MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Eio. Fbidat, Jakuab* 1 Wakaoni Annual Sports Tlnwald Annual Sports MethTßß Kaces and’ Sports TtrBSUATj JaITUAXT 5 Drill Shed—Volunteer Parade Ashburton Bant Olab—Meeting atQaill’e Hotel, at 8 o’clock « FKinAT, JANrABT 8 - kanbnrton County Council —At Council Cumbers, 11a.m. " Satobdat, Janpabt 9 Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 103.0 Mohpat, January II . ftpypngb Oonncil, at Borough Connell Chambers, at 7.30 Chambers —Star of Ashburton, A. O. D., at 8 o’clock

MAIL NOTICES.

■ Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North, at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey R&kaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. ■ and 5. p.m. duly. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Otari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a-m. daily. ■ ForTemnka, at 1U a.m, and 4.30 p m. daily. ■ fat Tima.-n and South, at 10 and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Groenstreet, on Wednesdays and i' Saturdays, at 10.45 *.m. ■ For Wakanni, Elgin, Seaview, Seabold, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and . Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. Few tfonnt Somers, duly at 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield and RuSpuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Aahtnn, Watertou and Longbeach, «fc 4.30 p.m. daily. _ For Fle»nington, on Mondays, Wednos _ iaya,and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fn sysat 10,30 a.m. Fos Hampstead at 9 a.m. doily.

’"'Mails arrive at: the Ashburton Pos* Ofioo From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 , fc m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.30 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 ».m. an*. 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin end intermediate plaotf • et 5.3*1-*.m. daily, "’Fh»m Temttka andTimaru at 10.40 a. nv. • «np 5.30 p.m daily. Gxoenstroet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 *.m. _ From Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 . Sett* From Mayfield and Ruapnna, on W eo oesdsys and (Saturdays, at 10.6 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and L« > each at 10 a.m. doily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fn - days, at 2.30 p.m. Fcom Flemington on Tuesdays, Thor* days,and Saturdyas, at 10a.m. From Hampstead at 9.30 a.m. daily.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. THURSDAY DECEMBER,.3I, 1885.

A time has again arrived when it is our pleasing duty to wish our readers a very happy and prosperous new year. When we last gave expression to this time honored salutation we were com pelled to deplore the calamities and disappointments that bad darkened the year then closing—a year during which our cup of adversity, full as it seemed, was succeeded by a still larger draught of bitterness. We entered upon the present year with very little to “cheer and soothe the mind that supports the body.” Commercially, politically, and as part of the great British Empire, we were distinctly under a shadow. The prices ot our staple products were ab normally low, our statesmen trembled for the further development of events, and Great Britain was embarrassed by domestic and foreign troubles that threatened to shake the status of what we are proud to regard as a mighty Empire to its very foundations. But still hope—“the balm and life blood of the soul’—sprang “ exulting on trium phant wings ” and “promised pleasure, and bade the lovely scenes at distance hail.” And this hope, slight as appeared its foundation, has been in a measure justified.. It would be too much, per haps, to say that we are leavipg the year jo* cioslbg tyider WfW auspices; but

ive no hesitation in saying that :ierce and the affairs of the world ' present more to cheer and less rm than they did twelve months The values of our staple products, higher, are firmer; there is a well ed prospect of improvement in ar future ; Great Britain has not rown off her Egyptian and Russo n troubles, but they have assumed onnidable dimensions, and our .al prestige—tarnished as it was earlier stages of these complica -may yet be preserved. True, t ' ve entered upon another little war t with Burmah—but this is prac closed, with honor to the British and profit to the British nation, ? old year wanes. We can hardly cterise the year as a bright one— been a time rather for bitter, and rust profitable, rumination than solid progress, but in wishing . - eaders this evening a happy and perous new year, we have race hope, more confidence lor the future, and a sincere belief that in a few hours we shall enter upon a better, brighter, and happier decade.

Following our usual practice at the close of each year we propose this evening to briefly summarise the his torical events of the passing period. We have already commented at some length on most of the occurrences to whicn we shall refer, and on this occa sion need do no more than mention the incidents which will form landmarks of the closing year. When the year opened our military operations in the Soudan were matters of absorbing in terest, and on the first day of the year the plan of Lord Wolseley’s Egyptian campaign was made known. The re sults of that campaign are now matters of history which we pass over with mingled feelings of humiliation and pride. On January 9 the New Zealand Cabinet proposed the Samoan annexa tion, and the same day the N e Zealand million loan was floated with unexpected success. Three days later the proposal to annex Samoa was vetoed by Great Britain, and on the 33rd the battle of Gakdul and the ; death of the gallant Burnaby took place. The 26th was darkened by

three terrible catastrophes to British life and property in different parts of the world—the dynamite outrages in London, the fall of Khartoum and death of General Gordon, and the railway accident at Cootamundra, New South Wales. On the 29th the cheap railway excursions on the New Zealand rail ways, which have proved such a re markable success, were inaugurated. On February 4 O’Donovan Rossa was shot at and wounded by Mrs Dudley, and the zoth was marked by momen tous events in the Soudan—the gallant rescue of Sir Charles Wilson by Lord Beresford, and the battle of Abuklea, involving the death of General Earle, Colonels Eyre and Coveny and several other brilliant soldiers of the British re lieving force. On the 14th the Reci diviste Bill was passed by the French Assembly, and the measure, which had exercised the minds of colonial states-

men and newspapers for many months, sank into comparative obscurity. On the 17 th the offers of troops by Canada and New South Wales, for service in the Soudan, were accepted by Great Britain, the event sending a

thrill of military enthusiasm and pa triotism throughout the length and breath of the Empire. Two days later Russia, which country had long been menacing our Indian frontier, advanced 30,000 men to the southward of the Caspian Sea, and on the 23rd moved the forces to Penjdeh, from which place the Anglo-Russian Commission retired to Herat. On March 3 the New South Wales troops embarked for the Soudan, and on the 7th Quetta and Pishien were re-inforced, and Great Britain demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Afghan territory. Active preparations for war were at once made in Great Britain, India, and the colonies, notwithstanding the pacific assurances of the Czar. On the igth New Zealand ordered Li 00,000 worth of war material. On the 30th the Rus sians attacked the Afghans at Penjdeh on the banks of the Koosh river, but this incident was followed next day by a conciliatory communication to Great Britain from Russia. On April 1 the half-breed and Indian rising in Canada assumed formidable dimensions, and something like an all round fight was declared between the States of Central America. A week later the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Ireland, and peace was declared between France and China. On the 24th the English Premier announced that “ grave ” negotiations were pending between nis Government and that of .Russia, and that the colonies had re ceived a warning message. On the 27th a War Credit of Lx 1,000,000 was granted by the British Parliament with out a division. On May 4 Great Britain and Russia agreed to arbitrate, and tienerals Lumsden and Stewart were recalled by the British Govern ment. On the nth the attempt to re cover Khartoum was abandoned, and the same day a vote of censure upon the Government was rejec ted by a majority of thirty in the Imperial Parliament A few days later the evacuation of Eastern Soudan was commenced. On the 15th the Canadian rebellion collapsed and Riel wascaptured. The 21st was marked by the appearance of cholera in south ern Europe. On June 4 the New Zea land million and a half loan was offered and realised Lxoo 6s 3d, and the same day terrific cyclones occurred at Aden and in the Indian ocean. On June 9 the Gladstone Ministry was defeated by a majority of 12 and resigned. Two days later the New Zealand Parliament opened. During the week ending July 4, 4,000 deaths from. Cholera were re ported in Spain, and on the 6tb aa election to fill the Wakanui seat in the House of Representatives resulted in the return of Mr Joseph Ivess. On the 16th the Anglo-Russian Boundary Commission met at Herat, and have since been occupied in an attempt to define the frontier; to-day we learn that their labors have brought about an agreement. On August 1 the Wellington Industrial Exhibition was opened, and on the 6tb the meeting of the Emperors took place at Gastien. By September z the deaths from cholera in Spain had reached §3,000. On the 6th ¥ap, one of the Caroline Islands, wasseizedby Germany, and on the 14th the French resumed the offensive in revolt iu RoMift

took place on September 20, and led ot preparations for war by Bulgaria and Servia. On October 14 the complica tions in Burmah were reported to be of a serious character, and the last day of

the month witnessed the first of several victories of a New Zealand horse at the Victorian Racing Club’s Spring Meet ing, and the closing of the Wellington Exhibition. On November 4 General Prendergast and the troops under his command embarked at Madras for Bur mah. On the 7th Mr Stead of the Pall Mall Gazette was found guilty on a charge of abduction, and a few day’s later sentenced to three months’ impri sonment. On the 9th the alleged mas sacre of the New South Wales Geogra phical expedition was reported, and the members of the expedition were mour ned as dead until the 22nd, when they arrived safely at Cooktowo. On the 14th war was declared between Bul garia and Servia, and on the 17th His Holiness the Pope announced his award in respect to the Caroline Islands— Germany and Spain having agreed to refer the disputed possession of the Is-

lands to His Holiness. On the 21st a severe frost—a remarkably late one — occurred in Ashburton, and on the 25th Mr R. Friedlander was elected Mayor of the Borough for a second time. On December 1 King Theebaw of Burmah made an unconditional surrender to General Prendergast, and the next day the melancholy death of General Sir Peter Scratchley was reported. On the 10th cholera made its appearance at Townsville, and the 22nd celebrated the unveiling of the Moorhouse statue in Hagley Park, Christchurch. This must conclude our summary. Space will not permit us to refer to more than events of the greatest prominence. Our local history contains touch that might point a moral and adorn a tale, but we must leave it with a hope that the future may bring greater happiness and iucreased prosperity to our readers and the world at large.

To-morrow, New Year’s Day, will, as usual, be observed as a close holiday throughout the colony. In Aehbitton the Banks and other business premises will be closed, and the public offices will observe holiday hours. Races sad sports will take place at Tiuwsld, Wakanni, aud lethven. There will be no publication of the Guardian.

The next English and European mail via Sen Francisco, will close at Ashburton on Saturday, January 2, at 10 a m.

A cablegram published in this issue states that the Russo-Afghan boundary has been fixed at Maruohak. Maroohak is a town on the banks of the river Mur ghab about fourteen miles south of Penj deb, and is the easternmost part of the frontier originally claimed hy Russia. Our cablegram makes no mention of the western termination of the boundary, but if the line is drawn dne west it wlll 3 >in the river Uati rud about eight miles north of Zulfikar. This is probably the Hue fixed upon. It wouli be a compromise, grant ing Penjdeh to the Russians and pre serving Zulfikar, Ak Robat, and Bala Margbab to the Afghans. Maruchak is rather more than 100 miles north of Herat. At the meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board yesterday, it was decided to call the attention of the Government to the dangerous inshore current which sets in along the Ninety Mile Beach, and which had evidently something te do with caus ing the stranding of the Hudson. The Board drew the attention of the Govern ment to the .current twelve months ago, 1 but nothing has seemingly been_ done in consequence, as it appears, neither the latest charts nor the New Z island Pilot mention the current The Harbor Board have decided on reorganising their Lyttel ton Staff. The Harbor Master leaves the service receiving a mouth's pay for every year of office as compensation His duties will be performed by Captain Clark, who will not, however, tooei e any increase of salary. The tug and pilot staffs will be amalgamated. It is estimated that the saving effected will be L9OO a year. The criket match, Christchurch Wan derers v Pooeoix Club, was commenced in Dunedin yesterday. At the oono usion ot the day’s play the scores were —Wan. derora Ist innings, 128; 2nd innings (for four wickets), 65 ; Pnoenix Ist innings, 65.

The adjourned enquiry into the death of the boy Uazeihurst was held at Wood end yesterday. Dr Ovendeu, who after making the first post mortem, deposed that the boy had died from violence, said that after an examination of authorities and a consultation with Dr Symes and Guthrie he was not so positive as to the cause of death. The evidence of Drs -symes and Guthrie went to show that the deceased died from sunstroke, and that the discolorations on the body were the effects of sunstroke on a frame suffering from inherited syphilis. The jury re turned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. Some months ago we cautioned our readers against remitting money to “ Mr James Wallace, of the Sydnejr Turf Club. ” We were inoebted to the Wairarapa Mail

for information In respect to “ Mr James . Wallace,” which induced as to pronoance the “ consultations ” advertised above that signature as gross swindles. Oaring the past few days a number of Ashburton residents have •eoeivad circulars from the “ Sydney Turf Olub,” inviting them to subseriba.to a sporting investment. “Mr Wallace” has probably been induced by the suppression of consultations in New Zealand, to re-enter the field on the chance of appropriating a few stray pound notes. To place our readers upon their guard we cannot do better than make an extract from the Sydney Sp*rtsmam-~ ,t Sweep fuomoters, like oats, appear to have nine ives. Crushed In Melbourne, where, under another title, the Sydney Jockey Turf Olub promoters ran a consultation two years back, they concocted a totally different prospectus, crossed the border, changed their secretary’s name, had ad vertised extensively in the Sydney, New Zealand, and Indian newspapers. . . . We have at our disposal conclusive proof that the affair is a swindle, and have no hesitation in once more reiterating that every individual who forwards a fee to Mr * James Wallace 1 is contributing directly to the creature comforts of that enterprising individual " Now money is so scarce it behoves every one to be on the alert and endeavor ,to make there twenty shillings go as far as possible. One glance at H. E. May and Co.’s advertise ment, which appears in our columns this even* mg, should convince one and all that the pro prietors of The Hall, High street, Christ church, are determined to do their part. The prices quoted for the various items are, we be lieve, lower than on any pretr ius occasion, and should induce all buyers nfDiap tv and Cloth intrtn p*j “ Gsrman Syrup.”—No other medicine in he world was ever given such a test of it curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. (n three years two million four hundred thous sand small bottles of this medicine were dis cributed Jree of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs. Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable prool that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that in every town nd vllage in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go tp your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample 1 Bottles fid. Regular size 3s. fid. Thi\» I «M»«U vali*vs apv c«i*»JABVt.? {

In reviewing the Auckland Ouo rare, the Auckland correspondent of the Referee says:—Among those lucky enough to be on Major George’s horse were two men of Q. M.B. Nelson, who, just for the sake of the ship’s name, put their money on not knowing one horse from the other

The annuel picnic of the Choir and Sunday School teachers of St Stephen’s Church will take place to morrow. Mr John Grigg baa, with his usual kindness, thrown upon his grounds for the occasion, and between 60 and 60 parsons will leave the Church at 9 o’clock punctually iu Mr Dailey’s conveyances. The following are “ Hippodamia’a ” tips for the races at Tinwald to-morrow:— Hurdles—Captain 1, Dan O’Brien 3; Trot —Alma 1, Bijou 3; Cap—Misfortune 1, Bagshot 2; Maiden—Bagshot 1, Frolic 2.

The third of the series of Ashburton wool sales took place to-day. Thera was a good attendance and la*e prices were maintained. A full report is held over. The Challenge Totalisator, a new ma chine invented by Messrs 0 J. Harris and Co., of Oamsrn, will be worked at the Tinwald racea to-morrow.

Seventy-three applications were received by the Selwyn County Council for the office of Inspector of Slaughterhouses. Mr Jasper O’Oallaghau, a brother of the member for Lincoln, received the appoint ment.

During the last 40 years members of the Church of England have contributed L 40.000.000 for the budding and reatoriog of Churches in England. At the present time they are endowing net? Churches at the rate of L 141.000 per annum. The Church also raises, by voluntary subscrip tion, 1600,000 per annum for foreign mission work and L6OO,QDO for the main tenance of national schools In addition to this latter sum, L4,k95,23S was ex pended from 1839 to 1881 in building Church schools. The Press, of this morning, says:- There is a very large accumulation of wool in Lyttelton at the present time, alorost the largest that has ever been known. The Shipping Companies are at their frit's and to cope with the matter in a business like manner. The continued dry weather has been very favorable to shearing, and

clips are being delivered with great rapidity, so that it ia tasking the energies of those dealing with shipping matters to get .rid of the wooL The Chairman of the St Stephen’s Snnday School Building Committee in forms os that a cheque for LIOO has been received, being the amount <-f the grant voted at the last session of Synod. The debt on the building is now only L9O. Mr B. Billings, of Ashburton, baa written a letter to the New Zealand Pro* teotiou Association, on Freetrade and Protection. The letter attempts to show that Protection has been a great benefit to the American farmers; that although a heavy dnty was placed on foreign manu factured goods, the farmer, by using the home productions, did not have to pay that duty, bat the foreign manufacturer had to reduce the price of his goods, equd to the duty charged, in ordsr to ge't tnem into the American market, to compete with American productions. The Asso ciation agreed that the facts contained in the letter were undeniable, and the secre tary was instructed to hsve it published, if possible.—We have not the advantage of an acquaintance with Mr Billings, but to ns there is an appearance of redundance about an attempt to commend Protection to an Association of narrow minded and selfish traders. Let Mr Billings attempt

to convince the farmers of Ashburton that dearer food, dearer clothing and dearer implements will be a benefit to them. If he should succeed, we have no doubt tbs middle meu will adequately recognise bis efforts. According to the usual custom on New Tear’s Eve, there will be a short service to-night ia St Stephen’s Church at 11.15 p.m.

Gold Dost has been scratched for the Wakecni Oup. To restore nerve and brain' waste, nothing equals Hop Bitters. Believe this and take none but American Co.’s. See Holloway’s Fills.—Health or Wealth- No sane person would hesitate an fasciae the choice between these two conditions Now is the season to secure the former eithe by restoring or confirming it These Pills ex pel all impurities from the system which fog foul vapours, and variable temperatures en gender during winter ; this medicine also a:ts most wholesomely upon the skin by disgorging the liver of its accumulated bile, and by ex* citing the kidneys to more energi'.ic action; increases the appetite for food and strengthens the digestive process. The stomach and liver, which most disorders originate, are fully under the control of. these regenerative Fills, which act very kindly yet most efficiently on the end*rest bowels

LAWN TENNIS.

Dunedin, Last night The Interprovinoial lawn tennis match, Qtago v Canterbury, was won by the latter by three out of five events. In the ladiQs’,doables, Misses Maitland and Bath* gate won the first three seta from Misses Temple and Gordon with a score of 6—l, 6—3, 6—6. In the gentlemen’s doubles Wilding and Million more than reversed that order on Bose and Morrison, winning the first three sets with score 6—4, 6—2, 6—o. In the ladies’ singles Miss Temple won the first three sets, 6—3, 6—4, 6—6. In the gentlemen’s singles play between Wilding and Morrison was very dogged, bat not particularly brilliant. Wilding eventually wore down hia opponent, and won hia three sets by 6—3, 6—5, 6—5; Morrison’s were 6—5, 6—l. In the com bined doubles play was very close, and five Seta were played, Mias Bathgate and Mr Bose winning from Miss Gordon and Mr Milium. Otago score, 6—o, 6—3, 6—6; Canterbury, 6—3, 6—2.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, December 24. The Bobertaon Ministry have been aworn in and have attended at their several offices. This is regarded as one of the weakest Governments that could have bean formed, and the general opinion of the pablio and Pceae is that it cannot stand after the reassembling of Perils* me»t. Three of the number ere pro nounced protectionists, and the others ere pronounced freetraders. Lord Carrington was entertained et a banquet by the Mayor last night It was a bri.liant affair. The speeches wers all short and pithy. The steamer Duke of Argyle which arrived at Newcastle, and was said to have obolera on board, was ordered to Sydney; but after being cleaned and fumi gated, she was granted pratique. The completed portion of the new Art Gallery was opened to-day by the Gov* ernor. The collection brought by the New Guinea expedition was also on view. The Alameda had a trial trip yesterday, with a large party on board Tenders have been invited for tha erec tion of the Maoleay Museum Building, et a coat of L 16,000.

A role nisi for the sequestration of the estate of Jerusalem Smytbe, in connection with the Brogden claims, has been granted. Oooktown, December 24. The Eliza Mary has arrived with the shipwrecked crew of tha Oaale, and fifty five recruits belonging to the same vessel. The Ueale was beached at Santa Marie Island. She is Insured for L 1.500 in (be New Zealand office.

BUSH USES.

Napier. Last Night. The bush fire is still spreading. There was no wiod tilt to>nlght,and the fine had abated. The Napier firemen, who went to Makatoko with ait engine, succeeded in making the township safe, and returned to town this morning. Before they arrived, however, telegrams were sent to recall them, the wind having riran and' carried the fire towards Noraewcod, a considerable township. They went back with more appliances and a second engines. Bythe latest advices, it aseius that four houses and a large sawmill, owned tySSbeftlßaa, at Nonewood. had been daattoyed, aßd the fires were spreading r Ormondviile being now threatened. Funds are being raised in Napier for the homeless settlers, mna beta of whome have lost everything they possessed In the world. Yeryffew of the smaller settlers were insured, and in the general confusion and excitement it la Im possible to ascertain the insurances accu rately in some of th* larger fires.

FIJI NEWS.

Bx Telegraph prom AXjcklajto To dav.

At lievuka, Fiji, 20th December, a fire destroyed Kraft’s new store and White side's store ad joining, with contents. The Brigade and volunteers, by strenuona labor, kept the flames from spreading fur ther. Insurances—on Kralt f s, LI50; on Wbiteside’a,Lsoo. The Fiji planters have suffered con siderable loss through an Immenaa bush fire extending to the plantations. A long condoned drought Is affecting the native food supplies. The oopra crop will be a partial failure, and it is feared yams will suffer also. A six-roomed cottage was burned title morning It was insured in the Royal for L2OO.

SPORTING.

OJ.C. MIDdUM ul£B MEETING. The following further payments wens made last night;— Middlbpabk Stakes ; six| fati ng*. Hon'W. Reeves’ be tiger Tim, by'; t Gadozan—Pnnki, 3yra ... ... 7 13 Mr H. Goodman’s ch f Apropos, by . r A premolt—Kopee, 2yrs 7 11 Mr P. Batter’s br o Artillery, by Musket—Onida, 2yrs 7 8 Mr & Lyon's b c, by Albany—Fal lacy, 2yrs ... 7 2 Mr W. C. Webb’s ch e Knby, by Albany—Wave, 2/is ...7 0- Me H. Piper’s b f Mirella, by . Ro-nby—Mireille 2yrs ... ... 6 13" Mr G. U. Stead's b f Sierra, by Apremont—Hammock, 2yrs ... 613 ’ Mr d. Hereford's oh f Nounnahal, by Oadogan—Peer mare, 2yrs ... 6 8 Midsummer Handicap.

Mr J. Stephenaoa’s b h Captain .. Webster, by St Albaua—Pussy, syra ... . ... ... 7 13 Mi A. Kay’s b h LojQ, by Laolioiu —Fluey, 4yrs ... 7 3 Mr S. Higgott’s bh c Patrician, by Feve—Jenny Lind, 3yra w. ... 6 7 Sbllino Rack Mr R Ray’s b g Leodogran, > 6yis (Lso| 9 1 Mr D. O’Brien’s b o Derwenter, 3yrs (L 50)... ... ... ... 8 0 Craven Stakes.

Mr G. G. Stead’s br h Leobiel,.4yrs 8 12 Mr J, Stephenson’s b h Captain Webster, 6yra .... ... ... 8 7 Mr P. Batter's bk h Talebearer, 4yra... 8 6 MrjJ. & lepbenson’s b c Everton Lad,

3yrs ... ... 8 0 Hon W. Reeves’ b g Maligner, syrs 8, Q Mr H. Hammond's ch g Rocket, 6yrs... im ... ... ..I 7 8 Mr la. Goodman’s b g Billy, aged . 7 0 Mr H. D. Bradley’s b m Athol Daisy,, 6yra ... ... ... 6 p New Year's Welter Plate Handicap. Mr P. Butler’s br h Fusilier,' 4yrs 9 3 Mr J. B. PUbrow’a b m Mermaid, aged... ... 8 0 Mr J. B. Pilbrow’s br m May, 4yra 8 0 Mr W. Weston’s b g Conundrum, ' flyra ... ... 8 0

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING. Auckland, Last Night.. : The following acceptances have been re* ■ eelved for the undermentioned events:— fltntwjßs; two miles. Maecaronl I Ktagask Shotover 1 Miss Griffiths • Alario | Tim A.R.O. Handicap ; ona mile and three quartern. Nelson Foul Shot Necklace Victoria Waitirl Cinderella Tetford Carbineer Gband Stand Handioav; one mile end a belt Turquoise Wapiti Salvage Mi stall lease Cinderella . Carbineer Foal Shot " Oast-Aahotw Wood Nymph Victoria Alfred has been scratched lor the Steeplechase.

CABLE NEWS

ATbST FHOIV. EUROPE. f nanus's misuio—obmiSßtl The Malls. London, Leoembcr 29. The nails, ex Ballarat, from Mel bourne, November 19, were delivered to-day, via Brindisi > Mr Foster. The Right Hon Mr Foster is very ill His medical attendant states he is in a critical state. He is suffering from an affection of the brain. Shipping. The R.M.S.S. Aocangi has arrived at Plymouth with bar frozen meat in good condition. ISewaffavy awd ftwawswlsl. New Zealand securities are un changed. The market rate of discount is reduced to 3 per cent, and is now x ser cent below the bank rate. Pig iron, to.b. in the Clyde, is xs per ton lower, today's quotation being 435. Galvanised iron, packed lab. at Lon don, remains at Ll 4 15 s,

French Politics. , . Paws, December 89. M. Brisson, the French Premier, per sists in tendering his resignation, giving as bis reason the persistent hostility evinced by the Chamber ol Deputies to his Ministry. The President of the Republic, however, refuses to accept M; Brisson’s resignation. Pabis, December 30. The President has accepted the re signation of M. Brisson, and summoned M. de Freycinet to form a Cabinet M. de Freycinet has not definitely acceded to M. Gravy's request, and hesitates to* undertake the task. OiMxovn, December 29. . Shaw, Savill and Albion Co.'s u Doric, from London, left here last Bight for Ngpr Zealand. . (Received DaoemberSl, 11. SO a.p.) Ttlf - AfyVy. , Lqnook, Deoembes -SO.' ■. Advices from the Afghan BouwUiy Commission state that the difficulty ~ ' has been the boundary lint having b«*afi*e4 it Myq&ife -

THE ASHEUtii .A/ ' tURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 5 1886.



UOTICJfi TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for This Ashbubtos flnmni .n must be sent in not later than s p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, &qd charged accordingly. Re place 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 etas. ~ All notices of B rtha. Marriages, or Deetiis must be accompanied by the *ig - of the sender, as a guarantee of jod faith- , . ■ AH advertisements and business letters be addressed The Manager ; literary ■ nununications should bo addressed to ms Educe.



PA. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, atohoneek, stock and estate AGENT aNH'VALUATOR. SATURDAY SALE at 12 o’clock sharp. —Hones, Cattle, Pigs, Produce ' aud Merchandise. Agent Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company. FOB SALE Ono McCormick Wire Binder, in perfect order; as jood as new; canvasses and all extras complete; ■ cheap. On view at yards. For Sale— Johnston T» ine Binder; price, lAS ; with all improvements. Second reapers by M'Ootmick and Wood; cheap. For Sale—Piano, by Brinsmead and For Sale-Cheese Press, bv J. and T. Young. MONEY. £SO to £SOO > On Freehold Security. ALFBiro nAOTisnv A ÜBTKALIAN MERCANTILE /V UNION INSURANCE * COMPANY.



The onby Company in Oanteebuby 'WHICH DIB NOT BAISB KaIBS 33J PEE OWRf ON COOMXEY KISKS. oow, as we have been foe jjj TiOT THEBE YEAES, ACCEPTING BISKS 5 FSB CENT. OFF TABIFF. W. B. MOSS, Agent for Ashburton District. ' September 22,1885. 2 015 Immense Furniture Sale!! KAWTNG-&OOM, DTNXNO-ROOM, and beohoom sums. Everything New and Fashionable. J. MEECH ,>id an riTBBSEKVXD LEAKING QIALF. " superior I ÜBNITDBK at an civ date, particulars of vhleb will be Bach an opportunity Fur. tore made In the BEST STYLE and ST thoroagbly WELL-SEASONED tWnarttK. bos never bob* l occurred in abbur^on. ■ 'to aodlnppeot previous to Bala. 'FAncjtals conducted, as usual, at the .. • -£me*< Bates. i - - -MU9WP BT»IfT.



Wanted. \ X T ANTED— A Gene al - ervam fur the W Country. Apply, by letter, to Box 16, ' outh Kakata. 12 271 Ilf ANTiD— A Wotn-in to keep bouse in VV order,, also cook. Tbo owner i» often absent, and ibe work light ; an aged person preferred ; reference required. Apply by Utter to J. T,, Guardian office. ANTED Known The Cheapest Bouse in Town for first class Millinery end Drapery, H. 0. Bsobbs. East street. WANTED— To Let 6-roomed House ; 2 acres of land ; rent 8s a week ; near Woollen Factory. 4pply office ot this Paper. 12 244 yyr ANTED to dispose of a first-class W Furniture Business fronting on East street and Tancred street—J.Mkkoh 12 105 I¥T ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew- W ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Olottiing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 13 264 2 276



Wanted known—Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Thbxtpioai Agent, eta. Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton oho old communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to WANTED Known— That W. Nob- BISH, will visit Tinwald Daily on and after Monday, January 4ih, 1886. W. Nobush Freetrade Bakery, East street, Ashburton. NEW Fruit just arrived by steamer, new currants, 5d per lb ; new rai sins, 7d per lb; new sultanas, 8d per lb ; new figs, 8d per box; white sugar, d 3 per lb; mixed biscuits, 6d per lb ; fresh but ter, 7d — at MoGbegob s, Tancred street. ANTED Known —Down again ! What, the price of wheal! N o Bat the price of meat- Lamb, fore quarters, Ss 6d; bind-quarters, 3s 6d Best sausages in the town, 6J per Id, at Baker and Cos, London Butchery, Tan cred street. 11971



VTfTANTKD Known—That Hates asd v v Co. has bought 1009 yards superior Velveteen, all shades, from la; dress goods grand value, worth 2a, now la; isaiea’ jackets, cost 25s 6d, now 4s 6d ; hats and bonnets nalf-prioe ; winceys, 1 yard wide, 6d ; ladies’ ulsters, 2s lid. 637



ANTED Known— ihat R. Lancas w xeb has reduced the price of meat 25 per cent—lor Uub only. Lamo, 2s and 3a par quarter. 4ib Loaf for 4£d. Free trade for ever. R, Lanosstkh, Ready-Money Meat Mart, Bullock's Arcade. 9 632 ANTED Known —To the Ladies of Asbbatton and dis tricts and the public in gsneraL Mr J . Moison, Impermeable bootmaker, has te ceived a large shipment of French, Eng lish and iieimaa utdies’ sauna, buttoc up and elastic sides, great choice, now for iaspecuon, which J. MuisOu intends dis posing of at reasonable rates (taring the coming holidays. His own make always on hand or made to order. Repairing dune with care and promptitude. Colo nial boots of all kinds. Next to the Club, lanorea stieet, Ashbnrtun. 10 88l> special A.avertiaeraem.B. Bees. Bees. Bees. WaX WsX WaX. HIVEa. HIVEa. HIV S. From Is 6d esc a at the Steam bash. Door and Cabinet Works, Wakanui road, Ashburton. T. E. KlLVVuitTid, j i 31 Proprietor.



SUB KTOfl 0 »-■ A L AND Begs to inform the innaouaute of Ash burton that he still continues to deliver NEWCASTLE. WeSTPUKT, AND BROOKFIELD 00 aL at lowest rates. Firewood, Poet and Rails, ScaKes Etc., Potatoes Chaff, Oats, Bran, Sharps, Etc. FIREWOOD DEPOT. J 4. S. Beau E. 8. BEaN, 8 419 West street.



COMING EVENTS OAST XHBIK SHADOWS BEFCKE. Knowing this to be the case lam well stocked with Christmas Cards, New Jf tar’a Cards, and Seasouable Presents of ail description. ochool Committees will do well to con sider the man; advantages to be derived from purchasing their prize books from me, as I am now offering prize books at Very reasonable prices, in face, at Christ church prices, aud no carriage to pay, whilst my stock consists of about 3,50 d volumes. bchool requisites of every description kept in stock. jix as Coptic, two oases of Account Books and General Stationery. Ex aa. Kuapehu, spienuid stock ot Coiumetcial Envelopes. Thomas P. Parley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, aud Newsagent, Saunders’ buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shop: Town Had, Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. fTIXTtcaOT from New Zealand :.T' \l Bth October, 1835. CLAIMS UNDER FOREST TUT PL ACTING ENO«»U.RAGBMIL.f". aOTB, General Crown Latins -bt ; Wellington, sth Oc>. .n, • v Notice.—“ The Forest :ret>' V'-. )• ncouragemi'ni. Aiv.euj)'.:ooc 1871,” and “ The Forest Trse* Pi”. Encouragetuctn Act, 1872,” basicj repealed, it is requested that ol standing claims in pursuance c l tho*- and of any regulations made ther-s may be aent In te the office o? ‘V misaioner of Crow i Lands for ■’ l .. in which plantations have been : fore the 31st day of December ne: ' J, BALLAMt'h 10 873 Minister at



JTIOK Goughs, Golds, Broi F Asthma, Coryza, Influenza sumption, etc. K A IT'S Compound of Linseeo seed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, witu Ohlorodyne. KAY'S Compound, a demulcent ex pectorant, for Coughs, Colds and Guest Complaints. KAY’S Compound, for Coughs and Colds, is equally serviceable for nurses and Cattle. KAY’S Tic Pills, a specific in Neu ralgia, Face Ache, etc. Contains Ijuiuiue. Iron, etc. C>jOAGULINJS Cement for Broken J Articles. Sold everywhere. Sole makers—g KAY BROS., 101 Stocknort, England Changed Hands! iBRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton.



THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. J. Wood and Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my m*ny patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY. —Special care is given to all orders. Promptitude guaranteed. M ANDFAOTDRE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a tirat olabs fi.m for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may re>y 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 Jvoreign included), Public committees receiving liberal con cessions . ■ PRINTING. This branch is b mg fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude in the execution of all orders, a.i work receiving personal superintend ence —— DELIVERY oF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may rely upoa receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same remark applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purouasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Links xwayb in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer's Bags, Tea Papers, (wine, and .radeameu’s general requisites. Bookbinding Oboebs Received. £. b’. Parley, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ umidings and Town Hall, ABHBUBTON. jiHE new Zealand U loth mg Factory



CONTRACTORS To '' .j New Zealand Government Rail ways, Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &c. (&C. «sc. Are now prepared to enter into contracts :or the supply of



NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS m any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditious manner. ARMY and navy contractors Estimates and drawings supplied on tiie shortest notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLINO STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE —Measures for all uniforms may oe entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the lollop ing centres, vi£— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth uainaru Grey mouth Napier W annate Reetton Waipawa I'imaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SOM U7IBH to intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, YV having obtained 'TE v M ROWER and other Machinery requisite for the ca,Tying on their w>rk fficiectly, are now in a position to meet the demands oi the public with a Sr' daas r.rt.ole at prices to suit the times. Every ci ption or Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps nom £2O, Whitechapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Re trimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J.R.S. & SON, while thanking tho public for their past liberal support in this department, beg to intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now in a position to undertake all kinds of engineering work. , . , , Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES OABEFUII.Y HOD— Draughts, 7a ; Hacks, 6a. 8 415 Victoria House. />| RA M O DISTRIBUTION BOHEMIAN GLASS VASES, Etc,, To Purchasers of Farce’s amounting to IBN SHILLINGS AND ONE POUND. r tides to be Exhibited in Windows In a few days. Presents equal to a reduction of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND, to be districted oP°n arrival. Diinant and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Eva In* » * Stwati*. A«bbw*«" O F



AND NEW TEAR Just to Hand —a Direou Shipment of all Sorts of



JAPANESE TOYS & FANCY GOODS, Which will be sold AT LOW PRICES. A CALL SOLICITED. Wilhelm Zander, (Late F. Clark), TOBACCONIST AND HAIRDRESSER, East Street. 11 997 JgARGAINS! BARGAINS!! Specially to School Committees. FOR A FEW DAYS ONLY. My New Books, suitable for Reward and Presentations are offered at the London Published Prices. Early application solicited. BAZAAR! BAZAAR! STILL OPENED Table of Articles from Id to 4d. The Wonderful 6d Table. The Marvellous One Shilling Table. In the room next to my Present Shop. R. Bevan, STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, &0., (Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel), Saunders’ Buildings.



Mrs Adams, AGBNT FOU MADAME WEIGEL'S PATTERNS, HAS now on hand a nice assortment of crewel wools, silks, filoselle, flossette, lace, braids, transfer patterns, new designs, crash, oatmeal and satin cloths for art needlework, five o'clock tea cloths, embroidery frames, etc. THE LITTLE SHOP (31 ext Mr Ranger’s baker.



partnership notice. rnQE undersigned has much ploaaure in I stating that he baa admitted Mr John andrew maophbrson into Partnership with him, and that the. bust ness will in future be carried on under the style or firm of ZOOOH & MAOPHBRSON, Auctioneers, Laud, Estate and Stock Salesmen, Valuators, etc, W. H. ZOUOH, Auctioneer. Every description of Agency Uuaiuesa, ales in Town and Country. Valuations nd Commissions undertaken on the most reasonable terms. The usual Saturday Market Sales will be ma <e as attractive as possible, and farmers may rely upon their stock and produce realising the HIGHEST MARKET VaUJE, at a minimum cost.



No yard ees charged when sales are effected. ZOUCH & MAC,PH ERSON ACuTIONeEKS, &c. QHRISTMABI CHRISTMaSI! Thomas Taylor, BAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East Street, Ashburton, Begs to inform his Dumeroasoustomera and the general public that be has speci ally prepared and has now on hand an unusually large, varied and superior stock of CHRISTMAS CAKES And other Confectionery. CORDIALS. T. T. has had large experience at Home in the manuiaoture of Cordials, and his now making a speciality of them at is establishment in East street, Superior GISOER BEER sold in 3 or 6 gallon kegs. All orders promptly attended to. 12 161



Indigestion and Liver Complaints,—For these complaints Baxter’s Chmpotmd Quinine Bills have proved a specific, acting.powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold evmywbcK. or pest fpe fcpijj J, Baxter Chemist, Cfcviste&ttKh. fey 19 stamp*. .