SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Takapuna, 8.8., from Manukau and way orts. Bawea, s.s., from Manukau and way rts. Mahinapua, s. 8., from Dunedin. Koranai, s.s., from Wellington and We»t Coast porta. IWaratoa, a.a, from Wellington. Tongariro, s.s., from’ London, via Port . Imen. Sailed. Saturday. KUza Firth, brigantine, from Crey aaoath. Cingalese, barque, for Timaru. Mahinapua, as., for Wellington and West Coast porta. a.*., for Wellington, Picton and Kelson. Takapuns, 8.8., for North. Yesterday Koranai, s.s., for Timaru.

COMMERCIAL.

s?: Ashburton Guardian Office, r ' Saturday afternoon. Mr T, Bullock reports of the Horse Market for the Week ending Saturday, Dec. 22nd ; 38. horses were booked for the day’s sale. A decided improvement was manifested for all gohd horses offered, and a number of medium draught changed hands at good prices, and there we e buyers for mere of this description, but the reserves placed on them by some of the sellers were considered too high, but for inferior stock biddings were not so keen, bayers appearing to prefer giving better prices for good stock. Out of the total entry (38) 18 were ? sold at the following prices, viz., good draughts, 1.27 and 2 at L 25 each ; medium do of a good description, LlB ; light draught mare with foal at foot, LlB 10s ; three year old colts, light, Ll 3 Ss to Ll 3 15 ; two year olds, light, Lsssto L 7 10s ; hacks, L$ tOtto L'l2 ss; inferior do, L 3 los to L 6 ; light harness horses, L 9 10s to Ll2 15 ; in ferior do, L 3 10s to LS. Privately I sold 2 three year old colts for L3O the two. ;i The London Markets. Th« New Zealand Giain Agency and Mer cantile Company, Limited, report on the London grain markets, under date Nov. 18th, as follows :—Wheat : The weather since our last report has been of a very favorable autum nal, character,; and farmers have been able to make’ good progress in sowing the land. A slight improvement in the trade has taken place during, thp last fortnight, arising from an in creased demand and the expectation that France would require to import more largely ere long’; but although there has been an im proved feeling, no material rise in prices has taken place. New Zealand short berried wheat in gpod and sweet condition is now selling at 42s'fid to 43s 6d per 4961bs ex granary; and Tuscan has met a fair demand at 465. The New, Zealand wheat out of condition, being mtfrt'or less heated and grown, fetches 27s to 39s per qr, Australians are worth about 46s to 47s as last quoted. Home grown wheat shows scarcely any variation cn the month, and notwithstanding the firmer feeling, Russian an(Jt Indian, which have been pressed for sale, are still slightly lower than they were a month agq. Subjoined is a list of the arrivals at ports Of call ahu into London since rhe date of our last circular.. After taking into account the quantity of wheat required here for seeding purposes, It is now generally allowed that this year’s: harvest in Great Britain has yielded about million qrs. for consumption, and taking, into consideration that there are about two million qrs. more foreign wheat in store than usual at this time of the year, it would appear that we shall probably require to im port' about 16 millions during the current cereal year, of which about 1 % millions are now on passage. Flour has been affected by the cheapness of potatoes, and prices are fid to qd per sack lower on the month. Barley ;We have had no imports from the colonies. Oats have not varied materially in value. The few New Zealand sold of late suffered more or less in color and condition from the wet at harvest time; which has affected their sale and value. Quotations are as follows ;—Australian wheat, 465: to 47s per 49filbs; ditto flour, 32510355 per asolbs; New Zealand wheat, Tuscan, 45s to 46s per 49filbs, in good condition; ditto ditto, short berried, 42s fid to 43s fid per 49filbs, in good condition ; ditto 'flour, 24s to 39s per aSolbs; ditto oats, 26s to 32s per 38411J5. Wool t the close of the last series of woolsnhs there has been a fair demand by Erivate contract, and several hundreds of bales avis changed hands at prices slightly in ad vance of those previously offered in sale for them. TTie inquiry has been mostly on the parfcof the Home trade. For the next series comgipncipg on the 21st inst, the arrivals to date are about 77,800 bales as under and includ ing the wool held over and brought in from last series the quantity available is likely to be 150,000 bales, Tallow: Since our last report the, tallow market has been flat, and prices have declined weekly, the value of good to fine. Australian mutton now being 39s fid to 41s and lair to fine beef 38s to 40s, which is about is to ts fid per cwt lower than on the 2nd ult. Low and inferior descriptions for export have lately been in only moderate request, and prices are is fid to 2s per cwt lower. The im ports last month were large, viz., 7,125 casks, and the stock in first hands amounts to about 13,000 casks, : Hides have been in good re quest throughout the month, and heavy weights have advanced }id to %&. per lb, while light ox and cows have realized fully previous prices. We quote Sydney heavy ox to s#d, light 4#d to Sd, and cows to Sd. New Zealand heavy.ox s#d to sjfcd, and light 4j£d to 5d per lb. Frozen Mfeat: The arrivals dur ing the past month have been as follows : s.s. British King, 8,900 carcases; s.s. Cata-. lonia, 14,349 carcases ; Lyttelton, 6,29 a car cases. All the meat in these vessels was in good condition, except some carcases ex the Catalonia, which had been frozen on board, an objectionable-practice. At the present time the meat market is in a very dull state, and the average price just now for New Zealand mut ton Is £j4d to per lb. Ihe depression is causedp'irtiy by' the heavy supplies arriving from New Zealand at one time, and partly by growers of English mutton pressing on the market'the stock which they wish to avoid carrying through- the winter. Money :We have no change to- report in the bank rate, which still remains at 3 per cent.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE . , . Monday, December 31. Matsbfr, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Ba leyards—took. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. - o Monday, December 24. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. . 1 W y dnesdat, December 26. Toifn Hall—Loyal Orange Concert and Ball, «t 7.30 p.m. Odnfellowa' Hall—Oxford Dramatic Com pany, at 7.30 p. m. Ashburton Caledonian Sports, on the New Sfiorh ground Thursday, December 27. Aahburton Summer Races Meant Somers, Annual Races and Sports. ' Tuesday, January 1. Winslow Annual Races and Sports., Methven Annual Races and Sports. Friday, January 4. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Friday, January 4. Longbeaoh Road Board, at Road Board office,: Longbeach

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1883. A Merry Christmas.

Once more are we on the eve of the great festival of the Christian Church, and in millions of homes to-morrow the occasion will be appropriately cele brated. It is at this season of the year more than at any ether that retrospec thoughts occupy our minds, and while in many families the absence of some well-loved face will awaxen melancholy reflections, we hope that in the great majority of cases no sad recollection will mar the pleasure of the day. To those who have not been long in the colony the incongruity of a Christmas spent in warm sunshiny weather cannot fail to be striking. Except to those born in this part of the world, there is something unnatural in honoring the Birthday of our Saviour in the summer time. Early recollections have con nected the festival with a bright fireside and snow-clad trees, and it is not easy for new arrivals to adapt themselves to the novel surroundings of a colonial Christmas. But if, like Tennyson’s heroine, we “ hold our heads to other stars, and breathe in converse seasons,” our hearts are in nowise changed. We are none the less natives of the land which gave us birth because we happen to be living on another side of the Equator, and the chief thoughts that will fill the minds of most people to-morrow will consist of remembrances of old times and old countries. Nor the least pleasant re flection incident to Christmas is the one that on this particular day at anyrate our existence will be borne in mind by friends and relations however distant we may be from them, and that our healths will be drunk with hearty good will. Let the cynical Scrooges of humanity sneer as they will at the season as a time of dyspepsia and quar terly bills, there is still sufficient faith remaining to cause us to believe that at Christmas ancient feuds and animosi ties are buried, and kindly charitable feelings are uppermost in our hearts. Wherever men are commemorating the great event which took place nearly nineteen hundred years ago —whether beneath the leaden winter sky of England or in the more genial atmosphere of Australasia, the sentiment that pervades their being is the same. Everybody feels thankful that he has been spared to see another Christmas come round, and if the exuberance of their motions leads them —as it is to be feared it not unfrequently does—to partake too freely of the good things of this earth, it is easy to find an excuse. To all our readers we extend the hand of fellowship and wish them A Merry Christmas, and in doing so we cannot do better than use the manly, touch ing words of the greatest literary giant of the century — My song, save this, is little worth, I lay the weary pen aside, And wish you health, and love, and mirth, As fits the solemn Christmas tide. As fits the holy Christmas birth, Be this, good friends, our carol still— Be peace on earth, be peace on earth, To men of gentle will.

In accordance with our usual custom there will be no publication of the Ash bukton Guardian to-morrow (Christ mas Day). The Hon the Premier returned to Wel lington by the Hauroto, which arrived from Sydney on Saturday. A strong detachment of Salvationists passed through by the express to-day, numbering about 120. There destination is Dunedin, where a gigantic tea meeting is about to take place. On Christmas and New Year’s Day the postal branch will be closed, all mails being made up at 8 o’clock on the preceding even ing. On Boxing Day the Post Office will be open from 9 till 10 in the morning, and no mails will be despatched after that hour. The telegraph branch will be open from 9 till 10 o’clock in the morning, and from 7 till 8 in the evening on each holi day. The Wellington-Manawalu Railway Co. have accepted the tender of John Taylor, of Auckland, for No 12 contract, cover ing the construction of five miles of rail way between Porirua Harbor and Paika kairiki .Bill, the amount being L 27,959 la 6d There were three other tenderers —Henderson and Co, L 29,134 8s ; James Laokie, 139,351 10s; and John Whitaker, L 41.527 10s. The work will be commenced about a fortnight hence, and has to be completed within 18 months. The Government have come to a deci sion to take over the Opaki railway con tract immediately beyond Masterton, the contractor having admitted his inability to carry on the work. The Government engineer has accordingly taken possession of the plant, etc, and will complete the contract at the risk of the contractor and sureties.

The acceptances for the Winslow Races will have to be sent into the Secretary, Mr Hicka, by 8 p.m. on Thursday next. John Whiteside, of Ringiora, on Satur day morning attempted to commit suicide by cutting his th'o t with a table knife He has been arrested for the offence. Mr Charles Bright, Freethought lec turer, will shortly arrive in Dunedin to s!ay a few months. He will be accom panied by Mrs Bright, who also lectures.

The correct insurances on Wall’s San I- , ridge Hotel were —On the building, L 1,500 in the National, of which LSOO was re-insured in the Union ; stock and effects, L6OO in the Australian Mercantile Union. On Saturday night, at an open-air meet ing at Christchurch of the unemployed, etc, a Committee was appointed to organise a Working Men’s Protection Society. Very few attended the meeting. Mr Peter Cunningham’s cups, won at the Metropolitan Agricultural and Pas toral Association show, were on Satur day presented in the Art Gallery of the Exhibition to Messrs Hoag, Howland and Duncan. There was a large attendance, and after the ceremony a number of friends met at a champ igne luncheon. Wo would remind the charitably dis posed that the poor patients in the hospi tal will be glad to receive the present of fruit and other luxuries which it is custo mary to send to the institution at this time of the year. Anything that can bo done to alleviate the sufferings of the sick is praiseworthy, and we feel certain that our word in season will have a good effect. The master of the Home begs to ac knowledge with thanks the-receipt of some sandwiches and cakes from the Tinwald School Committee ; also a quantity of fruit and sundries from Friedlander Bros for the inmates, also 401bs beef from John Carter, and 10 gallons of beer from Quin ton Bros. The master also wishes to acknowledge the receipt of LI Is from Mr 0. Clark, Christchurch, L2 2s from Mr Thomas Bullock, for the Christmas treat. The services at St Stephen’s Church to morrow will be at 830 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. We are requested to slate that the evening service will be perfectly plain, as the incumbent is anxious not to inter fere with the private arrangements of his choir. Special collections will be made for the Sunday School. There will be a carol service at St Stopheh’s Church to night at 9.30 p.m. The breaking-up for the season of the Fleuiington singing class was celebrated at the schoolroom on Friday evening last with a social tea and entertainment which was highly apprecia'ed by all present, there being about 150 assembled. The tables were presided over by Mesdame.i Dunn, McConnell, and Harding. After tea a good programme was gone through . by the class, songs b-.-ing also given by other residents of the district, Mrs Hard ing presiding ac the harmonium. It is evident that the class has made rapid progress during the past season, which 1 reflects great credit on Mr Dunn. After 1 the usual votes of thanks, and the sing ! ing of the National Anthem, all dispersed, ; having spent a most enjoyable evening.

A cable message from Sydney states that the trial of the great New Zealand libel case, Cook ▼. Larnach, wasconcluded on Friday night, after occupying the Supreme Court for five days. The Judge summed up strongly in favor of the de fendant, whose evidence remained abso lutely uncontradioted, notwithstanding the moat strenuous efforts on ihe part of the plaintiff to upset it. The jury, after an absence of of six hours, were unab'e to agree on a verdict, and were dis charged. It is stated that eight were in favor of the defendant, and four for the plaintiff. Gre«t praise is given to the Hon. P. A. Buckley, of Wellington, for the manner in which he conducted the defendant’s case.

In the Gisborne Supreme Court judg ment was given on Saturday for the Native Land Company in the action brought by the natives to upset a convey ance of certain land. Leave was reserved to move the Court at Wellington to re verse the judgment on law points. Four of the nine native plaintiffs asked that final judgment might be given at once, leaving the lawyers to fight out the law ptinta on their own account. The case of Rees v. Woodbine Johnston, to compel the specific performance of an agreement to sell to Rees and Waiperi, as trusteei for the natives of a property worth L 47,000, was adjourned to Wellington for argument. After some evidence taken in the divorce case of Goldsmith v. Gold smith and Poulgram, a decree absolute was granted. The weather has unfortunately taken an unfavorable turn, and from (present appearances it is not unlikely that we shall have a rainy Christmas Day. There is, however, a chance of it clearing up before Boxing Day, and it is to be hoped that the Caledonian Society’s gathering will be more successful in this respect than was the case last year. Additional interest will be lent to the sports by the presence of Donald Dinnie, the great Scottish athlete, who has telegraphed his intention of visiting Ashburton and giving us an idea of his skill. On Thursday we shall have the Summer Meeting, and should there be fine weather we feel certain the attendance will be large as the entries for the various events are larger than the promoters anticipated. In the country districts the annual sports will be held at Mount Somers and Alford Fc rest, and these always draw together a large number of people. Nor are lovers of theatrical and musical entertainments to be neglected. On Wednesday evening both halls will be occupied, the Town Hall with a concert and the Oddfellows’ with the Oxford amateurs. Taken alto gether, this Christmas promises to be even more gay and festive than its predecessors, and we expect that Ashburton will be crowded with visitors from other parts of the County during the week. Holloway’s Pills. Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot be long so seriously disordered without the de rangement|bcing perceptible on the counten ance. These pills prevent both unpleasant consequences ; they improve the appetite and with the increase of desire for food, they augment the powers of digestion and assimila tion in the stomach. Holloways Pills deal most satisfactorily with deranged or diseased conditions of the many organs engaged in ex tracting nourishment for our bodies from our various diets—as the liver, stomach, and bowels, over all of which they exercise the most salutary control. By resorting at an early stage of this malady to these purifiying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored to health and strength, and his sallowness gradually vanishes. —fAdvt.l

NOTES ON FARMING OPERATIONS

[from our special reporter.] The weather being propitious for a journey on Friday last I made my inspec tion of tha Rangitata plains district, and during my ride thither found crops of all descriptions tolerably good, although some have suffered from the ravages of the grub principally round Winslow. On the pas ture lands there is an abundauce of feed for all kinds of stock, but little or no hay is made in this part of the county, the soil being for the most part light and more suitable for cereals and turnip growing. Between Winslow and Hinds river I noticed a large track of land of about 1,000 acre’, fenced in since I last was in that direction, being broken up,'which I was informed belonged to the Hon J. McLean, and whatever seed may be sown on it must yield a good c.op, the land being some of the best in the neighbor hood. After crossing the Hinds river I saw on my left an unoccupied farm, two

paddocks on which was a most luxurious crop of sorrell which most certainly ought to be cut down beforo seeding, for al though the seed dues not fly as far and wide as that of the Scotch thistle, yet it spreads very rapidly, much to the annoy ance of neighboring farmers. I pushed on now to the Rangitata plains and called first at the farm of Mr Mark ilallance, where I was accorded a thoroughly York shire welcome, both myself and horse being provided with refreshment and shelter until the following morning. This is about the best muiiged farm in the dis trict, everything looking remarkably well, not an inch of ground in the 600 acres that is not made to pay for itself. There are here about 170 acres of growing cereals, 100 of which are in wheat, which may safely be pronounced the evenest and beat crop on the plains, and promises a larger yield than has ever been obtained in the district, the weather we have ex perienced being all that ciuld have been wished for. The nature of the land being light and stoney, if the weather continues fine and warm harvest operations will be in full swing in six weeks time. Also there are between GO and 70 acres of rape and turnips, which aie heavily stocked with sheep, and 70 acres of grass and rape which looks very well. Mr Ballance has, like all other farmers in the district, lost a very largo number of sheep and lambs. The latter through (he cold weather, and the former principally from a new disease which has this year afflicted the Plains. In its first appearance the sheep after being shorn fall} lame, then the flesh be comes soft and the akin blisters and bursts and eventually the animal dies. There seems at present no accounting for it, and no cure has as yet been discovered. While jwalking round the farm in the evening I was shown two grand foals by “ Bonnie Scotland.” They had plenty of bone, and wi'l in time make two magnifi cent draught mares. The farm adjoining this is managed |by Mr W. Ivory, and is divided into 500 acres of rape and turnips and 500 of English grass, both of which look very well. This, as may bo seen by the class of crop, is a sheep farm only, an I 1 was informed that a great number had been lost from the causes already re ferred to. Mr McKenzie has 100 acres of cereals and 300 English grass. Mr Ruddenklau has among his crop 300 acres of turnips which are in a very forward state; when I called they were engaged in shearing some first-class crossbred hogeets, which had every appearenco of having been well cared for during the winter. Mr Joseph Ford has a farm here of 600 acres, 100 acres of which are mea dow grass, which for the plains is by no means a bad crop, and 200 acres of cereal. The wheat looks well, but the oats are not up to much. Mr Parkinson has 300 acres of turnips and 300 in crop, all look ing very well. Messrs Ohisnall Brothers have 1,400 acres mostly in gaass—there are 200 in grain crops and 100 in turnips. These gentlemen have suffered a very large loss in sheep and lambs, as many as forty shorn sheep perishing in one night, besides many others which succumbed to the influences of disease and bad weather.

THE TRIUMPH ENQUIRY.

At the enquiry on Saturday, Thomas Owen, chief officer of the Triumph, de posed—His certificate (produced and handed in) was for competency. He recollected the sailing of the vessel on the 29ch November. He was in charge of the crew, who were clearing the ship after the pi'ot left. Before the pilot left he was keeping a look out on the forecastle head. At that time the crew were cleaning the decks under the supervision of the tecond and third mates. A few minutes after the pilot left the ship he was on the bridge with the captain, and before leaving the forecastle he had replaced a man, John O’Halloran, there as a look-out He was lamp trimmer on board, and a reliable man. After leaving the bridge he went and got h a dinner, this occupying about a quarter of an hour. After this he was clearing the decks, securing the hatches, hauling the braces taut, etc. He did not recollect Romey, who was shipped at Auckland, saying something about beim too close t),land. He was in his company all the time. Did not recollect Romey saying something like “By so and so we’ll be on the rocks if we don’t mind.” Would swear that he did not hear Romey rushing along the ducks and calling to the steers man to port the helm. Hu did not see a light after he came off the forecastle head. Did not see the lighthouse till she struck; in fact, he was not looking. The light on the land couldnot have beenseen fromthe starboard side of the deck. Would swear he was net on the port side, or he would have seen the light. Was perfectly sober when the vessel struck. Romey, the third mate, is a semi-lunatic, or that way inclined. Romey was a little intoxicated. If Homey had called out that the ship was going on the rocks, both he and the second mate must have heard him. Several of the crew deserted here, while the third mate was discharged according to agreement. There was no sign of liquor on the captain that day, and there was nothing about the captain or his de meanour that led te doubts that the ship was safe in his hands Never saw the captain drunk. Have seen him with his face bandaged for neuralgia. To Mr Williamson —I am no relative of the captain. In Auckland, on one occa sion, I struck one of the crew in the pre sence of the Immigration Officer other passengers for saying something I did not like.

Mr Williamson—Did you do anything else disgraceful on board in the presence of Mr Elliott, Immigration Officer? Witness—No. Mr Williamson—Do you recollect the Immigration Officer catching you kissing one of the girls ? No ; he never did. Mr Brassey objected, but the Bench held that the question should be ans swered. Mr Williamson —Did you not do that? The witness—No. Mr Williamson —la it not true, that owing to irregularities on board the Immigration Officer has recommended thav the customary gratuities to the cap tain, the doctor, and yourself be with held ? Witness—There is something of that sort ; but we have not been brought be fore our accusers yet. In answer to further questions, the witness said it was not the duty of a chief officer to keep a look-out when watches have been arranged if the captain was on the bridge and a man on the look-out

A SAD OCCURRENCE.

Considerable excitement was caused yesterday afternoon ,when news was cir culated to the effect that a dead body had been found in the riverbed, with very palpable evidence that death had been caused by violence. The discovery was made by a laborer in the employ of the Borough Council, named Daly. On his communicating with the police, Sergeant Felton and Constable Hicks proceeded to the spot, and the body was conveyed to the Royal Hotel. Prom appearances it was evident that the body had been exposed for some days, at the head was completely eaten away, and the identity of the de ceased could only be determined by the clothes he wore and the property upop him. It proved to be the remains of \villiam Hayes, a lad of J 6, the son of Mr Hayes, the draper, of Burnett street. He had been missing f r om his homo since Monday last, but his father was not anxious about him, as he wis believed to have gone to Dunedin on a visit to some friends. A gun was lying beside the body and the top of the head was blown away, but

whether the sad occurrence was due to accident or intention will never be known It appears that father and son had a slight quarrel on Monday, but nothing took place that could warrant a suspicion of the deceased intending to commit suicide. Much sympathy is felt for the family in their sad bereavement.

The Inquest. An inouest was held on the body this rooming at the Royal Hotel, before the Coroner (Dr Trevor) and a jury of thir teen, of whom Mr W. Patching was chosen foreman. The body having been viewed, the following evidence was called : Joseph Daly, laborer, deposed that he was walking towards the riverbed between the pound and Brankin’s yesterday when he saw the body of a man lyin,< in the toi tois. Witness reported the matter to the police. Identified the body of deceased as the one he saw. The body was lying on its back, and witness did not see any thing else near the place. Constable Hicks said that in conse quence of information received from the previous witness he went to the river bed yesterday afternoon. There he found the body of William Hayes lying on its back in atm tois bush. The right hand was across the breast and the right leg drawn up. A gun was lying at the left side and the left arm of deceased was close to the muzzle. The gun had-been discharged and an exploded cap was in the socket of the hammer. The ramrod was on the right side of the body. The hat produced, which was shot through the crown, was lying on the light side of deceased’s head. Tho toi tois bush was a very large one, and it was almost impossible for anyone to see the body unless they came close to the place. There was no sign of any scuffling having taken place. Sergeant Felton gave evidence that he accompanied Constable Hicks to the river bed yesterday afternoon, at about_ 3 o’clock. There is a pathway running from the pound to the river bed, and about 50 yards from the track and across a dry creek they found the body of de ceased under a very large toi tois bush.

Witness gave an account of the position of body, similar to what was stated by Constable Hicks. Searched the body and found the powder flask produced in right hand coat pocket, and a watch and chain in waistcoat pocket. In other pockets were a post-office savings bank book, a purse containi; g7s 6d, a boy’s shanghai, a knife, a pair of scissors, and a pocket book. The clothes were quite undis turbed and no sign of a struggle was ap parent. Examined the body and could see that the back of the roof of the mouth was blown away and a large external wound at the top ef the back of the head. None of the teeth were missing. Knew the deceased prior to his death, and con sidered him a quiet lad. The father of the deceased told witness that he had had a quarrel with his son on Monday last, and that he was going to give him a good thrashing. Witness then told Mr Hayes that his son was dead, and he then asked witness of he (deceased) had shot himself. Answered that from the position of the body it looked as if he had committed sui cide. Mr Hayes said that he did not think thh was true, as deceased was in the habit of blowing down the muzzle of his gun and prided himself on being a good shot- He added that deceased used to go shooting by Lancaster's slaughterhouse, and witness answered that the body was not found near there, but just behind the pound. On witness remarking that it was strangeno enquiries had been made, Mr Hayes said that he had been told his son had gone to Timaru by Tuesday’s train, and did not thinlc it stra.jge as he had been away two or three times before. Mr Hayes then came with witness and identified the body as that of his son, who, he said, was sixteen years cf age. William James Hayes, draper, deposed that he was the father of deceased, and he identified the body as that of his son by the clothes and property found in the pockets Last saw deceased alive on the 17th inst between 5 and 6 o’clock p.m. At that time witness asked deceased why he bad not done some work he was told to do, and on receiving a saucy answer witness was going to box his ears De ceased escaped by ducking his head, and he then went out of the front door. De ceased had asked for a holiday, but wit ness had refused it as ha could not spire him. The hours deceased was engaged in the shop were from 8 a. m. to 6,7, or 8 p.m. The gun pro duced belonged to deceased, but wit ness did not see where it was on Monday. Li ad always objected to the gan being on the premises as deceased was in the habit of snapping caps with it. Did not take much notice of his son's absence on Mon day night, as he had been away from horns in the same way before. On Tues day was told he had gone to Timaru, but he had no friends there, and witness imagined that he had proceeded to Dune din, where he had been invited to spend Christmas. Deceased had never left his home since witness had lived in Ashbur ton, about eighteen months. Had always treated deceased with kindness The rea son he asked the Sergeant whether de ceased had shot himself was that he always thought something dangerous would happen from carrying a gun. Never had threshed his son, and did not intend his remark to the Sergeant to mean more than that he would have boxed de ceased’s ears on the Monday night. Deceased was always in good spirits, and had never threatened to do injury to him self.

G. 0. Primmer, butcher in the employ of Mr Lancaster, said that he saw the deceased on the Sports Ground on Monday at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon and spoke to him. On Tuesday told Mr Hayes he thought he had seen his son. pass the shop about half-past 7. Mr Hayes said that could not be, as the deceased had gone to Timaru. Never told Mr Hayes that his son had gone to Timaru. Would not swear that it was on the Tuesday morning that he saw de ceased pass the shop. Elmund Parkin deposed that he knew the deceased, and saw him on the Sports Ground on Monday between 3 and 4 o'clock. Had some lemonade with him, and he appeared to be all right at the time witness was in his company. Matthew Shaw, draper's assistant, said that he had only casually heard of de ceased having gone to Timaru, but had never said anything to Mr Hayes about his son, as the subject had not been men tioned between them. Remembered Mr Hayes coming into the shop on Monday evening between six and seven, and ask ing deceased why he had not d«ne some work he had been told to do. Some angry wordsjpassed, and a scuffle ensued, and witness was under the impression that Mr Hayes kicked deceased. It is not true that witness had told Mr Hayes that his son had book d through to Timaru.

The Coroner, in summing up, said that whatever circumstances there might be in the case, the evidence did not show clearly that suicide had been committed. The idea of the deceased having met his death accidentally through blowing down the gun seemed scarcely tenable, as the teeih were in their place. He thought that the jury must return an open verdict of found dead, as that would, in his opinion, meet the case. The jury retired, and after a short ab sence, returned a verdict of “Found dead.'’

THE AUCKLAND SHOOTING CASE

A telegram received on Saturday too late for our last issue, states Yesterday before two o’clock p. m., William Henry Jones, Manager of the Onehunga Iron Saud Works at Onehunga, was in the Prince Albert Hotel, Queen street, One hunga, kept by James - mith, in company with a ploughman and John McDermott. The ploughman left them in the hotel playing a game of cards at euchre. It appears Jones and McDermott had some row over the game, and hot words wore used. McDermo-.t says Jones struck at him, and then he struck Jones, and a scuffle or fight seems to have taken place, and Jones’ cheek was cut and his eye blackened. Jones then made use of some threats towards McDermott, and want down the street towards his residence in Church street. McDermott returned into the hotel and remained there for a short time—about twenty minutes—and then got on his horse to ride down to wards the wharf. It is surmised that in the meantime Jones went home and armed himself, having first gone into a house to wash the blood off his face. McDermott, when riding down the street, saw Jones some distance off, but did not address him, but seeing Jones, turned his.horae’s head to ride back. Several shots were fired some say three and some say four—out of a revolver by Jones, and that some of them took effect was evident fr 'in the fact that McDermott cried out that he was shot and galloped away to his home. It may be explained that the shooting took place in Queen street, nearly opposite Mr Oates’, boot manufacturer, and McDermott resided on the outskirts '>f the settlement, near the Royal th.k Jotd, and fully half* a-tnile distant from this spot, which is just at the rise of a hill bel-.w the Hiber nian Hotel. McDermott got home, and Dr Scott was sent for. He examined the m m and found a bullet wound on the hack, at side of the spinal column, and got the bullet out from under the skin under the left armpit, where it had lodged. There is a second bullet wound throogh • the left thigh from side to side. There were several people in the street when the shooting took place. Dr Scott considered thd case critical, as it was not ascer i tained whether the bullet from the

principal wound had been extracted, or the lung injured. Shortly after the . occurrence Jonea was arrested. He was quite cool and collected, and apparently not under the influence of drink, but he made no statement. As the case was serious, and migbt terminate fatally, •Tones was taken to McDermott’s resi dence, and McDermott’s depositions taken down before Dr Harsant, J.P., and his account of the affair is substantially the same as that given above. Dr Scott sug gested to the prisoner that it might be desirable on his part to have another sur geon to have a consultation, and Dr Stockwell was sent for by the friends of Jones, and arrived about seven o'clock, when a consultation took place. Both medical man were of opinion that the case was critical. At this morning’s sit ting jof the Onehungal Police Court here Jones was charged with shooting with intent to kill. He appears very down cast, and his eye was much contused. Superintendent Thompson said MoDer- mott was in a very critical condition, and he would have to apply for a remand for eight clear days. He understood the prisoner intended to apply for bail. If this were so he would oppose it most strenuously. His Worship said he would not allow bail, and a remand was granted.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON SUMMER MEETING. The following acceptances were received or Thursday’s races on Saturday : Counties Hurdle Race. Brenda I Cigarette Why Not | Counties Handicap. Selim Mokhanna Steel Dust Lady Florence Boseneath Hinerua Mermaid (by hippodomoio). On Thursday the attractive programme provided by the promoters of the Summer Race Meeting will be die cussed. The racing promises to be of a very interest ing character, and given fine weather the sport will, no doubt, be largely patronised by holiday-seekers. There are only three left in the County Hurdles, but they are so nicely weighted that they may finish anyhow. Why Not (list 31b) displayed some of his old bril liancy at the Spring Meeting, and assum ing that he has gone on improving. 1 shall expect him to give Brenda (lOst) some trouble, and Cigarette (9st 31b) if in her best form should be close on the pair. The raee is a very open one, but if com pelled to a preference, I should place Brenda ... 1 Why Not ... ... ... 2 Cigarette ... ... ... 3 Seven have paid up for the Counties Handicap, of which Mermaid (9st 61b) is top weight, but as she is clearly held safe by the other southerner Hinerua, I shall not expect to see her at the post. Steel Dust (Sat lib) is troubled with a “ leg " which must have considerably interfered with her preparation. Lady Florence (9at) good mare as she is cannot give 161 b to her stable companion Boseneath. Hi* nerua (Bst 91b) on her Timaru form should justabout win. Selim’s(Bst 51b) very erratic temper will interfere with his chance of success more than the weight he is asked to carry. Boseneath (7st 121 b) is reported to be lame, and she certainty goes very short, but I think she can beat everything but Hinerua. Mokhanna (7st 31b), if he runs up to a rumored trial, will win in a common canter, but the stable is an un fortunate one, and I shall place them Hinerua 1 Boseneath 2 Mokhanna ... 3 while if a genuine surprise is to occur it will be brought about by Selim. The other handicaps will not appear until the day of the race, and conse quently I have nothing from which to form an anticipation, but I expect to see the Town Plate (weight-for-age) result as follows: Hinerua 1 Steel Dust 2 Boseneath 3

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN'. [kecjxkk’s telegrams— copy RIGHT.] Pariamentary. Sydney, Saturday. Both Houses of Parliament ad journed until January 15th, when the Financial Statement will be introduced in the Legislative assembly. The Frisco Mail. Arrived, this afternoon City of Sydney, Loin San Francisco, via Auck land. Obituary. The death is announced of Judge Meymott, aged seventy-five. [Received Dec. 24, 2.10 p.m.] Shipping. Sydney, To-day. Arrived, this evening— Ringarooma, from Aqckland. The label Action. Iq the libel action, Cook v. Larpach, the jpry were pnable tq agree ppqn thg verdict and discharged. The Weather. The weather at Sydney to-day is ex tremely hot.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1883.



Auctions. N EXT SA LB 0 F Lite Stock Will bO held at the ASHBURTON YARDS, , ' : on MONDAY, 31sr DECEMBER. ' ■ MltHB ft CO. GEO. JAMESON, 18 UO3 Agent, Ashburton,



Wanted WANTED— Man COO hut; must be a goo H. Dowdinq, Coldstream. ANTED—A YIOLI for the Irish Dai Caledonian Society’s Spor Day. Apply J. 0. Ddnoa WANTED— By an exp( to take charge of Machine for the season. of this Paper. WANTED Known—T Co. are slaughter!! of Madras Muslin wonh I: yard.



WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 c WANTED —The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we are determined not to be excelled, Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women’s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2a 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot | Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moi-.on, 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 amusementadmittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—-American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per mop*h, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. TOP THAT COUGH I DON'T DELAY.—How can you stop it? Where', s the Remedy. Bennington's PECTORAL OXYMEL OF C-VRRA QE'SN or IRISH MOSS (register u 1), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonninoton, Christchurch. MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. ANDREWES BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS AND Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT in great variety. NTENDING PURCHASERS OP CLOTHING FOR the



SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OF FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, ‘ Manufactured from sound and reliable Now Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AT WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twenty - One Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a fu.tiu-r benefit in the shape of a still Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S OHEAPg FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERT article Sold at Christchurch Pbiobs and guaranteed bes. of ■naterial and workmanship. _ ______ CHEAPLY & OOMPLSTKLY FURNISHED



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion Foiise, Cashel street, Chi ,»tchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to 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- FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, duced by E. (3. Brown & contains — Worth £ s. d.



1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 l£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gk ves 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 10 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 012 6 8 yds good wincey ... ... 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Kmpress 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 ... ... ... 014 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0



£3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... . ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make ... ... ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown Holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels g 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. (7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box ... ... 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern goctd 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 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt 0 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6



£ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere ... 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth ... ... ... ... 1 1 0 I 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 G £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains — 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 aee 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 B O. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisement. Donald Dinnie, |HAMPION HIGHLAND ATHLETE, \J V ill appear at the Caledonian Sports on Boxing Day. He will contest all the Athletic Events, but will not compete for prizes. Scotchmen and others will thus have an opportunity of witnessing this splendid athlete’s powers in hammer throwing, stone-putting, caber tossing, etc. His mighty casts of stone aad ham mer are the wonder of the world. T STEPHEN’S CHURCH, > ASHBURTON. CHRISTMAS EVE—TO-NIGHT. Carol Service at 9.30 p.m. 12 1127 ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, ASHBURTON. CHRISTMAS DAY—IBB3. Holy Communion ... ... 8.30 a.m. Matins and Holy Communion 11 a m Evensong and Sermon... ... 7.30 p.m. i 12 1128 1 fjpO-MORROW (Christmas Day) there 1 will be no publication of the Guardian. J. C. DUNCAN, 12 1122 Sec.



Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, consti pation, piles, dyspepsia, headache, cured by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” $d and is boxes at druggists, Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney General Agents for Australasia. 2