SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Croydon Lass, schooner, from Waitapu. Scotia, barque, from New York, via Fort Chalmers. Rotorua, s.s., from Mannkan and way ports. Yesterday. Grafton, as., from Dunedin, via Timaru. Sailed. Saturday. Rotorua, b.f., for Wellington, Picton, and Nelson. _ Jasper, barrjuentine, for Port Louis, Mauritius. Recamta, ketch, for Timaru. KTTTPPTNO TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Saturday, Arrived—Herald, from Greyraouth. Sailed—Ryno, for the South Sea Is lands. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Star of the Mersey, brig; Belle Isle, barque,' from Newcastle; Frederic, French barque, from Calcutta ; Hauroto, from Lyttelton. Sailed—Wareatea, for the North. Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived —Manapouri, from Melbourne.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. Mr T. Bullock reports on the horse maiket for the week ending Saturday, January 24th:— 55 horses were entered for the day’s sale. At the commencement biddings were rather lan guid, but as the sale proceeded more anima tion was evinced, and a large proportion of the m dium draughts were s Id at satisfactory prices as given, below. Light harness horses, although there is very little demand, still they sold better on Saturday than for some time past, and if sellers would only make up their minds to accept low prices or market value for this class more would be sold. Hacks—For this description there are very few buyers, and most of those offering just now are very infer ior. Out of the total entry of 55 a very large proportion was sold, viz:—3o. Medium draughts, pretty good, Ll 9 to Lao (no really first-class draughts were offered); not quite so good, Ll 6 10s to LlB iosj rather light des cription, L 9 to Ll 4; 4-year-olds, rather light, Ll 4 los to Ll 7 I os; aged, L 8 to Lxo ss; in ferior, L 4 lOS to L 5 10s ; light-harness horses, good, Li 1 to Ll 4; ditto rather descrip tion, L 7 to L 8 15s; hacks, unbroken, 2-year olds, L 7 to L 8; inferior, a number changed hands at from L2 to L 4 ss.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. , Tuesday, January 27. Messrs Matson, Cox and 0 , at the Tinwald Saleyarda—Stock Mr Alfred Harrison, at J. A. Persson’s shop, Wakanui road—Furniture, etc.

MEETINGSAMUSEMENTS, Etc. This Evening Meeting of Householders for Borough School Committee Election. Town Hall—Woodward’s Japanese Troupe Monday, February 2. Borough* Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Town'Hall —Webb’s Marionettes, at 8 o’clock

Friday, February 6 tanburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11a.m. Friday, Match 6. Lonbgeach Road Board at Hoad Board Office.

Pat led ay, Maeoh 7. /Pakantii Boad Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion*, wntten plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 5.30 p,m., but will be charged double rates. . All notices of Births, Matnages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the. sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business jo be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed o The Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Oliice follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. 10,30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. Fpr Chertiey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. end 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hix.de, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. 3for Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., . For Tima-n and South, at 0 a.m., 10 e.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.46 a.m. For WakanuL Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For ilount Somers, on Tuesdays and , aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. . For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.3oip.m.‘daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

Mail* arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Eakaia at 10.15 *.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at From Temnka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. W. 30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From ' Green street and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays end Saturdays, at 10 am. t •“ From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.16 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10 S> a.m. From Asbton, Waterton, and Long beaoh at 10 a.m. daily. From New lands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 1885. School Committee.

Once more we must remind our readers that this evening is the one evening in the year when we are called upon to give practical expression to our views on the important question of education, by electing Committees which will manage our local schools for the year, and must during the next month give a vote for three members for the North Canterbury Board of Education, We trust that every householder, but especially every parent, will feel that this is a duty which he cannot afford to neglect just now. The result of the late examinations, the verdict of a recently appointed Commission, and the report of both the Inspectors for North Canterbury, show that is something radically wrong in the management of the Ashburton school, and the progress of the chil dren in these schools cannot be a matter of indifference to any of us. This evening we have an opportunity to place the control of the schools in the hands of men who will manage them with a view to the interests and wel fare of the children and the credit of the district, Spurt from all petty party considerations, and we shall neglect an important duty if we fail to do so. One of the most humiliating features in connection with the recent difficulties, and one we refer to with very much reluctance, is the evident existence of sectarian and social prejudices, which have not often made their appearance so strongly under the present system of education. We need not say that the great object to be attained by a strictly secular system, is to avoid a dreadful bane to all harmoni ous and successful action. Let us hope that in the selection of good men and true, sectarian differences and social strife will be entirely forgotten, and that every man who may be elected will feel that the Committee of a public school—for the education of children of all denominations and of different stations in life—is no place for the ex hibition of any narrow bigotry he may entertain, either for or against any re ligious section or other division of the community. Those who feel most deeply solicitous for the formation of high religious and moral progress in our midst, should feel most acutely the danger of rendering all such progress impossible, by associating them with petty distinctions of creed and position which divide and weaken the earnest, and often force our public institutions 'into the hands of those who care nothing for such matters.

The sporting correspondent of' the Auckland Observer says ;—“ I have heard a rumor—very indistinct, but still a rumor—that Welcome Jack does not be long tc Mr Pilbrow now, having been purchased by the Hon James White, and that it was for him the grand horse has been sent to Australia I even heard a figure mentioned (L 2000), so it might be true, but I only give it for what it is worth.”

We are indebted to the Railway Goods Department for the following particulars* of the grain rates in the new tariff;—Ash burton to Christchurch—Bs lid per ton, delivered at a aiding ; 10s 7d per ton, delivered within city boundary. Ashbur ton to Lyttelton—los lid, delivered at ship’s side (this includes wharfage); 9s sd, delivered at private siding. If load ing is done by the Railway Department 6d per ton to be added to above rates. The grain rate is reduced Is 6d per ton for distances over eight miles between stations north of Oamaru; minimum charge, 4s per ton. Our cablegrams received to-day advise : -—The Daily News states that England intends to annex the whole of the South ern part of New t.uinea.—Colonial cor porate stocks have experienced a sharp rise in the London market.—The French forces have sustained a sevare defeat at Kelung at the hands of the Chinese.— Russia and Germany have concluded an extradition treaty.—The British advance on Beohuanaland has commenced.—A re ward of LSOO is offered for information leading to the conviction of the perpetra tors of the murders at Roeburn. —Con- suls are quoted at 99 J; Adelaide wheat, ex store, 38s; New Zealand wheat, 30s to 365.—W00l prices are steady, but the de mand it not active.—New Zealand frozen mutton is quoted at 5d to s£d. —A terri ble accident occurred to a mail train, near Cootamundra (N.S.W.) last night.—Cen tal Farle’s column of the Khartoum re lief expedition has reached a point thirty miles beyond Harabah.—No news has been received from Colonel Stewart since the battle of Gakdul, and some anxiety is consequently felt.—A Bill has been pre sented to the Uidted States Senate having for its object the repression of dynamite. —The annexation of Bilul Bay by Italy is imminent.

Quiet nerve aud balmy sleep in Hop Bitters’ for sleepless ladies and invalids, Notice,— Aovx.j

Woodward’s Japanese Troupe, a very clever acrobatic company, are announced to appear at the Town Hall this, to-mor row and Wednesday evenings. The ad vance agent of the company arrived in town on Friday, and has •' billed ” the p'ace with illustrations which are said to give some, but not an adequate, idea < f the extraordinary feats performed by these wonderful equilibrists. We hope to see an encouraging attendance. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Rakaia, to day, Mr fl. C. S. Baddeley, R.M., presiding, the Rakaia and Ashbur ton Forks Railway Company succeeded in obtaining judgment against a number or ratepayers, who have hitherto resisted the demands of the Company. A full report of the proceedings will be found in another column of this issue.

The representatives of the Ashburton Fire Brigade left by the express this morning, to take part in the Fire Brigades demonstration at Dunedin, The. repre sentatives of several Nothernbrigades were passengers by the same train. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, his Worship the Mayor fined a first offender 10s and costa for drunken ness.

There was not a large attendance at the second Remenyi concert on Saturday evening, but the audience was a thoroughly enthusiastic one, and the great violinist responded with ready good nature to the repealed encores, M. Re menyi and his company left for Christ church by the mid-day train to-day, and will perform there this evening. A meeting of the Ashburton School Committee will ‘be held at the Arcade Chambers at half-past six this evening. The public meeting of householders, for the election of a new committee, will take place in the Borough School half-an-hour later.

The Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club will meet on Wednesday evening to adopt a programme for the autumn race meeting, At the Wesleyan Conference in Dun edin on Saturday, Messrs Fellows, Bur rows, and Laws were proposed as candi dates for the ministry, and were unani-

mously received for further training’ at Wesley College, Auckland. The Rev Wm. Kirk applied to be placed on the list as a permanent supernumerary, on account of advanced years. Mr Kirk has been engaged in the active work of the ministry for thirty nine years. Mr Mor ley was requested to prepare a resolution for the printed minutes setting forth the higli sense entertained by the Conference of the worth of Mr Kirk’s labors. The

work of the students in Wesley College during the year was reviewed. It was decided that two of the students, Messrs Rothwell and Lawrey, should commence circuit work this year. The Stationing Committee will resume its work early on Monday morning.

The Wellington correspondent of the Press telegraphs : —Ministers aver that they know nothing of the rumored inten tion of the Government to send Mr Mao andrew to Scotland to induce c ofters to emigrate to New Zealand, under the special settlement proposals. A Gazette of January 23rd contains the following notification Managers of Public Libraries are reminded that appli cation for subsidy must he made by the 31st instant. Forms of application can be obtained from the Secretaries of bdnoa tion Boards or from the Education De partment.—John Secretary for Education.”

The new railway tariff provides for the issue of free tickets to school children under the following conditions: —“ Free school season tickets—Second class quar terly tickets may be issued to school children, not over 14 years of age, attend ing the Government Primary Schools. Such tickets will be issued only from railway stations where there is no primary school in the vicinity, and will be issued only to the stations in the vicinity of the nearest primary school. Tickets will be issued only on the certificate of the school master, forwarded to the Minister for Public Wprks through the Chairman of Committee having charge of such school.” Webb’s Royal Marionettes, an enter tainment which has been very favorably received in other parts of the colony, will appear at the Town Hall on Monday next. Several of our contempora-iea speak in very high terms of the performance. The Animated Skeleton—a speciality of th’s show—is referred to as a really marvellous piece of mechanism. The pantomime of Beau l y and the Beast is cleverly exe cuted, and the Harlequinade is said to be a very amuing feature. The entertain ment concludes with soma very gorgeous and dazzling transformation scenes which, it is claimed, surpass anything of the same character previously exhibited in the colony. The management have gone to considerable trouble and expense to en ’suro the success of their Ashburton sea son, and we hope they will secure a liberal response.

Interprovincial bioj’de races wore held at Lancaster Park, Christchurch, on Saturday. The following are the results of the principal events One mile maiden, 0. Reece, 1 : A. J. Warren, 2 ; one mile championship, W. Langdown, 1 ; F. A. Cutten, 2 ; P. E. Baldwin, 3 ; novices’s race, 0. J. Atkinson, 1 ; J. 0. Goughian, 2 ; tricycle race, A. E. Freece, 1 ; N, Oates, 2; one mile handicap, W. H. Langdown, 1 ; O. Reece, 2 ; P. E. Bald win, 3 ; five mile handicap, W. A. Thomp son, 1 ; A. J. Warren, 2 ; T. Godfrey, 3; three mile handicap, F. J. Saville, 1 ; W. H. Langdown, 2 ; P. E. Baldwin, 3 ; ten mile handicap, P. E. Baldwin, 1; F. A. Cutten, 2; R. Fulton, 3. We are informed that Mrs Hawdon’a prize for “ the tidiest girl in school,” attending the Borpugh schools was awarded to Isabella Brown.

Mails for the United Kingdom, Conti nent of Europe, and America and West Indies (via San Francisao), Sandwich Islands, Cape of Good Hope, etc., will close at Ashburton on Saturday morn ing at ten o’clock.

The usual monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board was held in the Board’s office, Tinwald, to-day, when all the members were present. The fol lowing correspondence was read : —(1) From Mr E. G. Wright re formation of road, about 100 chains, in No. 1 ward.— The Surveyor to report to next meet ing, (2) Stock and Saleyarda Com pany re contribution towards cross ing : at Tinwald.—Ordered to be paid.— Tne Surveyors’ report was read and com mented on, and all works mentioned there were postponed till after harvest. It was resolved hat in future the Clerk to the Board receive no orders on the Board from contractors. The Clerk was instructed to sue for all rates unpaid. Accounts amounting to L 197 18s were passed for payment, and the Board ad journed to March 30.

“ German Syrup.” —No other medicine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed 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 and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.— f Advt.) Catarrh or hie Bladder. —Slinging •natation, inflammation, all kidney and similar complaints, cured by “ Buchu-paiLa. ” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents, 3

EXTRAORDINARY FUNERAL.

Disgraceful Interruptions.

(By Telegraph.) Auckland, To-day.

An extraordinary scene occurred yester. day at the funeral of Holmes, scenic artist, burnt to death on Friday night. Maokingly, the deceased’s landlord, and a freethinker, had arranged with Dr York, freethought lecturer, to con duct the funeral obsequies, while other friends fowarded a similar request to the Hey. Mr Tebbs, an Anglican minister. The funeral was largely attended, and the freethought section commenced to com plain at seeing the Rev. Mr Tebbs present. At the gate of the cemetery a parley took place, during which time the coffin was left in the hearse. Maokingly told Mr Tibbs that his services were not required, but the latter insisted upon conducting the service, saying that there was no relative of the deceased present, and there was no proof that he had abjured the faith of the Church of England. He would do his duty, A number of church men then went to the hearse aad removed the coffih. As the procession moved down

the path to the open grave, the rev. gentle man commenced to read the passage—“ I am the resurrection and the life," which was greeted by a portion of the' Free thought section by in:erruptions of— “ Cut it short !” “Bosh !” “ We have had enough of that rot!’’ “ Shut up !” etc. At the grave, j ist before the clergyman pronounced the words “ \shes to ashes, dust to dust,” Mackin gley jumped on the side of the grave and cried out, “ We have had enough of that stuff," or words to that effect, but was greeted with cries of “ shame " from the crowd. Mr Te >bs, however, proceeded with the service to the close. As soon as he had done the sexton and his assistants commenced to shovel. in earth on the coffin. A call was made by the Free thought people for Mr Ellis to proceed with his service, but that gentleman de clined to do so. At the conclusion of the

proceedings persons of every denomina tion, including Catholic and Jews, shook hands with Rev Mr Tebba, and thanked him for carrying out his duty in the man ner which ho had done, under trying circumstances. As a fitting final to the

above extraordinary funeral, the driver ol the hearse, in returning to his home, accl dentally fell down a staircase and SUB' tained a broken ansle. Holmes was nol a member of the Freethought Association, but had attended several of their lectures. Deceased was a son of Holmes, Oourl painter to George IY.

THE RAILWAY RATE.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT (Before H. C. S. Baddeley, Esq., R.M, RAKAI a —To day.

[by telegraph.]

Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Company v Julian Jackson, claim L 7 9s lOd, railway rate.—Messrs Joynt and Gresson appeared for the plaintiff.—Mr Joynt, in addressing the Bench, said that as other oases had come before the Court it would be unnecessary to open at any length. James Henderson, Secre tary to the Company, produced the certificate of incorporation, and his appointment as authorised person to collec; the rates in dispute. Proper notices had been sent to defendant. They were posted by himself (defendat denied having received notice). The Act pro vided that posted notices were a sufficient service. Witness produced the rate-book showing defendant’s land to be in class 2. The rate-book was signed by two of the Directors. Witness also produced the direction of the Minister of Public Works for levying the rate. The rate-book shows each class of land for which the rate is struck. The whole rate struck does not exceed five per cent of the cost of the railway. The amount in the pound struck now d ;es not exceed the amount which would have been struck under section 11, District Railways Act, 1877. The rate book was signed on Jan uary 15th, 1834. The rate was made on January 31st, 1884 The notice to piy the rate was posted some months before the summons was issued.—To Mr Jack son: Am certain that demand for rates was made in August last. F. Mainwaring, clerk to the County Council, produced a letter from the Chairman of the Company, dated June 26th, 1878, to the Council, enclosing list of lands as classed under the Act for rating, also plans and specifications. Dr Hacon swore to the signature of the Hon Thoa. Pick.

In defence, Mr Jackson said that he ceased to hare any interest in the land for which he was rated before the end of December, 1883, and his name as owner or occupier was struck off the roil in March, 1884. Mr Joynt hero pointed out that the rate sued for was for the year ending March 31st, 1883. Defendant continued that his laud was advertised and sold by public auction in Christchurch wi*h all liabilities, and as the County Council had bean asked to collect the rates it was well known that the pur chaser would be liable to pay. He was owner and occupier of the land from April Ist, 1882, to March 31st, 1883 Mr Joynt submitted that there was no defence at all. No purchaser would ' pay the accrued rates t and any private arrange ments made between the seller and pur chaser would not interfere with the com pany’s claim against defendant. Judgment for the amount claimed and coats.

Same v. G. Coward, Ll 5 5a 4d ; T. T, Jackson, LlO 12a 9d ; D- Cameron (of Clunes), L3i oi6d ; Alex. Orr, L 29 5s 6d; W. Hinds, L 9 17a 9d ; Robert Alexander, L 6 18s 9d ; J. Alexander, L 4 2a 103 ; S. Alexander, L 4 2s lOd; W. Bland, L 6 15a Bd. Judgment in these cases for plaintiff with costs. In all the cases a professional fee was allowed, according to scale, and the ex penses of witnesses were divided amongst the defendants.

Some cases against township ratepayers were postponed as the counsel for the de fence, Mr John Holmes, could not ba present, owing to an engagement in the Supreme Court.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, January 15.

The Daily Telegraph this morning con firms the statement previously telegraphed that England and Germany had entered into a mutual agreement to abstain from annexing Samoa. The attempt to float the Port Adelaide Ocean Dock Company having proved un successful, it is reported that the Govern ment of South Australia will repay the L 14,000 which has been subscribed, and oarry out the scheme as a Government undertaking.

Sir S. Samuel, Agent-General of New South Wales, has joined the league which is being formed in opposition to the Im perial Federation movement. The princi pal object of the League is to disseminate information amongst members of Parlia ment and others, and show that a system of Imperial Federation is impracticable.

Sir S. Samuel, in the course of some re marks at the Empire Club last night, said that the Australian colonies were

thoroughly loyal, but that they would never submit to Imperial taxation. London, January 18. Mr Blyth, Agent-General of South Australia, is consulting with the authori ties of the War Office with reference to a successor to Colonel Dowdes as comman der of the South Australian volunteer and military forces. London January 19. An arrangement has been arrived at by which Turkish troops will occupy Soua kim, to which place the British forces re turn after the relief of Khartoum.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

VICTORIA. Melbourne, January 20. Mr Service is endeavoring to pave the way to holding a Conference of Premiers of the various colonies at an early date to discuss the Federation and Annexation questions. He telegraphed to Mr Stout, asking if it would be convenient to attend meetings at Hobart or Melbourne at the beginning of next month. Mr Stout will forward a definite reply this week. Gene ral Scratchley will not make final arrange ments pending the Conference. [The Conference has been abandoned.] Meetings are being held in all the towns of Victoria to consider the New Guinea question. On Thursday last a bush fire, extending over seven miles of country, occurred near Sandhurst, burning out several selectors and farmers.

Dr Lendenfeld has discovered a glacier on Mount Kosciusko, in the Australian Alps.

Among the passengers per Indus on Saturday was Admiral Tryon, who suc ceeds Commodore Erskine in the com mand of the Australian naval station.

A new scheme has been proposed for the extermination of rabbits. The course adopted is to fence all water holes with rabbit-proof fencing, leaving a small supply outside to accustom the vermin to a drinking place, and then poison the water. The latter scheme has been tried with great success. Fifteen hundred rabbits were poisoned in two days in this manner.

The new postal system is a great success, and is already used largely. The death is announced of the Bishop of Bathurst (Catholic).

A Melbourne Rotten Row has been established in Albert Park. It is patro nised by the Governor, and is becoming a fashionable resort.

The body of the late Joseph Bragge Stack has been exhumed, and it was dis covered he had been strangled. Barnes, who confessed murdering him, awaits his trial. The evidence is very strong against him.

■ The Governor and party returned to town on Saturday, after an enjoyable tour through the Australian Alps.

The bootmakers’ strike still continues. There is no sign of agreement between masters and employees.

NEW SOUTH WALES.’ At a meeting of the Sydney United Laborers’ Protection Society on Thursday evening, Mr Trenwith, representative of the operative bootmakers of Melbourne, addressed the meeting. His remarks were well received, and support vas promised. The Committee recently appointed by the Administrative Council to organise a scientific exploration of New Guinea held its first meeting on Friday last. Cripps, licensee of the Coffee Palace Hotel, was arrested on Friday night, on a charge of setting fire to his hotel, bail being refused. Three supposed cases of small-pox were reported yesterday in Redfern district.

SOUTH AU TRALIA. In replying to a telegram from Mr Ser vice, Mr Colton, Premier, replied that he could not attend a Conference at Hobart, but could be in Melbourne by Fob, 3. A Bill, dealing with absconding debtors, has been drafted, and will be sent to Melbourne to submit to the Vic torian Government.

TERRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

[Received January 26,1.10 p.m.] [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Sydney, To-day.

A terrible accident occurred to' a mail train last night near Cootamundra, on the southern line. Owing to heavy rain the embankment had given way, and the train rushed into the gap in the darkness and was completely wrecked. Many carriages were telescoped and several passengers were killed and many wounded. The scene was one of in tense horror. Assistance has been sent and further particulars will be for warded later. Eight inches of rain have fallen during thirty-six hours, and all lowlying country is under water.

CORRESPONDENCE.

vVe do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

SHEPHERD V. NEATE.

TO THE EITODB. Sib, —The case above mentioned, which occupied the attention of the R.M. Court last Friday, in which a resident of Tin wald sues a local chemist for alleged in juries received through the alleged negli gence of the chemist, in supplying him with wrong medicine, is one of consider able importance to the public community, whose very lives, as Mr Branson is re ported to have said, are in the hands of our chemists. The case in point suggests this question:—Supposing a patient died through a mistake of a chemist in making up a prescription, how would it be possible to prove that the chemist’s error had caused his death 1 Seeing that doctors in this town, for soma reason best known to themselves, enjoin their patients to go to some particular chemist, whose names they write on their prescriptions. These prescriptions are, in consequence of the names on them, claimed byj the chemists as their property, and the prima facie evidence or correctness or incor rectness cannot afterwards be obtained.

Such a case occurred a short time since, when 1 asked for the return of the pre scription. I was refused it, and on press ing, was told that it was the doctor’s order not to retgrn them. X am, etc., Dissatisfied. [We trust that several slight modifications we have ventered to make in the text of the above letter, will meet with the approval of our correspondent— Ed. G. J

SPORTING.

MARLBOROUGH RACES.

(by telegraph), Blenheim, To-day. The following are the weights for the Marlborough fixture : Flying Handicap. st lb at lb Hineinoa ... 9 7 Pay... ... 7 8 Refrrget-ator : 8 12 Lady Gfey 7 0 White Hose 8 0 Blue Ribbon 610 Ida (late Rore) 712 Alpine Rose 6 6 Erebus ... 7 8 Hobbles. First day. Liability ... 11 5 Miroi ... 10 0 Jim... ... 11 0 Leo... ... 10 0 Bob 10 6 Zulu ... 10 0

NEW BRIGHTON RACING CLUB.

The following acceptances and general entries were received on Saturday night:— Avon Cop —Nellie, Water King, Fare well, Grand Duke, Irish King, Rebecca, and Supplejack Handicap Hurdles —Secretary, Mar quis, Larry and Bordeaux. Taox—Pet, Bobtail, Prince and Cook Robin. President’s Plate —Parakanui, Bris tol, Papanui, Dick and Finance. Hack Hurdles— Louth, Nellie, Bris tol, Polly, Despair, Conundrum and Ploughboy. Maiden Plate— Nelly, Oliver Crom well, Deception, Mr Cook’s bk f, 2 yrs, Mermaid and Conundrum.

PLUMPON PARK.

Nominations. Htfbdi.es ; two mileß Marquis, Louth, Spteydon Lass, Secretary, Lin wood, Bor deaux, and Larry. Cup ; one and-half miles Rebecca, Restoration, Mor, Wee Roddie, Supple jack, Faro, Irish King, Kingask. Papanui, Oeo, and Nelly. Novelßace—Bordeaux,Flaxtonßeautjr, Vauity Fair, Supplejack, Fairplay, and Little Dick.

Trot— Curly Kate, Qaeeny, Warrior, Dai y, Creeping Jack, Billy, Cock Robin, Raddle, Rambler, and Princess. Stewards’ Stakes ; three-quarters of a mile—Rally, Nor’-wester, Castille filly, Gadogan—Malice filly, Wee Roddie, Kin-, gaek, Faro, Silver Queen,' Deception, Forest King, Puri Puri, Papanui. and Nelly. LOWER HEATHOOTE RACING CLUB. The race meeting held on Saturday was poorly attended, and the sport was of a very indifferent character. The following are the results :

Handicap Hurdles, of 10 sovs ; two miles.

Mr Piper's g g Bordeaux, aged, lOat 101 b (T. Stewart) 1 Mr Jenning’s ch g Secretary, aged, list 51b (Higgins) 2 Handicap Harness Time Trot, of 10

sovs; two miles. Mr MoOutcheon’s b m Jenny, aged, 40*ec (Mr B. Hale) 1 Mr J. Williams’ ch m Pet, aged, 40seo (Mr M. Davie) 2 Princess (late Peggy), Daisy, scratch, and May Queen, 40:-ec, also rani

Hack Hurdles, of 10 sovs ; minimum

weight, list 71b ; one mile. Mr Pym’s hr g Wood Pigeon, aged (Mr Bradley) 1 Mr C. Palairet’s b g Shamrock, aged (Mr W. Kerr) 2 Handicap Flat Race, of 10 sovs ; Mini mum weight, Bst 71b ; one mile and a quarter. Mr Craig’s b g Fair Play, aged, 9it , (Miller) 1 Mr Mcßratney’s ch g Supplejack, aged, 10st s!b (Owner) 2 Mr Piper’s g g Bordeaux, aged, Sat 7lb (Derrett) 3 Oeo (Oat 71b) and Puri Puri (Bsb 121 b) also ran.

Handicap Pony Trot, of 10 trovs ; two

miles. Mr Scott’s oh g Jo, lOseos ...(Owner) 1 Bloxwitoh (ssec), Kitty, Sweetbriar, Toby, Gipsy, Dandy and Queenie (15seo each) also started. Kate and Biddy were disqualified. Scratch Race, of 10 sovs; minimum weight, 9it ; one mile. Mr A. Mo Alpine’s b g Nor’-Wester, 6yrs (Derrett); 1 Mr S. Craig’s br g Fair Play, aged (Stratford) 2 Mr H. Mcßratney’s ch g Supplejack, aged ... ... ... (Owner) 3

Victim and Finance also ran. Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin had a totalisator on the ground, and succeeded in putting through L 736.

WELLINGTON JOCKEY CLUB SUMMER MEETING.

Wellington, Yesterday. . The following weights were declared last night for the Wellington Jockey Olab Summer meeting Tb Abo Plate.

ACCIDENT TO TXGRGDIA. Napier, Yesterday. Tigredia has hurt her leg, and it is questionable whether she will be well in time for the Wellington Meeting.

CRICKET.

ENGLAND V. SYDNEY.

[rectbr’s telegrams—copyright.]

Sydney, January 24 - A match was commenced here to-day between the English cricketers and a local eleven. The former went in first, and were all put out for 206. The highest scorers were—Barnes, o, 33; Bates, b, 68; and Attewell, o, 27. When play ceased for the day the Home team had lost two wickets for 31 runs.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 1886.



st lb Bt lb Tasman .. 9 10 Lady Evelyn 7 1 Sou'-wester. .. 8 10 Speculation.. . 7 10 Salvage .. 8 9 Talebearer . . 7 5 Black Eose. ..8 8 Armourer . .7 3 Administrator 8 7 Normanby . . 7 2 Rubina ..8 7 Clogs .. . 7 0 Minerva ..8 5 Pasha . 7 0 Consul ..8 3 Trickster .. . 6 12 Ike ... ..8 2 Putangitangi 6 10 Fusilier ..8 2 GlaicKs . 6 7 Rally ..8 0 Main Boom.. . 6 7 Ugly Buck . . 7 13 Hurdles First day). Barrington 11 10 Cribbage ... 10 0 Ravenswoad 11 7 Shamrock ... 9 10 Liability ... 11 3 Secratary ... 9 10 Maccaroni... 11 2 Speculation 9 7 Linwood ... 10 7 Jim 9. 0 Alaric 10 5 Ingomar ... 9 0 Royalty ... 10 0 Kilbirnie Stakes. Sou'-Wester 9 5 Talebearer ... 7 9 Rubina . 9 0 Marion 7 6 Minerva . 8 12 Putangitangi 7 2 Kally . 8 8 Glaicks .«. 7 ft Consul .. . 8 7 Mainboom ... 7 0 Ugly Buck .. . 8 4 Okato 6 7 Lady Evelyn 8 3 Painter ' ... 6 7 The Slave .. . 8 2 Dynamite ... 6 0 Speculation.. . 8 0



SBIililNG OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONARY, Ac. ENORMOUS DEDUCTIONS. Muat bo sold ovou if at a loss Bros., jjpms«KT.LEK.s, Stationers, &0., Aabbutton.



Wanted. ■e't'T'ANTED Known. —The Tender of yy William Parker is Accepted for stocking and forking Copland’s crop, at la 6i per acre. Jas Copland. 1 132 WANTED —A Man to make himself generally useful. Apply, But ler's Family Hotel. 1 123 TTC7ANTED Known - That persons wish- VV ing to purchase Cheap Groceries would do well to look at J. McGregor’s advertisment in another column. WANTED Known—That R. Lancas 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- Money Meat Mart, Bullcck’s Arcade. 1 2 \I|7ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders V* are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Labe Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W, O Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 CTTANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 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 near y oppo site Mr A. Harrison’s auction rooms (lately occupied by Messrs Robinson and Townsend), wnere they will be better ab.e to comply with the demands of their trade. Jones and badshaw. WANTED Known.—We are not to be beaten ! Good straw hats, 4jd, 6d, 9J ; black Cashmere, double width, is 3d; print costumes, 2a 9d ; white calico, 2s od per doz; a lot of infants’ white and colored satin and merino hats and hoods, Is to 3s 6d— usual price, 4s 6d to 12s bd. H. 0. Segbbs, tealya’ Buildings, East btreet.



WANTED KNOWN— Robkkt Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Towd Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. SOMETHING worth knowing.— F. P. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro feeaed Coat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. T. F. C. 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. 10 195^J WANTED Known—C. 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, ai the following reduced rates :—Men’s Harvest Bluchers, tips and nailed, 5s 9d; Shooter Boots,- 10s 3d ; Women’s Strong Lace Boots, 8s 6d ; Leather Elastic, 9a 6d; Children’s all reduced from Is per pair. Motto— ** Small Pro fits and Quick Returns.” 0. Haw .in’s, Boot and Shoemaker. 12 2393 WANTED Known—J. Meeoh & 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 beat materials are used, being specially selected, and combined with good workmanship, all goods are guaran teed of 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 McEwbn, Bootmakers, East street, Ash burton. 10 1973



Special Advertisements. rpO my readers and the reading public, X Oust to hand.—New Books. —Black Poodle, by Anstey ; Our Old Nobihtj ; The Cuckoo Clock, by Mrs Molesworth ; We Two, by Edna Doyal; Poverty, by Platt; I Say No, t>y Wilkie Collins; Jjhn Bull’s Womankind, by author of John Bull and his Island; The Jilt, by Charles Ke.de; Good Stories of Man and other Animals, by Charles Reade; Vesteged, by Geo F. Gumming; Pages in Wa ting, by Edmund Yates; Notes on Ingersoll, by Rev L. A. Lambert, Roman Catholic Jesuit; My Own Child, by Florence Marryatt; Life, -Opinions, and Table Talk of Dr Johnson; American Society Novels; Inspiration; A Clerical Lympocium; Bos a ell’s Life of Johnson ; Magna Charta Stories; Taming Down without Banting; Money and Mechanism of Exchange, by S. Jevons; John Holdaworth's Chief Mate; My Watch Below, by W. 0. Rus sel; The Wonder of Nature; Death Shot, by Reed; How to live upon la per Week; Stories of Waterloo; Secrets of Success ; How to Read Character; Christmas Number of Goodward’a Chryatal Stories ; Longman’s Magazine ; The Book of the Beginnings, by R. H. Newton; Mistletoe Bough; 160 Illustrated Loudon Graphics, latest copies, to be sold cheap at Thomas F. Farley’s, PRINTER, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton.



FANCY BAZAAR Continued a few days to clear out surplus stock. GREAT BARGAINS. SIXPENNY~& 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. R. Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, (Next Shoo to Quill’s Hotel.)



Special Advertisements- NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. THE undersigned are now landing, ex B.a Hauroto, the Best Newcastle Coal Imported for the season A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, V.D.L Timber and Palings Kauri Timber, Flooring and Lining Roofing Iron, Doors and Sashea Lime, Cement, Foncing Materials, <Sc , And every requisite for the trade. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), i SAWMILLERS, TIMBER, COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. East street, Ashburton.



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW" ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING St SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The lit 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. Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW ZEiLAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



V ' Davis’s gURPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURE Now selling off at HALF-PRICE. Must be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 Pfiu Cent. BY PUCHASING AT W. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



TD E DENNIS O’CONNELL, J-V BANKRUPT, Of Manchester street, Christ church, and Lyttelton, f CLOTHIER AND DRAPER. Marked price of Stock, £2,424 Actual Coat, £l,BlB Sold for £954. NOTICE OF BANKRUPTCY. In Bankruptcy. In 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 hook debts of the business in Manchester street, Ohriatchuroh, 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 tho premises, Manchester street. Tenders will be received by the undersigned until 10 a.m. on Monday, Ist December. B. C. LATTER, Official Assignee. Christchurch, 21st Nov., 1884. ACCEPTANCE OE TENDER, Official Assignee’s Office, December, 1884. v Messrs H. E. May and Co., 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 ... £1602 18 0 Lyttelton ... £315 7 0 £lBlB 5 0 At 10/6d in the £, being £954 9s. Yours faithfully, E. C. 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 igxh, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIEsI GLARING REDUCTIONS 1 ! Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windowa"QSi Dimant and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPE KS, CLOTHIERS, &c., In premises lately occupied by Or* and Go,, Corn East and Tanored attests, i ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisements. Cornsacks. BALES of CORNSACKS to arrive ex ship Atlantigue (now due), size 48 x 26|, 2£. Apply, at once, to HAYES & CO., X 1 Arcade, Ashburton. Dimant and Coe, ARE 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 supply of Machine extras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANORED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181 Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Taxcred Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf, 5d per lb \ Best White Crystal, 3£d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12a 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. ‘ Rice, 31 Mixed Biscuits, 61 Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, s£l Raisins, 6£d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn's Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6|d Herrings, 7d Keiller’s Marmalade, 91 Salmon, 8d Cheese, 61 per lb English Pickl s, 81 Other articles equally cheap. James McGregor, Tancred Street 12 2342



Flies and Bugs. —Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats.” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 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 been 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 suheriug. 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 matter 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 then)- Use nothing 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 in imita tions «■ « counterfeits,



Cough?. fColds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly 1 cured by using Baxter’s “Lung Preserver.” I This old-estabtisTied medicine is pleasant lo ■ thp palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and clerical profession. Read gd> vertisement. Wells’ “ Rough on Corns,”— Ask for Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” Quick reliaf, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts bunions. The N.Z, Drug Qo, t General Agents, a