SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Go-Ahead, s.s., from Stonyhurat. Tui, b.s., from Kaikoura. Westport, s. s., from Timaru. Annie Melhuiah, barque, from New castle. Penguin, a.s., from Akaroa. To-day. Hawea, s.a., (with ’Frisco mail.) Sailed. Yesterday. r Penguin, s.s., for Akaroa and Dunedin. Tui, a.s., for Amnri, Bluff. Westport, s.s., for Wellington. Go-Ahead, a.s , for Castlepoint.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Yesterday. The Tainui, from Levuka, has arrived. : She sighted the May Queen, from Lon don to Tauranga, off the North Gape.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office •8 follows 5- — For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 turn., and 5 p.m., daily. • For Chertsey Eakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. -fend 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. ForTemuka, at 6.80 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a. m., 10 jam., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, «n Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at A 30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, Row land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 am., 4.40 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &o. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 p.m. daily. From. Tomuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. €.35 p.m., and 8.16 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 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. Tuesday, December 20. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-night, Friday, December 16. Tuesday, December 20. Musical Festival, Town Hall, .8 p.m Wednesday, December 21. Local Industries Association, Monthly Meeting, Upper Room, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Monday, December 26. Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering. Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races and Sports ; first event at 11 a.m. Wakanui Annunl Races and Sports. Tuesday, January 3. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, January 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 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 for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 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 than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a. in. (Express), 4.35p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m- (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

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

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1881. The French in the South Sea Islands.

John Bull has never been squeamish as to the manner in which he has ac quired territory, and gradually built up his vast colonial empire; but Jean Crapaud, though not so successful, has been incomparably more high-handed in his acquisitions. Kven in the pre sent day, with a pacific Gladstone as our most influential statesman, our country has obtained Cyprus from the Turks by virtue of some moral suasion and a good deal of physical force in the background; and we have also made unjust wars on Afghanistan and Zululand, in consequence of very small affronts. But our accusers will look in vain for any act of agression like the French war in Tunis, avowedly on account of a dislike of the Mahomedan land law being prevalent in a Maho medan country, and the thefts of a small band ot robbers called Kroomirs, who, if they existed at all, represented their country to about the same extent as the Kellys represented Victoria. The Sultan of Turkey certainly gave his assent to our occupation of Cyprus, but repudiates altogether the righb of France to any occupation, protectorate, or ownership of any part of Tunis. Quite lately as glaring an instance of the French rule of acting on the right of the strongest, and on that alone, in remote places, as can be furnished any where, has occurred with regard to the seizure of Rarotonga, and, it has been reported, of the Harvey Islands, in-the South Pacific. A French man-of-war was reported to have lately visited Rarotonga, and the captain was said to have ordered the chiefs . that henceforth the island was to be subject to France, and was prohibited from trading with any other country. On this report reaching the ears of the British Consul, he at once protested, but was coolly informed by the French captain that no such thing had happened as that described. It appears now that this last statement was nothing more than a deliberate falsehood, for the chiefs of the island have had a memorandum drawn up and have signed it, asking for British protection, and the same free dom to trade as before wherever they found it most profitable. As the trade of these islands with Sydney alone is over 1.50,000 annually, it can easily be understood that the matter is one of no slight importance to the islanders, and also to the Australasian colonies. Be sides this, also, if so glaring and in famous a case of oppression is tolerated in this instance it might be in any other. There are many persons still living who ean recollect how forty years ago Tahiti was acquired by the French without a shadow of right, and by means of a little fraud and a good deal of force. After a time the actual cause of the outrage was avowed, namely, that France wanted a naval station in the South Pacific. The is landers there are now slowly under going that process of extermination which almost always takes place when one of the lower races of the world comes into contact with the Caucasian, without amalgamating or being raised to his level. The result was one greatly to be deplored in the case of Tahiti. The island never was that moral and religious paradise which the missionaries pictured, and the missionaries, as re cognised magistrates in the Native Law Courts, knew that it was not, but still it was remarkably free from crime, and was tenanted by a comparatively moral, industrious, and attractive people, fast advancing in civilisation. The Maori, about whose virtues we often hear much from New Zealand politicians who have an object to gain by the assertion*, is a vulgar savage by the side of the Tahitian of the time of the French occupation. This last ourageous aggression has furnished, by the way, another illustra tion of the maxim which Cobden, Bright, and others urged long back, that free trade always tended to peace, “ protection ” to war. Before the seizure of Rarotonga it was just as open for France as for Great Britain to carry on commerce with the islands of the Pacific. But a fair field and free competition was not what our Gaelic neighbors wanted, and not able to secure the coveted trade by skill or energy, they have a 1 tempted to acquire it by means of robbery. For all that, the noble principle of freedom of trade, like that of every kind of freedom, when once established in the world, is not likely to die out, but to be more and p)pre recognised, while the mere brute*

force of the conqueror becomes more and more despised.

’Frisco Mail. —The Ashburton portion of the ’Frisco mail arrived per special train shortly after the express train from Christchurch this morning. A spark from the engine of the special set the tussocks in a blaze near the saleyards, but for tunately no great damage resulted.

Primitive Methodist Church. A Christmas tree and sale of fancy goods will be held at the above on Wednesday, Dec. 21st. Cheese and Butter Factory.—A notice appears elsewhere stating that the adjourned meeting of the directors of this factory will bo held on the 21st inst.

Wood’s Improved Twine Binder and Harvester —A trial of the above will take place on Monday, Dec. 19, at Mr Hudson’s farm. Wakanui, adjoining Mr John Cochrane’s farm.

Mayoral Banquet. —The newly-elected Mayor of Christchurch gives a grand banquet to celebrate his installation. Up wards of 150 invitations are being issued. His Excellency the Governor will bo present.

Alteration of Date.—lt is announced elsewhere that the time for receiving ten ders for erection of shop and dwelling house for Messrs Andrewes Bros., has been extended till Wednesday next.

Christmas Luxuries.—Attention is directed to Mr Thomas Taylor's list of good things for Christmas. Mr Taylor is the proprietor of three grocery and pro vision warehouses in Christchurch, and delivers goods daily at the Christchurch Railway Station. His announcement ap pears in our advertising columns.

Methven Sports and Races .—ln our advertising columns will be found the pro gramme of the Methven Sports and Races to be held on Monday, January 2nd next. Besides three races and tilting at the ring there are no less than seventeen athletic events, and the sports this year promise to be most enjoyable.

His Excellency the Governor —The Lyttelton Titties' special telegraphs : “ The Governor returns Home shortly probably in February, but will not form ally resign until his arrival in England. There is now not a shadow of doubt that His Excellency was highly incensed at the action taken by Ministers on the native question during his absence.” Picnic.—The choir of St. Stephen’s and their friends to the number of about sixty, held a picnic party at Longbeach yesterday. Mr Grigg kindly placed his plantation at their disposal, and gene rously supplied' a quantity of fruit, etc. After spending a very pleasant day, three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Grigg, and the party returned to town, arriving about 9 p.m.

Sale of Privileges .—Mr Alfred Har rison disposed of the privileges in connec tion with the Caledonian sports at his rooms to-day. There was an excellent attendance, and the sale resulted as fol lows:—No. 1 publican’s booth, Mr Sam, Brown, of the Central Hotel, L 23 10s; No. 2 publican’s booth, Mr Sam. Brown, Ll 9 10s, No. 1 confectioner’s booth, L2, Mr Taylor, confectioner; No. 2 confec tioner’s booth, L2, Mr Taylor; gates, L4l, Mr Ryan. Cricket. The match, Ashburton County v. the West Canterbury Asso ciation terminated yesterday afternoon shortly before 5 o’clock in a victory for the Ashburtonians by four runs and four wickets. The day was anything but favorable for play, for the howling nor’- wester which commenced on Wednesday continued to blow great guns all day, and rendered the game not a little fatiguing. The visitors returned home per express train.

Local Industries Association. —At the adjourned meeting of this Association, which is to be held on Wednesday next, the important question of starting a woollen factory in Ashburton will be dis cussed. We believe that a very complete plant, which can be purchased at a re duced price, is now under offer to the Association. We hope that there will be sufficient energy displayed to consider the matter thoroughly, and if it is found satisfactory, a start will be made in the direction of improving the position of the County as regards a manufacturing centre.

Ashburton Sacred Festival.—The date for holding this festival is now fast approaching and the members are actively engaged in practising their solos and choruses. With this issue the programmes are sent out, and from them will be seen the names of those ladies and gentlemen who intend taking part in the performance. We hope that our readers will endeavor to be present, as we feel sure they will enjoy the treat provided for them, and in doing so will encourage for the first time in Ashburton the rendering of the beauti ful oratorio “Messiah.” A final re hearsal takes place on Monday evening next in the Town Hall, at which a full attendance of the performers is requested. Masonic Ball.—Last evening, in order to commemorate the first anniversary of the Ashburton Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter, a most successful ball was held in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street. There were nearly 100 persons present. The spacious hall was very nicely deco rated for the occasion by Bro. Sparrow, P.M., and the floor was all that could be desired by the most fastidious dancers. The music was supplied by Mr Schwartz's excellent band, anil it is almost needless to say the music in itself was sufficient to make the oldest of those present skip round with wonderful agility, combined with grace. Bro. Past Master W. H. Guudry acted as M.C. The catering was in the hands of Bro. A. Thiele. The in defatigable Hon. Secretary (Bro. H. Zander) worked hard to make the affair a success, and he deserves to be con gratulated on the very excellent arrange ments made in connection with the cele bration of this anniversary. Dancing was kept up till an early hour this morn ing, and everyone appeared highly de lighted with the whole affair.

Walkins Match for LIOO and the Championship of South Canterbury.— A walking match between two local peds I. J. Bradley and H, Lambert, for LSO a side, and the championship of South Canterbury, came off at Timaru yesterday. Both men were “ fit and well,” and their respective hackers were each sanguine of their man’s success, although Lambert with the general public was the favorite. There wore about 400 spectators present, who manifested a lively interest in the proceedings. The course was the usual one used at the meetings of the South Canterbury Amateur Atheletic Club’s gatherings, running outside the space re served for cricket, and was a quarter-of-a mile round, so that twenty-eight laps were necessary to complete the distance. The men started at a very merry pace, Brad ley leading slightly. At the close of the fourth lap, Lambert’s shoe came off, and his sudden stoppage caused Bradley to collide with him. Bradley, thinking Lam bert had injured his leg in some manner, also stopped, but being urged to continue, did so, and by the time Lambert had started again was fifty yards in advance. Lambert made an effort to reduce this lead, but ineffectually, each succeeding lap falling further behind until half the distance had been completed, when Brad ley overhauled him. Being thus a lap to the good, Bradley was content to walk be hind his opponent for the remainder of the distance, which was completed in 62min 45sec. Bradley thus carried the day, although Lambert’s (backers entered a protest on his behalf, alleging that Bradley had caused him to stop by spiking him. The protest was not for a moment entertained however j.,:,

Christmas Holidays. —The railway department notifies that all ordinary single fare tickets issued oh Dec. 23, or up to January 3, will be available for return up to and including January 7. The Auckland Jack Sheppard.— Plummer, the Auckland house-breaker, has been already committed on several charges, while others are proceeding.

The Caledonian Society’s Mile Race. We are desired to supply an omission made by the handicappers in making up the handicaps for the Caledonian Society’s mile race, in which the name of Mr James Stevens was left out of the handicap list published. Mr Stevens runs at 40 yards from scratch.

The Late Sik Cracroft Wilson’s Property. Messrs Friedlander Bros, inform us that the whole of the sections comprised in the above not disposed of by auction the other day have now been privately sold at highly satisfactory prices.

The Wreck ot the Tar arc a.—The committee of the Tararua Relief Fund have wound up the affairs in connection therewith. The total receipts were Ll7O 13s 6d, of which LIOO is from the Union Company. The following was the distri bution ;—Port Chalmers cases, Lll2 14s (the only cases of real want) ; Dunedin, Ll 43s 9d ; (Wellington, Ll2 10s; Oamaru, L 7 2s ; Auckland, L 6 ; Gore, L2 10s ; advertising expenses; Ll 5 13s 9d.

Sale oe Stock and Farm Plant.— In another column appears a preliminary announcement by Messrs J. T. Ford and Co., of an important sale of stock and farm plant, the property of the late Sir Cracroft Wilson, Hinds. The sale takes place on January sth, at the Tinwald Yards. Further particulars will appear in a future issue.

Going, Gone. —“ On the 4th September, a Birmingham auctioneer, Mr Fellows, was conducting a sale at Garrison-Lane, Birmingham, and was saying “ Going, going, gone !” previous to knocking down some articles, the floor gave away, and precipated a number of persons, including women some with children in their arms, into the cellar beneath. Several people were hurt.

The Sham Fight at Timaru.—Yester day morning the Ashburton Volunteers mustered in strong force at the railway station, where they took the train for Timaru at 7 o’clock. The day was hot, and the strong nor’-wester blowing did not add much to the comfort of the ex pedition. However, a very jolly day on the whole was spent. The men returned home by the last train, and marched down town to the music of their band. Fortune Telling Extraordinary.— A short time since two young ladies near Camberwell were accosted by a gipsy woman, who told them that for a shilling each she would show them their husband’s faces in a pail of water; which being brought they exclaimed : “We can only see our own faces!” “Well,” said the old woman, “ those faces will be your husbands’ when you are married.” Banquet to the Hon. J. Bryce.—A banquet to the Hon John Bryce took place on Thursday evening in the Princess Theatre, Wanganui. Some 150 guests were present. The chair was occupied by Mr Robert Pharazyn, who proposed the health of the guest of the evening in a few eulogistic remarks. Mr Bryce, who was greeted with prolonged applause, said the people had been to his virtues ever kind, and he considered the present recognition .another another proof. He had never put himself forward for a public position un less in duty bound Referring to the late dift'cu.'ty with the natives, and to Ta Whiti, lie said they were at the mercy of a mad man, and although the work had been carried out with great firmness, no harsh ness and no insult had bien offered to the natives. He believed he could have met the natives with a leas force, but the result would have been the committing of a great blunder to invite bloodshed. He therefore wished to augment the force by the Volunteers. Had one shot been fired, though by accident, there was no telling where bloodshed would have stopped. Referring to the Volunteers, Mr Bryce said he thought that their response to the call of duty had a very large significance. New Zealand had the misfortune to be colonised from many centres, which might have resulted in the non-development of a national spirit. The gallant response of some4,oooor 5,000 Volunteers proved that there was no lack of a really national spirit in this colony, which would increas ingly develop. And while speaking on this point he would repeat what he had said in commendation of them at Parihaka. Mr Bryce resumed his seat amidst deafen ing applause, which had frequently inter rupted his speech. He Couldn’t Do it. —After all, it ap pears that George Washington was not the first who said orally to his father in the garden one day, “Father, I cannot tell a lie.” A similar story about William Shakespeare, and in order to prevent con fusion, we may as well give this version also. It runs as follows :—One day William Shakespeare’s father came home from Sheffield and brought with him a fine new axe. Young Will got hold of this axe and went and hacked a cherry tree. When his father discovered the damage done, he said, suspecting his son, “ Will, who did that?” Then Will, look ing his father frankly in the face, said, “Father, I cannot tell a lie ; it was Ben. Jonson.”

Glass Clothing. —Glass weaving, ac cording to report, seems to be gradually working its way into practical value. Wo have, from time to time, for several years heard of experimental efforts in the pro duction of articles of dress or domestic use from woven glass, but now we read that a Pittsburg firm is manufacturing fabrics ihat are strong, cannot be ripped or torn, and are cheaper than those woven from linen, cotton, or silk. A large table cloth of variegated colors, with orna mental borders and fringed edges, is on exhibition in New York city, which can be washed and ironed like the ordinary articles.

Big Shell Fish. Among the dis coveries made recently in the Great Dead Sea of the West were some gigantic oyster shells, more than six feet long, each pair of which once contained an animal that the average boy could not lift. In other localities shells of but one valve were found 15 feet long, and each of these were inhabited by c cuttlefish that forced itself through the w.iU r by a method like that used to shoot a rocket up into the air and some authorities say that these cuttle, fish attained a length of even 30 feet. These long fellows had a long name, Orthocerotite, and they had a cousin, the Ammonite, which grew as large as a cart wheel. Such were some of the shells a thousand years ago; to-day the only really large shell is of the clam family. It is named Tridaena gigas, and is found in the Pacific Ocean, the length of its life being sixty or seventy years. It grows imbedded in the coral, and is fastened to the rocks by a cord called the byssus, which is so tough that it can only be cut with an axe. The shells themselves are six feet long, each valve weighing more than 2501bs ; while the animal part often weighs 30 or 401bs. When alive, the tridaena lies with its great valves ajar, capturing any food that may pass within the scalloped edges. A shark was once caught in this way. Swimming along in search of food, he unwarily passed into the doorway of the great clam’s house, his tail rudely striking the animal. Like a flash the tremendous jaws snapped together, squeezing the man-eater as if he were in a vice, and rendering him utterly powerless. As the tide went down the shark’s head appeared above water, thrashing about and churning up the sea. The hubbub attracted the attention of some natives, who soon captured both,, shark and clam, n r

Sound Counsel. —We clip the follow ing from the New Zealand Presbyterian, which says :—“ It seems to matter little at present who goes to Wellington, so far as platform principles are concerned ; but it matters an immense deal that wo send men with vigorous brains, with good sound sense, with quiet tongues, with clean hands, and unimpeachable moral honor : and that we do not send any man that will bo a bore, wasting the time of the House with endless talk, or who is given to fads which create a reasonable fear that he is not sound in his head, or who has a private axe to grind, and who is an unexperienced adventurer, or whose life and character are not pure. This point of view for determining our votes seems all important to this country, and at this hour, and would probably glide the country to a better selection than hust ings’ cries.”

How People Amused Themselves Seventy Years Ago. — A correspondent writes to Notes and Queries I re member one day, more than thirty years a «o, paying a visit to one of the dearest ofd ladies I ever knew—namely, Lady Scovell, the wife of Sir George Scovell, whom she had accompanied in his Pen insular campaigns, when he was one of the most useful and most trusted of ‘ The Duke’s ’ staff. I found her disentangling a number of ‘ cups and balls,’ the strings of which had been all mixed by a carpet crawling urchin, who had upset the basket containing them. I was surprised at the variety of shapes and sizes. The balls had to be caught on common average cups, cups flattened almost to a table, cups cut away on both sides till only a crescent was left and, of course, the usual spike. On my asking her how she came by such a collection she told me that during the war she came home one winter to see her friends while the army was * in quarters,’ and while at home she got a letter from Sir Rowland (Lord) Hill, saying the weather was so bad they very soon could not get out, and he begged her to bring with her on her return any in-door games for himself and staff. Lady Scovell said she at once got these varieties of cups and balls and devils on two sticks made, and (having taken them to Spain), she added that 1 they answered the purpose admirably, but it was rather funny to see the General and staff in the afternoon, when the day’s work was finished, moving about the rooms hard at work at these games, and one backing himself against another.” ’

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE [per rbdter’s agency.] A Severe Blow for the Land League. London, Dec. 15. News is to hand from Ireland that the police have seized the whole of this week's issue of the United Ifishman , the organ of the Land League, pub lished in Dublin, and also arrested the remainder of the staff of the paper. Mr O’Brien, the editor, was arrested in October last. Acquitted- Paris, Dec 15. An action for libel, brought by M. Roustan, French delegate to the Bey of Tunis, against M. Rochfort, the well-known politician and journalist, 1 has resulted in a verdict of acquittal of the defendant. Exodus of Tunisian Insurgents. Intelligence is to hand that 45,000 persons, comprising families of Tunisian insurgents and a number of the insur gents themselves, have entered Mo rocco and have requested the Sultan to permit them to settle permanently in the country. The news has caused a great sensation throughout France. Money and the Markets. Consols, 99}4- The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of , England is Lx 1,750,000. The Bank - rate remains at 5 per cent-, and the - market rate at New Zealand securities are unchanged. Adelaide ’ wheat, ex warehouse, 565; Adelaide flour, 41s 6d ; New Zealand wheat, ex warehouse, 52s ; Australian tallow— best beef, 39s 6d ; best mutton, 435. A U ST R A L I A N. ( per reuter’s agency. ] Shipping. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed, this afternoon —The Union Company’s steamship Rotorua, for the Bluff. Cricket. The cricket match between the English team and an Eleven of Victoria was commenced to-day. The weather was very fine, and a capital wicket was pitched, the ground being in good order. The Victorians went in first, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had put together 247 runs for the loss of eight wickets {sic). McDon nell made 51, and Blackham 66. The bowling and fielding of the Englishmen were much admired. A Trip Home. Sydney, Yesterday It is announced that the Hon. James Hoskings intends to visit England shortly, and has consequently resigned the portfolio of Minister of Lands. Breadstuff's. Adelaide, Yesterday. The breadstuffs market is strong. Wheat, 4s 8d; town flour, Lll 12s 6d country brands, Lro 15s. Freights to the United Kingdom : From Adelaide, 50SJ ditto, from outports, 52s 6d.

TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Contraband. Auckland, To-day. Yesterday and to-day the Custom House officers and the police 'made a important seizures of contrabond cigars and un stamped beer, Sixty-one boxes of cigars were taken from a leading firm, Brown, Barratt and Co. Committal of Plummer. Plummer was committed for trial to day on three charges of housebreaking and two for sending threatening letters. The May Queen not Ashore. Tauranga telegrams state the May Queen is not ashore ; the ship parted her cable and went into Blind Channel, where she now lies ; she just touches at the stern at low water. A South British office tele gram states that the vessel is all right, and no damage has resulted to ship or cargo. Parliament Further Prorogued. Wellington, To-day. Parliament has been further prorogued until Monday, 13th February. Accident to a Costal Steamer. Westport, To-day. The steamer Charles Edward left Greymouth at 4.30 on Wednesday morn ing, and when off Charleston a portion of the machinery gave way, and she was blown to sea, and only made Buller this pining under sail, towed in.

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND MEETING. Auckland, Yesterday. The following are the entries for the Auckland Racing Club Summer Meet ing:— Maiden Plate. Yattendon, Fanny Fisher, Tenambra, Othello, Lady, Envy, Gassivelaunus, Yatterina, Miss Domett. H. G. Hurdles. —Hard Times, Lone hand, Clarence, Bawenata, Matau, Haxk away, Lark. Railway Plate. Tenambw. Fgul Play, Maid of Honor, Billingsgate, Snipe. Derby Stakes.— The Sqtrire byPapapa, Hatred, Yattendon, Peeress, Hippocam pus, Yatterina, Smike. Publicans* Purse. —Florence, Tenam bra, Othello, Foul Play, Badsworth, Hilda. Maid of Honor, Maori, Billings gate, Miss Domett, Cassivelaunus, Envy. Three Year’s SeLlingl Race.— Lara, Parameua, Florence, Ratcatcher,: Vam pire, Peer, Billingsgate, ■ Randmofc, Shirley. Grand Stand Handicap. —Lara, Para* mena, Tenambra, Othello, Foul Play, Badsworth, Vampire, The Poet, Hilda, Rewi, Director, Maid of Honor,- Retriever, Cassivelaunus, Envy, Maori, Randwick, Billingsgate, Yattendon, Peeress, Mins Domett, Midsummer, Ouida, Lady, Yat tendon, Fanny Fisher. Auckland Plate. Randwick, Foul Play, Hilda, Moonstone, Cassivelaunus, Envy, Maori, Yattendon, Peeress. Stewards’ Handicap. Lara, Para mena, Tenambra, Kenilworth, Foul Play,- Vampire, Vortex, The -Poet, Hilda,- Rewi, .Maid of -Honor, Tim Whiffler, Retriever, Cassivelaunus, Envy; Maori, . Randwick, Yattendon, Peeress, : Billingsgate, Piscatorius, Miss Domett. I WELLINGTON CUP: r Wellington, Yesterday. . The following acceptances were received to-night for the Wellington .Cup:—Grip, Foul Play, Sir George, Piscatorius, > Libeller, Lady Emma,, Grand Duchess, Gorton, Peeress colt, King Quail, ’Lotus D’Or, Badsworth, Envy filly. Sir Tatton, ■ Fleur de-Lys, Mist colt, The Painter, The i Poet, and HUda. Further acceptances are i expected by post. ! [For continuation of reading matter see first page.]

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1881.



WASTE PAPER for Sale, 2d per lb., at tbe Guardian Office. Railway tariff. Copies of the New Scale of Fares and Charges on the New Zealand Railways can now be procured at Office of this Paper. XJIANOS, ORGANS, MUSIC, Etc., AND Instruments of every kind from 10 GUINEAS to 100 on DEFERRED PAYMENTS. OPENING New Premises THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th, Tanoebd Sthbbt, near Ort & Co’s. H. J. WEEKS, (Agent fob C. Begg and Co), MUSIC SELLER. 693 d John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Easy Chairs, Couches, English and American Chairs, Single and Double Iron and Wood Bedsteads. AH kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and Oilcloth.; A large assortment of Repps and Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of Furniture from Ll 3 and upwards. All lands'of furniture re-covered and repaired at th 6 very lowest prices. All work guaranteed and completed at tbo shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, and highest prices given for second-hand JPnrnitore. _ . _ Note the address—Cheapest House in Ashburton, opposite Mail Office, Burnett «tmt 3160



Wanted. WANTED KNOWN— Mrs Hender son, Dressmaker, Burnett street, near Catholic -Church. Ladies’ Dresses made from 5s 6d. Apprentices Wanted. 306 d WANTED KNOWN—During the Christmas Season, FRIEDLaNDER BROS, are selling NEW FRUIT, NEW FRUIT, Currants, 6id; El'Gmea, 7d ; Sultanas, 8d ; Candied Peel, Is 6d ; Best Butter, 6d; and General Groceries equally cheap for GaSh. 318 d "ITTANTED KNOWN—If you want to VV Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstead Mills. 255 d WAN TED KNOWN. —SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS VERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest 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, &<s. , 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-. 580 c Special Advertisements. 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. PAVITT, Coen Merchant, &c., Ashburton. ■ Agent for John Anderson, Canterbury Foundry, Chiistchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, Importers of Agricultural Imple ments, Christchurch; and Agent for the United Insurance Company. 150 d TH E COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. Heads of Families, and all who wish to obtain suitable articles for Christmas Presents AND NEW YEAR’S GIFTS Are respectfully invited to inspect the unrivalled assortment of Toys, Fancy Goods, Christmas and New Year’s Cards, etc., just opened up by the undersigned. Also STATIONERY. Plain and Fancy Note Paper and Enve lopes, Account and Memorandum Books, School Books, etc. An extensive stock to select from. Schools liberally dealt with. H. M. Jones, EAST STREET AND BARING SQUARE. Pianos, Organs, Harmoniums, and all kinds of Musical Instruments on Deferred Payments. A quantity of SHEET MUSIC very cheap. Lowest Prices for Cash. 293 d £JIS 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 CHRISTCHURCH. 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. F. Furness, JjmUITERER AND CONFECTIONER Pine Apples Strawberries Cherries Nuts, And all other Fruits in Season. REFRESHMENT ROOMS—Tea and Coffee Always Ready. J®-Prospect and Saunders’ Build ings. 363 d 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. \TBW ZEALAND LOAN AND IX 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 BONES. —Wanted Known, that Mr P. Mayo, is a Cash Purchaser of Bones in any quantity, at £3 per ton. Address, P. Mayo, Hampstead Bone Mills. 834 c 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 Rivera Amendment Public Reserves Property Tax Gaming and Lotteries Volunteer Property Assessment; Act Amendment | Licensing. .



Special Advertisements. Back from ‘the front.—The sba'rb at Parihaka is over; our vo lunteers have proved themselves equal to the occasion, and although no fighting ■was done, they were the boys” to do it had it been required; a brush with the “ blackfellows ” was what they went for. Nevertheless they did a good deal of. hard tramping up hill and down dale'; and the astonishing fact is that most of them, having been provided with STOUT BOOTS from C. HAWKINS’ uever-to-be excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came back with their “ understandings” nearly as good as when they left this go-ahead 'ittle township. Try C. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c ANNOUNCEMENT. Christmas Story* As a Special attraction for Christmas, the Proprietor of the Ashbukton 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 duo 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.; 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. D. MONK’S ORIENTAL BILLIARD AND REFRESHMENT SALOON IS NOW OPEN DAILY. Tables by Alcock and Thurston of the highest quality. Carved in solid walnut. IBSS* Come and see one of the FINEST BILLIARD SALOONS In the Colony. FLEMING’S BUILDINGS, TRIANGLE Next A. Wilson, Tobacconist, 25c Christchurch. IJIHE ACID CURE. P. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc. May be obtained from Mackay Bros, Manchester street, South, Christ chureh, Wholesale and Retail, or from Mr Thomas Collins, Main South Road, Tiraaru. AN AGENT WANTED FOR ASH BURTON. 734 c fJVH E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, noted throughout the Colony for the best fitting and Genuine Well-made CLOTHING Of Every Description, are the LARGEST PRIZE-TAKERS At the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition having been awarded FIRST ORDER OF MERIT, AND ALSO HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THE INTELLIGENT JURORS. One trial will prove the Superior Quality of all Products. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Branches at all the principal Towns. HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, BLANKETS, RUGS TWEEDS, At Wholesale Prices. NEW SEASON S GOODS NOW SHOWING. Branch ; East Street. W. SPARROW, 692 c Branch Manager. 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 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. 25M-A



Special Advertisements. OF WALTER A. WOOD’S Improved TWINE BINDER and HAR VESTER (1881 make), will take place on MONDAY, DECEMBER 19th, at Mr Hudson’s Farm, Wakanui, adjoining; Mr John Cochrane’s Farm. 369d* AVI N G ASHBURTON GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVERETT BROb. Will on Saturday, December 3, commence A GREAT CLEARING SALE Of their new and well-selected Stock of GENERAL DRAPERY, And to effect a speedy clearance will, in addition to the already very low prices, offer, as an extra inducement, a DISCOUNT OF TEN PER CENT. The Shop To Let. The Fixtures, Fit tings, Ac., For Sale.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



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



Holloway’s Pills. —A certain cure for Headaches, Bile, Loss of Appetite, and Low* ness of Spirit.—These Pills can be taken with out danger from wet. or cold, and require no interruption from business or pleasure. They act mildly on the bowels, strengthen the stomach, and promote a healthy action of the liver, whereby they purify the blood, cleanse the skin, brace the nerves, and invigorate the whole system. They effect a truly wonderful change in. a debilitated constitution,- as they create a healthy appeti'e, correct indigestion, remove bile, giddiness, headache, and palpita tion of the heart. Plain directions for the use of this medicine, at once so mild and efficacious, are affixed to each box.



I Meetings. Local industries associa tion. The ADJOURNED MEETING of the ! above will bo held at the Town Hall on ; WEDNESDAY, 21at instant, when the establishment of a Woollen Factory will be f 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. B. POYNTZ, 370 d Hon. Sec. - QHEESE AND BUTTER FACTORY. r The ADJOURNED MEETING of [ Directors will be held at 7.30 p.m. on the 21st when a full attendance is particularly requested. S. E. POYNTZ, 371 d Hon. Sec. f Amusements. PPIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. Christmas Tree c AND SALE OF FANCY GOODS oh - WEDNESDAY, 21st DEC. Doors open from 2 p.m. to spm., and from 7 p.m. Admission—ls, which entitles visitors to an equivalent value from the TREE. 366 d SACRED FESTIVAL “ Messiah.” i For the first time in Ashburton will be ' given, Handel’s Oratorio “THE MESSIAH,” i At the Town Hall, on \ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20. > Doors open at 7.30 ; to commence at 8 [ p.m. Tickets, 2s each, can be obtained from . Mr H. M. Jones, or the Hon. Secretary (W. Townshend). 222 d 1 CJKIM - PLOUGHING. Upwards of 150 Acres in English Grass, on the bank of the Hinds River, easily ploughed. Tenders, addressed to “ Agricola.” Post Office, Ashburton, by TUESDAY, 20th instant. 372 d rjIHE GENERAL ELECTION. JJST ARRIVED. CORRUP P PRACTICES PRE VENTION, 1881, AND REGULATION OF ELECTIONS ACTS, 1881, NOW ON SALE AT THE GUARDIAN OFFICE, VVRST STREET fJpHE 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. Ashburton borough council. Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 2 of the Dog Registration Act, 1880, Amendment Act, 1881, that at a Meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council, held on the 12th day of Decem ber, 1881, it was resolved that the FEE for the Registration of Dogs for the coming year be TEN SHILLINGS (10s) per dog. N.B.—All Dog Licenses Expire on the' 31st December instant. CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. * . Borough Council Office, 3 " 14th December, 1881. 3474