SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Kontnui, i s., from Timaru. Rotoraa, 5.8., from Manukau and way porta. Ycstebdat Mahinapas, s.s, from Greymouth. Wskatn, a.a., from Kaikoura and Wei- Weal Coast, Sailed. . Yxstk&dat. _ - Uarnion, brigantine, for Kaiyara. Wanganui, ship, for London. Bolora»( 8.8., for Wellington.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. MrT. Bullock reports of the Horse Market Ike week ending Saturday, Dec. 29th ; There was an average attendance of country aet&fts And others. 32 horses were yarded for the day's sale, a large proportion of which were ofan inferior description and some almost use less. There were buyers for good useful farm horses suitable for harvest work, but none of this description were entered. Light harness horses and inferior draughts were a drug, con sequently very few changed hands out of the 31 entered, only 10 were sold, viz., inferior draughts, Ls to 1.6 10s; light harness horses, L 5 <* to Ls; hacks of an inferior dcscnption, |i S to LS ISs; dray, Ln 17s 6d ; waggon, LISI sundries at satisfactory prices. Landed properties Previous to the usual horse I. oflfered some rural property in the Wakanui dis trict and some sections in Tinwald together with improvements, bnt it was difficult to obtain a bid; there appearing to be no inclination to purchase, consequently the properties offered were in. During the week I have sold IS allotments in the suburban district of Al lenton, apd known as part of Allison Smith s block for the sum of L 137. ’Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows Saturday, December 29th: The horse market wisveVy dull, and very few animals of value were entered. Cows sold from L$ to Lo SS 6d; pigs brought h : gh prices, slips selling gp to- 13s each. Produce sold at about late isles, there being a want of animation through the whole sale.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE . Saturday, January 5,. lUpmiH Mntnnn, Cox and 00., at Tatter gaU’s—lGrowing crops Tuesday, January 8. Kition, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald fbleyarda—Stock. AMUSEMENTS, Etc Tuesday, January 1. Winvlow Annual Races and Sporta. MetbvenAnnual Races and Sports. Friday, January 4. Ashburton County Council — \t Council Cbprajaera, Ua.m. Friday, January 4. Loogbeaeh Road Board, at Road Board :offic«, Longbeach Saturday, January 5. Wakannl Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. : Monday, January 7. Coper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Ipard Office

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1883. The Past Year.

In one of the essays of Elia Charles Lamb speaks of New Year’s Eve as a time when the most solemn and touching thoughts occupy the mind. He calls it indeed an “ awful leavetaking,” comparing the event to parting with an old friend, and some such feeling as this must be experienced by those who care to expend sentiment upon the matter. There is not a single individual of the many thousands who will listen to the bells ringing in the new year to-night that will not recall some event of the past twelve months of great importance to himself, though it may concern the great majority nothing. The cry of “ L'an est mart, vive Pan ” has a mournful sound, and the joy at the birth of Eighteen hundred and eighty four, will be tinctured with re gret at the departure of its predeces sor. It is only the very young who re joice at the flight of lime,‘for the more sober-minded recognise in the recur rence of the annual festival we are on the eve of celebrating a reminder that they have made one more step towards the bourne whence no traveller returneth. We will not, however, pursue this strain further, as our intention is less to sing an elegaic over the death of the old year, than to chronicle what has taken place during the past twelve months. So far as England is concerned the year which concludes to-day has not been prolific of events that go to make history. No important political changes have taken place in the affairs of the Mother Country, and although there have been rumors of wars Great Britain has kept herself free from turmoil. Even that great thorn in her side, Ire land, has been comparatively quiet, and it is satisfactory to know that the horrible crime that was committed in Phoenix Park on the memorable sixth of May last year, has been amply avenged. So long a time elapsed'siuce the assassination of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr Burke, without it ; being made evident, that the slightest cue had been found to the perpetrators of the foul deed that people began to doubt whether the mysteiy would ever be solved. On the 13th of January, however, a number of conspirators were arrested in Dublin, and two days later several more were placed in custody, while a considerable seizure of concealed arms and ammunition was made. On the 3rd of February the enquiry commenced, and a fortnight later one of their number, a town councillor named James Carey, turned Queen’s evidence and disclosed the whole de tails of the diabolical plot. The testi mony of this man and other informers, together with that of independent wit nesses, fully proved the guilt of the prisoners, and the ringleaders were executed, while others were sentenced to penal servitude for life. But the last act of the tragedy had yet to be enacted. Carey, the greatest miscreant of the gang, had been allowed to escape, but he was henceforth a marked man, and few people were surprised when they heard that he had been shot dead by an emissary of the secret society. This took place at the Cape on July 29th, and it was only the other day that O’Donnel, the murderer, expiated his crime upon the scaffold. The law had of course to be vindicated, but no one could regret the removal from this world of such a villain as the informer Carey, Still, although, as we have said, disaffection has not so strongly manifested itself in Ireland as in previous years, proof of which is seen in the marked decline of agrarian crime in that country, it is only too evident that Fenian outrages are not things of the past. On March 15th London was thrown into a ferment by the news that an attempt had been made to blow up the Local Govern ment offices with dynamite. As may be imagined, something very like a reign of terror followed this event, for no one knew when or where the next blow would be struck. Military guards were placed over the principal buildings in the metropolis, but the feeling of alarm was not allayed until the police had discovered the persons who were guilty of concoct ing the horrible plot. These proved to be four men named Thomas Gal lagher, Whitehead, Wilson, and Curtin, and they were tried and sen tenced to penal servitude for life on June 14th. At the beginning of Novem ber a similar attempt to destroy life and property was made, dynamite being ex ploded in one of the tunnels of the underground railway. There is only too good reason to believe that these devilish designs were concocted in America by the Fenian societies organ ised there. Apart from her affairs in connection with Ireland, there is little to chronicle of events in Great Britain during the year. The foreign policy of England has always been weak when ever a Liberal Government holds the reins of office, and the last twelve months have afforded no exception to the rule. At one time it appeared as if some trouble was going to ensue over what was known as the Shaw in

cident, when the French Admiral be haved in a high-handed manner to wards an English missionary in Mada gascar, but after a good deal of bluster and bounce on the part of the Parisian press the difficulty wa* tided over by an apology and compensation to die person most aggrieved. The relations between the two nations are not at pre sent of the most cordial kind, and it is within the realms of possibility that should France and China go to war, as according to the present outlook seems inevitable, England may find herself forced to take part in a quarrel which would seriously affect her commercial interests. With other European countries Great Britain may be said to be in perfect accord, while the good feeling prevailing between the Old and New Worlds has been cemented by the tour of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lorne through the States during the early part of the year, and still further by the more recent visit of Lord Chief Justice Coleridge. In regard to the administration of Home affairs, the English people appear to be satisfied to allow the Liberal party to remain in power. Rumors of Mr Gladstone’s probable retirement from the busy scene of politics have been prevalent, but these have proved to be unfounded and the grand old man is still the greatest statesman England possesses at the present day, and should he re sign office it will be difficult, if not im possible, to find one worthy to fill his place. The Conservative party, on the other hand, suffers from want of organ isation and the absence of a leader has been felt ever since Lord Beaconsfield died. The most important events of the year, from a social point of view, are probably the Fisheries Exhibition, which was a thorough success, and the opening by the Prince of Wales of the Royal College of Music on May 7th. The establishment of the latter institu tion has been carried out with the greatest enthusiasm and is generally recognised as supplying a long-felt want.

Turning from Great Britain to the Continent, the nation whose affairs have received most public attention is unquestionably France. When Gam betta died on the last day of 1882, it was predicted that before long trouble would arise, and when the loss of her greatest statesman was followed five days later by the loss of her greatest soldier, it seemed that the fulfilment of the prediction would quickly arrive. On January 4111, two days before the great dictator was buried, General Chanzv, the only man who had shown any military genius on the side of the conquered in the Franco-Prus sian war, expired, and on the 16U1 Prince Napoleon issued a manifesto which was placarded on the walls of Paris. He was immediately arrested by the authorities. The ex-Empress Eugenie hastened to the French capi tal, but her stay was limited to forty eight hours, her return to England, it is believed, being hastened by a recom mendation from the Republican Go vernment. Dissension in the Ministiy followed this event, opinions being divided as to how Pretenders should be dealt with. A new administration, under the premiership of M. de Fal lieres, was formed on the 29th Janu ary, but after it had existed for little more than a fortnight M. Ferry was called on to take office. Prince Napoleon was released from prison on February 11, and on the ultimate pass ing of the Expulsion Bill he was, to • getber with the Due d’ Aumale. the Due de Chartres and other members of the Orleanist families, compelled to leave France. Thus ended the great “ Plon-Plon” manifesto, but subsequent events showed that the mind of the nation had been unhinged, and, as is not unfrequently the case with French Governments, in order to draw the people’s attention from home affairs, a policy of colonial aggression was entered into. In April on expedi tion to Tonquin, a country over which China exercises a suzerainty, began to be talked about, and the Chambers voted a credit of 5,000,000 francs to carry it out. The result of this expe dition was at the first disastrous, Colonel Riviere suffering a decided defeat at the hands of the Anamese, the commander himself being killed. Further re-inforcements have since been despatched, and as China has shown a disposition to enter into the quarrel the war is likely to be an expensive one, while the advantages to be gained by the French, even should they be vic torious, are very problematical. An other little war has been carried on by France in Madagascar, which appears equally useless, and has already caused bad feeling between Great Britain and the aggressor—a feeling that has been intensified by the subsequent action of the latter in attempting to use the is lands of the South Pacific as abiding places for habitual criminals. The affairs of Germany have not aroused much general attention. Prince Bis marck has further strengthened the friendly relations between the country he virtually rules and the Vatican, and by an adroit move he has managed to bring his arch-enemy France and her neighbor Spain to loggerheads. Russia has been comparatively free from Ni hilistic crimes during the past year, and the coronation of the Czar, which was looked forward to with much anxiety, passed over without any demonstration being made by the malcontents. The ceremony took place on May 27th and was characterised by great pomp, repre sentatives of royalty being present from every European nation. The disgrace ful anti-Semitic outbreaks in Southern Russia were resumed at the beginning of August, and several people were killed and a large quantity of property destroyed, but as we have not heard of any further disturbance since that time it is to be hoped that the half-savage fanatics have ceased to manifest their enmity towards the Jews. Matters in Egypt have of late as sumed so unfavorable an aspect as to render it doubtful whether the war which cost England so much has really done anything to settle the affairs of that unhappy country. The false pro phet, El Mahdi, who had been gather ing a large number of fanatical followers in the Soudan, defeated an Egyptian force on January 17th, and it was determined to equip an army strong enough to crush his power. General Hicks Pasha accordingly was dis patched in September with some ; 10,000 men under his command, but [ we have since learned that he has met i with a terrible reverse, the army being 1

annihilated almost to a man. Several European officers were attached to the staff, all of whom have perished, the only people reported to be saved being a newspaper correspondent and an artist. It is possible that the report received may have exaggerated the nature of the disaster, as it still remains to be confirmed as to details. In the meantime El Mahdi will be increasing his strength, and no one can tell to what length his fanaticism will lead him. Another misfortune from wtych Egypt has suffered was the outbreak of cholera, which took place in July and resulted in 12,000 deaths during the first month it raged. Thanks, how ever, to the energetic measures taken by the sanitary officials appointed by j England the epidemic was not allowed to spread, albeit the mortality in Egypt itself was enormous. In South Africa there has been a considerable amount of fighting between the opposing tribes in Zululand. Cetewayo was allowed to return to bis country and was restored formally to the throne in January 26. This misguided action on the part of the Gladstone Govern ment soon bore fruit, as Usibepu, a rival chief, rebelled and defeated Cete wayo in July, the latter being reported to have been killed. The report was afterwards contradicted, but while Eng land’s ptotegb remains on the throne there can be no guarantee of peace in that part of the world. As to the Australasian colonies, they have been progressing happily during the past year, the only matter of na tional importance creating much stir being the Annexation and Federation question. The proposals of Queens land in connection with New Guinea were at first received with unmistake able coldness by Lord Derby, but the English press took the part of the colonies with great \igor, if not with striking intelligence. The Conference 1 which recently concluded its sittings at Sydney thoroughly exhausted all that could be said on the question, but it still remains doubtful whether there will be any practical outco- ae from its deliberations. So far as New Zealand is concerned, little interest is felt in the annexation proposals, while the idea of Australasian federation is considered altogether premature. In this colony the year has not been a favorable one for trade, and complaints have been heard on all sides. This depression is, however, purely temporary, and our faith in the future of the country is in no way disturbed. With the prospect of a good harvest before us, and the further development of the Irozen meat industry, we are sanguine that the year Eighteen hundred and eighty-four will be more successful than its predecessor, and it is with this feeling in our hearts that we heartily wish our readers

A Happy New Year.

To-morrow being New Year’s Day the Guardian will not be published. The picnic of the Borough School chil dren, which was postponed owing to ill ness in Mr E Q. Wright’s family, has been fixed to take place at Windermere next Wednesday week. In connection with the Ashburton Sum mer races the following stakes were paid over on Saturday :—Messrs M. and G. Hobbs, L 66 10* ; Mr W. B. Colton, L3B ; Mr G. James, L 23 15s ; Mr U. Brimble, LI9 ; Mr T. Quill, Ll2 10s. The Premier, accompanied by Mrs At kinson and Mr Tudor Atkinson, arrived at Wanganui on Saturday night by special train from Palmerston, whence he came on to Wocdville, where he passed Friday night. They remain till this morning, and then leave by train en route for New Plymouth. The Premier remains there about a week, and then returns to Wel lington.

A hundred and seventy natives from along the coast came to Waiau Bridge on Friday, and were stopped by a strong guard placed thsre by Colonel Roberts. After being told they would not be allowed to proceed, Titokowaru stood up in his buggy and beckoned to the crowd to double back, which they did. They were well dressed and very orderly. We understand that a large number of tickets have been purchased for the con cert to be given this evening in the Town Hall, in ai > of the Presbyternn Church Organ Fund. The programme prepared is an excellent one in every respect, aud we anticipate a crowded house.

We are'requested to intimate that from to-day a paid librarian will bo in attend ance at the Library from 9 a.in. to 9 p.m. to distribute books to subscribers, and as the Committee have incurred this expense in the interests of the public, the sub scription list should be greatly increased, as otherwise it will be impossible to pro cure new books. A rifle match between teams from the Ashburton and Sydenham Rifls Volun teers will come off to-morrow at the Hills borough Riflj-range, near Christchurch. The ranges will be 200yds, 400yds, and 600yds, with seven shots at each distance. Wimbledon targets and scoring. The fol lowing have been selected to represent the local corps :—Color-dergeant Hayes, Ser geants Nelson and Vaughan, Privates Andrewes, Ashton, Crocker, Irvine, and Leitch. Now Year’s Day is always a time for sports of all descriptions in this part of the colony, and to morrow will be no ex ception to the rule. At Methveu the settlers have specially exerted themselves in order to have a good race meeting, and if the weather continues fine there will be a large attendance. Winslow, too, is a favorite resort of seekers after amuse ment and the committee have prepared an excellent programme and the same may be said of Wakanui. Altogether the people of the Ashburton county have no reason to complain of the fare provided for them this year.

Wo are sorry *o have to report an acci dent which happened to Mr Alfred Har risoa yesterday, whereby that gentle an sustained a severe fracture of the right arm. It appears that he was taking his bath at the time the mishap occurred, and in stretching out to procure a towel he slipped and falling heavily injured him self as stated above. Dr Ross was soon in attendance and set the broken limb, and the patient is progressing as well as can be expected, although it will probably be a long time before Mr Harrison will be able to get about, as this is the second time he has met with a similar accident to the same arm, Holloway’s Ointment and Pilis.— Glad Tidings,—Some constitutions have a tendency to rheumatism, and are throughout the year borne down by its protracted torture. Let such sufferers bathe the afflicted parts with warm brine, and afterwards rub in this soothing Ointment. They will find it the best means of lessening their agony, and, assisted by Holloway’s Pills, the surest way of overcoming their disease. More need not be said than to request a few days' trial of this safe and soothing treatment, by which the disease will ultimately be completely swept away. Pains tthat would make a giant shudder are assuaged without difficulty by Holloway’s easy and inexpensive remedies, which comfort by moderating the throbbing vessels and calm ng the excitedpierves.— Advt.

A meeting is to be held at Christchurch on Wednesday next to establish a People’s Co-operative Protection Society of New Zealand.

At the quarterly moef'ng of the Christ church branch of the North Canterbury Educational Institute, held at Christ church on Saturday in the Normal School, sixteen members were present, Professor Bickerton in the chair. The annual re port showed 64 members, of whom 13 we'e ladies. The following officers were elected :—President, Mr T. S. Foster ; Secretary, Mr B. 17. Just ; Treasurer, Mr J. G-. L Scott ; Librarian, M - 0. Bossc’u o ; Committee—Messrs Bishop, Cumberforl and Speight. A discussion on home lessons and corporal punishment v. moral suasion in primary schools was opened by the Rev T. Flavell, who was accorded a vote of thanks. The general meeting of the Institute is fixed for Janu ary 23rd, 24th and 25th. The usual monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board was held at rhe Board’s office Tinwald, to-day, Messrs McLean (chairman), Friedlander, Harper and Stitt being present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk’s report was read and the items taken in rotation. It was decided to call for fresh tenders for bridges in Allenton, the same to have concrete abutments, tenders to be left at Mr I’riedlander’s store before noon on Saturday next. Tenders were also to be called for formation of part of Window and Maronan road, to be out by next meeting. The Clerk was instructed to advertise that rates unpaid by January 31, 1884, will be sued for without respect to persons. It was decided to invite ten ders for cottages in the Forks of the Ash burton, su ject to a ground rent, to be removed at the end of terra. Sundry ac counts were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

The Town Hall was crowded to its ut most extent yesterday aßernoon when the annual services in connection with the Sunday School Union wore held The children numbered 1,200, and there was also a good attendance of adults. Mr Joseph Leggett, Superintendent, of the Baptist Sunday School, occupied the chair. The Revs E. . Scott, J. Nixon, and 0. H. Standage delivered interesting and appropriate addresses, and Messrs Bell and Sawle also took part in the proceed ings. The singing of the children was especially good, and proved that the con ductor (Mi H. J. Weeks) had spared no pains in preparing them, while Miss Mur ray at the piano and Mr George Savage

with tho cornet rendered efficient aid. The only drawback to the success of the service was that the arrangements for seating the children were very inadequate and it is to be hoped this will bj remedied before another service is held. The inquiry re the accident to the Charles Edward, was held at Nelson on Saturday before Mr Curtis, RM., and Captain Gibbons, of Waverloy. Ihe evidence was very lengthy. In giving judgment his Worship said—l find there is not sufficient evidence to satisfy me as to the immediate cause of tho accident. The course steered by direction of the chief officer appears to have been the cor rect one iu all ordinary weather. I con sider further that precautions should have been taken to guard against the leeway arising from the low rate of speed at which the vessel was steaming. lam further of opinion that the master, Captain Scott, was so far suffering from the effects of liquor taken previously to the vesiel leav ing port ai ti be unfit for the duties of his command, and that had his condition been as it should have been tho accident would moat probably have been avui ied. I therefore, subjectjto confirmati -n by the Governor, suspend tho certificate of ihe said William Scott for three months, and adjudge him t) pay the costs of this in quiry. Captain Gibbons concurred. The costa were LI. The certificates of chief officer McKerman and chief engineer Laird were returned to them.

MOUNT SOMERS SPORTS.

These annual sports came off in a p id dock of Mr MoLymont, kindly lent for the occasion. Tne attendance was small in coi,sequence of the weather. Although it rained all day there were several con veyances on the course with a number of the fair sex, and notwithstanding the constant downpour they staye 1 ail day determined to see the fun. Mr Hood had a booth on the ground which was fairly patronised. Mr Jenkins also hid a re freshment booth, and appeirod to do a fair business. The Committee de ide.l to wait, hoping the rain might clear away, but after a considerable time they decided to do the best they could under the cir cumstances. Mr Peacha acted as judge, Mr Potts as starter, Mr Morrison as clerk of the courua, and Mr Hood as clerk of the scales. They all gave general satis faction. The starts were ail very good, not a false one occurring. Append d are the various items and the results : Hurry Scurry of L 5 Mr Win. Annett’s Jenny Lind ... 1

Mr R. Patton’s Maid of Athens ... 2 Mr J. Hood’s Long ... ... ... 3 Immediately after the race Mr Patton entered a protest against Jenny Lind 0:1 the ground that she did not belong to the district. The protest was disallowed. Shearers’ Purse of L 3. Mr J, Oherfeld’s Chester 1 Mr A. McNeal’s Piebald ... ... 2 Mr J. Johnston’s Poundy 3 District Race of L 5 ; second horse, LI. Mr Wm Hobson’s Tommy ... ... 1 Mr P. Jolliu’s Fannie ... ... 2 Mr R Patton’s Faugh a-Ballagh ... 3 This was the best race of the day, Tommy and Fanny being close together all round, and the jockeys doing then level best to win. At the finish only a neck separated the two first horses. Handicvp Trot, of L 5. Mr D. Gilmour’a Tata... ... ... 1 Mr A. McNeal’s Kitty... ... ... 2 Mr W. Fergus’s Robin... ... ... 3 Athletic Sports. 240yds Hurdle Race—T. S. Johnstone, J; J. Moore, 2; T. Rainey, 3. Flat Race, 100yds—T. S. Johnstone, 1; J. Moore, 2; T. Rainey, 3. Three-legged Race, 100yds Gilmour and Johnstone, 1; Noonan and Anderson, 2; A. and S. Ede. 3. Throwing the Hammer—Wm. Hood, 1; J. Moore, 2; J. Anderson, 3. Half-mile Race—T. Rainey, 1 ; A. Fosse, 2; S. Ede, 3. Fosse was disqualified for jostling, the second prize going to S. Ede.

RAILWAY RATES.

The President of the Canterbury Cham ber of Commerce has received the follow ing reply to the last representations of the Chamber on this subject : Railway Department, Head Office, Wellington, 21st December, 3883. Sir, —I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Public Works, to reply to your letter of the 2nd instant, and to the points raised by you at tho recent inter view with the deputation from your Cham ber. The late Minister for Works considered the subject < f the Is 6d port charge for hauling aud handling goods ex ship for examination at Lyttelton, and concluded that it should not be diminished unless any portion of the work covered by it was o< rraspondingly diminished. It appeared that on the compl tion of the new Harbor Board shed at Lyttelton some economy would result, and on these grounds the late Minister agreed to reduce this charge to Is. The present Miniater is prepared to give effect to that decision in due

course, but does not see his way to do I, this work free of eharge, or to make for- l:< ther concessions in this direction. I Touching the matter of removal of place of examination from Lyttelton to Christchurch, it appears that such / a change, while it might benefit certain individuals, would preju ice others, and on the whole there would probably be little or no gain to the local community generally by making it, while at the same time to provide the accommodation which would be needed would entail an expen diture of many thousands of pounds in works and in the acquisition of private properly, and it does not appear to be a case in which the Government could justify a demand on Parliament for a vote. The demand for a reduction of the Port line rate from 5s to 4s fid is one which in the present state of the railway revenue cannot be entertained. It will be borne in mind that the rate was recentlj reduced from 5s fid, at which it had stood for many years, to ss, circumstances justifying this course. The Minister cannot admit that the railway rates are excessive or anoma lous. They have never been so low, either under the Provincial or General Government management as they now are. The Government,likeany othercarriermust be to some extent governed by local condi tions in fixing rates and charges. Because the relative positions of Christchurch, Ka'apoi, and Rangiora and other special circumstances unite to make it necessary to have a specially low rate on that part of the line, it would not be convenient to make this low rate a standard for the re-it of the colony, neither would it be reason able that because the railway, in order to obtain revenue, has to lower its rates at Port Chalmers, it should make these rates a standard for other places. ! The other charge on merchandise is the wharfage of 2s per ton ; this is a charge imposed by the Lyttelton Harbor Board, and is one in which the Government is not concerned. ' Regarding the transhipment charge, re -1 cently reduced from 4s to 3i per ton, to 1 include a week’s free storage, the Minister does not see his way to making a further 1 reduction. With reference to the rate from Lytel ton to Tiinaru, its purpose seem» to have j been misunderstood; it is made with a vie'., to securing the carriage by rail of goods imported to Titnaru via Lyttelton in p e -1 ference to letting them go by sea. It is not the purpose of the Government

to make such a very low distributing rate for merchandise from Christchurch to Timaru, because it would seriously affect the revenue from the distributing trade already existing with the South, both from Christchurch and from Timaru ; and while a much lowered revenue must cer tainly result, the action of the Govern ment would have the appearance of sacri ficing the colonial revenue to enable Christchurch traders to undersell Timaru traders in their own district The view which is sometimes taken of the subject of the relative profits on (dif ferent parts of the Hurunui-Bluff section seems to be a somewhat narrow one. The practice of selecting a part of a large system of roilways in the most settled districts and in the vicinity of the port, and regarding it apart from the rest and more remote portions, with a view to demonstrating that the former pays, while the remainder lose, appears to bo so fal lacious that it cannot be consistently adopted in arguing for a reduction of rates on some particular part of the line. It could not bo anticipated that any one part would present such good finan cial aspects were it disconnected from the rest of the system, and divested of the othtr portions which serve to add to its traffic. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant. (Signed) J. P. Maxwell, General Manager, N.Z.R. The President Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch.

CRICKET.

4 —: AUCKLAND v. CANTERBURY. At the close of Saturday’s play the score stood as under : Auckland—lst Innings. R. Yates, b Chapman ... ... ... 38 Testro, Ibw, b Edser ... ... ... 17 Barton, c Malet, b Pocock ... ... 15 O’Brien, run out 4 Arneil, c Ashby, b Chapman I Blair, c Buchanan, b Pocock ... ... 16 Dewes, c Malet, b Pocock 2 W. Lankham, net out 19 Robinson, c Dudney, b Pocock ... ... 10 Bowden, b Pocock... ... ... ... o Gill, b Pocock ... ... ... ... 1 Extras ... 18 Total ... ... ... .. 141 Canterbury. First innings 171 Canterbury—2nd innings. Dudney, c Robinson, b Lankham ... 11 Milton, c Dewes, b Lankham ... ... o Buchanan, c Dewes, b Lankham... ... 16 Secretan, b Lankham II Ashby, not out 28 Wilding, b Robinson 7 Edser, b Lankham... ... ... ... o Pocock, not out ... ... ... ... 6 Extras 1 Total for six wickets ... 80 [by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. This moroing Ashby and Pocock re sumed their [innings to the bowling of Robinson and Lankham the score increas ing quickly to 106, when Pocock was given out Ibw. 106—7—19 Hannan went in, but at the next over he lost his partner, Ashby being caught by Dewes behind the wicket, after playing a good innings of 39. Malet then went in and with the score at 121 was also caught by Dewes. The last man shared the same fate, being prettily caught by Dewes, who had caught no less than six men behind the wicket. The second innings brings Canterbury’s total up to 291, leaving Auck land 151 to get to win.|) Auckland commenced their innings at 12 10, Yates and Testro batting to the bowling of Pocock and Chapman. With the score at 9, Testro, after making 4, was caught in the slips by Secretan off Pocock. Barton then went in. With the score at 38 for 1 wicket, Wilding relieved Chap man as bowler. Yates was bowled by Ashby after get ting 2L. Barton was caught by Malet at the wicket off Ashby. 51 —3 —22. Arneil (not out, 12) and O’Brien (not out, 4) were in at the lunch adj mrnment. Three wickets down for 68. Auckland won by four wickets, Arneil carrying out his bat with a score of 59 ( Dewes made 15. '

SPORTING.

METHVBN RACES. The following are the acceptances for these races ; Hurdle Race Why Not Unfortunate (late Andy Glencoe) Tommy Methvbn Cop. Lady Florence Roseneath Polly Twilight Idalia Lauriston Wild Rose Trotting Race. Titokowaru Idle Boy Inkernian Tata Firefly Bess Nelly Maggie Unger

The following entries hare been re* reived : Messrs Hardy and Co’s Cup. Mr W. H. Dsmuth’s b f Flora Messrs Alexander Bros* b g Lauriston Messrs Alexander Bros’ b g Forest King Mr I. Dunlea’s g m Stella Mr E. H. Osbourne’s br h Marmion Mr J. F. Tic':oil’s b g Smuggler Mr J. F. Ti kell’a g g Hiroki Mr A. Maugham’s g m Flirt Mr E. Osbourne’s b g Masher Messrs Deivoll Bros’ bile in Dutch Oven Mr W. Setters’ ch m Red Rose Mr W. Wright’s b g Unfortunate Distiiot fives Race. Mr W. H. Demuth’s b £ Flora Mr J. Dunlea’s g in Stella Mr W. P. b g Jimmy Mr W, Setter’s ch m Red Rose Mr J. F. Tickell’s br g Jimmy Mr H. Rauds’s or g Tommy Messrs Deavoll Bros’ bik m Dutchoven. AUCKLAND RACES. [by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The following acceptances were received on Saturday night; Racing Club Handicap; 1J miles. st lb st lb Salvage ... 9 4 Fish woman ... 6 12 Tim Wh filer 8 4 Koni'woith ... 6 6 Libeler ... 7 2 Vortex ... 5 7 Maori ... 7 0 Grand Stand Handicap; miles. st lb st lb Salvage ... 9 8 Fishworaan ... 7 5 Tim Whifflor 8 7 Rewi... .. 7 0 Libeller ... 7 10 Kalo 7 0 Yubaßil ... 7 7 Waipiti ... 612 Maori ... 7 7 : The two-j u . oU c..h Trenton who won the Midsummer Stake* on Wednesday last has been purchased oy Mr Stead; the well-known Canterbury sportsman. Hfl is the ton of Musket end Frailty, and hii~ been scratched for all engagements at the Auckland Summer meeting.

A STEAMER ASHORE.

+. - [by telegraph.] Wi llington, To-day. The a. a. Tui, on her way from Wanga nui, touched on a rock inaida Kapiti. She started some of her plates, but arrived safe. Some of the cargo was injured by water, . -i Later. The Tui was from Foxton. She left , there on Saturday night, when she was in charge of the first officer, Mr G. Holding. At 1 a m. on Sunday morning she struck on the passage rock inside Kapiti. Find ing that she was making water, there' being a foot in the hold, a sail was, paf; under her bottom, and the vessel taken ; back under the island and search made for*, the injury. Sixteen bales of wool, all wet, were taken on deck arid the bhld pumped out. When the damage was got, a r it was found to consist of a started bolt, and several rivets knocked ouc of th*-, plate beneath the water line. The leakj was trimmed off with blankets and tallow, and the Tui came on here safely.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[redtee’s telegrams—copyright.] . [Received Dec. 31, p.m.] ' Monetary and Commercial. London, Dec. 29. Consols remain at New Zea land securities are quoted as follows : Five percent 10-40 Loan, Five per cent 1889 Loan, a half percent, 1879-1904 Loan, Four per ceat. Inscribed Stock, 100. Colonial breadstuffs are at last quota*., tions. Adelaide wheat, ex store, 465; New Zealand, 28s 6d to 43s 6d. Ade* laide flour, ex store, 325. The total, quantity of wheat afloat for the United! Kingdom is i,gzo,oodlqrs, 3 decrease of 20,000 during the week. Australian tallow—Best beef, 39s 3 best mutton, 44s

AUSTRALIAN.

[rEHTUr’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT. ] [deceived Dec. 31, 2 p.m;] A Mutiny. Brisbane, To-day. An extraordinary case of mutiny and murder occurred on board the Swedish brig Natal, on the 26th November last, while bound from Boston to this port. The captain and mate were attacked in their cabins and wounded, and simultaneously the second mate (the captain’s son) was killed and thrown overboard. In the scrimmage which took place afterwards, the captain wa» shot dead by the murderers. One of the sailors and the carpenter obtained the assistance of a passing vessel, and ar rived here. Three mutineers were ar rested.

[Received Deo. 31, 9 p.m.] The Sugar Trade. Melbourne, To-day. Arrived Messageries Maritiraes steamship Melbourne from Marseilles. She brings Mauritius advices to the 14th inst. Messrs Ireland, Fraser and Com pany’s circular reports the following clearances of sugar to New Zealand:-?-* Port Lyttelton, 257 tons; Port Chal- 1 mers, 238; Auckland, 237; Wellington, 400; loading for Dunedin, 900 tons. Freight to New Zealand, 40s.

TELEGRAMS.

[>KK PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Burglary. Auckland, To-day. The house of Knight, a fruiterer, at Newtown East was broken into. The cash box, containing L4l was stolen, al«o a watchchain and other goods, making a total value of L9I. The burglar effected an entrance by breaking the back window, and he took the cash box from the room where Knight was sleeping without awakening him. Death of an Old Settler. David Hay, of Montpellier Nursery, an old Auckland settler, is dead. Found Drowned. Alexander Duncan, in the Government employ at Sulphur Point, Lake Rotorua, ; was found drowned in Lake Rotorua. Ministerial Movements. New Plymouth, To-day. The Hon W, Rolleston, with the Under-; Secretary and Surveyor-General, arrived ' from Kawhia at six this morning, chiefly : on business connected with the surveys,' A visit was paid to the harbor works. Mr Rolleston meets the Premier, who is , expected by train at Inglewood this even ing. The Natives. About seventy Parihaka natives are in. town for the New Year’s Day’s sports. Aquatic. Wellington, To-day. The Star Boating Club sends a crew, consisting of Batkin, Stock, Webb, and Gibbes, down by the Wairarapa to row in the senior fours at the Lyttelton regatta to-morrow. A Home Vessel. The Tui sighted the ship Lady Jocelyi| ■ for Wellington, from London, in th« Straits. She signaled—“ All well.” The Tongariro. Christchurch, To-day. The Tongariro saiia for London at 4 p iu. to-day, and curies a rge and valu

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1888.



CHRISTMAS UK W YEAR GIFT S. n;ow open HILL’S SAMPLE BOOMS, Opposite Arcade. Monster Bazaar Fancy Fair. P. CLARK, Hairdresser. 11 929 EW/YEAB’S night. A BaU Will be held in MB JOSEPH CLARK’S GRAIN SHED [|> aid of the Public School Treat Fund. Dancing to commence at 8 p. m. ' Tickets, 2s 6d. 2 1172 HENRY JONES, Secretary. rN H |A r « o s - « H O * .n *33 P oSJ CSSH -9 ■ a R § if o fi* v. * Sh P OS rf.s



I SHBURTON PERMANENT A BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. Monthly subscriptions and other pay ments due will be received at the Society’s offices, Barnett street, from 9 a. m to 4 p.in., and from 6to 7-30 p.m., on WED NESDAY, January 2nd. Deposits received at the highest cur rent rates of interest. > • TABLE ■ Showing the Scale of Repayments adopted -fay this Society for a Loan of LIOO . upon first-class security. J. WARD* |.7 Directing Manager.



Wanted WOULD the Borrower of my “New Zealand Stud ’’ Books please return John Carter. 12 1152 WANTED —For up country, a strong active GIRL, about fif een or sixteen. Apply Mks Boils k, Family Hotel, Ashburton. 12 1168 WANTED Known —That \V. 0. Davis’ FROIT SB OP, next to Oddfellows’ Hall, will be OPENED TO MORROW. W. C. Davis. 12 1171 WANTED— An experienced MAN to take charge of a Threshing Ma chine ; references required. Apply, by letter, MrF. T. Mavo, Hampstead. 12 H 37 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin woe h Is 9d at 61 per yard. WANTED Known—For Sale, two COTTA- -BS on East Belt Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. C. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 e 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 Molson, 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. 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, 'fancied street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 WANTED KNOWN— That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob 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 Lka is always at his post to give lesions in Boxing, lesson £1 per mop*h, or according io arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. A MERRY CHRISTMAS AMD HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT ANDREWS S BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOB 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 New 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 further benefit in the shape of a still Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS A CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



F YOU WAIST vOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO i TO DAVIS’S JHEAP FURNITURE AND RED DING MANUFACTORY, SA ST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. £7l VERY article Sold at Christchurch Peices and £ .aranteed bes. of 'naierial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FtTKNISHED —- A- W. MAURICE, Tailor, Etc. Gentlemen’s Own Material MADE UP. Perfect fit and newest style guaranteed. CLEANING and MENDING, etc , MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. —The cheapest Tailor in the town. 12 1007



Special Advertisement. CJTOP THAT COUGH! DON'T DELAY.—Bow can you stop it 1 Where, s the Remedy. Bonniugton’s PECTORAL OXYMEL OF CARRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (register, i), can produce more evidence of real nicsrit chan any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonnincton, Christchurch. |>A N K HOLIDAY. Pursuant to the terms of the Banks and Bankers Act, 1880, and the Banks and Bankers Act Amendment Act, 1882, Wednesday, the 2nd January, is hereby appointed a Special Bank Holiday at the offices of the undermentioned Banks in Canterbury:— For the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, JOS. PALMER, Chief Officer New Zealand. For the Bank of Australasia, E. W. MOBRAH, Inspector. For the Bank of New Zealand, D.L. MURDOCH. 12 1148 General Manager. rjpUESDAY NEXT being New Year’s and a Public Holiday the Guardian will NOT BE PUBLISHKD.