SHIPPING.

POET OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Gatlin, ketch, from Gatlin’s River. Westport, 8.8-, from Timaru. Kangaroo, a.s., from Westport. To-day. Hawea, s.s., from the North. Albion, as., from the North. Sailed. Yesterday. Arvd, brigantine, for Oamaru. Gustav Metzler, barque, for Oamaru. Olio, schooner, for Waitapu. Awaroa, schooner, for Timaru.

To-day. Albion, 8.8., for Melbourne, via the South. Te Anau, s.s., for the North. Hawea, s. a., for the South. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Fanny, from Oamaru. Sailed—Lapwing, for Newcastle ; Cale donia,' for Norfolk Island. New Plymouth, Yesterday. The. steamer Wanaka left for Nelson and Southern ports at 10.30 a.m. *■; Wellington, To-day. At ‘ the Heads—-Auckland, ship, 103 days from London.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, December 3. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports, of New Zealand, &c., as as follows :—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train.

close at the Ashburton Post Office is follows : For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily.' ’ For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, om Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. in. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. MVhl« arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 а. 440 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 440 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. б. p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays s.t 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 3. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his yards—Dogs. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.36 p.m. Tuesday, December 6 R. Wilkin and Co., at the County Sale yards—Threshing Machine; 11.30 a.m. Stock Sale ; 12 noon. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards —Stock. Saturday, December 10. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street Valuable Suburban Properties ; 2.30 o’clock. Thursday, December 15. J. T. Ford and Co., at Friedlander Bros.’ Saleroom —Valuable Freehold Pro perty ; 1 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-night, Thursday, December 1. Mr Wason—Address to Wakanui Elect ors, Hindhope Schoolhouse, 8 p.m. Saturday, December 3. Mr Purnell—Address to Wakanui Elect ors, Hindhope School, 7.30 p.m. Monday, December 5. Wason—Address to Wakanui Elect ors, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Primitive Methodist Church, Newlands— Anniversary Tea Meeting, 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 6. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, December 7. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock. Monday, December 12. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Friday, December 16. United Masonic Ball, Masonic Hall, 8.30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20. Musical Festival, Town Hall, 8 p.m Monday, December 26. Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering. Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7-5 a.m., 11a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.65 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Express),and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.40p.m., and 7.45 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.50 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.16 p.m.

TOWN EDITION.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas, Et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1881. The Defeated Conspirators.

It appears from a sub-leader in the Mail this morning that tne Registra tion! Officer is too wary to fall into the trap laid for him in reference to the Wakanui roll, and, determined to com ply yvith the law, will not place any further names on the Wakanui roll until the election is over. Every right minded person will applaud Mr Cox for thsis faithfully performing his duty ; but j the Mail, of course, gnashes its teeth—the little game has been seen through—and, according to its wont, insults the Registration Officer by in sinuating that he does not know his duty. We do not suppose the Regis tration Officer cares much for the good or ill opinion of the Mail; but we feel sure that every respectable elector of Wakanui will feel that he has done an eminent public service by strictly ful filling the requirements of the law.

Wanted—A Theatre. The time has now arrived when a theatre is wanted in Ashburton. Big theatrical and other companies and, in fact) “ show ” people generally but very rarely honor us with a visit; not because, as many suppose, the town is too small to make it worth their while to take Ashburton en route on their travels north and south, but rather because no adequate accommodation exists here at present for their re quirements. The Town Hall is well enough for the small fry, for little companies that is, lecturers and so forth, but for the large companies accustomed to play in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Timaru, Ashburton offers no facilities at all, and is con sequently passed over by the big ‘‘stars,” and we have to content ourselves with the lesser lights of the theatrical firma ment. Not only would it add to the liveliness of the place, but also to its importance, if companies like Miss Pomeroy’s, the English Comedy Com pany, and others of like celebrity were to play here. Ashburton is most con veniently situated as a show town. It is on the main line of railway, and just sufficiently distant from the Cathe dral city to make it a pleasant place at which to “ break the journey ” either going to or returning from Dunedin or Timaru. Many doubts were ex pressed as to the success of the project when “Johnny” Hall opened the Theatre Royal, Timaru, now nearly four years ago; and yet the venture has been attended with such success, that the present lessee of the house is about to double its size, and announces his; intention of rendering it as a theatre second to none in the colony. Ashburton is not as yet so large as Timaru, certainly, and perhaps the Asfiburtonians are not quite such en thusiastic play-goers as the Timaruites. But this is not difficult to explain. If the Ashburton public has been hitherto somewhat slow to admire the theatrical entertainments provided for it from time to time by travelling professional companies, it has been probably be cause there was little to admire. With efficient companies, good music, and good scenery, etc., the drama would doubtless become as popular in Ash burton as elsewhere. After all the cost of the undertaking should not be very great, especially if the speculation was taken up by a company. Ashbur ton does not want an Italian Opera house or a Covent Garden—not yet a while at any rate —but what she really does want is a public theatre capable of accommodating say 1,000 persons, with a stage large enough to enable a company like Carey’s to make a decent appearance on it, and supplied with good dressing-rooms, circle, gallery, stalls, &c., with seperate doors.

The Nominations.— We need hardly y remind our readers that the nomination '• of candidates sor the Wakanui seat takes e place to-morrow. The nomination for Ashburton takes place on Saturday next. Ashburton Hospital. —The following are the Hospital returns for the month of November :—Number of patients in the Hospital on the Ist November, 5 ; ad mitted during the month, 7 ; discharged during the month, 9 ; in the Hospital on 30th November, 3. A Musical Treat. —The inhabitants of this town and district will have an oppor tunity of listening to one of the best musical treats that Ashburton has yet been favored with, as Herr Wilhelmj and t his talented assistants have determined to perform at the Town Hall at an early _ dale. It is to be hoped that the public will encourage this excellent company. The Cup That Cheers as well as Inebriates. —Messrs Wood and Co., of the Ashburton Brewery, having completed d extensive alterations to the Ashburton g Brewery, in Cameron street, are prepared ? to supply ales and stout of the best quality I at reduced prices. Tenders. —Mr Lancaster invites tenders for painting a butcher’s shop and a baker’s shop. The Great Fire at Reefton, —Further particulars to hand state that the unse cured loss is L 15,000. The casualties were :—Charles Sinclair, broken arm ; 3 Henry Budge, broken head ; David M'Beath, hand severely hurt ; and other f small injuries to several people. The air was hot and oppressive, and the calm pre vented the further spread of tho tiro. 1 Everything was quickly consumed The » insurances were : LSOO ; Rees (Corbett), LIOO. Victorian —Finlay, L2OO ; Collings, L 75 ; Danks, L 330. Standard—Collings, L2OO ; Finlay, ' L2OO ; Dawson, LSOO. New Zealand— Collings, L 350 ; Ching, L4O. The New Zealand and Standard divided the Globe Hotel LIOO. Victoria—Bell, tobacconist, 1 LIOO. Waxmate. —The Waimateites are begin ning to call out for rain ; they complain jthat; the .crops are suffering severely from J the drought. ... ! 1 .

Political. —Wo arc requested to state that Mr E. G. Wright is unable to address the electors at Alford Forest on Friday next, as he is suffering from a severe cold and hoarseness. He intends, however, addressing the electors in the district named at an early date, and will state at length his political views, and give an account of his actions in the last Parliament.

R.M. Court. —There was no business at the R. M. Court to-day—not even an inebriate.

Amateur Dramatic Club. —This Club announces two performances of the well known melodrama the Miller and his Men ” for Friday and Monday nights, December 9th and 12th, with new scenery and effects by Mr Charles Bourk. An ef ficient orchestra will form one of the at tractions, and we have no doubt that the members of the Club, who have been re hearsing the piece they are about to place on the boards for some time past, will add fresh laurels to their already large collec tion by its producti m.

Wakanui Road Board.— The usual monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board was held at the Board’s offices to day. Mr H. Friedlander, the Chairman, was not present, being just now in the North Island. A report of the pro ceedings appear in another column.

District Court. —The next sitting of the above will be adjourned from Mon day (the sth) to Thursday (Bth inst.)

Fire Brigade. —The usual weekly practice of the Fire Brigade was held last evening. There was a good muster, about fifteen members rolling up. A Juvenile Inebriate. — A boy of about 16 years of age, appeared before Mr Hellish at Christchurch yesterday. When arrested he was so helplessly drunk that the police had to get a cab to convey him to the station. His Worship made a remark to the effect that a stout stick was about the most convincing argument that could be used to show the youngster the error of his ways, and added that he only wished he knew the name of the hotelkeeper who supplied the lad with the liquor. The offender was fined ss.

A Royal Humane Society for New Zealand. —At the meeting of the Auck land Harbor Board yesterday, a resolution was passed that it was desirable to form a Royal Humane Society for New Zealand, and the Secretary was instructed to corres pond with the other Harbor Boards in the colony, with a view to co-operation. The Secretary was further instructed to communicate with the Royal Humane Society in London, asking for information as to the rules and procedure, and whether the proposed society could be affiliated with the Royal Humane Society. Sporting. —The Dunedin Spring Meet ing terminated yesterday. The Grand Stand Handicap, Selling Hack and Con solation were run off too late for notice in our last issue. The first named was ap propriated by Mr Cutt’s Nautilus, who won easily ; the Selling Race was pulled off by Mr Stephenson’s Eugenie, the Hack Race by Yaldhurst, and the Con solation Stakes fell to Volunteer, who won a good race by a length. At Wellington the concluding events were a Hack Hurdle Race won by Mr Crosbie’s Surray, Hutt Spring Handicap won by Grand Duchess, Hack Race won by Taratahi, and the Con solation Stakes, in which Randwick managed to secure first place by a neck, hard held. N. Z. L. and M. A. Co’s Opening

Wool Sale of the Season. —The above

Company held its first wool sale of the season at Christchurch yesterday, when they submitted a catalogue embracing 422 bales and 80 smaller packages. There was a good attendance of buyers, and consider able animation was displayed throughout the bidding. A few parcels not realising owners’ reserves were passed in ; with exceptions all lots were placed at rates fully sustaining the prices current at the sales of the day previous. What They Believe in. —The follow ing is the stated programme of the recently instituted Working Men’s Political As sociation at Christchurch :—l. Manhood suffrage on the basis of a six months’ residential qualification. 2. Both Houses to be elective, with payment to members. 3. The system of Triennial Parliaments to be adhered to. 4. A Land and an In come Tax. 5. The encouragement of colonial industries. 6. Modification of the land laws. 7. No further free immi gration. 8. An Employers Liability Act. 9. No further pensions to be granted.

Waimate Gorge Railway. —The Wai-

mate Gorge Railway Company received a cablegram from Melbourne to-day that debentures for L 30,000 could be floated at par. At a meeting of Directors it was re solved to accept the offer, and the Secre tary was instructed to have the debentures and other necessary documents printed. It is expected that tenders will be called for the construction of the line soon after harvest.

“The People’s William.” Messrs Bryant and May, the famous strike-only on-the-box match-makers, are talking of erecting a statue in London, at their own expense, of the Right Hon. W. E. Glad stone. In connection with this project we will make a suggestion to Messrs B. and M., which we offer entirely free of charge. Why not coat over the statue when erected with the celebrated composition which covers the match boxes of the firm, and thus confer a boon to smokers in the habit of using the patent matches but who may have left the necessary box at home ? Such a statue would achieve a celebrity second only to that of the Apollo Belvi dere. As an advertising novelty it should in the words of our American cousins, “ lick creation.”

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE [per reuter’s agency.] The Call to Arms- London, Nov. 28. Parliament has been summoned to meet for the despatch of business on Feb. 9. A Caution, Severe sentences of imprisonment have been passed upon persons con victed of bribery in connection with the late elections at Macclesfield and Sandwich. The “Imerald Oisle.”

Mr Michael Boyton, one of the chief organisers of the Irish Land League, who was imprisoned on March g, has now been released. Several further ar rests have, however, been made in va rious parts of Ireland. Among them is Mr Nillen, on a charge of rioting at Bruff, near Limerick. Cases of refusal to pay rent are now becoming general in the West and South. Monetary and Commercial. London, Nov. 29. Consols New Zealand securities are unchanged. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, s^ s 5 New Zea land do., 52s ; Adelaide flour, 41s 6d. Australian tallow—best beef, 38s ; best mutton, 41 s 6d. Fatality at Sea. The ship British Navy, bound from London to Sydney, while proceeding down the channel, came into collision with an unknown vessel off Deal. The former suffered severe injury and sank shortly after the collision. Twenty persons on board were drowned-

Wool. At the wool sale to-day 8,700 bales were offered. A good demand was experienced. The Homeward Mails. San Francisco, Nov. 28. Arrived—Pacific mail steamship Zea landia, from Auckland (Nov.' 8), three days in advance of contract time. A USTRALI AN. [pek rbuter’.s agency.] Shipping. Melbourne, Nov. 30. Arrived—Rotomahana, s.s., from the Bluff, this morning. Sailed—Arawata, s.s., for the Bluff. Messrs A. G. Horton, E. M. Edge combe, and E. Tonks, of Auckland, are passengers by her. Some intending passengers and a considerable amount of cargo for New Zealand were shut out.

The Produce Market. Melbourne, To-day.

New Zealand oats have declined to 3s 2d for feeding, and 3s jd for milling oats.’ The market is dull, and there is little doing in oats. Land and Railways Construction Bill.

Owing to the pressure of other busi ness the consideration of the Land and Railways Construction Bill, introduced by the Government in the Legislative Assembly, has been postponed until next session.

Retained for the Prosecution. Sydney, Nov. 30.

Messrs Davis and Want have been retained by the Government to conduct the prosecution in the impending action in connection with the Milburn Creek Copper Mine award. A Bad Market. Adelaide, To-day. Wheat is quoted at 5s 3d. The market is weak and irregular.

TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Fire. Auckland, To-day. A fire destroyed J. G. McCormick’s stables. They were insured in the Union Company for L 250. The Roll Staffers. Wellington, To-day. The roll stuffing cases against Cornelius Ryan and Gladman Smith have been adjourned until Tuesday. A Caution to Sweepstake Makers. The names of several gentlemen, in cluding Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, who took part in some sweeps on the race course yesterday, were taken by a detective, and it is probable [informations will be laid against them.

MASONIC.

The installation ot the officers of the Thistle Lodge, No. 637, S.C., took place at the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, last evening, as follows : —R. W. M., Bro. S. B. Nelson; D.M., Bro. D. M'Kenzie ; S.M., Bro. H. Britton ; S. W., Bro. D. McParlane ;J. W., Bro. W. Thompson ; S.D., Bro. J. Tait ; J.D., Bro. W. White; M.C., Bro. J. Dolman ; Treasurer, Bro. 0. Reid ; Secretary, Bro. G. Gaukrodger; Organist, Bro. H. Gates ; 1.G., Bro. T. Williams ; Tyler, Bro. R. Cullen ; Stewards, Bros. Thiele and Tisch. The installing master was the Rev. Bro. Hill, who, at the conclusion of the ceremony, presented P.M. Bro. Sparrow, on behalf of the brethren of the Lodge, with a handsome jewel in recognition of the es teem in which he is held. The jewel was manufactured by Sandstein, of Christ church, and for finish and workmanship reflects credit on his establishment. It is of solid gold. Onjpurple silk appears the emblem of the Lodge—the thistle, the number of the Lodge, and the monogram of the recipient. Pendent from the silk are a pair of compasses, a square and quadrant, and in the centre are two tri angles interwoven. The jewel is beauti fully engraved upon its face, and on the reverse side bears the following inscrip tion :—“ Presented to P.M. Bro. W. Sparrow, by the 'members, as a mark of their esteem. Nov. 18, 1881.” In responding to the complimentary re marks of the Rev. Bro. Hill in making the presentation, Bro. Sparrow, in a few well chosen words, thanked the brethren for the honor they had conferred upon him. This interesting ceremony concluded, an adjournment was made to the banquetting hall, where about sixty brethren sat down to an excellent banquet provided by Bro. A. Thiele. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and duly responded to, and the festive proceedings did not terminate until an early hour this morn ing.

NOMINATIONS FOR THE AP PROACHING ELECTIONS.

[by telegraph.]

Auckland, To-day.

The nominations for city west were— Dr Wallis, J. M. Daraville, W. 0. Laing, and A. Fleming. A poll was demanded. For city east. Sir G. Grey and Mr J. M. Clarke were proposed. Thames, To-day For the Coromandel District, Messrs Cadman, Brodie, Mackay, and Young were nominated yesterday, and the show of hands was in favor of the first named. Napier, To-day. The following are the nominations for the Napier Borough : —John Buchanan, Justin McSweeney, and J. W. McDoug hall. Marton, To-day. For the Rangitikei seat to-day, Sir William Fox and John Stevens were nominated. The show of hands was in favor of Stevens. A poll was demanded on behalf of Sir William. Wellington, To-day. Messrs W. H. Levin and Thomas Dwan were nominated for Thorndon to day. Dunedin, To-day. For Dunedin South, Henry Smith Fish and Archibald Wilson Ross (late Mayor) were proposed. The show of hands was in favor of Mr Fish. For Dunedin West, Messrs Thomas Dick, William Downie Stewart, and William Jackson Barry were nominated. The show of hands was in favor of Mr Dick. The following were nominated for Dunstan yesterday :—Messrs W. Fraser and V. Pyke. The show of hands re sulted in Pyke, 15 ; Fraser 9.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held to-day. Present—All the members with tho exception of the Chair man, Mr H. Friedlander, whose absence was apologised for by the surveyor, who stated that Mr Friedlander had gone to the North Island. In Mr Friodlander’a absence, Mr H. T. Winter was voted to the chair. chairman’s statement. The chairman reported the balance in hand to be L3BB 7s Id ; rates collected since last meeting, L 57 16s lOd ; rents collected Ll 6 Bs. LSOO had been placed at fixed deposit for six months. They would have to appoint a returning officer for the annual election to the Board. The

Board had let Reserve 1413 to Mr H. Friedlander.

CORRESPONDENCE, ■was read as follows ;

Prom Bank New Zealand, advising that the Board’s account was credited on Nov. 11, with L 248 5s 4d, being amount of Government for the nine months ending Dec. 31st, 1881. From Treasury re the above. From Nicholas Fitzgerald, offering to re-form Gibson’s road for L 34, subject to the offer being accepted at to-day's meet ing.

The application was not entertained, THE ANNUAL ELECTION.

Mr C. 0. Fooks was appointed Re turning Officer for the annual election of members to the Board, to be held at Moffatt’s mill (if permission can be ob tained) on the Ist Thursday in January next, and failing Mr Moffatt’s mill, at the Wakanui schoolhouse. INSPECTOR OE NUISANCE’S REPORT. This report was as follows :

I : Re Closets : I have to report that during the last month four of the closets in this district have been emptied and cleaned—two of them being in Trevorton ; others as they require it I will attend to.—2. Re Pig Styes : They are fairly clean, and those mentioned in my last report as requiring attention have been seen to. —3. Re Slops and Other Refuse Matter : There is nothing to report to the Board, and now during the hot weather I shall do my best to keep them under, and will attend to all complaints at once. The report was adopted. engineer’s report. This report was read as under : 1, Seafield Road : We have examined this road as instructed, and find that owing to nearly all the traffic being on the sides, it has worn them away considerably, and allows most of the storm water to flow down the wheel tracks. There is also a considerable growth of tussocks between the sides and the metalled portion. This and the sides being in the state they are makes it difficult, and in some instances dangerous, for a heavy load to cross over. The work required to be done would be to plough the strip next the shingle, level the sides and have a proper water table.—2. Boundary Road : We have in spected this road. It is necessary to have it reformed, as there are several hollows where water accumulates. The storm water has also scoured out places in the road. Tenders have been called for reforming and metalling.—3. Gibson’s Road ; This road has been inspected as instructed, and a plan showing gutters crossing the road accompanies this. To form the full width all the way would take a large quantity of stuff to fill the gullies, which cross the road nine times in 100 chains, and would entail reducing the crown of the road, which is metalled. It also requires 300 feet of I foot diameter pipes for culverts. The estimated cost of forming to full width, including gullies and pipes required, is L6s, and for forming to full width and leave the gullies as they are, Ll 5. —4. Roads in Dromoreand Newlands dis trict : The Overseer and gang have been at work filling up hollow places, reducing heights, making fords for the proper flow of water, etc., on the Dromore road, Fairfield road, and Cochrane’s road, the work is so far finished. Owing to the extremely hard nature of the ground at this time of the year it has been a very difficult matter to plough the sides evenly and make such good work as is desired, we would recommend that a little more work be none when the wet season commences. Complaints have been made of the awkward ness of the fords fot water-races made by the County Council. We have had the one at the junction of Rules’ and Dromore road altered, but have refrained from doing anything to the others, as we suppose they come under the province of the County Council.—River Road Protection : As the river is very low now, we would recommend that the stream as shewn on plan herewith be diverted ; as it is now it turns off at right angles to the opposite side and cuts straight into the bank, with a little scooping and making a low dam of gorse and shingle a good channel could be made for the water on the side opposite to the road dip ; once there it would probably remain so for some time. We estimate the cost at L 6 orLy. • —Corbett’s Road : The contract for metalling this road is progressing; there is rather an un due proportion of sand with the shingle, but as there are no other places for procuring metal except those in use it cannot be well remedied, the contractor (J. Boyle) is endeavor ing to take the best metal out of the pits.—7. Wilson’s Road : The contractor is at work reforming this road.—B. Wakanui Road : The contract for making footpaths and reforming this road from Trevor’s Road to Jones’ corner has been completed.—9. Seaside Road (Shipka Pass) Cutting ; This contract has been completed, in addition to the contract we have had a few heights reduced and approaches to creek made good.

Clause 1 : Consideration deferred till autumn.—Clause 3 : Mr Brown proposed —“ That the road be formed for the full width as asked for, excepting the gullies, and that tenders be called for the 10 th inst., and to be ac cepted by the Chairman and Surveyor.” The Chairman seconded the motion, and it was carried.—Clause 4 : The Surveyor was instructed to communicate with the County Council Engineer, calling his at tention to the state of fords through water races in the district.—s: Resolved— “ That the Surveyor’s recommendations be carried out.” The remainder of the report as read was adopted. CHEQUES. Resolved —“ That Mr H. Winter, as acting chairman, sign necessary cheques. THE INSPECTOR IS ASKED TO ACT AS POUND KEEPER AS 'WELIi. It was resolved that the Inspector of Nuisances be asked to impound cattle, etc., straying on the roads. TENDERS. The following tenders were accepted;— No. 45, forming and metalling Chertsey Boundary road, John Boyle, 2 miles, for mation and metalling, at 2s 6d per chain and Is per yard; Thomas Blackburn, 2 miles formation, at 2s 6d per chain; Thos. Trevurza, 2 miles of metalling, at Is; No. 46, forming Denshire’s road, Archibald Fitzgerald, at 5s per chain; No. 47, sub urban footpaths, etc., J. Caldicott, at 3s 2d per chain. This concluded the business; and the Board rose.

THE ASHBUETON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1881.



John Meech, TTIBAOTIOAL CABINETMAKER, jf UPHOLSTERER, &c. t BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Easy Chairs, Conches, English and tmmirnn Chairs, Single and Double Iron add Wood Bedsteads. All kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and Oilcloth. A large assortment of Repps Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of JftirnitnTe from Ll 3 and upwards. All irinJo of furniture re-covered and repaired at,the very lowest prices. ‘AH work guaranteed and completed at Bie'shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, , ftind'higheat prices given for second-hand J%thitare. ; < • Hote the address —Cheapest House in I A&horton, opposite Mail Office, Burnett



Wanted. WANTED immediately—A smart LAD for Printing Business. Apply sharp, Office of this Paper. XTTANTED—A good General SEE VANT ' V for a small private family. Apply, Office of this Paper. 186 d WANTED —Everybody to see Eeady Money Richard’s advertisement. 119 d WANTED to SELL for £lO, cost £3O—A large American COOK ING RANGE, 4ft. 6in. by 3ft., suitable for a boardinghouse or station. Apply to James Baker, Havelock street. 154 c WANTED to Rent —Twenty Acres of English grass with water, near the township of Ashburton. Apply, Office of this Paper. 60d 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. 760 c WANTED KNOWN.—Just received a consignment of “ Novelties,” togither with new, rare and generally esteemed varieties of Flower Seeds, annual and perennial, in addition to those cata logued. Those of my customers who have not had their orders for Garibaldi Bulbs, Carnations, &c., will oblige by calling for he same. A very fine stock of bedding out Plants will be ready in September and October. W. Gimblett, Colombo street, Christchurch. 8800 WANTED KNOWN —Every descrip tion of Plain and Fancy Printing executed on the shortest notice, at the Guardian Office, next Matson, Cox, and Co. ’s, West street. WANTED THE GUARDIAN tells your Wants for Is- - cash. Special Advertisements. ASHBURTON REGISTRY OFFICE, For Male and Female Servants. All orders for Servants by letter or otherwise receive prompt attention. L. F. ANDREWES, Labor Agent, East Street, 765 c Ashburton. O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston's), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con jertinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a*



H. MESSENGER ov HIS LORDSHIP’S LARDER, In thanking his numerous country patrons, and the public generally, for past favors, begs to intimate that, having com pleted extensive alterations and improve ments, he is now in a position to offer them unequalled accommodation. The increased accommodation for Ladies is a special feature in the improve ments. W. H. M. also begs to add that in addi tion to the above he has made provision, from the First day of November next, to supply a want long felt in Christchurch, viz.:— A GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK, At any hour of the day, which will be ac companied with a Glass of Bass’s cele brated Bottled Ale. FOR ONE SHILLING. Dinners, Banquets, Ball Suppers, Wedding Breakfasts, and Picnics pro vided for, in the very best possible style. W. H. MESSENGER, 987 c Purveyor.



jgr D. M O N K’ S ORIENTAL BILLIARD AND REFRESHMENT SALOON is NOW OPEN DAILY. Tables by Alcock and Thurston of the highest quality. Carved in solid walnut. Come and see one of the FINEST BILLIARD SALOONS In the Colony. FLEMING’S BUILDINGS, TRIANGLE Next A. Wilson, Tobacconist, 25c Christchurch.



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S CARDS. Just arrived—The Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, including Scented Satchels and Fringed Cards L. F. Andrewes, Bookseller and Stationer, East street, South Ashburton. 672c* (JiHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, noted throughout the Colony for the best fitting and Genuine Well-made CLOTHING Of Every Description, are the LARGEST PRIZE-TAKERS At the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition? having been awarded FIRST ORDER OF MERIT, AND AISO 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, SBEIRTS, BLANKETS, RUGS, TWEEDS, At Wholesale Prices. NEW SEASON’S GOODS NOW SHOWING. Ashbdrton|Rbtail Branch : East Street. W. SPARROW, Branch Manager.



Special Advertisements. NEW ZEALAND i-. LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANY (LIMITED). AN AGENCY has this day been OPENED at Ashburton, with Mr Walter B. Moss in charge. TEMPORARY OFFICE CORNER OF WEST AND HAVE LOCK STREETS. JOHN COOKE, Manager. Christchurch, October 1, 1881. 782 c STATIONERY, BOOKS—MBMORAN DUM and ACCOUNT BOOKS, TOYS, FANCY GOODS, MUSIC, &c. JUST RECEIVED— A large assortment of CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR Cards. LETTS’ AUSTRADIAN DIARIES FOR iQQO H. M. JONES, Stationer and Booksellf.r, East street and Baring Square. 365 a THE undersigned will be prepaied, 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. PAYITT, Corn Merchant, Ac., Ashburton. Agent for John Anderson, Canterbury Foundry, Christchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, importers of Agricultural Imple ments, Christchurch; and Agent for the United Insurance Company. 150 d rjIHE 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 ANN OUNCEMENT. Christmas Story. As a special attraction for Christmas, the Proprietor of the Ashburton Guardian offers a Prize of Three Guineas for the best original Christmas Story, to be written by an author resident in the Asnburton County, and published in the columns of the Guardian.



The story will be published in the columns of this journal, and the Pro prietor reserves to himself all right and privileges connected with its publication. A Committee of gentlemen will adjudge the M.S.S. and make the award, and due notice of their decision will ap pear in these columns. CONDITIONS. All competitors for the Prize will be required to comply with the following conditions : (1) The story must be written by a bona fide resident of the Ashburton County. (2) The number of words employed must not exceed 400 lines. (3) Competitors will be required to write on white paper only ; on one side of the paper only, and in a plain legible hand. No member of the staff of this journal will be allowed to compete. (4) All the MSS. must be addressed to the Editor, and may be signed with a non de plume, but the writer’s real name and address must be enclosed, not necessarily for publication. (5) No award will be made unless more than three stories are submitted. (6) Rejected MSS. cannot be re turned. N.B.—All MSS. must be sent in on or before December 20. Any manuscript coming to hand after date will be ineli gible. A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. NOW ON SALE AT THE GUARDIAN OFFICE, Some hundreds of BEA UTIFUL OLEO GRAPHS, About 18 by 13 inches, comprising some exceedingly pretty things well worth framing, and suitable for parlor or bed room decoration, or for show or presenta tion cards for business men. Exquisitely done, artistically colored. Price, neatly mounted on wooden rollers, and with purchasers’ name printed (if desired) at the foot in colors, only 30s per dozen. Everyone is pleased with them who sees them. They are already selling well, and only to be seen to command a ready sale. Come and inspect them at this office, and give your orders as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Liberal terms to the trade and wholesale people-



THE following ACTS, passed last Session, can be obtained at Pub lished Prices at Office of this Paper : Corrupt Practices Prevention Fencing Regulation of Elections Representation Canterbury Rivers Amendment Public Reserves Property Tax Gaming and Lotteries Volunteer Property Assessment Act Amendment Licensing. MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. Puddicombe is authorised to collect money and transact all business in connection with The Ashbukton Guardian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts. AYING ASHBURTON; GIVING UP BUSINESS. 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 Lot. The Fixtures, Fit tings, &c., For Sale. Education Act, 1877, Debtors and Creditors Act, and Amend ment Acts, Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, IP7I, to be had at I the Guardian Office, next Matson, Cox and Co. ’a, West street ,; ■-< *. < . > r■ y f OTIC E . EVERETT BRO: fui .;



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



Cricket. —Next Saturday week the Ashburton Club will play a mateh against the Prebbleton Club, and not on the 15th and 16th, as stated by a contemporary. The team to play against Prebbleton will be selected from the following : —G. Andrews, Wix, Denshire, Shury, Groves, Marsh, H. Fowler, Mayo, Hogg, J. E. Buchanan, A. Andrews, E. Fooks, and Jameson. A match is in contemplation between the Geraldine and Ashburton Clubs, but the date has not yet been fixed.



[For continuation of reading matter see first page.]



Holloway's Ointment and Pills. — Though it is impossible, in this climate o changing temperature, to prevent ill-health altogether, yet its form and frequency may be much mitigated by the early adoption of remedial measures. When hoarseness, cough, thick breathing, and the attending slight fever indicate irritation of the throat and chest, Holloway’s Ointment should be rubbed upon these parts without delay, and his Pills taken in appropriate doses, to promote its curative action. No catarrhs or sore throats can resist these remedies. Printed directions envelope every package of Holloways medicaments, which are suited to alt ages and conditions and to every ordinary disease to which humanit, is liable. —Advt.



r pHE GENERAL ELECTION. ■*" JJST ARRIVED. CORRUP r PRACTICES PRE VENTION, 1881, AND REGULATION OF ELECTIONS ACTS, 188 1, NOW ON SALE AT THE GUARDIAN OFFICE, WEST STBEBT.



Meetings yy AKANDI ELECTION. MR J. C. WASON’S COMMITTEE. ALTERATION OF DATE. The Central Committee will MEET at the Committee Room, East street, in future on TUESDAY and THURS DAY nights, at 7.30 p.ra., and on WEDNESDAY and SATURDAY after noon, from 2 to 4. Full attendance of gentlemen willing to act requested. All Persons who are desirous of securing I the return of Mr Wason, and willing to LEND Conveyances to the Committee for December 9th (Polling Day), will please communicate with the undersigned at once. S. E. POYNTZ, 208 d Clerk to Mr Wason’s Committee. ELECTION. At the request of the Central Com mittee, Mr J. 0. WASON will ADDRESS the Electors of Wakanui at the following places on the dates and hours as fol lows Ashburton Town Hail—December sth, at 8 p.m. TinWalb, Schoolroom—December 6th, at 7.30 p.m. Wakanui, Schoolroom —December 7th, at 7.30 p.m. 209 d By order of the Committee. ELECTION. At the Request of the Central Com mittee, MR WASON will ADDRESS the Electors at Wakanui School-boom, on WEDNESDAY, December 7th, at 7.30 p.m, 207 d W A KANUI ELECTION. Mr Wason Requests the Electors of Wakanui to meet him at the HINDHOPE SCHOOL, ON THURSDAY, THE ist DEC, At 8 p.m. 194 d AKANUI ELECTION. MB. C. W. PUBNELIi Requests the ELECTORS to MEET him at the SCHOOLHOUSE, HINDHOPE, ON SATURDAY, 3rd DECEMBER, At 7.30 p.m. 210 d Mr E. Cr. Wright N



ELECTORS OF ASHBURTON TO MEET HIM, AT THE SCHOOLHOUSE, ALFORD FOREST, ON AN EARLY DATE, At 7.30 p.m. 225 d Amusements. T OWN HALL, ASHBURTON. FRIDAY AND MONDAY, December 9th and 12th. THE AMATEUR Dramatic Club Will perform that splendid Melodrama entitled “THE MILLER AND HIS MEN,” With New Scenery and Effects by Charles Bourk. Efficient Orchestra. Admission—3s, 2s, and Is. Doors open at 7.30 ; commence at 8 p.m. 231 d A UNITED MASONIC BALL • Will be held at the MASONIC HALL, TANCRED STREET, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 1881. Committee : E Bro. R. W. Shearman Bro. J. Bradley , Bro. W. H. Gundry Bro. W. Sparrow Bro. H. Stephenson Bro. W. H. Zouch Bro. C. Braddell Bro. R. Friedlander Bro. T. Quill Bro. Bro. S. Nelson r Bro. G. St. Hill Bro. Ed. Saunders Bro. H. Zander Bro. D.M‘Farlane Bro. E. G. Crisp. Admission by 1 icket only. Tickets may be obtained from the Com mittee. Dancing to commence at 8.30 p.m. HENRY ZANDER, 140 d Hon. Sec. Ecclesiastical- PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH NEWLAND. ANNIVERSARY SERMONS In connection with the above Church will be preached NEXT LORD’S DAY, DEC. 4TH, By the REV P. W. JONES, Of Greendale. Morning at 11 o’clock; Evening at 6.30. The usual TEA MEETING Will bo held on the following MON DAY. Tea at 5 p.m. Addresses will be delivered during the evening by Ministers and friends, interspersed with pieces of Sacred Music by the Choir of the Ashbur ton Church. Tickets, Is 6d each. 220 J rpHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. PRICE— ONE PENNY. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. Advertisers are reminded that The Ashburton Guardian was the FIRST DAILY PAPER published between Christchurch and Timaru, and com mands a LARGER CIRCULATION throughout the County of Ashburton than any other other Journal.