SHIPPING.

.PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Omapere, s.s., from Westport. Rotorua, p.b. , from Port Chalmers,

COMMERCIAL.

Mr T. Bullock reports for the week ending December 30th: —Horse Market : At the Bazaar, Burnett street, on Saturday, there was only a small entry of horses, and not quite an average attendance of country settlers and Others, the biddings also were not so spirited as at previous sales. Only 27 horses were entered, out of which 7 changed hands as fol lows :—Medium draughts, 5 and 6 years old, L 25 ros, L 26 10s ; light harness horses, LlO to Ll I 15s; aged and inferior draughts, L 6 10s, LlO. Harness, sundries, etc., at satisfac tory prices. 1 also sold by private treaty 3 McCormick reapers and binders {it L 25, L 32, and L 35. Country sale.—On Friday, Decem ber 29th, I held a clearing sale of farming plant, horses, etc., at the homestead of the form lately in the occupation of Mr Fountaine, Rangitata district, near the Hinds station. The attendance was not numerous, nevertheless all lots were cleared at market rates. A Wood s reaper and binder, not in very good condition, brought Ll 9 xos. Mr Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows; Saturday, December 30th, horses particularly dull, only one or two changing hands at low prices. Pigs sold very well from 9s to 245, small weights are asked for. Calves, Ss to 10s; fowls, 2s; ducks, 4s; turkeys, 15s per pair; reaper, Ll 6 ; dray, Ll 3; also, sundry other implements ; chick wheat, 3s; bran, 4s per loolbs. Potatoes are apparently scarce as yet. A large quantity of fttffiitbre and sundries sold well. The attendance Was good, and a very fair sale found for all entries considering this is the holiday season.

MAIL NOTICES.

UTaila close at the Ashburton Post Office U follows; — tfor Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. jFot Qhertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. arid 5 p.m. daily. , , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow,Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m,, daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 A 450., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 10,30 a. m. For Ashburton Forks on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3.30 p.m. ( For vlount 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, »t‘43o p.m. daily. For BTemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. in. . EorWakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, Njwiand, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a, m.

TMTniV arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — ' From Christchurch and Rahaia at 10.15 а. 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 436 p-m. daily. From'Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.30 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. б. p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. •From Greenstreet, Tuesdays and Fri days, at 3 p.m. From Ashburton Forks on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a. m. Ffbm Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 5.16 p.m. .From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10 i 5 a. m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beaeh at 10 a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days; and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. -From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, Now and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4p.m. '

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES | v ;| , To-morrow, , “ ’ ' Wednesday, January 3. J. T. Ford and Co. , at the Homestead of Mr John Black, farmer, Wakanui— ; Coptractor’s'Plant; 11 a.m. Saturday, January 6. Matson, Cox, and Co. , at their Bazaar- Horses, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sundries, &o.; 11.30 a.m. ill ’j. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses, 1 p.m. Hr Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr W. F. Allen, at his rooms, Burnett street—Horses, Pigs, Poulb General Produce, &c.; 11.30 a.m. Tuesday, January 9. Hatson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o i To-Night, Tuesday, January 2. Horticultural Society, Monthly Meeting, H. M. Jones’ room, 8 p.m. ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment; Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, January 3. County Council, at ,the County Council ‘ Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Summer Flower Show—Town Hall. Thursday, January 4. L.C.L.—Monthly Meeting, Templar Hall, Saturday, January 6. Wakanui Road Board —Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street Friday, January 26. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1883. The Past Year.

The year which has just passed away will be long remembered in the future history of the world as an event ful one. Three occurrences such as the war in Egypt, the narrow escape of the Queen of England from assassina tion and the? foul murder of the Secretary and Under-Secretary of State for Ire land, are sufficient to render it memor able, while within the last decade in no one year have so many great men been cajled away. In summarising the events of the year, it will, perhaps, be more convenient to speak first of the most important—namely, the war in Egypt. Affairs in that country had begun to assume a threatening aspect before the close of iBBr, and in January of the present year, England and France, the European countries most nearly interested in Egypt, issued an identical note guaranteeing support to the Khedive, and stating they would prevent the interference of Tur key. But it was not till May that an actual rebellion was threatened, and it was on the 30th of that month that Arabi Pasha, who had attained great power as leader of the “ nationalist ” party, declared that the Khedive Tew fik should be deposed and his brother Prince Halim placed on the throne. Ten days later, on June lolh, serious disturbances took place in Alexandria, which resulted in the massacre of a large number of European residents in the city. Matters had assumed such a serious aspect that it was seen that a war was inevitable, and it was expected that France and England, whose in terests were identical, would be allies in crushing the rebellion. The former country, however, was unwilling to join in the war, and on a credit vote being asked for in the Chamber, it was nega tived. Turkey was also looked to for assistance, but the conduct of her pleni potentiary at the conference of the Powers that had been assembled at Constantinople, showed that the Porte was unwilling to interfere, and that her sympathies were with Arabi rather than otherwise. The result was that Eng land had to do the work single-handed, and Admiral Sir Beauchamp Seymour was ordered to proceed to Alexandria. Arabi appears to have had great belief in his ultimate success, and as he still continued to erect fortifications, the Admiral on July Bth gave the insurgent chief twenty-four hours’ notice that un less the works were stopped the city of Alexandria would be bombarded. At five o’clock on the morning of the iotli the bombardment was commenced, and was continued for several hours, the forts being ultimately silenced and a party of Marines and Blue Jackets landed. The troops were then on their way from England, but it was some time before they arrived, and it was not till the 18th of August that Sir Garnet Wolseley took personal command of the forces. Even then that able general showed no inclination to hurry on events. His object was evidently to crush Arabi with one tremendous blow, and on the 13th of September the only important battle of the campaign was fought, at Tel-cl-Kebir, where the enemy held a strong position. The manage ment of this battle was a masterpiece of strategy, and showed that Sir Garnet had .practically made failure impos sible. Afabi’s troops were thoroughly defeated, anti. fled in all directions, and

Wo days later the arch-rebel jhimselli jj was taken prisoner and the insurrection. ■ eritffely quelled.JJhe ofthqL drama has just been concluded, with the banishment of Arab] and other prominent leaders in the rebellion to. ,the island d’f Ceylon; How far Eng land was justified in entering upon this war must be left to posterity to decide, but considering the pledges that had been given to the Khedive, it was im possible to prevent the conflict when Arab! ami those who were working with him deposed Tewfik. We can only hope now that the reforms which are admittedly required in the country will be carried out. Turning from this foreign trouble of England to affairs nearer home, there comes the remem brance of the dastardly crime that was committed in Phoenix Park, Dublin, on the evening of the sth of May, when Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr T. PI. Burke were foully murdered. The former had just been elected Chief Secretary for Ireland in place of Mr W. E. Forster, and had been in the Capital but a few hours when, while walking in the Park with the Under secretary, he and his companion were assassinated- No clue lias yet been obtained either to the motive or to the perpetrators of this horrible deed, and it will probably remain a mystery to the end of time. The news of this crime caused a thrill of horror through out the whole world, and the Home Eulers in the House of Commons were not slow in expressing their abhorrence of what had occurred. Still, although it would be absurd to suppose that Mr Parnell and his followers could do anything to instigate such an assassination, it is impossible to close our eyes to the fact that tbs many inflammatory speeches that had been delivered had tended to excite the minds of the Irish people, and cause a state of anarchy throughout the coun try. Several agrarian outrages of pecu liar atrocity hare taken place in Ireland sincet hat time; but the people have of, late shown a disposition to abide by the , laws. The Arrears of Rent Bill, which became law during the year, promises to do much good in satisfying the people, and Mr Parnell has declared his satisfaction with the measure. It was in March that the Queen, while leaving Windsor station, was fired at by a man in the crowd. The author of this act was named Roderick Maclean, and he was immediately seized by the by standers. Maclean was tried subse quently by a Royal Commission; but it was shown that he was insane, and he was sentenced to be detained aaring Her Majesty’s pleasure. .. Coming so sooti after the assassination r of the President of the United Slates, and with the memory of the murder of the Czar of Russia still in the minds of the people, it cannot be wondered at that the news of the attempt on the Queen’s life was considered to be the result of some organisation. It was' a relief therefore to find that it was after all only the, act ,of a lunatic who was suffering from some imaginary wrong. Concerning the events in Europe proper during the past year little need be said. In France she short-lived Ministry of M. Gam betta resigned on January 26, being de feated on a Constitution Bill by a ma jority of 188, and M. de Freycinet then came into office. The latter was in his turn defeated on the motion for a war credit vote in connection with Egypt, on July 29, and M. Duclerc then entered into power. The progress of France has been satisfactory, and she appears to have chiefly confined her self to internal reforms, and to have taken but little interest in foreign affairs. Evidence is not wanting to show that the power of that once all powerful statesman, Prince Bismarck, is on the wane. The Radical party in Germany is evidently grooving in strength, and although the “ man of blood and iron ” will not easily admit defeat, it is plain that much of the influence he had has departed. Austria, in the early part of the year, was engaged in putting down a rebel lion in Herzegovina, which promised at one time to be serious, but after one or two skirmishes nothing more was heard of the insurrection. Nihilism still appears to be a great power in Russia, and, what is worse, seems to be spreading in other countries, notably in France and Italy. The Czar of Russia was crowned secretly in Mos cow, and the reign of terror which com menced when the late Emperor was assassinated has not yet ended. Of the other European countries little need be said. Turkey and Greece have had a petty squabble over a frontier line, but besides our own war in Egypt, no hostilities of any importance have taken place, while numerous messages of peace have passed between the chief Powers. So far as the Australasian colonies are concerned, 1882 will be remembered as a prosperous if not, on the whole, an eventful year. The establishment of the frozen meat trade is now an accomplished fact, and the cargoes sent from New Zealand and Australia have realised satisfactory prices. It need not be said that the successful prosecution of such' a trade as this will do great good to the colony, and now that there is every reason to believe that ere long we shall have direct steam communication between this colony and England, this trade will be largely increased. There has been much complaint during the year of the tightness of money, but when we receive the new loan no doubt all will go well. With the promise of a bountiful harvest, we have a right to expect that, prosperous as the year which has just closed has been, 1883 will show even a better record.

Wesleyan Sunday School. —The usual annual treat in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School was held in the mill paddock yesterday, where the juve niles, with their teachers and many visitors spent a most enjoyable holiday. Before returning to their homes at night each scholar received a small memento of the festive occasion, the usual method of giving prizes for races and the like, being dispersed with. Sommer. Flower Show. —This Show takes place to-morrow in the Town Hall, and promises, from the number of entries received, to be a decided success. To prevent disappointment, entries will be taken by Mr I’oyntz up to nine o’clock to morrow morning. We are requested to intimate to intending exhibitors. in the bouquet class for girls under T 5 that flowers will be provided or exhibitors can bring their own. A band will’perform in the Hall daring the evening, and the admission will be one shilling from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

p auction Sale. —Messrs J. T. Ford will hold aw Important clearing said or stock and, implements at Mr Black’s farm, Wak'antti, to-morrow (Wed nesday). v, 1 Ashburton Countv Council. —Tn con sequence of the opening of the Lyttelton Graving Dock the usual monthly meet ing of the County Council has been ad journed until Wednesday, January 10th.

The South Canterbury Caledonian Spouts. —Mr H. Stephenson represented the Ashburton Quoit Club at these sports yesterday, and succeeded in getting the second prize of L2 for quoits. Six others competed.

Phrenology. Professor Lio Medo notifies in another column that he has taken offices in East street, where the curious in such matters can be furnished either with phrenological clu. is or verbal descriptions of their mental qualities as exemplified by their “ bumps.”

Tub Orange Concert. —The hon secre tary informs us that after payment of all expenses there will be upwards of L3O in hand, which will be placed to the credit of the Orange Hall Building Fund. This is very satisfactory when the state of the weather during the late entertainment is taken into consideration.

Vital Statistics. Ashburton’s re cord for the month stands at 25 births, 6 deaths, and 6 marriages. From Christ church we learn that the statistics for the month of December compare unfavorably with those for the same month last year. The births were 145, showing a decrease of 21, while the deaths have increased from 55 to 65. Marriages also show a decrease, being 45 against 49. The figures for the past two years were-- Births : 1881, 2,056 ; 1882, 2,029. Mar riages : 1881, 414; 1882, 467. Deaths : 1881, 680; 1882, 663. Returns from other parts of the colony give the follow ing—Timaru ; births, 30 ; deaths, 13 ; marriages, 7. Dunedin ; Births, 1,871 J deaths, 585 ; marriages, 430.

: Methven.— A concert and ball, in aid of the Library funds, was held last even ing, in the railway shed, Methven, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The building was very well filled, and Mr Thomas Jackson occupied the chair. Mr Murray sang “ The midshipmite,” ac companied on the piano by Miss Boyle. Mr Coward followed with the song, “The great musician,” and Miss Patterson rendered the song, “ Juanita” with taste, and received an encore, and in response she gave, “ Why those pearly tears ?” Mr Piischell sang in his usual style the songs, “ Tell me, Mary, how to woo thee” and “ Rocked in the cradle of the deep.” Mr Rentoul gave an amusing recitation, “The wedding of Shon Maclean.” Mr (Grant sang two of his comic songs in his accustomed happy style, and Mrs Patton rendered'' “ Good bye at the door.” Messrs Cookson, West, and Middleton amused the audience with humorous songs. After a recitation from Mr Cla ridge and singing the “ National An them” the ball was held, and was kept up till four o’clock this morning. The re ceipts were about L3O.

Ushering in the New Yeab. —The members of the Volunteer Brass Band assembled at Baring Square on Sunday night, shortly after eleven o'clock, and played, with remarkably good effect, a number of sacred airs. A good number of the towns-folk promenaded the vicinity of the Square, and evidently appreciated very highly the unique manner in which Mr Hoskins’ little company sought to wile away the closing hour of 1882. Some of the pieces were executed with excellent taste, and had it not been Sunday night, the crowd would not have been slow to show their appreciation in a marked manner. It is a pity that the larrikin element of the community could not suppress their exuberance and post pone their mischievousness and tom foolery until Monday morning, instead of offending the good taste of more serious and sober-minded people by letting off crackers and overturning outhouses on the otherwise quiet Sabbath night. The usual watch-night service was held at-the Wesleyan Church, commencing at eleven o’clock, concluding just after midnight. In addition to members of the Wesleyan body, other congregations in the town were well represented, there being an un usually large number of persons present who chose in the most solemn manner to usher in the New Year. The Rev. C. H. Standage delivered an impressive discourse ;apnropriato to the occasion.

Sunday School Gathering. The united Sunday School gathering which took place on Sunday last was certainly the most successful demonstration of the kind yet held in Ashburton, and must have been extremely gratifying to the : promoters. Between 800 and 900 scho lars, with the teachers and office-bearers of the various schools represented, were present in the body of the hall, in addi tion to which a large number of parents and others interested in the Sabbath School institution were assembled in and beneath the gallery. The meeting was presided over by Mr C. E. Fooks (super intendent of the Ashburton Anglican Sunday School), and on the platform were also the Revs A. M. Beattie, A. E. Scott, C. H. Standage, and J. Nixon, with the superintendents of the town schools, viz. —Messrs A. Orr (Presbyterian), C. Ray (Wesleyan), R. Bovan (Primitive Metho dist). Tinwald, Elgin, Greenstreet, Row lands, and W illow by schools considerably helped to swell the numbers present, and it is seldom the Town Hall is so closely packed as it was last Sunday afternoon. Addresses were given by the' Revs A. E, Scott and J. Nixon, the opening devo tional exercises being conducted by Rev. C. H. Standage, and a tew introductory remarks were given by the chairman. Suitable hymns were sung with much spirit and precision by the youthful audi ence, Mr Weeks, the conductor, having the young folks well in hand, and contri buted, with the aid of Miss Kidd at the piano, to make the musical portion of the proceedings most successful.

Fatal Accident. —An accident is re ported to have ocouired yesterday on the railway near Christchurch. It appears that after the train which had left Lyttel ton at 12.20 p m. had passed Hillsborough,' the stationmaster noticed something which he at first took to be a swag lying on the line about 200 yards in the direc tion of Christchurch, Examination showed that this was the body of a man fearfully mangled, the skull split open and crushed at the back, both legs cut off belo w the knee, and, cut to pieces by the wheels of the train. The station master had the body removed from the rails, and sent a message of the occurrence to Christchurch. A truck was sent down and the body taken to the morgue, where it awaits identification—the only clue to the deceased's name being that given by a bill found in his pocket and made out to James Thompson. The unfortunate man, it appears, tgot into the train at Lyttelton, and was the only occupant of one of the carriages, being there when the guard collected his ticket at Heathcote. The probability is that the man met his death in endeavoring to step from one carriage to another while the train was moving. There are marks between the rails, with occasional patches of blood, for a distance of about a chain below the spot where the body was found, evidently showing that after falling from the plat form, deceased had been dragged along by the train before he was finally disengaged. The body, which now lies in the police morgue, is dressed in a dark coat, light tweed trousers, and black wideawake hat. Deceased was, according to the Lyttelton Timet, evidently a working man, and is supposed to have been employed in one of the Christchurch breweries.

Death oe Leon Gambbtta. —Our telegrams contain i the intelUgfepco of the death of the late Premier of Prince, M. Leon Gambetta. His death will be a great loss to the French nation.

: R.M. Court. —At the Police Court this morning before Mr Thos. Bullock, .< I\, John. Crawford, for being illegally on the premises of Mr Andrew Orr, was fined 10s or 24 hours. J. Wilkinson, for being drunk, was fined 6s or 24 hours, and Ed ward Albert; for being intoxicated in a public place, was fined 10s and 10s costs. Joseph Brennan, for the alleged larceny of a tent, the property of Wm. Patching, and a ham, the property of Mark Scott, Tinwald, was remanded until Friday next. -

i Old Men’s Home.— The master of the Ashburton Home desires to acknowledge with thanks, : the receipt (through Mr H. Y. Chichester), of a quantity of cakes, etc, kindly sent by a number of ladies m Tinwald, for the inmates. In compliance with “ Farm Labourer's ” request for an account of his donation the master wishes to state that he is sorry “Farm Labourer” should think he had neglected to acknow ledge the gift, and in explanation he begs to confer him to The Guardian of December 22nd, in which he will find his donation duly acknowledged.. Tinwald —Mr Joseph Clark’s grain shed, at Tinwald, was the scene last even ing of happy festivity, some sixty couples or more taking part in a ball held under the auspices of the Tinwald School Com mittee, the proceeds of which, amounting' to Ll 5, beinr devoted to the treat fund. The shed, wh ; ch is very roomy, is admir ably adapted for tripping the “ light fan tastic ” dance, and a profusion of ever greens with other decorations, had the effect last evening of giving an air of; cheerfulness to the building, as well as conveying the idea of coolness on an other wise warm evening. The affair was car ried out with the utmost decorum, and much praise is due te the ladies and gentlemen who carried out the arrange ments in which there was not the slightest hitch. Refreshments were provided dur ing the evening, and a capital band con tributed the necessary music. Lyttelton Regatta. The Annual Lyttelton Regatta was held yesterday, and was most successful, several thousand persons being in Port. The weather was Very fine, but there was not enough wind for the sailing races. The coasters’ sail ing race was won ky The Catherine of Lyttelton, in a field of four. The yacht race was taken by the Zephyr of Akaroa, The'is of Wellington being second, the Dove of Lytielton third. ' The champion international four-oared outrigger race, prize £125, resulted in Kaiapoi beifig first, Lyttelton second, and Wellington third. In the sailing.race, open boats, Dauntless of Lytteltoh was first, Dream of Akaroa second. Four competed. In the double sculling race, Timaru was first, Kaiapoi second, and Lyttelton third. The Ladies purse race, in four-oared outriggers was won by the Canterbury Rowing Club, Kaiapoi second, Union Rowing Club third, Lyttelton fourth. In the pair oared race Lyttelton was first and Timaru second. There were five entries. The single sculling race was won by Kaiapoi, Lyttelton second, Canterbury Rowing Club third. “Child Life in London.”— We are pleased to hear that Ashburton will re ceive a visit from Dr Stephenson, who is advertised to lecture in the Town Hall on Thursday, 4th inst. Dr Stephenson is Principal of “The Children’s Home,” East London, and is visiting the colonies for the double . purpose of recruiting his health and urging the claims of the Home upon colonial support. His ability as a lecturer is world-famed, and wherever he has recently been—in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tas mania—large numbers have gathered to hear the interesting account, replete with both humorous and pathetic illustrations of the doctor’s experience of child life in London. Among the many distinguished men who have commended and advocated the Home are mentioned the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, the Lard Bishop of Man chester, Dean Stanley, Canon Farrar, Sir Charles Reed, Mr Samuel Morley, and Sir Wm. Mc Arthur (late Lord Mayor of Lon don). As the work is of a national character we hope the public of Ashbur ton will accord the doctor such a welcome as his mission merits. In addition to his ability as a lecturer, Dr Stephenson is famous as a vocalist, and will illustrate his lecture by singing several pieces. Dr Stephenson recently lectured to a large audience in Dunedin, Bishop Nevill being in the chair, and the Southern Press have given most favorable accounts of his re ception wherever he hns been.

WINSLOW SPORTS.

President—E. G. Wright, Esq., M H. R. ; Vice President, J. Carter, Esq. ; Judge of Horses—M. Stitt, Esq.; Starter for Horse Races, W. Simpson, Esq. ; Clerk of Course, H Fowler, Esq. ; Clerk of Scales, H. Chi chester, Esq. ; Committee —Messrs S. Janies, T. Worner, G. Lawson, T. Gourley, E. Sanson, E. Alber, W. Harris, D. Jackson; Secretary—T. Williams.

The fine weather yesterday induced a large number of people to proceed to Winslow, and the special train that had’ been provided by the Railway Depart ment was crowded to its utmost capacity. There could not have been fewer than seven or eight hundred people on the ground and the greatest interest was manifested by those present in the result of the different events. Several booths for refreshment were on the ground, and it need scarcely be said that these were well patronised, but there was an almost utter absence of that rowdyism that is only too common at New Year’s festivities. The racing, albeit no very noticeable “cracks” put in an appearance, was good of its kind, and if the fields were not large, several of the events produced good contests and close finishes. In addition to the ordinary pro gramme, there were arranged races for the young people, and these seemed to afford amusement both to the contestants and the onlookers. There was a booth on the ground, under the management of Mr Harris, which was well patronised, and Mr Davison had a luncheon tent, which was kept busy throughout the day. Nor must we omit to mention the genial Mrs Py ? e, whose hospitality on these occasions is so well known and appreciated by Visitors to Winslow at New Terr. She had prepared a sumptuous luncheon, which was partaken by a large number of ladies, who were glad to find a pleasant retreat from the oppressive heat. Appended are the results of the various events :

Handicap Hurdle Race, of 12 bovs ;

distance, li miles. Mr A. Friabjrs Captain, syrs, list 101 b, including 71b overweight 1 Mr Hewson’s Wild Rose, agd, list 101 b, including 241 b overweightt 0 Mr Harris’s'! Albion, agd, 12st 41b, in cluding 21b overweight 0 This was a very hollow affair, Albion, who was reserved for the Cup, only entering for the sake of making a race Wild Rose baulked at the first fence, which Captain took beautifully and then cantered over the course alone.

Winslow Cop, 1| miles (Handicap), of 25 so vs ; second horse to save his stakes. Mr H. Muir’s Albion, agd, 9it 81b (Armstrong) ... ... ... 1 Mr G-. Lawson’s Speculation, 3yrs, Bst 121 b (Worner) 2 Mr J. Hay’s Fidget, agd, 7st lib (Johns) 3 Albion went away from the start, and retained the lead until the back of the course was reached, when Fidget came (o the front. In the run home, however, it was seen that Albion had the race well in hand, and passing Fidget, who Was com pletely pumped out, won by three lengths. Speculation also passed Fidget and secured second place, . but a

- - ■' protest' watf entered against her bn' ac- ' count of her knocking down'ene of the " boundaryfiags. Teottino rlce (Handicap), of 6 s ova J 2 miles. Mr Harris’s Dolly (75yds) ... , ... 1, Mr Hank’s Charlie (58yds) 2 Nipper and Scamp also ran. This race very soon resolved itself into a contest between Dolly and Charlie, the other horses breaking soon after the start. Dolly was never headed and came in a winner by 40 yards.

Maxdbn Px.iTE, of 5 aovs; one'mile; weight-for-age; entrance, 10a. Mr 6. Lawson’s Speculation, 3yra, Bst 131 b, including 121 b overweight ... f Mr G. James’ Never Mind, aged, in cluding 211 b overweight 2 Mr Hewaon’s Jenny, 4yrs, Bst 111 b, including 161 b overweight ... ... 3

; Gazelle, and Fidget also ran. .Specula tion had little trouble in beating her oppo nent? in tjiis race and came ip an ea*y winner by several'lengths. There was a ; good race for second place, Never Mind beating Jenny by a head. - For the Consolation Rack four horses faced the starter—Never Mind, Gazelle) Wild Rose, and Fidget. Wild Rose won* 11 In the concluding race, a Hubby/ Scurry, Jenny beat the Don, after a goodF race. After the horse racing was finished the athletic sports were commenced, (feijd a great deal of interest was shown in the various results, which were as follows : 100 Yards Race, ’ McKnight ... ... ... ... ,; i“ J Edgeworth... ... ... ’.A’ 2 Won easily by McKnight, who led all the way. Three-legged Race (150yds). ’ Edgeworth and StOddart.;. ... 1 " • ; Johns and Williamson ... 2 -:" Y - Sack Race (150yds). ; "*■ Adam Gibson ... 1 Andrew Gibson ... ... ...- 2 ‘ This created some amusement, the two Gibsons, who are quite small boys, run- r ning away from their manly opponents and winning as they liked. *- One Mile Flat Race, G. Page ... 1 R. Edgeworth ... ... ...‘ '2 ‘ There was a good field started for this race, but the majority gave up before half the distance was completed. Edgeworth looked like winning till about two hun dred yards from home, when Page with a rush and won on the post. Egg and Spoon Race (150yds.) M‘Knight ... ... r'T , StOddart ... 2 ’ ) Single Women’s Race—lst prize, costume, presented by Mr iL Orr; 2nd, print dress, presented by Messrs Hayes and Coe M. Butler ... ... ... 1 ... 1 5 J Emma Grice .... , 2 220 Yards Flat Race. M'Knight ... ... ... ... T IT | M‘Kenzie 2 Married Women’s Race—lst prize, drew— .piece, presented by Messrs Friedliadesi Bros ; 2nd, pair vases, presented by Mg • R. Alcorn. Mrs Sloan?... ... ■■ ... 1 1 Mrs Harris ... ... ... ... 2 ,>SO Men’s (over 40 years) Race—Prize, pair ! trousers,: value 15s, presented by.Messn Ballantyne and Co., Christchurch. J. M'Farlane ; ; ; ‘t.r 1'

METHVEN SPORTS.

These annual sports were heldon New 4 ” Year’s Day in this d&ing township,_and were very well attended, about 300 per sons being present. The programme was & a long one, and substantial prizes were awarded. The committee worked very hard, and deserve praise for manner in which the several events were ' gone through. There wore only three accidents, none of which were fortunately ’, of a serious character. The first was thftfj fall of the rider of St. Julian in the-I- Hurdle Race, and a child ef Mr King was also knocked down by a horse on account of the recklessness of the rider, and was cut and bruised about the face and body'.'' The chapter of accidents was concluded^ 1 by a man, who was standing near the competitor in the throwing the hamtnerig contest, receiving a heavy blow from the missile. The following is the prize list;— Horse Races. ' Tilting at the Ring, 14 entries —Mr ~ Primmer, Ist, L2; Mr Come, 2nd, £l|\ Hurdle Race, 2 miles, 8 entries—Mr CafferJy’s Brush, Ist, L 10.; Mr Comp ton’s Cheater, 2nd, L 4. .... Methvoh Gup, l£ miles—Mr Harrold’w" Nimrod, Ist, L2O; Mr Tickell’a Smug gler, 2nd. Trotting Match, 3 miles—Mr Graham’s i Inkerman, Ist, L 1 0; Mr Wright’s ! Spencer, 2nd. . , Open Handicap, 2 miles—Mr M'RaeV' Wee Rhodie,] Ist, LlO ; Mr Tickoll’s • Smuggler. , r , l Hurry Scurry, 14 entries Mr Docherty’a Polly, Ist, L 5 ; Dutch Oven, 2nd. 1

A private match for L2O a-side was run between Nimrod and Smuggler, which re-; suited in an easy win for the former. " Athletic Sports, Men’s Race, lOOvds —Dickie, Ist, L2 ; v Tovey, 2nd ; LI. Egg and Spoon Race, 7 entries, jfOOyds —“Dick Turpin,” Ist, 10s; W. Prebble^ f 2nd 6s. Men’s 200yds Race, 8 entries—Lechtfer >' and Tovey divided the stakes, L2 and' la; 1 Patting the Stone—J. Daley, Ist, 34ft,. LI 10s ;W. Hood, 2nd, 15s. ; ; r Men’s 440yds, 4 entries—Groves and Lechner divided the stakes, L 3 and LL 10s.

Vaulting, 5 entries—J. Ray, Ist, LI 10s ; J. Dent, 2nd, 15s. Running High Jump, 6 entries —Q, Ray, 6ft Sin, Ist, LI 10s; Maugham, 2nd, 15s.

Tossing the Caber, 3 entries—Daley, Ist, LI 10s; Kinnamough, 2nd, 16a.

Men’s One Mile Race, 6. entries—J, ; Groves, Ist, L 3 ; A. Foss, 2nd, LI 10a. Throwing the Hammer (four entries) — Bailey, Ist, LI 10s ; Dally, 2nd, 15s. Men’s J-Mile Hurdle (7 entries)— Prebble, Ist, L 3 ; Betts, 2nd, LI 10s.

Married Women’s Rjwe—Mrs Gluiis toh, Ist, box of tea. '• • Single : Girls’ Race—-Miss Brown, Ist', prize given by Messrs Morgan and Hibbs. Three-legged Race (five couples)—All-; sopp and Prebble, Ist, U jGilmour and* Fagan, 2nd, 10s.

Sack Race (six entries) —S. Ede, Isti* LI ; B. Ede, 2nd, 10a. r, i Dick Turpin’s Ride—This novel 'race' l caused much amusement, and was won by* Mr Delloway. i ;

WAKANUI SPORTS.

The sports that were held yesterday at Wakanui, in a paddock kindly lent ifor thd purpose by Mr Jas. Brown, were in every way successful, and the visitors that came from Ashburton had every reason to be satisfied bath with the quality of the racing and the number of items on the programme. Mr T. Quill had charge of the refreshment booth, which was liberally patronised. The committee were very energetic in their endeavors to make the sports a success, and special praise is due to the Secretary, Mr J. Thomas. The following is the prize list : 4 HORSE RACKS. ■! Hurdle Race (open); eight flights of hurdles ; list weight; 1£ miles ; prize, LlO. Mr J. Thompson’s Steel Dust... ... 1 Mr H. AJuir’s Lonehand ... ... 2 Mr J. Hunt’s Ivanhoe... ... ... S Hunter and Schoolboy also ran. Flat Race (open) ; miles; 10st j prize, LB. ’ Mr Cockle’s Ladybird ... ... 1 Mr Thompson’s Steel Dust ... ... 2 Mr J. Lemon’s Our John ...' . M - 3 Lady Gladus was the other starter, ;

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JANUARY % 1888.



[With an apology to Green’s Shads.] BOOTS AND SHOES.—The BIG SHOP in East Street, Aoh burton, has just been opened with an mtfraly NEW STOCK of English, Foreign, and Colonial-made BOOTS and SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which hays given sueh. satisfaction in Tinwald and else where. —O. HAWKINS, “ Mtowiir" Wamshoxtsb, Ashburton ; also at Tin wisl£tF :;0



F TOO WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP furniture and bed , . DING MANUFACTORY, ■ft AST STREET SOUTH, * ASHBURTON EVERY article Sold at Ohriatchnrcb Prices and guaranteed beat of <aaaterialatxd workmanship. FUNERALS U-y & COMPJ.ETSU-Y ETJEKISHED S)iK *lO



I Wanted WANTED— A good general SER VANT, and a useful BOY. Apply at once, Butler’s Family Hotel. d29 WANTED TENDERS—For CUT TING, STOCKING, and STACK ING 300 Acres Crop at Coldstream. Par ticulars can bo obtained from' Messrs Jameaon and Roberts, Ashburton, or C. H. DOWDING, d 27 Coldstream. ANTED KNOWN—That Robert iVf Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, haring procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders loft at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. ANTED KNOWN That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc , can bo obtained from the undersigned. ; F. MAYO, . < Hampstead Bone Mills. WANTED KNOWN —It is Mr Lan caster’s intention to extend his Bread Business, and ho wishes his cus tomers to know he has secured Mr Thomas Hicks to manage that branch, A Cart will be run with Broad alone, independent of the'other Two Carts, which will con tinue to run as before. The name of Mr ilioks will be a sufficient guarantee that, under his management, Bread of unaz j ceptionable quality will be turned out of the FREBTRADE BAKERY, East 1 street —R. Lancaster, Proptietor. 240



Special Advertisements. THE SCOTTISH IMPERIAL in . SURANOE COMPANY. Head Office: 151, West George street, Glasgow. Capital ... £1,000,000 FIRE RISKS taken at lowest current rates. Claims promptly settled here. W. R. BOYLE, n 7 Agent, Ashburton. g ATI TOUR GRAIN AND PURCHASE Walter A. Wood's TWINE REAPER AND BINDER, Which obtained the FIRST PRIZE and Gold MEDAL against all comers at tlie TRIAL held last season in Christ church, under the auspices of the Canter bury A. and P. Association. This Machine combines Lightness of Draught, Simplicity of Construction, Ease op Management, Durability, and with' Quantity and Quality ©p Work. Ealing, 21at December, —To Messrs Poyntz and Co, —Gentlemen. —In an swer to your enquiry 1 might state that the Wood’s Twine Binder, works to my Entire satisfaction,and may mention that during last season, I cut 154 acres of wheat .during a strong wind with perfect ease, and produced good work. Yours truly, Henry Berne, manager for J. E. Ruddenklau. Newlands, 22nd December, —Messrs Poyntz and Co., Ashburton. —I have this day completed cutting 25 acres of rye grass on my farm at Newlands, with a W. A. Wood’s Twine Binder, purchased from you last year, to my entire satisfaction. The crop is now lying on the ground, and speaks for itself. Anyone wishing to see the crop can do so on visiting my farm. Yours faithfully, Martin Grifun,



FOR SALE— Second-hand GRASS-STRIPPER. FOR SALE— Second-hand McCormick REAPERS and BINDERS. FOR SALE- Four-horse DRAY. FOR SALE— A WAGONETTE, in capital order. FOR SALE— An Eight-horse-power ENGINE, by : Clayton and Shattleworth, in good order. FOR SALE COMBINE, by Marshall. ON SALE BINDER TWINE, WIRE, and OIL, at current rates. Poyntz & Co., AGENTS



John Meech, Burnett street, Ashburton, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER. The above advertiser begs to intimate to his numerous friends and customers that as he has EXTENDED HIS PREMISES He is now in a position to execute all kinds of FURNITURE at prices to meet THE TIMES. Second*hand Furniture bought and sold. First Prize awarded at the late A. and P. Show. Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade. Workshop— Next MaU )ffioe.



Ball programme oards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Ifc-flrt street.



Special Advertisements. The mutual fire & marine INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Wo aro prepared to accept, RISKS on Threshing Machines and Growing Crops. RATE—2S per cent. LESS than any previous season. o2 TUCKER. RE3TELL & CO. QOAL COAL. COAL. We have now IN STOCK, ex Con ference, a largo supply of the Old Lambton Coal. This is the BEST HOUSE COAL imported. 18n TUCKER, RESTELL & CO.



"VT OTICE TO BLACKSMITHS, BREWERS, AND OTHERS. Just la’ded, ex Mary Campbell, from Greymouth, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO.



ri 'HE BEST VALUE FOR READY X MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ •CLOTHING Manufactured BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the very best for READY MONEY. Ashburton Branch; EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. b!9



SAMUEL SON’S PRIZE SHEAF TWINE BINDER & HARVESTER THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, Have landing, ex Marlborough, their first shipment of the bamuelson PRIZE TWINE BINDER AND HARVESTER. The Machines, which are now being fast sold, hare many material improve ments on the one exhibited by Messrs Samuehon last season. Among others we may mention especially the NEW AND STRONG MAIN GEAR FRAME CHAIN LIFTING GEAR ON TRA VELLING WHEEL RAISING AND LOWERING GEAR FOR GRAIN WHEEL PATENT OILING' ARRANGE MENTS FOR DRIVING-WHEEL IMPROVED SHIFTING REEL. These, combined with the lightness of draught, lowness of cut, simplicity of con struction, and strength of material, render the machine the most complete offered this season; The Binder is simple and easy to oper ate and automatic, making sheaves regular in siae and with perfect separation and good shape, with secure knot. Messrs Samuelson, in perfecting this machine, have avoided complication, and have carefully studied extreme simplicity and facility of adjustment. An expert from Messrs Samuelson’s Factory is now on the way out. and will arrive in New Zealand early in December, so as r.o be present to render his services during next harvest. Early application is necessary to avoid disappointment in securing a machine. G. G. STEAD, Managing Director. P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12au Agent, Ashburton.



gANTA CLAUS IS COMING, H. M. Jones’ COMPLIMENTS TO ALL; And desires to call special - attention to the following items, which have been carefully selected for the coming Festive Season : BOOKS ! BOOKS ! ! REWARD, P RESENT ATION, and PRIZE BOOKS. NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child's Compan on Infants’ Magazine, &c., &c. POETS— VARIOUS Authors ; Sir Walter Scott’s Works; new edition, complete. TOYS! TOYS!! TOYS!!! GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, and Indiarubber. DOLLS ! DOLLS !! DOLLS !! ! ALL SlZ^S—From one inch to two feet—in Wood, Rag, China, Composition, etc. FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above, suitable for Christmas Presents and New Year Gifts. j$&B~ ALL the above Goods are offered at the LOWEST Possible Prices for CASH. A LIBERAL DISCOUNT allowed to schools on parcels of T*ys, Books, etc. PIANOS. ORGANS, BRASS, and STRINGED INSTRUMENTS ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d O T I 0 E. We have now IN STOCK and for sale, ex vessels from Kaipara, a large assort ment of DRESSED AND UNDRESSED Kauri Timber, including sizes to suit all requirements of the Building Trade. WELL - SEASONED TIMBER for Joiners and Cabinetmakers. Also, from Foxton, ex Awaroa and Forest Queen, Totarag Black Pine, of'the best quality to be obtained. 021 TUCKER, RBSTELL & CO..



Special Advertisements. g PECIAL NOTICE TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. i GL R. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WARE HOUSEMEN, Princes street, Dttnei>in, Have great pleasure in announcing that it is their intention to cater for the Music loving population of Ashburton in such a nianier as has never before been at tempted. Messrs G. R. West & Co. are tho Largest Direct Importers of PIANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, BRASS, WIND, AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS In the Colony, and a large and varied stock of the above can always be found. Mr G. R. West, being at present in England, is shipping direct to Dunedin all the latest novelties in MUSIC ! MUSIC ! ! MUSIC !! ! And the firm respectfully solicit a call from their friends, teachers, and the I public in general to inspect their magnifi cent stock of Music, personally selected. d!4



Education Act, 1877, Debtors and Creditors Act, and Amend ment Acts, Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1871, to be had at the Guafdian Office, next Matson, Cox and Go,'s. W. * “tract.



Thomas Taylor, ■jgAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East .street. WE D D IjN G OAKES To Order. Manufacturer of CIDER AND OTHER CORDIALS,



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.



Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p. m , with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will he inserted until counter- Imanded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can bo 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 letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should he addressed to The Editor.