COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon.

The following is the Com Exchange report for the week aiding Thursday, December 24th: •- With the prospt cts of a week’s holiday, badness, beyond settling up of existing tran sactions, has been a most entirely neglected. Sales of primp milling wheat are difficult to effect, millers being unwilling to do business at prices demanded by holders i lace of the low rate ruling for flour. Holders, however, are firm at 3s 3d to 3s Sd, according to sorts. • Second-quality parcels find an occasional ou'let for home shipments at 2s to 3s id, whenever a favorable freight is obtainable. "Whole chick wheat has plenty of enquiry up to 2s qd. Oats have been more in demand during the week, several outside orders having required attention, bright short feed being m st wanted at is qd to Is lod; other feed lines make from is 6d. Malting 1 arlty remains depressed and prices are nominal. Feed lines are saleable only at the very low prices of is qi to as. Beans are wanted for shipment at 2s 8d 10 2s qd. Dairy produce bss a fair number of buyers at—for tub batter, up to qd; new season's cheese, loaf clmpo, 5 j£d; other sizes, from +d to sd, accord ing to quality. The above prices are those pa d to fanners, and delivered f 0.b., Lyttelton.

MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Saturday, December 26 Aahbarton Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering „ , , , Town Ball—Orange Ball, at 8 o’clock Bakaia Races and Sports Friday, January 1 Wakanni Animal Sports Tinwald Annual Sports Methven Races and Sports Friday, January 8 ianburton Qonnty Council—At Council Chambers, H a.m. Saturday, Januaky 9 Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore-street, at 103 0

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails closest the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6a.uu 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertseyßakaia, &o-, at 10.30 a.m. •nd 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, . Coldstream, Bangitata, Otari, Winchester, »Dd Geraldine,,at 10 a.ni daily. ForTemuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p-m. daily. for Tim&ro and South, at 10 a. m., and 430 p-m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Sea view, Seafield, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 430 p.m. For Mayfield and Buapaua, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 430 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, Remington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fn • bysat 10.30 a.m. Fox Hampstead at 9 a.m. daily.

ftT>i7« arrive it? the Aahburton Poa? Ofioe— from Ohrsstchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c at 10.16 a.m. »"<♦ 4/85 p.m. daUy. . From Dnnedin and intermediate pint-. »t &JP *>.m. daily. From Temuka and Tiiaaru at 10.4 A) &. hi. «np 5.30 p.m daily. From Ghreenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 urn.. Jrom Moant Somen, daily at 10.5 a.m. From Mayfieldand Ruapuna, on Wt ■ oesdayß and at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and L«>n:. each at 10 a. m. daily. Krom Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fn day*, at 2.30 p.m. Front Flemington on Tuesdays, Thar* jays, and Satordyas, at 10a.m. From fiampstead at 9.30 a.m. daily.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY DECEMBER, 26, 1885. Government and Opposition.

The Italians have a proverb to the effect that in too much controversy the truth is lost, and having read tHe speech delivered by the leader of the Opposi tion at Hawera last week, and the speech delivered by the Premier at Dunedin on Wednesday evening, we are driven to an appreciation of the potency of this aphorism. As we ob served in the course of our first hurried review of Major Atkinson’s address, the member for Egmont confined himself almost entirely to hostile criticism of the policy and proceedings of the pre sent Government; Mr Stout, on the other hand, told the electors of Dun edin East that everything could be best tested by comparison and that he felt it his duty to reply to the criticisms of I

the leader of the Oppositioa It is hardly possible that both these eminent statesmen are correct in their state ments of facts, or justified in the con clusions they draw; it would be unfor tunate for the colony, indeed, if they were. Each attempts, without ventur ing upon a justification of bis own con duct, to emphasize the peccability of the other. It must be remembered.

however, that the positions of the two principals in this political dissidence are somewhat dissimilar. Mr btout com plains that the leader of the Opposition propounded no policy. If, he said, Major. Atkinson laid down aby broad lines of policy, or if his speech, had not consisted entirely of a criticism on the action of the Government or, of what he jjiight terra, their dispraise he would have simply dealt with that policy. No ope, in the past, bag re* oo|urasd wow foUyibw H? Stwrt tb#

the constitutional function of an Oppo sition is to criticise. It can hadly be expected that even the leader of the party opposed to. the Government, will proclaim an alternative policy when ever the latter determines upon some particular course of action. Such a practice, if not wholly impracticable, would be highly inconvenient and fur ther encumber what is already too cumbersome. For ourselves, while differing very widely from many of the views held by Major Atkinson, we think the Hawera address an able and states man-like impeachment of the policy of the Government, We need not reiter ate the objections we felt it our duty to make to the administration of the late Government, and we are guilty of no inconsistency in saying that we regard Major Atkinson as a useful and capable Oppositionist. No other member of the House has an equally intimate acquaintance with the finances of the colony, and, with the exception i of Sir Julius Vogel, no other New Zea land statesman has greater financial ability. But he is not only a financier, he is an indefatigable worker and pos sesses, that rarest of gifts, an accurate estimate of his own power. He does not imagine himself to be an orator, nor a lawyer, nor an engineer, nor an eminent social reformer; he affects no power he does not possess, but possesses no power that he does not make effect ive. It is Mr Stout’s duty, as the nomi nal head of the Government, to (pro pound a policy, and it is Major Atkin son’s duty, as leader of the Opposition, to criticise that policy. It would be hardly necessary, even if our space would permit of such an undertaking, for us to follow the disputations between these two statesmen with regard to the smaller details of public expenditure. We cannot, however, dismiss this part of the subject without observing that it is peculiarly unfortunate for Sir Julius Vogel that the defence of his Treasury administration was, by an unhappy accident, removed from his own to less capable hands. The important parts of the addresses we have under review are those referring to what has been designated the “ new policy ” the scheme for borrowing an additional ten millions. It may be inferred from the silence of the Colonial Treasurer that the scheme was published with his cognoisance and approval—was, in fact, put forth with a view to ascertain public opinion on the matter. We think Major Atkinson had the sympathy of every prudent colonist when he empha tically condemned this scheme. The question which suggests itself to the minds of reasonable men is, how are we to provide the additional charges involved? Major Atkinson asks this question, and thinks it probable that Sir Julius Vogel would propose to pay the interest out of loan!—a temporary expedient which might commend itself to a reckless minority in the House and country, but which, we feel sure, would never meet with the approval of sober-minded colonists. Mr Stout, on Wednesday evening, did not throw much light on this question; indeed he almost exposed himself to the charge of having deliberately evaded it. He thought, he said, that this colony in its borrowing should only borrow for those works that would give a direct return, and that they- should not pledge the credit of the colony unduly for roads and bridges. Replying to a question at the conclusion of his address, he ■ said that he would not pledge himself to the borrowing of a 10,000,000 loan. He did not think the Government should go into any wild scheme of bor rowing. He thought they should see, if possible, and borrow for works that were reproductive and that would pay some interest.—These statements may or may not be evasive, they certainly are very indefinite, and might be employed with equal propriety by a friend or an opponent of the “ new policy." The time, evidently, is not yet ripe for the Government to make an avowal on this subject, but, we have no hesitation in say ing, that should they determine to adopt the proposal attributed to the Colonial Treasurer, they will lose the support of many of their more prudent friends,and seriously jeopardise the future happiness, prosperity, and credit of the colony.

4 fire broke oat on the.ship Soukar, in Lyttelton on Thursday evening, bat was extinguished efore much damage was done to the vessel. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Acceptances for the handicaps to be run

I at the Tinwald-Winslow New Year’s Day race meeting, must be lodged with the Secretary at Scott’s Hotel, Tinwald by 10 o’clo k this evening. The 'tar of Ashburton Loyal Orange Lodge will give a ball in the Town Hall this evening. A special excursion train passed through Ashburton on Thursday evening en route for Dunedin, and early yesterday morning another special from Dunedin to Christ church passed through. Both trains car ried a number of passengers from Ashbur- i ton.

The grass and crops in tho Oamaru district are suffering severely from want of rain, the present being one of the driest seasons experienced there for years. The Hun W J. M. Larnaoh, Mr J. E. Fitzgerald, and Mr J, £. M‘Donald have neen appointed, by the Government, a Board to judge the prize essays on "The Present Condition and Future Prospects of the Industrial Resources of New Zea land, and the best means for fostering their development.”

A seaman named Arthur Bond of the Tainui, met his death at Lyttelton on Thursday while running through the electric machinery room. Ihe Master of the Ashburton Hospital wishes to acknowledge the receipt < f a handsome present of Christmas grocery from Mr H- Zander, for the ose of itiQ .ornates.

According to a contributor in the North Otago Times we bare had 4,735 statutes made in this colony ; 2,36 j of them have been disallowed and repealed ; 890 nave become obsolete ; while 1,486 still remain in force. Sorely the remaining 1,485 might bo reduced by som > 1,400. To restore nerve and brain 'waste, nothing equals Hop Bj tiers. Believe this and take none but American Co.’s. See Holloway’s Pills. —The chiefest wonder of modem times.—This incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatulency, purifes tlje system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout the glpbe astonishes everybody, and a single tria convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove all Complaints incidental to the human race, They are a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of thqblood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and ‘ gentle aperitive action are the prolific sources or the extensive curative of Holloway’s Pills.

It ia reported that an mob?!*; e arrested on Thursday evening escaped from the Ashburtuu P.d'co !Sta*ion yesterday, i’o day has been v-ry generalh observed as a h liday i<> Ashburou, although seve ral plsc< s of business have remained open. Th < Caledonian Society's annual sports ' athanug has been tee chief attrao ion to holiday makers. Races were held to day at Auckland He thoote, Rakaia, Mount Somers, and Kangirata, but the telegraph offices being closed we are unable to present our reports of the meetings in this issue. Mr George Thomas Rawkins. editor of the JSiening News, was committed for tiial at Napier, on Thursday, on a charge of criminal libel on Charles Ocean Thomp son, who was charged at last sittings of the Supreme Court with indecent assault on a chi d, the kill being th. own out by the Grand Jury.

Government have declined to issue rail way passes to ths unemployed to travel to and from country works. A meeting of the various branches of the building trades was held in Anck and on Thursday, Mr Moss, M fl. R , pre siding, to consider the circumstances of the strike of carpen'ern and joiners. A resolution was carried in favor of appoint ing a Board of Conciliation in prospect of an early settlement of the dispute. In the steeplechase at the Otahnhu races on Saturday last the Australian horse Grauville fell and ricked his back and, after lingering for about twelve hours, died The horse was recently imported by Mr Gallagher at a cost of L4OO. Nobility is valued at its true worth in Norway, if the following story is true. A lady pointed out the Prince of Wales to some peasants of a Norwegian farm. They did not evince the slightest emotion, however, at seeing the heir of the B'itish Empire, but only asked quietly, " Where is Mr Gladstone V The Government Printer refused' the Taranaki County credit for L2 worth of stationery.—With our experience of the courtesy and liberality of the Government Printer, we are compelled to c nolude that the financial standing of the Taranaki County is in very bad repute. 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 Id. G. May and Co.’s advertise ment, which appears in our columns this even ing, should convince one and all that the pro- I prietors of The Hall, High ' street, Christ- I church, are determined to dp their part The I prices quoted for the various items are, we be- I iieve, lower than on any prew ms occasion, and I should induce all buyers .ftliati rvand Cloth

“ German Syrup.” —No other medicine in he world was ever given such a test of it curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thous rad small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs. Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult 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 6d Regular size 3s. 6d. Thr<* fUNHT snv *>««*. f A r *

WILLOWBY SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The anniversary of the Willowby Son day -chool was celebrated by the usual teaandpa ilic mee.iazat Willowby yester day. Tne tea was served in the school room, and was largely attended by visitors from all parts of the’district. The tables were given and presided over by the I following ladies: S. Chap man, H Chapman, low, Smithies, Frisby man and Horsley. The meeting was held !in the church, which was crowded. Mr I Harding pr-sided, and after the Chair man’s address, Mr Low (superintendent) gave an account of the working of the school. Up to the present the school has been an undenominational one, and has been conducted by several energeti; Christian workers in the locality, but it ia now to be banded over to the Wesleyan body, who, from this time, will assume control of the institution. The school is in a vigorous and healthy condition, con taining about 76 scholars and 15 teachers. Mr S. Chapman read the financial report, and addresses appropriate to the occasion were delivered by the Revs D. McNiooll, T. J. Wallis, and MrH- M. Jones. The usual votes of thanks wore carried* by acclamation, and the meeting closed with devotional exercises. —Own Correspondent

RACING RULES.

The following are some of the most important ot the new rules adapted by the Canterbury Jockey Club, and now sent 'o the Dunedin Jockey Club for appro val ;

I “ All race meetings held in the Pro v I vinoial District of Canterbury, north of I the Bangitata river, shall be run under I the 0 J.C. Rules If a horse runs in a 11 ace at any meeting la the aforesaid dis- I triot which is not held under the 0 J O I Rules, such horse shall be permanently I disqualified from running at any race I meeting held under the C.J.O. Bales, I unless the committee of the OJ.C, see I just and sufficient reason to remove such I disqualification.” I “ The full programme of every race meeting run under these rules shall be submitted to and receive the sanction of I the committee of the U.J.C., prior to the j meeting taking place/’ I “lu no such programme when the I totalisator ia used shall the amount of I added money be less than the net com I mission estimated to be received from the I totalisator (having regard to the amount I received as commission at any correspond- | ing m eting), exclusive of all amounts re I coved from owners fur nominations and I acceptance, the intention of this rule being j that the minimum net amount given to I owners m the way of stakes shall be at I least equal to the sum' received from the J totalisator ” J

" Tho entrance and acceptance fee for a race shall under no circumstances ex ceed L 6 per cent of the amount of added m"ney. ’

“ From and after the Ist October, 1885, ail fines imposed upon joekeys by the 0 J. 0. shall be paid to the credit of a fond, to be called the Distressed Jockeys’ Fund, to he administered by the commit tee of the Oiub, and all fines imposed upon other persons shall go to the Race Fund of the meeting.” The Clubs defined by the rules as m tropolitaii clubs are the Dunedin Jockey Club, Wellington Racing GUb, I land Bay Park Racing Qlab, Wanganui Jockey Club, Taranaki Jockey Olub, Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club, and Auckland Racing Club. j

THE NEW ZEALAND LANDED ESTATE.

The New Z aland landed estate la thus anmraed up : “ The total area of New Zealand is upwards of 66,1)00,000 acres. Of this 18,(J00,000 have been sold auo disposed of in education and other pubbo reserves ; 14,000,0'J0 belong to the abori ginals, or to Europeans who hare pur chased from them ; and 34,000,000 acres of Crown lands still remain for disposal Of the latter, 15,000,000 are open grass or fern country, 10,000,000 forest, and 9,000,000 of barren mountain tops, lakes, and worthless country,"

THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL.

Another Christmas has passed 1 Our thoughts have again sped back along the 1 ' stream of time ’’ dwelling on home in cidents and connections with that half sad, half , pleasant pathos'begat of ''re membrance and redaction " and empha sized by plnm-pudding and the other indiges'ible comestibles which form *aud ins-ks f *his 1. stive reason.

“We ring th bells and raise the strain. We hang up garlands everywhere And bid the tapers twinkle fair And feast and frolic—and then we go Back to the same o’d lives again.” British conservatism baa preserved the hia orio beauty of this Christian festival even in these distant climes, bat with the thermometer at 120 degrees the oleaginous compounds fashion requires ua to consume cannot be expected to follow (he serene, inoffensive career they puraue nnder a more propitious temperature. Bat th ; s is not a poetic view of the festival. Our dietary is a matter of vital importance, but as old Passer observes in bis Five hundred points of good husbandry 44 Chris mas comes but once a year ” and wo are licensed to 44 make good cheer ” without too a precise a calculation as to the con sequences.

On Christmas Ere a very disagreeable nor’-weat wind was blowing in Ashburton, but still the streets were tilled with sight seers and others, and the shopkeepers appeared to do a good business. We have already referred briefly to the dis plays of the different vendors.

WAITS. The members of the Excelsior Band preserved the old institution of 44 waits ” and visited the principal parts of the borough and snbnrbs, performing appro priate carols. The drum is rather an unusual accompaniment of such music, but still the efforts of the Baud were much appreciated and it is a pity that the great length of their circuit delayed the completion of their progrtmme until a very late hour and prevented several tesidents acknowledging their contribu tion to the good old customs of the season.

THE CHDECMKS At the Church of the-Holy Name of Jesus Missa Cantata was celebrated a ll a m on Christmas Day. The church was very tastefully decorated by ladies and gen tlemen of the congregation and the festi val music was of unusual excellence. Father Chastagnon preached an eloquent sermon appropriate to trie occasion, and administered the sacrament to 85 commu nicants

The decorations in St. Stephen’s Church were in many respects superior to tho e of former years. in addition to the usual wreathing there were several very care fully wrought crosses and other devices, the Communion rails had received much attention and the same remark applies to the pulpit, which was exceedingly pretty. Over the Communion table were the words “ Behold thy King;” while over the east gable end were the sentences, “ A little.child shall lead tberr,” and “ Unto us a child is born ” la the four windows of the nave were the words “ “ Service,” which were evidently intended to suggest to the minds of the congrega tion a sequence of thought, relative to the season. i'liere - .was a carol service on Christmas Eve, which was fairly attended, but the church on Christmas Day was hardly so full as usual, people apparently being tired out* by the previous day’s north-west wind The Incumbent preached at the moruing service from John x, 10, “ I am come that ye might have life, and have it mure abu <dantty ”

At the Dissenting pieces of worship there were no services. OLD BBS’s BOMB

The inmates of the Old Men’s Home were not forgotten m the general fes tivities. <he kindness of a number of friends enabled Mr and Mrs Fox to laj a moat bounteous dinner before the inmaices of the institution, and the old gentlemen were load in their commendation of the generosity of their friends and the sea sonable attention of thi master and matron. ASHBURTON HOSPITAL Mr and Mrs Macks? did their utmost to give Christmas Day at the Hos pital a pleasing celebration. .The patients had not been forgotten by the outside public, and the matron with care and thoughtfulness that have endeared her to every inmate of the establishment made up a menu which sharpened appetites that were good and wooed back those that hal been lost. The genial master and bis exoailent wife spared no pains to cheer the lot of their suffering charges, and they ‘ succeedd to an extent that must have pleased themselves— their moat exacting critics.

ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Annual Sports Gathering

The eighth annual sports gathering of the Ashburton Caledonian Society took place on the Society’s Ground, Allenton, to day.. The Directors and other officers have worked most indefatigably to make the event a success, and they were re warded with good entries, a fair attend* ance and excellent sport The attendance, no doubt, would have been much larger, but for the appearance of the weather during the early l morning, when rain threatened Races and sports at Mount Somers, Bakaia, and Rangitata, and numerous private pio-nics and excursions have* also, claimed the attention of many of the holiday makers, hat the enthusias tic Scotchmen—the men who derive an exquisite, undefined but evident pleasure from the annual isplay of their national games and costume—were all therer The officials, one and all. were energetic and successful in the discharge of their duties, and it is with no desire to make invidious distinctions that we mention the courtesy and ready tact of the Secretary— Mr J. 0. Duncan. We might however mention that the card of sports, for which a shilling was onarged by the persuasive vendor, contained vary little information for the confiding purchaser. Even the colors worn by the competitors in the handicaps, did not appear on the card, . and the general public bad uo means by which they could a certain the names of the different pe destrians. The publicans' booth was under the charge of Mr Thomas Q iiil, and it is unnecessary to say that his catering gave the utmost satisfa.tion to the crowds that patronised him, either to slake their thirst or quaff some seasonable toast. Mr W. 0. iiavia hsd a well stocked confectioner's booth on >he ground early in the day, but the excellence of the wares and the ready attention of the genial proprietor ensured a speedy clearance. The Excelsior Band provided appropriate music at short in tervals, which added very much to the pleasure of the afternoon. The following are the results of events decided up to the hour of our going to press:

Quoits—lst prize, L2: 2ad prize, LL G. Kidd ... 1 W. Napier ... 2- Hanpicup Husnus Rack ; 440yds; six hurdles—lst prize, L2; 2nd, LI. T. Hunt, acr 1 J Johns, 10yds ... ... 2 J. Cossack, sor ... ... 3 Ripe Musip (Pibcochs and Marches). J. Campbell ... ... ... 1 A. McKay 2 Running High Jump—lst prize, LX : 2nd, 10s W. Dalton, sft 2in ... ... + J. Jamieson, Sit 2in ... . ... t A tie. Ipi) Yards Flat Race—lst prize, L2; 2nd, i-l. T. Hunt ... 1 «1 W Ml % {

Running High Jump (hoys)—lit prize. 10j; 2nd, 5a ' A. Jamieson . J VVamb ... ... ... % Sco-ch Bkki.—lst prize, L2;2od, LL Jtuiw Bank* ... ... j J. F Mcßae ... 3 >. Grand Haklioar-100 yards heat. f Hoot | 0. HuUt.-n aor a W Fox, #yda ... ... F 220 1? aboa Huz. T. Hunt, aor... « ... ... I J. Lewis, 20yds ... - * 0. Hula ton, aor ••• ••• .. 3 Tossing the OiUß—lst prize, LI -10 a; 2nd, 10a. • J. Daly ... ... ... 1 W. Dalton ... ... - ew 2 Standing High Joicr-lat prize, .U.x* 2nd, 10s. M W. Dalton, 4- t lin ... ... 1 V J Jamieson, 4ft ... ... 3 100 Sards Uandxoaf Back (for boys)- lat prize, Kb; 2nd, sa. D Bettr ... ... ... 1 J. Burns 2 O. Johns ton ... 3 Pipe Music (Reels and Strathspeys)—lat prize, L2; 2nd, LI J. Campbell ... ... 1 . A. McKay ... 2 Sword Dance, ok Chillis Callow—lat ... prize, L2 ; 2ad prize, LI. James Banka... ... ... 1 ' A. McKay ... 2 Pole Vaulting -lai prize, 11; 2nd. >os. O Kidd ... t W. Dalton ... ... . A tie at 7ft 9in.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, December 18.

The appearance of cholera aboard the Dornnda at Brisbane, caused the health authorities to take every precaution All, vessels from Queensland ports are quar antined, and stiiot surveillance enforced. Tbe weather has continued very hot. The temporary water supply is not yet in operation. The Governor and Lady Carrington are making themselves yary p • ular, and bare already made several puolic appearances. They have ex-.rested themselves - much pleased with-be place 1 be Alaaied- made the run from land in 3 days 15 hours. ' , ‘

Sir P - craichley was insured in the Mutual Provident Society tor L 7 fiOO.

A theatre, to bs called the Bijou, la about t-> be erected in Sydney, at a cost ot L23.CCO

'lhe objects brought back bytbe New Quin-a Exploring bxpeduioa will shortly be exhibited hi the Art Gallery. The report of. the Water Oommiwtoa bu been laid ou the table, of the riousa. It is a long document, and is Bafd to pjs«esa moat imp >rtnm features. Typhoid fever is very prevalent iu the city.

MELBoaasß,December 18

I. is said that Mr Kerferd Will be raised to the Bench after tbemaetina of iba Federal Cunucil, andth'at.Mr Wrlxoa will become Attorney General Mr service baa stated that, owing to additional estimates, his surplus balance at the end of the year will only be L 1,973, instead of LSO,U(h). Hobabt, December 18. Mr Sale is not drawing snob large audiences as was expected. Brisbane, December 18 Java has also been declared, an infected'

place. ' fair John Good* has sailed for London.

Government has dispensed with the services of Me Clarke, Colonial architect.

THE BRITISH SCHOOL BOY.

The talented Frenchman, who oa<gK the non de plums of Max. O’fietl, TtbjV those clever «kits on English manners end ' customs, “ John Ball and his Island,” and "John Bull's Womankind,” bn recently published another work c tiled “Bos chons vuisins,” in which he gives , the following description of the British school-boy. Be writes:—“lt is a sturdy, hardy, robust, welUknitted lad, with muscles of steel, and mule-like obstinacy, who, sooner than let go the football which he fiercely cuddles, will peform prodigies of valor; who merely for the chance of making that ball pass between two gaols, will bite the dust,. will let his flesh be torn, his jaws dislocated, bis riba stove in; and would even be carried off to die upon a bed of anguish, with a smile upon his lips. If he Oould only hear as hia ; young eyes oloded, that hia aide bad se- 1 cored the game. 1 * Then he goes on:— “ Multiply such an English yooth np to tfae- number of the stare of the firmsnumt, ~V and yoo will get an Idee of the martial, if not the military strength of England.”

THEY WENT OUT.

A minister of the gospel in one of the counties in middle Tennessee bordering on the Cumberland range thought he would try one of the Rev “ Sam ” Jones's dodges on his congregation and see how ft would work. Ha had seen the Bev “ Sam ” uap it with wonderful effect, and he could sea no good reason why it should not prove equally effective with him, *od be was badly in need of a mucilage e( some sort to make hia hearers stick until he could reach the “lastly.” On the referred to he amended the jplat* form as usual, and, after the Mlammb services, he removed his gussesjaiHs' glancing over his andienea, reaaarkad solemnly that he was going to deal In some plain, unvarnished gospel truths to* day aud would try, the Lord being willing and helping, to expose the hypocrisy of professing Christians, and If than were any person or persons present bho did not want to famr It they had an oppor> tnnlty right then to “ rack:out.”' To hia utter autptise the whole oongpngatfori rose as one man and “racked.

STATE AID TO FARMERS.

The North Otago Tints oonol|l3ea an article dealing ■with the petition : recently addressed by Southland fermera totha Government preying lor State aid, ilk the following terms:—

But besides depending opon themselves and living simply and soberly, and dir* vying on their affairs with prudence and perseverance, the colonists of New need to realise that they are toe iwttch governed, and that all the real help: they can derive from Government moat come through the Government doing less and less, cutting down expenditure more and more, and leaving mo e and more of tha peoples* money in the peoples* own pockets. In a word, it Is only with lass Government taxation, and with more prn denoe and patience on their own part,* that the people of New Zealand need hops to reash the only desirable ends attainable through politioul or industrial hmm, But this simple troth appears to be lity»| apprehended, much less comprehended, by the people of the eolony. The more’s the pity for the people, though the fact mast be like life blood to the faJiwfefoi parasites and the political oracla-workece of the country.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER % 1885.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The ashburtos Guardian must be sent in not later than 5 p.xa.j with the nnmber of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise Ui«y wifi be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must bo supplied previous to that on which they re to be inserted. ' Special notices can bo received up to &90 p;m., but will be charged doubje •tea. . All notices of B rths, Marriages, «r Deaths must be accompanied by the g of the sender, as a guarantee of jod faith. /til advertisements and business iert»is be addressed The Manager ; Jiterary mmunications should be addressed to Hi Editor.



ÜBTEALIAN MERCANTILE UNION INSURANCE COMPANY. The omi Compaht in Canterbury WHICH DIB -HOT RAISE RaXBS 33J FKF CXHI OH CotTHTBT BISKS. We AH*. vow, AS WB HAVE BBF.H FOB TOT PAST THREE TEAKS, ACCEPTING Klt-K> J ; 5 PER CENT, OFF TARIFF. W; B. MOSS, , Agent for Ashburton Distrii-r.. September 22,1885. 9 di 6 Immense Furniture Sale!! RA. WING-ROOM, DINING-ROOM, ahd BEDROOM SUITES. Everything New and Fashionable. J. ME£CH old an UNRESERVED rjlE-ARING S A L f Of superior FURNITURE at bo Arty date, partieulare of which will bi jujonced presently. rgaeh an opportunity for acquiring Fur •■Aqua made In the BEST STYLE anr ■With v Afeoroaghly WELL-BEASONSL trTM-Rifttt has never befoi, occurred u Ashburton. ■*-. n «i aadinspeet previous to Bale. Funerals ‘ ounduotnd, as imubl. at tlm ' Lowest Kate?, - ' Addrass —EAST STREET. - • TANCKJ&D STRBFTi



Wanted. WANTED Known The Cheapest House in Town for first class Millinery end Drapery, H. 0. Seoeks, t; ast s reet. WAIVlbi) -To Let 6 roomed House; 2 acres of iai.d ; rent 8s a week ; near Woouen factory Apply office <*i this Paper. 12 244 WANTED to dispose of a Furniture Business fronting on East street and Tancred street. —J. Mkbch 12 105 WANTED— All Boys and Girls to bang up their boots and stockings to-night, for Santa Claus is coming. Parents, call and sea EL M. Jones’s stock of Toys and Fancy Goods 12 243 \%J' ANTED Known —Wertbeim Sew- V V ing Machines can be bad on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing factory's Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 WANTED KNoWNj-Robkbt Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to 760 W ANTED Known— Orders for Christ mas and New Year’s Cake are being booked at the lowest possible price, by VV. Nourish, Freetrade Bakery, East street, A-fabunun VTEW Fruit just arrived by steamer, new cur. ants, 6d per lo ; new rai Sinn, 7d per lu; new suitauas, 8d per lb ; new figs, 8d per bo*; white sugar, d 3 per ib; ..ized biscuits, 6d per lb; tresh but ter, 7d - »t iVicUkegoe s, Tancred street. ,i; AN TED Known —Down agaru 1 W What, the price of wheat! No but the price ut meat- Dumb, lore quarters, Vs 6d; iiiud quarters, 3s 6d Best s.usages in the town, 5d per Id, at Balter and Oo s, London Butchery, Tau oreu street. 11 971 I*7ANTED Known —That ami * * Co. baa bougnt 1009 yarns superior Velveteen, all shades, from is; dress goods grand value, worth 2a, now Is; lautes’ Jackets, cost 26a 6d,- now 4s 6<i ; nats and bonnets nalt-price ; winceys, 1 yard wide, 6d ; ladies’ ulsters, 2a lid. 607 WAAI ED Known—ihut tw. Lancas iek baa reduced tne price of meat 2b per cent—lor CaaU only. Lamu, 2a and 3s per quarter. 4ib Loaf for 4ja. Free trade for ever. it. Lancastek, .teady Money Meat Mart, TJuuock’o Arcade. 9 632 a A T Aos TED Known—To the Ladies of yy Ashburton and surrounding dis tricts and tbe public in generaL Mr J. Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has re ceived a large shipment of French, Eng lish and German radios’ a Hues, button up and elastic sides, great cnoice, now fur inspection, waion J. bluisou intends dis posing ot at reaauuable rates uunug tbe oumiag holidays, rtis own make always on hand or made to order. Repairing dune with care and promptitude. Oolu uial boots of ail studs. Next to tbe Club, iaucred street, Ashburton. 10 88u



apeuuti Agyertiaomentb. Boating, .jTRAWBERRIEa AiNn» SCENERY. D Un WEDNc-SD-tY -NEXT (December 2), the undersigned WiLC OfEN his tx tensive grounds, on the Wakauai toad, to visitors and picuic parties- i'be Garden is replete with every variety of fruit, plea* saut lounges and snarly wains. The boat ing is in every respect excellent. Special arrangements made for tbe reception ol private picnic parties, school children auu outer latga numoers of visitors- Admission, 6d; boating, la an hour, boatman extra ; fresh fruit, lowest price. 11 78 M. 11 U a I'. A SMB ETON OUAL AMO FIBBWoOD DEPOT. B. 8. Bean degs to inform the >nnaOitauts of Ash burton that be stal continues to deliver JSEWoAbTLB. WaSTPUKT, AISD BRUCKFIaLu COa.li at lowest rates. Firewood, Post and Rails, Stages Etc., Potatoes Chaff, Cats, Bran, sharps, mo, B. S. BE-t-N, H 419 West street. COVUNG EVENTS OAST J-HEiit, oUADOW* BEfcWE. Knowing this to ne the case 1 am wen stocked witu Christmas Cards,-New 1 car’s Cards, and Seasonable Presents of all description. bchuol Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to be derived Horn purchasing iheir pr.ze books from me, as 1 am now offering pr.ze books at very reasouacie prices, in fact., *t Christ church prices, and no cac-iagO to pay, wmist my stock uousiats of about 3,600 volumes. school requisites of every desc. iptiou kept in stock. Ex as Coptic, two cases of Account Books and General (Stationery. Ex s a Ruapehu, spienuid stock ol Commercial Envelopes. iiiomas Jb\ ariux, Bookseller, .stationer, Printer, and .Newsagent, Saunders* Buildings, East str» et, Asnburma. Branch Shop: Town Hal, Ashburton,



Special Advertisements. EXTRACT from New Zealand Gazette Bth October, 1835. CLAIMS UNDEr"fOREST TREE'S PLANTING ENCOURAGEMENT ACTS. General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 6th October, 1885 Notice.—“ The Forest Tree Planting Encouragement Act Amendment Act, 1871 1 ” and “ The Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1872,” having been repealed, it is requested that all out standing claims in pursuance of those Acta, and of any regulations made thereunder, may be sent in to the office of the Coin misaioner of Grown Lands for the district in which plantations have been made, fore the 31st day of December next. J BaLLANCE 10 873 Minister of lands. fTIOR Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, T Asthma! Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, etc. KAY’S Compound of Linseed, Ani seed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, etc, with Chlorodyne. KAY'S Compound, a demulcent ex pectorant, for Coughs, Colds and Guest Complaints, KAT’S Compound, for Coughs and Colds, is equally serviceable for tlurses and Cattle. KaY’S Tic Pills, a specific in Neu ralgia, Face Ache, etc. Contains Ijwiiuiue. Iron, etc. — Cement for Broken j Articles. Sold a vary where. Sole makers—l KAT BROS., 101 Stocknort, England Changed Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Busmens lately carried on by Messrs U. J. Wood and Co, ofgOhristohnrca, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original coat; this will give my m -ny patroua an opportunity of ob taiumg a numoer of lequisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. S CATION ERT.—Special care is given to aU orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first cldts firm for the execution of ail Com missions as described aoove, clients may reiy upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without demy. Orders takeu for all news papers (British and Foreign included), Public committees receiving liberal con cessions. . ——■- PRINTING. This branch is b ing fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, aud promptitude in the execution of alt orders, ail work receiving personal superintend ence —— LELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may rely upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same remarg applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodictls ; also, purouasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly.



Wholesale Lines lways in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and tradesmen's general requisites. Bookbinding Oboees Received. £. b’. Parley, BOOKSELLER, 8 I'AllUHßil, PRINTER <fc NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ buildings and Town Hall, ABHBDBTON. fjl H K ID U W ZEALAND Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS To " j New Zealand Government Rail ways, Post Offices, Volunteer dorps, &c. fto. *Vo. Are now prepared to enter Into contracts :or the supply of imaVAL AND m any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditions j manner. ii.MY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on tne shortest notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE -Measures for all uniforms may oe entrusted to the Manager of tne N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the follow ing centres, viz;— jjunedm Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika NewPiymouO amaru Grey month Napier vV situate Reelton vVaipawa i imam Wellington Hastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames byttelton Hawera Auckland



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R STEEL & SOxN il/ISH to intimate to the Pablic of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, ft having obtained STEtM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on theii work efficiently, are now in a position to meet the demands o> the imbUo with a fir ' class article at prices to suit the times. Every d ptioii of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whitechapals from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Betrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. E. S. & SON, while thanking the pablic for their past liberal support in his department, beg to intimate tha , having procured first-class Machinery, they >re now in a p sition to undertake all kinds of engineering work. Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of Machinery, including Combines,. Engines, Reaper and Binders and every ascription of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork.



HORSES OAEEFU LY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 Victoria House. R 4 N D DISTRIBUTION OF BOHEMIAN £<4§S VASES, Etc., To Purchasers of Farce’s equating to TEN SHILLINGS AND ONE pSVND. itiolos to be Exhibited in Windows la a few days. Presents equal tp a reduction of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND, to be distributed upon arrival. liimaut and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS, GLOWERS, Era. Em* a * St**#*- AsWsuto*



Special Advertisements. ASHBURTON TWEEDS. Craighead and Co., TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS. From a communication received from the Manager of the Ashbur ton Woollen Factory, we expect shortly to be in a position to sup ply the residents of this thriving Town and County with SUITS MADE FROM TWEEDS, MANUFACTURED by THEMSELVES. CBAIGHB \D AND 00., Ashburton.



CHRISTMAS! Bazaar! Bazaar I! NOW OPENED. Table of Articles from Id to 4d. The Wonderful 6d Table. The Marvellous One 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. Bevan, STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, &0., (Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel), Saunders’ Buildings.



QHRISTMAS AND NSW YEAR. Just to Hand -a Direct Shipment of all Sorts of JAPANESE TOYS & FANCY GOODS, Which will be sold AT LOW PRICES, A CALL SOLICITED. Wilhelm Zander, (Late F. Clark), TOBACCONIST AND HAIRDRESSER. East Stbbet 11 997



partnership notice. r |IQE undersigned has ranch pleasure in 1. stating that he has admitted Mr JOHN ANDREW MAOPHERSON into Partnership with him, and that the bast ness will in future be carried on under the style or firm of ZOOOH & MAOPHBRSOV, Auctioneers, Land, Estate and Stock Salesmen. Valuators, etc, W. H. ZOUOH, Auctioneer. Every description of Agency Business, ales in Town and Country, Valuations nd Commissions undertaken on this most reasonable terms. The usual Saturday Market Sates will be mam as attractive as possible, and farmers may rely upon their stock and produce realising the HIGHEST MvRKET VALUE, at a minimum cost. No yard ees charged when sales are effected. ZOUCH & MACPH ERSON AU TIONEBRS, &o. ' QHRISTMAS! CHRISTMAS!! Thomas Taylor, baker anu confectioner, East Street, Ashburton, Begs to inform his numerouscustomers and the general public that he has sped -1 ally prepared and has now on band 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 uihkuig a speciality of them at bis establishment in East street. Superior GINGER BEER sold in 3 or 6 gallon kegs. All orders promptly attends t to. 12 161



Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly cured by using Baxter’ *• Lung Preserver/, This old-established medicine is pleasant to the palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and .clerical profession. Read ad vfftipWßt’



Kidney and urinary complaints e#*H I permanently cured with Hop Bitters, GCHIM made byAmerican Co. Read . Indigestion and liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting- powerfully 1 on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or poet fine from J. Baxter