SHIPPING.

PORT OI r ‘LYTTSLTON. Arrived. C" Svn.Ki‘l'- - • from Chatham Inlands. V'WUJ'.u • Giiu\on, 5.“., U'oa Vkilu A Sailed , , Saturday. ’’ eh' -hi Wanata, s.s., fosf Wellington. X ■’• x’V- ,'- Graftoift -s.s., fe-j* Tiuiaru and Oamwru. -SHIPPING- TELEGRAMS • - L , -V‘ !%:.■. Met ■roi’ciNE., Co-Jay.- . fl’fAph ■ )'*■ • v ed- —TarsuDa, 1 iv•«n vmmm

MAIL NOTICE.

■ih | ' ''Mails eii> ixst i yiS.ee, y-i Christchurch, .- * h ih:places h'l;: (subject t-> n-x ■.. alt.-rar. ••:«> as. lur- id :~ -' ■ . T T >: ■ li.' Hor Non hern pens. ,■ dian h- : ft:Colonies, per Wak;.:i. p , ,m. ; ii late lee Ivtcers. 2 p. in. - van, h'-iih:-.; .'8.30 puii. ita-n. Vipy. For "Northern ■ '--r*. , pm V,.:.n- ■, at L 3.20 p.m. ; late- iet Jt-1 h r.-i, '.m. ; |gfepr.r; fcnarn’s .•tin, 4 r-.;u . t'Tliti.

The Ashburton Guardian. MONDAY, JANU ARY 3, 1881.

•,J3X) WN E DTtj ON. ■ y* (few./ P : n . f ‘

■ lu ' letter of fyr’kjf* West End ’ will appear {r,. marrow. 2Tewi,.\K!* Pt'-nr 'Tfie post office -.x atK ewland opened . •;-;!ay f -»nd mails will %vi|oe receivv/i v.x, if. and despatched from it gHdseyeiy Tuesday, Tiiur.sciay, and - Saturday. Se'-i■■-The posi-rnoster is ->lr. H. Cape* William- ■ a 1 with i t-.’i-i.i ’ ■■ ■ .:>■■'* .. a' s no }. Kowai Pass Domain Boiko, A i Gazette to hand contains the delegation of 1 powers under the Domains Act 1860, to . ; Messrs. J. D. Enya, J. A. M’Uraiih, G. S' O. Parker, Henry Williamson,. Robert X i;' Colthart, and George, Rutherford, who now form the Kowai Pass Domain Board. BBfr 'Pp.Esm-TEiuAN Chicdubs’s •' Tkbat.—lt pb-S.yas intended that to day a treat should ’-•] ;%ve been given at the Manse grounds to connected with the Presby- Church in the Ashburton districts; owing to the wet weather overnight -Una tbo cariy part of the day, which saturated the grass E 0 that enjoyment ■ wcula have-been ■impossible,- it was de cided to postpone the gathering till Wed nesday next at 11 o'clock,- and an adver tisement .elsewhere notifies accordingly. Uscunreh Letters. -The following is a list of letters from places beyond fhe coionyreceived atfcho Ashburton PcstOffice during „h a month of November, 1880 and on Ist ’ ™ Ifcl .—Bcnntwf, hrank ; Coiii« 3 , Patrick- EUzgeralu Thomas ; Herrmann, Henry • Heia, Thomas ; Johnston, Arthur R • ' Sr* T i° ha L Thomas Tnhl 'ftf o^ 1: Sclumdt, C -J Shearer, John ; Stuan,, Janes McP - Suilivnn John ; Tangnoy, Michael; Thomas, Mrs ’ -- , Reaper Tjutai,--On January i st to advertised notice, atrial of Sde«to‘. 0d ’ fl CCleb^ <ed oats >-oad Th.. ...T” ‘' ,tue °) of tiia Wakanui | . the stra w-rangm wftom J? ne » feet thus fully machine to throw iff the -d-eavi even manner Due great I specially noticeable—viz.. the entirel , absence of that objectior.ai jerk to tb*> which in the older mncl?i u „«f j makers was so much against them. -The sheaves is the present machine are quietly push the platform, and land bn their butts; Gfiw tying was also particularly secure. Several farmers were witched the trial with interest/ - expressing themselves , 'P9 r O'hrfi’y ttonvinced tbr.t it was the Rest bftjw that had yet been brought agents, Messrs. Poyntz *° taka orders for ? j 8 hut s* their,sup -h®Red, ® is - njices

Accident to a Steamer.— The s.s. Piako struck on a svinlven.reef m Whan gerei harbor on NeW Year’s night, and sank.

The Licensing Act.— The police are making, a raid o.i the Wellington publi cans and a large number have been sum rmoned for breaches of the Act. Wakanui Spoits. —A meeting of the Wakahui Sports Committee is advertised to take place at Mr. Cockle’s blacksmith shop, Wakanui, on Wednesday evening, at half-past seven.

A Surveyor in Trouble. —Whilst sur veying a block of laid (says a Napier tele gramf for Tarehas people, Mr. Lissing was turned off ly Renata’s hapu, his instruments seizd, and his field book taken out of his pcket. Church Faroe. Yesterday the Volunteers of tin town with a number of the cavalrymen [iraded for church. The rendezvous was te Post Office, where the men assembled vith side arms only, at half-past ton. iter the usual prelimin ary formation, &., the men marched to St. Stephen’s hurch, headed by the Band of the Rles, who played as they went, the “ Gloia in excelsis Deo,” from the Twelfth M«, and lively airs on the return march. The Rev. A. W. Hands preached from te text “ Put on the whole armor of Goi” and in an admir able sermon rave the men much good counsel ad sound common sense, warning them igainst the dangers that beset the path if young men especially, urging thefli to 13 faithful to the law of God, auddo h Hrustful of His promised aid in tiinjfef ;imptation. Towards the_ the closjfcf of Is discourse, the preacherp with his wejl-kown eloquence, cautioned his hearers agaist the all too common sin of drunkeniie!, pointing out the evils that followed;course of insobriety, and the worthlesscss of R life given up to this sin. Ho di not urge the joining of any temperjice society in particular, nor any sciety . at all for that matter, but ho did counsel temper ance if they. T ould secure and enjoy the blessing of < well-regulated life. The sermon was very much enjoyed by bis hearers, boh Volunteers and civilians. At (he close of the service, the men again formed cod marched back to the Post Office, whert they were dismissed. The Rifles were under command of Sergeant Dolman, and the Cavalry under Sergeant Scott, Lieitenant St. George Douglas also being present. Mr. Arthur Searell, late of Papanui, kindly acted as organist for the day. '

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

{Per Reuter's Agency.) Honey and the Markets. London, Dec. 30. Consols are unchanged at New Zealand securities remain at last quotations. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is Lia,875.000. The markets for Austra lian and New Zealand produce are un changed. Trial of the Leaguers.

Dec. 31. Owing to the excitement which is prevaling in Dublin in consequence of the trial 0 1 the Land Leaguers, extra military preparations are being made in the city for the preservation of order. Storms and Floods. Very heavy snow storms have fallen in England during the past few days, and in tiany districts serious floods have resultedon the breaking up of the frost. Consideable loss of property has oc curred, aid, owing to the extreme cold, much disress : has been experienced by the poonr classes. J., “The Glory which was Greece.” London. Jan. 1. News has been 'received that a 'Jatueof Minerva, by Radius, has been dbQvered ''rearing excavations which at Athens. V SatSfector^i The revenue re&qs for- the Decem berquarter show a mVionuncrease. ThV land meSPr|. C wel 4 to be Md I Ireland on Satur Ma . ab( j ?un _ day hve been prohibitett- & fiyi n cr columi is traversing the county vent aiy attempt that may be i-nade' a t night billing. v ; ■

The War at the Cai><K, 4 1 helatest intelligence to hancHi;om the Cspe states that the Boers abandoned Utrecht. The garrisons at Staideston- and Walkestroom are' strongh eptrenched, and well supplied. Large bodies of troops are inarching tr the from Annexation Wanted. Fijian chiefs are making a request that Roumah be annexed to Fiji. Preparing to Bite. Constantinople, Jan. 1. The Porte is engaged in massing 100,004 troops on the Greek frontier, in prepration for probable hostilities. , ' Frozen Meat.

Suez, Dec. 31. The steamer Protds, with a cargo of meat, has, arrived here, homeward bound from Melbourne. : Requires Confirmation, i Cape'jown. Dec. 31. A feport comes to hand to-day from the Transvaal that the Boers have fol lowed up their recent success by oc cupyihg Pretoria, the capital town. The run or, however, requires confirma tion.

Tb Rebellion in Basutoland. , Capetown. Jan. 1. ’ lnte »gence has been received from Basutdmd that a severe engagement has talon place between the Colonial forces , jnd a tribe of Tambookies. Ine en>my was completely defeated, and a Jjfge number of their cattle and Jeep fere captured. Over eighty 1 amboaies were killed, and a number taken pisoners. The casualties on the side of fie Colonials amounted to only three.

More Storms. T New York, Dec. 31. intene cold continues to be ex perience! throughout the States, and heavy stow storms have fallen in many

AUSTRALIAN

{Pet Renter's Agency.) Cricket; Melbourne, Jan. 2. In the cricket match, Australian Rteven versus a Corained New South Wfijes and Victorian team, the former noIl l /‘ r r , to the wick ets, and were dis- Sl° f r ,7? runs ' Murdoch was SS f for 7 runs > A. Bannerman bovried f o f If’ roube lbw 6, M‘Donald caught Z * Sh t StUmp t d 12 > Bonner not out 2a BD LK CaUght 6 ’ S P l^i^^; 11 5. Alex extras 9. Thi’cnnW er , how]led IO > w«nt in and l 6 C ,° mblned team then L ruis’ l ha ' Ve , ]o . St e, e ht tickets for W,ed f ”33. Severe Bush Pires iu South Australia. [n. . , ' To-day. - JSeriousbush fires have occurred in the

country districts, attended by loss of life and property. In - one localit / a woman with her five daughters and a son were burned to death.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Wreck of the Lady Don. Auckland, To-day. The Lady Don has been wrecker at Hokianga, but all the hands are saved. Rashly Importunate. A gum digger named Nixon commuted suicide by hanging himself at Kawak-iwa. The Governor’s Tour. Wellington, To-day The Governor starts on a tour of the North Island on Friday next. He visits Auckland first, then Waikato, Napier, Pahnersion, Wanganui, and New Ply mouth, stopping at all the intermediate places of any note. A Sailor Drowned.

A seaman named Rickets, who ■ ame ashore from the schooner Fleet win - on Thursday, is missing. A pair of jots found at the end of the wharf arc idem tied as his, and it is feared he attempt 'd to swim to the vessel and was drowned. Pigeon Flying. Christchurch, To-d <y. The Christchurch Pigeon Club Zvices took place to-day. The run from R -Hes ton to Christchurch, 14 miles, was a tie between Mr. Foulkes’ Chippendale and Mr. Ashby’s Blueskin, both doing. the distance in 16i minutes. For the C ham pion Race, from Dunedin, 233 miles. Mr. Foulkes’ Blair Athol and Blue Y Ilian tied, the time occupied being 8 hou 3 35 minutes 15 seconds. A Handsome Present. Dunedin, To-day. The weather is threatening, but nc rain is falling. (12.30) There is a large at tendance at the Caledonian Sports. Mr. Inglia, draper, who paid over L4OO for the booths and privileges has had to pre sent the booths to two publicans, 1.3 he was unable to obtain a license to sell. 2.15. Heavy rain has put a stop to everything and cleared the ground. A Cool Customer. At the City Court, John Christie, alias Lee, the notorious horse-stealer, now undergoing a sentence, was couimitt ;d for trial this morning, for horse-steal; i;g at Naseby in October last. He roue the horse to town, and was on his back, iu Princes street, when he was arrested on another charge. Gold Returns. The Cromwell Company obtained 350 ounces gold from nearly 500 tons of stone ; the Oome-in-Time Company, at Boa iigo, got 110 ounces from 350 tons ; ami. the Homeward Bound, at Arrow, 286 ounces from 430 tons of stone. -

THE IRISH QUESTION.

Trial of the Land Leaguers. A New Load Rill. (By Cable.) London, Jan. 1. The trial of the Land Leaguers, which commenced on the 28th ult., was opened by the Irish Attorney-General in a Speech for .the prosecution which has occupied the last four days. The speech based the charges against the leaguers on their utterances at different meetings through out the country. Intense interest is taken in the trial, the Court being densely crowded. The Times, in a leading article to-day, announces that the Irish Land Bill which Government propose to introduce supple ments and repairs defects in the Act of 1870. No new principles of land legisla tion are embodied in the measure.

HORRIBLE AFFAIR AT BLENHEIM.

[by telegraph.] Blenheim, To-day. The new year was ushered in by a terrible fatality. About 12.30 on Saturday morning the house oc cupied by a bricklayer named ,Oaike caught fire and was soon burnt to the ground. When the fire was discovered Uaike was roused, and escaped in a blanWi.- tu charred remains of Mrs. "Daike were found under the kitchen floor. An inquest is being held to-day.

THE SUPREME COURT.

Christchurch, To-day. At the criminal sessions of the Supreme Court there were twenty-two casts, in cluding murder, manslaughter, perjury, and concealment of birth. Judge Johns ton expressed his regret at the grave character of many of the oftences, and remarked that although there were fifteen classes of offences, only one could be thought due to the depression of trade. He told the Grand Jury there could be no doubt as to finding a true bill in tho murder case against Wairema Wharepa, but owing to a legal difficulty the perjury cases—Murphy and Watt— could not be proceeded with, and a sup plementary session would doubtless be necessary, when another case of a most serious nature appeared likely to come on. By this the Judge was understood to refer to the recent shooting case, Keriaonbeing now in a dying state.

WINSLOW ANNUAL RACES AND SPORTS.

The athletic sports were continued up to about seven o’clock on Saturday evening, but, considering the length of the programme, and the fact that quite a formidable card of horse races had to be got through before the athletics started, the latter were brought off with great expedition by the indefatigable Committee. We ow r e our thanks to the careful and obliging Secretary, Mr. J. B. Rogers, for the facilities he afforded us in getting up our report, and to the other members of the Committee for similar aid. Our last pigeon left the ground just as the Sack Race was being got ready for, and the following are details of the events that came off after “ Hazard” had gone with the last message:— Sack Race, 150 yards ; first prize, 155.; second, ss. ■ Buslnii, Hodder, Lecluier, and David son entered for this contest, which was a prolific sort of amusement. .Hodi or got his feet well into flic coi aeis of his sack, and travelled his distance smartly. Raynor Hodder ... ... ... 1 W. Davidson ... ... ... 2 Running Rigg Jump, first prize, LI ; second, 10s. J. Wjlsod, C. Jephsoii, Bert Mayo, M‘Coll, and 8. Roces, we e the com petitors. The jumping was genera up fo at which he' pii (he field was imr down to Mayo, Jophson. and M‘Coll. The nv;;t i : se found Hen's limit in the event, and JepKoa and M C.. 11 were left to fight oat the honor. M'Coll had cleared sft |in when Mayo retired, but when he was asked to essay s'„ Hin after Jephson, he found flic ban er too high and had to yield to Jenhson lv lio c y iar ® ( ?r,* 110 bav like a bird among st-cries cheeriiS nWWId f ° r ever ’” and iluai, y Jephson sft liin . i M Coll 5 biin " o One Mile Flat Bace, fir’s't priz V ]“ 2 . 1 second, 15s. ’ ' H or this stretch there were four entries, ]

M'Donald led for three parts of the dis tance, when Spray unexpectedly shot out and collared him, winning by about 20 yards, M'Donald second, and Bayliss at his elbow. Spray 1

M'Donald 2 *Eoo and Spoon Race, 150 yards. First prize, 15s. ; second, ss. In running the egg and spoon race the competitors each receive a spoon which they must carry by the handle in theii teeth, the spoon standing straight out before (hem. As soon as the men are in line, an egg is placed in the bowl of each spoon, and the competitors must run with their hands in their pockets. Removing the hands from the pockets or dropping the egg entails disqualification, so that to be an expert “ egg .and spoon” racer re quires some practice. The novelty of the thing, however, brought out nine entries, and the runners seemed to enjoy the fun as much as the spectators. Lechner left his fellows at once when the start was made and was never collared, while Dudley dribbled up to the tape shortly after him. Not a few of the eggs encoun tered the tussock before their mission was fulfilled. Lechner 1

Dudley ... ... ... ... 2 Vaulting with the Pole. First prize, 20s. ; second, 10s.

For the vaulting all the best known local high-flyers were in the lists, and kept together well till the bar marked Bft 4in. Here Mayo, Hunt, and Hodder found their limit and were forced to re tire—not, however, before their graceful vaulting, especially Hodder’s, had earned hearty applause. At Bft 7in only Reeves and Bushitt were left. Reeves got over the bar gamely at this height, and Bushitt without any apparent effort. Another Sin rise, however, put Reeves into difficulties. He is an excellent vaulter, but could not tackle Bushitt, a new man in onr local sports, but a splendid vaulter. He went over Bft lOin with great ease" and we could readily believe that he had command of another six inches had the effort been required. He won amidst great applause from the excited crowd that stood round. Bftshitt, Bft lOin ... ... ... 1

Reeves, Bft 7in ~s- ~. ... 2 Single Women’s Race. Prize —A pair .of boots, presented by Mr. Hawkins, ITinwald. Mary M'Teague won the boots easily from a large field of fair ones. Men’s 220 yds Race. First prize, 30s; second, 10s.

Macfarlane... ... ... ... 1 Cobnor 2 Lechner and Hodder also ran. Running Long Jump. First prize, LI; second, 7s. 6d. Reeyes, 17ft £in 1 Jepbson, ; 2 M'Coll also competed. Men’s Race, over 40" years. Free entry, for a pair of trousers given by Ballan tyne and Co., Christchurch. Messrs. Hebdon Rainey and W. Grace tied for the trousers. Consolation * Race. First prize, LI; second, 10s. Gilmour I

Mayo ... ‘2 iAt intervals during the day, prizes were given for races run by boys and girls, the prizes being toys, etc., and the -jtJvenile competitors added not a little to the day’s sport.

WAKANUI SPORTS

New 'Year’s Day at Wakanui was cele brated by the customary annual rural sports. Mu cl. might be said as to the absolute necessity for at least ordinary liberality on the var t 0 f the public, if these sports are to Ve m ade a success. But the sports have worked hard and have done the*., duty in a straightforward manner, and Vheir work seems to have given general satprf ac ti o n. Tho.se assembled must have in A um p er amounted to at least four hundrea, „ nc j they seemed to enjoy themselves hcartK, . Mr. Power, of the Royal Hotel, who had the booth, seemed to be doing a roaring trade at times, and no doubt he will find his visit to the Wakanui beneficial. Mr Brown deserves the thanks of the public for the use of his paddock, which was situated adjoining the school, and a better choice could not have been made. The point was a central one, and the ground very level and smooth as a bowling green. Mr. Thomas, whose duties were manifold, was one of the judges, as well as treasurer and seci etary, and he had his hands full. Mr. Cockle was conspicuous with his blue flag as starter, and Mr. Sturgeon, as handicapper, succeeded in placing his men well. The sports were of the usual character, with the exception of the Wakanui Invention, which was credited as being original. At all events it appeared to be the most diverting and laughable race of the da}’. Mr. W.lnnes gave a special prize for a blindfold race, for which there were twelve entries. Suffice it to say that after the racing was over most of the people adjourned to the schoolroom, where the evening was spent with mirth and song, enlivened from time to time with dancing, and at half-past eleven the meeting broke up, and so ended the Wakanui sports. The following is the programme of events with the names of the winners :

Quoits (distance 21 yards)—William Smith. 1 ; James Jameson, 2. Married Women’s 100 yards Bace— Mrs. Giles. 1 ; Mrs. Cockle, 2. Men’s 100 yards Race—W. Fyfield, 1 : H. Bayliss, 2. Tossing the Caber—P. Cairns, 1 ; G. Leadley, 2. Men’s Running Long Jump—W. Fy field, 17ft Gin, 1 ; H. Fitzgerald. 10ft. 9!n. Quarfev-mile Hurdle Race—J. Mac farfme. 1 ; J. Jameson, 2. Vaulting with Pole—J. Sturgeon, 1 ; A. limes, 2. Bamnmg High Mump—A. Innes, 4ft Dio, I : J. Jameson, 2. Doe M il e Race —P. Crow, 1; J. Mac farline. 2. Wii'k'ng Match, One Mile—A. Hugo, 1; A. Tunis. 2. Throwing Hammer, Ifilbs—G. Leadley, 5Tt Bm. 1 : P. Cain>«. 52.'t lOin, 2. Married Men’s 150 yards Race—N. Fits-erald, 1; A. O. Aitken, 2. Old Men’s Race, 100 yard—P. Madden, 1 ; J. Gr'fien, 2. Wakanui Invention, run 50 yards back wards ; hands and fe.et, 50 yards ; run forward 50 jards—J. Sheppard, 1 ; W. J. Beene!, 2. Blindfold Race—J. Sheppard, 1 ; J. Crow, 2.

CHERTSEY RACES AND SPORTS.

The annual sports in this district were carried through with the usual success on Saturday. There were a fair amount of visitm■ s. and each race was well contested, and we I'e’ieve the Commit! e have still on 1 a n d, aTer all pi 'zes and expenses are paid, a good balance. The following are te r,'sub's of i he ecem's : Quoit Maich—Adams and Downie, rivided. 'lco’s, 100 yards Race —J. Blunt, 1; W. Will’a >!>«'»■>, ■>. Boy;’ B u;e, 130 yards—H. Childs, 1; FT. A■' abam, 2. Boys’ Bi -i l-ig High Jump—Donald Campbell, 1 ; Thomas Wood, 2. Tlvowi.ig the Stone—J. Wallace,!; W. Wi!i ason. 2. Men’s Race, -MO yards—W. Wilkinson, 1 ; T. Fagan. 2. Men’s Buoning Tfigh ,Tump—J. Johns. 1 ; Ward and Wilkiijson (divided), 2. Three-legged Race. ISO yards—Wallace and Wilkinson, 1; Ward and Wilkinson, 2, Single Women’s Race— M J. Hood, 2.

Walking Match, 1 mile—S. Alexander, 1 ; T. Fagan, 2. Vaulting with Pole —James Wilkinson, 1 ; J. Johns, 2 Men’s Running Long Jump—J. Wilkin son, 1; J. Johns, 2. Committee Race--T. Ward, 1; F, Wil kinson, 2. Egg and Spoon Race —F. Wilkinson, 1 ; J. Wilkinson, 2.

Men’s Hurdle Race—W. Louden, 1 ; T. Fagan 2; Trotting Race, l)r mile—J. Scarlet’s Polly, 1 ; J. Wallace, 2. Steeplechase, 1| mile—J. John’s Gadfly, 1; J. Wallace’s Bob, 2.

SPORTING.

V.R.O. Summer Meeting.

Melbourne, Jan. 1,

The attendance on the Flemington course to-day was the largest at any Champion Meeting. The weather was splendid. His Excellency the Governor was present. The following are the re sults of the events;

The Normanby Stakes, a sweepstake of 20 sovs. each, 5 ft., with 200 added. For two-year-olds—colts, Bst. 101 b.; fillies, Bst. 71b. ■ The second horse to receive 50 sovs., and third 25 sovs. out of the stake. The winner of the Maribyrnong Plate to carry 71b. extra; of any other race (not being a handicap) of the value of 100 sovs. or upwards, 41b. extra. 5 furlongs. Mr. L- L. Smith’s b c Liberator, by Irish King—Mobile ... ... 1 Mr. J. White’s b c Monmouth, by Yattendon—Lady Chester ... 2 Mr. J, Wagner’s b c Welcome Jack, by Bethnal Green —Colleen Bawn 3 Won by a bare half head. Time— Imin. 4)tsec. The Cham’pion Stakes, of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft., with 1,000 added. For 3 years old and upwards. Weight for age The second horse to receive 200 sovs., and the third 100 sovs. out of the stake. Three jniles. Horses foaled north of the line allowed 7ib. Mr. W. A. Long’s b c Grand Flaneur, 3yrs., by Yattendon—First Lady, . 7st. 71b, ... ... 1 Mr. W. Branch’s b c Progress, 3yrs., 7st. 81b. ... ... ... ... 2 Mr. T. Ivory’s b li Sweetmeat, syrs., Osh 61b 3 Wellington and Trevallyn also started. The race resolved itself into a match between Grand Flaneur and Progress, who were together all the distance, but the former*finaUy won by two lengths. Time —smin. 40sec. The Midsummer Handicap was won by Odd Trick after a good ftoe. For the Steeplechase Himalaya was first, beating Simpleton.

Fire at Auckland.

Auckland, Jan. 2.

Mr. Alfred Buckland’s Haymarket Saleyards.'ivere burned down at eight o’clock Ust night. The place had been locked up since Friday, and the caretaker, who sleeps on the premises, took in some milk from fhe milkman at 6 o’clock,, but neither perceived any smell of’ burning, although it is pre sumed the fire must have been smouldering for some time. At 8 o’clock the caretaker’s attention was attracted bj ( the crackling of glass in the top storey windows, and in a few minutes the fire ran through the ehtire building, ■Shich was stored with flax, tow, wool, seed, &c. The Fire Brigade had a splebdid supply of water, but owing to some hay which was stored against the-Bides of the wall, they could do little more than confine the fire to the premises where it broke out. The building completely gutted.

. The insurances were—Auckland Na b'Ual, 7.260 on the building; lgevv| BntlstxT, 1,009, The stock was fully coveredj\^g Oll j e t j le se t t i ers p ro . duced inst»^j ce documents, in their own namea Nqj ere w ;n b e g ome L6OO additional loss-OKqj-, e building beyond the insurances. s v <■

INQUEST.

An inquest was held -iA, Hotel, Rakaia, before Mr. R.M., Coroner, on the body of b,_. e ’ Hefford, who fell from a railway at Rakaia Station on Friday evening, auh was killed. >' £ The jury, of which Mr. J. M. Broad bent was chosen foreman, having viewed the body, and been sworn, ■ The mother of the deceased was called, who said she was the wife of George Hefford, lining at Papanui. Left Christ church by the 1.5 p. m. train on Friday, for Rakaia. I had three children with hie. When the train stopped at Bakaia, I got out, and asked a gentleman whether we had to get out there. He said he supposed it was the station. He got down and helpp<J me wjth the children. I went to look for my luggage, and was foklfluit it was in the van, and that I must go on to the new station to got it. I was helped back into the carriage. Before I could got inside the carriage, the train started. One of toy children was inside the carriage, one was in my arms, and de ceased stood near me on the platform of the carr.iige. 1 had got out at the same station when I was herb before. The jerk caused deceased to fall backwards between the carriage, and the guard’s van. He was live and a half years old. I saw him no mm-e alive.

By the Foreman—Deceased fell between the carriage and the van when the train started with a jerk I heard .no one call out the name of the station. I had got oat there before, and supposed it was still the placet By Mr. W: H. Elion—The train was on the line next the platform. By the Coroner—The carriage I was in had passed the platform. 1 do not re member whether I had to climb bp to the carriage, or whether I got in at the plat form on going back, i did not look for the name of the station. I knew the Hakaia tJiioioa. I had been there before. William Wallace, sworn, said—l am a laborer, living at Bakaia. 1 remember being at the railway station ..hereonFriday. I was. about two chains from the train w hen the accident happened. Did not see the child fall. I saw him under the goaid s van. Saw the wheel pass over him. It passed over his neck and breast, i saw him lying across the rails when the r a.oi had passed on. apparently dead. Someone p ; cked him up and laid him on the platform of the old station. By the Foreman—l was near the wind mill pump in the front of the train when the child must have fallen. Only one wheel of the van went over him to the best of my belief. I beard a woman scream. The

train did not pull up till it had got to the new station. I did not see the guard on the-van. . I heard no signal given to stop the train.

By tlje Coroner—l saw no one on the platform of the carriage. By Mr. Elton—l did not hear the whistle when the train went on.

Daniel Macfarlane, sworn, said—l am a guard on the New Zealand Railway. I was on the 1.0 p.in. train from Christ church to Bakaia on Friday. We arrived at Rakaia at 3. JO. Pulled the train up at the south end of the old platform io shunt off two wagons. Trams do not hiivaya pull up at the old station : oulv

at the old station that afternooh, and re quested them to keep their seats till they got to the naw station. They said they were not going any further. They were going to stop there. I saw no one else get out there. I was on the off side of the train, one carriage length from the van, when I started the train. I saw nothing of the accident. The train pulled up again at the new ■ station. When I stai'ted the train at the old station I did not whistle. I extended my arm and called out “ right ” in the usual way. People often get out at the old platform although requested to keep their seats. When the train has to wait to pass either the Express or a goods train the passenger train has to go on the middle road. I saw the child on the platform, apparently dead. Mr. Stephenson, the locomotive foreman of Ashburton, was a passenger by the train. Ho told me that it was he that picked up the child.

By Mr. Elton—The name board at the old station has not been removed since the trains have discontinued stopping there. When pulling up there with a passenger train it is customary to caution people against getting out there, telling them that they must get out at the new station. With a mixed train, and any thing to take off, we cannot draw up at the new station as there is only a single line. The main line there is not complete. By the Foreman - Mixed trains never draw to the new station to land passengers before the shunting is done. A wagon load of pigs would be put off before the passengers would be landed. By Mr. Elton —The old platform and the name board are liable to mislead pas sengers, and should be removed. Many people who have been to Ilakaia before the removal of the station get out when the train pulls up at the old station, naturally thinking they should do so. I should think the new station has been in use five or six months.

Alfred Blackburn, sworn, said—l am stationmaster at Rakaia. I remevnber the arrival of the 3 30 p. m. train from Christ church yesterday. It was pulled up be tween the two stations to put off two wagons. It then proceeded to the new station. After the train had started I saw Mr. Stephenson, the locomotive foreman, pick up something from the line and take it to the old platform. I went up to it, and saw the body of a little boy, to all appearance quite dead. By the .Foreman—The old platform and the name board are still in their places. The old station is not required. By Mr. Elton—lf a siding had been put in at the new station this accident would in all probability not have happened. This was the whole of the evidence. The room was then cleared that the j ury might consider their verdict, when, after a good deal of deliberation, it was unani mously resolved that a verdict of “ Acci dental Death” be returned, with the fol lowing rider—“ That the jury are of opinion that the railway authorities are to blame in beginning the use of the new station at Rakaia before the necessary means for shunting have been devised ; and the jury is further of opinion that additional protection should be provided at the ends of the platforms of the railway carriages. ”

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

A WOMAN ALONE. ■0 [cdtNTINUED.j “Going across to-morrow, or going make a stay here ? /go across to morrow,” he added, by way of an extra inducement for me to continue my journey. This last remark’ decided my course of action. “ I shall remain here a few days,” I replied. * “ If you make it a few weeks I shall be back again. My name-is -Soun ders.” aS+ * I did not reciprocate his confidence. I was tirqd of the man’s obtrusiveness, and anxious to get from him. I did not think that he would trouble me presently, and be one'of the links of a chain that was being forged already for me. I only knew that here was a specimen of the English bagman un naturally developed, and that every word he said jarred upon me un pleasantly. 1 got up to withdraw. The dinner was over, and I cared not to linger over bad wine and an indif ferent dessert.

“ I’ll give you one tip before you

he said, touching my arm and §“Hnng at me. “ Don’t try to talk to the i n grey. She don’t care to speak h\anybody, and can shut you up with JBy George! it is a scorcher ofiHpok, pretty as she is. I shan’t forget hevj na hurry, I wouldn’t have sat here if T.j iac j known she was coming this jf y OU are going to have a cigar Bill Saunders is your man, you know.” \

Thank you , I shall Lo engaged this evening.” *'“£>h, no offence ; just as ymKjike. I’m never hard up for a pal.” \" I had thought this was the end of Saunders, and that Ire was not likely to cross my path again. I had not met a man whom I had so quickly disliked as he. This was the Englishman of the farce, more like'the beings my countrymen depicted than any I had encountered yet. I went out to tht: high-road, and the parade upon the Keas, walking past the few holiday folk left, and the band that was _ braying for their amusement; walking on as far as Sandgate, and descending the cliffs to the lower road, where I found there was a return route nearer to the sea. The evenings were “ drawing in ” at that periodit was the middle of October, when the night falls early, and the breeze from the sea is keen and cold after sundown. I walked back towards my hotel at a rapid rate. Half way towards Folkstone I came upon the lady in grey, walking as rapidly in the opposite direction. I was sure it was she. There was a grace and manner distinctive enough to be-

troy her even in the darkness. To my surprise she advanced toward me, and I slopped and raised my hat. She did not recognize me, it seemed. “ (.'an you tell me how far it is to Hylbe, sir, by this road ?” she inquired. “ No, madam ; I am a stranger here.” “ I think it’s near Sandgate, but I am not sure. Thank you,’ she said. Then she passed me, and went on swhdy again into the shadows, where she was lost. I was bewildered. The lady in grey kad a mission to fulfil, and there was a mystery in it and her isolated life. . was not my business to interf" e it, and it was wholly unh’ 1 — me be come impressed so Thickly by other people’s tnovem-'di’j but I was in ierested in h cl —3}’, and drawn toward her. I saw no more of her the following day ; she was not at the table d’/ioU in the evening, as I had exnenmt mo

spoke of her, to my surprise, at the dinner table, with a freedom which I— perfect stranger to her though I was— felt disposed to answer.

“ Miss Grey is on the wing again,” a red-faced, white-moustached man said, with a short laugh. “ Quite a romance, this flitting,” answered the lady to whom he spoke. “ I should be glad to know her history.” “ You may depend upon it you never will,” answered the first speaker. “ She is very young, and so very quiet, too, or I should have thought—” And then the lady stopped, not know ing what she thought, or not caring to confess it. “ I declare I would not come here at all, or bring my innocent daughters here, if Monsieur de Lorme ” —this was the proprietor of the hotel—“ had not assured me that she came to him with the highest credentials from abroad.” “ Oh, these Frenchmen will say any thing !” “ I can’t help thinking she’s an actress.” “ Or an adventuress,” said another voice, too —“or worse. . I have no confidence in ladies with a mystery — the mystery is always worthless and discreditable.”

“ Not always, but very often, cer tainly,” said one, more charitably dis posed. She was at the hotel the following day, and I seemed waiting for her. I knew that she had arrived last night— a chance enquiry of an inquisitive visitor at the breakfast table had given me the news. I saw her in the morn ing reading on the beach—sitting apart from the few visitors that were there, and deeply interested in her book. I do not believe she looked up from her volume once—even to regard the sea, foaming and lashing against the shingle furiously that day. I sat at a distance,' watching this mysterious lady, and hardly conscious I was watching her. At the dinner table we were together once more. Strangely enough, I had chosen the seat next her again. As she came down the room I felt my heart beating faster than its wont, lest she should pass the chair vacant on my left. For a moment she paused, and even hesitated, and then took the seat and looked for an instant at me. Before I could remember the commercial travel ler’s story of her austere reserve, or think even of my own, by an impulse for which I could hardly account, save that it was natural to be courteous to one whose face had grown familiar as a guest’s, I bowed low, and murmured a good evening. She returned my saluta tion promptly, and with a faint smile. There was no vexation at being ad dressed, as I had almost anticipated and feared the traveller’s legend of ago. “ Good-evening,” she replied. SKe seemed less thoughtful, and more ob servant. The number had thinned at the hotel ; the gentleman with the white moustache had gone to London ; Saunders, of the firm of Toats and Twirl, had not returned from Paris; one or two new faces, pale with the voyage across, were at the dinner table ; several of the old were missing. I was wondering if I dared speak to her again, when she addressed me so suddenly that I started and colored strangely. “Do you intend a long stay here ?” she inquired.

_ “ I—l hardly know, madam. I iim not pressed tor time.” “ It is,not a place where much amuse ment is to be found at this time of the year—the nights are long, and,,,the air is cold.” “ I am travelling for my health, un fortunately—not for amusement.” “ Indeed !” she said, with some in terest in her tone of voice. “ I should not have thought you were an invalid.” “ I dispute the assertion myself at home, but there are friends in France avho will not take ray word.” “ You are French ?” “ Oh yes.” “ You speak English excellently ; it’s only your appearance which is French.” I hardly admired this remark—it might be taken either way; and yet it was scarcely likely that this yotfhg girl would attempt to satirize me thus early in our acquaintance ; for we had Jbe corae acquainted. It was all very strange ; I could see some wondering looks across the table at us, but it was a„pleasant thought to me. She was particularly observant, for suddenly a musical laugh escaped her, and she said, in a - “ Our good friends opposite are takingfit for granted that we have met before. It is so seldom that 1 care to speak to any one, at this place—cer tainly not to any .Englishman. ’* -» “ You are French, then, also?” “ My father is French, my mother is an English woman.” It was on the tip of my tongue to 1 ask * her where her father was living, and why she' was always' travelling alone. In my eager curiosity the ques tion had nearly escaped me. But I was silent, and to my great surprise ’she appeared to reply to my thoughts, as though it had been easy to read them for herself “ A father vejy much engaged com pels me to. rely upon nfy own resources a. great deal, I am fond of travelling . about and studying human" nature. . It is my profession, in fact.” “You write?”*

“ A little for a living. And you.” .she.added, regarding me very steadily, “ unless I am greatly mistaken, are one of the'grand army of letters also ? ” “ No, madam, I do not write.” Ah, you are modest, and conce*f the truth,” she said, smiling. “ I am only a dreamer, they ted me at home,” I answered. “ and' come to England to dream on. I have no wish to join the liteidti, .even if I had the ability to turn pty pen to profit. I am neither novelist, d^ tmat * s,: J nor. poet.” “ Nor poet,” she repeated to her self. (To h-continued.)

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 1881.



£>p3--;iai .Auvei-ttssiueiits. N A A r. E. - WALTER iv j: V. ' -v. iES £Rea ; per wrl Bidder COM Bi EE E, ■ . These. YLehiuee uve ury taken Pimt IK-hv at t;> . E ■ 'A Ahi ion ; AiMrst "Ffizi' at :;ia ' ■ ! ; turai fccJ P.-.i !:’ a« - : First Prize and CoM r.f the Bendigo gf-'i,; ■- Agricultural -Show, ou D.-f--.n he; 3th ; Vgri- Pi, (he North Gi; ' cultural • i >■' p at the j.hiucdlr. A;,A * , ~ Sho>v in December -asf. 3ty’s LOCAL AGEXT■ - POYKTZ C CO., eL L : ‘i:i!A.? ' Olio of thee.; Ma; :vi he e. n at P V. work during ti--- : L ■. f . Mr E. 3 ONES’ A, - road, near the Norti.-t v-t To ; ■ 1.. >• 804 O. Car mens &:■ Co. | ;Ltr 1 - '' PPOSpLCT i;L:LDi;; ; h'L Tobacconist. van ox g-xjds, a-.,D STATIONERY Meerschtvam Pipe*, G. B.'D. P.pes Nanival, Tt; *«*, tend VauLy Fair ■' ToIuCCO. Musical lustruraems, .--to.. e.to. Haircil-'tmr, Shaving end • 3 ha:u i .ooing. "East street, ASinir/nTON. 520* V E E L : Pr m H E B E if T JL i\ni ■ \ - READY MONEY 1-; ! : .t;. MEN'S -ANT) BAYS’ CLOT-TING iSY TP il MI VI EE.4LAFL 1 Clothing’ '-v v atruiy, VV winch can bn puyeAssed ~l t.hoir Retil -Branches, all t-ver Im,,v .ofr-lanO. A iSHTGLE GAIt.'I3LN ? T \t TEi 'VdOLESABi PPdCB. Thousands of the disoerniny -..eslomei testify ’’i;t .h". N.;.\ Eealauu Ciothin' Factory's C .t>- . w the Very Bes Yahie h r ;Y ■ - ' Asm-i'iir- L: e.scui ; i ■- -> P -e i’ KEE ■T . •’ '■■■ SPARROW, „ Alci aajjpr. -7&l*



Hilt r /AY ' s Ointment and Pills.— An - •allible tencdy for bad Legs and all ••irds of Wound".--The supri i 'g sale of these iuv. Liable mediates in every pai t of the civi lised world is the most convincing proof of their efficacy. They speedily cure bad legs, old wounds, scrofula, and other diseases of the shm. Thousands of persons suffering from ibc e d cad.'ul maladies have been cured by iTcm afier r.ve.y 0.l cr means had failed; and it 1 a. fact beyond all doubt that there is no cu a however obstinate or long standing, but may he quickly relieved and ultimately cured by these wonderful medicines. Their united acdon is irresistible : more n«»nd : - t :



AXTl 'vl v-r'VoUTH wfeo c *.'- r! '«B&luAljply;' J. 11, Liontis, Uontracrur -'-®wfe>ao Station. 880 as Ap- J’, 11 jfcae .'Blacksmith b ipinnss,. ... ».I 1 ■lOJViffa <■;»■ {■’ Office ;;; ; ip it p., r >i;utry. Apply, ' 858 paper. j-V;v:i ii-onsral SER- Apoly, Office or this 855 tir.lt,, as Apr.ly, at the OmCsft iOi i.'apar, p t 22 CpOK- : - WANTED a SITUATION iw • A Hotel, oa a Staton, or largo &; good rfc-rui haaa, ami thounijxh% : Competent n-. respect. AppN, OJJte ' this s‘rtp. -. ‘ 865 w ANTED- C;.'.. :k.V. and Jewellery o. :, i ;,,.n,:. s REPAIR. Lowest Charges. PARKED, Watch maker. Private He sue. the Public School. WANTED KNOW -.0 PORTRAIT v’ )t >r<:.s, Buildings, East at • A ,hb open D4IIY, fro. ■a.l .. Portraits taken in t;iy v eath Reduction h Price. y opposite H 37 . HF.NDYS c under?' 806 WANTED KNOW N arrived fronr England—C u: nr . New Year, and BirSiday Cards. .-.Aw 'A. 'and Illustrated Annual, Young Ladies Juoi nal, and Bcw Beth Is. 6d. each, i'amily Herald and Family Reader, Is. each, and all other Magazines supplied at Christ church Prices. Colonial and jluropean Newspapers, School Books, Stationery,&a A visit solicited. L. F. Andeetves, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 527 WANTED KNOWN—That a Church of England hi Ulster's wie writes that she saves Ten Shillings a Fortnight by using Harper Twelve tree i’ Villa Washer, Vringer, and Mangier, com bined ; ani, although she permits no rubbing, the clothes are beautifully white, and much cleaner than when done by hand, while the saving in mending has been astorishing. Sold by J. HERN, Range Mtker and Importer, oorney<of Manchestei and Tuam streets, Christ church ; Pace—-£9 10s. 700 YANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE bogs to inform the , pubic that he has taken the above Stables fnm Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extrusive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 NTID.—THE GUARDIAN tells your Wants for Is.—cash.



Meetings. 10. a T.—Unity DEGREE TEMPLE,' . SECOND DEGREE MEETING on TUESDAY EVENING, at 8 o’clock, at the TeoWter Hall. Thomas Williams, D.T. 834 mHE INSTALLATION of W.M. and JL OFFICERS of the SOMERSET LODGE, No. 1811, E.C., will take place on THURSDAY, 6th inst., at 7 p.m., punctually, in the Masonic Hall. Installing Officer, R. W.D.D.G.M. Bro. H. Thomson. ’ v Visiting brethren cordially invited. 1 By order of the W.M., HENRY ZANDER, 856 Hon. Sec. il° BTieEfirT4JJEiA_L S O CIMX A MEETING of the COMMITTEE of the above is hereby convened at Messrs. Jacobsen and Ey ton’s office, on TUBS* DAY EVE SING, January 4th, at 8 p.m. Business : To make arrangements for the forth coming Mower Show. A full meeting requested. S. E. POYNTZ, 840 Hon. Sec. ROAD DISTRICT. The ANNUAL MEETING of Rate payers will be held at the office of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association (show grounds) on THURSDAY, the 6th day of January, 1881, at 12 noon, to receive financial statement, etc., and to ELECT THREE MEMBERS in the room of Messrs. H. T. Winter, Hugo Friedlander, and Joseph Hunt, who retire by ballot, but are eligible for re election. $5 A Poll, if demanded, will be taken on - the same day, closing at 6 p. m. 'IS * CHAS. C. FOOKS, ..'I Returning Officer. • Ashburton, Deo. 21st, 1880. 787»«»s



T i.'-.t T, la: the Post ■l:"' '’' l - Church. a set- a*. C a i jj ui: ;r ivill it.• rewarded o*i Mtuio a; Pater. SSS T <'■ ’S', - JLi ati-l , Tb-i :hul. v either .<•> ‘ ! . or ;M-', ,S. rj ■ Aa. • UOUXD PUP, hr-/; ii'L'.JQ PUP, ci > ctaniitig ■’’* ‘ ■ ' -i ..v, L uirhoach, ■•‘.-b 1 ‘i.i'ioii. H 63 IP -rAn;*. J? <iiP>T;VTL-: C'AN O !.{i ' - I I’PTIK'• I; n'CS"'- , - A iturtaii; the iV: • tti POISED .-a wil ! r;,\i 1 a 1 r ;,v , ( a.iii. .-■i! fi : ■ In, i, iv.l.i-vu of , s ;i. o . '-.is ■\i '-.‘her. ,in ; l • ■ ; v'- ! • V- Pi- I'P a.', .P- . ;.v i . li: ;a! LIP, ?i] *r ’ i; j -' er. AP 1 Fo.f. 85f '• ; ;V ■..< l):o ana FA HX-; fa.HMlf.lt.*! IP DIKIIS I P. mpiuiiitnV AND. LX).. A " and .'i. A. a lso 'a:i 1 C i , ' h A r :. Pro;- fc,:d ‘?rt v: LAo.A C V-U AD' - NOEo . n IV ••iaitfd ill ti’feU' han . ;t . .* nr .. i,!v .Ar; event to ihs Em, > ■ 1 ; ■ v. A ■ 01-. >• Cornsadks, Wool pac’ ~ .v„. ■»• side a* lowest current V M A KAA: J ■■■. d- pa, ' ''■ V . ' aa :■ t i..s iJ,>. 50