SHIPPING.

PORT GF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Ringarooma, s.s., from Nelson, Picton, and Wellington. Sailed. Y EBTEKDAY. Ringarooma, s.s,for Dunedin. Annie Bow, barquentine. for JSew caatle. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Louie, from Java ; Annabel and Caberfeidh, from Newcastle. Sailed—Gellion, for Newcastle ; Made, for Tonga; Herald, for Greymouth; Mountain Laurel, for London ; Southern Cross, missionary schooner, for Norfo.k Island. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Mahinapua, Hauroto, and Te Anau, from the South. Sailed— Rotorua, for Picton and Nel son ; Mahinapua, for Westport and Grey mouth ; Te Anau, for the North ; Pen guin, for Lyttelton. Dunedin Yesterday. Sailed—Omhapsre, for Auckland ; Wai rarapa, for Melbourne, via the Bluff. .

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, Deofmesir 9, Messrs Matson, Cox and Or., at the Ashburton Saleyarda—Stock Friday, December 12 Mr Thos. Bullock, at G. A. Vincent’s shop Moore street—Bankrupt Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday, December 8 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7. Tuesday, December 9 Oddfellows’ Hall —Entertainment, at 8 o’clock Friday, December 12 Ohertsey Schoolroom —Entertainment and Dance, at 8 o’clock Tuesday, December 16 ■ St Stephen’s Church—Garden Party in the Parsonage grounds Wednesday, December 17 Orange Hall—Temperance Lecture, at 8 o’clock

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1884.

A telegram was received in town this morning from Mr J. 0. Wason, who is now in Dunedin, to the effect that the Premier is urging the suspension of the action taken by the Rakaia-Ashburton- Forks Railway Company. Mr Stout con siders that the ratepayers have a good case if proceedings go on, and Mr Wason has retained him for the defence.

It is understood that many difficulties wore experienced by the Government in framing the regulations for the elections of the Board for the Government Insur ance Association, and it was not until yesterday that they were sufficiently shaped as to be presented to the Execu tivo Council, which they passed, and have now been forwarded to Christchurch for his Excellency’s signature. They are to be gazetted in a few days. The votes of policy holders are to be taken by means of voting papers, which will bo supplied by the Government. It is more than probable that the nomination day will be fixed for a date prior to the 20th Decern her, and in order to avoid having the election during Christmas week, they will take place during the first week in Jan uary.

W. Tyrr ell, Wm Peacock, and John A. Colton, three young men who had been arrested at Christchurch on suspicion of having utragod a woman on Monday night last under circum-lances of extra ordinary brutality, were yesterday com mitted for] trial on a charge of criminal assault.

The following cable has been received from the Agent-General “ London, De cember 3rd. The Post Office notices have been issued, announcing alternate fortnightly mails by direct steamer. No further matter will bo £.O it via Brindisi, unless superscribed.” A deputation of the Dunedin City Council waited on the Promt r yesterday with reference to the clause in the Public Works Art, validating the Sidey compen sation claim in connection with the Silver st' iam waterworks. Gome of the council lors expressed the opinion that it had been passed solely on Mr Sidey’s account. The Premier said ho could not agree with the view of the matter taken by the Council. He had learned tha it was sug gested to tha Minister of Public Works by Mr W. D. Stewart, and the Minister agreed to introduce it, after consulting the Under-Secretary for Public Works, and finding there were a number of cases which it would meet. After hearing all that had been said on the subject he (Mr Stout) would support the measure if it were again brought up in Parliament. It would be a most immoral proceeding if the corporation were allowed to take ad vantage of what he considered a doubtful point of law, a mere technical defect in a man’s notice of claim, and to pay simply what they pleased. Evidence was taken yesterday in the Christchurch Supreme Court re the ap plication of Macpherson, Filrner and Co., of 'i imam, against the bankrupt estate of J. T. Brown, for the delivery to the ap plicants of 200,010 ft of timber shipped from Invercargill to Brown shortly before bis bankruptcy. Argument in the rasa has been a journed till Mr Justice John aton returns from the Timaru sessions.

Take Hop Hitlers three times a day, and you will;have no doctors’ bills to pay. See.— Advt.] The local industries of Ashburton are grow ing apace. A visit to the principal workshops in this town will convince any of our readers that there is still a splendid future before us if we only patronise those of our enterprising townsmen who are determined to do a legili mat-; I usiness with small profits. In H irnett street the workshops of Messrs Mcech and Co. present a busy appearance, and having im proved machinery are able to turn out an ex cellent display of household furnishings equal to any in Canterbury. We anticipate a great demand ana a satisfactory profit for the manu facturers in return. In Kast street Messrs M and Co. have also opened a show room, where is to be seen some very fine furniture suitable to all classes, and we believe at prices that muse command a ready sale. Our advice is inspect Meech and Co.’s stock for house fur nishings.

A man named James Anderson, a farmer at Ida Valley is supposed to I avo been drowned at Clyde yesterday aft r n»on. He arrived in Clyde to see the doctor, and was on his nay to the hosp ial when he was observed to descend the river b ank, take off his coat and vest, and walk into the river Clutha.

A singular care was heard at the Dune din RM. Court yo torday. The plaintiff, Ireland, sued defendant, Ivuraey, for hoard and attendance supplied to Mrs Kersey. The defence was that Mrs Kur acy left her husband one day, tolling him she was going to Mosgiel, instead of which she went to Auckland, travelling, i was alleged, with a young man named Lock hart, as his wife. She was examined and admitted going to Auckland, but denied ever knowing any young man called Lock hart. She said she did not know by what steamer she went to Auckland or returned in. Hia Worship said there being no clear evidence of adultery, though the facts were very suspicious, he must give judgment for the plaintiff. News has been received from the Southern Cross Petroleum Works that the defective pipes have been withdrawn. The bore is in good condition, and drill ing is being continued previous to putting pipes in again. During the stoppage a large quantity of oil accumulated at the bottom.

A deputation, which included Mr Mit chelson and Auckland M.H.R.’s, waited upon the Minister of Justice, urging the inclusion of Kawhia in the district over which the sale of drink is prohibited. The M nister said that his impression was that Kawhia was included, but that he would telegraph to the Native Minister for in formation.

It is stated that a monster meeting of Maoris will be held at Aroma, in the vicinity of Waug-mui, about two months hence. Over 2,000 natives are expected to be present, among them Titokowaru, the rebel chief, who figured so prominently during the Maori wars. In the Wanganui R. M. Court yester day, the civil action Timms v Spurdle was heard. It was a claim for the recovery of LIOO penalty on two alleged breaches of the Municipal Corporations Act. The defendant, a councillor, had done some work at the hospital under instructions of the Borough Council, and subsequently sat and Voted as a councillor. The Magis trate gave judgment for the plaintiff with costs of Court. Some further particulars of the Nen thorn fatal affray have been received. The o:iginal quarrel seems to have arisen in banter pver a dog-fight, and it las'ed for some hours, and reached its height about one o’cb ok on Tuesday morning, when Mrs Meldrum got soma persons to inter fere. Meldrum was found lying beside a creek near by in an insensible condition. His principal wound seems to have been a stroke on the head with the butt-end of a gun, said to have been given him by Fitz gerald, who is still at large. He was also stabbed in several places with a shoe maker’s knife. He was put in a litter and carried by four men to be taken to Uindon, hut died on the way. The in quest is fixed for to-day, before Mr Ful ton, M.H.R., J.P. The following cable message was re ceived yesterday by Government from Mr Ualley, t cti.ig Colonial Secretary of New South Wales Smallpox at present confined to one district of the city. No known cases at large, but fourteen cases in Smallpox Hospital in strict quarantine, four being confluent, four semi-confluent, three discreet, thre? convalescent. A strict house to house investigation has been instituted in the affected locality by the medical adviser.” Henry Lewis, better known as the ‘‘ hangman,” was arrested yesterday on a charge of breaking into the Brunner Coal Mining Company’s offices, and remanded till Monday. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pas toral Association, at their meeting yester day, appointed a Committee to consider the advisability of obtaining new Show grounds. The present ground is con sidered too small, and cannot be easily drained. Apropos of Belgian immigration, or rather of the imperative necessity for Bel gian emigration, owing to the density of the population of the Kingdom which is one of the smallest and at the same time one of the most progressive in Europe, we (Timaru Herald) heard a good simile a day or two since. “ Belgium,” said a gentleman who takes a great interest ia the new movement, '‘is like an old cheese, so full of mites that they have got to the rind, and must either get out or else eat one another.” That is really the position. Belgium has a population of 5,700,000 souls, increasing at the rate of 200,000 a year—that is to say nearly twice the popu lation of the whole of the Australasian colonies—on an area about t.ho size of Canterbury. Close packing that, con sidering that a great proportion of the people are engaged in rural pursuits. But there is plenty of room for them hero, and as they have no very strong senti ment of nationality, there is no reason why they should not be as happy hero as there.

A correspondent of the Railway Re view, writing about English and German engine-drivers, makes out that the latter

receives much the better training in learn ing his business. He asserts that young Germans intended for locomotive engine drivers have to go through a technical school course, from whence they enter the railway fitting shops to learn some

mechanical work. After having spent one or two years in the locomotive work -1 shop, the German is sent into the running shed to learn how to make current repairs. When he is old enough to be trusted with a responsibility ha has to do at least a year’s firing under one of the ablest en gine-dtivers of tha railway, who has to be strict with him, and must show him every thing connected with the management of the engine. After he has served the ne cessary time as fireman he has to pass a prac'-ic-il examination, that is, to make a trial trip, on which he is accompanied by tie engineers ana other local authorities, who have to judge if he can be safely entrusted with a locomotive. His next job will be to do a lot of shunting; then he will have to drive eight coupled mountain engines, afterwards the six-coup ed, and so on, until he rises to the post of first-class or express engine driver, the ne plus ultra, ot the calling, to which many aspire, but few are selected. These engine drivers are superior men in every respect, of un daunted energy, thproughly acquainted with their engines ; many of them are learned men, and fit to fill up the post of engineer. Whan not at work they lor like gentlemen. This system does not ex clude firemen from advancing to the post of engine drivers, when, after some years’ running, they have distinguished them selves by their punctuality, cleanliness, and especially by their sobritty. The position of the engine driver abroad is not well paid, it is true, but thsir lot is more enviable, espec’ally those where the State manages. They are allowed so much a month for house rent; they have also mile money (melengeid), besides coal and punctuality premiums. The working hours are not so long, and on many lines every third day is a day for rest. We know that there is nothing on earth equal to Hop bitters as a family medicine. Look for. — [advt.] C ciarru of the Bladder. —Slinging .natation, inflammation, all kidney and similar complaints, cured by “ Buchu-patba.” T! e N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3

Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, etc., arc quick y cured by using Baxter’s * Bung Preserver. ’ This old-establidied medicine is pleasant to the palate, ana higirly extolled by members of the medical and clerical profession, Kead ad vertisement.

The ordinary monthly meeting' of the Longbeach Hoad Board wis to have been held yesterday, but Messrs Grigg and Dowding ware the only members in at tendance at the unpointed hour, and the meeting was adjourned until Friday, January Gth. As will he seen by an advertisement in another column, Ashburton is to receive a visit from the Pollard Juvenile Company, a troupe which has earned great praise from the press in the South. They will occupy the Town Hall for a short season, commencing on Wednesday next. A meeting of the Committee of the Choral Society was hold last evening, when a considerable amount of routine business was transacted. A sub-Com mitoo was appointed to interview the Or chestral Society with a view of discussing the adviaableness of giving a performance on the night of the Summer Race Meet ing (December 29th). It was decided to hold the quarterly meeting at St Stephen’s Schoolroom on Monday evening at eight o’clock, and to resume the usual weekly practices, the first of which will take place after the meeting on Monday. At the gymnastic competition for pnp’l teachers of Canterbury schools held in Christchurch yesterday, Alick Jamieson, pupil teacher in the Ashburton Borough school, took second prize. A correspondent has written to us ex pressing a wish to have his name with drawn from our list of subscribers. He states —“ My reason for doing so is for the very ungentlemanly manner you reported on the thoroughbred horses at the late Show. My horse is quite tho rough-bred. If I have not given you an ad vertisement for the season you might not have shown your teeth. The public has talked more about it than your re porter thinks. If he is no favorite of his I am happy to inform you that he is greatly sought for by the public, which is of more consequence than your biased re port." On turning to our file we find that we made no reference to this much sought for quadruped, and our reporter excuses the omission (but we do not credit his statement) by alleging that he was directed by the management to look rather with a kindly than a critical eye upon the exhibits of subscribers, and when he reached this particular specimen his beneficent organ of vision closed. Our correspondent’s reference to an advertise ment is, we fear, too vague to be con strued into an order for its insertion and we too highly esteem the gentleman we have been unfortunate enough to offend, to solace ourselves with the reflection that the Guabdian is as much a necessity to him as he to the paper. We shall always be prepared to resume our cordial rela tions, and trust that at no distant date our correspondent will entertain a similar sentiment. In the meantime we should like to remind him of the old Scotch say ing—“ He wha will to Cupar, maun to Cupar.”

A contract has been signed by Messrs Barnes and Smith for the erection of the Fleraington Presbyterian Church. The dimensions of the churc will be 35ft by 20ft, and the contract price is L 257. Mr R. Bird ii the architect.

There was no quorum af the Finance Committee of the County Council at their meeting called for this morning. The Committee will meet on Saturdvy next at 11 am.

Yes'e -lay the scholars of the Fleming ton school presented Mr and Mrs John Small with a letter of condolence in re spect to the recmt melancholy deuh of their two sons. The deceased lads were attendants at the Fletnington school. Th« Hospital and Charitable Aid Com mittee did not meet th a afternoon, there being no quorum. A meeting was held at the Wakanui Schoolroom last evening to complete ar ran emeuts for holding the annual sports on New dear’s Day. Mr Protheroe occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. A ptogramme of events, in cluding the Wakanui Cup, Trot, and Hurdle race for horses, and the usual athletic sports, was adopted. An offer from Mr 0. Hill of the use of a paddock for the sports was accepted. The Trea surer (Mr ProtheiOi) and the Secretary (Mr Oooksou) were authorised to arrange for the sale of privileges, and to adver tise the programme. The Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club met at the Club’s room last evening. Present —Messrs Purnell (in the chair), Harrison, Crisp, Quill, M, Friedlander, R, Friedlander, Drs Leahy and Ross. It was resolved to hold the general half-yearly meeting of the Club on Tuesday, 9th instant, and to appoint Mr A. Harrison as auditor, . Drs Ross and Leahy and the Secretary were appointed as a Committee to report upon a suitable data for the Autumn meeting. After the transaction of a large amount of routine business the Committee adjourned.

August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects 5 such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, vvaterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a battle of august flower. This valuable medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, 6d.—fADVT.

Christmas presents free of charge. —Last year we are informed that over 9,000 presents were given away during December and the early part of January by H. E. May a Co,, The Hall, Christchurch. This year they are doing the same, and this is how they do it Every customer is presented with a ticket equal to 10 per cent, on the amount spent by them, so that if you spend Lio you can choose anything Tip to Li, if L 5 is spent a los present will be given, if L 3 a 6s piesent, if a 2s present, but if you only spend One Shilling you will get something. And every time you come duri g this month of December and up to January the 6th you will get a pre sent. If you do not wish to spend a lot of money in one day’s shopping you can get your tickets for what you have spent, and so on each time you come, and then get one really handsome thing equal in value to all the tickets you hold.— [AnvT.J

METEOROLOGICAL READINGS.

The following are the meteorological readings at Alford Station for the week ending Friday, December 5, 1884:

Rainfall for November, 5.15 in. Rainfall during week, 2.75 in.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board waa held thia morning. Present—Messrs Mayo (chair man), Cole and Megaon.

CORRESPONDENCS. I The fallowing correspondence was read: f —(1) From the Upper Ashburton Road t Board, acknowledging receipt of the 1 Board’s fetter in reference to local govern- 1 meat. —(2) From the Ashburton County 1 Council, stating that the Council had de- i terniined to pay Is 3J per hundred for small birds’ eggs and heads,—(3) From 1 the South Rakaia Road Board, acknow ledging receipt of the Board’s letter in reference to local government, and en closing the following resolution :—“ That the Rakaia foard shall be represented at any meeting that may be convened by the Wakanui Road Board in Ashburton for the purpose indicated in their Chair man’s letter, dated 17th October,” —The Surveyor waa directed to inform the Rakaia Road Board that the proposed meeting was intended to determine upon united action in respect to the County Council elections, and the necessity for holding it had passed.—(3) From the same enclosing account for half cost of work on the boundary road, and requesting pay ment. —The Surveyor was directed to re port to next meeting.—(4) From W. H. Z ouch, calling attention to a hole in the North-west Belt opposite his residence, and enquiring if the Board would con struct a culvert if the writer supplied the material. —Referred to the Chairman with ; power to act. —(5) From Messrs Lill and Grayburn, asking permission to take shingle from the side of the roads for the ; purpose of forming water-race crossings— s It was resolved to leave this and future ■ similar applications to the member for the i ward affected and the Surveyor to deal i with. i surveyors’ report. The Surveyors’ report was read as fol l lows ; s We have the honor to submit our monthly. p report as follows ; —I. Rule’s road : The re , formation of this r >ad has not been completed t satisfactorily, the hollows require better filling , in, rises reducing and the formation generally I is rough. We have given the contractor , notice that the work cannot be passed till exe -1 cuted in accordance with specific >.tion. He 1 has notified us that the work will be completed c to our satisfaction. —2. Wakanui School road: ■ The formation of the sides of this road we expect are completed by this, the contractor 1 h iving been at work during the week. With b re.ard to the embankment sta'ed to have been taken from the water-race by him to form the t sides, he certainly did take some, which has , since been replaced. We may state that 8 though the bank was up when the race was running last year, it did not prevent the water from the race lying on the side of the road up 3 to the metalled portion. The fault principally Ji lay in there not being sufficient fall along the I water-race. This has been partly remedied - lately ;in fact, the water would not lay on the o road or require an embankment at the sides if an even grade was maintained. We have s taken levels along the race and find there is now sufficient fall if intermediate rises were reduced. We would also point out that the 0 making of embankments at the side of the V water-race on the road prevents the storm r water getting into its and con sequently lies on the road.—3. Maintenance ; e Most of the roads are in fair repair. In r No. 1 Ward we have had to put on labor to B repair the roads, the contractor having ne t glected them|; we also intend doing this on some of the roads in No. 2 Ward unless atten tion is pa dto them at once. 4. Hampstead roads formation : This work is just completed, n 5, Snrthfield road : The contractor has re -5 ported the completion of the formation of this »f road. We tested the grades on the road a few 1 days ago, which were satisfactory in roost in stances. As the completion was just previous to the meeting, we have been unable to finally l " pass the work, but give a certificate condition e ally. 6. Smith’s road in continuation cf S. E. Belt : The water in the creek has been so high u lately that it has been flowing along the sides ■- of the road and doing damage by scouring. ,s We have had stanks put in to prevent this. So e much water is now brought down that the ford e is very bad for traffic, large deposits of silt being left at each approach. The dam for the j water-race just below the road probably assists , in backing the water on the road. 6. Miscel -1 laneous :We have had planks renewed where r broken on bridge over mill-race on Wakanui k road. The cutting on Stanley road near Cavill’s required an extra length of pipes put y ting in, it having become rather dangerous. I his 0 has been arranged to be done. The outfall for •. water on Fitzgerald’s road, between Messrs Gibson's and Fitzgerald’s property is in hand, also the making of a side drain to take away 13 the water lying at the junction of Gibson’s and Fi zgeral *’s road. 7 Levels having been taken 1 for forming a portion of 1 orbett’s road, ten • ders for which, and also for metalling part of y Leadley’s road, and forming part ol Hampton’s e road, will be laid before you to-day. 8. n Trevor’s road : We have examined this road r with reference to a petition presented last j meeting. The road is rather rough from the 1 large growth ef tussocks and ruts in wh*el e tracks, which is cer.ainly bad far what traffic comes this way, though this is not very great. The cost of reforming with footpaths we esti -0 mate at about L3O. rule’s road. s It waa resolved to request the County n Council to have pipes put across water -1 race to lead water off the road. 6 WAKANUI SCHOOL ROAD. r * The Surveyor was directed to see the ’ County Engineer and draw his attention g to the embankments of the water-race in . terfering with the drainage of the road, f trevor’s road. r It was resolved to inform the petitioners . in respect to this road, that previous ap s plications having been made for other ne -1 eessary works in the Ward, the wor 1r : could not be undertaken until funds were : available. In the meantime the ruts L would be filled in. ' COMPENSATION. ! James Dalj applied for payment for additional work done in respect to his ! contract on the Hampstead Roacs.—lt was resolved not to entertain the applica -1 ticn. TENDERS. The following tenders were accepted:— Corbett’s road (P. Stewart), L 6 15s ; Hampton’s road (J, Daly), 5i 6d per chain ; Leadley’s road (P. Stewart), 1s Id. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to LII6 9s 4d were • passed for payment. smith’s road. The Board went into Committee to con sult Mr Oaygill, solicitor, ia reference to the water brought down the mill race, and on resuming it was resolved to communi cate with the proprietors of the Canter bury Mills on the subject. ADJOURNMENT, The Board then adjourned until Satur day, 3rd January.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

The following communication has been forwarded by the Press Association: —During the last three months a long battle has been proceeding between New South Wales and New Zealand (regarding the San Francisco mail service, and it is at lengtu settled satisfactorily for New Zea land. The late Government of New Zea land entered into an arrangement for the service, by which they agreed to pay L 31,250 per annum, against L18,?50 paid by New South Wales, although the latter was to have the benefit of the terminus of the line. For a very little more the New Zealand Government could have had the terminus in New Zealand. They not only did not take advantage of such an opportunity, but they consented to New South Wales having a power to withdraw daring the last twelve months of the contract, though New Zealand wais to continue bound. Of course such a provision gave the power to New South Wales to pay what it liked for the year’s service. As the boats were still to continue to run to Sydney it might, how ever, at least bars been supposed that New South Wales would divide with New Zealand the benefit of any reduction. This, however, they showed no disposition to do. They gave the requisite notice of withdrawal from the contract, intimating the same to the New Zealand Postmaster- General, and adding, significantly, that this would not preclude them from con sidering fresh proposals from the contrac tors. This was evidently an intention not to lose the service, but to obtain a redac tion of the cost. Indeed, the contractors subsequently admitted what amounted to an understanding of this nature. The Government were so annoyed at the man ner in which it was proposed to treat New Zealand that they determined that the contractors at least should pay for it. In order to do this they treated the with drawal of New South Wales as final, and . had recourse to provisions in the Post Office Act, which prohibited steamers under contract to New Zealand from ' carrying the mails of other colonies without its consent. Accordingly when the Postmaster-General of New. South Wales announced later that he had [ arranged with the contractors for a ; redaction of L 7,000, and to rejoin as a ; contractor subject to New Zealand’s con* r sent, the Postmaster-General positively i refused such consent, gave notice of the i clauses in the Post Office Act, and de - dined to allow the mails of New South 3 Wales to be carried unless a prior engage * men*- was made with him. He informed 3 the contractors he would not agree to j their arrangements with New South j Wales unless they made a corresponding . reduction of 1.7,003 to New Zealand. 1 The contractors refused to make any 5 allowance whatever to New Zealand, f whereupon the Postmaster-General gave : them formal notice not to carry the New 3 South Wales mails without his consent. - Lengthened negotiations followed, and - resulted at length ia that colony agreeing 5 to pay New Zealand L 7,000 for the car -1 riage of its mail. New Zealand will also ' get the whole k of the amounts from the [ other colonies for the carriage of their 3 mails. The net gain Zealand will . be about L 9,000.

A REMARKABLE STORY.

The Cornishman publishes a •narrative of a murder adeged to have been committed in the locality, the natracor professing to have remained silent, under a fearful oath imposed on him at the time of the committal of the deed, some fifty years since. The writer, who signs himself “ G-. H 0.,” and from Penzance, declares himself willing to indicate the spot where the body of the murdered man was buried. Shortly, the story is as follows: —Toe writer, then a junior in a firm in London, of which he is now the head, came to Penzance in September, 1834, to arrange terms among local tin smelte-s. He left Penzance one evening to visit a friend in St J ust, which is some six miles from Penzance. On the way there, in a lonely part of the road, he met two men, when he heard one say, “ That’s him,” whilst the other asserted, “No, it is not.” They again faced each other, when the two men said they had taken him for an other person. Almost immediately a man approached from the direction of St Just, and the writer called his attention to the suspicious character of the two men. The man, who said he was a mine agent, laughed at his fears and went on his way. He had only proceeded about a couple of hundred yards, when he was seized with nervous tremors. His legs refused to support him, and he fell in the middle of the road, but thought it better not to stay there, and so proceeded on hands and knees across the dusty road, scrambled to a small bank, and found himself on a common, which appeared to be many acres in extent. He dragged himself to a heather-covered strip between two clumps of furze, and threw himself a 1; length and closed his eyes. After a little time he looked up, and the moonlight revealed to him a newly-made mound. Hearing two shots fired he crouched and waited, and he saw the men just after coming with the body. To quote his letter, “ once more a thrill of horror ran through me. On they came towards the newiy-made grave, almost touching my feet as they moved past. Then they turned to the right and threw the body into the pit with a thud, which mads every fibre in my body vibrate. The corpse in the grave, the two men began to fill it up. Doing that disclosed me. They had not lowered the mound many inches when one of them discovered me. They pounced upon me and demanded what I was doing there. I explained, but all to no purpose. ‘ The same pit will do for him ’ ‘ Yes, shoot him.’ ‘ No, cut his throat.’ ‘ Stop, I’ll load my pistol again ; don’t leave any marks of blood about.' ‘Push him in the pit first, and cut his throat afterwards.’ These were the horrible threats, accompanied by frightful imprecations, which greeted me. Said one of the men to me again, *We have decided to bury you alive,* slip off your clothes, it’s hardly worth while burying that good suit of yours; it will do for one of us.’ I pleaded my youth, my accidental and unpremedi tated presence, my newly-made wife, and only child, and this at last seemed to touch the hearts of the brute?. ‘ Well,’ said one, ‘we will spare your life on con dition that you swear, as you hope for heaven and the salvation of your wife, child, and friends; you shall swear it, too, on the point of this knife and the muzzle of this pistol —that what you have seen this night you will never speak of or divulge to any human being for a space of fifty yea ■•a from this day, when we shall all be as this,’ at the same time kicking into the grave a clod of light-colored clayey soil I did swear most solemnly. I bought my life on that lonely heath of West Penwith. 1 have kept my promise. It was a little over fifty years ago. 1 was then twenty-six years of age, so you see lam an old man now. Those men were middle-aged—from forty-five to fifty—at that time.”

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1884.



Shade Date. Min. Max. Max. Observations. Nov. 29 54- 84. 145. Fine, very hot .. 30 57- 87. 121. L> ine Dec. 1 64. 88. 119. Showers M 2 5°- 80. 112. Thunder showers 59- 80. 122. Thunder showers .. 4 t>3- 75- 120. Show cis 5 64. 72. 72. South-west rain



An alarming disease afflict ing A NUMEROUS CLASS. The dis ase commences with a slight de rangement of the stomach, but, if neglected, it i time involves the whole frame, embracing the kidneys liver, pancreas, and, in fact the entire glandular system, and the afflicted drags out a miserable exbtencs until death gives re lief from suffering. The disease is often mis taken for other complaints ; but if the reader will ask hinvelf the following questions, he will be able to determine whetner he himself is one of the afflicted: —Have 1 distress, pain, or difficulty in bteathing after eating ? Is there a dull, heavy feeling attended b/ drowsiness? Have the eyes a yellow tr ge ? Docs a thick, .ticky, mucous gather about the gums and teeth in the mornings, accompanied by a dis agreeable taste? 1s the tongi e coated ? Is there p- in in the side and back? Is ttiere a fulness about the right side as if the liver were enlarging? Is there costiven ss? I there vertigo or dizz ness when rising suddenly from a horizontal position? Are the secretions from the kidneys scanty and highly colored, wi ha deposit after standing ? ■ o?s food fer ment soon after eating, accompanied by flatu lence or a b'lching ot gas from the stomach ? Is there frequent palpitation of the heart? These variou symptoms may not be present at one time, but they torment the suffer. r in turn as thi dreadful disease progresses. If the case be one of long standing, t ere will be a dry, hacking cough, attended af et time by expec toration. In very advanced stages th: skin assumes a dirty brownish appearance, and the hands and feet are covered by a cold, sticky perspiration As the liver and kidneys become more and mere diseased, rheumatic pnn ap pears, and the usual treatment proves entirely unavailing against this latter agonbing dis order. The o;igin of this malady is indigestion or dyspepsia, and a small quan' ity of the proper medieme will remove'the disease if taken in its incipiency. It is most important that the disease should be pr mptly and properly Ireatei in its first stages, when a little m ;di cine will e ecta cure, and even w en it has obtained a strong hold the correct remedy should be persevered in until every vestige of the disease is eradicated, untd the appetite has returned, and the digestive organs restored to a healthy condition. The surest and most effec tual remedy for ths di-tressing complaint is M Seig I’s Curative Syrup,” a veg, table pre para’i n sold by all chemists and medicine vendors throughout the world, and by the pro prietors, A. J, White, Limited, 17, F.-rringdon road, London, E.C.; or the wholesale agents, Kempthorae, Pr.sserand Co.’s New Zealand Drug Company (limited), Dunedi , Chri-t ---church, Wellington, and Auckland. This Syrup strikes at the very foundation of the disease, and drives it, root and branch, out of the system. Market Place Paddington, York, October 2nd 1882. Sir, —Being a suffe er f r years with dyspep sia in all its worst forms, and after spending pounds in medicines, I was at last persuaded t 6 try Mother Seigel’s Cur tive Syrup, and am thankful to say have derived more benefit from it than any other medicine I ever took, and would advise any one suffering fiom the same complaint to give it a trial, the results they would soon fird out for themselves. If you like to make use of this testimonial you are quite at liberty to do so. Yours respectfully, (Signed) R, Turner. Seigel’s Operating Pills a e the best family physic that has ever been discovered They cleanse the bowels from all irritating sub stancees, and leave them in a healthy conat ion. They cure costiveness. St. Mary street, > eterborcugh, November 2ctl, iBBr.



Sir, — T t gives me great pleasure to inform you of the benefit I have received from Seige.’s Syrup. I have been troub ed for years with dyspepsia; but after a few doses of the Syrup I found relief, and after taking two bottles of it I feel quite cured. I am, Sir, yours truly, William Brent. Mr A. J. White. Hensingham, Whitehaven, Get. 16, 1882. Mr A. J. White?—F ear Sir, —I was for some time afflicted with piles, : nd was sdyised to give Mother Seige’s Syrup a trial, which I did. lam now happy to tt te that it has e stored me to complete health.—l remain, yours respectfully, (Signed) John IT. Ligl tf>ot. 15111 August, 1883. Dear Sir,—l wiile to tell you that Mr Henry Hillier, ofYatesbury, Wilt , informs me tha he suffered Irom a severe form of indigestion for upwards of four years, and took no end of doctor’s medicine without the slightest benefit, and declares Mother Weigel s Syrup which he got from me has savel his life. Yours truly, (Signed) N. Webb. J Chemis’, Caine. Mr White,



September Bth, 1883. Dear Sir,—l find the sale of Seigel’s Syrup steadily increasing. All who have tried it speak very highly of its medicinal virtues ; one cus tomer describes it as a “ Godsend to dyspeptic people.” I always recommend it with confi dence. Faithfully yours, (Signed) Vincent A. Wills, Chemist-Dentist, Merthyr -Tydvil. To Mr A. J. White. Preston, Sept. 2ist, 1883. My Dear Sir, —Your Syrup and 1 ills are Still very popular with n.y customers, many saying they are the best family medicines pos sib e. The other day a customer came for two bottles of Syrup’, and said “Mother Seigel’s had saved the life -of his wife and he added, “ one of these bottles I am sending fifteen miles away to a friend who is very ill. I have much faith in it” , „ , , The sale keeps up wonderfully, m fact, or e would fancy almost that the people were be ginning to breakfast, dine, and sup on Mother §e|gel*s Syrup, the demand is so constant and the satisfaction so great. —I am, dear Sir, your faithfully, , T , , (Signed) W. Eowker. To A. J. White, Es* 3



Wanted. WANTED —A General Servant. Apply Mrs Gundry, the Terrace, East Belt. 12 2254 WANTED —General Servant. Apply Mrs Pyre, Bank of Now Zea land, Rakaia. 12 2 52 'VTT'ARTED Known—Bouse and Shop W with every convenience, in Bur nett stieet, next to Bullock’s Arcade, to let. cheap. 12 2233 ANTED— I TENDS lIS For 1,200 VV Acres '-tubble PLOUGHING, in one or more lots. For particulars, apnlv to Max Fhiedlander. 12 2265 WANTED Known—H. U. Segbrs’ is the Cheapest House in town for First-class Drapery and Millinery. Every thing marked with a small profit. Seuly’s Buildings, East street. WANTED Known —A. Our is selling for cash at the following reduced prices :—Tea, rare value, per box 14s 6d ; tea, -per lb la 3d, extra quality ; L.B. sugar, per lb 3d; currants, per lb sid ; raisins, per lb 6d ; tapioca, per lb 3d, fine white ; sago, per lb 3d ; sperms, per lb 7d; sauce, per bottle 61 ; rice, best Japan, 3d. 11 2066 WANTED Known White crystal Sugar, 501 b Flour, 4s 91 ; Oysters, 6d ; Salmon, 8d ; Biscuit?. 3d. ; a good family tea, Is 6d. J. McGregor, Tancred street. WANTED Known—Fresh Flounder., are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. Ail orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W.>\ Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 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 TI[7ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 i Vy That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s ; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1272 ?TT ANTED Known—That Jones and Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s butchers shop, East street, are now offer ing Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horse Feed, etc., etc., etc., cheaper and of a better class than any other in the town. All goods delivered free of charge in town. 4 752 SOMETHING worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro ■ fessed Coat and Habit Maker, is next ' Jones and Bradshaw’s, hast street. F. F. ■ O. is too well known as a master of his profession to need further comment. One trial will prove it Gentlemen’s own ma terial made up ; repairs and alterations carefully attended to. 10 1952 WANTED Known—The undersigned beg to notify to their customers ' and the public generally that they have Removed into the premises adjoining Mr ‘ Taylor, Baker, East street. By strict attention to business and making a good article, they hope to merit the continu ance of public patronage. Fowkb and McEwen, Bootmakers, East street, Ash burton. 10 1973



Special Advertisements. NEW BOOKS. NEW FANCY GOODS. NEW STATIONERY. NEW TOYS. PRIZE BOOKS, Etc. OHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS of New Zealand Scenery. A beautiful assortment of goods suitable for presents, Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers; &0., EAST STREET, SOUTH, Ashburton. g I U D Y ECONOMY AM) SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY BT USING Native Coal, Which can be had at the yards of the undersigned. MACPHER S ON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER. COAL, & WOOD ' MERCHANTS. VIEW BOOKS! NEW BOOKS!! JS EW BOOKS ! and CHRISTMAS CARDS [ Now in. Popular Encyclopedia (14 vola); Colo nies and Dependencies, bv T. S. Cotton ; Local Government, by M. D. Chalmers ; Treasury of Sciences, biographical, Work shop Appliances, Systematic Mineralogy, Electricity and Magnetism, Strength o; Material ; Vanity Fair, by Thackery ; The Newoomes ; English Men of Letters Bacon, Cowper, Dickens, Defoe ; Journal of the Plague Year, Plays from Molidie, The Prince Micharelii; Pedigteo of Man, by Hoeckel ; India, the Law and the People, by Oaird ; Gilbert on Banking ; The Assommoir, by j.mile Zola ; Medi eval History, by Chambers; Cassell’s Family Magazine, Irish Pleasantry: and Fun, English Scenery (6 vols), Countries of the World (6 vols), Peoples of the World (4 vols), All Round the World (2 vois), The Book of Health, Family Phy sician ; Animal Life, by Wright; The Technical Educator, Popular Educator, Mon of the Time, Family Herald (half year vol), How the Poor Live. Thomas F. Farley, BOOKSELLER, ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisements. Dimant and Coe, AEE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWIN G M A CHINKS, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply (f Machine estras on hand. CO.’INEU EAST AND TASCRED STHE ETo, ASHBUETON. n 2ipi NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUITS. Perfect Fit NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUITS. Guaranteed in the latest or any stylo that may be required. Craighead & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, WE have much pleasure in announcing to our friends and patrons, and all who may fool interested in the general ogress of our times that we have ]uat ccivcd a splendid assortment of Tweeds, Coalings, Serges, etc., etc.. of the best quality and latest designs—suitable for the season we are now entering. All Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICES. CRAIGHEAD & CO., Tancred street, Ashburton.



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW ZEALAND Olotbing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIc-L TWEEDS. The fit and workmanship of every gar ment ia undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Ruga, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES, Note the address |nEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches'Now Open 25



DAVIS’S Cheap Clearing Sale NOW ON. £ s. d. Bedroom furnished complete for G 6 0 Cheat of 5 drawers, for ... 2 0 0 Suites in Leather, for 14 0 0 Suites in Hair, for ... ... 14 0 0 Every other article equally cheap. Must be Sold to make room for our CONSTANT MANUFACTURE OF FURNITURE of all kinds. W. DAVIS, Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer, EAST STREET S)0 I' . Ashburton 9 1729



COMMENCING TO-DAY. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. FREE GIFTS TO ALL. CHOOSE FROM £IOOO WORTH. LAST Year, we gave, during December and the early part of January, 9240 Presents. This year we have even a larger selec tion, and intend, from to day, giving every Customer a Ticket equal '■o ten per cent on themoney spent; so that if you spend LlO you can choose anything up to LI; if L 5 is spent, a 10s present will be given ; if L 3, a 6s present ; if LI, a 2s present; but if you only spend Ore Shilling you will get something. And every time you come during this month of De cember and up to January 6 h, you will get a present. If you do not wish to spend a lot of money in one day’s shop ping, you can get your tickets for what you havo spent, and so on each time you come, and then get one really handso:> e thing, equal in value to all the tickets you hold. If you want a pretty hat, bon net, useful dress, or anything in house furnishing, we feell confi dent you will save 12i per cent by shopping with us, besides getting a present equal to one shilling in every ten, each time you come. • H. E. May & Co



1884. Victoria House. 1885. gPRING AN 1/ SUMMER SEASON, Feints, Dkess Stuffs, Cotu-Mph, Trimmings, Fancy Tie 3 , Hosiery, Millinery, Men’s, Boys’, anh Youths’ Clothing, Shirts (assorted), Hats, Ac., Ac., Of newest designs, super-excellent makes, and durability, selected and offered for the especial purpose of well and worthily recommending Victoria House as pre-eminent for variety, quality, liberality, and incomparable value. gst- Ladies’, Men’s, and Children’s BOOTS, &0., at “ call again ” prices. Patterns of Roaljn, Mosgeil, and KaiapoiTWE .DS received weekly, from which Men s Youths’, and Boys’ Garments are promptly made to measure, fit, finish, and fashion perfect. Charges strict.y reasonable. . Dimant and Coe. Ready-Money Drapers, clothiers, Ac, East and Tancred streets in premises lately occupied by Orr and Co,



Special Advertisements. RO THKR HA, M WATCHES From £5 10a. AtCHMAKEftS a EWEHSRS SGH gh-~gh.



Christmas Carnival AND FANCY BAZAAR Will be opened on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6xh, 1884. SIXPENNY & SHILLING TABLES, Also, a TABLE of VARIETIES from ONE PENNY to FOURPENOE. Admission —FREE. All are heartily welcomed. Please observe. —ln the ROOM NEXT to my PRESENT SHOP, specially taken for the Christmas Season. R. Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, (Next Shop to Qaill’a Hotel.)



A. Tapper, SAWMILLER TIMBER, AND IRON MERCHANT, East street, Ashburton, Has decided to Sell. Oee His Large Stock of TIMBER I BUILDING GATE', & IRON I MATERIALS FENCING WIRE, &j. at greatly Eecluced Prices, As he is retiring from business, therefore ANT REASONABLE OFFER WILL NOT BE REFUSED. Stock must be cleared off by December 31st. H. W. BARRETT, 1537 Manager.



Flies and Bugs. —Beetles ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gc bits, cleared out by “ Rough N.Z. Drug Co., General Age! The Bad and Woe are never imitated or counterfe pecially true of a family me positive proof that the remei the highest value. As soot tested and proved by the who! Bitters was the purest, best, a family medicine on earth, sprung up and began to steal which the press and the peop had expressed the merits of very way trying to induce : to use their stuff instead, ex money on the credit and good Many others started nostrums lar style to H. 8., with v names in which the word “H were used in a wav to induce ;



Holloways Ointment and Pills.— I Notable Facts.—lntense heat augments the annoyances of skin disease and encourages the development of febrile disorders; therefore they should, as they can, be remove by these detergent and purifying preparations. In stomach complaints, liver affections, pains, and spasms of the bowels, Holloway’s ungenl well rubbed over the affected part immediately gives the greatest ease, prevents congestion and in flammation, checks the threatening diarrhoea and averts incipient cholera. The poorer inhabitants in large cities will find these remedies to ;be their best friends when any pestilence rages, or when from unknown causes eruptions, boils, abscesses, or ulcerations point out the presence of taints or impurities within the system, and call for instant and effective curative medicines, — [Advt.] ,



Wells’ "Rough on Corns.” —Ask for Wells’ “Rough on Corns.” Quick reliaf, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for ig or 44 stamps,