SHIPPING.

POET or LYTTELTON

Arrived. Saturday.

Uawea, a.a., from Manukau and way porta. , _ . Wakatu, s.s., from Wellington and Kai-

k W-

; * Yesterday. Clematis, ketch, from Wellington. Dunedin, schooner, from Stewart’s Is* iliKtr**'"- Maud Graham, schooner, from Stewart s Island. Sailed. Satdbday. Wakatu, s.s., for Kaikoura and Wel lington. Cleopatra, brigantine, for Wellington. Recamia, kech, for Havelock. Island Lily, brigantine, for Chatham Islands. Yesterday. Airfares, barque, for London, Bawea, s.s., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Saturday.

Arrived—Loch Cree, from London ; Look-out, from Sydney ; Notero, from Sydney ; Oamaru, from Raialonga. H M.S. Constance arrived there from Tahiti on Nov. 25th. Had been cruising through Cook’s Group. She left on tie came day for South America. Wellington, Saturday, Sailed —Coptic, for London. Port Chalmers, Yesterday.

Arrived—Orowaiti, from Wellington ; Taiaroa, from Timaru ; Isabella Anderson, from Oamaru ; Pet, barque, from Hobart; Jessie Nicol, from Macquarie Island. Sailed—Waitangi, ship, for Napier.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday af.ernoon, Mr T. Bullock reports on the horse market for the week ending Saturday, December 2o;— There was a small entry of horses, viz., 21, a large proportion of which were sold at satisfac tory prices, very few first-class draughts are offering just now, and for a large proportion of the medium draughts which are brought_ for ward, sellers will persist in placing prohibitory reserves on them, consequently, fewer are changing hands than otherwise would. Out of the total entry of 21, 12 were sold as follows : —Medium draughts, Lis to Ll 7, aged ditto, L 6 15s to Lio; hacks, pretty good, L 6 to Lll, aged, L 3 to L 5 10s ; young, unbroken, light harness horses, L 6 to L 9.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, December 23. Messrs Matson, Cox and o>., at the Tinwald Saleyarda—Stock

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Em This Evening Orange Hall—Christmas Tree in aid of Primitive Methodist Church Tuesday, Degembbu 23 Methven'Racing Club —Annual Meeting Wednesday, December 24 Alford Forest Annual Sports and Races Friday, December 26. Sports Ground— Ashburton Caledonian Society’s Annual Sports Loyal Orange Lodge—Concert and Ball in the Town Hall Mount Somers Annual Sports and Races Monday, December 29 Ashburton Summerßacing Club—Annual Meeting

Thursday, January 1 Winslow Racing Club—Annual Meeting Saturday, January 3. ATakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 o.m, Friday, January 9 ishburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1884.

The master of the Old Men’s Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of LI Is from Mr Charles Clark, of Christchurch ; also, LI la from Mr Thomas Bullock, .of Ashburton, towards a Chiistmas treat for the inmates. The meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Hunt Club, summoned for Saturday evening, lapsed, there being no quorum present. The Ashburton Post Office will be closed on Christmas day, and no mails will be made up after 6 a.m. On Boxing Day mails will be despatched up to 10 a.m. only, and the letter-carrier will make one delivery at Ba. m. The Telegraph office will be open each day from 9 till 10 a.m., and from 7 till 8 p. m. The New Zealand Shipping Company, Limited, have received the following cable message from their London office, dated London, 18th December : —“ Ruapehu, s.s , arrived all well at Rio yesterday ; re frigerator has worked well, meat in prime condition. R M.S.S. Aorangi sailed from Gravesend to-day.” Visitors to- the Ashburton Hospital, who are at all times courteously wel comed by the steward, would do well present themselves to that official before proceeding to mike an inspection of the wards. We are induced to ofler this sug gestion by having noticed during a recent visit to the institution, the quiet of a patient disturbed by a well-intentioned but injudicious philanthropist. Mr and Mrs Mackay’s duties are as multifarious as they are onerous, but persons wishing to assist in alleviating the sufferings of the patients will find every facility towards that end offered them by the steward and matron. The following candidates were nomi nated on Saturday for the Government Insurance Association Board:—G. S. Graham, H. Keraber, B. W. Mills, VV. H. Warren, F. H, Fraser, J. Lockie, W. F. Kennedy, J. Kitchen, D. T. Stuart, W. K. Bishop, W. Clark, H. J. L. An guard, A. McDougall, T. Dwan, T. K. Macdonald, J. Maginnity, J. Fisher, H. floworth, J, E. Smith, G. R. Johnson, J. Cook, H. S. Fitzherbert, H. D. Bell, R. Aherne, C. Phillips, 0. Powles, and M. McOredie. Major Atkinson was not no minated, his candidature having been an nounced by his friends without his con sent.

The promoters of the entertainment in connection with the Methven annual sports mot on Saturday evening. The Secre tary reported that the Traffic Manager had granted the use of the goods shed for an entertainment on New Year's night, pro vided the building and contents were in sured. It nas resolved that a promenade concert and ball be held in the shed, and a sub-committee was appointed to provide music and draw up a programme to suo mit to the next meeting. The Secretary

was instructed to have 200 t ; ckots printed and to distribute ihem for sale as soon as possible. The meeting then adjourned for a week. The following players have been selected to take part in the Oanteibury-Otago interprovincial cricket match :—Canter bury—Messrs D. Ashby, J. T. Bucha nan, E. J. Ootterill, D. Dunlop, J. .Fowke, A. Longdan, W. Y. Millton, 0. Strange, F. Wilding. The eleventh man will be chosen from Messrs Barnes, Bayner and Washer. Otago—Messrs Austin, Collin son, F, H. Cooke, Drabble, Daws, Dixan, Fairbairn, 0. Frith, McGregor, Parker and Rattray.

The N.Z.S. Company's steamer Kai koura, with the first English mail under the New contract, left Wellington for London at five o’clock yesterday after noon.

The Committee of the Winslow Races met at the Winslow Hotel on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance, and Mr George James occupied the chair The tender of Mr W, T. Davison at L 5

for the confectioner’s booth, and that of Mr Harris at LlO for the publican’s booth were accepted. It was reported that ar rangements had been made with the Excelsior Band to provide music on the race day. A Hurry Sgtjrry race for a sweep of ids each and a silver «up, de signated the Lagmhor Cup, in acknow ledgment of Mr D. McLean’s assistance to the Committee, was added to the pro gramme. It was determined tp start the horse races at 11.30 am. The nomina tions, which appear in another column, were received.

Christmas presents free of charge.—Last year we are informed that over 9,000 presents weft? given away curing December and the early part Cf January by H E. May & Co., The Hall, ChristdSrcffl. This year-they are doing the same, and this is ,h° w [ hcy do it : Every customer is presented with a equal to 10 per cent, on the amount spent Ijy them, so that if you spend Ljo you can choose anything up to Li, if Lg is spent a 10s present will be given, if L 3 a jfis ptss§nf, if —1 a 2s present, but if you only spend One Shilling you will get something. And every time you come duri g this mouth 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 \ our tickets for what you have spent, and so on [ each time you come, and then get one really J handsome thing equal in,value to all the tickets J you hold,—[Advt.J J

Although the report and recommenda tions of the lioyal Commission in respect to the extension of the Mount Somers branch railway have been in the hands of the Government and before the public for some months, we cannot learn that any steps have yet been taken to give them effect. Mr Richardson, in bis Public Works Statement, said that provision would be made for the completion of the line, but we gather that it has not been included i.i the schedule of works en trusted to the District Railway Engineer. As the line is not likely to be remunerative until completed, we trust that representa tions will at once be made to the Minister of Public Works, with a view to the ter minus being reached at an early date. We have no doubt the matter is receiving the attention of the member for the dis trict.

A meeting of the Methven Sports Com mittee was held at the Methven Hotel on

Saturday evening, Mr Hussey occupying the chair. The Secretary submitted offers from several bands to play at the sports, and after discussion it was decided to postpone their consideration to enable the Secretary to procure further particu lars. Sub-Committees were appointed to prepare the course and procure the neces tary appliances for conducting the sports. An offer from a local merchant to supply toys for the childrens’ sports was ac cepted. Several collectors handed in their lists, which showed that the public were liberally supporting the annual festi val.

It is rumored that more Justices of the Peace will shortly be gazetted. The Wellington Evening Post states that Dr Hocken, of Dunedin, refused to retire from the office of coroner when re quested to da so by the Government, in accordance with the resolution of the House, passed on the motion of Mr Brad shaw last session, to the effect that medi cal men in practice should not hold the office of coroner. Other medical men holding aim ilar positions, to whom the same request was made, have most of them, it is said, complied. We have received from Messrs Hayes and Co., Burnett street, a copy of their pictorial almanac for 1885, entitled “Loving Memories.” It is vary neatly got up, and should find plenty of appli cants.

John William Rpae, aged 22, was brought up at Witney, England, some time ago charged with the murder of his father. Evidence was given showing that the latter had of late g'ven way to drink, and on the night of the 26th ult. abused and threatened to murdered his wife. During the night the daughters thought he was cutting their mother’s throat, and they screamed “ Murder !’’ The accused then appeared, and calling out something, immediately fired and killed his father, Mr Sim, of the Oxford Circuit, attended, and said there hr.d been no case of the kind for more than 200 years, and con tended it was justifiable homicide, or, at the worst, manslaughter. The magistrates decided on manslaughter. Playgoers will be pleased to learn that Mias Georgia Smithson, the female Mac cabe and popular character delineator and vocal illusionist, has recovered from the accident she recently met with, and will pay her promised return visit to Ashbur ton on the Summer Race night. She will appear at the Town Hall, and a monster programme is announced. Miss Smithson will give operatic, dramatic and classic impersonations, including scenes from “ Madame Angot,” Charles Dickens’ “Joe” from “Bleak House,” the bur lesque of “Robinson Crusoe,” the panto mime of “Mother Shipton,” etc. Miss Smithson will be essiated by the clever character artist, Mr J. F. Hennessey. The following appears in the Freeman’s Journal of October 23rd :—“To day the itev Eelix J. Watters, S.M., Catholic University School, Lower Leeson street; Rev .Nicholas Carolan, S.M., and Rev William Gaggin, S. M., St Mary’s College, Dundalk, leave Dublin for London, whence they will sail on the 29th inst. by the Orient line of steamers for New Zea land. The duty which calls the rev fathers away from Ireland Is the respon sible one of undertaking the direction of St Patrick’s College, Wellington, New Zealand, lately founded by the Most Rev Dr Redwood, bishop of the Diocese. A great development of Catholic education in the higher as well as the intermediate branches is anticipated from the working of the College, and flthe well attested ability and energy of Father Felix Watters and his rev colleagues must oeof immense advantage in fulfilling the high purpose for which the institution has been founded. The Rev Fathers Watters, Carolan, and Gaggin carry with them the best wishes of numerous friends and former pupils, both in Dublin and Dun dalk, that their long voyage to the other side of the globe may be pleasant and safe, and their labors in their new field of educational enterprise as honorable and fruitful as in the Old Country.” At tha Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, before Mr H. 0. S, Baddeley, R. M., John Burke O’Brien, alias John Burke, alias John J. MoNay, was charged with having been drunk in a public place, and with having no visible lawful means of support. The evidence of Constable Smart having been taken, the accused was fined 20s and costs, with the alterna tive of 48 hoars’ imprisonment on the fist charge, and ordered to be imprisoned for one calender month on the second charge. Samuel Elliott was charged with having unlawfully allowed his licensed cart to stand opposite the Somerset Hotel contrary to the Borough bye-laws. Mr Branson appeared for .he defendant, and raised an objection to the information, which was upheld by the Bench, and the case dismissed.

At an influential meeting of farmers held in Christchurch on Saturday after noon, it was resolved to ask the Chairman of the Corn Exchange to call a public meeting at an early date to again petition the Government in respect to the railway charges for grain. It is understood that the meeting will take place in the first week of next month.

Kidney and urinary complaints of all kinds permanently cured with Hop Bitters. Read.

—[Advt.] Don’t Die in the House. “ Rouugh on Rats ” dears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbts, gophers. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. I

“ German Syrup.” —No other medicine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving thp afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will' cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and , village in piyjljsed countries are recommending it to their customers. ' Go to your‘Druggist and ask what tliey know about' if. Sample Bottles fid. , Regular size 33. fid. Three doses will relieve any case, — f Advt.l

Holloway's Pills. Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot be long so seriously disordered without the de rangement being perceptible on the counten ance. These pills prevent both unpleasant consequences j they improve the appetite apd witli t|,e iucreasc of desire for food, they augment the powers ? r dicestjon and assimila- ip the stomach. 1 ca , most satisfactorily with deranged or discasea conditions of the many organs engaged in ex tracting nourishment for'our'bodies from our, various diets—as the liver, stomaoh, and

bowels, over all of which they exercise the

most salutary control. By resorting at an early Stage of this malady to these purifiying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored ' to health and strength, and his sc llowness I gradually vanishes.— fAdvt.] J

The funeral of the late Dr J. T. Rouse took place at Lyttelton yesterday after-

noon. In addition to the immediate friends of the deceased, the cortege was followed by members of the medical pro fession, Volunteer officers from Christ church and Lyttelton, the Orders of Odd fellows and Druids, the warders aud gaol governor, police and several hundred private citizens.

There was a very large attendance at r the Catholic Church, every seat in the F commodius building being filled, yester- t day morning, when Mass was celebrated t by the Rev father Chastagon. During ' the serv ce the reverend gentleman an- I nouuced that thare would bo three cele brations of Mass on Xmas Day, the first at I 7 a.m., the second to follow, and the i.hird at the usual hour, 11 a.m. Rev Father Ohastagon delivered a very eloquent and forcible sermon with reference to the Holy Communion, and the imposing service concluded with the procession of the Holy Sacrament and the pronunciation of the Benediction. A document is now in course of circu lation for signature by persons willing to guarantee the expenses of obtaining from the Government the necessary concessions for the construction of the West Coast railway, and of disposing of such conces sions to a syndicate or company in Eng land. The amount for which each guarantor is liable is not to exceed L 25. It is satisfactory to see that the document is being both extensively and influentially signed. —Lytelton Times. As will be seen from a notification in another column, the Mayor has declared. the day of the Summer race meeting, Monday next, a public half-holiday. The master of the Jessie Nicool, which vessel arrived at Port Chalmers yesterday with a cargo of sea elephant oil from Macquarrie Island, reports that the rabbits put on that island some time ago by Mr W. Elder have increased to thousands. The funeral of the late Mrs John Grigg took place at Longbeach yesterday, and in addition to the relat vea and a few in timate friends of the deceased lady, some of the neighbors and employees on the Longbeach Estate, were present. The interment took place in the family vault at the private chapel, the Rev R. F. Gar. bett conducting the service. Mr T. S. Duncan, one of the earliest 1 settlers in Canterbury and for many years * Crown Prosecutor roc the provincial dia -1 trict, died at Christchurch this morning. The annual race meeting of the Meth [ ven Racing Club will take place to mor row. The Committee have left nothing j. undone to assure the success of the fixture, [ and given fine weather a pleasant gather l ing should result. , The practice of sending complimentary , cards to friends and relations at Cbristmas , tide appears to be growing more in favor j year by year, and this season Mr T, F. . Farley has obtained a very large stock for t which he should have no difficulty in find -1 ing a ready sale. From specimens he has sent us, his collection includes many cards t that are worthy to be considered a first class specimens of art workmanship, and j those who wish to show their remem > brance of the coming festive season in this j way cannot do better than pay a visit to Mr Farley’s shop in East street, where j they will be difficult to please, if they cannot find something to suit their taste.

TRADE WITH INDIA.

The following correspondence has been received from Bombay in reply to a cable gram sent by Sir Julius Vogel, Colonial Treasurer, to Governor Fergusson, asking for information as to probable market for New Zealand frozen meat and woollen fabrics in India : f rom the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Bombay, to the acting Under secretary, Bombay— “ In reply I am directed to state that if the frozin mutton can be laid down in India at a price that will compare favor ably with those ruling here for fresh mut ton, and it the woollen fabrics, provided they are of suitable description, can be laid down at prices to compete with im portations from Yorkshire and Germany, tha Committee of the Chamber have no doubt that a market will be found for both. Everything depends on prices. The Committee would recommend trial shipments.” From the Secretary of the Bombay Trades Associat ion to the Under Secre tary of Bombay— "l am directed by the Committee of the Bombay Trades Association to state that they do not think there would be sufficient demand for colonial frozen meat in India to tender jimportation remunera tive, for the following reasons (1) The highest price that tha very best kind of meat fetches in Bombay is four anna, or say 3|d per lb ; and »s large cargoes, con sisting of 5,000 or 6,000 carcases, of Aus tralian and New Zealand frozen meat are sold in London wholesale at 5Jd or sj*d per lb, and retailed at 7d to 9d, it is not likely that meat can be imported to Bom bay at a much lower rate, or retailed under, say, seven annas a lb, (2) Con sumption would be very limited, as tha natives would not touch meat slaughtered or handled by Europeans ; and of Euro pean and native Christiana only a very few would pay more than double tha price of Indian meat. The superiority of New Zealand meat to any Indian meat but the very beat grain-fed mutton is of course admitted. (3) The consumption, small as it must be, would be limited to the Presi dency towns, as fresh meat is much ■heaper in the Mofuasil than in Bombay, And were mutton clubs exist it is so good Shat no one would take colonial meat in preference, even it they could get it. In regard to woollen fabrics, the Association vould beg leave to refer the Government ;o the Chamber of Commerce, as the New Zealand manufactures are apparently un known to the tradesmen who have been mnsulted on the subject,” The Municipal Commissioner of Bom lay writes to the Secretary of Bombay as i ollowa :—“ As far a-s the Island of Bom- i iay itself is concerned, the Frozen Meat 1 issociation could not hope to meet with i ny success in the proposed undertaking, i ut at the same time I she no reason why \ he Association should not iqeat with en- j ouragement were its efforts more directed i 3 wards supplying shipping with frozan i mat. The consumption of beef in the c lipping is considerable, particularly dur- 1: ig the fair season, when we have in o irbor naval and Indian marine boats, i oop ships, and besides a large number of b arcantile vessels, and if the quality of h

the meat is what it ia assured to be, there would, I think, be no difficulty in its find ins' a ready market in the shipping,” Colonel La Touche, Cantonment Magis trate at Poona, writes The frozen meat referred to would certainly find sale to a limited scale amongst the Christian classes, as it is much cheaper than either beef or mutton, bat it will not find market amongst the other classes) of people, such as Paraees, ’Mahometans; jews, etc., as thes.o classes of people will not touofi any meat whicft ia npfc killed by a Mahommodan Moolah, or by one of their castes ” The memorandum of his Excellency Sir Eerguaaon ia as f Mows ;—“As a rule meat supplied in the market is poo compared to Australian and New Zealand meat, but vary good m at can bo obtained by the larger consumers, and generally ‘ to Government House is mail u-i-. . , . little, if rt all, intenor. * many Aunpoans would pay somewhat higher prices for a really good arficle, say fid to

7d per lb, instead of 3d to 4d. Ice can bo procured to any extent from the Ice Manu facturing Co., and arrangements could be trade for storing meat, us in London, yhere is no town in Bombay presidency

with so large an European population as would make it worth while t > send the foreign meat there except Poona, but the native meat is somewhat cheaper in Poona than in Bombay. The Commissariat, who are large consumers, would certainly not buy meat at 4 1 orsd, when they can pro duce or buy it at 2i to 3d A large por tion of their supply comes from the Go vernment farms. New Zealand goods are not at present known, neither is their price stated. I know them to be light in texture, warm and durable, and [ feel sure they would bo admired. Whether they would be taken up by wholesale im porters in competition with established British stuffs is a difficult question of I trade, in which the comparative price would be a considerable factor. My im pression is, that while an experimental shipment is the only reliable test, no op portunity so favorable ran be obtained as that which would be given by che Bom bay International Exhibition at present proposed to be opened in December 1885 There might then be a refreshment room opened, at which colonial meat, soup, etc, might be eaten, and colonial meat of a similar kind be procurable on demand Woollen goods might also be procurable as well as exhibited. Calcutta has a much larger European population than Bombay, and the market for colonial meat ought therefore to be larger in pro portion. The natives, as a rule, both in sist on having the meat killed on caste principles and prefer it fresh killed. Some of the Farsees would eat imported meat. ” *

In a letter to the Under-Secretary, Bombay, dated 18th inst., Sir Julias Vogel thanks the Government of Bombay for the information offered, and expresses a hope that it will lead to the establish ment bf commercial relations between this colony and India.

A NEW ZEALAND DRAMATIST.

The Home Sews gives the following critique of a drama by Mr Geo. Darrell, produced recently in the Grand Theatre,

London : A thoroughly representative drama from Australia has just been introduced at this house. Mr George Darrell, who appeared in the piece as “Australia’s representative actor,” is the reputed author of a number of stirring pieces which have found acceptance in the chief colonial cities, and he claims to represent in his dramas startling realities gathered from an ad enturous personal experience. If we may judge Australian drama from “The Sunny South,” we must credit it with a good deal of old-fashioned blood and murder sensationalism—even with an excess of pistoling, a profligacy of gun powder, and hand to hand combats, such as the old Coburg actors of old never dreamed of in their most exciteahle mo ments. There is a strong family likeness between the old American drama and Mfc Darrell’s thrilling scenes with the buah raugers in Australia; the only point of difference is that Mr Darrell occasionally breaks away from artificial sensationalism to give us charming little snatches of comedy which encourage us to hope that he can do better things than blaze away eternally with six-shooters. The first act of this drama promised a thoroughly interesting story, told in dialogue which was above the average of melodrama, and early in the piece there was a touching little love scene, graceful and natural in its simp'e pathos, but these pleasing proofs of power were swamped by claptrap fights for life, and a final jumble of railway engines, straggling men and women, banging of firearms, red fire and smoke. The story of the piece embraces events in both England and Australia, opening in the former clime at the ancestral home of the family of the Chesters, represented by one Worthy Chester. This gentleman, having bean unfortunate in some speculations, has mortgaged his estate to a money-lender named Eli Grup, and the latter threatens to foreclose and ruin him, unless he con sents to give him his daughter Clarice Chester, in marriage. At the point where Chester refuses, and Grup is about to put his threat into execution, there appears upon the scene a returned gold-digger from Australia, who claims the Chester estate as a lost heir, long supposed to be deid, and in default of whose appearance Worthy Chester had held it Matt Mot ley—or Motley Chester, as the claimant styles himself—is confronted with Grup, who refuses to recognise his claim, rely ing upon his wealth to defeat it; but at this juncture Motley receives a telegram from Australia announcing that his part ner in a “claim” at the diggings has discovered a rich vein of gold. He deter- i mines to return with his adopted daughter 1 “ Babs” Berkeley, in order tfut he may 1 come back with means to fight for his l rights. The scene is then transferred to Australia, where, during'the celebration of • the Queen’s birt hdayat the diggings Morley’a ‘ mate finds a great nugget worth L7OO. 1 The find tempts the cupidity of Dick 1 Duggan, a notorious bushranger, who, 1 with his accomplices, attack) the bank in < which the nugget is placed, but Morley I and his friends arrive in the nick of time, i overpower the bushrangers and secure t them. Morley is then about to return to J England when Duggan escapes from gaol, > and plots with one Pounce, an agent sent 1 from England by Grup to prevent Morley I from leaving the Antipodes. Duggan 8 agrees to murder Morley, and goes to his a hut at night for that purpose, but finding t it tenanted only by Babs Berkeley, to h whom ha had formerly fruitlessly made a love, forcibly abducts her, carrying her off h to the retreat of his gang, Morley, with E a body of troopers, goes to the rescue, and after a struggle, in which Duggan escapes, recovers Babs. There are two h love interests running through the piece, a * which culminate at this stage in the mar- *d r age of Clarice Chester with her cousin O Ivo—who have followed the fortunes of g* Morley at the diggings—and the union of in Morley with Babs. The happy couples resolve to make for England, but Duggan, hi this time backed by Grup himself, who H has arrived in Austra'ia, makes a final Bi attempt to frustrate their purpose by pull ing up the rails of a line oh which they A! .vill travel down a locality called the Zig :ig, but the plot is anticipated. The train s stopped in time, a flght ensues, which h 0 s ended by the arrival of qoldieca, and the ;apture of Duggan, Grup, and their fol owers. The villany of Grup is exposed in the confession of his accomplice 'ounce, and Morley Chester’s identity 0 < ieing established, nothing remains fur iim but to secure the estate and be

happy. After speaking of the acting, the critique concludes—" As the audiences at the Grand are not very critical, so long as their dramatic fare is served up hot and strong, it is not surprising that the drama was received with loud plaudits, and that ifter each act the players ware accorded (jearty calls. Mr Darrell was especially iavored in this respect, and he may rest latistied that if he has not proved that Vustraliah draraa is at present of a very iQnsistent, probable, and artistic quality, t is at least tolerable to a popular English .udjence. 11

SPORTING.

WINSLOW RAGES—Ist January.

The folio wine; nominations were re* cbived for the Winslow Races on Satur day evening;

Handicap Hurdle Race.

Mr J. Corbitt’s b g Captain, aged MrJ. Wilkinson's b g Marmion, 6yra Mr C. J. H. Neate’a blk g Wrangler, syrs

Winslow Cup. Mr S. Cox’s g ft Pearl, aged Mr R. Alexanda ’a b g Lauriston, aged Mr J. Lewis’ ch f Queen of Clubs, 3yrs Mr T. Quill’s b m Princess Royal, syn Mr J, Smith’s b g Frantic, syrs MrJ. Wilkinson’s b g Marmion, syrs. Mr H. Brimble’s ch f Patter, 3j rs

Trotting Handicap. Mr Chisnall’s b g Slider, aged Mr 0. Physick’s r m Kate, aged Mr Tqppin’s ch g Brigham Young, aged r Jones’ blk g Darkey, aged Mr Harris’ g m Dolly, aged Mr O. Digby’s r m Jess, aged Mr H. Piimmer’s b m Maggie, aged The handicaps for the above events will be declared on 29 th instant, and accep* tances must be made to the Secretary or MrS. Saunders, before 8 p.m. on 31st instant.

RAKAIA RACES-26th December. The following acceptances and nomina tions have been made for the Rakaia Races: Hurdle Race; 3yrs old, lOst; 4yrs, list; syrs, 6yrs and aged, 12st. Mr H. Lake’s g g Hillimond, aged Mr H. Pcimmer’s b m Kate, aged Mr Ashley’s b g Nap, 4yrs Mr L. A. McLeod’s g m Maggia, 4yrs

Trotting Handicap. Mr M. Hood’s Polly, scratch Mr W. Kerr’s Kate, 30yds Mr 6. Robinson's Clara (late Judy), 30yds Mr R. Beattie’s Saucy, 70yds Mr B. Hampton’s Miss Ohertsey, 7@ydl Mr L. White’s Queenie, 90yds Mr H. Primmer’s Maggie, 120yds Mr 6. S. Grant’s Midge, 130yds Mr O. Irder’a Tommy, 140yds Rakaia Cup; 3yrs old, 9st; 4yn, lOst; syrs, 6yra, and «ged, list. Mr R. Alexander’s b g Lauriston, aged Mr L. A, McLeod’s b g Kaka, Cyra Mr Ashley’s b g Colonel, 6yrs Mr Ashley’s b g Nap, 4yra Mr A. Mangham’a b o Keep-it-Dark 4yra

Mr R. Waugh’s b g Rambler, 4yn Mr T. Watt’s br m Lottie,- 4yra Messrs La v e Bros.’ b m Minoi«,.4yrs Mr R. Alexander’s ch £ Duchess of Al* bany, 3yrs

Novel Raob. Mr G. B. Grant’s b m Midge Mr W. Kerr’s br m Kate Mr H. Primmet’s b m Maggie Mr C. Inder’a g g Tommy Mr E. W. Osborne’s br m Envy Mr A Mann’s ch g ArabL

METHVEN RACES.-23rd Dec.

The weights in the Methven Gup will not, as stated when the acceptances- were published, be raised in consequence of the highest v. eight accepting being less than Sat 101 b. The revised Canterbury Jockey Club rales, which have been adopted by the Methven Club, do not provide for the alteration.

The age of Messrs Lake Bros.’s b m Minnie, engaged in the Maiden was pub* lished as 3 yrs : it should be 4 yra.

Anticipations by Hiffodamia.

Owners grumbling, if unanimous and sincere, implies the highest commends* tion of a handicap, and considering the difficulties they had to encounter, the gentlemen entrusted with the compilation of the Methven weights well deserve the ambiguous compliments of which they have been the recipients. The principal event—the Methven Cup—was an excep tionally difficult race to handicap, but the weigh's were allotted in a manner which displayed considerable care and vigilance, and it is difficult to find a sufficient reason for the small acceptance. Of the three l?ft in Nellie (7st 121 b), the winner of the Post .Stakes at the recent Metropolitan Meeting, i? set to carry top weight; and although this impost will not stop the speedy pony, it is not her distance, and unless the pace is made very slow she will he in trouble at the end of a mile. Lauris ton (7at 7 lb) carried 7st lllb in last year's Cup, and finished behind Polly 9at 4lb, IdaliaSst and Lady Flo ence 9)tßlb, having the previous week defeated Marmlon at weight for age in the Hakaia Gap. This horse has not yet been seen In public at his best, but to-morrow willhave appear ance and condition on his side, and if I possessed of any stamina will give sops trouble to the two sprinters opposing him. Frantic (6at 121 b) bears unmistakable in- I dioations of his Clydesdale ancestry, bat at the Spring Meeting of the Ashburton Racing Glob displayed such brilliant pace for a few hundred yards that he most be regarded as dangerous in this moderate company. He has been anffering from lampass, and consequently is still back ward in condition, but I shall credit him with some improvement, and expect, what were certainly the worst bone* in the handicap to finish as follows Frantic, 1; Nellie, 2 ; Lauriston, 3. The Maiden is a very open race, bat notwith standing Duchess of Albany's aversion to any distance beyond half a mile her breeding and condition should enable her to get home first, and Minnie and Little Fraud will probably be her immediate attendants. The Hurdle Race is reduced to a match be* tween the veteran Captain (lOat 101 b) and j Marraion (list 12lb). The former meets his opponent on 26Ibs better terms 'than at the Spring Meeting, and this difference should produce an excellent race, of which Captain’s superior jumping will probably give him the best. Of the eight engaged in the Trotting Race, 'Rosy, Brigham Young, Kate, and Titakowarn look most likely to fill the places, and the District Hurdle Race should be appropriated by Brush or Larrikin;

ALFORD FOREST RACES.—Dee. 24.

The following additional entries have been received for tfye Trotting Raob. Mr Nee’s Rosy, scratch Mr Greenleesa’s Sandy, 100yds.

C J.C. NEW TEAR’S DAT MEETING

Nominations,

New Year Welter Handicap —Puck, Leodograu, Holderness, Gaiters, Nelson, Water King, Mata, Taiaroa and Take Miss.

Graven Stakes —Leopold, Marion, Ike, Johnny Faulkner, Rubina, Nelson, Water King, Taiaroa and Take Miss. Selling Race —Derwenter JL2OO, Mata LSO, Patrician LIOO, Silver Queen LIOO and Pirate LSO. Sweepstakes. Midsummer Handicap —Tasman, Ike, Taiaroa, Wapiti and Leodograq.' ‘ Middle Park Stakes —Dime, Marlon, Scraps filly, Russley, Tasmania, Mokoia, Tiger Tim and Spade Guinea. WELLINGTON GOLD OOP. The following acceptances were re* ceived on Saturday night for the Welling* ton Gold Cup, to be run at Island Bay on February 4th : Vanguard, Lady Emma, Salvage, Johnny Faulkner, Turquoise, Sou’-weater, Black Rose, Administrator, Consul, Fas!* Her, Ugly Back, Tigredia, Armonrer, Lady Evelyn, Forerunner.. Wilberforce, Mooker, Gaiters,- Witiora, Wanderer (late Carlton), Woodstock,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1884.



Strawberries, ST B A W B E R R I E S, STRAWBERRIES, And other Fruit for sale, wholesale and retail, price moderate. B. BROOMFIELD, Heat Nursery, Allenton. 12 2242 MR SIDNEY - WOLF From the Royal Academy of Music, London, PROFESSOR OF SIEGING AND PIANOFORTE, Cox Street, Ashburton. SINGING CLASS. Quarter commences THURSDAY, 24th, Oddfellowa’Hall, Singing at sight. Part tinging, Glees, etc., etc. Terms—One Guinea per quarter. 4960 A SHBURTON COAL AND FIRE WOOD DEPOT, R. S~BEAN Has for Sale at Lowest Rates— COAL (Newcastle and Native). POSTS and RAILS, STAKES, WIRE, &c OATS, BRAN, CEJAFF, OHIOKWHEAT’. Also, a ' first-class NEW EXPRESS with Reversible Seats. Terms, if desired. R. S. Bean, West street. 6 1147 qhbistmas goods. Just opened up—■ A Large Assortment of FANCY'GOODS, BOOKS, Etc,. Also, a GREAT VARIETY OP TOYS Of every description. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., > BAST STREET, SOUTH, ' Ashburton. DAVIS’S Cheap Clearing Sale ■ NOW ON. : £ s. d. Bedroom furnished complete for 6 6 0 Chest of s* 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 j , of all kinds. JR DAVIS, Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, CAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



Wanted. WANTED —A good p.enoral Servant for Timaru. Apply to Mas Max Friedlander, Kolmar, Ashburton. 12 2348 WANTED —A young Girl, accustomed < to housework. Apply Office of 1 this Paper. 12 2353 i T\ f ANTED Inrmediate ! y General W Servant, for Ashburton Hospital. Salary, L3O per annum. Matron. Apply to the 12 2360 WANTED Known- 2 SCO ladies’ straw hats (150 different shapes) bought at a great sacrifice, and to be sold about, 30 per cent under wholesale prices ; 110 costumes at 3i 9d ; other goods equally cheap; must be sold— come and see them. H. C. Seders, tealya’ Buildings, East Street. WANTED Known—Great redustions in the prices of Christmas Fruit during this month, at J. MgGbegob’s, Cash Grocer, Tancred street. WANTED Known —The usual Christ mas Tree of the Primitive Metho dist Church.will bo held this year in the Orange Hall on Monday and Tuesday; the 22nd and 23rd days of December, to open each day from 3pm.to9 p. m. Contri butions of saleable articles or money will be thankfully received up to that time by Mrs Nison. Admission Adults, Is.; children, 6d, entitling each person to a present from the tree. 12 2321 WANTED Known—Fresh Flounder.- are daily despatched direct from ’ our own boat, now fishing at Late Ellea ’. 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, O. - Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 'TT7'ANTED Known—That Jones and VV Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s butchers shop, East street, are now offer ing Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horae Feed, * etc., etc., etc., cheaper and of a better - class than any other in the town. All a goods delivered free of charge in town. . ° 4 762 f OTANTED KNOWN —Robert Elston, . W Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, y etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical e companies and others visiting Ashburton f should communicate with the above. : Orders by post or telegram promptly ’ attended to. 7600



VT J" ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 VV 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. 7 127 SOMETHING worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro fessed Coat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. C. 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—J. Meecu & Co., are still Selling On and not Selling Off at saleroom prices. J. M. and Co’s Furniture is made for use as well as ornament and not for auction sabs The best materials are used, being specially telected, and combined with good workmanship, all goods are guaran . teed of the best quality, and at the very lowest prices. East and Burnett street, Ashburton. 12 23 ; 2 ANTED 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 McEwbn, Bootmakers, East street, Ash burton. 10 1973 Special Advertisements. R G A. L L O W A WHEELWRIGHT Y, Wakanui road, Ashburton. (Next Ray's Machine Shop) Special attention is devoted to all kinds of repairs. Combined with moderate charges. 11 2199



■QOMESTIC PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, Bast Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. RESISTR?OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413



g T U D Y ECONOMY AND SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY BY USING Native Coal, Which can be had at the yarda of the undersigned. MAOPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL, & WOOD . MERCHANTS. TVT ew BOOKS 1 NEW BOOKS j ! JMeW BOOKS! and CHRISTMAS CARDS Now in. I Popular Encyclopedia (14 vols); Colo nies and Dependencies, by T. S. Cotton ; Local Government, by M, D. Chalmers ; Treasury of Sciences, Biographical, Work shop Appliances, Systematic Mineralogy, Electricity and Magnetism, Strength 01 Material; Vanity Fair, by Tbackery ; The Newcomea ; English Men of Letters — Bacon, Cowper, Dickens, Defoe; Journal of the Plague Year, Plays from Molidre, The Prince Micharelli; Pedigree of Man, ; by Hoeckel; India, the Law and the People, by Caird ; Gilbert on Banking ; The 1 Assommoir, by Emile 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 1 World (4 vols), All Round the World (2 vols), The Book of Health, Family Phy sician ; Animal Life, by Wright ; The Technical Educator, Popular Educator, Men of the Time, Family Herald (half year vol), How the Poor Live. Thomas F. Farley, BOOKSELLER, ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisements. Dimant and Coe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A OHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply of Machine estras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANCRED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181 NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUITS. NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUITS. Perfect Fit Guaranteed in the latest or any style that may be required. Craighead & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, WE have much pleasure in announcing to our friends and patrons, ancl all who may feel interested in the general ogress of our times that we have just coived a splendid assortment of Tweeds Coatings, Serges, etc., etc., of the beat quality and latest designs—suitable for the season we are now entering. AH Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICES. CRAIGHEAD <fc CO., Tancred street, Ashburton.



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS. The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is 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. Slt\rts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WH OLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW .ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



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



COMMENCING TO-DAY. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, FREE GIFTS TO ALL. CHOOSE FROM £IOOO WORTH. AST 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 to ten percent on the money spent; so that if you spend LlO you can choose an> thing 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 )3th, 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 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. If you want a pretty hat, bon net, useful dress, or anything in house furnishing, we feell confi dent yos will save 12£ per cent by shopping with us, besides getting a present to one shilling in every ten, each time you como. H. E. May & Co



1884. Victoria House. 1885. gPRING AH Ii SUMMER SEASON. Feints, Dress Stuffs, Costumes, Trimmings, Fancy Ties, Hosiery, Millinery, Men’s, Boys’, and Youths’ Clothing, Shirts (assorted), Hats, &o. t &c., 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. Ladies’, Men’s, and Children’s BOOTS, &0., at “call again ” prices. Patterns of Boslyn, Mosgeil, and Kaiapoi TWEtfiDS received weekly, from which Men’s Youths’, and Boys’ Garments are promptly made to measure, ,fit, finish, and fashion perfect. Charges strictly reasonable. Dimant and Coe. Ready-Mnnoy Drapers, Clothiers, Ac, East and Tanored Btreetsilinjpretalses lately ocoupi«d|by Ocr and Qo, {



Special Advertisements. Christmas Fruit. CURRANTS, 5£ per lb NEW RAISINS, 6£d per lb NEW SULTANAS, 7£d per lb NEW FIGS (per Ruapehu), Is per box NEW MUSCATELS, Is Gdparlb JORDAN ALMONDS, 2a per lb , ASSORTED PEELS, Is 6d per lb ' ENGLISH CUT LOAF SUGAR, 5d MIXED BISCUITS, Giper lb PLAIN BISCUITS, 3d per lb BEST WHITE CRYSTAL SUGAR, 3£d JAMES McGREGOR, Takcred Street. 12 2342



A. Tapper, TIMBER MERCHANT, &c., Has decided to Sell Off His Large Stock of TIMBER BUILDING MATERIALS GALVANISED IRON FENCING WIRE BUILDERS IRONMONGERY, at greatly Seduced Prices, As he is retiring from business, therefore ANY REASONABLE OFFER WILL NOT BE REFUSED. Stock must be cleared off by December Slat, * LL DEBTS OWING prior to Ist DECEMBER must be paid b> T 15th Inst, or legal steps for their recovery will beltaken. H. W. BARRETT, 1537 Manager.



(Sour stomach, sick headache, and dizziness Hop Bitters cures with a few doses. Sec.— Anvr.J Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.”—Ask for Wells’ “Rough on Corns,” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, unions. Tlie N,Z, Drug Co., Genera Agents. 1 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, Chrisdchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps, I