SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Ykstbkdat. Kestrel, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. Wakata,B.s., from Wellington and Kai konra. , Spray, schooner, from Stewart a is land. Sailed. . i . Ybotrkdat. Viking, brig, for Newcastle. Timara, s.s., for Greymouth. for Kaikoura and Wel lington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS, Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Arawata, from Fiji. Sailed—Waihora, for Sydney. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Grafton, from the South ; Hawes, from the South ; Rotorua, from Picton and Nelson. Sailed—Wallace, for Nelson and the West OoMlporta; lonic, for PortOhalmora, Lyttelton and Napier ; Grafton, for Nel son and West Coast; Rotorua, for the South. „ , Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Rotomahana, and Southern Cross, f*om the North. Sailed—Rebecca Crowell, for Auckland; Haaro>o, for Sydney, via Wellington ; Manapouri, for Auckland Bluff, Yesterday. Sailed—Barque Hopeful, for Brisbane ; Gazelle, for London; Oam&ru, for Wel lington ; Pareora, for London.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Fhursday afternoon.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, (in conjunction srith Messrs Robert Wilkin and 1 Co., pe F. C. Tabart, auctioneer) report upon the live stock market for the week ending January 28, as follows:—The usual weekly sale was held at the Tinwald Yards yesterday. There were not many sheep yarded, no doubt the bid weather prevented people from bringing their stock forward. The bidding dragged throughout the sale, and those sold found buyers at prices barely equal to late quotations. Fat nr rino wethers sold at 8s 4d and 8s 6d; a line of Southdown ewes and wethers, which were the feature of the day, brought 13s 3d each. In stores a medium entry were submitted, but owing to the scarcity of buyers several lots were passed in unsold. Merino wethers made 5s I id; a line of two-tooth crossbred ewes and wethers sold at 13s. In fat cattle there was an aver ge supply, and of good quality, but the demand was hardly sufficient to effect an entire clearance. Fat heifers made Is 7s 6d L 4 12s 6d, L 4 lss; steer-, L 5 ss, L 5 7s 6d ; a line of store heifers made L2 16s. hlessrs Matson, Cox and Co. report upon theliye stock market for the Ashburton district for the week ehd : ng Janaury 28th, as follows: Oa Tuesday last the usual weekly sale of live stock for the district was held in the Tinwald Yards. -'TTie day was an exceedingly disagree able Otoe, as it rained all day, which would account for the very small attendance, and also the limited number of entries. The sheep market was one of the smallest we hav- seen this year.. There were, however, two or three lines of very fair sheep, and one extremely good lot of lambs, about 200 of which were sold at 9s each, a very low figure considering the quality. ' The principal sales of the day were—Fat, broken mouthed [crossbred ewes, 105.6 d ; fat two-! ooth mixed crossbreds, 13s 6d ; fat merino wethers, 8 Sd to 8s xod ; fat merino ewes, 5s 6d; fat two-tooth mixed Dpwps, 13s 2d and 13s 4d. In stores—Lambs, gs r - two-tooth crossbreds, ns gd ; mixed two-looth crossbreds. 13s, a very grand line :of sheep; two-tooth crossbred wethers, Its gd, etc In cattle there was a very good entry, We dUared our catalogue at fully hte ruling rates. Good descriptions of young store slock arc enquired for, and if sent forward now would ; meet a ready sale. During the week'we have sold 350 mixed ewes, with 70 per cent lambs, at 9s; 414 two-tooth crossbred ewes at izs ; 164 two-tooth crossbred wethers, ns 2d; 376 mixed, two-tooth crossbreds, ns 6<L Tn land there is nothing new to report. New oats have been offered, but without lead ing to business. Ryegrass.—Several large samples have been shown, mostly of good quality, but holders decline present offers. The following is the weekly report of the Ad dington Stock Market for the week ending yesterday:—Moderate entries of stock yarded for the day’s market, with the usual attendance of buyers. The fat sheep were principally of meditit». quality, and the presence of out side bhyers served to effect a pretty fair clear ance at, however, no advance in values. Cross bred wethers sold at from I2s to 14s 6d, ditto ewes lOS to I2s 3d, merino wethers 8s to 10s 3d, being ah average of about 2d per lb, A moderate entry of store sheep, principally 2 and 4 met with but little inquiry, hardly a line being sold- A line of 2 a.nd 4- tooth crossbred ewes at ns pd, and a line of longwool lambs at 7s 3d, being the onl / sales effected. Fat Jambs were in large supply, demand dull, at from 7s 6d to 10s per head. A good entry of pigs met with the usual brisk demand. The store cattle market was largely supplied, but buyers were very bac ward, and but few sales were made, Fat cattle market— Moderate entry, inquiry dull. Steers sold to L 8 lOS, heifers to L 7 2s 6d, being from 18s to 80s per loolbs, as per quality.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. ■- Friday, January 30. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., on the Alford Forest Road, opposite the Wool len Factory—Horses, f urniture, etc. Saturday, January 31 Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Tatter saH's—Horses, Implements, etc. Tuesday, February 3. Messrs Matson, Cox and C>., at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock Mr ThOs. Bollock, at the Arcade, Burnett Street—Land

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday, February 2. Borough’ Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Town 'Ball—Webb’s Marionettes, at .8 o'clock

Friday, February 6 iirtburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. Friday, Mafoh 6. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office.

Saturday, March 7. A'akanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

MARRIAGE.

McKeown — Jeffs— On the 12th Jan., 1885, by the Rev Dp Stewart, of Dune din, Francis John McKeown to Annie Jetfa, eldest daughter of Mr E. Jeffs, of Ashburton.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 1885. The Premier at Dunedin.

The warmest friends of the Premier have been unable to think of anything complimentary to say about his speech to his constituents of Dunedin East. Forensic or even Parliamentary debate will always suit the Premier’s powers better than a calm, comprehensive political statement, in which no impor tant part of the truth is expected to be concealed. There is nothing in the

report of his last speech that reminds us in any way of the speeches we can still read with pleasure delivered by Dr Featherston, Sir E. Stafford, Messrs Fitzgerald, Richmond, or Crosby Ward, and, what is perhaps still more disappointing, there is no evidence whatever that he has even tried to give the colony the best he could. He starts with the idea that he is addressing his constituents rather than the colony, and they, even, will not feel flattered with what he has considered good enough for them. The admission that he had worn himself out in Court that day, before he commenced his address, will challenge some serious thoughts as to whether the Premier should use his powers, his ability, and his inevitable influence, as an advocate in any legal proceedings. Objection able as it would be in any case, it be comes more so when we have a Premier who ha? learned habits in his practice as an advocate, which it is highly de sirable that he should unlearn as the Premier of New Zealand. It is not alone that one rises from the perusal of this long speech with a sense that they have learned nothing from it—that would be bad enough—but it is much worse to fee* that the Premier treats his audience as if they had just dropped from the moon, or had been spending a few years in Juan VomonHsj nr in scum* nart of this

,pernanuez, or ui some ui uus or some other world where newspapers were never circulated. The Premier has a fine intellect and an observant eye, and it is strange that he should treat his fellow colonists as if they had neither brains nor perception. He gravely tells us—we find no fault with his gravity —that the reason why one mil'ion only of the loan was floated was “ that the Bank of New Zealand “ said that Major Atkinson had “ pledged the colony only to borrow a “ million a year, that the million had “ been floated, and that the year, they “ considered, did not expire until “March 31, 1885, and therefore it “ would be a breach of faith for us to “ ask the Bank of England to float a “ million and a half extra,” Now

everyone knew, two years ago, that pledge had been given, but when we saw the Colonial Treasurer last session drawing such attractive pictures of how the colony was to be lifted by large loans, so promptly spent, and railways, so rapidly finished, we naturally conclu ded, that the Stout-Vogel Government saw some way of setting aside a diffi culty that to less gifted minds appeared insuperable. It produces an uncom fortable sensation now to realise that they saw nothing more than common mortals, and were perfectly aware all the time they were drawing those pic tures, that they were the most palpable delusions. There is one subject upon which the Premier volunteers to en lighten us in respect to which the

colony will hardly accept him, or his audience, as very competent or im partial judges. He tells us that he knew Mr Macandrew “outside of “ Otago and in some parts of the North “ Island had been accused of having “ but Otago interests at heart. This, “he could say, having been with him “in the Cabinet of 1878 and 1879 and “ for the short time during last session.

“ that there was no fairer minded man “in' the discussion of any subject, “ whether it related to Auckland, Can “ terbury, or Otago, than Mr Macan “ drew ; that his sole desire was ever “to try and do anything he could to “ push the colony ahead ; and that “he had no such petty feelings “or provincial jealousies as his “enemies accuse him of.” In

the face of Mr Macandrew’s ante cedents, such an opinion only suggests that the Premier is deeply tarred with

the same brush, and helps to explain why so far, under his Government, Otago receives the good things and .Canterbury the promises; why the money \n hand is spent on the Otago .Central, and oyr West Coast Railway is left to the tender mercies of wary capitalists, who will look twice before they leap. There is another subject upon which Mr Stout, with all hi\ undoubted ability and good intentions, will not be regarded as a reliable authority, and to which he alluded in jybat we cannot but regard as a highly objectionable manner. As Minister of Education it was very bad taste of him to parade hie own religious of irreligious

views and actions, and to condemn the actions of those who differ from him. He said :—“ I generally find that those “ who talk loudest about Education and “ the Bible in schools are doing nothing “ whatever for either the religious or “ the moral education of the children, “ I should like to know how many “ members of the Bible-in-Schools’ “ Association spend their Sundays as I “ spend mine —in teaching children “ morality.” The Premier might con scientiously entertain views differing from those held by the rest of the com munity, and yet be only the better fitted for the position of Minister of Education. But one of the first essentials of fitness for such an office is that the occupant should entertain a reverential respect for the conscientious opinions of those who differ from him. A man’s religious views may be very erroneous, they may be very injurious,

they may even be ridiculous, but they can never be unimportant, they can never be a fit subject for political derision The nature and scope of religion makes it necessarily a subject of primary im portance, Whatever views a man may entertain on that subject it must be a subject of more than life and death in terest to him, and no one else has any right to regard it otherwise. As Minis ter of Education the Premier should

have felt that his business was not to assert the superiority of his own reli gious views or actions, whatever they may be; but to deal with the utmost respect with the peculiarities of every sect, however small, and to especially speak and act respectfully with refer ence to the views eitertained by the majority of the community. We are glad to learn that the Premier is so far dissatisfied with his own speech that he intends to address his constituents again at an early date, when we sin cerely hope that he will speak with more success, with less contempt for his audience, and with a stronger sense of

his responsibility as the Premier of New Zealand.

At the banquet given to Mr S. S. Revans last week, Mr D. H. Brown, while responding to the toast of “ The Agricultural and Pastoral in terests,” made some remarks which are well worthy the attention of our farmers and others interested in the grain pro duction of the Colony. Mr Brown said, in effect, that the English character of our wheat had been much impaired by the irregularity of the samples and a careless method of shipment. This is a subject on which Mr Brown’s opinion is entitled to the fullest respect. He is a theoretical and practical miller of many years’ experience, and he has enjoyed exceptional opportunities— which we are in a position to affirm that he has not neglected —to ascertain the trade character and value of the world’s cereals. We, too, have had special opportunities of watch ing the progress of agriculture in this district, and we fully endorse an opin ion expressed by Mr Brown, that the quality of our wheat has much de teriorated, and that a change of seed is required. We admit that exceptional samples are still produced, but they will generally be found, on enquiry, to have been grown • under exceptional conditions, where seed has been carefully selected or changed as re commended by Mr Brown. It is true, too, that very fine samples have occasionally been secured when no special care has been exercised, but these instances are few and far between and rather go to support Mr Brown’s contention that no fixity of character can be maintained with a slovenly method of cultivation. Mr Brown suggested that the importation of seed should be undertaken by our large mercantile houses, and we think the venture would be largely in their inter ests, but we would also commend the suggestion to our local Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which might, with great advantage and propriety, under take this and many other agricultural experiments.

The annual meeting of householders for

the election of a Committee for the Sea field School district was held in the school room, Sea field, on Monday evening. The following gentleman were elected : Messrs Maidens, Moore, Bruce, B. Col lison, t'edmayne, Richardson, and Page. A.t a meeting of the Committee hold later Mr Redmayne was elected Chairman. On Monday evening the following gentlemen were elected to form the Com mittee of the Alford Forest district school, viz:—Messrs W. T. Chapman, Hugh Muirhead, Jas Ross, Jas. Rowe, Geo Cooper, Geo. Goldsmith, and D. Kellas—At the first meeting of the Com mittee, Mr Chapman was appointed Chairman and Treasurer, and it was re solved to hold the next meeting on Saturday, 28th February. City Editor : “See here ; you told me you had had experience as a reporter.” New Man : “ Yes.” “ Then how does it happen that you use such unjournalistic language as this : ‘ The Hon Wm, Blank next addressed the meeting?’” “Isn’t that all right ?” All right ! [t’s all wrong ! One would thing the meeting was in fayor of our own ticket. Why, sir, it's an op position meeting !” “ I cant’s see what difference that makes. How should I write it ?" “ Bill Blank next harangued the crowd. ”

We are glad to notice that Messrs Elz Brothers have recommended business as coachbuilders, etc , in premises opposite Mr Cookson’s stables. The members of the firm have long been known as expert workmen.

The local agents of the Howard, Hornsby, Wood, Osborne, and Champion machines have arranged to hold an exhi bition of reapers and binders at work, in a paddock oppoa te Smith’s nursery on Tuesday and Wednesday next. Skinny Men. —“ Wells’ Health Reneyver restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potence, debility, The N.Z. Pnjg Co. General Agents, I Old men, tottering round from rheumatism, kidney trouble, or any weakness, will be made almost new by using Hop Bitters freely. Read. —[Advt.] Quiet nerve and balmy sleep in Hop'Bitlers’ for sleepless ladies and invalids. Notice. — Advt.] Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps.

Holloway s Ointment and Pills combine both sanitive and sanative powers in a high degree —by the former term is understood their ability to preserve health, by the latter their capability to restore health. With these reme dies at hand no invalid need be at fault to guide himself or heiself safely through the many trials to which everyone is subjected during our long and ofttimes inclement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, cliptHeriii, whooping cohgh, cq.ij be successfully treated by well rubbing this Ointment upon the chest, and by taking the Pills. During damp foggy weather*) sthmatical sufferers will experience the utmost possible relief ffom the inunction of the ointment on all tender chested persons will save endless misery by adopting this treatment, —[Advt. ]

The annual congregational meeting of the Presbyterians of Ashburton wis held last evening in the Presbyterian Church. There was a good attendance, and the Rev. A. M. Beattie presided. After some light refreshments had been partaken of, the meeting proceeded to business, whi.th consisted of reading the various annual reports, and electing church officers for the ensuing year, etc. The session re port, read by Mr Beatt'e, showed that the attendance at the three services held each Lord’s Day was highly satisfactory, although the rev. gentleman said that he would like to have seen greater interest taken in the Wednesday evening meetings. The report referred to the great loss the Church had sustained by the removal of Mr Gavin to another part of the colony, and stated that the session had placed on record their great appreciation of his ser vices during the past 'e v years, and wished him God speed. The reports of the trea-

surer, secretary and Sunday school, were read by Messrs A. Orr, Barrett, and Swanson respectively, and were considered satisfactory. The proceedings were en livened by the introduction of some ex cellent singing by Meadames Jones and Gamble, Misses Kidd and Smith, and Mr Rose, which was much appreciated. After the Finance Committee had bean elected, the meeting was closed in the usual manner.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company have received the fol fowing cablegram from their London

branch, dated 27th January Wool.— Up to date 44,000 bales have been sold, of which 22,000 bales have been taken for export. Medium and inferior greasy, faulty scoured, and slips wools have de clined £d to Id per lb; superior, market unchanged ; clothing’and coming, washed, market easier; crossbred, unchanged ; lambs, market easier. There is much ir regularity in the biddings.—Wheat: Market Oat. Adelaide is worth 37s per 4961bs ; New Zealand is worth 32s 6d per 4961bs ; Tuscan, 34a per 496!bs ; Ade laide, f.a.q. is worth c.i. f. off coast, 30s 6d per 4801ba. Adelaide wheat, to arrive, iron ships, is worth, c.l.f. 36s per 4801bs, January bill of lading. It may be said that it is of very little consequence what is decided in such an exceptional case as this; men’s consciences will generally be strong enough to restrain them, and when that influence is ineffec tual positive law will be of no avail in keeping them within bounds. This, how ever, is not quite certain. Not a few people take their ideas of duty from what they know will be sharply punished. They tire not, and do not pretend to be, much bettor than they are strictly required to be; and, looking to that fact of human nature, it would be unfortunate if to men placed in circumstances of peril the im munity accorded to Dudley and Stephens

appeared to excuse the sacrifice of inno cent life. The s >le show of excuse which

the two prisoners had was the existence of vague, uncertain ideas as to necessity which prevailed even in the minds of lawyers. Now, however, that there is a clear ruling upon the subject, that plea, such as it is, will be wholly taken awiy. There will be no ground for complaining if a crime of the same nature be henceforth treated as murder, with the consequences which usually fallow it There is no wish to

deal hardly with Dudley and Stephens, though they have been the subjects of somewhat mawkish, ill-directed sympathy. Their pardon is, in the circumstances, a matter of course ; and there was some thing of the air of comedy in the pro ceedings yesterday from the knowledge that the sentence of death was formal. But it would be a great scandal to jutico if any one who hereafter yields to a simi lar temptation to that to which Dudley and Stephens yielded should be looked upon as entitled to the same mercy.— London Times, Deo. 10. The Committee of the Ashburton Dis trict School will meat to-morrow at 7.30 p m., when they will, amongst other busi ness, consider applications fcff the position of Secretary. The meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club announced for last evening has bean adjourned until to morrow evening. The usual monthly meeting of the Tin wald Town Board will be hold at their offices (Temperance Hall) to-morrow evening. Since the Western Fire Brigade came into existence, it has experienced no change in its officers of any great conse quence until last night. On that occasion Superintendent St Hill resigned his posi tion. To Mr St Hill's energy and push

the existence of the Brigade was mainly owing, and it was with extreme regret that last night the members present at the usual ordinary meeting of the Brigade, received intelligence that the exigencies of his business prevented Mr St Hill from any longer doing that justice he wished to his position. The resignation was accepted, and Deputy-Superintendent A. Fooks was raised to the vacant position Foreman Mills was elevated to the Deputyship, and Branohmsn Minnis was pro-

moted to be Foreman. Several new mem bers were proposed and elected, and others were nominated. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr St Hill for his past services, and the Secretary was instructed to write to the Borough Coun-

cil recommending the new superintendent to the position of Fire Inspector, ren dered vacant by Mr St Hill’s resignation. At the meeting of householders, held in the Ashton schoolroom on Monday even ing, Mr J. Croy was voted to the chair. The Chairman read correspondence from the Board of Education with regard to the boundaries of the new district. The Board stated that they had no power to make any

alteration in the Flemington boundaries, which include 1 Wheatstone ; this would have to be arranged between the two Committees. This explanation being con sidered satisfactory, it was resolved to

proceed with the election of members of Committee for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were duly elected;— Messrs Thomas Taylor, John Shearer, John Bell, William Croy, James Croy, James Crosain and George Gilmour. At a meeting of the Committee, held subse quently, Mr George Gilmour was elected Chairman for the ensuing year. Woodward’s Japanese Troupe gave their

third entertainment at the Town Hall last night to a fairly good audience, and the various items were again received with marked approval. The troupe left by the first train this morning for Terauka, where they will perform to-night and to , morrow night. J At the congregational meeting held att the Presbyterian Church last evening, Miss Kidd was made the recipient of a handsome gold necklace from the Churph officers, in recognition of her faithful and efficient services as organist. The Rev Mr Beattie, in making the presentation, referred to the great assistance Miss Kidd had rendered in carrying on the Psalmody of the Church i uring the time they had been without a choirmaster. Mr Beattie expressed a hope tint he would long have the pleasure of seeing Miss Kidd per forming a work which she had hitherto done so cheerfully and well.

Don’t Die in the House. “Rouugh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents, 1 A 1 other unfortunate. —Again we must draw

the attention of our readers to the fact that a ,£2,424 stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra dipg- jn Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was- purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Half, ‘High streQtj for ,£Vjs4> or Dll b’ a little over one-third of its value. H. E. M.

and Co. are no\y selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secure a speedy clearance,

FIJI NEWS.

Auckland, Yesterday. Rethell and 00., London, have defi nitely decided to run a direct steam ser vice from London to Fiji via Tasmania. These steamers leave Londonm February, May, August and November. A Fire and Marine Insurance Company has been formed in Suva. L 4,270 have already been subscribed. A bottle, with a message, thrown over board by Consul Belford, from the Cali fornian mail steamer off Pangapaaga, Samoa, in August, drifted ashore at Rotumah, and was brought thence by Gordon.

The Polynesian Gazette published at Levuka, champions the annexation of that colony to New Zealand.

DIRECT STEAM AND PILOT CHARGES.

Dunedin, Yesterday,

A deputation from the Harbor Board waited on the Hon Mr Richardson to day, to bring under hfs notice the loss sustained by the Board in consequence of the direct mail contra?t. The steamers are exempt from harbor duties at the first port of call, and the Chairman (Mr Ross) said—■“ The Shipping Company have arranged |that Wellington and Dunedin shall be alternately ports of arrival. Con sequently,-the loss that we would sustain would be L 663 15s in the year. Now we do not blame the Company in any way, nor the Lyttelton Harbor Board, but matters have been so arranged that the Lyttelton Harbor Board suffer no loss at all; simply the Wellington and Dunedin Boards suffer. In the House I put the question to the Premier, in the event of the mail service requiring pilotage, would they be exempt, and he said * Certainly not.’ Mr Stout is of the saine opinion still, but I differ from him In the reading of the Act. The way the Harbor Board look at the matter is this : The advantage of the direct service is one to the whole colony, and why should one port bear a loss which should be dis tributed all over the colony i” The Hon, Mr Richardson s«id it was a question for Parliament, and the Govern ment could do nothing. If the Dunedin Board refused to grant pilotage for no thing, the Government could send the boats somewhere else.

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

D nbdin, Yesterday,

A largely attended conversazione was held last night in the Lyceum. The Pre sident of the Conference presided, and ad dresses were delivered by the Revs Reid, Best, Morley and Bavin. The greater portion of the time of to-day has been devoted to the consideration of the Home Mission affairs. The total income of this fund for the year amounts to L 2,680 13s lOd. This sum includes L 250 presented by the family of the late Rev Tbos. Buddie. On the motion of the Rev A. Reid, seconded by the ex-President, the cordial thanks of the Conference were accorded for this handsome and timely donation. A Committee was appointed re the subject of a connexions! Evangelist. A debate on bible-reading in State schools is arranged for Friday. During the afternoon the members of the Conference paid a visit to the Ocean Beach, and having spent two or three hours there returned to the even ing session.

FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITION.

Dunedin, Yesterday.

Only one event was got off at the Fire Brigades competition to day between 11 a.m. and 7 pm, as the water-main lead ing into the Caledonian grounds burst twice and stopped the hose practice. •" he event concluded was the engine practice. The teams were lying down in a tent half dressed when the word was given. The men had to get up and dress, run twenty five yards, connect and pay out from one aide of the engine fifty feet of hoae, fix branch, pump water from a dam over a rope ten feet high. ' The result was as follows ; min sec min sec Napier ... 1 1| Wanganui 1 20$ Napier (Spit) 1 7 Roslyn ... 1 21$ Auckland... 111 Hokitika... 1 23$ Dunedin... 111 Rangiora... 124 Masterton 1 11$ s. Dunedin 1 29$ Kuraara ... 1 15$ Timaru ... 1 30$ Christchurch 1 16 Nelson ... 134 Lyttelton... 1 19$ Ashburton 1 50$ Grahamstownl 19$ Invercargill 1 65 A protest has been entered by the Dunedin men against the Auckland team, on the ground that they made np their hose wrongly. The Invercargill team was disqualified because they neglected to lock their fore carriage. In the hose practice ’the reels were on a chalk line 100 yards from the fire plugs, and the men stationed ten yards behind. At the sound of the pistol they had to run with the reel, fix hydrant, and run out 60ft canvas hose from each delivery of union, fix the branches and throw water over the rope. The following teams got through this event; —

mm sec min sec Dunedin ... 1 6| Lyttelton ... 1 23£ Napier ... 1 11} Napier (Spit) 1 24} Grahamst’n 119 Timaru ... 126 New Ply- Bangiora ... 128

mouth ... 1 22£ Maaterton... 1 28 Nelson and Christchurch Railway Bri gades were disqualified through some hitch. It is expected the whole thing will be gone over again. There was a strong wind throughout the day with an occasional shower. The attendance of the public wss large, a half holiday being kept in the city.

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN RACES

Dunedin, Yesterday. During the weeV wagering bn the Dun edin Gup has been confined almost to the backing of Vanguard and Waipiti, about each of whom enquiries are constantly being made. The latest quotations are:— 100 to 20, Vanguard (tk); 100 to 15, Wa piti (tk); 100 to 14, Lady Emma; 100 to 10, Captain Webster and July; 100 to 8, Liverpool, Oudeis, Nelson, Sou’-Wester, and Clogs.

WELIjINGTON RACES. Wellington, Yesterday. The arrival of Blackßoae from Blenheim to-day has been the cause of his price shortening for the Gold Cup, and 100 to 30 is the Vest figure about him. Tigredia, however, still holds the leading position. With the uncertainty of his facing the starting, Vanguard has •■eceded to ICO to 40. The same price can e obtained about Redwood’s Mocka, who is also a doubtful starter. Maccaroni is a firm favorite for

the Hurdles, and with the top weights Herrington and Kavenswqpd out of it, he ought not to have any difficulty in placing the stakes to Mr Profiit’s credit, that is providing he’runs up to the form displayed recently in the North. The following is the latest betting : Maccaroni, 50 to 20 ; Liability, „Alario, and Cribbage, 5 to 1 ; Shamrock, 7 to 1 ; Seoretay, Speculation, and Ingomary, 8 to 1; Linwood, (Royalty, and JJim, 10 to 1.

Wellington Gold Cup— Tigredia, 100 to 40 ; Black Rose, 100 to 30 ; Fusilier, 100 to 25 ; Sou’-wester and Armourer, 100 to 15 ; Ugly Buck, 100 to 12 ; Lady Evelyn, 100 to 12 (off), 100 to 10 wanted; Vanguard, Mocka, and Wanderer, 100 to 10 ; Salvage, 100 to 8 ; Gaiters, 100 to 6; Administrator, 100 to 5. Doubles— Mate roni and Fusilier, 50 to 4 (tk) ; Maccaroni and Tigredia, 100 to 9 (ik); Maccaroni and Armourer, ICO to 5 (off).

Ravenswood was scratched this after noon for tl)e first day’s hurdles At Ijtytid Pay.

AN IRISHMAN AT A DINNER PARTY.

“ I was in dhread, my lord,’ says I, either looking about and seein’ no signs 0* dinner, ‘ that I was behind time. *

- “ ‘ Oh, no. says he, laughing, ‘we don’t dine before seven, but I’m glad you’ve come early.’ “ ‘ Seven !’ thinks I to myself, * that’s four hours Trom us yet at laste, an’ 1 a’most perisht with the hunger, afther the long walk, an’ not atin* a bit, since 8 o’clock that morning. That’s* eleven hours fasting clear? Muithor, what’ll I do at all ? Oh, wait till they ketch me come to dinner at a great bouse again.’ ■ ; “ Well, Molly, there I was, talkin’ and lookin’ about me for four long boars, on’ I knawed inwardly with the hunger, bat of course I had too much manners to spake of it. At last when I was almost off the door opened, and in came one of the jintlemen in the red velvet small clothes, and told ’em dinner was bn the table. ‘A canary conld not sing sweeter, 1 says Ito myself, listening to him. So they all got lip, and every jintleman gave his arm to a lady, an* out they went in pairs, as if it was to a dance they were goin’. “ The dinner was there before ns, laid an’ all; but what I moat admired was the

jintlemen I before spoke of in the. zed velvet smallclothes, who, though they were the grandest in the oo mpa nyibeh avod like the verj lowest, takin’ away the plates, an’ showin’ the greatest attention to everyone present.

“I took my sate among the rest. V “ What’ll you take, Mr Guerin Y says Lord Peppercorn. . “ ‘ Why, thin, my lord,’ says I, * since you’re man ’o the house, what you have yourself must be best, an’ I’ll take some o’ that if you please.’ “So he ga’ me a helpV. Waif, I declare to you, Molly, hardly had I took

the second mouthful when ho looked over at me, an’ “ ‘ Mr Guerin,’ says he, ‘LadyPepper corn is lookin’ at yon. ’ “Why, thin, my lord, says I, not knowin’ what he was at, 1 she’s heartily welcome, an’ a purtier pair of eyes she couldn’t have to do it,’ says L ‘ 1 So they all burst out laughin' in spite o’themselves “ ‘ 1 mean to say. Mr Guerin’ says he again, ‘ that Lady Peppercorn will take wine with you.’ “ Oh, now I twig you,’ says I; * with a heart an’ a half, me lady, 1 hob-nob with you, if you plase.’

| “Well, Molly, while I was talkin’ to Lady Peppercorn, what does one \of the jintle men in rei velvet do but slip in a hand under me elbow, an’ whip away the plate from me a’most before I touched what was upon it! I could ait him with a grain of salt! but I was ashamed to call for it again ; an’ before I could ax for an other helpin’ the whole o’ what was on the table was cleared away, ‘ Oh, mar tber, Pother,’ says Ito myself, ‘is that

all you’ve got to-night 1 Bat the-minate afther there was a fresh dinner .laid, an* they all went to work again as brisk aa ever* “ Well, I got another out o* mait, an', says I, now there’s hope I’ll be lot alt a bit in r eace an’ quietness, when “ ‘ Mister Querin, will you do me the honor of wine V said Lord Peppercorn. "'With pleasure, my lord,’ says I, bowing down to my plate, quite mannerly, “So, while I was drinkin’ wine with L.?rd Peppercorn, what should I see only the same jintleman in the red velvet slippin’ in a hand for 'the plate agin, an’ I not a morsel of it touched. So I laid hoult of it with the other hand. “ ‘ Aisy a while, sir,’ says I, ‘if yon plaza ! I’m not done with that yet.’ “Well, they all began laughin’, as if it were a play, so that I thought soma of the ladies would dhrap off their chain. And then one o’ the jintlemen began takin’ wine with me, an’ another after that, so that 1 couldn’t find time to ait one morsel before table was cleared agin. “ ‘ You’re done for now, Pether,’ says I; ‘ Yen’ll be starved alive.’ Sorry a bit, Molly, for there was a third dinner brought in to ’em ! O, I see how it is,’ says I, ‘ when once they begin they never stop aitin’ here. Well, ’tis a bad wind that blows nobody good, I’ll get some thing at last,’ so 1 was helped the third time, an’ I had jist took np me knife and fork and was going to begin in airnest, when a jintlemen that sat close by me said in a whisper— “ ‘ What did the ladies do to yon, Mr Guerin, that you wouldn’t ax any of ’em to take wine ?” “ ‘ Why so, sir,’ says I, *ls that man ners V

“ ‘ Oh, dear, yes,’ says he, * don’t yoo see all the jintlemen doin’ it V

“An 1 sore enough, so they wor. So,- not to be unmannerly, I began and axed ’em all round, one after another, an* hardly had I the last of ’em done, when down cornea the jintlemen in the red vel vet, and sweeps all away before ’em agin, without sayin’ this or that. There waa no help for it. (l ‘ There I sat, a’moat dead. What’ll they bring in next, I wont her,’ says 1. ‘ ’Twasn't long|until I seen ’em cornin’ and layin’ before every one at table a great big glass full of oowld spring wather. ‘JCool comfort, Father/ says I, * bat here goes for manners.’ So I drank It; ha filled it again ; an’ as he did, I drank it again to plaze him ; but seein’ he waa gom’ to fiil it again, I couldn’t stand It no longer. ‘No more o’ that, sir/ says I, ‘if you plaije.’ ‘Well, I thought they never would atop laughin’. Bqt, Molly, I thought the sight would be took oat of me two eyes, when I see all the ladies and jintlemen dipping their hands in their glasses, an’ washin’ them before me face at the dinner table! ‘ Well, Father,’ says I, ‘ such manners as that you nevet seen before this day, any way.’ ”

A FURTHER VICTORY.

Metsmneh Captured.

Colonel Stewart Wounded.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT. ] (Received 20th Jan., 11 a m.) Cairo, January 28. Lord Wolseley wires that Metemneh has been captured by Colonel Stewart’s column after heavy fighting, during which Colonel Stewart was severely wounded. Colonel Sir C. Wilson has left for Metemneh Khartoum in a steamer.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 1885.



Dimant and Coe, ABB authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A CHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A suppiV of Machine extras on hand. COB NEB EAST AND TANORED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181 SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONERY, &c. bnobeous'rbduotions . Must he field—even if at a loss Andiwes Bros., PoOKBELtEns, Stationers, &o„ Ashburtpn,



Wanted. WANTED— A Groom. Apply, office of this paper. 1 146 WANTED —A respectable Girl to do housework. App'y, Mrs Truckle, Prince Albert Boarding-house. 1 141 WANTED— \ Man to make himself generally useful. Apply, But ler’s Family Hotel. 1 123 ’VftT ANTED Known - That persona wish » ¥ jng to purchase Cheap Groceries would do well to look at J. McGregor’s advertisment in another column. WANTED Known—That R. Lanoas ter starts the new year entirely on his own account with a very light handi cap, which will enable him to sell meat cheaper than ever. With quality, clean liness and civility combined—defies com petition. So rally round to the Ready- I Money Meat Matt, Bull ck’s Arcade. 1 2 TTJANTED Known—Fresh Flounders * » are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed ou arrival of the train. W, O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 ’C’T/’ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots I VY 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 Removed.— Jones and Bradshaw, Corn and Chaff Dealers, have removed to the large premises in Havelock street nearly oppo site Mr A. Harrison’s auction rooms (lately occupied by Messrs Robinson and Townsend), where they will be better abie to comply with the demands of their trade. Jones and i-radshaw.



WANTED Known.—We are not to be beaten ! Good straw hats, 4£d, 6d, 9i ; black Cashmere, double width, is 3d; print costumes, 2s 9d ; white calico, 2s 6d per doz; a infants’ white and colored satin and merino bats and hoods, Is to 3s 6d— usual price, 4s 6d to 12s 6d. H. C. Beqers, . ealya’ Buildings, East is treat. WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Foster, 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 Goat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. O. 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—o. Hawkin’s, of Tinwald, having decided to com pete with either Christchurch or Ashbur ton, in price and quality of Boots, will, Ist January, 1885, Sell for Cash Only, at the following reduced rates Men’s Harvest Bluchers, tips and nailed, 6s 9d; Shooter Boots, 10s 3J; Women’s Strong Lace Boots, 8s 6d ; Leather Elastic, Os 6d; Children's all reduced from Is per pair. Motto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Returns.” O. Haw .in’s, Boot and Shoemaker. 12 2393 WANTED Known—J. Meech & Co., are still Selling On and not Selling Off at saleroom prices. J, M. and Co’s Furniture is made for use as well as ornament and not for auction sales. The best materials are used, being specially selected, and combined with good workmanship, all goods aru guaran tee lof 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. Fowke and MoEwen, Bootmakers, East street, Ash burton. 10 1973



Special Advertisements. rnO my readers and the reading public. I Just to hand.—New Books.—Black Poodle, by Anstey ; Our Old Nobility ; The Cuckoo Clock, by Mrs Molesworth ; We Two, by Edna Doyal; Poverty, by Platt; I Say No, by Wilkie Collins; J:>hn Bull’s Womankind, by author of John Bull and his Island; The Jilt, by Charles Keide; Good Stories of Man and other Animals, by Charles Reade; Vbsteged, by Geo F. Gumming; Pages in Wa ting, by Edmund Yates; dotes on Ingersoll, by Rev L. A. Lambert, Roman Catholic Jesuit; My Own Child, by Florence Marryatt; Life, Opinions, and Tab'le Talk of Dr Johnson; American Society Novels; inspiration; A Clerical Lympucium; Bos well’s Life of Johnson; Magna Oharta Stories; Taming Down without Banting ; Money and Mechanism of Exchange, by S. Jevons; John Holdsworth’s Chief I Mate; My Watch Below, by W. 0. Rus sel; The Wonder of Nature; Death Shot, by Reed; How to live upon 1s per Week; Stories of Waterloo; Secrets of Success ; How to Read Character; Christmas Number of Goodward’s Chrystal Stories ; Longman’s Magazine; The Book of the Beginnings, by R. H. Newton; Mistletoe Bough; 160 Illustrated London Graphics, latest copies, to be sold cheap at Thomas F. Farley’s, PRINTER, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, Faundeks’ Buildings, Ashburton, gP BOIAL NOTICE FANCY BAZAAR Continued a few days to clear out surplus stock. GREAT BARGAINS. SIXPENNV"& SHILLING TABLES, Also, a TABLE of VARIETIES from ONE PENNY to FOURPENCE. Please observe.—ln the ROOM NEXT to my PRESENT SHOP, specially taken for the Christmas Season. K. Bevan, SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS, (Next Shoo to Quill’s Hotel.)



Special Advertisements. NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. HE undersigned are now landing, ex B.a -OciuroLu, Best N ewcastle Coal A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, Y.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. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. SAWMILLERS, TIMBER, COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. •East street, Ashburton. s.s Hauroto, the Imported for the season (late A. Hayes),



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING &, SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. SL'.rts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW Z E kLAND CLOTHING FACTORY EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



Davis’s gURPLUS STOCK OP FURNITURE Now selliog off at HALF-PRICE. Mast be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 60 Pbk. Cent. BY PUOHASING AT W. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



V. R. JDE DENNIS O’CONN itLL, ** BANKRUPT, Of Manchester street, Christ church, and Lyttelton, CLOTHIER AND DRAPER. Marked price of Stock, £2,424 Actual Cost, £l,BlB Sold for £954. NOTICE OP BANKRUPTCY, In Bankruptcy. la 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 book 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, E, May and Go., 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 op Sale 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. B. May & Co



Victoria House. SEASON SALE COMMENCING ON JANUARY I6xh, & CONTINUING FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE RBALITI£2 •' GLARING REDUCTIONS !! Conviocing proof and Special Priceo ee Windows'^ Dimant and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c., In premises lately occupied by Ocr and Co,, Coro East and Tancred streets, ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER TEAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Takcbed Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf, 5d per lb Best White Crystal, 3£d per lb Beat Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d pet box



Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, 3d Mixed Biscuits, 6J Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, s £l Raisins, 6£d New Figs, Is per hex Beat Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keiller’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d pet lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street 12 2342 Ashburton school COMMITTEE. Applications for the post of Secretary will be received by the Chairman of the Ashbaiton .School Committee up to 7 tO o’clock op Friday, 30th instant. Applicants to state remuneration re quired. _ 1 149



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 heeo 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 country had expressed the merits of H. 8., and in every way trying to induce suffering 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 mattSr 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 or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the white label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in the glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and chemists are warned against dealing ta imita tioiis ■- -