SHIPPING.

POST OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday Reward, schooner, from Peloras Sound. Endeavor, schooner, from the Thames. Sailed. Yesterday. Rotorua, a.a., for Melbourne and Sou SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Syren, brig, from Newcastle. Sailed— City of Sydney, for Sydney ; Hawea, for Southern ports early this morning. , , Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Takapuna, from Lyttelton. Sailed -TakapVma, for Onehunga, via Taranaki Dunedin, Yesterday. Ar^r«d —Rotoroahana, from the Bluff; Kahiaapoa, from West Coast. Sailid-f-rWakatipui for Sydney via the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

J AUCTION SALE ’. , Thursday, December 20. Mesm' Mitaon; Cox and 00., at the Raltwiy Siding—Timber, etc Messrs H. Matson and Co., at their Stores—Wool V Tuesday, December 26. Matidti,'Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Baleyarda—Stock. MBEHiGfi' AMUSEMENTS, Etc * TMxjnday, December 24. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. Wednesday, December 26. Town ?Rail— Loyal Orange Concert and B%ti, p.m. . ■ OdnfeUowrHall—Oxford Dramatic Coin pany, at 7-30 p.m. .-Thursday, December 27. Aahbnrtpn Summer Races Mount Somers Annual Races and Sports. Tuesday, January 1. Winslow Annual Races and Sports, Methren Annual Races add Sports. , . Fbiday, January 4. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chamber a,lla.m. < •- 1!a r January 4. Longbeach Road Board, at Road Board office; ’I&ngbeatih‘' Saturday, January 5. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a. m. d.ij n Monday, January 7- Ashburton Road Board, at Road

TRAVELLERS' GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton fob Christ- UHQROH and intermediate stationsat7.lo a.fa? 10.55 ■ a.m., and ’(Express) 5.37 i;- : TiULiNfc Leave « Ashburton for Ttmaiuj AKDiißouth, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. jsumß ’Arbiye at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 15 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains;' Arrive at Ashburton from Ttmabti and South at 10.40 a.ni., 6.27 p. m. (Express), .and 8 o. m.

MAIL NOTICES.

close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — . Bor Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10:80 a.mi, and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsejr Rakaia, &c. , at 10.30 a. m. and 5 hm. daily. Foil Duhedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Cqlilatream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, siro Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. Me' Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima/u and South, at 6 a.m., 10 •.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenatreet and Ashburton Forks, an’ Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 Fdr Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur iiysi at 6 a.m. Fdr : Ashtcn, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes lays,and Fridays, at 430 p.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.in. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at >10.30 a.m.

DEATH.

Hobae— On Oct. 19, at Allenton, the wife of William Horne, of a son (still born).

MARRIAGE.

Ibal — Horsfall. —On Nov. 17, at the Registry Office, Ashburton, Joseph Ibal to Olive, second daughter of Mr W. Horsfall, farmer, Westerfiald.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1883. Deputationising’.

The Hon Edward Mitchelson will have long since realised that the posi -1 tion into which he was so suddenly thrust by the Premier is by no means a bed of roses. During the tour of the South Islaud which is just concluded he has been assailed on all sides by ; deputations, and considering that he is new to the work he has acquitted him self passably well. To the Otago people he appears to have given especial satis faction, having promised lavishly in regard to that refuge for the unemployed in that province, the Central railway, and the new Minister is at present probably as popular in the southern most portion of the colony as he is in his own Auckland constituency. In deed, we notice that the Northern papers are beginning to express a doubt as to whether that part of New Zealand will benefit from Mr Mitchelson’s elevation to office quite as much as was expected. They appear to think that the Middle Island is getting a little too much attention, and that by the time the tour was completed so many pledges will have been made that no money will be left to be expended elsewhere. Be that as it may, Mr Mitchelson has undoubtedly been earning his money during the past few weeks, for the num berless deputations have kept him busy early and late in listening to their griev ances, and framing answers which would send them happy away, and yet not commit the Government to anything. The art to do the latter is too difficult to be easily acquired, but, as we have hinted, the new Minister is an apt pupil and will no doubt gain proficiency ere long. Ashburton has had its share in the present deputation mania, and on Saturday last the brief stay of the Minister for Public Works was taken advantagejof to interview him on the two burning questions, the Mount Someis railway extension and the borough railway sites. In neither instance can it be said that much was gained, for little more than the stereotyped answer, to the effect that the Government would give the matters in dispute their earnest consideration, was vouchsafed. The large attendance of settlers from the hills was, as Mr Walker pointed out, due to a report which had been circulated, that the Minister intended to decide the route himself, and thus supersede the promised Royal Commis sion. Butforthisfalseintelligence having been disseminated, the Mount Somers people might have saved themselves the trouble of a journey from which they gained absolutely nothing. As we pointed out some time ago such an observation was simply impossible, and Mr Mitchelson’s remarks on that head show the correctness of our surmise. So far from him stating that he did not intend to allow himself to be bound by the pledges of his predecessor in office, the Minister for Public Works did not even Know that a Royal Commission had been promised when the words put into his mouth by interested per- 1 sons were alleged to have been spoken. 1 From this it will be seen how much 1 reliance can be placed on the “ distinct ' recollection ” of Mr Ivess and the memory of his corroborating witness, ' Mr Peache, The result of the inter- j view was to leave the matter exactly 1

in the same position as before, and if it had not been for one tiling Saturday’s proceedings would simply have been a waste of time. We need scarcely say that we refer to the refutation from Mr Mitchelson’s own lips of the accusa tion brought against Mr E. G. Wright, that he was trying by underhand means to influence the mind of the Minister for Public Works. The member for Wakanui must have experienced a very evil five minutes as he listened to what was said in connection with this, and we can only reiterate a hope often ex pressed before that he will benefit from this bitter experience, and travel in less devious paths for the future. The railway sites deputation not only met with no more success than did the Mount Somers railway advocates, but it is questionable whether their position is quite sc strong as it was before. The work of clearing the sites has com menced, and if nothing more had been said the whole of the buildings would have been removed, as it is impossible to conceive that the Department would have made fish of one tenant and fowl of another. Now, however, Mr Mit cmelson seems to be possessed with a lurking doubt as to whether the order for removal should have been given, his argument being that Ashcurton is not in a peculiar position, and the same demand might be made by other places. This, however, the Minister said, would mean a diminu tion in the revenue, and would have to be carefully considered. Our own opinion is that the Government should not compete unfairly with pri vate freeholders, and it certainly ap pears that this is being done in the pre sent instance. Sooner or later the sites will no doubt be cleared, but it is an open question whether the deputation of Saturday has not delayed rather than hastened the event.

The Christchurch Resident Magistrate, Mr Beetham, has ordered the police to prosecute John Cutler for perjury. The annual distribution of prizes to the scholars attending tho Ashburton High School takes place on Saturday morning next. A notification from the Secretary which will be found elsewhere invites the parents and friends of the boys to the ceremony. The Port Chalmers Town Council have passed a resolution urging upon the newly-constructed Harbor Board tho ex pediency of proceeding with the construc tion of the proposed graving dock without delay. , I'pww’d ß LIO,OOO property tax was 1 paid yesterday. Remittances not bearing • the post-mark of December 15 will be • charged with the ten per cent penalty, and immediate summonses will be issued for all arrears. The new Dunedin Corporation salt > water baths at Port Chalmers wore for ■ inaUy opened by the Mayor yesterday. After speeches, the Mayor and several . Councillors donned bathing costume, took a header, and swam round the enclosure. » We have been shown a splendid sample 1 of oats of tho Canadian kind, which have been grown at Mr David Johnston’s farm, Wakanui. From the appearance of the t grain we should svy that it will yield 60 or 70 bushels per acre, and the crop will be ripe in about 12 days. A Wellington telegram states that the Hawea, with the Ban Francisco mail, . arrived there at 2.25 p.m. to-day, and the Wanaka with the Southern portion sailed at 3 15 p.m. With favorable weather : therefore the mails should reach Ashbur ton by the express to-morrow. A Church of England tea meeting was • held last night in the Dunedin Garrison - Hall. The speakers were Bishop Neville, 1 tho Rev Mr Jervois and the Rev Mr ; Fitchett. It was announced that another , similar gathering would be held on Jan. j 17th, when addresses would be delivered by His Excellency the Governor and the ’ Primate of New Zealand. ’ The Committee of the Ashburton Rac ing Club met last evening and transacted : a large amount of business connected with ■ the Autumn races. The draft programme i was considered, amended and ordered to [ be submitted to p meeting on the 31st inst for adoption. The Canterbury Caledonian game prizes were presented yesterday afternoon, in the shape of handsome and valuable cups 1 and medals. Speight received the prize for the five miles walking handicap, A. Scrimshaw for the 100 and 400 yards, Langdown for bicycle races, Robert Manro for the two mile race, and David ; Campbell for the champion piper. Our Rakaia correspondent writes : “ A serious accident occurred at Rakaia on Tuesday afternoon. As tho Rev. E. E. Chambers was riding home his horse’s leg got entangled in a rope to which a horse was tethered. The rev. gentleman’s horse fell on top of him. |Dr Ross, from Ashburton, was sent for and found there was an injury to the spine, and some of the muscles were torn, and a very serious shock to the system. Mr Chambers will be confined to his bed for some time, and will probably feel the effects of his ac cident for years. Owing to this accident the parish meeting called for this evening will not be held. - The reprehensible practice of tethering horses in Rakaia is not always confined to private sections, but often the roads arn used as a tethering ground to the dan ger of all riding or driving. Although wo have a poundkeoper- and a constable the township is overrun with horses and cattle, and strange to say although this nuisance exists the Road Board do not take the matter up and put a stop to it.” About a quarter past five o’clock last evening an accident happened in front of the Crown Brewery, Christchurch, by which a boy nine years of ago, named James Glen, son of Mr J. <<lon, fish monger, Manchester street south, lost his life. It seems that Mr Glen had left the boy sitting in his cirt while he went into the gate of the brewery'. A few minutes afterwards he was alarmed by seeing his son fall out of the cart and slip between the body of the vehicle and the wheel. Hurrying outside, together with Mr Louisson and several men employed at the brewery, he found the boy lying on the ground apparently lifeless. Dr Beyle was at once sent for, and arrived about five minutes after the occurrence, but his services were of no avail, as the unfortu nate lad’s neck was broken. He was, it appeals, subject to epileptic fits, and is supposed to have been taken with one and fallen out of the cart. The horse, it may be mentioned, was a quiet one, and did not atte rpt to run away when the boy fell. The body was removed to Mr Glen’s house immediately after the acci dent. To produce real genuine sleep and childlike repose all night, take a little Hop Bitters on retiring. Look for.—[Advt, j That indigestion or stomach gas at night preventing rest and sleep, will disappear by 1 using Hop Bitters. Read,—[Advt.] Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup —lnfallible, ! tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation, is at drug- > gists. Moses, Moss and Co,, Sydney, General 1 Agents. 1 “ Rough ON Rats.”—Clears out rats, mice, 5 roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, 1 skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. 7 yi d. Drug- s gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General c Agents, i I

At the Police Court to-day, before Mr Baddeley, II M., a respectable-looking old ! woman named Nelson was brought up charged with drunkenness. The Bench inflicted a fine of sa, and at the request of Sergeant B'eiton, who said the accused was at certain periods much given to drink, a prohibition order was taken out against her for twelve months. Subse quently Mr Caygill made an application for a re-heating of a case Robinson and Townshend v. Johnson, in which judgment had previously been allowed to go by default. Mr Crisp opposed, and after hearing counsel, his Worship re fused the application. The other side, however, said that if the money were paid into Court they would consent to have the accounts examined by a competent man, and would abide by his decision. Mr Baddeley characterised this as a very fair offer, and Mr Caygill accepted it.

MAYORAL INSTALLATION.

The annual meeting of the Borough Council took place to-day, when there were present his Worship the Mayor and Councillors St Hill, Seaiy, Bird and Leg gatt. The minutes of the previous meet ing having been read and confirmed, and some minor business transacted, The Mayor said that though this was. not an important meeting he should have liked to see a better attendance. Since the last meeting of the Council two depu tations had waited on the Minister for Public Works. In connection with the Mount Somers railw.y extension it ap peared that the Minister had discovered that he had not the power to decide the question, and that it must bo left to the Royal Commission. One thing in favor of the Borough Council’s action was that Mr Walk- r, who expressed the opinion of the Mount Somers residents enun ciated the same views. As to the ques tion of the railway sites, he thought that the Council’s views would be ultimately carried out, and he was glad to say that Mr Wright had supported them. The Minister, however, said that there were other places in which there were similar reseives, so tha*. it was likely Ashburton would have to wait some time. He did not intend to detain them long in speak ing of the work of the year, which could not be said to have been financially suc cessful. A great advantage to the town had been the appointment of a Resident Magistrate, which ho thought the Coun cil’s representations to the Government had had a good deal to do wuh. The new Domain Board was a great improvement, and now the domains would be satisfac torily administered. The reserves of the Council had been increased, and at present the rental to the Bo rough was L6OO, but this would very soon be considerably increased. Another matter that had bean satisfac torily settled was, the much-vexed ques tion of the library site, and he thought that the Council had been very liber »1 in giving such a valuable reserve for the purpose. The work of plantation had been carried on during the year, and the reserves near the Old Men’s Home had been planted. The Borough had received a fiying visit from his Excellency the G j vernor, and it was not unlikely that we should receive a visit of longer duration before the end of the year. The ap pro rches to the railway station was an important matter, and the work had been taken in hand He had just received in formation to the effect that a new railway station would be built, some little dis tance from the present, about opposite Quill’s Hotel. The Ashburton traffic bridge was a question to be ventilated, and as the personnel of the County Council had been changed some what, a renewed application to that body might be mote successful than previous ones, as if some action was not taken before the next session the L 5.000 voted for the purpose would be allowed to lapse. We had reason to congratulate ourselves on the progress made by Ash burton, which, if not so rapid as tome might wish, is on a sound basis. The burgesses would be glad to know that the prospect of a good harvest was never better than it was at present, as this would benefit every person in the country either directly or indirectly. The Mayor then gave an account of the work done on the roads, etc, during the year. : he labor gang had also been employed in minor works, such an cleaning out channels. In conclusion he thanked the Council for the manner they had treated him during the year. It had been said that a public body should not be too unanimous, and he agreed with that opinion, but unless questions were discussed without animus affiirs con’d not be properly administered. He claimed with confidence a continuance of the support accorded to him by the Coun cil in the past. He might also say that Ashburton had reason f o be satisfied with the manner in which the Council’s officers did their work, and he thought they merited recognition. He would also say that no better men worked for any public body,in the colony. Or St Hill proposed a hearty vote of thanks to his Worship the Mayor, and in doing so passed a high eulogium upon that gentleman. He thought the ratepayers showed at the poll that they understood Mr Williamson was the very best man they could get for the position. Cr Bird seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Mayor said it gave him much plea sure in returning thanks for the compli ment paic him. This was the only re turn he had expected, and he had worked to secure that and for the benefit of the community. So long as gentlemen could be found to fill the place without re muneration the better it would bo for Ashburton. He hoped that when an other year was passed some other gentle man would bo put forward, as nothing was further from his intention than to contest the seat again. He would again thank them for the compliment tendered to him. As is usual on those occasions, the Mayor asked those present to join him in a glass of wine, and after the usual loyal toasts were honored, Or St. Hill briefly proposed the health of the Mayor, and, in doing so, said that he could not see why a Mayor should not be re-e'ected several times, so long as he was the best man for the post. The Mayor acknowledged the compli ment, and then proposed the Borough Council of Ashburton, which ho thought was second to none in Canterbury for sound practica, knowledge, and while this was so the Mayor could not go far wrong. The toast was responded to by the Councillors present, and the Mayor pro posed the officers of the Borough Council and the Press, and the meeting separated.

ADDITIONAL MAIL NEWS

Abot eight o’clock on the evening of October 30th a terrible explosion occurred near the Praed street underground Ration of the Metropolitan Railway, London. A cablegram describing the oc surrence says:—On the first alarm, a itrong cordon of police were summoned .0 preserve order, to keep the way clear, md to convey the wounded people to tho EIo pital. Passengers on tho train at the icene of the explosion, say there was sud lenly a loud report like a cannon, and hen sadden darkness, the gas lights from he rear of the train being put out. Glass vas broken, and splinters of wood flew bout the cars, cutting and wounding nany passengers Above the djn were iearfi the shrieks of injured and panic tricken people. All this occurred in a :ioment,aud for a while ponfusion r.eigne,4 upreme. The train, which was crowded, ontained principally country visitors re.- arning from the Fisheries Exhibition,

After leaving the sta ion tha train travelled steadily a-head, although the concussion smashed nearly all the lamps in the Praed street station, and caused much damage to the permanent way. When the train reached the next station, at Edgeware road, the first effort was made to rescue the wounded. Some were dreadfully burnt, but more were prostrated by fright. All the doctors, surgeons, and dispensaries in the nighbor hood were called into requisition. The first impression was that an explosion of gas had caused the disaster; but later in quiries tend to show malice. The two rear carriages weie damaged roost; they were mere skeletons. Another theory is that.the explosion was caused by foul gas accumu lating in the tunnel. This, however, is untenable, beemse no premonitory symp toms were observable. The general opinion of the railway officials and experts is that the disaster was caused by some explosive material, which had been placed probably in the rearmost carriage. It is believed that about 40 persons were in jured, some seriously. Almost simultaneously with the Praed street affair, a violent explosion occurred on the Undeiground Railway between the the Charing Cross and Westminster sta tions The windows of the signalling sta tions in the tunnel were shattered, and at Charing Cross the glass roof of the station par:ly collapsed. The report is described as being like that of artillery. The effects were similar to those at the Praed street explosion ; carriage lamps and windows were smashed, and alltraffio was suspended for a while. i Although both explosions are matters of i great mystery, they are generally thought : to be of Fenian origin. The shock of bulb • explosions is described by officials as very L similar to the shock of the explosion at . the Local Government Board offices in March last, in which Dr Gallagher, was ; implicated. It is stated that four machines - similar to rockets were found in the tunnel ; near the Praed street station. Six car > riages were shattered by the explosion j near Freed street, and about forty : persons wore admitted to the hospitals i Many more were injured, but were sent I directly to their homes. The Timet . says : '• ince the disastrous events a( I the Local Government buildings in March . last, nothing has occurred so calculated tc i excite public alarm as the explosions ol t last night. It is evident that the occur . rence was not accidental. The explosions t were of a most powerful nature. Suspicion r points in one direction only, and it is tc be hoped that the authors will be speedily . brought to justice. The excitement wa> f very intense. The explosion at Charinj I Cross occurred at a distance of 200 yards . west of the station. There wag no trail I there at the time. The walls of th< tunnel were battered, but the rails wer< not misplaced. At the Praed street sta . tion the force of the explosion was terrible, t The tunnel was not destroyed, but a hoh l was excavated in the roadway, bricks 5 were blown out, and gas pipes and tele I graph lines broken. The rofreshmen 3 store was wrecked, and the windows ir i another -room of the refreshment shec J were smashed. All the persons injurec - here were in the last two carriages, s Twenty-eight were wounded and wen i taken to St Mary’s Hospital. Both ex - plosions occurred at about 8.10 p. m. 1 By searching closely, the detectives o: 1 the Metropolitan Police Force found frag " ments of glass shells, about the size of i ' pigeon’s egg, that had been charged wit! nitro-glycerine. The police had warned 9 the railway officials three months ago tha -0 their advices from America threatened > such damager, and had advised precaution, f Irish circles in London think the outrage: ‘ were due to the deliberate planned tna t chinations of enemies of the National 1 party in Ireland, who intend to create ar 1 anti-Irish feeling in England. The explo ) siom occurred at about the moment when i Davitt was opening his address in SI > James’s Hall. A despatch from New • York, dated Oct.'3l, says the newspaper B accounts of the explosions were read with 9 gr.-at delight at the Fenian head quarters. 3 O’Donovan Rossa, in reply to a reporter, r said he did not lay claim to any persona! I knowledge of the events at the Charing r Gross and Praed street underground 1 stations, but he believed a good many 9 more like them were in store ths r British metropolis. Tha explosions las! r night, he said, are the third shot of thii i kind fired in the camp of the enemy 9 The explosions which wrecked the loaa 9 Government buildings was the first, auc f the exp’osion in Woolwich Arsenal wa: 1 the second. The credit of blowing up tht 3 Government buildings was claimed by i 3 revival {organisation, which has really 9 accomplished nothing in the cause of Ire f land. Since these explosions precautions havt t been taken at Glasgow, and the prisons an i closely watched. Private detectives hav« s also been placed inside all the Ottawa re y sidences of the Marquis of Lansdowne, Go V vernor-General of Canada, and a military 3 guard will also be stationed there. A correspondent in one of the leading f English journals, which unite in contri i buning these explosions to American t dynamiters, suggests that some Irish 3 leaders should be taken as hostages, and 1 executed after every explosion. The i general public, however, receive the news of these outrages with the strange i calm so characteristic of London in such cases. The forthcoming Calcutta Exhibition ia creating considerable interest, not only in Calcutta, but throughout the several Pre sidencies in India, all of which contribute ! something that will be worth seeing. > v hen the last mail left Indiaquite a little army of coolies were busy, w.th wooden ' rammer in hand, laying the flooring. The process was naturally a very slow one, as the force exercised by the rammer only equalled the weight cf the coolie 1 who droove it, plus that of the rammer which is very light. All, however, was expected to be ready by December 1. The exhibits are to be in the centre of the building, with a promenade laid down with Portland cement on each aide. This arrangement twill secure the largest amount of exposing space, as the pyra midal style— generally the most effectual —can bo carried to a height the nature of the goods will admit. Australia contri butes a number of articles carefully selected with a view to establish the credit of the colonies in most departments of the trade. The arrival of the ferns for the Australian fernery is looked forward to with much delight, as ferns, palms, end ornamental shrubs are hold in such general estimation in the East that not only the residents ‘of Calcutta, but those of Bengal in general, will be glad to wel c -me anything new in this line, be the variation ever so slight. To the credit of the Indian Government must be said Jiat it has done all in its power to make the Exhibition a success. The mem bers of the services generally through out Bengal and Upper India have re- to the effect that it will be happy to hear of their having visited the and accommodation at a very reasonable rate has thoughtfully been provided for them on the Maiden, west of the cathedral. This bui ding will be in the stylo of a standing camp, being thatched and made of bamboos, and accommodation will be found in it for exhibitors and their assistants. The cost of this will be three rupees per room per day, and the usual hotel board will be provided to the occupants at a nniform rate of five rupees per head per day, wine and beer exclusive. This announcement will give gonpral satisfaction, as it vyill protect the small exhibitors and their , assistants from the exorbitant hotel and boarding-house rates which are expected 1 to prevail. As q.n instance of the estima r * tion in which the Exhibition is held it | in y bem mtioned tljat Mr Joubert, having j

-tated at a meeting of the British India Asaociition, to which lie was invited, that his greatest -nffioulty was to find sufficient apace for the many applicants who wished to exhibit, a gentleman present, anxious that there should be room for all comers, told Mr Joubert that if it was only a quaati m of money ha would put a lac of rupees -T his disposal to extend it. This moat liberal < ff;r. as may well be sup posed, quite astmiahed Mr Jouberfc, who could not accept it because it would dis turb and delay the arrangements already made. Th? British Cabinet has issued explicit instruciions to all departments that, in the event of war, the British fleet in Chinese waters will be leinforoad, and it is said any attempt by France to blockade the ports where British interests exist, will bo resisted. A despatch from Paris of Nov. 6 says the day after the meeting of the Chamber of Deputies, it is said orders were sent to Admiral Courbet to push operations in Tonquiu in order to make the Chinese Government show the course it intends to pursue, so that France can take definite ' action. A despatch from London to the New York press of Nov. 19 says :—The news from Francs and China is becoming alarm ing. Heretofore it has been considered that the Tonquin dispute was- a game of bluff on b th sides, and few entertained a..y fear that a general war between France and China would eve’ - occur. It is now believed war is certain. Recruiting stations are being opened throughout all the northern districts of the empire, where the war fever is high. Many politi cians affect to discredit these despatches fiom China, and discus- them as “ Tom toms.” They a-_o tha; the despatches indicate that China seems to ho gathering an army large enough to oveirun Europe, which they pronounce ridiculous. Many journals in England discuss the situation as one of the utmost gravity, and are accusing the Government of having, by a process of starvation, so weakened the British Navy, that if war be tween France and China breaks out, Eng land will be actually unable to find either ships or marines necessary to properly reinforce the British squadron in the Chinese waters. A despatch from Hong-kong, received in London on November 24, says:— 3,000 Chiueseattacked Haidzuong on November 17, and the engagement lasted till four in the afternoon, when the Chinese re treated. The French ware supported by a gunboat, the hull of which was pierced in several placas and eight of tha crew wounded. Chinese reinforcements con tinue to arrive at Cauton, and war with France is considered inevitable.

AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.

Gardeners beware ! The blue gladiolus wan is on the war-path again, and has already victimised a considerable number «f benevolent people in the neighborhood of Christchurch !do will probably be down here soon. He had not bean out of gaol many days before he was at his old game, though he slightly altered h's tac tics. Having laid aside his historic family name of Russell, he now passes as a Mr Reynolds, or any other name which is not known in the neighborhood he happens to be working; and his special line is native plants and reduced circumstances. He presents an appear ance of woe-begone, respectable penury, aud he offers for sale certain mysterious roots which ha says he has collected in the bush, knowing them to be productive of gorgeous blooms, and on the immedi ate sale of which the survival of himself, a delicate wife, and an interesting family of small children depends. He asks a high price for these choice botanical speci mens, but readily accepts any leaser sum that may be proposed by the shrewd, eco nomical customer, observing in a broken voice, that a man who wants bread must take what he can get and be thankful. His dejection and humility are enough to . melt the gizzard of a hawk. He has not been out long enough to get fat yet, and lias none of that bottle-fed look he bad when last he was round. He really bears out very well the part of a poor, reckless, worthy sort of a fool, who, knowing some thing of plants and little else, would go scratching about the hush and pick up a few nice things in the hope of turning an honest penny. We have seen some of the products of his search, for which ho got a shilling a piece from a friend of ours. These are a common sort of cordylinum or low growing cabbage tree, which can be got for nothing in any swamp but are not worth getting. In fact, he seems to take any wild thing that happens to be growing close at hand, and is quite capable of inducing the un wary proprietor to buy back his own weeds. We are informed that while the gentleman is thus engaged in diffusing a knowledge of the native flora in the blessed name of charity, a lady, strongly suspected of being his wife, or otherwise connected with him, is visiting the subur ban aristocracy with a piteous tale of genteel destitution, and a small collection of rare exotic bulbs. These appear to be neither more nor less than the balance of last year’s crop of blue gladiolus. What this precious pair principally sell, how ever, is a vivid green plant called colonua credulus. They have a'ao a large stock of Lopher damnabilis.—Timaru Strald.

SPORTING.

HAWSES’ B AY AUTUMN MEETING

The following entries have been received by the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club for the Autumn Meeting ; Napier Handicap —Salvage, Nelson, Waipiti, Yankee, Louie, Lubra, Lord of the laks, lona, Misfortune, Abraham, Briar, Otupapa, Armourer, Maori, Leo nora, Escopeta, July, Sou’-wester, Sham, Mischief, Leonata, Kad tmcs, Blue Gown, Buzzard, Ringleader, liippona, Lady Emma, Odd Trick, Administrator, Emir Bay, Hippodamia, Tim Wnifflar, Van guard, The Laird, Wairuareka, Gallant, Larrikin, The Poet, Minerva, The Jilt. Hurdles Gunda>ai, Heretaunga, Orient, Loch Lomond, A.G., Postline, Waewaetiki, Soudan, Double Event, Ad venture, Barbary, Ngata, Doubtful, Dio medes. Railway Stakes Salvage, Nelson, Waipiti, Yankee, Lord of the Isles, lona, Misfortune, Frederica, Abraham, Loch Lomond, Scud, Otupapa, Armourer, Leo nora, Escopeta, July, Mischief, Leonata, Radanus, Blue Gown, Buzzard, Ring leader, Hippona, Sham, Lady Emma, Odd Trick, Administrator, Hippodamia, Emir Bey, Tim Whifflar, Envious, Van guard, Sweet Home, Wairuareka, Gallant, Minervo, The Jilt.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[reutek’s XBLEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT. ] Frozen Meat. London, Dec. 17- The cargo of frozen mutton ex British Queen, from Lyttelton, has been examined and found to be in excellent condition- England and Egypt- In the course of a despatch addressed by Earl Granville to the Egyptian Government, the British Minister of Foreign Affairs states that the £|agljsh Government cannot interfere in the pacification of the Soudan, but that indeavors will be made to obtain an :xpedition of Turkish troops from the ?one.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1883.



Ashburton hotel, East street, near Bridge. MRS M. A. L. WOODLEY, (Late of Clarendon Hotel, Dunedin, and Hinds Hotel), Has* taken this very commodious house, which is now elaborately furnished throughout, and invites the patronage of the general public. 5' Only the-best Wines, Spirits, and Liqdora kept in stock. Good Stabling provided. M. &. L. WOODLEY, 12 1035. Proprietress. a s. Q P's Sto a I o-5 H ia <D O W to - H r d OH 55 CBSH s 'U Q a § ~ b w - CHRISTMAS AND NE W Y EAR GIFTS. «T;I ’ NOW OPEN JILL’S SAMPLE ROOMS, j/: ... . Opposite Arcade. lA Moiister Bazaar 'f.ff I r »•' . - > ’■ ■ .0’ '■ / ; AND ■ til'.:Uiit ■ j Fancy Fair. i'. :am£ :rr f, CLARE, Hairdresser. 11



Wanted WANTED- -A good General SER VANT. Apply Office of this Paper. 12 1086 WANTED Known—That Hayes and 00. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Mushn wor h Is 9d at 6d per yard. WANTED —A strong GIRL used to Children. Apply, after twelve o’clock on Saturday next, to Pine Cot tage, behind Masonic Hall, opposite Mr C. W. Purnell’s. I 2 1096 WANTED Known —For Sale, two COTTA .ES on East Bolt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. C. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 CHRISTMAS FRUIT! CHRISTMAS FRUIT ! ! Currants 6d, Raisins 7d; Sultanas 8d; Candied Peel Is 6d. Fresh Paste Butter 6d. Eggs Is. 12 1078 FRIEDLANDER BROS. WANTED Known—The usual inter esting Christmas Tree will be held in the Primitive Meth' dist Church, on THURSDAY and FRIDAY, 20th and 21st December. A stall laden with fancy and useful .goods will also be for sale. Doors open from 2 o’clock till 10 p. m. Admission Is, which entiiLs the visitor to a present off the tree. 12 1085 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, 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 Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, 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, ho intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred 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 ! tsined on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, i Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets — monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, i Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £ I , per mop*h, or according to arrangement. 1344- Special Advertisements. i STOP THAT COUGH 1 DON’T DELAY.—How can you stop it? 1 Where, s the Remedy. Bennington’s ' PECTORAL OXYMEL OF CARRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (register..!), • can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonninoton, > Christchurch. A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT ANDREWES BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOE the SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY 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 AT WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twenty - One 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 Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. TF YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO w, TO DAYIB’S CHEAP.; FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. OVERT article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bea. of *uaterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion IT^vse, Cashel street, Clu.stcharcU. 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 distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to bo re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. 0. 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 large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under cost 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 where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 a Dress Parcel, contains— Worth £ B. d. 1 dross piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydiaed buttons, to match ... ... ... 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... ... ... 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains — Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 10 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 012 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised 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 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 10a, contains— Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets ... ... ... 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt 0 14 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 ... ... ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... ... ... ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 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. j 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 pair? Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 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 carpet ... ... ... ... 3 6 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— Avery complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 2 17 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence Just try one parcel and sae what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at onci for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. F. 0.0, made payable to E C. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1302



Special Advertisement- i Keward Books, 1 Presents, Prizes, Toys, Dolls, &c. H. M. J O N E S, East street. 11 877 Christmas supplement xo “ THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN ” ON MONDAY NEXT a four-page Special Holiday Supplement will be issued with the Guardian to all subscribers. The Supplement will ba ILLUSTRATED With numerous woodcuts, and will con tain twenty-eight columns of reading mat ter, amongst which will be found the fol lowing : POETRY. “ Christmas Day,” by Orita “ Welcome to Christmas ” “ Our Long Ago ” “ Holy Christmas Day ” “ The Police Court Lawyer ” Ac. &c. &c. TALES. “ David Grant’s Repentance,” by G. Dumas “A Story of the Diggings Thirty Years ago ” “ By the Sweat of his Brow ” “ What Charlie Burnside gained on Cup Day ” “ By the River ” “ Muriel and I ” “Max Rae, the Little News Boy ” “ A Merry Christmas Wished to All,” by K.G. &c. &c. &c. FACETIJE, CONUNDRUMS, INDOOR GAMES, &C. & C. &*J. &C. N.B. —Subscribers wishing to obtain extra copies must send in application for same at once, as only a limited number