SHIPPING.

POST OF LYTTELTON. Sailed. Yesterbat. Wanaka, a.a, for the Manukau and way porta. _ ~ Omapere, as., for Dunedin. Wakatn, as., for Timaru, Rotorua, aa, for Melbourne, via Sou thern porta " SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday, drived—Marion and Magellan Oloud, from Fiji Wellington, Yesterday. 1 Arrived—Taiaroa, from Nelson and Ficton; Koiannl, from Greymonth. Sailed—Tcdaroa, for the South; Sarah POe, brigantine, for Grey mouth; Mar mion, schooner, for Kaipara; Atlantic, brig, for Tahiti; Kiwi, for the East Coast. Gbstmopth; Yesterday. Arrived—Frank Guy, from Napier. ' Sailed --Sti Kilda, for Wellington. Dunedin, Yesterday. Sailed—Star of the South, for Grey , month ; Ringarooma, for Auckland, via ‘ intermediate ports.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Thursday afternoon. The New Zealand Loin and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited (per Mr E. G. Stavdey, auctioneer), report on the Ashburton market under date 13th November -Sheep : The entry in this department was light and business dull throughout the day, with an un usqaHy. krpall attendance. In fact very little brthe stock yarded was disposed of under the hammer. The following prices were obtained: —Shorn crossbreds, mixed sexes, 12s ; merino wethers, shorn, 7s 2d ; crossbred hoggets, m the wool, ns iod.—Cattle; Again scarcely any business was effected, and although very few cattle were penned a large f portion of them was returned unsold. Fat cows and heifers brought L 5 and L 6; bullocks, L 7 5 dry heifers made L 3 19s and L 4 2s ; springing heifers, I 4 17s 6d; yearlings, 31s.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

T&aibs Leave Ashburton fob Ohbist ' church and intermediate stations at 7 .10 a.nu, 10.55 a.m.,‘ and (Express) 5.37 . p.m, - Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timaru 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 Christchurch at 10 15a, m. (Express), ,435 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 pirn. (Express), and 8 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE •*. Saturday, November 17. Ur Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Barrett street—Four-roomed Cottage. Mr T. . Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett . street —Cottages and Land ; ; .. Tuesday, November 20. Matson; Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Kaleyards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Em This Evknino. Woedyear'a Circus and Equeaquriculum, at 7.30 p.m. Monday, November 26. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. Wednesday, November 28. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

yrmla 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 Chertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Bangitata, Orari, Winchester and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Tomuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenatreet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. For llount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For iftemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kylo, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 *,m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 436p.ml daily. ■ From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.30 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 5.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From -Greenatreet 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 lO a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Eylov on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at4p.m. From Newlands, 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 bo 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 be inserted. Special notices ctu be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett u s to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed ,to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas, et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1883. The Annexation Question.

The Australasian colonies have been very naturally incensed at the manner in which their proposals for annexing some of the islands in the South Pacific have been met by the Imperial authori ties, but when we consider the ignor ance which prevails in England con cerning her antipodean possessions, we can conceive a reason, if not an excuse, for Earl Dkrby’s obstinacy. A speci men of the kind of argument which is looked upon as Gospel in certain not uninfluential quarters lies before us, and as it affords an example of the harm really well-meaning people can do, we intend to say a few words concerning it. The article in question was pub lished some little time back in a journal bearing the somewhat grandiose title of the London Hetald of Peace and In ternational At titration, which is issued by a society having the worthy, though chimerical, object of bringing about the millenium by the establishment of a universal peace. It is the peculiar characteristic of these so-called “ phil anthropists ” who most do congregate within the walls of Exeter Hall to take a specially kindly interest in the colored races. The terrible misery existing in the black slums of the great metropolis concerns them not, but let the word be spoken of the needs of a “ nigger ” tribe and a society will instantly be formed to send help to the benighted heathens in far-off foreign lands. We shall probably find in this a reason for the interest taken in the New Guinea annexation question. The Peace Society cares nothing about the matter so far as it affects the countries concerned, but it has heard something about some shady transactions of the Q ueens l an d planters in regard to what is euphemistically termed “ recruiting labor,” and has ac cordingly raised its voice in reproba tion of what it considers the inaugura tion of a system of slavery. To do the Hetald justice, that journal admits that the danger would be great to the colo nies were France to establish convict stations in the Pacific, and it is admitted that there is cause for the alarm felt in Queensland. “ But on the other hand,” the article goes on to say, “it is to be clearly borne in mind that Queensland, in particular, has shown herself very unworthy of any further encouragement to territorial extension or influence over the adjacent islands of the Pacific, inasmuch as her own ex ample in those regions has been very pernicious, and has ledj.to numerous armed reprisals for the outrages perpe trated by the trading and kidnapping crews who have for years past been re cruiting ‘laborers,’ or in other words slaves, for the Queensland plantations.” It would be idle to deny that there is not some justification for the assertion that nefarious transactions have taken place in connection with the labor traffic, but such transactions have been in direct contravention of the law. Only those who are wilfully blind would think of saddling the sins of a few upon the whole colony, and the following sentence is sufficient to show the spirit which actuates fanatics when they take up a question of this kind:—“As to the slaughter of New Guinea, aborigines, that would probably be a matter for absolute satisfaction to the colonists.” Such an assertion as this is an insult to the colony. One of the chief reasons Queensland has for de siring the annexation of New Guinea is that she may possess more real power over the island, and thus prevent the unholy labor traffic which jis now being carried on in spite of legislation of the most stringent sort. However, we may rely that the whole question will be discussed from every point of view atlthe intercolonial conference, and it is to be hoped that Earl Derby will listen to the advice of those who are capable of giving an opinion, and not be led away by the ravings of a’ society, which sees only in the movement a de velopmeut of what is called the “jingo” spirit.

At the Police Court this morning before R. Alcorn, Esq. ~T.P., Robert Gibb was brought up charged with being drunk in a public place. As there were four other convictions for the same offence against the accused he was fined 10j or 48 hours. John Murphy alias Dublin was charged with drunkenness and riotous conduct, and was fined 40s with the alternative of three days’ imprisonment. A first offen der was discharged with a c ution.

Mr W. de B. Compton, late Clerk to the Mount Hutt Road Board, was arrested yesterday on a warrant, and was brought up at the R. M. Court this morning, be fore R. Alcorn, Esq., J.P., charged with embezzling L2 5i belonging to the Ash burton County Council, the same leing public money. Mr O. \V. Purnell ap peared to prosecute, and asked for a re mand to enable witnesses to appear. The accused was remanded till Wednesday next, bail being allowed —himself in LIOO and two sureties of LSO each.

At a meeting of the Christchurch Hos pital and Charitable Aid Board yesterday the Master of the Ashburton Home re [ ortly forty-seven inmates. A report re specting one of the inmates of the Home was referred to the Committee. The re signation of the Master and Matron of the Home at Ashburton was received. It was resolved that the Committee of the Home be requested to select some persons for recommendation to the Board for appoint ment as Master and Matron, the selected persons to be without children, if pos sible.

At a meeting of the V. esleyan Church Finance Conference held in Christchurch yesterday, the Rev 0. H. Standage, and Messrs 0. Dixon and H. M. Jones at tended as delegates from the the Ashbur ton district. The Rev C. H. Standage, in making application for a grant-in-aid of enlarging the Willowby Church, stated that the church had been erected little more than a year, but such had been the success which had followed their work in that district, that the place was far too small to accommodate those who desired to worship there. It was decided that the whole cost of the undertaking would be defrayed. The following amount was recommended from the loan fund Ash burton, L4OO, for parsonage. The monthly meeting of the Borough School Committee took place on Tuesday evening, the members present being— Messrs J. Orr (in the chair), Sparrow, T. Sealy, Mayo, 6. W. Andrews, St. Hill and Roddin. The master’s report showed a great improvement in the attendance at school, and it was decided to allow those children at present on the register, who were above the regulation age, to remain in the school. A lengthy discussion arising out of a complaint made by Mr Roberts to the Secretary, to the effect that his daughter had been sent home on the dny of the examination, and was debarred from being presented with the other pupils took place, and it was decided to leave over a further consideration of the matter until after the Inspector’s report was re ceived. A letter was read from Mr R. S. Bean, complaining that the teachers had to go to the Secretary’s office every month to receive their salaries, and it was re solved that the salaries be paid' by the Secretary at the school building. St. Hill gave notice of the following motion —“ That it be a recommendation to the Board that necessity exists for the erec tion of a side school in the suburbs, say, in Hampstead or Trevorton.” It was de cided to recommend Mr Pole for the posi tion of second master and Mr Gilboy as third master ; and after the appointment of a Visiting Cammittee for the month the meeting adjourned.

Keep the kidneys healthy and unobstructed with Hop Bitters, and you need not fear sick ness. Read.— [Advt.] -» Wells’ “Rough on Corns.”— Ask for Wells’“ Rough on Corns.” Quick re lief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents.

Mother Swan’s worm Syrup. —lnfallible, tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation, is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 3

THE ELECTRIC CIRCUS.

No show is more popular than a circus and, given fine weather, it was a foregone conclusion that the entertainment given at Ashburton last night would be largely attended. Some time before the hour had arrived for commencing the per formance, the tent was crowded, and in the lower priced portions oven standing room could not be obtained. The entertain ment started with the usual procession, the various movements being gone through with great skill. Following this, a lady came into the ring and went through some extraordinary evolutions, apparently proving that it is possible for some people to exist without a backbone. Among the items of the first part, not the least noticeable, was the riding of a very cleverly trained monkey, whose skill in horsemanship was nearly equal to the human riders in the show. A Japanese conjurer did some wonderful feats of balancing, and a trapeze entertainment by a lady performer was loudly and de servedly applauded. In the second part, some excellent bare-back rid ing was exhibited, and an extremely clever troupe of performing dogs created much amusement by their antics. The ground and lofty tumbling was 'deserving of praise, the various gymnasts doing their allotted task with skill and dexterity. That important character in a circus, the clown, fell into good hands, Duvalli creating immense merriment with his re partees and by-play, while he was sup ported by another gentleman in motley garb. Taken as a whole, the electric circus will compare favorably with any show of a similar kind that has visited Ashburton, and the only fault to be found was that tha electric light was a little erratic at times. This, however, is a matter that will no doubt be rectified this evening, as the necessity for erecting the tent at so short a notice probably pre vented all the arrangements being com pleted. We fully expect to see a crowded house again to-night, and can safely promise our readers a thoroughly pleasant evening’s entertainment.

ANNIVERSARY.

The most enthusiastic meeting which has yet been held in connection with the local Primitive Methodist Church took place last evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall. The building was crowded and the cater ing, wiiich was in the hands of Mr Thos. Taylor, reflected the greatest credit on that gentleman. The following jladies pre sided at the tables :—Mesdames Nixon, Tresize, Yaughan, Hooper, Scowan, Bevan, Dailey, and the Misses Steel, Hooper, and Ashworth. The after meet ing was presided overby Mr I. Scott, who remarked that spiritual progress had been made during the past year. Christianity was the mightiest power for good in the world. He eulogised the Salvation Army though he did not agree with them on points of doctrine. The Rev J. Nixon reviewed the past year’s work, and re ferred to the earnestness displayed by the members in attending the week night ser vices. Mr Sawle was very glad to be pre sent. tie congratulated them on the the efforts put forth, and thanked God that the old Gospel had lost none of its virtue and blessedness. He showed in an able speech the hollowness of “ Free thought,” and predicted the overthrow of every system opposed to Christianity. The Rev J. Sharp was the next speaker. He delivered a humorous address, brist ling with anecdotes and common sense. The rev gentleman is a great favorite with the Ashburton Methodists, he having

laborers with “ Cuffee,” and they had to 1 sink to the level of an inferior race. It the steps taken forty years ago to add the islands of the Pacific to the Empire had been followed the result would have been beneficent to all con cerned. New Zealand, with the Aus tralialn colonies, had given up that been their first minister. The Rev A. M. Beattie had no prepared speech but read some extracts from Spurgeon’s “John Ploughman.” The musical arrangements were under the superintendence of Mr Savage and Miss TCidd. The choruses contributed were —

“ Rejoice in the Lord,” “ Come unto Me,” and “ Behold I stand at the door.” Mrs Vaughan sang “He was despised” with deep feeling. Miss Kidd rendered very sweetly “ He wipes away the tear from every eye.” The solo “ Angela ever bright and fair” by Mrs Nixon was a fine piece of singing, her pure intona tion and brilliant expression had scope in this high-class solo. One of the scholars sang a hymn very creditably. Votes of thanks with the pronouncing of the benediction, brought one of the hap piest meetings of the year to a close.

SIR G. GREY ON FEDERATION AND ANNEXATION.

Sir George Grey lectured on “Federa tion and Annexation ” last night at the Auckland Theatre Royal to a crowded, audience. Senior Councillor Waddell pre sided. Sir George was enthusiastically cheered on coming forward to address the meeting. He said he did not know whe ther he should be able to carry their sym pathies with him, as the question was of less utility to the present than the time to come, but it was these apparently unprac tical questions which guided the future and the welfa e of unknown millions. Looking to the past, he would tell them what he and those associated with him felt thirty-seven years ago as to the rela tions of New Zealand to the islands of the Pacific. They felt that unless those is lands were taken possession of, something woise than slavery would be instituted, that adventurers would sacrifice every thing for greed or gain, and possibly foreign powers intervene with protector ates. He relied on the people of Auck land to make sacrifices in regard to cer tain endowments. He said they were made for the benefit of both races in the islands of the South Pacific. Something was done in the southern provinces so that their schools, hospitals, and other institutions, were by the endowment deeds open to islanders. At that time negotia tions were opened with Fiji and Tonga, while New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands and the New Hebrides actually belonged to New Zealand; but <a party arose in England averse to the extension of the Empire, which had continued till the presnit day, and the opportunity then offered was let slip. That was forty years ago. Since then great changes had come about, and other Powers had en tered the Pacific and brought about the results they now saw. During these forty yews he had hoped and waited for a grand reaction of the Anglo-Saxon com munities, with one common language and literature strong enough to enforce what was right throughout the world. He thought the interference of this colony with the islands was not unwarranted, and would be for the benefit of the aboriginal inhabitants themselves. Why should they nvt now carry out the original plan, and send the flower s of their youth to the islands as magistrates and to other avenues of distinction ? Why not nut an end to the labor traffic in its present form, and substitute something better 1 ? The merchants then would have a new open ing for commerce, for he included the large islands adjacent to the Australian continent in the term “ islands of the Pacific.” These colonies had a natural tight to have something to say in shaping their own destinies, and to influence the counsels of the Empire on matters which concerned them even seconda rily. He believed the claim would now be granted cheerfully by British statesmen to the Australasian colonies, though refuse i with scorn 40 years ago. Referring to the legislation in the past session on South Sea Island affairs, he considered the intercolonial conference had not been begun under the best of auspices The questions to be dealt with were not party but national questionSj and the people of the colony should have chosen delegates. If ever there was an occa-ion on which such a method should have been adopted it was the present. He should have thought it due to the inhabitants of the great Australian colo nies 1 1 know what they thought about it before he intruded himself upon them. When the question came up for final settlement, the whole col my should have a chance of deciding upon the issue and of choosing men who should take the final and irrevocable step. The present dele gatee should have only power to report their conclusions or recommendations, and the people should see that nothing was agoeed to or decided till the report of the delegates was submitted to Parliament, and the final decision should be left to the national vote. The matter was too impor tant for the country to run risks. Oould anyone tell what was to be submitted to the conference or what it should do? When the report of the delegates was made, it should be published, so that public discussion might bo excited, and a careful consideration given to the ques tion. There were certain cardinal points which should be insisted on ; first, that no exterior power should control their do mestic population or interfere with their right to know what they thought best for their own benefit within the limits of the colony. British statesmen, he believed, would be willing to take colonies into their confidence, and would be willing to discuss with them the question of federa tion. Second, that they should be heard in the councils of the Empire on all matters relating to their relations with the neighboring countries or powers. There was a party at Home who cared nothing for the colonies, and were willing to let them go ; whose maxiura was to buy in the cheapest and sell in the dearest markets. The Orange Free State has been cut off from the Empire, and islands in the Pacific had been surrendered without Parliament ever being consulted. The third cardinal condition should be that no colony or portion of the Empire should be surrendered save by Vet of Parlia ment. There were oertain things in which they should federate with the other colo nies by treaty or other .vise—defence for instance. He did not think the people of New Zealand would derive such valuable results from feieration as the North American colonies had done. For instance: If they had a Federal Assembly for the Australian colonies, when the labor ques tion cropped up, their interests would be conflicting, and New Zealand would be in the minority, and it remained to be seen what compensating advantage we would get against that disability. His idea was to keep New Zealand a purely Euro pean Power, and to keep out Chinese and the Malay hordes, which would press upon as. No portion of gain from cheap labor should lead the n to sacrifice that aim. They had ample facilities for de fence, and the best possible opportunities of showing to the colored races around what the Anglo-Saxon race was, and what it could accomplish. In Australia, from the nature of the country and climate, there was sphere for the colored races, as the soil could only be cultivated by them in certain sections of the esuntry, but he foresaw for Australia in the future a time of trouble and difficulty with alien races on the labor question, unless her institutions were kept free, and the people of New Zea

land should, if run the risk of the competition of colored labor. At; the -Cap's -of Good Hope Europeans-could not compete :as period from childhood to youth, and in cipient manhood had now been entered upon, with the rights and responsibilities attached to manhood. In this, the greatest crisis which had arisen in his life, ha hoped the people of New Zealand would stand shoulder to shoulder, and aid and farther the great movement which had now arisen in the Australian colonies. They would yet meet again before;the question was finally settled and fought. Sir George Grey concluded his lecture amidst great applause. Mr J. A. Tole, M. H.R., moved, and Mr Hill seconded the following resolution —“ That this meeting accords its hearty thanks to Sir George Grey for his able and eloquent address on ‘ Federation and Annexation,’ and is of opinion that the islands in the Pacific Ocean should not be made the receptacle for the convicts of any nation. ” Carried by acclamation. The meeting broke up with throe cheers for Sir George Grey.

FATAL THUNDERSTORM.

The weather at Invercargill for some days has been of a threatening character, and yesterday afternoon it suddenly cul minated in a heavy thunder storm over the tde town, accompanied by a deluge of rain and hail. The moisture was much wanted. Unfortunately the storm was marked by a fatal accident.’ ■ On the eastern confine of the town is a small railway station known as EJlis road, and when the storm was at its height, about 4pm., several persons were there waiting the arrival of an out train for Glinton. Among them were Mr Arthur Crisp and Mr F. G. Stone, prominent officials, of the Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, on their way to establish a Lodge at Ma taura. While waiting at the door of a shelter shed a very vivid flash of lightning, which was remarked all over the town, struck the s ation. Mr Crisp only sur vived the shook a short time. Mr Stone was scorched down the arm and dazed, while others felt the effects of the elec tricity in a slighter degree. The weather boards of the station were driven off, and thrown across the rails, the track of the fluid from one nail to another being visible. The building was shattered, and one of the piles of the platform split. Mr Crisp was conveyed to the hospital, but nothing could be done for him. Mr Stone went home somewhat, stunned. Mr Crisp was a laboring man, but very widely known in the district, and the leading spirit in benevolent and political affairs. He had been Councillor of the borough of South Invercargill, where he resided, and was N.G. of the District Lodge of Oddfellows, and in that capacity was making the jour ney. He leaves a widow and largafamily of young children. A rumor, apparently well founded, has been circulated to the effect that two children, named Fraser, have also been killed by lightning at the Gap, a road station on the Northern line, about 17 miles from the town. Their parents are also said to be injured or prostrated by the calamity. The storm is unprecedented in its results in this dis trict. Telegraph poles have been split, and the telephones in town were charged with electricity, bells in offices ringing frequently. On the inner side of Mr Crisp’s leg the repressntation of a tree was distinctly marked as if photographed.

SPORTING.

SPRING RACE MEETING. First Day. President, E. G. Wright; Vice-President, W. C. Walker; Stewards, C. H. Dowding, H. Friedlander, John Grigg, T. .Leahy, W. G. Ross, W. Saunders and H. T. Winter; Judge, Matthew Stitt; Hon. Treasurer, C. C. Fooks; Clerk of the Course, W. B. Den shire; Clerk of the Scales, H. Friedlander ; Starter, David Thomas; Handicappers (open races), E. G. Griffiths, (district races), E. G. Crisp, C. C. Fooks, T. Leahy and M. Stitt. The weather to-day has not belied the promise of yesterday, an 1 never since the Ashburton races have been held have the fate a been so propitious in this important matter. To find fault on such an occasion would be following the example of the great auctioneer of ancient days, George Robins, who when selling an estate felt it necessary to mention the only drawbacks to the property were that the rose leaves made a litter, and the nightingale’s song was wont to disturb sleepers. But still the only possible objection to the weather to-day is the excessive heat, and this is not likely to militate greatly with the en joyment of those present At a compara tively early hour this morning the streets of Ashburton were alive with people, whose appearance showed that they were on pleasure bent, and the crowd at the Show yesterday made it pretty certain that if the day was fine the races would be witnessed by the largest num ber ever seen on the Ashburton course. At about noon crowds began to pour in from town, a great many vehicles of all kinds—from the convenient hansom to the le;s comfortable express cart, in which seats were extemporised—being brought into requisition. The new grand stand has greatly improved the look of the course, and the substantial and con venient nature of the structure was greatly admired. At present it does not of course look so well as it will at the next meet ing, owing to the grass on the slopes not having yet grown. When the first race was run there could not have been many less than 2,000 people on the ground, and there was in the paddock a strong detachment of the bootmaking fraternity. Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin had a totali sator on the ground, which was well patronised. All the arrangements ap peared to give satisfaction, and redacted great credit on the secretary, Mr S. Saunders, and the other officers worked well to secure the success of the meeting. The following are the results of the racing up to our going to press : County Hurdle Race (Handicap), of 30 sovs ; over six flights of hurdles about’Sft Gin high ; nomination, 1 sov; acceptance, 1 sov. li miles. District horses only. Mr E. W. Osborne’s ch g Andy, Gyrs, 9st 71b ;. (J. Cotton) 1 Mr W. B. Colton’s blk m Brenda, Gyrs, 10st 71b (Smith) 2 Mr A. Dawson’s chg Why Not, aged, list 121 b (Lyford) 3 Mr A. Hathorn’s ch m Shepherdess, aged, 10st (Armstrong) 0 Mr E. Prebble’s br g Butcher Boy, 4yrs, 9st 3£lb (including 3ilb over) (Miller) 0 Betting—s to 4 agat Why Not, 2 to_ 1 Shepherdess. All the horses accepting in this event faced the starter, and they were got off well at the first attempt, Why Not, on the inside, getting slightly f the best. Passing the stand the favorite [ led over the first hurdle three lengths ahead of the field, Andy being next, and Brenda third, the rest close up. Attha second obstacle Andy closed up $o thi leader, and at the back of the course the horses widened out, but the relative posi tions were not altered. Coming round the turn Cotton brought Andy on level terms ' with Why Not, Brenda being’three lengths i behind and the rest out of it. Coming . into the straight Brenda came away, and the three leaders took the final fence in a cluster. A splendid race took place be tween Andy and Brenda, who left the favorite in the rear and came the last two hundred yards neck and neck, the whip being out to both, Cotton landing Andy a winner by a head, Why Not about four

lengths behind. The victory was a very popular one, and the people were loud in their admiration of the excellent handi capping, which led to such a close finish. The time was 3min 2seo. The totalisator showed 171 investors, 27 being on the winner, dividend L 6 14s. Handicap, of 43 sovs ; acceptance, 2 sovs ; 1 mile. Mr John Carter’s ch m Marchioness Neil, 4yrs, 7st (White) 1 Mr G. Bate’s ch g The Painter, syrs, 6st 91b (including 31b overweight) ... 2 Mr J. W. Cotton’s ch g Prospero, 6yrs GstlOlb ... (Sharp) 3 Mr D. O’Brien’s oh h Johnny Faulk ner, 4yrs, 7st lOJrlb (including 2£lb overweight (Oerntt) 0 Mr P. MeEvedy’s b g .Trumpeter, syrs, 7st 10lb ... (Miller) 0 Nimrod and Turquoise were scratched. Johnny Faulkner was favorite, but there was very little betting. Marchioness Neil and Prospero were rather fidgetty at the post, but Mr Thomas eventually, got his horses away to a g iod start, The Marchioness immediately rushed to the front followed by Johnny Faulkner, The Painter being next. At the half-mile post Mr Carter’s mare was still leading, but Prospero had come up to second place a length behind, The Painter being three times that distance in the rear, Johnny having dropped out of the race, as was also the case with Trum peter. Coming into the straight it was seen that the Marchioness had it all her own way, and she passed the post in a canter three lengths ahead of The > Painter, who had displaced Prospero at > the last hundred yards, winning second L honors by a short head. Time—lmin I 45360. The totalisator slowed 353 inveS i tors, 30 being on the winner, LlO 11s ; being the dividend,,, „ , „ „ Maiden Plate, of 40 sovs ; weight for

age ; entrance, 3 aovs ; miles* Messrs Robinson and Lance’s b o

. Leopold, 3 yra, 7atl2lb (Purdham) 1 Mr F. Lewis’s- b h Digby Grand, 4yrs, i dst ... (Rudings) 2 Mr A. 6 ; Drummond's ch g Bpofforth, 3yrs, 7st 121 b ... ... (Sharp) 3 Mr T. Quill’s ch m Roseaeath, 4yra, " Sat 9lb (EUiott) 0 Mr R. T. Button’s ch g* Kahikatea, . Syra, 7st 121 b.. ... (Wattle)’ 0 Mr John Bull’s, bf Gondoline, 3yrs, „.75t,71b,, ~(MUJ«t)~rO Mr F. Bozehberg’s g g Selim, aged, 9st 31b ... (Williams) 0 Betting—Even money bn Digby Grand. Some time was spent at the post before a start was made, Selim 'dislodging his jockey and going a journey over the ground on his own account, fle was eventually re-captured, but when ’ the horses got away he was left behind from tho start. Kahikatea was the first to show in front, Gondoline being in close company and the rest aoraelengths hi the rear, Digby Grand being second and Roaeneath fourth. Rounding the turn at the back of the course the favorite-made a rush and ran clean through his horses and at the same time Leopold came up to within a length of the leader. At the straight the two were running locked together, and a slashing race ensued to the finish, both horses being ridden hard. Leopold came in a winner by a short head from Digby-Grand, Spof forth being a very bad third, and the rest tailing off to nothing. Selim--came with a grand rush at the end, and if &e (had been better ridden be might - havshada show for a place. Time, 2min I4£sec. There were 369 investors in the. totaliza tor, 96 being on the winner—dividend, L 3 9s. Asitborton Cup (Handicap), of Isd scvs; nomination, 2 sovs j acceptance, 5 sovs; miles. Mr D. O’Brien’s hr h Tasman, Syrs, 9st 61b (Derritt)^! Mr H. Goodman’s ch g Violin, Syrs, 6st 51b ... (Sharp) 2 Mr G. Bate’s ch g The Poet, 6yrs, 6st 121 b (Brown). 3 Mr G. G. Stead’s b o Sir Bedivere, \ ; 3yrs, 7st 81 ■> (Tetley) d Mr P. Butler’s hr h Emir, Bey, Syrs, 7at 7lb (Butler) 0 Mr W. B. Haugbton’s b g Hercules, 6yra, 7st 71b ... ... (Williams) 0 Messrs Robinson and Lance’s ch c Master Agnes, Syrs, 6st 7£lb (in cluding 4£lb over weight) (Rudings) 0 Mr A. Hathorn’s ch g Comet, syrs, 6st (White) 0 Turquoise was scratched. Betting—2 to 1 agst Violin and Sir Bedivere, 3 to 1 Tasman, 5 to 1 Poet, 10 to 1 any other. Mainly owing to the restiveness of Master Agnes and The Poet there was a long time occupied before the horses were got away, several false starts occurring,. in two of which Hercules bolted half way round the course before he was pulled up. Ultimately the.field was seat away to a very indiffer ent start, Comet being left at the. post. The Poet and Master Agnes jumped with the lead, but after going a quarter of a mile the latter bolted off the course, and was thus out of the fight; At|the half-mile post The Poet was still leading, Violin being second, and Tasman, Emir Bey, Hercules, and Sir Bedivere follow ing in the order named. At. the back of the course The Poet and Violin were abreast, leading Tasman by six lengths, Emir Bey being four lengths further in the rear. When half a mile from home, Violin took the command, and at the turn was two lengths ahead of The Poet, the gap between the latter and T-sman having been enlarged. Coming into the straight it was seen that The Poet had shot his bolt, and at this point Tasman began to come u|> to the leader. Derritt had the whip oat and the winner of the New Zealand Cap responded gamely, and a hundred yards from home Violin was beaten, Tasman winning rather easily by a length. The Poet was a bad third, and the rest cams in straggling. On the totalisator there were 80 on the win ner out of a to*al of 443, the dividend being L 5 19.

CABLE NEWS.

* AThST FROM EUROPE

[rßOTßr’s XBLEORAMS —COPYRIGHT. ] London, Not. 12. Monetary and Commercial. Consols have advanced to New Zealand securities remain .as follows: —Five per cent, xo-40 Load,' 105)4', Five per cent. 1889 Loan, 103 y 2 , ex div; Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 Loan, 104^; Four per, cent. Inscribed Stock, 100, exdiv. Adelaide wheat has advanced dd a quarter, and is now quoted at New Zealand do remains at 38s' 6d to 44s 6d j Adelaide flour, ex L 32 ; Scotch pig iron has fallen, 6d a ton, and quoted to-day at 47s 6d, f.ab. in Clyde; galvanised iron, 26 gauge,: packed in cases, f.o.b. in London, Llßlos A Prohibition. London, Not. 13. A proclamation has been issued by the Irish Executive prohibiting the in tended meetings of the Irish National League and Orangemen in Fermanagh. Withdrawal of Troops. Alexandria, Not. 12. . The withdrawal of the British troops from Egypt will be completed .during the present month. It has been > de*. cided that only three English regiments shall remain in the country, and they will act as garrison for this city; hri i Returning a Visit. I Berlin, Not. 12. v y Prince Frederick William, Crown. Prince, leaves here on Thursday next for Madrid, to return the visit which King Alfonso recently paid the German Emperor.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15, 1883.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED t DING MANUFACTORY, E AST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Phioes and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship. FUNERALS dCEAPXY & OOMPLSTKLT BT7KNXBHKD



Wanted. WANTED SHEARERS. Apply, W. H. Rote, Pendarves. 11 Bi 6 ANTED KNOWN —That Robert W Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. 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 toined 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 month, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. MR LAURENCE OXLEY has been Appointed Agent for the Ashbur ton Guardian at South Kakaia. STOP TBAT COUGH! PON’T DELAY. —How can you stop it? Where, s the Remedy. Bennington’s PECTORAL OXYMEL OP OARRA GE’SN' or IRISH MOSS (registered), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. —G. Bonnington, Christchurch.



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



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 BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., East street South, Ashburton. n!5 0 3 CD GC bd o cc W too >-« (W B*. o o < cr ® c B S o - o CP 0 s gg ;» s 0 S® ts'i ra 2 a 2 W _on 5 C =. a > BJ 1 a g £ O® 5- a B :tS B ► i-i c "•{M /*»• O £ M H © 2 >-j 50 CB K B i> CO 8p 9 * i M I M 1 !> 73 Cl S w o o B SWEET



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



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY fi 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. A SINGLE GARMENT 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 Branch : EAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion Revs*, Cashel street, Chuetchurch. Great success has been achiever* in the Old Country by the introduction ef the “Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply and 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, Christchbboh. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles seld 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 oases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains — Worth £ s. d.



1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ••• 0 1 • 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our-No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains — _ Werth 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 Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth ... ... 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 0



£2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt 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) . ... 0 18 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 ... ... 06 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 04 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. ,7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... 1 5 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 6 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern godd tapestry carpet 3 6 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 wiiney 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 S 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 6 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 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 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence Just try one parcel and see 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. made payable to E O. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. USI N E Envelopes,



5s PER REWARD BOOKS. H. M. J O N 1 East street. 1,000 1 S; 11 877



That Mr Frank Wilmott and his com pany have many admirers in Ashburton was shown last evening, when notwith standing the fact that it was not known they intended to perform until after the evening train arrived from Christchurch, they succeeded in obtaining a very good attendance at the Town Hall, and this in the face of so many counter attractions. The pieces provided for last night’s enter tainment were Broughton’s comedy en titled “ Withered Leaves ” and the bur lesque “Lurline.” As the abilities of the different members of ths Company are well known to the playgoers of Ashburton further comment is not necessary, suffice it to say that in “ Withered Leaves ” Mr Rede’s delineation of the character of the ptodigal Tom Conyers was very good. He was eminently successful in keeping the audience in gnoi humor, and he was well assisted in this by Miss Crawford as Lady Conyers. The burlesque was well received, Miss Amy John’s singing and dancing being much admired, while Mr Wilkinson as the “ funny man ” was very amusing. This evening “Checkmate” will be produced, with “ Lurline” as the afterpiece. Why be sick and ailing when Hop Bitters will surely cure you? Read and know.— Advt, ]