SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday Wanaka, a from Y ellington, Picton, and Nelson. Clematis, ketch from Polorus Sound. Botomahana, 8.8., from Melbourne and Southern ports. Sailed. Yesterday. •5 Ocean Bird, ketch, for Arahau. Alert, schooner, for Havelock. Rotomahana, s.s., for Northern ports. ' ' Island City, barque, for Newcastle. Wanaka, as., for Akaroa and Dunedin

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Sybil, from Mauritius. Sailed—Takapuna, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived— Charles Edward, from Nelson; Go. Ahead, from Castle Point and Napier; ; Wakatipu, from the South ; Examiner, barque, from Manukau. Bailed Rotorua, for the North ; Herald, schooner, for Lyttelton; Omapere, lor Auckland, via the East Coast; Charles Edward, for Nelson; Wakatipu, for Sydney. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Oreti, from Wanganui. Sailed—Te Ansn, from Melbourne, via ;Hobart and the Bluff; Enterprise, for Napier; Isabella Anderson, for Grey mouth ; Mahinapua, for the West Coast.

COMMERCIAL.

f ': Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. The following is the Christchurch Cora Ex change report for the week ending Friday evening, the 21st iust. ;—There has been no ■apparent change in the grain market during the past week, business having been confined principally to small parcels. There is still a fair demand for really sound milling wheat, buyers showing a' disposition to operate at ruling rates. Far other cereals the enquiry has .teen very limited. Quotations as fallows Wheat: Sound milling, 3s lod to 4s 2d per bushel f.0.b.; second quality, 3s 3d to 3s 8d ; chick wheat, is tod to 2s 3d per bushel Oats: Prime milling, 2s id to 2s 2d per bushel f.0.b.; bright short feed, is lid to as; inferior and dis- Cbloured, is 8d to is lod. Barley : First-class as to 4s 3d per bushel; second quality, 3s adto 3s 6d; feed, is lod to 2s per bushel. Cheese and butter: 4#d'to Jd for the former; «nd 6j£d to yd for the latter, kegs extra. Messrs Miles and Co. report upon the live stock market for the week ending Wednesday, 19th December, as follows : —Addington : At thee yards on Wednesday a heavy entry of Stock came to hand, comprising 10,400 sheep, 439 xattle, and 94 pigs. - The mutton sub mitted consisted for the greater part of cross bred ewes, some of which were of only second quality; the demand was, however, large, and prices all round were extremely satisfactory, foe lines, fit for freezing were eagerly com pleted, and most of them fell to ihe nod of the exporter, the trade having to a large extent to content - themselves with the ewe mutton There- can be no question but that the present high 'fates are altogether attributable to the refrigerating operations, which have already seriously affected the quantities of the wether mutton which at this season usually come for ward, and we note with satisfaction that by Ihfe January and following steamers the restric tion as to the supplying of ewe mutton for ex port is to be removed. This is a step m the right direction, as [hitherto no thing but the primest of wethers have been accepted. The day’s quotation for mutton we place at to 3d per lb. Fat lambs: A I urge entry; the quantity, however, owing to extra require ments, not in any way depreciating values. Firgrttfe-A full supply, for the most part of good quality. Prices ranged from 2is to 235. pjgs Only a few.to, hand ; prices, however, n£d much about recent rates, namely, 25* to AO*. Store sheep-A very animated enquiry for shom hoggets, which were keenly com peted for, at prices ranging from lis 3d to 14s; ewes and lambs up to 14s; merino do at from IDS to IDs 6d. Our principal sales were—66 at l?s 6d, 12 at 12s 6d, 33 at 16s 6d, 33 m 16s, 18 at 13s, 16 at 16s 9d, 125 at 15s, 70 at 145; lambs, 10 at 10s 6d, 20 at 9s gd, 7 at 9s. 6d, 8-at Its 3d. 17 at lis, 12 at 8s gd, II at Bs6d, M.«t Bs., Store Cattle A good t ntry to hana, prices showing a slightly downward tendency, foiwald.—We held our usual sale at this place on Tuesday last, when 26g cattle, 4865 sheep, and 22 pigs came to hand. There is an active enquiry for store sheep in this district, and rifeh'sales as were made were fully on a par With bur Christchurch quotations.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE-'. Saturday, December 22. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Rooms — Unredeemed Pledges Tuesday, December 25. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Baleyards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc Saturday, December 22. Ashburton High School—Annual Distri bution of Prizes, at 11 a.m. Monday, December 24. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. ■ 1 Wednesday, December 26. Town Hall—Loyal Orange Concert and Ball, at 7.30 p.m. Odnfellows’ Hall —Oxford Dramatic Com , -pany, at 7.30 p,m. Thursday, December 27. Ashburton Summer Races Mbunt Somers Annual Races and Sports. isa'i ■ j Toesday, January 1. Winslow Annual Races and Sports. Methren Annual Races and Sports. Friday, January 4. Ashburton County Council—Vt Council .. Chambers, 11a.m. ’-' J Friday, January 4. Longbeaoh Road Board, at Road Board office, Longbeach Saturday, January 5. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. • ri Monday, January 7- ..Upper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Board Office

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton fob Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m. • '• TiuniS Leave Ashburton fob Timaru " AND SOUTH, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. TbazNb- Arrive at Ashburton from . Christchurch at 1016 a. in. (Express), s ‘ 4.35 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Tucabu and South at 10.40 a. m., 5.27 p.m. (Express), and 8 n.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1883.

Dr Qoldabro’, an old identity of Auck land, is dead. The man Anderson, who attempted to murder his paramour at Carterton, has been committed for trial. The first meeting of the Council of the Teachers’ Institute will be held in Wel lington the first week in January. At the inquest on the body of Robert Foreshaw, who died in the Auckland police cell in a state of drunkenness, the jury returned a verdict of “Death from serous apoplexy.” Mr J. Evans Brown, M.H.R. for St Albans, was married at St Peter’s Church, Wellington, yesterday afternoon. The bride was Mrs Martin, a resident of Wel lington. The various Mayors are gazetted Justices of the Peace. Mr T. W. Hislop has been appointed Crown Solicitor of Oamaru. Sir William Fox’s West Coast Commission has been further extended until the Ist July, 1884 Yesterday at the Rakaia R.M. Court before Mr Baddeley, a number of persons were fined 5s per head and 7s costs for allowing horses to wander in the streets, and one was fined LI and costs for his horse straying on the railway. A despatch by the mail states that the Confederation and Annexation Bill has been reserved for the signification of Her Majesty’s pleasure. Her Majesty will not be finally advised to assent to this Bill until the result of the recent Conference at Sydney was received. The next sitting of the Wellington Divorce Court is fixed for the 14th prox. At present only two cases are set down on the list—Edwards v. Edwards, in which an application is for decree nisi, and Elwell v. Elwell, in which a decree absolute is asked for.

Specimens of auriferous quartz, be lieved to be from the Wilberforce district, were shown in Christchurch yesterday. It is stated that LIOO has been offered for a twelfth of a twelfth share. The country is said to be very rough. At Christchurch judgment for the de fendant was given yesterday in a case where a shareholder sought to recover money paid fur a share iu one of the diamond prospecting companies started during the diamond fever. On Thursday evening a blue ribbon meeting was held in the Town Hall, Ra ktda. There was a good attendance. Messrs Gavin, Sawle, Andrews, and an other gentleman from Ashburton ad dressed the meeting in favor of the cause. During the evening a number of ladies and gentlemen sang some suitable songs and hymns. A very satisfactory number of adults and boys donned the blu«. At the Otago Education Board yes terday, the Secretary of the Department in Wellington wrote that a definite reply would be given to the Board about the grant for buildings as soon ns the depart ment was in a position to do so. The motion was carried that this was highly unsatisfactory, and the Secretary was in structed to draw the Minister’s attention to the facts that the best season of the year for the erection of school buddings is rapidly passing away, as also is the financial year, this being the ninth month thereof; and to again request that the Government will, with as little further delay as possible, inform this Board of the amount that will be available for school buildings in that district. Mr McKenzie, M. H.R., gave notice of motion for Janu ary meeting that the Secretary, three In spectors, and three Clerks receive notice of discharge after three months, and that applications be then invited for a Secre tary, one Clerk and two Inspectors, He also gave notice for the abolition of Com mittees, and that all business be trans acted by tht full Board.

Piano players are reminded that Herr Otto Schweers, the celebrated pianoforte tuner, will be leaving Ashburton ui Monday. Orders cannot be received later than Saturday.—H. J. Weeks, Music-seller, Tancred street. That indigestion or stomach gas at night preventiug rest and sleep, will disappear by using Hop Bitters. Read.— [Advt.] Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con ditions—Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-bilious* cathartic. 5d and is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydre/, General Agents. I

At a meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club on Wednesday evening, it was determined to expend LIOO in forming a new training course The other business was unimportant. In our advertising columns will be found details concerning the changes in the railway time-table for the coming holi days. Special arrangements to be made for the benefit, of people visiting the Ash burton Summer race meeting are also notified.

Ashburton is not to be left without amusement at Christmas time, as not only is a concert to be given in the Town Hall on Boxing night in aid of a fund for erecting a hall for the Orange Lodge, but a company of amateurs from Oxford will appear here on the same evening. The programme of the former entertainment promises a good performance, the princi pal local talent having consented to take part. The press speak favorably of the ability of the Oxford gentlemen, and as a large number of people are certain to be here on account of the Caledonian Sports both halls should receive a fair measure of support. With Monday’s issue of the Guardian we intend publishing an illustrated Christ mas supplement, containing a number of interesting articles appropriate to this festive season. Fiction will be represented by stories from the pons of G. Dumas, W. Senior, Rowland Morrison, and au thors who write under the noms deplume of “ Bramble” and “ Indi,” while among the artists contributing are, Davidson Knowles and Lizzie Lawson. Poetry will also be a prominent feature in the supplement, and details of indoor games will be given. We would advise our readers to send in thoir orders for the paper early, as otherwise they tun a risk of being disappointed. A fire broke out in Auckland at ten last night in the block of Plumley, dentjst, Hobson street. It commenced in a build ing known as the Carlton Academy, bat now occupied by Mall indin as a cabinet making shop on behalf of the Auckland Timber Co. Plumley was insured for L3OO on the building in the Zealand office. The fancy goods shop adjacent, occupied by Mrs Turnbull, was damaged. The stock was insured in the Union for LI,OOO. Plumley’s residence alongside was insured tor L 750. The damage is LSO. The Auckland Timber Co are in sured on Mallindin’s stock for L3OO, in, it is believed, the South British. The fire was caused by the capsizing of a light in the polish vat. The final observations in connection with the transit of Yenus were concluded at the Mount Cook Observatory on Wed nesday night. When Colonel Tupman, of the Yenus Expedition, was here he was prevented by unfavorable weather and his short stay from personally conducting the observations necessary to determine the precise longitude of Mew Zealand. This was accordingly entrusted to the Sur veyor-Genera!, who uu.tei to ik to procure the required data, and under Mr McKer row’s supervision, the work has since been carried on, Dr Lemon superintending the necessary electrical arrangement. The actual observation have been made by Mr 0. W. Adams, first geodesical surveyor ;

Mr T. L. Barker, assistant ; the tele graphic arrangements being conducted by Mr J. Gell, Ass. T.B. On the other side, at the Sydney Observatory, the ob servations were made by Mr H. 0. Russell, 8.A., F.R. A.S., the Govern ment Astronomer; Mr H. H. Lena ham (first assistant); and Mr J. S. Shapley (superintendent of the Cable Company), superintended the electrical arrangements, his Company having granted the free use of the cable for the purpose of these important observations to determine the exact time at each end of the base line, and so fix the exact longi tude of New Zealand. The method adopted for ascertaining the precise side real time was by the simultaneous obser vations of the transit of a number of fun damental “ clock ” stars, and to prevent the chance of error these observations had to be repeated on four nights, the signals being transmitted by telegraph direct from the Sydney to the Mount Cook Ob servatory, all the lines being connected. On such a long circuit the electric current was nejessarily weak, and consequently the signals had to be received, not by the ordinary instruments, but by Thom son’s reflecting galvanometers. As it was nacessaiy for successful observations that the weather should be absolutely clear both at Sydney and here, and that

the electrical conditions should be favor able, it has occupied five weeks to obtain four satisfactory nights’ work. On each of these four nights 108 observations were made at each end, and the results duly recorded by the electric current. These carefully taken 432 signals will, it is believed, render error almost impossible, and as Mr C. W. Adams recently visited both Melbourne and Sydney for the pur poie of ascertaining the amount of personal error existing between all the observers employed, it is believed that the observa tions'which were closed at Mount Cook on Wednesday night will determine the longi tude of New Zealand as compared with Greenwich, to within a chain. The results will be forwarded to Colonel Tupman, and are expected to prove highly valuable, both in regard to the transit of Venns observations, and in navigation generally.

To produce real genuine sleep and childlike repose all night, take a little Hop Bitters on retiring. Look for.—[Advt.] Wells’ "Rough on Corns.” —Ask fo Wells’ " Rough on Corns.” Quick re lief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., .' ydney, General Agents. r Holloways Ointment and Pills. — Diseases of the Bowels.—A remedy, which has been tested and proved in a thousand dif ferent ways, capable of eradicting poisonous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Holloway’s Ointment repeatedly on the abdo men a rash appears, and as it thickens the alvinc irritability subsides. Acting as a deri vative, this unguent draws to the surface, re leases the tender intestines from all acrid mat ters, and prevents inflammation, dysentery, and piles, for which blistering was the old fashioned, though successful treatment, now from its painfulness fallen into disuse, the dis covery of this Ointment having proclaimed a remedy possessing equally derivative, yet. uer ectly painless powers. —[Advt.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON.— To-day. (Before H, 0. S. Baddeley Esq, R.M.) Drunkenness.— John Paget, for being drunk while in charge of a horse in East street, was lined L2. Two first offenders were ordered to pay ss, with the usual alternative. CIVIIi CASES. Nicholson v. Bartlett, claim of L 3 19s 6d.—This case was brought upon a judg ment summons, and Mr Crisp, who ap peared for the plaintiff, called evidence to show that defendant had admitted having money to pay the debt when the action was brought, but that he did not know whom to pay.—Hia Worship said that the amount claimed must be paid within 24 hours, with the alternative of three weeks’ imprisonment. Smith v. Hoaten, claim of L 3 15s. — This case was adjourned from last week iu order that plaintiff might put a range sold to defendant in order. After hear ing evidence on this point his Worship non-suited the plaintiff. Smith v. W. Hodge, claim of LI IGs 7d for goods supplied—Mr Crisp appeared for defendant. The plaintiff sued as trustee in the bankrupt estate of E. H. Butler, and after hearing evidence, bis Worship gave judgment for the defendant. I

Smith v. Walker, claim LI I 12a for goods supplied—Mr Caygill appeared for plaintiff and Mr Crisp for defendant. This case had been adjourned for the purpose of producing a deed of assign ment, and evidence having been given to the effect that the goods were supplied, judgment was given for the amount claimed with costs. In the case of Smith v. Mackenzie, claim of L2 16s fid, judgment went by default.

THE TONGARRIO.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, To day. The Directors of the New Zealand i-hip ping Company entertained a number of the leading citizens at dinner on board the Tongariro last night, the Deputy-Chair man (Mr Murray-Aynslsy) being in the chair. Mr Richardson proposed “The Assembly,” which was responded to by the Hon W. H. Reynolds and Mr H. Driver. “The commercial interests of Otago ” was proposed by Mr Aler. C, Wilson, who showed that the trade of Dunedin had immensely exceeded that of any other port in New Zealand. Mr Geo. Bell, President of the Chamber of Com merce, replied. Captain Hallet proposed “ The Otago Harbor Board,” and alluded to the ease with which the Tongariro had crossed the bar. “ Tne New Zealand Shipping Comp my,” was responded to by Mr Murray-Aynsley, who pointed out that the Company relied on the co-opera tion of Otago to make the direct service a success, and referred to the fact that the idea of such a service had been originated and kept steadily in view by Mr Mac andrew, whom he termed the “ Father of direct steam.” “The health of Captain Hallet,” was proposed by Mr James Mills, who alluded to the difficulties attendant upon the first voyage in a new ship, and expressed his opinion that Captain Hallet had acted with fairness and judgment under very trying circumstances. Captain Hallet, in reply, stated he had simply to do his duty, and ho had not left a single complaint made to him unattended to. There was a scene at the close between Mr Bracken and Captain Hallet. The latter in his speech said ths article in the Herald reflecting on his management of the ship had been written by a man of a poetical turn of mind. Mr Bracken, in responding for “The Press,” regretted that Captain Hallet's feelings were wounded by the article, but he disclaimed all connection with it. Captain Hallet thereupon denied that he associated Mr Bracken with the authorship ; but the latter said he had been by implication, and retired abruptly from the room. With the exception of this incident the proceed ings were highly successful.

THE TRIUMPH INQUIRY.

[bt telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The inquiry into the wreck of the Triumph commenced to day before the Resident Magistrate and Captains Frater and James (assessors). The Crown Prosecutor opened by quoting authority in support of the Court's right to withhold or cancel the certificate of the officers of the ship. He had re ceived instructions to m ke the inquiry as searching as possible, in order that some light might be thrown upon what ap peared a most extraordinary and inexplic able occurrence. Mr Hesketh, who appeared for Captain Brotherton, said his client did not seek to excuse himself on any nautical grounds whatever. Ho would take all the bla.ne ou himself. He would not question the fineness of the night nor the fact that he had received the right course from the pilot. Captain Brotherton would explain simply that owing to exhaustion from illness, work and worry he dozed off while standing on the bridge of the vessel, and was re-called to consciousness when it was too late to save the ship. If that expla nation would shorten the inquiry he would be glad to have offered it. Commenting on this, the Crown Prose cutor said that if the captain had dozed off, he had witnesses to say that a few moments before the vessel struck they saw him moving about the bridge and that they called to him. He also would like t) know how the captain could account for the fact of the officers engaged on deck not seeing the light or being aware of the danger. He would also call testimony to show that there had been a great deal of jollification before the ship left, in which the officers and saloon passengers took part, and that some of the crew were taken on before the Triumph left, in a state of help less intoxication. The pilot deposed to taking the captain out of the harbor and giving him two alternative courses, one being a direct course, and the other to go by the east end of Tiritiri. Three friends of the cap tain left the ship in the pilot boat, one being the captain's cousin. One was rather the worse for liquor. He thought Captain Brotherton was sober enough to take charge of his ship. He might, for all he knew, have had a glass or two of grog. He did see him take a little brandy, but knew nothing beyond that. The Crown prosecutor here commented on the hesitating way in which Pilot Bur gess gave his evidence. The pilot continued his evidence, and said the night though dark, was clear, and there was no danger in the way of the safe navigation of the ship. The lighthouse-keeper deposed to seeing the ship run on the rock. The light was then burning brightly, and could see land three miles away.

JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLERS JOURNAL.

SPECI ALLY WRITTEN FOR “ THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. ”] XXII. A. Disappointment—Jn Paul’s Foot steps—Virgil’s Tomb A Long Tun nel— Nisioa—An Extinct Craebr Vulcan Forum Pozzuoli -- Pual’s Landing Place. After a somewhat desponding look at the clouds my irrepressibly energetic companion suddenly exclaimed, “ When shall we ascend Vesuvius.” “That is more than lean tell,” Ire plied. “If this unsettled waUher con tinues 1 am afraid we shall have to give it up. You know our friends the Wheelers tried it, but they failed, and strongly adviiod us not to make the attempt.” “How provoking,” was the half-resigned rejoinder of my better half, “ I had set my heart upon getting to the top ot the mountain.” “ Ah 1 my dear,” I continued in moralis ing mood, “there are many mountains we should like to scale, but infirmities, mental as well as physical, often constrain ua to be content to plod along the prosaic level plain. In your case ‘ the spirit undoubtedly is willing, but the flesh is weak.” “Isuppose it is,” she admitted with a sigh, “ and certainly 1 should not like to suffer as Blanche and Edith Wheeler did.” The Wheelers were chance acquaintances whom we met at Marselles, and they had accompanied us through the Riviera, and like ourselves were now staying at Naples. They had given us a doleful account of their Vesuvian excursion. When they started the morning promised fair, as it did with us when we set out for Pompeii, but the issue was as unfavorable to them as it had been to ua After alighting from the railway which took them within a short distance of the crater, they made more than one attempt to reach the sum mit : but in vain ; the snow was so deep and the cold so intense, they were obliged

to given it up. 1 believe Blanche's graphic description of their fatigue and sufferings had been more effectual in reconciling my wife to the necessity of giving up her cherished desire, than all my moral argu ments. “ Well, if we cannot go up Vesu vius, let us go somewhere else,” said she after a meditative pause of some duration, evidently resulting in submission, “It is not raining now, and I’ve no notion of sticking in doors all day.” “ With all my heart,” responded I. “ I was reading last night that suggestive narrative—“ and after one day the South wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli, where we found brethren and were desired to tarry with them seven days ; and so we went toward Rome.’ You are aware that the modern Pozzuoli is identical with the ancient Puteoli—sup pose we devote the day to following, as near as maybe, the footsteps of the Apostle Paul.”

My proposal was assented to with plea sure. We hired a carriage—the same that had taken us to Pompeii; Giuseppe had taken a fancy to us and made us promise to patronise him and his vehicle —the weather seemed to smile upon our undertaking, for it was more genial than it had been for many days. The first place of interest on the road was the tomb of Virgil; or rather, I should say, the reputed place of his sepul ture. The surroundings are not very classic. Two blacksmith’s forges flmk the entrance. Tis..j;olumbarium is on the hill above. Thera is no reliable evi dence that the mortal remains of the Poet were entombed in the chamber which is shown ; but in the absence of local relics the visitor is compensated by the fine view of the bay obtained from the elevated site. 1 ought, perhaps, to qualify my incredulous remarks by saying there is no doubt about the fact of Virgil having possessed a villa at Posilipo, not far off, and it is possible his ashes may have been interred on the spot indicated. The legend, moreover, derives some support from the fact that 600 years ago, or there abouts, a marble urn adorned the tomb hearing this inreriptiou ; “ Mantua me genuit, Calabri rapuere tenet nunc

Parthenope : cecini pascua, rura. duces. ” But all this does not amount to reliable evidence, if the reader is inclined to give the tradition the benefit of the doubt, eo be it.

We drove through the long tun nel, or as it is called, the Grotto di Posilipo. A dark narrow passage existed here in the days of Seneca, for he wrote of its gloomy features. But it has been enlarged, paved, and ven tilated, and is now e busy thoroughfare lighted by gas. - At certain seasons of the year the horizontal beams of the setting sun penetrate the recesses of this subter ranean way, and dissipate for a while the prevailing gloom. Emerging from the tunnel, the island of Nisida came in sight, with the sea and coast line beyond ; and on the right the volcanic hill, Monte Nuovo, s' cilled be cause it was thrown up from the plain in cne night, during an irruption that oc curred in 1538. How astonished the people must have been when they first be held the new feature in the landscape. I was greatly interested in the crater of Solfatara. It gives one a more vivid idea of the terrible forces of volcanic agencies than anything I have seen. It is quies cent now, but can scarcely be called ex tinct, because, at one corner of the large space enclosed by hills of pumice stone, there is a fissure or cavern running into the hill, full of sulphurous vapor and smoke. I stood at the entrance of this laboratory of Nature; the heat was very great, and a constant sound as of the roaring of a distant furnace made it fear fully apparent that a burning mystery was not far off.

I no longer wonder at the marvellous legends interwoven in the literature and mythology gof the ancients. The fiery facts suggested the fables. The terrific forces of Nature changing the contour of th. country from time to time, not un frequently threatening to engulph the en tire population of a district, and bury towns and temple;, and baths, and patrician palaces in a grave of ashes, or consume them with molten lava, might easily suggest to imaginative poetic minds the battles of the gods, the restless ener gies of Titan, the dangerous declivities of Avernus, the horrors of Tartarus, the infernal Styx, and tho flaming Phl»>ge thon, mysteries and marvels seem like the natural offspring of such a fiery region. The hollow sounds that accompanied every step I took, told me that I was walking, not on solid ground, but on a crust—how thick I could not tell—that merely concealed from view those subter ranean fires which prompted the ancients to designate Solfatara ‘he very forum of Vulcan.

Pozzuoli, as a town, is not specially attractive. It is the surrounding neigh borhood and historic remains that give it notoriety and invest it with a charm. Passing by the Church of Se'laria delle Grazia the harborisbefore you. There rear ing their time-worn tops above the waters are distinctly visible thirteen out of the twenty.five buttresses that supported the pier o.i which Paul landed so many cen turies ago. The ordinary enjoyments of a traveller are as nothing compared with the privilege of standing on a spot c mseorated as the pier of Puteoli must ever be in the minds of those who appreciate the character of the great apostle of the Gentiles. The social features of the scene are not now the same as on the day when Paul landed from the Castor and Pollux; but as the modern traveller stands by the remains of the pier, now called Ponte di Caligula, he may assure himself that his eye is moving over a landscape in general form, and in most of Its primitive elements, the same as that on which the apostle gazed. This, to me, was the special charm of the locality. But on other and more general grounds, Pozzuoli and its environs are at tractive beyond comparison. Almost every spot in the vicinity is classic ground. With Virgil for a companion, the visitor may find himself in the midst of the scenery described in portions of the Odyssey and Eneid. He can scarcely turn his eye in any direction without being reminded of the fascinating legends of Pagan poetry and romance. He may wance: in imagination amongst the ghostly spectres on the Cimmerian shore, or visit the spot which, according to the poet, was so fraught with terrors as to quicken the pulses of Hercules himself, and make Ullysses tremble. He may sail in safety over the waters of Avernus and venture, without fear, into the passage which was reputed to lead to the presence of Pluto himself without crossing the Mare Morto, or the necessity of paying old Charm the customary fee. The ruins of the temple of Serapis in terested me very much. Gut of six marble columns that supported the por tico, only three now remain. When Paul landed on the adjacent pier, the famous shrine of the Egyptian deity was stand ing in all the splendour of its perfect pro portions. He saw the whole of the grand structure whose fragments I] was gazing upon. The site of this temple is especially attractive to geologists, furnishing undent, able evidences of great changes—eleva tions and depressions—the result of vol canic agency.

The amphitheatre of Novo was another special attraction. Paul no doubt passed it on his way to Rome. He may have been a spectator of the games and cruel sports of the arena. We know that he tarried seven days at Putoolie. Was he at perfect liberty all the time 1 Was the chain that bound him to his soldier guard laid aside ? Not likely, I think. Still leas likely that the soldier would be con tent to remain a whole week within sight

of the amphitheatre without entering it to witness the races and the fights. He may have dragged the Apostle to a seat in one of the upper tiers. The gentlemenly pri soner, to whom all things were_ lawful, though they might not be expedient and pleasant, may have waived personal scruples in order to propitiate and gratify his custodim. Will my readers blame mo for thus indulging imagination ; surely such imaginations are not altogether ridiculous as beyond the bounds of probability. Nay ! may I not venture a little further and conceive it to be pos sible that what Paul saw in the spirit and action of the winner of one of the races— his love of determination fixed on the laurel crown before him, a look not to be diverted by anything around or behind him, the plaudits of the crowds, the pant ing effjrts of the fellow-racers on either hand—his sustained pace becoming more rapid as he neared the goal, bis nerve, his endurance, his indomitable pluck. May not the vision of this man have lingered in the memary of the Apostle, and the ideas engendered by that spectacle have found expression in the letter he wrote not long afterwards. “ This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are be hind, and reaching forth into those which are before, I press towards the mark for the priza of the high calling of God in Jesus Chris*.” ( To be continued )

SPORTING.

METHVEN RAGES. The following weights have been de clared for these "s : - Mkthvkn C’ p. st. lb. at. lb. Lady Florence 9 8 Taipo ... 8. 7 Polly 9 4 Tramp ... 8 5 Id alia 811 Twilight ... 8 0 Tam o’ Shanter 811 Lanriston... 711 Wild Rose ... 8 8 Mokhanna 711 Roseneath ... 8 7 Unknown... 7 5 Hubbles. Why Not ... 12 6 Flirt ... 10 5 Tam o’ Shanter 11 13 Tommy ... 10 0 Andy 11 1 Glencoe ... 10 0

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

fSKOTER's TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT, ] ' Shipping. London, Deo. 19 Arrived—At Plymouth, the P. and 0. steamship Mirzapore, from Mel* bourne (October 25th). A New Gunboat. London, Deo. 20. The gunboat Childers, built for the Victorian Government, was tested yes terday at Portsmouth. The torpedo practice was excellent, and received high commendation from the naval officers present. Compromised. The cause celeb re Belt versus Lawes has been finally concluded, the plaintiff having accepted a compromise in lieu of proceeding with new trial, the rule nisi for which was granted in January last.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rEOTBR’S TELEGRAMS —COPY RIGHT.] The Wool Sales. Melbourne, Yesterday. At the wool s,ale to-day the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, offered 4,300 bales. There was a large attendance of buyers, and a brisk competition. The market is unchanged. The demand for good wools is maintained, but inferior quali ties are neglected, in sympathy with the London market; 3,500 bales were sold at satisfactory prices, making a total for the week of 4,100 bales. Shipping. Sydney, Yesterday. Sailed, this afternoon—Union steam ship Wairarapa, for Auckland. Unwelcome Visitors. Brisbane, Yesterday. Eight liberated convicts from the French penal settlement at Noumea have arrived at Maryborough.

TELEGRAMS.

[PEH PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Fire. Hawkra, To-day. Burton’s brewery was burned down last night. The origin of the fire is unknown and unexplained. The insurances were L6OO on the stock and building in the London and Lancashire, and L2OO on the building in the National, The Chamber of Commerce. Wellington, To-day. The Chamber of Commerce resolved to give ten guineas a year for commercial prizes at the College. They also passed a resolution that immediate steps should be taken to secure Imperial legislation to secure equitable terms to shippers of goods by steam vessels to the colonies as the companies now avoid all liability by new clauses iu the Bills of lading. Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to the London Chamber and Sir Julius Vogel, and others requesting thier co-operation. The proposal made by the Canterbury Chamber for an Association of Chambers was approved of, aud steps were taken to incorporate the Chamber as a company.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1883.



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Wanted WANTED Known—For Christmas ! ! Currants at 6d ; .Raisins at 7d 5 Sultanas at 8d ; Figs, lOd and Is per box; pastry butter at 6d per lb. Andbew Obe, Tanored street. 12 1108 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 7a 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women’s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2s 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 \TTANTED—A General SERVANT. VV Apply, at once, to Mrs C. F, Fooks, Park House. 12 1097 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin wor.h Is 9d »t 6d per yard.



WANTED —A strong GIRL used to Children. Apply, after twelve o’clock on Saturday next, to Pine Cot tage, behind Masonic Hall, opposite Mr 0. W. Purnell’s. 12 1096 WANTED Known—/or Sale, two COTTAGES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 CHRISTMAS FRUIT! CHRISTMAS FRUIT!! Currants 6d, Raisins 7d; Sultanas 8d; Candied Peel Is 6d. Fresh Paste Butter fid 12 1078 FRIEDLANDER BROS. 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. 7600 WANTED Known —That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, ho intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Oigars, etc. Tickets — monthly 2s fid, 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. MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. AND R EWES BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT



NTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, ' Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OP FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE 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. JP YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, JHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. tjVYERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bes. of •i.uerial and workmanship. FEITFiTTi CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED AT GO TO DAVIS’S MR LAURENCE OXLEY has been Appointed Agent for the Ashbur <ob Guardian at South Rikaia.



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion Uovsb, Cashel street, OhkAtcharch. 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 duced by B. C. Brown & Co., 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 c«st 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, contains — Worth £ b. 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 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff glc-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 ... ... 05 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame ... ... ••• ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11



£2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains — Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0 3 ydssilesia lining for same ...0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress 0 1 ® 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt 0 14 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0 £3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... , ... . ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 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 | 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. |7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere 1 0 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 09 G 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pair? 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 godd tapestry carpet ... 3 6 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 110 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 10 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 16 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey-



£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— Oaual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 2 17 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence Just try one parcel and see what you will save. .Remember—Cash returned at ones for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. P.C.O. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., FanHiop House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisement. Reward Books, Presents, Prizes, Toys, Dolls, &c. HRISTMAS SUPPLEM ENT “THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN-' ON MONDAY NEXT Special Holiday Supplement will be issued with the Guardian to all subscribers. The Supplement will be ILLUSTRATED With numerous woodcuts, and will cot. tain twenty-eight columns of reading mat ter, amongst which will be found the fol lowing : “ Christmas Day,” by Orita “ Welcome to Christmas ” “ Our Long Ago ” “ Holy Christmas Day ” “ The Police Court Lawyer ” &c. &c. &o. TALES. David Grant’s Repentance,” by G. Dumas “A Story of the Diggings Thirty Years ago ” “ By the Sweat of his Brow ” “ What Charlie Burnside gained on Cup Day ” “ By the River ” Muriel and I ” “ Max Rae, the Little News Boy " “A Merry Christmas Wished to All,” by K.G. &c. &c. &c. FACBFLE, CONUNDRUMS, INDOOR GAMES, Ac. Ac. &v. &o, N.B.—Subscribers wishing to obtain extra copies must send in application for same at or.ce, as only a limited number will be published. H. M. JONES, East street. 11 877 TO a four-page POETRY.



We have to remind our readers that this evening is the last for the bazaar and Christmas tree at the Primitive Methodist Church. Don’t Die in the House.—“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers, 7>£d. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. t



TOWN EDITION. I Issued at 4.30 •>.»».] For continuation of reading matter set fourth page. Public Notices. STOP TEAT COUGH! DON'T DELAY.—How can you atop it? Where, s the Remedy. Bennington's PECTORAL OXYMEL OP OARRA. GE3N or IRISH MOSS can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere, G Bonninoton, Christchurch. Mount hutt road board DISTRICT. I hereby give notice that, in accordance with Section No. 94, of the Public Worlcs Act, 1832, the Mount Hutt Road Board intend to CLOSE certain ROADS in their district, and that plana showing the proposed alterations are open frr public inspection at the Road Board Office, Methven. JULIAN JACKSON, Chairman. Nov. 26th, 1883. 13 974