SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON

Arrived. Yesterday.

Wanaka, s.a., from Nelson and Wel lington. Go-Ahead, 8.8., from Wellington. SttVithri, a a., from Greymouifa. ' Sailed. * Yesterday.

Mawhara, as, for Wellington and West Coast. Go-Ahead, 8.8., for Stonyhurat and Wellington. Herald, b.s. , for Auckland, via way ports. Wanaka, as., for Wellington and Nel son;

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Yesterday.

Arrived Australia, from Sydney ; Fanny Thornton, from Long Island; Circe, from Lyttelton ; Byno, from the Islands.

Wellington, Yesterday

Arrived Wakatipu, from Sydney ; Stella, from the South ; Manapouri, from Sydney and the East Coast. Sailed—Botorna, for Picton and Nel son ; Hauroto, for Sydney; Manapouri, foe Melbourne, via the South. Dus bdin, Yesterday. Sailed—Hawea, for the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, January 6. Messrs Matson, Cox and C>., at the Ashburton Saleyarda—Stock

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Tuesday, January 6. Ashburton Building and Investment So ciflty—Subscription due Wednesday, January 7 Wakanni Wesleyan Schoolroom—Public Tea, at 6 o’clock Thursday, January 8 Orange liodge—Regular Monthly meeting in the New Orange Hall; 7.30 p.m. Friday, January 9 Ashburton County Council—At Council .Chambers, 11 a. m. Saturday, January 10. /Pakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, January 19 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30

BIRTH.

SECRErAN—On sth January, at Ashbur ton, the wife of H. H. Seoretan, of a daughter.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1885.

The sporting editor of the Canterbury Times makes half a column of “ copy ” from our strictures upon Marmion’s run ning at Methven, and after giving them the publicity obtainable through his widely circulated journal, remarks tnat he con siders them “ quite unwarranted.” As the matter is now before a racing tribunal we shall not again discuss it at this stage, but may observe that our critic was not pre sent at the Methven meeting. All lessees of Borough reserves will in future require to observe the promptness in paying rents which has hitherto characterised only a few of their number. At the Council meeting last night the Mayor stated that certain re-erve rents were rather too much in arrear, and al though the discussion which followed was taken in Committee, we are permitted to state that the Councillors were unanimous in determining to take immediate action against the delinquents. In future the provisions of the leases in respect to pay ment of rents will be rigorously enforced. Tenders are called by an advertisement in this issue for alterations and additions to Mr Alfred Harrison’s auction rooms, We are pleased to notice that notwith standing the prevalent depression the pre mises of this popular knight of the ham mer require to be enlarged to accommo date his growing business. Mr Charles Braddell has been appointed Librarian of |the Public Library at a salary of L 25 per annum. Last evening in East street a man driving in a dog cart and leading a horse behind the vehicle had a ,narrow escape from a serious accident. The led horse suddenly stopped a id the man was pulled over the back of the cart, and fell bead first on to the macadamised road, but for tunately sustained no injury. This morning a horse and buggy btfited from the gate of a residence on toe East Town Belt, but after completing the cir cuit of the neighborhood was stopped by Mr W. Wilkie and restored to the owner, without any damage having been sustained or inflicted by the'run-away. We understand that the liquidators of the Ashburton Town Hall Co. (Limited) have received no response to their invita tion of tenders for the. purchase of their freehold property. Mr Wolf, 8.A.M., announces that the term for his pianoforte and singing lessons will commence on Thursday, 9th inst. Mr Baxter, the County Engineer, made a second inspection of tho Wakanui Pro tective works this morning, and found the damage inflicted by the recent heavy floods to be of a very insignificant charac ter.

We are advised from Wellington by telegraph to-day that the total amount of Property Tax paid for 1884-85 is Lll 1,000,

We learn by a telegram from Auckland to-day that the colt by Musket, dam Pearlash, purchased by Mr Yallance at the Auckland Stud Company’s sale yester day for 140 gs, had his leg broken in the Onehupga stables last evening while waiting shipment to Lyttelton. The Borough Council have accepted'the recommendation of their Committee to permit subscribers to the Library to take out two sets of works. Hitherto there has been a slight advantage held by country subscribers over subscribers resi dent in the Borough, inasmuch as the former could at one visit to the Library takeaway two or three volumes, while town residents could only take away one The Council’s decision is now such as will level the country subscribers down, or rather level the town subsoriosrs up, and the privileges enjoyed by each class will be uniform. The life members’ subscrip tion has been reduced from LlO to L 5. By this reduction an opportunity is given to probable permanent residents to secure the .Library’s advantages for the whole term of their natural existence at a very low charge. Since the Borough took over the institution and opened the reading room the patronage received by it has been very large, but the efforts of the Librarian have not yet attracted so many subscribers as they deserve. Hop Bitters strengthens, builds up and cures continually, from the first dose. Be sure and see.— [Advt.]

Skinny Men.—“ Wells’ Health Renewer restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potence, debility. The N.Z. Drug Co. General Agents, 5 I Christmas presents free of charge.—Last year we are informed that over 9,000 presents were given away during December and the early part of January by H. E. May <X Co., The Hall, Christchurch. This year they are doing the same, and this is how they do it : Every customer is presented with a ticket equal to 10 per cent, on the amount spent by them, so that if you spend Lio you can choose anything up to Li, if L 5 is spent a 10s present will be given, if £3 a 6s present,-if Li a 2S present, but if you only spend One Shilling you will get something. And every time you come during this month of December and up to January the 6th you will get a pre sent. Jf you do not wish' to spend a lot of money in one day’s shopping you-can get your tickets for what you have spent, and so on each time you come, and then get onp really handsome thing equal in,value to aUthe jticliets you hold.—[Advt.]

Holloway’s Pills.—The sudden changes frequent fogs, arid pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like: these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp jt out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system, Holloway’s Pills extract from the blood ail noxious matters, regulate the action qf every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bowels. In curing chest complaints these Pills arc remarkable effective, especially when aided by friction of the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will sgon he re-established.—Advt, 1

The Borough Inspector of Nuisances has been directed to make a methodical inspection of the “back slams” of the town, as the back sections are euphemis tically designated by Or Sealy. The officer’s attention has been particularly directed to several unsavory spots, and persons responsible for their existence will do well to accept this intimation. The ordinary monthly meeting o! the Druids Lodge was held at the Arcade Chamber last evening. There was a good attendance. Two candidates were in itiated, and the half-yearly balance-sheet was submitted and approved of. The in stallation of officers was then proceeded with, the Installing Officer, Bro. Higgins, conducting the ceremony in a very im pressive manner. The new officers are— A.D., Bro. J. Smith; Y.A., Bro. F. Nokes ; 1.G., Bro. E. Jeffs; 0.G., Bro. G. Gates; A.B.’s, Bros Porter and Hay man; Y.A.B.’s Bros. JCarter and Spicer; M.S., Bro. B. Higgins; Secretary, Bro. Charles Ward ; Treasurer, Bro, Thomas Undrill; Auditors, Bros. F. ISokes and R, Hill.

A meeting of the Directors of the Ash burton Caledonian Society will be held at the Lyitelton limes branch office, on Saturday next, at 7 30 p.m., ac counts in connection with the annual gathering. It will be satisfactory to our readers to learn that arrangements have at last been made for the filling up of the unsightly holes on the railway reserve. A gang of men, under the supervision of the Borough Engineer, will commence this long delayed work in the course of a few days.

The cases disposed of yesterday at the Supreme Court, Christchurch, were as follows : —Regina v John Hampton, for gery and uttering, two years’ imprison msnljwith hard labor; Regina v F. Spriggs, larceny from the person, twelve months’ imprisonment with hard labor ; Regina v Mabel Ada Boyd, keeping a disorderly house, to find three sureties of LSO each to come up for judgment when called on ; Regina v J. Gwatkin, forgery, six months’ imprisonment with hard labor; Regina v J. W. Crabtree, larceny (four cases), and horse-stealing (two cases), thirteeu years’ penal servitude ; Regina v J. A. Lad brook, bigamv, nine months’ imprison ment with hard labor ; Regina v Henry Dudley, breaking into a shop and unlaw ful possession of house breaking tools, three years’ penal servitude. The Court re-opened at 10 a.m. to-day. At last night’s meeting of the Borough Council the Mayor expressed a belief that several buildings used as places of public entertainment within the Borough had not yet been provided with the requisite license. He hoped, however, that the omission would be repaired without fur ther steps being,taken by the Council. The Ashburton Borough Reserves are evidently not without value in the eyes of the public. No sooner than it became known that one of the reserves now let to a tenant was forfeited than an application for it was received by the Council. How ever the Council decided to invite tenders for the reserve, and the matter was left in the hands of the Reserves Committee. Notwithstanding that it has been a well

known fact that for years the Ashburton Fire Brigade has been under the control of the Borough Council, the Canterbury Fire Insurance Association persist in paying to the Brigade’s account instead of to the account of the Council their annual grant of L4O. This necessitates simply a “ disgorging ’’ again by the Brigade to the Council. Only Ll7B 14s 6d of last year’s Borough rates remain unpaid, and we understand that it is the intention of the municipal authorities to at once extinguish the ba lance by legal proceedings. The Borough Council last evening fixed the registration fee for dogs at 10s. The Mayor announced that the County Coun cil had determined to make a concession for sheep dogs, and suggested that the two bodies should adopt the same rates. However, a majority of the Council were adverse to a lower rate being charged for sheep dogs, and doubtless every animal with any pretension to that distinction will be registered with the County Coun cil.

“ 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 free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the / throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. G'i to your Druggist and ask what they know about it Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.—[Advt.]

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, January 1

The minute drawn up by Mr Dailey and forwarded to England has been somewhat differently regarded, but mostly accepted as an able and Statesman-like view of the question, Three fresh cases of smallpox have been developed at the quarantine station amongst the family of Mr Sawyer, who lately died of the disease. Forty-three cases have now occurred at the station, and the deaths have amounted to three. A man foil from the rocks at Honor yesterday and was killed, Sheridan, the chemist, who is concerned in the cases of the deaths of three women, has been committed for trial for wilful murder.

Tenders have bean accepted for the erection of a new medical school at the University. There has been very hot weather and deficient rainfall, causing some uneasiness in the country. An inquest on the remains of Edward Hill, who lost his life in the coffee palace fire, has been opened and adjourned. .The Premier is rapidly improving in health in Tasmania.

At the Commercial Travellers’ Associa tion banquet Mr Dibba, referring to tV>e question of protection, pointed to the position of New South Wales and her un exampled prosperity, which is due to her free trade policy.

Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps. 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 suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money op 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 1,1 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 wjti} the word “Hop” or “Hops” in their 1 name qr iq any >vpy connected with them or their name,' are Imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. To'uch nope qf them, Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops bn 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 counterfeit^,

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last opening. Present— His Worship the Mayor and Crs Nelson, A. Orr, Sealy, Bird, Leggatt, J. Orr, Thomas and Harrison. mayor’s statement. The Mayor stated that the dehit ba lance at the Bank was L 1,501 3s lid. The amounts received since last meeting were—Licenses, L2 5 1 ; library account, L2 10a ; rents of reserves, L2O 10s; earth, L 3 ; rates, L2l 6s 6d ; total, L 49 lls 6d. The amount of rates still outstanding was Ll7B 14s 6d, APOLOGY. Or Harrison apologised for the unavoid able absence of Or Jameson. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was read : der, offering to lease reserve No. 1642, recently occupied by Mr George Par kin.—(2) From Mr George Jameson to the same effect, (3) From S. B. Bur nard, enquiring if the Council was prepared to let reserve 778, and if so, on what terms, —The correspondence re ferring to reserves was relegated to the Reserves Committee. (4) From the Secretary of the Ashburton Fire Brigade, advising that the grant of L4O from the Canterbury Fire Insurance Association had been paid to the credit of the Bri gade’s banking account.—The Mayor ex plained that this amount should have passed through the Council’s banking ac count, and he had arranged the usual routine to be followed. engineers’ report.

The Engineers’report was read as fol lows:—

“ Holes on railway reserves: We have made arrangements with Mr Burnett, the Assistant Railway Engineer, for filling up the holes on the railway reserve, and the men will bo ready to commence the work in a day or two.—The labor gang have been employed in forming Aitken and Cass streets, making and fixing culverts ; and foot-bridges, making sumps and bar row for Smith, cleaning out side-channels an l finishing off closet, and making table and fittings at Library, attending to water supply, etc. We have set one man at work on the concrete side-channels to put them in thorough repair where damaged or broken away. The report was adopted. ; LIBRARY SUBSCRIPTION. ' A recommendation contained in the Library Committee report read at last ‘ meeting, to the effect that the subscrip ' tion to the Library should be 10s for the year, 6s for the half-year, and 3s per I quarter, and that the payment required • for a life membership be L 5 in place of > LIO, was adopted. LIBRARIAN. Another recommendation to the effect t that the Town Clerk should be appointed ; Librarian at a salary of L 25 per annum, i was adopted. I BOOKS. i It was resolved that subscribers to the . Library be allowed to have two works i from the Library together. I LIBRARY COMMITTEE REPORT. The report of the Library Committee [ was read as follows; “Your Committee has the honor to report having met on the 2nd Jinuary, 1885, when the following questions, which L had been referred back to the Committee, : were considered:—(l) Matting for reading I room door: Your Committee recommend , that the fl >or be covered with linoleum, ! and that tender No 1 (with sample) be accepted, the cost to be about Ll2 —(2) Binding damaged books : Your Commit | tee considers that this question should ‘ stand over for the present,—Your Com mittee have deemed it advisable to pro cure another table for the reading room for magazines and illustrated papers, as the large table in the centre of the room is so over-crowded as to be inconvenient. A copy of the Doomsday Book at cost price, 30s, has been offered to the Com mittee, and his Worship the Mayor has been requested to look at the work, and purchase it if he thinks it would be of use in the Library. Your Committee have decided to open the Library on Saturdays between the hours of 10 a.in. and 1 p.m., for the convenience of country sub scribers. ” DOOMSDAY BOOK. The Clerk was directed to apply to the Government for a copy of the recently published Doomsday Book for the use of the Library. RESERVES COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The Council went into Committee to consider the report of the Reserves Com mittee. ELECTION. The Returning Officer advised the elec tion of Mr George Jameson to fill the seat on the Council vacated by Cr Fried lander on his elevation to the Mayoralty. KEBMOOE STREET. Cr Sealy called attention to the un savory effluvium arising from the drain in Kermode street.—The Inspector was directed to take steps to remedy the nui sance. STREET WATERING. Cr Thomas’s motion in respect to street watering was at the request of the mover allowed to stand over until next meeting. RIVER BED. Or Sealy suggested that application should be made by the Borough to the Govern !;ent for a grant of the vacant land in the southern portion of the town, between South street and the river, for the purpose of planting it and otherwise redeeming it from its present neglected condition.—The Mayor explained that application had already been made for the land referred to, but the Government had intimated that it being river bed they could not entertain the application. He thought, however, that a renewal of the application might possibly be sucoesful. On the motion of Cr Sealy, seconded by Cr Harrison, it was resolved—“ That part of ths river bed be applied for for planta tion purposes, and the members for the Ashburton district be requested to sup port the application when brought before the Government.” DOG REGISTRATION. The fee for dog registration was fixed at 10s. OLD OEETCB BUILDINGS. The treatment of the old Council offices was referred to the Works Committee. LICENSES. The following licenses were granted : Carriage, Arthur Bean and John Hefford; public buildings, Town Hall. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to LBO 18a having been pas&edjor payment, the Council ad journed until Monday, 19th inst, at 7.30 p m.

SUPREME COURT.

(By Telegraph.) Christchurch, To-day.

At the Supreme Court this morning, the rape case was postponed tilL the April sessions. His Honor refused to listen to an application on behalf of the prisoners for bail, stating that if sureties in the amount of LIO,OOO were offered he would not accept them.

Wellington, To-day.

At the Supreme Court, a Maori for bur glary at the Brunner Goal Company’s office, was sentenced to five years. ’ Mc- Kenna, fur false pretences at Masterton, was acquitted.

Dunedin, To-day, Francis Tuke, falsa pretences, ac quitted, John Murphy, horsestealing, convited with recommendation to mercy on account of youth, was aeluenced. to six months.

DESTRUCTIVE CONFLAGRATION.

Reefton, Yesterday.

A fire broke out this evening at six o’clock at Walker’s Hotel, Boatman’s, and up to the present time nine houses are re ported to be destroyed. The fire is still raging. The places burnt down include Walker’s Hotel, the Nelson Hotel, Gallagher’s store, Ferris’ store, Gassier, bootmaker; Duffs, butcher; and other places. The fire is said to be now threatening Archer’s Hotel. There is no water supply or Fire Brigade at Boat man’s. Mrs Burke’s Hotel is amongst those destroyed. The insurances are not large. The Standard is probably the greatest loser.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day.

The following are the insurances as far as is yet known on the properties de stroyed by fire at Boatman’s last evening: —Walker’s Hotel, a large two-storey building, estimated value L 1,250, total loss with contents —insurance, L 250 on outbuildings and L6O in billiard table in Standard office ; billiard table only saved. Mrs Bourke’s hotel, totally destroyed with contents, estimated loss L 650, no in surance ; Cashier, bootmaker, totally de stroyed, estimated loss Ll5O, no insur ance ; Gallagher Bros., large new store and residence, wholly destroyed with two thirds of stock, estimated loss, 1*3,000; insurance 1500 on stock in Standard, half reinsured in Norwich Union; LSOO on stock in a Victorian office, half re-insured in some other office unknown, L3OO on the stock in the Equitable. Win ford’s btftchery was totally destroyed. The loss is estimated at L1C0; no insur ance. (Wilson’s hotel is a total loss. With the contents the estimated loss is LI,OOO. Insurance, L3OO in the Standard. Duffy’s butchery (used as a store-room by Gallagher) was totally destroyed; loss, LIOO, uninsured. Ferris’s store premises were very slightly damaged, but the stock suffered in removal. Estimated value, LI,500; insured, L2OO on stock and L2OO on building in the Standard. Archer’s hotel and store—estimated value, L 3,500; premises uninjured; stock slightly dam aged; no insurance, the policies having lapsed a few weeks ago. The fire started at about six o’clock in the upper storey of Walker’s hotel. The cause of the fire is

unknown. There was a strong wind blowing up the gorge and the heat became so intense that no one could get near the fire. The place was burning rapidly. A large quantity of stock was thrown into the street from Gallagher’s store, but

rook fire after removal, and was badly damaged by water. It consisted chiefly of drapery and other inflammable goods ; but for a change of wind nothing could have saved Ferris’ and Archer’s premises, as there Was no water, no Fire Brigade, and the utmost disorganisation prevailed. The fire completely ruins nearly all the sufferers, the insurances that were effected being a mere bagatelle. Several of the owners were at work in the mines when the fire took place, and the number of people in the township was wholly inade quate to cope with the outbreak. It is not yet known whether any lives have

been lost, but one person is said to be missing, and the ruins are now being searched. The fire has demolished the chief business block of the place.

SALE OF BLOOD STOCK.

Auckland, Yesterday. Tbe annual yearling sale of blood stock of the New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Company was held to-day at Sylvia Park; There was a large attendance of buyers, including the best representation generally of sporting men of the colony ever assem bled on such an occasion here. Every lot of blood and draught stock was sold. The total for the, twenty-three offered was L 3,311, averaging 150 gs per head. A line lot was reserved for shipment to Australia. Had they offered them they could have fbund a ready sale where they were. They were, as was complained by some investors present, the pick of tbe b inch. The first lot offered was a filly by Musket from Erickena, 115 gs, R, 0. Greenwood. She was resold to Adams at 160 gs. A colt by Anteros from Fancy, 250 gs, Lushing ton ; filly by Cadogan from Crinoline, 170ga, Captain Russell, ML H. R.; colt by Musket from Titania, 260 gs, Mr J. Marshall; filly by Musket from Moonlight, 70gs, Mr Greenwood, agent; colt by Musket fiom Pulchra, 200 gs, E. Mitchelson for Hon G. McLean; colt by Musket from Pearlash, 140 gs, Mr R. Yallance ; filly by Musket from Madcap. lOOgs, Mr Greenwood ; filly by Musket from Han nah, 35gs, Mr J. McNeish; colt by Cado gan or Musket from Florence McCarthy, 160 gs, Colonel Fraser; colt by Anteros from Atalanta, 130 gs, Mr Goodman, of Dunedin ; colt by Randwick from Per fume, 245ga, Mr Muston; filly by Anteros from Tres Deuce, 60gs, Allison Brothers; colt by Anteros from Lady Mary, 210 gs, Mr Lushington; colt by Anteros from Naiad, 55jts, Mr R. C. Greenwood; colt by Feye from Lyra, 50gs, Mr Hewitt ; colt by Cadogan from Miss Lance, lOOgs, Mr Williamson, Taranaki; colt by Apre mont from Nelly Moore, 310 gs, Mr Lushington; celt by Cadogan from Lure, 17ogs, James Craig; colt by. Cadogan irom Petroleuse, 200 gs, Mr Bates, for Mr W. Lyons; filly by Cadogan from Steppe, 325g5, Mr Lushington; colt by Apremont or Musket from Fairyland, 60gs, Mr Greenwood; colt by Musket from Medea, 50ga, Mr Mountain. Extra sales—Merry Kate, by Fove from Dundee Kate, 21gs, Mr Perceval; Dundee Kate, by Dundee from Rambling Katie, 20gs, Mr Baker ; filly by Randwick out of Jinny Lind, 45gs, Mr Lumsden. The draught stock averaged 27gs.

A REMARKABLE WELL.

The discovery of a great electric spring in Ithaca, New York, was made purely by accident, and the discoverer, the New York Times says, has been careful not to publish his discovery until the plainest evi dence of its great value was at his com mand. Some time ago—the exact date is not given Mrs McGinniss, of Ithaca, went to the well situated in her back yard to draw water. The backet is lowered into the well by a chain, and the moment Mrs McGinniss touched the chain she received a shock which stretched her senseless on the ground. In the course of an hour she recovered her strength sufficiently to walk into the house and to inform the members of the family that some unknown villain had knocked her down with a sand club. Miss Bridget McGinniss, who i» a fearless young woman of much physical strength, im mediately went to the well with the de termination of drawing water in spite of all the vilains in Ithaca. Her mother watched her closely from the window, and saw her struck dowu as by lightning the moment she touched the chain. This circumstance dispelled the belief that vil lains with sand clubs were lying in wait at the well, and when Miss McGinniss recovered she and her mother agreed that the well had been bewitched. When Mr McGinniss returned from his day’s work and was informed of the bewitched condi tion of the well he treated the announce ment with scorn. Mr McGinniss is an dnusually intelligent man,'and is an pngi- , neer in charge of the engine which works the elevator in Conroy’s furniture ware house, He ridiculed the theory that the well was bewitched, and asserted that electricity had leaked into it from some one of the many electric wires which are in use in Ithaca. It was this electricity which, entering the respective systems of Mrs and Miss McGinniss, by way of the buc ket chain, had shocked them. The remedy was plain. Water should be drawn froni the well by means of a rope, and the

buc’ret chain should ba left untouched. To prove that hia theory was right, Mr McGinnisa tied a rope to a pail, lowered the la'ter into the well, and drew it up without experiencing any shocks whatever, Qe was in the midst of a remark concern* ing the great advantage which an intelli gent man possesses over any number of women, when his band accidentally came into contact with the water, and he re ceived a shook which knocked him entirely off his feet, alth ugh it did not render him insensible. It was now evident that the * shocks received by the MoGaniss family came from the water of the wcTL McGinnias, as soon as he regained ebb trol of his limbs, proceeded to teat the water by carefully filling a glass dish with - it and coaxing the family cat to drink. - The instant the oat’s whiskers touched I the water a shower of sparks flew from I her fur and she rushed to hide herself in the cellar. Next (Mr McGinniss induced the family dog—an unusually large bull dog—to drink from the glass dish. As soon as the dog touched the water, a dazzling jet of o’ectricity poured from the extremity of his tail , with crackling noise. Any other animal would have fled, but the bulldog, ' being of the persevering species, refused to* abandon the water until he had drank every drop of it, after which he limped away in a very feeble and demoralised state. Satis fied with these experiments, Mr Media- , niss sent for a scientific person connected with the local university, and had him make an analysis of the water. The scientific person found that it contained thirty-three per cent, of pure electricity, which had evidently leaked into the well from a Brush electric light wire. When water from the well was planed in a glass jar the electricity could be plainly seen to make its escape in bubbles, like the oar bonic acid gas in Yicby water. While the scientific person assured Mr MeQoin isa that water ; conlaiaiug thirty-three per cent, of electricity was exceedingly dan gerous, he suggested to him that water containing, say, ten per cent, of • electricity might prove to be whole some and medicinal, and proposed that Ur McGuiniaa should go into partnership with him in order to adver tise and sell Ithaca electric water. The proposal was accepted, the neooasary ex periments as to the effect of the water when diluted with rain water were edade, and the Ithaca electric water will soon be placed on the market. There can be no doubt that it will'become immensely popular. A single glass of this wonderful beverage has all the exhilarating proper ties of a quart of champagne, with none of the unpleasant after effects of that' beverage. It will cure nearly all diseases, except loss of legs or arms and petrifica tion of the brain, and as a ton’Vit is with out a rival. After drinking two or three glasses a man gives out electric sparks whenever ha touches a piece of metal, but the passage’ of the sparka is not ac companied by any painful sensation. For political uses the electric water will en tirely supersede whisky, since, according to the scientific person’s analysis, .one quart bf the water contains eight times as much political enthusiasm las-..-a quart of whisky,’and had the discovery of the well been made a month ago the free distribu tion of the water by the National Tem perance Committee would have secured the triumphal election of St John. Such a discovery is of incalculable importance, and Mr MoGuinisa will be ranked.in the. opinion of posterity as one of the greatest benefactors of the race.

SPORTING.

AUSTRALIAN OOP. [kBUTHE’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] Melbourne, Yesterday. Forty-eight horses hare/been entered for the Australian Cap. WELLINGTON RACES. The following weights for the Welling ton Gap, to be ran at the Hutt, were de* dared last night by MrEvett : at lb at lb Welcome Jack 912 Speculation... 7 7 Yanguard ... 9 6 Matanaka ... 7 5 Tasman ... 9 6 Consul ... 7 4 Lady Emma 810 Normanby ... 7 3 July ... 8 9 Tim Whiffles 7 3 Leonora .;. 8 7 Minerva ... 7 2 Salvage ... 8 7 Lady Evelyn 7 2 Johnny Faulk- Charmer ...71 ner ...8 6 Talebearer ... 7 0 Sou’-wester... 8 6 Sir Bedevere 7 0 Turquoise ... 8 4 Mokoia ... 7 0 Black Rose ... 8 3 Armourer ... 612 Tigredia ... 710 Refrigerator 612 Administrator 710 Bayard ... 612 Liverpool ... 7 9 Laurel ... 6 7 Fusilier ... 7 8 Mocker ... 8 7 The Poet ... 7 8 Main boom ... 6 4 Hineraoa ... 7 7

CRICKET.

ENGLAND u. AUSTRALIA.

[kßOTEr’s TELEGRAMS —pOPYRIGHT. ] Melbourne, Yesterday.

The cricket match between the English team and the Combined Australian Team was concluded here to*day, and resulted in a victory for the visitors by ten wickets. The Australians in their second inninga only scored 125. , The highest scorer to* day was Bruce, c, 45. * AUCKLAND v. CANTERBURY. The following are the scores in this match; — Canterbury—lst innings. Cotterill, b Meldrum ... ; ...' ... 44 Million, Ibw, b Meldrum 7 Secretan, b Mills ... ... ... ... 73 Ashby, b Mills ... ... ■ .... ... 17 A. Longden, b Mills 12 F. Wilding, c Barton, b Mills 103 F. Fowke, b Robinson ... ... 36 C. Strange, b Mills ... ... ... 9 E. F. Barnes, b Mills 3 G. Rayner, not out ... n D. Dunlop, c Ewing, b Mills ... ... 2 Byes... 13 Leg-byes 15 Wide ... . I No ball '■ ... 1 Total ... ... 346 Auckland. Ist Innings ... ... 91 and Innings. Barton, c Barnes, b Ashby ... ... 5 Testro, c Wilding, b Dunlop ... .. 20 Coxon, b Dunlop ... ... ... • ... 3

OMINOUS.

SAILING ORDERS.

[recter’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT. 3 (Received January 6, 3.5 p.xn.) Lokdok, January S. The Channel squadron has been suddenly ordered to put to sea. The object of this movement is unknown, and the destination of the squadron, has not transpired. Considerable ex citement has been caused here by the news.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1885.



It GALL O W A WHEELWRIGHT Wakanni road, Ashburton. Y, (Next Ray’s Machine Shop) Special attention is devoted to all kinds of repairs. Combined with moderate charges. 11 2199 TOWLE’S pennyroyal and steel pills for females quickly correct all irregulari ties and relieve the distressing symptoms bo prevalent with the sex. Boxes Is l£d and 2s Od, of all chemists. Prepared only by E. Ti Towle, chemist, Nottingham, Eng land. Wholesale of all the wholesale houses.—Beware of imitations. 1 17



■OOMESTIO PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Stbkbt, near Lanoaster'a butchery* BEGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 Strawberries, ST R A W B B BRIE S, STRAWBERRIES, And other Fruit for sale; wholesale and retail, price moderate. B. BBOOMF lEL D, Kent Nursery, Allen ton. 12 2242 “ Veni, Vidi, Vici.” OHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS AT HALF PFICE



TOYS & FANCY GOODS GREATLY REDUCED IN PRICE. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., BAST STREET, SOUTH, Ashburton. A. Tapper, TIMBER MERCHANT, &o.» ' : Has decided io Se ll Off Hia Large Stock of TIMBER BUILDING MATERIALS GALVANISED IRON FENCING WIRE BUILDERS IRONMONGERY, at greatly Reduced Prices, A. he ia retiring from business, therefore ANY REASONABLE OFFER WILL NOT . BE REFUSED. I Stock must be cleared off by December Slst. A LL DEBT > OWING prior to Ist /\ DECEMBER must be paid by 16th jnat or legal atepa for their recovery will beJ taken. * H. W. BARRETT, 1587 Manager. s Davis’s URPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURE Now selling off at HALF-PRICE. Moat be eot<2 to make room for ..... . NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 PeU Cent. BY POOH '.SING W. DAVIS’S FUP.NITU;■ a warehouse, BAST STREET SOUTH, Asht-urtvn - 9 17&9



Wanted. WANTED— For a few days, Man to drive grass seed stripper. Frank M. Foster, Winslow, 1 29 Known—Dog Collars for V » 1885 can be obtained at Borough Council Office. Kes/istration fee, 10s per cog, Charles Braddell, Town Clerk 1 25 WANTED —A good Housemaid Apply Central Hotel, Ashburton. 1 24 GOOD plain Cook wanted, capable of looking after a small dairy. With good references. Apply to Mrs C. T. Dudley, Biversdale, Tinwald. 1 23 IHC/ANTED—A good general Servant. Apply to Mbs Franklin White, Larkbeare, Winter’s road. 1 20



ANTED Known—Public Library will be open for the convenience of country subscribers on Saturdays from ten till one o’clock. Charles Braddell, ANTED Known— 2,500 ladies’ straw hats (150 different shapes) bought at a great sacrifice, and to be soli about 30 per cent under wholesale prices ; 110 costumes at 34 9d ; other goods equally cheap; must be sold— come and see them. H. O. Segehs, t oalys’ Buildings, East Street. ANTED Known—Great redustions * » in the prices of Christmas Fruit during this month, at J. McG. egor’s, Cash Groce*, Tanored street. ANTED Known— Thit R. Lancas tsb starts the new year entirely on his own account with a very light handi cap, which will enable him to sell me;tt cheaper than ever. With quality, clean liness and civility combined—defies com petition. So rally ✓ round to the Ready- Money Meat Mart, Bullcck’a Arcade. 1 2 Librarian. I 10



WANTED Known—Fresh Flounders are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 TANTED Known— That Jones and Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s batchers shop. East street, are now offer ing Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horse Feed, etc., etc., etc., cheaper and of a better class than any other in the town. All goods delivered free of charge in town. WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill'Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 c \T7ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots I Y? That Hayes and Go. 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 4 752



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, lat January, 1885, Sell for Cash Only, at 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, 9s 6d; Children’s all reduced from Is per pair. Motto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Returns.” 0. Hawkin’s, Boot and Shoemaker. 12 2393 WANTED Known—J, Mekcu & Co., ate 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 salts. The best materials are used, being specially (elected, 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 2332 WANTED Known—The undersigned beg to notify to their customers and the public generally that they have Removed into the premises adjoining Mr Taylor, Baker, East street. By strict attention to business and making a good article, they hope to merit the continu ance of public patronage. Fowke and MoEwen, Bootmakers, East street, Ash burton. 10 1973



Special Advertisements. NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. mHE undersigned are now landing, ex ■ o.H xitturutu, bae Best Newcastle Coal 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 Sashes Lime, Cement, Fencing Materials, &0. , And every requisite for the trade. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), SAWMILLERS, TIMBER. COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. Bast street, Ashburton. BRIVAL OF ANNUALS Boys’and Girls’ Own Annuals, Chatterbox, Sunday, Quiver, Child’s Companion, .Little Folks, Child’s Own Magazine, British Workwomen, * British Workmen, CHRISTMAS CARDS In great Variety and Newest Designs. PRIZE BOOKS ( An immense Stock of PRIZE BOOKS ( School Prizes School Committees will do well to pay a visit and inspect for themselves. LIBERAL DISCOUNT ALLOWED Thomas E. Earley, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, AND PRINTER, Saunders’ Buildings, AssbOrton. s.a Hauroto, the Imported for the season Cottager and Artisan, etc. Always on hand. to all Schools by



Special Advertisements. Dimant and Coe, ABE 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 TANCEED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181 NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUITS. Perfect Fit NEW TWEEDS! SUMMER SUITS. Guaranteed in the latest or any style that may be required, Craighead & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, WE have much pleasure in announcing to our friends and patrons, and all who may feel interested in the general ogress of our times that we have just coived a splendid assortment of Tweeds, Coatings, Serges, etc., etc., of the beat juality and latest designs—suitable for the season we are now entering. All Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICES. CRAIGHEAD & 00„ Tancred street, Ashburton.



26 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW* ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING je SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIfiL TWEEDS. The fit and workmanship*of every gar ment ia 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 I ZE&.LAND CLOTHING FACTORY EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



Christmas Carnival AND FANCY BAZAAR Will ba opened on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6th, 1884, sixpenny"& shilling TABLES, Also, a TABLE of. VARIETIES from ONE PENNY to FOURPENOB. All are heartily welcomed. Please observe. —In the ROOM NEXT to my PRESENT SHOP, specially taken for the Christmas Season. Admission—FßEE. R. Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, (Next Shop to Qaill’a Hotel.)



COMMENCING TO-DAY. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. FREE GIFTS TO ALL. CHOOSE FROM £IOOO WORTH. LAST Year, we gave, daring December and the early part of January, 9240 Presents. This year we have even a larger selec tion, and intend, from to-day, giving every Customer a Ticket equal to ten percent on the money spent; so that if yon spend LlO you can choose anything up to LI; if L 5 is spent, a 10s present will be given ; if L 3, a 6s present ; if LI, a 2s present; but if you only spend One Shilling you will get something. And every time you come during this month of De cember and up to January 6th, you will get a present. If you do not wish to spend a lot of money in one day’s shop ping, you can get your tickets for what you have spent, and so on each time you come, and then get one really handsome thing, equal in value to all the tickets you hold. If you want a pretty hat, bon net, useful dress, or anything in house furnishing, we feell confi dent you will save 12J per cent by shopping with us, besides getting a present equal to one shilling in every ten, each time you come. H. E. May & Co



1884. Victoria House. 1885. gPB.ING , ANL SU MM EB SEASON. Prints, Dress Stuffs, Costumes, Trimmings, Fancy Ties, Hosiery, Millinery, Men’s, Boys’; and Youths’ Clothing, Shirts (assorted), Hats, &c., &0., Of newest designs, super-excellent makes, and durability, selected and offered toe the especial purpose of well and worthily recommending Victoria House as pre-eminent for variety, quality, liberality, and Incomparable value. JSf' Ladies’, Men’s, and Children's BOOTS, &0., at “ call again ” prices. Patterns of Koaljn, Mosgeil, and Kaiapoi TVV| i,DS received weekly, from which Men’s Youths’, and Boys’ Garments are promptly made to measure, Jfit, finish, and fashion perfect. Charges strictly reasonable. Dimant and Coe. Ready-Money Drapers, Clothiers, &c, East and Tancred LtTO9tß||in]prembeS Stely Qocupied|by Ott and Ou, |



Special Advertisements- Christmas Fruit. CURRANTS, 6& per lb NEW RAISINS, 6£d per lb NEW SULTANAS, 74d per lb NEW FIGS (per Ruapehu), 1b per box ] NEW MUSCATELS, la 6d per lb JORDAN ALMONDS, 2s per lb ASSORTED PEELS, la6dpjrlb ENGLISH CUT LOAF SUGAR, 5d M'X 4D BISCUITS, 6d per lb PLAIN BISCUITS, 3d per lb BEST WHITE CRYSTAL SUGAR, 3£d james McGregor, Takcred Street. 12 2342



Cornsacks. OKf) BALES of CORNSACKS to £O\J arrive ex shio Atlantigpue (now due), sza 48 x 26£, 2|. Apply, at once, to HAYES & 00., 1 1 Arcade, Ashburton.



To restore nerve and brain waste, equals Hop Bitters. ' Believe this. Advt.J nothing See.—



Don’t Die in the House. “Roungh «a Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack* rabbits, gophers. The N.Z. Drug Co., peneral Agents. ' I Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.”—Ask for Wells’ “Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., Gener* Agents, | ’