the polling booths. The smiles and nods that were exchanged as buggy after buggy drove rapidly up to the scene of action during the afternoon were rather amusing to the mere on-looker, especially when he caught the whispered remark anent many of the new arrivals, which was now “ Wasonites !” now “ Purnell men !” and anon “Ivessites !” Each candidate had his backers and supporters on the ground, and the tactics of the supporters of a certain “ Liberal ” candidate were worth noting. Any man who looked at all doubtful was promptly “ bailed up,” and. a voting paper handed to him with two candidates’ names struck out, the remain ing name being that of the “Liberal” candidate aforesaid. “ There, vote ' for him, sir ; they are all voting like that to day,” were the honeyed words ac companying the presentation of the voting paper to the doubtful voter. If these words failed to carry conviction with them in every case, the utterers were not to blame. They certainly did their best. The introduction of the ballot system of voting, although b a great improvement on the system formerly in vogue, in many respects, deprives the election contest of half its excitement. Formerly the numbers were freely and openly exhibited ; now we have to wait until night for the result. But although no official intelligence is to be got from the Returning Officers now-a-days, the; figures may be at least approximately esti mated by other, means even now. Indeed, 1 a shrewd observer on the ground; will be: able to form a tolerably accurate estimate of the “ state of the poll ” at any time by keeping his eye open. Thus we are able to present to our readers the state of the poll at the County Saleyards at 1.30 p.m., which was as follows Wason ... ... ... ... ... 96 Purnell and Ivesa (combined) ... 86

Majority for Wason ... ... 10 A later return gives the result as fol lows : RAKAIA. (Per Pigeon Post). Wason ... ... ... 79 Purnell ... ... ... 6 Ivess ... ... ... 50 SALEYARDS. Wason ... ... ... 132 Purnell .. 28 Ivess ... ... ... 104 LONGBEACH. (Per Pigeon Post). Wason ... ... ... 49 Purnell 10 Ivess ... ... ... 33

ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE.

Ashburton will soon get the reputation of being a shocking place if we are to have many more earthquakes. This morning at 20 minutes past 5 o’clock the majority of the residents were reminded by an un mistakeable rocking sensation that it was; getting towards breakfast time, and that early rising was conducive to health. The shock lasted from 20 to 30 seconds, and it is generally agreed that it was more severe than the last one. Our Elgin correspondent writes— ; “ Another smart shook of earthquake was 1 felt here at between 5.23 and 5.25 this morning, which gave the occupants of dwellings a call to turn out of their beds. From Waterton we learn from a corres pondent that the shock was also found in that locality, but only slightly, the direc tion appearing to be from north to south. [by telegraph.] Greymouth, To-day. A sharp shock of earthquake was ex perienced this morning, at 5.16 a.m. The shock was very brief; direction, west to east. There was another very slight shock at 5.20.

REMARKABLE SPIRITUALISTIC MANIFESTATIONS.

A correspondent, signing himself “J. T. L.,” and dating from Maryle bone, sends the following extraordinary narrative to the Globe-. —“ Last Sunday evening my sister and her husband, sitting alone in the drawing-room, were attracted by a number of little hammer ings on wall and wainscot. Unable to divine their cause, my sister came to me in another part of the house to tell me and ask me to return with her. After being in the room (which was brilliantly lighted) a minute or two I heard what appeared to be muffled blows on the mantelshelf. It was then I remarked, “ Perhaps they are spirits. I’ll ask them to tap on the violoncello” —which was leaning up against the mantelpiece. A few seconds after my request was made a blow was struck on the ’cello. I asked a second time and again it was repeated with a louder rap. Intending to follow this mystery as far as possible we agreed to con form to the conditions usual on such occasions, and so closed doors and windows, extinguished the lights, and sat in the dark together, with a small table between us. The raps began to increase in number and volume, leav ing the vicinity of the mantelshelf for the table. One or two flitting lights— exactly like small electric lights in shape and colour—showed themselves at the further end of the room, moved restlessly about, then disappeared. Presently we were aware that there was something in the room making a noise altogether peculiar and distinct, perhaps best described by saying it was some thing like the crumpling of tissue paper and the metallic little beats made by an electrical machine. After five minutes or so this ceased, and then the tables began to sway backwards and forwards; we put questions to it which it answered with energetic thumps. The table upon being asked to go off the ground suddenly altered its move ments, and apparently tried to rise off its four legs, but failed in every at tempt it made, never getting more than three legs up at the same time. We no ticed how persistently the table leaned ope direction, how repeatedly it touched

the ’cello and scraped gently on the striflgs; which suggested to me theremark that “ perhaps it wanted the ’cello on the table,” a quick confirmation of which was given by the volley of raps that followed the suggestion. The violon cello was lifted on and placed in the centre ; then after one preparatory at tempt the table and ’cello simply sailed away as lightly as if they had been feathers. This remarkable action was twice indulged in, the table returning as lightly to the ground each time. During the swaying movement my sister had exclaimed, “ I wish" the table would play the piano instead of the ’cello;” and, as if remembering this, the table, after its second flight, at once dragged itself across the room, and, with the aid of the “ finger "end”' of the ’cello, struck several notes on the piano, then returned to its original places as we resumed our seats. / As we sat there, I holding both my sister’s hands in mine, her husband, sitting apart, suddenly said, “ Don’t pushthe table on to me.” We replied that[ we [ were not touching it or even near it. My sister then asked the table to come to her, which it did at once, jerking /it self afterwards on to me, and then going away of its own accord ...We sat two hours, the whole of which time, from the first minute to the last;; these strange occurrences were taking place. Afterwards, at supper, in another room, the taps continued faintly dfr the- table. The next evening , we sat again, but in another place—the house of my brother in-law, a couple of miles away from the scene of the previous evenings; Here also the muffled blows were repeated, and upon our asking, “ If the object that flew about would; return,” a faint, shadowy light appeared on the edgenof a picture-frame near, flicker edandthen grew stronger, condensed itself appa rently, and then, to our astonishment, a brilliant purple white light appeared of a circular form, with a centre of light brighter Still, looking and glisten ing like a beautiful jewel. This lasted for ten minutes, and though we sat for some time afterwards neither : the lights nor the raps returned lam not a Spiritualist, and cannot “by any possible means account for these phenomena, which I have truthfully described.” |

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1881.



Back from the front.—The scare at Parihaka is over; our vo lunteers have proved themselves equal to the occasion, and although no fighting was done, they were the “ boys” to do it had it been required; a brush with the « blackfellows ” was what they went for. Nevertheless they did & good deal of hard tramping up hill and oown dale; and the astonishing fact is that most of them, having been provided with STOUT BOOTS from 0. HAWKINS’ never-to-be excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came wi+v their “ understandings” nearly tug'-tjd a* Vn they left this go-ahead Nttle township. TryO. Hawkins’ Shop before yon go elsewhere. 998 c



Wanted. WANTED —Assistants, Improvers, and Apprentices to the Dressmaking. Apply at, once, S. W. Alcorn. 285 d WANTED— A good General SEE, V r ANT for a small private family. Apply, Office of this Paper. 185 d WANTED —Everybody to see Ready Money Richard’s advertisement. 119 d WANTED KNOWN—That from this date (7th Dec.)' Thomas laylor will sell BREAD at SIXPENCE per loaf for cash. 290 d WANTED KNOWN—If yon want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstead Mills. 255 d WANTED KNOWN. —SPRING AND SUMMER MISS YERRALL is now Showing her j First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS 4* 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 for Garibaldi Bulbs, Carnations, &c., will oblige by calling for he same. A very fine stock of bedding out Plants will be ready in September and October. W. Gimblctt, Colombo street, Christchurch. SSOc 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, Chiistchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, importers of Agricultural Imple ments, Christchurch; and Agent for the United Insurance Company. 150 d Scottish imperial insurance co. Capital ... £1,000,000. Head Office, 151, West George street, Glasgow. General Manager : W. W. W. Reid. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH : J. STUART REID, General Agent, Wellington. MessrsTucKEß andßestell havingbeen appointed AGENTS for the Ashburton District for the above Company, are now prepared to accept risks at lowest current rates. FRED. H. BARNES, 248 d Agent for Canterbury. 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, Organa, Harmoniums, and all kinds of Musical Instruments on Deferred Payments. A quantity of SHEET MUSIC very cheap. Lowest Prices for Cash. 293 d



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S CARDS. Just arrived—The Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, including Scented Satchels and Fringed Cards L. F. Andrewes, Bookseller and Stationer, East street, South Ashburton. G72c* £jANTERBURY MUSIC DEPOT. ASHBURTON BRANCH. Milner & Thompson Desire to inform the residents of Ash burton and surrounding districts that they have appointed Mr H. M. JONES their sole Agent for this district, and invite inspection of the Instruments, Music, &c., now displayed in the SHOW ROOM, above Mr Jones’ Shop. PIANOS by all the best makers— Broadwood, Collard and Collard, Erard, Pleyel, Bord, Challen and Sons, Asoher burg, Lipp and Sohn, Chappell, Rbnisch, 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 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. £55. 7700 Mol i



Special Advertisements. ft |ENDERS invited for Purchase of 1 CROP of GRASS SEED, now growing on Farm known as Christie’s, Wakanui. Tenders to be seat in by MONDAY next, to the undersigned. 291 d ' FOYNTZ & CO. TWINE BINDERS. A few of these Machines still ON SALE. 291 d POYNTZ & CO. Ashburton registry office, For Male and Female Servants. All orders for Servants by letter or otherwise receive prompt attention. L. F. ANDREWES, Labor Agent, East Street, 765 c Ashburton. RESSMAK I NG. WANTED KNOWN—S. W. Alcorn’s, Dressmaker, commences business on MONDAY next, 12th inst. 284 d ANK OP AUSTRALASIA. (Incorporated by Royal Charter, 1835) The Bank of Australasia has RE MOVED into new premises, corner of West and Tancred streets, where Business will now be carried on. Ashburton, 6th December, 1881. 263 d O. Carstens & Co., PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBACGONIST, FANCY GOODS, | AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nmlrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Coa jertinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Saircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. H. K. BETH ONE, Manager. (Late Weston’s), EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 237a*



Re-commencement of BUSINESS. The undersigned begs to notify to his numerous customers that he has taken the Shop lately occupied by S. W. Alcorn, in Wills street, adjoining the old pre mises, where he will carry on the SADDLERY BUSINESS heretofore. James Tait, SADDLER & HARNESS MAKER, Saunders’ Buildings, Wills street. 265 d



Thomas Taylor, PASTRY COOK, &c., Manufacturer of Superior Cordials. T. T. having had considerable ex perience in the manufacture of the above in the Old Country, can with confidence recommend them to his numerous cus tomers and friends. Those who wish to treat themselves will please give their orders early, as Christmas time is so near, and T. T. being very busy preparing for it. I shall also have a large assortment of Cakes, specially made for Christmas, and as everybody knows what my Cakes are, they therefore require no comment. In order that the public may suit them selves and oblige me, please give your orders early. All orders punctually attended to. Cordials Wholesale and Retail. 295 d 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 g H M O N K’ S ORIENTAL BILLIARD AND REFRESHMENT SALOON is NOW OPEN DAILY. Tables by Alcock and Thurston of the highest quality. Carved in solid walnut. Come and see one of the FINEST BILLIARD SALOONS In the Colony. FLEMING’S BUILDINGS, TRIANGLE Next A. Wilson, Tobacconist, 25c Christchurch. |JI H E ACID CURE F. CODTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc May be obtained from Mackay Bros, Manchester street, South, Christ church, Wholesale and Retail, or from Mr Thomas Collins, Main South Road, Timaru.



AN AGENT WANTED FOR ASH BURTON. 734 c rj| H E LATE FIR E. The undersigned begs to notify that Messrs Aoland Camphei.t. and Go. have kindly placed their Grain Store at his disposal, and that the same will be opened as a temporary LIVERY AND DA IT STABLES on and after this date. Customers will find that they will receive the same attention, and their horses, etc., the same care as formerly. Note the Address— Edward Cookson, ACLAND, CAMPBELL & CO’S STORES, Peter street, near Qotll’s Hotel, Ashburton. Dec. 1881. iiS*- John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, 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. Kurniture exchanged, and highest prices given for second-hand Furniture. Note the address —Cheapest House in opposite Mail Office, Burnett



Special Advertisements. fJIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, noted throughout the Colony for the beat 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 COMMENDED 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. T E AYING ASHBURTON, GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVERETT BROc. 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.



g P E C I A L NOTICE. In future all disclaimers sent in for publication in this Journal will be charged for as advertisements.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given 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.



Tenders. —The Railway Deparment in vito tenders for formation, permanent way, and bridges. Sommer Diunks. —Mr'Thos. Taylor, baker and confectioner, East street, notifies that he is prepared to supply superior cordials of all descriptions. The proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof, and the proof of the cordial is in the drinking, ditto. Mr Taylor deseres a trial; -;;v t: .■ :-.:t /.



Cricket. —A match is to -be played to-morrow on the Ashburton Domain ground between thePrebbleton and-Ash burton Clubs. Should the local men be able to put their best team into the field, a keen contest may be anticipated. --. ■ y R.M. Court.—There was no business at the R.M. Court to-day. Acknowledgment.— We to ack nowledge with thanks the receipt of three exquisitely designed almanack cards irom Messrs Matson and Co., Christchurch. The cards are very tastefully got up, and the floral decorations give a most attractive appearance to those harbingers of the coming year. Invercargill Races.—A trip to Inver cargill ought to be a pleasant thing for those who are in want of a~ holiday, especially at race time An -announce ment re the races and the railway ar rangements in connection .with them will be found in another column; “The Miller and His Men.”—The final rehearsal of the above by , the Amateur Dramatic Club comes off to-night at the Town Hall. A full attendance is requested.



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 eradiating poisonous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On' rubbing Holloway’s Ointment repeatediy on the abdo men a rash appears, and as it thickens the alvine irritability subsides. Acting as a deri 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 fashioned, though successful- treatment;-how from its painfulness fallen into 1 disuse; the • dis covery of this Ointment having prodairaed > a emedy possessing equally derivative, yet, per fectly painless j.rdn'i



\For continuation of reading matter ake first page ,] . ' , "



Meetings-., “T\ /rILLER AND HIS MEN. 1 ” [VI Final Rehearsal TO-NIGHT. Full attendance requested. 260 d SHBURTON RIFLES.—The Com pany will MEET in Plain Clothes on SATURDAY Evening, at eight o’clock, to decide whether the Corps will take part in the proposed Sham Fight at Timafu, on the 16th inat. T. Boxxock, Captain. 264 d Late Advertisements- [ , / SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10th..•[ ABSTRACT OP PROPERTY 'FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON ABOYEDATE. T. S. 464 Burnett street, with Buildings thereon, on account of Mr 'J. Mutch T.S. 682—Havelock street, on account of Mr H. Nicholson - T.S. 105 —Thompson street, Tinwald, on account of Mr T. H. Brewer Lots 62 and 63, fronting Wakanui road and East Belt, on account of Mr Duncan M‘Kenzie Lots 24, 62, 63, Alford Forest toad, and known as Orr’s Block 8 Allotments in Trevorton, on account of Proprietors. Sale at 2.30. ' TB U L L O C K, , Auctioneer. 263 d



-JjIREE TRADE BAKERY, AND SOMERSET BUTCHERY. Having combined the two Businesses together, and by keeping a good LOAF at sd, and 16ozs to the lb, trust to receive a share of patronage. Stick to Free Trade and Free Wile Stick to You. R. LANCASTER. r-cv-ca*! r .1^ : «. eowwawn 11 hil mu nrwggtaw rpHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. PRICE PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. Advertisers are reminded that The Ashburton Guardian was the FIRST DAILY PAPER published between Christchurch and Timaru, and com mands a LARGER CIRCULATION throughout the Conn tv of Ashburton than tvny otljer Qll-vr