SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Wakatipn, a.a., from Port Chalmers. Comet, ketch, from Havelock. Looh Fergus, barque, from Port Ohal toentr Sailed. Yesterday Sir 'William Wallace, barque, for New owEle. " _ . Wakatipu, s-s., for Sydney, via Wel-

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Rotorua, from Pioton and Kelson; Waihora, from Melbourne, via the South ; Takapuna, from Manukau. Sailed—Takapuna, for Lyttelton ; Wai hora, for Sydney, via Auckland and the East Coast; Wakatu, for Kaikoura; Roto ruii for Lyttelton. if Tim abo. Yesterday. Arrived —Thurso, from Port Chalmers. Sailed—Beautiful Star, for Dunedin. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived— Koramii, from the North; Kakanui, from the Bluff; Tarawera, from the West Coast Sounds. Blow, Yesterday. Sailed—Rotomahana, for Melbourne; GaSelle, barqne, for Brisbane.

COMMERCIAL.

- Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday aftemoen.

Messrs Friedlander Bros., in conjunction with Messrs R. Wilkin and Co. (per Mr F. C. Tabart, auctioneer), report of the live stock market for- the week ending Jan. 16th as toi lows:—At the Ashburton kaleyards 3,227 sheep and 128 head of cattle were yarded For the week’s supply. In fat sheep there was a fair entry. The attendance of buyers was not so numerous - as at late sales; no doubt far mers at the present time are very busy m getting their harvesting started, consequently biddings were dull, and we have to report a of folly is per head on most classes ot sheem' We sold aline of fat ewes and wethers at 12s 7d and 13s 3d. We quote mutton at »Sfd on the average. In store sheep there was a medium entry, but the demand was not so ereat as at former sales. Merino ewes with lambs (Shorn) sold at 9s 8d ; in their wool, lis fid- In fat cattle the entry was not so -lake as Usual; the quality on the whole Kwffg poor, and prices Ruling from ids to igs per toolb for best quality. In store cattle go6d^lines Came to hand, bat they were slaughtered at ridiculous ■ prices. Pn vately during the week we placed a line of 3,000 merino ewes and also a line of 2,000 merinq wethers: (delivery to be taken Ist April),'at'a satisfactory price.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE 5 , Tuesday, January 22. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tmwald flaleyarda—-Stock. MEETING?, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday, January 21. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. , Monday, January 28. Upper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Board Office Friday, February 1. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. Saturday, February 2. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. _

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton foe Christ church and intermediate stationsat7-lG aim., 10.66 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 i».'m. . Trains Leave Ashburton for azmaru and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p.m,—the latter pro ceemng’no farther than Timarn. Tea His Arrive at Ashburton from : Ohbbtohubch' at 10 15 a-tn. (Express), 435p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains 'Arrive at Ashburton from Tdmsu and South at 10.40 Am., 5.27 p,m. (Express), and 8 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Wails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows: — For Ohriatehorch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For OhertseyEakaia, &&, at 10.30 a.m. and 6 ab. duly. For Dimedin,Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, ffliiriawam Eangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m* daily. For Tenraka, at 6 a.m. and 10 am., For Timarn and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Oreenstreet and Ashburton Forks, an Wednesdays and. Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. For Sloout Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m, and 430 p.m; For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur- fi.A.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, tt4.3op.m. daily. For Remington, on Mondays, Wednes 4»ya, and Fridays, at 430 p.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. ForNewlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

M«il« arrive at the Ashburton Post 'Jffioe - FrpmOhristchurch and Bakaia at 10.15 From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 486 p.m. daily, ;> ’ From Dunedin and intermediate places at &3T i "».|n. daily. FroiuTemuka and Timarn at 10.40 a.m ---6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. -.ir From Mount Somers,. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. FrpmMay field, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 im, , From 'Ashton, Waterton, and Long- Neach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kylei' on TUesdays, Thursdays, *nd Sat- Brdajrs;st;4p.m. From Howlands, on Tuesdays and Fri dm, at 9.30 a.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. nil '

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1884. The Selwyn Contest.

Since last we wrote upon the subject of the coming Selwyn election the con ditions of the contest have been materi ally altered. Mr Wakefield and Mr Richardson have had a conference on the matter, with the result that the latter will not offer himself as a candi date, and the late member for Geral dine will be left to fight the battle with Mr McLachlan alone. Both these gentlemen have placed their views on ■ public affairs before the electors, who will now be able to form an estimate of their respective merits, and the result will depend upon whether or not the present Government can number suffi cient supporters in the Selwyn district to ensure the return of the candidate pledged to do his bast to keep them in power. This is, indeed, the only issue upon which the election can be decided, for no comparison can be instituted be tween the two contestants for the seat on the point of political ability and ex perience. Mr McLachlan’s address on Monday evening was, so far as can be judged from the report, what one might expect from a fairly intellligent man, who has given no special attention to the subjects he discusses. He is, ac cording to his own statement, no be liever in party Government, but if he does not state positively whether he will support the Ministry now in power, we may be certain that the Ministry will, for obvious reasons, support him. He is, in fact, just the sort of representative that an astute Premier can use as he likes, and we venture to say that if the Selwyn electors return Mr McLachlan to the House he will simply record his vote blindly for that party which will flatter his vanity. We have already plenty of men in Parliament of this type —men whose political opinions are not founded on logic, and who have not the courage of their convictions, for the simple reason that they possess no convictions strong enough to be worthy of the name. Take, for example, Mr McLachlan’s views on the land ques tion, When he last contested the seat he expressed himself in favor of Mr Rolleston’s scheme of perpetual leas ing, but since then he has altered his opinion, although he quite failed to give any reason for the change. The ad dress throughout shows that the candi date’s ideas of reform are very superfi cial; he appears to have some vague notions that something is not quite right, but how to remedy the evil does not come within the scope of his know ledge. Mr Wakefield’s speech stands out in striking contrast to that of his op ponent. It is not necessary to be in accord with everything that he says for us to recognise that the late member for Geraldine is one of the soundest political thinkers in the colony. Not only can he put his views clearly before his listeners, but he adds to the gift of oratory a clear knowledge of the principles which govern the pro per administration of public affairs. It is worthy of note that, so far as the main subjects of policy go, the opinions of the two candidates are almost identi cal. They both deprecate excessive borrowing and reckless expenditure of money upon unremunerative works; neither of them is in favor of the per petual leasing system—albeit Mr Mc- Laciilan’s conversion is of recent date —; nor do tj>ey think that the question of federation and annexation comes within : the scope of practical politics. BjR; with this all similarity between the two addresses ends. Mr Wakefield does not satisfy himself with a mere enuncia tion of his views, as does his opponent, but he is ready to give reasons for the faith that is in hjm. Those reasons may not in every instance be cqnclu-. sive to his listeners, but they are care fully argued out, and prove that the speaker is in earnest in what he says. And furtbepipore he does not dilly-dally and talk abo.ut suppojrtjng a Ministry whose actions he does not app/roye, simply because he eonsiders that as gopq men could not be found in the present Parliament to take their places, but he i declares straightforwardly that if he is :

returned he will go to the House as a member of the Opposition. He says, ' in effect, “ I have a great admiration for Sir John Hall as an able, statesman, ' and had he been at the head of affairs ! he would have had my allegiance. I , hold, however, that the present Go vernment are not working on the lines , laid down by him, and, thinking thus, I should not be justified in supporting them.” Considering the unworthy ' tactics used by the Ministry in the Inangahua election tactics which were condemned by even their best friends —it must be admitted that Mr Wakefield has no reason to love the Atkinson Government. Still, we do not believe that this will in any great degree influence his actions, for it must be remembered that his present opposition to those in power was the reason and not the result of the treat ment he received during the West Coast contest. As a matter of fact, Mr Wakefield has for long been a trenchant critic of Major Atkin son’s policy, and his speech on Tues day was little more than a forcible reiteration of what he had said and written on the same subject often be fore. Nor would it be easy to disprove many of his arguments, and especially worthy of notice were his remarks on the borrowing propensities of the colony. Just now the people are jubi lant over the successful floating of the second million of the loan, and it is as well that a word of warning should be uttered as to what this borrowing means to us. It means nothing less than an increase of L4Q,000 per annum in the way of taxation to enable us to pay the interest on the money, and we have therefore a right to insist that what is spent should be for remunerative works. This, as Mr Wakefield pointed out, is exactly what is least likely to be done, and it is quite pos sible that when the whole of the loan is used up the colony will have one or two unnecessarily large railway stations and a few useless roads to compensate her for the extra taxes she has to pay. We regard this portion of the admirable speech of the ex-raember for Geraldine as the most worthy of careful conside ration on the part of every person who takes an interest in the future welfare of the colony. As the result of the election, who can foretell it ? Mr McLachlan is not an out-and-out supporter of the Go vernment, but it is quite certain that they would rather see him returned than his opponent. The Inangahua : affair is proof that no effort will be left untried to secure their ends, and it re mains to be seen whether the Minis try have as great an influence in the Selwyn constituency as they had on the ! West Coast. The presence in the . House of so keen a critic of his policy as is Mr Wakefield would be gall and wormwood to Major Atkinson, al though we think it would be for the good of the colony to have so able a 1 politician in Parliament, no matter upon which side he might range him self. Nor can the late member for c Geraldine be reckoned an Oppositionist in the same sense as Mr Montgomery ; or Sir George Grey. He is, in fact, ' an avowed believer in the policy of the ! Continuous Ministry, as they are called, [ in their best days, when Sir John Hall | held the reins of Government, and it is . probable that his old friendship and admiration of their late representative ’ will have greater weight with the Selwyn ! electors than any other claim Mr Wakefield can put forward. At all events we sincerely hope to see him ’ returned at the head of the _ poll, if ’ only to prove that real ability can sometimes gain a victory over strong ’ Government influence, which, in our opinion, should not be exercised in Parliamentary elections.

The trial of the Osborne reaper and binder which was to have taken place to day was postponed to Monday, owing to the unfavorable weather.

The Loch Leven tront ova, received by the Aorangi for the Otago Acclimatisation Society, is a present from Sir James Maitland, Bart., of Stirling. The Dunedin Naval Brigade and H. M. S. Eapidgle Marines are to have a rifle match, and the officers of the Espidgle will be entertained at dinner by the Navals. The Shaw Saville-Albion Company’s ehartered steamer Florida sailed from Plymouth on the 16th inat. for Port Chalmers, Lyttelton, and Wellington, with 322 passengers. The whole of the freehold land, plant, etc, belonging io the Wellington City Trunways was sold yesterday by auction and realised L 16,075, Dr Grace and Mr Greenfield being purchasers. The Tarawera returned to Port Chal mers from her excursion trip to the West Coast Sounds yesterday morning. The weather was not all that could be wished, the tops of mountains sometimes being enveloped in clouds. Still the trip was very enjoyable, and not marred by any accident. The steamer starts on her second excursion to-day.

At a sale yesterday of merino stud sheep at Carterhope, Waiwera, the pro perty of Murray, Roberts and Co., the total amount realised was Lio,ooo. The highest price was for a young ram, bought by Mr R. Johnson, of Hawkes’ Bay, for 110 guineas. It wa? generally considered that all the special stud rams were sold at a great sacrifice. At the R,M. Court this morning Mr Baddeley gave judgment in the case of the Woollen Factory v. Lancaster, evi dence in which was taken yesterday. His Worship nonsuited the plaintiff, but with out costs. The only other business before the Court was the fining of a first offender 5s for drunkenness, with the usual alter native.

After a two days’ debate in the United Free Methodist Church Assembly, at Auckland, the Rev S. McFarLne’a motion approving of the union of the Methodist Churches on the basis proposed was carried by 13 to 4, after Rev M. Baxter’s amendment that the meeting could not accept the terms of the qnion was lost by 13 to 4 Several other amendments wepe proposed and lost. The Donald Dinnie sports of the South land Caledonian Society yesterday were extiemely well attended, although the day was qpe of the same disagreeable, bois terous, showery order prevailing through- • out the colony. Dinnie won all the events he contested, except the high leap, in which he stood third, and in the High land Fling. He did not wrestle the Cum berland style, but threw Harper, the best local man, like a kitten, Scotch stylo only.

Young ai»4 feeble mothers with frail children will both become' sttbng by the use of' Hop Bitters, Read. -[AdVT.] ’ These old people whose blood has become thin and steps feeble are praising Hop Bittets for the good they have done them. See.— {Apyf.J Flies and Bugs. —Beetle?, ia?ects f roaches, ants,' bed-bugs.' rats, mice, gophers, jack-rah: bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats..’ Moses, Moss and Co., General Agents, Sydney

The Salvation Army will make Christ church their headquarters. The cricket match between the Borough and County clubs, which was commenced during December, will be resumed on Wednesday next on the new ground on the East belt. A small comet was seen at Christchurch on Wednesday evening, cue west, about half-past eight. It was not visible to the naked eye. The tail wai scarcely per ceptible.

The Moorhouse Memorial Committee still want L2OO before an order for the statue can be sent Horae, and have with drawn the limit of five guineas for sub scriptions. On Tuesday evening next an entertain ment will be given in the Town Hall for the benefit of the Druids In addition to other attractions Mr W. Davis, a ventri loquist from Christchurch, will lend his assistance, and a farce will also be given by local amateurs. Mr Napier Bell, the commissioner ap pointed by Government to report on the Mount Somers Railway extension, will commence his task of taking evidence on the subject on Tuesday next. On that day he will be at Mount Somers at 10 a m., and he will come to Ashburton on Friday and hold a sitting in the County Council Chambers at 6p in and again on the following day at 10.30 a.m.

The Wesleyan Conference was opened at Wellington last evening in Wesley Church. There was a large congregation. The Rev. R. Bavin delivered a retiring address The Rev Wm. Morley was elected president and the Rev H. Bull secretary by large majorities. Addresses were delivered by the Revs A. Reid, Tay lor, Kirk, Rishworth, Berry and Oliver. The following is the first reading of the appointments of Wesleyan ministers ; Auckland district Pitt street, Revs Messrs Reid Carr ; Wesley College, Rev Mr Watkins; North Shore, Rev Mr Spence; Grafton road, Revs Messrs Bavin and Griffiths ; Thames, Rev Mr Bull ; Upper Thames, Rev Mr Wills; Coroman del, Rev Mr Marshall , M nukau, Rev Mr Taylor ; Cambridge, Rev Mr Dews bury ; Hamilton, Rev Mr Dukes; Te A.wamutu, Rev Mr Barber ; Raglan, Rev Mr Slade ; Kaipara, Rev Mr Gittos ; Pa paroa, Rev Mr T. M. Griffin ; Wairoa, Rev Mr Brooke; Hol.ianga, Rev Mr Hammond ; Bay of Islands, Rev Mr Dean ; Whangarei, Rev Mr Dellow ; Tauranga, Rev Mr Robinson ; Gisborne, Rev Mr Penfold. Wanganui district— New Plymouth, Rev Mr Oliver ; Waitara, Rev Mr Fee ; Patea, Rev Mr Rowse ; Opunake, Rev Mr Mather ; Wanganui, Rev Mr Bond ; Rangitikei, Rev Mr Law; Sandon, Rev Mr Smith ; Palmerston, Rev Mr Luxford. Wellington district—Wel lington, Rev Mr Lee and Rev Mr Baum ber ; Hutt, Rev Mr Garliok ; Masterton, Rev Mr Isitt ; Napier, Rev Mr Lewis and Rev Mr Jones. Nelson district—

Nelson, Rev Mr Beck ; Richmond, Rev Mr Kirk ; Blenheim, Rev Mr McNicoll; Hokitika, Rev Mr Abernethy; Groymouth, Rev Mr Lawry. Canteibury district— Christchurch, Revs Messrs Beat and Tinsley ; Colombo road, Rev Mr Crump ; St Albans, Revs Messrs MorTey and Gar land ; Lyttelton, Rev Mr Williams ; Springston, Rev Mr Cannell ; Leeston, Rev Mr Keall; Kaiapoi, Rev Mi- Martin ; Rangiora, Rev Mr Gray ; Woodend, Rev Mr Hudson ; Timaru, Rev Mr Faircloagh; Waimate, Rev Mr Burn ; Temuka, Rev Mr Wells ; Ashburton, Rev Mr Standage. Otago district—Dunedin, Revs Messrs Barry and Malley ; Mornington, Rev Mr Murray; Port Chalmers, Rev Mr Thomas; Balclutha, Rev Mr Salters ; Lawrence, Rev M<- O. G. iffin ; Invercargill, Rev Mr Simonda ; Oamaru, Rev Mr Rishworth ; Gore., Rev Mr Buddie. The following percentages of increase during the past ten years were reported by the secretary: —Ministers, 55 per cent ; Church mem bers, 91; Sunday scholars, 84 ; churches and other preaching places, 65 ; atten dants, 101. Our correspondent writes The annual picnic in connection with the Methven district school was held on Tuesday, the 15th inat.. at Mount Hutt bush. The

morning dawned with a very heavy thunderstorm and rain, but towards nine •<’clocK the weather showing signs of being more favorable, the Committee de cided to proceed, and before ten all the available vehicles in and near Methven were at the schoolhouse. Mr G. Pocock, Chairman of the School Committee, act ing as marshall, started the procession, the scholars leading in two four-in-hand waggonettes, gaily decked with flowers, under the management of two well-known local whips, followed by the parents and guardians in vehicles of every descrip tion, from the two-horse buggy to the ordinary dray, and several horsemen. Their destination was reached about noon, when preparations were immediately made for the attack on the good things provided by the ladies, after which young and old started exploring and botanizing excursions in the bush and on the hills. During the afternoon the children ran a number of races for toys and fruit, pro-

vided by the Committee, after which Messrs W. P. Olaridge and T. Dunjlea entertained the company with an im promptu hurdle race, during which they displayed some very extraordinary eques trian feats. About 6 p.m. preparations were made for the homeward journey. The children gave three cheers for Mr G. Pocock, Chairman of the Sohoel Com mittee, and three times three for the teachers, Mr Murray and Miss McKay. Upon arrival at the schoolroom Mr Po cock distributed the annual prizes (very good and valuable books) to the scholars, giving a few words of advice and en couragement to each recipient, The fol lowing is the prize list;—Standard V. : Sophia Boyle, 1; Standard 111. : Samuel Boyle, 1 ; Kate Duff, 2 ; Mary McWil liam, 3 ; John C. McWilliam, 4 Stan dard It: Mary Quinn, 1 ; James John ston, 2; Ada Muschamp, 3. Standard I. : Patrick Quinn, 1 ; Sarah Quinn, 2 ; Thomas Hitchcock, 3; W. Pocock, 4. All the other scholars received a book. Special prizes for best attendance were awarded to—-'arah Mo William, Frederick Johnstone and John C. Me William. After three hearty cheers for the Committee and teachers, the children dispersed to their homes highly satisfied with the day’s prooeedings.

Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Outward Infirmities.—Before the discovery of these remedies many case of sores, ulcers, &c., were pronounced to be hopelessly incurable, because the treatment pursued tended to de stroy the strength it was incompetent to preserve, and to exasperate the symptoms it was inadequate to remove. Holloway’s Pills exert the most wholesome powers over the un healthy flesh or skin, without debarring the patient from fresh air and exercise, and thus the constitutional vigor is husbanded while the most malignant ulcers, abscesses, and skin diseases are in process of cure. Both Oint ment and PUIs make the blood richer and pmer, instead of permitting it tq fall into that poor and watery state so fatal to' many aboring under chronic ulcerations —(Advt.j

THE STORM.

The storm which passed over this dis trict on Thursday last will long be remem bered as the most disastrous occurrence fdr many years. Many farmers who were buoyed up by the promising prospects of a good harvest have now to lament the almost total destruction of their crops. Indeed, nobody who has not visited those parts of the county where the storm was at its worst caff possibly realise the effect caused by an hour or two of bad weatnelJ. The course of the storm through the Ash burton Forks is very clearly marked, and a paddock can bo seen where the crop has been rendered valueless, while an adjoin ing field kas escaped uninjured. The hail

stones that, foil are described as of pheno menal size, some being at large as walnuts and they came down with a force that was irresistible. Any windows that were exposed were smashed, and wo hear that the stones wenufeclean through a corru gated iron roof of a house on the Anama Es ate. Of the Forks farmers, Mr Frisby is probably the heaviest loser. His crop wat an excellent one, but it is estimated that his loss will amount to something like 2 000 bushels of wheat, while his other cereals have suffered propor tionately. Of close on 300 acres, over which the fury of the storm has passed, it will be impossible to drive a reaping machine over scarcely a single acre. Tn the case of green crops the hail has out the stalks, while with riper grain it is no exaggeration to say that it would be almost impossible to tell now what had been sown. Messrs Corsbie, Green, Monson, Sargent, Mclntyre, Pearce and Knox are all heavy sufferers. Mr Mon son has lost something like 90 acres of wheat, which promised an unusually good yield, and Mr Knox informs us that his loss is very great, especially in the barley crop. A proof of the virulence of the storm can be seen in a paddock of oats a litrle distance this side of the Greenstreet ■ohool. Part of this crop had been cut, and now the'rest is utterly destroyed and looks as if an inferior machine had been at work there, a stray stalk only appear ing here and there. Nor has the fruit been spared, as was evidenced by somt? specimens brought to town yesterday, which had borne the brunt of the wea ther, the hailstones having literally mangled them to pieces. There can he no doubt that this terrible storm has in flicted such injury as will take two or three years to recover from, and wo fear that in some instances it means almost ab solute ruin. Such a tern pest has never been known by the oldest inhabitant, and it is to be feared that the full extent of the damage done has not yet been realised.

HARVEST NOTES.

[from our travelling reporter.] The first signs of actual harvest opera tions in the district this season was the trial of reapers and binders on Friday and Saturday in last week. Since then the machines have been set to work in some of the country districts, the warm weather experienced during the early part of the week having had the effect of ripening the more forward oat crops, and should we be fortunate enough to get another brief spell of genuine summer weather harvest operations will be pretty general by the end of next week. Under ordinary cir cumstances, and even during the most favorable seasons, the present period of the year is a most critical and anxious time for the grain grower, .as well as for the merchant and storekeeper, who are usually as deeply interested in the result of the year’s farming operations as tho farmers themselves. Under such extra ordinary circumstances, and with a per sistent display of such unreasonable vagaries on the part of the clerk of the weather as have been experienced during the present season, those whose fortunes and misfortunes depend almost solely on the yield of the corn fields must be having a doubly anxious time, f->r the weather has been sufficiently unsett-ed to discour age the most sanguine and stout hearted. Farmers and contractors are now busy arranging for the harvesting of the grain, and judging by the display of reapers and binders and the new ones to be seen about on the different farms, the agents for these indispensable implements must be doing a good business. One of the districts in which harvest operations have already commenced is Seafield, and journeying thither from Ashburton the first crop to he iseen in stook after passing that near the Domain is a paddock c£ oats, the pro.- perty of Mr McKenzie, who has a small farm a little below the ualeyards. JFurther down still is the farm and homestead of the penial Tyson liodgson,and a new dornaby reaper and binder just landed near his house is an indication that Tyson con templates immediate operations amongst the standing corn. The only land, how ever, he has under crop near his home stead is about thirty acres of turnips well forward and beyond the r. ach of grub, fly, or what are equally as destructive— the larks. Near Charing Cross Mr Hodg son has 180 acres under crop, 126 acres being in wheat and tho remainder in oats. The crop is on new land, and the wheat is looking as well as any in the district. From present indications it should give a yjeld of at least thirty bushels to the acre. The oats are also an exceptionally good lot, and promise a yield of at least 35 bushels to the acre. Journey fog from the saleyards on towards Seafield nearly the whole of the crops to be seen are very light, and under the most favor able circumstances will not average more than from 25 to 30 bushels of oats, and from 20 to 25 bushels of wheat to the acre Mr W. B, Denshire commenced a small area under crop this year, and both wheat and oats|arp considerably on the light cutting oats on Wednesday. He his only aide. Close to his homestead he has a paddock of well advanced turnips. His plantations are now making good growth ak.d in the course of a couple of years a co siderable portion of his farm will be shel ered in a great measure from the ex treme violence of the nor’-west winds. In addition to his own crop Mr Denshire has a couple of hundred of acres leased to Mr Kelly. The wheat, though looking pretty well, is a thin crop, and the same must be said of the oats. Away on to wards the sea beach Mr H. Parsons, one of the most successful and practical farmers in the district, has some very fair average crops of both wheat and oats, the latter of which he is busy reaping. At Charing Cross Messrs Barry and Leddy each have crops jof oats ready for the reaper. Their wheat is «Iso well for ward, but does not look like yielding more than a moderately average crop. Along the Ohertsey road towards Dundas Messrs Coulter and 00. have about 'SOQ acres principally in wheat, the major portion of which is very light. Mr Wil liam “■ Saunders has some 1,600 acres of wheat and 70 acres of oat crop. Some of the wheat is looking very well indeed, while there is a considerable acreage of light crops. Taking the 1,600 acres tho yield, given good weather for harvesting, will run about 20 bushels to the acre. The crop [of oats is particularly good, and should yield on an average fully 30 bushels to the acre. Mr H. T. Winter has some 1,3 0 acres under crop, the principal part of which Is wheat. Both wheat and oats are looking healthy, but the crop will not be a heavy one. The same may be said of a considerable area of wheat on the road to Mr W. H. Rule’s farm, the pad dock referred to being the property of Mr O’Dare. On the road bask towards Ash burton nearly all the crops are well ad vanced, but the yield will scarcely retch a respectable average. Mr Lill has 330 acres under crop, 260 of which are in wheat and the remainejer in oats. The oats should go about 30 bushels to the ' acre, and the wheat looks like ave aging something like 20. Mr Dili’s oats are ripe, and he is only waiting favorable weather to commence cutting. Mr Gray burn, who has a little over 100 acres in crop yyas cutting a 40 acre paddock of Canadian oats on Thursday afternoon, but the severe storm of thunder, lightning, wind, and .-ain had the effect of putting a sudden stop to the harvesting operations, and thoroughly drenching the hapleia ones caught on the plains. Speaking generally of the crops in the Seafield dis trict, it can safely be asserted that the average will be less than }ast - year. Ti e majority of the' cereals are light, and in mahy parts there is an unusual amount of , soi rel. Of course, without going thrdugh | every paddock it would be impossible to

arrive at a fair estimate of the yield of the district, but judging from the observation* made daring a couple of days' journey on horseback, together with information ob tained from various reliable sources, it will, be Jpretty near the mark to reckon the average wheat crop at about 20 and the oats at about 25 bushels to the acre. For any nearer estimate than this it will be aa well to wait for a record from the thrash* ing contractors' books. Reports are to' hand of considerable damage having re sulted from Thursday’s storm amongst the crops towards the hills,and the nor’-wester of Tuesday last was anything but benefi cial to the crops in the Ashburton Forks district. The severe storm of Thursday, however, was very destructive, the hailstones that fell cutting the corn stalks completely through. Several of the farmers in this district will be heavy losers, more especially as their crops were up to Thursday promising a heavy yield. The area under crop this season in the Mount Hutt district comprises about 1,800 acres, including the acreage under crop on the Mount Hutt estate. Messrs B, Patton, Smith and Pocook each have some very fair looking crops of both wheat and oats, but owing to the lateness of the season the harvest will be backward in this district. A traveller going tho rough by train and passing over the Bang!- tata Island would not imagine this barren looking spot would either carry sheep or grow grain. Away towards the sea, how ever, are to be seen some particularly good crops of both wheat and oats. The season seems to have been peculiarly adapted to the growth of all cereals on the Island, and the crops generally are look ing very much batter than they did last year. Mr Haar has a small acreage of wheat and on 1 * 'ookiug very welL Mr Kennedy has about 14J a.res under crop, including wheat, oats, and a small patch of barley. The latter is well headed, but the crop will not be a particularly good one. The vheat and oats are looking very well indeed, and promise a good yield. Near Mr Kennedy’s farm Mr 0 uillar has some 120 acres of wheat | and oats, tho wheat being especially good. Lath year Mr Millar had an average of 28 bushels to the acre, but this year his crop looks like going over 30. Lower down towards the sea Mr Grainger has 130 acres of crop, the principal part of which is in wheat. A paddock of Tuscan wheat near his homes ead, though a little light and patchy here and there, is looking very well indeed, and with favorable harvest weather the average yield will be fully 30 bushels to the acre. He has also some very good crops of oats. His neighbor, Mr W. Snell, has 190 acres of k crop, 120 acres being in Tuscan and pear! wheat, and the balance in Canadian and Danish oats. The wheat if looking remarkably well, and promises a yield of over 30 bushels to the acre. The most notable crop, however, is a patch of about 60 acre* of oats that will, under"' favorable circumstances, yield from 35 to 40 bushels to the acre. Mr Snell has also" a good crop of peas as well as clover And grass. Mr Buxton has some 200 acres of crop, principally wheat, promising a very good average yield, one paddock of oats near his house being particularly good. Most of the holdings on the Island are of a comparatively small acreage, and the crops raised are usually light. This year,'ho IV arep, they are exceptionally good, and the average throughout the district pro mises fully 30 bushels of wheat to the acre. The same might be said also of the oats.

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Monetary and Commercial. London, Jan. 1?. The total reserve in the Bank of England in notes and bullion is Li 2,100,000, being an increase of L 500,000 during the week. The pro portion of reserve to liabilities has ad vanced to 40 per cent. The Bank rate of discount remains at 3 per cent, and the market rate has risen to 2 $4. Consols remain at ioij£, and New Zealand securities as follows :—Five per cent 10-40 Loan, 105; Five per cent 1889 Loan, 103*4 ; Four and a half per cent 1879-1904 Loan, Four per cent Inscribed Stock, There are no changes in the markets for colonial produce. The Transvaal. London, Jan, 18. The President of the Transvaal has suggested a compromise in the matter of the modification of the Transvaal frontier line proposed by the British Government, in order that certain native chiefs might be afforded the pro. tection of British rule.

Defeat of the Spanish Ministry. Madrid, Jan. 17. The Spanish Ministry was defeated in the Cortes last night by a large majority, and demanded a dissolution, threatening to resign unless an appeal to the country be granted.

AUSTRALIAN.

[bedter’s telegrams COPYRIGHT.] The Mail. Sydney, Yesterday. Arrived, this morning—The P.M.S. Australia, from San Francisco, via Auckland. , Shipping. Sailed, this evening—The Union steamship Hauroto, for Auckland. Wrecked. The Jsteamer Lismore, 339 tons, has been wrecked at Ballina, at the en trance to Richmond River, 330 miles north' of Sydney. The passengers were saved. The insurances amount tp Lip,opp. The Markets. New Zealand wheat, per bushel, 3s 6d; New Zealand oats, 3s $d (sic); maize, 4s 6d; Sugar Co.’s No 1 pieces, per ton, L 34. Adelaide, Yesterday.

Wheat, per bushel, 4s to 4s id; mar ket quiet and irregular, and quotations nominal. Flour is dull; town brands, L 1 8; country do, L9to Lg ss ; freights to London—steamers 455, do sailing 35s ; freights to the United Kingdom from Adelaide—cereals, 35s j freights to the United Kingdom from outports 37s 6d to 40sj freights are firm, but charters are unsettled and falling. [Received Jan. 19, 1 p.m.] The Spanish Crisis. Madrid, Jan. 18.

A new Ministry is being formed by Senor Canova. The present crisis has arisen in consequence of disunion having occurred &mong the methbpjS of the Liberal' party' in the jCorfes,' * The Blockade of Canton Suspended. Hong Kong. Jan. 18.'

It has transpired that, yielding' to British the Chinese Go vernment have suspepded opejratjops for blockading the Canton riyefs with torpedoes. Gold for Australia ' i ■ L ndon, Jan. 18. The isura of Lzoojoop in go}d has been withdrawn from >^ e of Engv land for Australasia; 'and il is that further withdrawals' will shortly b§ made.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1884.



HOLLOWAY '3 PILLS AND OINTMENT EHSPUXS Parity the Lioo 1, correct nY. UaOtitS* qf ,tho Lirer, Stomach, K’Jmya and arc invaluable la till co;u, jhhh jujibijlal to FetlMu. nrm OnrTKENT b tha only reliable fgngjyibr Bod Old Wouiula, Sores, and TJloorft. For Bronchitis, I%Ltlieiii, Ceoghi, Gelds, Goat, Rheumatism, and «D Bkia SMxhm it has no equal M), |j- tha Proprietor, Thom*» Eauonr, «M i ; London, «ndtr lU Tandon tkioagboat i •



Wanted WANT ED-Two Gentlemen to Board with others. Apply to the office of this paper. 1 *35 WANTED TENDERS for Catting and Stacking about 12 acres of Oats in the Domain. Jakes Tasker. 1 129 WANTED— To hire for a few weeks, TEAMS for earthwork at Yaletta Railway Station. . Apply, Inspector P. Way, Ashburton- 1 119 WANTED— The public to know that extra value will be given at Ore and Co.’s in Drapery, Boots, and Cloth ing during the cheap sale 1 136 WANTED to Buy—A small second hand fire-proof SAFE. State j price, maker and size to Box 45, Post Office, Ashburton. 1 44 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin worth la 9d at 6d per yard. WANTED Known—/or Sale, two OOTTAUBS on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED Known That W. O. Davis, Wills street (next Oddfel lows’ Hall) was the first in the market with Tomatoes and has a fine supply daily; Currants (red, black and white) 4d per lb.



1 XM WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 7600 WANTED— 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 a do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2s 6d. Nokes, Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler's Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207



Special Advertisements. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Gwbdum Office, Wist street. STATIONERY (commercial, plain and fancy), Account Books, School Books and Requisites, Prize Books, Chil dren’s Picture and Story Books, New Serial Volumes, Hymn and Prayer Books, Books on Gardening, farming. Poultry, Sheep, Horses, etc., etc. ; Novels, Fire Stove Ornaments, Birthday Cards, Scrap and Photograph Albums, Scraps, Pictures, Tissue Paper, Purses, Card Cases, Diaries, -Writing Desks and Cases, Work Boxes and Baskets, Toilet Sets, Fancy Ink stands, Wall Brackets, Ladies' Bags, Maori Photographs, China and Brass Ornaments; Toys of every description from a Penny upwards; Judson’s Dyes, Gold Paint, Concertinas, Accordions, Song Books, a job lot cf Music (very cheap). Journals and Home papers every English mail, Cricketing Goods at reduced prices, and a large assortment of other articles. All goods at Christchurch and Dunedin prices. Anjjrkwks Bros., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. JF YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S



CHEAP; FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. fiIVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and beat of "naierial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHBAJPLV & COMPLETELY VT-T>VTStTE» «1 INTENDING PURCHASERS OP CLOTHING POB THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OP FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AT WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twentv - Ohs Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, econQmising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still v■& Low sa Bate op Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashbarton'BraQoh : EAST STREET.



Special Advertisements* ASH I 0 N HOU E 185, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. E. 0. Brown & Go’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, XBSVIOUS XO STOea-TAMSG. FOR ONE MONTH COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY sxh. The Entire Stock, including several im portant purchases of goods at about HALF PRICE, will be sold at such prices as must com mand speedy clearance. UNPRECEDENTED BARGAINS in all Departments.



MILLINERY DEPARTMENT. Our Beautiful Stock of Millinery (en vied by all) comprisea the latest and prettiest thapes and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweisa Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 60 per cent reduction. 100 dozen Untrimmed Straw Hats in end. less variety, nearly given away. WONDERFUL BARGAINS And splendid choice in COSTUMES, MANTLES, JACKETS, DUST CLOAKS,



THE WASHING DRESS DEPARTMENT comprises— Bargains in Pompadour Sateens „ Fine Art Zephyrs „ Plaid and Check Ginghams ~ Plain Sateens „ Prints (Floral Designs ~ Brocaded Sateens And a large QUANTIFY OP REMNANTS In above materials, to be cleared at an IMMENSE REDUCTION. FRENCH MERINOS, at Is lid, worth 3s lid. SPECIAL. Black Silks, from 36s the dress Nun’s Cloth Fancy Beiges Summer Homespuns Diagonal Mohair Dress Materials, at about half their value SIMILAR REDUCTIONS In all Departments. For further particulars see circulars issued in Friday’s Press and Times.



Special Advertisements TOP THAT COUGH! POIS'T DELAY. —How can you stop it? Where, s the Remedy. Bennington’s PuGTORAL OXYMEL OF 1 0 \ RRA GE:i-N or IRISH MOBS (register. 1), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonnincxon, Christchurch. Stationery, Account Books, Presents, &c. H. M. ~J ONES, NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent In not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must bo supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the* sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett s to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. COMMERCIAL East Street. 11 870