SHIPPING.

3>ORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived- Saturday. Wanaka, s.s., from Manukau. Sarah and Mary, brigantine, from Bluff. Yesterday. Thurso, harquo, from Calcutta. Mahinapua, a. a , from Nelson. Sailed. Saturday. Wanaka, s.s., for Wellington. Yesterday. Cutty Sark, schooner, from Pelorua Sound. Mahinapua, s.s., for Dunedin. Huon Belle, ketch, for Gatlin’s River. Awaroa, schooner, for Foxton.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T. Bullock reports for the week ending ’December 9th -.—Horse Market; At the Bazaar, Burnett street, on Saturday, there was a large entry of horses, namely, 59> hut only a moderate attendance, and biddings at the com mencement were very languid, but as the sale 1 proceeded they became more spirited, especially , for good useful farm horses and young draught stock. Out of the total number entered I suc ceeded in selling 18, as follows : —Young and unbroken horses : on account of Mr Grant, 2 <■’ 3-year-olds, colt and filly, L 27 ; on account of ~ : Mr Macdonald, 3 2-year-olds, of a light des cription, 2 at L 7 5s each, and L 6 10s; on ac ’ count of other owners, medium draughts, Ll 4 15s to LlB ; one, of a rather superior descrip ,tion, L 32 ; light harness horses from L 8 10s • to Li2. Hacks : The biddings for this des cription were not nearly so keen as at previous sales, a few changed hands at from L 4 10s to L 7 ss. Aged horses of an inferior description, •' which were difficult to get quit of, sold at from L 6 to L 8 ss. Harness and sundries brought , .satisfactory prices. Landed Properties: Pur ging the week 1 have sold the eastern half {j4 acre) of T.S. 96, Moore street, on account of tl Mrs Anderson, for the sum of Ll5O, Mr Kidd “ being the purchaser. Mr Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows :—Saturday, December 9th. Horses sold better generally, most entries changing hands. Hacks up to L 10; medium draughts to Ll 5. Cows sold well, also calves. Pigs from up to 50 lbs sold at capital prices; f” heavy weights found no buyers. Fowls, 2s fid 3s 6d; ducks, 4s fid to ss. Turkeys, 15s per pair. Implements: Light buggy, L 26; McCormick reaper, L 22. Produce: Potatoes, prices have now fallen for old ones, and may Ije quoted at 40s to 60s per ton; chick wheat, ijs to 3s 3d per bushel; oats, 3s to 3 s 4d P er bushel. Furniture and sundries sold well, as usual. There was a good attendance, the biddings being fairly animated.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES To-morrow, Tuesday, December 12. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton j'-'i Yards—Stock. < ’ l Saturday, December 16. Jfr.-T. Bullock, at the Bazaar, Barnett cf'vot—Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. iliT'C Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; ,1 p.ra. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar, Burnett street —Caledonian Sports Privileges ; .1.30 p.m. Mr;Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his room—China, Glassware, Fancy Goods, &c.; 2 p.m. Mr W. F. Allen, at his rooms, Burnett street —Horses, Pigs, Poult» General Produce, Wc.; 11.30 a.m. Matson, Cox, and Co., at Tattersall’s, Burnett street —Produce, &c.; 11.30 a. m. Tuesday, December 19. B. Wilkin and Co., at the New Zealand Wool Stores, Christchurch—Wool ; 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 20. N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., at the Christchurch Wool and Grain Ware house—Wool. ; Friday, December 22. Matson, Cox, and Co., at Tinwald—Tim ber, Ironmongery, &c,; 11 a.m. ; . Saturday, December 23. ■Matson, Cox, and Co., at their Bazaar— Landed Property. , MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ac .... • To-Night, Monday, December 11. .Lecture, by the Rev. J. S. S/nalley - Vt esleyan Church. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o'clock. t , To-morrow, ~n : ■ 7ukshay, November 12. Meeting re Cheese and Butter Factory— .!'■ Wakanui Schoolroom, 8 p.m. m . Saturday, December 16. ' iGrand Temperance Demonstration—Ath -1 letic Sports, Tea Meeting, and Conceit, .r . Tuesday, December 19 /, ■( Meeting re Wakanui Library—Wakanui i:;i Schoolroom, 7p m. an- , Wednesday, December 20. Fancy Fair and Tea Meeting, in aid of St -• Stephen’s Church—Dr Trevor’s grounds Thursday, December 21. Entertainment —Tinwald School. •f , Friday, December 29. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, n the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Monday, January 1. Winslow Races and Sports. Tuesday, January 2. tvshburton Permanent Building and In ., vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, rl 'V from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. , ' Wednesday, January 3. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. . . ; Thursday, January 4. \ L.O.L.—Monthly Meeting,Templar Hall. Saturday, J nuauy G. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, otaerwiae they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that 011 which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be n,ccompauied 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.

DEATH.

Maxwell. —On the lOthinst. , at Ashbur ton, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Robert Maxwell, of Wakanui, aged 37 years.

The Ashburton Grardian Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1882.

Public Holiday. The 16th inst. is announced as a public holiday in honor of the anniversary of the province. A Good Crop. —On Saturday Mr Martin Griffin brought to this office a remarkably fine sample of oats grown on his farm at Dundaa. The straw is fully sft long, with very large heads of corn, and will average about GO bushels to the acre.

Memoranda. —Mr Alfred Harrison notifies an important sale of pianos, or gans, and harmoniums. A Christmas tree in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church is announced.—A noti fication re Ashburton Cheese and Butter Factory appears elsewhere.

Found in the Harbor. —The body of the lad, found floating in the Auckland Harbor on Saturday, and was unreoogn at the time, has since been identified as that of John Martin, the son of a resident; but nothing further has transpired as to the case. Doubtless the inquest will help to clear up the mystery. Volunteer Shootists. —A party of the Ashburton Rifles had some practice at the Butts this morning. Private Stevens was top scorer with 34 points, Corporal An drewes being second with 32. There was a strong breeze blowing across the range at the outset, and it increased to half a gale of wind when the longer ranges were reached.

Police. —At the Police Court this morning, before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., John Meiklejohn, sheep-dealer, and well known in this district, was charged with stealing about 500 sheep, the property of various owners. Accused, who was arrested on Saturday by Sergeant Felton, was, on the I’ergeant’s application, re manded to Friday next at ten o’clock.

The Aucklanders’ Dunedin Oppon ents. —The opinions expressed as to the poorness of the Dunedin and Suburban Cricket Association team which met the Aucklanders were justified on Saturday (a Dunedin telegram tells us), when the same team—with one or two slight exceptions— met a Carisbrook eleven. The latter kept the wickets all the afternoon, scoring 245. H. Mac Neil contributed 88. Accident. —A nasty accident happened to Mr W. Jackson, son of Mr A. Jackson, Ealing. He was riding to Cracroft on Saturday, and when about three miles from that place his horse fell, throwing him violently to the ground, and rolled over him. Luckily no bones were broken, but the shaking and bruising ho received will incapacitate him from work for some time.

Another Almanac. We have received from the publishers, Christchurch, a copy of Tombs’ Sixpenny Almanac for 1883, and considering the quantity and variety of the information it contains upon all sorts of subjects likely to interest business men, and that it is adapted for use in the household as well as in the counting house, it must be considered a cheap sixpenny woi th. Ashburton Rifles. — \ meeting of the committee of this corps was held at Gapt. Douglas’ office on Saturday evening, to consider a loiter fi om Capt. Young, of the Temuka Rifles, suggesting that a sham fight should take place at Ashburton on Anniversary Day (Saturday next). After full discussion, it was decided that, in view of the temperance demonstration, picnics, cricket match, and other counter attractions on that day, it would be im possible to arrange the matter. It was resolved to hold a church parade on Sun day next, in order to attend divine ser vice at the Wesleyan Church.

The Aucklanders at Wellington.— The Wollingtonians scored 134 in their second innings on Saturday in their match with the Auckland team, and than Auck land, with 55 to get to win, went in, Robinson and Barton batting to the bowl ing of Firth and Luxfoid. Robinson was clean bowled by Firth when 16 had been scored, 1—7 —16. Arneil followed, and with tho assistance of Barton knocked up the necessary number of runs. The Auckland captain, however, after claiming the match decided to play on for the amusement of the spectators, and at 5.30 the stumps were drawn, the visitors being declared winners by nine wickets. Wesleyan. —Tho Rev. J. S. Smalley, of Springston, conducted the anniversary services of the Ashburton Wesleyan Church yesterday. There was a very good attendance, both at tho morning and evening gathering, and the discourses on each occasion were extremely edifying. The sermon last night, in which the preacher advanced the claims of Christi anity, and contrasted it with all other systems of religion, was a masterpiece of sound argument, and. gave evidence that Mr Smalley is not only a profound thinker, but a close observer of men and character, and keeps himself abreast of the most advanced modern thought. Along with this there is a warm zeal for the cause which he espouses, and he is able to present the truth in language most choice. To-night the rev. gentleman will deliver a lecture in the Wesleyan Church, the subject being “ Gow we got the Bible." A number of diagrams will be shown, illustrative of different portions of the lecture, and it is anticipated that a large audience will be present. Wakanui Sparrow Club. —A meeting of the Wakanui Sparrow Club was called for four o’clock Saturday afternoon at the Mail office, but although the balance sheet was upon the table at the above hour not a solitary member was in atten dance. About half past four Mr James Brown, of Wakanui, put in an appearance, but as that gentleman could not manage by himsel he wont (o the door and hailed the first Wakanui man he saw—Mr Healey —who at Mr Brown's invitation walked in, and the business was proceeded with. Mr Brown read the balance-sheet which allowed that the sum of L2 14s was stand ing to the credit of the Club. Mr Brown then moved, and Mr Healey seconded— —“ That the balance in hand be for warded to the Wakanui Road Board, to be expended by the Board towards sup pressing the small birds nuisance, and that a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Bland for his services as secretary, and that the Wakanui Sparrow Club cease to exist.” The motion was carried with the utmost unanimity, and its being by this time nearly five o’clock, the “ meeting ” adjourned, Mr Brown promising to communicate with Mr Bland and report progress.

THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS.

The dedication ceremony in connection with the newly-erected Homan Catholic Church in Burnett street west took place yesterday morning, when the Right Rev. Bishop Redwood, of Wellington, was pre sent, and preached to crowded congre gations, both morning and evening. Be fore describing what took ulace yesterday it may he as well to furnish our readers with a few particulars respecting the really fine church under notice, tho foundation stone of which was laid upon the 15th of January last. The building is of concrete, with white stone facings, and the windows are formed of beautifully-colored glass, and both inside and out the church pre sents a most attractive appearance. It was originally intended to build it of wood, but the idea was aha idoned in favor of the employment of the more durable material, and although the differ ence in the cost of construction was pro bably very largo we think the Catholics have done wisely in eschewing half mea sures and determining, while they were about it, that what was worth doing at all was worth doing well. But it should not he forgotten that, whatever the Catholics, either individually or collectively, have accomplished in connection with the building of their handsome new church, much very much credit is duo to the Rev. Father Coffey, who has been indefatigable in his efforts to provide a more suitable place of worship for his numerous congre gation than the little wooden structure which, serviceable enough in the past, no longer affords adequate ac ommodation for'the members of the church in this dis trict. The new church is 80 feet long by 40 feet wide, total height, 52 feet 6 inches, and height from floor to ceiling, 40 feet. The two porches are each 9 feet 6 inches by 9 feet 6 inches. Tho baptistry is 15 feet by 15 feet. On entering the chur.ih the visitor is at once struck with its lofti ness and its light and elegant appearance. Tho ais’es on either side are separated from the nave by five marbled pillars supporting the roof, resting on Port Chal mers stone and with concrete found itions. The pillars in soma churches are a great deal more useful than ornamental; not so in this instance, however, for here they com bine lightness with strength, and add con siderably to the ensemble. The dadoing all round is of varnished kauri, and ex tremely nice it looks. At the south end of the building is the organ loft—ls feet by 15 feet—which is furnished with an excel’ent American organ of great sweet ness and purity of tone, specially im ported. At the north end of the church and facing the organ loft is the altar, above which hang some paintings of a sacred character. The chancel remains to he added at some future time, when funds will admit, and when this is done it will give the building a much m >re imposing appearance, extending it 40 feet by 20 feet, and giving it the form ff a crucifix. The lower is 40 feaf in height, and is as yet in an unfinished condition, bring intended to carry it sufficiently high to serve as a landmark for mile< around. The church is remarkably well lighted, there being no less than sixty single win dows, the glass of which has a sage green ground figured with various colored crosses, the tints blending v.ith the hap piest effect and shedding a soft subdued light within, very pleasing to the eye. Tho architect was Mr F. W. Petre, of Dun edin ; the contractor, Mr Small, of the same place; his foreman being Mr Stevens ; and the sub-contractors for the masonry were Messrs Stephenson and Haigh, of Dunedin and Christchurch. The'painting was all dune by Mr Small, and no fault can be found with the manner in which the work has been performed. ,The plumbing, which appears to have been executed in first rate style, was en trusted to Mr Walter Dolman. Alto gether the Catholics may well feel proud of their new church, which is pro bably as handsome and well finished a structure of tho kind as is to be found in the colony. The church was built to accommodate between 600 and 700 people, and yesterday morning it was well filled by Catholics and a good many visitors belonging to other denominations, many having come long distance's to be present on such an interesting and impor tant occasion.

The Rev. Father O’Donnell, of Christ church, conducted the service in a very impressive manner, the choir render ing the responses, etc., in a way that evinced the care they had bestowed on the music. Bishop Redwood then delivered a most eloouent sermon on the text “ Behold I am with you all days even until the consummation of the world ” —Matthew 28 chap., 20th vers?. The discourse was chiefly devoted to a brief outline of the history of the Romish Church, in which the preacher alluded to its great antiquity, and expatiated on the difficulties and the dangers it had encountered, and the per secutions and the wrongs it had suffered, from all of which it had emerged trium phant, unchanged and unchanging. The Catholic Church was the tree of life which struck its roots right down to the very orign of the world ; she was formed iiirthe womb of time, and would last until the end of the world. She had played the most important part in the world’s his tory, for hn 1 influence for good had been enormous, and her power could never die, for she was eternal; as well might they at tempt to pluck the sun from the firma ment as lessen or destroy the power of the Catholic Church. The Bishop brought his remarks to a close by warmly con gratulating his hearers on the possession of such a beautiful church, which lie must confess had surpassed all his expectations. And if thochnrch was beautiful, than, what would It bo when the chancel was added, when the tower was completed, and when the bells joyously rang out I Who would have thought six or seven years ago that Ashburton would have such a church as they were then assembled in that day ? Six or seven years ago he passed through the place himself, and there was nothing then to mark it but a public-house and a few cottages. See how it had risen —see how the church had risen. He thanked them for that church, and ho thankee 1 their good priest who had been untiring in his efforts to get the church erected. Father Coffey had indeed been full of energy and courage. Lie (the Bishop) re gretted there was yet, a debt upon the church. On an occasion iko that they might well feel pleased and proud at what they had accomplished, and he trusted they would not tire of the good work they had aided so well, for he was going to ap peal once more to their generosity, and before he did so, he would tell thorn that although he had much upon his hands, and the demands were heavy upon his purse for ho was a poor Bishop, yet he could not let that occasion pass without the honorand the pleasure of giving a donation. Although ho had already given a hand some donation he would give again, and he hoped that they would show themselves worthy of the land they came from by giving liberally and freely. fie would begin by putting a ten-pound-note in the plate, and he hoped many of them would double that. Father Coffey, who was more i , tercsted in that particular church than he was, had given L2o—double his (the Bishop’s) gift—and ho hoped they would not allow their priest and those assisting him to out-do them in liberality. They were not to give to him (the Bishop) they were not to give to their priest, they were to give to God. The plate was then handed round, and the Bishop’s earnest appeal met with a moat liberal response. The Rev. Father O’Donnell then cele brated mass, the choir rendering Mozart’s beautiful and impressive music in the most praiseworthy manner. The choir

was composed as follows Trebles : Mes dames Craighead and Savage, and Misses Sinclair, Green, and Butler. Altos: Misses Cullen, Savage, and G. Gates. Tenors ; Messrs Higgins, Pickford, Moi son, C. R. Andrewes, Quinlan, and W. Townshend. Basses : Messrs Simmons, T. A. Gates, A. S. Gates, and W. Adams. Soloists : Mrs Craighead and Mr E. Higgins. The whole of these ladies and gentlemen, who have been practising most assiduously for the occasion for some time past, acquitted themselves with much credit, more especially Mrs Craighead and Mr Higgins, the soloists. Mr Horace Gates, who has made quite a name for himself as a musi cal conductor, led the choir most effi ciently, and a notice of this kind would be incomplete without a word of especial praise to Miss Gates, who pro dded so ably at the organ. Vespers were held at 7 o’clock in the evening, after which Bishop Redwood again preached. There wes once more a crowded congregation. At tho close of the service Bishop Redwood thanked the choir in the name of the congregation for the valuable assistance they rendered, and which had gone so far to make the service beautiful, attractive, and impres sive. The offertories, morning and even ing, amounted to the handsome sum of L2OO, a fact which speaks volumes for the Catholics as a body, for it proves them anxious and willing to second the efforts of their priest. It may not be out of place to mention here that Mr Horace Gates was presented the other oveninr, by Father Coffey, in the presence of the assembled choir, with a handsomely silver-mounted ebony baton, in recognition of the valuable ser vices rendered by him in connection with the music. It should also be stated that Miss Gates has been presented by Father Coffey with a handsomely bound work four volume? being comprised in two, — entitled, “The National Portrait Gal lery,” and tho books, in their rich crimson and gilt covers are fit to adorn the shelves of any library. The gift was made as a small testimony to the efficiency and ability of Miss Gates as an organist.

MINISTERIAL VISIT TO MOUNT SOMERS.

The train conveying the Hon. Walter Johnston, Minister for Public Works, ar rived at Anama Station about twenty minutes past twelve noon on Saturday. Accompanying him were, Mr Werry, Under--ecretary for Railways, Messrs' Blair (Engineer-in-Chief), Austin (Assis tant Engineer), F. Back (Traffic Manager Christchurch section of Railways), Mr Ivess, M,H. R.), Ha Worship the Mayor and several County and Borough Coun cillors and others.

The Cha rman of the Mount Somers Road Board, Mr Peache, and a number of other members, together with Mr Wa’ker, Chairman of the County Coun cil, met the Minister at the Anama station, when Mr Peache read the follow ing address:—“Sir—On behalf of the re sidents of the Mount Somers and Alford Forest, we beg to welcome you to the dis trict, and to express our satisfac ion that you have been so good as to make a per sonal inspection of the country with a view to deciding on the best route for the extension of Mount Somers and Alford Forest line. We have long been en deavoring to convince the Government that the line should be taken across the south branch of the Ashburton river, but, so far, very little attention has been paid to respective petitions and meetings held for this purpose. We have had good reason to suppose that it was recently the intention of the Government to extend the line entirely on the south side of the river, and have therefore done our best to draw your personal attention to the real requirements of the district. As we do not wish to occupy your valuable time by going into the merits of the case, we now beg to offer our services to convey you round the district in any way that you may think best, and to do whatever may enable you to arrive at a just conclusion as to the best route for the extension of the line. ”

The Hon. Mr Johnston replied by say ing that he was very pleased indeed at being able to make a personal inspection of the line, as that woul i enable himself and colleagues to come to a right decision as to the best route of the extension. He hoped that that decision would be such as t . promote the best interests of the colony and the district. (Hear, hear.) He thanked them for their kind address.

Messrs Peache, Puddicombe, Walker, Ede, Hood, Me Earl-ne, and others had kindly provided a number of conveyances at the railway station, which were soon brought into requisition, and the visitors wore conveyed to Hood's Hotel, where a sumptuous lunch was provided by the hospitable people of Mount Somers. Mr Peache occupied the chair, and Mr W C. Walker the vice-chair.

After the usual justice had been done to the good things provided, by appetites improved by tho journey, the chairman' gave the toast of “ The Queen and Royal Family,’’ which was duly honored. The Vice-Chairman then proposed “ The Ministry, coupled with the name of Mr Walter Johnston.” In doing so ho alluded to the fact of such a remote part of the colony as this being officially visited by a Minister of the day. The presence of the Hon. Mr Johnston helped to dissipate the very general belief held in many districts that the Government car d little for the wants of out-of-the way places. Ho was sure the settlers felt highly honored in having the Minister of Public Works amongst them to-day. (Gear, hoar.) Tho toast was heartily drunk.

The Hon. Mr Johnston, in replying to tho toast, said that the present Ministry had a greater desire than any previous ono to study the interests and welfare of the colony at large. During his two years of office ho had always found that the single aim they had in view was how to servo the best interests of tho colony and people. (Gear, hear.) He was very pleased at the hospitable reception given to himself and Mrs Johnston by the Mount Somers people His object was to decide for himself the best c urse to pur sue with regard to tlie ultimate i xtension of tho line, and a person il inspection of the country was the host way to enable that to be effected. He was, of course, unpre pared to state at present which ho con sidered was the best route, but he trusted that shortly the line would bo completed in such a way as to be of the most direct benefit to the colony as a whole. (Hear,- hoar.) He would again thank them for the way in which they had honored the toast and for their hospitality, His Worship the Mayor of Ashburton proposed, “ Both Houses of Parliament,” coupled with the names of the Hon. W. S. Peter, M. L G., and Mr J. Ivess. M. H R. In alluding to these gentlemen he (the Mayor) would only call to mind the fact that these gentlemen left their homes for a considerable period of the year to attend their parliamentary duties. Bo thought that so far as the district was concerned no fault could bo found with the representatives in both the Upper and Lower Houses. (Hear, hear.) He was sorry to find that Mr Wright was not pre sent to-day. Something he was sure must have happened (hit prevented him from coining! on such an important occasion as the visit of a Minister. Mr Wright, in any case, would hardly absent himself without having a very good excuse. (Hear, hear.) Tho Hon. W. S, Peter, M.L. C., replied briefly to the toast, and spoke of the general harmonious feeling which existed between members of the Upper House. Ge thanked them heartily for the toast. Mr Ivess thought that the House of

Representatives as constituted since tie last gdieral election was the best they had ever had in l New Zealand. This wa% owinpr.to the extended franchise given to the people. He was very glad to see that the Hon. W. Johnston had decided to undertake the very onerdus duty - in specting the route for the extension of the Mount Somers-railway, as he was a gen tleman well qualified to decide the ques tion at issue. . flis-capacity aa-Minister of Public Works could not .be denied, and ho (Mr Ivess) felt that the best interests of the colony and district would be served by his decision. He was now please Jto ex press his high opinion of the Hon. Minister, although mostly placed on the Opposition side of the House. He would apologise for the absence of Mr Wright, the mem ber for Ashburton.

Mr Puddicombe proposed, “The County and Borough Councils ot Ashburton/’ coupled with the names of Mr W. C. Walker and his Worship the Mayor. He also wished to convoy to these bodies the thanks of the district for the help accorded them in setting the Public Works Minis ter to visit the line and route of the rail way. Mr Walter briefly responded, and thanked them for the toast. !

His Worship the Mayor, in responding, referred to the agitation which had been made by the Mount Somers people in the matter of railway extension. So far as the Borough Council was concerned, he was afraid that it had not been altogether from disinterested motives that they had in Ashbur on, agitate! about the exten sion cf the line. (Laughter.) The fact of the line being extended meant, for Ashburton, that it was to bring “ more grist to the mill.” (Laughter.) Bethought the extension would servo the colony as well as any other line of railway had, and in the end prove remunerative. (Hear, hear.) He felt convinced that the line would pay handsomely it extended. He saw in a Wellington print the other day tbav. the Mount Somers line was the worst paying line in the colony. He could only add that he was confident, if completed, it would be shortly the best. (Hear, hear.) He thanked them for the toast.

Mr Andrew M'Farlane proposed “ The Press,” coupled with the nanie of the re presentatives present. The toast was duly honored and re sponded to. The Vice - Chairman proposed the “ Chairman, Mr Peache. ”

The toast was drunk with musical honors.

Speechifying then being over, horses were again put to, and ■ the Hoh; Mr Johnston and suite visited the locality of one of the proposed routes in the direc tion of Bowyer’s stream. The stream is in a direct line between Hood’s Hotel ond Alford Forest, and distant about 3| miles from the upper bridge over the Ash burton. It Is at this point where the settlers desire to have the terminus, several being in favor of the line of rail way coming across the Ashburton, in a direct line with the present ‘ terminal station, A.pama, and the Buccleugh town ship, and others maintaining that it would be best to continue the, line of railway a distance of some’ three miles' further up the south branch of the river, and cross at the present traffic bridge, which is a short distance from Hood’s Hotel, and continue from thence in a straight line as'far as Bowyer’s stream. By this route it is stated a considerable saving would be ef fected in gradients, etc. In all pro bability the ultimate route of the line, if its extension is determined upon, will be in this direction, but the present bridge will not be made available. In this c.se, it is thought, the crossing will be fixed at some point between the present terminous and the traffic bridge, l As it is found cheaper to build separate br dges for rail ways, the present traffic bridge will not be used. We hear that these bridges can now be erected at a total cost of L 4 per foot. The inspection of the country in this direction’ being limited through the desire by tin Minister to catch the even ing express to Christchurch, a return homewards was made and the party reached town about a p. m. Of course nothing is yet known as to the decision of the Minister of Public Works on the question of altering the route of extension,.but ip all probability we shall hear in a few'da^s.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly of this Board was held on Thursday last. Pre sent—Mess s C. N. Mackie (in the chair),' Coster, and White. The Clerk reported on the various works in hand during the month. Tile: Clerk was ihstructad to inspect crossings over new water-races, and then write to Mr Baxter, the County Engineer, on the subject. It was resolved to dispense with the services of Mr M'Coy from the labor gang.

Correspondence from the Chairman of the Rangitata Ro ;d Board, asking this Board to agree with them in recommend ing the amalgamation of a 1! Read B6ards in the County, the whole to be worked

under the County Council, as' thhy con'

ciderecl it would be more economical.— After freely discussing the contents of the

letter, it was unanimously resolved— “ That this Bokrd doesh .t'See the advan tage to this district of T amalgamation of

Road Boards under the County Counci’, as proposed by the Rangitata Board, as it considers the present system of local go vernment far more satisfactory.”—The Chairman was requested to reply to Mr Wright to this effect.—A l-'tter was also from read Mr J. Grigg, Chairman of the Longheach Road Board, with reference to the same subject, enclosing a copy of a resolution passed by the Longbeach Road Board in an wer to the communication from the Rangitata Road Board. It was resolved “ That the Chairman of this Board be requested to acknowledge receipt of Air Grigg’s letter with thanks, and to forward him a copy of the resolu tion passed by this Board.” A letter was read from the Manager of the Colonial Investment, and Agency Company, of Dunedin, in reference to the transfer of streets in the private township of Chert-ey to the Board, and requesting a plan of the same. The Clerk was in structed to endeavor to obtain a plan and forward it. A letter was read from the Ashburton County Council, asking the Board’s co operation and assistance in carrying out the Small Birds Nuisance Act, and that their Clerk be allowed to receive and pay lOd per hundred for eggs and heads of small birds. —Resolved—“ That the Roard willingly comply with the Council’s re quest, and will supplement the amount by 2d per hundred.”—The Clerk was in structed to pay and receive, as requested. A letter was read from Mr R. Taylor and other ratepayers, .asking to have 'part of the footpath formed in Mackie street.— It was resolved to comply with the re quest, and the Clerk was instructed to post notices calling for tenders at once. From Alessrs Holmes and Loughrey with reference to a deposit plan, and ask ing information about opening new roads. —From the Ashburton Cioncil, in refer ence to the storm-water scheme for the Mount Hutt and Rakaia districts, stating that theirjEagineer had been instructed to iu-peetjand confer with the two Boards on the matter.—Letters to be acknow-

ledged. From the same Council, with reference

to the grant of LSOO allocated by this Board towards the water-races, etc., and asking for a cheque for that amount.—lt was resolved to reply to the Council to the effect that this Board had accepted ten ders for putting in stone fords, lengthen ing culverts to full width of roads, etc., as arranged between the Board and the Council, which contracts would be com

pleted before the next meeting, of the Board, whan a return of the expenditure incurred and the balance of the L6OO would-be forwarded to the Council. From the same body, asking the Board to keep all culverts and crossings of water races in order, and paint the posts and rails.—lt was resolved that the work be done providing the Council refund to them any amount expended, and the Clerk was instructed to reply to this effect. ' ' Accounts to the amount of L 306 10s lid were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned till Thursday, the 4th January, 1883.

SPORTING.

THE 0.J.0. NEW YEAR MEETING. The following acceptances , were received on Saturday evening : The Sprint Handicap, a sweepstakes of 5 aovs each, with 100 soya added. Six furlongs. st lb st lb Sir Modred 10 0. The Jilt ... 7 9 Lady Emma 9 2 Matakau ... 610 Tasman ... 8 7 Rebecca . ... g. 7 Siesta ... 8 3 Blue Jacket ■ <S 0 Emir Bey ... 8 2 Marchioness ' ' • Envy filly... 8 0 Nfeil ... 6 0 Iris... ... 7 13 The Christchurch Cop, a handicap sweepstakes off 10 sovs each, with 600 sova added. For throe-year-olds and upwards. Two miles. ■ . st lb ,' ' ‘ ' T st lb Sir Modred 9 12 Vanguard' ... 7 10 Lady Emma 8 8 King Quail ... 7 6 Salvage ... 8 8 Emir Bey ... 7 3 Bimdoora 83 j Iris ... ... 613 Tasman ... 7 11 I Comet , 6'12 Hilda ... 711 |

CRICKET.

UNION CRICKET CLUB V. HIGH SCHOOL. ; j This match was played on the Domain ground on Saturday, and resulted in an easy victory for the High School boys, as the following scores show :—• ' Union, Cricket CluK Ist Innings. 2nd Innings. Price, b Irish ... o b'N.KFish ... o Venables, bF. Fish ,0 bF. Fish ... 17 Henderson, b F. Fish 7 bF. Fish .V' o Macferlane, b F. t • Fish 15 bN. Fish ;r. 5 Pritchard, c Murray, ■ ■ i > bN. Fish ... 4 c Buchanan, bF. Fish ... ... 30 Hepburn, c Murray, bN. Fish ... 4 not out 4 Death, bN. Fish ... o bF. Fish ... 9 Beaven,c Buchanan, b.N. Fish ... 3 bF. Fish ... 1 Hempson, bF. Fish 1 bF. Fish ... o Dailey, not out ... 9 bF. Fish! ... 14 Undrill, bF. Fish 2 bF. Fish ... o Extras ... 6 Extras ... 4 Total 51 Total... !.. 84 High. School. * Ist Innings. , 2nd Innings. Murray, b Venables 10 Chapman, c Ven-• - : '..i.lri ables, b Death ... 2 Foley, c Price, b 1 ■■ Hepburn ... 13 Buchanan, c and b , • Pritchard ... 13 . F. Fish, b Pritchard 32 not out ... 20 Christian, st Hep burn, b Undrill s notout ... ie N. Fish, b Death,... 3 v , Ivess, c Price, b . , ; f Pritchard ... 1 ■S. Clark, b Pritchard 2- R. Clark, b Death 4 Orr, not out ... 2 Extras ... 13 Extras .„ a Total 100 Total 37

SUICIDE AT TIMARU.

[by telegraph.] Timaru, To-day. A startling case of suicide occurred here at u o’clock this morning. The Supreme Court criminal sessions had just opened, and one of the .first cases on the calendar was that of John Shep herd, the storekeeper who committed extensive frauds and levanted to San Francisco about six months ago. He returned to the colony three months ago,, crossing on his way the" detective who was sent after him. He was ar rested at Auckland and brought to Timaru, where he was : committed for trial on six charges of forgery and utter ing. Shepherd’s uncle’s residence is almost opposite the Supreme Court, and Shepherd went into his office a little before 11 o’clock. A few.mmutes afterwards a shot was heard from the office, and on some people running in they found Shepherd lying on the floor in a dying state. A revolver was lying beside him, and on examination if was found that he had shot himself,through the heart. Medical assistance arrived promptly, bill life was pronounced ex tinct, and the body was removed to Stone’s hotel, where an inquest will be held. It is stated that Shepherd who was out on had been advised that his defence was useless, and the-only chance was for him to plead guilty.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Wheat and Wool. London, Dec. 8. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,130,000 quarters. The wool sales have closed ; 120,000 bales were sold during the series, and 17,000 bales were held over for the next auctions. The sales terminated with good competition and with prices firmly maintained. The Wood Street Fire. It has been ascertained that the damage resulting from the Wood .street fire is not so great as it was at first thought. The loss is not expected to exceed one million sterling. The pre mises of Messrs Rylands and Sons, Limited, Manchester warehousemen j Messrs Sargood, Son and Co., ware housemen; and Messrs Silber and Fleming, warehousemen and manufac turers, have been completely burnt down. The other premises in the block are not totally destroyed, but have suffered serious damage. The Liberal In. The election for the vacancy in the representation of Liverpool in the House of Commons took place to-day, and resulted in the return of Mr Smith, Liberal, by a majority of 370 over Mr Forwood, the Conservative candidate. Tonquin. Paris, De™. 9. In the Chamber of Deputies to-day, M. Duclerc, Premier, stated with refer ence to the proposed establishment of a French Protectorate over Tonquin, that a sum of nine million francs would be required to carry out the project, and announced that he would shortly ask the Chamber to authorise the ap propriation of that sum to defray the expenses in connection with the ex. pedition.

AUSTRALIAN

[ukutkr’s teleokams—copyright.] The Illawarra Election. Sydney, Saturday. The election of a member for the .

THE ASHBUBION GOAEDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1882.



THE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving every day up to the hour of going to press. This is better than buying a sixpenny weekly. mm Si ilner & Thompson Ashburton, iv / ; H. M. JONES, Agent. PIPE ORGANS. —Especially suitable for Churches. Far superior to any s liced' Organ near the price for richness and purity of tone, volume of sound, and durability of construction. Price—£l2o. • REED ORGANS.—By Smith and Co., Mason and Hamlin, Wood and Co., Esby and Co., New England Company, and Clough and Warner,—from £l2 12s. PIANO S.—Brinsmead and Sons, Broadwood, Collard and Collard, ErarJ, Pleyel and others, Dresden Model, and German and. French manufacturers, with s 11 latest improvements. DEFERRED PAYMENTS. Wholesale and Retail. old



Wanted yy ANTED—A smart BOY, who can read manuscript, as APPRENTICE to the Printing. Apply at once, to The Manager, Office of this Paper. WANTED, by a steady and energetic man, a SITUATION of trust in an office, or any capacity. References to be seen at the Office of this Paper. n 29 WANTED EVERYBODY to know that Hayes and Co.’s is the Cheapest House in Town for CLOTHING and DRAPERY. au 12 ANTED K SfOWN Friedlander Bros.’ is the cheapest house in town for first-class Drapery. 10 per cent, discount, or 2s off every £ for cash. d 5 WANTED— TENDERS for Cutting- Tyiner (with trcine or flax), Stook, in r , and Carting into Stack or to Machine about 50 Acres of GRASS, within two miles of Ashburton. JAMESON & ROBERTS, Ashburton. Tenders must be sent in on or before SATURDAY, 9th inst. d 5 WANTED —The Ladies of Ashburton to inspect my Large and Well selected Stock ofFANCY STATIONERY, BOOKS, NEW MUSIC, Etc., all at Dunedin prices. 'W'tj-aNTED KNOWN— I 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. au 5 GEO. F. HENRY, Saunder:’ Buildings. 760 c



ANTED KNOWN. That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., can be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. ANTED KNOWN—It is Mr Lan caster’s intention to extend hie 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 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. 1" ETTS’ DIARIES, Office and Pocket, J for 1883. JOSEPH COOK’S LECTURES. IDLES, CHURCH SERVICES and PRAYER-BOOKS. Cricketing material— Gloves, Footballs, efc. FIRE SCREENS, Stove Ornaments, 3fold and Silver Shavings. ELOPHONES. MBLO'PHONES. The newest and most wonderful Musical Instrument before the public— far surpassing the Orguinette in Utility, Sweetness Tone, and Price. Any child can play it. HE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE WORLD, just issued by the National Publishing Company of America, Contains a vast amount of information, admirably printoo, profusely illustrated, and handsomely bound. Subscribers wanted. CCOUNT B O O K S Various Sizes and Descriptions. C HOOL BOOKS And Requisites. NVELO P E S, Business, Official, and Fancy. Toys, fancy goods, crewel WOOLS. PIANOS, UARVTOL 'IMS, ORGANS AND MUSIC.



HYMNS (Ancient .ind Modern), Wes leyan and Prbytenan HYMN BOOKS. TTIOOLSCAP AND ACCOUNT SALES r PAPER-. N O T E PAPE Various Sizes and Qualities. R, H. M. Jones, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Bookbinding Executed in All Branches. OHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &G. , &C. , &C. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c. East street south, Ashburton. n!5



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 best quality to be obtained. 021 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO. Gi RE A T S IT OF A LARGE SALVAGE STOCK L E FURNITURE! FURNITURE! Furniture ! Also, a large quantity of NEW and SECOND-HAND FURNI TURE-CHEAP. All kinds of Turnery, Carving, Ac. Bedroom and Drawing-room Suites. John Meech, BURNETT STREET, Ashburton. Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade Workshop—Next Mail Jffice.



Special Advertisements. 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. fJIRY 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 I 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 QOAL 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, RE3TELL & CO.



'VTOTIOE TO BLACKSMITHS, -1M BREWERS, AND OTHERS. Just landed, ex Mary Campbell, from Greymoufch, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO. 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, QREAT CLEARING SALE. CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES.



C. HAWKINS Invites his friends and the public to in spect hia large stock of Boots and Shoes, at sweeping prices. C. HAWKINS, Ashburton and Tinwald. N.B. —All Accounts owing to the above must be settled at once. TO FARMERS. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, Are supplying Woolpacks, Full size and three-quarters, at LOW RATES. LIBERAL Cash Advances ON GROWING C R OPS, AND ON LARGE or SMALL CLIPS of WOOL, At LOW RATES of Interest. They are also Sole Agents for Messrs Samuelson and Sons’ new REAPER & TWINE BINDER. Mr Ernest Samuelson, during hia recent visit to New Zealand, was present at most of r.he reaper and binder trials, and the experience he then gained has enabled his firm to incorporate the latest English and American improvements in the Machines they are sending us for next season. We ha-e every confidence in recoin mending them as the most



DURABLE, COMPLETE, & SIMPLE Machines yet manufactured. G. STEAD, Managing Director. P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12au Agent, Ashburton. CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS —A Large and Splendid Assortment, comprising all the Newest Designs in Great Variety. —Anduewes Bros., Book sellers, Stationers, etc., East street south, Ashburton. d 6 Thomas Taylor, JgAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East street. WE DOING CAKES To Order. Manufacturer of CIDER AND OTHER CORDIALS,