SHIPPING.

PORT or LYTTELTON. • - Arrived. Yesterday. Examiner, barque, from Greymouth. City of Delhi, ship, - from Calcutta. To-day. Watatipu, 8.8., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Amateuxv'ketch, for. Port. Levy. Hawea, s.s., for Port Chalmers. Ringarooma, s.s , for Wellington. To-day. Wakatiou, s.s., for Port Chalmers. r SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. ■ ' Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—lndia, from Marshall Group. Sailed —Botomahaua, for Melbourne, via Southern Ports. • Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Maud Graham, from Welling ton ; Southern Cross, from Dunedin. Sailed —Southern Cross, for Auckland. , Dunedin, Yesterday. The Union Company’s new steamer Hauroto arrived today.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, . Friday af ernoon, The business done in the grain market during the !: WDek has teen limited. For wheat prices have remained the same at last quotations, with very little offering. Oats are, if'anything, slightly easier in value, but few transactions worth notice having! taken place.-- The general com plaint at the present time is the great scarcity of 'money* the Banks having de termined to reduce their advances, busi ness generally has never been so bad, and Ashburton is suffering considerably, as well as other towns. Already several firms in Christchurch are spoken of as ” shaky,” and hardly able to withstand' the impending crisis. So far as Ashburton is concerned, the splendid . harvest prospects tend to make—matters commercial fairly sound, but complaints are very numerous. Har vesting-may now be- said to have com menced on some of the plains farms, and seveifaUpatches of oats have been already cut. r Bay making is also proceeding vigorously, and some splendid samples of rye grass have already been secured for seed purposes. Com 'Exchange report for the week ending Friday evening, the 22nd .December. Business in the graifrtrade continues to be of the same normal, condition which has been its chief characteristic for some time back; local orders are t^ only ones now being fulfilled, and these too arc nf a very limited character. Crops on the light'lands are no w in a very forward con dition, and' harvest will commence in about from ten days'to a fortnight. Wheat : The same sluggish feeling which was visible last week has continued throughout this; prices are unaltered ; good milling quality, 4s to 4s 3d perjbushel, ; delivered at Christchurch ; second class samples, 3s 4d to 3s gd per bushel; chick wheat, 2s pd to 3s 2d per bushel.—Oats; The demand Ipcally is about equal to last week, 3s 2d to 354(1 per bushel being obtainable, i.e. consumers to dealers in large lines, from pro ducer to dealer, 3s to 3s 2d ; stout short mill ing arenotmnch sought after. —Bailey: There is littfii difrio Business being transacted in this cereal, prices nominal.—Grass Seed ; A few outside orders axe being executed at from 3 s 6d topper bushel for last season’s crop; the new'crop is not yet to hand.—’ heese and Butter: 6d for the former, 8d for the latter.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

auction sales * ■“ To-morrow, Saturday, December 23. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their Bazaar — Tinted Property, Agricultural Imple ments, Horses, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sundries, &c.; 11-SO a.m. Jlr xl Bullock,, at tha Bazaar—Horses, Sending Crop of Wheat and Oats ; 1 p.ml Engine and Combine, &c.; 1.30 * t, Mr Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr'W. F. Allen, at his roon.B, Burnett street —Horses, Pigs, Poult; General Produce, A’c ; 11,30 a.m. -r,i- Thursday, December 28. J. T; Ford and Co., at "the Homestead of Mr John Black,, farmur, Wakanui— Contractor’s Plant ; 11 a. m. Tuesday, January 2. Matflpp., Cox- and Co., at the Ashburton Stock.; . SEETINGS, ‘ AJVIUSEMEN'TS, Tuesday, December 2s. Cato lonian Society Annual .Sports Society’s, Grounds, North west Belt. ; L.O.L.—Ball, Town Hall. South Rakaia Races and Sports. Somers Raoes and Sports. , Friday, December 29. Somerset Lodge, Monthly. Meeting, n the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. ‘ plJ ~ Monday, January 1. Wumlow Rsces and 'ports. Wakanui Races’and Sports. - r Tuesday, January 2. aetiburtori Permanent. Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting,

BIRTH.

Martin —At Ashburton, on 21st Decem. ber, the wife of Geo. Jos. Martin, butcher, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1882.

Railway Arrangements.—Train ar rangements for Christmas and Boxing days appear elsewhere. In Bankruptcy. —An »pp ication will bo made at the next sittb g 3 die District Court for an order of uiaciiarge to be granted to William Frisby, a debtor.

Wakanui Library. —The Chairman of the Wakanui Library Committee requests that all boo s taken out of the Library, prior to the 19th iust., be re urned with out delay. Harvesting.— Tenders for harvesting in various localities appear in this issue, amounting in the aggregate to nerly 4000 acres. vir Martin Gridin cut a splendid crop of rye grass this weak, of about 25 acres, and wo hear of several other farmers who are also hard at work, and literally making hay while the sun shines.

Accident.—Yesterday evening about five o’clock, Mr Francis Brothers, em ployed at Quinton’s Brewery, was thrown from his horse while riding down East street. The horse reared suddenly, and Mr Brothers was thrown heavily, the horse falling back on him. The sufferer was found to be in an unconscious state when picked up. He was at once taken to the brewery, whore he is receiving every at tention.

Hydropathy. —The proprietor of Hals well House, Christchurch, has an an nouncement in this issue, which will be read with interest by all those who have faith in the system of hydropathy. In addition to receiving treatment from the well-known Dr Tivy, patients who place themselves under the care of Mr Nixon the proprietor of the establishment, will enjoy all the comforts of a home. A perusal of the advertisement, and an inter view with either Dr Tivy or Mr Nixon, is recommended to every invalid.

Post Office Holiday Arrangements. —On Christmas and New Year’s Days the postal branch will be entirely clos d, except that mails will be despatched and received by the early trains. The tele graph branch will be open from 9 till 10 in the morning, and from 7 till 8 in the evening. On Boxing Day the post office will be open in all branches from 9 till 10 a.m., and mails will be received and despatched as usual. A delivery by the letter carrier will be made at 8 a.m. The telegraph branch will be open from 9 till 10 a m., and from 7 till 8 p.m. The Factories Act. —The following letter, signed “Sewing Girl,” appeared in last night’s Dunedin Star: —“ I think it only my duty to let it be known through the medium of the press that there have been gross infringemeivs made on the above Act by two or three well-known establishments, who at least ought by experience to know better. Saturday after Saturday I have been compelled to return to work till six or seven o’clock, and that under the very nose of the In spector. lam only a unit, and for fear of my bread 1 dare not open my mouth in protest. Sir in the establishment where I am employed I have known the In spector to threaten, and sometimes to drive us out at two o’clock on a Saturday, but no sooner is his back turned than we have had to return by another door, and the poor simple man takes it for granted that ‘all is well.’ At other times we have been huddled up with other workers locked up within a side room, while the inspectoi goes his round, and on his de parture, after interviewing the fore woman, she with the ingenuity worthy of a Stephenson, pilots us back to work till seven or eight o’clock, having soft soaped the Inspector. The same thing has occurred to my knowledge in another house in Princes street, as well as two or three in George street, where the in spector has become so very easy-going that the forewomen take a delight in hoodwinking him.”

The Coming Show. —Mr R. W. Shear man offers a special prize at the Summer Show, to be held on Saturday week, par ticulars of which will be found in another column.

Borough School Treat.—The treat to the Borough School children takes place rn Friday at the Alfred Mill paddocks. The date of the distribution of prizes is not yet fixed, but it will not take place until after the treat.

Wakanui Sports. —The programme of the Wak.-mui sports, to be held on New Year’s Day appears elsewhere. From it will be seen that the Wakanui people have determined to enjoy a capital day’s fun on the first of the new year. An Omission. Amongst the many indefatigable workers at the recent fancy fair and tea meeting we omitted to men tion the names of Mrs Hunt, senr., Mrs Hunt, junr., Mrs Johnson, Mrs Miller, and Miss Hogg. All these ladies are de serving of groat praise. Concert. Mrs Wood, of Haswell House School, celebrated the breaking-up of her establishment last night by a con cert at the Town Hall. There was a large attendance of the parents and friends of the young performers. The programme was a long and varied one, comprising no less than twenty-four items. In addition to the pupils several well-known young lady amateurs lent a helping hand, and the concert must be considered a pro nounced success.

Oaiholic Church Bell. — The new bell, which was cast by Messrs John An derson and Son* in Christchurch, for the Catholic Church has now arrived, and been temporarily hung in the Church grounds. The bells weighs about 4 cwt, and has a very fine tone. It has the fol lowing inscription : A.M.D.G. Cantate Domino ET Benedicito Nomini Ejus Annuntiabit di die in Diem Salutare Ejus.

It is intended to ring the bell for the first time on Christmas morning, and a notifi cation appears elsewhere to this effect, in order that the public may know that it is not a fire bell alarm. Christmas Song. —The music and words of “Our New Zealand Christmas Song ” has been beautifully photographed, cabinet size, with a pretty view of Otago Harbor, encircled with ears of corn and flowers. The following is the chorus of

the song ; “ A merry Christmas may it be, And that from shore to shore ; May plenty reign within your hall, And grace stand at your door.” This beautifully-executed card is got up for Is, obtainable at H. J. Weeks’ Music Depot, Tancred street, where there is to bo seen a fine collec tion of pianos by Brinsmead and other well-known makers ; also, the famous Smith American organs. 88,000 of these organs having been sold is a _ sufficient guarantee. The celebrated pianoforte tuner, Herr Otto Schweers, w» . pay his regular visit very shortly to attend to cus tomers only. Orders can be sent to the Music Depot.— [Ai/vt.] “ White Shikters.” —Says the Christ church Telegraph-. —It has been often said that the last straw breaks the camel's back, and the following case in point very truly illustrates the truth of the old and well worn adage : —A widow of this city in anything but flourishing circumstances, thoughAhat her small income muht be slightly increased by the addition of a few boarders to her family. Having adver tised her intention, a quartette of young gentlemen, reeking a comfortable home, interviewed her to arrange the necessary terms. Judging from the appearance of those seeking fresh quarters, and actuated with a desire to s cure if possible a de sirable class of permanent boarders, the good lady of the house quoted LI a week as her scale of recompense for providing all the necessaries of this life with sleep ing accommodation. To this the quartette at once demurred, and the landlady, after consideration, made a reduction of half-a crown in the terms mentioned. Even this concession failed to satisfy the boarding party, and the lone widow was eventually, by force of persuasion, compelled to double the amount of reduc;ion submitted in the first instance. As they ware on the point of departure one of the party suggested “ that of course washing was included.” That was the “last straw,” and although it did not break the good lady’s ba k, it broke the contract right here. She gave one all-round glance at the would-be boarders, in which pity, in dignation and contempt were strongly blende 1, and then came the retort, “ Washing included, indeed, and you all white shirters at that price. Good morn ing, gent omen.”

Oddfellowship at Tinwald. The first annual summoned meeting of the Loyal Tinwald Lodge, 1.0. O. F. M.U., was held in the Templar Hall, Tinwald, last evening, the N.G. Bro Thos. Williams presiding, there being a good attendance of members and also visitors from the Loyal Ashburton Lodge. After the usual routine business had been got through and one candidate initiated, the following officers for the ensuing six months were elected and duly installed, Bro P.G. W. E. Dolman acting as installing officer, and Bros Miller and Dee acting as conductors. P.G., Bro Thos. Williams now occu pied the chair of the G. M. ; —N.G., Joseph Stephens ; Y.G., Cyril Jephson ; 8.5., George McKnight ; P.S., J. A. Clothier; R. S. to N. G., C. Brader ; L. S. to N.G., J. Clark ; R. S. to V.G., J. Robertson ; L. S. to V. G., S. Roundtree; Warden, Thos. Clothier ; Guardian, G. Beaney ; 'L.M , George Grant ; sick visitors, Bros Brader and J. Clothier ; auditors, Bros Jephson and Brader. After the installa tion the newly elected officers returned thanks, and votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers, especially the re tiring N.G , and also a special vote of thanks to the past secretary, Bro J. A. Clothier. During the evening the N.G. announced that a distressing accident had just befallen the Provincial Grand Master, Bro 0. Foster, in Christchurch, he having to have his arm ampntated. The follow ing letter of condolence was framed and ordered to be sent to the District Lodge, and a co y to Mr Foster ; “ Loyal Tin wald Lodge.—lt is with the deepest re gret that we lear.i of the very painful and distressing accident that has just befallen our beloved and much respected brother (the present head of our district), viz , Provincial Grand Master Charles Foster. The members of the Loyal Tinwald Lodge wish to place on record their feelings of the deepest regret, and greatest sympathy and condolence with our beloved brother, and also to condole with the District officers and the whole of the District, but more especially with Mrs Foster and h*-r family of young children dependant on him, and trust he may have a safe and speedy recovery. And we pray that our Heavenly Father, in whom wo trust, will find him some suitable employment whereby he and his family may be as well provided for as hitherto. Submitted in friendship, love, and- truth on behalf of all the members of the Loyal Tinwald Lodge.—P.G., Bro Thomas Williams; N.G., Joseph Stephens ; V.G., John A. Clothier, Secretary.” The first and third sentiments of (he evening were then given, and P.G. Dolman responded to the latter ; and after congratulations on the success of the Tinwald Lodge having been exchanged and a candidate proposed for initiation, a very pleasant Lodge meeting cams to a close at about 10.30 o’clock.

CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

The following handicaps have been de clared for the Caledonian Sports on Box ing Day : One |Mile Walking Race—J. M.

O’Connor, scr. ; T. Ferguson and John Groves, 40yds ; H. Lambert, J. La wry, G. Ray, and A. Davidson, 50yds ; J. At kinson, 65yds ; W. Sherlock, 70yds ; C. Sprey, 80yds ; G. Page, 90y ds ; Wm. Cochrane, 160yds. Half Mile Flat Race—J. M. O’Con nor and P. Woods, scr; G. Ray, A. Davidson, J. Lawry, D. Church, John Groves, and T. Fergnson, 15yds; W. Sherlock, and J. Atkinson, 20yds; C. Sprey, 25yds ; H. Tooey and H. Prim mer, 30yds; G. Page, 35yds; Win. Cochrane, 50yds. Grand Handicap Flat Race —2oo, 300, and 440yds—D. Hyland and F. Woods, scr. H. Hock*a, 200vds, and 800 yds, scr. ; 440yds, syds. T. Ferguson, 200 yds, scr.; 300yds, syds; 440yds, 10yds. J. Laury, 200yds, 3yds ; 300yds, syds ; 440yds, 10yds. E. Omrbten, 200yds, 3yds; 300yds, 10yds; 440., ds, Isyds. G. Ray, 200yds, syds; 300rds, 7yds; 440yds, 10yds. J. Groves, 200yds, syds; 300yds, 7yds; 440yds, 10yds. H. Tovey, D. Church, G. McKnigbt, R. Lechner, and D. Gilmour, 200yds, syds; 300yds, 10yds; 440yds, 15yds, A. Patterson, 200yds, 10yds; 300yds, 15yds ; 440yds, 25yds. Open Hurdle Race, 440yds. F. Woods, J. M. O’Connor, and D. Hyland, scr; T. Ferguson and J. Lawry, 10yds ; J. Atkinson, G. Ray, and J. Groves, 15yds; W. Sherlock, 20yds ; F. Betts and W. Bayliss, 25yds ; A. Patterson and J. McConachie, 30yds.

BREAKING UP FOR THE HOLI DAYS.

Tinwald School.

Thebreakingup of theTinwald school for tire Christmas holidays was celebrated last evening by an entertainment, followed by a ball in Mr Joseph Clark’s spacious grain shed. The evening was warm and fine, and the attendance excellent. The shed was beautifully decorated with ever greens and toi-toi grass, and its appear ance elicited general admiration. Mr Joseph Clark occupied the chair, and opened the proceedings by distributing the prizes, accompanying each gift by a few kindly words of congratulation. The ceremony concluded with three cheers for the successful and three cheers for the un successful competitors, the young people cheering most heartily. The concert then took place, when .he following programme was performed : —Duett, Miss M. Me harry and Miss Annie Cairncross ; recita tion, Miss Mary Lewis; song, it!iss Martha Meharry; recitation, Master C. Brader ; song, Miss Florence Laurence ; recitation, Mios Annie Lewis ; song, Miss Agnes Williams ; recitation, Master James Smith ; song, Miss Annie Jeff ; recitation, Mias Alice Laurence. This brought the first p~rt of the entertainment to a close. The performers so far bad been children, and remarkably well they acquitted them selves, as all were ready to admit. Part 11. commenced with a pianoforte duett by the Misses Clark, -and the follow ing items were then given :—Song, Mrs Laurence ; reading, Mrs Wallace ; song, Miss Sanderson ; song, Mr Chichester ; reading, Mr. H. J. Jones; song, Mrs Teppitts ; reading,' Mrs Laurence ; read ing, Mr Wallace ; song, Miss Sanderson ; recitation, Mr Chichester $ song, Mrs Teppitts ; pianoforte solo, Miss Clark ; reading, Mr Teppitt ; song, Miss Sander son. This cone uded the concert, and the various performers were loudly applauded; indeed the entertainment was a most en jo able one. The ball followed, but owing to the musicians expected being unable to attend, the affair was not the success that had been anticipated. How ever, thanks to the kindness of Mr H. Y. Chichester and Mr Broodfoot, the com pany were enabled to enjoy a few dances. But if some disappointment was occasioned owing to the cause just referred to, the en tertainment, as a whole, was a big success, and all appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly. We must not omit to men tion that Mr W. T. Davison was the caterer for the refreshments, and was as successful in pleasing his patrons as he always is. Owing to the head-master not having as yet drawn up the prize list, we are unable to present the same in this issue.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASH B URTON. -To-day. [Before I. N. Watt, Esq., R M.] Drunkenness. Two inebriates were each fined ss. Cattle Wandering. W. J. Hughes and M. Nealas A’ero each fined 5a for this offence under the by-laws. Larceny. —George Coulter was charged with stealing one kettle and a set of lead ing harness of the value of L'2, the pro perty of one Aitken, and was remanded for 14 days at his own request, in order that he might obtain a witness from Kaiapoi. CIVIL CASES.

Martin v. Lowe, claim LI 11s 9d.—Mr Branson for plaintiff. Judgment for plaintiff with costs. Coulter v. McCutcheon, claim L 29. Mr Wilding for plaintiff, Mr Branson for defendant.—Mr Wilding stated the short iacts of the case as follows :—Some time back his client was charged, under very peculiar circumstances, with the larceny of a saddle. Owing to the absence of a material witness Coulter was c mvicted, and sentenced to a month’s imprisonment. At the time of his conviction he had a contract on hand and owned a dray, plough, saddle, and 3 horses and harness, When Coulter got into trouble he made an arrangement with McCutcheon to carry on the contract for him Before the saddle stealing case came on for hearing witness wrote out a receipt making over the goods to McCutcheon. That was to give him a title to the tilings, but no money passed. When Coulter came out of gaol he went to McCutche m to get his property back and was refused them by McCutcheon, who held possession of them. Hence the present action to recover the goods.— Coulter, the plaintiff, corrobo rated the statement of his counsel. He had drawn up a receipt for the goods which he made over to McCutcheon. Plaintiff held the receipt, and if the case against him had been dismissed, he was to have kept it himself. ft was for L 44. After the rase was over McCutcheon came up and asked for t lie receipt, which plain tiff handed over to him. Plaintiff was not indebted to McCutcheon in any way, but, on the contrary, McCutcheon was in debted to plaintiff. The witness was sharply cross-examined by Mr Branson. He denied that he had authorised Mr McCutcheon to finish his contract, making over to him, as security, the goods the cense of the action. The cross-examina tion was a complete denial by the plaintiff of having justified the defendant in d..- taininur the goods in question. The plaintiffs answers wore of a rather con tradictory and unsatisfactory ch racter. — Re-examined by Mr Wilding : There was no partnership between plaintiff and de fendant. They were at work for Mr Bur gess on the same land that was all.—W. Smith, commission agent, was then ex amined, and his evidence favored the plaintiff’s case. W. Finlay, express driver, deposed to having been spoken to by McCutcheon, who said that he had got G ulter’s things to take care of whi'e he was in gaol.—This was th ■ plaintiff’s case. The defence was that the defendant was responsible for certain debts duo and owing by the plaintiff, and that he held certain goods in satisfaction of his claim. Other goods he ivas perfectly willing to deliver up at any time. The defendant haviag been partially examined, the case was adjourned.—After the lunch adjourn ment the hearing of the case was resumed,

and the defendant having concluded his evidence, and counsel having addressed the Bench, his Worship gave judgement for the plaintiff for L 26, with costs. Mr Branson asked what was the actual amount his Worship allowed or. the various items, and was told TO Mr Branson submitted that then his » urship could only give judgment for L 9. His Worship thought, otherwise. Mr Bran son gave notice of appeal. His Worship consented to stay execution for three days.

JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLER’S JOURNAL.

IX. A Digression—ln London—The Frozen Meat Trade.

In my last I brought your readers— those of them who have had patience and curiosity enough to accompany me —as far as Montreal, and following the order of time and sequence I ought in this commu nication to tell them what I saw in that city, and relate the events of my onward progress. But I must crave permission to digress, and devote this letter to a special topic. I will resume my rambles next time. I am now in London and have just returned from the Royal Albert Docks, where the Chimborazo, one of the Orient line of steamers, is discharging five thousand carcases of frozen mutto t, and I thought some remarks on this grow ing branch of trade might be interesting to some of your readers. I ws not in time to see the cargo brought to London in the Mataura, but I hear t that it was landed in capital condi tion ; and as what I saw and heard to-day, will apply in general to meat coming from New Zealand as well as to that which comes from Sydney, I do not hesitate to lay before you the results of my observa tion and enquiries. The success of the enterprise is no longer a doubtful matter, in so far as the possibility of sending meat from the colo nies to JEngland, and landing it in good marketable condition are concerned. It may be considered unefait accompli. In proof cf this I will relate what one of the wharfingers told me. About, twelve months ago a cargo of frozen meat from New Zealand arrived in the S. W. India Do;k. My informant could not remem ber the name of the vessel that brought it. Shortly after it had been landed, 2,000 sheep and 10 carcases of beef were trans ferred to the Government floating re frigerator and thence put on board one of the transports about to convey troops to Egypt, This portion of the cargo wa ■ conveyed to Alexandria, and last month some of the same meat remaining uncon sumed, was brought back in as good con dition as when it was shipped, and sold in the market. This proves, beyond ques tion, the success of the freezing process. But are the returns adequately remuner ative to the shippers ? lam not able to answer this question, never having an op portunity of knowing the net results. I assume, however, that it is not a losing venture ; it must pay, to same extent, or shipments would cease. Whether, under the present system, it is as remunerative as it might be is quite a different question, and the information I have gathered to day leads me to believe that the shippers do not derive all the benefit they ought to do, and might certainly secure, if a dif ferent system of sale were adopted. No thing, as yet, has been done to awaken the interest of consumers. The middle men stand between them and the shippers, so that there is but little if any pecuniary advantage to the consumer. He has to give within a trifle, and sometimes quite as much, for a joint of meat that was landed in a frozen state and sold to the butcher at proportionably low rates, as he would be required to give for Horae slaughtered meat. In fact he does not always know that the meat he purchases has come from a>)road.

The present system, as I understand it, is something like this : The cargo is con' signed to a mercantile firm. On its arrival it is put into the hands of salesmen, on what terms I cannot say ; but of course they expect to be paid for what they do. I should imagine they are not satisfied with less than ten per cent, commission. They sell to the butchers, who watch the market narrowly, and regulate their orders as to quantity, so as to keep up the retail price. The average obtained from the butchers by the salesman is or 8d per lb. The price demanded from the consumer is sel dom below lid or Is. Hence the people, who are and ought to be most deeply in terests!, and materially benefited by the enterprize, are deprived of the advantages it might be made to confer. When the first costs and local charges—merchants’ and salesmen’s commissions, and transit expenses on this side, are deducted from the above-named figures at which the meat is sold, I fear the remainder is not very remunerative—at all events not nearly so much so as it would be if direct relations could be established between the shipper and the consumer. If arrangements were made to consign to some responsible person representing the owners, and suitable shops were rented in different parts of London, and perhaps in some of the largo provincial towns, and the meat sold direct to the consumer on owners’ account, there would be immedi ately created great inducements. Sup pose some joints were sold at 9£d or lOd and inferior parts, such as the necks and breast ■, at Bd, these prices would present such a contrast to the ordinary charges for home-slaghtered meats that an increasing demand would ensue, and after paying the salaries of employees, I apprehend that the net remains would be at least as high, and probably much higher, than those now realised by the shippers. Why could not a company be formed to carry out some such arrangement? I am quite convinced that the New Zealand graziers will never realise the full benefit of the frozen meat trade until they are in a position to dispense with the middle men and sell direct to the consumers. Or if it be considered too troublesome to attempt the retail busines- 1 , at least to be their own salesmen in disposing of the meat wholesale.

I am assured on good authority that the corporation of the Uo3'al Albert Dock, who have a refrigerator, would readily make arrangements with the shippers of the meat to receive and retain it un il wanted, so that there would bo no neces sity at present of incurring the expense of preparing refrigerators. The shippers would only require to secure eligible pre mises in different parts of London and the country, and trustworthy persons to take charge of them. Of course the supply would have to be continuous, and the corporation would transfer it from the re frigerator to the various establishments according to order. There may be diffi culties in the way of such an arrangement that I do not foresee, but surely they are not insuperable ; and I am quite sure that even if at the outset the expenses were such as to s■;ow but little improvement on general results, before very long the increased demand, and the saving of in termediate commissions and charges, would ensure very much larger profits than accrue under the present system. I submit these suggestions as worthy the serious consideration of those who are engaged in this trade, and may add, that whether or not action I o taken in the matter, shippers will do well to remember that under the present system a good deal depends upon the size of the meat. To secure the best possible res ilts, the sheep sent to this market should weigh from seven to ten stone per carcase, and beef from eighty to one hundred and twenty stone. Calves, if sent to arrive here in the spring of the year, and landed in good condition, would fetch about (;s per stone. 1 think it likely that poultry and

butter might be found profitable art idea of export. I trust I need not apologise for this di gression. 1 speak with more confidence when narrating the incidents of my travels. I do not pretend .to be an expert in the frozen meat trade. I merely give you the opinions I have been led to form, from what I have seen and heard : and I may say that the opinions I have expressed, are endorsed and confirmed by many who are practic ally acquainted with this branch of com merce as at present carried on. It is very generally admitted that under the exist ing mode of procedure, the middle men are deriving advantages which ought to be ■hared between the shipper and consumer; Viator.

GAINSBOROUGH AND THE DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE.

Amongst those who sat to him was the :lovely young Duchess of Devon- ‘ shire. Her beauty and the charrai ttf her conversation seem tojj have> taken; > from him his usual readiness ot hand - and quick happiness of touch. The -- portrait was so little to his satisfactidn • that he would not send it to Chats- f worth. Drawing his wet brush across a mouth which all who saw it thought exquisitely lovely, he said, “ Her Grace > is too hard for me.” This picture was, it is believed, destroyed. Those of her Grace exhibited in the Royal.: Academy in 1778 and 1783 are subset quent works. The history of one por trait of the beautiful duchess, said to be , by Gainsborough, but the authenticity'; of which has been more than once.,’, questioned, is remarkable. Its. ear}y career is uncertain, but it is known to have been purchased in 1839 by-Mr Bentley, a picture restorer, for Lsojahd afterwards sold by him to Mr Wynn- , Ellis for L 63, a very small price, if the |- picture were genuine.. It took, how-*' ever, an honored place 2 iii the latter’s collection, and when brought to; .tfaeU hammer at Messrs Christie’s on the 6th May, 1876, there was a vigorous con test for its possession among the wealthy connoisseurs and dealers. The bidding commenced at 1,600: atid?' closed at 10,000 guineas, Mr Agnew becoming its owner at the latter figure, - a monstrous price for a picture of which the genuineness was more than doubt-* - ful. Less than three weeks afterwards (oh the night of the 25th and 26th of the same month) this-valuable canvas. - was cut from its frame and stolen from the room in which it had been on view in Old Bond street. A large reward •; was offered foi its recovery, but the mystery of the robbery remains unex-- - plained to-day. ! :

A GOOD STORY.

A Vermonter in the. United States Regulars, a tall, lank, red-haired private named B— —, who was always in some scrape or other, obtained leave... for a day’s shooting, and was coming; ' home unsuccessful when he saw a large crow on a tree. To level his gun and fire was the impulse of a moment,, and down tumbled the crow almost at his feet. Now it happened that the crow was a tame one, and a pet of General. C , a wealthy landowner in the district. And it so happened that the General was an unseen witness of the' death of his favourite. Enraged at his loss he determined to punish the offender in a way he was likely to re member. So coming forward in a friendly manner, he nodded to B , who saluted in return. “You’ve got a fine gun there,” said the General; “that’s just the neatest double barrelled gun about these diggings.” The General turned the gun round and examined it carefully, ■ when putting the barrel that was still loaded at full cock to his shoulder, and point ing it at B said, “Yod have . wilfully shot the greatest favourite I had, and now you’ve got to eat it.?’,. ; ; B , ; explained and begged and prayed, but to no purpose; the ‘Gene- - ral was unmoved by his entreaties, atid- 5 told him he must eat it or die. B once more turned his eyes piteously towards the General, but the cold, ■ wicked eye, glancing along the gun barrfel convinced him (as he afterwards said) that there was fire in it. —So— with a groan he picked up the crpw, . and shutting his eyes, commenced disagreeable meal. He worried down two or three mouthfuls and then stopped, unable to eat more of the disgusting carrion, and the General L thinking that he had gone far enough, told him that would do; and after advising him to be more careful in -1 future what he shot, handed him ha gun, and told him he could go. As ' soon as B got his gun in his hands, he turned fiercely on the Gene ral and said—“ It’s my turn now!? You may eat the remainder of the' crow.” In vain the General stamped and swore and prayed to be let ofE B was as firm as he himself had been a few minutes before. Nothing would satisfy the enraged soldier but that the General should eat the whole of what was left, and which he had to do before B let him off. The next day the General went to B—-—’s colonel and explained that he had been grossly insulted by one of his soldiers the day previous. The Colonel inquired which one. “ Why,” said the General, “he was a tall, lean, ill-favoured fellow, with red hair.” “Ha ! ” said the Colonel, “ I know him, he is always in some scrape. Orderly, bring B here immedi ately.” In a few minutes the orderly re turned with B , who was wonder ing what scrape he was in now. “B said the Colonel, “ do you know this gentleman?” “What! me?” said B , looking as amazed. as possible. “ Yes,” said the Colonel,. “do you know him ? ” “ Yes we are slightly acquainted,” said B . “We dined together yesterday.” The Gene ral could hold out no longer, but burst ing into a hearty laugh, asked the Colonel to let him go, as he heartily forgave him.— Harper's Monthly.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Money and the Markets; London, Dec. 20. Consols have recovered the fall of yesterday, and are again quoted at New Zealand securities remain at yesterday’s quotations. The markets for colonial breadstuff's and tallow -are without quotable change. The Lough Mask Murder. A third prisoner, charged with i the murder of two bailiffs at Lough Mask in February last, has been found guilty, and sentence, however, has been de ferred. ' :

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1882.



CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS ii-A Large and Splendid Assortment, coof»|(rißing ! all. the Newest Designs in Great Variety.— Andkewes Bros., Book sellers, Stationers, etc., East street south, Ashburton d 6 THE SCOTTISH IMPERIAL IN SUB ASCE COMPANY. Head Oflige: 151, West George street, Glasgow. , poo Capital ... £1,000,000 iFIRE RISKS taken at lowest current rates." ‘ Claims promptly settled here. W. R. BOYLE, Agent, Ashburton. -‘Ji'StS r-3S*S r rr»rx Mlliaei? '& Thompson Ashburton, H. M, JONES, Agent. —Especially suitable Far superior to any Rg’dd’-'Organ-near the price for richness and purity of tone, volume of sound, and durability of construction. Price —£120. *EBM) ORGANS;—By Smith and Co., Mason .and, Hamlin, Wood and Co. , Esby and Oo?;; New‘ England Company, and Olou^k 1 And' Warner, —from £l2 12s. • pLA Nft R —Brinsmead and Sons, Broadwood,, Collard and Gollard, Erarl, micT others, Dresden Model, and Gfennhff ktid'French manufacturers, with i&pj'bvemAnts. , PAYMENTS; Wholesale and Rebail. 014 ,



Wanted WANTED— A SITUATION, by a competent man, as driver of an engine with combine, etc. Home and colonial experiences. Applj, W. Whin ray, P. 0., Masterton, North Island. d!6 WANTED — THINDERS for Cutting, Stocking, and Stacking 323 acres of Wheat on the Mount Hutt Estate. Par ticulars may be obtained at Messrs Mor gan and Hires’, Methven. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 19 J ANTED KNOWN—That A. ORR is selling Best Currants, 6d per ] lb; Splendid Tea, 2s and 2s 6d. Every article equally as cheap. d!9 TTTANTED KNOWN-That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. ANTED KNOWN. That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc,, can be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. WANTED KNOWN—The Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street, is the cheapest shop in Ashburton for Boots and Shoes. Ladies Boots from 6s 6d per pair ; Ladies’ Prunella, 7s 6d per pair; great variety of Infants’, lid per pair ; Men’s Balmorals, 12a 6d per pair ; Men’s Bluchers, 8s 6d ; Men’s Shoes, 10s 6d; Boy’s strong nailed Laceups, 6s 6d. Repairs neatly executed. J. G. GREEN & CO., 20d Burnett street. WANTED KNOWN—It is Mr Lan • caster's intention to extend his Bread Business, and he wishes his cus tomers to know he has secured Mr Thomas Hicks to manage that branch. A Cart will be run with Broad alone, independent of the other Two Carts, which will con tinue to run as before. The name of Mr Hicks will bo 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. QHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. Ac., &c., &c. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c. East street south, Ashburton . n!5 SAMUEL SON’S PRIZE SHEAF TWINE BINDER & HARVESTER THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, Have landing, ex Marlborough, their first shipment of the bamuelson PRIZE TWINE BINDER AND HARVESTER. The Machines, which are now being fast sold, have many material improve ments on the one exhibited by Messrs Samuel ,on last season. Among others we may mention especially the NEW AND STRONG MAIN GEAR FRAME CHAIN LIFTING GEAR ON TRA VELLING WHEEL RAISING AND LOWERING GEAR FOR GRAIN WHEEL PATENT OILING ARRANGE MENTS FOR DRIVING-WHEEL IMPROVED SHIFTING REEL. These, combined with the lightness of draught, lowness of cut, simplicity of con struction, and strength of material, render the machine the most complete offered this se« son. The Binder is simple and easy to oper ate and automatic, making sheaves regular in size and with perfect separation and good shape, with secure knot. Messrs Satnuelson, in perfecting this machine, have avoided complication, and have carefully studied extreme simplicity and facility of adjustment. An expert from Messrs Samuelson’s Factory is now on the way out. and will arrive in New Zealand early in December, so as ro be present to render his services during next harvest. Early application is necessary to avoid disappointment in securing a machine. G. G. STEAD, Managing Director. P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12au Agent, Ashburton.



SALE Gi HEAT j" OK A LARGE SALVAGE STOCK 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.



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



Special Advertisements. [With an apology to Green’s Shade.] C| HEAP BOOTS AND SHOES.—The ? BIG SHOP in East Street, Ash burton, has just been opened with an entirely NEW STO?K of English, Foreign, and Col mial-mde BOOTS and SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which have given such satisfaction in Tinwald and else where. —C. HAWKINS, “ Munhtbi” Warehouse, Atdiburton ; also at Tin wald. 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, RESTELL & CO. -VTOTIOE TO BLACKSMITHS, iM BREWERS, AND OTHERS. Just landed, ex Mary Campbell, from Greymouth, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & 00. RY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory For every article of MEN’S, YOUTHS’ AND BOYS’ CLOTHING, SHIPPING AND TRAVELLING OUTFITS ; HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, TIES, PORTMANTEAUX, RUGS, BLANKETS, &c. Also for CHOICE NEW GOODS In



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 AY E YOUR GRAIN AND PURCHASE Walter A. Wood’s TWINE REAPER AND BINDER, Which obtained the FIRST PRIZE and GOLD MEDAL against all comers at the TRIAL held last season in Christ church, under the auspices of tha Canter bury A. and P. Association. This Machine combines Lightness of Draught, Simplicity of Construction, Ease of Management, Durability, and with Quantity and Quality of Work.



FOR SALE— Second-hand GRASS-STRIPPER. FOR SALE— Second-hand McCormick REAPERS and BINDERS. FOR SALE— Four-horse DRAY. FOR SALE— A WAGONETTE, in capital order. FOR SALE— An Eight-horse-power ENGINE, by Clayton and Shattleworih, in good order. FOR SALE COMBINE, by Marshall. ON SALE BINDER TWINE, WIRE, and OIL, at current rates. Poyntz & Co,, AGENTS.



Special Advertisements. JEL. M. Jones’ COMPLIMENTS TO ALL; And desires to call special attention to the following items, which have been carefully selected for the coming Festive Season : BOOKS ! BOOKS !! REWARD, PRESENTATION, and PRIZE BOOKS. NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child's Compan’on Infants’ Magazine, &c., &c. POETS— VARIOUS Authors ; Sir Walter Scott’s Works, new edition, complete. TOYS! TOYS!! TOYS! !! • GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, and Indiarubber. DOLLS ! DOLLS !! DOLLS !! ! ALL SIZ S—From one inch to two feet—in Wood, Rag, China, Composition, etc, FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above, suitable for Christmas Presents and New Year Gifts. ALL the above Goods are offered at the LOWEST Possible Prices for CASH. A LIBERAL DISCOUNT allowed to schools on parcels of Toys, Books, etc. PIANOS, ORGANS, BRASS, and STRINGED INSTRUMENT ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d



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 ihe best quality to be obtained. 021 TUCKER. RESTELL & CO.



Thomas Taylor, JgAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East street. WED DING CAKES To Order. Manufacturer of CIDER AND OTHER CORDIALS,