SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. Rotomahana, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. To-day. Kangaroo, s.s., for Oamaru. Hawea, s.s., for Dunedin. Rotomahana, s.s., for Melbourne, via Southern porta. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—May Queen, from London, via Tauranga.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Alfred Harrison reports of his Weekly sale, held on Saturday last, as fol lows : —Entries in draughts and hacks very heavy, but sales very dull. Figs also heavy, and all lots sold at fair prices. Turkeys, geese, and fowls entered in flocks, nearly all being sold, but prices somewhat lower than what might have been expected at this season of the year. Light carts, Ll 6 and Ll2; implements, no inquiry ; potatoes, old, 40s ; wheat, 3s per bushel; barley, 2s per bushel; crushed oats, 2s ; cheese, 4d ner lb ; bacon, 5d per lh ; hams, 5d to 8d per lb ; tea, 21s. Har ness sold well. The entries in sundries Were very light, and the attendance only moderate. On Tuesday, December 20, I made a valuation of the furniture, effects, and stock at the Spread Eagle Hotel, Mr Phillip Tisch having retired from the business, and .transferred the whole to Mr Yinsen, a gentleman well-known and respected iu Christchurch, and who will without doubt very soon gain the respect of the district in which he has now com menced business.

MAIL NOTICES

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p. m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, Ac., at 10.30 a. m. And 5 p.tn. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.xn. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 a.nu, and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbaach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. in. For Wakanui, F.lgin, Seafield, Now land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 i.m., 4.40 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a. m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p. m; daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a.m. 8.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenatreet, 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. From 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. Saturday, December 31. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Leasehold Property ; 1.30 p.m. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, January 3. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Ashburton ■ Saleyards—Wheat Crop ; 11.30 a.m. Thursday, January 5. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Farm Stock and Plant, Tuesday, January 10. Messrs J. T. Ford & Co., at the Spread Eagle Hotel—Farm Stock and Imple ments. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races and Sports ; first event at 11 a.m. Wakanui Annual 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 II o'clock. Thursday, January 5. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street L.O.L.—Monthly Meeting, Templar Hall.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1881.

R. M. Court.— There was no business at the Court to-day. One man arrested by Constable Smart last night for drunk enness was bailed out. He will make his appearance before Mr Beswick to-morrow.

Roman Catholic School Treat.—The children attending the Catholic School left the school-house for the sea-beach this morning, where they went to enjoy their annual treat. The little folks were attended by their teachers and seemed to be throughly happy as they passed through the town. There were no less than eight expresses full of the visitors to the sea. The weather has been vcrj' much pleasanter to-day than that experienced during the last few days, and we hope to hear that both children and adults had a thoroughly pleasant outing.

Proposed Benefit to Mr C. Bourk. —We are glad to learn that the Ashburton Amateur Dramatic Club contemplates (acting on our suggestion) giving a benefit to Mr Chas. Bourk, whose property was recently destroyed by fire. A meeting of members is to be held next Thursday evening, when it is to be hoped there will be a full muster, to arrange all matters in connection with the benefit entertainment and fix date of same as early as possible.

The Express from the North.—The engine attached to the express train from Christchurch was delayed for a little while this morning owing to a slight breakage, coming down. The damage was very small and was quickly repaired here. Accident at Mayfield.—A man named Joseph Patterson met with an accident at Mayfield on Saturday. He was driving a three-horse dray belonging to Mr John Bell, of Longbeach, past the blacksmith’s shop when a horseman riding past suddenly, the dray horses took fright and bolted. The driver was thrown with some violence to the ground and the wheel passed over his left knee. Fortunately no bones were broken but the leg is much swollen and very painful.

Ball.—A ball will be held at Mr J. Clark’s grain store at Tinwald on Monday, Jan. 2.

Town Hall.—Thera was a good house at the Town Hall last night to witness the performance of the Amateur Dramatic Club. The opening piece was the farcical littlecomedy of “Betsy Baker,” which was creditably produced and ap parently heartily appreciated by the audience who frequently testified their satisfaction by well-timed applause. The evening’s amusement concluded with Buckstone’s serio-comic drama of “ Nan, the Good-for-Nothing.” There were no programmes issued, and we are there fore unable to give the casts, but it will probably be enough to say that the members, both individually and collect ively, did their level best to make the performance a success and they certainly succeeded. Pieces of the kind played last night, while affording ample scope for good acting, are nearly sure, if put on with any attention at all, to “ fetch ” the public. We shall look forward with interest to the next production of the Club.

Killed by a Cow. —At Auckland yesterday the son of W. A. McKenzie, Wangarei, was gored to death by cow while taking a calf away from it. nO .7

Woollen Factory. —We understand t that a meeting of persons interested in , the floating of a woollen factory in Ash burton has been called for Friday after noon, at 3 p.m., January 6. Wheat. —Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. will offer at the Ashburton County Sale yards, on Tuesday, Jan. 3rd, 880 acres of standing wheat crop, in one or more lots. Tenders. —Mr Joseph Clark invites tenders for building an office in West street. Plans and specifications may be seen at Mr Joseph Clark’s office in East street. Harvesters Wanted. —Mr John Grigg, requires six men immediately as plough men. The Holiday in Christchurch.—To day is almost universally observed as a holiday in Christchurch. Yesterday over 12,000 persons travelled over the various lines o f tramway. An Alarming Sacrifice.—A somewhat novel business transaction was discussed in Ashburton last night, we understand. A married man grown weary of his better half, was offered LlO for the lady by a mutual friend of the unhappy pair. But the husband refused to sell at the price, holding out for Ll 5 which however he failed to obtain. Heart of Grace. —Out of 1,000 girls married in Germany last year, 103 were married at the age of 20, and the same number at 27 At 28 there were 102 married, at 29, 95, and at 30 the number was 82. There were 53 married at 35, and at 40 no less than 46 were married. For ages below 20 the figures were as follows : —At 19, 51 ; at 21, 66 ; at 22, 80 ; at 23, 90 ; at 25, 99. It thus ap pears that at 29 German girls have better chances of marrying than at any age up to 22. It is only after getting on the wrong side of 40 that their chances of marriage become very slight. Old Men’s Home. —The master of the Ashburton Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a quantity of fruit from Dr Trevor, two cases of cherries from Mrs Furness, one large cake from Mr Thiele, one carcase of lamb from Mr Zouch, a variety of meats from Mr Digby, one bottle of whisky from Mr Steele, some tobacco and a quantity of mixed fruits from Messrs Friedlander Bros., and a fore-quarter of beef from Messrs Wilkin and Carter, Grove Farm, towards the Christmas treat for the inmates. Shipping Accident.— -The barque Gany mede has arrived at Port Chalmers in a dismasted condition. She was from Timaru to Newcastle in ballast, and got as far south as Stewart's Island, where her ballast shifted. The boats were got out, as the ship appeared to bo in a sink ing condition, and it was only after the most strenuous exertions that the crew succeeded in getting the vessel righted by cutting away the masts, and the men then set to work to trim the ballast. She had eight passengers, who speak most highly of the conduct of Capt. Morgan, his officers and crew. A Shoemaker’s Latin. —Two shoe makers advertising one against the other, one headed his advertisement, “Men’s conscia recti.” The other, not to be out done, headed his “ Men’s and women’s conscia recti.” An Extraordinary Freak of Nature. —According to the Oamaru Mail a lusus natuce is the latest production of Hamp den, that stirring borough of the South. The description of the nondescript is thus told by Mr W. McKay :—“ I have a spotted sow that produced eight young ones yesterday, and among them is .a most curious nondescript. It is the same size as the other pigs, but has not a hair on it beyond a few bristles on the eyelids. It has a perfectly-formed head of exactly the same shape as that of an elephant, with a trunk like that of an elephant, over three inches long, and turned up over the fore head. It has no mouth. It has two large eyes under the head, joined together, each being quite as big as a shilling. The ears are extraordinarily large, and are placed on each side of the breast, and they are at least four times as large as the ears of the other pigs. The nostrils are placed between the ears, and are quite prominent. The feet are all ali-:e, and of the most extraordinary shape, all the fore toes being at least one inch long, and turned up with nobs on them. I sent it to the museum this morning, after it had been ‘ interviewed ’ by almost every person in the place.”

A Treeful op Skeletons. —An inci dent of considerable interest to local archaeologists occurred at Opotiki, says the Times. Ihe correspondent of the Bay of Plenty Times states that some dis tance up Otaro Gorge, on a portion of the estate of Mr Thomas Black, on enormous puketea tree, probably many hundred years old, has been blown down, dis closing the astounding fact that the whole of the hollow interior, extending from the roots to the first fork, about 45ft., had been filled with human bodies. Since it fell these have burst out at the butt of the tree in the form of a confused heap of skeletons. A. more extraordinary sight than this monarch of the forest lying prone and discharging a perfect hecatomb of human skeletons can scarcely bo con ceived. Some are nearly perfect, while i others are mixed up in a chaotic mass of heads, hand, feet, arms, and logs indis criminately. All the Maoris here seem to have been quite unaware of this natural charnal house, and declare that it must have happened long before their or their fathers’ time. Indeed, the ap pearance of the tree fully justified the supposition that it must have been some hundreds of years since this novel family vault was filled with its ghastly occupants.

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Credited to the Nihilists. London, Dec. 26. The Standard to-day publishes a telegram stating that fully one-fourth of the city of Cronstadt has been destroyed by fire. The conflagration is further stated to have been the work of Nihilists.

The Sultan Forgives, Constantinople, Dec. 26 Mr C. A. Fawcett, British Consul- General in this city, having interceded on behalf of O’Donovan, who was found guity of libelling the Sultan, the latter has agreed to pardon the prisoner, and the sentence of six months’ im prisonment passed upon him has been remitted. Panic in a Church, St. Petersburg, Dec. 26. Intelligence is to hand from Warsaw that a panic occurred yesterday in a church in that city owing to an alarm of fire. In the crush and confusion which followed, over thirty persons were killed and a number seriously injured.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per rbutbb’s agency.] Cricket. Melbourne, Yesterday. The intercolonial cricket match be tween Eleven of Victoria and New South Wales was resumed here to-day. The first innings of the New South Wales team closed for 146 runs, and being 86 behind their opponents, they followed their innings, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had put

together roo for the loss of four wickets.

Political. Brisbane, Yesterday. Sir Arthur Palmer, Colonial Secre tary, has been appointed President of; the Legislative Council, vice Sir Joshua' Bell, deceased. Mr Thomas Mcllraith, Premier, will assume the position of Colonial .Secretary, vice Sir Arthur Palmer, in addition to the Colonial Secretaryship.

Smallpox. Sydney, Yesterday.

A fresh case of smallpox has been reported to the Health Board. The sufferer is one of the persons detained at the Sanitorium. A Draw. Adelaide, To-day. The cricket match between the South Australian Fifteen and the English Eleven resulted in a draw. The first innings of the visitors closed for 293, as against 244 of the local team. Bates made 71, Barlow 62, Selby 51. The Fifteen went in, and had put together 28 for the loss of two wickets when play was stopped.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association,] Murder of a Maori.

Hamilton, To-day. Yesterday a native named Hoani Tikorei was murdered on the racecourse, Oxford, near Cambridge. He was stabbed with a knife. Death was instantaneous. The affair is said to have arisen out of a disputed bet for L 5 between the deceased and other natives. Two natives named Peena Tahepara and Nukera Tepapa are in custody charged with the offence. An inquest will be held to-morrow. Officially Contradicted. New Plymouth, To-day. The Taranaki Herald is authorised to contradict the statement re Te Whiti ordering (through :his son) the natives back to Parihaka. Although Te Whiti’s son has visited his father several times in gaol, it has been in the presence of the gaoler and an interpreter, and no con versation has been allowed between the two except that referring to personal and family matters. A Fatal Mistake- Gisborne, To-day. Dr. Percy died yesterday. He had been suffering from a severe cough, and during the previous night he, by mistake, took chloroform instead of the proper cough mixture. An inquest will be held. The deceased was greatly respected through out the district, and great regret is ex pressed at his sudden death. Harkins in “The Colonel. Wellington, To-day. Mr Harkins commenced his season with “ The Colonel,” which proved a great success. Cricket. Nelson, To-day. The annual cricket match Wellington v. Nelson commenced yesterday. Beautiful weather was experienced. Wellington’s first innings closed for 62, and Nelson’s for 105 ; Wellington’s second, two wickets fell for 20. The game is to be continued to-day. Later. The Wellington second innings ended for 54. Nelson won the match by one run and nine wickets. Boxing Night in Dunedin. Dunedin. To-day. The Williamsons opened in “ Struck Oil ” to an immense house, the Princess Theatre being crowded to the doors, and money refused in all parts. The Zulu war diorama also had an immense audience. Over 5,000 persons travelled on the Palmerston-Cliuton section yesterday, in cluding 250 excursionists to the Lakes. All the sports and steamer excursions yesterday were well patronised, the weather being glorious. To-day is ob served as a holiday, but it is raining.

MOUNT SOMERS PUBLIC SCHOOL.

The annual distribution of prizes and childrens’s “treat” took place in the schoolroom on Christmas Eve. The number of persons present, including the children, being about 150. The teacher —Mr Williams—-who has been but a short time in charge of the school, distributed the prizes in accordance with a method which was fully explained, and which ap peared to give general satisfaction, not only to the children, but to all present. The tea over, and J. E. Taylor, Esq., of Buccleuch, Chairman of the Local Com mittee, having taken the chair, Mr Williams delivered an address upon educa tion and kindred subjects. He was followed by Mr Price, and also by Mr Puddicombe during the even ing. After a few songs had been sung by Mr Price, junior, and by Messrs O’Neill, Jones, and Williams, a pleasant evening was brought to a close, a little dancing having been indulged in. This little gathering at Mount Somers is said to have afforded much more satisfac tion than on previous occasions ,of the kind. The assemblage dispersed in much good humor at twelve o’clock.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Ringarooma, at the Bluff.] Melbourne, Dec. 20. Mr Francis Ormond, the donor of L 95,000 to the Anglican Cathedral fund, also gives L 5,000 for the establishment of the Working Men’s College. The sura of L 7,000 is still deficient before Mr Or mond’s gift towards the Cathedral fund can be claimed at the end of the \ ear. The Bishop is making strong efforts to secure the amount. A female go-as-you-please has been stopped by the police. The magistrates refused to license the building. The Protos takes home 3,500 frozen sheep. A sentence of ten years has been passed on a larrikin for assault by Justice Williams, and is highly commented on. The old English Fayre success is un abated, and the projectors netted a hand some sum. An Anckland-built yacht, the Taniwha, won the first class race for the fifty guinea cup on Saturday, beating all the Victorian built boats. The agitation for the Sunday trains has been revived, but without present suc cess. Heavy rain has fallen all over the colony the last two days. Sydney, Dec. 20. Respecting the massacre of the crew of the schooner Isabel at Santo Island, where the natives are cannibals, they made a feast of the crew, and all the remains were scalded, scraped, and got ready for cooking. As Sir H. Parkes’ visit to England and America will be semi-official, the opinion is that he should have an allowance. A rich deposit of alluvial gold has been found six miles from Armidale. One miner got ten pounds weight of gold in five days.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

j Per s.s. Rinoarooma, at the Bluff.] London, Deo. 15. M. Roustan, the French Minister resi dent at Tunis, has prosecuted M. Roche fort, the editor of the Intransigent , an extreme Radical journal published in Paris, for libel, having falsely accused him in the columns of his paper of having promoted the outbreak of hostilities in North Africa from a corrupt desire tu benefit his speculations on the Bourse in Tunisian bonds. The trial lasted for three days, and was watched with ex traordinary interest. The trial, however, resulted in the acquittal of Rochefort. When the decision was announced, the spectators in the Court applauded loudly. Profound sensation has been created, not only in the capital, but throughout France. Roustan has been condemned to pay the costs of the action.

The British Government are negotiating with the United States, Germany, and France—the three Powers primarily in terested in the South seas —for the creation of an International Court for the control of the Western Pacific. Pending the conclusion of such an arrangement, the Admiralty will take additional pre cautions for the protection of British sub jects, and for maintaining a more watchful supervision over the mutual relations of the white and native races in the Pacific. Compliance with the undertaking was given in the House of Commons some months ago by Mr Trevallyn, the Secretary to the Admiralty. Communications have been exchanged between the British and French Governments with regard to the annexation by the latter of Kaiatea, one of the Society Islands. The French Go vernment express a desire to retain pos session of the land, in order that the prestige of the Republic in the South Seas may not suffer. The British Go vernment reply that if they recognise the treaty under which the island has been ceded to France, care must be taken to secure not only that the interests of British trade are protected, but that the pledges given to the natives of the group are respected. The representatives of twenty British cable companies have waited upon Earl Granville, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and requested that the Govern ment would take steps to protect ocean cables from careless and wilful inter ference. The balloon which drifted across the English Channel on Saturday last has been seen off Alderney, one of the most northerly of the Channel Islands. H.M.S. Dasher has been despatched in the direc tion in which the balloon seemed drift ing, for the purpose of picking up the occupants of the car, should they be able to descend. The Marquis of Lome, the Governor- General of the Canadian Dominion, last evening addressed a meeting convened in the interests of the Woman’s Emigration Society of England. He proposed that committees should be organised in England, and affiliated with committees established in the colonies, and that the two should work in unison, one collecting and despatching suitable emigrants to the colonial dependencies of the empire, and the other watching over the interests of the emigrants on their arrival. Chili reasserts her. right to annex Peru. A slave dhow has been captured at Zanzibar. Her captain was made prisoner. The robbers who carried of L 40,000 worth of jewellery from Brynkinalt, the seat of Lord Hill Trevor, at Chirk, in Denbighshire, have not been discovered. Two servants who were arrested on sus picion of being concerned in the robbery, have been discharged. With regard to the disappearance of Viscount Boyle, Lieutenant in the Prince Consort’s Own (Rifle Brigade), from the garrison at Dublin, it turns out that the Viscount is merely absent without leave. A Fenian plot to destroy some public building in Dublin, has been frustrated by the activity of the police, who have seized a quantity of dynamite which was concealed in the city. They also seized a number of firearms and some documents, which indicates the character of the plot and implicate some conspirators. Three persons have already been arrested. Another plot to murder the Czar, Alexander 111., has just been discovered. The plan proposed was to blow up the Imperial PalaCeat Gatchina by meais of a mine. A number of officers of the guard have been arrested on suspicion. Murders and other crimes of violence, are still of frequent occurrence in Ireland, and persons who refuse to obey the orders of the Land League are kept in a state of constant fear. In County Roscommon a farmer has been shot for no other reason but paying his rent. In spite of the vigor ous efforts of the Government to put them down terrorism and intimidation are still wildly resorted to by the Land League and its agents in all parts of Ireland. Placards have been dis covered threatening death to all who dis obey the mandate of the Land League, or in any way submit to the established Government. The police authorities are endeavoring to discover the agents em ployed in distributing and posting these placards.

As evidence of the strong sympathy entertained for Mr Parnell, now confined in Kilmainham Gaol, a large number of tenant farmers and laborers assembled at his estate at Wicklow, and performed the necessary operation of ploughing. Over 3,000 assembled to undertake the work, which was done gratuitously. This action has occasioned considerable com ment.

The greatest sympathy continues to be felt in Vienna for the families of those who perished in the terrible catastrophe at the Ring Theatre. A subsription list in aid of the sufferers has been started in Vienna, to which all classes are contribut ing, the Emperor and Royal Family heading the list. The Emperor of Austria, who is staying at Gondollo, a small town about fifteen miles from Pesth, the capital of Hungary,which he usually visits during the hunting season, has publicly expressed his sympathy with the sufferers, and has ordered that a solemn requiem mass be performed in memory of those who perished. Public indignation has been so much excited at the lack of management displayed by the police and fire brigades at the fire that a movement has been started to establish a volunteer fire brigade on an efficient basis, and the matter is being taken up warmly. An English steamer has been seized at Constantinople by the Turkish authorities on suspicion of its being utilised for some nefarious purpose directed against the Porte. A large quantity of gunpowder was discovered on board, and despite the denial of the captain and agents that any wrongful act was intended, the vessel has been detained. The assistance of the British Ambassador has been invoked. The Manchester Chamber of Com merce has passed a series of resolutions, declaring the desirableness of developing trade with India, and strongly urging the the Government to carry out the abolition of the cotton duties.

A deputation waited on the Home Secretary to request mitigation of the severe sentence passed on the prisoners convicted recently of bribery in connection with the elections held at Macclesfield and Sandwich. It was urged that the of fence was one which hitherto had not been regarded as of so heinous a character, and that, as they had already suffered heavy punishment, they might now be re leased. In reply, Sir William Harcourt refused to accede to the application, pointing out that it was absolutely neces sary to preserve the purity of elections. Owing to recent activity _ displayed among the Nihilists, the Russian police have been on the alert, and numerous ar rests of suspected persons have been made.

At St. Petersburg during the last few days 200 Nihilists have been arrested, who, it is believed, were engaged in a plot against the life of the Czar.

LADIES AT AUCTIONS.

There are auctions and auctions ; in country districts and in small quiet country towns the attendance of the neighbors and friends of the family whose goods are being scattered by the hammer of the auctioneer is generally numerous, and an honest and open competition takes place for the property to be disposed of. The sales in large cities and their immediate neighbor hood are rarely attended by ladies; the company is far too mixed. Dealers, brokers, agents, and brokers’ men form together an assembly the character of which tends to keep away respectable women. If a lady ventures into such a sale, she is met with importunities to give commissions to some of the harpies that frequent auctions. Should she refuse to do so she is subjected to insult and annoyance of a nature that no respectable woman can" possibly endure. At many of the sales coarse, vulgar, and obscene “ chaff” is indulged in, so as to render the scene no fit place for a respectable woman. Ladies may think that by giving the percentage asked to a broker they will secure the goods required at a small commission ; but it should be borne in mind that when a percentage is given it is the interest of the broker to run up the price as high as possible, as he receives pro rata on the amount paid, and the commission on Lio is double that of L 5. A case recently occurred at one of the London Police Courts in which this system was exposed, and one of the counsel engaged in the case stated it was fortunate that it bad been made the subject of a magisterial inquiry, for now the public would know that when they entered an auction room, for the purpose of making purchases, they would have to beware of a regular gang who dubbed themselves “ com mission agents,” and who, when one of them was engaged to make a purchase ran up the price for the purpose of in creasing the amount of the commission. In this case the defendant, finding that a “ ring” had been formed to run up the price, cautioned a lady who had given a commission, and the result was a disturbance. It is not surprising that the magistrate said that the disclosures made were discreditable to both sides. Nor is the system of giving commis sions the only evil of auctions. It is notorious that a nefarious conspiracy known as “ the knock out” extensively prevails not only among furniture brokers but booksellers and others. The members of a knock out, who possibly may comprise all the book sellers present, agree beforehand not to bid against each other, although, for the sake of appearances, the lots are bought by various members of the party ; they are thus obtained at a ridiculoutly low price. Should, how ever, an outsider or private individual bid for a lot, he is made to pay the full value, or even more, or lose the article. The members of the knock out usually adjourn to a public-house, and re-sell the articles amongst themselves, when they often realise four or five times the amount paid for them at the original sale, thus producing a large sum, which is divided amongst the members of the confederation. Amongst men of the class that constitute the commission agents and the members of a “ knock out,” ladies have no place.— Queen.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

MR WARD IN REPLY.

To the Editor. Sir, —On returning home this morning, I observed a letter in your publication of the 24th inst., bearing the title “ The Rev. A. W. Hands, in Explanation,” in which the writer has made use of my name, as appears to me, in a most unwar rantable manner. In common justice to myself, I must therefore request you to allow me space in your next publication to state the following facts :—As Secretary to the School Committee, it became part of my duty to write to, and respectfully request the Rev. A. W. Hands to take part in the annual examination for prizes. I did write to him, and on the Saturday afternoon (two days before the examina tion), he (the Rev. A. W. Hands) called at my office and gave a verbal reply to a written request, this reply I faithfully re ported to the proper authority. From the above simple statement of facts, the pub lic will observe that “Mr Ward” did “ choose ” to do his duty, and also, that if Mr Hands had chosen to do his—his re ply would have been on record, and more over, it would have spoken for itself. I deeply regret having thus to address you, but, sir, I cannot allow, even the Kev. A. W. Hands to make an improper use of my name to gloss over his own palpable ne glect of the common courtesy due to a public body.—l am, etc., J. Ward, Secretary to the Borough School Committee. Ashburton, 27th Deo., 1881.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1881.



jg-IS LORDSHIP’S LARDER. THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE WORLD WHERE A GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK, .AND A GLASS OF BASS’ ENGLISH ALE, Can be obtained FOR ONE SHILLING. THE BEST MENU TO CHOOSE FROM IN CHRISTCHUBCH. Unequalled Accommodation for Ladies. Dinners, Banquets, Ball Suppers, Wedding Breakfasts, and Picnics pro vided for, in the very beat possible style. W. H. MESSENGER, 360 d Purveyor. John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., B URN ET T STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Easy Chairs, Couches, English and American Chairs, Single and Double Don and Wood Bedsteads. o . 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. • j Note the address—Cheapest House in Ashburton, opposite Mail Office, Burnett •street 3160



Wanted. Wanted— six ploughmen, to first-class (jdiW highest harvest bonus will bbgiveni- JOHN GRIGG, 443 d Longbeach. WANTED —Two MACHINES, to Thresh Nine Hundred (900) Acres of Wheat each. Tenders will be received by the undersigned till 7th JANUARY, 1882. Machine to find all men. 429 d H. T. WINTER. WANTED KNOWN—A GRAND BALL will be held in Mr Clark’s Grain Store, Tinwald, on MON DAY, January 2, 1882. Tickets, 2a 6d each ; ladies free. 445 d VTTANTED KNOWN—Mus Hender- V V son, Dressmaker, Burnett street, near Catholic Church. Ladies’ Dresses made from 5s Gd. Apprentices Wanted. WANTED KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstoad Mills. 255 d WANTED KNOWN.—SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS VERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) 827 c WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. TI7ANTED KNOWN—During the ¥ f Christmas Season, PR lEDLaNDER BIDS, are selling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUIT, Currants, Cid ; Elemes, 7d ; Sultanas, <Sd ; Candied Peel, Is Gd ; Best Bolter, 6.1; and General Groceries equally cheap fur Cash. 31 8 d WANTED KNOWN —Christmas and Nrw Year Cards— Just arrived, the Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, including Scented Satchets and Fringed Cards.—L. F. Andrewes, Book seller and Stationer, East street South, Ashburton. 766 c Special Advertisements. THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the very best for ready money. Ashburton Branch : East Street. W. SPARROW, 692 c ’ Branch Manager.



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. 2D3d



H. D. MONK’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.



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nail rod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a* Back from the front—The scare at T>arihaka 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 a good deal of hard tramping up hill and down dale; and the astonishing fact is that most of them, having been provided with STOUT BOOTS from C. HAWKINS’ never-to-be excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came back with their “ understandings” nearly as good as when they left this go-ahead little township. Try C. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c rW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANY (LIMITED). AN AGENCY has this day been OPENED at Ashburton, with Mr Waiter B. Moss in charge. TEMPORARY OFFICE CORNER OP WEST AND HAVE LOCK STREETS. JOHN COOKE, Manager. Christchurch, October 1, 1881. 7820



Special Advertisements. THE will bo prepaied, t during thetjQming Samson, to supply 1 the following articles at thdlowest rates; — r REAPERS ami BINDERS - EXTRAS for DO. v BINDING WIRE 3 CORN SACKS £ TURNIP and RAPE SEEDS PLOUGH SHARES t And all kinds of AgricuHural Imple- £ ments. £ EREDK. PAVITT, ' Corn Merchant, &c., Ashburton. Agent for John Anderson, Canterbury Foundry, Christchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, Importers of Agricultural Imple ments, Christchurch; and Agent for the * United Insurance Company. 150 d ■ rjp H E 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 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 O T O E All persona INDEBTED to me will oblige by paying their Accounts boo n as possible, as I am sorely in want of the money, owing to the late fire. C. BOURK Christmas Presents AND NEW YEAR’S GIF IS. JUST Received, a Choice Assortment of Christmas and New Year Cards, Dolls, Humming Tops, and Shell Goods in great variety, Lotts’ Diaries for 1882 ; Family Reader (div. 42) ; Boys’ Standard (new series); Latest Novelties in Pipes. F. CLARK, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Montgomery’s Buildings. 319 d AYING ASHBURTON, GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVERETT BROS. Will on Saturday, December 3, commence A GREAT CLEARING SALE Of their new and well-selected Stock of GENERAL DRAPERY, And to effect a speedy clearance will, in addition to the already very low prices, offer, as an extra inducement, a DISCOUNT OF TEN PER CENT. The Shop To Let. The Fixtures, Fit tings, &c., For Sale.



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 Editok.



TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 430 p.m. j r»fuasgMwas— Bggpss— — ——— pm— w§



To an Ounce. —Mother, seeking a situa tion as footman for her rawboned son. Lady—“ Does he know how to wait at table?” Mother —“Yes, ma’am.” Lady —“ Does he know his way to announce ?” Mother —“ Well, ma’am, I don’t know that he knows his weight to an ounce, but he does to a pound or two.



SCENE —Drawingroom. Dramatis Per sona—Young gentleman and lady, and little miss of three summers. Young gen tleman—“ Alice, give me at least one kind word Can you not see that your cruelty is killing me !” Young lady—“ Killing you ! Ah, no ! * Men have died, and worms have eaten them, but not for love!’ ” Little Miss —“ If they don’t love them, what do they eat them for, auntie 1”



[For continuation of reading matter first pctge. ]



Holloway’s Pills.—Health or Wealth'.— No sane person would hesitate an instant in the choice between these two conditions Now is the season to secure the former either by restoring or confirming it. These Pills ex pel all impurities from the system which fogs, foul vapours, and variable temperatures en gender during winter ; this medicine also acts most wholesomely upon the skin by disgorging the liver of its accumulated bile, and by ex citing the kidneys to more energetic a :tion ;it increases the appetite for food and strengthens the digestive process. The stomach and liver, which most disorders originate, are fully under the control of these regenerative Pills, which act very kindly yet most efficiently on the tenderest bowels. —[Advt.]



Meetings. OOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD. ANNUAL MEETING OF RATE PAYERS. I hereby give notice that the Annual General Meeting of Ratepayers will be held at the Road Board Office, South Rakaia, on WEDNESDAY, the 28th day of Dec., 1881, at 10 a.m. Business: — To receive Report and Statement of Accounts for the year. 0. N. HACKEE, 417 d Chairman.



Meetings HUTT ROAD BOARD, The ANNUAL MEETING of Rate* payers will be held at the Road Board. Office, Methven, at 11 a.m. on THURS DAY, the sth day of January, 1882, to ■ Elect Two Members in the place of Edward Chapman and John Avis Pannett, who retire by rotation, but who are eligible for re-election. Nominations will be received up to 12 o’clock noon. A Poll, if demanded, will be taken on Wednesday, the 11th January, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Schoolhouse, Barrhill, and at the Road Board Office, Methven. W. B. COMPTON, 402 d Returning Officer. |J> ANGITATA ROAD DISTRICT. The ANNUAL MEETING of RATE PAYERS will be held at the Lismora Schoolroom, at 11 a.m. on TUESDAY, January 3rd, 1882, and an ELECTION to fill the vacancies caused by the retire ment by ballot of Messrs Trevor and Morrow (who are eligible for re-election) will be held immediately afterwards, and the Poll, if necessary, taken between 12 noon and 4 p.m, on same day. J. C. BELL, Clerk to the Board. 20th Dec., 1881. 381 d ROAD DISTRICT. NO. i WARD. I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Ratepayers of the above Ward wiU be held in Messrs W. Montgomery and Co.'a Four-roomed Cottage at Winslow, on the Fifth day of January, 1882, at 12 o’clock noon, for the purpose of Electing One Member to serve on the Road Board, in the room of Mr John Carter, who is nevertheless eligible for re-election, i A Poll (if required) will be taken im f mediately after the Nomination, closing 1 at 4 o’clock p.m. EDWARD BELL, . Returning Officer.



NO. 2 WARD. I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Ratepayers of the above Ward will bo held at the Elemington Schoolhouse on the Fifth day of January, 1882,. at 12 o’clock noon, for the purpose of, Meeting One Member to serve on the Road Board* in the room of Mr Thomas Taylor, who is. nevertheless eligible for re-elec tion. A Poll (if required) will be taken im mediately after the Nomination, closing at 4 o’clock p.m. J. B. JACOMBS, Returning Officer. NO. 3 WARD. I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Ratepayers of this Ward will be held!, at the Road Board Office, on the Fifth-, day of January, 1882, at 12 o’clock noon,, for the purpose of Electing One Member to serve on the Board, in the room of John Grigg, Esquire, who retires in con sequence of the District being divided into Wards, but who is, nevertheless, eligible for re-election. A Poll (if required) will be taken im mediately after the Nomination, closing at 4 o’clock p.m. W. CUTHBERT, Returning Officer. NO. 4 WARD. I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Ratepayers of this Ward will be held at Longlands Out-Station, on the Fifth day of January, 1882, at 12 o’clock noon, for the purpose of Electing One Member to serve on the Board, in the room of Mr Edward H. Dobson, who retires, but is eligible for election in No. 5 Ward. A Poll (if required) will be taken im mediately after the Nomination, closing at 4 o’clock p. m. J. ARTHUR WINTER, Returning Officer... NO. 5 WARD.



I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Ratepayers of the above Ward will be held at Mr Charles Pye’s Farm House, on the Fifth day of January, 1883, at 12 o’clock noon, for the purpose of Electing One Member to serve on the Road Board, in the room of Mr Stephen S. Chapman, who is eligible for election in 'No. 2 Ward. ,j A Poll (if required) will be taken im mediately after the domination, dosing at 4 o’clock p. m. JAMES ISBISTER, 388 d Returning Officer.



To Let. TO LET-Three SHOPS and 8 OFFICES, in Saunders’ Buildings, lately occupied by T. R. Hodder and Co., as a Drapery and Clothing Establishment. Apply, Robert Alcorn. 143 d Public Notices. pOAOHERS BEWARE! All Persons found TRESPASSING on the Westerfield Estate without the; sanc tion of the undersigned, in quest of fish or game, will be prosecuted according to law. D. OLIVER, 437 d C. G. HAWDON. EERING TWINE BINDER. Only a few Machines left, for which early application is necessary. JAMESON & ROBERTS, 337 d Ashburton Agents. gANK HOLIDAYS* TUESDAY, 27th December, and MONDAY, 2nd January nest, will be observed as SPECIAL BANK HOLI DAYS at the various Offices in New Zea land of the undermentioned Banks.



The Union Bank of Australia, Limited. (Signed) JOSH. PALMER, Chief Officer for N.Z. The Bank of New South Wales. (Signed) J. R. BOLL, Inspector. The Bank of Australasia. (Signed) E. W. MORRAH, Inspector. The Bank of New Zealand. (Signed) D. L. MURDOCH, General Manager. The National Bank of New Zealand, Limited. I (Signed) W. DYMOCK, Inspector. The Colonial Bank of New Zealand. (Signed) GEO. COWIE, 356 d General Manager. BONES. —Wanted Known, that Mr F. Mayo, is a Cash Ptjbohaseh of Bones in any quantity, at £3 per ton. Address, F. Ma v o, Hampstead Bone Mills. | 8340