SHIPPING.

POET OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday Wakaiu, 8.8. | from Boat Harbor. Mina, brig, from Hobart Annie Wilson, schooner, from Kaipara. Herald, aohooner, from Wellington. Sailed* Yesterday. Wakatu, 8.8., for Kaikoura and Wel lington.

TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Yesterday. Bailed—Waihora, for the South. W elunqton , Yesterday. Arrived Rotomahana, from Mel bourne, via South; Hawea, from Pioton and Nelson; Takapuna, from Onohunga and Taranaki; Grafton, from Nelson and West Coast. Sailed —Hawea, for Lyttelton; Botoma banit for Auckland and East Coast

COMMERCIAL.

' Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon. Messrs Friodlandcr Bros., in conjunction with; Messrs R. Wilkin and Co. (per Mr F. C. Tahart, : auctioneer), report for the week end ing Dec* *9, on the live stock market, as fol lows^—The linwald market was fully sup plied with all classes of stock on Tuesday. Fat Steep consisted mostly of crossbred ewes, som* of which were only medium quality. The attendance of buyers was numerous, and a large amount of business was got through. Sides for fit sheep were readily affected at from *#4 to 3d per lb. The demand for store sheep is, .very active, and if the lumip crop should prove a success, we expect to see prices maintained throughout the autumn. Fat cattle—There was one of the largest entries everbden at either of the agricultural yards, and yrith exception of a few pens of excellent quality beef, which demanded a fair competi tion, there was no improvement on late sales.. Store cattle are in good demand, and are selling at capital prices, compared with the virtue of beef. We sold on account of various clients crossbred wether hoggets at 13s and 12s 6d; merino wethers, shorn (good mouth), at 6s 6d;. in the wool at ?s6d to ns; merino ewes, with lambs at foot, at late rates. Fat Cattle,; We so-d heifeis at I 4 15s, L 5, Le its, Ls SS, L 6; steers, L 5 10s, L 6, L6ys 6d, etc. We quote for beef from 19s to 22s per loolhy, , , Stores were sold according to sizes and condition at ’an improvement on late sales. We also -sold 'a -splendid line of porkers—22 in number—at 28s 6d each. The totals yarded for the fortnight were 4,865 sheep, 269 head of cattle, and 22 pigs.

Messrs, Matson, Cox and Co. report upon the lire stock market in the Ashburton district for the week ending Thursday, 20th insl., as follows :--On Tuesday at the Tinwald yards, one ofthelargest and- most Varied catalogues was brought forward for the day’s require ments ■than has taken place for the last twelve months. In fafct, the sale did hot terminate until a'fefrhrinutes to 7 p.m. In sheep, seve .tal spjendid .lines of young crossbreds found bhyen at «ates fully equal to any ever obtained in As&jmrtoh before, whilst a slight reduction in values' for merino ewes and lambs and merino wethers, either in wooll or shorn, had to be accepted. Good lines for fattening were eagerlycbmjfetcd for, and out of our immense entiy n we (i ha4 «nly one line of weak mouth mennjv wethers in wool left unsold. Fat sheep brougham>Xd per lb. In fat and store battle, the large yards were simply full, and most farmers thought that cattle would have to be given away. Such, however, was not the case, as we may safely say that in , store cattle the prices obtained were as good or better than have been ruling for some time. SomeOfthe cattle brought into the yards late, if sales-had -becn forced, might no doubt have suffered in value, but the salesmen turned a few lots out owing to the lateness of the hour. Our own experience was that we held one of the largest-and most successful sales we ever held in the district Our principal sales for the day Were—lo fet sheep at 13s id; 41 cross bred 300 crossbred hoggets, 14s; 22 fat lambs, 10s; IO rams, 10s; 63 merino wethers, ss ; 33 merino hoggets, 10s; £2 merino wethers, 8s; 170 merino ewes, and lambs, 10s; 485 merino wethers, 6s rod; 362 cull crossbred hoggets, gs yd; 160 crossbred hoggets, 9s qd; 200 crosi bred hbggets, 9s 6d; 475 merino wethers, shorn, 6s‘£d ; 156 sound-mouth merino ewes, dry, 7S4d; 52 merino wethers, 8s 3d; 100 two, four and six-tooth merino wethers in wool, ios; 40 cull merino ewes, 145 id; 44 mixed swes and wethers, 1053 d; 94 merino ewes and lambs, 8s 6d; 130 crossbred hoggets, 1 3s tod;* 31 crossbred hoggets, 11s 6d; 16 lambs, 9s 6d; and 258 crossbred hoggets at t|s, etc., etc. In cattle we sold 6at L 3 15s, 6 at Lj 17s 6d, 3 at L 6 15s, 1 at L 5 17s 6d, IO at L 4 17s 6d, 1 at L 6 S2S 6d, 1 at L 6 Ss, 2 at L 4 «s 6d, 13 at L 4 is, 11 at L 4 is 6d, I at L 4 2s, 6at Li 15s, 6 at L 3 las, 6 at L 3 6s, 12 at L 3 17s, 12 at £4 99. I at LlB, 1 at L 6, 2 at L 4 10s, 2 at LJ 125 6d, 5 at L 3 ios, 2 at L2 10s, 3 at L 6, etc, etc. To-day we held a clearing sale for Sfr A. Hayes, timber merchant, Ashburton, When a very large amount of timber and sun dries changed hands at prices that for the time of the year may be consideied as fairly satis factory. In properties we have nothing worthy of note to report upon, although we have placed several farms of light land under offer, some of which we think we shall place.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE-'. Monday, December 31. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Usleyards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. ' Mohdat, December 24. Borongh Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30. Wednesday, December 26. Town Kail—Loyal Orange Concert and Ball, at 7.30 p.m. Odnfellows’ Hall—Oxford Dramatic Com- A shbnr ton Caledonian Sports, on the New Sports Ground Thursday, ; December 27. Aahbnrtoh Summer Races Mount Sopers Annual Races and Sports. v •’ Tuesday, January 1. Winslow Annual Races and Sports. Methven Annual Races and Sports. —Friday, January 4. Ashburton jDounty Council —At Council Chambers, 11 a.m. . Friday, January 4. Longbosch: Road Board, at Road Board office^Longbehch Saturday, January 5. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1883.

I At a meeting of the North Otago A. and P. Association on Thursday, it was ; decided to hold a ram and ewe fair about i the beginning of March next. • The Walton Park Colliery Company de -1 dare a dividend of 8 per cent for the year, • and the Otago and Southland Investment 1 Company an interim one at the rate of 10 per cent. 1 The only business at the Court this morning was a charge brought, against a • resident for having set at naught the Borough By-laws by allowing a horse to' 1 wander at large. The defendant was ( fined Is and costs. The celebrated Scottish athlete Donald Dinnie passed through Ashburton by this ( morning’s express en route to Dunedin. He was interviewed by representatives of the local Caledonian Society, and we understand that there is a probability of ! his returning hero for the purpose of being present atthe sports on Wednesday. I The Otago Harbor Board at their meet ing yesterday afternoon decided to make an offer to Findlay and Co. to proceed with the construction of 400 ft of wharfage l at Rattray street, at schedule rate as per their tender, and in the event of their re ; fusal, that fresh tenders for the work be called for. Captain Douglas has received a telegram 1 stating that the first, second, fourth, and twelfth prizes for the district firing have been won by Christchurch Volunteers, but all the rest by members of the Ash burton Rifles, who thus take L 23 15s out of the L 43 12s allotted for the Cant rbury district At the Wellington Magistrate’s Court yesterday David Maurice Pomeroy, fourth officer of the Rotomahana, was charged with assaulting a seaman named Patrick Comerford. The accusing denied the offence. Evidence given by the informant and two others showed that shortly after six o’clock in the morning men were em ployed in washing down decks, when an altercation ensued as to lifting of the sheep net, the result being that the fourth mate struck the prosecutor twice in the eye. The accused admitted that he struck the man once, Comerford having provoked him by striking him in the eye. A fine of L2 and costs was imposed. The Westland Education Board matters are in a position of inextricable confusion The people are indignant that no teachers’ salaries have been paid since October last, and no present prospect of their being paid. Mr Fitz Gerald, M. H.R., was re quested by the people of Westland to pro ceed to Wellington, and to endeavor to get the Act passed last session subdividing this district from the Greymouth district brought into operation. A telegram from Mr Fitz Gerald states that the Government will not consent to the elections for a new Board until all outstanding liabilities of the old Board are paid. The quarterly summoned meeting of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., took place last evening in the lodgercom, Wills street, and there was a large attendance of members. After the usual routine of business, P.G. Bro J. Tait, assisted by Bros J. Ivess and J. Maynard, installed the following officers, who had been chosen to take charge of the Lodge for the ensuing th r ee months : —N.G. Bro W. Baylis ; V.G. Bro Thos. Conolly; E.S., Bro K. Stephenson, jun.; R. S. to N. G., Bro McKee ; L. S. to N. G. Bro Clephane ; R.S. to V. G., Bro Miller; L.S. toV.G., Bro Woodward; G., Bro Daintry; Warden, Bro W. C. Page : Lecture Master, Bro Miles ; Auditor, Bro Charles Baker. Votes of thanks were then passed to retiring officers, which were suitably responded to by Bro J. Tait, who haring now passed through the various offices in the lodge in a satisfactory man ner, is to be presented with a handsomely framed certificate of merit. Bros. Miles and Crooks were appointed sick visitors. As several complaints were made about in solence alleged to have been received from the chemist who is |at present supplying medicine, etc , for the sick members of the lodge, a committee was appointed to wait on Dr Rosa, t the medical officer, to ask him to make arrangements with some other person to supply medicine, etc., to those of the members who objected to go to the chemist who has been dispensing , for him. Several members were fined for being absent without apology, and it was . resolved —“That at the next summoned , meeting, section 59 in the general laws be strictly adhered to.”

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

The annual distribution of prizes look place this morning in the High School, j when there were present a large number | of ladies and gentlemen, parents and friends of the scholars. Mr W. 0. Wal- s ker occupied the chair, and among those t in attendance were his Worship the Mayor and Messrs J. Ivess, M. H.R., J. Orr, and the Revs A. M. Beattie and 0. H. Stan- ( dage. | Mr Walker called on the rector, Mr l Hogg, to read his report. , The Rector said that there had been a slight increase in the number of pupils during the past year, althoughjthere weio still not so many boys as might have been expected in an important district like this The conduct of the boys had been in most respects satisfactory. He expected that the boys of the High School would be able next year to compete for university and other honors. He had to acknow ledge the valuable assistance rendered by the Rev A. M. Beattie, who had given considei able time and ca e in ex amining for the Latin and mathematical prizes. The other subjects had been taken up by the masters of the school, with the exception of English literature, which Mr Dempsey had examined upon. He then proceeded to announce who had obtained the various prizes, the different names being greeted with loud applause from the boys. In conclusion, he paid a compliment to the staff, which had worked thoroughly in harmony with him. Mr Walker read the following report from the Rev. A. M. Beattie : The Manse, Ashburton, December 21, 1883. —My Dear Sir, —At your own request I have this year taken part in Hie annual examination for prizes to be given to the most deserving and promising boys attending the High School. In handing to you the graduated lists of names in the different classes, I think it my duty to state to you in writing that it gives me great plea sure to express my satisfaction with the results. The only subjects in which I had to set papers were Latin and mathematics, and these papers have all been sufficiently testing, though not too severe, so that there is plenty of ground for 1 pronouncing a decision. Without entering into details, it is enough to say that the closest in vestigation of the written answers in both sub jects reveals all that could reasonably be ex -1 pected from the young gentlemen ; and, at the same time, reflects great credit upon the rector and his coadjutor. I was especially pleased to find that there is a very healthy, vigorous, and yet kindly tone in the whole work going on in the school, and also in the playggound|outside. With God’s blessing, under such favorable cir cumstan-es, both physical and mental poweis cannot fail to be rapidly developed. Wishing you every success in your arduous, yet most interesting and important work ; and in the hope that the day may not be far distant when our young High School at Ashburton may take rank among the “ Affiliated Instititutions ” of the New Zealand University. I am, yours very truly, A. M. Beattie.— Chas. Hogg, Esq.. B.A. He went on tnsay thatnothingwasmoreim -1 portant to a community than that theyoung r people of both should be well edu ■ cated. At (he opening of the Industrial Exhibition the other day, a good deal was ; said of local industry, but in his opinion no local industry waaao important as the education of children, and every parent who did not |do !his best in this direc tion failed in his duty. It was unneces sary to enter into a defence of aecon lary ■ education in Ashburton, but he was soTy to see that there were some politi : cians in New Zealand who argued that it was not the duty of the State to provide more than primary l instruction The latter gave children the rudiments of learning, but something more was wanted. In this colony, and indeed ' in every country in the world, the people > would not be truly great unless they were < educated in the best manner possible. ) Napoleon had said of his army that every soldier should feel that he carried a tnar s shal’s baton in his knapsack, and the 1 same feeling should actuate our children. 5 But not only should the boys be con >' sidered, but we 1 should, also think of our , girls. Mr Hogg had mentioned this sub ject last year, but unfortunately the funds [ were wanting and we should hare to wait. , Still, the carrying out of such a project depended mainly on the parents them f pelves, and if they wished a High School for girls to be established, the governing body would do their best to support it, f He would now call on Mr Ivess to distri bute the prizes. Mr Ivess said it gave him much plea sure in acceding to the request, and he ! was sure that the Ashburton High School coulrasfed favorably with other institu ’ tions of a like kind in the colony, con r sidering how short a time it had been es'abihol. * Each prize-taker then came forward in tu'-n and received a handsomely bound > book as a reward of merit.

Mr Ivess proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the examiners, Messrs Beattie and Dempsey. That their duties had been impartially discharged was shown by the manner in which the unsuccessful students received the announcement of each award. The Rev Mr Beattie sa’d that he was very much gratified to have found the school in such a high state of efficiency and so so good a feeling prevailing be tween masters and boys. The depre cated I the frequency and length of holi days in the colonies and assured the students that it was only by close appli cation to work that they could reach dis tinction. Having had an excellent op portunity of estimating their worth he had much pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to the Masters, Messrs Hogg and Buchanan. Mr Walker, on behalf of the Board of Governors, wished specially to join in the vote to the staff. Both gentlemen had proved themselves well qualified for the positions they held, and thus relieved the Board of much trouble and anxiety. Mr Hogg was glad of an opportunity to thanx the Board of Governors for the consistent courtesy with which they had treated him, adding very much to his pleasure and zeal in the discharge of his duties.

Mr Buchanan called attention to the significant fact that all their prize winners were also prominent athletes. While cultivating the mind the teachers had afforded their charges every opportunity for healthy physical development. He concluded a humorous speech by moving a vote of thanks to the chairman—Mr Walker. Mr Walker having responded and the boys given cheers for “ the masters,” “ the ladies ” and “Mr Walker ” the proceedings terminated. The following is the Prize List: Class I. Glass prize—Fish, secundtis. English —Fooks. Mathematics—Clark. Class 11. Class prize—Fish, primus. Latin—Buchanan, primus. English— Murray. Mathematics—Clark, secundus. Class 11. (b). Class prize—Buchanan, secundus. Class 111. Class prize—Shearman, tertius. Essay. Orr, primus.

MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Fri iay, the 14 f h inst. Present—Messrs J. Jackson (chairman), W. McMillan, G. Coward, R. Patton, and W. Morgan.—The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. overseer’s report. The Overseer reported that D. Quin had finished his contract of forming the South east Boundary road in a very satisfactory manner, and sown the same with grass seed ; that George Jackson had com pleted his contract for shingling a portion of the West Coast road ; that contractor James Nee was making very good progress forming and shingling Barker’s road ; that E Tilling would complete his con tract of clearing the Rakaia Gorge Bridge road in a few days; that S. Boyle was pro gressing with his contract of forming and shingling the streets in Methven, and would finish before next meeting ; that Messrs MoOlimont and Carleton had com menced their contract of shingling High bank road, and were making exceptional progress with the same, and that the floods during the month had done con siderable damage to several of the roads. The Board’s men and team had been en gaged repairing the same, and executing several other minor works in different parts of the district. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was received from the Ashbur ton County Council, forwarding report of the Committee appointed by the Council to examine the roads near Methven, and report on the damage done to them by stormwater. —As the Board considered the report unsatisfactory it was resolved to get a section of the work known as Chapman’s creek extension surveyed, showing the different levels, and that the Chairman acknowledge the receipt of the letter and call the Council’s attention to several clauses in the report which the Board considered inconsistent with the evidence.

A letter was read from the County Council asking the Board to recommend a suitable person as poundkeeper for the Methven pound. —Resolved that Mr J. 0. McWilliam be recommended, and that the Council be ask;d to repair the pound fences. A letter was received from the Mount Somers Road Board asking for an amended estimate for repairs to the Alford Forest boundary road.—Resolved to ask for an explanation, as this Board has not fur nished any estimate of the work required. Resolved that if the parties interested defray the expenses of fencing the road they want opened near Mount Hutt, and the Board will accede to their request. MISCELLANEOUS. After receiving a deputation on some minor matters and transacting the usual routine business, accounts amounting to L 383 4s 4d were passed for payment the Board adjourned.

THE TRIUMPH ENQUIRY.

After the midday adjournment yester day, Captain Bruthertou was the first witness called. The following are the salient portions of his evidence: —Sailed from Auckland on the 29th November, 1883, at 8 p.m. The tide was just after high water; the weather ca'm and atmos phere clear; the wind about S.S.E., light, and sea smooth. The casualty occurred at 10 p. m. on the same day. The tide then was at third ebb; weather fine; wind still S. S. E., light, sea smooth. The ves sel is totally lost, but I do not know the value of the ship or the amount of insur ance on her, or freight or cargo. Part of the cirgo has been lost, but I do not know its value. The vessel was supplied with requisite charts, and bu ys on and off shore were distinctly marked. I had the Ad niialty chart and five compasses The standard compass was on the bridge The ship was last swung on 23rd September this year, in London. Her iron cargo would affect the compasses. The last land mark I saw was Tiritiri light, about ten o’clock. The lead was not hove. We were steering for the light about two points on thi port bow. There were no measures taken to avoid strand ing, as wo did not know we were going to be wrecked until we were on the rocks I heard what the pilot Burgess said about the breaking of the telegraph. I did not take any steps to have it repaired at that time. Tin Engineer said he could not fix it that night, but he would turn to and do it at daylight next morning. 1 re mained on the upper bridge with the pilot going down th) harbor. Then L went down into the cabin to fill up his certifi cate. Before leaving he told me to steam north-east by north for Colville, or steer up for Tiritiri, and then make a course for Colville north-iast half by north. 1 think I did not consult the chart at this time. The chart was spread on the table on the wheel house on the lower brilge. I saw there were no difficulties nor d in gers ; nothing on the road at all; I had informed myself of the tides and currents I was likely to get in the gulf, and as certained that there was nothing to be dreaded at all; the pilot gave me the al ternative courses, and if I kept outside of the Shear rock I would have been clear of all danger ; I knew the distance to Tiri tiri, and the rate at which the vessel was travelling ; if I had altered the vessel’s course a little before she went ashore she would not have gone ashore. I brought the vessel into the Auckland harbor. Coming through that passage I consulted my chart, and then came in during the daylight, and was aware that there were no dangers in my road. In either of those courses there were no or intricacies of navigation. After the pilot left us I ordered the engines full speed ahead, and told the quarter-master to keep the light broad on the port bow. I went about half-way up the ladder, and then went down again and looked at the chart to see that there was nothing iu the way. I knew about the time it would take me to get abreast of the island. The quarer-maater at the wheel was Thomas Casement. I sent the second mate below after the pilot left us, and then employed myself walking about the bridge. The second mate had taken charge when the pilot left the bridge, and I took charge from the second mate. Wheiu the pilot went away I saw the vessel approaching the light, but I did not see the land be cause I was asleep, and there was no chair on the bridge to sit down. I was in a standing position and leaning against the rail. My last recollection that night before the ship struck was that I was speaking to Thomson, a passenger, on the bridge. I spoke to the mate about half past nine. Ispjke to a passenger a few. minutes after 1 spoke to the mate. I was not asleep from half-past nine till the vessel struck. I was talking to a passen ger about a quarter of an hour after I spoke to the mate ; 1 left him and walked to the port side of the bridge It was usual for the passengers to be on the bridge in the Triumph. We did not carry first class passengers, and the second class passengers had the use of the bridge. 1 could not say the time when I left. I am not in the habit of going to sleep oq the bridge in that way. Ido not know if the shock woke mo, or if I woke myself, but when I woke 1 said *■ Hard a-port; ” I could not say if we were then on the reef or not, but we must have been on the reef I shouted the order “ Full speed a-sterr,” and someone carried it to the engine room. I had no one stationed to carry the orders, and I had previously told the mate that as there was nothing in the way, there was no oocasion to keep a man there, Immediately before she struck I did not hear anyone call out “ Harda-port " fro u the after part of the ship, nor from the look-out on the forecastle. The mar* at the wheel came out with me from Home ; ho has borne a good character in the

ship. When I gave the orJer “ Hard a-port ” I did not notice if he was asleep. Be wig not asleep |The dist noe between him and myself was about sixteen or eighteen feet. It was his duty to have called me if he saw I was asleep ; I was standing with my back to the man at the wheel. Ido not reproach him for not having called me. There was no use then, after it was done. I don’t know of my own knowledge how the chief and second officers were engaged from the time the pilot left. I could not see the look-out on the bridge, but he was a reliable man, whom we had brought out with us. It might be true, as stated by two men that I was walking on the bridge ten minutes before the vessel struck. There was not necessarily the time to alter the vessel’s course. If I had altered the course a minute before we would not ha e struck. The course from Tiritiri was surer, because it was a shorter course from Tory than from Rangitoto. If the compasses are out a little bn a short course it does not make so much difference as on a long one. We would have been about a mile and a half from the island ten minutes before she struck. I do not believe I was awake ten minutes before 1 she struck. I might have been walking on the bridge and still as'eep. There have been such cases. I felt drowsy when I went on the bridge. 1 did not take the precaution of having some one on the bridge with me." The officers were all busy. 1 shipped several men here, but I don’t know whether they knew the course. It was not my intention to pass the island before I altered my course but to get abreast of it. After the ship struck, and I realised my position, I kept the engines going full speed astern, and took soundings, and ascertained at the same time how much of the ship was hanging on t' e reef. I did everything I considered best according to my own judgment and the judgment of others to get the vessel off. When I left the wha f I con sidered the crew were in a fit state to go on a voyage. Only two of them were a little the worse for liquor ; 1 heard about one of my original hands falling overboard ; I attribute my sleep ing to over-fatigue ; I had been suffering from (neuralgia for some time, and c mid get little sleep ; besides that I had been up at four o’clock ; I had a glass of cham pagne about twelve in the day, some claret Jand lemonade about four, and a glass of brandy with the pilot after leav ing the Shipping Office. Ido not think that had anything to do with my drowsi ness ; that would not affect me Some of the passengers (were down to see me off. They regretted they were unable to pre sent me with a testimonial then, but have done so since, I have not been enter tained at a banquet; when the testimonial was presented several bottles of cham pagne were drunk, but nothing on that night. I heard the pilot say one of my friends wont over the side thq worse fo.- liquor. I believe that was so ; part ct that liquor, I believe, he got ou my ship. I had some immigrants for Wellington ; they were transhipped to the Manapouri because the fittings had to be pulled down to get the cargo out. The charterers were at the expense of this transhipment of immigrants, and the reason given for this transhipment is the only one I know of. After getting out the cargo we thought it would be more expensive to p it up fittings and engage fresh cooks and attendants who had only been engaged for Auckland than to pay passages by the Manapouri. I had instructions to start when the cargo was all in.

Replying to a question whether ha thought it a judicious thing to start at such an hour when himself and the crew were knocked up, the witness said he had simply to obey orders. Ho did not ask for any grace. The witness continued —I have been a master for six years. Have not hid a casualty be'ore, but have collided with ice I know a Captain Brotherton (my brother) who lost a ship (British Star) on the Maccassar reef. By Mr Button -1 know the vessel was insured, and have heard there was LIO,OOO at Lloyds, but 1 don’t know about nay other. I myself have no interest or share in the ship, either directly or indirectly, and the only explanation I can give of th a cause of this casualty is that being over tired I went to sleep on the bridge. The light was not shining on the ship’s deck wiien she struck, and when she was ashore there was uo light from the house on to the ship. We could see a light which was about 30ft above us.

[bt telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. Captain Brotherton, in reply to ques tiona by Mr Hesketh, aaid: I was suffering from neuralgia before and after my arrival in Auckland, and consulted the doctor of the ship, who prescribed for me. .Neu ralgia affected the right side of my head and face, and I was affected the night before I went to sea, and part of the morning of that day. I had little sleep during the time I was in port—from Mon day till i hursday—and I felt the want of it. I got up at half-past four on the morn ing of the 26th to shift the ship round under the crane to get two large boilers out, and worked at that until twelve o’clock, up to which time I was engaged running about to the shipping office and other offices until six o’clock. I had no drink when the pilot left. I was asked to take a drink when the pilot was leaving me, but 1 re fused. After the pilot left 1 went on the bridge and relieved the second mate, and from that until the ship struck I never left the bridge, and lam able to tell no more than that. Some time after speak ing to the mate and passengers I fell asleep. There was no jollification with my friends on board, and except when I went to look at the chart and write a cor ticate, I never left the bridge. The sole cause of my going to sleep was exhaustion. It never before happened to me, but I have known it occur to others. It can not in any way, directly or indirectly benefit me to lose this ship, and cannot in any way benefit my owners as far [as I am able to tell. The ship was a vpry strong ship ; she was built at a cheap rate : s iron was cheap when she was con tracted for, and rose afterwards. There was a disturbance with the builders on this account, and they wanted more money. I believe she cost L 40,000, but the owners had been offered LIO,OCO on their bargain before she was launched. I do not know what insurances are on the vessel, except the LIO,OOO in Lloyd’s. I do not believe she is insured to her full value. Later. At the enquiry to-day Captain Brother ton deposed that the second officer was not with him on the bridge. Three officers and all the men were on the deck clearing up. Robert Thompson, a passenger, testi fied that he was on the bridge with the captain ten minutes before the ship struck. He also dozed off on the bridge on his feet, holding by the rail. He was perfectly sober, and so was the captain.

A SHOOTING CASE.

William Henry Jones, manager of the Onehunga Iron Sand Works, yesterday fired at and wounded John McDermott with a revolver ; the ballot struck McDer* mott at the middle of the back and came out at the armpit. Jones, who is an American, was arrested by Detective Walker. Jones and McDermott had had a quarrel over cards in a public-house. Jones fired two shots, the second one taking effect in the leg. It is not known whether the shot in the back is likely *o be fatal oi not. After the quarrel Jones went home and got a revolver, firing at McDermott as he rede past on horseback

[by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. McDermott, who was shot by Jones f the manager of the Onebanga Iron Sand Works,in consequence of a quarrel arising out of ajgame of cards, is in a very critical condition. Dr Scott, who attended the patient immediately after the shooting, says there are two wounds. One ia not serious. The bullet passed through the left thigh from side to aide through the flesh, but did not (ouch the bone and the bullet did not re main lodged. The other bullet en tered near the centre of the back a little to the left side of the backbone, and came out under the left arm pit. It appears to have entered the cavity of the chest, and does not appear to have injured the lung. The symptoms are such as to make the case serious and doubtful as to recovery, but it is not absolutely fatal. Wm Henry Jones, the prisoner, is noir in custody. He has been i i the colony from twelve to eighteen months, and was engaged in America to take the manage ment of the smelting works to convert the ironsand of the West Coast into iron by the Company formed for that purpose. He is a man of about forty years of age, medium height and build, an Englishman by birth, and a native of one of the Mid land Counties, but has spent the greater portion of the prime of his life in the United States. Since his arrival in Hew Zealand he has ma r ried the daughter of {Mr Blarkey, J.P., ex-Mayor of Onehunga He was generally liked although occasionally of quick temper and it is thought he must have been grossly insulted and provoked McDermott is a young man thirty years of age, a native of Onehunga, and (’>o son of a pensioner. Be is a labors and rnndca with his par ents on the oiritkirts of Onehunga. He s;ems to have had the best of the first quarrel with Jones.

THE TONQUIN WAR.

[KBUTBK’S TELEGRAMS.—COPYRIGHT.] Paris, Dec. 210 It is reported that the occupation of Sontay by the French troops is denied. The latest despatches to hand state that the French captured the outposts of Sontay only after a stubborn fight, in which they lost fifteen officers and two hundred men, the enemy’s loss being very heavy. The assault on the Sontay fortress is to take place on the 17 th inst. The latest intelligence from Tonquin reports that Yoe Due has Assumed the title of King of Anam, with the support of a large proportion of the in habitants. His succession, however, is strongly opposed by the remainder of the Anamese, and much excitement prevails at Hue in consequence of antagonism between parties. It is probable that the preservation of peace will be undertaken by the French Com mander, and that the capital will be occupied by a strong garrison of French troops.

The vote of credit of 20,000,000 francs for the Tonquin expedition was passed by the Senate to-day.

CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

The following handicaps have been de clared : 440 Yards Hurdles. O’Connor, scratch Betts, 10yds Kenny, syds Groves, 12yds Fooks, lOycs James Johns, 20yds 200 Yards Grand Handicap. Kenny, scratch Fooks, 10yds Lechner, 7yds Groves, 10yds Stuart, 7yds Fosse, 12yda Betts, 7yds 300 Yards Heat. Kenny, scratch Stuart, 10yds Betts, 10yds Fosse, 12yds Groves, 10yds Fooks, 12yds Lechner, 10yds 400 Yards Heat. Kenny, scratch Groves, 12yds Lechner, 10yds Fosse, 15yds Stuart, 10yds Fooks, 15yda Betts, 10yds Half Mile Race. O’Connor, scratch Groves, 50yds Shine, 30yds Johns, 6Syds Fosse, 50yds One Mile Race. O’Connor, scratch Fosse, 75yds D. Shine, 50yda Stuart, 80yds Groves, 75yds Johns, 95yds

SPORTING.

f ALFORD FOREST RACES. 1 The following weights have been de t dared 5 Handicap, of 20 sov. ) st lb • Mr Graham’s b g Chester, Syrs ... 9 7 E Mr Harold’s g g Tam o’ Shanter, aged 9 7 I Mr Journeaux’s b m Idalia, Syrs... 9 0 i Mr Hobson’s b m Wild Rose, aged 8 7 I Mr Tait’a b m Little Doll, 4yrs ... 8 0 ) Mr Hobson’s b g Tommy, aged ... 7 .7 The Hurdles are thrown open to the 1 County, and entries can be given in to the > Secretary up to Monday evening next at eight o’clock. i METHVEN RAGES. 1 In our list of weights given in yester } day’s issue a mistake occurred. Taipo’s weight in the Cup is 9st, not Sat 71b, aa previously stated. Glencoe’s name has been changed to Unfortunate. ‘ The fol lowing are the handicaps for the Tr >ttino Race. Titokowaru scratch Ginger ... 200yds Inkerman... 80yds Idle Boy ... 230yds Alma ... 110yds Tata ... 250yds Firefly ... 150yds Bess ... 280yds Kate ... 200yds Maggie ... 300yds Nelly ... 200yds Acceptances are due before 9 p.m- on the 20th inst. WINSLOW RACES. The following weights have been de clared for the above races by the handi* cappers, Messrs M. Stitt and S. Saun ders : Hurdles. st lb I at lb Why Not ... 11 7 I Cigarette ... 910 Brenda ... 10 4 | Cup. st lb at lb Lady Florence 9 12 Polly ... 9 6 Why Not .... 9 10 Roseneath ... 8 0 Steel Dust ... 9 10 Trot. Dolly ... scr j Boxer ... 76yds Black Bess... 60yda | Little Jim... 75yds AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING. The following acceptances have been re ceived by the Auckland Racing Club for the undermentioned events: Hurdler. Clarence I Earkawsy Hprculaa I Barbery Woodpecker | Free Handicap. Salvage Mitrailleujie Tim Whifljer Paramena Fish '.oman Soukar Yuba Bill Vortex Envious Flageolet Nelson A. B. Musketeer Krupp Escopota _______

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1883.



QTOP THAT COUGH 1 PON’T P DELAY.—How can you slop it ? Where 1 , s the Remedy. Bennington’s PECTORAL OXYMEL OF CARRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (register. I), fun produce more evidence of real merit thirn any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonninoton, Christchurch. <£> 'M O I J 3 i 3 a |W aM OH H ” a ◄ 3 SSj ml»«9® 'S •go S s .’o ft * i —: •» i* S Of S • iriii,, p a m



Wanted WANTED Known—For Christmas ! ! Currants at 6d ; .Raisins at 7d • Sultanas at 8d ; Figs, lOd and la per box; pastry butter at 6d per lb. Andrew Orb, Tancred street. 12 1108 WANTED Known —That the Cheapest ' Shop for FRUII’ and YEGE- i TABLES is at W. C. Davis, Next, Odd- , fellows’ Hall, Wills street. 13 1116 ■ ITTANTED—A General SERVANT. 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 worih 1s 9d at 6d per yard. WANTED Known— For Sale, two OOTTAt.ES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. O. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED Known—A DANCE in a>d of the Tinwald Temperance Hall Funds will be held in the above Hall, on MONDAY night, 24th innt. Dancing to commence at 8 p.m. Admission, 2s 6d ; ladies free. Fred. Clother, Secretary. CHRISTMAS FRUIT! CHRISTMAS FRUIT !! Currants 6d, Raisins 7d; Sultanas 8d; Candied Peel Is 6d. Fresh Paste Butter 6d 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. 760 c WANTED —The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we are determined not to be excelled. Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women’s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2a 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John MoI'ON, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real 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 Lea is always at his post to give lesions in Boxing, lesson £1 per mop*h, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT ANDREWES BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. INTENDING PURCHASERS OP CLOTHING FOB THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory's BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST YARIETVT 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 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 & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET, I F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S JHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. pi VERY article Sold at Christchurch P kicks and guaranteed bes. of •nar«rial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FTJKNISHBD



Special Advertisements* INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion Ftosb, Cashel street, Cht jtchurch. 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 E. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has bean 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 cr*Bt 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 £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 018 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our'.No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 012 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ••• ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated 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, p iragon frame ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel tor £2, contains Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress ... ... ••• ... 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 , 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring j cuff gloves 0 2 0 • £2 19 6 1 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) ... ••• 0 18 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels |... ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. (7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere • ••• 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 09 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 03 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box ... ... 05 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern go<Jd tapestry carpet 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ..._ ... 016 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ... 10 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt ... ... ••• 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tabiecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels ... ... ... 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 0 11 6



£ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere ... ••• ••• 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... 013 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 1 1 0 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains — Avery complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains — Dsual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 10 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. Itemember—Cash returned at once 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. JP.O. O. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., Fanhiop House, Christchurch. 1392



Special Advertisement. Reward Books, , Presents, Prizes, Toys, Dolls, &c. H. M. JONES, East street. 11 877 CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT TO “ THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN ” ON MONDAY NEXT a four-page Special Holiday Supplement will be issued with the Guardian to all subscribers. The Supplement will ba ILLUSTRATED With numerous woodcuts, and will cor. tain twenty-eight columns of reading mat ter, amongst which will be found the fol lowing : POETRY. “ Christmas Day,” by Orita “ Welcome to Christmas ” “ Our Long Ago ” “ Holy Christmas Day ” “ The Police Court Lawyer ” Ac. &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.



FACETIAE, CONUNDRUMS, INDOOR GAMES, &c. «£c. &c. Ac. N.B.—Subscribers wishing to obtain extra copies must send in application for same at once, as only a limited number will be published.



Holloway’s Pills arc strongly recom mended to all persons who arc much reduced in power and condition, whose stomachs are weak, and whose nerves are shattered. The beneficial effects of these Pills will be percep tible after a few days’ trial, though a more ex tended course may be required to re-establish perfect health. Holloway’s medicine acts ®n the organs of digestion, and induces complete regularity in the stomach, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. This treatment is both safe and cer .ain in result, and is thoroughly consistent with observation, experience, and common sense. The purification of the blood, the removal of all noxious matter from the secretions, and the excitement of gentle action in the bowels, are sources of the curative powers of Hollo* way’s Pills.—Advl.



Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, consti pation, piles, dyspepsia, headache, cured by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” 5d and is boxes at druggists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney General Agents for Australasia. a