SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Rotomahana, a. s., from Melbourne via Sooth. Penguin, b. b., from Nelson, Picton and Wellington Saße.d- Yesterday. Rotomahapa, s.s., for Wellington and Northern porta. Penguin, s. a. for Dunedin. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—The U.S.S. Iroquois, for Val paraiso,; Loch Fergus, for Uamaiu; Wai rarapa, for the South ; Hawea, for the South. ■Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Rotorua, from the South; Wakatipu, from the South ; Mabinapua, from Qreymouth; Kiwi, from the East Coast- . Sailed—Southern Cross, for Auckland via the East Coast'; Rotomahana, for Auckland via the West Oosst; Wakatipu, for Sydney; Kennedy, for Neleon and the West Coast; Kiwi, for Castlepoint and Napieir ; Mahinapua, for Dunedin. Cleared but—Pleione, ship, for Lon don. Timsbu, Yesterday. Sailed—-Bells, barque, for Newcastle ; Koranui, for Lyttelton. Dunedin, Yesterday. Sailed—Atlantic, barque, for Lyttelton.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, F.iday afternoon, Thelollowing is the Christchurch Corn Ex change report for the week ending Friday, i6th inst Operations in grain and produce for the past week have been o< very small dimensions, and the remarks of the previous week apply equally well lor this.: The weather has not been all-that could be desired for a speedy har vest, y,et|h Some distric s crops of oats are so well forward as to necessitate utting, and deli veries may be expected to take place within the next week! or two. Although the late heavy mins have been pretty general all over the pro vince very little real injur y to standing grain has resulted, so that with a good spell ot fair weather an abundant harvest should be gathered, while the tendency of the Home market continues to give an earnest of better prices than was a t'cipated a short time ago. The following are the week’s quotations ; Wheat—Tuscah, 3s; pearl and Hunter’s, 3s 2d to 3s 4d f.0.b.; chick feed, is 6d to 2S. Cats—Prime milling, 2sßd; bright short feed, 2s 4d to 2s 6d ; long *ats, 2s to 2s 3d, f.o.b. Bariev—Malting, 3s 6d to 4s ; feed, 2s to 2s 3d, Christchurch. Butter and Cheese—6d to 6}£d lor the former, and the latter 4d to f.o b.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuisday, January 20. Messrs - Matson, Cox and G>. , at the Ashburton Saleyards— Stock Saturday, January 17 JUr Thos. Bul'ock, at the Arcade, Burnett Street--Horses, Farm Implements, etc. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Friday, January 16. Horticultural Society Meeting at the A 1 cade Chambers ; 8 p.m. Monday, Jahuaky 19 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Monday, January 26. Meeting of Householders for Borough School Committee Election. Friday, February 6 isobarton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Manga Est Veritas et Prevalebit FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 1885. Skye Crofters.

The Otago Caledonian Society has, we are informed, forwarded to Mr Gladstone a letter on the subject of encouraging the emigration of Skye crofters to Otago. The text of this letter, so far as we know, has not been made public; in fact we have no details beyond the somewhat ambiguous tele gram published in our issue of Saturday last, but our acquaintance with the exuberant patriotism of our Southern friends, allows of little doubt in our mind that the Society has strongly urged the English Premier to facilitate the agitators’ removal to this colony. Should this suggestion be acted upon, and the crofters avail themselves of the opportunity offered for emigration, Mr Gladstone would probably hail with Ministerial satisfaction so happy a solu tion of this latest social upheaval. There is, too, no reason to apprehend that the crofters themselves —at least the real sufferers, as distinguished from the professional agitators—would be immovably adverse to bettering them selves by following the footsteps of many of their successful compatriots in this colony. There can also be little doubt that the sturdy Islanders, who are conducting “ the revolt in Skye ” withgall the characteristic passive de termination of their race, would make thrifty and desirable colonists. The character of the “ rebellion ” —to use the magniloquent phrase by which some of our contemporaries distinguish the agitation—has been very much misrepresented by a section of the Eng lish press. The Home Secretary has of course with all becomiig official vagueness practically expressed his sympathy with the crofters, and the English Cabinet has pledged itself to formulate some measure for their relief. These recognitions should reassure the minds of those persons who have con ceived the immigrants sought by the Otago Caledonian Society to be con freres of the Invincibles and similar social pests. If additions are to be made to our population from the laboring classes of Great Britain, we think they might be advantage ously -drawn from the disaffected crofters. However, we do not antici pate that the suggestion of the Society, a philanthropic but irresponsible body, will result in more than a benignantly worded note, possibly bearing the Premier’s own autograph, from one of Mr Gladstone’s private secre taries. Had the Society prevailed upon the New Zealand Govern ment to endorse their suggestion, it is possible that it would have borne fruit; but probably our Ministry would feel some diffidence, at this junc ture, in offering special inducements to a large body of immigrants of this class. Fires.

During the past few weeks many -thousand pounds worth of property have been destroyed in New Zealand by fire. We appear to have reached one of those recurrent periods when the insatiable element asserts its power. We have never had an opportunity to examine statistics on the subject, but have no hesitation in stating that the losses by fire in this colony are in ordinately large. The fact that the majority of these losses are covered by insurance, while undoubtedly a pallia tion to the immediate sufferers, does not obviate the calamities but merely distributes their effect—properly burnt is irrecoverably gone, and someone is made so much the poorer by its dis appearance. The bulk of these fires are doubtless the results of accidents ; we still be’ieve that incendiarism is not a prevalent crime. But while happy in the enjoyment of this tenacious faith in the probity of our fellow-men, we can didly admit a strong conviction that many of the recent conflagrations have been the results of culpable negligence, —negligence for which the Insurance companies doing business in the colony are largely lesp'onsible. Those companies in their struggle for business have regarded quan tity as an indispensable condition, and have not infrequently in the ardent pursuit of that sine qua non allowed their zeal to exceed their prudence. Properties have been insured to their fullest value, and owners have reflected, as we have heard them affirm, that they were fully insured, and they have re laxed those constant precautionary measures which any man taking a fair share of his own risk would have rigor ously observed. And yet in the face of enormous losses, the insurance busi ness in this colony is evidently a lucra tive one. The reason is not far to seek. The premiums are adjusted with no more regard for equitable condi tions than are the risks. The cautious insurers, in addition to paying for the careless and the criminal ones, provide handsome dividends for the share holders in the Companies. The remedy is a more difficult problem. The exist ing Companies are all more or less as sociated with interests which do not leave them ..quite unencumbered. Nor could one institution venture to move alone in this matter. Except in the case of fully detached buildings the character of the insured is only a partial protection, and the proximity of an un desirable risk would vitiate one which otherwise might be of the highest character. The Companies must move together, and it they firmly adhered to to a determination to inspect and under-insure every risk offered to them, accidents of this description would be considerably lessene?£Sind premiums would ultimately be much reduced

The Ins ector’a reports on the Ashbm ton and other schools were la'd on the table at yesterday’s meeting of the North Canterbury Education Board. The report on the Ashburton school will probably reach the local Committee this evening, and we understand that a special meeting of the members will be held to consider it previous to the annual elections. At a meeting of ratepayers held in Christchurch last night, a resolution agreeing with the proposal of the City Council to borrow L 25,000 for necessary and permanent works in the city, was carried.

A slight shock of earthquake was felt in different parts of the colony about 6.10 p.m. yesterday. The civil business at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning was un usually small, the defendants in a number of cases set down for hearing, having con sented to judgment out of Court. On Tuesday next a Conference will take place between representatives from the County and Borough Councils, in respect to the construction of the Ashburton traffic bridge. Every visitor to Balmoral has seen old “Wullie Blair,” who was particular to remind one that i.he was “the Queen’s Highland fiddler.” The old man, who had attained the ripe age of ninety, died last week, and thus another of the characters who are associated with the happy Highland days of our Quean and her husband has vanished. Blair had lived on the estate during the wh de per iod of its possession by the Queen. It cannot be said of him that he was a great musician, although his stock of reels and old Scottish airs was well nigh inexhaust ible. Such profound loyalty as his is peculiarly Scotch, and his gentleness of disposition and keen sense of humor was far in advance of that of the average of his class in and about Balmoral. It is said that the Queen will bear the expense of a simple but tasteful tablet to his memory. The Hon Mr Stout passed through Ashburton by the express train from the South last evening en route for Welling ton.

The Timaru Herald of this morning says : —ln the case of the Samoan Group particularly, there are present smoulder ing embers of anarchy which may break out into a Hume at any moment, and im peratively demand the interfereuce of some civilised Power. Mr Davidson, the Borough valuator, has completed the compilation of the rate roll, and the document is now lying at the Borough Council Chambers lor in spection by those interested. Mr W B. Hood, of Mount Somers, still shares with Mr Little, of Christchurch, the premier position in the intercolonial draughts tournament The tournament wii* be completed to day, and we hope v> e shall have the pleasure to announce the victory of the local representative. We understand that summonses have be:n issued against a number of bur gesses who have omitted to pay their rates. The cases will come before the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Friday, the 23rd instant. Messrs E. G. Wright and John Grigg were yesterday re-elected representatives of the North Canterbury Education Board on the Ashburton High School Board. Owners of horses are reminded that entries for the Lower Hoathcote Races, which take place on January 24th, close at the Wharf hotel, Woolston, to night, at 9 o’clock. A meeting of members of the Early Closing Association was held at the Odd fellows’ Hall on Wednesday evening last. There was a very good attendance. Mr W. Tennant occupied the chair, and in a somewhat lengthy speech strongly advo cated the claims of the Association, and stated that he was in favor of the Secre tary placing himself in communication wl h all similar societies in the colony, with a view of securing the support 01 members of Parliament to a Bill regulat ing the hours of labor in shops and work rooms. Mr w insor thought they had better put local matters on a more satis factory footing first. Mr Allison said the Association had done excellent work up to the present, which had nearly, if not quite, pat a stop to late shopping, and he proposed that the Association redouble its efforts to effect the end they had in view. This was seconded by Mr W. Hamburger, and carried unanimously. After some busi ness of a routine character, and a vote of thanks to the Ohairman, the meeting ad journed until Wednesday next.

Soma little amusement was caused in Court this morning, during the hearing of a charge of drunkenness and vagrancy against a very old offender named Evans alias “Piccola Charley.” He described himself as a painter and m usician, and called a witness from the body of the Court to prove that he had done work some years previously. This fact appeared to weigh with the worthy R.M. until the evidence of Sergeant Felton threw some light upon the career of the unfortunate man. In vain “Piccolo” pleaded that he had worked up till last Christmas, and had spent his holidays in Christchurch but had never been interfered with by the police of that city. He concluded by say ing that unfortunately he played a whistle, and because he was not allowed to play the instrument in the hotel, ho was locked up for playing it in the street, Sergeant Felton, however, produced a long list of convictions for vagrancy and drunken ness, amounting to nearly 40, and in every case the Sergeant said “ there was not a penny piece in the pockets of the accused when arrested.” Incarceration in Lyttel ton Gaol for one week and an additional term of three months with hard labor in the same establishment, caused a look of despondency to cover the face of Evens as he was removed from the Court. A meeting of the Horticultural Society takes place this evening at the Arcade Chambers. As the report of the Sub- Committee will be read, a full meeting of members is requested. Very marked improvements have been effected in the arrangement of the Public Library since the Borough Council as sumed control of the institution. The book shelves are now neatly and methodi cally arranged, and w;th Mr Braddell’s ever ready assistance there is no difficulty in finding the volumes required. A second table has been placed in the read ing room, and ample accommodation is thus afforded to the large supply of papers and periodicals. We hope the burges-.es will show their appreciation of the efforts made for their entertainment by becom ing subscribers.

Weakness and sickness changed to health and strength with Hop Bitters always. Sec,— [Auvt.] Wells’ “Rough on Corns.”—Ask for Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” Quick relisf, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warls bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents, 3 Flies and Bugs.—Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats.” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 Holloway’s Pills.—The chiefest wonder of modern times.—This incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatulency, purifes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout the globe astonishes everybody, and a single tria convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove ijdl complaints incidental to the human race, They arc a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of thejjblood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and gentle aperitive action ate the prolific sources of the extensive curative range of Holloway’s Pills. AdvbJ 3

RESIDENT MAQISTRTE’S COURT. ■ ♦— SOUTH RAKAlA— Yesterday. (Before H. 0. S. Baddeloy, Esq., R.M.) f Breach of the Weights and Measures 3 Acr. A. Chamberlain, for having un stamped weights in his possession, was ■ fined LI and coats 7a, the weights to be forfeited.—J. Daly, charged with having ; unstamped weights was also fined LI and 7a costs, the scales to be forfeited —The Bench said that in future they would in flict heavy fines. CattleatLarge —D. Rieley was charged with allowing a bull to wander at large on the public road. Ho pleaded guilty, but said it broke out of his paddock. Fined LI and costs 7s.—Morris Brown, charged with the same offence, was fined LI and coats 7s. —William Street, for allowing a horse tc wander, was fined 7s 6 > and costs 7s,—Wm. Shannon, for allowing a cow to wander on the public road, was fined 5s and costa 7s.—T. Cronin, for allowing two horses to be at large, was fined 10s and costs 7s. CIVIL CASES. E. Edgington v T. Betts, claim 10s for work done.—Judgment for amount claimed and costs. Morgan and Hibba r P. Drummond, claim Lll lid Bd.—Mr Wilding appeared for defendant, and the plaintiff was non suited.

ASHBURTON— To-day. (Before H. 0. S. Baddeley, Fsq„ R.M.) Drunkenness. John O’Connell, re manded from Monday last for medical treatment, was fined 5s and costs with the alternative of twenty-four hours’imprison ment.— A first offender was fined 10a and coats —John Tobin, an old offender, was fined 40s with the alternative of six days’ imprisonment. Vagrancy and Drunkenness. —Chas. Evans, alais “ Piccolo Charley ” was brought up, charged with being a rogue and a vagabond. Sergeant Felton proved that the accused had been arrested no less than fourteen times for vagrancy and twenty for drunkenness. The accused pleaded hard to have one more chance given him, and he would leave the town forthwith. His Worship said that it would be useless giving him another chance, as he had promised so oDen pre viously to reform. The accused said he never stole anything in his life, and he was arrested merely for playing the piccolo. The accused was fined 60s, with the alternative of a week’s imprisonment 1 for being drunk ; for vagrancy three months’ imprisonment with hard labor. Larceny of a Watch.—J. L. Ham mond and John Tobin were charged with 1 stealing a watch, the property of J. , Adams. The police asked for a remand 1 until to-morrow morning, which was granted. i CIVIL CASES. > Jones and Bradshaw v Cairncross, claim L 24 Cs 3d.—Mr Wilding for the plaintiffs. i —Judgement by default for the amount claimed ard costs. . A number of other civil cases on the > list were settled out of Court.

GAZETTE NOTICES.

Wellington, Yesterday. The following Volunteer appointments are gazetted :—E Battery of Artillery, Walter Edward Hacon to be Honorary Surgeon ; Christchurch City Guards Rifle Volunteers, Rev Thomas Flavell to be Honorary Chaplain ; South Dunedin Rifle Volunteers, Fredk. George O’Dell to bo Lieutenant; Bruce Rifle Volunteers, William Moore to bo Lieutenant; East Taieri Rifle Volunteers, Robert Smith to be Lieutenant. The resignation of Lieu tenant Johnston, of the Sydenham Rifles, has been accepted.

GOLD RETURNS.

Wellington, Yesterday. The following is a return of the quan tity and value of gold exported from the colony for the year ended December 31st : - Ounces. Value.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES.

Wellington, Yesterday. The fallowing return shows the num ber of persons arriving at, and departures from the different New Zealand ports during the year ended 31st December, 1884 : ARRIVALS.

It is important to mention that in the returns from which this table is made up, immigrants to the colony are all counted at the first port of arrival and emigrants at the final port of departure.

CUSTOMS RETURNS.

Wellington, Yesterday. The following are the Customs returns for the Quarters ending December 31st, 1883 and' 1884 D strict. 1884. 1883.

THE SAMOAN ISLANDS.

The Samoan or Navigator Group ex tends over four degrees of longitude. There are ton Inhabited islands, extend ing from Ta’u, the easternmost to Saaii, the most western island. The three largest- islands are visible one from the other. They are lofty and volcanic, being a chain of extinct craters. &i their beauty and fertility no adequate concep tion can be formed by those who have not seen them. Savaii is the largest of them, being somewhere about 250 miles round, with a height approaching 4,U00 feet. It is of conical form, and rises from the sea like a vast dome of green vegetation. There is only one harbor for large ships on Savaii, but a great trade is conducted around its coast by small schooners owned by the merchants of Apia, in the neigh boring islands. There are a number of Europeans on Savaii, probably not less than 100 ; they are chiefly English, em ployed in the purchase of kopra from the natives, although some are engaged in cotton planting. The population of the whole Samoan Group, which amounts to about 40,000, more than one-third reside upon Savaii. Nevertheless, only along the coast line and for a few miles inland is it inhabited, the interior being a mere wilderness of the most gorgeous tropical vegetation; groves, dense even to darkness, of palms and plantaions, citrons and man gos, bread fruit everywhere, and wild yams trailing themselves into a matted jungle. On the flanks of the great mountains are tracts of forest, in which a man might wander for weeks without finding his way out, of the most valuable timber! trees, of gigantic size. These forests are traversed by ravines, with innumerable waterfalls fur the turning of sawmills, and streams for the floatage of logs. In these wood land wastes, seldom penetrated by the natives, except for the purpose of boar hunting or pigeon-catching, are to be found growing in abundance many indi genous products as yet unregarded by traders, such as : ginger, the true nutmeg of commerce, a sort of wild fibre, which, in its manner of growing out of a pod, resembles cotton, but in lustre is equal to silk, and which has never yet been utilised, in any way, though it grows in patches of sometimes hundreds of acres in extent; and various species of cane of the trailing kind, among them the true Bate, or rattan of the West Indies, which is used for so great a variety of purposes, and in many parts of the world constitutes an impor tant article of commerce. There are upon the island many horses of a very good breed imported from Sydney. Cattle in like manner do remarkably well, and are increasing rapidly. Neither in their case nor in that of the horse, has the stock deteriorated from change of climate. As concerns the rear ing of sheep, it does not appear that the experiment has been tried ; but goats do well. Swine are in great plenty ; they are likewise wild in the forests, where they grow to a large size and are exceed ingly fierce. There are few diseases in digenous to Samoa, which is, without ex ception, one of the healthiest climates in the world. The natives are intelligent, honest, and peaceable. The centre of commercial operations upon the Samoan Group is situated at Apia, on the north coast of Upolu. Here is a large harbor presenting accommodation for a very great number of ships. The trade of the port is very considerable. The natural resources of the island of Upolo are very great. Large tracts of sugarcane and maizs are cultivated by the Germans ; they have also planted coffee with great success, and rice of a kind enormously prolific, which is grown upon elevated plateaux without Irrigation, it being a species not requiring to be flooded at any time with water. Some years ago a Ger man firm purchased from the natives about 25,000 acres of valuable land. The greater portion of this property is situated upon Upolo, and consists of a triangular block extending nearly five miles along the sea coast.— N.Z. Herald.

MAIL ITEMS.

The Rev Joseph Cook is lecturing in San Francisco. One of his themes is “Ultimate America,” In which he pointed out rocks ahead of the Republic, and caused some excitement. The Florida ffeivs is of opinion that if the tobacco clause in the Spanish American Treaty be ratified, Key West is a doomed city. It would cause every one of the many cigar factories to shut up. Michael Dineen, an “assisted” emi grant, made a deposition in Worcester, Massachusetts, on December 24th, that he was by a young physician named Connolly to assassinate a landlord’s agent named Carroll, at Bruff, Ireland. Connolly was tried on the charge of conspiring to accomplish the death of Carrol), and ac quitted, owing to the absence of Dineen. Connolly then sued Carroll, claiming heavy damages. A brother of the defen dant Carroll found Dineen in Worcester.

The third Plenary Council of the Roman Catholic prelates of the United States closed at Baltimore on December the Bth. The final ceremonies were marked by great pomp. The questions discussed con cerned the rights of religion and govern ment of the family, reverence for the sanctity of marriag •, and temperance. Decrees have been fiymulated on all these subjects. Dr Young, of the Chronicle newspaper, whose dangerous wounding by a pistol shot was reported last mail, is now said to be in a fair way to recovery. American cigar-makers are holding meetings to oppose that clause of the pro posed Spauish-Amerioau treaty reducing cigars 50 per cent below the present tariff rates. A resolution will be offered in Con gress early in the season, calling for a diplomatic investigation of the action of the French in prosecuting work on the Panama Canal, and declaring in favor of an American policy of predominance. -Several leading Democrats have the matter in charge. The United States Government paid eight million dollars in November for pensions.

Richard Bracken, President of the Wolfe Tone branch of the United Irish men In Philadelphia, has fallen heir to 1,0-o,ooodol. left by an uncle who died reseotfy ia Jfcejjil.

EARTHQUAKE.

Wanganui, Yesterday. A smart shock of earthquake was fe!t here this evening. It lasted some seconds, the direction being from North to South. Napier, To-day. A smart shock of earthquake was felt at 6 11 p.m. yesterday Wellington, Yesterday. . Two shocks of earthquake were felt here at five minutes after six this'evening. It was also felt at Woodville. Blenheim, Yesterday. A smart shock of earthquake was felt at 610 p.m. The vibration was North to South, and lasting nine or ten reconda, followed by a slighter shook half a minute afterwards. The weather is gloomy and threatening. Nelson, Yesterday. Two earthquake shocks were experi enced here about ten minutes past six. Gsbistohdboh, Yesterday. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at C 10 p. m.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE fERDTER’s TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.] Mutual Agreement. London, January 16. In its issue to-day, the Daily TcU gtaph announces that the English and • German Governments have arrived at a definite understanding regarding Samoa, and have mutually agreed to abstain from annexing the island.

Conference-

At the conference of the working men of Great Britain, now being held here, the question of Imperial federa tion was brought up for discussion, and resolutions were adopted declaring that the fiscal and political federation of the Mother Country and the colonies were necessary, and urging its adoption. Many of the speakers declared them* selves strongly in favor of abolishing the Colonial Office. German Steamships. Berlin, January 14. The question of granting subsidies to the steamship companies is still under discussion in the Reichstag. At to-day’s sitting a sub-committee was appointed to consider and to report upon the details of the-scheme. The Government supporters strongly advo cated the establishment with Govern ment aid of a line of mail-steamers to Samoa and Tonga via the Australian colonies as a means of increasing the prestige of the Empire.

AUSTRALIA N

(REOXEK’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.) Blue Ribbon. Sydney, Yesterday. iL T. Booth, Blue Ribbon Mission ary, sailed for Auckland by the Ringa rooma to-day. Shipping. Sailed, this afternoon —Ringarooma, for Auckland ; this evening, Hauroto, for Wellington. Commodore Erskine Commodere Erskine, who has been superseded in command of the Austra lian squadron by Admiral Tryon, has been appointed Commodore of the first class, and his promotion was ack nowledged co-day by a general salute from the warships in the harbor. .

Customo Tariff. Hobart, Yesterday. The Conference between the Victor ian and Tasmanian Ministers with a view to establish a mutual customs tariff is now being held here*, but it is doubtful whether any agreement will be arrived at. Shipping. Arrived, this morning—lonic, from Plymouth, December 6th; no sickness on board, but two deaths occurred during the voyage. Among the pas sengers are 217 emigrants.

(Received January 16, noon.) The Markets. Melbodkn*, To-day. The Melbourne Manager of the Na-' tional Mortgage and Agency Company , of New Zealand (Limited), reports on. the local markets as follows;—Wheat, in fair demand, 3s 8d to 3s pd; malting barley, dull, 4s 4d to 4s rod; New • Zealand oats, feeding sorts slow of sale/ 3s to 3s 4dj milling ditto, 3s 3d to 3s yd; market dull. New Zealand oats under bond, 2s 8d to as rod. Market for kauri timber quiet. (Received January 16th, 1 40 p.m.) Conference of Premiers; Hon James Service recently ad dressed Hon R. Stout regarding the Conference of Premiers which it is proposed should shortly be held, and enquired whether Mr Stout would be able to attend the Conference if held in Melbourne or Hobart, early in February. Mr Stout promised to give a definite reply next week. New Hebrides. Replying to a letter addressed by the General Secretary of the Free Church to Earl Granville, with re ference to the New Hebrides Islands, the Imperial Foreign Secretary states that he considers that the agreement entered into with France regarding those Islands, to be still in force.

TELEGRAMS.

[FKB PBKSS ASSOCIATION.] Competitors. Auckland, Yesterday. J. Fitton and H. Stewart, of the Auck land Bicycle Club, left by the Wairarapa, to compete in the interprovincial bicycle race at Christchurch. Superintendent Hughes also left with the Auckland team of the Fire Brigade, to compete at the Fire Brigade demonstration in Dunedin, Good Prices. Nafjsb, Yesterday. Mr Robert Bobson, on behalf of the Loan and Mercantile, to-day offered by auction the Brookfield Estate, situated four miles from Napier. A large portion of the land was sold at from Ll 7 to L4O per acre. Salcido. A young man named Griffiths, the son of the pioprietor of the Taupo coaches, shot himself atTarawera to-day. ▲ short time since he was charged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court with lunacy, but was discharged. Harbor Poll. The coming harbor pull is the cause of great excitement in both town and country. An overwhelming majority of residents are in favor of tbe work, but owing to the peculiarity of the rating clauses inserted in the act by the Legisla tive Council, every absentee and every ratepayer who does not vote _ counts • against the work. A decision given at . Wellington by Judge Rionraond yester day, has resulted in striking a nunibet of living men of): the roll and restoijng deaf) «W» :

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JaNOaRY 16, 1888.



Auckland 36,087 ,£143.564 Wellington 207 789 Picton 1,058 4,233 Nelson 3,57 7 13.442 Westport 9,265 37,062 Greymoulh 69,938 279,7So Ounaru 1 3 Dunedin 71,218 288,750 Invercargill ... 7,379 23,342 Riverton 229 905 ’ Total 229,946 £921,797 Year 1883 —Total ... 248,574 £993,352



Russell 6 Auckland... ... 6041 Wellington ... 4556 Napier 19 Nelson ... I Westport 2 Greymouth 52 Hoki ika ... 24 Lyttelton ... ... 511 Timaru 16 Oatnaru 6 Dunedin ... ... ... 4330 Invercargill ... 4457 Total ... 20,021 DEPARTURES. Russell 36 Auckland ... 3153 Wellington ... ... 1724 Wanganui ... I Napier ... 50 Picton ... ... ... 1 Westport ... ... 6 Greymouth ... 86 Hokitika ... 9 Lyttelton ... 1219 Timaru 11 Oaraaru ... 14 Dunedin ... 139 Invercargill ... 4251 Total... ...10,700



£ s. d. . £ s. a. Auckland ... 71,092 0 0 71,420 0 O Thames 1,440 0 0 1,607 0 O Russe’I 304 0 c 676 0 O Monronui ... 72 0 0 33 0 O Hokianga ... 158 0 0 101 0 O Knipara ... 291 0 0 515 0 O Tauranga ... 508 0 0 1,001 0 O Poverty Bay. 2.71S 0 0 2,799 0 O N. Plymouth r, 13* 0 0 1,808 0 O Patea 359 0 0 Wanganui ... 2,9'4 0 0 2,979 0 0 Foxton 270 0 0 164 0 O Wellington.. 55,662 0 0 52,562 0 0 Napier 10,161 0 0 11,526 0 O Wairau 2,100 0 0 1,71s 0 O Picton 30 0 0 44 0 O Nelson 9,065 0 0 10,824 0 O Westport 2,601 0 0 3.031 0 0 Greymouth 5,911 0 0 7.125 0 0 Hokitika 4,885 0 0 4 985 0 0 Lyttelton 46.833 0 0 48,685 0 0 Timaru 4,400 0 0 s.015 0 0 Oaraaru 2,824 0 0 2,560 0 0 Dunedin 90,376 0 0 88,829 0 0 Invercargil 10,297 0 c H.079 0 0 Rivertoa 648 0 c 754 0 0 Totals £327,147 0 c £331,987 0 0



Comsacks. OKA BALES of CORNSACKS to aJWv arrive cx ship Atlaatigue (now due), size 48 x 26J, 2|. Apply, at once, to HAYES & CO., 1 1 Arcade, Ashburton.



“ Vent, Vidi, Vici.” pHRISTMAS&NBW YEAR CARDS AT HALF PPICE TOYS & FANCY GOODS GREATLY REDUCED IN PRICE. Andrewes Bros., Bookseliees, Stationers, &c., BAST STREET, SOUTH, Ashburton. NEW TWEEDS! SUMMER SUITS. Perfect Fit NEW TWEEDS! SUMMER SUITS. 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, and 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 best quality and latest designs—suitable for the season we are now entering. All Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICES. CRAIGHEAD & 00., Tancred street, Ashburton. JDimant and Coe, A BE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A UHINE6, and. are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply if Machine extras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANCRED STREETS, ASHBURTON. • 11 2181 QPBCIAL NOTICE FANCY BAZAAR Continued a few days to clear out ' surplus s’ock. GREAT BARGA IN S. sixpennyT shilling TABLES, Also, a TABLE of VARIETIES Jrom ONE PENN Y to FOURPBNOB. Please observe.—ln the ROOM NEXT to my PRESENT SHOP, specially taken for the Christmas Season. R. Sevan, SAUNDEU.V bu ildings, ifivfX BM* tq QuilVi flotel.)



Wanted. WANTED —Two RoomaTJnfurniatied, towards east end of town, for a lady. Apply, J., Post-office, Ashburton. 1 69 WANTED Known—Great redustiona in the prices of Christmas Fruit during this month, at J. McG icon's, Cash Groc®", Tancred street. WANTED— Tenders, until 2Dth iust., for Stocking," Carting and Stacking about 100 aces of wheat, oats and barley. Horses and drays found. Apply, F. M Foster, Winslow. 1 77 WAITED Known, —Umbrellas at Is lid, six dtz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at Cd, Corsets at 2s 3d, Sheeting at 4|d, Towels 3£d, 3t>-inoh Oilcloth 9a, Calicoes Is 41. Andrew Orr’s Cheap Sale. 1 87 GLORIOUS NEWS.— Monster Clear ing Sale.—Ladies’ Kid Boots 0.61, Girls’, Infants Is, Men’s Elastic-side 8t 6d, Men’s Watertights 9s 6d, Bleucher Bools 6s 6d, Canvas Slippers 2i 01. A. Okr’s Cheap Sale. 1 88 WANTED Known— 2,5C0 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. O. Itegers, ealys’ Buildings, East Street. WANTED Known—Th,t R. Lancas ter starts the now year entirely on hia own account with a ter/light handi cap, which will enable him to sell ine.it cheaper than ever. With quality, clean liness and civility combined—defies com petition. So rally round to the Ready- Money Meat Matt, Bulk ck’s Arcade. 1 2 WANTED Known—Fresh Flounders are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Labe Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. Ail orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 \\ 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 1278 WANTED KNOWN — Robert E3lston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 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—C. Hawkin’s, of Tinwald, having decided to com pete with eith-.r Christchurch or Ashbur ton, in price and quility of Boots, will, Ist January, 1885, Bell for Cash Only, at the following reduced rates :—Men’s Harvest Bluchers, tips and nailed, 6i 9d; Shooter Boots, 10s 31; Women’s Strong Lace Boots, 8s 6d ; Leather Elastic, 9s 61; Children’s all reduced from Is per pair. Motto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Returns.” O. boot and Shoemaker. 12 2393 WANTED Known—J. Meeoh & Co., are still Selling On and not Selling Off at saleroom prices. J. M. and Go’s Furniture is made for use as well as ornament and not for auction sales. The best materials are used, being specially selected, 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 WANTED Known—The undersigned beg to notify to their customers and the public generally that they have Removed into the premises adjoining Mr Taylor, Baker, East street. By strict attention to business and making a good article, they hope to merit the continu ance of public patronage. Fowkb and McEwbn, Bootmakers, East street, Ash burton, 10 1973



Special Advertisements. NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. THE undersigned are now landing, ex s.a Hauroto, the Best Newcastle Coal Imported for the season A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, V.D.L Timber and Palings Kauri Timber, Flooring and Lining Roofing Iron, Doors and Sashes Lime, Cement, Fencing Materials, Ac., And every requisite for the trade. MaOPHERSON, FILMER AND 00. (late A. Hayes), SAWMILLERS, TIMBER, COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. East street, Ashburton. OF ANNUALS Boys’ and Girls’ Own Annuals, Chatterbox, Sunday, Quiver, Child’s Companion, Little Folks, Child’s Own Magazine, British Workwomen, British Workmen, Cottager and Artisan, etc. CHRISTMAS CARDS In great Variety and Newest Designs, PRIZE BOOKS ( An immense Stock of PRIZE BOOKS ( School Prizes Always on hand. School Committees will do well to pay a visit and inspect for themselves. LIBERAL DISCOUNT ALLOWED to all Schools by Thomas F. Farley, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, AND PRINTER, Paundees’ Buildings, Ashbuhton.



Christmas Fruit. EW CURRANTS, 5£ per lb NEW RAISINS, 6|d per lb NEW SULTANAS, 7id per lb NEW FIGS (per Ruapehu), Is per box NEW MUSCATELS, la Gd per lb JORDAN ALMONDS, 2a per lb ASSORTED PEELS, laGd pur lb ENGLISH CUT LOAF SUGAR, 5d MIXED BISCUITS, Cl per lb PLAIN BI&CCITS, 3d per lb BEST WHITE CRYSTAL SUGAR, 3§d JAMES McGREGOR, Takcred Street. 12 2342



25 Branches New Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOS6IEL TWEEDS. The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while ..io 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. Sh'rts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW.ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



Davis’s gURPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURE Now selling off at HALF-PRICE. Must be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 Pbk Cjent. BY PUCHASING AT W. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



JDE DENNIS O’CONNELL, J-V BAKKRUPf, Of Manchester street, Christ* church, and Lyttelton, CLOTHIER AND DRAPEtt. Marked price of Stock, £2,424 Actual Cost, £l,BlB Sold for £954. NOTICE OF BANKRUPTCY, In Bankruptcy. In the Estate of Dennis O’Con nell, of Christchurch and Lyttel ton, Draper. Tenders are invited for the pur chase, either separately or other wise, of the stock, fittings, and hook debts of the business in Manchester street, Christchurch, and also in Lyttelton. The stock consists of clothing and general drapery, and is mostly new, the business having been carried on only since May last. It will be on view on and after Monday next, and the stock sheets can be inspected on the premises, Manchester street. Tenders will be received by the undersigned until 10 a.m. on Monday, Ist December. E. 0. LATTER, Official Assignee. Christchurch, 21st Nov., 1884, ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER. Official Assignee’s Office, December, 1884. Messrs H. B. May and Co., Gentlemen, —I have the plea sure to inform you that your tenders for the purchase of stocks in Christchurch and Lyttelton have been accepted, viz Christchurch ... £1502 18 0 Lyttelton ... £315 7 0 £lBlB 5 0 At 10/6d in the £, being £954 9s. Yours faithfully, E. 0 LATTER. Official Assignee. Mr White will deliver the stocks. Notice of ; ale to the Public. This stock, which really repre sents a retail value of £2,424, was bought by us of the Official Assignee for £954, so that if we get one half O’Connell’s price it will pay us handsomely, and that is all we want. We think you are convinced that our sales are thoroughly genuine, and always worth a visit, especially if saving money is an object SALE COMMENCES SATURDAY, January 10. Terms Cash—No discounts or abatements of any kind. H.E. May & Co



Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January 16ih, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES’ GLARING REDUCTIONS • 1 ■ v For Commencing and Special Prices See Windows. I *^ Dimaut and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ac., In premises lately occupied by One and Co., Corners Fast and Tancred streets, ASHBURTON.



Coughs.JColds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly cured by using Baxter’s ‘ Lung Preserver.’’ This old-established medicine is pleasant to the palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and clerical profession. Read ad vertisement. August Flower.—The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people ai.c afflicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, waterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated longue 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 fid a boUlc. Sample bottles, 6d,-r^Apvr,



The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. This is es pecially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it has been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the county had expressed the merits of H, 8,, and in , very way trying to induce suHering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B. Many others started nostrums put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or “Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name is, and especially those with the word “Hop” or “Hops” in their name or in any way connected with them rr their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none of them.' Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or clus'ter of green Hops oil the while label, and Dr Soule’s name blo\vn in Ihe glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and chemists are warned against djeaUpg >n imita tions vt cowterfeitsi I