SHIPPING.

f ' i>ORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Wakaiipu, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Ocean Bird, ketch, from Anahau. Mahinapna, s.s., from Dunedin and ■ ■■ . ’Wakatu, 8.5., from Boat Harbor. Tq-day. Manapouri, b.b., from the South. Wanaka, b.s,, from the North. Sailed. To-day. Clyde,, schooner, for Foxton. Hero, cutter, for Wellington. Yesterday. Wakatipu, s.s., for Sydney, via Wel lington. Mahinapua; a a., for Wellington and "West Coaat.porta. Wakatu, s.s., for Boat Harbor.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed. —Hero, for Dunedin. Wellington, Yesterday, Arrived —Wanaka, from Nelson and Picton; Rotorua, from South ; Grafton, from Lyttelton; Go-Ahead and Kiwi, frr.Tr. East Coast; Perth, from Glasgow. Sailed Wanaka, for South ; Rotorua for Auckland, via East Coast; Hauraki, for Otaio, Greymouth, Yesterday. Arrived— Kennedy, from NeUon. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Te Anau, from North ; Oma pere, from Westport. Sidled —Mahinacouri, for the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Saturday, January 6. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their Bazaar— Hones, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sundries, &c.; 11.30 a.m. jtr E, Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses, 1 p.m. If? Allied Harrison, at the yards— Reapers and Binders, Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr W. F. Allen, at his rooms, Burnett street —Horses, Pigs, Poult» General Produce, J'c.; 11.30 a.m. Tuesday, January 9. Hatton, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Stock. MrT. Bullock, at Tinwald —Timber; 11 Am.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-Night, Thursday, January 4. Lecture by the Rev. T. B. {Stephenson, on “ Child life in London”—Town Ha11,7.30pm. Meeting re Costume Cricket Match — Quill’s Hotel, 8 i*m. L.O.L. —Monthly Meeting, Templar Hall. : To-morrow, . Friday, January 5. Caledonian Society—Meeting of Directors, Quill’s Hotel> 7.30 p.m. Flemington School Distribution of Prizes and Annual Concert. Saturday, January 6. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street , Monday, January 8. Meeting re formation of Lodge of Ancient Order of Druids—Ashburton Hotel, 8 p.m. f Wednesday, January 10. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock, rows- ■J.’S’S

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m,, and (Express) 5.39 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timabu and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. ; (Express), and 4. 45 p.m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 4.35p.m., and 7.20 p.m. ’Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and Sooth at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 • p,m. (Express), and 8 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 1883. A Good Cause.

One of the advantages that those who live in the colonies have over the inhabitants of older countries is that they are not brought face to lace with abject poverty. Now and then, indeed, we hear of applications being made to the police court or to some benevolent institution for relief, but such occur rences are rare, and a v e due either to temporary embarrassment or to the heartless desertion of a husband or father. In England, on the other hand, there is a vast class to be found in all the large cities, consisting of people who live from hand to mouth, never knowing, where the next day’s meal is to come from. It must have been a cause for wonder to anyone who has lived in London how these people manage to exist. And yet they not only contrive to live, but they also multiply, and the problem of how to deal with this fast increasing class is growing more difficult of solution every day. It is not difficult to foretell what will be the future career of a child who is born in an atmosphere of crime, and whose education is a matter of utter indifference to its parents. There are thousands of children of this kind in England, and it is from their ranks that criminals spring. It is easy enough for the moralist to deplore such a state of things, but the true philanthropist is he who will not only preach but will also do his best to remedy the evil. This evening a lecture will be delivered in Ashburton by the Rev. Dr. T. Bowman Stephenson, whose name is identified with one of the noblest institutions in Great Britain —the Children’s Home. A very few words will suffice to make people understand what is the nature of this Home.. Some few years ago it was started in a very humble way, a small house being secured, capable of accommodating twenty lads, who had been rescued from the streets. The good work that had been inaugurated by Dr Stephenson was recognised, and funds came in rapidly, and at the pre sent time there are now no less than five branches of the institution, includ ing an emigration branch at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and a seaside branch in the Isle of Man. Dr Stephenson has been lecturing throughout Australia for the purpose of augmenting the funds of the institution, and wherever he has spoken great interest has been shown, and a large number of sub scriptions received and promised. The proverb that “ charity begins at home ” is too often made an excuse for mere niggardliness, but this is a cause towards which everyone should contribute ac cording to his power. If we in New Zea land do not know the terrors of abject poverty, we can still do something to lighten the burden of those whose lives are spent in less favorable places, and it is to be hoped, for our own credit, that Dr Stephenson will take away from Ashburton an appreciable addition to the funds of the institution of which

he was the founder and is thi©' head. ' -

Property Tax. — A notice interesting to all liable under the Property Tax Assessment Act appears in another column.

Caledonian Society. —A meeting of directors of the above Society ia called for to-morrow evening, at 7 30, at Quill’s Hotel.

Inquest. —At the inquest held at Auck land on Mr Smith, who was formerly of Christchurch, the verdict was “ death from natural causes.” The pout mortem showed extensive heart disease. Costume Cricket Match.— Those in terested are reminded that a meeting of gentlemen will take pla-.e at the Com mercial Hotel to-night to discuss matters connected with a contemplated costume cricket match, in aid of the Library funds. The Clarence River Disaster. Letters received state that among the passengers saved by swimming at the wrack of the steamer New England at Clarence Heads was the Rev. W. Watkin, principal of the Three Kings Institution, Auckland. Flemington School. —The annual dis tribution of prizes in connection with the above school will take place in the school room to-morrow evening. The distribu tion will he followed by a concert, and given propitious weather there should be a good attendance of visitors.

Piano Tuning. —Herr Otto Schweers has now arrived in Ashburton, and the musical portion of the community desirous of securing this well-known tuner’s services will find particulars of his visit in an an nouncement in this issue, or on applica tion to Mr Weeks. Sporting. —A race for LLS a side will take place on the Ashburton course on Wednesday next, between Mr Cockle’s Lady Helen and Mr I. Thompson’s Steel Dust. The distance will be l£ miles, and each horse is to carry 10st 71b. Some in terest has been excited concerning the capabilities of the respective horses, and bets are being freely exchanged on the result. Dunedin Caledonian Sports .At the sports yesterday, the ten mile race was won by O’Connor in 57mins. 2seca. Burk, who had 220yds start was 25yds bshind at the finish. There was a good deal of excitement about this race. In a champion 220 yards race, three Canter bury men started against one Otigo. Hulston of Canterbury won. The Otago man got a wretched start. Lbciure. —The Eev. Dr Stephenson will give one of his highly instructive lectures this evening at the Town Hall, and a perusal of the synopsis, which ap pears elsewhere, foreshadows a capital evening’s entertainment, as well as giving some idea of street arab life in Lon don, with which most of our readers are but faintly acquainted. The story which Dr Stephenson has to tell will no doubt be listened to by a large audience. A Successful Fair. —The Wanganui Fancy Fair completed last night a season of eight nights of the most successful en tertainment ever given in Wanganui. The total receipts at the doors, inside shows, and from the sale of goods was £7OO. The expenses were heavy, but is is estimated that the share of profit contributed to the Fire Brigade building fund would be £2OO. The fair will be removed to Field ing, opening on Wednesday next, and subsequently Hawera and other places. Maccabe. —ln our advertising columns will be found a notification from Mr Mac cabe’s advance agent, to the effect that the hero of “Begone, Dull Care” will give one of h’s popular entertainments in Ash burton next week. The residents of Ash burton should not fail to see this really wonderful and amusing entertainment, as Maccabe has no equal in his particular profession in the world. Wherever he has been, crowded houses hive been the rule, and we hope Ashburton will not be the exception in this respect. ThiTFlowbr Show.— The weather was not of a kind to induce people to leave their homes last evening, but in spite of this the Flower Show in the Town Hall was well patronised. The Volunteer Band played a number of selections in excellent style, and this added consider ably to the enjoyment of those present. In the prize list as given in yesterday’s issue there were one or two errors that call for correction. Mr James Porter was awarded first prize for twelve round potatoes, and not Mr Hunt ; and Mrs James Porter took first place for the fol lowing special prizes :—Best collection of antirrhinums and for the best collection of dianthus.

Scarcity of Labor in Akaroa.— Grave fears are beginning to be entertained as to there being sufficient labor on the Peninsula to get in the cocksfoot. The crop is a very large one, and growers are offering twelve shillings a day in some cises, and in others no less than twopence a pound for all threshed. It is hoped that these high wages will attract men from elsewhere ; if it does not, we are afraid much of the harvest will have to remain unreaped. This is more to be grieved at, as the sample promises to be a peculiarly good one this season. We (Aharon Mail) are glad to hear that pur chases are still being made at fourpenci a pound, and it is to be hoped it will not fall, or a', the present high rate of wag e it would prove unreraunerative. Another Suez Canal Required. —Says the Pall Mall Budget : —There is a very strong feeling amongst British shipowners in favor of the construction of a new canal across the Isthmus of Suez, but we very greatly doubt whether half-a-dozen of them can be found to support the alter native scheme of a fresh-water canal from Suez to Alexandria, which was recently described in the Times. They are dis satisfie i with the existing canal, because (1) it is exposed to interruption by com plications in Egypt; (2) because it is not deep enough ; (3) because it is not wide enough ; (4) because it imposes so much delay upon ships in transit, forty to fifty hours being often taken, instead of seven teen, in passing from Suez to Port Said ; and (5) because of the excessive charges levied by the Canal Company.

An Australian Prabojt.—“A Vic torian,” writing to a contemporary on the subject of the Hon. W. J. Clarke’s eleva tion to a baronetcy, and approving of the bestowal of the honor, gives the following sketch of that gentleman’s public spirit and liberality :—“ He stands alone in Australasia as a perfect Peabody. Every hospital—yes, every charity—in Victoria, and many outside it, have been most liberally treated by him. The amount of good he does is really not known ; he is always doing it. He heeds not sects ; churches of all denominations have been recipients of his bounty. He is the farmers’ friend, too. At his own cost he brought out Mr Mclvor, and paid him a a large salary to lecture to and instruct the farmer. Spontaneously ho doled out LI,OOO to the famine stricken of India. The wail from China, too, he head; si also the distressed Jews in .Russia. He topped the list ol the heavy contributions sent by colonists to the Mansion House for relief in Ireland. In fact, I believe a Hat in detail would fill your paper of the money he has distributed for public good. Had they not heard what a noble, gener ous man he was when singling him out for the marked distinction —the first Aus tralian baronet. I hope our contingent of the first Federal Council will be composed of men of the stamp of Sir W. J. Olaike, which, however, is a vain hope, for he stands quite alone—a man of great wealth and great benevolence. The com bination is a rarity.”

' Promotion. Mr J. Sawyers, the manager of the Wellington branch of the Bknti of Australasia, who has been pro moted to the Inspectorship in Australia, was entertained at a dinner on Tuesday night. Acknowledgment. —We have received from Mr C. Braddell, the local agent of the National Insurance Company, a very prettily designed almanac for the present year, which we desire to acknowledge with thanks.

A Narrow Escape. —On Tuesday, as the last train from Southbridge was with in about a mile of Prebbleton (says the Lyttelton Times', the engine-driver ob served a little child about 18 months old on the line Ho whistled repeatedly, but the child had not sense enough te run away. The brakes were put on, but the engine was not stopped in time, and the cow-ca'cher pushed the child off the line, bruising one side of the face and head rathi-r badly. She was immediately taken to the doctor and attended to, and yester day was doing very well. Tuesday’s Stock Sale. The fort nightly stock sale, which takes place on Tuesday next at the Tinwald yards, bids fair to be an important one, both as re gards the number and quality of the stock to be offered. Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. will offer a line of 900 merino ewes, from Ihe well-known Anama run, and Messrs Matson, Cox and Co will also submit to the hammer 1,000 merino ewes and 1,000 merino wethers, on ac count of D. Olliver, Esq., of Westerfield, besides 1,003 merino wethers (with a few ewes among them) on account of other owners.

The Regent Accident on the Port Line. —An inquest was held at the Claren don Hotel, Christchurch yesterday, touch ing the decease of James Thompson, who met his death, it is supposed, by falling from one of the Lyttelton trains on New Year’s Day, as detailed in our Tuesday’s issue. The deceased was a laboring man, 47 years of age, and according to the evi dence of his widow had lately given way to habits of intemperance. The jury, without deliberation, returned the follow ing verdict :—Deceased had been found dea 1 on the railway line, but there was no evidence to show how he came by his death.

The Lyttelton Graving Dock.—A. report of the luncheon in connection with the opening ce-etnony of the new graving dock at Lyttelton appears in else where. A slight accident occurred dur ing the firing of the salute on the arrival of the Acting-Governor at the dock. A gunner named Washer, who was carrying cattridges from the limber to the gun, was standing with a charge in his hand too close to the muzzle while the gun was being sponged out. There was a strong wind blowing at the time which carried a spark from the gun on to the cartridge which Washer was holding, and exploded it, inflicting some aeveye burns on the arms, breast, and neck, the front of the tunic being also completely burnt away. Sale of Thoroughbred Stock. —An extensive sale of racing stock took place at Auckland yesterday, with the following results :—Three-year-old filly by Hippo campus —Yenus Transit, 20gs, Mr M. Smith ; yearling filly by Hippocampus— Yenus Transit, 20gs, Mr Ellis ; yearling colt by Musket —Yatterina, 185 gs, Mr P. Butler ; yearling filly by Hippocampus- Slander, 140 gs, Mr J. H. Pollock ; year ling filly by Maribyrnong—Peeress, 180 gs, Mr Pilbrow ; Herculaneum, 2 years, by Yattendon —Peer ss, 125 gs, Mr M. Smith; Fishwoman, Piscatorious, Hipporina, Toi (with foal at foot by Musket), and Maori were offered, but not s >ld; Maid of Honor, stinted to Musket, 295g5, Mr J. Bennett : Tim Whiffler, 300 gs, Mr M. Smith , Prince Charlie, by Papapa —Una, 30gs, Messrs Mackay and Shaxpeare. Australian Federation,—Who (writes the Federal Australian ) says federa tion is not advancing in railroad spaed in this part of the world 1 Already Vic toria and New South Wales—or, say Melbourne and Sydney—are bound to gether by geographical unity by the unreak able iron link, and now the fiat has gone forth on both sides for the similar union of Victoria and South Australia, or say Melbourne and Adelaide. Withinaweek the Parliaments of the two c d mies have given their sanction each to its own share of the grand undertaking About 190 miles in all will require to be laid down at a coat, they say, of about a million sterling, and this truly international work will be completed within the next 18 months. A through line of 500 miles will then convey the traveller from the shores of Hobson’s Bay to the shores of St. Vincent’s Gulf without a break. Is not this federation, aye, and confedera tion into the bargain ?

New Zealand Educational Institute. —The meeting of delegates from the vari ous Teachers’ Associations throughout the colony was held in the Normal School, Christchurch, yesterday, for the purpose of considering the possibility of forming an Institute. A committee was appointed to draw up a constitution for the proposed institute. Mr H. Cape-Williamson was appointed one of the secretaries to the Conference. By wire to-d iy we learn that it was resolved to establish a New Zealand Educational Institute, to consist of teachers of Associations and Institutes in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Can terbury, and Otago, and such other asso ciations as may hereafter join the In stitute. A sot of rules were adopted, the principal ones being, that each Associa tion shall be entitled to one representative for the first twenty members, and one for every additional fifty names beyond the first twenty names on the roll or member snip. It was resolved that the Council shall meet annually (during the Christmas vacation), and that a general meeting of members shall be held every two years.

Holloway’s Pills. —The chiefest wonder of modern times. —This incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatulency, purifes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout the globe astonishes everybody, and a single trial convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove all complaints incidental to the human race They are a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of the blood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and gentle aperitive action are the prolific sources of the extensive curative range of Holloway’s Pills. [Advt.]

THE LYTTELTON GRAVING DOCK.

The opening ceremony of the new grav ing dock, to which we briefly alluded yesterday, passed off with great eclat, but owing to the late hour at which the speeches terminated we could not publish any portion of them in yesterday’s issue. In addition to the magnates of various New Zealand cities who were present yesterday, we have to mention the fact that Ashburton was represented by Messrs Bullock, Winter, and J.ambie, members of the County Council, Mr Wm. Baxter, Engineer, and his Worship the Mayor, Crs Bird, Nelson, A. Orr, members of the Borough Council, and Messrs E. G. Wright and Ivess, M.H.R.s.

After the ceremony of opening the dock, which fully 6,000 persons viewed from the hill sides and every available spot that commanded a good view, the specially invited guests adjourned to the large export shed, where a splendid lun cheon was provided by the Harbor Board, Fully 700 personssat down, andafter ample justice had been d ne to the good things provided, the toast of “The Queen,” “The Prince and Princess of Wales,” “ His

Excellency the were heartily drunk.

His Excellency Sir James Prendergast, the Actiug-Governor responded at some length, but his remarks were quite in audable at even the middle of the large shed.

His Honor Mr Justice Johnston pro posed the “ Army, Navy, and Volun teers. ”

Colonel Brett, Major Lean, and Mr J. T. Fisher duly acknowledged the toast. The Hon. J. T. Peacock proposed “ The Ministry,” and the Hon. W. Rol -1 eaten, Minister of Lands, responded to the toast. Mr Harman proposed “ The General Assembly,” to which Mr Montgomery brit fly responded. His. Excellency the Acting-Governor then proposed “ The Lyttelton Harbor Board,” coupled with the name of the chairman, Mir Peter Cunningham. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and was responded to by the Chairman. The Hon. E. Richardson proposed “ The Visitors,” coupling the name of Sir Julius Vogel with the toast. The toast was drunk with loud cheering, and musi cal honors.

Sir Julius Vogel, on rising to respond, was greeted with loud and continued cheering. He said they had charged him with a great responsibility in asking him to return thanks for the visitors. If he was not mistaken, forty-nine fiftieths of those pres-nt were the guests of the Har bor Board. They all knew that a public man liked to have a majority, but there might bi too much of a good thing. A Government was sometimes too weak by having too large a majority. He could only say he wished to please th se he represented, and if he was not successful it would not be for want of good will. (Applause.) He thought he could say that all the visitors joined with him in admiration of the indomitable energy, industry, and perseverancs which had given to the harbor of Lyttelton the grand work which that day had been opened by his Excellency. Would they allow him to add further, on his own account, that it was deeply gratifying to him to find that, after having been so long absent, his memory was so kindly cherished. (Applause.) He looked upon the dock as one of the many evidences that the im pulse which had added so many public works to the colony was not at an end. Whether or not they agreed with his action in the past, they would at least do him the justice to believe that he had been desirous of serving the colony. (Hear, hear.) He wished to express his intense regret at the absence of one who would so fitly have been present—the late Mr William Sefton Moorhouse. (Hear, hear.) With the early history of the great public works of this Pro vince, the name of William Sefton Moorhouse was inseparably connected. Th ere was another name which he men tioned with no less regret; the name of a gentleman who, had he lived, would have been foremost, not only in this province, but in the colony—Mr Crosbie Ward. (Applause.) To come back to the living, he might say that the successor to Mr Moorhouse —the Hen Mr Rolloston--had always shown himself to be equally the advocate of public works and immigration, and he did not think that any gentleman in the colony had devoted a closer atten tion and a more subtle intelligence to them. (Applause.) He might say that he had frequently been indebted _to Mr Rolleston for suggestions on these impor tant subject . He acknowledged his indebtedness to Mr Montgomery for men tioning the name of Mr Walter Kenna w*y, than whom there had been no more devoted public servant, when he (Sir Julius) had been in office It was due to his chief, Sir William Fox, than whom a more b illiant colonist never lived, and to Mr Richardson, that his policy had succeeded. No public works had been carried out in any country without large mistakes being made ; but he undertook to say that any captious critic who should look to what had been done here and else where, would agree with him that they had less to regret in New Zealand than the people of . most other places. They had constructed over 1,000 miles of railway, and that they had made so few mistakes he had to attribute to the profound knowledge of Mr Richard 1 on. (Cheers.) He would remind them that what they had done was nothing to what they had to do. The time would coma when they wo jld be surprised at their congratulating them selves upon possessing a population of half a million, just as they must now feel wonder that in 1870 they were contented to think that they had only a quarter of a million. They might write him down as a false prophet if very few years did not elapse before they were constructing other docks and larger public works. (Cheers.) ■The success they' had already met with should lead them on to further triumphs. They should recollect that they had a great mission—one which no people more fully recognised than the people of Can terbury and Otago. That mission was to make the colony the happy home of a large population. (Loud applause.) He greatly rejoiced to think, if he might read between the lines of the remarks made by Mr Rolleston, that that gentleman was of opinion that the work of immigration should be resumed. Wherever he had been in New Zealand had he found that there was still room for a larger population, and he believed that a judicious increase of population would bring additional pros perity to those who had already made their homes in the colony. He would not detain them any longer than to say that wherever he might be his warmest affec tions and most heart-felt interest would always be with New Zealand and her colonists. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) Mr Keith Ramsay, Dunedin, also returned thanks.

The toasts of “ Tho Lyttelton Borough Council,” “ The agricultural and pastor d interests,” “ The New Zealand Shipping Company and the Union Steamship Com pany,” were duly proposed and responded to.

Mr E. G. Wright, M.ELB., in propos ing the toast of “ The trade, commerce, and local industries,” said that the sub ject was one of great magnitude. Trade and commerce may be said to express in two words all that superabundant energy and enterprise which had led forth the children of Great Britain to explore, to colonise and to cultivate so many of the waste places of the earth. The enterprise born of trade and commerce had carried tho British race to the remotest corners of the world, whether civilised or un civilised. The great expansion of com merce in Great Britain during the present century has raised the great mass of the lower classss from a position of ignorant, underpaid and underfed tillers of the soil to that of wellfed, intelligent and independ ent avtizms; and although poverty had not disappeared from the land, the enterprise of British merchants had done much to ameliorate the condition of mankind by carrying food from the granaries of the world to feed the dense multitudes who do not raise enough for their own consumption. The Hon. Minister of Lands had dwelt in eloquent terms upon tho importance of the agri cultural interest, and the speaker did not intend to trespass upon that subject fur ther than to say that whilst in 1870 the grain exports of the entire colony were valued only at L 152,000, in 1880 the single County of Ashburton exported grain worth L 433.000, representing 54,000 tons. Ho gfive this as a striking illustra tion of the advance the colony had made since the commencsment of tho Public Works policy. Then they found other industries following rapidly in tho wake of the grain trade. In 1879, an agitation was begun to secure more consideration for local industries, aadjthe very moderate

stimulus given by the amendments bf the tariff, made during the session of TLBBO, had been productive of a vast amount of good. The industries that profited most by the change were—the coach build* ing, boot-making, and woellen factories j and as the result of concessions made *in 1881 they had now at least 600 acres of tobacco in cultivation in Taranaki and other parts of the N orth Tsland. Other In terests were springing up rapidly. At Edendale and at Flemington, in the Ash burton County, cheese factories were at' work, and although the latter had only been a short time at work, it turned but two tons of excellent cheese every week. Then they had a most important industry started at Nelson—the manufacture of Portland cement. The enterprise of the colony’s machinists would soon supply everything required in the way of agricul-; tu al machinery—even including reapers and binders—and the time was c’ose at hand when the very valuable iron oret of the colony would be converted into rail way metals. He would ask them to drink the toast with sjll heartiness. (Auplaaae.,) 4 Messrs W. G. Meares and A. G. How land duly acknowledged the toast. • ’> The toasts of “ The dock contractors.”! “ The Harbor Board stiff," “ The ladies, 'T and “ The press,” were proposed and re sponded to, after which the proceedings terminated.

THE FRENCH AS COLONISTS.

The Times concludes a long article) on this subject as follows: —“ The failure of the Colony of New Caledonia has been due to causes altogether different from those which militate, against the other dependencies. H && there would have been an opportunity' of founding a truly rich colony if the National Assembly had not, with mis taken kindness, decreed, in tSyaj that the transported Communists should not be compelled to work. The 1 edn!” sequence of this was that, although the colony at one time contained more than 10,000 political deportes, among whom there were nuny very intelligent men, most of them lived in idleness and tried to shame others out of work ing. Their object was to make them selves as disagreeable as possible, ingi order that the colony, becoming a costly nuisance to France, they might get amnestied and sent home. M. Henrik Rochefort, in landing at Noumea, conoof plained bitterly that he was served with uncooked rations, just as if the soldiers of the garrison ought to haypj been employed in cooking for the con victs. The rattening practised by the idle deportes upon the few who tried tor be industrious was pushed to lengths that Assia, the famous organ*- iser of strikes at the Creuzot and quondam advocate of French tradi. unions, was obliged at length to invoke the protection of the military against, some of his old friends. He had set tip a foundry, which was flourishing, and, finding himself in a fair way of becom ing a capitalist, his views about strikes and rattening had, of course, undergone! a change. Since most of the political-- depones have returned home, work of colonising in New Caledonia has been carried on principally by ordi nary convicts liberated on ticket-of leave, but forced to reside in the colony/- It is too early yet to predict how they will thrive. The last thing heard of, them was that they were endeavoring* to ‘ Boycott ’ the Marist who had established a flourishing agri cultural settlement near Noumea, and. were doing good among the natives.”

THE SALVATION ARMY.

The following extract from a letter 1 written by “General” Booth, to a gentleman residing in Auckland;* will give some idea of the progress made by that eccentric organisation; l the Salvation Army, which is to make" its appearance in New Zealand shortly*. Referring to the recent purchase of The Eagle, London, he says;—“We have received much encouragement in tKS matter, as well as experienced some difficulty. We have received Lia.ooo in contributions, but the cost of fhtj * building with the alterations and ictr provements, and the fitting up ahjcs furnishing of The Eagle Tavern as) a Salvation Hotel has on the whole cosf us very nearly L 20,000. We have, however, made magnificent premisesmf them. I should think there is of the kind to equal them in the world. As you are aware, there is a larga square plot of ground, with trees ana variegated lamps in the centre, which has hitherto been used for dancing;-* Two large theatres, the Grecian and another, form two sides of the and the house and some adjoining buildings the remaining sides. In the. tavern there is a splendid banqueting room, which will seat 500 people, qjf more, and bars now used for temper ance refreshments, and sleeping rooms.' The two theatres will contain between them 6,000 people, and on the plat form, in the summer time, we can ac commodate 5,000 or 6,000 more. Both the theatres are crowded on Sundays, and one of them every night. We have not strength at present to work them both every night, but we hope to be} able to do so directly. Already over 600 people have been to the penitent form —some of them very notorious sinners. The week-day noon meeting has an audience of some 500 people, and altogether, the undertaking is very pro mising. It is true, the offerings are not very large, the people being very poorj still they average L3O a week; but the working expenses arc very heavy. You will probably have observed from the reports in the papers that I am under obligations to keep the licences on for the sale of intoxicating liquors, accord ing to the covenants of the lease, and I amglad to be able to report that the Magistrates granted them last week without demur, although they knew I did not propose to sell intoxicating liquor. lam hoping—nay, I feel quite sure that the most sanguine expectations, and the most fervent prayers that have been offered up for this scheme all through the world, will be fully answered and met. From all parts of the kingdom we continue to have very good news. Our commence ment in India has surprised every one. You will see from the War Cry that the theatre which our people have hired out there was full on the first day, the audience being largely composed of natives, who listened most attentiyely to every word that was said. They are crying out for us now to go to Cat cutta ; indeed, we are being pressed to go to every part of the world, and to every part of the world we want to nay, we are impatient to go, for yip want to multiply the sound of the message of Salvation, so that it shah ring in every ear and find an echo in

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 1888.



OHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &0., &0., &o. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERY, &o. East street sooth, Ashburton. n!6 John Meech, Burnett street, Ashburton, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER. The above advertiser begs to intimate to his numerous friends and customers that as be has EXTENDED HIS PREMISES He is now in a position to execute all kinds of FURNITURE at prices to meet ZPE Tpaa.- ;, .■ Second-hand Furniture bought and sold. First Prize awarded at the late A. and P. Show. : Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade. - {Workshop—Next Mail )ffice. TP YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO ? DAVIS’S ■ Ulri' V ■■ jSHBAP FURNITURE AND BED- J 6 *, ' DING MANUFACTORY, -HA ST STREET SOUTH, I!! ASHBURTON. I VERY article Sold at Christchurch t : ‘ Pvrmw and guaranteed best of and workmanship. - funerals CHEAPI.T & COMPLETELY FURNISHED sio PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat'-styles, with. Pencils and, nnyprintod at the Guardian .Office, ; IKWatnvt.



Wanted fJIHE EWE SHEARING will com mence at Coldstream on TUESDAY, 9th January, 1883. WANTED, Wool pressera, Wool-rollers, and General Hands. 16 0. H. DOWDING. WANTED BOARD and RESI DENCE in a private family. Apply,'in writing, to A. 8., Office of this Paper. 23 TX/’ANTED KNOWN—That Robert V\ Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at .very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 760 c -yy ANTED KNOWN! That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., can be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. T'ffTANTED KNOWN —It is Mr Lan- W caster’s intention to extend his Bread Business, and he wishes his cus tomers to know ho has secured Mr The nas Hicks to manage that branch. A Cart will be run with Bread alone, independent of the other Two Carts, which will con tinue to run as before. The name of Mr Hicks will be a sufficient guarantee that, under his management, Bread of unex ceptionable quality will be turned out of the FREETRADE BAKERY, East street r— R. Lancaster, Proprietor. 240 Special Advertisements.



gPEC IA L NOTICE TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. GL R, West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE ; • WAREHOUSEMEN, Princes street, Dunedin, Hava great pleasure in announcing that it is their intention to cater for the Music loving population of Ashburton in such a mamer as has never before been at tempted. Messrs G R. West & Co. are the 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 hem their friends, teachers, and the public in general to inspect their magnifi cent stock of Music, personally selected. did



gAVE YOUR GRAIN AND PURCHASE Walter A. Wood’s TWINE REAPER AND BINDER, . Which obtained the FIRST PRIZE and GOLD MEDAL against all comers at the TRIAL held last season in Christ church, under the auspices of tha Canter bury A. and P. Association. This Machine combines Lightness of Dracght, Simplicity of Construction, Ease of Management, Durability, and with Quantity and Quality op Work. Ealing, 21at December, —To Messrs Pbyntz 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 164 acres of wheat during a strong wind with perfect ease, and produced good work. Fours truly, Henry Herne, manager for J, E. Ruddenkiau. Newlands, 22nd December, —Messrs Poyntz and Co., Ashburton.—l 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 Griffin,



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-horae-power ENGINE, by Clayton and Shattleworih, in good order. FOR SALE— . COMBINE, by Handrail. ON SALE BINDER TWINE, WIRE, and OIL, at current rates. Poyntz & Co., AGENTS



Special Advertisements. qoal. coal. coal. We have now IN STOCK, ex Con ference, a large supply of the Old Lambton Coal. This is the BEST HOUSE COAL imported. 18n TUCKER, REST ELL & CO.



"VTOTICE TO BLACKSMITHS, iM BREWi RS, AND OTHERS. Just landed, ex Mary Campbell, from Greyrnouth, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO.



We have now IN STOCK and for sale, ex vessels from Kaipara, a large assort ment of DRESSED AND T'NDRESSED Kauri Timber, including sizes to suit all requirements of the Building Trade. WELL - SEASONED TIItfBER for Jaiaers and Cabinetmakers, Also, from Foxton, ex Awaroa and Forest Queen, Totaral Black Pine, of the best quality to be obtained. 021 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO.



[With an apology to Green’s Shade.] CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES.—The BIG SHOP in East Street, Ash burton, has just been opened with an entirely NEW STCTK of English, Foreign, and Colunial-niade BOOTS and SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which have given such satisfaction in Tinwald and else where. —O. HAWKINS, “ MOTWTBt” Wakkhouse, Ashburton ; also at Tin wald.



111 HE BEST VALUE FOR READY X MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured BY TUB 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: E AST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. b!9



ANTA 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 1 BOOKS 1 ! REWARD, PRESENTATION, and PRIZE BOOKS. NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child’s Compan : on Infants’ Magazine, tfec., &c. poe rs VARIOUS Authors; Sir Walter Scott’s Works, now edition, complete, TOYS ! TOYS !! TOYS !!! GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, and Indiarubber. DOLLS ! DOLLS !! DOLLS !!! ALL SIZES —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. gm* ALL the above Goods are offered at the LOWEST Possible Prices for CASH. A LIBERAL DISCOUNT allowed to schools on parcels of Toys, Books, etc. PIANOS, ORGANS, BRASS, and stringed instruments ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d -VTEWEST BOOKS at R. BEVAN’S, Saunders’ Buildings. Cassell’s Popular Educator, Chambers’ Journal of Popular Literature, Mayhew’s Illustrated Horse Management, the Leisure Hour, Every Boy’s Annual, Little Wide-Awake, Chatterbox, Children’s Friend, Child’s Companion, Infant’s Magazine, Band of Hope Review, Morning Dewdrops (by Mrs C. L. Balfour), Captain Cook’s Voyages, and others. A large stock of second-hand beoks—all offered at the lowest possible price for cash. 32



N rp u n i Herr Otto Schweers The Celebrated PIANOFORTE TUNER, Has Arrived, and will wait on CUSTOMERS ONLY Rakaia and Chertsey on Friday and Saturday. Mount Somers on Tuesday. ORDERS sent to the Music Depdt, Tancred street, will be attended to, H. J. WEEKS, 12 Agent for C, Begg & 00.



mHE GUARDIAN is on every Tea *- Table in Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. SAMUELSOX'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, have many material improve ments on the one exhibited by Messrs Samuel on 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. Those, 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 size 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 adjustm nt. An expert from Messrs Samuelson’s Factory is now on the way out, and will arrive in New Zealand early in December, s > as no bo 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. THE SCOTTISH IMPERIAL IN SURANCE 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.



Thomas Taylor, AND CONFECTIONER, East stkeet. WEDDIjNG CAKES 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 be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.