SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday Iris, barque, from Newcastle. Koranui, a.a., from Timaru. Sailed. Yesterday. Wan aka, a. a., for Northern porta. Waihora, a s., for Southern porta and .^.Melbourne. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Grbymouth, Yesterday. Arrived —Mabinapua, from Dunedin via intermediate porta. ~ The Murray and Mauawatu sail North thia evening. Dunedin, Yesterday. . ATrived, yeaterday—Manapomi, from Melbourne via the West "Coast Pound ; Clifton, from Newcastle. To-day—Stella, from the Auckland Islands; Hauroto, from the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE . Monday, December 31. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton {JsleyordH—Stock. MEETING 5 , AMUSEMENTS, Etc. This Evening. Wednesday, December 26. Town Hall—Loyal Orange Concert and Ball, at 7.30 p.m- . Odnfellows’ Hall—Oxford Dramatic Com pany, at 7.30 p.m. Thursday, December 27. -. Ashburton Summer Races Mount Somers' Annual Races and Sports, Tuesday, January 1. Winslow Annual Races and Sports. Methven Annual Races and Sports, i ’ Friday, January 4, ■’ Ashburton County Council—.it Council Chambers, 11a.m. Friday, January 4. jJbdngbeach Road Board, at Road Board office, Longbeach Saturday, .Ta'-uary 5. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, January 7- Upper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Board Office

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails dose at the Ashburton Post Office follows: —>■ For Christchurch and North at 6 a. in. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Uddatream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, »ad Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a. in., For Timaju and South, at 6 a.m., 10 v An., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, oa Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 b.m. For 'donut Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Saf ur iays, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, afc 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes lays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaviow, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For Newlauds, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. M«l« arrive at the Ashburton Post •>ffioe— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 Am., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.nu From Chertsey, &c, at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 8.3 n Mn. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Athburton Porks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 «.m. From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, ind Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. Ffotu NewLtnds, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m.

MARRIAGE.

Pekssons—Barker. —On Dec. 11, at the Durham street Wesleyan Chapel, Christchurch, by the Hev Edward Pest, John A., eldest son of Captain F. Perssons, of Sweden, to Louisa, second daughter of Mr Henry Barker, contrac tor, Timaru.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1883.

The installation of the officers of the Somerset Lodge, E. 0., takes place to morrow evening at the Masonic Hall, Tancred itreet.

A special cheap excursion train is ad vertised in this issue by the Railway De partment to leave Ashburton on January 2nd. Intending visitors to the Industrial Exhibition will be enabled to travel from hero for 5s first class, and second class 3s 6d. Mr John McLachlan is a candidate fur the vacant seat ot Selwyn, in the House of Representatives. It is very probable another candidate will bo brought forward to contest the seat with Mr McLachlan. Our Waterton correspondent writes as follows:—A cricket match was played on Christmas Day on the Waterton Estate between the Waterton and Flemington Cricket Clubs, the former winning by 8 runs. The playing on both sides was ex ceptionally good; the bowling of Fleraing ton being counterbalanced by the fielding and batting of Waterton. There was a very large attendance, and the clubs were entertained at a lunch by Messrs T. Taylor, Smith, Moses, and Holland. Rt Petersburg (says a correspondent in Russia of the Sydney Morning Herald ) is the scene of horrible r estruotion by fire. At first these fires, which devour whole parts of the (own, were considered as the effects of the proverbial Russian careless ness ; but they are breaking out at the rate of three or four a day, and invariably in the moat likely places to cause great conflagrations, the police are up in arms to catch the malefactors. '1 here are great misery and poverty among the lower classes caused by the closing or destruction by fire of numberless fac tories, and the workmen out of employ ment are convenient instruments in the Lands of such people, whose interest lies in ruining the country. In this slow way the Nihilists think they have more chance of success than by employing per sonal violence, and though there is no absolute proc f of their being at the bottom of the present misfortunes, the work is too neatly done not to be attributed ex perienced hands. Nothing can be ima gined more heartrending than the sight of the great areas destroyed. The people sit on the ashes, surrounded by what they have been able to save. Hundreds of children are without shelter. Charity is busy, no doubt, but all rich people are abroad and inaccessible, and the number of sufferers is too great to be relieved by the means on hand.

To produce real genuine sleep and childlike repose all night, take a little Hop Bitters on retiring. Look for.— [Advt. ] Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup —lnfallible, asteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation., is at drug gists. Moses. Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, const i pation, piles, dyspepsia, headache, cured by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” 5d and is boxes at druggists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney General Agents for Australasia. 2 Holloway’s Pills. Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot be long so seriously disordered without the de rangeraentjbeing perceptible on the counten ance. These pills prevent both unpleasant consequences ; they improve the appetite and with the increase of desire for food, they augment the powers of digestion and assimila tion in the stomach. Holloways Pills deal most satisfactorily with deranged or diseased conditions of the many organs engaged in ex tracting nourishment for our bodies from our various diets—as the liver, stomach, and bowels, over all of which they exercise the most salutary control. By resorting at an early stage of this malady to these purifiying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored to health and strength, and his salbwness gradually vanishes.—fAdvt.l

ENTERTAINMENTS.

Orange Concert. The Town Hall was crowded last even ing, and the promoters of the entertain ment given in aid of the new Orange Hall building are to be congratulated on the success of the concero both musically and financially. As most of the performers are well known in Ashburton there is no need to enter into details concerning the various iLms and it will suffice to say that encores were frequent and in every instance well deserved. In the first part the most noticeable numbers Miss Butler's song, “ The dear little Sham rock,” which hit the fancy of the aud ience thoroughly, and was loudly rede manded, and Mrs Hodge’s contribution. This latter lady made her debM in Ash burton last night, and she certainly pos sesses an excellent soprano voice of wide compass and good tone. VVe expect that Mrs Hodge will be in considerable request at future concerts, as this town cannot boast of a better singer at present. Mr Branson gave “ Alice, where art thou?” in his well known style and Mrs Vaughan’s song was renderad in an acceptable man ner. The first part closed with a part song for eight male voices, which was given with great spirit and evoked hearty applause. A piano and cornet duet, by Miss Gates and Mr J. McDonald formed the overture of the second portion of the concert, and was admirably played, and the septette “ When winds wins le cold” was also well received. Mrs Vaughan was forced to repeat the final verse of her song, and Mr Harrison s rendering of “Simon the Cellarer” was unquestiopably fhe best vocal effort of that jt gentleman, we havp heard for a long time- Mention must also be made of vir Cullen’s amusing songs in character, both of which were enpored, and Mr D. Thomas was in great forip and brought down the house with the “ British lion,” i and on being recalled, gave a comic song, accompanying himse’f. The dancing of the MoHae family is so favorably known here that it is only pecesspry to say that ic was as good as ev£r grid was warmly applauded. The programme was gone through with perfect success, and the "con cert was undoubtedly one of the best given here for some time. The ball, which followed, was attended by a large number of people, and dancing was kept up to an early hour this morning.

The Oxford Amateurs.

When we first saw the announosment that a company of amateurs from Oxford was coming to Ashburton to give us a treat, we must confess we were astonished at what at first glance seemed nothing less than collossal impudence. Certainly we have not at present hero an amateur dra matic club, but had the:e been any need :or such an institution there would have been no difficulty in establishing it, as the acting mania is a very common disease wherever Englishmen congregate. But an am >teur troupe which bas an ambition to travel should certainly be above the average, and it was probably in expecta tion of seeing something specially good that so many people attended the Odd fellows’ Hall last evening. To say that they were disappointed would be putting the matter very mildly, and if this is the best the Oxford gentlemen and ladies have to show us it is difficult to justify their coming so far as Ashburton. Ac cording to the programme the first piece was “ Joe,” mit this turned out to be that very old friend, ‘‘ The Area Bell,” with a new name. This well-known farce has been given here several times, and al though we have no great reason to boast of the dramatic talent existing in our midst, we venture to say that it has never been so badly played as it was last night. The least we can expect of amateurs is that they should know their parts, but the Oxford gentlemen evidently consider thia quite unnecessary, as the prompter’s voice could be heard keeping up a running 6ro of dialogue throughout. The only person who appeared to have the slightest idea of acting was the little lady who played Penelope, but she only shone by contrast with her companions. Anything more dull than the performance of “ Area Bello ” could not be conceived, and those present had an opportunity of realising how dismal a really funny farce can become in thej hands of incompetent actors. All that need be said of “ Robert Macaire ” is that it was perhaps a little better than the first piece, but we cannot f,.r fhe life of us imagine what could have induced thu Company to come to Ash burton. We are not exactly fastidious in these matters, but we are not so utterly benighted as to appreciate the efforts of up-country amateurs. To-night the Com pany appear again, “Lady Audley’s Secret ” being the principal piece.

CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

The following events were decided yes terday after we went to press : Irish Jig, D. McLaughi’i ... 1 Con. O’Connor ... ... ... ... 2 PuTUNG THE STONE. VV. Matheson (36ft 9£in) ... ... 1 Daly (35ft 4si«i) 2 Several competed for this, and when the throwing was ov r Donald Dinnie gave a proof of his skill, hurling a stone a dis tance of 42fc 7iii, amid loud applause. Three Legged Hack. Gilpin and Bartlett 1 McConachie and Patterson 2 Foots and Lechner also ran, but they Were distanced from the start, and the winners carried off an easy victory. Grand Handicap—44o yds heat. B. Stuart, 10yds 1 A. J. Kenny, scratch ... ... ... 2 F. Betts, 10yds ... 3 The three ran well together till the turn into the straight, when Stuart came away and won easily. This was the final heat for the Grand Handicap, which was gained by Kenny by a point. Throwing the Hammer. Wm. Matheson ... ... ... 1 T. Cunningham ... ... ... 2 Best Dressed Boy in Highland 0 s- TUMB. Jas. Mcßae ... ... ... ... 1 B. Mcßae ... ... ... ... 2 Highland Fling. J. R. McGregor 1 Jas. Banks ... 2 J. W. Mcßae and J. Mcßae jun. also competed. Mile Flat Race. A. Fosse (75 yds) ... ... ... 1 B. Stuart, (80 yds) ... 2 Johns and Groves also ran, but the latter, who made the running very hot from the start, retired in the first lap. Fosse, when half a mile was covered, went to the front, and from this the issue was never in doubt, Stuart not running up to his usual form. Johns was a bad third. Fosse also tookMrF.L. K. Hill’s special prizs of L 5 for the winner of this event. Wrestling. Matheson 1 Cunningham ... 2 Handicap Consolation Back. F. Hetts (5 yds)... ... ... ... 1 J. Fooks... ... ... ••• ... 2 Irish Reel N, Fitzgerald 1 D. Fitzgerald ... ... ... ... 2 W. Fitzgerald 3 Mr M. Stitt’s Cup, value L 5 ss, for the largest prizetaker in music or dancing was awarded to D. Campbell.

SARAH W. HUNT’S CASTAWAYS.

The Government steamer Stella arrived at Port Chalmers at an early hour yest er day morning. ,>he left V- e’lington at 1 p.m. on the 15th inst. for Campbell Is land, in search of the missing craw of the Sarah W. Hunt. She arrived off the is land at 10 p m. on the 20th, and at day light on the 2lst searched round the is land, and put into the north-west bay, but owing to the heavy sea a crew could not land, and she then steamed round to the north-east bay and anchored there. A complete search of the bay was made, but nothing was seen of the missing men or their boats. She then proceeded to Perseverance Harbor, and found one of the boat’s creivs, comprising the second mate and five men, named Michael Craw ford, Martin Tierney, Thomas Whittle, Alexander Henderson, William Hertwig, and Emil Huber. They were all very ill and unable to stand, owing to their feet being blistered and swollen. They were taken with the whaleboat on board the Stella. After searching the island and finding no traces of the other boat’s crew, the Stella sailed for the Auckland islands, it being thought that there might be a chance of finding them there, as the crew when they left the schooner had no com pass. Reached the Auckland Islands on the 23rd, and searched Camley Harbo-i and Camp Cove, and visited the store house, but found no traces of the missing men. Steamed to Sandy Inlet, and on landing found that the storehouse had been robbed, bit there ware no traces of any castaways. Proceeded on to Sarah’s Bosom,and found the storehouse there bad also been opened, and its contents taken Captain Gray is of opinion that both houses had been plundered by the same persons, as at Sarah’s Bosom he found the cooking pot which had been left with tbp clojfching and provisions in the store house at Sandy Inlet on the last visit of the Stella. After a careful and strict search had been made, and finding no traces of the other boat or crow, the Stella left for Port Chaim rs at noon on the 24th, and experienced fresh gales with fpggy weather. 'i he following statement has been made by the second mate, Michael Crawford : —On the arrival of the Sarah W. Hunt at Campbell Island, the cflief officer went op shore and broke oppn the ,chegt in the storehouse, taking out the blankets, coats, pot, axe, and two pannikins, also a bottle containing instructions for castaways. On bringing theip pn hoard the schooner the ptpward complained pf the male’s actiop, and stated that the articles hafl beep left on the island for the sole use of castaways, and therefore they ought to be t ken on shore again. The captain took the paper j

out of the bottle, and after reading the instructions ordered the things to be put down the lazaretto until the next morn in/, when he would send them on shore. This was done on November the 16th, and the captain went on shoie and wounded a seal, but did not succeed in capturing it. On the same day the mate launched a boat, and after giving chase to a seal shot it, but it sank before the boat could reach it. Early on the morning of November 27th the ciptain ordered the two boats to be got reany. This was done, clubs,skinning knives, and steel for killing seals being placed in each boat, together with biscuits and a gallon of water. At 5 a. in. the captain ordered the two boats’ crews to go and search all the creeks and bays for seats. The schooner was then lying at anchor. In an hour and a half after leaving the vessel afresh W.S. W. beeze sprang up, increasing to a heavy gale, which blew both boats off the land, they parting company at about dusk' At 6 a.m. on November 28th, it was still blowing hard, they sighted the other boat two or three miles distant, but lost sight of her two hours afterwards, and saw no thing of her or her crew from that time. For two days they could not see land, but for the next five days they were in sight of it. During this time they had had no thing to eat, except the pound and a half of bread between the six men, and for five days they had not a drop of water. On the evening of the seventh day they succeeded in making the land, entering one of the small bays on the west side, where they got water. They then at tempted to reach the bay where they sup posed the schooner to be lying at anchor, but they had no compass. Upon landing again they found they were too much to the southward, but owing to a heavy gale setting in they were compelled to remain there until December 4th. During the whole of this time they had no foed of any description. On the afternoon of the 4th the gale having abated they made another start and reached Perseverance Harbor, where they loft the schooner, but found her gone. In a hut they discovered pro visions left there by the Government. After remaining there for ten days the schooner Kekeno, Captain Craig, arrived, having been blown in by a heavy gale of wind. Captain Craig supplied them with provisions and everything re quisite. At this tints the men could not stand on their feet on account of them being so swollen. The Stella then arrived, and they were carried on board. The Kekeno intended to go as far as Maguire Island in search of the other boat’s crow. The whole of the m?n desire to express their gratitude to the Government for de spatching the vessels to thei* assistance; also to" Captain Craig (of the Kekeno), Captain Gray, and the crew of the Stella for their kindness and attention.

GENERAL McIVOR AND NEW GUINEA.

The London correspondent of the JVew Zealand Tinies says:— No one as yet is acquainted with the exploits of the famous Mclvor, but it is probable that sooner or later, perhaps later, someone will be enterprising enough to furnish the public with the story of his gallant life. It appears, however, that the General is an ex-servant of the Greeks and Servians, but in these pip ing times of peace he is obliged to trail an umbrella in Pall Mall, and therefore his fiery soul, being in search of some what on which to vent its energies, turns joyfully to New Guinea, and de termines to relieve Colonial Govern ment of the knotty problem which these incompetent persons are vainly endea voring to solve. The little game which this gallant soldier lias in hand is to form a little company just to take the Papuans over, and teach them civilisa tion, which if they do not show any readiness to learn, why, it must be taught them vi et armis- “ Civilisation must go forward sometimes upon a powder cart,” as Hosea Biglow says. However, the Foreign Office, repre sented by Lord Derby, has put an emphatic veto on the little proposal, and his Lordship says that if the General persists, in spite of warning that the High Commissioner of the Pacific will know how to deal with the matter. Probably the author of the scheme was influenced in his views by the success attending the Borneo enterprise of Sir Rutherford Alcock; by this time he knows his mistake, but it appears he is bent on the enterprise, and if he sails will land under a foreign flag. It is just possible that the imprudent action of this man may be the means of pre cipitating a crisis, and, possibly bring about the annexation of the island by the force of circumstances. It is cer tain that if any foreign power were to coquette with this speculator, very serious action would at once be taken by this country, and such a crisis arise that this generation has not witnessed, if the foreign Power interested were to persist in an unfriendly enterprise. Meanwhile Lord Derby is evidently determined not to have his hand forced by any one, and as soon as it is com pleted he will bring forward a scheme which, without serisusly hampering the Government at Home, will endeavor to secure to best interests of the colo nists and the special objects they are understood to have at heart,

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON SUMMER MEETING. Judge, Mr S. Saunders; Stewards, Messrs J. Ivess, M. H. R., E. G. Crisp, C. C. Fooks, W. Saunders, A. Harrison, L. E. Corsbie ; Treasurer, Mr J. C. Bell; Starter, Mr C. A. Calvert; Clerk of the Scales, Mr A. Har rison; Clerk of the Course, Mr W. Martin ; Handicappers, Messrs S. Saunders, E. G. Crisp, C. C. Fooks. The weather was, unfortunately, for the success of this meeting a contrast from yesterday. Instead of the bright sunshine which favored the Caledonian games, what is known as a Scotch mist set in about noon, and there were consequently but few people on the course when the first race was run. Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin had a totalisator on the ground, but owing to the bid weather it was not particularly well patronised. Mrs Wood ley catered at the principal booth, and gave every satisfaction to the thirsty souls whose desires were ministered to. The first race was got off punctually to time. The Ashburton Brass Bind was on the ground, and enlivened the proceedings with music during the day. The follow ing are the results:— Handicap Hurdle Race, of 25 sovs ; over six flights of hurdles. Mr W. B. Colton s blk m Brenda, 6yrs, 10st ... ... 1 Mr R, Hicks’s ch g Why Not, aged, list 31b 2 Mr Grice’s ch m Cigarette, 6yrs, 9st 31b ... 3 Mr Calvert got off the trio to’a splendid start, and they ran together to the first flurdle, which Cigarette got over fijrat, Brenda close up, and Why Not abqut a length’behind. In tflis qrder thpy rap flo the next obstacle, which Brenfla wa§ the fipst to negotiate. At the back of the coqrse Why Not had dropped behind several lengths, and Brenda had her lead. At the turn Colton called or his mount, and the distance between him j

and Cigarette was considerably essened, I but coming up the straight it was seen , that Brenda was hard held. The whip ( was out on Why Not, who made a gal lant effort to catch the leader but it was * unavailing and Brenda came in an easy winner by about a couple of lengths, Oigaie’te being a fairly good third. Time —3m in lOsec. 'J here was LI son the totalisator, the dividend being L2 14s. Selling Hurdle Race, of 15 sovs ; over five flights of hurdles, about 3ft 6io high, no weights under 10s‘; post entry 1 sov, to be made with Secretary imme diately after Counties’ Hurdle Race. One mile and a quarter. Mr W. B. Colton’s brg Comical, aged, (T. Cotton) 1 Messrs M. and C. Hobb’s b g Moody, 6yrs ... ... ... (Hobbs) 2 Mr T. Barber’s b g Butcher Boy, aged ... ... ... (Miller) 3 Mr J. Worner’s b g Our John, aged, (Owner) 0 The field was got away well together, Comical and Butcher Boy going to the front and taking the first hurtles almost together. Moody being third and Our John bringing up the rear. This order was maintained until rounding the turn at the back of the course, when Moody eame up nearer to the two leading horses, Our John being hopelessly out of it. At the last hurdle Comical was still ahead, but Butcher Boy struck hard, and made a gap for the other two, In the run home Moody displaced Butcher Boy for second honors, but could: not reach Comical, who had little trouble in winning. On the totalisator there were 57 investors, the dividend being L2 6s. The winner was sold by Mr Harrison to Mr M. Stitt for Ll 9. Counties Handicap, of 40sovs ; second horse to save his stake. One mile and a-half. Messsrs M. and 0. Hobbs’s b m Hine rua, syrs, Sstdlb... ... (Hobbs) 1 Mr T. Quill’s b m Lady Florence, aged, 9st (Elliot:) 2 Mr P. Journeaux’a g g Steel Dust, aged, 9at 11b ... ... (Colton) 3 Mr R. Hicks’s br g Mokhanna, 4yrs, (Price) 0 Mr F, Bozenberg’a g g Selim, aged, Bst clb ... ... ... (Barrett) 0 Mermaid and Roseneath were scratched, \fter seme little fiddling at the post owing to the fractiousnesa of Selim, the lot was got away to a fairly good start, of which Mokhanna had slightly the worst. Selim bolted off the course on reaching the grand stand, and Hiuerua with Steel Dust rushed to the front, Lady Florence lying third and Mokhanna last. On reaching the back of the course Lady Florence came up and displaced Steel Dust for second place, but Mak hanna had shot his bolt. Elliott brought Lady Florence up on rounding the turn for home, and a slashing race ensued up ' the straight, both of the mares being hard ridden, flioerua, however, was the first to catch the j adge’s eye, coming in about half a length in advance of Lady Flor ence. Steel Dust, who was done a half a . mile from home, being a bad third, and ■ Mokhanna nowhere. Time,g 2min oOsec The totalisator showed 132 investors, 57 being on the winner—dividend, L2 Is. Novel Race, a handicap of 25 sovs; Weights to be declared immediately after the Counties Handicap is run. Mr G. James’ b g Steamer aged, Bst b (Including 3£lb overweight), (Smith) 1 Mr W. Cockle’s oh g King Phillip, aged, Bst 101 b ... (T. Cotton) 2 Mr T. Quill’s b f Gondoline, 3yrs, 7st 121 b ... ... .. (Price) - 3 Mr W. Furneaux’a b g Spider, 6yis, Bst 71b (Elliot) 0 King Phillip jumped away with the lead and was ahead about twenty lengths when half a mile was run, the rest in a clus er behind. The chestnut further increased his lead coming into the straight and the race looked a moral for him. Gondoline and Steamer came out of the ruck, and a*- about three hundred yards from the post King Phillip was done. Steamer got on level terms with the leader and a grand finish ensued, King Phillip being beaten at the last stride by n>t more than half a head, Gondoline about three lengths behind. Time—lmin 54isec. On the totalisator there were 115 investors, 22 on the winner, the divi dend being L 4 14t. The winner was bought by the owner for Ll 6.

A J.O. SUMMER MEETING. [hbutbr’s telegrams, —copyright. ] Sydney, Yesterday. The Australian Jockey Club’s Summer Meeting at Rand wick was very largely attend d to-day. The weather was splen did. Bis Excellency the Governor and Lord Roseqery were present. The follow ing are the results of the various events:— Hurdle Race— Uhlan, 1; Dundreary, 2 ; Warrigal, 3, December Stakes Buckingham, 1; lolanthe, 2 ; Venetia, 3. Summer Cdp—Cloth, 1 ; Coriolanthus, 2 ; Sardonyx, 3. This was a good race, and fifteen horses started. Time, 2min 39seo; Selling Plate —Major, 1 ; Paul, 2 ; Rosinanthe, 3.

CABLE NEWS.

•.ATtST FROM fcUROP*. [neuter's telegrams—copyright.] The French Press. London, Dec. 23 The Parisian and French papers generally, in their leading articles on the Franco-Chinese difficulty are averse to further mediation, with the view of an understanding with China, and are almost unanimous in recommending that a vigorous warfare should, it neces sary, be prosecuted against the Chinese in Tonquin.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REDXER’s TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Shipping. Melbourne, Yesterday. Arrived, yesterday morning—The P. and O. steamship Paramatta, with the Suez mail dated London, Nov iB. Sailed, this morning—The steamship Tarawera, from the Bluff. Cricket. The Intercolonial cricket match, Victoria New South Wales, com menced here to-day. At the close of the day’s play the visitors lost four wickets for 278 runs. The highest scorers were Murdoch, caught, 152 3 Jones, 52. Arrived. Sydney, Yesterday. Arrived Union steamship Waka tipu, from Wellington. The Holiday. To-day was generally observed here as a holiday. Numerous amusements Were provided, and the ' marine excur sions in particular were largely ab tended. The Temora Goldfield. A fresh discovery ol gold has been made near Temora, and the reports froitji the field are causing great excite ment. Perman and party unearthed a nugget weighing ounces, Many claims are already pegged opt. A Tragedy. A serious tragedy occurred at Water : 100, a suburban township, about two and a half miles from the city, A woman of the vagrant class named

Catherine Owen, was found cruelly outraged and murdered. The perpe trators of the crime have not yet been discovered.

TELEGRAMS.

II'HK PRESS ASSOCIATION;] Fatal Boating Accident. W f llington , To-day. A fatal boating accident occurred in the harbor late on Christmas night. Three young men named Harry Lee, James Wallard, and Thomas Williams, left Ngh auranga in a boat at ten o’clock at night, bn a fishing excursion. When out about a mile one of the oarsmen missed a stroke, and this caused the boat to cap size. Williams clung to the overturned boat, but the others disappeared and were drowned. Williams’ cries were heard from the shore, and a Norwegian named Tru man, hastily constructed a raft with some planks and went in search. He was suc cessful in rescuing Williams, who was in a much exhausted condition. Both of the men drowned, were unmarried. The bodies have not been recovered. Christmas Pantomime. The largest audience ever seen in Wel lington assembled at the Theatre Royal last night, to witness the Drury Lane pantomime “ Mother Goose,” under Messrs Stanfield and Hepburn’s manage ment. The transformation scene exceeds anything that has been seen in this colony- The Nelson Regatta. Nelson, To-day. The regatta was very successful. Iris won the yacht race. The Wellington crews won the s-mmr an 1 maiden inriggad fours. The Noiouu ore v won the senior outrigger race, and the Wellington crew maintained the lead, but on nearing the winning post got into lumpy water. The other events wero locally contested. Dunedin Amusements. Dunedin, To-day. “ Youth ” opened last night to one of the largest houses ever seen in the Prin cess Theatre. Hundreds were turned away. LlB6 was taken at the doors. The Kennedy’s had an enthusastic reception from a crowded house at the Garrlaea Hall. A Coming Racer. At the Cromwell races, Rivers re cently purchased Don Jose, won both handicaps easily. Fatal Accident. At the inquest on the body of the boy Rutherford, a verdict of accidental death was returned: The picnic children had left the car, but the deceased, who had asked permission to continue on the jour ney, fell over the side of the oar. The Courts. The criminal calendar comprises twelve ca?e?, including one of manslaughter. Overcrowding. The Customs Department intend pro ceeding against several of yesterday’s ex cursion steamers for overcrowding;

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 188



Reward Books, Presents, Prizes, Toys, Dolls, &c. H. M. J O N E S ; East street. 11 87 I N W A L D. Boots, Boots, Boots In consequence of the scarcity of money, O. HAWKINS, who has just replenished his STOCK with all kinds of BOOTS A D SHOES For this season of the year, is prepared to ■ SELL at alarming Low Prices for CASH. Al! kinds of Boots Made. Repairs done on the shortest notice. 13 1087 V/EEK OF SALE Walsh & O’Connell



WILL SELL THE BALANCE OF THEIR STOCK OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING AT 30 Per Cent Under Usual Rates. THE SALE WILL LAST FOB o N E w E E K ONLY. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, East street, Ashburton. 12 1075 Auctions. JJ'.BB NEXT SALE OF Live Stock il, . Will be held at the A BURTON YARDS, *■■ ’ os MONDAY, 31sr DECEMBER. • , > . MILES & CO. <OBO. JAMESON, 13 1102 Agent, Ashburton MB LAURENCE OXLEY has been Appointed Agent for tho Aslii,ur l<n> Goabdias at South Kakaia



Wanted WANTED-Man COOK for mens’ hut; roust be a.good baker. C. H. Dowrnso, Coldstream. 12 1119 \\J ANTED Known—That Hayes and \ \ Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin wor.h la 9d at 6d per yard. WAITED Known— r’or Sale, two COTTAGES on East Belt Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 \*7 ANTED KNOWiS— Robert Elston, W Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 c WANTED —The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style a:.d cheapness we are determined not to be excelled. Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6J ; women’s do, 3s 6d ; 1 girl’s do, 2a 6d. In' ones, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107



WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, JoaN Moi-.onv Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tanored street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, •Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per mon*h, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. STOP THAT COUGH 1 PONT DELAY.—How can you stop it 1 Where, a the Remedy. Bonniugton’s PECTORAL OXYMEL OP O UiBA- or IRISH MOSS (register. 1), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonninoton, Christchurch. MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. ANDREWBS BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST YARIETf OF FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twenty ■ Onb '.Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still Low be Rate op Wholesale Prices. Bazaar Fancy Fair AT FOR THE AT



Tide et Crede. -y r ICTOKiA HOUSE. In addition to the usual very low prices, during the present month (December) a DISCOUNT Of Is fid on every 20s worth of goods purchased, will be returned to the purchaser. A large and well assorted stock to select from. Diinant and Coe, Beady Money DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Etc., Patching’s Buhdikgs, East Street, 9528 5 M &>CJ Q .. §* 2 W JS t 4 St SB EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and j. aranteed bes. of •naterial and wcrkmanahip. DING MANUFACTORY, o O > < M m . >■ # g. !*» a m a H 3. 50 w PJ p 51 Tn M S - z c O 5’ o H s-’SS p r 1 «*■ tT o 3z g 2 ► Q £. n “ ® oa tS



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion F^vsb, Cashel street, Ch. .atchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of dist'.nc customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by ill. (J. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very laro'O discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under c°st price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases whore the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth £ s. d.



1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 1£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doz new oxydiaed buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 016 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuffgkves ... ... ... 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey ... ... 05 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 6 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated i Kmpress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydiaed buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame 0 8 0 1 choice'silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth ... ... 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt ... ... ... ••• 014 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0 £3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... _ ••• 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... ••• 014 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 04 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels £... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. ,7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ••• 014 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 I 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box ... ... 0 5 6



£2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry hearthrug, to 3 6 0 carpet 1 nice pattern _ match ... ... ... _ ••• 016 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 13 1 pair full size good witney blan kets 1 16 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 1 6 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt ... ... ... 014 1 choice pattern wool tabiecover 0 15 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 2 white toilet covers 0 4 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 1 superior white linen tablecloth 0 11 £ll 15 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains — 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth ... ... 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... 6 6 yds good silesia ... ... 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars ... ... 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 Worth 1 17 6 0 13 6 110 £6 5 8 Dur No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains — A very complete trousseau. Dur No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 6, contains — Usual price L Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 8 L Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette ... ... 4 10 0 L Ladies’ quilted satin skirt .„ 10 0 L fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at aome and order their drapery in perfect ;ontidenco Just try one parcel and sse what you will save, , , , Remember—Cash returned at ones tor my article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any >art of New Zealand, . . In ordering any of those parcels, it is efficient to quote number and name of jarcol only. -P.C.O. made payable to E O. BROWN & CO., Fm '■ i*m blouse. Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisement- W. MAURICE, Gentlemen’s Own Material MADE UP Perfect fit and newest style guaranteed. CL’ ANING and MBN DING, etc , MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. —The cheapest Tailor in the town. 12 1007 PRESBYTERIAN ORGAN FUND CONGER T. Full Rehearsal TO-MORROW night, Town Hall, 7 o’clock. Friends taking part will kindly attend. Tailor, Etc. 12 1144 J. S. SAVAGE, Conductor. MMmfM THiaß , iira , irniwT' , a^BnieaBBMgwBWUAT l "" Jim wc | BBCMBaawwg ; M <



Holloway's Pills.—Weary of Life. — Derangement of the liver is one of the most dangerous of diseases, and the most prolific source of those melancholy forebodings which are worse than death itself. A few doses ot these noted Pills act magically in dispelling low spirits, and repelling the covert attacks made on the nerves by excessive heat, impure atmos* pheres, over-indulgence, or exhausting excite* ment. The most shattered constitution may derive benefit from Holloway’s Pills, which will regulate disordered action, brace the nerves, increase the energy of the intellectual faculties, and revive the failing memory. By attentively studying the instructions for faTang-tticsv and explicitly putting them in practice, the most desponding will soon feel confident of a perfect recovery.—[Advf “Rough on Rats.”—Clears out rats, mice roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. Drug* gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2



Public Notices. WANTED— An experienced MAN to take charge of a Threshing Ma chine ; references required. Apply, by letter, MrP. T. Mato, Hampstead. LIBRARY. The Committee are prepared to LET the Upper Room of the Library Building for Meetings, Lectures, etc., at a moderate rental. Terms, etc-, cm be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, Mr W. H. Zoucb, or S. E. POYNTZ, 12 1143 Librarian. Railway Notices. ZEALAND RAILWAYS (Christchurch Section.) INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION AT CHRISTCHURCH. CHEAP EXCURSION FROM ASHBURTON, OHERTSEY AND RAKAIA. On Wednesday, 2nd January, an Ex cursion train will run from Ashburton to Christchurch and bacK, as under ; a.m. Ashburton dep 9.15 Chertsey „ 9.43 Rakaia ~ 9.68 Christchurch arr 11.15 p.m. Christchurch dep 10 Rakaia arr 11.30 Chertsey „ 11.45 Ashburton „ 12.15



Return fares from Ashburton, Chert say or Rakaia • —First cla-s, 5s , second claw, 3s 6d ; children over three yean of ago and under twelve half fares. The Excursion Tickets will be available for return either by the 4 15 p.m. ordi* nary train or by the 10 p m. special train. Ordinary tickets for *ny station between Christchurch and Ashburton will also be available by the 10 p.m. train, which will stop where required. FREDK. BACK, Traffic Manager. District Traffic Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Deo. 26th, 1883. 12 1138



Auction. SATURDAY, DEO. 29. Under BUI of Sale. MR T. BULLOCK has received instruc tions from Messrs I riedlander Bros, to Sell by Public Auction, at the Arcade Saleyards on Saturday, Dec. 19th, 2 DRAUGHT HORSES DRAY J SET HARRpWgf t J LARGE WAGGON JJARNESS QWINGLETREES 12 1142 T. E ULLOCK, Auctioneer,