SHIPPING.

FORT OF LYTTELTON. • Arrived. Yesterday British King, s.s., from London, via Wellington. Olio, schooner, from Waitapn. Sailed. Yesterday. Bawea, aa, for Wellington, r Wairftrapa. as, for SSnthefh port*, Hobart and Melbourne. Marj King, Boheoner, for Townsville. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. * Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Bingarooma, from Sydney. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Koranui. Sailed—Rotorua, for the South. Dunedin, Yesterday. - rArrived—Mahinapua, from the We«t Ooast; Tarawera. from the Bluff; Loch Fergus, barque, from London; Marshalls ; brigantine, from New York (Sept. *th). Li Sailed—John 0. Smith, for Kaioara; Wanganui, for Hokitika; Taiaroa, for

the North,

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE^. Saturday, January 5. Messrs Matson, Co* and Co., at Tatter iiiir*—Growing crops Tuesday, January 8. Mateo*. -Cox and, Co., at the Tinwald Tli^aida—Stock/- , ' MEETOJTGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. .. - Friday, January 4 Ashburton County Council—4l Council Chambers, 11a.m. i -Friday, January 4 Longheach Road Board, at Road Board -office, Longheach fT ,i Saturday, Jakuaßy 5. Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street,'at 10.30 a.m. [Monday, January 7. (Jpper Ashlitirton Road Board, at Road n Board; Office Borpngh. Council; at Borough Council .■£„ ...

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ rflftlUßOTiuifljntßrmediate stations at 7.10 10 56 * LnL ’ aD<i Train*! Leave Ashburton fob Toiaru tsaro/.SouTH,.at 6.50 a. m., 10.25 a.m. “* (Express), and 446. p. m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from "mteldmmOH at i 0 l 5 a.m. (Express), :485 p.m., and 7.15 p.m, ■ T iAiom Arrive at Ashburton from • •TffliAßU and SouTh at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 p.m. (Express), and 8 n.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

i Mails dose atthe Ashburton Post Office follows For Ohrisfchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. ForUhoertseyßakaia, &0., at 10.30 a.m. Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., /ForTimaJti and South, at 6 a.m., 10 «Ln».j-,and 430 p.m., daily, i For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, oe. ; Wedneadaye and Saturdays, at 3.30 n,m. For llount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfieldj on Tuesdays and Saiur •. , 1 ■ ••• Yat Waterton and Longheach, ct doily. Tor jnemington, on Mondays, We dues gays, and Fridays, at 430 p. tn. ForrWakuxui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, WylMj on: Thursdays, and at 6.30 a.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

arrive at the- Ashburton Post Worn Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 MB., 435 p7m.,:and 7.20 p.m. From Oherteey, <fec. at 10.15 a.m. and -486 p.m. daily. From Dunedio and intermediate places at 6.3D«psßE‘i3aily. / "' Fro«aTemukaandTimaruat 10.40 a.m. 5.30 pinL i fod : 8 p.m; daily. From Greenstrqet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 ft,rn r M r:-- From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.1> a. m. and.B-15,p.m. From Mayfield/oßTuesdays and Satur dayg, at 1Q..6 a,m., , ,j,i. 1,- Waterton,, and Long- Ddi^at/IOVm/daily/ From Elgin/ Wakihuij- Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat- Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.m. FromiFJetoifigton on Tbeadays, Thurs days, ;a»4 Saturday*, at 10 a- m.

MARRIAGE.

Hughes — Pauling— On January Ist, at Ashburton, by the Rev. A. M. Beattie, 8.A., Thomas Richard Jackson, son of Mr Richard Hughes, Ashburton, to Elizabeth Jane, eldest daughter of W. Pauling, Ashburton, and grand daughter of Mr James Gibson, mer chant, Kircudbrightshiro, Scotland. Kiroudbrightshire papers please copy.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prbvalebit THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1884. The Year’s Obituary.

The year 1882 will long be remem bered as one in which there died a greater number of notable persons than in any similar period for a very long time. The death roll of the past twelve months is fortunately neither so numerous, nor does it show so many names of supreme importance, but as no record of the year can be complete which does not include a notice of celebrated men who have left this earth our readers will perhaps consider a short obituary to be not without inte rest. In Great Britain the list is a comparatively light one, albeit the country has to mourn more than one representative of learning, literature, and science. At the beginning of the year, Baron Martin, a judge who was held in high repute, died at the ad vanced age of eighty-two, and in March the Bench lost a still greater luminary in the decease of Sir George Jessel, Master of the Rolls. The latter was recognised as one of the clearest headed lawyers of his day, and he held the unique position of being the first Jew ever elevated to the judicial Bench. Probably the greatest name on England’s literary death roll of the past year is that of John Richard Green, the historian, who died at the early age of forty-five. It is not too much to say that Mr Green entirely revolutionised the system of teaching history, and had he lived to fulfil the promise of his early life his name would have been handed down in the same category as those of Macaulay and Hume. Another notable figure in literature passed away in the person of Dr William Chambers, the bead of a publishing firm which has done much to popularise knowledge, and his name has been a household word in many lands where the Journal is widely circulated and the Encyclo pedia that the Chambers’s issued some few years ago is to be found every where, To the majority of English people the Russian novelist Tour gueneff is unknown, but many capable critics hold him to be one of the greatest genuises of the century, and there can be no doubt that his works have had a tremendous in fluence in his native country. He died in Paris in September, having principally lived in that city since his banishment from Russia many years ago on account of his liberal political views. Science in England has lost a celebrated mathematician in the President of the Royal Society, Mr William Spoxtiswoode, and the most famous electric engineer and inventor of the day in Sir C. W. Siemens. Bishop Colenso, whose unorthodox views in regard to the Old Testament, raised such a stir in the religious world some years ago, has also joined the majority. In art the only notable death we can call to mind is that of Gustave Dore, a popular painter who will be best known to posterity as a book illustrator, but whose more ambi tuous work was produced to satisfy a vulgar rather than a critical taste.

Whatever may be the opinion of the so-called music of the future, there can be no doubt that Richard Wagner, who died at Venice on February 13th, was one of the greatest musicians the world ever saw. It has fallen to the lot of few men to be honored in his ifetime as Wagner was, and if it is better to be idolised by the few than to be simply admired by the many, his career was unquestionably a success. Of all the names on the year’s death-roll, that of the German maestro will pro bably live longest. Among military celebrities, we find recorded the demise of General Chanzy, who distinguished himself in the Franco-Prussian war, and of General Williams, the hero of the defence of Kars, one of the best re membered incidents in the Crimean war. We have, we think, included every person of note in our list, and it will be seen that we have reason to be thankful that death has not been so busy with the eminent men of the world during the past year as was the case in 1882,

Foreign letters for A. Meagon and W. Wyatt are lying unclaimed at the Ash burton post-office. Mr Charles Napier Bell, 0.E., of Christchurch, has been appointed a Royal Commissioner to report on the best route for the Ashburton branch extension.

Owing to a slight accident to her ma chinery, the Takapuna will not go North this trip. She leaves Wellington fer Lyttelton to-morrow. The accident is not of a serious nature.

The share list of the Champion Copper Co. closed in New Zealand on Monday. Fifty thousand shares were app ied for. The result is deemed satisfactory. The lists for the Australasian colonies close on the Bth.

A young married man, named Frederick Pahl, was riding in Motupeka Valley when a dead tree was blown down and fell upon the rider and horse, killing both. Pahl leaves a wife ar,d child. He was accom panied by a friend, who had a narrow escape. At the Timaru Caledonian Society’s sports yesterday the weather was fine until about 5 p.m. About 2,000 people were on the ground. J. M. O’Connor won the 2,000 yards steeplechase, J. Murphy the 100 yards running, B Nicholl the 200 yards runring, and T. Clarke the one mile walking match. The Society pays away about L2OO in cash, besides a number of private and special prizes. The New Zealand Shipping Company have received cable advice as follows : “The s.s. British Qneen left Plymouth on the 29th ult for Wellington and Lyt telton with immigrants. The Company’s steamers Aorangi for Wellington and Doric for Auck'a’id will probably proceed direct from T. nerifte to their respective ports of call in New Zealand. The third new steamer, the Ruapehu, built for the Company’s direct steam line, has arrived in London from the Clyde, and will be despatched to Auckland about the 10th inst. The clipper Rakaia left London for Lyttelton on the 23rd Deo.

The Customs revenue collected last month in the colony (with the exception of Tauranga) amounts to L 102,789 12s lOd. The sum collected for the corres ponding month for last year was L 113,290 7a 2d. |The receipts for the quarter just end.d are below the average required to maKo up the estimated amount for the year. It is expected that the falling off will be pulled up next quarter, which is usually the best quarter of the year. The amount collected at Tauranga averages about L3OO per month. The beer revenue for December last amounted *0 L 6,478 6s 7d, in December last year it was L 7,070 9s Id.

There was again very bad weather for the Otago Caledonian games at Dunedin yesterday, which were largely attended There was a great deal of rain. The prin cipal event was the Border wrestling, in which Hudson, Tyson, and Robertson, the Maori, were among the principal com petitors. Hudson won the champion belt with a good deal of ease, throwing Ro bertson, who took second prize. Tyson, who was thrown by Robertson took the third. Donald Dinnie won the throwing the 221 b ball and toss ing the caber. For the first two days of the gathering over L9OO gate money has been taken, even with the vile weather, A meeting of the Longheach School Committee was held in the main school on Monday, December 31st. Present Messrs J. Grigg (chairman), Croy, Donald son, Houston and Shearer. The corres pondent was read, also the Inspector’s report, which was of a most unfavorable charac er, very few passing their exami nation excepting under the care of Miss Dawkins. In the infants class and Standards I and II which were well pre pared, every one passed the examination successfully. The master’s report for the main school showed the same number on the register, while that for the side school showed that four had left the school dur ing the month. Several accounts were passed for payment and the meeting closed.

i he annual treat in connection with the Ashburton Presbyterian Sunday School took place in the paddock of Mr Andrew Orr, kindly lent for that purpose. The children arrived upon the ground about 10.30, when a rush for the swings, foot balls, etc., took place, and all games pro vided were well attended. A splendid luncheon was provided, and ample justice was done to the good things, after which the Rev A. M. Beattie delivered the prizes to the scholars. The sports were again renewed, a d notwithstanding the ominous state of the weather, were carried on until about 4.30 p m., when tea was partaken of by the holiday makers Sports were resumed for a short time, when the Rev Mr Beattie delivered a pleasing ad dress to those present, and as the weather looked threatening they were allowed to disperse at discretion after a very enjoy able day The holiday fetes at Invercargill have been seriously interfered with by the weather, and heavy hail and rain showers. The sports interests in town were divided this year. A new society, the National Athletic, having got up sports on the nor thern reserves in opposition to the Cale donian Society. The ground of the split in the camp was that a section of the latter Society desired to hold sports on leased ground this year, while the major ity resolved they should be pulled off on the Society’s own freehold in the centre of the town. The pew Society’s sports were not so well patronised as those of the older body. There was nothing startling in any of the events, moat of the competi tors being local men, unknown outside of the district. Scott, the pedestrian , did two half-hour spells at the Caledonian sports each day, but did not compete. The Caledonian Society’s takings for the two days were LB7l, which is considered very good in view of the miserable wea ther.

August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering fpm dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, waterbrash, 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 youf druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuab’e 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.—[Advt.]

There were registered in Ashburton during the month of December 19 births, 6 marriages and 7 deaths.

It is stated that the Hon E, Richardron will again contest the Selwyn seat ren dered vacant by the death of Mr E. J. Lee. The other expected candidates are Mr E. Wakefield and Mr McLaughlin. The first meeting of the Couniy Coun cil this year will be held to-morrow, the day having been changed from the first Wednesday to tho first Friday in each month.

The following are the hospital returns for the month of December :—No. in hos pital on the first of the month, 13 ; ad mitted during the month, 2 ; discharged, 9 ; remaining in hospital on the 31st Dec., 6 ; deaths, nil.

A meeting was held in Christchurch 1 .st night to form a People’s Co-operative Pro tection Society for New Zealand. Only some forty were present. It had been announced that Messrs White, Holmes, and Wynn-Williams would address the meeting, but only Mr White was present. Several working men spoke, but no reso lutions were con e to.

We are glad to see that the accident to Mr Alfred Harrison, painful as it was, has not had the effect of preventing that gentleman from attending to his business His many friends will be pleased to learn that he is about again, although it will of course be some time before he regains the proper use of his right arm. The cheap excursion train from here to Christchurch which ran yesterday was a great success, about 500 people taking advantage of the reduced fare to visit the Exhibition. The arrangements made were well carried out, and we feel sure that if another similar excursion was arranged before the Exhibition closes it would be well patronised.

The Caledonian games a*. Oamaru were largely attended during the two days. Close upon 9,000 people were present. All the events were well contested, the number of competitors being large The 220 yards handicap (first day) was won by Church, the 440 yards handicap by Sutherland, and the half mile handicap by Hunter. On the second day the 150 yards handicap was won by Church, the 440 yards handicap by Lefevre, and the mile handicap by flowlison. 'i. A man named Jacobs was drowned on Tuesday night while returning from the Ellesmere regatta in a boat. The de ceased, who was in the employ of T. McDonald, was in a flat bottomed boat, with a sou of his employer. The water was rough, with choppy waves, and the boat overturned. Both clung to it for a long time, but Jacobs at last fell ofl. It was dark at the time. The boat drifted ashore with McDonald, who was so ex hausted with cold and wet that he wenr. to sleep and did not wake till daylight. The deceased's body had not been found at 4 p.m. yesterday. The annual picnic of the children at tending the Roman Catholic School came off yesterday in a paddock belonging to Mr T. Hrankin, and was the most success-

ful ever held in connection with the school, nothing unpleasant happening to mar the pleasure of those who had met together to have a good day’s outing. The children with their parents and friends, numbering nearly 400, were favored with lovely weather for their picnic, and Father Coffey with Mr Diueen (schoolmaster), who were assisted by several ladies, among whom we may men tion Meadames Brankin and McTeigue, and the Misses Moran, Macfarlano, Butler and O'Malley, were most indefatiga le in their endeavors to make all present enjoy themselves. Several prizes were given away during the afternoon to successful competitors at the sports, and the great item of the day was the tug of war in which the girls came off victorious. Next year it is intended to institute in connec tion with this annual picnic the Olan-a- Gael sports, which are similar to th> Caledonian sports.

Our correspondent writes :—New Year’s Day is one of the red-letter days in the Longbeach district. On this day the chil dren attending the schools held their annual treat, and at about noon they and their friends assembled near the beach in a paddock to which they had been in vited by Mr J. Grigg. Here they were entertained at a substantial lunch, pro vided by Mrs Gngg and other ladies of the district. Racing for toys and other amusements were afterwards indulged in, but they had to be brought to an early close on account of a severe hail shower, which; interfered with the sports. The prizes for racing were distributed, and many

toys given as presents to the others. The distribution of prizes was made by the chairman of the School Committee, who congratulated Percy Edge and John R. Bell —who took this year as last a prize for regular attendance, which bethought was the heat they could get. The pdzes for sewing were next distributed, and the ladies who examined the work said that the sewing taught by Miss Daw kins was neat, clean, and well done, and deserving of the greatest praise. Mrs Grigg, who with the Misses Grigg exam ined the sewing, gave a special priz' for the first and second whose work was done remarkably well, and was awarded to Mary J. Bundle and Alice E. Dawson respectively. Then came tea, after which nuts and lollies were sown broad cast by the chairman, and a general scramble was the result. Three cheers were given for Mrs and the Misses Grigg and other ladies who provided the good things so liberally, three for the chairman of the Committee (Mr J. Grigg) for his kindness, and three for Mr J. Trigg, jun, the energetic getter up and starter in the races, while Mr W. Moses acted as judge. The members of the Committee weie busily engaged in making all comfortable, and a day not soon to be forgotten in this neighborhood was passed and the home ward journey began.

A fretful mother and cross child indicates ill health, requiring only Hop Bitters to remove. See.— [Advt.] Flies and Bugs. —Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats.” Moses, Moss and Co., General Agents, Sydney

Holloways Pills. —Nervous Debility. No part of the. human machine requires more watching than the nervous system—upon it hangs health and life itself. These pills ar the best regulators and strengthened of the nerves, and the safest general purifiers, Naue sea, headache, giddiness, numbness, and men tal apathy yield to them. They dispatch in a. summary manner those distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic pains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, abdominal distension, and over come both capricious appetites and confined bowels —the commonly accompanying signs of defective or deranged nervous power. Hollo way’s Pills are particularly recommended to persons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually sink into a nervous and debilitated itate, unless some such restorative be occa sonally taken.—[Adyt.] 1

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB.

The Committee of the Ashburton Rac ing Club met at the Club’s room on Mon day evening. Present —Messrs B. G. Crisp (in the chair), T. Quill, M. Fried lander, Purnell, Denshire, W. Saunders, Drs Ross and Leahy. A letter was read from the Grand Na.- tional Steeplechase Club asking what in r duoement would be offered the Steeple chase Club to hold their animal meeting permanently at Ashburton. —lt was received to offer the course at the usual charge of L2p per day, and that if it is determined to hold the steeplechases permanently at Ashburton, the charge to be refunded. The Secretary of the Summer Race Meeting wrote conveying a resolution

adopted by the stewards of that meeting, warning Mr J. ¥. Le Sueur off the course. An apology for the conduct complained of was also rea 1 from Mr J. F. Le Sueur, and regarding the latter as a considerable mitigation of the offence the Committee resolved—“ That J. F. Le Sueur be warned off the Ashburton Racecourse for a period of six months.” It was determined to hold the Autumn Race Meeting on Thursday and Fri day, April 3rd and 4 th, and the programme was considered and adopted. The events will be First Day—Handi cap Hurdle Race, 50 soys '; District Wel ter Handicap, 30 so vs; Ashburton Autumn Handicap, 100 sovs; Novel Race, 40 sovs ; Flying Handicap, 50 sovs ; Post Stakes, 15 sovs. Second Day—County Hurdle Race, 40 sovs ; Grand Stand Handicap, 50 sovs ; Ashburton Steeplechase, 70 sovs; Harvest Handicap (district), 50 sovs ; Consolation Handicap, 20 sovs. The full programme will be advertised in a few days.

RIFLE MATCH.

Ashburton v- Sydenham.

A friendly match between representa tives of the above corps came off on Tues day and yesterday, at the Hillsborough range, resulting in a victory for Sydenham by 15 points. The shooting was good throughout, Sergeant Nelson, of the Ash burron contingent, being especially suc cessful, as his total of 91 out of a possible 105 will show. Sergeant Andiews, of Sydenham, was the next highest scorer, with cB. The return match is to bo filed at Ashburton shortly, and a good deal of interest is felt as to the. result, Ihe teams being so evenly pitted. The following

HARVEST NOTES.

[By oub Travelling Reporter.]

In years past one of the greatest draw backs to the grain growers on the plains between the Rakaia and Rangitata has been a prevalence of strong nor’-west winds about this period of the season, and those who have lived in the county any length of time know only too well with what terrific force these winds blow, and what serious loss the. farmer has from time to time sustained through the corn 1 being shaken out of the husk on to the ' around. Up to the end of "January last 1 year the season of 1882-3 had been re markable in several important particulars unusually favorable weather for the growth of all cereals, a marked absence ’ of anything like strong destructive wi ds, i and the almost unparalleled prospects of a bountiful harvest. Though, however, the season was everything that could be desired up~ to the time a consideraole area of the grain was cut and in the stook, the unusually wet weather experi enced just in the middle of the harvest resulted in the accumulation of a large quantity of damaged grain, and conse quently serious loss to the growers. The peculiarly unsettled state of the weather this season has long since become the topic of general remark and the 'subject matter of many a paragraph in our colonial journals. Seeing that it• somaterially effects the probable resources of the colony, this is nqt surprising. QnNewYear s morning a most welcome change appeared to have set in, and the sky betokened a beautifully line day. At noon, however, there was again a most dis agreeable change, and on Wednesday morning records woie to hand of thunder and hail storms having occurred thiough • out the province. Last evening again there was as cold and angry a looking sou’-west storm raging as wpuld, bo ex perienced ’ at any period of 1 the winter months and the appearance of the hills this morning put one more in mind of mid-winter than mid-summer- If we do not get some genuine summer weather soon the reputation of New Zealand as possessing one of the finest climates in the world will be considerably and de servedly damaged. The prospects of a fair average harvest will also be materially affected,*for if ever settled weather was needed it is just now. Throughout the county generally the crops are said to be looking well and promising a yield nearly tqual to that of last year. Speaking, however, from personal observation I do not think the average will approach that of last year. From Rakaia to Methven some of the corn fields are looking very well indeed, and present appearances of both wheat and oats indicate a very handsome return. Between Lauriston and Cairnbrae both wheat and oats on either side of the line look well. Be tween Cairnbrae and the flourishing township of Methven there are several largo paddocks that produced heavy yields last year, but are now pre senting a very sickly appearance, and are evidences of the folly of expecting that the land can be made to grow crop after crop of grain without a period of rest or a coating of manure. Away back on the road towards Springfield, Messrs Gould, and Cameron have a few hundred acres of barley of a fairly healthy appearance, but not promising such a good yield as the.- barley grown on the same estate last year, Mr D. Cameron (of dunes), has some paddocks looking remarkably well. Both wheat and oats on this farm are well in ear, and from present indications the yield should be considerably above the average. Anyone passing through the district could scarcely fail to be struck with the nu i.ber and general appearance of the large paddocks comprising the 17,000 acres of Messrs Gould and Cameron’s estate.. The. estate .presents many features worthy of notice—the neat and trim appearance of all the fence?, the luxurious feed, the quantity of well con ditioned sheep, and the splendid appear ance of the corn fields. On the left hand side of the road there are several large paddocks of Tuscan and velvet chaff wheat, well forward, and of remarkably even and healthy appearance, and pro mising a yield of fully 40 bushels to the acre. 4 paddock of Tuscan wheat close to the wool shed and a couple of paddocks of velvet chaff adjoining, are also looking very even and healthy, and showing indications of being shortly ready for the reaper. On the other side of the road and close to the homestead is a pad dock of 400 acres of Tuscan .wheat that cannot to attract » special' notice.? It was pot sown' ’ till after the end of September, but is now well advanced jn ear and there is |carcely_ a paddock in the whole district to equal it; The whole 400 acres present a remarkably even and healthy appearanpe, and with anything like favorable' weather the yield should be at least 45 to 50 bushels to the acre. Further on,. towards Ashburton some of the grass paddocks are supplying to the sheep a superabundance of feed, notably two that were down in barley last

year. Further on s ill towards the tom in the road the crops on either side are light, and give evidence of the land being of a poorer nature. Taking this part of the Methven district generally, however, both wheat and oats look well and pro mise a fair average yield, but the return will not be equal to that of last year. If anythin,; the spring wheat through the district L showing to better advantage than the winter wheat, but at present the general prospects, barring the fickleness of the weather, are of a decidedly .en couraging nature From what can be seen by merely riding along the road both wheat and oats in the Upper Ashburton district are looking very well indeed. however, will be given in a future article.

LONG BEACH SPORTS.

These annual sports took place on New Year’s Day in a paddock on Mr Grigg’s estate, and were carried out successfully, mainly through the energy of the Com mittee. Messrs McLean and Hill acted as judges, Mr Prendergast, starter, and the Committee were Messrs Mason, Bowers, Pritchard and Banks, Mr W. Kirby being the secretary and treasurer. The follow ing are the results : 100yds Flat Race Handicap, Ist prize, Ll ; 2nd, 10s ; 5 entries—T. G. Mahony, 1; A. N orrish, 2 250yds Flat Race Handicap, Ist, Ll; 2nd, 10s ; 6 entries—C. Jaine, 1 ; A. Davidson, 2 Running High Jump, Ist, Ll; 2nd, 10s; 5 entries—J. Dunphy, 1; S. N orrish, 2 Hurdle Race (J mile, over 6 flights, 3ft 6in high), Ist, Ll; 2nd, 10s; 6 entries — A. Davidson, 1 ; C. Jaine, 2 Throwing tin llaumer, Ist, Ll; 2nd, 10s ; 4 entiies— VV. Xiuscombe, 1 ; A. Davidson, 2

150yds for Men over 40, Ist, Ll ; 2nd, 10s ; 3 entries —J. Milne, 1; D. Oath bertson, 2

Tt ssing the Caber, Ist, LI; 2nd, 10s ; 3 entries—J. Prendergaat, 1; W. Lus corabe, 2 200yds Maiden Bace, Ist, 15s; 2nd, 7> 6d; 4 entries—J. Dunphy, 1; 8. Nor rish, 2 50yds Sack Bace, Ist, 15s; 2nd, 7s 6d ; 7 entries—A. Davidson, 1; J. Prender gast, 2 B alf-mile Flat Bace, Ist, LI; 2nd, IQs J 4 entries—A. Davidson, 1; E. Ellis, 2 Quoits, lat t LI 10s ; 2nd, 16s; 8 entries —A. McLean, I ; W. Luscombe, 2 Consolation Race, Ist, 10*; 2nd, 6s; 11 entries—F. Boys Race, Ist, ?a 6d; 2nd, ss; 3 entries—W. Cairns, 1 ; C. Norrish, 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for this opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE SUMMER RACE MEETING.

To the Editor. ; Sib, —“ One of the Unhappy Public ” who wrote to you last night about certaiii matters in connection with the Summer Race Meeting, appears to think that the meeting was held under the auspiiea of the Ashburton Racing Club. Such was not the case ; the Club had nothing what ever to do with it. The. meeting was got up by-a number of gentlemen—some being members ef the Racing Club and some hot—etitirely oh their own account. They appointed their own stewards, - made their own arrangements, and took the whole responsibility upon their own shoulders. They hired the racecourse from the Racing olub for a stipulated sum ; but beyond letting the course to the Summer Race Committee, the Ashburton Racing Olub had no more to do with the affair than the man in the moon. . Hence, if anything went wrong, the blame must not be charged to the Olub.—l am etc., A Member of the A.R.,0.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —Your correspondent—one of the unfortunate public—evidently wrote under the impression that the late Summer race meeting was held by the Ashburton Racing Club, and that the stewards of this Club were responsible for the treatment of Minerua. This is incorrect, as the Olnb had nothing whatever to do with the management of the meeting.—l am, etc., S. Sauhdebs, Secretary A.R.C.

CRICKET.

WANDERERS v.; AUCKLAND.

In the cricket match Canterbury. Wan derers v Auckland Sixteen, the Auckland team were all oat for 167. The principal scores are—Dewes 63, Frude 32, McOaua land 25, Bede 20. The Wanderers in their second innings when time was called had made 278 for seven wickets. Mill ton was in nearly the whole afternoon and made 117, Secretan 11, Buchanan 23, Lbngden 26, Harman 8, Wilding 6, Cot terill 26, Edser (not out) 21, Hon Stevens (not out) 33, extras 7. The match was drawn. Mr Dewes, the Auckland cap tain, called for cheers for the Wanderers, and Mr Stevens called for cheers for the Auckland team. A ball was given last night in honor of the Canterbury crick eters, who return home by the Mana pouri to-day. THE, AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS. COPYRIGHT.] Melbourne, Yesterday.

The cricset match between the Aus tralian team and the Combined Eleven of Australia was resumed to-day, when the former continued their fiist innings and remained in all day, scoring 619 runs with nine wickets down. The following are the scores of to day’s play:— Bonnor, run out ... 2 Midwinter, caught and bowled ... 9 Blackham, bowled ... 0 Alexander, caught 50 Palmer, bowled 6 Cooper, caught ... 53 Boyle, notout... ... ... ... - 40 Murdoch, not out ... 270 Total for nine wickets including yes- - terday’s scores ... ... ... 619 Not much interest is taken in the match, and the attendance to-day was small.

THE TRIUMPH FLOATED.

[by telegraph.] , Auckland, To-day.

The steamer Triumph has been success fully floated this morning, and is now about ‘a mile from Tiritiri, steaming to wards Auckland. 12.30 pm. . The Triumph has passed to leewarfl Of Tiritiri some two or three qples. The steamer Waitaki has just started to her assistanoe, and the Rotomahana follows at two o’clock. The white flag is hoisted at tho signal station to intimate that the Triumph is now oqt of sight. It is thought that an adverse sea and tide are [too strong for her, It is not known whether she is making more water. < Later.

The triumph seems to have 'anchored three miles.from Tiritiri. There is a strong adverse breeze and heavy sea.' No details of the floating heve yet reached town. All that had been done prior to floating was to move the heavy cargo and ooaj that was holding her down, stop all thq i leaks in sections aft of the fore compart ment, andpuypp her out. The pumps . were fixed, being equal to 500 tons per hour.’ The foreh'old being full of water will make navigation difficult, especially with the sea now running.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1884.



are the scores :— Ashboeton Rifles. 200 400 500 yds. yds. yds. T1 Sergeant Nelson ... 32 29 30-91 Lieut. Dolman ... 32 29 17-78 Private Leitch 26 29 23—78 Sergt. Vaughan ... 28 21 23-72 Private Crocker ... 33 22 16-71 Private living 28 22 20-70 Col.-Sergt. Hayes 27 22 12-61 Grand total ... 521 Sydenham Rifles. 200 400 500 yds. yds. yds. Tl Sergt. Andrew ... 32 29 27-88 Corpi. Hamilton ... 31 31 23—*5 Private Farland ... 30 32 23—85 Private Smith 33 31 15—79 Private Weston ... 31 31 13-75 Private Harry 28 25 16-69 Private Coombs ... 27 21 7—65 Grand total • •• .... 536



:%pts,;B()ots, Boots In consequence of the (scarcity of money, O. HAWEiNS, 'whd has jost replenished his STOCK with all kinds of if I> 'sH OE S For this seasoni of the year, j is prepared to fflUf.Ti at alarming Low Prices for CASH. AU.lrfndß of Boots Made. Repairs done "" onthe shortestnotice. 12 1087 I _h>" ■ ■ ■■- ■ ' tSbxkoh aijbert boarding P HOUSE AND TEMPERANCE HOTEL. 0. TRUCKLE begs to return thanks to < Ui dtid’ the public for their patron- X since he bcu taken over the Prince jrt Boarding Bouse, and trusts by always keeping a good-table and accommo dation for boarders and’travellers to re ceive a codtinnahce of the same. Private rooms for families. : ■O. TRUCKLE, Prince Albert; Boarding Upqse and Tem perance Hotel hear Cookson’s Stables, Wzuub ffTKEKr, Ashburton ; next Odd fellows’ Wall, and one minute’s walk from the Railway- Station, -. Charges strictly moderate. , 944



’£ K thi»papi* ma Gem Adrenuuif writ 80S? M ■ •£ H( -Le<t!»e3h*e>S3»c3<l~ SKSSa&L



Wanted WANTED— COOK for men’s hut; must be a good baker. to E. H. Dobson, Lowcliffe, Hinds. 1 2 ANTED Known—That STBAW BBRRIES and other Fruit for preserving can now be had cheap at A. W, Randelli’s, East street. 1 4 WOULD the Borrower of my “New Zealand Stud ” Books please return. John Carter. 12 1162 WANTED— A tidy GIRL, about 14 or 15, to assist in housework. Apply for address, Office of this Paper. WANTED —For up country, a strong active CIUL, about fif een or sixteen. Apply Mrs Bim.au, Family Hotel, Ashburton. 12 1168 TTTANTBD Known—That Hayes and VV Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin wor,h 1s 9d at 6d per yard. WANTED Known —For Sale, two COTTA .E 3 on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 TTT'ANTED Known—That H. Jambs \\ has taken over the market garden from E. Ling, Hampstead, and intends carrying on a RETaIE BUSINESS in the Triangle. Vegetables and Fruit sup* plied fresh daily. 1 6 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 TTJ’ANTED Known Novelty Em- Vv porium I Just opened up a caseot American fruit preserving cans, glass fruit preserving bottles with screw tops, rubber rings, etc. N.B.—The American fruit can is the only one suitable for family use. There is no soldering re quired. Sole agent for Ashburton, S. F, Poyntz, Barnett street. 12 1145 WANTED— The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we are determined not to be excelled. Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women’s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2a 6d. Nokbs, Leicester 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 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place i for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per mop*h, or according co arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wnt street JjlOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE. The w Bankruptcy Bill, 1883. The jattel Securities Act Amendmen t ito Eta, Etc. INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING von 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 Twenty - One Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : FAST STREET. I F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S vJHBAPj FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bes. of •naterial and workmanship. TUNE E A L 8 , CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED



Special Advertisements. gATURDAY, JANUARY 5tH, 1881 LOOK OUT FOR E. C. Brown & Co’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, OOMMKHCIKO SATURDAY, JANUARY sth, XT FASHION HOUSE, 185, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. See next imue.



Special Advertisement. TOP THAT COUGH 1 DON'T DELAY. —How can you stop itl Where, s the Remedy. Bennington’s PifiCTORAL OXYMEL OF GARBA GE''IN or IRISH MOSS (register. 1), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bomnikoton, Christchurch. Stationery, Account Books, Presents, &c. H. M. JONES; COMMERCIAL East street. 11 870



MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AX ANDREWES BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety.



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 be 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 is to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.