SHIPPING.

TORT OP LYTTELTON. Arri Tad. Tistudat. Endeavour, brigantine, from Welling ton. To-dat, Hawea, s. s., from the North. Mahinapua, a.a., from Oamaru. Sailed. Yesterday. Rotorua, a.a., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed Logunatta, for Newcastle; Telegraph, for Routea; Ringarooma, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived Taiaroa, from the South; Wanaka, from Taranaki and Manukau; Aurora, schooner, from tho East Coast. Sailed—Wanaka, for Nelson; Ta : aroa, for the North; Tui, for Kaikoura and Lyttelton. Gretmouth, Yesterday. _ The three vessels which left here this afternoon —Anthons, Clarinda, and Annie Hill—have been detained exactly a fort night waiting for coals, solely because of tho want of proper storage. The only reserve possible being what is contained in about 100 trucks. Dunedin, Yesterday. Sailed —Bells, barque, for Lyttelton; Te Anau, 'for Melbourne via the Bluff; Acacia, for Hobart.

COMMERCIAL.

The Com Exchange report for the week ending Friday evening, the 17th inst. : —The preceding week having been entirely taken up by the holidays, business in the grain trade was almost entirely suspended. The present has not developed much activity, indeed the fulfilling of local demands is the only business stirring. Wheat : The extreme quietness which has prevailed has had a depressing tendency, and values may be quoted as a shade easier. Prime milling samples, 4s 4d to 4s 6d per bushel; second quality, 4s ; chick wheat, 3s fid to 3s ?d per bushel. Oats : The local demand has been somewhat brisker. Values are not materially altered but are firm, and good short milling quality, 3s 4d to 3s 3d ; feed, 3s 3d to 3s 4d per bushel. Barley : There is no inquiry for malting samples ; feed quality, 3s 4d to 3s fid per bushel. Potatoes : The demand has sensibly slackened ; holders are still, however, asking Ls 10s to L 6 per lon. Cheese and Batter : The former is worth, for old, 8d; new, fid ; the latter, 8d to B}£d per lb.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

a AUCTION SALES - To-morrow, Saturday, November 18. , Matson, Cox, and Co., at Tatter-sail's, Burnett street Produce, &c.; 11 o’clock. Mr W. F. Allen, at his rooms, Burnett street —Horses, Pigs, Poult> General Produce, Sro. ; 11.30 a.m. . Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; ; 1.30 p.m. Mr Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Tuesday, November 2L Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. Saturday, November 25. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his rooms—Unre ' deemed Pledges ; 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 28. R, Wilkin and Co., at the Canterbury Wool Stores —Wool Sale ; 11 a. m. Saturday, December 2. Mr. T. Bullock, at the Bazaar, Burnett street—Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o Wednesday, November 22 Ashburton Racing Club Spring Meeting. First Day. First race at I p.m. Thursday, November 23. ' Agricultural and Pastoral Association— Annual Show Friday, November 24. Lodge, Monthly Meeting, n the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Monday, November 27. ' Borough Council, at Borough Council I , Chambers, at 7 o’clock. ‘' Wednesday, November 29. ~ County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock. Saturday, December 2. ' Wakanui Hoad Hoard—Mommy Mootin'.:, Road Board Office, Moore street Tuesday, December 5. ashburton Permanent Building and In . vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1882.

A B hilliant Visitor. —A brilliant meteor was seen last night at about eleven o'clock travelling in a southerly direction. It lit up the heavens and caused quite a sensation. No Swindles. —At the Presbyterian Church bazaar, held at Port Chalmers, no raffles, lotteries, or bazaar swindles of any kind were allowed. The public seemed to appreciate the idea, for L 685 were realised. The expenses were only L 26.

Dunedin Races and Show. —Railway arrangements in connection with the above will be found, elsewhere. Bishop Redwood. —This gentleman is now visiting the various settlements on tho West Coast. While at No Town L 320 was collected towards the erection of a new Roman Catholic Chapel there. Land for the People. —The Govern ment are advertising 106,000 acres of agricultural and pastoral land for sale on deferred payments and for cash in the va rious parts of the North Island during Dcember. Memoranda.—Attention is directed to Mr H. M. Jones’ announcement, Messrs fucker and Restell want tenders for discharging coal.—Mr Alfred Harri son will offer a choice lot of singing and other birds by auction to-morrow.

Baptist Denomination.— Services in connection with the above will be held in the Town Hall on Sunday next. The Rev Mr Dallaston, of Christchurch, will preach morning and evening, and on Monday will lecture at the Town Hall on “ The sayings and doings of t're Rev, C. H. Spurgeon ” Cricket. that a one day’s match will be played on the Ist December between the Auckland team and fifteen of Ashburton County. The game will be contested on the Do main ground, and we trust will bo the forerunner of many other first-class matches which the good folks of Ashbur ton will have the pleasure of witnessing in this district.

A Wonderful Canvasser. —Mr Levoi, canvasser for the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, arrived here a couple of days ago, and has succeeded in that short time in taking a very large number of lives ; that is he'has insured all sorts of people against accident, and the strangest part of the story is that the in sured hardly seem to know themselves how they were booked, and freely confess that Mr Levoi has a tongue that would charm a back-fence !

The Old Story. —“ Were you ever drunk while in charge of a horse 1” en quired Mr Parnell at the Court to-day while examining a witness in a civil case. The witness said he was not ; but on being pressed he admitted that he had been “kind of drunk” : that was, he had “ had a glass too much, but was quite able to do his work.” Mr Purnell : “ The old, old story which His Worship hears every Couit day that comes round. Yes, yes, we understand.” Drowned. —The body of a man ap parently about thirty-five years of age, and supposed to be that of Robert Ling wood, of Couitenay, was found in the River Avon at 4 p. m. yesterday. Two men in the employ of the Tramway Com pany were fishing in >he river a few chains above the Cailton Mill when they noticed tho body lying at the bottom of the river. The police were informed, and the body was removed to the morgue. The name of the deceased was ascertained from a Savings bank book found in one of hi* pockets. x

Oamaru Races. The Oamaru race meeting was concluded yesterday. The Buying Handicap, was won by Hilda, Whitbach second, and Miss King filly, third. Gitana also faced the starter, but was left at the post. Jack won the County Handicap, and Amy the Novel Handicap, and the Consolation Stakes (won by Whitbach) brought the gather ing to a close. The running of Canard in the Hurdle Race (the result of which we chronicled yesterday) was deemed sus picious, and a meeting of .stewards was held to consider the matter, but there was not sufficient evidence adduced to warrant the Club in disqualifying horse or rider, although the Club considered the running of Canard of a suspicious nature. Frozen Food. The tables of the Russian nobility, so celebrated for splen did hospitality, are never so well supplied as in the winter. The total consumption of frozen food may be summed up thus : Beef, 130,000 tons ; mutton and goat, 45,000 ; pork, 33,000 ; fish, 220,000 ; game, 90,000; milk, butter, etc., 100,000 —total, 618,000 tons. Canada uses alto gether nearly 150,000 tons, of which meat and fish comprise two-thirds. The mar kets have some resemblance to the Rus sian, but many features of their own. Singed pigs standing upright, deer from the backwoods, obelisks of cod and had dock, and piles of game and poultry from the Saskatchewan, alternate with columns of solid milk. Heie, as in Russia, the frozen season is that for abundance —the farmers fattening their stock in summer, and killing it when winter has set in.

Attempted Burglary in Christ church. —Last night, about half past 8 o’clock ( ays this morning’s Press) the notorious Henry Garrett, who was dis charged from the Lyttelton Gaol about six months ago, was detected on the pre mises of Messrs Longman and Co., wine and spirit merchants, Armagh street. It appears that he gained admission by the back door by a key, which was' left in the lock, and was in all respects like those used by the members of the firm. On being found by Messrs Longman and Davenport, Garret made off by the back way in the direction of Latimer square, followed by the detectors, who shouted police. At the corner of the square they were met by a third partner of the firm, Mr Brunette, who at once went for the burglar, and tripping him, both fell to the ground, and he was secured. in the meantime Constable Wallace came up and and took him to the lock-up. Several filed keys were found on him, and search ing his lodgings, two bottles, the seals of which resembled tho<e in Messrs Long man’s store, were found, so the presump tion is that this was not his first vi it to the premises. Garrett will bo brought un at the Resident Magistx-ate’s Court this morning.

The Longbeach Sale. —The sale of pedig ee shorthorns and other breeds of cattle was continued on Wednesday, and a number of stud sheep, etc., were also submitted to the hammer. A number of fresh buyers were pressnt, but the prices for pure bred stock were not, on the whole, satisfactory. Mr Stent bought largely of shorthorns and stud sheep. Tlie total amount realised up to Wednesday night was L 25,795 13s 9d. The sale was continued yesterday, commencing at ten a. m., with the balance of the sheep. These comprised a line of station-bred Lincoln ewes, with two lambs ea h at foot, which were bought by Mr J. Grigg, in one lot of Is?, at guineas each. Another line of station-bred Lin colns, with single lambs at foot, were sold to Mr J. Grigg, in one lot of C 25, at 23s each. The sale of horses was then com menced, a start being made with the three-year-old unbroken draugth fillies. As the sale ot horses proceeded the number of buyers increased, and by noon there was a large concourse of people round the jards. A largo num ber of the animals were disposed of at very good price q the bidding being very spirited, especially for the three-year old unbroken hack colts. The prices realised ranged from LI up to LSO, those prices, however, being the two ex tremes. Most of the hacks fetched over LlO, and besides the one at LSO several were sold as high as L2O, L 25, L 26, while a good many went up to and over Ll 5. The moat fspirited bit of bidding during the day, and indeed during the sale, was for a splendid looking three-year-old un broken hack colt, which was started at L2O and quickly ran up to LSO, at which figure a wall known auctioneer, who seemed to take a great fancy to the animal, cried a go, and toe colt fell to the lot of Mr J. Grigg. The other colts and fillies sold were a fine looking lot of animals, and all found ready buyers at good prices. 3

An Ashburton Seance. —We under stand Don Juan de Castro’s seance will be completed this evening, and the' win ning ghosts will appear in to-mprrow night’s paper.— Advt. Fire Enquiry. —At the inquest yester day into the circumstances connected with the recent fire at Newtcwn (Wtllington) the jury returned a verdict that there was not sufficient evidence to show the cause of fire; but the jury are of opinion that the fire was accidental.

Landlord and Tenant. —The Welling ton Times says : —A landlord who ap peared in the Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning to prosecute a claim for rent, found himself in a most unhappy position. He had let his house to the de fendant for two years at 12s per week, but had n r <t received any rent, and the tenant refused toleave. Mr Hardcastleinformed the plaintiff that by his agreement with the defendant he had contracted himself out of his remedy in the Magistrate’s Court until the term of two years had ex pired. Judgment was given for tho de fendant. Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— Outward Infirmities.—Before the discovery o these remedies many case of sores, ulcers, &c., were pronounced to be hopelessly incurable, because the treatment pursued tended to de stroy the strength it was incompetent to preserve, and to exasperate the symptoms it was inadequate to remove. Holloway’s Pills exert the most wholesome powers over the un healthy flesh or skin, without debarring the patient from fresh air and exercise, and thus the constitutional vigor is husbanded while the most malignant ulcers, abscesses, and skin diseases are in process of cure. Both Oint ment and Pills make the blood richer and purer, instead of permitting it fall into that poor and watery stale so fatal to many aboring under chronic ulcerations —[Adv t.]

ASHBURTON AGRICULTUAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The entries for the ensuing show in connection with the A. and P. Association closed with the Secretary (Mr George Jameson) last night. Appended are the entries for this year and also for 1881

Thus it will be seen that this year’s entries show the grati ying increase of 84 on those of last year, the principal in crease being in the classes for horses and extra exhibits’ This is very satisfactory, seeing that in many places, Christchurch and Timaru, for example, the entries for this year showed a marked fading off as compared with last year.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON R.C. SPRING MEETING. The following acceptances for events at this fixture were received by tho Secretary last night : County Hurdle Race.

Mr P. L. Bosenburg’s g g Selim is scratched for all engagements at the forth coming meeting.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. -To-day. (Before Joseph Beswick, Esq., R.M.)

Drunkenness —Richard Poole, brought up from Rakaia, was charged with drunkenness and obscene language, and fined 20s on each charge. The Prince of Wales’ Birthday.—J. W. M‘Rae was charged under the Borough by-laws, with discharging fire arms on the 9th inst., Prince of Wales’ Birthday. Mr Branson appeared for de fendant, and said “we will admit firing off something—but not fire-arms.”—Ser geant Felton having deposed to hear ing the discharge on the night of the day in question, Constable Daly followed the Sergeant and corroborated his statement. —Me Branson: You have been a soldier, I believe, constable ?—The witness said he had not.—Mr Branson: What ! never in the service 1 Why, I thought you had been. Well, never mind. You did not see anything disloyal it it did you ? Mr Branson, then addressing his Worship, said that they would admit firing off the article in question, and diving in his bag he produced a toy cannon about six inches long. “ That, your Wor ship,” said the counsel for the defence, “ is the terrible weapon we are charged with using.” (Laughter.) “Really, your Worship,” continued Mr Branson, “ there is nothing very serious in the case. The defendant fired off this little cannon twice in his stable, for the amusement of his children. There is nothing in the by-law, although I say it, who am solici tor for the Council.” (Laughter.) His Worship said the case would be dismissed, although it must be distinctly understood that firearms of any kind must not be let off within the Borough. Alleged Breach of the Licensing Act. —F. L. K. Hill, licensee of the Somerset Hotel, was charged with com mitting a breach of the Licensing Act by serving J. Dudley, a prohibited person, with liquor. Mr Hill desired to make a statement. His barman, who had only been three days in his employ at the time the man Dud'ey was served, had supplied him unwittingly, and not knowing that he was a prohib ted person. Sergeant Felton said that everyone in the town knew Dudley. It was quite true that the barman had supplied the man. Defendant then called his barman, who stated that he had only been three days at the house when he served Dudley. Defendant said he had repeatedly turned the man out of his house himself, an I he was constantly hanging about.—His Wor ship oons.dored the charge proved, although ho would not endorse defen dant’s license under the circumstances. He would be fined 20s. Breaches of Borough By-Laws,—

John Doherty for driving cattle during prohibited hours, was fined 10«.—H. Shears, for leaving a dray unattended, was fined 10s. Obscene Language.—J. Fisher was fined 20s for this offence. Donald McKenzie’s Case.—lt tran spired that in the case of Donald McKen zie, charged with passing valueless cheques, and who was committed for trial at the last sitting of the Court, that the depositions of the witnesses were not taken until after the committal of the ac cused, and to this Mr Branson objected. The witnesses were in attendance to-day to sign the depositions, and Mr Branson asked his Worship what he was going to do in the matter. The man had been committed for trial, and he (Mr Branson) would submit that the depositions could not be taken after that. Mr Beswick thought otherwise. —Mr Branson : Very well "your Worship. I merely ask you to take’ notice that I object to the whole thing, that is all. I reserve all rights. The accused was then once more for mally committed. A Sa» Case.— A young girl named Ruddick, a daughter of Robinson Rud dick, farifter, Ashburton Forks, was brought up as a neglected child. The sister, who is in service in Ashburton, de posed that the girl had not been quite “ right in her head ” since their father had'struck her with a tomahawk some time ago. Her father had refused to keep her, and she was with the witness. The girl, who is only about 15 years of age, was remanded for a week for medical ex amination. We understand tbat she has b >en in service until lately.

CIVIL CASES. Murdock v. Eden. —Claim L 4 18s, for medical attendance. Mr Branson ap peared on behalf of the agent for Dr Murdoch. Defendant denied the liability. Mr Branson ; Have you or have you not a woman residing in your house ? i 'efendant admi ted he had. Mr Branson: Very well; was that woman confined in your house ? Defendant said she was.—Mr Branson ; Very well; is she living with you?—whe ther as your wife or not is no matter.— Defe-dant refused to answer the question. Judgment for the amount and costs. Kelly v. Welsh. —Claim Ll2. Mr Br mson for plaintiff, Mr Purnell for de fendant. This was a claim for services in connection with the leading round of an entire horse. Plaintiff contended he was a partner of the defendant’s. Defendant denied the partnership, but admitted that plaintiff was to share the net proceeds of the season after all expenses were paid. Defendant had already been out of pocket by the horse, and had refused, therefore, to pay Kelly’s demand.—Several wit ness s having been examined, and coun sel having addressed the Bench, Mr Bran son characterised the case as an attempt on We’sh’s part to “do” Kelly out of his money. Plaintiff was nonsuited without costs.

A VISIT TO THE OLD MEN’S HOME.

[BY OCR SPECIAL REPORTER ] Having for some time past meditated a visit to the Old Men’s Home, I took ad vantage of a leisure hour the other even ing to call upon Mr Harris and get him to show me over the Institution. I was was about seven o’clock when I put in an appearance, and perhaps rather an un reasonable hour, but one’s time is not always one’s own, and to my query as to whether 1 might bo allowed to take a ramble through the building, Mr Harris at once cheerfully responded in the affir mative, himself leading the way. Before describing what I saw and heard, it may be as well to furnish my readers with a few particulars respecting the Home. The building was originally an immigration depot, and was converted into a refuge for the destitue between four and five

years ago. The original Institution, for Canterbury, was situated at Selwyn, but the Home there was on a much smaller scale than the one under notice, and the accommodation becoming too limited to meet the growing requirements, the Hos pital and Charitable Aid Board entered into arrangements by which the inmates were removed to Ashburton. Here ac commodation exists for 40 men, although as many as 46 have been housed at one time, the number at present on the books being 41. In addition to the twenty dor mitories, each fitted up with two bunks, there is a spacious sitting-room, or “ day room,” as it is called, a convenient kitchen, a sick-ward (recently added), a bath-room and lavatory, etc. Although called the “ Old Men’s ” Home the Insti-

tutiou is open for the reception of any really destitute male per on, but women are not received. The great majority of the present inmates are aged, and infirm, whose present quiet existence must form a strange contrast to the stirring scenes they have taken part in in years past and gone, for nearly all of them have led ad venturous lives. Four or five are seamen, veritable “ ancient mariners,” who having been tossed to and fro upon life’s stormy sea, have come to an anchor at last in this quiet old place, and calmly await the signal to go aloft. Then there are four blind men, and three inmates are afflicted with paralysis, and are absolutely helpless so far as motion is concerned. They have to be moved from place to place. One is bed-ridden, but the others may be seen on fine bright days sunning themselves in the grounds. The oldest inmate is Wil liam Harris, who has attained the ripe old age of 82, and who, we believe, has grown-up sons and daughters who could maintain their father if they would, but who are quite content to let him remain an inmate of an alms-house. William Tyndall is a1.'.0 in his eighty-second year, and led an active life as a gold-digger in Aust alia until old age compelled him to ra’inquish the pursuit, and he came to New Zealand, to gravitate to the Old Men’s Home. In addition to this elderly

pair there several who have passed the rubicon of three score years and ten. My conductor led me first of all to the “day-room,” a somewhat bare-looking but nevertheless cheerful apartment of about 40 feet x 20 feet, furnished with plain deal tables and benches, the former being liberally sup plied with newspapers. Here the ma jority of the inmates were assembled, some reading, others sitting listless and unoccupied, dwelling perhaps on memories of by-gone days. This is the dining room, as well as sitting-room. Passing on we reach a corridor .the dormitories being situated on either side. These little apartments, as before stated, are each fitted up for two occu pants. They are furnished in very homely style, buf are doubtless comfortable enough, and are kept very neat and clean, as, indeed, is the whole building. Enter ing one of the dormitories, we find an old fellow seated, dressed, on his bunk. He does not move or live any sign of recog nition of the master who whispers me

that this is one of the old diggers of whom there are several in the Home. This man could tell many a story of Ballarat and Bendigo, and the days of the gold excite ment in Australia thirty years ago, if his memory would allow, but he is not easily “drawn out.” Hois getting too old in fact, and besides which he is “ not quite right in his head,” as my guide explains. “ How are you to-night, Harrison T says Mr Harris, bending down to speak to the old man, who makes an inaudible reply “ How would you like another big rush to break out V is the next question which is answered by a shake of the head, and the opinion that there never will be “ another -big rush,” “ although,” the speaker slowly adds, “ he still feels a touch of the gold fever sometimes.” We leave him still ruminating, and pass on to the sick-ward where eight spotlessly clean beds are ar ranged in two rows, although there is room for more beds if required. Adjoin

ing this ward ia asmaller room, contain ing the bed-ridden paralytic patient, and Efated ne<»r are two other* suffering from paralysis, and who are incapable of mov ing although able to ait up. On the mantelpiece of the larger ward i« a very cleverly executed model t>f a h*-i digged ship, which is complete to the minutest detail, and the handiwork of one of the ancient mariners before referred to. -This model was carved with a common pen knife and also a smaller one —that of a brigantine, which graces Mr Harris’ gitting-rocra. We understand 'that the maker of these minature vessels will be glad to undertake commissions for the public, and it would be an act of charity, areatly appreciated, to employ him. lie fs not the only inmate who is anxious to turn his leisure time to account. There are a couple of very clever mat makers, who can produce articles both ornamental and useful, and who would be only too happy to execute any orders entrusted to

them. In addition to these people there are several who can make or repair sacks and corn bags —when they get the chance, and here I cannot too strongly urge upou my readers the great charity it would be to find occasional employment for those capable of doing it amongst old men, and so enable them to earn a little pocket money. Many of them prebably have friend* in distant part* of the colony whom they would be perhaps glad to join, if only for a season, had they but the means to do so—or they may wish to save for other purposes —and to set them to work making models, mats, bags, etc., would be to give them what too many of them lack “at present —an object in life. Leaving the sick-ward, which I should mention contain* at present five patients,

we went out into the grounds. The lawns, back and front, and the flower and kitchen gardens are all kept in apple-pie order, and reflect the greatest credit on the gar deners, one of whom has lost both his legs below the knee. He is quite a young man, and met with his misfortune by getting frost-bitten on one unlucky occa sion when he spent a night in the open. He has been an inmate of the Home for a considerable time, r id although a cripple manages to get through a considerable amount of work, and very excellent work too. Everything considered, the inmates of the Home appear to be very well taken care of. The rules of the institution re-

quire them to rise at six o’clock every morning, and this rule Mr Maddison, Mr Harris’ predecessor, rigorously enforced, as we well remember to have been the case. 'Under Mr Harris this has besn altered. Every man cin get up as early as he pleases, but he is not compelled to rise until close upon eight o clock. This is a very wise modification, as it seems to us, of an unnecessarily harsh regulation. Formerly, also, all the inmates were com pelled to clean out their rooms as soon as they rose. Now there is only one.regular cleaning-up diy in the week, although as much neatness and cleanliness is observed as possible; Considering the inlirm and crippled condition of many.of the inmates •this new rule can only be regarded Ss a good one. Formerly, also, the old men used to complain bitterly that they were never allowed to go outside the grounds. Now each man who desires it can get leave to obtain a day’s outing once a week : if he only proves himself worthy ' of ; the privilege. Breakfast is served at eight, dinner at one, tea at five, and all lights are extinguished and the inmates in bed by nine o’clock. The dietary scale is a very liberal one. It consists of three quarters of a pound of meat per diem per man, one pound of bread, half a pint of milk, half an ounce of tea, and two ounces of sugar. Half a pound of butter is allowed to each a week, and one-snd-a half ounces of tobacco. The stoppage of this same tobacco, by the way, for a week or ten days in the case of very refractory inmates, constitutes the severest punish ment inflicted. We can easily understand that it is one that is keenly felt, and it is gratifying to learn that it is not often ne cessary. The above is the ordinary fare, but the invalids are supplied with other things, in the shape of medical com forts.” Blankets and underclothing are supplied to the inmates, and other cloth ing where necessary. Dr Trevor is the medical officer of the Institution, and visits it regularly once a week, and oftener, of course, if required. The cost of maintenance per head last ; year aver aged 10 3 5d per week, the total expendi ture for the twelve months being L 1,064 17s 7d. Mr Harris has been in charge of the Home for two years and seven mouths, having been appointed to succeed Mr Maddison, now master of the Burnham Industrial School. We may mention that the amateur entertainments occasionally given at the Home by kind - hearted friends are very much appreciated by the old men, who are temporarily in quite a flatter of excitement both before and after the event. Such little breaks in the monotony of their every-day life must be very welcome. Some time ago Mr Harris obtained leave to collect subscriptions to wards a fund for the purchase of a piano or harmonium for use at these entertain ments, but I regret to learn that only three or four pounds have been obtained so far. In conclusion, I would remind my readers that donations of old clothes, linen, books, newspapers and periodicals, etc., are always‘welcome at the Home, and could not po-sioly be applied to a better purpose than the benefit of Mr Harris’ charges.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE ATHLETIC SPORTS COMPANY.

To the Editor. - Sir, —Patriotism is a virtue admirable in itself, and generally admired by the re cipients of benefits derived from it, and wo appear to have a patriot in our midst whose talent for finding means to expend his latent generosity, and gratutipus ad vice to his fellow men, has been up till now hidden by his modesty. But, Sir, worth will ever find its way to the ‘hearts of the people and asaert ita superior right to be heard over any t ling like chicanery or selfishness. lam led to make these few preliminary observations on the sub ject nf the Athletic Sports Company, be cause 1 find that our fellow towns man, Mr Percy Cox, has hither to hidden his light under- a bushel, audit is only under an adverse vote against an application of his to the Borough Council that his virtuous indig nation takes the form of printing ink and bad grammar. Mr Percy Cox begins his statement in last night’s paper by giving the details of his application to the Coun cil, his earnest desire to io the Borough Council’s work free of cost, his efforts to find wholesome recreation for suffering humanity, and the unkind and aurpris-

ing refusal on the part of that degraded body to at once fall into the arms of this colonial Peabody, and cry “ welcome thou thrice blessed one, take the soil, take the whole belt, or take the whole blessed township, wo have failed in our duties and thou art the Dictator to whom we resign our seals of office.” The Borough Council—not beii g com posed of patriots thirsting for the recrea tion of the public, but, on the contrary, being a body composed of very hard headed and shrewd business men, who re present the views of the ratepayers —did not exactly jump to the same conclusion regarding the formation of the East Belt by amateur engineers as Mr Percy Cox did, and as that gentleman has omitted to state a few particulars regard ing the Company, it may be just as well to enlighten the public on a few points of which air Percy Cox has omitted to make mention. The spot s lected by this Com pany for a qmsi Lancaster Park is not by

any means the perfect paradise which Mr Percy Cox would lead us to believe. When he first brought the matter before a com* mittee, he represented that the block con tained some eight and a half acres, this was considered to be rather limited, but, upon measurement, it was found to be rather less than five and a quarter acres, and in that area were two roads, which reduced the land to be purchased to three and three-quarter acres, for which the modest sum of about L 350 was to be paid by the Company. Had it been a nice level piece of grass land the price might not have seemed very much out of the way, but the bloik is virtually a poition of an old river bed, very shingly, very much cut up with gullies, and close to that savoury vehicle of all the Ashburton filth—the outlet of the outfall drain. To enable the Com pany to convert this gravel into a grass paddeck it became necessary to pro cure soil from “somewhere,” and the somewhere turned up in the South-East Belt, close handy. The Belts, however, were laid out to a width of two chains all round the township, to provide lung power for the inhabitants, by planting trees at some time or other on them. Bat trees want soil to nourish them, and the Borough Council want to keep the soil-for future plantations, therefore they refused Mr Cox’s application. His offer to form the Belt road was of so vague a nature

that I cannot see how they could enter tain it for a moment. He says he is willing to expend from LIOO to Ll5O on the work; but suppose he reaches gravel before he gets down to his levels, what will ho do with it 1 Leave it, 1 suppose. The Coun cil have added to their revenue for some t : me past by the sale of surplus soil; that is evidence that soil has a market value. Why, then, give some thousands of yards away to a company outside the borough ? Sir, had Ashburton been deficient of recreation grounds there would have been some sense in Mr Cox’s company and ap-

plication, but we hare seventy-two acres of Domain within the town belt, we have one hundred and fifty acres on the race course, on either of which a first-class cricket ground could be made at a tithe of the expense which would be required on Mr Cox’s five-acre block. The remarks in last night’s paper smack more of the disappointment of a lost commission than of the regrets of a philanthropist.—l am, etc., James Wilkie.

THE PETITION FOR A SIDE SCHOOL AT TREVORTON.

To the Editor, Sir, —With reference to the petition presented to the School Committee on Tuesday evening last re side school, I beg to be allowed to say a few words concern ing the last sentence, as it more nearly refers to myself, viz., “the children arrive at the school tired and quite unfit for their duties, and a large portion of both the masters’ and children’s time is wasted in consequence..” Now, what docs the writer mean by this ? I really cannot tell. But I do know that he has made a state ment thatin alljustice and honor he had no right to make, seeing that he knows nothing whatever about it. It was hardly justice to either the children or their teachers to make such a misleading statement, and then ask. the parents to append their names to it. Now-as regards any lassi tude or weariness of the children interfer ing with the duties of the school, I have never been able to detect any waste of time in consequence, and if the writer of the petition has found that the children and teachers hive worked with less energy on account of walking a short distance to school, it is altogether contrary to my ex perience. There is one thing lam quite certain of, and that is, it is not always those who live nearest the school who are the most regular in attendance. There is a private record kept, as most of the pupils know, of every minute that, a child is late, and it is a remarkable fact, that those who are noted for trying to shirk part of their school time generally live within an easy distance of the school. I say trying, as I would not be fitted for the position which I hold if I allowed anything whatever to interfere with the regular school duties. It is only justice to the children attending the school and their parents to say that, with very few exceptions, the submission to school dis cipline and punctual attendance at the proper time give me perfect satisfaction, and I still hold the opinion that I enter tained when 1 first came here, that the Ashburton boys and girls, too, are quite as easily governed as those of any tpjrns. in the colony. I quite agree with the Chair man of the School Committee that the writer of the petition knew nothing of what he was saying, and therefore had no right to say what he did.—l am, etc,,..-. Hector Dempsey. Ashburton, Nov. 15.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[reciter’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT. ]i Officially Denied. London, Nov. 16. The statement contained in yester day’s Standard, that the Right Hon. H. C. Childers was to replace Mr Glad stone as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and to be succeeded by Lord North brook as Secretary for War, is now officially denied. What Arabi Did. Alexandria, Nov. If. Sulieman Bey has testified to the Royal Commission of Enquiry for the trial of Arabi, that the latter ordered him to set fire to Alexandria and-to murder the Khedive.

AUSTRALIAN

[rk.OXEr’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] ' Wool. Melbourne, Yesterday. The New Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency Company during their wool sale for the past week have catalogued 2,230 bales, comprising some very choice clips. There has been a large attendance of buyers, and a brisk com petition fot the lots offered. The high prices realised earlier in the season were fully maintained, to the satisfac tion of the growers. Good sound w.ell grown wools continue to command- ex treme rates. During the week 2,000 bales have been sold, the balance being withdrawn. A marked feature in the sales for the present season has been the attendance of a large number, of buyers operating directly on behalf .of various Home and Colonial factories. Middlemen and speculators have found themselves compelled to stand aloof. The Victorian Loan Proposals. In the Legislative Council to-night, Sir Bryan O’Loughlen stated that he was willing to modify the Loan Con version Bill, and provide for three Bills in its place—one for a loan of L 3,800,000, one for an inscription of the stock, and one for a small loan to be raised in the colony for certain necessary public works. The House, it is undersrood, generally of . the Premier’s amended proposals. . [Received Nov. 17,1 p.m.] Fully Confirmed. Melbourne, To-daj.. The statement recently current that the Hon W. J. Clarke will be shortly created a baronet is now fully con firmed,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1882.



1882. 1881. Sheep 81) 87 Cattle 29 36 Horses 130 94 Pigs 19 9 Poultry 34 37 Implements G7 75 Dogs 17 12 Dairy Produce ... 41 44 Manufactures 15 11 Extra exhibits 81 22 Private — 11 Total... 522 438



st. lb. st. lb. Captain 12 0 Stockings ... 10 0 Muscat 10 10 Lyndhurst... 9 10 Brenda 10 10 Schoolboy ... 9 7 Shepherdess 10 0 Ashburton Cur. st. lb. st. lb. Welcome The Curate 7 1 Jack 8 12 Speculation 6 9 Turquoise ... 8 5 Handicap Hurdle Race. st. lb. st. lb. Agent 12 6 Albion 9 0 Lady Perdita 9 9 Muscat 8 5 Racing Club Handicap. st. lb. st. lb. Turquoise ... 9 0 Speculation 7 0 The Curate 7 12 Flying Handicap. st. lb. st. lb. Turquoise ... 9 9 Marchioness Gold Dust... 7 12 Neil 7 2 Contessa ... 7 4 Marquis of j N ormanby 6 7 County Platb. st. lb. st. lb. Minnie 8 12 Zulu 8 0 Marquis of Twilight 8 0 Normanby 8 10 Shepherdess 7 10 Our John ... 8 7 Wild Rose... 7 10 Winnie 8 5 Idalia 7 0 Marchioness Neil 8 2



Government publications. District Court Rules, Land Transfer ‘ Handy-Book and Acts, Joint Stock Cotn ?anies Acts, &c., on Sale at Office of this 'aper •'V. j- Ui ; 35 mm ’kit*. Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. JONES, Agent. PIPE ORGANS.—Especially suitable for Churches. Far superior to any Reed 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 Oollard, Erari, Pleyel and others, Dresden Model, and German and French manufacturers, with all latest improvements. fa* DEFERRED PAYMENTS -ft*. ATCHMAKERS Jewellers, iBH CH-GH* The Celebrated American Waltham batches, in sterling hunting cases, from £3 10s. N.B.— None genuine unless en :raved “ Waltham, Mass.” on movement. Rotherham’s Celebrated English Levers, fom £slos, \ All Watches Examined, Timed,. and guaranteed Two Years



Wanted WANTED— A General SERVANT. Apply Mas Parkin, Moore street WANTED TO LET A Three- Stalled STABLE, Harness Room, Shed, and Loft above. Rent Low. J. S. Satagb, Painter, Peter street. Au 26 ANTED EVERYBODY to know that Hates and Co.’s is the Cheapest House in Town for CLOTHING and DRAPERY. au 12 WANTED —The Ladies of Ashburton to inspect my Large and Well selected Stock ofFANC? STATIONERY, BOOKS, NEW MUSIC, Etc., all at Dunedin prices. XT/"ANTED KNOWN —That Robert \\ 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. ANTED KNOWN—It is Mr Lan caster’s intention to extend Jus 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 hia management, Bread of unex ceptionable quality will be turned out of the FREETRADE BAKERY, East street —R. Lancaster, Proprietor. 240 au 5 GEO. F. HENRY, Saundero Buildings. 760 c



Special Advertisements. P BEAT CLEANING SALE. CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES. 0. HAWKINS Invites his friends and the public to in spect his large stock of Boots and Shoes, at sweeping prices, C. HAWKINS, Ashjbktok and Tinwald. N.B. —All Accounts owing to the above must be settled at once. Bibles, church services and PRAYER-BOOKS. HYMNS (Ancient and Modern), Wes leyan and Presbyterian HYMN BOOKS. CRAPS and SC t!AP ALBUMS, PhotOg r aph and Pocket Albums. PICKETING MATERIA L Gloves, Footballs, etc. FIR ‘1 SCREENS, Stove Ornaments, Gold and Silver Shavings. ELOPIiONES. MELOPHON ES, 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. fTIHE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF J- THE WORLD, just issued by the National Publishing Company of America, Contains a vast amount of information, admirably printed, profusely illustrated, and handsomely bound. Subscribers wanted. A CCOUNT BOOKS- Various Sizes and Descriptions. s HOOL BOOKS And Requisites. N O T E PAPE Various Sizes and Qualities. R, Foolscap and account sales PAPER. E NVELOPES, Business, Official, and Fancy. T OYS, FANCY GOODS, WOOLS. CREWEL 8 LATES, INKS, PENCILS, PENS, &c., &c. >IANOS, HARMOA VMS, ORGANS AND MUSIC.



EL. M. Jones, BURNETT ST. & BA.RING SQUARE. Bookbinding Executed in All Branchks. JUST RECEIVED —ex “Thorne” (from London) - a splendid selection of FANCY GOOD comprising—Writing Desks and Cases, Workboxes (rosewood, walnut, and mahogany), blotting Pads (papier mache), Fancy Inkstands, Photo graphic and Scrap Albums (at all prices). Purses, Portmonnaes, Ladies’ and Gents’ Spring Card Cases (pearl and Morocco leather), Pencil Cases, Stationery Racks, Ink (large and small jars), School Books, and Stationery of every description. A large stock of Orickeie’ s’Materials of every kind. Children’s Balls, Dolls, Toys, &c. ANDREWE3 BROS., Booksellers, Stationers, &c. , East street south, Ashburton. n!5 Great sale of a large salvage stock of FURNITURE! FURNITURE! Furniture ! Also, a large quantity of NEW and SECOND-HAND FURNI TURE-CHEAP. All kinds of Turnery, Carving, &c. Bedroom and Drawing-room Suites. John Meech, BURNETT STREET, Ashburton. Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade Workshop—Next Mail )ffice.



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



Special Advertisements -VTOTICE 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 CROPS, 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 his recent visit to New Zealand, was present at most of the 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 recommending them as the most DURABLE, COMPLETE, & SIMPLE Machines yet manufactured. G. STEAD, Managing Director, P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12au Agent, Ashburton. fJHRY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory For every article of MEN’S, YOUTHS’ AND BOYS’ CLOTHING, SHIPPING AND TRAVELLING ' OUTFITS; Also for CHOICE NEW GOODS In HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, TIES, PORTMANTEAUX, RUGS, BLANKETS, &c.



HIGHEST AWARD AND SPECIAL HONORARY MENTION At DUNEDIN INDUSTRIAL EXHI BITION ; Also, TWO PRIZE MEDALS AND SPECIAL CERTIFICATE Awarded at CHRISTCHURCH EXHIBITION. Seventeen Retail Branches now open in the Colony. A SINGLE ARTICLE AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. W, SPARROW, Manager. b!9 Thomas Taylor, JgAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East street. WED DING OAKES To Order. Manufacturer of CIDER AND OTHER CORDIALS, Wholesale and Retail. 014 WE are NOW LANDING, ex Maud Graham, from Kaipara— -10,000 feet 6| x U T. and G. 25,000 „ 6|x I „ 10,000 „ x 1 „ 3,000 ~ 9"in Shelving 2,500 ~ 12 in ~ 1,000 „16 in ~ 1,000 „ 20 in Also, 20,000 feet undressed KAURI, following sizes:— e>2l 9x2 9 X 1* 12x2 12x1* 12x1 12 x 3 14 x 1 TUCKER, 16x1 18 x 1 18 x 1$ 12 x 2 15 x * 16 x | 24 x 1 RESTELL & GO. rfIHE SCOTTISH IMPERIAL IN- J. 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, HOME, SWEET HOME'.—Christ inas and New Years’ CARDS for posting to friends in Europe, The newest designs in great variety. Andrewes Bros., Bookseller*, Stationers, etc., East street south, Ashburton.



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, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.