SHIPPING.

■,l JfORT OF LYTTELTON. ' 1 "* * ’ ’ • ' < Arrived. Saturday. Hawea, s.s., from Nelson, Picton, and Wellington. 1 Mahinapua, as., from Port Chalmers. Otaapere, s. s., from Port Chalmers. JBawea, s. s., from Akaroa. Edwin Bassett, barque, from Welling ton. Yesterday. Rotorua, s.a., from Port Chalmers. Wakatu, 5.6. from Wellington. X*och-Gree,-barque, from Newcastle. Sea Bird, brigantine, from Hokianga. Emperor, brig, from Newcastle. Mount Lebanon, barquentine, from Newcastle. Wild Wave, b.'.rque, from Hobart. . Mary King, schooner, from Kaipara. Clematis, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. Jannett, ketch, from Kaiapoi. E. and U. Cameron, schooner, from Hhstory. Catherine, ketch, from Okain’s Bay. To-day. Rotorua, s.'s., from Dunedin. Sailed. -. Saturday. Hawea, s.s., for Wellington. Omapere, s.s., for Wellington and East Coapt. Mahinapua, s.s., for Wellington. City of Bombay, barque, for Newcastle. Hawea, s.s., for Akaroa. .Pleiades, ship, for London. G-. M. Tucker, barque, for Newcastle. Splendid, barque, for the South Sea Whaling Ground. Sarah, and Mary, brigantine, for Grey mouth. Dapet Ramsay, schooner, for Gatlin’s river.; ’ Oceari Bird, ketch, for Anahau. Clio, schooner, for Waitapu. Yesterday. Saucy Lass, schooner, for Wellington. Celestia, barque, for Westport.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T. Bollock reports for the week ending December • 16th :■ —Horse Market : At the Bazaar, Burnett street, on Saturday, there was a spialjer attendance than usual of farmers and other settlers, and only a small entry of horses for the day’s sale, the majority of which were of rather an inferior description, but those of a good stamp found buyers at satisfactory prices. The entries for the day numbered 26, out of''which 12 were sold at the following prices, viz. : —Two three-year-old colts, light draught and unbroken, brought L 26 10s; one*; ditto, suitable for a- town carrier, fetched Ll 4 ; medium draught and good use fuliarm horses, on account of Messrs Giddings, Sargisson, Sutton, and O’Sullivan, Ll 6, LlB, Lig.ios, and L2O respectively. Hacks: Those entered were rather an inferior lot, and sold as low as L2. excepting one four-year-old which brought Lg ss. Light harness horses of a not very good description. L 6 15s to Lg. Landed Properties : I held a sale of town, suburban, and other properties, the biddings for which were rather languid. Out of the list submitted only two properties were sold, viz., lots 75 and 76, each containing quarter-acre, near the Alfred Mills, and known as part of Walsh’s paddock; they brought L 33. In the C. Pye, rural sections 28642, 34115, in the Rangitata district, containing 265 acres 2 roods 38 perches, sold at Li 14s per acre, Mr Adaha Jackson being the purchaser. Mr Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows :—Saturday, December 16th. —Several.hacks changed hands of no impor tant value. Pigs sold well, all lots being cleared. Cows in profit are in demand, and alwrys, bring full value.—Fowls: is 6d to 2s gd per pair; geese, 8s to 12s per pair; turkeys, IDs to 16s per pair; ducks, 4s per pair. Dray, Lxg; .Woods’ reaper, Ll 3 : Old Derweuts no value, early, id per lb; chick wfceftt, ,3? per bushel; oats, 3s 3d pec bushel ; bran, L 4 per ton. A quantity of china and .sold very well. The attendance was very'good, and an average sale completed.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES • To-morrow, Tuesday, December 19. J. T. Ford & Co., at Messrs Biggs and ‘Reid’s Store, Tinwald Grocery, Clothing, Book Debts, &c.; MiV. Alfred Harrison, at his rooms— ' 'Pianos, Organs, and Harmoniums ; 2 ,p,m. Staitionery, Ac.; 3 p.m. Matson, Cox and Go., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock.' .ft.'Wilkin and C 0.,: at. the New Zealand .Wool Stores, Christchurch—Wool : 11 s=* „ ■ . ■ a.m. Wednesday, December 20, N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., at the Christchurch Wool and Grain Ware house—Wool.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1882.

Anniversary Day. —Anniversary Day appears to have been observed as a close holiday everywhere but in Ashburton, where business and pleasure struggled for the mastery, busia ss appearing to have the best of it. The Licensing Act. —At the quarterly meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Saturday the Licensing Act was pretty freely criticised, and the fol lowing resolution was carried:—“ That it is desirable that the attention of the Go vernment be called at once to the present state of the Licensing Act, and the Ad ministration of the same, more particu larly the large power placed in the hands of looai policemen.”

Christmas Announcements. Messrs Dimant and Coe, of Victoria House, and the proprietors of the Berlin wool and fancy repository, Havelock street (Kings ton and Steel’s), have Christmas an nouncements in our advertising columns. Church Parade.—Some fifty members of the Ashburton Rifles mustered for church parade yesterday mo-mug, under Captain Douglas, and proceeded to the Wesleyan chapel, headed by the band. An appropriate and interesting sermon wm delivered by the Rev. Mr Standage.

A “ Splendid ” Haul, The Port Chalmers manager of the company which fitted up the barque Splendid, visited the . hip at Lyttelton, and South with 8841bs of amber, ris, taken from one whale, valued at L 45,000, the market price of ambergris being T. 4 10s per ounce

Christmas Treat for the Aof.o and Crippl n.—Donations of money or kind will be thankfully acknowledged by the master of the Ashburton Home, towards providing the inmates with a Christmas treat. We hope our readers will not be unmindful of the old men, during the merry season now at hand.

Runaway Sailors.—A telegram from Auckland states that two seamen of the barque Kentish Lass deserted at Helens ville, and at Kaukaupo attempted ,to as sault the daughter of John McLeod, set tler. A settler approaching, the sailors fled. The police and settlers of the dis trict are searching for the offenders.

Cricket, —A match .between the Ash burton Club and a Timaru team was played on Saturday in the Domain. The visitors scored 72 in their first innings and 98 in their second, and the local men put 79 together in their first innings. The game was decided on the one innings in favor of the Ashburton team who won by 7 runs. Ashburton Rifles.—Twelve men went out for Rifle practice this morning, but owing to a high wind blowing across the range the scores made were very low, CorporaliMcDonald being top scorer with 28 points. The district prizes will be fired for to-morrow afternoon, under the super vision of Capt un Dundas, and wo trust the weather will be propitious.

Willowby Sunday School. —A tea and public meeting is announced to take place in the Willowby schoolroom, on Wednesday evening next, in connection with the Sunday school in that locality. This institution is, wo nndertand, of an undenominational character, the teachers and office-bearers being composed of mem bers of different sects. The tea meeting is becoming an annual affair, and on past occasions of this kind, a considerable num ber of visitors from Ashburton have been present. It is to be hoped the affair will be as successful as its predecessors. South Rakaia Sports. —At a meeting of the South Bakaia sports committee held on Saturday, it was reported that about L4O had been collected, and many other subscriptions promised, so that although late in commencing, there is every chance, weather permitting, of a pleasant day being spent, although a little cold water (not enough to hurt) has been thrown by some in the district on the movement. The programme of sports— a long and varied one, appears in our advertising columns. The Rakaia people are to be congratulated on the prospect of a capital day’s sport.

The Modern Miracle Worker. —Mr Milner Steven gave the public an exhibi tion of his professed healing powers in the Theatre Royal, Napier, on Saturday night, and created great astonishment by apparently instantaneously curing partial paralysis, rheumatism and like affections. The patients certainly walked away pro fessing to be cured. In one case a deaf and dumb boy was made to hear, and he repeated words after Mr Steven. It is reported that he has since fallen from grace, and cannot now speak. The so called cures are brought about by breath ings and blowings and stroking with the hand, assisted by red flannel, on which Mr Stevens breathes, and by bottles of what he calls magnetised water and mag netised oil. His performance was the tajk of the town last night.

A Deserving Appeal. —The Master of the Old Men’s Home will be glad to re ceive contributions towards the Christ mas dinner at the Home. Christmas comes but once a year, and when it comes it ought to bring “good cheer,” but it does not always do so. Doubtless Mr and Mrs Harris might be able to supply their chsrg-s with a dinner unaided, but the rules of the institution do not, of course, admit of luxuries being placed upon the table. It is to be hoped that the public will not let the appeal made to their generosity pass by unanswered. We feel sure they will never regret it if they lend Mr Harris a helping hand to provide a right good dinner at the Home on Christ mas Day. Good things or the money to buy them will alike be acceptable, and acknowledged by Mr Harris in these co lumns.

The Garden Fete. —The work of pre jiaration for the Church of England fete in Dr Trevor’s grounds on Wednesday next is still proceeding, and numbers of lady parishioners are very busy getting their wares together and making fanciful as well as useful articles for the various stalls. We hear that most of the stall keepers will be dressed in fancy costumes. A good display of fireworks will also take placi about 9 p.m. Torches will also be Jit by the Ashburton Fire Brigade, and altogether the grounds will present a very pretty appearance. There will be stalls for the sale of farm produce, fancy work, fruit, flowers, and one for Japanese goods specially selected for Ashbu ton. We hope the day will be fine in order that a large number of the public may avail themselves of the opportunity of being present. The Caledonian Sports. —Mr Thomas Bullock disposed of the privileges in con nection with the Caledonian Sports, to be held on Boxing Day, on Saturday after noon, The attendance was very meagre, owing, doubtless, to the day being ob served as a partial holiday. The publi can’s booth was secured by Mr T. Quill at L2B, Mr W. T. Davison purchasing the right to erect the confectioner’s booth for L 6. The cards and the right of sports were passed in. The Society hold the gates themselves. On account of several special prizes coming in just as the nomi nations were timed to close, the date of closing has been extended till the 20th inst. We understand that there are already a large number of nominations to hand, and there is every prospect of the Caledonian Sports meeting of 1882 being one of the best ever held. Certainly Mr J. C. Duncan, the energetic secretary, is sparing no pains to ensure the success of the gathering. Mysterious.— A rather strange affair is reported fromTuapeka west. Mr John Bulfin reported to the police that a man had been seen last week in the bush be hind his accommodation house, by him self, his son, and a ploughman, with a large pole or stick in his hand. The man came out of the bush, was seen to sti -fc die pole in the ground, go some distance from it, throw stones at it, return and take it up, shake it round his head, and then bestride it as if on horseback. Those who witnessed the strange occurrence made a run to try and capture him, but he made his escape into the bush. As the parties were not close to him no descrip tion of his person can bs given. On Mon day last Sergeant-Major Moore and Mounted Constable Clark proceeded to the locality, and accompanied by Mr Bulfin made a careful search of the bush, but could find no trace of the man. No one is known to have called at any place in the neighborhood asking for food. The probability is that the individual, whether semi or wholly insane, has removed to some other locality,

TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION.

The following concludes our report ot the Temperance demonstration on Satur day. Running High Jump, Boys—J. McFarlane and J. Jones divided the stakes. Standing High Jump, Men— Hunt, 1; R. McFarlane, 2. Running Long Jump, Men—Betts, 1; Stew art, 2. Running Long Jump, Boys —li. Lucas, 1: Black, 2. Pole Vaulting, Men—Stewart and Hunt tied at 9 feet, and divided the money. Pole Vaulting, Boys—Venables, 1; McFarlane, 2. The “ Bun-and-Treaclo contest” was one of the most amusing events of the afternoon. About a dozen juveniles competed. A piece of string about 15 yards long was stretched from. Mr Davison’s booth to a pole stuck in the tussocks. Depending from this string were the buns—a bun to each boy. The cakes having been coated with treacle, at a given signal the fun

began, the whole of the hoys making a simultaneous attack on the buns. The spectacle of the struggling urchins, with their treacle-besmeared faces, all trying to swallow down their buns first, and so claim the stakes, created roars of laugh ter. The prize fell to Master Robert Pander, who came in a winner by about a quarter of a bun, and lost no time in making application for the coveted five shillings. The tea took place at the Town Hall immediately after the sports. The Hall was well filled with people, the tables being presided over by the following ladies:—Mesdarnes 0. E. Fooks, Turton, Poyntz, Tippetts, and the Misses Paviti., Kidd, Meharry, Causey, and others. The caterer was Mr Thomas Taylor, ancl a very excellent tea was provided. The concert took place at eight o’clock, the Town Hall being crowded. The Rev. E. A. Scott acted as chairman. The concert was got up under the super vision of Mr H. J, Weeks, who officiated as conductor.

The orchestra, an unusually strong one for an occasion of this sort, was composed as follows: Pianoforte accompanists : Mrs Wood and Mr H. J. Weeks; organ ist: Miss Alcorn; violins: Messrs Weeks, Wilson, and Ferguson ; fllute ; Mr D. Zander; cornet : Mr G. Savage ; eu phonium : Mr Savage. The overture, which was performed in capital style, and with excellent effect, elicited an encore, which, however, was not responded to. The Rev. E. A. Scott then delivered a short address, in which he told his hearers that he considered it a great honor to have been asked to take the chair that evening. He hoped that by this time he was fully recognised as a triend of the great cause of temperance. (Applause.) The demonstration of that day had not been altogether satisfactory. He had hoped that they would have had an immense procession, extending all the way up East street, instead of which the procession had been mainly composed of the mem bers of the bands. However, he trusted that all those who did walk to the sports grounds that afternoon wore all of them friends to the cause,' and that what they lacked in numbers they made up in en thusiasm. (Applause.) He was pleased to think that no less than three bands had assisted at the demonstration. Firstly there was the band that had just per formed the overture, the Excelsior brass band, and the new Drura-and-Fife band, that had made its first appearance in public that day. (Applause.) He appre ciated that clapping of hands, and he ap preciated the kindly feeling evinced by the brass band in giving place as they had done to the new band, and allowing it to occupy the front rank in the procession. That kindness was, he could assure them, fully recognised both by himself and the members of the new band. (Applause.) He did not intend to occupy much of their time then, because the programme was a long one, and one of the most fam ous temperance advocates in the colony— Mr J. W. Jago—was going to address them, and doubtless they would all bene fit by the arguments adduced by Mr Jago in favor of total abstinence. But there was one other point he wished to say a few words on before he sat down. He thought they ought to have some sort of a Temperance Alliance in the town, whose object should be the furtherance of the cause. Unity was strength. There were many things that one or two would be powerless to effect that a united body might hope to success fully accomplirh. The suggestion ha had to make—and he would move a resolution to the same effect by-and-bye, or they might if they liked —was that the United Demonstration Committee should be re quested to act as a Standing Committee to bring about a Permanent Temperance Alliance in Ashburton, whose object should be to watch over the interests of temperance and further them in every way possible. The Rev. Mr Beattie had pro mised to address them that evening, but was unavoidably absent. He (Mr Scott) would fill Mr Beattie’s place in the pro gramme at a later stage in the evening by moving a resolution to the effect he had just referred to. (Applause.) He would not detain them longer then, but would call upon the Septette party to sing the part song, “ The stars that above us are shining.” The item was rendered in a very pleasing manner, and was of course loudly applauded. Miss Kidd then sang “ Uh ! how delightful,” and the audience thought it was so delightful that they begged for more, which was, however, denied them by the chairman, who begged the applauders to remember the length of the programme, and to abstain from en cores. He was quite sure Miss Kidd ap preciated the compliment just the same. Then followed a pianoforte solo by Miss Kate Wood, a young lady who is, we be lieve, new to Ashburton audiences. She proved herself a most accomp'ished pianiste. The piece was the well-known “ Irish Diamonds,” a fantasia on popular airs, one of them being “ The girl I left behind me.” Into this air Miss Wood in troduced with the most realistic effect the roll of the drums as the imaginary soldiers marched away lamenting the fair ones “left behind.” The performance was decidedly clever, and elicited a perfect storm of applause, which Mr Scott was quite unable to quell. And so the march was repeated to the great delight of the rather demonstrative audience. Mrs Craighead, who was in excellent voice, then sang “ The blind girl to her harp,” narrowly escaping an en ore. which in deed she deserved. Mrs Nixon, a great favorite with Ashburton audiences, then gave the stirring Temperance song, “ Don't go near the bar-room, brother," which is set to the familiar air of “ Just before the battle.” Mrs Nixon’s musical ability is too well known to need com ment. Suffice it to say that she sang ex quisitely, the effect of the music being considerably heightened by the Septette taking up the chorus after each verse. Of course the song was encored. Mr J. W. Jago, P.G.W.C.T., then made his appearance, and was greeted with applause. He said he hoped they would accord him as favorable a reception as they had just given the last performer, He came before them not altogether a stranger. That was the third time lie had come to Ashburton to address a tem perance meeting in that hall, and he came that night for the same puipose as before —to emphasize the advice contained in the beautiful song they had just been listening to, “ Don’t go near the bar room, brother,” and the enunciation of that sentiment was jn*t as necessary that day as it had ever been. He was only allotted half-an-hour in which to talk to them—and ho dare say they thought that time quite long enough in the middle of a concert. The Rev. Charles Clarke was lecturing in Dunedin once, accompanied by a Miss Christian, who used to sing at intervals during the lectures, as only Miss Christian could sing. Noting the effect ,

of that singing on ."His audience the reverend lecturer had remarked that wh- n singing birds and talking birds came to gether he had always observed that the talking birds had to take a back seat. (Laughter.) Half-an-hour was allotted to him (Mr Jago), and one hour and a half to the music, but he trusted that if he detained them for half-an-hour they would have no reason to regret it. (Ap plause.) They were there that night, as he had said before, to emphasize the bur then of the song they had just heard, “Don’t go near the bar-room, brother.” They were there that night to consider a great social question, a question affecting the health and happiness of millions the world over drunkenness —an evil that could not be exaggerated because it was the prolific cause of other evils. Some years ago a book was published in Englauu called “.The Devil’s Chain.” It was written by an English Member of Parliament, the author of “ Ginx’a Baby ” and other popular works, and was intended to bring prominently under the notice of the British people the gigantic evil of drunken ness. The book was abused in the news papers and magazines. The reviewers said it exaggerated and intensified the evil it was written to expose, and that it was not fit to be read, so full was it of horrors. Well, after reading those charges made against “ The Devil’s Chain,” he (Mr Jago) set himself to work to collate records of the wretchedness and infamy and the horrors caused by strong drink. He went on collecting these for some time. Why did he stop ? Because the task became too horrible—the accounts were too terrible, and the details absolutely sickening— and he abandoned the work in disgust. “The Devil’s chain had not in one iota exaggerated anything : nay, it had not told the one half of what it might have told. Well, it was on account of that evil, the evil of drunkenness, the cause of so much misery and vice and wretchedness that they v.cre there that night — to lift ud their voices in protest against the curse that was filling the gaols with criminals, filling the hospi pltals with the sick and stricken, filling the lunatic asylums with lunatics who had been robbed of their reason by drink. It was only the other day that one of the assize judges at Liverpool stated it had been his sad duty to sentence a number of his fellow-creatures to the gallows during the time that he had sat upon the bench, and he declared that in every instance the crime for which the prisoner forfeited his life had b;en caused by the abuse of in toxicating liquors. They asked, why was this ? Drunkenness was a thing that everybody deplored—and they asked, could nothing be done to drive it away —to bring the terrible state of things it gave rise to, to an end J The curse was everywhere. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, were alike affected by it. How was it that the Gin-Fiend could number its myriads of victims 1 How was it, as a writer in Scribner’s Magazine lately wrote, that the tramp, tramp, tramp of the myriads of victims was succeeded by the tramp, tramp, tramp of the myriads coming to take the place of those who had passed away I How was all this 1 How came it ? Well, the answer was a simple one. It was—because alcoholic liquor was used as a beverage. That was the answer, and that was the only reasonable conclusion that could be arrived at. Many people took alcohol as food, and talked about it as “ a good creature of God.” And yet it was a

poison. A good deal of misconception existed in the minds of many with regard to this same alcohol, even amongst the educated, who might be expected to know something of science. Many supposed alcohol to be a product of nature. He had not time to go deeply into the sub ject, but ho would content himself with denying that alcohol war a product of living nature. It was the product of corruption, decay, and death, and led to death. They were told that many things contained alcohol, but he would deny it. If they eat a small kernel (the kernels contained in stone fruit, etc., were re ferred to) they would swallow a small quantity of pure pmssic acid, but they might eat a bushel of grain and yet not taste a particle of alcohol. Before the grain would produce alcohol it must be fermented and distilled, and become something totally different to what it had origiurdly been. Mr Jago then quoted the words of medical authorities who had denounced alcohol as producing a pernicious instead of a beneficial effect on the system, and he pointed out in forcible language the fallacy of supposing that intoxicants helped to strengthen or nourish, or exert any good effect whatever. Alcohol was a hindoror, and not a helper of work. The speaker concluded by earnestly exhorting his hearers —the youthful amongst them more especially—to shun intoxicating liquors, and to place themselves beyond temptation by at once and for ever becom ing total abstainers. The address was listened to throughout with the closest attention, and the speaker was loudly ap plauded when he retired. Miss E. Orr then played a piano solo, “ The musical-hox,” imitating the music produced by the musical-hox with excel lent effect. Mrs Wood and Miss Kidd thou sang the duett, “Huno to our mountains ” very pleasingly.

The chairman then came forward and said he would read them the suggestion he had written down with respect to a Temperance Alliance, and then if any member of the audience chose to move it as a resolution, he (Mr Scott) would put it to the meeting. There was no response.

The septette than sang the glee, “Yilla:e choristers,” and another, “ Awake, riEolian lyre. ” The chairman hero said that he under a member of the audi nee wished to move the resolution.

Mr Poyntz thereupon moved as follows: —(1) “That tho United Demonstration Committee of 1832 bo requested by this meeting to act, as a standing committee, with he object of watching over tho gene ral interests of the temperance cause in Ashburton and the neighborhood, and of framing a scheme for the formation of a permanent Pomperance Alliance.’’— (2) “That the standing committee now in stituted hold ofll :e till the month of April, 1833, when they shall report to a public meeting and fortwith dissolve.” Mr Murray moved as an amendment : “ That this mooting considers it advisable to leave the formation of the proposed committee in the hands of the several So cieties and Lodges." Mr Poyntz thought that that was no time to discuss the question raised by Mr Murray, and he would withdraw his reso lution. Tho mathor then dropped.

Mrs Wood, Miss Wood, and Messrs Weeks, Zander, and Savage then sang an operatic selection, and one of the best items of the evening followed. This was the song and chorus “ Come where my love lies dreaming,” in which Mrs Craig head took the solo part with even better effect than in her previous effort, the septette rendering valuable assistance. Mr Scott then briefly thanked the various ladies and gentlemen who had taken part in the performance, and con tributed to the pleasure and instruction of those present. M 1 Jago had given them something to think about, and he was deserving of a special vote of thanks for he stopped at Ashburton on his way to Dunedin to be present at the cone rt at some inconvenience to himself. Mr Weeks, too, ought to bo thanked for the manner in which he had got up the con cert, which was very creditable to him in deed. There were perhaps some others whom he (Mr Scott) ought to thank, and if there wore he begged to thank them very sincerely. With regard to the Tem

perance Allia'hce, he Hoped his idea would yet be carried out, as he Was sure that the scheme would be attended with the happiest results. At Mr Scott’s invitation, the audience here stood up and joined in the singing of the National Anthem. Thus tor--omated a very pleasant evening. Last night, according to announcement, Mr Jago delivered an address in the Town Hall to a crowded audience. The proceedings did not commence until eight o’clock, and the congregations from the various churches in town were thus eu able !to be present. Devotional exorcises having been engaged in, Mr Jago entered into his subject—the moral and religious claims of the temperance movement—and it is seldom that the total abstinence question is so reasonably and yet so for cibly argued out, as it was last night. The ministers of the several Ashburton de nominations were present and occupied seats on the platform, and several of Sankey’s hymns ware sung during the meeting.

THE SUSPECTED MURDER AT AUCKLAND.

The supposed murder of Hugh Hamil ton is still the theme of general conversa tion in Auckland, where the sensational disclosures recently made have caused a profound sensation, while the case has now assumed a still graver aspect. Groat stress is laid upon the discovery of the bloodstained axe. Robert Neilson (Mrs Hamilton’s brother) found it on the morning of the sad affair, lying in a plot of grass between his house and that of his sister ; and a little girl says she saw Mrs Hamilton carrying it into her house be hind a broom next morning. It is stated by persons well-known to the family that Mrs Hamilton a short time ago consulted a solicitor with the object of securing a divorce, and that at the same time she was on very intimate terms with Priestly. A more serious matter which is attracting public attention is the strange coincidence that on the day Hamilton died an infant of the family also departed this life, and was buried with it? father. This becom ing publicly known outside caused much comment, and now there are not wanting many who assert that the child died an unnatural death. The police are called on to take this additional mystery in hand, and unravel it to the satisfaction of all. Gillman, an Onehunga chemist, relates a curious incident, which seems to have some bearing on the case;—“When I saw the report of the supposed murder case in the papers, I had recalled to mind an incident which occurred about six or seven weeks ago. A young man answering to the description given of Priestly came to ray store, and, making a few purchases, asked if he could be furnished with some strychnine, as he wished to send it up to a friend of his in the country for the pur pose of killing Maori dogs, which were a great nuisance. I replied that ho could be supplied if he brought a reliable wit ness. He then left, and two days after, about 7-30 p. m., he again entered the shop with a female, who, not being (in Gillman’s opinion) a reliable witness, he declined to sell it. It has been decided to exhume the bodies of Hugh Hamilton and his child, when careful medical ex amination can be entered into, and the several points at present enveloped in mystery may be effectually cleared up. Priestly has boon in the Province of Auckland almost since childhood, having come from Hobart. His father, was an Englishman, and both his parents are dead. He has a brother resident in Northern Wairoa, Kaipara. It is stated that he was at one time servant to Father Paul, Onehunga. The Rev. Peter Mason states that Priestly was not a Presbyterian divinity student, but studying with him to pass the Arts ex amination, conditional to entering upon ministerial training;.

SPORTING.

WINSLOW RACES. The following acceptances have been received for the Winslow Races : Hurdle Race.—Captain, Wild Rose, Albion. Winslow Cop. —Albion, Speculation, Fidget. ' Trotting Race. Scamp, Charlie, Nipper, Dolly, Butcher’s Maid. D.J. 0. AUTUMN MEETING. The following acceptances have been received for the D.J. C. Autumn Meet ing ; Dunedin Cup Sir Modrcd, Lady Emma, Salvage, Tasman, Bandoora, The Dauphin, Cheviot, Vanguard, Soinnus, Louie, Welcome Jack, Matanaka, Emir Bey, King Quail, H Ida, Idalium, Envy filly, Turquoise, Nonsense, The Poet, Iris, Blue Jacket, Adamant, Sir Garnet, Gitana, Kingask, Violin, Minerva, Taia roa, Te Ata, The Jilt. Hurdle Race —Agent, Cunard, Whit bach, Wild Boy, Mokarakara, Milo, Why Not, Young Sledmere, Gang Awa, Ka krearera, Don Jose. Publican’s Handicap —Sir Molred, Lady Emma, Luna, Welcome Jack, Mata naka, King Quail, Envy filly, Turquoise, iNonsense, Iris, Nautilus, Mataku, Aurora, Violin, Taiaroa, The Jilt, Miss King filly, Coupon. Stewart’s Purse (welter handicap)— Bundoora, Matanaka, Hilda, Envy filly, Nautilus, Iris, Leos, Gitana, Violin, Au rora, Taiaroa.

THE DEATH IN A PRISON CELL AT AUCKLAND.

The inquest on Hooton, the chemist, respecting whose sudden death in a cell at Momt Eden gaol we had a telegram in our lust issue, resulted in a verdict of “ Died from serious sanguineous apo plexy.” Up till some three or four months ago Thomas Hooton, with his wife, re st led at Coroman iel, and while there made the acquaintance of the family of the Raynors. Air and Mrs Hooton, owing to the former’s intemperate habits, lived very unhappily together, and by his cruel treatment Mrs Hooton was frequently driven to seek refuge under the friendly roof of the Raynors, who, on more than ore occasion, protected her from her husband’s violence. Hooton does not seem to have appreciated the in terference of the Rayncrs, and, in deed, conceived a violent dislike for them, which found expression in threats and inuendoes when he was worse for liquor. About three months ago Hooton came to reside at Devenport, where the Raynors had also taken up their residence, and indeed both families occupied apartments in the same house. Hooton commenced business on Queen street wharf as chemist and druggist, and though for a short time he was steady he soon relapsed into his old intemperate habits, and his unfortunate wife led a life of even greater unhappiness than before. One day last week, stung to desperation by his cruelty, she rushed imo the part of the house occupied by Raynors and claimed their protection. This so incensed Hooton that he threatened to mu.der not only his wife but Raynor’s als >. The day after Mi's Hooton’s flight her husband borrowed L 5 from a friend, ostensibly for the purpose of purchasing a revolver and ammunition for the protection of the house from burglars, but, as the sequel proved, really with the intention of carry ing out his murderous threats. Hooton’s next step was to load the weapon, a six chambered revolver, and proceed to the North Shore. On Monday evening last the Misses Raynor happened to be on the wharf as the ferry steamer came alongside. They recognised Hooton, and observin' he was armed came to the conclusion he was about to carry out his thread. They hastened home and gave the a'anu. Pre

sently a knock came to the door,' andMiza. Raynor, arming herself with a stick* pro* - - ceeded to answer the summons. She did not think it was Hooton, consequently hcl terror was great when on opening ho door she found herself looking down upon the tube of the revolver presented at her-’ by the semi-inebriated chemist. Fortu nately M*ss Raynor, with admirahle pra- - sence of mind, promptly struck the revol ver upwards, the blow apparently at the same time causing Hooton’s hand to relax its pressure on the trigger. The weapon , w.-.s fully loaded, capped, and cooked! Just as Miss Raynor had performod this’act of bravery her younger sister and her father appeared on the scene, and without much ad); wrested’ the revolver from his grasp and handed him over to the police authorities. Hooton has been employed in the estab- ... lishment of Messrs Potter and Co., mer chants, Durham street. Since his arrest he wrote a letter to his brother, fully ex pressing his determination to “ shoot * Raynor. ” Mrs Hooton states she visited her husband in gaol, and that he then made use of threats that he would murdef- 1 Raynor. He informed her that he had j arranged with John, his brother, to look ■ after the children. Hooton has boen io y' the colony three years, arriving at Wei-/ lington, from England, in the ship. Meri vale, in 1879. : -■ • '■> 1 i * -

CHRISTMAS TREE.

The Primitive Methodist Church is gay with fancy goods just now. The'pretty things, con sisting of all kinds of articles suitable sents, are arranged on a long table, arid >m'the church stands an enormous Christmas Tree, laden with presents. The admission is a shilling, which entitles the patron to a chancp., of a prize. The Christmas Tree will be ;qp.vieW.,>> this evening and to-morrow, and it was, /V prepared for a good object it should be' patronised. A bevy of young ladies' keep watch and ward over the tree, and dispose of the tickets to the visitors. .

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[reciter's TELKCipAMS—-CORYBIOjaxJ.rj The New Ministry. IrOKDON, Dec. 16. A Cabinet Council, was held at Windsor to-day, when the following members of the Ministry took the oaths of office:—Lord Derby, Secretary7for"' the Colonies ; Lord Kimberley, S&Ae tary for India; Lord Hartipgton, Sep- V retary for War; and Mr Childers, | Chancellor of the Exchequer., 4 y The Postmaster-General. The health of Mr Fawcett, Post master-General, has shown consider- - / able improvement during the last .few days. [Received Dec. 18, 11 a m.] Startling Fenian Revelations to Come. Important disclosures have; been made to the police authorities in ' lin regarding the recent outrages upon the detectives and„others : ih that city. Evidence has been obtained from, the > informers, and is of such a character as to cause the Executive to order a strict enquiry. This will be held forthwith, and some startling revelations as to the state of Dublin are anticipated.’ " ' 5 The Homeward Mails. The homeward Australian and Zealand mails via San which left Auckland Nov. 7th, were delivered here to-day. ( .... T , Money and the Markets. Consols remain at ex div. The market rate of discount has' risen , by to The Bank rate remains at 5 per cent. New Zealand securi ties, arc unchanged as follows:—s per cent. 10.40 Loan, 5 per cent. 1889 Loan, 104, ex div.; per cent, 1879-1904 Loan, 101 Colonial breadstuffs are unchanged at 49s for Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, and. 43s 6d to 46s 6d for New Zealand ditto. To effect sales lower prices must beaci cepted. Adelaide flour, remains at 345. The market for Australian tallow is rather weaker. The quotations for best beef, are 42s ; best mutton, 44s 6d. The total quantity of wheat afloat for: Great Britain is 2,330,000 There is a fair demand for all kinds bf Australian hides, but prices are un changed. Tonquin. ... Paris, Doj. 16. The statement that the expedition to Tonquin has been abandoned hjr the Cabinet is incorrect. It is no* known that consideration of the project has only been postponed, and that it' will be brought up again. The Minis' ter of Marine has withdrawn his resig nation. The Native Tribunals. Cairo, Dec. 16; Lord Dufferin has laid before the Egyptian Government a scheme for the reform of the native tribunals. Lord Dufferin urges the appointment of an European Judge to the Supreme Court. i • f

AUSTRALIAN

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] ? The Premier’s Views. Brisbane, Dec. 16. Sir T. Mclllwraith, Premier, made a speech last night, in the course of which he advocated the principle of laud grants for railway construction and for immigration.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Squandered Money. Auckland, To-day. Hardy, who died from excessive drink ing last week, was a short time previous left L 2,000. The curator of intestate estates is not able to find more than LI6O of this money. , Sudden Death- William Coombe, a well-known builder, died suddenly yesterday. Suicide of a Storeman. Gretmouth, To-day. John Wallace, storeman for Mr Felix Campbell, was found hanging in the Store when it was opened this morning. De ceased was a fine, strong, steady man, but had not felt well lately, and had been heard to say he would never be a burden on aoe'ety by a long illness. He is sup posed to have committed suicide uhdbt the impression that he was going .to he ill. A Mayoral Election Declared Void. Westport, To-day. The Resident Magistrate to-day de clared the late Mayoral election void. At the election the figures were :—Houlden, 73 ; Carr, 72 ; informal, 8. The per cen tage of informal votes created surprise, as it was supposed that the Returning Officer had disallowed papers which were crossed diagonally, also others with a simple downstroke instead of the name being erased horizontally. On a scrutiny by the R. M. this proved to be the case in three instances. Hence the election was declared void. Sporting. Waimaxb, To-day. Violin’s weight for the Publican’s Handicap at the meeting here on the 27th is Bst, not 7st as published. An Accident in the Channel. Dunsdin, To-day. News has been received here that the Kiandra ship (late City of Paris) from London to Port Chalmerp, .met with an

THE ASH3UR TON GOARDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1882.



ALE an EA T S OR A LARGE SALVAGE STOCK OF FURNITURE! FURNITURE! • Furniture ! Also,. a large quantity of NEW and SECOND-HAND FURNI TURE— CHEAP. AH kinds of Turnery, Carving, &c. '’bedroom and Drawing-room Suites. John Meech, BURNETT STREET, ' ‘ Ashburton. Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade Workshop—Next MaU office. Wr >•; \ Am. e vi Mpner & Thompson .1 Ashbdrton, •:#- m. jokes, agent. ORGANS.—Especially suitable JETir *|qf r; Churches, Far superior to any andpncdy oftone, volume of sound, and aund>ility, of construction. Price—£l2o. REEID ORGANS.—By Smith and Co., Mason and Hamlin, Wood and Co., Esby and,. Qo.. New England Company, and .ploygh -and Warner,—from £l2 12s. IN G S.—Brinamead and Sons, Rroadwood, Collard and Collard, ErarJ, Pleyel and others, Dresden Model, and French manufacturers, with ; improvements. pSp DEFERRED PAYMENTS. .. Wholesale and Retail. ql4



Wanted WANTED— A SITUATION, by a competent man, as driver of an engine with combine, etc. Home and colonial experiences. Applj, W. Whin ray, P. 0., Maaterton, North Island. d!6 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. H. RULE, d!3 Pendarves. WANTED EVERYBODY to know that Hayes and Co.’s is the Cheapest House in Town for CLOTHING and DRAPERY. an 12 TT/ANTED KNOWN—That Robert V \ Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. 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. tTTANTED KNOWN—It is Mr Lan 'VV 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, Proprietor. 240 Special Advertisements. JEL M. Jones’



COMPLIMENTS TO ALL; And desires tn call special attention to the following items, which have been carefully selected for the coming Festive Season : BOOKS ! BOOKS ! ! REWARD, PRESENTATION, and PRIZE BOOKS. NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child’s Cotnpaivon Infants’ 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. JS9 * ALL the above Goo L 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 RnSTRUMENI S ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M.* JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d Q OAL. COAL. COAL. We have now IN STOCK, ex Con ference, a large supply of the Old Lambton Coal. This is the BEST HOUSE COAL imported. 18n TUCKER, RE3TBLL & CO.



TTrOTIOE TO BLACKSMITHS, 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, RSSTELL & CO. The mutual fire & marine INSURANCE COMPANY OP 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. [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 STOCK of English, Foreign, and Colonial-made BOOTS and SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which have given such satisfaction in Tinwald and else where.— C. HAWKINS, “Mdnstek,” Wabbhouse, Ashburton- ; also at Tin wald. -P YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. LIYERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed best of material and workmanship. funerals CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED



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 PR 1 ZE TWINE BINDER AND HARVESTER. The Machines, which are now being fist 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, s > as r,o be present to render his services duiing 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. 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, &o.



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. s!9 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. CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS —A Large and Splendid Assortment, comprising all the Newest Designs in Great Variety.— Andrewes Bros., Book seller*, Stationers, etc., East street south, Ashburton 5 d 6 O T I O E. Wo have now IN STOCK and for sale, ex vessels from Kaipara, a large assort ment of DRESSED UNDRESSED Kauri Timber, including sizes to suit all requirements of the Building Trade. WELL - SEASONED TIMBER for Joiners and Cabinetmakers. Also, from Foxlon, ex Awaroa and Forest Queen, Totaral Black Pine, of Ihe best quality to be obtained. 021 TUCKER. RESTELL & CO. QHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &c., &c., &c. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, Ac. East street south, Ashburton. nlo-.



Thomas Taylor, jgAKER AND CONFECTIONER, . East stkeev. WEDDI N G CAKES To Order. Manufacturer of CIDER AND OTHER CORDIALS,