SHIPPING.

FORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday Koranui, a.a., from Wellington. Go-Ahead, a. 8., from Dunedin and Oamarn. lonic, s.s., from London, via Plymouth and Wellington. Sailed. tHSR Yesterday. Koranui, b.b., for Dunedin. Go-Ahead, s b., for Wellington. .Wakatu. a.s., for Kaikoura and Wel lington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Ringarooma, from Melbourne via the South ; St. Kilda, from Grey month ; Grafton, from Oamarn and Lyt telton. . . ~ , • Sailed—Ringarooma, for Auckland, via the East Coast; Grafton, for the West Coast. , ■ Dunedin, Yesterday. ‘ Arrived —Taiaroa, from the North. • • -Bailed—iOmapere, for Northern ports. Bluff, Yesterday. ! Arrived—Circe,from Greymouth; Chief tain, from Newcastle. Sailed Wairarapa, for Melbourne; Lochnagar, for Gisborne.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

b AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, November 20. MatsoDj Co£ and Co., at the Tinwala .iiakjpaxda —Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc This Evening. Tows Hall—Wilmott's Combination Com pany, at 7.30 p.m. Monday, November 26. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. Wednesday, November 28. Atihharton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a. m, ■ Saturday, December 1. Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a. m. Monday, December 3. Lengboach Road Board, at Road Board .: office* Longbeach

TRAVELLERS' GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ - * cHußOHand intermediate stations at 7.10 a.|p., 10.56 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 -p.m- - - TraHiß, Leave Ashburton for Timabu AND* South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p.m.—-the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from GHBiSTdBuROH at 10 15a.m. (Express), A3sptih., and 7-15 p.m. Trains ■ Arrive ax Ashburton from Temaru and South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 p.m. (Express), and 8 o.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

/Mail* close at the Ashburton Post Office "follows: For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10. o 0 a.m. and 5 _p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Tmnuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. . Fot Tinuk.ni and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4-30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, 00 Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, •t 430j>.m. drily. , For Flemihgton, on Mondays, Wednes days, ana Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Howlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 am. M«» 1« arrive at the Ashburton Post .y&abr- Froin Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 Am., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at. 10.15 a.m. and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.30 p.m. drily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 5.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From' Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A.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 10.6 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. in. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, *nd Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. - Fiom,Newlanda, on Tuesdays and Fri days,' at 9.30 a.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent In not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, .and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that ou which they are to be inserted. Special notices can bo received up to 3.30 p.m., but will bo charged doable rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by tho sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett-.is to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1883. The New Minister.

Whether it is that Englishmen are fonder of eating and drinking in com pany than other people are we know not, but it is a fact that they seize upon the smallest event as an excuse for a banquet. The custom of meeting to gether in this way and after faring sumptuously indulging in gushing speeches of mutual admiration is harm less enough, especially when we con sider that post-prandial utterances have remarkably little weight. We learn by telegraph that the new Minister of Public Works, Mr Mitchelson, was last night entertained at a banquet, and no doubt he was gratified for the moment by the many kind things said about him. At any rate he deserves some consolation for the severe criti cisms that have been passed upon his appointment to the portfolio he holds by every journal outside of Auckland, and if he finds that consolation in the good opinion of Mr Dargavxlle few people will grudge it him. The Press Association have only given us the baldest resum'e of what the member for Auckland City West said at the dinner, but the colony will no doubt be glad to know that that notorious representative and the Premier are not the worse friends in spite of what is called the “little difficulty” between the two gentlemen last session. It would be interesting to know what Major Atkin son’s sentiments are on this point, for if it takes two to start a quarrel it surely takes a similar number to make it up. As the poet says,

From wine what sudden friendship springs; and Jwe have bur doubts as to whether the Premier will appreciate a sudden protestation of goodwill given under such circumstances. But .after all, Mr Dargaville was not the guest of the evening, and what he said was consequently of secondary importance. It was the new Minister whom the banquetters had come to listen to, and as he did not deliver himself at any great length, we may as well give his speech in full. He said :—“ I am glad to see so many personal friends and faces around me of those who have known me in the district for long years past. I am proud to represent this district in Parliament, and of the short time that I have been there, and of being the youngest member in the House, and of having such a responsi bility placed upon my shoulders. I hops I may long have the honor to re present this district; but you must re member that I now occupy a position that entitles the whole colony to look to me, and therefore I must work for the colony as a whole. But while work ing for the colony I shall not forget my constituents. In my capacity as Minis ter of Public Works I shall do my duty to the colony without distinction. I hope that this district may succeed, and my efforts shall be used to make it the most prosperous district of the North Island, and I hope it will not be my fault if I fail to please you in every way.” This speech was brief enough, as was to be expected from one whose chief merit appears to be his silence, but he managed within these few words to show a good reason against his occupy ing his present position. The mere fact of his being the youngest member in the House is proof that he lacks the experience requisite for a Minister of Public Works, and although no doubt be feels proud of having such a respon sibility placed upon him, it is the colony which will suffer from this. There is probably no reason to question Mr Mitchelson’s desire to be impartial, but unless he possesses sufficient know ledge of the work he will have to do, it is to be feared that he will simply be a tool in the hands of the Auckland members. When we first heard of his appointment we discerned signs of breakers ahead, and this short speech of the new Minister does not have the effect of altering our opinion. Mr Dargaville spoke of the member for Marsden as one of the most popular representatives in the House, but as to how this popularity has been gained the colony is left in ignorance. If it arises from his being all things to all men—and this is in nine cases out of ten the cause of popularity—then this is another reason why he should not hold a post where firmness and decision are most urgently needed.

The first meeting of the newly-elected Otago Harbor Board took place yesterday, all members being present. Mr A. H. Ross was elected Chairman. Six of the female nurses at the Wel lington Hospital have sent in their resig nations, on the ground that they deem Dr Hammond to have retired under com pulsion, and to have been unfairly treated, both by the Government and the medical T staff, in being practically ar raigned on a charge of so vague and gene ral a nature as that of “harshness of de meanour," which, moreover, they de clared to be entirely unfounded. They, on their part, demand an inquiry into the arrangements of the Hospital, and ex press their desire to tender evidence in favor of Dr Hammond, and against the condition of the honorary staff.

At tho racecourse yesterday before the Consolation Race was run, Mr D. Thomas held a sale of horses, and the following ws-re disposed of to Mr T. Quill ; —Miss King filly, L7O; Lady Pioici.ce, L3O; and Roseueafch, L 75. Next Wednesday instead of any outside match, the County and Borough Clubs will amalgamate forces and play a scratch match on tho ground of the former. All members are requested to mua'cr in strength at 2 p. m., as a good game is an ticipated. There was a large attendance at the Oamarn Agricultural Show yesterday. The weather was fair. The show of draught horses was good. Mr Monlove took the cup for shorthorn cattle, Mr Holmes for draught horses, and the N.Z. and A.L Co for polled Angus. \ very severe thunder and hail storm occurred at Tapanui, about 100 miles from Dunedin, in the Tuapeka county, yester day afternoon. The hail lasted half an hour, and the stones were like birds’ eggs. The main street of the town was like a river, and the school children had t > bo carried across. An immense of damage was done to gardens and growing crops.

A slight hitch has arisen about the pro viding of a combined Otigo team to meet the Victorian bowlers, who piopososhortly to pay a visit to Dunedin. The communi cation from the Victorian Bowling Associa tion was received by the Caledonian Club, and this body invited the Dunedin Club to join in providing a team, but it has refused, being of opinion that each Club should play for itself. The Caledonian t'lub will therefore invite the country clubs and Invercargill to nominate players to form an Otago team.

The gentleman who figured in the Police Court this morning, charged with having attempted to turn a dishonest penny by manipulating totalisator tickets on the racecourse yesterday, made quite a pathetic appeal to the Beach to be dealt with leniently. He said that ho had already suffered severely for the crime, having caught a cold in the cell last night, and he pointed to his swollen cheek as evidence of this. However, the Bench did not consider exuberance of cheek a palliation of the crime, and they were also deaf to his request to be allowed to go to the shearing, although the prisoner’s proved capability of “ fleecing ” testifies that the farmers will ha deprived of a good hand for the next three months.

The Quearibeyan Age (S'. S. W.) gives the particulars of a remarkable and almost unparalleled lightning explosion at the Postoffice store, Ddton, on Wednesday evening, Oct. 24, during a heavy thunder storm. A vivid flash illumined tho front parlor for a second, paling a lighted lamp, then swiftly passed through the door, knocking two members of the family who were standing there senseless. Mrs Wheatley, who was in the kitchen, saw a large ball of fire burst on the table in front of her, with a deafening explosion. Mr Wheatley was standing behind a coun ter in the store —a detached building some distance from the kitchen —when he also saw the fire enter at the shop doer, pass over the heads of two boys standing by, then close to his own face, and when near the stair case explode, finally making its exit through an end window, shattering frame glass, and all. The whole premises wore filled with blue smoke and gas. Upon in spection it was found the lightning had first struck and entered the crockery room, broken the foundation sleepers, throwing a piece of one against the fence with such force as to knock over a heavy carpenter’s bench. From there it ap peared to get into a galvanised iron pipe, blackening and melting it with the heat. Then it entered some earthen drain pipes, bursting them up and scattering the earth around. Nearly every window in the establishment was broken, the plaster fell from the roof and floor, and in two tin lined rooms the tin curled off the walls with the heat. Considerable damage, amounting to fully LBO, was done, a quantity of crockery and glassware being smashed. The house was completely bulged out at one end and in at the other. Mr Wheatley’s face was scorched, and next morning very stiff and sore.

Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup —lnfallible tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation., is at drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, consti pation, piles, dyspepsia, headache, cured by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” Sd and is boxes at druggists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney General Agents for Australasia. 2 Holloway’s Pills. —The sudden changes frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system, Helloway’s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matters, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bowels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkable effective, especially when aided by friction ol the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will soon be re-established. —Advt.

THE WILMOTT COMPANY.

The announcement that the comady of “Crutch and Toothpick” would be played for the first time in Ashburton last evening, served to bring together a crowded audience at the Town Hall, every seat both upstairs and down being occupied. This piece was the first of the rnaity successes of tlie now well-known author, Mr G. R. Sims, and when pro duced in London some two years ago, it had a long and prosperous run. The reason of this popularity was probably be cause it satirised the person known in the slang of to-day as the “ masher,” or, as the Americans call him, the “dude,” whoso emblem is a toothpick and a walk ing stick shaped like a crutch. The satire of Mr Sims is genial rather than trench ant, and he treats the effete creature of modern civilisation with a kindly hand, the moral of his piece being that in spite of affectation of dress and mode “ a man’s a man for a’ that.” The plot of the comedy is very simple, and deals with the troubles which beset Luy Devereux, a member of the “Crutch and Toothpick Brigade,” who has married a lady with money. This gentleman's father-in-law is an alderman with strong opinions as to the advisability of everyone wor Icing, and he holds his daughter’s husband in scorn because the latter is an non-producing element in humanity. The marrh d couple are happy enough, ho being of an uxorious nature and she affectionate, but owing to a tailor called Jellicoe having given a widow with whom he is flirting the name of Devereux as his own, a letter so addressed falls into the hands of the alderman, who opens it and fancies he discovers proof of deceit on the part of the husband. By the aid of this he causes a disagreement be tween the two, and Devereux de termines that ho will not take his wife’s money on sufferance while she distrusts him, and accordingly he goes into trade as a bagman. Both are rendered miserable, but the mistake is dis covered.in time, and Jellicoe, whom the alderman had destined to marry his second daughter, is sent to the right about, the curtain falling upon the re newed happiness of Devereux and his wife. The man of business is forced in the end to admit that some people are in tended by nature to make money and others to spend it. An underplot is pro vided, in which Amy Jones is courted by another cputch-ancj-toothpicker, whose at

tempts at trade, under the instructions of his lover, turn out disastrously. The dialogue is brilliant throughout, and although the action is for the most part farcical some really good comedy scenes are provided, as for example the interviews between Devereux and his wife in the second act. As played by the Wilmott Company little fault can be found with the manner in which the comedy was put on the stage. Miss Crawford was well suited as Dolly Devereux, and she showed considerable sprightlinesa in the lighter episodes, nor was she wanting in power in the more pathetic situations. Miss Lawrence also deserves praise as Amy Jones, and showed herself a cap able soubrette actress, and Miss Johns did well in the minor part of Lady Penni cuick. We have certainly never seen Mr licde to such advantage as in the cha racter of Guy Devereux, which he played with a commendable restraint of manrer appropriate to a light comedy part of tliis kind. Mr James Wilkinson was rather astray in the dialogue at times, but his rendering of the parsimonious and not very scrupulous Alderman Jones showed humorous appreciation, albeit it was not altogether in his line. Mr Simmonds as Cecil Leighton was amusing, and Mr Teece gave a clover character sketch in the minor part of Jtfbbins, an itinerant vendor of stationery. The other charac ters were fairly tilled. At the conclusion of the comedy several vocal selections were given by Misses Crawford and Johns and Mr Mack D. Alexander, while Mr Teeco contributed a recitation and Mr Wilkinson a comic dance. These items were much appreciated by the audience, who were throughout rather boisterous in their demonstrations of approval. To night will be produced Paul Merritt’s il Golden Plough,” a play which is re ported to be the author's best, and which has been highly praised in the colonial press. The season so far has been a suc cessful one, and as the company deserve all the support they have obtained, we hope to be able to chronicle a good attend ance this evening.

A TOTALISATOR SWINDLE.

Jimes Hartley 4 was ’charged, this morn ing at the Police Court, before Mr W. C. Walker and Mr R. Alcorn, J. P.’s, with attempting to obtain money from the totalisator on the racecourse yesterday by means of tickets on which he had fraudu lently gummed the winning numbers. S. Saunders, Secretary to the A.R.C., the first witness called, produced a license issued by the Colonial Secretary to the Club to use the totalisator in connection with the recent race meeting. The ma chine was worked by Hobbs and Goodwin under the auspices of the Club. Edward Jordan, clerk to Hobbs and Goodwin, said that it was his duty to assist Mr Hobbs in the distribution of tickets, and see that those presented as winning numbers were correct. The ticket produced was presented by the ac cused for payment, but noticing that it had been tampered with it was not paid. Had paid out L 5 2s the previous day on an altered ticket, but could not say that it was to the accused.

William Hobbs, partner in the firm of Hobbs and Goodwin, explained the system adopted in working the totalisator. He received the money from the public and his clerk (Jordan) handed him the tickets for issue in return. After tho race it was Jordan’s duty to examine the winning numbers before the money was paid out by another assistant. Yesterday he noticed a’ person whom he had known for some time as a confederate of tho ac cused altering a ticket, and he cautioned Jordan and the paying-out clerk to be on their guard. The ticket now in tho hands of the police was presented by accused, who was immediately given in charge.— To the Accused: Did not see you altering this ticket.—To the police : Had pre viously cautioned accused, who had been “ringing the changes ” around the totali sator for two or three years. Had faith fully promised him that he would give him in charge on the first opportunity. Prisoner : i have never spoken to you in my life. Witness, to the Bench : I am quite sure this is the man I have repeatedly cau tioned.

Prisoner : You never knew me do any thing- Witness : I have known you do a great many things. W. J. Hussey was at the racecourse on Thursday. Saw accused altering a totali sator ticket, and called the attention of several gentlemen to the process. This was on Thursday, the first day’s racing. The arresting constable said he appre hended the accused on the racecourse yes terday. Found the pocket-book and totalisator ticket now produced in his possession. Several of the tickets were defaced. There was a very large crowd around the totalisator throughout the day.

The prisoner admitted attempting to pass the ticket which he had picked up near the machine, and thought it to be genuine. His ideas were bad, but it was only an attemp;. He asked for a light sentence that he might go shearing, and earn sufficient money to take him to Eng land. He wou'.d promise to do this, and bagged the Bench not to deprive him of the shearing. Sergeant Felton had no record of pre vious offences by the accused, who was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labor.

THE WELLINGTON MINING BUBBLE.

The report of Dr Hector was received yesterday by Messrs Harris and Blundell, referees appointed in connection with the recent dispute as to alleged yield of gold from the Queen of Beauty mine, Makara. It should be explained that No, 1 sample mentioned in the report is gold obtained by the referees from the claim. The No. 2 sample is the return of ten tons of stuff sent from Makara, and was crushed at the Thames. The report, so far as it goes, is distinctly in favor of Mr Walker’s conten tion that the cake of gold exhibited as tho result of recent crushing did not coma from the Makara reefs. The referees, how ever, are expected to draw up a report for publication to morrow, giving their views on the subject. Dr Hectot’s report is as follows ; “Colonial Museum of New Zealand, “ Wellington, Xfith Nov., 1833.

“ Sirs, —In reply to your letter of 13th hist., I have the honor to inform you that I have had the samples you left with me carefully examined in the laboratory, with the following results : —No. 1. The resi due obtained by you from 1501 b weight of a mullooky vein at Makara consisted of pyrites, black sand, and gold, the latter being in form of very fine specks. The total weight of gold present was three tenths of a grain, which, calculated on the ton, would indicate a yield at the rata of 4£ grains per ton. With the view of com paring the quality of the gold thus separ ated with that of the clip which you sub mitted, both were assayed with the fol lowing result :—No 1, gold from residue —gold .8992, silver .9996, loss .0012 ; total, 1.0000. No 2, gold from clip gold .6745, silver .3246, loss .0009 ; total, 1.0000. Taking pure gold at the value of 80s per ounce, the value of the sample No 1 is therefore at the rate of L 3 lls lid, and of No 2 L2 13s Id per ounce. The percentage of silver contained in gold obtained direct from the reefs in different parts of the colony is generally very characteristio and constant. The gold from the reefs in the South is easily dis tinguished by having only from 4 to 5 per cent of silver alley. The gold found in the vicinity of Wellington has about 9 pet

cent of silver, and the gold from'the Thames goldfields rarely - contains less”’ than 30 per cent of silver. No lof the samples submitted, which you took from the reef at Makara, contains 5 per cent of silver, and therefore agrees with the de gree of fineness usual in the district, but tne sample No 2, clipped from the bar, contains 32 per cent of silver, which is the proportion that usually characterises gold obtained in the Thames district.—l am, yours, etc., “ Jas. Hector.”

[by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. Messrs Blundell and Harris and the two mining experts who tested the Queen of Beauty mine, in their report on Dr Hector’s analysis, state that—“ They are of opinion that Mr Walker was justified in saying what he did about the cake of gold asserted to have been thie product of stuff taken from the Queen of Beauty claim. ” The referees in the wager re the Queen of Beauty mine have forwarded the stakes to Mr Walker, of the Thames.

JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLER’S JOURNAL.

[SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR “ THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. ”] CHAPTER XXL—(Continued.) Pompeii—A Melancholy Interest —The Villa of Diomedes—Sad Thoughts The Streets and Houses—The Mu seum—lts Contents—An Unexpected Meeti'G—Two Wanderers—An In teresting Excursion Ended. But it is impossible to describe minutely the numerous dismantled shattered struc tures that stand mute but eloquent wit nesses of the terrible catastrophe. Our guide was very civil sud attentive. He spoke English sufficiently well for us to understand and appreciate his explana tions of the nature and uses of the various remains temples, theatres, private dwellings, and shops of tradesmen and artisans. In one street he drew our at tention to a bakehouse with ovens and mills for grinding corn ; in another he pointed out a tavern with the tables still standing from which the affrighted cus tomers arose and fled when disturbed in their carousals by the c’oinniehcement of the volcanic storm. He led us along the Strada dei Sepoleri, or street of tombs, where the dead wers buried. The villa of Diomedes .‘attracted special attention. It differed materially in construction from the houses in the more central parts of the city. There were terraces and a garden, and a vaulted cellar. A melan choly interest is attached to this ruin. The bodies of a number of women and children were found here ; they had pro vided themselves with a supply of food, and fled to this vault hoping, no] doubt, to remain there in safety until the danger was over. Too late, alas ! they discovered the insecurity of their hiding place- They were found with their heads enveloped in wrappers—an expedient they adopted to avoid suffocation from the penetrating dust and ashes. The supposed proprietor of the house was found at the garden gate, with the key in his hand already inserted in the lock, and immediately behind him a domestic or slave, carrying money and various articles of value. Can we not almost realise the agonising struggles of the man as he vainly endeavoured to turn the key. Impossible ! approaching death had deprived him of the requisite muscu lar power. He could not escape the im pending doom. While my travelling companion's atten tion was taken up by some other object of interest, the guide, unperceived by her, beckoned me to follow him into a house, the character of which was but too p'ainly declared by a piece of sculpture over the door. Tho motto originally inscribed under the lascivious emblem has been re moved. It was Hie habitat felicitas. On the interior walls of. the house, in the different chambers, were remains of fres coes of the most obscene description, a pictoral commentary on the- Apostle Paul’s verb d de cription of the unnatural vices to which even the cultured heathen of the period were addicted. The streets of tho city are narrow, with causeways on each side. The central roadway is paved with largo blocks, and at intervals stepping stones are so placed that the wheels of passing vehicles would avoid them, but foot passengers could use them in crossing from one side »o the other, the roadway being considerably de pressed. Ruts worn in the stones by wheels are still plainly visible, and in some places marks are discernable on the stepping stones made by the horses in passing over them. Many of the indica tions of city life, common in our day are to be seen at Pompeii. Partially ob literated notices, in red letters, of elec tions, and solicitations for votes in favor of popular candidates, and on some of the stuccce I walls squibs and caricature draw ings, just such as idle boys, and street loafers of tie present day are wont to scribble on the vacant spaces in our modern cities.

It ia easy to distinguish the shops in the commercial quarters of the city from the buildings that were occupied as private houses. These latter, differ in size, but have a general resemblance in construction and internal arrangement. The following description may serve to give an idea of the prevailing plan. The approach frem the street is usually by a narrow passage called the vestibulum, an inner court or quadrangle which gave light to the several rooms. This court is generally surrounded by a covered way, and in the centre is the impluvium or reservoir for water. Be yond the court was the tablinum or large room devoted to general business. Then the peristylum or inmost court, sometimes enclosed with columns, and a flower gar den with fountain in the centre, and all around the apartment for family use. The upper rooms were usually set apart for domestics and slaves, and communicated with tbe kitchen, cellar, and other offices. Decorative painting was the common mode of ornamentation, varying in extent and style according to the means and taste of the owner or occupant. But every house was more or leas embellished ia this man ner, and it has been well said that it is hardly possible to imagine a gayer ot more richly decorated city than Pompeii must have been in its palmy days. Many of the beat and most perfect of the wall paintings have been removed to the museum at Naples. I have already re ferred to some of them in relating my visit to that institution.

I must not omit to mention the local museum which is or. the right side of the passage from the Porta Marina. It con tains some interesting casts of objects found in course of excavating—models of doors, windows and shop fittings. And in glass cases aro preserved casts of human bodies, and the carcase of a dog. The attitudes, of the figures are painfully suggestive of the agonies endured at the moment of death.

Before I take leave of Pompeii I must relate an incident practically illustrating a remark often made by persons when they unexpectedly meet acquaintances in places far away from their usual homes, “.the world, after all, is very; small.’’ Often when travelling from Sydney to Parramatta, had I seen a well-known wealthy citizen, whose hpnae is on. the Parramatta river, occupying a seat as pas senger in the same suburban train. I did not know that he was, like myself, a wan derer on the face of the earth, but when I approached the ruins of the temple of Isis at Pompeii, whom should > X see but this well : known individual with some members of bis family, standing motion less on a fragment of stone, while a photo grapher was taking a picture of the group.

Artis s of this class frequent the ruins for the purpose of affording visitors an oppoii tunny of obtaining pictorial souvenirs of the visit. We exchanged the ordinary civilities, and expressed our mutual won der at meeting thus unexpectedly in this secluded spot. Thus ended our excursion to Pompeii: a most interesting day ; the only draw back being the unpropitious weather at the outset, and the cold temperature that continued from morning till night. Viator.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON SPRING MEETING. The following are the results of the two final events of this meeting;— Totalisator Siakbs (Handicap), of 15 so vs; nomination, 1 sov ; acceptance, free; three-quarters of a mile. District horses only. Mr T. Quill’s ch m Roseneath, 4yra, Bst ... ... ... ... ... 1 Mr F. Bozenberg’s g g Selim, aged, Bst 2 Mr J. Smith’s br m Ruby, 4ycs, 6st 121 b 3 Mr A. Hewson’s ch f Lady Clare, 3yrs, 6it 71b 0 Roseneath was the favorite, and she got the best of an indifferent start and was never headed, winning rather easily from j-elim, who came quickly at the end. On the totalisator there were 518 investors, SOB being on the winner. Consolation Handicap, of 20 aovs ; nomination, 1 sov, to be made immedi ately after the Totalisator Stakes is run ; acceptance, free, to be notified within ten minutes of declarationi of weights. Distance, 1 mile. Mr J. W. Cotton’s Prosper©, 6it Blb (Sharp)” 1 Mr T. Quill’s Miss Ring filly, 7st 91b (Wattie) 2 Mr A. G. Drummond’s Spofforth, 6st 51b ... ... 3 MrP. MoCafferty’s Nimrod, 6st 21b.,’. 0 The Miss King filly was the favorite, and from the start it was seen that it would lie between her and Prospero. The latter went off with a strong leal, but the filly<made up for lost ground on coming up the straight. However, she failed te reach Prospero, who was lauded a winner very cleverly by about a length. Of the 313 investors oh the totalisator there were 102 on the winner, the divi dend being L2 15s. The following amounts, were paid over this afternoon by the Ashburton Racing Club to winners at the recent, race meet ing : £ s. d.

CABLE NEWS.

AI tS r FROM EUROPE.

[rEDTßr’s IKLBORAMS—COPYRIGHT.] Monetary and Commercial. London, Not. 15. Consols remain at 101J6, and New Zealand securities at yesterday’s quota tions. Adelaide wheat, ex store, is unchanged at 465; and New Zealand ditto at 38s 6d to 44s 6d; Adelaide flour, ex store, 325. Australian tallow— best beef, 38s; best mutton, 395. The Servian Rebellion. Belgrade, Not. 15. Intelligence has been received front official sources that the outbreak at Kruchenath in South-eastern Servia has been promptly quelled by the troops despatched against the rebels. The latter were unable to cope with the large force sent to attack them, and were dispersed without resistance. [Received Not, 17, 1.1(1 p.m.] Russia and Bulgaria. Constantinople, Not 18. The difficulty which lately arose be tween the Russian Government and Prince Alexander of Bulgaria has now been amicably arranged. The terms of settlement provide that a Russian is to be again appointed to the position of Bulgarian War Minister, but that she shall abstain from taking part in Bul garian politics. A Second Sues Canal. London, Not. 16. Baron de Lesseps was entertained at a public banquet in Liverpool l last evening. In a speech replying to the toast of his health, M. de Lesseps .ex pressed himself as most hopeful of a settlement being arrived at (of the con struction of a second canal through the Isthmus of Suez. ;

AUSTRALIAN.

fREUTBB’a TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.] The Victorian Bailway Board. Melbourne, Yesterday. Mr Spaight, Assistant Manager of the Midland Railway Company, Eng land, has been selected by the Govern ment for the post of Chairman of the Board of Commissioners about to be appointed for the Main Victorian Rail ways. The Land Bill. Sydney, Yesterday. In the Legislative Assembly last night the Land Bill came up for con sideration. After an animated discus sion the debate was adjourned to Wed nesday next, the 21st Inst. The Markets. New Zealnad wheat, per bushel, 3s ; New Zealand oats, 2s 3d; maize, is 6d; Sugar Company’s No 1 pieces, per ton, L 34. Adelaide, Yesterday. Wheat is steady at 4s 4d. The flour market is depressed; town brands, Lio 12s 6d; country do, L 9 10s.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Sir George Grey. m , Auckland, To-day. It is stated that Sir G. Grey will per manently reside in Auckland. A Big Paper. The Herald to day contains 112 columns. Native Obstructionists- The Natives yesterday stopped the con tractors erecting the Piako railway bridge, bn the ground that the Land Tax for the railway was not paid for. After some parley the contractors were alio wed ■to begin pile-driving in the bed of themeri but no work is to be done on the Native land till the Government are oommUoi cated with. A Beacon Destroyed;. ■, ■s * Wellington, To-day-i To-day the Marine Department . have received a. telegram from the :harbor* master at Nelson to the effect that the steamer Grafton carried away the beacon at the French Pass at one o'clock this morning.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1883.



D. O’Brien ■ SC* - »• ■ ... 142 10 0 A.. Haihorn ... ... ... 76 0 0 J. W. Cotton ... ... ... 76 0 0 P. Butler : ... ... 71 5 0 R Bry in ... 47 la 0 O. Liiwabn ... ... 33 0 0 Robinson and Lance... ... 38 0 0 E. vv. Osborne ... ... 28 16 0 T. Quill ... 28 10 0 646 5 0



tarns ABIUI THia PAPER STUB oad Advertising Con INS tracts toritaad ail 6000 ITICIES GOOD mm other newspapers can be made on the moat zavorablo the Ad* terms „ vertising Agency 1 yßurgawn,. Conn., Publisher of the Kewepaper aad Bank Directory of the World* HBBlff '■ - - WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S UHEAPj furniture AND BED ding manufactory, ISA Vt ‘ ST R SET SOUTH, 9V * ,f v J;)ub Ashburton. ' aialrfiA'"-.' ■' EVERT article Sold at Christchurch :P*Uta*B; and gawanteed bes. of •naterial and workmanship. ,J& A L S OH»AFI.Y & COMPLETELY FtTKNISHED



Wanted. WANTED— A OARKTAKER. For particulars of duties apply to Aiteei) Curtis, Secretary Athletic Sports Ground Company. 11 898 WANTED— A GIRL about 15 to assist in house work. Apply, Mrs Silcock, North Belt. ll 894 WANTED SHEARER-?. Apply, W. H. Rule, Pendarves. 11 8:6 WANTED 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. Terms cash. 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, he 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 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 TBAT COUGH! PON’T DELAY. —How can you stop it 1 Where is the Remedy. Bennington’s P CTORAL OXYMEL OF CARRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (registered), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. —G, Bonnington, Christchurch.



Of every description, at CHRISTCHURCH PRICES, AT Andrewes Bros., EAST STREET SOUTH. 77



JJOME, SWEET HOME. XMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS, WITH Photos of New Zealand Scenery And a Beautiful Assortment of Others of Latest Designs, Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., East street Sooth, Ashburton. n!5



NEW SPRING GOODS N OW Showing in every department. 5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT Upon usual prices allowed to purchasers of parcels amount ing to 10s and upwards. Dimant and Coe, Ready Money DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Etc., East Street, Ashburton, 9528



THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MEROAN TILE COMPANY, LIMITED, JJ AYE FOR SALE A VERY COMPLETE Threshing Plant, By Ransome—almost equal to new, and which terms are specially easy. Also, SEED OATS AND BARLEY RYE GRASS NEW CLOVER SEEDS WOOLPAOKS, Etc., Etc. All at lowest current rates. Wm. HORNE, 12 an Agent.



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY £ spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. agj* A SINGLE GABMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHBIM SEWING MACHINES. Ashburton B-anch : EAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion Fwsb, Cashel st.reet, Ohki*tchurch. 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 tha order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases te be re turned. This system is now being intro- FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. O. 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 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, duccd by E. O. Brown & contains — Worth £ s. d.



1 drtws piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 C 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... _••• 016 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 0 12 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 W orth 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 vda 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 G 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 rowels 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. |7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 0 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 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 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt 0 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tabiecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen eheck glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 0 11 6



£ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains — Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere ... ... ... 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... 0 G 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’nice hose... ... 0 4 G £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains — A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains — Dsual price £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at once 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. P. 0.0. made payable to E O. BROWN & 00., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. U S I NESS Envelopes, p 1)00 o REWARD BOOKS. H. M. J O N E S, East street. 11 877