wear'and tfcsrsfltfe; made up, a# it is, of keen competition, severe struggle for existence, and all the attendants neces sary in trying to keep pace with others in the race of life. They do not pretend to look upon alcohol with any great amount of enthusiasm. No doubt, they say, it is . an evil in many respects, but then it is a necessary one, and it only remains to make the best of the matter. Now, the question for consideration is : Does alcohol possess the virtue that is here claimed that alcohol will temporarily dissipate a feeling of weariness, and pr duce one of elasticity is not, of course, to be denied ; but that it can do more than this, or even do this without producing corresponding evils of equal or greater magnitude I most emphatically deny. The very word stimulant is antagonistic to this view. A stimulant is that which produces transcient increase of vital activity. Alcohol, as the veriest tyro in chemistry knows, cannot give strength ; any feeling of buoyancy it may produce is due, not to the accession of energy, but to an injurious draught upon the system which has put upon it a greater strain than it can legitimately or continuously bear. Now comes the question, is alcohol a stimulant at all 1 Undoubtedly alcohol is a narcotic poison. When taken in sufficient quantities to produce death, paralyses of the vital organa ensues, and when taken in doses, which produce helplessness only, the senses are dulled, the mind is stupefied, and the limbs re fuse to perform their wonted functions. If then alcohol acts thus in large doses, is it probable that in small doses it will act as a stimulant, to the effect likely not only to differ in degree, but to be posi tively antagonistic in kind, according sim ply to the quantity taken ? It seems to be scarcely possible. But this theory, it may be urged, conflicts with the facts. Alcohol does stimulate when taken mode rately r on,the, contrary,,alcohol acts m the early stages, precisely as it. might be expected to do, on the supposi-' tionthat it is a narcotic. The individual feels recruited it is true,:but not because he has drunk new life, but because his consciousness of the loss of energy is deadened. His ipspgue; is : unloosed, and he waxes eloquent; hot on account of his powers of imagination or conversation being stimulated- but on account of his nattir JLcax it joV/rfhd sahse Hjf propriety.? being narcotized. The facta do thus square with the theory, and then we arrive at the same conclusion that alcohol is not a stimulant. If, however, experience is to be made the test v it will speak more pp wer- ■ for Ahh' use-of' filed-' .hoi, be it regarded as a stimulant or not. Total abstainers have never been charge! ££a*by, and if they can, as they do, successfully take an active part in the affairs of life, it tends to show that.those.who attribute support or success'to their'use of wine and spirits are affording an illustration of a common fall&dy/ wnd the performance of their accustomed duties must be attributed to

other'causes:; TSvax the transitory feeling of exaltation caused by alcohol ceases in time ftoibi&prftducßfl'in >.the s,arre degree, and recourse must be had to larger quantities. This entails increasingly per nicious effects upon the system, and results, as I previously mentioned, in a vitiated appetite, and an unhappy craving which may lead to disastrous conse quences, both physical and moral. If these statements do not meet with re sponse in the hearts of my hearers, I will ask them to bear in mind the first text of the first temperance address, delivered by Dr Justin Edwards, now fifty years ago, namely— ‘ The person who never drinks liquor can never be a drunkard.’ Then, again, if we take statistics in relation to health and longevity comes another reason why moderate drinkers should become total abstainers., . From a report made to the ‘'Nat&tfal Temfiefftwice : Lfehgne at the annual meeting in 1881 we find that the statist's oPlhe* Whited 'RirtgS toil TeWpferi ance and General Provident Institution shdwithersapaio&vhlae of teetotal lives as compared with those of moderate drinker*.'// institution -jnfluresQits members in two sections, one of which are total abstainers, the other moderate drinkers. The two sections are exactly alike in every other respect, about 20,000 lives being insured in the general section, and 10,000 in the temperance section. Returns of the expected and actual claims in both sections for 15 years from 1864 to 1»79 show that in'the general section 3,450 deaths were expected, and 3,444 took place, while in the temperance sec tion the expected deaths were 2,002, and the actual deaths only 1,433. At the Bradford Temperance Jubilee in June, 1881, the following comparative state ment between Rechabltes and Oddfellows waSf/giWitfO-JW /-tSei/Beidiabites, i 1870 year : Average sickness, 5 days 20 hours ; death-rate/J 1 KihJ«fi ff>ayfi»4*te,: 3S 2d. Oddfellows : Average sickness, 14 days 5 hours ; death-rate, 1 in 48 ; payments, 13s 9d. In 1877 —The Rechabites : Ave rage sickness, 4 days 7 hours ; death-rate, 1 in 100 ; payments, BssJd. Oddfellows: Average sickness, 12 days 12 hours; death-rate, 1 in 45 ; payments, 13s s£d. Or the average per 8 .years from 1870 to 1877 —Rechabites : . Average sickness, 4 days 2 hours ; death-rate, lin 141; pay ments, 5» 9Jd. Oddfellows : Average sickness, 13 days 10 hours; death rate, 1 in 44; payments, 13s Id. I would like to say a‘few words to those among you who have not yet joined this your casting in your lot with us to-nighl and taking our pledge of total abstinence, For all must admit evil of drunkenness demands 4 a sharp and stringent remedy. To save the drunkard it is indispensible that he should be pre Tailed upon never to touch the drinl which has cursed him. It is an honorable thing for those of you who think yoi could drink in moderation to abstain ir order to give moral support to those whe cannot. There may be some of you here to-night who do not recognise this obliga tion personally to abstain. We, ai a body, undoubtedly contend foi the practice of total abstinence, and looking at all the circumstances, we believe that the total abstinence pledgi has a high value, and that those who havi not taken it (though perhaps practica abstainers) will both strengthen them selves and exert a greater influence upoi others by taking it. Some persons know ha - e an objection to a pledge, th adoption of it they hold to bp an admis Sjon that they have not sufficient flrmnes in themselves to prevent them from run ning into temptation. Paley expose this objection in the following words * I own myself a friend,’ he says, ‘to our 1 laying down rules to ourselves of this port and rigidly abiding by them. They may be exclaimed against as stiff, but they Ore often salutary. Indefinite resolutions of abstemiousness are apt to yield to extra ordinary occasions, and extraordinary oc casions to pccur perpetually. Whereas t|ie stricter the rule is the more tenacious ye grow of it, and many a man will ab stain rather than break through it, who wpuld not easjly be brought to exercise the aafpe. from highpr ino . liyes, not tp meption that when opr rule is onpe known, wp are provided with »n answer for every importunity.’ The practical abstainer will feel his will braced by the open and public avowal which it involved in the pledge that he has abjured intoxicants; and when it is known that he is pledged he will not be importuned to drink as when unpledged. Bis temp tations will then be fewer, and his power

pltidgftJWi hmK*. ! rTkomaj wtyi *»*>. wembers of been intemperate, bv»t tfaeMtifaajdse &• co«- of tbooe who have

been on the verge of intemperance, and some who have been grossly intemperate Now, the strong here support the weak, their example, their countenance, and their sympathy exert an invigorat ng moral influence upon them. The bonds of union are sources of power, and many stand firm under the pledge, who, if left alone, would undoubtedly fall. All the members of a total abstinence society are bound by invisible but strong cords, the sympathies of a common conviction, a common pledge, and a common purpose to invite them, they have a special in terest in each other —and the conscious ness of this is a safety rope ; it keeps many a one who may be unsteady from failin'* and being lost. But there is even more°than this. The pledge is a public testimony against the use of intoxicating drinks. Personal abstinence is no doubt a testimony too, but it is less public. There are many in different walks of life whose position in society gives them great influence, and who. though abstainers, have not by a pledge given a public avowal of their abstinence. If there are any here now, I ask you to enrol your selves with me, and by so doing you will, in your several spheres, dispose many who are non-abstainers to think seriously of our principles. Remember that public opinion is influenced by public testi monies. Whfln public questions are being discussed, how powerfully do mass meet ings toll on the mind of the community. The very sight of thousands brought to gether to raise their voices on behalf of some great principle attracts attention, awakens thought, creates sympathy. In a struggle such as we are engaged in, they who simply say, “ We wish drink was banished from the land, we wi-h the tyrant alcohol dethroned,” but who will make no public avowal of their principles, who will not come forward and take their place in the ranks of the great temper ance army, will contribute little to the victory. For the sake then of others even if you have no fear of yourselves, I ask you once more to join our band, take the pledge of total abstinence, and show to the world at large, your faith, willingness, and determination to assist in building up a sober and Christian nation. My friends I have endeavored, though very in differently, but to the best of my ability, to put before you a few facts, and should any who has beard them bo still proud to think they have only their own welfare to look after, and that their will and mind is strong enough to enable them to say ‘ Thus far.will I go, and no farther, let them, ponder on the words of the Apostle, ‘ Let him that thinkest he ■tandetli take heed lest he fall,' and for fear of unforseen trials coming upon them which even with all their self assurance might prove too many for them, I say to them take the words I mentioned in a former part of this paper, as your guiding star. ‘ The man who tastes no liquor, can never get drunk. ”

DEATH IN A GAOL.

Supposed Suicide

[by telegraph.]

Auckland, To-day.

Hooton, the chemist, remanded on a charge of attempting to murder Miss Raynor, at Davenport, was found dead in his cell at Mount Eden gaol, at 3 o’clock this morning. An inquest will be held at 2 o’clock this afternoon. It is suspected the deceased committed suicide by poison.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

To the Editor.

Sib —Would you kindly' insert .a few remarks on the Anniversary holiday (which should have been and is not.) As you are aware, a number of citizens were willing to close as usual, but an obstinate few. doubtless imagining that the holiday in Christchurch and elsewhere, combined with the “ Temperance Demonstration,” so long mooted, would naturally cause a largd influx of people to our town, thought this a splendid opportunity to gather in a few “ bawbees,” and under a pretence of fancied inconvenience to farmers, and a desire to stamp out as they call it, any obnoxious holidays, however generally re cognised, they have strenuously set them selves to compel others in self defence to ke j pthe shops open, and in one case even went so far as to refuse leave to one of their staff to take part in the Temperance . Demonstration, Now, Sir, these gentle men are the loudest in their praise of temperance, and what they would do for it, yet when such a great moral move ment is advanced, they do their very best to stop it, although it is fixed on a hither to recognised holiday. The prime movers in this opposition are several business people Who are well-known in the town, an ■ I sincerely hope that their action in the tnatter will be borne in mind. The action f of the Borough Council is too childish to provoke comment, except to notice their generosity to their employees in giving them a holiday on Monday when therd-ire no■ amusements, etc.; on the tapis, and refusing them on a day when Canterbury at large is keeping open holi day. These actions speak for themselves. It now remains for the public to have their say in the matter, and if these op positionists are true, let them show it by following “Enquirer’s” proposition in your last night’s issue, and keep open on the 28th, Boxing Day.—l am, etc., v No Under Current.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Money and the Markets. London, Dec. 14. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is Lx 1,300,000. The proportion of reserve to liabilities, 41 per cent. The Bank rate of dis count remains at 5 per cent., and mar ket rate, 3 y 2 . Consols have advanced to The markets for colonial se curities and produce are unchanged. Chancellor of the Exchequer. London, Dec. 15. ' It is officially announced that the Right Hon. H, C. E. Childers has as sumed the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer, vice the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, resigned. (Received Dec. 1(5, 1.20 p.m.) Rig Failures> Several large" failures are reported in the tin plats trade, the liabilities in some cases being extensive. A Self-accused Murderer. William Westgate, who confesses to participation in the Phpenix Park mur ders of last ¥ay> has arfivpd at Ply mouth from Jamaica. He is apparently an imbecile, Executed. The three men who were sentenced to.death for the murder ot the Joyce family at Mantrasna, Connemara, in August last, were executed to-day. An Expedition Abandoned. Paris, Doc. 15.

The proposed expedition to Tonquin has been abandoned owing to the division of opinion in the Cabinet as to the necessity for the establishment of a French protectorate over the terri tory. The discussion in the Cabinet

has led to the resignation of Admiral Purgulberry, Minister of Marine. The Suez Canal. Berlin, Pec. 14.

The North German Gazette an nounces, in an article to-day, that com munications have recently passed be tween England and other European powers regarding the Suez Canal, and that the British Government proposes to ensure the maintenance of the neu trality of the canal by the establishment of a joint European protection.

AUSTRALIAN.

f REUTER’S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT. ] The Oreswick Disaster. Melbourne, Yesterday. The bodies of the miners who were drowned in the Australasian mine at Creswick were buried to-day. A sub scription list has been opened in Tas mania for the relief of the widows and orphans. Kauri. Messrs C. S. Ross and Co., of this citj', report sales of kauri timber, ex Peerless and Nightingale, at the fol lowing average per 100 feet super. : Hewn logs, 16s 3d; logs, 16s 6d ; sawn flitches, 17s; sawn boards, 1 inch, igs; do., inch, 21s. The market is weaker, The General Election. Sydney, Yesterday. The general election will shortly be concluded. The returns now to hand show a large majority against the Go vernment. Produce. New Zealand wheat, per bushel, 4s lod ; New Zealand oats, 3s 4d ; maize, 5s 6d. Sugar Company’s No. x pieces, per ton, L 35. Adelaide, Yesterday. Wheat, per bushel, 4s lod; nothing doing. Town flour, per ton, Ll2 ; country brands, Lu 5s ; freight to the United Kingdom From Adelaide, sailing, 37s to 40s ; the freight market is weaker.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] En Route. A uckland. To-day. Tawhaio, with sixty followers, left Alexandria, yesterday, en route for Napier, Amalgamated. The formation of the New Zealand Pedigree Stock Company is announced. It is an amalgamation of the Auckland Agricultural Company and Messrs S. and B. Morrison’s business. The Holiday in Christchurch. Christchurch, To-day. Christchurch is en fete to-day, almost all the places of business being closed. The Caledonian Sports in Lancaster Park, and the Popular Sports in Hagley Park have attracted crowds of patrons. The weather is everything that could bo wished. The Wesleyan Sunday School picnic at Heathcote Valley is attended by 500 or 600 children. Fire. About half past three this morning Cashel House, in Cashel street, was found to be on fire. The Fire Brigade turned out immediately and succeeded in extin guishing the fire before it had a good hold. The premises were occupied downstairs by Messrs Craig and Smyth, retail drapers, and upstairs by Messrs Ross and Glendining, warehousemen, of Dunedin. The stock of both firms is much damaged by fire and water. Craig and Smyth’s insurances are, L 3,200 in the New Zea land, L 2,000 in the Standard, and LJ,OOO in the Guardian. Ross and Glendining’s insurances are, L 2,500 in the National, and LI,OOO in the Liverpool and London and Globe. The fire is believed to have been accidental. The police are in charge of the promises. A Fatal Bathe. Dunedin, To-day. John Wimpeny, a clerk in the employ of Messrs Sparrow and Co., was drowned this morning whilst bathing at the Ocean Beach. The body of the unfortunate man was carried out to ssa. Death of a Well-known “Sport.” Mr George Dodson, of Port Chalmers, the well-known sportsman, died to-day.

TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION.

The advocates of temperance in Ashbur ton celebrated Anniversary Day by a “ United Demonstration ” at the Alfred Mill paddocks this afternoon. About one o’clock the various temperance bodies assembled at the Templar Hall, and marched in procession to the scene of operations. The weather was intensely hot, but the day was a very suitable one nevertheless for out-of-door sports. The attendance was very good all things con sidered, and would have doubtless been larger had the townspeople been unanim ous about observing the day as a holiday, but, unfortunately, there was a want of unanimity, and the result was that to-day has only been a “ half-and-half holi day,” a good many business peo ple closing their premises, while others kept their places open as usual. Of course Saturday is a busy day, when time is money to the business man, but still it seems a pity that no definite arrangement ■was arrived at beforehand, so that one thing or the other might have been done —either the day should have been ob served as a general holiday, or not ob served at all, but the keeping of it post poned to another occasion. The demon stration was held under the auspices of the Church of England, Wesleyan, Pres byterian, and Primitive Methodist Tem perance Societies, and, in addition to these, the Dawn of Peace, Star of the East, Safe Retreat, Will and the Way and Sunbeam Juvenile Lodgas. “ The procession arrived at the paddock at a quarter to two, headed by the Church of England drum and fife band and the Excelsior brass band. Those walking in the procession carried aloft a number of enormous banners. The Church of England temper ance banner, a big black and gold one, bearing the bind’s name in conspicuous characters, is reported to have been pre sented by Mrs Charles Fooks, and a very handsome gift it is. The whole appear ance of the long procession, with a number of “ outsiders” bringing up the rear, was decidedly imposing. Mr W. T. Davison, of East street, had a capital booth erected in the inner paddock, replete with all sorts of luxuries, and appeared tb be well patronised. We noticed thp Rev. A. E. Scott, the Key. J. Nixon, tffeßev. A. M. Beattie, and the Rey. C. H. Standageonthe ground. Mr S. E. Poyntz, the hop. sec., was most assiduous in his efforts to pro mote the success pf thp demonstration, and the enjoyment of all present. No time was lost in making a start. The first event was the 100 Yards Race, men (open), first prize,: 15s; second do, 7s 6d. R.. McFarlane ... ... ... 1 P. Betts 2 R. Lechner 3 A. rather bad start was effected. McFarlane very soon cut out the running, i and won easily.' , 100 Yards Race, Boys under 16 (open). ’ First prize, 10s; second do, s*. ’ J. McFarlane ... 1 J. Cass ... ... 2 Five ran. A capital start was madet t The quintette kept well together for three

quartets of the distance, when McFarlane came away, and won without muc. trouble, Cass a fair second. 220 Yards Race, Men (open). First, 16s; second do, 7s 6d. R. Lechner... ... ... ••• 1 F. Betts 2 A very straggling start was effected, of vi hich Lechner had the best. He got well away with the lead, and maintained it right round the course, winning hands down. 220 Yards Race, Boys (open). First, 10s; second, ss. J. McFarlane ... ... ••• 1 G. Yenabks ... _ 2 Four ran. McFarlane got away with a strong lead, and kept it throughout, Venables lauding a capital second. Running High Jump (Men). First, 10s; second, ss. W. Dalton ... sft 2in \ , G. Johns sft 2in } Lwa Two others competed. Half-mile Race (open); second, 10s. J. McFarlane (60yds) J. Groves ... Shiley These were the only runners. First, 20s ; ... 1 . ’ ... 2 ... 3 McFar lane’s 60 yards was too great a concession, and 30 yards would have been enough fol ium. All three competitors were youths.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1882.



“ Joined the Jerked ” is the Chicago Tribune’s alliterative headline for an account of an execution. There is* no language in the world which could put bo much beauty and pathos into so few words. This is from Suva To his horror a guest at Sturt’s table discovered a long hair in the butter. He gazed at it in horror for a moment and then shouted, “Waiter.” “Yes, Sir.” “ Bring me some bald-headed butter, will you 1 A preacher, raising his eyes from his desk in the midst of his sermon’ was paralysed with amazement to sec his rude boy in the gallery pelting the hearers in the pews below with horse-chestnuts. But while the good man was preparing a frown of reproof, the young hopeful cried ou t—“You tend to your preaching, daddy, and I’ll keep ’em awake.” A fakir has been giving sleight-of-hand performances in Galveston (U.fe.) One of his feats was to make a dollar disappear in the sight of the crowd, which he suc cessfully did. “That marked dollar will be found in the vest-pocket of the colored gentleman,” said the fakir, pointing with his magic wand to Sam Johnsing. All eyes were rivetted on Sam, who advanced to the front. “ Boss, heah is your change ; I has had two beers and a segar outer dat dollar you told me to keep in my vest pocket till you called foah it !



Holloway's Pills.— Weary of Life— Derangement of the liver is one of the mos dangerous of diseases, and the most prolific source of those melancholy forebodings which arc worse than death itself. A few doses of these noted Pills act magically in dispelling low spirits, and repelling the covert attacks made on the nerves by excessive heat, impure atmos pheres, over-indulgence, or exhausting excite ment. The most shattered constitution may derive benefit from Holloway’s Pills, which will regulate disordered action, brace the nerves, increase the energy of the intellectual faculties, and revive the failing memory. By attentively studying the instructions for taking these Pills, and explicitly putting them in practice, the most desponding will soon feel confident of a perfect recovery. —[Advt. TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.35 p.m.] New Advertisements. Wanted— a situation, by a competent man, as driver of an engine with combine, etc. Home and colonial experiences. Apply, W. Whin bay, P. 0., Masterton, North Island. d!6 WANTED KNOWN That Mr J. W. Jago, Worthy Grand Templar of Australasia, will give a Temperance Address at the Town Hall TO-MORROW (Sunday) NIGHT, commencing at 8 o’clock. A 8 HBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. MOUNT SOMERS POUND. Notice is hereby given that Mb John Cukney has been appointed POUND KEEPER of the Mount Somers Pound until further notice. By order, F. MAIN WARING, Clerk. Ashburton, Dec. 14, 1882. A SHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. Notice is hereby given that the Conn* cil OFFICES will be CLOSED from 24th December, 1882, to 2nd January, 1883, both days inclusive, for Christmas Holi days. By order, F. MAIN WARING, Clerk. December, 1882, SUNDAY SCHOOL. TEA AND PUBLIC MEETING, ON WEDNESDAY, 20th INST., In the Wiilowby Public School. Tea on tables at Six o’clock. Tickets, Is 6d each. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23. IMPORTANT SALE OF GROWING CROP OF Wheat. MR T. BULLOCK has received in structions from Mr W. T. Smith, to sell by Public Auction, at the Bazaar, Burnett street, on the above date, 370 30 ACRES WHEAT ACRES OATS Situated on the Lagmhor run, and only half a mile from the Hinds railway station. The Crop will be sold subject to the rent being paid to Mr McLean on terms entered into by Mr Smith. Sale at J. o’clock, T. BULLOCK, dIQ Auctioneer. TUESDAY DECEMBER 19th. TWu McCORMICK REAPERS AND BINDERS. FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION. MR T. BULLOCK will offer for Sale by Public Auction, at the Tinwald Sale Yards on Tuesday, 19th instant (if not sold privately)— 2 McCormick Reapers and Binders, in thorough working order, having been at work the last four days. Sale at 11.30. d!6 T. BULLOCK, Auctioneer.



New Advertisements. A comfortable B-Rooraod COTTAGE, situated North East Belt; finished throughout with every convenience for a family re idence. t-ection enclosed by wtll-grovm live fence and belt of trees. Apply to 0. B. M. BRANSON, General Agent, East street; Or Mr W. W. White, on Premises. WAKANUI. TO CONTRACTORS, FARMERS, AND OTHERS. CLEARING SALE OF CONTRACTOR’S PLANT. Messrs j. t. ford & co., from instructions received from Mr John Black, contractor and farmer, Wakanui, will sell at HIS HOMESTEAD, Adjoining the Wakanui Schoolhouse, ON THURSDAY, 28th DECEMBER, At 11 a.m., The whole of his well-selected Plant, Consisting of— -28 First-class DRAUGHT MARES and GELDINGS 2 3-Horse DRAYS, with Frames 7 TIP-DRAYS 1 8-Horse WAGON 1 SPRING TRAP 2 3-Furrow PLOUGHS, by Reid and Gray 1 2-Furrow PLOUGH, by Reid and Gray 4 Single-Furrow PLOUGHS I McSherry DRILL 1 CAMBRIDGE ROLLER 1 Bentall 2-HORSE POWER and CH4FF-CUTTER 1 Bentall CORN-CRUSHER 2 McCormick's REAPERS and BINDERS 2 Harvester Kings REAPERS and BINDERS 1 Deering STRING REAPER and BINDER 1 Osborne WIRE REAPER and BINDER 1 Samuelson’s REAPER and BINDER Also, A large quantity < f Plough, Leading, and Shaft HARNESS, Portable Forge and Anvil, 12 Road Scoops, Iron Tank, and a quantity of other useful articles. The Auctioneers beg to draw special at tention to this important sale on account of the Horses having all been carefully selected by Mr Black. Most of them are young, and are well known to be some of the best workers in the district. Tbs Implements have all been kept in first-class repair, and will compare favor ably with new. As it is Mr Black’s intention to retire from the contracting work, the whole of the Plant advertised will bo sold.



Full particulars at sale, or by enquiry to MESSRS J. T. FORD & CO., Christchurch ; Or, MESSRS FRIEDLANDER BROS.-, d!6 Ashburton. Thomas Taylor’s CHRISTMAS FRUITS, Washed and dried ready for use by Patent Machinery. Currants, Gd and Gjd per lb Raisins, Gd and 8d Sultanas, 9d The cleanest fruit in New Zealand New Mixed Peel, tsGd per lb New Citron Peels. Is 8d per lb Nutmegs, 1s 6d ; Cloves, Is the £lb Flavoring Essences —Lemon, etc, C. and B.’s, Is Almonds, Jordon, 3s per lb Almonds, Valencia, 2s per lb Almonds, Shell, Is per lb Nuts, 9d per lb French Plums, 3s 6d per 2 lb bottle Muscatels, new, 2s 4d per lb Christmas Prize List. Figs, lid and Is 4d per box Preserved Pears, Apricots, etc., Peachrs in Syrup, 21b tins, Is 6d Preserved Ginger, 4s Gd per jar Calves’ Foot Jelly, quarts, 3a Gd Jujubes, 2s Gd per lb Raspberry Syrup, and other Cordials, Is Gd per bottle Lima Juice Cordial, Is 8d Pure Lemon Juice, Is 9d, quarts Raspberry Vinegar, Is per bottle Indian packets, in lead, containing 1 or 31bs of pure Assam tea, 2s 4d per lb, wonderfully strong



88 Colombo St. Elegant Japanese canisters, containing 61b of very lino Souchong, 16s HANDSOME PRESENTS. An 111 b box of the finest Tea imported, Assam and Lapsang Souchong,' 28s An 111 b box of new season’s tea, 20a. Compare this with the 25s box of other houses. Half-cheats of Tea, containing 401bs, L2 15s to L 5 Tea from the canisters, 2s lOd, 2s 6d, 2s 4d, 2s, and Is 6d per lb New Jams, C|d per tin Stoneless, 7|d per tin Marmalade, Keiller’s, 9d (21b), Is 6d 123 Lower High St. Rich pound cakes, 9d Mixed biscuits, 9d per lb Captain White’s Oriental pickles, 2s 3d Lucca oil, quarts, C. and B.’e, 2s 4d Bloater or anchovy paste, C. and 8., Is 3d Licensed Victuallers’ Sauces, Imperial pints, Is Mushroom catsup, large bottles, Is English pickles, 8d per bottle Maize meal, 3d per lb Egyptian lentils, 3d per lb German lentils, 6d per lb Haricot beans, 3d Self-raising flour, Is packets, Ss bags Loose baking powder, Is per lb 189 Manchester St. Tapioca, 5d per lb Sago, 4d per lb Good Fowls Wheat, 3s 9d per bushel Good Rice for Chickens, 71b Is 4d Best Flour, 501 b, 6s 3d ; 251 b, 3s 4d Luncheon Biscuits, 3d per lb Somerville’s oatmeal, 4s Od per bag Kerosene, 8s Od, 9s 6d, and 10s 6d per tin Carb. soda, fid Fire kindlers, 4£d per doz Fly papers, 9d per doz Blacking, 8d per dozen Black lead, lOd per dozen Triangle (LATE DEVON PORT’S), CHRISTCHURCH.



New Advertisements. GOODS! NEW GOODS! Friedlander Bros. Wish to draw the attention of the public to their CASH PRICES for NEW FRUIT AND GENERAL GROCERIES. New Eleme Raisins, 7d per lb New Sultanas, 8d per lb Mixed Peel, Is Cd per lb Good Family Teas, 2s and 2a Gd per lb Best Black or Mixed Tea, 2a 9d per lb White Sugar, 4-id per lb Best White Crystals, 5d per lb— reduction by the mat Coffees of the best brands —loose, or in 1,2, 4,7, and 141 b tins —ls 6d, Is Bd, and la 101



Beet Print Butter, (5d per lb All other Groceries equally good value. DP APERY. We are just opening (in addition to bur well-selected stock) 18 cases of General Drapery, ex Horsa and Soukar, im ported direct from the manufacturers, which will be sold REMARKABLY CHEAP, to make room for coming shipments. Our CLOTHING and OUTFITTING DEPARTMENT is now replete with most fashionable and serviceable goods, and we have an excellent stock of superior English and Colonial BOOTS and SHOES. . » Our DRESSMAKING and MANTLE DEPARTMENT is under the manage ment of a first-class hand (late of Robert son and Moffat, Melbourne), a PERFECT FIT is therforo guaranteed at MODER ATE PRICES. Having secured the services of a FIRST-CLASS MILLINER, of Paris and Melbourne experience, the ladies of Ashburton and the surrounding districts can depend upon having the most stylish and cheapest Millinery that can be had. IRONMONGERY. We beg to call special attention to the above, and have determined to REDUCE the PRICES to the lowest remunerative rates. To parties furnishing we can offer ad-



vantages seldom met with, having just re ceived a large and well-selected stock of household requisites, and wish to especially recommend for Christmas and New Year presents our extensive stock of electro plated, nickel silver, and Britannia metal articles. To builders and contractors we offer special inducements. The CROCKERY and GLASSWARE DEPARTMENT has a very large and varied stock, and at prices not to be equalled. CORNSACKS. We have to arrive our season’s ship ment of CALCUTTA CORNSACKS, Full-sized, extra strong, four bushel, manufactured expressly to our order for English wheat shipments. These Corn sacks, having been purchased by our Mr Hugo FiUrdlandeu direct from the manufacturers in Calcutta, we can supply farmers and others on most reasonable terms. Early application wanted. We have just landed, ex Marlborough, 25 bales 5-FLY SEAMING TWINE,



50 cases CASTOR OIL, also 65 tons of Best Soft Steel BINDING WIRE, and it will be of great advantage to farmers to give early orders, as the quality cannot be equalled. We have also on hand MANILLA and HEMP TWINE, and, owing the scarcity of same, wish fanners to give us their orders at once. EXTRAS for all REAPERS and BINDERS kept in stools We are prepared to make CASH AD VANCES on WOOL and GROWING CROPS at Lowest Current Rates. FRIEDLANDER BROS., AGENT COLONIAL INSURANCE COM PANY OF NEW ZEALAND.



New Advsrtisemonts. T| HE Bank of New Zealand will OPEN in its New Premises on MONDAY, 18th inst. S. g>. REYANS, Manager.



jsr 0 T — l 0 E. Messrs WALKER, ami OSBORNE are requested to REMOVE at once the WHARE they left on the Westerfield Estate 18 months ago. D. OLIVER.



Field trial OF HOWARD’S SIMPLEX Twine Binder, ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20th, In Mr Stephen Giles’ Paddock, Wakanui. The Machine will be Working the whole day. MATSON, COX & CO., d!6 Auctioneers.



ANTED KNOWN—That I am sel ling Yenus Nailrod at 6s per lb.; Venus Twist, 5s 6d per lb.; Venus Navy Twist, 6s per lb.; Tricopherous, Is 3d per bottle. Enos’ Fruit Salt, .3s 3d per bottle. Also, Toys of every description, consisting of Dolls, Trumpets, Toy Drums, Tambourines, Wheelbarrows, Carts, Guns, etc., etc. F. Clark, EAST STREET. slB



Meetings. jy-OUNT SOMERS ROAD DISTRICT TAKE NOTICE—The Mount Somers Road Board propose to CLOSE the ROAD running from the north-east corner of R.S. 31695 to the southernmost boun dary of R.S. 32249, near Messrs Gould and Cameron’s, Springfield, under Sec tion 4,'Public Works Act, 1880. Plans of the above, showing the road to be closed (colored green), are open for inspection at the Road Board Office, Mount Somers. A PUBLIC MEETING of ratepayers will be held at the Road Board Office, Mount Somers, on January 2nd, 1883, to decide whether the above road shall be closed. A. E. PEACHE, 9d Chairman. Amusements. UNITED GRAND TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION. VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT. Conductor Mr H. J. Weeks. Accompanyist... ... ... Mrs Wood. Organist ... ... ... Miss Alcorn. Violins ... Messrs Weeks, Wilson, and Ferguson. Flute Mr D. Zander. Cornet Mr G. Savage. Euphoinum ... ... Mr Savage. Rev. E. A. Scott in the Chair. PROGRAMME 1. Overture—Orchestra 2. Address—Chairman 3. Part song, “The Stars that above us are Shining ” 4. Song, “ Oh ! how Delightful”—Miss Kidd 5. Piano solo, “ Irish Diamonds”—Miss Kate Wood 6. Song, “ The Blind Girl to her Harp” —Mrs Craighead 7. Glee, “ Village Choristers ” 8. Address—By J, W. Jago, Esq., P. G.W.C.T. 9. Temperance Song—Mrs Nixon 10. Piano Solo, “Musical Box”—Miss E. Orr 11. Duett, “ Home to Our Mountains ”



—Mrs Wood and Miss Kidd 12. Address—By a Temperance Advo cate 13. Selection from “II Trovatore”—Mrs Wood, Miss Wood, Messrs Weeks, Zander, and Savage 14. Song and Chorus, “ Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming ” —Mrs Craighead 15. Closing remarks 16. “ Scotch Fantasia” and “ God Save the Queen” —Orchestra To commence directly the Tea is ended. S. E. POYNTZ, Sec. A FANCY FAIR AND TEA MEETING Will be held, by the kind permission of Dr Trevor, in his grounds. Beach road, Ashburton, on WEDNESDAY, 20th DECEMBER, 1882 There will be stalls on the lawn for the sale of Articles of Clothing, Toys, Garden and Farm Producj, etc. Vocal and Instrumental Music will be rendered during the afternoon and even ing. The Ashburton Brass Band has kindly offered its services for the occasion. Lawn Tennis, Croquet, Fireworks, etc. Presents for the stalls will be thankfully received by Mrs 'irevor, or at the Parson age. Proceeds to the debt on St Stephen’s Church. Gates open at 2 p.m ; Tea from 5 p.m. Admission (including tea), 2s ; children, Is. n3O CHRISTMAS TREE—Wanted known, Christmas Tree and Sale of Fancy Goods, Primitive Methodist Church, on MONDAY and TUESDAY, 18th and 19th inst. Admission Is. dl2 BBUMINARY NOTICE. LOYAL ORANGE LODGE. A GRAND CONCEBT AND BALL Will be held in the TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, ON BOXING NIGHT, DECEMBER 26. For particulars see future advertisements. By order. J. SEALY, W.M. dl4 S. B. NELSON, Secretary.



Ecclesiastical C ATHOLIC OEUSOE MASS will be celebrated in Rakaia next SUNDAY, December 17th. d!2 E. COFFEY. s EARMOIN GHAELIC. BITHIDH SEARMOIN GHAELIC ann’s an ASHBURTON air LA NOLAIG (December 25th) aig leth-uair an deigh dha, ann’s an EAGLAIS ALBANAICH le Rev. ALASDAIR MAC-A-LEINEN. 9d Lost. STRAYED into my paddock, a chestnut PUNY, about 14J hands high. Owner, can have same on paying expenses. F. Cass, Wakanui. d!4 Tenders. BOROUGH COUNCIL. TENDERS are invited from persons willing to perform the duties of SCAVEN GER to the Borough for One or Three Years. Specifications and conditions may be seen on application to the Town Clerk, to whom Tenders, accompanied by a guar antee deposit of L 5, are to be sent not later than 10 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, the 20th December. The lowest or any tender will not neces sarily be accepted. CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, Ashburton, 14th Dec., 1882. 14d T o BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for the Erection of a HOUSE in Brick and Stone. Plans and specification can be seen at our office, where Tenders, accompanied by a guar antee deposit of £5, are to be sent in not later than 12 noon on SATURDAY, Dec. 23rd. FOOKS & SON, lid Architects. Public Notices. ASHBURTON BUILDING SOCIETY. PERMAN ENT & INVESTMENT



The above Society pays Interest at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum for De posits at Call, and 7 per cent, per annum if fixed for 6 months or over. j. ward, n!6 Secretary. V.. R. BY Order of the Bailiff of the R.M. Court, Ashburton, to be sold by Public Auction, on MONDAY, the 18th day of Dec., at Mr Bower’s, East street, at 12 o’clock sharp, 12 boxes Soap, 6£ brown Windsor, 9 sacks Bran, 1 501 b bag Flour, £ sack Chicken Wheat, 40 empty Sacks, 7 Chairs, 1 Clock, Fender and Fireirons, 2 Tables, 1 Sofa. . A. M. PEARSON, 16d Bailiff. F. G. THOMAS, Subueon Dentist, will VISIT ASHBURTON EVERY MONTH, of which due notice will be given, au2l N O T I C E. All ACCOUNTS now DUE. me must be PAID at once to Mr Alfred Harrison. 14d GEO. F. HENRY. SUMMER FLOWER Show. TOWN HALL, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1882. Prizes will be offered in 52 classes, as per schedule, and paid pro rata should there be a deficiency of funds. Open to all except nurserymen. Entrance Fees—For competition ; Ist entry, Is ; each succeeding entry, 6d. For exhibition only, free.



Entries must be made with the under* signed before noon on Friday, December 29, 1882. All exhibits must be at the hall by 9 a.m. on the morning of December 30. nlB S. E. POYNTZ. For Sale. FOR SALE —One Quarter Acre Sec tion in Cameron street, adjoining Mr W. B. Boyle’s. Apply, office of this Paper. dl3 For sal e From this date— CRUSHED OATS, 3s 4d per Bushel. BRAN, SHARPS, CHAFF. OATEN SHEAF CHAFF. First-class lot of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS. JOSEPH CLARK, Ashburton and Tinwald. o 5 Public Companies. N ORTH BRITISH AND MERCAN TILE INSURANCE COMPANY. Established 1809, Subscribed Capital Fire Fund Life Fund ... Premiums for 1880 £2,000,000 1,201,243 3,380,107 951,173 Ashburton Agency: POYNTZ AND CO., East street. 774 c Barristers, Solicitors, &c. C. W. Purnell, jgARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, EAST STREET. 45e TO LET, at a low rental—SHOP in Moore street, presently occupied by Mr John Smithson. T. BULLOCK. JgOXING! BOXING!! BOXING!!! DAN LEA, Champion Light Weight of New Zealand, and ex Champion of England, has commenced giving Lessons in the Noble Art of Self Defence, in Mr Hill’s Sample Rooms, back of Somerset Hotel every TUESDAY and FRIDAY Nights, from 7.30 to 10 o’clock, for Pupil only. Private Class Lessons, £1 pe month. N.B. —The rooms will be thrown open every SATURDAY Night, for Public BOXING, under the superintendence of Dan himself. All written communica tions to be addressed to Somerset Hotel.