MEMORANDA

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, December 19 Mr Thos. Bollock, at the Arcade, Barnett Street —Horses and Sundries Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Salerooms — Produce and Sundries Mr W. H'. Zooch, at his rooms, Havelock street —Produce and Sundries WEDNESDAY, December 23 Mr Thos. Bullock, at ibe Town Hall- Sale of Furniture •MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday. December 21 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.AO.D., at 8 o’clock Saturday, December 26 Ashburton Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering Rakaia Races and Sports Friday, January 1 Waksnui Annual Sports Tinwald Annual Sports Methven Races and Sports Friday, January 8 Asnburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

w.il« close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. 10.30 a-m., and 5 p.m., daily. F6r Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, •nd Geraldine, at 10 a-m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p-m. daily. for Timaru and South, at 10 a. ax., and 430 p.m-, daily. For Gwenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Sea view, Seafield, ndKyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 430 p.m. For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 430 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 480 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl lysat 10.30 a.m. Fox Hampstead at 9 a.m. daily.

Mail, arrive at the Ashburton IV-? Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 *.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertaey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 486 p.m, daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at s.3'V’vm. daily. nKftu Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. and 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstrest, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 ».m. A _ from Meant Somers, daily at 10.5 |,pL From Mayfield and Rnapuna, on Wed oesdays and Saturdays, at 10.6 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long fa each at 10 a.m. daily. . From Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fn days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemmgton on Tuesdays, Thntb days, and Saturdyas, at 10a.m. From Hampstead at 9.30 a.m. daily.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY DECEMBER, 17, 1885. The Unemployed.

During the last two or three years the people of New Zealand have been brought into contact with a great social difficulty. The spirit of rampant specu lation and extravagant expenditure which prevailed for some years after the initiation of the Public Works Policy has borne fruit—it has paralysed industry, and thrown hundreds of people out of employment. It is an odd thing to hear in this country the cry of “over population” when the signs of a want of people to occupy and improve are manifest on every side ; and yet many people attribute the present difficulties to over-population, and believe that the immigration policy of late Governments is responsible for the “unemployed” trouble from which we are now suffering. There may be some ground for this be lief. The value of labor is absolutely ruled by supply and demand and it is only reasonable to suppose that if the present supply were smaller the value would be greater. But the immigration policy was a necessary accompaniment of the Public Works scheme, and it would have been practically impossible to undertake the one without the other. If the labor market is now over-sup plied it is only one of the incidents fol lowing unhealthy inflation. The natural remedy, for evils occasioned by ficti tious prices wravi*

gance would obviously be a re turn to natural prices; but this ' is not a pleasant process. Workmen appear determined to resist a reduction | in the rate of wages as long as it is pos sible to do so, and a multitude of men in this colony find it much easier to be came tramps than to continue work at such rates as are within the power of masters to pay. Yesterday we read that the unemployed in Dunedin had protested against the low rate of wages offered to them on relief work—four shillings and sixpence a day—and we do not believe it would be possible to engage half-a-dozen good workmen in Ashburton at the present moment at seven shillings a day. We arc sorry, very sorry, that the circumstances of the country and the circumstances of the employer will not warrant the mainten ance of a high scale of wages, but the laborer has been the very last to suffer from the prevalent depression and, we venture to say, will suffer the least. The working classes—we mean those classes that earn their livelihood by manual labor—are fortunate in having their circumstances exposed to general view and criticism. The poor clerk, or salesman, or schoolmaster, receiving a “ salary ”as distinguished from “wages”—of say Lioo a year is sup posed to be a gentleman, and must dress decently and incur many of the expenses incidental to higher society. He has not one-half the material com forts the laborer enjoys, he cannot , “strike,” and the Government never think of providing him with “ relief’ work. And yet his pay is lessened and his toil increased, until the one has reached the minimum and the other the maximum of human endurance, and he has very little sympathy and no help. With the laborer it is different. His rate of wages is well known, and if it does not appear high enough he appeals to the Government for assistance. This men dicancy, so to speak, is often successful —so often, indeed, that the great law of political economy, that labor as well as all other things will bring what it is worth, has not been allowed to operate on this section of the colonial labor market. When men prefer idleness and beggary to working for less than eight shillings a day, they deserve no sym pathy ; the agricultural and industrial development of the colony is very much impeded by the high rates of wages de manded, and until our working men exercise more spirit, more independence, and more intelligence, we shall not hear the last of these sturdy mendicants. It seems a mystery how high wages can be maintained in the face of competition, but a workman has offered us the fol lowing explanation : —lf any man did work for less than the usual charge he would possibly have his head punched, would at least be persecuted by his fellows, whereas if he remains idle, and says that he is starving, he receives help from some source. He prefers the latter. —It is another phase of Protec tion. They imagine that by maintain ing high rates for a few, they benefit the many—a delusion that has red astray many moic pretentious students of political economy.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning before Mr Thomas Bullock, J.P- Walter Fraser was fined 10s and costs with the alternative or 24 hours’ imprisonment for drunkenness.—J. Crawford tor a simi lar offence was fined 20a and coats, with the alternative of 48 hours’ imprisonment.

The Captain of the Ashburton Fire Brigade, Mr J. A. Caygill, requests the members of the Brigade to hold them selves in readiness to answer any call that may be made upon them for active service in suppression of fires. The side channel in East street, between its junction with Peter and Cox streets, s‘iil requires the attention of the Inspector of Nuisances. The authorities appear very reluctant to remove this long standing nuisance.

A cricket match will be played on the local ground to-morrow between the Ash burton 0 C. and Christ’s College, who are on their annual trip south. The match will begin immediately after the arrival of the Express. The anniversary of the Wakanni Wes leyan Church was celebrated by a tea and public meeting in the district school last evening. There was a large attendance, and the gathering was highly successful. The Rev Mr McNicoll presided, and addresses were delivered by the Ohaiiman, and the Rev Mr Wallis, and the Rev Mr Harris. Vocal solos were contributed by Mrs Jones, Mrs Alison, and Miss Potter, and Miss Murray presided at the organ. It is rumored that either Mr Caygill or Mr Craighead will retire from the contest for the vacant seat iu the Ashburton Borough Council. The Dunedin Girls’ High School broke up yesterday. Professor M'Gregor pre sided, and delivered a long address, in which he spoke of the progress made in the education of girls He said that the healthy diso pline and knowledge of the nature of things that atone can fit them for life, as it is in an industrial democracy like ours, is withheld from many, for fear that softness and grace may give place to hardness and grim self-assertion. ' He thought the ex genoies of modern life demanded for girls a general education, in all essential respects, similar to that of boys. The Premier also addressed those present. The uux of the school is sister to the dux of the boys’ school.

Bishop Bedwood and Father Sauzean rammed to Wellington from Sydney yesterday morning. The Minister of Public Works is now in communication with the Colonial Treasurer respecting a scheme for obviating the delay and inconveniences which contractors are now subject to, oefore receiving payment for work dona for Government. Instead of all vouchers having to be forwarded to Wellington to go through the Audit Office and Treasury before payment, it is in. tended to authorise the District Engineer to audit the accounts on the spot, and when satisfied of their correctness, to pay the amount direct. The system is expec ted to come into force about Feb. 1. Now money is so scarce 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. fi. May AND Co.’s advertise ment, which appears in our columns this even ing, should convince one and all that the pro prietors of The Hall, High street, Christ church, are determined to do their part. The prices quoted for the various items are, we be lieve, lower than on any pre\r ms occasion, and should induce all buyers of Diap rvand Cloth

Holloway's Pills.— Weary of Life.— Derangement of the liver is one cf the dangerous of diseases, aqd the roost promt source of those melancholy iorcbodings whoh are worse than death itself. A few doses jo these noted Pills act magically in dispelling loc spirits, and repelling the covert attacks made on the nerves by excessive heat, impure atmos pheres, over-indulgence, or exhausting excite ment. The most shattered constitution may derive benefit from Holloway’s Pills, which will regulate disordered action, brace the nerves, increase the energy of the intellectual faculties, and revive the failing memory. By attentively studying the instructions for taking these Pills, and explicitly putting them in practice, the most desponding wjll soon feel Con fid ec •fa parfict

The Auckland city valuation has In creased L 40,000 during the last year. The rumoured creation of new member" of the Legislative Council is denied by Government.

In connect on with the Indiscriminate kitting ol seals mi jar coasts, the Hon J. Reliance now proposes to deal with the matter by leasing lands along coast lines to responsible persons, and to make the months of October to May inclus ve a close season for seals. Draft regulations in connection with seal fishing are now being drawn up, and will be submitted to experts for their opinion. Two Ashburton horses secured victories at the Timaru races yesterday. Mr Mc- Leod’s Brown Rose won the Pony Race, and Mr Wilkinson’s Panic the December Hurdle Race.

Handicaps for the Tinwald-Winslow races will be declared on Saturday even ing.

Mr A. Ayers was installed as Mayor of Christchurch yesterday at noon. An extraordinary discovery was made at Taylor’s Mistake, ue.r Sumner, yester day. AMr Godfrey was walking on the beach, when be picked up a dead man’s baud, with soma inches of the arm attached. It is a left hand, and was nut at all decomposed, and appeared to have been snapped or broken from the body. The relic has been taken possession of by the police, who are making enquiries, bu are not in possession of any further information at present.

The distribution of priz s at the Ash barton High School will take place to morrow at 11 30 a. m.

The Ashburton contingent of the Salva tion Army held a picnic yesterday, and special services at the barracks in the evening.

The annual regatta at Akaroa was held yesterday. The Tacht Race was won by Mr T. S. Baker’s Zephyr, and the prin cipal rowing race by the Kaiapoi Boating Club’s representatives. In consequence of the indisposition of His Worship the Mayor the Mayoral in stallation was postponed from to-day until Monday next. Looal auctioneers advertise that the usual weekly sales will be held on Thurs day, Ddcenrber 24, in place of Saturday, December 26 ( oxing Day). Yesterday, the thirty-nfth anniversary of the formation of the Province of Can terbury was observed as a close holidays in Christchurch, Timaru, and the other principal towns of the provincial district. The Cup presented by the Ashburton Bunt Club to Mr J. H. Bond the winner of the princpal event at the la*t Hunt Club steeplechases has been on view at Mr H. Zander's premises in East street to-day. The Cup, which was designed and manufactured by Messrs Petersen and Co of Chriatohirch, is a very hand some trophy, weighing 63 ounces The workmanship is of a most elegant and appropriate character, reflecting the high est credit upon the skill and taste >f the manufacturers. The case, another work of art, was also manufactured by Messrs Petersen and Co.

August Flowkr. —The most miserable 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 burn, watetbrash 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. U costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample hot He*. lAm-r.

ST STEPHEN'S GARDEN PARTY.

The Garden Party in connection with St Stephen’s Chnrch, hold in the Parson agg grounds, Bast belt, yesterday, was favored with most enjoyable weather. The Incumbent, the Rev E A Scott, the church officers, and their many friends left no stone unturned in their efforts to make the gathering a success, and we think we may congratulate them upon having provided a very pleasant after noon’s enjoyment to anumoer of holiday makers and upon having made a substan tial reduction in the ohuroh debt. The attractions presented at the “ Garden Party” are now familiar to most of our readers, and we need only state that yesterday’s programme was even more complete and popular than its predeces sors The brunt of the work in erecting tents and stalls was undertaken by Messrs Scott, Mayo, Pearce, Hunt, Beard, Gibbs, and Littleoot, and the following ladies rendered valuable assistance in providing refreshments and amusement for the numerous visitors : M jsdames Gates, Curtis, Fooks, Crisp, Mamwariug, Fooks, Beard, Kneen, Baker, Dolman, Bland, and Felton, Misses Rundle, A. Gates, E. Gates, Hogg, Guinness, Binnia, John, Shury, Compton, Moss, Fowler, Barrett, Felton, Worner, Bean, Foley, Prichard, Ark well, S. Shury, and K. Boyle.— Numerous games, of an appropriate and popular character were provided, but two intended sources of amusement missed fire. Mr Wilkie had with consummate skill produced an Aunt bally which was the vary ideal of ugliness. Unhappily the venerable Udy was lei t on the ground and fell a victim to the passers by. Her re mains were carried away, it is believed, by boys at the close of the day’s sport, and doubtleis found a resting place. A young lady, too, had with much trouble prepared an elaborate gipsy’s costume, but owing to some defective arrangement she was unable to ply her art. The Excelsior Band was in attendance, and provided excellent music at intervals. Mr Scott wishes us to state that the burn ing cabbage tree which created some ex citement formed a part of the programme, and was not set on fire, as many thought, by some misch evous person. In fact, the general conduct of the large crowd, which must at cue time have numbered over 500 persons, was beyond praise—not a tree was damaged, and hardly a flower gathered. Moreover, the fruit trees, which are this year loaded with fruit, are in much the same state this morning as they wees yesterday—a fact which speaks volumes for the good feeling and sense of the Ashburton boys. We may add that the expenses are very small, chiefly owing to the amount of voluntary labor and to the kindness of Messrs Hunt and Mayo in|plaoing their waggons at the disposal of the Committee for the heavy cartage of timber, etc. The nett proceeds will be announced in a few days.

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Fully 3,000 people were at the Caledo nian bports at Lancaster Park, Christ church, yesterday where the Governor was present. The five mile walking handicap won by D. Libeau (scr) in 33mm ISsec. The menagerie race was a fiatco, there being only two competitors—a cat and a goat. The former won. The five mile bicycle handicap was won by C. Beece (450yds) in 16miu 61seo. A boy, twelve years old, Robert Thompson, of Oamaru, carried off the priza for the sailor's hornpipe, beating half-a-dozen man. The- Popular Sports in Hagley Park were very ancce-sfal, 6.000 persons being pre eat. O. Halston (scratch) won the 100yds race in lOieo. Libeau wcq two mile waijs.

CHERTSEY SCHOOL TREAT.

The o ildrea spending the Chertsey District School held their annuel treat in the school playground yesterday. There was a good gathering of parents and friends of the school, who seemed *o take a great interest in the gambols of the little ones The School Committee was well repre sented on the occasion, and the members present were indefatigable in their efforts to provide rational amusement for all After assembling in the schoolro m and singing some of their school songs, under the conduct of their teacher, Mr Todd, the children were regaled with tea and various attrrctive edibles, and then the great business of the day for the juveniles commenced, viz, the games These were indulged in to a large extent—races of various kinds, swings, rounders, etc, being the favorites. Prizes of useful and orna mental articles, such as mone> boxes, dolls, knives, etc, were liberally distri buted amongst all the competitors, even those failing to distinguish themselves re ceived something to compensate for the disappointment of failure. A very ni .e selection of gift books was d'stribnted amongst the pupils as rewards fur diligence in the work of the year, every one from the youngest to the oldest receiving an appropriate volume. During the day creature comforts, in the form of ginger beer, tea and she usual accompaniments, were served out to parents and friends. At the termination of the proceedings, cheers #ere given for all who had been instrumental in rendering the affair a success. —Own Correspondent.

VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

In reply to his letter to the Canterbury Waste Landa Board as to setting aside land on the homestead system in Canter* bury, Mr J. Ivess, M. H.ft , has received a letter from the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The Board, after considering the letter addressed to them by Mr Ivess, were unanimously of opinion that land could not be taken for this purpose from any run formerly held under the Canter* bury Waste Lands Acts or Regulations, the licensees of which, in compliance with the oonditions contained under clauses 98 and 113 ot the Land Act, 1877, had in good faith accepted a new license under that Act. The Board, however, determined that a report should be obtained from the Crown Lands Ranger on any land that could be found situated outside runs so held, or which had been forfeited, or which was not included within any reserves set apart for sale by any special Act of Parliament, or within land set apart or proposed to be sold under the deferred payment, perpetual lease, or special settlement conditions.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per as. Hauroto, via Wellington). Sydney, December 10. Sir John Robertson, dissatisfied with the explanation offered by Mr Dibbs, moved the adjournment of the House last Friday until December 9, which was agreed to. Yesterday Mr Dibbs promised to make his Financial Statement on Deo. 10, so as to afford time for its discussion before the holidays. All attempts to float the Cahors have failed. Mr John Young, contractor, was elected Mayor of Sydney by a majority of two votes over Mr Playfair, the present Mayor. The strike of Lambton miners continues. A number of amounts have been received from other Colonies towards their main tenance. Big floods are expected by the blacks. They are all moving their cam .s from low lying grounds Some rains have fallen, but very little. The weather remains very hot.

A charge is being laid against Lieut Airoy for want of zeal and energy when on active service in the Soudan: Melbourne, December 10. The Governor assented to the Federal Connell Act Adopting BIIL In the Shops Bill, a clause was passed that shops should close at seven. The Pilot Board called upon Pilot Nel son to show cause why his license should not be suspended, for negligence in grounding the ship Andover. (Per a, a. Rotomahaua, via Auckland.) Sydney, December 11. Public holidays for Christmas are likely to be proclaimed from Tuesday to the following Tuesday. Good rain has fallen during the last few hours. The Carthage, with Lord Carrington, arrived to day. The official landing takes place to-morrow. The murderer, Matthew Friesk, was executed at Grafton yesterday. Mr Sala left yesterday for Hobart. Another tram accident took place last nigh*. A man was run over and much mutilated. Frank Smith, a recent arrival from New Zealand, died of sunstroke at West Maitland Melbourne, Dacember 11. The Assembly agreed to a Bill for L 3,000 for the widow of the late J. M. Grant, but rejected a grant to the family of the late Hugh M'Coll. The Loan Bill end Factories and Shop Bills have been passed. A child twelve years • f age was run over and k'lled by a cable tram car.

THE UNEMPLODED.

Auckland, Last Night Twenty men of the unemployed, inolud log the labor agitator Garrard, were place! on the harbor defences, North Shore. A large number wilt be taken on as soon as the works are laid out They were warned by Oolonel Whitmore that there moat be no shuffling or Government stroke, but real downright steady work, otherwise they would be dismissed from the works. Dunedin, Last night. The following petition has been signed by fifty-seven of the unemployed, and is to be forwarded to the Victorian Legis lature : “ Sir, —We, the undersigned, being in every sense of the word genuine working men, able and anxious to obtain employ ment, having been miserably betrayed by false representations of the New Zealand emigration agents, lecturers, and printed pamphlets, threw up situations, broke up homes, and left loving friends, and are now facing the bitter reality in parading the streets, hungry and ill shod, with no prospects of a better future, do humbly beseech you to take into yonr favorable consideration our wretched lot, and afford us an opportunity of coming across to vour prosperous and protected colony, where we may live, and not starve. We would humbly suggest to yon that arrangements could be made with the Union Steamship Company to convey as may of us and families as you may deem fit and proper, and we solemnly promise to repay the ex pense incurred by weekly instalments as we earn wages or perform work for your Government, and allow you to deduct from our wages snob amounts as will soon repay she expense incurred, and as in duty bound, etc. ”

MARRIAGES OF MEN OF GENIUS

Marriage* of men of genius is one of the strangest themes in the history of liters* tare. Goethe married to become respect able ; JSiebohr to please a mistress; Churchill because be was miserable ; Ba poleon to get a command; Wilkes to oblige his friends; Wycherley to spite bis relations. The sothor of “ Salad for the Solitary ” famishes the following piquant moreeaitx touching the marriage ot two Franca iuUratenn of celebrity “ M Balzic, the French novelist, exhibita another examp.e of ooceatricitv in matri monial affairs. According to a Parisian correspondent, the arrival of this cele brated author from Germany caused an immense sensation in certain circles, oaring to the romantic circumstances connected with his marriage. When Balsao was at the zenith of bis fame he was travailing in Switzerland, and had arrived at the inn just at the very moment the Prince and Princess Hanski were leaving it. Balzac was ushered into the room they had just vacated, aod waa leaning from the window to observe their departure, when bis stt*u lion was arrested by a s -ft voice at hta elbow, asking for a book which bald been left behind upon the window seat. The lady was certainly fair, but ap peared doubly so in the eyes of the poor author when she iutimated that the book she was in quest of was the pocket edition of bis own works, adding that she never travelled without it. and that with out it she could not exist! She drew the volume from beneath his elbow and flew downstairs. obedient to the screaming summons of her husband—a pursy old gentleman, who waa already seated in the carriage, tailing in a lend voice against dilatory habits of women in general and those of bis own spouse in partioolar ; and the emblazoned vehicle drove off, leaving the novelist in a state of self complacency the most en» table to be con ceived. This was the only occasion upon which Balz»c and the Princess Hanski bad met, till his recant visit to Germany, wnere be presented himself as her accepted husband. During these lon t intervening fifteen years, however, a literary corres pondence waa steadily kept up between the parties, till at length instead of a letter con taining literary strictures upon bis writings, a missive of another kind, having a still more directly personal tendency, reached him from the fair baod of the princess. It contained the announcement of the de* mise of her husband the prince—that he I bad bequeathed to her bis domains and his great wealth—aod, consequently, .that she felt bound to requite him in some measure for his Hberauty, and had deter mined upon giving him a successor—in the

person of Balzac. It is needless to state that the delighted author waited not s second summons; they were forthwith united in wedlock at her chateau on the, Rhine and a succession of splendid ftta

celebrated the auspicious event The story of the marriage of Lamantine is. also ana of romantic interest. The lady, whose maiden name was Birch, was possessed

of considerable properly, and when pas* the bloom of youth sne became passion* ately enamoured of the poet from tha perusal of his * Meditations. ’ For some time she nursed this sentiment in secret, and, being apprised of the embarrassed state of bis affairs, she wrote him, tender ing him the bulk of her fortune Touched with this remarkable proof of her genero sity, and supposing it could on:y be caused by a preference for himself, he afc once made an offer of his hand and bean. He judged rightly, and the poet was promptly accepted.”

CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES.

An attempt has been made by Dr With ington, of Roxbury, 'Mass., U.8.A.,| to explain away the results of consanguineous marriages on the offspring. The paper is IV published in the Transactions of the Mas sachusetts Medics Society, vol. xiii., No 4, 1886. Dr Withington has tabulated 108 cases of consanguineous marriage collected from various sources. In 86 instances the relationship was that of first cousins. He has classed as healthy orily . those individuals who appeared to be free from any congenital delect or disease, and who had an average degree of intelligence and physical strength. He finds that 312 children oat of a total of 413, the direct offspring of consanguineous marriages, - were healthy, of the unhealthy portion, 13 were deaf-mutes, 13 idiots, 7 insane, 15 died of consumption, 16 died in in fancy, 8 were of deficient Intelligence, and there were such defects as myopia, blindness, etc, in others. Only one ease of polydaotylism was observed. There was an average of five children per marriage. After carefully reviewing the evidence, Dr Withington asks, “ Do these fates warrant ns in supposing that there ia a specific degenerate tendency doe to consanguinity? Is it not possible to account by tha ordinary laws of morbid inheritance for such untoward results as sometimes follow the marriages of kin dred?” It may be objected that the children of blood relations are sometimes diseased when the parents themselves seem to be healthy. In answer to this it is urged that a casual observer might say that the parents were sound when such was not the ctse. Atavism may also account for oases of disease amongst ths offspring of healthy though related per sons. Retinitis pigmentosa and deaf mutism are believed by many authorities to be always doe to consanguinity, but this appears to be doubtful in the face of fresh evidence. V

SPORTING.

t TIBIARU RACES. ; The following results were telegraphed ; after we went to press yesterday:— Pont Race, of -20 sovs; six furlongs. | Mr M’Leod’s Brown Rose ... ... 1 Mr Cornelius' Spider ... ... ... 2 Mr Lindsay’s Old Firm ... ... 3 Won with the greatest ease by four , lengths. , December Hdedlbs, of 30 sovs; one mile and a half. Mr Wilkinson’s Panic ... 1 Mr Ashby’s Boco 2 Mr P. Jones’s Coryphee ... ... 3 Won comfortably by a couple of lengths. Timabu Handicap, of 60 sovs ; one mile.. Messrs Murphy and Stocks’ Scaltheen 1 Mr Sherwin’s Furtrader 2 Messrs Honbs’ Borderman 3 Won by two lengths. Consolation Handicap, of 15 sovs; three quarters of a mite. Mr Sherwin’s Furtrader ... ... 1 Mr Lambert’s Oamerine 2 IfLUMPXON PARS RACES. The Summer Meeting of the Plumpton Park Racing Club was held yesterday. The following are the results:- Handicap Hurdle Rack of 45 sovs ; two miles. Mr T. Kerr's oh g Baldie, wed, by Antecos, 9at 41b ... ... (Kiugan) 1 Mr H. Henry’a b g Ingomar, aged, Bst lllb ... ... ... (Barding) 2 MrjT. Sheenan’s h g Asim, aged, Ost 61b (Bamber) 3 Hack Hubble Race of 15 sovs; lOstj one mile and a quarter. Mr H. Piper’s g g Bordeaux, aged ... 1 Mr J. Brown’s b g Shark ... 3 Mr T. Sheenan’s b g Presto ... ... 8 Maiden Plate of 25 sovs; wsight-for-age; one mile. Mr P. Butler’s b g Titbit, 3yrs, bj Musket—Raugi, Bst 121 b (Stratford; 1 Mr H. Piper’s b f Mirella, 2yrs, by Hornby—Wireille, 6st 21b ...(Clark) 2 Mr J. Smith's b iq May, Cyrs, &*t 151 b (OiMf) .

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, . 1885.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashbubtoh Brium.w most be sent in not later than 8 p.m-, with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied previous to that on which they re to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 p.m., but will be charged double ates. „ . All notices of B rths. Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the aig of the sender, as a guarantee of * i»od faith. All advertisements and business miters - be addressed The Manager ; literary mmnnications should be addressed to be Editor.



WANTED Known—Wortheim Sew ing Machines can bo had on,Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 partnership notice. THE undersigned has ranch pleasure in stating that he has admittsd Mr JOHN ANDRKW MACPHJEBSON into Partnership with him, and that the busi ness will in future be carried on under the style or firm of . ZOOCH & MACPHERSON, Auctioneers, Land, Estate and Stock zocoh, Auctioneer. Every description of Agency Business, ales fn Town and Country, Valuations nd Commissions undertaken on the most reasonable terms. The usual Saturday Market Sales will be made as attractive as possible, and farmers may rely upon their stock and produce realising the HIGHEST Market VALUE, at a minimum cost. No yard ees charged when sales ate affected. ZOUCH & MACPHiiRSON AUCTIONEERS, Ac.



-.. BEWARE! BEWARE!! OF IMITATIONS. ASK FOR BOULT’S TONIC Herbal Beer. None Genuine except that bearing my label. Try it! Try it 11 It is one of the Best 3 Medicinal and Summer Tonics ever offered to the Public. Delivered in Ashburton at 2s per dozen Bottles not returned will be charged for. T. HOULT, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON. U 8_ . Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER JAMES McGREGOR’S, a a»obbd St»kkt (opposite the Arcade). Best White Crystal Sugar, 3d per lb by the mat Best English Cut Loaf Sugar, 4£d per lb Box Tea, from 12s 6d per box 4 grand assortment of new tin Fish—- Herrings in Shrimp, Tomato or Tennel Sanoo; Kippered, Spiced or Devil d Herrings ; Digby Chicks or Findon Haddocks, at Is per tin Hcesh Herrings, 7d. Best Oysters, 6d Muir's Oatmeal, 3s 9d per bag JUW J, 8d Best Catting Brand, 9d Mackerel, lOd Sardines, 6d nit «izea new Figs, 9d per box Cadbury's Cocoa, Is per tm Biscuit*, 3d Cheese, 6d ' Bice, SflO and Tapioca, 3d per lb tj Cocoa, tin or packet, Is 6d per \o Jjjsi? S MoGREGOR, ,'t japersd Street' I#* W



Wanted. WANTED— A Good General Servant. Ooe who can plain cook preferred Mrs Sikeblino, Barnett street, Ashbur. ton. 12182 t AN TED—Furnished Bedroom for V? working man Apply, stating terms, to Box 48, Post Office,- 12 192 tV 1 ANTED Known The Cheapest W House in Town for firsv class Mi’lmery and Drapery, H. O. Skoeks, East street. WANTED to dispose of a first-class Furniture Business fronting on East street and Tancred street. —J. Meech 12 105 WANTED —Tenders for Harvesting (with tilter) about 120 acres Rye Grass, at Scottsden. J. Foster. ’ 12 163 WANTED KNuWN — Robebt Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, eta, Town Hail, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above, ureters by post -or telegram promptly attended to 759



WANTED Known— Order# for Christ mas and New Year’s Cake are being booked at the lowest possible price, by W. Nobkish, Freeirade Bakery, East street, Ashburton. .



EW Fruit just arrived by steamer, new currants, 5d per lt> ; new rai sins, 7d per lb; new sultanas, 8d per lb ; new tigs, 8d per box; white sugar, d 3 per lb; mixed biscuits, 6d per lb; tresh but ler, 7d— at McGhegoes, Tancrtd street. ANTED Known —Down again 1 But the price of meat. Liamb, fore quarters, Ha 6d; hind quarters, 3s 6d- Best ssiisagea in the town, 51 per Id, at Baker and Oo a, Eondon Butchery, Taa cred street. 11971 fXTANTED Known—That Bates and * * 00. has bought 1009 yards superior Velveteen, all shades, from la; dress goods grand value, worth 2s, now la; laaies’ jackets, cost 25s 6d, now 4s 6d ; hats and bonnets half-price ; winceys, 1 yard wide, 6d ; ladies’ ulsters, 2a 11<L 637 ANTED Known— That B. Lancas ter has reduced the price of meat 2o per cent—tor Cash only. Lmud, 2s and 3s per quarter. 4ih Loaf tor 4Ja. Free trade tor ever. B. Lancssiek, Beady-Money Meat Mart, Bunook's .arcade. _ 9 6'oH WAiN TED Known—To the .Ladies of Ashburton and dis tricts and the pa one in general. Mr J. Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has re ceived a targe shipment of French, Eng lish and German ladies’ shoes, button up and elastic sides, great choice, now for inspection, which J. Moison intends dis posing of at reasonable rates during the coming holidays. Bis own make always on hand or made to order. impairing dune with care and promptitude. Colo nial boots of all Kinds. Next to me Club, iaucreu stteet, Asbburtwn. 1.0 880 What, the price of wheat! No.



apodal Acnrertnaemeum. BAHRAIN. —First o.ass i jh .Lever Chronograph HIRA WBERRIEo ANu SCENERY. Uu WEDNESDAY NEXT (December 2), tbe undersigned WILL OPEN his ex tensive grounds, on tbe Wakanui road, to visitors and picnic parties* The Gardep is replete with every variety of fruit, plea sent lounges and shady walas. The boat ing is in every respect excellent. {Special arrangements made for the reception of private picnic parties, school children auu other large numbers of visitors. Admission, 6d; boating, Is an hour, boatman extra ; fresh fruit, lowest price. 11 78 H. HU N T. Bees. Bees. Bees. WaX. WaX WaX, HIVEs fcllVEo. HIVaS. From Is 6d each at the Steam bash, Door and Cabinet Works, Wakanui road, Ashburton. T. B. KIL W UrcTH, jl 31 Proprietor. rMPOKTANT. xne "an Francisco Mail leaves Ashbnrtou Novemoer 7tb, and roaches Loudon about December 18th, and ail who wish to re member their Home friends had better Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton, FOR CHRISTMAS CARDS ! ohristmaS cards j i Si'jp WAi’OH ; Cheap. J. SALJS.K, Pawnbroker, [2 148 hast street. Boating, T. F. FARL ■Y, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and .Newsagent, chiUslmas Cards i i! A splendid assortment is now open, and inspection is solicited.



SCHOOL PiUZdS— A large shipment having just come to baud, chuol Onmmuteea are respect fully requested to make an early selection Thomas J?arle>, bUuKbELLiiiRy EIO«f Corner of thunders’ Building, Ashburton



Special Advertisements. Mount hutt koad board DISTRICT. Notice ia hereby given that it is the to .it ion of the Mount Hate Road Board t its next meeting, on FRIDAY, De cember 11, to Strike a Bate of (Jd) one farthing in the £ on all the rateaole pro perty in the District for the period ending ABrch 31, 1886, and payable in one iu- Bt i inent on January 8, 1886 Ihe Kate Rook is open for Inspection at the Road Board Office, Mothven. JULIAN JaOKSON. Chairman. Mount Hutt Road Board Office, Methven, November 26, 1886. 11 6 F7IOR Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, _|j Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, etc. KAf’S Compound of Linseed, Ani seed* Senega, Squill, Tolu, etc, with Oblorodyne. KAY’S Compound, a demulcent ex pectorant, for Coughs, Golds and Onest Complaints KAY’S Compound, for Coughs and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’S Tic Pills, a specific in Neu ralgia, Face Ache, etc. Contains Quinine. Iron, etc. COAGULINB Cement for Broken Articles. Sold everywhere. Sole makers—| KAY BROS., 101 Stocknort, England Changed Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. J. Wood and Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my many patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY.—SpeciaI care is given to all orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first class firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may re.y upon receiving PROMPT AT TEN LION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers (British and Foreign included), Public Oommittees receiving liberal con cessions . ■— - PRINTING. This branch is b ing fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude m the execution of all orders, ail work receiving persoual superintend ence- ■■■ DELIVERY of newspapers. Customers may rely upon receiving their Morning and nveumg Papers s.fely de livered at their doors, and not npou the front lawn. The same rematec applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purchasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly.



Wholes axe Links always in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer's Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and Tradesmen's general requisites. Bookbinding Ob debs Received. £. P. Parley, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders' Buildings and Town Hall, Abbbdbton. iJTIHE HEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS To ' New Zealand Government Rail* ways. Poet Offices, Volunteer Corps, &o. &a «»c. Are now prepared to enter into contracts for the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS m any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specialty adapted for turning out large supplies in the moat inexpensive and expeditions manner. 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 oe entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the lollop ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika NewPlymonth uamaru Greymouth Napier W annate Reef ton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne whristchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton flawera Auckland



w Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SOM ISH to intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, ¥¥ having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on theit work efficiently, are now in a position to meet the deman s o public with a first-class article at prices to suit the times. Every description of Carriages and Craps made, Painted and Repairs . Spring Traps from £2O. Whitechapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S. — Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS and _ _ ~ GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past li^” I h . BU^ or t fc h JJ this department, beg to intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now in a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. f Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repainngof kinds nf Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 Victoria House. RAND DISTRIBUTION OF BOHEMIAN GLASS VASES, Etc., To Purchasers of Parcels amounting to TEN SHILLINGS AND ONE POUND. ridcles to be Exhibited In Wicdows In a few days. Presents equal to a reduction of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND, to be distributed upon arrival. Dimant and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Kro - Va«t Mid TefrMid «»***•, Aifebtartoa.



Special Advertisements- SHB ETON COAL Begs to inform the inhabitants of Ash burton that he still continues to deliver NEWCASTLE. WhSTPORT, AND BKOOKFIEL.U OOiL at lowest rates. Firewood, Poet and Kails, Stases Etc., Pmatues Chaff, Oats, Bran, Sharps, Etc. FIREWOOD DEPOT, AND R. S. Bean R 8. BEAN, 8 419 West street.



ÜBLIO NOTICE. MESSRS SPENSLEY & 00., Music Warehousemen, CHRISTCHURCH, Have appointed T. F. Farley, Book seller, Stationer and Printer, Ashburton, their Agent for the sale of Pianos, Harmoniums, American Organa, and have supplied him mth a large stock of Sheet .viuaio, comprising the latest and most popular -longs, Duets, Piece Music, Dances, etc.; also, Violins, Cornets, Flutes, Acoordians, Violin Bows, Concer tinas, etc. Pianos, American Organa and Harmoniums sold upon deferred pay ments. Easy terms granted. A splendid stock now on view at T. P. Farmy's Music Warehouse, Saunders’s Buildings, Ashburton. More than 3,000 sheets of music now on hand. 828 h EXTRACT from JVew Zealand Gazette Bth October, 1886. CLAIMS UNDER FOREST TREES PLANTING ENCOURAGEMENT ACTS. 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 Lands for the district in which plantations nave been made, fore (he 3ist day of December next. 10 873 J. BALLANUE Minister of lands.



CHRISTMAS t Bazaar! Bazaar!! WOW OPENEd, Table of Articles from Id to 4d. The Wonderful 6i Table. The Marvellous Cue Shilling Table. Please observe in the room next to my Present Shop. NEW BOOKS suitable for rewards and presentations conveniently arranged on Tables—Reduced Christmas Prices—Free Admission —Everybody come and wel come. r R. Bevan, ST ATI <jWER, BjoKso.L.L.ER, &c,, (INext Shop to Quid's Hotel), bAUNDKRs’ Buildings. QHRISTMAaI CHRISTMAS!! Thomas Taylor, BaKEia An u CONFeuTIGNER, East Street, Ashburton, Begs to inform his numerous customers and the general public that he has speci ally prepared aud has now on Dana an unusually large, varied and superior stock of CHRISTMAS CAKES And other Confectionery. CORDIALS. T. T, has had large experience at Home in the manufacture of Cordials, and is now mskiug a speciality of them at his estsblisbmeut in East street, Superior (Jl NUER BEER sold in 3 or 5 gallon kegs. All orders promptly attended to. 12 161 Wilhelm Zander Respectfully notifies the public of Ashburton and its vicinity that be has taken over MR F. CLARK’S HaIRDRESoING, tobacco, and Fancy goods business, And will carry on the same on bis own account. In addition to the well assorted stock I have just opened out a variety of P.pbs, Scents, Broshware, and Fancy Goods op every oksoulpxion, ALL DIRECT IMPORTED, Also, Cricketing and Lawn Tennis Material at greatly REDUCED PRICES. A trial solicited. —Ladies’ and Gentle men’s Hairdressing and Hair Work of every description made up on tbe shortest notice. —A Private Room for uadies.— Monthly subscriptions now open. WILHELM ZANDER, Tobacconist, Hairdresser, aud Fancy Goods Dealer, EAST STREET, AaHBORTON. 11 927



Force of habit—Oare is required in the formation of habit, seeing its important bearing on character. Many qharaotars are spoiled through inattention to the most ordinary and simply matters Some drink tea and coffee from mere force of habit, “Veoause it is usual to do so,” regardless of the penalty oftentimes of nervousness and indigestion. Cadbury’s Cocoa Essence contains the refreshing properties of tea and coffee, with additional advantagess over those beverages, whilst it produce q<*q» «f thsU iojujmrfs sffbcts. . |



Flies and Bugs,—Beetles, insects, roaches ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack*rab bits* cleared out by Rough oo Rata” . Tfce K.Z. Dmg Gegevg «