SHIPPING.

POST OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Talaroa, s.s., from Manukaa and way ports. . Takapnna, s.s., fromMannkau, via Tara naki and Wellington. Yesterday. Wakatu, s.a., for Kaikoura and Wel lington. Otnapere, b.b. , from Westport. Sarah W. Hunt, schooner, from New Bedford, via Campbell Island, on a seal ing cruise. Sailed. Saturday. Takapuna, 8.8., for Wellington. _ Taiaroa, s.a, for Wellington, Picton, and Nelson. Reward, schooner, for Pelorus Sound. Herald, achooner, for Wellington.

COMMERCIAL.

: Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T, Bullock reports of the Horse Market for the week ending Saturday, Dec. Bth: 37 horses were entered for the day’s sale. There was about an average attendance of country settlers and others, and more horses changed bands than have done for some weeks .past. There were a few really good medium draughts, , but for this description the biddings ; did not reach owners’ reserves, and several were turned out unsold. 4 'ut of the total entry of 37, 18 were sold at the following prices, ' viz.:— Light draughts, Lii ios to Ll 5 ; light harness horses, L 9 xos to L. 14 los ; hacks of 1 a good description, L 8 xos to Lxo; inferior and aged draughts, LstoLn xos; inferior hacks, L 3 to L 5. , , Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows:— Saturday, Decembers—A few horses ■ changed hands; prices unimportant. Cows sold well. Pigs are still selling at high rates, all lots being cleared. Fowls. 2s to 3s per pair; ducks, 4s fid per pair ; geese, lOS fid per pair } turkeys, xos. Produce : Potatoes are slow of sale at 40s per ton ; chickwheat, 2* to 2s fid per bushel; oats, is pd. Tea, 21s fixaranteed. Furniture and sundries were very eavy and commanded a good sale, _ including 100 pair boots which sold readily. The attendance was very large and the sale con tinned until very late.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE Tuesday, December 11. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Baleyar da—Stock. Saturday, December 15. Mr T. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street—Town and Bural Sections Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Rooms — Lire and Dead Stock Thursday, December 18. Messrs H. Matson and Co., at their ' Stores—Wool MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday, December 17. Athletic Sports, on the Cricket and Ath '; letio Sports Grounds v Monday, December 24 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30.

DEATH.

Dawson. —On Sunday, December 9th, at Wateiton, Alfred, second son of An drew and Mary Dawson. Aged 26 years.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1883. The Annexation Conference.

So far as can be judged from the telegraphic reports sent by Reuter and owing to the strange decision not to allow the press reporters to be present it is unlikely that we shall ever know exactly what took place —the Confer ence, which has just concluded its sit tings at Sydney does not appear to have added much to our knowledge of the Annexation question. A series of resolutions for transmission to the Im perial authorities have been passed, re commending that New Guinea should be annexed, and that the relapsed criminals of France should not be allowed to be sent to islands in close .proximity to Australia, while the ex pense of governing the new possessions should be borne in part by the colonies interested. All this has been urged upon the Secretary for the Colonies in the memorandum prepared by the Agents-General, which Earl Derby treated with such curtness. Now, how ever, with that regard for an “ official utterance ” characteristic of British Ministers, the recommendations of the Conference will probably receive more attention than did the arguments of Sir Dillon Bell and the other re presentatives of the colonies in Eng land, even though iji each case the reasoning is identical. For many reasons it is to be regretted that we shall not be enabled to procure a satisfactory account of what took place at the Conference, and that we shall have to be contented with the bare re sults. It is at least as important that the public should know by what argu ments certain contentions were sup ported, as that they should know the simple outcome of the deliberations of this collection of wise men. In New Zealand especially, this annexation question has been discussed in a very perfunctory manner. During last ses sion it was debated, but only in a half hearted way and with so little under standing that Sir George Grey, who has talked as much high-falutin’ rubbish on this as on most other subjects he has taken up in recent years, was al lowed to pass a measure simply because it was thought to be harmless and afforded an easy means of shelving the matter. The result of this little Bill is that we are now being pestered by Samoa to annex her to New Zealand, merely because the inhabitants of that island do not like their present system of Govern ment. That worthy henchman of Sir George Grev, Mr London, has man aged this little affair, but until it is shown that this colony will derive some tangible benefit from extending our possessions the annexation of Samoa would scarcely be justified. As it is we have quite enough to do to manage our own business, instead of taking upon our shoulders the burden of other people’s, from none other than philan thropical motives. Whether this Samoa petition was mentioned at the Confer ence we do not know, but a similar re quest from Fiji was brought forward, al though we are left in ignora ice as to what Major Atkinson thought of it. But meagre as is the information sent to New Zealand papers by Reuter as to the deliberations of the Conference, it is to be presumed that the English journals were even less favored. Vet we hear that the Home press has not been slow to give us advice, and the general opinion seems to be that the colonies should federate as soon as possible, and that when this is accomplished Lord Derby cannot but countenance our annexation schemes. Now, to the majority of the colonists this federation cry is one of the most absurd ever raised. To be sure the Premier of Victoria—on the occasion of the open ing of the railway line connecting that colony with New South Wales—spoke

with exuberance on this question, and expressed a belief that he would live to see federation an accomplished fact, but post-prandial utterances of this kind are not regarded as meaning much. At the Conference, however, it appears that the necessity for the establishment ot a Federal Council for the Austral asian colonies has received at least as much attention as the advisability of annexing certain islands in the Pacific. A scheme has been formulated and a measure embodying the views there ex pressed will be presented to each of the colonial Legislatures. When this is discussed in Parliament we shall be able to decide the merits of the argu ments for and against such a Council as is suggested, but it would have been an undoubted advantage if we had been furnished with trustworthy reports of the speeches made in the Confer ence. To have a question which most people considered of only theoretical interest suddenly brought into the region of practical politics is a surprise, and so far as it affects New Zealand it is not likely that a Bill of the nature indicated will be passed by our Parlia ment without careful consideration. Whether the recommendations of the Conference to the Imperial Govern ment will have the result of making Lord Derby change his mind remains to be seen, but if the annexation of New Guinea is dependent upon the federation of the colonies it is to be feared that it will be a long time before Queensland will be able to extend her possessions in the direction her ambi tion prompts her.

A bicycle race from Christchurch to toe Hurunui and back started at five o’clock on Saturday morning. Six raced. The distance was 114 miles. F. W. Painter finished first and J. W. Painter second. Time—llhours 9min. Mr Hepburn, an old and respected resident of Dunedin, died suddenly yes terday morning He was father of Mr Hepburn, of the well-known auctioneering firm McLandress, Hepburn and Co. A special train containing the Minister for I üblic Works, several members of Parliament, and other gentlemen pro ceeded to Mosgiel on Saturday. The party paid a visit to the Mosgiel Woollen Factory and the Drug Company’s sul phuric acid works at Burnside. A coroner’s jury at Waikaia returned a verdict of incendiarism against some per sons unkrown in respect to the fire which destroyed Keely’s old Royal Hotel on October 24'h. They added a rider that insurance companiej should have ail buildings inspected before taking risks on them. A Ratepayers’ Association was formed at Christchurch on Saturday to use every effort to obtain an amendment of the Rating Act, 1882, so as to compel the Drainage Board to strike a rate on the old principle of annual letting value ; to obtain the extension to all local bodies of the clause in the Rating Act exempting boroughs; and to enquire into matters of local interest that need reform. The immigration nominations for the outward mail are as follows: Canter bury, 109; Wellington, 89; Otago, 85; Auckland, 72; Southland, 33; Westland, 20; Hawkes’ Bay and Marlborough each 14; Taranaki and Nelson each, 5; total, 446, equal to 388 \ statute adults. The amount received was L 1,257. The nationalities comprise 173 Irish, 162 Eng lish, 94 Scotch, and 17 foreigners. If China is arming, remarks a Welling ton journal, New Zealand is contributing a number of arms which will make the heathen soldier of the Flowery Land look as formidable as the celebrated Bedouin who protected the Innocents of Mrrk Twain during a portion of their journey through Palestine. There have been shipped, ex barquintine May, for Hong Kong about 600 muzzle-loading long and medium Enfield rifle’, for which, it is presumed, t:.e New Zealand Government has no further use. Some of these are in a fair s'ate of preservation, but with regard to others, we should be inclined to toss up to decide which end we should put to our shoulder before we fired it off. The Chinese troops will no doubt have every confidence in the efficiency of these weapons, which must in every case prove less dangerous to themselves than the old muskets which are still in use in gome of the districts. The following “ political speculations ” are published by the Auckland Herald from a Wellington correspondent:—“l heir that Mr Billance has decided to try for Mr Johnston’s seat should ho resign it at an early date. In political affairs there is very little gossip, but rumor asserts that Mr Stout will probably yield to the pressure of his friends, and come forward at the next general election. Mr Wake field is also tolerably certain to get in, either for Geraldine or Timaru, whilst Messrs Donald Reid, and Ormond are likely to be candidates. In talking with a prominent tnan, who is opposed to tho present Ministry, he expressed a strong hope that Mr Swanson would come back again, and that Mr J. M. Clark and Mr Reader Wood would be among the Auck land contingent, as he thought our men wanted more backbone. He believed that the seats for both Mr Rolleston and Major Atkinson are unsafe now, and will be more so before the next election.”

A very sad and paiafui fatal accident occured at Abbotsford, five or six miles from Dunedin, on Saturday. Four lads left town in the morning on a rabbit shooting excursion, amongst them was William Street, aged fifteen, son of the Mayor-elect. In the afternoon a large number of gentlemen visited by invitation the Saddle Hill Co.’a quartz mine, where new machinery was being started. This is in the neighborhood of Abbotsford. Amongst these gentlemen was Mr Street, who had arranged t > meet his son at the mine. The lads all arrived at the mine in due course, and whilst in one of the build ings, one of them named Hswkes acciden tally discharged his gun, shooting young Street in the head and killing him almost instantaneously. Mr Street was informed of the occurrence, and a very painful scene ensued. Ihe a cidont threw a gloom over the festivities at the mine, and has been the subject of much sympathising comment in the city.

The forty-eight hours’ walking match between Edwards and Scott was con cluded at ton o’clock 011 Saturday night. Scotc winning by 2 miles and 6 laps (400 yards). From the start on Thursday evening the match was a very even one until Saturday morning, when Scott as sumed a very decided lead, and from this stage the result was never in doubt. At noon Saturday Scott was leading Edwards by six miles, and although Edwards made several attempts to reduce the gap they were not successful, and towards the end of the match Scott showed excellent stay ing powers, and amid general cheering won as above Neither of the competitors appeared distressed at the conclusion. Tho attendance throughout the match was very poor. The distances walked were— Scott, 191 miles 9 laps ; Edwards, J.BQ miles 4 laps. Edwards proceeds to Auck land from Wellington, where it js under stood he intends challenging any two pedestrians there for a six days’ contest, he walking against the two.

Wells’ “ Rough on Corns,’’-—Ask fo Wells’“Rough on Corns.” Quick re lief, complete, permanent cure. Coras, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 1

On Wednesday next the Leeston C.O. play the Ashburton County Club on the latter’s new ground, pi >y to begin at 10 30 sharp. The following will represent Ash burton :—Messrs Thomas, A. Fooks, J. Fooks, Caygill, Simpson. Probble, Leahy, Jephson, Quinlan, G. W. Andrews, and L. F. Andrewes ; emergencies—h. L. K. Hill and Mainwaring.

At the Court this morning James Daniels was brought up with lunacy from drink, and was remanded to Addington for eight days to receive medi cal treatment. Mary Cunningham, a very old offender, against whom there were fii'ty-two convictions recorded :n Christchurch, was charged with being drunk in a public place, using obscene language, and with having no lawful visible means of support. On the first charge she was sentenced to forty-eight hours imprisonment, for abusive language fourteen days, and for being a vagrant she was sent to gaol for three months. At St Stephen’s Church yesterday morning twenty-six candidates were pre sent d to the Most Reverend the Primate to receive the rite of confirmation. Of this number fifteen were females and eleven males. The Bishop addressed the candidates from Romans xiii, 11—“ And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake ouc of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we be lieved. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armour of light.” The anthem chosen for the morning service was “ If ye love me keep My commandants,’’ and at the evening service at which his Lordship again preached, “ O taste and see how gracious the Lord is ” was the one dered by the choir. The Rev E. A. cscott announced that it was the intention of the choir to commence on Friday evening the practice of Christmas carols, and invited members ot the congregation who had the ability to assist. He also stated that in future subscriptions towards the s’ck and needy fund would be received in the box at the church door 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 arc. 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, impute 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 taking these Pills, and explicitly putting them in practice, the most desponding will soon feel confident of a perfect recovery. —[Advf

FATAL ACCIDENT.

We are sorry to h ive to record a a*d ac ident which occuired at Longhe-ich yesterday morning, by which Mr Alfred Dawson, manager of the Bank of Austral asia at Feilding, lost his life. Mr Dawson, who has been on a visit during the past fortnight to his father, a well-known fanner at Waterton, went in company with his brothers, Walter, Joseph, and Charles, and his two brothcrs-in-law,. Messrs Hugh Muir and John Barr, to bathe in the sea. The deceased, who was a strong swimmer, was warned of the danger existing from the strong under current, but did not regard the warning. After he had swam some distance he got into the breakers, and it is supposed that the back-wash was too strong and t ok him out to sea, as his companions sud denly lest sight of him. The body was washed ashore about half an hoar after wards, at 11.30 a.m , and was conveyed to the father’s house, there to await ihe inquest, which was held this afternoon. Much sympathy is felt throughout the district for Mr Andrew Dawson his sad bereavement. The deceased was about 26 years of age, and was spending a fort night’s holiday at Longbeach, intending 10 return to the North on Wednesday next.

LONGBEACH ROAD BOARD.

1 The monthly meeting of this Bo.ird • took place on Friday, 7ch inst. There 1 were present—Messrs Grigg (Chairman), Dobson, Lewis and Gilmour. The 1 minutes of the previous meeting wore read ' and confirmed. NEW MEMBER 1 The Chairman reported that the return -1 ing officer had called for the election of a 1 member for No. 5 Ward, but had received ; no nominations. He had, therefore, in ac cordance with the Road Boards Act, in formed the County Council, who had elected Mr Harry Boyle, to the office. I Until he was duly gazetted, Mr Boyle would not be able to tvKe his seat. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read ns follows : From D. H. Smith, Tinwald, asking for small repairs to footpath Left to Surveyor. —From D. McLennan, concerning the overflow of the road drain over section 16461. —Surveyor was instructed to re port —From J. [Small, stating that he could not come to any different arrange ment with regard to bringing portion of closed road on terrace.—Surveyor was in structed to see Mr Small, as there seemed some misunderstanding.—From F. de C. Malet, with regard to prices for buying and selling terrace roads.—Agreed t >, a deputation. Mr John Shearer waited on the Board with a view of ascertaining the probability of opening up the Terrace road at an early date. —In connection with this the Surveyor stated Messrs Dudley and Nor they had given him notice that they would proceed with the fencing of the upper por tion. Mr Shearer was informed that endeav ors were being made to have the v. hole mat ter definitely settle I and the road opened up. The Surveyor was also instructed to see Mr Dudley re fencing. surveyors’ report. The Surveyors’ report was read as fol lows: Gentlemen,—We have the honor to submit our monthly report as fo.lows i. Coldstreim road : The contract for making a portion of this road has been satisfactorily completed, the making of cutting at the homestead has also been done.—2. Beach road : The repairs to cuttings and fords on this road between Long beach and Lowcliffe have been attended to; we have had the boundary creek stream diverted, which may probably have the effect of obviating the continnal scouring away of the cutting. —3. Shearer’s road : The contract for forming this road has been completed in a satisfactory manner. 4. Shepherd’s road : The contractors have been working at the for mation of this road which will be completed in a few days.—s. Isleworth road ; (The contract for making outfall drain, side drams, etc., has been duly completed.—6. Windermere road : The contract for meta ling this road, and also extension of same, has been completed.— 7- Re diversion of water at corner of Dawson’s and Waterton new road being the subject of complaint of Mr John Bell, as instructed at last meeting we have traversed the watercourses in this vicinity. The creek on the west side of Mr Bell’s house is not diverted in any way near here, and is able, we should say, to carry the water required of it in time of flood. The creek on the east side, which crosses the road near Mr Kidd’s house, the water from which in time of flood will now be considerably diverted down the ford recently made, and which has been the subject of complaint, we think woul 1 have been capable with a slight enlarging of the present culvert to have carried all the water that was likely to fall naturally into its channel, but we find that >ome 20 chains to the East and parallel to the creek is a. large drain which we understand was widened and partly embanked by the County Council. There is unmistakeable evidence that this drain in time of flood carries as much water as it will hold, and we have no doubt if still further widened would give better drainage. There are several places in the embankment on the West side of this drain where the water has I

burst through in considerable volume and c flowed over Mr Bell’s land into the creek t opposite Mr Kidd’s. The culvert over the j read being incapable of carrying this extra j quantity of water has consequently backed it , up and flooded Mr Bell’s land, and likewise j flowed over the road and flooded Mr Kidd and Mr Donaldson further down. We think if the ' embankment along the Council drain had been * made good in the first instance instead of 1 making a ford to carry off the surplus water, it would have had a more beneficial effect to all parties concerned; as it is at present a large quantity of water in time of flood will flow down the creek and the drain at the side of the Waterton new road till it reaches the lowest end of Mr Donaldson’s land, where it turns abruptly at right angles, the consequence being that at such a sharp turn the water can not flow along the course made for it, and therefore rises and sweeps entirely over the road, and floods the land on the other side belonging to Mr Moses. To remedy this at the angle opposite Messrs Moses and Donald son, a large drain should be made through the road with bridge over same, and a proper out let through Mr Moses’ land. Mr Moses is willing to meet the Board’s wishes in this matter. —8. As instructed at last meeting we have made out specifications for works, autho rised tenders for which will be laid before you to-day. Be clause 7 : It was resolved to apply to the County Council to proclaim the drains along the road, etc., watercourses in accordance w.th the Act, the Board to be at the expe se of opening up outfall through Moses' land, and the Surveyor to ascertain re making ford opposite Moses’ and one at creek where present culvert is. TENDERS. Tenders were opened for various works as follows:—No. 5, Longbeach road, metalling, to call for fresh tenders. No. 6, Graham’s road, Surveyor to ar range with contractor, W. J. Silcock, to have only a very small portion done in No. 1 Ward, and only half tendered for in No. 2 Ward. No. 7, South road, metalling, F. Lowe, at Is per yard, ac cepted. No. 8, Winslow road, metalling, J. Black, at Is Id per yard, accepted. No. 9, Ford’s road, no tender accepted. No. 10, Osborne’s road, no tender ac cepted. No. 11, Waterton road, melal- I ling, W. J. Silcock, at Is 3d per yard, ac cepted. No. 12, Surveyor’s road, metal ling, to call for fresh tenders. No. 13, r Great South road, metalling, formation, * etc., Hinds, P. Curry, L4B 10s, accepted. ■ No 14, Poplar road, metalling, forma ’ tion, etc., H. Hooper, accepted. No. 15, [ Graham’s road, re-formation, J. Hold borough, 3s 4d per chain, accepted. 1 MISCELLANEOUS. \ The Surveyor was instructed to call for tenders for making cutting on road ; through reserve 1827- r WINDERMERE ROAD, The Surveyor was instructed to have bad places at lower end of this road filled in with shingle. TINWALD. ■ The Surveyor was instructed to have culvert placed in creek near Mr Hous- J ton’s, and to have' drain made opposite Shearer’s, Great South road. TERRACE ROAD. ’ The Surveyor was directed to have two culverts put in this road where required. 1 UNPAID RATES. | It was resolved that summary proceed ings be taken against all whose rates are ’■ unpaid on January 4th. The meeting then adjourned.

THE SPEAKER OF THE QUEENS LAND HOUSE.

What manner of man the Speaker of the Queensland House of Assembly is may be gathered from the following sup plied to the Argus by its Brisbane corres pondent :—“ The first act of the new Par liament, the election of a Speaker, caused a shock to the whole colony. Mr W. H. Groom, the member chosen, is the oldest member in the House, and he has sate m tinuously for Toowoomba for over twenty years. Though not an able man, and an exceedingly narrow and unscrupulous politician, he has acquired much influence both in nd out of Parliament. vn the floor of the Assembly bis intimate know ledge of Parliamentary business, glib tongue, and thorough acquaintance with the history of Q icendand roll tics, mike him a formidable opponent. Out of it and in his own district of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs (the oldest and most extensive farming district in the colony), he has bui t up an unshakeable influence, partly by genuine servicer rendered to the selectors in their long struggle for exist ence against the squatters, and partly by his habit of assisting every supporter and possible supporter who has an axe to grind on the public grindstone. He also owns a widely-circulated county newspaper called the Tooivoomba Chronicle, which is well got up and interesting, but which is probably the most audaciously ‘unreliable’ journal, in re gird to political men and affairs, in the Colony. But Mr Groom was a con vict, twice, if not three times convicted, and always for offences that were not merely breaches of law, such as poaching, military insubordination, and so forth, but were crimes of dishonesty, and in themselves disgraceful. This fact, though it did not prevent Mr Groom from being constantly elected for Toowoomba, has debarred him from holding any political office, though he has often tried for it. In 1874 xMr Macalister is said to have promised him a seat in the Ministry, and then excused himself on the ground that the Marquis of Normanby had intimated that he would not receive a tainted man in Government House. Mr Groom swal lowed his chagrin, but began immediately to undermine the influence of the Macalis ter Government and the succeeding Minis tries formed by that party—the party to which he had always belonged. Towards the end of the time, when the Liberal Ministry was under Mr Douglas, Mr Groom threw off e en the affectation of being a candid friend, and actively assisted the Opposition led by Mr M‘llwraith. In the general election which brought about Mr Douglas’s fall, Mr Groom threw all his influence into the scale in favor of Mr M'llwraith, and with his then friend and ally, Mr P. Perkins, did a great, deal to secure a majority for the late Premier. Par this service Groom expected a seat in the M'llwraith Ministry, and was furious when he saw himself passed over and Mr Perkins chosen in his stead. I need hardly say that from that time Messrs Perkins and Groom have been politically divorced, and ha'e hated each other with the in tensity of rival lovers. Mr Mcllwraith offered Groom tho Chairmanship of Com mittees- a position which he sullenly de clined. From that time he became one of the most virulent opponents of the late Ministry, and worked last September with frantic energy to secure Mr Griffith’s triumph. This time it was generally understood that Groom would be offered a seat in the Ministry, and it came with a genuine shock when he was proposed for Speaker. Mr Griffith was tremb ling in every limb, and his voice dis tinctly quivered when he made the nomi nation. The scene that followed was in describable. Sir Thomas MHlwraith, in opposing the nomination, went straight to the point, and begged the House not to inflict such a disgrace on the country as to place an ex-convict in the Speaker’s chair. The Treasurer (Mr Archer) fol lowed in the same strain, and both re ared to a charge of dishonesty preferred against Groom three years ago, and ex amined by a committee of the House, as serting that if it had been tried by a Court it might have broqght conviction on Gro un’s head. The majority remained forthe most part silent, aod the more respectable portion of them looked tho roughly ashamed of themselves. Mr Gar rick made an appeal for mercy, urging that Groom had purged himself of his

crimes, which were committed over twenty-five years ago. Groom sat listen ing with a fixed smile on bis face all the time. When it came to the vote one member of the majority, the Hon, B. B. Moreton, the younger son of a good En glish house, walked outside the bar. The sitting closed in a tumult of angry feel ing-”

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON SUMMER RACES.

The Commit)ea of the above met at Quill’s Hotel Saturday evening, when the minutes of the last meeting were confirmed, and the hon secretary reported that the gratifying number of 4 > nominations had been received, and a mutually convenient date arranged on which the handicappers would transact their business ; that Mr A. Harrison had kindly consented to act as clerk of the sties in lieu of the gentleman originally proposed, who expected to be absent from the district on the race day ; also that satisfactory terms had been ar ranged for the services of Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin’s totalisator and the Ash burton Brass Band. The license to use the totalisator bad been received and ne cessary arrangements with the Railway and Police Departments would be made in due course. Resolutions were carried to the i ffjet that Mr Bullock be asked to undertake the sale of privileges on Satur day the loch iust., and that, consequent on Mr Brittan’a absence from the district, Mr C. A. Calvert be offered a fee to act as starter, and the meeting adjourned. TIMARU MIDSUMMER MEETING. The following acceptances have been received for the Handicap events at the Timaru Tradesmen's Club Meeting on the 17 th:- Hurdles 30 sovs. Black Doctor Little l ick Myrtle Our Pony Fawn Counties Handicap, of 50 sovs. _ Mermaid Orange Lightning Faust Yinco Hiuerua Redclifte Trot Race. What Not I Bella Perfect j Councillor Lady Flora | Fawn Town Plate, 50 sovs; 16 nominations. Handicaps to be declared at a meeting to receive entries for weight-for-aga races. Farmers’ Plate, 20 .< ovs. Mr J. Matthew’s Mermaid, 4 yrs Mr J. Ricker’s Nailer, 4 yrs Mr J. Campbell’s Firefly Mr D. Mclntosh’s Swindler, aged Mr A. Mee’s Tedmore, 3 yrs Anniversary Plats, 25 sovs. Mr S. Armitage’s Black Doctor, aged Mr J. J. Palmer’s Duchess, 3 yrs Mr A. M, Reid’s Laura, 3 yrs MrJ. Lukey’s Fawn, 6 yrs Mr '. J Drummond’s Spofforth, 3 yrs Mr P. H Stock’s Kingsctown, 5 yrs Mr J. Ricker’s Nailer, 4 yrs Messrs M and 0. Hobbs’ Hincrua, 6 yrs MrJ. Dooley’s Encore, aged In addition to the above, there are three post entry races.

THE ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS. —COPYRIGHT.] Sydney, Saturday. The session of the Intercolonial Con vention closed at noon to-day. Most of the delegates leave Sydney this after noon. At the final meeting this morn ing, the motion of Governor Des Vceux for preventing the unrestricted purchase of land in New Guinea and the Pacific Islands was adopted. A resolution proposed by Mr Whitaker criminals should be prohibited from landing in the Australian colonies,” was also carried.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[rEOTEr’s XKLEORAMS—COPYRIGHT. ] Monetary and Commercial. London, Dec. 7. Consols remain at and New Zealand securities as follows:—Five per cent 10-40 Loan, 105 ; Five per cent. 1889 Loan, 104 ; Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 Loan, Four per ce:it. inscribed stock, The market rate of discount has further ad vanced yi, and is now percent. The bank rate is 3 per cent Wheat is steady at the following prices: Adelaide, ex stoie, 46s ; New Zealand do, 38s 6d to 43s 6d; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 325. The total quantity of wheal afloat for Great Britain is 1.810.000 quarters, being a decrease of 440.000 quarters as compared with last week. Scotch pig iron has fallen 6d per ton, and is now quoted at 475, f.o.b. in the Clyde; galvanised iron, 26 guage, packed in cases, f.0.b., Lon don, LlB xos. London, Deo. 8. No changes to report in the markets for colonial securities or produce. The Wool Sales. London, Deo. 7. At to-day’s wool auction 11,200 bales were offered. The prices continue firm. London, Dec. 8. The colonial wool sales closed to day with a hardening tendency in prices generally. During the series 150.000 bales have been sold, and 10.000 bales are held for next sale. [Received Dec. 10, II a m. j The Mails. London, Dec, 8. The homeward mails via Scilly and Brindisi, dated Melbourne, Oct. 25, were delivered yesterday. Frozen Meat. A portion of the cargo of frozen mut ton, ex Lusitania, was sold to-day at an average price of per lb. The meat is in good condition. The Turkish Fleet in the Bed Sea. The British Government has agreed to the presence of the Turkish frigates in the Ked Sea, where they have been ordered to rendezvous by the Porte, provided the Turkish squadron be ordered to co-operate with British war vessels now cruising off the Eastern coast of Egypt. The Speakership. London, Dec. 9.

It has transpired that Mr Arthur W. Peel, Liberal member for Warwick, and representative since 1865 of that con stituency in the Houee of Commons, has expressed his willingness to be nominated for the Speaker’s Chair, vacant by the resignation of Sir H. B. W Brand. The Grown Prince’s-Progress. Madrid, Dec. 8. Prince Frederick William, the Getr man Crown Prince, who is now on a visit to King Alfonso, will return to Berlin via Rome, and will then pay a visit to his Holiness Pope Leo X|II, Franco and Tonquin- 3 1 Paris, Deo. 8- ■ The parleying which for some time past has been proceeding betweeb Marquis Tseng and M. Ferry in regard to the Tonquin difficulty is still pro*

IHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1888.



Reward Books, Presents, Prizes, Toys, Dolls, &c. H. M. JONES, East street. 11 877 co P O .a I *2. .3* o B o' *1 J 8 <s fl ha 9 _ o <m r o O J O.S ««« a p -p a-= S ° W 1 £* 'S . m © I> 'O *£ 1 © g o i gj cS a i O *■§ © 1 rpj t* 1(0 9 . © I m g*S * S ° S Oo u o “I o "So s ® O Wt © a a OH H « 02" I §W m GBSg-g ’SO w .. Phos w g 8 A 4 GARDEN PARTY and TEA MEET j\ INQ will be held in the Parsonage Garden on WEDNESDAY 12th DEO., Proceeds in aid of the Building Fund of St Stephen’s Sunday School. Stalls for the Sale of Fruit, Produce, and Needlework.—Lawn Tennis, Croquet, and other amusements. —Fine Art Exhi bition add other Shows. —lnstrumental and Tocal Music in the Evening.—Gates open at 3 p.m.—Tea from 5 p.m.—Admis sion, 2s; children, Is. —Presents of all kinds for the Tea and Stalls, and loans of Pictures and Curiosities, will be thank fully received at any time at the Parson age. E. A. SCOTT. 11 919



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. Only the best Wines, Spirits, and Liquors kept in stock. Good Stabling provided. M. A. L WOODLEY, 12 1035 Proprietress. RACES. - T ANNUAL RACES, DEO. 27th, on the WAIMATE RACECOURSE. r Nominations must be sent in to the undersigned not later than Dec. 11th, at 8 p.m. No qualification fee required. W. A. COLLINS, 12 1043 Secretary. Athletic sports. ATHLETIC SPORTS. be. held on the Ground of the Ashbur ton Cricket and Athletic Sports Ground Company on MONDAY, DEO. 17, 1883. COMMITTEE T. Bollock J, McLean Dunn A . Fooks F.Fouks J. Fooks Wi H.Gundry O. P. B. Jepbson Or Leahy Samuel B. Nelson Andrew Orr E. 0. Prebble £. Reddin S. Saunders Q. J. Shaw D. Thomas H. Zander W. H. Zouch. Judges 0. O. Fooks, Dr Leahy, S. B. Kelson, M. Stitt, and D. Thomas, luhdlcappen—J. Anderson and M. 0. O. Digby. „.i.; Timekeeper—H. Zander. Starter—rS. Saunders. : ddJ v JPMN A. OAYGILL, 11-933 : -vi Hon. Secretary.



Wanted WANTED— For three months, good GRASS for 2,000 sheep. Apply Matson, Cox & Co. 12 1037 WANTED— A young PERSON for the workroom. Hayes and Co. 12 1044 \\Y ANTED —A smart, respectable, in- VV telligent LAD, for the grocery department, Orr & Co. 12 1032 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. have about 196 pairs of Ladies’ Cashmere Boots, splendid value, at 3s 6d. I \JtT ANTED KNOWN Pick and W shovel men engaged to commence work on Tuesday, not required until 8 a.m. on Wednesday next, 12th instant. S. Saunders. 12 1006 WANTED Known—For Sale, two COTTA< •ES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. C. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 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— A MASTER and MIS TRESS for the Springburn School; a married man preferred. Wife as mis tress. Number on roll, 56; salary, as per scale. None but a temperate man need apply. Duties to commence on January 1, 1884. Applications, with references, will be received by the undersigned up to the 18th December,(lßß3. —T. Jfi. Mcßae, Chairman of Committee. 12 1017 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 i 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 mor*h, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements, STOP TQAT COUGH! PONT DELAY.—How can you stop it? Where, s the Remedy. Bennington's PECTORAL OXYMEL OF CARRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (register*. 1), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonnington, Christchurch. MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. ANDREWES BROS., East Street South, COMMENCING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER sth. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING roa the SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OF FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. AND Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT Should visit the NEW ZEALAND



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 fu-thcr 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. YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, OHEAP a FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EVERT article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED GO TO DAVIS’S EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisements* INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion EWvbe, Cashel street, Chi-watch arch. 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 be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by S. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very largo 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. 3,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth £ a. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 1J good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ••• 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... ... ... 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 a household parcel, contains— orfh 1 pair good medium size blan kets 1 0 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 Oar No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth ... ... 1 1 0 3 ydssilesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress 0 16 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 j £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 1 pair largo 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 van* l winter hose ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 1 7, mourning parcel for £2 10a, 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 0 14 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 0 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains — Worth 20 yds nice pattern goctd 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 G 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 110 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 10 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 check 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 1 1 0 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 Ipair 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 6 £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— Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 3 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 sse what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at ones 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. ma'de payable to E O. BRO.WN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1332



Special Advertisements. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS. NO W OP E N ■ HILL’S SAMPLE ROOMS, Opposite Arcade. Monster Bazaar AND Fancy Fair. P. CLARK, Hairdresser. 11 929



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 on which they are to bo inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged donb’e rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, ur Deaths must bo accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett ’s to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.