SHIPPING.

-PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. ' Grafton, s. b., from Oamsru. Olio, schooner, from Waitapu. To-day. Omapere, a. a., from Port Chalmers. Mahinapua, as., from Port Chalmers. Rotomahana, s. a., from Port Chalmers. ■ • Sailed. Yesterday. Grafton, a.a., for Wellington, Nelson and West Coast ports. Wanaka, a.a., for Akaroa and Dunedin,

To-day. , Rotomahana, a.a., for the North

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. There is nothing fresh to report with regard to the grain market, except a diffi culty of quitting parcels at still easier rates than last quoted. Only small lots of wheat of prime quality meet with fair demand for local consumption. Flour re mains about the same, with a fair demand existing for trade lots. Oats are without quotable change. The season, has, so far, been very fine, and the last few days have given us just the weather for bringing on the crops. Already the majority of the wheat crops are fully out in ear, and look as they never looked before in this part of Canterbury. What is required is mild weather during the next two months, and if such follows we may reasonably hope for better times for the farmers than has been the case for years.

Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday evening, the ifth December. Business during the past week has been of the most meagre description. The only business passing has been the fulfilment of local orders. The crops are now in a very forward condition, and promise abundant yields.—Wheat: The de mand has been of such a limited character that holders, wishing to clear their stocks, are fain to accept a reduction, the business done being ;purely local. Prices may be quoted at from 4s to 4s 3d for good milling samples delivered; second class wheat, 3s 4d to 3s gd; chick .wheat, 3s to 3s 2d. —Oats; The local demand is fairly good, and continues to move off at from 3s 3d to 3s 4d per bushel for good short feed samples; short milling are not in much demand, and are worth only a shade over the highest quotation.—Barley: There is no busi ness being transacted in this cereal, that is for milling samples; feed quality, 3s 4d (0 3s 6d per bushel. —Grass Seed: K o business is being transacted at present. Prices nominal.—Cheese and Butter: The former is worth 6d, the latter 8d per lb. '

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1882. The Death of Anthony Trollope.

The news has reached us by cable message from the Home country within the last few days that Anthony Trol lope, the novelist, is dead. He was not a great man, but he was a very well-known one, and so perhaps it may be worth while to take some passing

notice of what he really was and did. He died at the age of 67, and therefore nearly approached the prescribed aver age limit of life—three score years and ten. It was a mature age, but it seems almost a wonder that he'did not live longer. His robust make and whole appearance, and his full red face, more like that of a farmer than ot a literary man, seemed to betoken long life. His intelligence was sufficient to keep him from ennui, and certainly not sufficient to make him, like Herbert Spencer, a victim to nervousness and' monomania. He could scarcely be troubled with anxiety about financial matters, for, in the present day, few people are paid so well as successful novelists. He could not be rendered irritable by want of suitable society, for that in which he constantly moved, the world of English middle class life, was the only one with which he had the slightest sympathy, but with that he was always at home and thoroughly popular. Still, death comes to all, sooner or later, and it is idle to attempt to predict the time or cause of any man’s exit to the majority. Trol lope’s name is not one which is likely to be handed down for years as that of a great master of fiction. There was little in him of reflective power, of sparkling wit, or of brilliant imagina tion. But he had good common sense, a lively style, and, above all things, he understood the kind of society he painted the society of the upper middle classes in England—thoroughly well. His Mrs Proudie, the bishop’s wife, Archdeacon Grantley and his wife, his rectors, curates, etc., are all of them true to the life, genuine photographs, as the paintings of Ostade, Jan Steen, Mien’s are of Dutch boors drinking, interiors of Dutch kitchens, etc. We may apply to Trollope what Coleridge says of Paley’s ethical writings, “ What ever he saw he saw through an atmos phere of light.” There is nothing specially instructive in Trollope, any more than there is in the con versation of a ball-room, where the talk is just a little over the average, and in all his writings, taken together, the readers would scarcely learn as much as they would in many a single chapter of Walter Scott, Charles Kingsley, or George Eliot. If ever he is read at all a hundred years hence it will be in order that the people may know exactly what respectable country life in England in the middle of the nineteenth century was like. And not the highest kind of respectable country life in England either. There are, let us be thankful for it, several noblemen and ladies of title, and a good many of the very station and position Mr Trollope was so fond of describing, to whom life has duties as well as enjoy ments, and who discharge those duties at least more laboriously and conscien tiously than such clergvmen, gentle men, and ladies as he drew. The life the departed novelist describes is only one of decent epicureanism. The sins and sorrows, the poverty and sufferings, the blank despairs, the baffled aspirations, the hopelessstruggles of life, if we may judge from his works, he no more knew or sympathised with than did the moths and butterflies among the trees of his garden. He was not by any means a bad man, but he cannot be regarded as one of the highest stamp. At the latter part of the last century there were many such as he among the frequenters of the Court ot poor Marie Antoinette. But the society of that day was not a success, and its whole fabric came down with a terrible crash when the time of the French revolution arrived. Such a catastrophe is not likely to take place in England. Fortunately for our country the Trollopian world is not the only one there. Such men as Lord Shaftesbury, and such women as Flo rence Nightingale, and a thousand others among our men and women, be long to a different sphere, and can only be depicted by an artist of higher powers than him who has just left us. To get into what is called “good so ciety,” and to mix with it, and to boast of its possession, is, after all, not a very high ideal of life. I

Scratched. Matanaka has been scratched for the Wellington Cup.

The Mail. —The ’Frisco mail arrived here last evening by the ordinary 7.20 train from Christchurch, and was at once sorted up and delivered by the postal officials with their usual despatch. As ii burton Eijpes. —A small squad visited the targets this morning for rifle practice, Corporal Andrews being leading man with 51 points for 20 shots at the three, four, five, and six hundred yards ranges.

Det rmined Suicide. —Last night, as the train from Palmerston, which arrives at 9 p.m., was nearing Dunedin, and just as it had got to Castle street crossing, at the entrance to the railway y rd, a man, who was observed standing near the line, suddenly threw himself in front of the engine across the ra Is. He was shock ingly mangled, and death was instan taneous. The body had not been identi fied at a late hour last night.

Mount Hutt Licensing Committee. —An adjourned meeting of the above Committee took place yesterday at the Road Board office. Present—Messrs McMillan (in the chair), Jackson, Came ron, and Dent. The Inspector’s report was read. Mr Patton had not attended to the instructions of the Committee re alterations ordered, and it was decid:d to call Mr Patton’s attention to the fact that unless he carried out all instructions the Licensing Committee were in a position to cancel hi - license. The Co'onial Sec retary wrote, stating that Mr W. L. Orr had been elected a member of the Com mittee in place of Mr Pannett. Mr Oxley waited on the Committee, and submitted plana for a new hotel, asking if they would be in favor of granting a license wore such a house to be erected. It was pointed out that the house, as per plan, would coat something like LI,BOO to complete, and that it was scarcely fair for a man to expend that amount unless some favorable answer was given about granting a license. The clck called the attention of the Committee to the amended Act, 1882, re meetings when there was no new business or complaint from the Inspector re any of the licensed houses. It was decided not to hold meet ings unless the Clerk advised the mem bers of business. Several accounts were passed for payment. Upon consideration of Mr Oxley’s application, the Chairman stated that as far as the present com mittee were concerned they would bo in favor of granting a license if a good house, equal to the plans submitted, were erected, but of course they could not give a definite promise, as a new set of men might be elected on the Committee at the next election. However, they would recommend same if new one were formed. Mr Oxley then thanked th* Chairman and withdrew, and the meeting adjourned.

The Property Tax.—-Janiiarjr2sth is the day gazetted for the payment of the property tax. - Deputy Property Tax Commissioner. —Mr Charles M. Grumble, the Deputy Property Tax Commissioner, arrived in Ashburton by this morning’s express.

Sale at Tinwald. —Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. notify an important sale of gro ceries, hardware, drapery, clothing, etc. ; also book debts belonging to the late firm of Biggs and Reid at Tinwald, on Tuesday 19th inst.

Alleged Attempt to Murder.—A man named Thomas Horton has been arrested at Auckland on a charge of at tempting to murder a married woman named Mary Jane Raynor. The trouble arose out of a dispute with the husband of the assaulted woman. Warm.—Says a Press Association tele gram from Wanganui:--“ The heat is in tense, and there have been numerous cases of sunstroke in this district. Two gaol warders are down with it. E. Beale, of the Auckland Second Eleven, is still here ill with sunstroke and low fever.”

Ole Soldiers and their Land Claims. —The old soldiers of Wanganui sent Home a petition to the Prince of Wales asking for assistance re land grants, and received a reply that his Royal Highness cannot interfere, but stating that he asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to inquire into the matter.

Bell for the Catholic Church.—We learn that a very successful founding of a new bell for the Roman Catholic Church here has been made at the Canterbury Foundry, Christchurch. The bell is 4 cwt in weight, and has a full, sonorous tone, well adapted for the purpose to which it is to be applied. The work, as a whole, is said to reflect great credit on those ha- ing it in hand. Temperance Demonstration. To morrow the temperance people are going to celebrate Anniversary Day by what the advertisement appearing in our columns calls a “United Grand Temperance De monstration,” All persons desirous of taking part in the procession are invited to assemble at the Templar Hall at noon, and soon after a stare will be made for the paddock, where all sorts of sports will be indulged in during the afternoon. In the evening a tea meeting will take place at the Town Hall, to be followed by a con cert. Mr J. W. Jago, P.G.W.C.T , has

promistd to address the meeting during the evening. Insufficient Evidence.—At the Wan ganui District Court, on Wednesday, a man named Francis Williamson was sen tenced to twelve months’ imprisonment for perjury, and a petition for appeal to the Governor is being got up, on the ground that the verdict of the jury was not justified. The prisoner swore, in a recent civil case at the Supreme Court, that a certain Native was alive in 1872, and a mass of Native evidence was called to prove that he died in 1899 A docu ment is said to be in the possi salon of the Bank of New Zealand alleged to have been signed by the deceased Native in 1872 and it is said that other evidence can be brought forward. The local Press ridicules the verdict, contending that the evidence was not sufficient to prove wilful perjury.

New Zealand Diamonds. —As there appears little probability that the Govern ment intend offering a bonus for the dis covery of a payable diamond field, says the Christchurch Telegraph, we under stand that Mr Jacobsen, of Christchurch, intends very shortly making known the locality where he found the diamonds which of late have formed the theme of general conversation and interest in this city. In so doing Mr Jacobsen believes he will be throwing open a valuable field of industry, and that should such prove to be the case the Government may eventually see their way t« grant a bonus in accordance with the nature of the re turns and the value of the field opened. We hope Mr Jacobsen will not think us ill-natured if we suggest to him that if diamonds are to be picked up here by the handful, as he a sorts, he will be well able to afford to hand over the bonus to the Industrial Association! The Roads and Bridges Construc tion Act. —Says the correspondent of the Press, wiring from Wellington on Wednesday night:—Hardly any applica tions in regular form have yet been re ceived for assistance under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882. Nu merous enquiries have been made as to the loans obtainable, but in most cases these have merely re:ulted in a request that the extension of time be granted for getting out the necessary plans required by the Act, or else the proposal is that funds may be granted in the absence of completed plans. The Government of course are absolutely barred by the t -rms of the Act from granting either of these concessions, and so there is no alternative but to refuse and warn local bodies that complete applications and plans must be in by the 31st instant, or else they must go into next year’s appropriations. Curiously enough, some of the local bodies have actually supposed that extension of time to 30th June will be granted, evi dently oblivious of the fact that if the applications are not in by the 31st of De cember they must perforce go with the next period, which extends to 30th June ; so the effect of their being unable to come to time will be exactly what they ask for, in ignorance of provisions of the law. A general mistake made by local bodies seems to be in attempting too much at the outset, that is, undertaking works quite beyond their power to finish in the year, and therefore capable of being post poned to next without any disadvantage being incurred at present. Not half a dozen complete and regular applications have bam received fromjtho local bodies from the whole colony, and there is only intimation of one poll being taken as lo the raising a rate under the Act. It is possible, however, that many more may come in before the end of the month. A South African Gold Rush.—An other gold rush is taking place in South Africa, where the reports (says the Co lonies and India) of enormously rich finds of gold being made at the Do Kaap, in the Transvaal, are engaging the attention of all classes to the exclusion almost of every other topic. At Spitzkof one digger is reported to be turning out over lOOoz of gold a week ; a neighbor of his has from 20 to 30 men in his employ, all success fully engaged in the all-absorbing search for gold. A third man reports having picked up Hlb weight of gold in six weeks by merely turning over the stoneA. On the banka of the Kaap 60 farmers claim that their lands are gold-bearing. But this very fact makes one rather suspicious as to the reality of the assertion, for if the land in question was really auriferous it would seem more likely that the fortun

ate owners would endeavor to keep the matter secret until its wealth had been proved. Undoubtedly, however, gold has been found, and in considerable abund-

ance ; but caution should be exercised by those who meditate the “rush.” A shrewd observer remarks that those with money are not so eager to join as those without ; and this indicates that the permanent gold-bearing capacity of this new field has net been absolutely proved as yet. The existence of gold in the Transvaal has long been known, and there are vast stores of other minerals, which, if not so fascinating as gold, will eventually repay working even more thoroughly than the precious metal itself. There is always the risk that “rushes” of this kind will entail much misery on disappointed speculators and prospectors; but an ac-

cession of fresh population in a naturally rich country cannot be regarded as other wise than an advantage in the long run.

Cricket.— The Aucklanders wen the match against “ Sleepy ” by five runs, the Nelsonian# scoring 150 in their second innings, of which eleven were extras.

Post Sessional. —Mr Fish, M. 11. R., addressed his constituents last night at the Princess Theatre. There was a good attendance. Mr Fish spoke for nearly three hours. He was accorded a unanim ous vote of confidence.

A Brief Sojourn. —Sir Julius Vogel’s stay in this colony will be brief. He will only remain a few days in Dunedin, and will probably only visit Christchurch and Wellington before he takes his departure from New Zealand.

Another Illuminator. —Sti I another now gas producing patent is to be applied for by Dunedin manufacturers. The gas is to be made from any fatty substance, at such cost that it can be supplied at 2 1 per thousand feet, and coal gas works can be utilised for its manufacture.

Timaru Harbor Loan.— The poll for the proposed harbor loan of LIOO.OOO will be held on Tuesday next. Great interest U being taken in the matter by all parts of the district, the only opposition, so far, coming from Geraldine, where Mr Postle thwaite, a member of the Harbor Board, is strongly opposing the loan on the ground that only two harbors are required for the South Island. At the public meeting held yesterday afternoon, influential com mittees were appointed for all parts of the district to work in support of the loan. Sou ih Rakaia Sports.— A meeting was hold last evening at Howell’s, South Rakaia Hotel, Mr R. Davies in the chair. The object of the meeting was to arrange for sports on Boxing day. Only very few of the old residents of the district were present, and but little interest was shown. A committee was appointed to arrange matters and collect subscriptions, as fol lows :—Messrs Shellock, Howell, Buack, Kemble, Inder, Dunford, Compton, C. Lake, and Patton, with power to add 1o their number. It was arranged that the committee should meet on Saturday even ing to arrange a list of prizes, etc. Some Ll 7 was collected in the room. It was decided that the events bo advertised in the local papers. The meeting then ad journed.

The Dunethst Harbor Works. —At the Dunedin Harbor Board meeting yes terday, Mr Fish proposed a resolution to the effect that before proceeding with the new scheme of harbor and bar improve ments, as proposed by the new engineer, Mr Barr, the Board take the opinion of Sir John Goode upon the proposal. The motion, after discussion, was adjourned. Relative to the same subject, Mr Burt gave notice of a motion—“ That a bonus of LSOO be offered for the best scheme for bar improvement; ” and Mr Larnach gave notice of a motion as follows :—“ That all works of the Board towards deepening the harbor be stayed meanwhile, until tenders can be called for all future works, whether as a whole or in part, in relation to the deepening of the harbor. The ten ders, with specifications, to be advertised a sufficient time in Great Britain, Ameri ca, and Australia, and the tenderers to take over any of the Board’s present plant they may require at a valuation.” Thknand Now. —The following fantas tic pen-and-ink sketch of Sir Garnet Wol seley is given by an English paper : When Sir Garnet Wo'seley was young he was a good deal of a fop in Dublin, as was the Duke of Wellington in his youth, and he used to drive a drag with his brothers

daily into Dyce’s Repository, now the family seat, near Dublin. He then wore long curls. Time has worked much change. He is now spare, lantern-jawed, with short grey hair, and a blonde mous-

tache. In the field he wears a yellow sun helmet, wound about with a handker chief of check ; his red coat is open at the chest, and spotted with many stains of grease; he has a variegated cravat, a wool len shirt of a loud pattern, grey checked trousers, yellow riding boots and spurs, an opera glass with yellow case and strap, -°nd yellow revolver-belt with cartridge case ; yellow gauntlets, a violet pocket handkerchief stuck in his red coat, a gigantic pair of dark blue spectacles, and in his hand he flourishes a fan to keep off the flies.

I Archibald Forbes and ahe Candid Auditor —Archibald Forbes tells the fol lowing good story of his experiences as a lecturer:—“lt is bad enough to realise | that you aro a failure, but it is quite too harrowing to be told so to your face, and | all the more harrowing when your infor | mant does not know whom he is address ‘ ing. Once long ago, I gave an isolated ’ lecture in Manchester on the Carlist war in Spain, from which I had recently returned. It was a poor subject, it was a bad lecture, and it wai a worse lecturer. I felt rather miserable as I stood in the auditorium, trying to converse with the secretary, while the tag-end of the audience slowly dispersed. A young gentleman sauntered up, and, not recognising me as the lecturer, addressed the secretary. ‘ Infernally poor lecturer,’ this friendly creature observed, ‘ Dont you think so V he asked the secretary. That official re mained dumb in embarrassment. ‘ Dont you think so sir?’ said he, addressing me. ‘ I quite agree with you,’ was my reply, in sad truth. f Of course it was,’ he continued. ‘We all know the fellow can write first-rate, but ho ought to stick to In's pen and not try to lecture, for he can’t lecture worth a blank. Isn’t that so, sir V again addressing me as a previous sympathiser. Again I expressed agreement with him, and he was proceed ing with detailed criticism of an emphatic character,- when the secretary, in a cold perspiration, clutche I hold of him, dragged him to one side, and whispered something to him. The next thing I saw of the frank and ingenuous critic was his fluttering coat-tails as he dashed head long from the hall. He could not rally himself even to apologise; and, besides, what had he to apologise for ?” Holloway’s Pills are strongly recom mended to all persons who are much reduced in power and condition, whoso stomachs are weak, and whose nerves are shattered. The beneficial effects of these Pills will be percep tible after a few days’ trial, though a more ex tended course may be required to re-establish perfect health. Holloway’s medicine acts on the organs ot digestion, and induces complete regularity in the stomach, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. This treatment is both safe and cer tain in result, and is thoroughly consistent with j observation, experience, and common sense. The purification of the blood, the removal of all noxious matter from the secretions, and the 1 excitement of gentle action in the bowels, are 1 the sources of the curative powers of Hollo- < way’s Pills.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON.— To-dat,

[Before I. N. Watt, Esq., R.M.J

Alleoed Sheet Stealing. John Meiklejohn was charged with “That on or about the 30th November, at Ilakaia, in the Colony of New Zealand, ha did feloniously steal take and drive away 510 sheep, of the value of L 306 sterling, the goods and chattels of Sir John Hall, con trary to the form of the Statute in such •esse made and provided.” Mr Branson appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty. Mr Branson asked that all wit nesses might be ordered out of Court. Sergeant Felton said that on Saturday, the oth of December, about 8 a.m. he arrested the accused at the Ashburton Hotel on the present charge. Witness said, “I arrest you for sheep-stealing.” Accused said, “ What sheep ? ” Witness replied, “ The sheep you took away from Davis’s mill last Tuesday.” Accused said, “ I know nothing about the sheep—l never had any sheep.” Witness said] “ The sheep I mean are those you drove

across {lSPrivarNmt Saturday.” Mr asked ms- Wdrphip to say whethefc-jjthia dvictßjSte was,' admissible. Elia: ,Worship daid “this only a pre- Sergeant,; Felton re alising ms evidence, bontiuiisd—accused t*aidj?j knort nothing ’ i- 1 u any ahoep.J You bad bettor mind what yoVV artj^ making a great mistake.” Witness again described the sheep he was referring to.—J. E. Pdunlafite,’ mahdger afSfirJr'HßnfgßSSp’ station, Uororata, seventeen or eighteen miles from- Rakaia, had missed some sheep off the run on Tuesday laat, abuut fifty. Identified the sheep outside the Courthouse as some of those missing. 500 sheep were missing in all, or there abouts. The witness here described the bran ! s, and went into details. The sheep witness had examined had got the ear marks and brands he described. The sheep had not been sold to any person. Did not know the accused. He had not been engage! driving for witness. He did not know him at all. They never sold sh ep without a special mark on them, and the sheep removed were not so marked. —William McLaren, shepherd, employed by Mr Peel, Rakaia, deposed that on the Ist o' December he met ac cused while on his way home. He was driving a mob of sheep, and witness made up to him and they entered into conver sation. IN itness asked accused whose sheep he was driving, and ho replied, “.Peter Grant’s.” Witness replied, “I believe you have one of Mr Westenra’s sheep there,” and accused said there might be one. Witness then said, “ I think you have also one of ours.” Accused said that if he had Mr Grant would give delivery of it when he got the flock. Witness replied, “ That will not do for me,” and dismounting from his horse he went into the flock and caught two sheep for examination. Witness after looking at the sheep said “ Every blessed sheep you have got belongs to Mr Wes tenra.” Thought the sheep were Mr Westenra’s from the brands, etc., but he was now'prepared to swear that the sheep outside were the property of Sir John Hall.—James Davison, farmer, south side of the Ashburton river, deposed that ac cused visited his place on Saturday, 2nd December’, about half-past eight or nine o’clock in the morning He said he bad ■just crossed the Ashburton river, and asked witness to put some sheep in a small paddock for a few days for him. He said he was going to take them to Tin wald. Witness asked accused where he had got the sheep, and ha said from Mr Drummond, of Rakaia. On the Sunday accused brought the sheep over 1 , and kept them at witness’place until Thursday.— Constable Neill deposed to being at Waterton on Friday, Bth inat., and to tracking a mob of sheep from Jas. Davis’s house to the lower ford. On Sunday, the 10th, witness found a mob of sheep in the river-bed. Accused said they had nothing to do with him. The sheep were all marked similar to those outside the Court. —Alex.. Grant deposed that he was a cattle dealer living in Christchurch, and did not know accused., Ho had .no transactions with him, and never bought sheep.—Mr Branson :'But it was Peter (jbrahti tp whom accused said he was taking the sheep.— Sergeant Felton said it was Peter Grant of whom accused said he had got the , sheep, but Alex. Grant was ~to take de livery of them.—John Harris, a shepherd, employed by Sir John Hall, deposed to examining the sheep taken from the river bed by Constable Neill. They were Sir' John Hall’s property. Some of the sheep were outside the Court. —At this stage Mr Branson said that he would not proceed further, but if his Worship was satisfied that there was a prima facie case against his client he would merely reserve his defence for a higher Court.—Accused was then formally committed to take his trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court, Christchurch. Nothing was said about bail.

CIVIL CASKS, . In the following case's judgment weni for plaintiff with costs :—Orr and Co. v, Dudson, claim L 3 7s ; Lancaster v. Mark ham, claim L 7 2s lid ; Mulford v. Por ter, claim L 5.

Toner v. Smith, claim L2O. Plaintiff nonsuited.

THE PHŒNIX PARK TRAGEDY.

Arrest of Two Suspects. [Reuter’s TRLEGRiMS— COPYRIGHT.] Received Dec. 15, 1.40 p.m.) Loxdon, Dec. 14. Two men, named Byrne and Hanlon, described as artizans, have been arrested for the murder of Lord Frederick Caven dish and Mr Burke in May last.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ANNIVERSARY DAY HOLIDAY.

■ To the Editor.

Sir, —As I notice by the papers that Christchurch, Timaru, arid every town ip the old Canterbury Province, together with the Government, have proclaimed to-morrow, the 16th, a holiday, and that the railway also have recognised it as such by their advertisements, can you tall me why Ashburton stands alone, and asserts to herself the right to ignore a hitherto recognised holiday? A rumor has reached me that some of our wiseacres think that because Anniversary Day falls once in seven years on a Saturday, and that to morrow, that now is the time to make a stand and stamp out such a holiday. I hope, if such is the case, they will also stamp out the 26th, another recognised holiday. —I am., etc.. Enquirer.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[reCTEr’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] Congratulatory. London, Dec. 13. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone las received numerous congratulatory etters addressed on the jubilee of his Parliamentary life. He was first elected in the Conservative interest) for Newark at the General election in De :ember, 1832. [Received Dec. 15, 11.30 a m.] Money and tie Markets. Consols remain atggjHj ex div.; New Zealand securities, 5 per cent. 10.40 Loan, 1 per cent. 1889 Loan, 104, ex div.; per cent., 1579-1904 Loan, Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, is unchanged at 495, and New Zealand ditto at 43s 6d to 46s 6d; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 345; Australian tallow—Best beef, 42s 6d ; best mutton, 44s fid. Hampton Court in Flames. London, Dec. 14. A terrific fire broke out last night at Hampton Court, and is still burning, all efforts to stay the progress of the flames having so far proved unsuccess ful. The whole of the east end of the building has been destroyed, and it is feared that further destruction will re sult.

[Received Dec. 15, 1.40p.m.]

The fire at Hampton Court has now been subdued, and the destruction has been confined to the private apartments

of the Palace, all the public portions having been saved. [Received Dec. 15, 12.20 p.m.] Farl Derby on the Egyptian Ques tion. Earl Derby addressed a large public meeting at Manchester last evening. In the course of his speech he referred at length to the Egyptian question, and repudiated the idea of an English force remaining in Egypt a moment longer than was necessary.- A Heavy Snowfall. A fresh heavy fall of snow has been experienced in the West and North of England, and traffic is entirely sus pended in several places.

AUSTRALIAN.

[bKUTRK’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] Decided to Retire. Melbourne, Yesterday. It is announced that Sir Charles Sladen, M.L.C., has definitely decided to retire from political life. The No-Confidence Debate. The debate in the Legislative' Assembly on Mr Munro’s motion was last night further adjourned. Wool. At their wool sales to-day the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, offered 2,900 bales. The sale was well attended, and the competition was animated at full prices/ 2,500 bales were sold at satisfactory prices. Good qualities are a shade higher. The Wairarapa. ; Arrived, this morning —Union Com pany’s steamship Wairarapa, from the Bluff. The Mining Disaster. _ Latest telegrams from Creswick state that the rescuers’ work was one of ex treme difficulty owing to the quantities of mullock and washdirt in the drived Numbers nine and ten rise were searched unsuccessfully, but on arriving at number eleven the relief party beard a cry, “All right,” and this led to wide spread belief that all were safe. The rescuers, however, subsequently found that five only were alive. The namef are Manley, Bowen, Corbett, Maloney, and Kirk, All are very ill from their long confinement. The total deaths number twenty-two. All the bodies of those who lost their life were found in the vicinity of the survivors. Manley one of the survivors, states that the ma jority dropped down from exhaustion,and were suffocated by foul air or drowned. Kirk is suffering from congestion of the lungs, and is in a critical condition. The distress of the relations of the de ceased miners was increased by the groundless report that all had ban saved. A subscription list has been opened for the widows and [Received Dec. 15, 1.40 p.m.] Melbourne, To-day. The survivors from the Australian mine state that some, of.; their mates died some time before the rescue party arrived. The deceased men have left seventeen widows and fully one htm dred orphans, and there is a general and spontaneous movement throughout the colony to raise subscriptions for their relief. Kirk, one of the survivors, who was in a critical state when rescued is now better.

Negatived. In the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr Munroe’s motion for the ap pointment of a select committee to re port upon the railway administration, which was treated by the Government as a vote of want of confidence, was, after further debate, negatived otf|a division by 44 to 33 votes. The Coming Man, Adelaide, To-day. Sir William Jervois leaves this city for New Zealand on January Bth next.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] A Suspicions Fire. Onehcnga, To-day, I A fire occurred at Onehunga at 2.40 this morning, which destroyed eleven build ings. No water was available. It origi nated in the hay-loft attached to the Hibernian Hotel, and there is reason‘for suspecting a worthless fellow named Philip Pennell, who slept in the loft caused the fire, either by accident or design. The buildings destroyed and the insurance thereon are :—Hibernian stable (Sec combe’s) LSO in New Zealand; Oats, boot maker, Ll7O in the New Zealand office; Bulleraigh, dwelling and shop, L 250, South British; Pegwer’s dwelling and workshop, L 230, South British; Blake’s house and shop, L 250, South British; Clark’s dwelling, L 250, New Zealand; Nichol’s carpenter’s shop, L7O New Zea land ; Yates, double shop, L'-100, Colonial; and the Good Templar Hall, Ll5O, North British and LSO South British. Cricket. Haweba, To-day. The Hawera team won the return match with the Auckland second team by one innings and 42 runs. The Meat Canning Business. Wellington, To-dav.

I «? iiuAiuiuiUi,!) Xv*uajr. In September last the Premier wrote to t Mr Griffin, U.S. Consul for New Zealand, who was proceeding to America, asking ; him, if it would not inconvenience bin), to make enquiries into the details of the meat preserving business which was carried on in Chicago, and especially as to the cost of plant required for making the tins, and for compressing the meat, as well as the expenses connected with each branch of the work when a factory was in average operation. A reply, dated Nov. 11th, was received by the last mail from a large firm in Chicago, in which they state that it would be difficult to give any detailed items of interest without specfic questions. However, they could say in general that from their stand point the chief objection to making the business re munerative in New Zealand, would be the difficulty of marketing surplus outs of fresh meat. Without this market to ren der it possible to dispose of ribs and loins, they thought that the canning busi ness would have to be carried on at a dis advantage. If the best cuts of beef could be marketed the canning business might be carried on profitably. Sporting. Christchurch, To-day. At a meeting of the C J. C. Committee yesterday it was resolved to erase the O.J.C. Handicap from the programme of the Spring Meeting and substitute a race to be called the New Zealand Cup Handi cap, of 20 bovs each, with 1,000 sovs added; second horse, 100 so vs; third, 60 sovs. It was also decided to have two steeplechases at the Autumn Meeting, one of 200 sovs added to a sweepstakes of 10 sovs, and another the Hunt Cup trophy of 50 sovs and 50 sovs in specie. A Young Incorrigible. _ A boy named Leonard Post was con victed at the Magistrate's Court thi| morning of breaking into the shop of Gould and Co., chemists, with the intenr tion of stealing therefrom, and was ordered to be sent to the Industrial School. He had previously been seven times before the Court, on charges of larceny, and had been whipped twice. Scratched. Lady Emma is scratched for all engage meats at the C.J.C, New Year’s Day Meeting. *

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15,. 1882.



DAILY MEMORANDA AUCTION SALES To-morrow, Saturday, Dkcbmbbk 16. Mr. T. Bullock, at the Bazaar, Burnett t{ T 'ODt—Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. Ml I- Bullock, at the Bazaar —Horses ; , , 1 p.m. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar, Burnett street —Caledonian Sports Privileges ; •1.80 p.m. Mr Allred Harrison, at the yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his room—China, Glassware, Fancy Goods, &c.; 2p. m. Mr W. F. Allen, at his rooms, Burnett street—Horses, Pigs, Poulb General Produce, Ac.; 11.30 a.m. Matson, Cox, and Co., at Tattersall’s, Burnett street—Produce, &c.; 11.30 aTm. Tuesday, Decembes 19. J. T. Ford & Co., at Messrs Biggs and - Reid’s Store, Tinwald Grocery, Drapery, Clothing, Book Debts, &c.; 11 a. m. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his rooms— Pianos, Organs, and Harmoniums ; 2 p.m. Staitionery, &c. ; 3 p.m. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. R. Wilkin and Co., at the New Zealand Wool Stores, Christchurch—Wool ; 11 I/. a.m. Wednesday, December 20. N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., at the Christchurch Wool and Grain Ware house—Wool. . , , Friday, December 22. Matson, Cox, and Co., at Tinwald—Tim ■ her, Ironmongery, Ac,; 11 a.m. Saturday, December 23. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their Bazaar— Landed Property ; 11. SO a.m. MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, Otv ; To-morrow, Saturday, December 16. . Grand Temperance Demonstration—Ath letic Sports, Tea Meeting, and Conceit. ■ Tuesday, December 19 Meeting re Wakanui Library—Wakanui Schoolroom, 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 20. , Fancy Fair and Tea Meeting, in aid of St Stephen’s Church—Dr Trevor’s grounds rnfife SCOTTISH IMPERIAL in- J. SURANOB COMPANY. Head Office: 151, West George street, Glasgow. Capital ... £1,000,000 FIRE RISKS taken at lowest current rates. Claims promptly settled here, W. R. BOYLE, n 7 Agent, Ashburton. [With an apology to Green’s Shade.] CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES.—The BIG SHOP in Bast Street, Ash burton, has just been opened with an entirely NEW of English, . Foreign, and Col -nial-nnde BOOTS and SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which have given such satisfaction in Tinwald and else where. —C. HAWKINS, “ Munstek” Warehouse, Ashburton ; also at Tin wald.



Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. JONES, Agent. PIPE ORGANS.-Especially suitable for Churches. Ear superior to any Heed Organ near the price for richness and purity of tone, volume of sound, and durability of construction. Price—£l2o. REED ORGANS.—By Smith and Co., Mason and Hamlin, Wood and Co., Esby and Co., New England Company, and Clough and Warner, —from £l2 12s. PIA N O S. —Brinsmead and Sons, Broadwood, Collard and Oollard, ErarJ, Pleyel and others, Dresden Model, and German and French manufacturers, with 11 latest improvements. DEFERRED PAYMENTS. Wholesale and Retail. 014 fpHRESHINQ BOOKS printed on the J.. shortest notice, at the* Office of this



Wanted TJCTANTED, at once—Three DREBS * * MAKERS. Apply to Feieolander Bros. dl4 WANTED, immediately, for Westoi field, a MAN who understands 'Gardening. D. Oliver, Weaterfield. 14d WANTED TENDERS for HAR VESTING 1,362 Acres of Wheat, in one or three lots. The lowest, or any tender, not necessarily accepted. Tenders to be in 23rd Dec., 1882. Apply, W, 11. RULE, d!3 Pendarves. WANTED EVERYBODY to know that Hayes and Oo.’b is the Cheapest House in Town for CLOTHING and DRAPERY. au 12 WANTED K TOWN Friedlander Bros.’ is the cheapest house in town for first-class Drapery. 10 per cent, discount, or 2s off every £ for cash. d 5 "yy ANTED KNOWN That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., can be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. WANTED KNOWN—It is Mr Lan caster’s intention to extend his Bread Business, and he wishes his cus tomers to know he has secured Mr Thomas Hicks to manage that branch. A Cart will be run with Broad alone, independent of the other Two Carts, which will con tinue to run as before. The name of Mr Hicks will be a sufficient guarantee that, under his management, Bread of unex ceptionable quality will be turned out of the FREETRADE BAKERY, East street —R. Lancaster, Propiietor. 240



Special Advertisements. JBL M. Jones' COMPLIMENTS TO ALL; And desires to call special attention to the following items, which have been carefully selected for the coming Festive Season : BOOKS ! BOOKS ! ! REWARD, PRESENT ATION, and PRIZE BOOKS. NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child's Companion Infanta’ Magazine, &c., &c. POETS— VARIOUS Authors ; Sir Walter Scott’s Works, new edition, complete. TOYS! TOYS !! TOYS!!! GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, and Indiarubber. DOLLS ! DOLLS !! DOLLS !!! ALL SIZ S—From one inch to two feet—in Wood, Rag, China, Composition, etc. FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above, suitable for Christmas Presents and New Year Gifts. ALL the above Goods are offered at the LOWEST Possible Prices for CASH. A LIBERAL DISCOUNT allowed to schools on parcels of Toys, Books, etc. PIANOS. ORGANS, BRASS, and STRINGED INSTRUMENTS ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d QHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &C., &G., &C. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS. STATIONERS, &c. East street south, Ashburton. nls THE MUTUAL FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. The undersigned beg to intimate that the above Company has started Business in Ashburton, and that they have been appointed Agents, and are now prepared to receive proposals for INSURANCE. Premiums at a Discount of 25 per cent, off past current rates, o 2 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO.



G R E A T SAL OF A LARGE SALVAGE STOCK OF E FURNITURE! FURNITURE! Furniture ! Also, a large quantity of NEW and SECOND-HAND FURNI TURE-CHEAP. All kinds of Turnery, Carving, &c. Bedroom and Drawing-room Suites. John Meech, BURNETT STREET, Ashburton. Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade Workshop—Next Mail Hfioe.



I F YOtJ WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. VERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed best of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED



Special Advertisements. SAMUEL SON’S PRIZE SHEAF TWINE BINDER & HARVESTER THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, Have landing, ex Marlborough, their first shipment of the bamuelson PRIZE TWINE BINDER AND HARVESTER. The Machines, which are now being f.ist sold, have many material improve ments on the one exhibited by Messrs Samuel on last season. Among others we may mention especially the NEW AND STRONG MAIN GEAR FRAME CHAIN LIFTING GEAR ON TRA VELLING WHEEL RAISING AND LOWERING GEAR FOR GRAIN WHEEL PATENT OILING ARRANGE MENTS FOR DRIVING-WHEEL IMPROVED SHIFTING REEL. These, combined with the lightness of draught, lowness of cut, simplicity of con struction, and strength of material, render the machine the most complete offered this season. The Binder is simple and easy to oper ate and automatic, making sheaves regular in size and with perfect separation and good shape, with secure knot. Messrs Samuelson, in perfecting this machine, have avoided complication, and have carefully studied extreme simplicity and facility of adjustment. An expert from Messrs Samuelson’s Factory is now on the way out, and will arrive in New Zealand early in December, so as ro be present to render his services duting next harvest. Early application is necessary to avoid disappointment in securing a machine. G. G. STEAD, Managing Director. P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12au Agent, Ashburton. fJpRY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory For every article of MEN’S, YOUTHS’ AND BOYS’ CLOTHING, SHIPPING AND TRAVELLING OUTFITS ; Also for CHOICE NEW GOODS In hats, hosiery, shirts, ties, PORTMANTEAUX, RUGS, BLANKETS, &c. | HIGHEST AWARD AND SPECIAL HONORARY MENTION At DUNEDIN INDUSTRIAL EXHI BITION ; Also, TWO PRIZE MEDALS AND SPECIAL CERTIFICATE Awarded at CHRISTCHURCH EXHIBITION. Seventeen Retail Branches now open in the Colony. A SINGLE ARTICLE AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Ashburton Branch: i EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. s!9



C 0 A We have now IN S ference, a large supply Old Lambt This is the BEST imported. 18n TUCKER, RE; TO B BREWERS, AN! Just landed, ex Marj Greyinouth, a supply of t CELEBRAI Brunner The best procurable for steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RES N 0 T _ We have now IN STO( ex vessels from Kaipara, ment of



Thomas Taylor, "gAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East street. WEDDIN G OAKES To Order. Manufacturer of CIDER AND OTHER CORDIALS,