COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office. 1 Friday afternoon. I Mr T. Bullock reports on the horse market j for the week ending Saturday, December 5: — I There was only a moderate attendance of far-1 men and other country settlers. 29 hrrsesl Were yarded for the day’s sale, but a large pro-1 'portion were of an inferior description, conse-1 silently one of the dullest sales that has been I experienced for some months past. For age 1 I light harness horses, of which there were a good 1 ' few, it was difficult even to obtain a bid ; tYe 1 same remark applies to aged draughts. There I were again enquiries for good draughts, of I which Uiere are few offering just now. In-1 > tending purchasers will not buy aged draughts I •f a fairly good descriptio , even at Jew I figures. Out of the total day's entry, 29, only I 8 were disposed ef, as follows:-»Aged draughts I L 6 iss to L 8 15s; 3 and 6 year o'd draughts, I Ll 5 10S to Ll 7 ; 2 year old unbroken of a I light description, L 8; hacks, L2 15s to LB. I Mr Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale, Saturday, December 5, as follows Horses were rery dull of sale Cows sold well, nearly all entries bein cleared—dairy cows, L 4 10s to L 5 ?s 6d; dry, L 3 7s 6d, L 4; calves, 6s to ys. Pigs—Porkers, 3at 20s, 2at 22s 61, sat 1 22s • 3at 17s; sows, 23s to 26s 6d ; weane ; s 9s, Bs, 7s 6d, 6s, 6s 911, 6s 3d, 8s 3d ; suckers, ducks, 3s ; geese, lOs per pair. Produce—new 5s to 5s 3d ; fowls, is od to 3s 9d per pair ; potatoes, i#d to 2#d; oats are very dull of side, many lines not being sold. I must quote is 6d to is 8d; chic .enwheat, is pd to as; bacon, jd per lb; ham, 6 i per lb; cheese, 4d to 4j£d per lb McCormick reaper, Lio ; Woods, d l , L 3 ss. Furnimr and sundr es in quantity as usual and entirely cleared.

MEMORANDA

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc, Tuesday. December 8 Drill Shed —Voluntper Parade Thursday. December 10 Ashbnrton Racing Club—Spring Meeting Oddfellows’ Hall—“ Rough Diamond,” at 8 o’clock Monday, December 14 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Wednesday, December 16 Wakanui Wealeyan Church —Annual Tea Meeting St Stephen’s Parsonage—Annual Garden Party

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER, 7, 1885. Gambling.

It is impossible not to moralise occa sionally. Our Legislature has been over careful for the morals of the people ; has prohibited consultations and similar gambling transactions, and has defined how and when and where the specula tive instincts of the public shall be ex ercised. And with what results ? The

Christchurch papers tell us that over L. 38,000 passed through the totalisators during the three race days at Riccarton last month. The Dunedin papers have the same story, with a distinction with out much difference; and all up and down the country, wherever we have races or any other sport, and, indeed, where we have no sport at all, this gambling goes on. We like ill to say a hard word of any popular gathering, we recognise the undoubted benefits con ferred by horse racing and athletic sports of all kinds,, but they might be turned to better account than the reck less expenditure of hard earned wages. What does this totalisator expenditure mean ? This, simply: That from a thousand to two thousand persons go to a racecourse, each with two or three pounds in their pockets, and the large majority of them return home without as many shillings—sadder, but, we fear, by no means wiser men. The few that pick up the money do no good with it; persons who obtain money without either toiling or spinning, as a rule, arc reckless in its expenditure. If the money put on the totalisator bad been legiti mately spent, it would have gone to the butcher, the baker, and the grocer, while these must now, very likely, go without. Racing Clubs make a haivest, true, and spend it upon legitimate sport; a few persons win a few pounds, but the multitude lose a great deal more than they can spare. Perhaps such a j system may not be regarded as wicked, , but ft cwftjot bstajie being 1

characterised as fearfully foolish. While the social reformer bewails the inequit able distribution of wealth, and is cast ing about tor remedies, here are num bers of the people themse’ve —the chief 1 sufferers —running in quite the opposite direction. And trade is depiessed and times are hard. And this is not all. Gambling is invariably accompanied by drinking, and sport is blamed for both. No returns are available to show how I much alcohol is consumed in connec-1 tion with our race meetings, but we can easily make a rough and ready esti-1 mate, keeping well within the mark. Take the average daily attendance at any of our populous centres at three thousand, and allow them the modest drink expenditure of halt-a-crown each, and we arrive at a sum of L 370 a day. This is not a teetotal question; it is one of prudence and the fitness of things. Neither is it a question of amusement ; we stand up tot all inno-1 cent health-giving amusements, and 1 would not draw the line too tightly; I but this is something perse —the de bauch of to-day followed by the abso lutely certain headache of to-morrow. Acts of Parliament can neither make the people virtuous or sober. The efforts of the New Zealand Legislature

to suppress gambling have been singu larly unfortunate \ they have, beyond a doubt, stimulated the vice, and the Gaming and Lotteries Bill might well have been styled “ An Act to protect and popularise gambling.”

His Worship the Mayor invites the bur gesses of Ashburton to observe Thursday and Friday next as half holidays from 12 noon.

Last night most acceptable rain fell throughout the' Ashburton County. Our Methven correspondent, writing at 10 o’clock last night says :—This morning was beautifully fine, but towards 3 p m. a passed over the district, accompanied by very heavy rain. Rain Is now falling in torrents, and there is no sign of it clearing. The streets in the township a r e fl ,o!ed. —A correspondent at Station writes ’.—Yesterday was fine, the temperature having been as high as 146“ Fah. in the eon. A thunderstorm with continuous heavy rain followed, 2 inches being recorded tills morning. A meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club was held on Saturday evening Present—Messrs 0. W. Purnell (Chairman), R. Friedlander, W, B. Denshire, M. Friedlander, D. Thomas, and Dr Ross. The Secretary was directed to invite tenders the crop of grass seed growing on the racecourse, and to have part of the running track at once top dressed. A large amount of routine business in connection with the forthcoming race meeting having been transacted the meeting adjourned- A quarterly meeting of the Ashburton Boiough Licensing Committee was held at the Courthouse to-day. Present— Messrs D. Thomas (chairman), tleaiy, Saunders and Alcorn. Mr E. G. Crisp applied for a transfer of the license held t>y Mra M A. Woodley to Mr John Henry. Tne police reported very favor abiy upon Mr Henry's general character, and npon the condition of the premises occupied by him, but said he had recently been fined fur permitting drunkenness in his house. The application was granted, the Chairman expressing a hope that Mr Henry would, uow he knew the district better, svoi • a repetition of the offence of which ha had been convicted. The New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Company have decided to sell the whole of their yearlings, thirty in number', at Sylvia Park, Auckland, early in Jan uary.

The Wealeyans of the colony are going in for what is terme* a “Temperance Sunday.” The following resolution was adopted at the last Conference:—“That on the second Sunday in December n*xc sermons be preached in all our churches on the evils of intemperance.” In no oordanoe with this decision, the Rev U. MoNicoll will draw particular attention to the subject at the local Wesleyan Church next Sunday. A dispute arose between the Auckland Frozen Mea . Company and the Coptic’s authorities as, to the condition of the lambs, of which 2000 were to be shipped. The lambs had been frozsn with the feet on, and while the carcases were well frozen and in splendid conditiu.-i, the wool on the feet was found to have a fusty smell, which was objectionable. It was finally resolved to leave the lambs in the refrigerator to be shipped by the next steamer, after the feet have been removed, aud to substitute beef. , 170,00i)lb of beef and mutton were placed on board, includ ing 500 sheep averaging 641 b ; also three oases of butter in excellent order. The Mayor of Auckland has received the following telegram from the Minister of Public Works re unemployed: —“I will sue what can be done. 1 much regret, owing to Parliament refusing to pass the vote for railway works in the Auckland district, I am placed at a disadvantage, but I shall use my best endeavors to assist aud 1 rely on local bodies helping.” The Ashburton County Council adver tise the closing of a cam bet of water races for overhauling purposes. A presentation was made to Mr J. B Williams, late Master of the Mount Somers School, at Mount Somers yester day.

The brave Dutch admiral. Van Tromp who was large, heavy man, was challenged by a thin, active french Officer. “We are not npon terms with replers,” said Van Tromp, but call on me to-morrow morning, and we will adjust the affair together ” When the Frenchman arrived !|ie found the admiral bestriding a barrel of gunpowder “Thera is room enongh for you.” said Van Tromp ,“at the other end of the barrel; sit down. Ther is a match, and as yon were the challenger fire.” The Frengmaa was thunder-struck at this terrible mode of fighting; bat as the admiral told him ha would fight in no other way, terms of accommodation an S'ied.

Weakness and sickness changed to health and strength 1 with Hop Bitters always >f those made by the American Co. See

August Flower. —The most misetab.e beings in the world .are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness palpitation of the heart, heart bum, 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 your druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuable medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottler, 6d,—TAnvr,

Holloway’s Pills arc strongly rccom mended to all persons who arc much reduced in power and condition, whose are weak, and whose nerves are sliattered. The beneficial effects of these Pills will be percep. tible after a few days’ trial, though a more ex tended course may be required to re-establish perfect health. Holloway's medicine acts of the organs of digestion, and induces complete regularity in the stomach, liver, pancreas, are kidneys. This treatment is both safe and cer aiin in result, and is thoroughly consistent wen observation, experience, and common senilt The purification of the blood, the removal as all noxious matter from the secretions, and the excitement of gentle action n the bowels, are the sources of thc«U powers of HOUO - im-wAtlvt

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

(•‘ Age” j-.fkohls ) By T. leg 4pu from Bluff To d it. London. November 20 Mr D rama'oo, Under-Secretary ia the Colonial Cilice and delegates from the Post Office and Treasury, appointed as a Committee to consider the proposals of Mr H, 0 Baker, will shortly present their report Mr daker has had a final inter view with the Committee.

It is probable that the French and Italian Governments will reduce their charges for the carriage of mails through those countries. London, November 23. Messrs Butterfield and Surre, insurance agents of Shanghai, have given orders to Messrs Scott and Co, of Greenock, for the construction of five steamers each 2,600 tons, to be employe! in developing the trade between China and Melbourne. London, November 27.

It has transpired that the report of the official Committee, which was appointed by Government to investigate the pro posals of Mr A. 0 Baker, of Sooth Aus tralia, for the establishment of a Federal Mail Service between England and the Colonies, is favorable to Mr Baker’s pro jects. Mr Thomas A. Hendricks, who, in November last, was elected Vioe-Presi- I dent of the United States, is dead.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER.

Political Address. Instead of an address which he was to deliver the Hou Sir Julius Vogel has pub lished an address to the Tuapeka residents through the local newspaper. Com mencing by expressing his regret at being nnable to visit the district, he proceeds to state that if the Government have not been sole to overcome the depression and low price of some of the principal staples, they have done all they could. Broadly ■peaking the policy of the Government was one setting before the people the necessity for earnest application to develop the resources of the colony. If, he writes, we ha! a home population owning wealth, we could be indifferent to prices else where. The great difference between I those who supported the Government and those who opposed them was that <he latter were adverse to the policy of pro grass which to the former seemed so essential, and the question haag very much upon whether the public works policy was successful. There was real depression when it was introduced amidst strong opposition. It has added to the public debt, bat that debt was many times represented by the wealth which had been made. The question that now demanded decision was whether it w»a advisable to continue that policy, and how far it was safe tu dis ontinue it. He did not say the policy coaid be resumed pan

and simple. The time was passed for paying the passage money of immigrants, and much as population was needed the colony would have to depend upon the attractions offered. The colony should deal primarily with extending the rail ways ; roads and bridges should s>i undertaken by the load odiea. There were large fields for the settlement of people both in the .North and Setuh, and there were many railways to which attention should be directed. There was, for instance, the district of Westland outside railway communication, with its enormous mineral wealth, Sir Julius then went on to speak of the wealth in the bed of the Molyneux river, recom mending the resumption of mining enter prise in Otago. .He then dealt with the question of protection and free trade (so called), and said that he was convinced the imposition of duties of a fairly res trictive character was a policy all classes of |the community should join in up holding. He had always raised his voice in favor of the high rate of wages, and if that rate were to bd swamped and capital was to employ labor on its <wn terms, then we would have a few very rich men but we would have lost the general distribution of wealth on which the real strength of a country depended. For these reasons this was nqt a time to suspend the public works policy; this was precisely the time when public works could be carried on cheaply. He con cluded as follows:—“Do not, I beg of you, believe all that you are told about the laboring classes being heavily bur dened- As a matter of fact the Customs taxation pec head is less now than it was in 1870. As for the apparent large amount of public debt in New Zealand it is not public debt. In most of the older coun tries the public deb- is the consequence of wars and other unproductive expendi ture, whilst the cost of their railways appears in the shape of private enterprise. Your public works are tbe representatives of your public debt, and where as ia older countries taese enterprises would be emberked in with a view of obtaining from 5 to 15 per cant profit, the colony carries them on content with obtaining a return which will yield 4 per cent interest, to cover the cost o f the money borrowed. You must bear in mind also that if we extend the public works policy we shall be making railways through Grown lands, and the State will derive a great deal of the benefit hitherto enjoyed by tbe owners of private lands. I must impress upon you that in times of depres sion there ia greater need for industry and energy. To stop the construction of public works would cause a great deal of unnecessary m sary.”

RANDOM R EADINGS.

Statistics show that the population of Ireland has decreased 3,200,000 in forty five years. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland lodged L 3,000 in the Monster Bank a few days before it failed.

The Saltan has taken to composing music, in what be considers to be in imitation of Wagner’s style. The average income of the 500 Lords of England is over L 24,000 each. 2 heir gross income is about L 15.000.000. Every child in Bohemia must study music, aud iu this lies the secret <>{ the natural talent for music in that conntry.

A French gentleman ha* offered to marry Jeannie Lorette, the young Bel gian who muidered the Japanese Oonaul at Rotterdam.

A few days ago, at a ball in Bisle, Switzerland, a young girl fell in a faint, and died a few minutes after. Cause—a tightly laced corset. Thu British cutter Geneata apparently

intends retur ring to New fork next year, having stowed her racing sails and spars at the American dook.

Mcene —A So-ittiah village “pub.” Two old cronies having their morning drink and a “ crack ” together. Jock : “ Man Kubbert, my gudewife an* me wis uncom monly weel pleased wi' your son’s meenls tratiuns in the pulpit yesterday. He’s vorra clever, an’ nae mistak. Wo were baith winuerio’ whaur he had gotten a.’l

this talent an’ abilitee.” Rubber!— father of the budding parson : “ Weal, Jook, I’m thinkin’ my son Wulluin tak’s a’ his talent an’ eddicition frae me ; but a’ his oratory he tak’a ulf his urither, for she’s a bletherin’ au>d tyke.” At a German court-martial. Captain, presiding : “ Then I’m to understand that the accused offered you a cigar when you were doing sentry duty?” “Yes, your honor.” “And you declined 1” “Yes, to command, your hmior. ” “And what reply did he make ?” “ ‘ Yea aro an’ a«,’your honor !’’ The traiu from Paris to Brussels had got as far as when a stout,

remarked to his f»ir travelling-companion, “ Steam is a grand invention, madame 1” “ Yes, indeed ; Itrtre to it my whole for tune.” “ Really t Ton don’t mean to say bers of my family in succession through railway accident !’’ A saw mill was erected near London In the year 1633; it was afterwards de molished that it might not deprive the j.>oor of employment More than eleves thousand pounds sterling worth of silver is wasted every year in the coarse of the circulation of crowns, half-crowni, florins, shillings, and sixpences ' Ad enormous sum, in comparison with the weslth of Great Britain was raised by

income tax in 1816. The tax amounted to ten per cent, or two shillings in the pound, giving a return of fourteen millions five hundred thousand pounds, A similar percentage to-day would give forty-five million pounds, regard being had to the exemptions now allowed. With Oharles XL came in the fashion of wearing large quantities of false hair, a mods introduced by Louis XIV. There were various kinds of .wigs—the story, the scratch, the bnsby, the riding wig, and the nightcap—and wigs of gray hair were very expensive. With them came

powder, which was worn by servants as well as their masters; and the nae of this cosmetic is traced to the time of Henry 11., when ladies wore colored powders. Some of: the ordinary expressions of the Chines**, According to a recent lecturer, are pointedly sarcastic enough. A Master ing harmless fallow they call a “ paper tiger.” When a man overvalues himself, they compare him to a ‘’rat falling into a scale and weighing itself.” Overdoing a thing they call a “ hunchback making a bow.’, A speodrift they compare to a “ rocket,” which goes off at once. Those who expend their eharitv on remote objects, but neglect their family, are said to “hang a lantern on a pole, which is seen afar, bnt gives no light below ” “ More den half o' de 'faction o’ dia

worl’ is pat on,” siys an old darkey. “De grape-vine do«n cling ter de lime 'oanee it labs de tree, bat ’cease it wants de tree ter hoi* it op.” “ It is a settled principle, your honor,” said an eminent Q. 0., “ that ceases always prodace effects.” “ They always do for the lawyers,” blandly responded the judge; “bat I’ve sometimes known a single cause to deprive a client of all bis effects.” “ Do you know, George, I wish you would stay at home to-morrow 2” “Why, darling 2” “Oh, because this afternoon a terrible looking tramp came here while yea were away, and ordered me to give him something to eat; so 1 had to give him all that sponge cake I made last Saturday;, and, George, he say’s he’s com ing back tomorrow 1” “Did he eat the cake, darling 2” “ Yes, all of it, every bit of it ” “Well, then, aetyonr mind at rest, dear; he will never come back. ” Count Herbert von Bismarck, while staying with one of oar English dukes some years ago, was being shown round the estate by his host, when they came across a house to which the doke pointed, saying, “ Ah, the tenant of that house has been a thorn in my side _ for many years 1 He is opposed to me in politics, and ha always votes against me But I’ve cured him at last.” “ Indeed 2’’ said bis visitor. “ I see; yon turn him oat ” “ Ob, no,” said his noble host; “we don’t do that sort of thing in this country 1 1 simply lowered his rant a pound, and so deprived him of his vote.” They 'did not very often give dinner parties, says a sporting contemporary, and never gave large ones; bat at the little reunions to which they did invite their friends they liked everything of the best. So, on the afternoon of one of their choice tittle feasts, the host summoned bis boy in buttons, and said, “ Now, John, you must be very careful how yon bund round the wine.” “ Yes, sir.” “ These bottles with the black seal are the beat, and these with the red seal the inferior sherry. The best sherry is for alter dinner; the inferior sherry you will hand roand with the hock after soup. You understand—hock and the inferior sherry after soup?” “Yes, sir, perfectly,” said the boy in buttons. And the evening came, and the guests came, and everything was progressing admirably till the boy went roaqd the table asking of every guest, “Hock or inferior sherry 2 ’ Everybody took hock. Belgium has 1,260 breweries, which produced last year 210,260,000 gallons; Holland, 500 breweries, producing 34 000,000; Russia, 480 breweries, pro ducing 8,000,IKK) gallons ; Switzerland, 423 breweries, producing 13,600,000 gal loan; Denmark, 250 breweries, producing 28.000. gallons; Sweden, 220 brew eries, producing 21,000,000 gallons ; and Ita'y, 160 breweries, producing only 4.000. gallons. The machinery for the prevention *nd detection of crime—that is to say, the maintenance of the police force—cost Great Britain last year L 3,367,789, an in* crease of LIOD.OOO on the previous year. The total force in England and Wales consists of 34,488 officers and men, show ing an increase of over 1,200 in the year. The average cost of a policeman to the public Is less than LIOO a year It costs an average of 17s lOd to prosecute a crimi nal ; and the whole cost of the ordinary criminal proceedings for the year amounted to a little over L 24,000. To this must be added the cost of Government prosecutions by the Solicitor of the Treasury, amount ing to over L 16,000, and LI,BOO for the prosecution of Mint cases A grand jary in the County of Tipper ary once passed the following resolutions —* Resolved : That the present gaol is Insufficient, and that another ought to be built. Resolved : That the materials of the old gaol be employed in .constructing the new one. Resolved: That .the old gaol shall not be taken down until the

new one is finished. ” The Duka of Nemours once sent his steward to call upon an artist on whom he wished to confer a annff-box as a mark of his approbation, to asoartai i if snob a present would be acceptable. The offer was received with enthusiasm. “ Where shall 1 sent it T ’ inquired the envoy. “ oh, if you would be kind enough,” re plied the grateful artist, “ to pawn it «n the way, you can let me have the money t”

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON RAPING CLUB. Maligner was scratched for sllimgagpi meats at 6 pm. on Saturday. AUCKLAND OUP. Wood Nymph is backed to Win L2OO At !■> to 1, snd Sondsn has fonsd beakers who took 100 to 6. The following are the prices on offers— 6to 2 agst 100 —• 12 • Fool Shot 100 —lO Turquoise 180—8 Radames and Nelson 100 6—— Wood Nymph and Son* dan [Bt Tnisstn] Auckland, To-day. Stoneyhnrat, Wapiti, Nelson, Salvage*, and Maooaroni arrived safe to-day.

TIMARU RAPING CLUB. The following entries and accepts uses were received on Saturday for the Timarn Racing Club’s Meeting, to be held on An* niversary Day (16th December):— Pont ob Galloway Race, of SO sovs ; weight for inches ; 6 furlongs. Viva Sp'd >t Auctioneer Firefly Judas Pbueoe Mary Ann Brown Rose Black Diamond,. Bed wing Donald Waabdyke Maid. Golden Gem Pony Juno Shamrock Ahnivrbsaxt Pup of 100 sovs; mile*. at Jb at lb Jack ~9 6 Vanity Fair 718 Mokarakara 9 4 Sealtheen ... 7 3 Borderman 8 10 Oamerine ... 6 8 Viking ... 810 J.nnelte ... 6 7 Timabu Hamucap, of 60 sovs (winner 6( Pop 71b extra); 1 mile. Jack ... 9 8 Sraltheen ... 7 6 Mokarakara 9 6 Oamerine ... 610 Borderman 8 12 Jannette ... A 8 Vanity Fair 7 I** Chinaman... 6 7 Fnrtrader ... ; 7 9 HuBOLEb, of 40 sovs; 2 miles. Moody ...12 3 I Unit ... 810 Silver King 96 I Panic ... 810 Coryphee ... 8 10 I December Hurdles, *f 30 sovs (winners extra); H miles. -Borderman 11 71 Panic ... 9 3 Milo ... 10 6 | Coryphee ». 9 3 Silver King 911 j Boco ... 9 0 Unit ... 9 61 Novel Race, of 15 sovs (weight Sat 71b); 6 furlongs. Warrior I Jackal Nelly J Chinaman . Rose J Mias Fenwick Fraud | Hinerna

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

Wheat. London, December 6. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the United Kingdom is ttißo,ooo quarters, being 100,000 quarters less than last week.

Frozen Mutton. New Zealand frozen mutton has in creased in value, and to-day realised from to 5d per lb at Smithfield market. The Malls. The Australian mails, dated Mel bourne, .October 30, per Austral,' were delivered to-day via Naples. The Elections. The Liberal candidates continue to, triumph in the farming counties. For. Larnarkshire the Conservatives only secured two seats out of seven. In Invernesshite Mr C. F. Mackintosh, representative of the crofters, has defeated Sir Kenneth Mackenzie and Mr M’Leod, another crofter candidate has also secured toe Argylesbire -seat The elections will finish on Wednesday - next, December 9.

Among the members who have lost their seats at the present elections ate Sir Wilfred Lawson, Sir Faner Her schel, and Mr J. B. Burleigh. Sir William Hart Dyke has been re-elected for Kent. •

Soudanese. Gaiko* December 6. The Soudanese Arabs made ism attack on Ambukol yesterday, but ware, repulsed and completely dispersed by L the British troops, with the loss of fully a thousand men. Bnrmah. Calcutta. December 5. Earl Dufferin, Governor-General of India, replying to an address presented, to him by the citizens of Lucknow, stated that it would be a matter for careful consideration whether Burmab should be united, or whether it would' be better to remodel the administration of Upper Burmah. Eastern Affairs- Constantinople, December 6. King Milan, of Servia, has rejected the counter-proposals pot forward by Prince Alexander in reply to the Servian terms of peace. • (Received December 7, 1.30 p.m.) The Elections. London, Decembers. The Liberals have secured 31 f seats. Conservatives, 244; Parnellites, 67.

AUSTRALIAN.

[bECTEB’s TELEGRAMS COPT BIGHT.) H.U.B. Nelson. Stditst, Yesterday. H.M.S. Nelson sails for Nev Zea land to-day, . Political. On the motion of Sir John Robert son the Legislative Assembly has ad journed until December 9, in order to prevent Government from proceeding with business. Death. Übuoubots, Yesterday, The death is announced of Air I. B, Were, C.M.G. Federation. Adblaidk, Yesterday. Government have abandoned the idea of passing the Federal Council Enabling Bill this session, and the colony will consequently not be repre sented at Hobart next month.

THE AS HE 0 ETON (HSABDLAJS, MONDAY, DEOaMBERjg7, 1885



Wanted. WANTED —a General Servant. Apply Office of thia paper. 12 120 WANTED —A General Servant for the country. Office of this Pape* I 12 115 WAN ifil-'—(enders for filling ahiunlf ab; ut 4.500 cu oc yards. Specifi cations »t Mr Ic-pnin’a Itoyal Hoi el GRIFFIN A>D KHNKTT >2 o*2 i A.'N I D -Tenders for lim v»*eti:<i. Vt 150 acres u: rye l.COu i acres of oais. Particulars app!y io Max FrIUDL 4NDKK. 12 05



'RAOT from New Zealand Gazette 'V, Bth October, 18S5- CLAIMS UNDER FOREST TREES PLANTING ENCOURAGEMENT ACTS.



WANTED Known The Cheapest House in Town for first class Millinery and Drapery, H. 0. Skokbs, East street. WANTED to dispose of a ficst-class Fnrnituro Business fronting on East street and Taurred street.—J. Mekch 12 105 i ANTED KNuWN —Kobkkt Eiatom, V| rim Busier, Tukatpicai. aokni , vto., town clan, Asnourtou. I'lieatnui -utupaiJioe and other* visiting Ashoutto. ta-jula communicat* with the a bow ■ctiere by posi or telegram promptly attend: d to ’ 7t>'- VTKW Fruit just arrived by steamer, I\l new currants, 6d per lb ; new iai sms, 7d per lb; new sultanas, 8d per ib ; new tigs, 8d per box; white sugar, d 3 per lb; mixed biscuits, 6d per Ib ; fresh but ter, 7d —»t MoGbboob s, Tancrsd street. W ANTED Known— Orders lor Christ | mas and New Year’s Cake are being booked at the lowest possible price, by VV. Nobbish, Freetrade Bakery, East street, Ashburton. . _ > WANTED Known —Vuwa again ! What, the price of wheat! No But the price of meat. Lamb, fore quarters, 2s 6d; hind quarters, 3s 6d. Best sausages in the town, 5d per Id, at Baker and Co s, London Butchery, Tan oredstreet. It 971 WANTED Known — That ioayjjs aai> Co. has bought IUO9 yards superior Velveteen, all shades, from Is; dress goods grand value, worm 2s, now Is; iaaies' jaoxets, cost 25s €d, now 4a 6a ; hats and bonnets halt-price ; winceys, 1 yard «ide, 6d ; iatnes* ulsters, 2s lid. 6a?



General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, sth October, 1885. Notice.—“ The Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act Amendment Act 1871,” and “ The Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1872,” having been repealed, it is requested that all out standing claims in pursuance of those Acts, and of any regulations made thereunder, may be sent In to the office of the Com missioner of Crown Lauda for the district in which' plantations have been made, fore the 31st day of December next. J BALLAISCB JO 873 Minister of lauds. PARTNERSHIP NOTICE. THE undersigned has much pleasure i stating that he has admitted Mr JOHN ANDREW MACP9ERSON into Partnership with him, and that the bus! ness will in future be carried on under the style or firm of ZOOCH & MACPHERSON, Auctioneers, Land, Estate and Stock Salesmen, Valuators, etc, W. H. ZOUCH. Auctioneer. . Every description of Agency Business, Sales In Town and Country, Valuation* and Commissions undertaken on the most reasonable terms. Tbe usual Saturday Market Sales will be ma ‘e as attractive as possible, and farmers may rely npon their stock and produce realising the HIGHEST MARKET VALUE, at a minimum coat. ‘ No yard ees charged when sales are effected.



ZOUCH & MAGPHERSON AUCTIONEERS, &c. BEWARE! BEWARE!! OF IMITATIONS. ASK FOR BOULT’S TONIC Herbal .Beer. None Genuine except that bearing my label. Try it! Try it!! It is one of the Best Medicinal and Summer Tonics ever offered to the Public. Delivered in Ashburton at 2a per dozen Bottles not returned will be charged for. T. HOULT, ■ EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 11 8 Di Speer’s PRIVATE DISPENSARY, Palmer •ton Buildings, Foot of Queen street, Auckland. Established for tbe Scientific and Speedy Cnre of Chronic, Nervous, and Special Diseases. Dc Speer is a regu lar Graduated Physician, educated at Harvard College, C.B. He has devoted a lifetime to, and is acknowledged to be the most expert Physician in hia specially in the United States. Young men and Middle-aged Men, who suffer from N er vons and Physical Debility, Lou oi Energy and Memory, Eruptions on tbe Face, Mental Depression, Kidney and Bladder Troubles, Neuralgia, Rheuma tism, Scrofula, Salt Rheum, Paralysis, Fits, Spinal Disease, St Vitus’ Dance, Liver Complaint, Asthma, Catarrh, Heart Disease, Gravel, Piles, etc , and are tired of taking mineral drugs, will do well to come and try the Doctor's method of cure —as it will, if properly applied, relieve them of their sufferings and restore them to health. The D< ctor uses no mineral preparations; his treatment consists wholly in tbe use of vegetable remedies hlanj are they who bate imolaoted in their ays ' tem, by improper use of calomel, seed, which produce an annual crop of diaeau i To such he would s«y,comeand be heaU-d It matters not what your troubles may be, come and let the Doctor examine your ■.;, case. If it is curable, he will tell you ' so; if it is not, he will tell you that; for he will not undertake a case unless he is confident of effecting a cure. It wilt cost yon nothing for consultation, so please call and satisfy yourselves that the Doctor understands your case. Dr Cores Humors and Diseases of the Blo«id To ladies who are afflicted by any of the - following complaints,—Cold extremities, Weak stomachs, lame and weak backs, - nervous and sick headaches, constipation phd indigestion, pain in the side and back - Jsoohorrea, etc, etc—l wish it distinctly * . QAdentood that I do not claim to perform impossibilities, or to have a miraculous ■ * power. All applying to me will receive my honest opinion of their complaints. No experimenting. I will guarantee a 1 positive core in every case I undertake, «r forfeit L2OO. Consultation in Office •otby letter, FREE. Charges Moderate. .; Examination end Advice LX. Call or ad- Dr BL J. Speer, Palmerston Buil dings, Auckland, New Zealand. Office Moon: 9to 12,1 to 4,6 to 8 p.m.; Suu s Amym. 10 to 12 -V B. All Medicines no for t> plcte cure ess be sent



WANTKL) Jvnown—lhat B. Lanoas ibj* will out his family orders direct from the Freezing Chamber, in Ciaat street, on and after November 1, when hie customers can rely on well-uung meat and tree from flyblows. —ii. Juan castsb, it eady-Money Meat Mart, Bui aett aiteet, and Somerset Butchery, hast attest. ' 9 632 WANTED Known—vvertheim Sew ing Machines can be bad on Time Bayiueuta at the New Zealand Clotuing factory's Branch, Jtast street, Ashburton. A NTKD Known —To the Ladies of Ashburton and surrounding dis tricts and the public in general. Mr J. MoXsoa, Impermeable Bootmaker, has re ceived a large shipment of French, Bog ush and Herman ladies’ shoes, buitoE op and elastic sides, great choice, now for inspection, wmoh J. MoisOu intends dis posing ot at reasonable rales curing the coming holidays, ms own make always on hand or made to order, iiepaiciug cone with care and promptitude. Colo nial boots of all Kinds. Next to the Club, Tauoreu street, Aauburiun. 10 Bbo 227 b



■Special Advert ißemaacß. .boating, k. lTitA A'BjiKlviiiio AISIJ 6o£^ijiitY> o -in i’ (lieCcmber 2), the uuderaigned WlliLi obihAl bis ox •eusive grounds, on the W akauui road, to visitors uuu picnicpatties. Iha Garden u replete with every variety ut fruit, plea sant lounges and anady walks. The boat tag is in every respect excellent, Special arrangements made lor the reception ol private picnic parties, school children auu other laige numbers of visitors. Admission, ttd; boating, is an hour, boatuiau extra ; icesb fruit, lowest price. 11 7d n. HUAI'. ■



Bees. Bees. Bee s. WaX. W-aX W*X. HlVJsis. HlVkio. b'roru la 6d eaca at cQa Steam bull, Door ana Cabinet Works, Wattaaui road, Ashburton. i. Jdi. Kill WURTH, J 1 bl Pioprie.or. M P O R T A JS 1. me -an hranciaco hi ail leaves Ashburton . ovemoer 7tb, and reaches Liuuaon about December 18th, and ail who wish to re member their Home friends bad better apply to T. F. FaBLo-Y, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and .Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton, FOB CHRISTMAS OaRDS I cards i i curtis imas cards i : i 1 splendid assurtuient is now open, and inspection is solicited. SCUuui. PRIZES — A large shipment having just come to band, * cbool Committees are respect fully requested to make -an early selection. liiomas Jb\ Parley, BOuKSELLBR, BTC., Corner of aaunders’ Building, Ashburton



Special Advertisements. Mount hutt road board DISTRICT. Notion 14 hereby given that it is the intention of the Mount Hutt Road *'oarc! at itk next meeting, on F IDAY, De cember 11. to Strike a Rate of (Jd) one farthing in the £ on all the rateable pro oerty in the District for the period ending vl*rch 31. 1886, and payable in one in intent on J-»nu»rv 8, )BS6 .ho Rate Hook isopen tor i; speotios at the Road Board Office, Methven. julian Jackson, Chairman. j Mount Butt Road Board Office, Methven, November 25, 1885 H 6



FOR Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, etc. K A IT’S Compound of Linseed, Ani seed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, etc, with Chlrrodyne. KaY’3 Compound, a demulcent ex pectorant, for Coughs, Colds and *'nest Complaints. KA Y> Compound, for .Coughs am’ Colds, is equally serviceable for •torses and Cattle. KaY’S Tic Pills, a specific in Neu ralgia, Face Ache, etc. Contains Quinine. Iron, etc. COAGULINE —• Cement for Broken Articles. Sold everywhere. Sole makers— KAY BROS., 101 Stocknort, England



Christmas Cards. Christmas and New Year Cards, 1385-6. H. J. WOOD * CO. Respectfully invite the attention of their valued Customers, and the public gene* rally to their very choice assortment of Christmas Cards now ready for transmls* sion by outgoing mails. In our new season—lßßs-86 —Christmas and New Year Caros are included OVER 3,000 NEW DESIGNS From the world-renowned firms of John Walker & Co. Raphael Tuck and Sons Marcus Ward & Co. Thomas De La Rue and Co. Hildesheimer and Fauluner Eyre and Spottis woode Sydney J. Saunders and Co Marion and Co. L. Prang and Co., Boston, C.S. And several other Publishers attempt a description of the various I aorta of gems in Hand-painted Pal ettes, Shields, and Scrolls, Ivory and Satin, Natural Flowers and Ferns, Photo graphs (colored), Ohromo Cards in the moat delicate shades, Pearl and Shell moUßted Souvenirs, etc., would require coo much space in Print, but we feel con fident that, for Beauty and Artistic Skill, the whole Assortment will be found second to none in New Zealand. We have also a fine assortment of Aus tralian and New Zealand Hand-painted and Photo and Ohromo Cards by Cele brated Colonial Artists, suitable for en closing to friends by the Borne Mail. Now landed ex a.s. lonic and s.s. Rim utaka, 29 cases of new books including the new serial volumes—Boys Own Annual, Girls Own Annual, and about 20 others. Also a very fine shipment of fancy station ery, photo albums, scrap albums, ladies* hand bags, desks, workboxes, purses, and curd oases, photo frames. We have a larger and better assorted stock of School Prize Books and sell cheaper than any house in JS. ~ whole sale and retail. Orders by post or through our Ashburton Branch shall have our best attention. H. J. WOOD AND CO., Stationers’ Hall, 240 High street, Christchurch, and at Timara and Ashburton.



IJIHB NEW ZEALAND Olotbiug Factory CONTRACTORS To " j New Zealand Government Roil ways, Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &o. &o. dta. Are now prepared to enter into contracts for the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditious maqner. ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shortest notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE -Measures for all uniforms may J oe entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. : Clothing Factory branches in the lollop ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth Oamaru Greymouth Napier Wsimate Reef ton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Bastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland



Victorian' Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STREJL & SOW WISH to intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on theit w**rk efficiently, are now in a position to meet the demands oi the public with a firet-class article at priced to suit the times. Every description of Carriages and Traps made. Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whiter hapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Betrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support in this department, beg to intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now in a p sition to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. "pecial attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds oi Machinery, including iJombines, Engines, Reaper and Binders and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; 6s. 8 416 ‘Victoria House. /■'f BAND DISTRIBUTION OF BOHEMIAN GLASS VASES, Etc., To Purchasers of Farce’s amounting to IBN SHILLINGS AND ONE POUND. Articles to be Exhibited in Wicdows In a few days. Presents equal to a reduction of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND, to be distribute 4 upon arrival. Dimant and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ago, EtfftTfbd Ttoorad AAtabioo.



Special Advertisements. NDON BUTCHERY. Tanored Street, Ashburton. W. Baker and To., BUTCHER Beg to inform their customers, the public of Ashburton, sod surrounding districts, .hat they are supplying :he Primest Meat it Christchurch Pnc.-s FOR CASH ONLY. Lamb, fore quarter ... 2s 6d Lamb, hind-quarter ... 3s 61 | Boast Beef from 3d Corned Baef from 2Ad Mutton from Ijd Sausages ... ... front' 4d Small Goods of every description at equally low rates. 11 970



FIREWOOD DEPOT. R. S, Bean Begs to inform the inhabitants of Ash burton that he still continues to deliver NEWCASTLE. WESTPORT, AND BROOKFIELD OOaL at lowest rates. Firewood, Post and Rails, Stakes Etc., Potatoes Chaff, Oats, Bran, Sharps, Etc R. 8. BEAN, g 419 West street.



U B L I 0 NOTICE. MESSRS SFENSLEY & 00., Mnaio Warehousemen, i CHRIS rCHUROfI, Have appointed T. F. Farley, Book* seller, Stationer and Pripter, Ashburton, their Agent for the sale of Pianos, Harmoniums, American Organs, and have supplied him with a large stock of Sheet Music, comprising the latest and most nopular Songs, Duets, Piece Music, Dances, etc. ; also, Violins, Cornets, Flutes, Accordians, Violin Bows, Concer tinas, etc. Pianos, American Organs and Harmoniums sold upon deferred pay ments. Easy terms granted- A splendid stock now on view at T. F. Faklkt’s Music Warehouse, Saunders’s Buildings, Ashburton. More than 3,000 sheets ot music now on hand. 8 288



riOB CHRISTMAS SEASON. SPECIAL TO SCHOOLS AND COMMITTEES. I have just unpacked a Large Casa of New and Carefully Selected REWARD & PRESENTATION BOOKS Which I can dispose of at very low Prices, having made special arrangement for the Christmas Season. Inspection Respectfully Invited. Will Open Shortly Bazaar! Bazaar!! TOYS AND FANCY GOODS. R. Bevan, STATIONER BOOKSELLER, &c., (Next Shop t(. Quill's Sotel) Saunders’ Buildings,



ateuloo dining-rooms* XaUCrOQ B«rcOv| HaUOUrvDKlf Samuel limmo, The proprietor, in announcing the above terms, begs Xo inform tho public that for respectability, regularity, and the quality of accommodation and food the aoove dining-rooms car not be ex celled —being under his own personal Tancred street, Ashburton, Proprietor. Hoard and Lodging, Board only 17s per week supervision and attention. 8 446



Australian mercantile union insurance COMPANY. The only Company in Oantebboby WHICH DID NOT RaISB RATES 33J FEU CENT ON COUNTEY RISKS. We aks wow, as we have been fob THE FAST thbee ybaks, aoceftino bisks AT 25 FEB CENT OFF TAKIFF. W. if. MOSS, Agent for Ashburton District. September 22, 1885. 9 615 HAVING purchase! the Asphalting. Plant and Business formerly carried on ey Mr James Bradley, I am in a posi tion to execute any orders 1 mry bp favored with. All asphalt work guaranteed. Ranges taken out and re-set in the bea possible manner. Jobbing work in gene ral done. J Crum, OPPOSITE CONVENT, Wakanui Road. Orders may be left with Mr J. C. Duncan, Old Now Zealand Bank. 10 799



American Co.’s Hop Bitters strengthens, builds up and cures continually, from the first dose. Be sure and sse That husband of mine is three times the man he was before ne began using “ Wells Health Ren ewer.” Druggists. The N.Z- Drug Co.. G«uera Agents. 3 Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter Chemist. Christchurch, for 10 or 44 stamps. Now money is sojscarce it behoves every one to be on the alert and endeavor to make there twenty shillings go as far as possible. One glance at H. JS. May and Co. ’s advertise meat, which appears in our columns this even ing, should convince one and ell that the pro prietors of The Hall, High street, Christ churchy ate determined to do their part. The prices quoted for the various items are, we be lieve, lower than on any prew tus occasion, and should induce all buyers ofDtap ryand Cloth ineto giwrf



Force of habit—Care is required in the formation of habit, seeing its important bearing on character. Many characters are spoiled through inattention to the moat ordinary and simple matters Some drink tea and coffee from, mere force of habit, “because it is usual to do so,” of the penalty oftentimes of nervousness and indigestion. Cadbury’s Cocoa Essence contains the refreshing properties of tea and coffee, with additional advantages! over those beverages, whilst it produces ffoae dl their injurious j



Wells’|"-Rooguon Corns.”—Ask for Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” Quick reliels complete, permanent cure. Corns, - wan bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., Genera u Agents. ‘‘ German Syrup.”—No other medicine in he world was ,ever given such ajftest of u curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup, In three years two million fbor hundred Shoos Sind small bottles of this medicine state 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 discuses of the throat and luugs, giving the afflicted undeniable prooft that German Syrup wilt core them. The rc suit has been that Druggists in every town nd vllage in civilised countries are recommending* it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles fid. , Regular siaa.tt, fid. Thr^e wmM'