SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Ocean Bird, ketch, from Anahau. Advance, schooner, from Picton Forest Queen, ke ch, from Wellington. Island City, barque, from Newcastle, Neptune, brig, from Newcastle via Wellington. Clio, schooner, from Waitapu. Saucy Lass, schooner, from Belorus Sound. Jannett, ketch, from Polorus Sound. Edith Reid, schooner, from Grey mouth. Westport, s.s., from Wellington, Sailed. Yesterday. Herald, schooner, for D’Urville’s Island. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Hero, from Sydney. Sailed—Virginia, for New York. Wellington. Yesterday. Arrived—Wakatipu, from the South ; Kiwi, from Napier. Sailed— Wakatipu, for Sydney; Ken nedy, for Nelson. Dunedin, To day. At the Heads— Lochfleet, from London. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived— Rotomahana, from Melbourne via Bluff. Sailed —Eyver, brigantine, for Lyttel ton; Sofia, barque, for Capetown; Frede l rick Bassil, for Newcastle.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

auction sales. To-morrow, Thursday, December 15, T. Ford and Co., at Fried lander Bros. ’ Saleroom —Valuable Freehold Pro perty ; 1 -o’clock. Saturday, December 17. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20 Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Stock. MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, Ac To-morroW, Thursday, December 15. Thistle Lodge—Monthly Meeting, 7.30 p.m. Friday, December 16. United Masonic Ball, Masonic Hall, 8.30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20. Musical Festival, Town Hall, 8 p.m Wednesday, December 21. Local industries Association, Monthly Meeting, Upper Room, 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  nvestment 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.

DEATH.

Moeice. —On April 20th, at Hoddesdon, Herts, England, Richard William Morice, M.A., for thirty-eight years rector of the pariah. Aged 82 years.

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

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Praevalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1881.

Thistle Lodge. — The monthly meeting of the above takes place at the Masonic Hall to-morrow night at 7.30. Ashburton Volunteers. —The monthly inspection parade of the above took place last night. Fifty men were present, who after being duly inspected, were put through the usual evolutions by Color- Sergeant Dolman.

Fine Strawberries. —MrG. H. Smith, gardener, exhibited some fine straw berries at last night’s meeting of the Horticultural Society, grown by himself. Nino of them weighed 9oz, whilst a single strawberry turned the scale at 2oz. The fruit can be seen in the window of Mr W. T. Davison, fruiterer. Wilhelmj. —lt is scarcely necessary for us to remind our readers that to-night Herr Wilhelmj, whom the Loudon Times calls the first living violinist, will make his bow to an Ashburton public. We have heard so much of Herr Wilhelmj that we have no doubt there will be a crowded house to-night, the one oppor tunity we shall have of judging the capa bilities of the man who has created so great a sensation elsewhere. Mount Somers Athletic Sports.—A meeting of the Mount Somers Sports Committee was held in Mr Hood’s Hotel on Saturday, 10th inst, when there were present Messrs Harvey, S. MoCHmont, and Wm. Edson; Mr Harvey in the chair. It was resolved to ask Mr H. Brooks to become a member of the Com mittee, and also that he he requested to take the appointment of Secretary, in place of Mr Puddicombo, who is unable to act. Resolved that the. secretary post up notices of the sports in the various centres of' the district, and also call tenders for the right of erecting a confec tioner’s booth on the ground. The Secre tary was instructed to call a meeting for next Saturday (17th inst.) at Mr Hood’s Hotel, at 7.30 p.m. This concluded the business, and the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chair.

A Phenomenon. —During the heavy shower of rani, which listed about fifteen minutes, yesterday afternoon, a wonderful instance of the power of reflection from the sun’s rays was witnessed in a room which faces the north-west, in this town. Whihst th ree persons were conversing in the room, which at the time was slightly darkened by means of a Venetian blind, a remarkably beautiful picture, distinct in every outline and colour, was reflected on the ceiling of the room, through a small aperture between the Venetian blind and the top of the window casement. There was no mistaking the objects presented by the reflection, so vivid and clearly were they defined. It consisted of a lovely view on our sea coast (probably pear Akaroa), showing the headlands, with One or two houses in the distance, and the hills and trees, etc., and steaming along in beautiful grandeur one of the Union Steamship Company’s vessels, which was easily distinguished by its red funnel. The steamer was rolling slightly, and the" waves were seen washing lightly against the sides, and the port-holes on one side wore distinctly discernible, and glittered with the sun’s rays on tho water. This charming and remarkable phenomenon lasted about ton minutes, and as it faded away tho color of tho ship appeared to become aflame, as if tho steamer was burned up, and gradually disappeared. We are prepared to vouch for the truth of this statement in every particular, and those who witnessed tho reflection wish it to be made public, in order to see if any more of our numerous readers witnessed

this remarkable phenomenon. We can account for tho reflection being shown through the window on the coiling by this, fact of there being some water on the! floor of the verandah in front of . !th*n room.

Dentistry. —Mr Oattlin notifies that he will remain in Ashburton until to-mor row, and those who require his aid should call on him at the Somerset Hotel. Tenders. —Mr James Mac Lean Dunn invites tenders, on behalf of the Cale donian Society, for the erection of a dancing platform at Ilia sports ground. Mr A. E. Ingram, architect, invites fresh tenders for the erection of a shop and dwelling-house. Cricket. —The cricket match of the season in this district—Ashburton v. West Canterbury—will be played to-mor row and Friday on the Domain grouhd. A strong team nas been selected to try conclusions with the visitors, and those of our readers who are fond of witnessing a good game of cricket should certainly bo present at this match. Our Russian Visitors.— The Russian Admiral states that his vessel is the only one calling at New Zealand, the rest of the squadron going direct to Australia. He will probably remain in Auckland a week. The Admiral intends to visit some of the Maori settlements at the Thames and Waikato, and other places of interest.

Breaches of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act. Rumors are freely circulated in Wellington of breaches of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act having been committed during the elec tions in that city, and one of the can didates for Te Aro announces his inten tion of petitioning against the return of Mr C. Johnston for that seat. Local Industries Association. The meeting of the above which was to have been held this evening has been ad journed to Wednesday next, when the question of winding up the Association will be fully discussed. Wo hope to see a full attendance of members on the above date, for the business is really important. We notice that the Southbridge people have just formed an improvement society—not for their mutual improvement, but to con sider at regular periodical meetings the best means of improving the town and developing its resources in every possible way. Would u not be well for the mem bers of the Ind. atrial Association here to consider before they decide on disbanding whether they could not advantageously take a leaf out of Southbridge’s book, and organise themselves into a similar society ?

Declaration or the Poll for Auck land East.— Sir ft. Grey made a lengthy speech at the City East declaration yester day, stating that probably it would be found that a majority of the men in Parliament were Liberals. Gentlemen put down on the lists as Ministerialists had sent him telegrams of an opposite character. He regretted the defeat of Mr DeLautour, Mr J. T. Fisher, and Air Ballance. He thought that a clean sweep should be made of the Ministry before the country would prosper or justice bo done to the people. Mr J. M. Clark bitterly referred to the attempted personal violence to himself at the close of the ptJll by a section of Sir G. Grey’s followers, but acquitted Sir G. Grey of sanctioning or approving it. Titokowaru. —Yesterday afternoon, at New Plymouth, Titokowaru was brought up on a charge of having, on the 10th of November, 1881, at a certain place within the confiscated territory mentioned in the West Coast Settlement Act, 1881, to wit, Parihaka, wilfully obstructed E. W. Hursthouse, and refused to leave there when requested to do so. Mr Hursthouse deposed that Titokowaru was only a visitor at Parihaka, and had no land there. He was called upon, with others, to return to his home, but refused to do so. On being arrested, he said to his people—“l thought it would come to this.” Walter Gudgeon deposed to giving Titokowaru a copy of the Governor’s pro clamation at Manaia, and corroborated"the last witness with respect to prisoner’s arrest. Henry Charles Morrison deposed that Titokowaru was very bounceablo to Europeans. Prisoner was then committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court.

“The Miller and His Men.”— Owing to the paucity of the attendance at the Town Hall last night, the Amateur Dramatic Club did not repeat their per formance of the previous evening. We regret that the efforts of the Club should have been so poorly patronised, as it must have been put to considerable expense for the necessary scenery, dresses, etc. No doubt the parade of the local Volunteers and the Wesleyan tea meeting militated considerably against the attendance, and on some future occasion doubtless the Club will be better patronised. If the members will accept a word of friendly advice, we would say, do not again attempt so elaborate a piece as “The Miller and his men.” The Club un doubtedly possesses talent, and if it would content itself with placing pieces thoroughly within its range on the boards, and there are many such, its success would be greater. Such capital little pieces as “ Betsy Baker,” “ Done on both sides,” “ A Thumping Legacy,” or “ liaising the wind,” w'ould be far more suitable for public representation than the melodramas of a by-gone day, and the sort of pieces above referred to have these further advantages, that they require but comparrtively very little scenery and can hardly fail, played as wo are sure the Club could play them, to amuse and interest the audience.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

[by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The P.M. s.s. City of Now York left San Francisco on Nov. 21, and arrived here this morning at 6.15.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Jews are fleeing from Russian and German prosecution, and are finding their way in numbers to America. One hundred and sixty arrived on the 15th inst , mostly strong, hardy men. A new form of distemper is prevailing among horses at New York, and is puzzling the veterinary surgeons. Many horses are dying despite the utmost care. The Empress of Russia is enceinte and will probably be confined in may. The ceremony of the coronation will therefore be hastened.

The Pope and Cardinals have had the Irish question under consideration. Alexander Mitchell Moir, merchant, London, has faded for E. 01,000. The Marquis of Lorn*,*, replying to an address in London, said there was hardly one person in 10,000 in Canada who did not attach the utmost value to its Imperial connection. The Princess Louise accompanies the Marquis to Canada in five weeks hence. The Mar quis resigns the Governor-Generalship early in 1882. The complete annihilation of the village of Elm, Canton Glares, appears to bo only a question of time and bad weather. The summit of the peak nearest the village is moving. Two prize fighters, llalden and White, were arrested by the Sherriff of Ashta tula, County Ohio. Four rounds were fought, and White, an American, was knocked down several times and had one eye partly closed. The Engbsh barque Bend D’Or is re ported to ho sunk at sea. The crew were taken off bv the barque Lopewood and brought to New York.

Mr John Walter, of The Times, speak ing in Bcskshiro, advised Englishmen to emigrate to America. They would be as likely to .succeed there as men of any other nationality. t -ia AM®af>atch from Constantinople, dated Nov. 16, says 5,000 persons are dying

daily in Mecca from cholera. Steamers at Peddah refuse to embark returning pil grims.

The Patti concert at New York realised 4,000 dollars for the Michigan fife sufiererSi

The cost of the Tunisian expedition so far to France is 4,500,000 francs. The Berlin press covers Gambetta’s new Ministry with ridicule and sccrn. The Secretary of the American Lega tion at London has.by letters thanked the Common Council of that city for saluting the United States flag on the Lord Mayor’s daf. Bismarck has determined to re-open negotiations with the Vatican. Baron Yon Stars, now in Washington, will be entrusted with the duty. The Emperor did not open .the Reich stag in person. Bismarck, after convey ing the excuses of his Majesty, read the speech from the throne. A barrel of Naptha oil btirsfc on board of the steamer Severen in Kingston Harbor, and caught fire to the store in the steerage. The result was five sailors and one passenger were burned to ashes, and the steamer herself was nearly destroyed before the flames were quenched. The ship Kilmarden, coal laden from Glasgow to San Francisco, was burned at sea off the cost of Chili.

Advices from Panama report a violent storm at Manz Anillo, which completely destroyed the town. In port at the time were the British ship Alnwick Castle, from London, the American barque Jas. A Bell, San Francisco, the schooner Theresa, from San Francisco, the schooner Scopules, of Manz Anillo, and the Ameri can barque Antioch, of San Francisco. Of these all were destroyed except the Antioch, which after being driven ashore got off, although in a leaking condition. The Alnwick Castle, the most valuable of these vessels, was a total loss. The town was levelled to the ground, and the loss is estimated at half a million dollars, in dependent of the shipping destroyed. Henery Abbey has secured the manage ment of Patti’s concert season in America. Her French managers were failures. The population of the United Kingdom is finally determined by last year’s census at 50,155,783. Mr Lawson, proprietor of the London Daily Telegraph, bought of the Duke of Westminster Cleveden Estate for L 200,000. The British ship Edith Lome was totally wrecked on the Columbia bar. Tho vessel hid been loaded at Portland with 23,000 centals of wheat, valued at

44.000 dollars, and was bound for Liver pool. Her cargo was insured in the Commercial Union Company, London. The vessel was owned by Taylor and Co., of Dundee, and was valued at 70.000 dollars. The captain and crew are safe.

The barque Lara, from Hull for San Francisco, is reported to have been abandoned at sea on Oct. 23. The captain and part of the crew landed at Meduco. The remainder of the crew have not been heard of. Hatton Garden Branch Post Office, London, was robbed on the 20th, and LIOO,OOO in value carried off. The brilliant execution of the robbery shows

it must have been planned by men of great skill and audacity. Shortly after 4 o’clock in the afternoon, when the Post

Office clerks had just finished sealing the bags of registered letters that were to go out by the night mail from the General Post Office, the thieves entered the branch office suddenly blew out the gas, seized the registered letter bags, and escaped. No clue to the robbery has been discovered up to date. Later despatches from Berlin say the Emperor’s speech (or message) was listened to with icy coldness, not one sentence being applauded. All kinds of rumors were in circulation, and it was even reported that the Empercr had abdicated. The North German Gazette terms the message to the Eeichstag “ the Emperor’s programme. ” The Pacific National Bank of Boston has failed, and also involved the Central National Bank. Poor financial manage ment is the cause.

T'he Idiot Asylum of Columbus, Ohio, was burned on the 18th. There was Ho lo*s of life. In all probability there will be a consolidation of raliroad interests, which will result in a stronger railroad combination than has ever existed in the United States roads. . The companies interested, it is said, will form a direct trans-continental line from New York to Portland, Oregon, and the scheme will comprise the following lines. road, Buffalo and Chicago road, Chicago, Milwaukie, and St Paul’s road, Northern Pacific road, and Northern railway and Navigation Company’s road. It is claimed the entire line will be in running order in two vears’ time. The distance by road now being constructed between Chicago and New Yo r k is forty miles shorter than any other ro u l e > and the line for its whole length runs through very productive country. The landlords, magistrates, tenants, and tradespeopl® have held large meetings in Boscrea. county Tipperary, to support the Government and for mutual protection against boycott 111 "- The Turkish navy was being reduced on the 19th: 2,000 sailors were dismissed. Several Turkish iroiclads will be dis mantled. c 1 • 'Some English who were found m French and Arab acrobatic troupes per forming in Constantinople, have been re claimed bv the nonsnl-General and for warded homo to England. They were treated with horrible professional cruelty. A man, supposed to be Irish, was ar rested at Berlin for purchasing clockwork similar to that of Thomassin s infernal.

machine. An attempt to put down the Conserva tive leader, moved in the Spanish Cortes on the 18th, led to a stormy scene, which at one time threatened to end in a general riot. The members abused each other roundly, and shook their fists in each other’s faces. Signor Hamasta, the Liberal leader, tried to restrain his parti sans, but in vain. Nothing has been seen like it here since the famous Federal As sembly under the Republic in 18*73. Valparaiso Custom-house was burned on the 19th. The loss was L 200,000. The English Land Company is negotiat-

in" for a large tract of land in Dakotnh territory South, SBO miles west of Bis marck, the capital. In the case of David Grant v. the Mayor of Montreal, Canada, for illegal arrest, the Court decided that Orange societies were illegal under the laws of the country. Walton, an American, recently left London for New York with L 67.000 turf winnings. Some of the sporting journals insinuated that he bribed jockeys and trainers, which he denies. The Emperor William’s health causes serious apprehensions. It is rumored in London circles that the Marquis of Lome will succeed Earl Cow por ns Lord Lieut, of Ireland, and that Mrs Langtry will embrace the stage, ap pearing first in Now York. McDermot Marshall, of Boonsville, United States, shot and killed A. B. Thornton, editor of the News, because the paper rejected one of his official tracts. Boucicault’a “ Minni ” proved a failure in London, and is withdrawn. Jones, arrested for shooting at Guiteau, denies that he is the man.

Sir Charles Dilke has gone to Paris to assume negotiations in the matter of the Anglo-French Commercial Treaty. San Francisco wheat is at 1 dollar G 7 cents to 1 dollar 72 cents ; barley feed, 1 dollar 45 cents to 1 dollar 50 cents ; oats

(feed),, i dollar 4(j cents J» : l dollar 5Q cents ; salmon (Oregon), 1 dollar 30 cents

to 1 dollar 32£ cents. Timber—Cargo of rough pine, 18 dollars ; rough clean pine, 24 dollars ; flooring, 27 dollars. Quick silver, 39 cents ; hops; 23 to 27 cents.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES’ COURT.

ASHBURTON— To-Day.

(Before Mr J. Beswick, R.M.) Furious Riding. —Joseph Buchanan and John Allison, were each fined 20s, for furious riding on Ashburton bridge, on the 30th ult. AttEOED Cruelty to a HoitsE.— Leggett was charged with wilful cruelty to a horse. Mr Branson appeared for the accused, and pleaded not guilty. C. VV. Ireland, solicitor, remembered the 3rd of this month, and deposed to seeing a horse between 5 and 6 o’clock on that morning. It was a bay horse, and was in the back yard of Mr Leggett’s house. It’s legs and back were bruised, It had wounds, and was in a disgusting state, and sicken ing to look at. In consequence of what he saw, he informed the police.—Thomas Prendergast, residing in Ashburton, de posed to seeing the horse in question, and | corroborated the evidence of Mr Ireland. —L. Lewis, veterinary stirgeon, Tiilwald : Had seen the horse. If it were to fall down it might have some trouble to rise, and in attempting to do so might chafe itself and so cause the inflammation from which it was suffering.—Sergeant Felton, said that on the morning of the 3rd inst., he visited the defendant’s back yard, in company with Mr Ireland, and saw the horse. It was in a bad state, and ap peared to be in .great pain. Saw Mrs Leggett. She srid her husband Was away from home, and expressed much regret at the state of the horse. The horse was shot the same day.—Mr Branson sub mitted there was nothing to sustain the charge. No cruelty had been shown. The professional evidence went to prove that the horse once it fell, would easily do itself an injury. But there was positively no evidence of wilful ill-treatment. —The case was dismissed. Abusive Language. —Jesse Hancock, was charged with making use of abusive language to Charles Smith. This case arose out of a neighbor’s quarrel, in which a pet lamb was the cause of trouble.—His Worship dismissed the case, the defendant to make good the damage done to the complainant’s property by the lamb. His Worship also cautioned the defendant to be careful as to the language he used. The defendant remarked that the plaintiff had made a “ false statement.” civil cases. Orr and C». v. P. Good.—Claim Ll2 Is Id. Judgment for Lll Is lOd.—A. Orr v. W. Smith.—L3 12s 9d. Judgment for amount and costs. —Woolley v. P. Grant. —L33 13s 9d. Mr Hranson for plaintiff; Mr Crisp for defendant. This was a claim for balance due for work and labor done, to wit, certain farming work at the defendant’s place near Chertsey. Judg ment for L 23 13s 9d, and costs.—S. Lowe v. t). Buckley.—Mr Crisp for plain tiff; Mr Wilding for defendant.—Ad journed, at the request of both parties, for one month, in order that an amicable arrangement might be arrived at if pos sible. Mr F. P. O’Reilly v. M'Cavey.— Claim LlB 6s 4d. This was a claim for

professional assistance rendered by the plaintiff. Judgment for plaintiff for Ll 6 10s Od and costs. The Court then rose.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Horticultural Society took place last night; at Mr Alfred Harrison’s auction

rooms. There was a full attendance. 1 Mr Smith exhibited some very fine 1 strawberries, six of which weighed nine 1 ounces ; one specimen turning the scale at two ounces. The catalogue was re ceived and ordered to be printed. Mr Poyntz, the Secretary, then read 1 the following paper on pot plants : —“ln 1 presenting th's paper to you, I do not in tend to particularize the growing of any species of pot plants, but would give a general idea, which, if amateurs would copy, would find they would successful. The first thing I would draw your atten tion to is the potting soil, which is one of the secrets of success. Never be without a load of peat, which should be exposed to the weather sometime before using, as it is generally sour when taken from the bog. Leaf mould is very useful for many things, especially for sowing fine seeds. It is "easily procured by sweeping up the leaves which fall from the trees in the autumn, arid left itt the heap until thoroughly decomposed, furf mould is one of "the best and most useful of potting soils, you have only to strip a piece of turf from a grass paddock, and place it in a heap for about twelve months, when it will be ready for use, and lastly, always have some sharp sand on hand, which is most necessary for all potting, as it gives the soil drainage, and plants will grow more fibres among sand than any other soil. It is a well-known fact that unless your plants are well rooted you will not have foilage. The only manures I would advise amateurs to use for pot plants, are fine ground bone dust and sheep manure, the last-mentioned to bo scalded with boiling water, to kill any animal life in it. Be sparing with your manure than other wise, as you are liable to err and kill your plants. I will now commence with the growing of pot plants, but will first divide them into two classes, viz., hard-wooded and soft-wooded plants. Hard-Wooded Plants.—The growing of hard-wooded plants has caused many dis appointments among amateurs ; but if the following instructions are carried out, every admirer and grower of hard-wood plants will be rewarded for his or her trouble. Camellias, the most handsome of all winter flowering plants, are the easiest things to grow one could have. Never let them get dry. This is one of the causes of so many failures among hard-wood plants. They should be potted seldom, say every third or fourth year, giving them good shifts every time. After they have done growing, they should be plunged under the shelter of a fence, to keep the burning sun from them ; place them in the greenhouse at intervals in the autumn, and you will have a succession of bloom throughout the winter and spring months. 1 should say the best time to pot them is after they have done blooming. They delight in a turf loam, peat, and sand. Azalias and heaths I will take t igether, as the same treatment will apply to both. When yon buy, see that you get healthy, bushy plants, which yon can work into shape ; give them plenty of air, and never let them get dry. I have known ladies buy heaths from the nurserymen time after time, but cannot get them to grow. The reason is that they neglect to water them, and keep them in a close room, and the consequence ia that the nurseryman gets blamed for not selling healthy plants. The beauty of heaths and azalias is the the quantity of beautiful blooms they carry, and the way to get bloom is to pot them seldom ; if you pot them often, your plants will make timber, but will not bloom. The soil they grow best in is

peat, turf loam, and sand, and about one fifth charcoal well broken up. Epanris and Boronias require the same treatment as heaths. There are many other hard wood plants which are very beautiful, but as they are not so extensively grown as the first mentioned, I will refrain from speaking about them ; but if growers will give plenty of water, air, and light, and not repot too often, they may be sure they will be successful in growing hard wood plants. Soft-Wooded Plants.-—I now come to soft-wooded plants, which everybody ; can grow, as many will stand neglect for-a-considerable'-time, and by a little attention will revive and become <heklthy plants again. The first I : wifl start with is the e w er popular fuchsia.

Buy spring struck, plants which have only one leader. . After they become pot bound, give them a shift, using turf loam, a little peat and sand,’ also a handful of bone dust, into your soil. Give them plenty of water* and shade them during the day ; pinch the points of the flide shoots until you get your plants into shape, and when they have done blooming, give them a rest by sinking them in the sun until the wood is ripe. You can start them into fresh growth and get a second flowering during the one season. The next will be the geraniums, which are Common in every garden, and I will say very little about them. Always buy the choicest kinds, and when they have done flowering, cut them well back to make them break out close to the pot. Nothing looks worse than long-pointed geraniums, | with about one or two blooms on the 1 top. The soil most suitable for them is turf loam and sand. Pelargoniums have no equal as a flowering plant, but there are many drawbacks to contend with to grow them well, but if the grower will fol low these instructions, he or she may be sure of success. Buy your plants early in the spring,- those with strong green healthy foliage are preferable, place them in a garden rramtf, giving them plenty of air and light, the light not too glaring, when the branches get long enough tie your plants out, and they will break out from top to bottom. If the green fly at tack them, smoke at once, as this is the greatest fault of the pelargonium, but if checked in time, your trouble will repay you. About the first January, sink your pelts outside in the sun, and give thein enough water to keep them alive. The wood will soon ripen, you will then cut them back and begin to feed with water, and they will come into leaf again. Shift them into good-sized pots and place them in the greenhouse, and give them plenty of air, and you will have your reward in due season. The soil most suited for pelargoniums is turf loom and sand. Cal caolarias do not receive the attention they deserve in New Zealand. The great draw back is when they are young they are apt to damp off, and when they are com ing into bloom the green fly plays sad havoc among them. Sow the seed in January, in a shady part of the greenhouse. Give them light sprinklings of water until they get their rough leaf. When they are coming into bloom, mulch them well with manure water to get good spikes on the plants. The soil they like is turf, peat, and sand, not to finely sifted. Cinerarias require the same treatment as the calceolaria, but its constitution is much harder, and it therefore is more generally grown. Balsams make good pot plants if taken care of ; the only draw back to contend with is they are apt to draw and get unsightly. The best way to grow them is to sink them in the open ground until they are coming into bloom. Chinese primulas.—These charming winter flowering plants should be raised early to get good plants. The soil most suited for them is turf loam and sand. Tuber begonias are one of the handsomest of all greenhouse plants. By a little gentle bottom heat in the spring, you can have them blooming six months in the year. There is no class of plants more graceful, and the brilliant colors add much to the beauty of the greenhouse. The soil they delight most in is leaf mould, turf and sand. I will now conclude by saying that the success of growing hard-wood plants is constant attention, and the value of soft-wooded plants is, by a little attention, you get a continuous supply of bloom throughout the year. Never be dis appointed with a failure, hut try again, and I may say that those who intend growing pot plants may expect many disappointments. The usnal votes Of thanks brought the proceedings to a close.

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[per rkuter’s agency.] Guiteau Declared Insane. Washington, Dec. 12, A conference of experts has been held by order of the Court, at which it was unanimously decided that Gui teau is perfecly sane. The XJ. S. Postmaster-General. Mr James, the United States Post master-General, has resigned, and has been succeeded by the Hon. Feeling Huysen. Blaine Utters a Warning Word. A despatch has been published, in which Blaine, Secretary of State, warns Chili and Peru that the working of arty European power will produce more active intervention on the part of the United States. Blaine urges the two countries to come to a settlement with out any cession of territory on the part of Peru being required. The Great Fire. Vienna, Dec. 12. The funeral of the victims of the recent fire at the theatre was publicly performed to-day. The ceremony was of the most imposing character, and was witnessed by many thousands of people.

AUSTRALIAN.

fI’KR REUTER’S AGENCY.] The Law’s Delay. Melbourne, Yesterday. In the action Corr, v. the Standard Insurance Company of New Zealand, to recover the insurance on the schooner Alma, in which a verdict was last month returned for the plaintiff, judg ment has by order of the Court been postponed. Suspended. The inquiry held by the University Council into a ftacas which occurred at a meeting of the professional Board to the University last week, has resulted in the suspension of Professor Klk ington for three months, and Professor Manson fur two months. Sugar. Latest Mauritius advices report that engagements for sugar for Dunedin amount to 750 tons, and for Lyttelton to 200 tons, but none had cleared since November 4th. England Victorious. Sydney, Yesterday. The cricket match between the English Eleven and Eleven of New | South Wales was concluded to-day, and resulted in a victory for the former by 68 runs. The respective scores in each innings were—English, 272 and 162 ; New South Wales. 210 and 156. Of the last named total Massie contributed 76. In the second innings of New South Wales the bowling of the Englishmen was dead on the wicket, and their fielding w'as very good.

TELEGRAMS.

[I>KU I‘KKS.S ASSOCIATION.') A Baby Scalded to Death. Wellington, To-day. An infant, aged eleven months, a daughter of Mr F. E. Liard( t, died this morning from the result of scalds sus tained on Monday. The accident oc curred through the child pulling a teapot ofijthetable. V i Forgery and Horse Stealing.? G. |S. Skinner has been arrested on

d charge of forgery and horse stealing* aiid remandeddill the 16th. Sudden Death of a Stevedord. A man named Wm. Elson, a stevedore* died suddenly this morning while at work stowing wool on board the ship Pinko. An inquest will be held. A Warning to those Immoral Sweepists. It is probable that action will be taken against those who were engaged in getting up sweeps at the Hutt races on the 30th. A Big Majority^ Mastbeton, To-day. The official declaration of Wairarapa North, gives Beetham a 1 majority of 31ft Prosecutions for im • personations will be taken. A Close Shave- FoXton, ToudayC The official declaration of the poll for Rangitikei gave Stevens, 487 ; Fox, 485 ; Stevens was declared elected.. A Ne'w Borough. Chkistghurch, Tb-day. The Hon. J. T. Peacock was to-day elected Mayor of the new Borough of St. Albans with opposition. A Good “ Billet ” Declined. . Dunedin. To-day. The Herald says that Dr. Macdonald has received letters by the last mail stronly recommending him to stand for : the Rectorship of the Edinburgh High School, with a salary of LI,OOO, but he has declined. Gold- The escort brought down L 20,000 worth of gold last night. ■ The Bun Question. Mr Vincent Pyke has convened a meet ing of Otago members to consider the run question. Electoral. The polling at Dunstan gave Pyke 530 and Fraser 482. Suicide. William Edwards, a blacksmith, com ’ mitted suicide at Clinton last night by hanging himself. Deceased had been 4ir ’ low spirits for some time past. ; [For continuation of reading matter see

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1881,



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S CARDS. Just arrived—The Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, including Scented Satchels and Fringed Cards L. F. Andeewes, Bookseller and Stationer, East street. South Ashburton. 672c* 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, Mutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircut ting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a* 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 Wad it been required; a brush with the ** blackfellows ” was what they went for. Nevertheless they did a good deal of hard tramping up hill and down dale; and the astonishing fact is that most of them, having been provided with STOUT BOOTS from C. HAWKINS’ never-to-be ezcelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came back with their “ understandings” nearly 08 good as when they left this go-ahead little township. Try C. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the I'u.a'd Office. Easy Chairs, Couches, English and American Chairs, Single and Double Iron End 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 Irinda of furniture re-covered and repaired At the very lowest prices. All work guaranteed and completed at tike shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, End highest prices given for second-hand Furniture. Note the address— Cheapest House in Ashburton, opposite Mail Office, Burnett ■jpiANOS, ORGANS, MUSIC, Etc., Instruments of every kind from 10 GUINEAS to 100 on DEFERRED PAYMENTS. OPENING New Premises THURSDA If, DECEMBER 7th, Tanceed Street, near Orr & Co’s. H. J. WEEKS, (Agent toe 0. Beoq and Co), MUSIC SELLER. «treet 316 c AND 693 d



Wanted. WANTED— A GIRL, 13 or 14 years - of age, to look after children. Apply, Office of this Paper. 339 d '\\T ANTED— A number of TEAMS »V fot Ploughing. Apply, John Grlog, Longbeach. 309 cl \ ANTED KNOWN— Mrs Hender son, Dressmaker, Burnett street, near Catholic Church. Ladies’ Dresses made from 5s 6d. Apprentices Wanted. WANTED —Everybody,to see Ready Money Richard’s advertisement. 119 d WANTED KNOWN —During the Christmas Season,ERIEDLaNDER BROS, are selling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUIT, Currants, did ; Elemes, 7d ; Sultanas, 8d ; Candied Peel, Is 6d ; Best Butter, 6d; and General Groceries equally cheap for Cash. 318 d ■ WANTED KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstead Mills, WANTED KNOWN. —SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS V'ERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) ■fTTANTED KNOWN—That Robert V V Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Turrn Unit will receive JJIOUIpt Ul tOlltlOll. ANTED 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. Gimblett, Colombo 30Gd 827 c 760 c street, Christchurch. 580 c



Special Advertisements. mHK undersigned will be prepared, 1_ 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 Christmas Presents AND NEW YEAR’S GIFTS. JUST Received, a Choice Assortment of Christmas and New Year Cards, Dolls, Hamming Tops, and Shell Goods in great variety. Letts’ Diaries for 1882 ; Family Reader (div. 42) ; Boys’ Standard (now series) ; Latest Novelties in Pipes. F. CLARK, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Montgomery’s Buildings. 319 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 SHEET MUSIC very cheap. Lowest Prices for Cash. 293 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



ORIENTAL BILLIARD AND REFRESHMENT SALOON is NOW OPEN DAILY. Tables by Alcock and Thurston of the highest quality. Carved in solid walnut. Coine and see one of the FINEST BILLIARD SALOONS In the Colony. FLEMING’S BUILDINGS, TRIANGLE Next A. Wilson, Tobacconist, 250 Christchurch.



IJI H E ACID CURE. P. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma'ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc. May be obtained from Mackay Beos, 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 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, 7650 Ashburton,



Special Advei fcisements. rp H E NEW ZEAL AN D Clothing Factory, 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 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. Asii nu i; ton Retail Branch : East Street. W. SPARROW, Sg2c Branch Manager. Local industries associa tion. At the request of Members of the above the Meeting advertised for To-Night is POSTPONED till NEXT WEDNES DAY, the 21st, at 8 p. m. S. E. POYNTZ, 346 d Hon-. See. JYE AYINU ASHBURTON. GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVERETT BROE. 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, Arc., For Sale.



firstjo Meetings. MR WASON’S COMMITTEE are requested to meet at Messrs Poyntz and Co.’s Office on THURSDAY EVENING, the 15th December, at 8 p.m. A full attendance requested. S. E. POYNTZ, 322 d Clerk to Committee, y^OCAL INDUSTRIES TION. ASSOOIA- The Monthly Meeting of above will be held on WEDNESDAY EVENING, the 21st instant, -when the question of closing' the Association will be discussed. A full muster requested. S. E. POYNTZ, Slid Hon. Sec. y * rnHISTLE LODGE, 627, 5.0., ASH- X BURTON. The Regular MONTHLY MEETING) of the above Lodge will be held TO MORROW EVENING, at the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, at 7.30 p.m. Visit ing Brethren invited. F. GAUERODGER, 343 d Hon. Sec. Amusements. T OWN HALL, ASHBURTON. WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER H- At 8 o'clock. Doors open at 7.30, WILHELMJ GRAND CONCERT. WILHELMJ GRAND CONCERT. THE MUSICAL SENSATION OF 1881. First Programme : 1. Fantasie, “Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Liszt) Mb Max Vogrich. i 2. Aria from “Lucreziaßorgia” (Donizetti) Miss Marie Conron. 3. Violinsolo, “Grand Concert”(Paganini); HERR AUGUST WILHELMJ. 4. Piano. “ Rapsodie Hongroise ” (Liszt) Mr Max Vogrich, - 5. Violin solo, “ Romance ” (Wilhelpaj); s HERR AUGUST WILHELMJ. , 6. Ballad, “ The Snow-breasted Pearl” ! = (Robinson). Miss Marie CGnron. 7. Piano, (A) “Impromptu,” (B) “Funeral; i March ” (Chopin) s Mr Max Vogrich.



8. Violin solo, “ Hungarian Airs” (Ernst) HERR AUGUST WILHELMJ. 9. “ Angel’s Seranado ” (Braga) Miss Conron, Mb Voorich, with violin obligato by HERR WILHELMJ. Prices—Front Seats, 6s; Family Tickets, to admit five, £1 Is ; second seats, 4s ; back seats, 2s. Reserved seats may be secured at H, J. Weeks New Music Warehouse, Tancred street. 239 d UNITED MASONIC BALL Will be held at the MASONIC HALL,TANCRED STREET, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 188 L COMMITTEE : Bro. R. W. Shearman Bro. J. Bradley Bro. W. H. Gundry Bro. W. Jsparrow Bro. H. Stephenson ” Bro. C. Braddell Bro. T. Quill Bro. G. St. Hill Bro. H. Zander Bro. E. G. Crisp. Bro. W. H. Zouch * Bro. R. Fried lander Bro. Bro. S. Nelson Bro. Ed. Saunders Bro. D.M'Farlano Admission by 1 icket only. Tickets may be obtained from the Com* mittee. Dancing to commence at 8.30 p ni. HENRY ZANDER, 140 d Hon. Sec. FESTIVAL “ Messiah.” For the first time in Ashburton will be given, Handel’s Oratorio “ THE MESSIAH,” At the Town Hall, on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20. Doors open at 7.30 ; to commence at 8 p.m. Tickets, 2s each, can be obtained from Mr H. M. Jones, or the Hon. Secretary (W. Townshend). 222 d Late Advertisements.



tSTT ANTED—A young GIRL, about 16, YV to assist in House Work. Apply to Mrs Clark, Montgomery's Buildings. STITT ANTE D—TENDERS for the W ERECTION of a DANCING PLATFORM at the Caledonian Society’s Ground. Specifications, etc., to be seen in the hands ot J. MacLEAN Dpmn, Sec. FRESH TENDERS will be received by the undersigned up till 4 p.m on MONDAY, the 19th instant, for the ERECTION of a SHOPand DWELLING HOUSE for Messrs Andrewes Bras., Uooksellers ere. Plans etc., can be seen at my house, Hurnett street. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. , i A E. INGRAM, 349 d Architect.