MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Saturday, December 26 Ashburton Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering „ , , . Town Hall—Orange Hall, at 8 o clock Races and Sports Friday, January 1 Wahaonl Annual Sports Tinwald Annual Sports M«thvan Rates and Sports Friday, January 8 Asoburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11 a.m. Saturday, January 9 Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 103.0

MAIL NOTICES.

Mv;ia dose at the Ashburton Post Office F o r Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a-m., and 5 p-m-, daily. • For Ohertsey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a. m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Tenxuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p-m. daily. „ , f ot Timara and South, at 10 a. s., and 4.80 p.m., daily. _ , , For Gxeenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.46 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6,30 a.m. For ilount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, **For on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Howlands, on Tuesdays and Fn 4««at 10.30 a.m. Fox Hampstead at 9 a.m. daily. * Mails arrive the Ashburton Po«? Christchurch and Rakaia at TO. 15 ml, 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.36 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.3°-Km. daily. From Tomnka and Timam at 10.40 a. m. «np 5.30 p.m daily. , , Prom Gxeenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a-m, From Mount Somers, daily at 10.6 an. _ From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on We a aeedays and Saturdays, at 10,6 a.m. . From Ashton, Waterton, and Lone each at 10 a.m. daily. . . From Howlands, on Tuesdays and Fn days, at 2.30 p.m. Item Flemmgton on Tuesdays, Thar* . isys, and Saturdyas, at 10a.m. From Hampstead at 9-30 a.m. daily.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY. DECEMBER, 24, 1885.

•* A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.l” These are the compli ments of the season, and we again have the privilege ot exchanging them with our readers. There are times even in a journalist’s life when be would rather leave his feelings unexpressed than give expression to all he feels, and Christ mas time is such an occasion. It is a time tor the interchange of good wishes —a time for the exercise of all the bet ter feelings of our human nature, re membering the event of which Christ mas is the anniversary. It is a time, too, for calling to mind the burden of the angelic chorus on the plains of Bethlehem —“On earth peace; good will towards men,” and making it, as it should be, the motto of life—the end and aim of every man and woman, be they Christians or not, so as to leave the world better than they found it. That every reader of this journal, every colonist of New Zealand, every soul in the universe may realise to its fullest tne blessing of the angels’ chorus is our earnest wish when we say te all—“ A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !” ' At yesterday’s meeting of the N.gcth ‘■"•bury Charitable Aid goard Mir Can 1.,. '-'•a agsm directed att.ea- Alfred Harriot '* *netiibsr§ favet tion to the question o. * eei ing expenses, and induceo leagues to pass a resolution asking ttu. Government to give free railway passes to the members of the Board when traveling to attend to the business of the Board. The Premier has already expressed himself as favorable to the issue of railway passes as suggested by this resolution and, wp Ijave no doubt, the tollable Mjuesl ViU be

ceded to by the Government. There is no need for us to urge the propriety of the concession—-it is obviously in equitable that gentlemen who devote a considerable part of their time to public business should, in addition, be subject to a special tax, so to speak by way of expenses. But we think Mr Harrison’s praiseworthy persistence in advancing the question is worthy of some prominence. It was particularly fitting that Mr Harrison should move in the matter. He has been the most regular attendant of the country members at the meetings of the Board, not allowing the question of cost or convenience to interfere with the re gular discharge of the duties appertain ing to bis office. He has, however, consulted the convenience of the whole Board, nnd we trust his action may re sult in the removal of a burden that has been very improperly imposed upon the shoulders of members.

That Mr Craighead would be success ful in yesterday’s contest for a seat in the Ashburton Borough Council was very generally expected. The little in terest taken in the election was, in part, born of the confidence felt by the friends of the successful candidate, but we fear a large number of the burgesses were quite indifferent as to the result. As Cr Bird remarked at the Mayoral installation on Monday last, seats on the Council now “go a beggingit is no longer regarded as an honor to occupy a place at the Council table, and it is only by a singular piece ot good fortune that we have gentlemen of average ability administering the affairs of the Borough. Of Mr Craig head’s qualifications for his new office we know very little. He has hitherto followed his own business too industri ously to have much time for public affairs, but as it is not politicians or orators that are specially needed in the Council, but men of business, perhaps he may realise the aspirations of his most sanguine friends. He certainly has two important qualifications proved integrity and commercial tact —and we trust that his labors as a Councillor may be congenial to biraself and beneficial to the Borough.

The Master of the Old Men's Home acknowledges the receipt, of LI from Mr Henry Jacobs, Christchurch, 4, 41 in stamps from D. A. for tobacco, and a large Christmas cake from Mi T, Taylor, Bast street, for tho use of the inmates Mr W. 0. Walker, who was unavoidably absent from yesterday’s meeting of the North Canterbury Charit able Aid Board, has written to the Board pointing out the difficulties in the way of Ashburton members attending the meet ings of the Board, and urging that Go vernment should be asked to grant free rail way passes to the members. Mr Pavitt reports that there is a good demand for preserved meat, onions, and potatoes by the natives of the South Sea Islands. The Excelsior Band announce their in tention to perform carols this evening. At the sittings of the Supreme Court, Wellington, in Chambers, yesterday. His Honor, Mr Justice Gillies, dismissed the summons in the case of Harding v Bullet, ah application for change of icnue to Wel lington, because it was addressed to “Judge Gillies,” and not to “ Mr Justice Gillies. ” Newspaper reporters and others ha said, might sail him “ Judge,” but he would not allow it in an official document. The following are the services at St Stephen’s Church to-morrow : Holy Communion at 8.30 a m., and full service with Holy Communion at 11. The ohnrch will be decorated as usual, aud consider able pains have been taken with the musical portions of the service. Dr Moßoan Stewart has been appointed medical officer to the 'North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board. The appointment was strongly opposed by several members of the Board, and candidates for the office appear to have resorted to the vary i regular and highly improper course of soliciting votes, interviewing members of the Board, and seoaring the intervention of powerful friends. Merit may be better than influence, but it is seldom more powerful.

> rofessor Kirk has been appointed Chief Conservator of Forests under the Forests Act.

The Exhibition building at Wellington was sold by auction, and realised LI, 100. ‘1 be Auckland Cup is at present the chief attraction m sporting circles. Stonyhnrst, the erstwhile favorite, has receded very much in the betting, and is now quoted at 100 to 20. We have reason to believe that the party connected with the Can terbury Cup winner are largely responsible for the suspicion surrounding his name at the present moment, and there is no real need for his friends to be seriously alarmed. - A telegram from Dunedin states that Lochiel has advanced to 14 to 1, and Trenton to 11 to 1 for the Dunedin Cap. Yiaco has been scratched for the Arun del Cup at the Rangitaita races. Pressure on our space compels us to hold over the programme of the Methveu annual races and sporte to be hold on New Year’s Day, and some other late adver tisements.

Wo remind our readers that a Carol Service will be held this evening at St Stephen’s Ohnrch at 10 o’clock. The collection will be given to tae Choir Boys’ Recreation Fond.

At the quarterly meeting of the Ashbur ton Wesleyan Circuit officials, held last night, at Mr John Orr’s residence, there were about twenty members present, in cluding Revs D. MoNiooll and T. J. Wal lis, the former presiding. The list of members showed .no variation from last quarter. The ordinary expenditure ex ceeded the ordinary income by about LlO Satisfactory reports were received from the various Sunday schools of the circuit Mr D. H. Brown was appointed circuit steward vice Mr Charles Dixon retired. The services of the retiring official wore duly acknowledged. It was decided to memorialise Conference with reference to a resolution of last meeting bearing on the Education Fund. The ladies of the Cameron street church (having intimated their willingness to work for and hold a bazaar to assist in liquidating some heavy financial obligations, the offer was thank fully accepted. It is understood the buztar will take place in abont 6 months, ■several other matters of more or less im portance occupied the attention of mem bers, the proceedings being of a most har monious character. Tea and a ‘ fruit supper ’’ were kindly provided by Mrs Orr.

To restore nerve and brain waste, nothing equals Hop Bitters. Believe this and take none but American Co.’s. See Holloway’s Pills.— The chiefest wonder qf ir.odem times. —This incomparable medicine Increases theanpetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatultincy, piijSfes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-inslatcs sfctind health. -The demand fpr.tlicse Pilhi throughout'the •fob* aiiOffis&.'S everybody, and a. single trisf »he keeptjeaf that no medicine convince. . • ’ to remove equals Holloways * _ uttß#*6 j all complaints incidental to i.,. They are a blessing to the afflicted, and aooou to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of thejblood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and gentle aperitive action are die prolific sources or th| extensive curative of Holloway's Fills.

ASHBURTON FIRE BRIGADE.

A me‘ting oi the .-shburton Fire Bri gade was held at tho Borough Council Chambers, Paring Square west, last even ing. Mr J A. Caygi 1, Captain of the Brigade, occupied the chair, aud there We re six members present The Chairman explained the object of tho meeting. He laid on the table cor respondence which had passed between himself and the Borough Council, The first letter was received by him on the 19th December, and was from the Town C.erk. It enclosed the letter containing the Brigade's resignation, which the Coun cil had resolved to ask the Brigade to re consider, aud also asking a deputation of the Brigade to meet the Fire Brigade Committee of the Council on Wednesday, the 23rd inst. To this he had sent a reply stating that he thought ft due to the Brigade that the first overtures should be made by the Council. If a deputation «t the Council wished to meet the Brigade be would be happy to call the committee together, them as to conveni ence of time and place, but he could not ask the Brigade to stultify the action they had taken by appointing a deputation to meet the Council for the consideration of grievances on which decided action had already been taken. He saw the Mayor shortly afterwards, when it was agreed that a deputation of the Council should wait upon the Brigade. At this stage, a deputation from the Boron * h Council, consisting of the Mayor, 0n Scaly, Thomas, and Reid joined the representatives of the Brigade The Mayor said that the Brigade had doubtless received the Council’s letter, and he and his colleague* now waited on them to eee if the Brigade thought fit to reconsider their determination to resign. He said the Council had resolved that the Brigade should shift to the site of the old Council Chambers, where they would be made comfortable. The deputation would now like to have an answer whether the Brigade would move or not. Captain Caygill was surprised that the committee had not made some further ex planation or overtures. Before any attempt was made to dispose of the Bri gade's grievances they were asked to discuss an entirely fresh matter The Mayor asked that the grievances should be shown. The deputation were quite prepared to answer any question put to them. If the question of site were settled he had no doubt everything else . could be disposed of in five minutes.

Captain Gays'll said the question of site was one upon which the Brigade held very strong feelings. The members had better opportunities of judging what was the beat way of insuring the proficiency of the Brigade, and they were of opinion that the old site was the better one. Had the Ooancil fulfilled their promises, and treated the Brigade in the manner due to them, ha tbonght they might have moved, although they might not think the Ooancil acting wisely, and a fow members might have dropped out. Now, he thought, as the Council had not treated them fairly in other things, the Brigade would not go. The Mayor said that unless the Brigade decided the question of site, the deputa tion could not go into other matters, because the Council had definitely resolved that the Brigade must move. Captain Caygill said he did not think the Brigade would be inclined to give an answer without further explanation from the deputation on the subjects mentioned in the letter.

Some disoasaion here took place, In the course of which Or Thomas said that re marks attributed to him by a newspaper,

and which he presumed were those the Brigade complained of in their letter of resignation, were never made by him at all, nor by anyone at the Ooancil table. Some remarks npon the question of uni forms having been made, Mr Walker said that uniform! were definitely promised to the Brigade by July 1, but that time had bean allowed to pasa by before tenders were called. The Fire Insurance squab ble then arose, and the opening of the tenders was deferred W hen fresh ten ders were called, the question of site cropped np, and the matter shelved once more. He thought the Council were shirking their obligation. The Mayor said that it would be childish for tho Council to call tenders merely as a “ blind " They had always intended to fulfil their promise. When the matter was first brought up the Council was out of lauds, and it was proposed that it be left over till July, when the rates would be coming in. He made an exhaustive explanation of the circumstances which had arisen, and which bad caused the consideration of the tenders to be deferred since that time.

Mr Davis considered that no valid reason bad been given why the uniforms had not been supplied at the time prat mised, the Ist July. After a prolonged discussion the minute book of the Council was produced, and the Mayor read a motion, which was to the effect That the question of tenders for uniforms be referred to Fire Brigade Committee, to confer with the Brigade as to collars, etc.” Mr Davis observed that that date was after the one on which the uniforms were promised. Or Sealy went into the history of tho uniforms at some length. He regret ed that the .Council sh ould Ha accused of using the questions of the Fire Insurance Association aud site in %rder to shelve the question, and he could g >nsc:entious y aay that the Council never had any auon intention. After some farther discussion, in reply to Captain Caygill the Mayor said that if the question of site were decided be could answer for the uniforms and all other matters brought up in the letler being settled*

The Brigade at this stage went into Committee to consider their decision. Tbs deputation withdrew. After a long con sideration the Committee resumed, and it was reported that the following resolntioc had been oarrmd—“ That this preset t meeting, being aware of the large amonnt of dissatisfaction existing among the members of the Brigade, think it inadvis able to carpy op.” Upon the deputation re-entering, Capt Oaygill said the matter had been carefully gone iqto. He said that the meeting had found that they could not well decide otherwise, for a large number of the pro sent members of the Brigade wonld not agree to the site being removed. A num ber of members were willing to carry on, and admit the Council’s right to remove them, but at the end of the year for which they had agreed to cany on under the present rules they would have to raise ob jection to those rales, and be thought it natter, all things considered, that matters should be placed on a new footing. The Mayor said that, speaking for the deputation and the Connell, be very much regretted the Brigade had come to the conclusion they had. Be wonld ask the Brigade to be good enough to retain ser vice for another month, and in the mean t me the Council could make arrange ments for the pro eotion of the inhabitants of the town from fire. If >ba Brigade would not io so the Council would be in an awkward position, and be hoped they would .see their way to act as he had sug gested, tie hoped when the Council pro posed to form a new Brigade many of the members of the present one would join lie had no doubt- that they would come to an-amicable arrangement with -regard to tujae." " ‘ • { Cap pin Cayglh had pof .the slightest i ration in saving t£at the Brigade would ‘ peuder any aer&t be- . --a tfhiii 9 £69/ Brjpda were mice they 00u... formed He aa'd there »w> * J (lerstau iii-g now between the Brigade an the Council than there had bean top some t iitge E**t, hut as a uu*ber of msstatyf' 1

had imd-j up theii- mmda that they would not move to the new site the meeting felt, they would be placing themselves in an awkward position if they agreed to do so. Mr Keir aaid he thought the Brigade would to a man turn out in case'of a fire. Mr Thomas aoggested that before the Brigade djabaaded they should point out the rules that required altering. The Council were not experts in the matter, and they of course did not know where the rules pressed heavily on the Brigade. Captain Oaygill said that there were a number of members who would be willing to reader-assistance to the Council in that direction. The deputation then thanked the Bri gade and withdrew, and the meeting shortly afterwards adjourned.

THE PREMIER AT DUNEDIN.

Dwnbdin, Last night. The Hon R. Stoat addressed the electors of Dunedin East, in the North Dunedin Drillshed, last evening The Bon Mr Stout having referred to the criticisms leveled against his recent addresses, said that since be had spoken the leader of the Opposition had addressed not only his constituents but the colony, and as everything could be best tested by comparison, it was his duty to reply to that speech, and to shew that his (Major Atkinson’s) criticisms were wide of the mark. Unfortunately that gentleman must, have in some things an exceedingly short memory. He began his speech by saying that the present. Government had got into office by the abuse of hie Govern ment. The best way to answer that was thi»: the Atkinson Government were defeated in June, 1884, before three mem bers of the piesenfc Government bad even seats in the House, and at the general election which followed that defeat, the verdict of the country w»s against the oontinu ins Ministry The present Minis try took office, not by their abuse of the previous Government, but because the . country demanded a change, and because a majority of the House would not have the late Government restored. It was. therefore unfair to say that the new Gov ernment assailed Major Atkinson. Be was assailed and defeat?d by those who had been in the Bouse before. Unfortunately, M*jor Atkinson had n«t propounded a policy in his speech. Taere was not a shred of policy. It was simply a running criticism on the actions o f the Govern ment, Some of the Maj ir's criticisms were entirely wide, of the mark. For example he twitted hith(the epe>kflr) for having failed to fulfil his pledge of saving frum.Lßo.ooo to Lloo,oooayear. He would show that that pledge bad been ful filled, and would give figures to prove it. Be had stated that this saving could be effected mainly in the Defence and Survey Departments What was the case with respest to the Defence Department? The Armed Constabulary force, on the let of September, 1884, consisted of 420 men, located In native districts, at a cost of L&4.5&0. Un the 19th of the present month the total number of Armed Con stabulary men in native districts was only eighty-four, aud their cost, including the depots for the Armed Oanetabulary, only amounted to Ll 5 315, so that so far as the Armed Oans'abuiaty was concerned, there was a saving of abont 1.39,000 It was true that the Government had had to create another permanent force In the shape of torpedo corps and an artillery force, and despite this additional expendi ture, occasioned by the war scare, a saving of LIO.OOO bad been made Not on); had this saving been mado, bat it had been attended by peace in the native dis tricts, |and the Maoris had never been more friendly than they were at present As to the Survey Department, there had heen a saving at the rate of L 20.000 to L 30,000 for the year. Major Atkinson admitted that, out he sail that the sur veys had been allowed to lag behind. On reading that, he (the speaker) wired to Wellington, and received a reply that the surveys had not been so far for ward for years past. Savings had also been effected in the charitable aid vote ; and in other votea lines bad been laid down for farther saving It had been said by Major Atkinson that ( the present Govern ment had given the colony nothing but loans and additional taxation. He charged the Atkinson Government with continually increasing the taxation from 1879 to 1884. The Major first got into office mainly by the abase of the Grey Government. That was the trump card he played at the election, and when he loft office he left a deficiency of L 160,000 fur the year ending 1884. Had the Go vernment proposals of last year been given effect to an amount of that defi ciency would have been wiped off instead of being added to the permanent debt of the colony. As to the loan schemes, he charged Major Atkinson with having mis applied the three million loan- The moneys had been so manipulated that it had to be set down nine months before it actually came to credit, and this he re garded as one of the most disgraceful episodes of financing a colony oonld well have to disclose. In this matter Major Atkinson had not kept faith with the House or with the country, and in orde to make it appear that he had kept faith with the. country he had brought the loan to credit nine months before it took place, merely to bambozstle those who knew no thing of the finances of the country, as to the extravagance of his Government with respect to the Best and West Coast Railway, be pointed out that the Atkin ■ son Government in 1882 proposed two parallel lines from the West Coast to Christchurch.' - It was his opinion that the colony would not be ripe for two such parallel lines for the next fifty years to come. The criticisms of the leader of the Opp 'sitjon showed that hia ipemory was either wpak or failing Speaking of railway management ha stated that non-political Boards were ab surd, and so absurd that be hoped they would never be revived again. The remainder of the Premier's speech was simitar in tone to the speeches we have a'ready published in exienst. A unanimous vote of thanks to Mr Stoqt for his address, and of continued confidence, was carried.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

A poll for the election of a Councillor to fill the vacancy in the Ashburton Borough Council occasioned by the res ignation of Mr John Orr toqk place yesterday, There was very little inter est manifested in the proceedings, and at a quarter to seven Mr O. Braddell, the Returning Officer, declared the result as follows s Alexander Craighead ... 81 George Andrews 34 Andrew Tonng 33 Informal ... 2 Mr Braddell declared Mr Alexander Craighead duly elected to fill the vacancy. Several elector who bad assembled to , ascertain the result called for Mr Craig head, bnt the successful candidate evi dently took too little interest in the con test to be present st the declaration of the poll Mr Andrews was returning thanks to his supporters and expressing satisfac- I tion at the result, when Mr Young de tected the retiring figure of the Returning Officer, and shouted a proposition ex pressive of thanks to that gentleman. There were no indications of opposition to the proposal, and a email boy passing by kignifcad by exclaiming ” Rear, hear.'* ' Tfio" proceedings terminated. - fW advertisement in this issue Mr •nta&Uiisd apologises for his absence from - and tbwk|J

UNKNOWN

At yesterday's meeting of the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board the Committee of the Ashburton Home sub mitted a report. The Committee ex pressed regret that the estimated require ments for the current six months were taken as submitted, without any enquiry . into details, as from the following figures it will be evident that the amount is largely increased by possible expenditure on build inf's and repairs : £ s. d. Msiote iance of 55 men. at 3s 6d per week, for 26 weeka on basis of last 12 months... , 607 16 0 Accepted estimate for 26 weeks ... ... ... 1150 0 ’0 , - Showing a difference of ...£542 6 0 . The Committee pointed oat that the estimated half-yearly ordinary expenditure - will be L 607 15s instead of LI, 150, and also with its expression of regret that under the present circamstanoea of the Board taking up its duties under the Act, and in consideration of the heavy requis ition which has to be made on the rate payers, any donbtfnl items of expenditure should have been accepted without discus sion, which, though possibly quite neces sary, on investigation have the present effect of making a demand on the ra'e pajer.-, in any case, in excess of last year’s expenditure, and still farther iacres* ng the charitable aid expenditure, for tun* district, which is notoriously In excess of tna: apparently expended in other dis tricts proportionately to population. The Committee drew the attention of the Board to the status of certain inmates of the Borne, sent to it from Timara and other places, and reported very unfavor ably on the buildings, which are infested with vermin to an almost intolerable ex tent, which defies any hope o' purification. The Committee had advertised for tenders for supplies for the next twelve months ending December 31st, 11*86, and recom mended the acceptance of the following tenders:—Meat, James Tasker; bread, B. Morris ; medical cmfor'a, ,D. Zander; milk, John Hepburn; fuel. Tucker and ilea tell; interments. Baker Bos; grocer ies, U. Zander; drugs, etc. U. J. H. Neste.. The Onminitto recommend that the present staff, consisting of and master and matron, v.e —Dr Trevora (LOO per annum), J. H. Fox (L 133 per - annum and rations) and wife, Georgina Fox (L? 5 per annum and rations) be con tinued as at present. So fat as they sen learn the medical attendance is ell that can be desired, and good discipline and econ omy are observed under the mwer." The report w«s adopted and the Home Com mittee was authorised to expend LIOO in repairs to the Home.

METHVEN.

Our Metbven oorre-poodent, a gentle man in whom we have the utmost c mfid* enca, ha? sent us the following fragment. He assures os that it is of especial in'er eat to residents in his locality, and we have, after some hesitation, determined to publish it verbatim et literatim. We have, however, no editors! knowledge of the facts alluded t<> v One of the woald-be leaden of ton in onr peaceful hamlet having been slightly elevated in his own opinion in the social circle, deemed it expadie it to celebrate the event in a manner suited to his exalted position, for which purpose be summoned the elite of the place to his council, and after mature consideration it was resolved to commemorate the suspi cious occasion with a bail, to which none were to be admitted unless duly approved of by the said Council, and..the charge for admission was fixed at a price' tieyond the reach of ordinary mortals. Mr Patton, of the Methven Hotel, kindly gave them, the use of the new portion of hie premiseej for the occasion, and a more convenient' suite of rooms could not be desired. The billiard room upstairs made a iirst-clas* ballroom, another large room edjotping was - converted into, e ladies' dressing room, and the sapper was laid in the commodious dining room on the ground floor, all being detached from the hotel. The decorations aid catering having been left in the hands of the “ veteran and genial host " it is needless for me to say more thau that his efforts on this occasion exceeded the most sanguine expectations even of the enthusiastic promoters. After encountering several unexpected storms, the auspicious event was solemnised lasi night, and like the rich man of old—save that ha bad no servants—he sent his faithful henchman to gather the “ mixed crowd ” in humble imitation of his vener able progenitor.

CHRISTMAS CHEER.

As is usual at this season of ths year the shops in Ashburton are dressed and stocked to meet the custom and demands of Christmas tide. The dis greeable wind that has prevailed during the day has interfered very ranch with the customary decorations, but the contents of the various shops are an* usually varied and attractive. We have no space to do justice to the different dis. plays, and as many of oar readers srill join the critical crowds of purchasers this evening and judge for themselves, it Is almost unnecessary to attempt a descrip tion. O f the botchers, Mr Tasker, and Mr Lancaster have splendid exhibitions of meat—joints that would satisfy the most fastidious. Mr A. Orr, Messrs Or. and Alcorn, Ur J. McGregor, Mr fi. M. Canon, Mr H. Zander, Mr Maefarlane, Messrs Beylis and Co, and others have most attractive displays of groceries and seasonable dainties. The drapery estab lishments of Mr A. Orr. and Messrs OR and Alcorn, are decked out with all the splendors of the season. Mr T. Taylor, Mrs Banger, Me W C. Davis and He Banger have appetising windows of fruit and confectionery. Mr H. li Jones, Mr Farley, Mr W. Zander, end Mr Sevan show all the bookseller’s novelties, toys,, and nick-nacks that delight the hearts of the yontbfnl members of the community. The general display is the best We have yet seen in Ashburton, and we hope the enterprising proprietors will do the basinets their seasonable efforts deserve.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECkMBER 1885.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, mitten plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re nlace Advertisements must be supplied previous to that on which they te to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 p.m., but will be charged double •tea. All notices of B rths, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig- Of 'the sender, as a guarantee of jod faith. ... . All advertisements and business letters be addressed The Manager; literary nununlcations should be addressed to he Editor.



Parcels Express. IT W ZEALAND COMPANY. EXPRESS Rfldni»«wl rates foe freight to Ashburton Parcels, etc., from Christchurch or Dunedin delivered at address in Ashbur ton at the following fixed rates. Through daily i — , at slight increase for heavier weights JJo extra charge for two or more parcel for one consignee if from one consignor or for parcels charged rate and a hah under the railway tariff if received ir time for goods despatch. Receiving offices—Christchurch ; Bed lord Row. Dunedin: 7, Manse street. Parcels, etc., forwarded through and delivered at any address in the world. Pufru and all information on applies Mon to F. MoFABLANE, Agent New Zealand Express, Ashburton. A USTRAUAN MERCANTILE UNION INSURANCE COMPANY. The onx* Company in Oantebbubt mnng DIB SOX KaJISB RATES 33J PBB tnora os Ooohtby Rises, W* WOW, AS WB HAVE BERN POB 388 BAST THREE YEARS, ACCEPTING BISKS AT 25 PUB CENT. OFF TARIFF. W. B. MOSS, Agent for Ashburton District. September 22.1886. 9 616 Ox- Immense Furniture Sale!! RAWINO-ROOM, DINInS'KOOM, Atm BEDROOM SUITES. Everything'New and Fashionable. J. MEECH ;U iQ UKBGSERYSD CLEARING Cl ALE, s H superior FURNITURE at an ariy data, particulars of which will be joounced presently. Such an opportunity for acquiring Far ; tme made in the BEST STYLE an f rtdk thoroughly WELL-SEASON J£i has never befoi, occurred :• Labbnrtoo. fW and inspect previous to Sale. Fasexals conducted, as usual, at th# ' 1 Lowest Bates. Adinsw—NASITSTREET. * IGNORED BTRSFT.



Wanted. W ANTED Ghigg. Plough Teams.— John 12 227 ANTED Known The Cheapest VV House in Town for first class Mi linery and Drapery, H, 0 Segbrs i-.aat S' reet. ii > ANTfcU—! n.m« for Ploughing and W to work through harvest, with or ithout rest iog machines —John dr'Oo lO *. Aft WANTED -To Let Groomed House; 2 acres of land ; rent 8s a week ; near Woollen .Factory 4pp)y this Paper. *2 244 WANTED to dispose of a first-class Furniture Business fronting on East street and Tancred street. —J .Mbbch 1 2 105 WANTED —All Boys and Girls to bang np their boots and stockings to-night, for Santa Clans is coming. Parents, call and sea £L M. Jones’s stock of Toys and Fancy Goods 12 243 Vt f ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew mg Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch. East street, Ashburton 2 276 WANTED KNdWN — Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, eta, Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to WAITED Known— Orders for Christ mas and New Year's Cake are being booked at the lowest possible price, by W. Nourish, Freetrade Bakery, Ea«t street, Ashburton. WANTED Known —Down again ! What, the price of wheat! No But the price of meat- Lamb, fore quarters, 2s 6d ; bind quarters, 3s fid- Beat sausages in the town, 5d pec id, at Baker aud Co s, London Butchery, Tan cred street. 1 1 97* WANTED Known—That hates and Co. has bought IUO9 yards superior Velveteen, all shades, from is; dress goods grand value, worm 2s, now Is; lames’ jackets, cost 25s 6d, now 4s 6d ; hats and bonnets naif-price ; winceys, 1 yard wide, fid ; ladies' ulsters, 2a lid. 637 WANTED Known— ihat R. Lancas ter has reduced the price of meat 25 per cent —tor Cash only. Lamo, 2s and 3s per quarter. 4ib Loaf for 4£d. Free trade tor ever. R. Lancaster, Beady Money Meat Mart, Bollock’s Arcade, 9 632 WANTED Known—To the Dadies ot Ashburton aud surrounding dis tricts and the public in general. Mr J. Moihon, Impermeable Bootmaker, has re ceived a large shipment of French, Eng lish and German ladies’ shoes, outtoc up and elastic sides, great choice, now for inspection, which J. Moisou intends dis posing of at reasonable rates during the coming holidays. His own make always on hand or made to order. Repairing dona with care and promptitude. Colo nial boots of all kinds. Next to the Club, iancred street. Ashbartuu. 10 BBU



Syecuu AUVertiae.tue.ntti. Boating, .STRAWBERRIES aMO dOESERY. o On WEDNESDAY NEXT (December 2), the undersigned WTLL Of iSN hit ex tensive grounds, on the Wakauui road, to visitors aua picuic pat ties- The Garden is replete wua every variety of fruit, plea sant lounges and saady walas. The boat ing is in every respect excellent, Special arrangements made lor tue reception ul private picnic paniss, school ohiiareu aua o tiler laige numbers ul Visitors. Admission, tid; boating* is an hour, boatman extra ; fresh fruit, lowest price. 11 76 Jl. HU iM f. A SHE ETON COAL AND FIRBWoOD DEPOT. R. y.Bean Begs to inform the mhaouauts of Ash burton that he still continues to deliver NEWCASTLE. Wo.dTPußl', Ai\l> tJu.uOKFix.Lu oOik at lowest rates. Firewood, Post and Rails, dtaaes Etc., Potatoes Oltaff, Oats, Bran, dharps, Etc. R. S. BEaN, 8 419 West street. COVLING EVENTS OAdT THElrt. bBADOWd BEFORE. Knowing-this to be the case I am well stocked with Christmas Cards, Hen 1 ear’s Cards, and Seasonable Presents of all description. dchool Committees will do well to con sider tbe many advantages to be derived from jmrohasiug their prize books from me, as x am now offering prize books at very reasonable prices, in fact, at Christ cbarch prices, and no carnage to pay, wmist my stuck consists of about 3,50 b volumes. dchool requisites of every desciiptiun kept in stuck. ax a.s, Coptic, two oases of Account Books and General Stationery. Ex ss. Ruapeuu, spienaid stock ot Commercial Envelopes. Thomas Jb\ Parley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and .Newsagent, Saunders' Buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shop: Town Hail, Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. EXTRACT from Neio Zealand Gazette Bth October, 1885 CLAIMS UNDER FOREST TREES PLANTING ENCOURAGEMENT ACTS. General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, sth October, 1885 Notice.—“ The forest Tree. Planting ‘■'ncourai'emeut -Sot Amendment Act. 1*71,” and •* the forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1872," having been repealed, it is requested that all out s.audmg claims in pursuance of those Acts, and of any regulations made thereunder, may be sent in to the office of the Com* missioner of Crown Lands for the district in which plantations have been made, fore the 31st day of December next. J. BALLANCE 10 873 Minister of lands. FOB Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, etc. KAT'S Compound of Linseed, Ani seed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, etc, witn OhKrouyne. KaY'S Compound, a demulcent ex pectorant, for Coughs, Colds and Oaest Complaints. KAY’S Compound, for Coughs and Colds, is equally serviceable for noises and Cattle. KaY’S Tic Pills, a specific in Neu- ! ralgia, Face Ache, etc. Contains Ouiuine. Iron, etc. — Cement for Broken \j Articles. Sold everywhere. Sole makers—l KAY BROS., 101 Stocknort, England Changed Hands! [BRANCH SHOpT TOWN HALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. J. Wood and Co, ofjCbristcharob, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my m*ny patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisitea at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY.—SpeciaI care is given to aU otders. Promptitude guaranteed. M ANDFAOTUREMAOCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first class firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may rely upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers (British and f oreign included), Public committees receiving liberal con cessions. . PRINTING. This branch is b lug fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude in the execution of ail orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence DELIVERY of newspapers. Customers may rely upon receiving their Morning and evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not npon the front lawn. The same remara applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, puicoasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Links lways in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, iwiue, and tradesmen's genera, requisites. Bookbinding Oeoees Received. £. F. Farley, bookseller, stationer, PRINTER NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, ASHBURTON. JIHE NEW ZEALAND Ulo thing Factory OONTRA U T O R S To j New Zealand Government Rail. ways. Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &a, die. <yo. Are now prepared to enter into contracts lot the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted I tor turning out large supplies in the moat inexpensive and expeditious manner. army and navy contractors Estimates and drawings snpplied on the shortest notice. Bead Offices and Factory— DOWLLSO STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE -Measures for all uniforms may oe entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the rAllow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika NewPlymonth uamaru Grey month Napier Waimate Roefton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL, & SON WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, baring obtained STBiM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on tbeiz work efficiently, are now in a position to meet the demands or the public with a fir ‘ class article at prices to suit the times. Every <t ptioo of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps rcom £2O. Whltechapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS GENERAL S tfo* KING FORGE. V R.S. & BON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support in J. _ bag te intimate *ha ! , having procured first-class Machinery, they his departu... to „ tl dertake all kinds of fen”iooenng work. »re now m a p-tu; *- oj ve n to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds o» Special attention „ *-«nas Engines, Reaper and Binders and every Vlacbiuery, including Uomu.. ’ —t* _ 7 V/WIUU*. Inscription of Agricultural Impleuie- ESTIMATES given for Contractors an*. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; •t Builders Ironwork, **aoks, Os. 8 416 Victoria House. G- BAND DISTRIBUTION OF BOHEMIAN GLASS VASES, Etc., To Purchasers of Parco’a amounting to IBN SHILLINGS AJtD ONE POUND. rtioles to be Exhibited in Windows in a few days. Presents equal to 3 reduction of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND, to be distributed upon arrival. JDimant and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, E*a, E»a» * * v«n*wd «Wa#fc». AdOrirte*



Special Advertisements. Jjj'EW ASHBURTON T WEEDS. 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 Ooanty with SUITS MADE FROM TWEEDS, MANUFACTURED bt THEMSELVES. CRAIGHEAD AND 00., Ashburton. CHRISTMAS I Bazaar! Bazaar!! NOW OPENED. Table of Articles from Id te 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, Ac., (Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel), Saunders’ Buildings.



QHRISTMAS AND NEW TEAR. 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, Bast Stbbkx. 11 997



partnership notice. r|THE undersigned has much pleasure in J, stating that be has admitted Mr JOHN ANDREW MAOPHERSON Into Partnership with him, and that the busi ness will in future be carried on under the style or firm of ZOO OH & MAOPHERSON, 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 the most reasonable terms. The usual Saturday Market Sales will be n» te as attractive as possible, and farmers may rely npon their stock and produce realising the HIGHEST Market VALUE, at a minimum cost. No yard ees charged when sales are effected. ZOUCH & MACPH t£RSON AO TIONEBRS, &c. QHRISTMAS! CHRISTMAS!! Thomas Taylor, BAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East Street, Ashburton, Begs to inform his numerouscuatomers and the genetal public that he has speci ally prepared and baa now on hand an unusually large, varied and superior stock ot CHRISTMAS CAKES And other Confectionery. CORDIALS. T. T. has had large experience at Home in the manufacture of Cordials, and is now making a speciality of them at his establishment in East street. Superior GISGER BEER sold in 3 or 6 gallon kegs. All orders promptly attended to.



Kidney and urinary complaints of all kind! permanently cared with Hop Bitters. Genuine made by American Go. Read That husband of mine is three times the man he was before ne began using ** Wells Health Ken ewer.” Druggists. The N.Z- Drug Co.. Ganere Agents. 3 Force of habit—rOara is required In the formation of habit, seeing its important bearing on character. Many characters are spoiled through inattention to the moat ordinary and simple matters Some drink tea and coffee from mere force of habit, ‘‘because:it is usual to do so,” 'regardless of the penalty oftentimes of nervousness and indigestion. Cadbury's Cocoa Essence contains the refreshing properties of tea and coffee, with additional advantagess over those beverages, whilst it produce none of their injurious effect*. August Flowkr.—The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 7§ per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as wttv stomach, sick headache, habitual eostivJUjm palpitation of the heart, heart bon* watexliW K gnawing and burning paiaf it the pit stomach, yellow skin, coaled tongue and agreeable taste in the month, coming up of foOdafter eating, low spinet, etc. Grtvtoyour tojdgist and- get 'W goWer? ThU valuable medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all Civilised countries. Two ; -doses will relieve 1 Jidda bottle.