SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Wild Wave, barque, from Hobart. Hinemoa, 0.G.8.5., from Wellington. Wild Wave, schooner, from Pelorus Sound, SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed— Orpheus, for Savage Islands ; Africa, Russian cruiser, for Sydney; Especulador, for a whaling cruise ; Enter prise, for Timaru. c. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived Dunedin, from Lyttelton ; Albion, from Melbourne; Awarua from Havelock. “ Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed—Ringarooma, s.a., for the Bluff.

MAIL NOTICES.

’Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as .follows: — Per Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 1(£S0 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. Pot CJiertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.tn. *ndo 1 p.m. daily. 1 Fbr Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Bangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 am. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 am. and 10 am., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 am., 10 A.nL, and 430 p.m., daily. For Goenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tu'jadays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, «t 430 p.m. daily. For Remington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. in. For, Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land,andKyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 am. i Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—r From Ohristjcburoh and Rakaia at 10.25 ia, 440 p.m,, and 7.50 p.m. From Chertaey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 44ff p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.36 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 am. 5.35p.m.,and 8!15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs- 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 24. Mr T. Bollock, at the Bazaar —Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Saturday, December 31. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Leasehold Property ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, January 3. Matson, Cox and Co. > at the Ashburton Yards—Stock. Thursday, January 5. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Farm Stock and Plant. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-night, Wednesday, December 21. Tiwal Industries Association, Monthly Meeting, Upper Boom, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Monday, December 26. Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering. Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races and Sports ; first event at 11 a.m. Wakanui Annunl Races and Sports. Tuesday, January 8. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, January 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, January 5. Wakanui Road Board-Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street L.O.L.—Monthly Meeting, Templar Hall.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton foe Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.UL, 11a.m., and (Express)s.4o p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.32 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p. m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther tnan Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton prom Christchurch at 10 20 a. m. (Express), 4.35p.m., and 7.50 p.in. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p m (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1881.

TOWN EDITION.

duR Christmas Story. —FiVe manu scripts reached this office up' to’ noon yesterday, when “ the entries closed,” in competition for our Christinas stbTjp prize. After careful deliberation, tlje judges decided on awarding the prige to'the author of the story entitled “ The Nabob’s Mistake,” which was written by ~ a gentleman residing but a few' miles from Ashburton. Our Christmas supplement will be composed of entirely original pieces this year, and not mere clippings from English and American magazines, which would be sixth hand before they' reached the readers here. The supple ment will, we repeat, be entirely original, and the stories will, for the most part, be possessed o.Wocal interest. At any rate, our writers have not gone beyond the limits of the colony for the scenes of their plots. The supplement, will be issued gratis to all subscribers.

A Piece of Absurdity.— The first case in Ashburton under the obnoxious Gaming and Lotteries Act was heard at the Police Court this morning, when Mr Richard Lancaster appeared charged .with the enormity of raffling a sheep and three loaves of bread at his premises, in East street. The terrible offence took place on the occasion of the opening of a baker’s shop by Mr Lancaster, when, as Mr Branson (who appeared for the defence) observed, “ there was a little jollification going on,” and this small raffle formed part of the jollification. His. Worship talked about a penalty of LIOO, but evidently did not mean it, and contented himself by inflicting a penalty of 20s and costs.

Old Men’s Home. —Tne Master of the Ashburton Home wishes to acknowledge with many thanks the receipt of LI from R. Wilkin, Esq , Christchurch, towards the Christmas treat for the irmates. We trust that there will be many imitators of Mr Wilkin’s example, so that the old people, who have not too many op nortunities of enjoying themselves, may have at least one “ good time.’ Stock Sale.— ln another column will be. .found particulars of the extensive stock sale to be held by Messrs J. T. Ford ,-aH.d Co. in the estate of the latejSir J, : Cracroft r Wilaon.

A Peep at the Christmas Tree. —The sale of goods, fancy and useful, now pro ceeding at the Primitive Mnthodist Church, Wills street, is certainly worth a visit, both by our old and- yoting friends. The Worthy members of the Local In dustries Association might also obtain a practical lesson, if after their meeting to night an adjournment was made to the above church. What most people would throw away as useless have been trans formed by some magic hand into very attractive parlor ornaments and useful commodities. Our representative, this afternoon, was shown a work-basket, which, he was informed, had been manu factured from split peas and sealing wax. Articles of clothing, dolls* chinlney orna ments, and all the other articles common tb a complete bazaar are exposed for sale by the most obliging of lady attendants. As an extra inducement to pay a visit to the Christmas tree, every persons who attends will have the privilege of obtain ing the value of his or her admission fee from off its branches. The sale will pro ceed during this evening, when, it is hoped, a large number of our readers will be present.

I Postponed. —The date of the sale of railway reserve leases has been postponed till the 31st. i Ashburton Cricket Club. —A general rbeeting in the above club is called for Friday next at 7.30 p.m. at Quill’s Hotel.

Borough Council Ft action.—Conse quent on Mr D. Williamson’s elevation to the Mayoral chair an election for one member of the Borough Council will be hield on Wednesday, the 11th January, dominations must be , sent in by twelve o’clock noon, on the 29th inSt. A GaoL Eoh Ashburton. —By Gazette notices dated Dec. 3, Sergeant, Ilenry W. Felton has been appointed to be keeper of the gaol at Ashburton, the police station buildings having been duly declared avail able for the purposes of a gaol. We hope tjiat in future the occupants under the worthy Sergeant’s care will be made some uSe of, if possible, as there are many little jobs in the Borough which require to be done. i Persecution. —The first case under the (gaming and Lotteries Act was heard at; Oamaru yesterday, when Thorpas'-Wilson was charged in the Residqnt Magistrabe’s Court with promoting a half-crown sweep stake on the race-coursU,' He was fined ss, without costs. ' ! Borough Scavenger. —The Town Clerk invites tenders in this issue from persons willing to fill the office of Borough scaven ger. i Abusive Language.— An old lady of Venerable appearance and wearing a pair of spectacles was summoned at the Court this morning on a charge of making use of abusive language to her neighbor. Whilst the latter was giving his evidence, the elderly. . defendant regarded him sharply through het glasses, prepared to take instant advantage of any slip of the tongue on his, part. The charge was put pretty well beyond question, but the Magistrate taking the fact of the case having been called on a week ago, when the complainant failed to appear, into con sideration, dismissed it—not, however, Without admonishing the old dame to be more choice in her language. The de fendant made the , Magistrate a low courtesy, ond strutted out of the Court in the most majestic manner, to the great amusement of all present.

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter's agency.] A Blow Up. London, Dec. 19. A disastrous explosion of fire damp occurred to-day at Abram Colliery, near Wigan, in Lancashire, by which if is feared that many lives will be lost. A large number of men were at work in the mine at the time the disaster oc curred, and of these fully two hundred have not yet been recovered.. Later accounts to hand from the scene of the colliery near Wigan state that all the miners except forty have 'Been rescued, the mortality therefore being less than was at first expected. Illegal. A proclamation has been issued by the Irish Executive declaring the Ladies Land League to be an illegal organisa tion; ''.,, ■.. ; . ;';'.•.■ :.;:;.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per rbuteh’s agency.] England Victorious. Melbourne, Yesterday. The cricket match between the Eng lish .team and an eleven of Victoria continued to-day. The weather during the day was fine, and the wicket was more lively than yesterday. The visi tors continued, their second innings, which closed for 198, Shrewsbury being nbt out for 80. The home team then went in for their second innings, and were all disposed of for 75 runs. The bowling of the Englishmen was dead on the wicket, but their fielding was weak. Great excitement prevailed to wards the conclusion of the game, which thus resulted in a victory for the English eleven by 18 runs. The scores are as follows :—First innings, English, 146; Australians, 257;second innings, Englishmen, 198; Australians, 7S- Prorogation of Parliament Sydney, Yesterday. Both Houses of the New South Wales Parliament were prorogued to day by his Excellency the Governor, Lord Augustus Loftus, who in his .speech on the occasion, referred to the chief events of the past session. With reference to the Chinese Immigration Regulations Bill, the speech stated that in its; present form the measure would attain the desired object without inflict ing any injury upon the Chinese now resident in the colony, and without in any way prejudicing the commercial •relations of the colony with China. The speech then referred to the Act under which the procedure of the City PoliefeiCoufts had been modified, and described the changes which had been introduced as being a great improve ment, and as giving much satisfaction 40 the public. The new Licensing Act was a, great benefit to the community, connecting as it did the operations of the law with the responsibility of the citizen. Railway extension was mak ing rapid progress, and would continue with vigor. The financial position of the colony was satisfactory, and the re venue had been well sustained. Parlia ment stands prorogued to the 28th February next. H.M.S. Nelson. Perth, Yesterday. H.M.S. Nelson, Commander James Erskine, under orders to relieve the Wolvervine, as flagship of the Austra tralian Squadron, arrived here to-day. Sudden Death. Brisbane, Yesterday. Sir Joshua Bell, President of the Legislative Council, while driving in a cab to-day j was seized with a fit and died Suddenly* The cause of death is be lieved to have been apoplexy, Deceased

was fifty-five years of age. He had , held the position of President/- of the - Council since March, 1879, and was ; created a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. .George last month. Banquet to the Premier. Sydney, To-day. A fairwell banquet was given to Sir Henry Parkes, Premier, last night. Over one hundred members of Parlia ment were present, together with a number of leading citizens. The affair was a great success. Political Changes- It is currently stated that Dr Ren wick, Secretary of Mines, will succeed Mr Hoskins as Secretary ot Lands, and that Mr R. P. Babot will be appointed to the portfolio of Mines. The Dreaded Disease. Two fresh cases of small-pox in Woolloomooloo has been reported to day. A Blaze. Brisbane, To-day. A serious fire occurred last night at Petrie Terrace, in this city, which re sulted in the destruction of several houses. The insurances include L4OO in various New Zealand offices.

TELEGRAMS.

(per PRESS A^sdotATldN.] Bedr i3uty Prosecutions. ' ' Patea, To-day The Collector of Customs at Wanganui prosecuted here in three cases under the Beer Duty Act yesterday. William J. Gibbons, brewer, was fined L2O and costs, for using an old stamp, the Magistrate hold ing that the penalty imposed was a fixed one, but recommended a rebate. Francis Muller and Tames O’Sullivan, publicans, were each fined L2O and costs for using wrong stamps. A Full Bench. Wellington, To-day. : : The i cases under the Gaming and Lotteries Act will'be heard before the Resident Magistrate and a full bench of justices Over thirty circulars have been sent to Justices of the Peace requesting their attendance on the bench. Acknowledgment. 1 A reply has been received through the United States Legation and Foreign Office to the address of the House of Represen tatives on the death of President Garfield. Mr Lowell, addressing Lord Granville says 1 he has been directed to request his Lord -1 ship “to transmit to the Parliament of New Zealand the heartfelt acknowledg ' ment of the bereaved family of the late 1 President Garfield, and of the American ' people, for a telegram of tender sympathy 1 received from that distant colony, which ■ is especially appreciated in this hour of 1 grief. 1 Received. 1 A copy of the Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881, has been received by his Excel -1 lency. 1 Christchurch Items. | Christchurch, To-day, L Mr J. G. Ruddenklan was duly in stalled as Mayor to-day, and gave an official banquet at the Oddfellows’ Hall this afternoon. A large number of guests were present, including the Gover nor, the Primate, and leading citizens. At a public meeting to-day, it was resolved to form a Joint Stock Company for the export of frozen meat, with a capital of L 20,000. Burglary. Dunedin. To-day. At the City Court, Charles Vickers was 1 committed for trial for burglary. A Sad Spectacle. Mary Ann Weston, alias Smith, has been arrested by the police for drunken ness. They found her in the streets at a late hour, with a dead child in her arms. She was remanded pending an inquest.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the Council was held this m.>rning, at the Council Cham bers. Present —His Worship the Mayor, Cr Harrison, Bullock, Roberts, Parkin, Williamson, Ivess, St Hill, and Fried lander. ANNUAL REPORT. The Clerk then read the annual report, which was adopted. SCAVENGING CONTRACT. Cr St Hill moved that tenders be in vited for the scavenging contract for 12 months, the same to be sent pa by Thursday week. Carried.... INSTILLATION OF MAYOR. His Worship then rose and said : I feel that I am vacating this chair with deep regret. Certainly “the hour has come and the man,” and I yield to both gracefully, because I feel that although I value the proud position as Mayor of this Borough very much indeed, yet I value its honorary position much more, owing to the many kind considerations and silent acknowledgements I have, received from you as a Council and the - ratepayers generally- My well intended labors as Mayor during the past two years have been for the welfare of: the Borough, and from the valuable assistance you have given me during my term of office, I have been enabled to take a greater interest in the work of the Borough than I have in my private affairs. (Hear, hear.) - I can assure yon, gentlemen, it was a work of pleasure for me to look after yours and the ratepayers’ interests, and at no time was I more pleased than when I thought I had achieved something for the welfare of the Borough. 1 My whole heart and soul were in the work, anxious to carry out the work imposed upon me to the best of my ability, and I hope that you and the ratepayers are satisfied with what I have done. (Applause.) Taking now a : retrospective glance at the work done by this Council during the past twelve months, I think we may feel satisfied with the result. As you are aware, we were unable to carry out the whole of the work applied for, for want of funds, yet the most necessary ones were done, and I have no hesitation in saying that the money has been very judiciously expended. It is true we have an overdraft, and in the face of this, we could not undertake some of the rate payers wants. There have been 145 chains of streets and footpaths re-formed, the N. W. and S.E. Belts, footpaths have been formed and metalled to the extent of 100 chains, and sundry other lengths of footpaths formed and improved. Mona Square has been fenced and ploughed and otherwise improved. We have about 50 chains of asphalte footpaths laid in Bast street, and this in itself is, I feel confident a work appreciated by all. Something like 100 chains of concrete channelling has been done, and an encouragement to a new industry, viz., asphlate channelling has been given to a local make, and I am happy to state that so far has proved a thorough success. The introduction of the street channelling has been of great service to tbe town, as evinced by the splendid supply afforded in the sumps, which has proved invaluable at the late fire, and by which means a very large amount of valuable property was saved. I think the most important work the Coun cil has taken in hand during the year is the outfall drain, a brick and concrete sewer about 31 chams in length, and although it has cost the Borough a con siderable sum over and above the cost of a temporary drain. I consider that it is a wise outlay, and will be ample for the re quirements of the place for, the vnext • twenty .years to .comet)j(Hearji hieaiv)i > Taking into Recount the matter of their

revenue, I will refer to the land endow ments which this Borough has received, and which will be found in time to come, if carefully managed, to yibld a splendid re turn indeed. In fact Ashburton is one of the best endowed Boroughs, and there need be to fear, that like other places, a heavy rate of two, three, or four shillings will be levied, and unnecessary taxation will not take place. (Hear hear.) I regret that my idea of having Baring square west let on lease was not carried out, as, if the site were exchanged for some more suit able site, I believe we should have been relieved from taxation gradually. I fully believe that, though it was the wish of the minority at the time, they will eventually see that by falling in with my view of the matter, greater satisfaction will be felt by the body of ratepayers. Another scheme which I had in hand was the purchase of the Gas Company’s plant, but which was looked upon with some distrust because lam a large shareholder. 1 I yielded to the under-current at work, and the rate payers will see that I did it with the sole desire of benefitting the Borough. The last balance-sheet of the Gas Company clearly shows that in advocating this pur chase the Borough would not lose any thing. I have to than* you, gentlemen; for your valuable assistance and courteous manner which has always characterised the feeling of the Council towards me during the time I have had the honor to represent you. I have to thank the officers for the ready desire to carry out their arduous though unpleasant duties, and hope they will continue to enjoy the con fidence of, tlm Council. I will riow hand to you, Mr Williamson, the Mayo? elect, the keys of the Borough Seal, and 1 hope you will experience during your term of office the same good feeling as I hayeidone in the past. (Cheers.) From your long

experience in business, and the views you hold, the burgesses could hardly have chosen a more suitable man to fill the Mayoral chair. lam sorry I can hand you only an empty exchequer, as well as a considerable overdraft staring the Council in the face. But this I feel sure you will do—and that is, to make both ends meet. (Applause.) ; ; Some champagne was then' handed round, and Councillor Bullock, in a ; highly complimentary manner, proposed : the health of the late Mayor, Mr Hugo 1 Friedlander,; whom he felt sure had won- I the good opinion of every ratepayer as well as his fellotv councillors during his. term of office, and hoped they would; see ) him again at their meetings as a councillor. ) (Hear, hear.) ~.. ■/, The toast was heartily honored; and very feelingly'responded to by Mr Fried r lander, who then proposed the toast of - the “ Newly-elected Mayor,” after which f he vacated his seat; The Mayor elect then returned thanks,- 3 and am afraid that in taking the i chair as your Mayor I shall not like the r honor of the seat so much as the feeling i that I have your .kindest expressions of I good will towards me, and I hardly am able to find words which will convey my thanks for your good wishes. The gentle men who had ; filled the office of Mayor I for the past years had worked hard for the borough, and had received the thanks of the, ratepayers for their able conduct, and, I would be; wanting: in re spect if I did not endeavor to do my best 1 and follow their footsteps to the best of 1 my ability. ,It is true that I have taken f an interest in public affairs, but lam more than repaid by being so unanimously elected as the Mayor of this important i town, and on receiving such a very influ ential requisition asking me to stand for the honorable office. It was an onerous office no doubt, and had its drawbacks,

but as my predecessors filled it very honorably I will endeavor to do the same. I should have preferred to enter upon my office under better circumstances as regards its finance, and perhaps it may make the Council hardly as popular as in the past, owing to the present debt, which I shall'endeavpr to reduce. The health of the must, however,, be considered: vat; all times, and no doubt small sums; will be required for these purposes from time to time. (Hear, hear.) I trust that you will accord me the same assistance required from each councillor, towards the chair, as has been accorded the last Mayor, and this will en able; fne to carry : out. my duties, I hope with satisfaction to the ratepayers and the Council. (Applause) Cr St. Hill enquired whether Cr Bul lock had forgotten about the Mayoral chain, and if it was a fact that this coun cillor intended starting the first link to wards it, but we were unable to get the reply. Mr T. R. Hodder proposed, Mr Zouch seconded a very hearty vote of thanks to the Borough Council, for the able way in which they had carried out the works dur ing the time they had been in existence. The Mayor suitably replied, and said he was pleased to find that the efforts of the Council were appreciated by the rate payers. The toast of the Borough Officers, coupled with the names of the Town Clerk, Mr Braddell, the Borough Engineer, Mr C. E. Fooks, and Mr Davidson, Inspector, was proposed by Cr Bullock, who alluded to' the very painstaking way in which these gentlemen had performed their duties. After these gentlemen had suitably re replied, the Council adjourned.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES’ COURT.

ASHBURTON— To-Day. (Before Mr J. Boswick, R.M.) Supposed Lunacy. —The Working man brought up yesterday, supposed to be of unsound mind, was again brought up. Sergeant Felton-reported that the doctors had examined him,-’ and were uncertain whether the man was suffering from the effects of a; sunstroke or a slight form of lunacy. He was perfectly quiet, and the doctors thought that perhaps he might be treated at the Hospital. His Worship remanded the poor man for a month. Drunkenness. James B e.vit , was. charged under the 144th section of the Licensing Act with being drunk and creating a disturbance at the Royal Hotel last evening. The charge having been proved, the accused was fined 20s or forty eight hours.—Another inebriate was dis charged with a caution. Abusive Language. —Mrs Nelson was charged with using abusive language to her neighbors, people of the name of Page. Mr O’Reilly appeared for the de fendant, and stated that this case had been called on on the 14th instant, and that there had been no appearance on that occasion of the plaintiff, although the de fendant was present. Under these cir cumstances he would ask that the case might be dismissed. The plaintiff then gave his evidence, from which it appeared that the defendant had, while in a drun ken state, come home and abused his wife, and altogether conducted herself in an objectionable manner. His Worship cautioned the defendant, and told her that if brought before him again she might be bound over to keep the peace, and she would find that a serious matter. She could go. The defendant made his Worship a curtsey, and walked out of the Court with her head erect, amidst the titterings of those present. The Obnoxious Act. —Richard Lan caster, butcher, was charged with raffling one sheep and three loaves of bread, con trary to the provisions of the Gaming and Lotteries Act. Mr Branson appeared for the defendant, and said that his client would admit the offence, which was not a particularly grave one. The facts of the case were that Mr Lancaster had recently opened a new shop, and the event was celebrated > by a little jollification, but •there- was no intention ioT offancHng against the law. Sergeant Felton inti

ated that he did not wish to press for 1 ; a ■ savy penalty. His Worship said-that - e defendant had rendered himself liable a penalty of LI 00. Mr Branson re arked that he thought the gravity of the fence would be met by the infliction of lesser penalty than the sum named. His Worship said he thought so too. He ould merely inflict the nominal penalty 1 20s and costs. CITH CASES. Digby v. Wood.—Claim L 95 15s Bd. Ir Wilding for plaintiff; Mr Branson sr defendant.—Mr Branson said that the efendant had confessed judgment, but rished to be allowed to meet the debt by istalraents. Mr Digby, the plaintiff, had ieen offered approve d bills for the amount, ,nd had refused them. He wanted bills t sight. If he persisted in this demand te would simply drive Mr Wood to the bankruptcy Court.—Mr Digby, the plain iff, expressed his willingness to accept ipproved bills. He did not require bills it sight. He had made this offer at the >utset.—Judgment for amount claimed. Friedlander y. W. Saunders. —Claim L 5 LBs lOd. Mr Purnell for plaintiff; Mr vVilding for defendant. This was a claim irising out of a business transaction retween the parties. Judgment for de fendant, with costs 295, W. H. Zouch v. Henderson. —Claim LI 7s. Judgment by default with costs. Samev. Henderson ahd Co. r—Claim L2 2s 6d. Judgment by default with costs. George Johnson v. McKerrow and Co. —Claim L 6 6d. Mr Crisp for plaintiff; Mr Purnell. for defendant. This was a claim for work and labor done bjr the plaintiff, a blacksmith residing at Metli Veti, for the defendants,, a flfiri ,pf grain mer* chants, etc., at Rakaia. .The claim for repairsfto a plough. It appeared, that the plaintiff had been in the habit of doing work for the defendants at one time, but not for some tithe past. The plough was left at the plaintiff’s place by one Dunbar, whom the plaintiff imagined had brought the plough for repair from Messrs McKerrow. The defence was- that the firm had not authorised any person what ever to have the plough repaired. The plaintiff was distinctly under the impres sion that Dunbar was in the employ of McKerrow and Co., and entered the order on his books against them. Mr Crisp, addressing the Bench for the de fence, contended that the firm had hired the plough from one Patton, and had. lent out the plough while it was in their pos session executed an act of ownership over it, and would have had to hare had it repaired, if not by Johnson then by some one else.. To all intents and pur poses. the plough was owned by Messrs ; McKerrow and Co. His Worship said he had riot the slightest. hesitation in giving judgment for the plaintiff, with costs. T. Dudson v. Gardener. -Claim, L 27 6s lOd. Judgment for plaintiff,. with costs. v # Bennison v. Haydon.—Claim, L 27 12s. Mr Crisp for plaintiff. This claim arose out ,of : a Certain ploughing contrad entered into between the parties by which plaintiff undertook to do certain ploughing for the defendant. The defendant ob jected that the work had not been exe cuted in a workmanlike manner. The terms of the contract had not been com plied with. The plaintiff exhibited som< enormous stones, which he kept in a sad and pulled out every now and then foi the witnesses to look at. These stonei had been found on the land, and (said Mi Crisp) showed the sort of land the plain tiff had to plough. Judgment for plain tiff for L 24, without costs. The Court then rose.

FIRE.

A cottage on the north 1 own belt, oc cupied by Mr C. Bourk, runner, employed at the office of this paper, caught fire about half past three o’clock this after noon, and a fresh north-west wind blow ing at the time, it was soon beyond the power of anyone present to check the flames. The Brigade was promptly on the spot, but before this the second house was in flames, and the efforts of the Brigade were devoted to preventing the fire spreading to the third cottage, occupied by Mr George Miller. The centre cottage was unoccupied. Mrs Bourk was in her house when the fire broke out, with her infant, and was so much alarmed at the danger threatening that she ran out on to the stones before, the door, and fell down in a fainting' condition, and had -it not been for the presence of mind of a neigh bor who ; ran in and snatched the child up, the littleT one would have been burned too. In consequence of there being no water, the large engine could not be got to work, but a.amall hand engine filled at a neighboring pump, did excellent service in preventing the flames spreading. The first; house (that occupied by Mr Bourk' was insured for LIOO, ■ but we were unable to learn what the other insurances were, if any, the late hour at which the fire occurred:, rendering the gathering of further particulars impossible.; A good deal of furniture was removed from the two cottages destroyed. When we went press Mrs Bourk was lying in an un conscious state at the house of a neigh bor.

THE ASHBtmTtjN GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1881.



THE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving every day -7 s, up to the hour of going to press. This is better than buying a sixpenny weekly. i iS jpiANOS, ORGANS, MUSIC, Etc., AND Instruments of every kind from 10 GUINEAS to 100 on DEFERRED PAYMENTS. OPENING New Premises THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th, Tancbed Street, near Orr & Co’s. H. J. WEEKS, (Aobhx fob 0, Bbog and Co), MUSIC SELLER. , 693 d John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &0., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Easy Chairs, Couches, English and fliwarfafth Chairs, Single and Double Iron •nd Wood Bedsteads. All kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and Oilcloth. A large assortment of Repps and Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of Fumijiiire from Ll 3 and upwards. All of furniture re-covered and repaired at the very lowest prices. All work guaranteed and completed at Che shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, •ad highest prices given for second-hand Note the House in Ashburton, opposite Mail Office, ■Bwjett HNBi| 316 c



Wanted. L O U G fi I N G. WANT: —A number of PLOUGHS for the Aahburtoh Terrace Paddocks-. JOHN GRtGG. Longbeach, Dec. 10. 385 d WANTED A trustworthy Single MAN, who can attend to Fencing of a small Farm, and who understands Rearing Poultry. To live on the place. Apply, Guardian Office. 394 d XXTANTED-A COOK for a Station. V V Must be able to make good bread. Jameson and Roberts. ~ 393 d 'ANTED—A GIRL, between 14 and yv 16 years of age, to attend to children and do light house work. Apply for address, Office of this Paper. 386 d 'ANTED KNOWN— Mrs SeNDer vv son, Dressmaker> Burnett street, near Catholic Church. Ladies’ Dresses made from 6s fid, Apprentices Wanted. 3Q6d i WANTED KNOWN—During the Christinas Season, FRIEDLaNDER BROS, are Selling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUIT, Currants, 6£d ; Elemes, 7d ; SultaUas, 8d ; Candied Peel, Is Cd ; Best Butter, 6d; and General Groceries equally cheap for Cash. 318 d WANTED KNOWN —lf you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bohedust. —Address F. Mato, Hamstead Mills. W* ANTED 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. 255 d 760 c



\\T ANTED KNOWN— CSlustmas and W New 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^ Special Advertisements. THE undersigned will be prepared, during the coming season, to supply the following articles at the lowest rates:— REAPERS and BINDERS EXTRAS for DO. BINDING WIRE CORN SACKS TURNIP and RAPE SEEDS PLOUGH SHARES And all kinds of Agricultural Imple ments. FREDK. PA VITT, Corn Merchant, &a. , 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, IdOd THE COMPLIMENTS OP 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



jj- 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 best possible style. W. H. MESSENGER, 360 d Purveyor. 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, Christchurch, October 1, 1881. 782 c Christmas Presents AND NEW YEAR’S GIFTS. JUST Received, a Choice Assortment of Christmas and New Year Cards, Dolls, Humming Tops, and Shell Goods in great variety. Letts’ Diaries for 1882 ; Family Reader (div. 42) ; Boys’ Standard (new series) ; Latest Novelties in Pipes. F. CLARK, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Montgomery’s Buildings. 319 d fJIHE ACID CURE. F. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheumatism, 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 WANTED FOR ASH BURTON, 734 c



Ivertisements. Back FRtf&L' thb,; ; front,—The scare al Parihftkk la 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 astor’shing fact is that most of them, having been provided with STOUT BOOTS from C. HAWKlNS’never-to-be excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came battfe with their “ understandings” nearly as good as when they left this go-ahead ’ittle township. Try C. Hawkins’ Shop O. Carstens & Co., {jjAiis ivissxon 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, Oon oertinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a* rjIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, noted throughout the Colony for the boot fitting and Genuine Well-thade CLOTHING Of Every Description, are the LARGEST PRIZE-TAKERS At the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition having been awarded FIRST ORDER OF MERIT, before you go elsewhere. 998 c 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, i SHIRTS, BLANKETS, RUGS TWEEDS, At Wholesale Prices. NEW SEASONS GOODS NOW SHOWING. AshburtonlßetailJßkanch : East^Street. 1 W. SPARROW, 692 c Branch Manager. OCAL INDUSTRIES ASSOCIA TION. The ADJOURNED MEETING of the above will be held at the Town Hall TO-NIGHT, 21st instant, when |the establishment of a Woollen Factory will be discussed, and the offer of a complete plant, at present in Christchurch, at a very reduced price will be submitted. All Members and intending members are requested to attend. S. E. POYNTZ, 370 d Hoh. Sec.



QHEESE AND BUTTER FACTORY. The ADJOURNED MEETING of Directors will be held at 7.30 TO;NIGHT, when a full attendance is particularly requested. i S. E. POYNTZ. 371 d . Hon, Sec. y|E AYING ASHBURTON. GIVING UP BUSINESS. • ! i EVERETT BRO . : Wifi on Saturday, December 3, commence I A GREAT CLEARING SALE Of ibheir 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



Love’s Young Dream. —One of those little incidents which possess a deep in terest for gushing young spinsters has just eventuated in Sydney. A young Jewish maiden, the daughter of a very wealthy scion of the House of Israel, has eloped with a bank clerk, and a knot— tougher than the Gordian —has been duly tied. The party are spending the honey moon at Botany, the new bridegroom attending as usual to his office duties. As the f happy man is a Christian, and the father of the bride a very strict Jew, there is likely to be some trouble over the matter. ■ A Ruffian.— The New Zealand Times says One of those brutal ruffians who are a disgrace to manhood, named Charles Benjamin : Brown, was apprehended in Cuba, street by Detective Ben jamin. ", on the obarga- of sister-in-law, a married woman named Mary Jano Brown. The officer, while riding in the tram-car in the street named, observed the fellow fell the woman to the ground by a blow delivered in the face, and while lying prone on the earth the coward kicked her on the body. The poor creature managed to regain her feet, when Brown again dealt her another blow, which once moie brought her to the footpath. Detective Benjamin jumped from the car and apprehended the ruffian. [For continuation of reading matter see first page.]



“ NIGHT. TO-NIGHT. The Christmas Tree PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. Admission, Is, which will entitle visitors to an equivalent in value from the Tree. NOTICE. In futurq all disclaimers sent in fir publication in this Journal will be charged AT THE Dooi s open at 7 o’clock. lor ha advertisements.



Meetings: CRICKET CLUB. A GENERAL MEETING cf MEM BERS of the above Club will be held at Quill’s Hotel, on FRIDAY, December 23rd, at 7.30 p.m. Business— To Elect two Committeemen A. A. FOOKS, 398 d Hon. Sec. ROAD DISTRICT. NO. i WARD. , . _ Thereby give notice that a Meeting of the Ratepayers of the above Ward wifi be held in Messrs W. Montgomery afldCo.V Four-roomed Cottage at Winslow, on thS Fifth day of January, 1882, at noon, for the. purpose -of Electing-One Member to serve on the ' Road Boat'd, in the room of Mr John Carter, who is nevertheless eligible for re-election.



A Poll (if required) will be taken im mediately after the Nomination, closing at 4o’clock p.m. r EDWARD BELL,. .. - Returning OfficeK ’ NO. 2 WARD. v I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Ratepayers of the above Ward will ba held at the Flemingtpn Schoolhouae 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 ofL JMjr Thomai. laylm*-'- who is nevertheless eligible fori re-elec tion. A Poll (if required) will b® taken,.un mediately after the Nonunation|: ! clokmg !/ at 4 o’clock p.m. J. E, JAOOMBS, . r , , , , Returning Officer.' NO. 3 WARD. I hereby give notice that a Meeting' of the Ratepayers of this Ward.wiH.-be held at the Road Board Office, entire Fifth i day of January, 1882, qt. 12 o’clock noon, for the purpose of Electing. Ohs' Member to serve on the Board, Jn " the room of John Grigg, Esquire, who rQjtifM in con sequence of the District being divided, into Wards, but who eligible for re-election., • A Poll (if required) wiR be taken bn* mediately after the Nomination, closing ~ at 4 o’clock p.m. ' W. OUTHBIRT,; J H) Returning Officer. .



NO. 4 WARD. I hereby give notice that a Meeting, of the Ratepayers of this Ward Will' ‘held at Longlands. Out-Station,- pn ,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.y _ ;f SI. Poll (if required), will bis taken mediately after the Nomination, closing at 4 o'clock 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, 1882, 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', 1 who is eligible for election, in No. 2 Ward.



A Poll (if required) will be taken im mediately after the domination, closing at 4 o'clock p. m. JAMESTSBISTER, - 388 d Returning Officer/ PiJii Notices. Ashburton borough . cousr- r OIL. . ' I. EXTRAORDINARY VACANCY. j An Extraordinary Vacancy in the Ashburton Borough : Council 1 having • • occurred in consequence of the Election/ ' of Councillor Williamson, to the officer of ■' Mayor, I hereby give notice thatauELEO-I i 0 TION for ONE PERSON to fill theiifcid ; vacancy will be held at the Borough • 11 Council Chamber, Burnett street, Ashbur* ton, on WEDNESDAY, the 11th day of ’ January, 1882. r Nominations in the form prescribed ia : the second schedule of the “ Regulation l of Local Elections Act, 1886, ” will ■be re ceived at the Town Clerk’s Office, till 12 1 o’clock noon, on THURSDAY, .the 29th' i day of December, instant; Forms of Nomination can [be obtained at the Council’s office. CHARLES BRADDELL, i Returning Officer. : Borough Council Office, oOG 2lst Dec., 188 L . 396 d ■£JPPER ASHBURTON board. RATES.: ROAD The Clerk will attend at Mir D, Williamson's Store tO: Collect Rates ; on Every Saturday, from 12 o’clock until 4 p.m. . : i . No further notice will be given. By order. ROBT. D. PULLAR, , 268 d Clerk. D EERIN'G TWINE BINDER. Onlv a few Machines - left, for; which / early application is neCeSsary, 337 d Ashburton Agents. BONES.— Wanted Known, that Mr F. Mayo, is a Cash Purchaser of Bones in any quantity, at £3 per ton. Address, F. Mayo, Hampstead Bone Mills. 834 c Late Advertisements. £1 K E W A R D.



LOST—From the Hinds, about a fort night ago, one Brown Draught HORSE, UlgUI UliC —■ v — J. branded S with J, conjoined* on near, shoulder. The above reward, will he paid to anyone who may lead to the recovery of the same to the undersigned. Any person detaining the horse after this SHBURTONBOROUGH COUNCIL. TENDERS are invited from persons willing to perform the duties of SCAVEN GER to the Borough for One or Three Years. Specifications may be seen at the Town Olp.rk’s Office. Tenders to be sent in to notice will be prosecuted. HOUGHTON & CO. 399 d w., Hinds. the undersigned not later tnan xweivo; o’clock noon* on THURSDAY, the 29th December. CHARLEg braDDE LL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, 21st Deo., 1881 • ROW THE . GUARDIAN is on every Tea Table in Ashburton.