SHIPPING.

FORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. / Hero, cutter, from Pelorus Sound. / To-day. Hnrunui, ship, from London (Sept. 14), with 62 passengers. Sailed. Yesterday. Arawata, s. s. for South and Melbourne. Wanska, s.s., for Wellington. Cleopatra, brigantine, for Greymouth. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Rotorua, from the South. Sailed —Maud Graham, schooner, for Timaru ; Rotorua, for Auckland, via the East Coast ; Kennedy, for Nelson and West Coast. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Waitaki, from the South ; Kestrel, from Gatlin’s River ; Spray, from Horseshoe Bay. Sailed—Waitaki, for Dunedin ; William and Jane, for Stewart’s Island. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Candidate, from Liverpool; Southern Cross, from the North. Sailed—Stella, for the southern light houses ; Mormon, for Auckland; Don Diego, for Malden Island ; Mathieu, barque, for the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Friday, December 22. Matson, Cox, and Co., at Tinwald—Tim . her. Ironmongery, &c,; 11 a.m. Saturday, December 23. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their Bazaar— Landed Property, Agricultural Imple ments, Horses, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sundries, &c.; 11.30 a.m. fKr 'L. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses, Standing Crop of Wheat and Oats ; 1 ■ p.m. Engine and Combine, &c.; 1.30 p.m. Hr Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &o.; 12 noon. | Mr W. F. Allen, at his rooms, Burnett street —Horses, Pigs, Poult» General Produce, Src. ; 11.30 a.m. Thursday, December 28. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Homestead of Mr John Black, farmer, Wakanui— Contractor’s Plant ; 13 a.m. Tuesday, January 2. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-Night, < 1 Wednesday, December 20. Fancy Fair and Tea Meeting, in aid of St Stephen’s Church—Dr Trevor’s grounds To-morrow, Thursday', December 21. Rangitata Road Board—Monthly Meet ' ing ; 11 a.m. Entertainment —Tinwald School. Tuesday, December 26. Caledonian Society Annual Sports Gathering, Society’s Grounds, North west Belt. L.O.L.— Ball, Town Hall. South 1 Rakaia Races and Sports. Mount Somers Races and Sports. Friday, December 29. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, n the Maponic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. . c.i Monday, January L Winslow Races and Sports. Wakanui Races and Sports. . . Tuesday, January 2. ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment . Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.20 to 8.30 p.m. - ’ Wednesday, January 3. TOOUUty —OvuDvUy «4 Oouulgr Onnnnil. l ' Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, January 4. L.O.L.— Monthly Meeting, Templar Hall. Saturday, January 6. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1882.

The Suspected Murder at Auckland —Permission, having been obtained from the Colonial Secretary, Superintendent Thomson will exhume the bodies of the late Hugh Hamilton and his child. Archibald Forbes. —MrR. S. Smythe, Mr Archibald Forbes’ well-known, “much travelled,” and much experienced agent, wired from Wellington to-day to Mr J. Mac Lean Dunn, asking him definitely to secure the Town Hall for the 15th and 16th January, on which dates Mr Archi bald Forbes will deliver two of his famous lectures, one of which, as has already been announced, will be tho “ Experi ences of a war correspondent.” Bathing in the Domain Stream.— We hear that complaints are being made in reference to the bathing which takes place in the Domain during the early part of the evening. It is just as well to inform the persons who indulge in the luxury that they are liable to a heavy fine, and should the practice be continued we hope that a member of “the force” will take an occasional ramble through the Domain, and make an example of the offenders. Presbyterian Band of Temperance.— Last evening the Presbyterian Band of Temperance met in the Presbyteiian Church, the Rev. Mr Beattie presiding. A paper was read by the Rev. J. Nixon, by request, on “ Should compensation be given to publicans under local option ?” The paper was very attentively listened to, and evoked a go ;d deal of discussion. At the close a vote of thanks was given to Mr Nixon, also to Mrs Dunn, for render ing some excellent music, accompanied by Mr Dunn on the flute, Miss Kidd presid ing at the Harmonium. A very pleaeant evening was spent. At the next meeting Mr Craighead will read a paper on “ The phrenological aspects of temperance.”

Incendiarism at Cambridge. —Several incendiary fires have taken place at Cam bridge (Waikato) of a most serious oharac-

Larceny. —Robert Wilson was arestod yesterday for larceny of jewellery, etc., of the value of L7O, at the Carpenters’ Arms, Cambridge.

Billiards.—A billiard match at Auck land yesterday between Weston and Lyons, bookmakers, for LSO to LlO, was won by the former by twenty-seven points in 500 up.

The Drowning Case at Sumner.— Although the people of Sumner were searching all day yesterday for the body of W. Taylor, butcher, whose drowning at Sumner we chronicled in our last issue the remains had not been recovered up to a late hour last night. A Cool Customer. —At the Dunedin Police Court yesterday a man named Hensburgh was sentenced to six months’ for larceny. He pleaded guilty to two charges, each of an impudent character. In one case he walked away with a port manteau left by the owner on the railway platform for a few minutes, and in the other he went into an auction room, and taking up a gun walked off with it with the utmost composure and assurance.

Prohibited. —For the first time in mo dern history (says an exchange) we have to record a Government prohibition of the use of blood in the preparation of articles of food. The Bavarian journals publish a decree of the South German Executive —in accordance with the sanitary and police regulations ®f the kingdom—pro hibiting any person from using, in the preparation of articles publicly sold for food, the blood of slaughtered animals. They Want a Share. —The Welling ton Athemoum Committee have decided to throw the Library and Reading-room of that institution open to the public free of charge on and after Jan. 1. Persons visiting the Athenaeum will be able to obtain from the librarian, on giving a re ceipt for it,any book in the library for uerusal within the building, but will not be allowed to take it away ; this privi lege being reserved for subscribers. The object of this change is to render the in stitution eligible for a share of the £6OOO voted by Parliament last session.

The Bonus System. —At the Education Board at Wellington yesterday a com munication was received from the Teachers’ Association regarding the bonus system. The Association had passed a resolution in which extreme regret was expressed at the re-introduction of the system of payment by results in the case of bonuses to pupil teachers, and urging the Board to reconsider the matter in support of this resolution. The Associa tion represented that the principle of pay ment by results had been tried, and led to endless dissatisfaction without doin; justice. After discussion it was decided to inform the Association that the Board saw no reason for altering their previous determination on the subject.

Those Bells I—The1 —The first annual meet ing of the Christchurch Cathedral bell ringers was held at Christchurch yester day, when an amusing reference was made to the bells. It seems that Mr F. S. Parker is the master ringer for 1883, but the unanimous wish of those present was that Mr Andrews, the past master, re tain the position, which ha declined on the grounds “ that so far as the general public were , concerned the bells were wished at the , well, the bottom of the the sea, and were declared a regular nuisance,” besides the Cathedral Chapter had not faith with the ringers as to re placing the louvres. Several members followed, and the opinion was freely ex pressed that the Chapter had shown scant courtesy to the ringers in the matter. The President replied that the Chapter were quite willing to alter the louvre boards, but had no funds.

Destructive Fire at Foxton. A serious fire occurred at Foxton at one o’clock yesterday morning, when Mr T. P. Wi Hams’ store was burned to the ground, and all the stock destroyed. The stock was estimated at over L 2,000, and the building was a very old one and in sured for L 250 The origin of the fire is a complete mystery. George Williams, the proprietor’s brother, sleeps on the premises, and when he retired for the night everything was safe. The fire was no sooner observed than the whole build ing was a mass of flames, preventing any one approaching it. Only a iew pounds of tobacco were saved. The Primitive Methodist Church, on the north side, and the old Custom House on the south, were saved with difficulty, there being fortun ately no wind at the time. The correct insurances are—South British, LSOO ; and National, Lt,250, of which L4OO were reinsured in the Scottish Imperial and L 250 in the United, making a net loss to the National Company of LSOO.

Mr Saunders’ Death.—Mr J. Saun ders, who was found drowned yesterday, as related in our last issue, was a very old identity. Of late years he had be come somewhat eccentric in his habits. Being unable to sleep of a night, he generally slept during the day time, and spent the night wandering about, the streets. During the Parliamentary session ho was frequently to be seen in the strangers’ Gallery in the small hours. He came to this colony in the ship Lon don, in May 1-542, aid had resided in this di trict for upwards of 40 years. He has left numerous children and grand children to mourn their loss. Physically deceased was a very hale man for his years, and had not be in known to require the services of a doctor for many years. He was of exceedingly temperate habits, pnsssessed clear faculties, and was a regular attendant at the Catholic Church. He left home on the night of his death between seven and eight o'clock, and his relatives are unable to account for his sudden death except on the hypothesis that venturing near the breastwork of Thorndon Quay he was blown into the water, became stunned in falling, and was drowned, his body being afterwards washed by the tide in the direction of To Aro, in which vicinity it was found.

How They Manage These Things In America. —An American paper to hand by the ’Frisco mail contains a sensational account of how an incendiarist was “bowled out” and brought to justice. The extract is as follows; —“Justice Willis, who set tire to a house at Putman, R. 1., was caught with difficulty. There was at first only a detective’s vague sus picion against him, resting upon no evi dence. 'lt would not have done to arrest him, for he was a man of good standing, and so much of a politician that he ex pected to go to the next State Legislature. A plot was therefore laid to make him convict himself. A woman was sent to board in the same house with him. She pretended to bo a book canvasser. After gaining his confidence, she told him that she really belonged to a gang of thieves who had a large amount of Government bonds to sell. Willis eagerly proposed to to act as agent for the purpose. He went with the woman to Boston, where she introduced him to several men who per sonated the band of robbers. They aflected to doubt his sincerity. Fear ing that he was about to misi a profitable bit of business, he tried to win their con fidence by telling them of crimes which he had committed. He had stolen from various persons, and once in a bank, when counting money alongside a man who was doing the same, he slyly clapped the the other’s pile on his own. and it was supposed that a sneak thief had disap peared with the missing notes. This ex ploit fairly delighted the listeners (it turns out to be a true story), and they led him into a confession of the incendiarism. A concealed short-hand writer took down all ho said, and his arrest followed.”

Tbnders. —The County Council invites tenders for water* race and fords. Memoranda —Messrs J. G. Green and Co., of Leicester House, have an an nouncement in our advertising columns. — Mr Thos. Quill has an announcement else where respecting the Caledonian sports. A Little Mixed. —A widow up north, intending to succeed her husband, in the management of an hotel, advertises that “ the hotel will bo kept by the widow of the former landlord, Mr Brown, who died last summer on a new and improved plan.”

The Timaru Harbor Works Loan.— The poll in connection with the raising of the LIOO,OOO loan for the extension of the Timaru Harbor works was taken yester day. The result was an overwhelming majority for the loan. Waimate contri buted 18 of the votes against the loan. The Timaru people have evidently made up their minds about the future of their port whatever outsiders may say. Mrs Langtry. —lt is now positively certain (says an exchange) that Mrs Langtry, who is at present coining fabulous sums of money in America, will travel from ’Frisco to Australia and New Zealand. Her repertoire consists of “The Unequal Match,” “Four,” and “The stoops to Conquer.” The com pany includes J. G. Graham (formerly well-known in Christchurch), W, Taylor, Kate Hodson, Henrietta Hodson (Mrs Labouchere) and lesaiT lights.

A Judge of Human Nature.—A Yankee book-agent who has retired from active labour, upon the hard-earned accu mulations of a life of industrious effron tery, says that the great secret of his j success was, when be went to a house where the female head of the family pre sented herself, he always, however old she might be, commenced business by saying “ I beg your pardon, miss, but it was your mother I wanted to see. That always used to get 'em,’ he asserts. ‘They not only subscribed for my books themselves, but told me where I could find more customers.” An Ingenious Editor. —The method in which Japanese newspapers are con ducted is often amusingly naive. A recent issue af the Nichi Nichi Shimbun, which, like all its native contemporaries, is printed, not in columns, but in squares, came out with one square blank, the empty space being covered with a num ber of straight lines. The editor apolo gises for the extraordinary appearance of the paper, informing his readers that at the last moment he found that what he had written was all wrong, and had to be taken out. He had no time to fill it up with anything else, and there was nothing to be done but to leave the space with nothing in it. An (Jnvortunate Mistake. —He was a young man for an Archdeacon. His wife was old enough to be his mother. Any allusion to Anno Domini was tabooed. They were the guests of the evening at a country house in Victoria. The whole country was invited to meet th m. An extra man was taken on for the occasion. He hid to announce the guests. The boss of the show coached the extra man up. “ When the Archdeacon arrives, you are to say, ‘ The Venerable the Archdeacon Blank.’” The drawing-room was full. The guests of the evening arrived. The extra man looked at the Archdeacon, and then at the lady, and he got a bit mixed. At last he got it right. He saw how it stood. Great was the consternation when he announced, “ Archdeacon Blank, and the venerable Mrs Blank.” Jersey Syrhon. —Mr William Wil liams, Patea (says the Wanganui Chronicle), who from a small plot of garden made a mark in the local fruit show has in use an xno-rpansive yet effective and admirable plant waterer. Damaged crockery, pickle bottles, galley pots or jam tins have simply to be filled or partly filled with water or liquid manure, and one end of a narrow atrip of rag (flannel or old coating material serves best) dropped in the liquid—the other end trailed on the ground near to plant or seeds to be watered, and the result is a steady imperceptible flow of moisture. The flow may be regulated at will by increasing or lessening the width or bulk of the rag or flannel which acts as a syphon. All the gardener need do is to re fill morning or evening as re quired the crooks or tins in use. As a labour saving and effective waterer this Jersey notion is Al, particularly in hot weather. For cucumbers or pumpkins it cannot be beaten. A Would-be “Lady-Killer.” —A singular criminal has just been dealt with at Bremen and , Straaburg. This was a man name Theophile Mary, a hair dresser, born at Barr, whose vicious tendency took the turm of inflicting slight stabs with a dagger on young women. At Strasburg he attacked no fewer than eighteen, nearly all of whom he struck on the breast. He made his first appearance two years ago, when for a month ha spread terror among the in habitants, all efforts to capture him failing. He then vanished from Alsace, and some time afterwards turned up at Bremen, where he again distinguished himself by his dastardly attacks. Here, however, he was soon arrested, sen tenced to seven years’ imprisonment, and handed over to the Strasburg authorities to be dealt with there. The 18 young women whom the prisoner had wounded (none of them fortunately severely), ap peared as witnesses against him. An expert declared him in possession of his senses, ascribing his acts to a morbid vanity and the Court sentenced him to one year’s imprisonment, to be added to the seven years given him at Bremen. The man is 31 years of age. Cheap Jewellery. —An ingenious rob bery of jewellery was effected in Lou don recently, when a gentleman, pur porting to come from Messrs Attenborogh’s newly-erected shop in the Strand, went io Messrs Hancock’s, a neighboring jew eller, and stated that he wished to select some handsome jewellery for his em ployer’s new premises; As Messrs Atten borough were not in the habit of having business transactions witli Messrs Han cock, it was suggested to the gentlman that he should apply to Messrs Well by’s, another jeweller, being the firm with whom Messrs Attenborough were known to deal. On the following day the man called at Messrs Wellby’s and giving the assistant one of Messrs Attenborough’s business cards, said he had been sent to select a diamond suit. The suspicions of Messrs Wellby’s people were aroused, and the stranger never having been to the estab lishment on behalf of Messrs Attenborough before, it was decided not to supply him with the articles for which he asked. On his suggestion, however, that somebody should accompany him with the jewellery, the objection was withdrawn, and having selected a diamond bracelet, two pairs of diamond earrings, and two diamond broo ches, valued at L 320, the stranger hailed a hansom cab, and in company with one of the assistants, drove off towards the Strand. On arriving at Messrs Atten borough’s the stranger alighted and went into the shop, telling his companion that he wouldbebackinamomeut, Messrs Wellby’s assistant paid off the cab, and was follow ing the stranger into the shop when the latter ran out without his hat, saying, “All right ; the customer happens to be there now. Give mo the bag. ” He then took the bag and ran into the shop. Messrs Wellby’s man, presuming that all was right, walked away. It appears that the man’s excuse for going into Messrs Atten borough’s shop was to meet a Mr Hamilton. As this parson, however, did not appear, the stranger after waiting some minutes, went off, carrying the jewels with him. The matter is now in the hands of the police

The Garden Fete. —Those of our readers who intend visiting Dr Trevor’s grounds should go as eaily as possible this evening, and if they wish to secure some capital bargains a good chance is afforded them, as we hardly ever saw a better selection of bazaar goods, both of the use ful and ornamental kinds. The fruit and flowers are a perfect show, and certainly never have they looked to such perfection in Ashburton. Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Diseases of the Bowels.—A remedy, which has been tested and proved in a thousand dif ferent ways, capable of eradicting poisonous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Holloway’s Ointment repeatedly on the abdo men a rash appears, and as it thickens the alvine irritability subsides. Acting as a deri vative, this unguent draws to tV surface, re leases the tender intestines from all acrid mat ters, and prevents inflammation, dysentery, and piles, for which blistering was the old fashioned, though successful treatment, now from its painfulness fallen into disuse, the dis covery of this Ointment having proclaimed a remedy possessing equally derivative, yet. per fectly painless powers.—[Advt.]

GOVERNMENT PRIZE FIRING.

Nineteen members of the Ashburton rifles competed for the annual district prizes yesterday afternoon, under the supervision of Captain Dundas. The weather was most unfavorable, as there was a strong breeze blowing, in addition to which a driving rain set in by the time the long range was reached, and the tar get became much obscured. However, the shooting was creditable enough con sidering that until recently the men have been without a rifle range, and have con sequently had but little practice. The ranges were four, five, and six hundred yards, with seven shots at each distance. Appended are the scores, from which it will be seen that Private Irvine takes first place with 62 points, having succeeded in putting every shot on the target : 400 500 600 yds. yds. yds. Tl. Private Irvine ... 20 21 21 62 Sergt. Jessop ... 23 14 18 55 Capt. Douglas ... 20 20 12 52 Corpl. Andrews ... 17 23 12 B2 Private G. Parkin ... 19 15 14 48 Corpl. McDonald ... 11 12 14 37 Col.-Sergt. Hayes ... 13 13 10 36 Bandsman Leitch ... G 18 10 34 Private Andrewes ... 17 9 8 34 Sergt. Nelson ... 21 8 2 31 Sergt. Vaughan ... 12 3 14 29 Private Ashton ... 13 6 7 26 Lieut. Dolman ... 13 10 2 25 . Private Le tch ... 16 8 0 24 Private Williamson... 7 4 Private Valk ... 10 0 Private Hooper ... 9 0 Private Hitchens ... 4 2 Private Stevens ... 6 0 The last named five retired. The Christchurch men have yet to fire, and until the returns from this place are in, it will not be known whether our local men have been able to pull off a prize.

THE MILTON POTTERY WORKS.

An open verdict was returned by the jury who investigated the recent fire at the Milton pottery. Th q Bruce Herald gives the following particulars about the industry : * The latest outcome of the fire at the Milton pottery is very dis heartening to all interested in the pro gress of the industry. The company is to be placed in liquidation, and the directors have decided to recommend the shareholders that the assets be turned over to them in the shape of paid up shares in a new company. The resolutions to place the company in liquidation did not arise entirely through the loss sustained by the fire, although had it not been for that calamity it is not likely such a step would have been decided upon. To show the position of affairs, we may mention that two years ago, when the company commenced the manu facture of white ware, prices were settled upon a satisfactory basis with the men then employed, and a year afterwards, at Martenmas, accord ing to a Staffordshire custom, a new arrangement was made at a small ad vance, and the men were perfectly satis fied and content. Disaffection has, however, been imported with the new hands lately arrived. The agreement made by the manager with these men at Home was that they were to receive from 20 to 25 per cent, above Stafford shire prices, and a firm was mutually agreed upon whose tariff was to form the basis of their scale of payment; but two or three of these last arrivals speedily showed a spirit of discontent, and held meetings and consultations which culminated the day before the fire in a demand for a rise in prices, which would have brought them up to about 70 per cent, above the Home rates. The manager reasoned with them, and pointed out that they could import at that figure, and if the men received an advance of 70 per cent., and the cost of other labor was three times Jas high as at Home, and other expenses proportionately greater, how could they compete with the Home market, but the men would not listen to reason. Then came the fire, and then the end, or the beginning of the end. It may also be mentioned that it was stipulated that, in the event of the men in one branch of the trade striking, the agreement with the whole was nul lified. It will tims be seen that these two or three men have not only thrown themselves out and rendered themselves ineligible to claim compen sation, but they have placed the im ported hands in the same fix. This being the case, the directors felt that they could not be justified >n incurring a large expenditure when so little re liance could be placed upon the men, and we are informed that it was on this ground, more than any other, that the decision was arrived at to liquidate the company. We have foreborne comment upon the above facts, but simply place before the public a plain statement of the circumstances which have led up to the present unfortunate state of affairs. Unless confining their operations to coarse ware, the manager considers that it would be folly to start again without erecting a three storey building, with all modern conveniences to contain the plant, and this could not *be done under from 1,7,000 to Lxo,ooo. I By the stoppage of the pottery works many of the hands are left in a state bordering upon destitution, and some thing must be done to relieve their more immediate necessities. Those in the greatest need are the recent ar rivals, but nearly all are in great - diffi culties.

A REMARKABLE STORY.

This story is authentic. It is found in the memories of a Prussian officer of distinction, who gives a simple, unaffected narrative of the scenes and events through which he passed, and who betrays nowhere the least dis

position to exaggerate. The follow ing remarkable incident he gives as it came under his own observation. He was at the time on the staff of Gen, VVinterfield, one of the most skilful and competent captains of the dny, and Winterfield was the general in command at the time spoken of. Two soldiers had been condemned to death. In a drunken condition at night they had assaulted an officer of the line, and one of them had drawn a knife upon him, but which one could not be told. The officer had seen the knife, but he could not pesitively say which of the twain held it. So both of them were condemned to be shot. They were both excellent soldiers, and only one of them had been guilty of using a weapon. The officers of the division, including him who had been assaulted, asked that the men might be pardoned. At length Winterfield said he would pardon one of them. Only one had held a knife, and only one ought to die. He would pardon one, and the men must themselves de cide which should be shot. How should the decision be made ? “ Let us shake the dice,” said one of the condemned. And the other agreed to it. And anon it was agreed to by all interested. The two men took their places by the side of a big drum, and were to throw the dice upon its head. Two dice were given them, and a proper box for shaking. The first man threw two sixes. He groaned in agony. He felt that he had consigned his comrade to death. But wnen the second came to throw he also threw two sixes. “ Wonderful! ” cried the lookers-on. They were ordered to shake and throw again. This time the second man threw first —two aces.- “Ho ! Good. You will live, Peter.” But when Peter came to throw, the dice presented the same two aces. And now the beholders were wonder stricken indeed. Another throw was ordered, and Peter threw a five and a deuce. The other threw five—deuce. After the excitement had again sub sided the men threw once more. The first threw two fours. “ Oh! npw throw fives and save yourself Peter.” Peter threw— two fours. At this point the colonel ordered the two men to stop. He went and reported the marvellous result to Winterfield. Said he, “ Clearly, General, Providence will have those two men to be saved,” and saved they were. The general 1 dare not oppose the wonderful fate of the dice. It did seem providential, I and so' he accepted it, - and the re deemed soldiers lived to prove that the saving fate had given back to Prussia two of the very best and bravest of her sons.

A BURNING OIL WELL.

The burning oil well in Washington county, Pa., says an American paper, is a grand sight. It was bored by the Niagara Oil Company, and at a depth of 2,500 feet ftom the surface a vast re servoir of gas was struck and compelled a suspension of work by blowing the tools clear out of the shaft. The es cape of gas was so immense that it poisoned the atmosphere, and as stock and vegetation suffered, a pipe was laid from the well up the hillside, and then a light was applied. Ever since February the gas has continued to burn with unabated violence, and the supply seems inexhaustible. At night the spectacle is indeed- grand. The column ot fire is about fifty feet high, and from five to ten feet thick, while the roaring that accompanies it

can be compared to a fleet of steam boats all blowing off steam at once. The noise is heard at a mile distant, and the light can be seen at Steuben ville, twenty miles away. Were it not for the expectation that the supply of gas will in time be exhausted, Pitts burgh could be lighted with it by a pipe twenty-five miles in length. The vici nity of the well has become a great re sort, and the people for miles around flock thither to enjoy a dance and have a frolic.

FANCY FAIR.

Although last evening was dull and cloudy, and there was every prospect of a soaking wet day to follow, the morn ing broke fine and bright and a better day for a garden fete could not have been desired. From an early hour this morning Dr Trevor’s pretty grounds presented quite an animated appear ance, a good many of the' ladies assisting being at work soon after nine o’clock. This was indeed necessary, for there was much to be done ere the gates were thrown open to the general public. Many hands make light work, however, and the whole of those ladies who assisted in the day’s doings were evidently bent on making the fete a success. The various tents and stalls were grouped about the lawn and shrubberies, and what with the bright costumes of the ladies, the attractive appearance of the fancy goods, fruit, flowers, and curios, and the crowd of visitors, the whole made up a picture quite bewildering in its variety, and to the juvenile visitors at any-rate, Dr Trevor’s grounds became for the time a veritable fairy-land, the ladies of course representing the fades, and the thou sand pretty things displayed going to make up the sum total of the young people’s happiness. The public were admitted at two o’clock, and a very satisfactory attendance there was, while to-night, after business is finished for the day, the attendance .will probably be still larger. The following are the names of the stall-keepers : —Clothing and fancy goods : Mrs Alfred Curtis (superintendent), Mrs Charles Fooks, Miss Hogg, and Miss Cowper. Japan ese goods: Mrs Dudley (superinten dent) Miss Johns, and Mr Northey. Fruit and flowers ; Mrs Zouch (super intendent), Mrs Mainwaring, Mrs White, Mrs Crisp, Mrs Leahy, and the Misses Shury, Quinlan, Fooks, and Dunn. The following also assisted : Miss Craig, Miss Gates, and Mesdames Permain, Poyntz, Cook, Bennett, Gil pin, Rose, Thomas, Crisp, Restell. The tea took place in Patching’s big tent, and . a very excellent tea it was. The following ladies officiated: — Mrs Fooks (superintendent) Mrs John Curtis Mrs Fuhrmann, Mrs Felton, Mrs W. Saunders, Mrs Gates, Mrs Roberts, Mrs Powrie, Mrs Taylor, Miss Hunt, Miss Saunders, and Miss Compton. We must not omit to mention that Mrs Trevor acted as gene ral superintendent, and worked really hard—as, indeed, she has all along— to

make the affair go off well. Messrs Tucker and Rested lent the timber for the stalls, which were beautifully decor ated with flowers and toi-toi grass. Messrs Henry, John, and Thomas Hunt, Mr Hunt senior, and Mr Frank Mayo, lend valuable assistance in erect ing tents, covered stalls, etc The Ashburton Brass Band played at inter vals during the afternoon. There will be some singing and music at 8 p.m., when the gates will be open to the pub lic at the uniform charge of one shilling. There will also be a display of fire works by Mr W. H. Zouch, and a torch light procession, the torches being lent by the Ashburton Fire Brigade. The proceeds of the fete will be devoted to liquidating the debt on St.. Stephen’s Church.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Borough Council was held at noon to-day. Present —His Worship the Mayor, and Conn-' cillors A. Orr, St Hill, Ivess, Roberta, J. Orr, R. Friedlander, Nelson, and Bird. Mayor’s Statement. —The Mayorsaid that another year had rolled round, and : it. became his duty to say a few words to the Councillors on the events of the past twelve {months. £He thought he ought to congratulate the Council on the progress m ide by the Borough during the year 1882, Although some depres sion had prevailed. during the latter period, he thought Ashburton had got along better than some other places. He wished to particularly refer to the large introduction of brick and stone during the past year, which was a most important matter, and if enly on this account 1882 should be memorable in the annals of Ash burton. The Cheese and Butter Factory and the Woollen Factory were also very important matters, and called for com ment. The former factory was now in full operation, and its success was as sured. He wished he could say the same respecting the Woollen Factory, which was, as yofc, in an earlier stage of its exis tence, but which would presently doubtless become an important industry. The question of getting a traffic bridge over the Ashburton river had been agi tated, and he believed that the County Council had succeeded in getting a sum’ voted for the construction of this bridge, although he had not heard of anything further being done in the mat ter. He was pleased to think that a re duction had been effected in the grain tariff, which was a most important matter for a district like this. He trusted that the passenger traffic would also undergo revision ere long. The completion of the Mount Somers railway was another mat ter to which he ought to refer. The Council, as they were aware, had taken 'a warm interest in the line, and be was glad to think that there was, so far, every probability of its being extended so as to serve the interests of both Mount Somers and Alford Forest. They had now got a plentiful water supply, both for domestic and fire purposes. He thought that the residents on the western side of the line were entitled to much credit for having supplied themselves with a fire-engine. ' A great deal was talked about the value of self-reliance, and he was sure that the residents in question had displayed a great deal of self-reliance in getting aei engine of their own. Two street-crossings had been opened up across the railway liife, and this would doubtless greatly facilitate business. Considerable difficulty had been experienced in getting Havelock street opened. His‘Worship then went on to describe the progress made by the Borough during the past year in the way of improvements undertaken by the Coun cil,. and said that he was glad to think that the Council had excellent prospects before it for the future. Altogether, his Worship’s speech was a most hopeful and encouraging one. Speak ing of the Council his Worship said he was very pleased that during the past year the utmost cordiality had pre vailed amongst the members. This was as it should be. Any personal feelitig was to be deprecated amongst the mem bers of a public body, and he wlas pleased to think that any personal feel ing that might hove existed, had now entirely disappeared. He begged io thank the Council for the way in wHISh they had supported him during the year, and he was glad to think that he had been able to attend every meeting of .tfie Council during the year. The officers were entitlsd to all praise for the mann'ec in which they had acted during the year applause.) He could not sit dbffn without expressing th 6 pleasure it gave him to see all the Councillors present with the exception of Councillor Harri son, who was quite unable to attend. Cr. Ivess rose to propose, after a few eulogistic remarks, that a hearty .and cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Jiis Worship the Mayor for the manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office during the past yt&r. Cr. St Hill had great pleasure in seconding the motion which was carried, unanimously. His Worship having re sponded, the Town Clerk read a letter from Cr Harrison, apologising for hiajun avoidable absence, which he hoped they would excuse.—Cr J. Orr then proposed “ The health of his Worship the Mayor,” which was drunk in bumpers of cham pagne.—The Mayer having responded, proposed the toast of “ The Ashburton Borough Council,” coupled with the names of the Councillors present, and he was sure that a better toast could not be pro posed, although he said it. He would have to ask the gentlemen of the Press to respond to the toast. (Applause and laughter.)—The toast was drunk heartily by the representatives of the Fourth Estate.—The toast was responded to by the whole of the Councillors present.— The Mayor then proposed “ The health of the officers,” coupled with the mimes of those present Messrs Bcaddell and Davidson.—Messrs Braddell and David son having responded, the toast of “ The Press ” followed, coupled with the nehnes of the representatives present Messrs Dunn, Paul, Reddin, and C. A. Wilkins.

Ordinary Meeting. , An oriinary meeting was held imme diately attar the annual meeting. The following letter was read ifrom Mr E. G. Wright, M.ER. for ’£sh bnrton, apologising for his absence on the occasion of the visit to Mount Soinera of the Minister for Public Works Windermere, December 16th, .1882.; —To his Worship the Mayor, Ashburton. 1 'Dear Sir, —I hope to be able to show at the proper time, that I had sufficient reasons for not being present at Mount Somers sn Saturday last. But I very much regret that you should have construed my absence into an intentional slight upon yourself and the Borough Council, and trust that you will accept my assurance that nothing could have been more remote from my thoughts, than an intention to treat with dis courtesy a public body composed chiefly (as you stated recently) of my personal friends. Attaching, as I do, but little value to mere forms and ceremonies, it did not occur to me that my presence was necessary for the purpose of introducing yourself and the Borough Coun cil to the Minister for Public Works. The re lations between myself and the Ashburton Borough Council have always been of the most cordial nature, and I hope will always Remain so, whether I have the honor to represent the district in Parliament or not,—l am, etc., Edward G. Wright. Some discussion followed, Gra Bird and St Hill expressing the opinion that Mr Wright ought to have been in attendance on the occasion in question. Cr St Hill

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1882.



CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS —A Large and Splendid Assortment, comprising all the Newest Designs in Great Variety.— Andkewes Bros., Book sellers, Stationers, etc.. East street south, Ashburton' ' . d 6 o E. We have now IN STOCK and for sale, ex vessels from Kaipara, a large assort ment of DRESSED AND UNDRESSED Kauri Timber, including sizes to suit all requirements of the Building Trade. WELL!- SEASONED TIMBER for : Joiners and Cabinetmakers. Also, from Foxton, ex Awaroa and. Forest Queen, Totaral Black Pine, of the beat quality to be obtained. ©2l TUCKER, RESTELL & 00. Gi RE A T S ALE IT o* A LARGE SALVAGE STOCK FURNITURE! FURNITURE! Furniture ! Also, a large quantity of NEW and SECOND-HAND FURNI TURE-CHEAP, All kinds of Turnery, Carving, &e. Bedroom and Drawing-room Suites. John Meech, B U RNETT STREET, Ashbukton. Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade Workshop—Next Mail >ffice. -F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. 3 VERY article Sold at Christchurch Pbjobs and guaranteed best of ttflrial and workmanship. FUNERALS. CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FUBNISHBD



Wanted HUTT ROAD BOARD. Applications, addressed to the Chair man, will be received at the Office up till SATURDAY, the 23rd inat., from persons veiling to act as POUNDKEEPER for the Methven Pound for one year ; duties tp commence from January 7th, 1883. Particulars as to duties, etc., can be ob tained at the Road Board office, Methven. W. B. COMPTON, 19d Overseer, i. ■jntTANTED, in January, a GENERAL |VV SERVANT who can milk. Refer 'ejnces required. Apply to Mrs Bonifant, Avoca. 19d 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., Master ton, North Island. d!6 WANTED— TENDERS for Cutting, Stooking, and Stacking 323 acres of Wheat on the Mount Hutt Estate. Par ticulars may be obtained at Messrs Mor gan and Hires’, Methven. The lowest pr any tender not necessarily accepted 19 1 j ANTED KNOWN—That A. ORR is selling Best Currants, 6d per lb; Splendid Tea, 2s and 2s 6d. Every article equally as cheap. dl9 TITTANTED KNOWN—That Kingston jVV and Steel’s Berlin Wool and Fancy Repository is the Cheapest House in town for CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. Havelock street. 18d WANTED EVERYBODY to know that Hayes and Co.’s is the Cheapest House in Town for CLOTHING and DRAPERY. au 12 ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. • 760 c w 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 Bread alone, independent of the other Two Carts, which will con tinue to run as before The name of Mr Hicks will be a sufficient guara tee that, under his management, Bread of unex ceptionable quality will be turned out of the BAKERY, East street —R. Lancaster, Proprietor. 240



Special Advertisements. SAMUELSOK’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 fast sold, have many material improve ments on the one exhibited by Messrs •SamucUon 1"-* Amnnar 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 Samuelsi.n, in perfecting this machine, have avoido I 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 to be present to render his services during next harvest. Early application is necessary te avoid disappointment in securing a machine. G. G. STEAD, Managing Director. P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12au Agent, Ashburton.



OOA L. COAL. COAL. Wo have now IN STOCK, ex Con ference, a large supply of the Old Lambton Coal. This is the BEST HOUSE COAL imported. 18n TUCKER, REST ELL & CO. 'VTOTICE TO BLACKSMITHS, aM BREWERS, AND OTHERS. Just landed, ex Mary Campbell, from Greymouth, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO.



The Smith Organ, Made expressly for churches, very strong and plain case, twenty sop*, octave couplers, grand swell, twenty-nine pedal notes of two registers (equal to fifty-eight notes), double exhausting bellows (to blow by hand for full power, but a foot lover can be used for the soft organ). Altogether a complete powerful church organ at a comparative small cost, and combining the stops and swells of the pipe organ costing four times the amount. Any ordinary player can use this organ. Guaranteed for five years. These organs are imported at special low prices for churches, and sold on terms to suit customers. Organs exchanged if not satisfactory. Further particulars from H. J. WEEKS, MUSIC SELLER, ASHBURTON. Agent for 0. Begg & Co. Importers.



Special Advertisements* [With an apology to Green’s Shade.] CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES.—The BIG SHOP in East Street, Ash burton, has just been opened with an entirely NEW STOOK of English, Foreign, and Colunial-mide BOOTS and SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which have given such satisfaction in Tinwald and else where. —C. HAWKINS, “ Munster" Warehouse, Ashburton ; also at Tin wald. THE SCOTTISH IMPERIAL IN SURANCE 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. 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. £JHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &c., &c., &c. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c. East street south, Ashburton. nls rjIRY 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: EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. sl9



Thomas Taylor, JgAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East street. WE DDING CUES To Order, Manufacturer of CIDER A.ND OTHER CORDIALS,



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.Ji)., with the number of insertions written plnnly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can bo received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. 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.