COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. The following is the Com Exchange reporj for the week ending Friday, December 18th: — A lair amount of business con’inues to be done in wheat, advices from London are reassuring to shippers. Prime lines of hard sorts are chiefly competed for among New Zealand mil lets, whereas Tuscan up to 3s id is taken up for home shipment. Second class milling is offering freely, but whole chick wheat has a : very strong enquiry* Oats are difficult to quit there being only light orders from outside. Barley remains stagnant. is an enquiry for beans bat peas are not asked. Derwent potatoes have had a good demand for local but we must expect it soon to be past as new potatoes are coming forward ‘freely, Butter and cheese have purchasers at our quotations, which are as follows :—Wheat prime milling Pearl, 3s 6d ; Hunters, 3s 4d ; Tuscan, 35 2d, c ecoi,d quality, 2S lod; to 3s ; whole chick wheat, 2s 8d to 2s gd. Cats; Milling and short bright feed, is 10 to is lid ; slightly discolored feed, is yd to is gd ; long and inferior, is 6d. Barlfcy ; malting nominal feed, is 9d to 25, Beans, 2s 8d to as gd. Peas, feed, 2s gd to 3s. ’ otatoes, 37s 6d to 40s. Butter, Sd to gd, in tubs ; Pastry, $d to 6d. Cheese, old, 6d to yd for loaf shape, other sizes, Sd to S'A- 7116 a V ove P r ‘‘ ces , are ■ those paid to farmers and. delivered flo. oat Lyttelton.

MEMORANDA

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, Dec embbb 19 Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Barnett Street— Horses and Sundries Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Salerooms — Produce and Sundries Mr W. H. Zoi'ch, at his rooms, Havelock street —Produce and Sundries Wednesday, December 23 Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Town Hall- Sale of Furniture MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Eto. Monday, December 21 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Saturday, December 26 Ashburton Caledonian Society’s Annua* Gathering Bakaia Races and Sports Friday, January 1 Wakanni Annnai Sports Tinwald Annual Sports MethYen Races and Sports Friday, January 8 Asoburton County Council —At Council « Chambers, 11 a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Foal Ottae follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.n,. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Cherteey Bakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.n.. and 5 p.m. daily. , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hman, Coldstream, Eangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p m daily. jf or Timaru and South, at 10 a. jd. , and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.ns. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, SeafioLi, ndKyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For tfount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield and Buapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeacn, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Plemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fn •ysat 10.30 a.m. Foa Hampstead at 9 a.m. daily. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Po*» 9 O £oe— From Christchurch and Bakaia at 10.16 S.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. x . From Dunedin and intermediate places •t 5.3° mo. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. and 5.30 p.m daily. , From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 *.m. , «- From Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 a, in. •» From Mayfield and Buapuna, on Wml nesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.nj. From Ashton, Lour k each at 10 a.m* daily. Fipm Newlandvoir Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p-joaT m , _ • "Rom Flemmgton on Tuesdays, That* days, and Saturdyas, at 10a.m. From Hampstead at 9.30 a.m. daily^_

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalabit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER, 18, 1885. Fire Brigade.

That Fire Brigade matters in Ash burton should have reached their pre sent pass will have caused, we have no doubt, a very general feeling of regret, and in the more serious minds a sense of humiliation also. We must our selves confess to a feeling of shame in the reflection that two of our most use ful public bodies—both necessary, both existing but for the public good, both voluntarily yielding up time and com fort and convenience to promote the common weal, and with no opposing interests—-should have found it impos sible to work together. For this stale of things of course someone is to blame, and though it were easy to dispose of the question with the usual verdict on a quarrel “ that there are faults on both sides,” yet we think we should hardly be discharging our duty to the public if we disposed of this matter with such summary treatment. We confess at once that our sympathies arc with the Brigade, and that in our opinion the “ someone ’’ who “ has blundered ” has been in this case the Borough Council, and that they have blundered most egregiously. The Brigade have taken a most serious step, but if any further justification than that set out in their letter woe vfeftfe? to $1 course they

have pursued, it was abundantly sup plied by the discussion which took place on Monday night. They com plained that there was evidently such a want of cordiality between the Council and themselves that they found it im possible to carry on, and we defy anyone reading the report of the speeches made by the several Councillors to say that those gentlemen had been suffering from an excess of kindness to the Bri gade. Such an amount of bitterness, of hostility, of spleen and rudeness, was not generated on the instant, nor even during the somewhat lengthened period occupied in the reading of the Brigade’s manifesto. Councillors evidently had a reservoir of hard feelings for the Bri gade, and they drew largely. “ Fire Brigade matters in Ashburton,” com plained one Councillor, “are like night mare—they are constantly on you.” And why, in the name of all that is reasonable, has this been so ? And who has caused it to be so? We can imagine hardly anything more irritating

to -a puouc ooay 01 men wno me anxious to do their work properly and lead a quiet life, than that their affairs should be constantly stirred up, and kept open and made into a cause ot worry. And yet this has been the case with the Fire Brigade. Not even the most violent orator of Monday evening ventured to say that the Brigade had shown any want of heart in their work, nor was one instance adduced of their having initiated any trouble with the Council. But nearly every question affecting the Brigade that has arisen in the Council since the formation of the present body has been dealt with in a most dilatory, clumsy, and unbusiness like manner. Let us take the question of site which Councillors themselves state to be at the bottom of the present trouble. In passing, however, we would observe that the Brigade’s letter affords no warrant for this statement, and it seems as if Councillors unable or un-

willing to deal witn the real grievances of the men bad preferred setting up their own man of straw and deluding them selves with the notion that in tilting at him they were slaying the enemy. Throughout the whole discussion the Councillors displayed a most wonderful ability for misapprehending and mis quoting the Brigade’s letter. But this is by the way. Supposing, however, the statement to be true, out of their own mouths we will judge them. Ac cording to the utterances of Monday night this question of site has been a burning one for the last eighteen months, a subject of difference all along between the firemen and the Council, and one on which there has been strong feeling on both sides. Ever since the removal of the munici pal offices eighteen months ago, we are told, the Council have intended making their old quarters into a Fire Brigade station. Then why, we ask, did not the Council make the change before the formation of the present Brigade nine monthsago? In that case the men would have known exactly what they were doing, those of the old Brigade with a strong feeling on the subject might have joined the new Brigade or not as they felt dis posed, and one subject of difference would have been rendered impossible. But instead ot that Councillors let the golden opportunity pass, they accept the services of many members of the old Brigade who were known to have strong feelings on the subject, and just when the Brigade have bad time to settle down to their work, they pull out the old apple of discord, and become virtu-

ously indignant and really angry because the harmony of the scene is disturbed. It is true the Brigade were invited to a , Conference on the subject, and the i politeness of requesting their opinion > was accorded to them. , But this was all, and it had better have been left • alone. The Brigade were given to understand pretty clearly that the Council were determined on the sub ject, and the object of the Conference was not so much to ascertain which was the better site as to endeavor to induce the Brigade to come over to the s Council’s view of the matter. If the i Conference or the Council’s request for the Brigade’s opinion had any real meaning, it could only be that such recommendation was sought as in a measure from experts; but in the teeth i of that recommendation and the know ledge that their so doing would seri ously disturb the peace if not endanger the existence of the Brigade, the bare majority of the Council determined that having once put their hand to the plough they will not look back. Firmness truly , is an excellent quality, but we should not be surprised if some ill-disposed individuals were found to say that clumsiness, want of discretion, and ob stinacy had been the qualities most dis played by the Council in dealing with this question of site. Then, as to the question of uniforms. We are pleased to see that one Councillor, at least, had the decency to acknowledge that the conduct of the Council on this matter might have been better. We will go further and say it could hardly have been worse. Let us again correct the Council in their reading of the Brigade’s letter. No such charge is made in that letter, as that the Council never in tended to supply the. men with uni forms. All that the Brigade say is that never is a long time. We must remem ber, as the writers of the manifesto point out, that uniforms are a necessity to the men, they cannot well carry out their duties without them, and the want

of them h?s already caused several serious interferences with their arrange ments. On the question of the Coun cil’s treatment of the Brigade’s former letter we will say nothing, because, as the manifesto says, the matter is a small one. One of the Councillors was afraid that Cr Quill’s notice of motion had frightened the Brigade, and thought they should have waited and seen how the Council would have disposed of that motion. But suppose the iriotion had been carried, and who could fore tell its fate ? What an unenviable posi tion the Brigade would have occupied ! Dismissed, and in all probability without the usual formula —the thanks of the Queen and the Colony. But Cr Quill’s motion was intended to be friendly to wards the present Brigade, and when he found that his proposition was not agreeable to them, he very properly withdrew .it. We may suggest, how ever, to Cr Quill, that when he con templates introducing such another radical change in the constitution of any body, which be would only do with their fullest concurrence, it might be just as well to ascertain the views of that body iosU4d of <s&* making

his proposals. It might save misappre hension. But we have already exceeded our limits, and must conclude our re marks. We trust that before the sug gested Conference takes place between the Council’s Fire Brigade Committee and the Brigade, the former body well have acquired a much broader view of the position than they took on Monday evening, will have admitted to them selves the possibility of their having made mistakes, will be prepared to treat with the Brigade as a body of bnsiness men, and not strive to deal with them as a pack of school children ; and should differences exist, that they will be prepared to settle those differ ences in the spirit of compromise, in which concessions should be made on both sides.

Army Reform. We are not alone in thinking Lieut- General Sir F. Roberts, the Comman der-in-Chief of Her Majesty’s Forces in India, the most brilliant and capable officer in the British army, and we need no excuse in referring briefly to a speech made by the gallant General in respond ing to the toast of his health at a ban quet recently given in his honor by the Lord Mayor of London, Speaking at the Mansion House some four years ago, shortly after the successful close of his remarkable campaign in Afghanistan, General Roberts referred in far from flattering terms to the condition of the British Army. It has been hinted that the plain speaking indulged in by this distinguished officer on that occasion, lost him more than one opportunity to win further promotion. Be this as it may, it is a matter of military history that many of the sweeping reforms sug gested by General Roberts, in 1881, have since been undertaken with most satisfactory results. These results have induced General Roberts to express himself as “ mote contented about the present, and more hopeful about the future of our Array.” But, he adds, a good deal more remains to be done. He proposes to make the Army system more elastic, to release men of good character from some of the harassing roll-calls and petty parades to which all soldiers from time immemorial have been indiscriminately condemned, to raise the status of the soldier and to pay more consideration to his wants and feelings. He desires, he says, under a voluntary system of enlistment to secure the very best men to the ranks of the British Army, and to keep them there by the removal of irksome restraints and the creation of a permanent esprit de cotps. He urges strongly that every cavalry and infantry soldier should have opportunities to team to shoot well, that the artillery should have the best guns and matiriel, and that the transport and and non-combatant departments should be so organised as to admit of rapid and economical expansion. We claim no more than a peacelul civilian’s acquaint ance with military matters, and it is very seldom we are induced to give them a place in these columns, but the speech we have referred to is so full of concisely expressed common ense, and bears so many indications of vigor ous power, that we wish our space would permit us to re-produce it in lull. Gene ral Roberts may yet be the most illus trious soldier of the century, but whe ther that be his destiny or nor, he will long be remembered as the most coura geous reformer, and one of the most successful organisers the British Army has ever possessed.

Mails close at Wellington for the Australian colonies, via Brisbane, per Wakatipu, at 2 p.m. to-morrow. It transpired at the annuU distribution of prizes at the Ashburton High Schools to-day that the only two boys who suc ceeded in passing the Sixth Standard at the last inspection of the Borough School were two lads recently removed from the High School. The various Mayors in the colony are gazetted Justices of the Peace under the Municipal Corporations Act. The North ‘Canterbury Board of Kdu cation has approved the bonnderies of the new school district of Hampstead, and appointed January 12 as the,day for the election of a School Committee. An entertainment in aid or the widow and children of the late Ouard Aidons was held in the schoolroom, Mothven, on Wednesday evening. The room was crowded in every part. Mr J. 0. Mo Wil liam occupied the chair, and an excellent programme, consisting of songs, duets, glees, recitations and readings, was ren dered in a manner that left little to be desired. The following were the principal performers; - Mesdames McMillan, Bands and Fitz'arald, Misses Oonnol, Reynolds and Powell, Messrs Miller, Foweraker, Kaye, Simpson, Sullivan, Wilkinson, Seay and Kobinson. At the conclusion of the concert, the Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the performers for their kind assistance and the audience for their liberal support, and said that although he could not state precisely the financial result of the entertainment, it was evident that a substantial sum would be placed to the credit of the fund. Mrs Fitzgerald played the accompaniments, and Mrs Bands provided refreshments. The concert was followed by a dance. The Gazette notifies the appointment of Constable James Bennetts as inspector of Weights and Measures for the County aud Borough of Ashburton. Messrs A. H Onuningham, A Saun ders, and C. 0. Bowen will retire from the North Canterbury Board of Education by rotation in March next. Mr John Ollivier has been appointed to audit the accounts of the various School Committees in the North Canterbury dis trict, at a fee of 40 guineas.

Professor Black lectured in Auckland last night on his impressions of the Thames gold-fields, and the establishment there of a .-School of Mines. Professor Black spoke hopefully of the Thames, and said it was the best place in the Southern Hemisphere for the establishment of a School of Mines. Mr J. 0. Brown, M.H.R.,waa presented with 250 sovereigns on Wednesday night at a banquet held at Lawrence. A cricket match was played at the Sports Ground to day between the Christ’s Col lege team and a team from the \shburton Cricket Club. The following were the scores:—Christ’s College, 69 ; Ashburton C 0., 60.

August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 7J per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiyqness palpitation of the heart, heartburn, watet brash gnawing and burning pains at.the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, commg up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Qn to your druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuable medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve ' rou. It costs only 3* fid a bottle. Sample

An information forcrimiuzl libel has been laid against Mr T O. S&wkina, editor of the Na er Evening Newt, for remarks in an article on a case of alleged indecent assault. Major Atkioaon addressed hie constitu ents at Bawera last evening, and received a unanimous vote of confidence. A resumi of the speech is held over. Train arrangements tnd fares for the holidays are published in this issue. Supreme Court writs were issued yester' day suainst Mr H. N. Abbott, of Auck' land, Mr Lachlan M'Gowan, Mr Lusoomb* 3 Searrell, and Mr Obarles Harding, at the suit of Mr John Fanstooe Adams, ot London, proprietor of the copyright of 44 Msritaaa,” claiming L2OO damages for □nlioensed representations of that opera by the company now performing in Wellington, An injunction restraining from future performance of the opera is also asked for.

Some anxiety was felt in Wellington yeatesday for the safety of the steamer Janet Nicojl, which is on her way to Wellington from the South Sea Islands, via Auckland and Napier. Bhe lefs ihe latter port at 7.30 a.m. on Tuesday, and is therefore about 30 hours overdue. Mes.rs Laery and Campbell, agents for the steamer, received a telegram from Castle point yesterday afternoon, informing them that a schooner-rigged steamer, under sail, passed there this morning, heading for Wellington. It will no doubt turn out that this is the Janet Niooll broken down, and coming on under sail. Most of the fish recently caught by the officers of the Hlnemoa for the Colonial Exhibition have died, and it is probable the attempt to take New Zealand fish Home alive will be abandoned.

His Excellency the Governor, in bis speech at the presentation of prizes at Christ's College yesterday, referred to the fact that the Home Government bad shown their appreciation of the system of education adopted in the Australian colo nies, including New Zealand, by offering the members of the Universities the tight to compete for commissions in the Royal Engineers. He trusted that the one who would be appointed from this ooleny would do honor to the University that sent him, and t> the previous education he bad received. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, held their third wool sale of the season in Christ church yesterday, when 1,000 bales were sold out of 1,350 offered. Bayer* wete numerous, and’competition keen through out, prices displaying a decided advance on opening rates. Greasy half-bred realised up to B£d ; crossbred up to 7£d ; merino up to 7a; sad scoured merino up to 13£d.

The ring on the hand found on Wednes day at Sumner bas been identified as having belonged to Arthur Howard, who was supposed to have been drowned there on October llth, and whose life was in sured for L 2,400, Holloway's Pills.—Weary of Life.— Derangement of the liver is one of the mfic dangerous of diseases, and the most prolof source of those melancholy forebodings whoh are worse than death itself. A few doses io these noted Pills act magically in dispelling loe spirits, and repelling the covert attacks made on the nerves by excessive heat, impure atmos pheres, over-indulgence, or exhausting excite ment. The most shattered constitution may derive benefit from Holloway’s Pills, which will regulate disordered action, brace the nerves, increase the energy of the intellectual faculties, and revive the failing memory. By attentively studying the instructions for taking these Pills, and explicitly putting them in practice, the most desponding. will soon feel confiden of a perfect recovery.—TAdvt’

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES COURT.

ASHBURTON-To DAT. (Before Mr H. 0. S. Baddoley, R.M.) DBU^KENNESS. John Murray, or having been drank while in charge of a horse was fined 20a and oasts, with the alternative of 48 hoars’ imprisonment. CIVUi CASES. Ashburton Borough Council v Freeland, claim LI 5s for rates. Judgment by de fault for the amount claimed and costa. Stewart v Strachan, claim L 3 Is 10d.— Mr Branson for plaintiff; dr Parnell for defendant.—Plaintiff dtd not appear when called, and the case was ordered to be struck oat. Plaintiff appeared a few minutes later, and Mr Parnell not ob jecting, the case was re-instated, and ordered to be taken at the bottom of the list. Beach ▼ Friedlander Bros, claim L6O damages for alleged wrongful distraint of goods.—'Mr Wilding for plaintiff; Mr ParneU for defendants.—lt appeared from the evidence that a distress warrant was issued against Josiab Beach, father of the plaintiff, by defendants for L2B 6s Id, and returned nulla bona. —Alfred Pear-

f son, bailiff, proved ihe execution of the s Warrant. Witness was directed to seize . a spring cart and other things on the farm t of James Beach the plaintiff, where Josiah , Beach was working. On reading the - warrant to the father he informed him 3 that he had nothing, that everything be -1 longed to the son. Possession was, how i ever, taken and kept for four or five days, i and after some interviews with Mr Fried , lander witness was instructed to give op possession. Ha would not have ae zad i without instructions front the defendants f as he was confidant the elder Beach had i nothing. The goods had been advertised i for sale in the regular way.—By Mr Pur nell : Did not interfere in any way ex« i oept to take an inventory. There waa ; nothing to prevent plaintiff using the : goods in the ordinary way. .Merer stepped work on the farm, and instructed his men not to do so.—George Raymond said the plaintiff borrowed a plough from him, but in consequence of bearing the bailiff was on plaintiff's property, he took it away.-—James Beach said he did not seethe bailiff when he came to seize; was away when be came, mid saw him next day in his house. Asked him bis busi ness there, end he informed witness that the defendants bad sent him there. The goods seized by the bailiff belonged to witness and his brothers The farm and house belonged to witness. The adver tisement produced referred to witness; there was no other Beach at Willowby. Plaintiff had lost time and had been pat to much inconvenience and expense in

connection with the seizure.—By Mi Purnell; gome of the articles seized wen his pr petty, and some the joint property of himself and brothers.—Fur the defence the following evidence was led :—George Willoox said he was bailiff in charge ol Beach’s. Did not interfere with tbe farm work in any way. Was there six days— the first night he slept under a gone hedge; had been refused permission to sleep in either the house or stable. Caught a cold and rheumatism by sleep* ing under the hedge. Came into town and saw Mr Frledlander, who promised to send food in the morning.—James Oalder said he was formerly in the defendants employ as a grocer. The Beaches brought butter for sale : All produce was put to the credit of Josiah Beach.—By Mr Wilding : These transactions occurred about last February, This concluded the evidence and counsel having addressed the Court at some length judgment was given for plaintiff, damages LIU. Moran„v|Porter, claim LB.—Mr Wild ing for the plaintiff; Mr Parnell for the defendant.—Judgment for defendant. .Stewart v Straohan —Mr Branson for plaintiff, Mr Purnell for defendant, fUett eitting at 4.45 pm.]

ASHBURTON HIGH SCHOOL.

The annual distribution of p/iaes to the scholars attending the Ashburton High Schools took piece to-day. There was a large attendance of parents and friends, and Mr Geo Jsm'son, a member of the Board of Governors, presided.. The Rev M Beattie, MA., Messrs E. G. Wright, Alfred Harrison, and T. Quill were also present. The Company first assembled in the Girls’ Schol, which had been tastefully decorated for the occa sion. _ The Chairman in introducing, the bosi* ness of the day expressed the pleasure he felt at being present to take part in the annual distribution of prises. He was pleased to learn from the teachers that the progress made by the scholars daring the year was eminently satisfactory, andk, he hoped the school would continue tof maintain the excellent character It hiWr already established. Mr Hogg wonld caad the teacher’s report npoh the examination of the school and the work done daring the year, and the Kev Mr Beattie would then distribute the prizes. Mr Hosrg, the h eadmaster, then gave a concise resume of the work and progress of the school. lo the course of his re marks he referred to the excellent posi tions taken by the girls who had obtained admission to the scbo>! by th > acquisition of scholarships. He was pleased to believe that the school bad done god work daring tha year, and felt confident that even better work would be done in future.

The Rev A. M. Beattie then presented the prizes in the girls’ division, adenm psnyini each presentation with sppn p l.te words of commendation and encourage ment.

At the Conclusion of thfi presentations Mr E. G. Wright proposed -a vote of thanks to the staff—Miss Saunders, Mr Hogg, Mr Buchanan, and the mnsto mas ter, Mr Sidney Wolf. He said <bat the condition of the school reflected the highest credit upon the tact and firmness displayed by Miss Saunders He fu'Jy recognised the difficulties encountered by a limited staff in dealing with a' school necessarily broken up into a number ni classes. Having specially interested him self in the establishment of the girls’ aide of the school, be was pa-ticularly gratified by the success it had attained. He tbongnt that success deserved some recognition agK, their hands, and he asked them to heart&y support the vote he proposed. Mr Alfred Harrison seconded the pro posal . It was the first time be had been able to attend the annual distribution of prizes, but he was much pleased with what he had seen, and hoped the tucoate of the school might be continued. The vo e was carried unanimously. Mr Uugg, on behalf of Miss Saunders, Mr Buchanan, and himself, acknowl dged the vote. ) e referred to the excellent feeli-g "listing between the members <-f the staff, and hoped next year might show even a greater degree of progress. An adj >nrned was then made to tfau boys’ side of the school, where the prizes in that division were distributed, Mr Hogg and Mr Buchanan each sup plied a large' amount *»f inte resting information with regard to the school. The former gentleman said it was his intention to give additional atten tion t > technical education next term; H e proposed to add chemistry t . the list of subjects, giving particular prom nenee to its appl'ottion to agriculture. A vote of thanks to the Board of Go vernors, proposed by Mr Quill, was car ried by acclamation, and cheats given by th« boys for their teachers concluded the proceedings. - The fo lowing are the prize lists r—- GIRLS' DIVISION.

Fxbst Class —Florence Wright Second Clash. —Division I:—English : M. Williamson, 1; Ethel Alcorn, 2; Bthel Jones, 3 Arithmetic: Ethel Alcorn, lA_ M. Williamson, 2; M Prarsibn, S.EacUipL M. Williamson, I; M. Pearson, 2. ‘Litis: M. Williamson, I; A Fooks, 2 French: M. Williamson, 1; L. Foley, 2. German: E Orr, 1; M. Williamson, 2; Ethel Alcorn, 3 —Division llKogish : L. Hefford, 1; M. Meharty, 2; A. Fooks, 3. Arith metic : M. Mehsrry, 1; A. Fooks, 2 ; L. Hefford, 3 French; Edith Bsrratt, 1; M. Pei Won, 2. Ihibd Cl ass '—English; Ellen Olsen. 1; Olara Brow a, 2; Ida Herring, S Ar ithmetic:. Ellen Olsen, 1; Cara Brown, 2; Ida Herring, 3. French : Clara Brown, I; Ellen Olsen, 2; Ida Herring, 3 : Fourth Cuss —Division I:—Vngliah: May Brown, I; May Main waring, 8; Frances Morris, 3. Arithmetic: May Brown, 1; Frances ;F. Shury, 3. French: May Brown, 1; Frances Morris, 2.—Division II: —English: Madge Brown, 1; R. Buchanan, 2 Arithmetic: Madge Brown. I; R. Buchanan, 2. Drawing—Ethel Jones, IjLaoy Folsy, 2; Alice Fooks, 3. Sewing—Edith Bsrratt, 1; M Peatson, 2; Ida Barring, 3. Vocal Music—Edith Bsrratt, Williamson, 2; Emma Or, 3.

BOYS' DIVISION Classes I and ll.—Hiitot} : MoLen nan, 1. English Composition; Orr (i), L —Out of these daises four boys, era in Christchurch attending University exam* Inationa for matriculation and junior scholarships. Class 111 —English: Butler, 1; Camp bell, 2. Arithmetic: McCallnm, 1; Camp* bell, 2. Latin : Campbell, 1; Shearman (n), 2. French: Campbell, 1; Chapman, 2. ’ ■, * Class IV.— English: On On), Ij IUI and sJaill (equal), 2. Arithmetic: OdU (in) and Qoill (equal), 1; Field 2, Orr (m). 1; White, 2. French: Sleld, 1; Quill, 2. J union— Jameson and Bnohanan(eqnal) both take prizes. , , , Special Prizes—Arithmetic: Williamson 1. Dilllgenoe and Conduct: Patkerson.

THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

On Tuesday the Catholic Boy’s School, which is under the charge of Mr Gllboy, was examined by the Rev Father Kane, of Geraldine, and the Bev Father Bend field, of Rangiora, two gentlemen who have considerable experience of school tontine, having |been teachers In some leading colleges in Europe.—The examin ation was a complete and searching one, and the fact that it was not concluded before middsy on Wednesday ahows that the examiners were bent on thoroughly testing the progress and efficiency of the children.-At the conclusion of the ex amination the examiners expressed them selves as highly pleaaed with the result. The Rev Father J. Ohastagnon, after, thanking the examiners for the trouble they had taken with respect to the examination, congratulated the scholars upon the good tesntta of the investigation, and paid a very high compliment to thamaster. fie conducted his remarks by thanking Mr Gilboy for the energetic and successful manner In which he conducted the school.

Yesterday the Convent Schools com menced their usual vacation, and an entertainment was given on the occasion, A which reflected the very greatest credit on ~ J the teachers and pupils.—The Rev Father ' Ohastagnon presided, and the Bev Father Kane was also present. Before the dis tribution of prizes the Bev Father Cbas tagnon congratulated the pupila upon the marked progress they had made during the year, and thanked the good slsliki for the kindly and conscientious manner in " which they had discharged their arduous duties. The following is the prize list:—Good conduct, Miss A. Adams; Christian doc trine, Misses MoOormao and Williams ; reading sod recitation, Misses F. Wil-

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1885.



partnership notice. fTIBB undersigned has much pleasure i I stating that he has admitted Mr JOHN aNDRKW MACPHERSON int« Partnership with him, and that the busi ness will In future be carried on under the stole or firm of 7 ZOOOH & MAOPHERSON, Auctioneers, Land, Estate and Stock v “'“ tor V u j i . ZOD oa, Auctioneer. Every description of Agency Business alee In Town and Country, Valuation* 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 up-n their stock and produce realising : he HIGHEST MARKET VALUE, at a minimum coat. No yard ees charged when sales are effected. ZOUCH & MACPHERSON AUCTIONEERS, Ac. £ WARE! BEWARE!! OF IMITATIONS. ask FOR BOULT'S TONIC Herbal .Beer. None Genuine except that bearing my label. Try it! Try it!! It is one of the Best 3 Medicinal and Summer Tonics ever offered to the Public. Delivered in Ashburton at 2s per dozen Bottles not returned will be charged for. T. HOULT, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 11 S B Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER JAMES McGREGOR'S, KamaEVD Sxrkm (opposite the Arcade). fort White Crystal Sugar, 3d per lb by the mat Best English Cut Loaf Sugar, 4Jd per lb Box Tea, from J2s 6d per box , assortment of new tin Eish— Wrings in Shrimp, Tomato or Tannel Banco; Kippered, Spieed or Devild Herrings; Digby Chicks or Fmdon Haddocks, at Is per tin HVash Herrings, 7d. Best Oysters, fid Oatmeal, 3s 9d per l»g Bali*' i, 8d Best Cutting Brand, 9d Mackerel. lOd Sardines, fid All rises new Figs, 9d per bo* Cadbury's Cocoa, Is per tin Bischits, 3d Cheese, fid Bice. Sago and Tapioca, 3d per lb Coooa, tin or packet, Is fid per lb I ami B MoSBBGOB, r JftpMti feteast. W* M



Wanted. 'I XT'ANTED —A Good General Servant. VV One who can plain cook preferred Mrs S trebling, Barnett street, Ashbar ton. 12189 \\? ANTED Known The Cheapest VV Bouse in Town for first class Millinery and Drapery, H. C. Bbgeks, c-aat s.reet. WANTED to dispose of a first-class Furniture Business fronting on East street and Tanrred street. —J .Meeoh 12 105 WANTED— Tenders for Harvesting (with tilter) about 120 acres Rye Grass, at Scottsden. J. Foster. 12 163 WANTED Known—Wertbeim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 Wanted known— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, eta. Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to 760 WANTED Known— Orders for Christ mas and New Year’s Cake are being booked at the lowest possible price, by W. Nobbish, Freetrade Bakery, East street, Ashburton. Fruit just arrived by steamer, IX new currants, 5d per Id ; new rai sms, 7d per lb; new sultanas, 8d per lb ; new tigs, 8d per bos; while sugar, d 3 per lb; mixed oisomts, 6d per lo ; Iresh but ter, 7d—at McGkbgob s, Tailored street. WAN TED Known —Down again 1 What, the price of wheat! No But the price of meat- .Lamb, fore quarters, 2s 6d; hind quarters, 3s fid- Best aausagea in the town, 5d pec Id, at Baker and Co s, Loudon Butchery, Tan ored street. 11971 WAT AN TED Known — That Hates and VV (jo, Baa bougat iuo9 yards superior Velveteen, all shades, from is; dress goods grand value, worm 2s, now 1s; males’ jackets, cost 25s 6d, now 4s fid ; uata ana bonnets lait-pnoe ; winceys, 1 yard wide, fid ; lames ulsters, 2s lid. 607 WAITED Known—that R. Lancas ter has reduced the price of mea. 2a per cent tor Oaan only. Lamo, 2s and Ss per quarter. 4m Loaf tor 4§a. Free trade tor ever. R, Lanoasiek, j&eady Money Meat Mart, Buuock'b Arcade. 9 632 W AaTED Known—To the Ladies of Ashburton and sunouudmg dis tricts and the puouc in general. Mr J. Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has re ceived a large shipment of French, Eng lish and German ladies’ shoos, button op and elastic aides, great choice, now for inspection, whica J. Moisou intends dis posing of at reasonable rates during the coming holidays. His own make always on band or made to order. Repairing done with care and promptitude. Colo nial boots of all kinds. Next to the Club, f ancied stteet, Ashburton. 10 880



apodal -axlvartißementa. Boating, AiSu SCENERY. On NEXT (December 2), the undersigned WILL OPEN his ex* tensive grounds, on the Wakaaui road, to visitors and picnic parties- The Garden is replete with every variety of fruit, plea sant lounges and snady walks. The boat ing is in every respect excellent, Special arrangements made for the reception of private picnic patties, school children ana other laige numoers of visitors. Admission, 6d; boating, is an houjc, boatman extra ; fresh fruit, lowest price. 11 78 H. HUN T. - 1 1 ’IDWLB’S pennyroyal andjßeel pills for I females quickly corrjapall irregular!- ties and relieve thedu|ti||joK ag symptoms so prevalent with thejfax. Boxes Is l£d and 2s 9d, of ail ohaSoists. Prepared only by jßi. T. Xowiajdhemist, Nottingham, ang jansL '"Wholesale of all the mho eaaie Douses. —Beware of imitations. 112 Bees. Bees. Bees. WaX WaX. WaX. HIVEa HIVES. HIV AS. From Is 6d each at the Steam Sash, Door and Cabinet Works, Wakaaui road, Ashburton. T. E. K.I.L WUttTH, jl 31 Proprietor.



M P O it T A .N 1. me an Krancisco Alail leaves Ashburton Aovemoer 7th, aud roaches London about December Idth, aud ail who wisn to re member their Hume friends had better Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton, for Christmas Cards i OHRlsi'M-iS Cards 11 CHttlaiMAS Cards ! 11 . splendid assortment is now open, and inspeo iou it> solicited. feOuuvjii.. i'RlZei-a a large shipment Having just come tu hand, cbuul Committees are respect fully requested to make an early selection. Thomas F. Farley, BUtiKShiLLitR, FTC., Corner of aauuders’ Building, Asoburton apply to T. F. FARLY,



k Special Adrertisements. Mount hutt road board DISTRICT. Notice is hereby given that it is the ten iou of the Mount Hutt Road Board t its next meeting, on F IUAY, De cember 11, to Strike a Rate of (Jd) Ae farthing in the £ on all the rateable pro perty in the District for the period ending March 31, 1886, and payable in one in stalment on January 8, 1886. The Bate Book ia open for inspection at the Road Board Office, Methven. JULIAN JaOKsON. Chairman. Mount Hutt Road Board Office, Methven, November 25, 1885. 11 6 nOR Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, I' Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, etc. K A IT'S Compound of Linseed, Ani seed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, etc, wttn Chlorodyne. KAY’S Compound, a demulcent ex pectorant, for Coughs, Colds and Uaeat Complaints. KAY’S Compound, for Coughs and Colds, is equally serviceable for dorses and Cattle. KAY’S Tic Pills, a specific in Neu ralgia, Face Ache, etc. Contains Quinine. Iron, eto. COAGULINB Cement for Broken Articles. Sold everywhere. Sole makers—| KAY BROS., 101 Stookoort, England



Changed Hands! BRANCH 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 uiy mtoy patrons an uppuitunity of ob taining a number of requisites at. GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. S CaTION FRY.—Special care is given to ail orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Raving made arrangements with a first data fiiin 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 Foreign included), Public committees receiving liberal con cessions . - PRI ,TINO. This branch is b lug fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, aud promptitude in the execution of all orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence- 1 DELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may rely upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, aud not upon the front lawn. The same remars: applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, puronasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Lines always in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and Tradesmen’s general requisites. Bookbinding Orders Received. £, F. Farley, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ buildings and Town Hall, Ashburton. JIHB NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS To ' .j New Zealand Government Rail ways, Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &c. && «vc. Are now prepared to enter Into contracts :or the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARf UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted tor turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditious manner. ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shorten notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE -Measures for all uniforms may ■jo entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. i,,thing Factory orauubes in the lollop ing centres, viz:— tjunedm nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth jamatu Grey mouth Napier Waimato Reetton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Mastorton Gisborne ..hristoburoL Wanganui Thames Lytteiton Hawera Auckland



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SON WISH to intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work efficiently, are now In a position to meet the demands oi the public with a first-class article at prices to suit the times. Every description of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.— Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the 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 _ tingiueeriag work.^ Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds ot Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 416 RAND distribution OF BOHEMIAN GLASS VASES, Etc., To Purchasers of Parcels amounting to IEH SHILLINGS AND ONE POUND. rtiolei to be Exhibited In Windows In a few days. Presents equal to a reduolion of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND, to be distributed upon arrival. Victoria House. Dimant and Coe, mcwfmAT, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Era, SSTSri ttfwia Aabbtoto*



Special Advertisements. SB 6 RTOI* COAL ttegs to inform the inhabitants of Ash burton that he aull continues to deliver NEWCASTLE. WESTPORT, AND BROOKFIhiLu OOaL at lowest rates. Firewood, Post and Kails, Stages Eto., Potatoes Chaff, Oats, Bran, Sharps, Eto. B. S. BE vN, g 419 West street. ÜBLIO NOTICE. MESSRS STENSLEY & 00., Music Warehousemen, CHRIST OH ORCH, Have appointed T. F. Farley, Book seller, Stationer and Printer, Ashburton, their Agent for the sale of Pianos, Harmoniums, American Organs, and have supplied him with a large stuck of Sheet Music, comprising the latest and most popular >ongs, Duets, Piece Music, Dances, eto.; also, Violins, Cornets, Flutes, Accordians, Violin Bows, Concer tinas, etc. Pianos, American Organs and Harmoniums sold upon deferred pay. ments. Easy terms granted. A splendid stock now on view at T. F. Fablbv’s Music Warehouse, Saunders’s Buildings, Ashburton. More than 3,000 sheets of music now on hand. S 28* FIREWOOD DEPOT. JR. Se Bean



EW ashborton t weeds. Craighead and Co., TAILORS AND wLOTHIERS. From a communication received from the Manager of the Ashbur ton Woollen Factory, we expect shortly to be in a position to sup ply the residents of this thriving town and County with bUITS MADE FROM TWEEDS, MANUFACTURED by THEMSELVES. URaICHEaD AND 00., Ashburton.



OHKIS IM AS 1 Bazaar! Bazaar!! NOW OPENED. Table of Articles from Id to 4d. The Wonderful 6d Table. The Marvellous One shilling Table, Please observe in the room next to my Present Shop. BOOKS suitable for rewards and presentations conveniently arranged on Tables—Ueduood Christmas Prices—Free Admission—Everybody come and wel come. ' K. Bevau, STATION Ett, BOOKS H.L.L.ER, &C. f (Next Sdop to Q a ill’s Hotel), Sauwokks’ Buildings.



UiUSTMA-* I OHKiSIMiS!! Thomas Taylor, BAKtfiu aixjj UOJSFjBiOi’iOJSiiIK, East SStkebi, Ashburton, Begs to inform bis numerousoustomera and the general pudhc that he has epeoii ally prepared and has now on band an unusually large, varied and superior stock of CHRISTMAS CAKES, T. T. has had large experience at Home in the manutacture of Oordiais, and is now making a speciality of them at hia establishment in blast street. Superior dl .iUEK BEEh sold in 3 or 6 gallon kegs. All orders promptly attended to. Aud other Confectionery. CORDIALS. 12 161



Wilhelm Zander RKtsPAOTF* JjLtf notifies the public of Ashburton and its vicinity that be HAS TAKEN OVER MR F. CLARK’S HAiRDREdaING, ToBaUOU, AND FaNOY GOODS BUSINESS, And will carry on the same on bia own account. la addition to the well assorted stock I have just opened out a variety of Pjpas, Scents,* Rrobhwabe, and Fancy Goods of avery cescuiitxon, ALL DIKEOT IMPORTED, Also, CRICKETING AND LaWN TENNIS MaTEBIAI at greatly REDUCED PRICES. A trial solicited. —Radies’ and Gentle men’s Hairdressing aud Hair Work of every description mane up on tne shortest notice. —A Private Room tor cadies.— Monthly subscriptions now open. WILHELM ZANDER, Tooacconist, Hairdresser, aud Fancy Goods Dealer, EASI STREET, AoiIBORION. : a 9a7



To restore nerve and brain waste, nothing I «mk Hbß Believe ttkls W<J t|k«