DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, February 3. Mourn Matson, Cox and oj., at the Ashburton Saloyarda—Stock Kr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Barnett Street--Land

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Em . This Evening Town I Hall—Webb’s Marionettes, at 8 o’clock

Thursday, February 6. Orange Lodee —Regular Monthly meeting In the New Orange Hall; 7.30 p.m. Friday, February 6 lebburton County Council —At Council Chamber b, 11 a.m. Monday, February 16. Boroilgh Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Friday, March 6. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, Match 7. ff akanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, ' written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on .which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 p.m., but will he charged double rates. . All notice* of Births, Marriages, or ‘ Deaths mnst be accompanied by the sig nature' of the sender, as a guarantee of good-faith- Alj advertisements and business miters «o be addressed The Manager; literary communications should bo addressed to Tbs Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

Muilw close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.130a.in., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. Sfta Tenants, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., Foe Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 «.m,*and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Porks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 am. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For mount Somers, on Tuesdays and , aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a,m. For Auditsn, Waterton and Longheach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. in. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri das at 10.80 a.m.

Mftila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— Frost Ohriatchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 aim, 435 p.m,, and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c, at. 10.15 a.m. and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at B.3f* '"i.m. daily. Ftoiis Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. l'.Bo p.m., andß p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 AsiiSUlf/- ~ From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 108 a.m. From .Ashton, Waterton, and Long heads at 10 a.ra. daily. . F/om Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian, Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalsbij WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1885.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning Mr Robert Alcorn, J. P, fined two drunkards, for their first offence, 6s each, with the usual alternative.

The National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited, have received a telegram from London advising the sailing of the Tainui from Plymouth on the Ist inst. Her first port of call is Port Chalmers, and final port of depar ture Lyttelton. The manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand reports of the Melbourne grain market as fol lows :—Shipping wheat, 3s 6d to 3s 7d, market depressed ; malting barley, quiet, 4s to 4s 9d; New Zealand feeding oats are in better demand for all descriptions at 2i 8J to 3s 2d ; milling sorts are firmer at 3s 3d to 3s SJ. New Zealand oats, under bond, 2s 6d to 2i 9d—they are slow of sale at these prices. Nothing is doing in the market for kauri timber.

The rainfall at Chertsey for the week ending January 31at was 2 41 inches. Our Chertsey correspondent writes :

Professor Lio Medo, the phrenological lecturer, delivered one of his prelections at Chert?ey last evening loan audience of four. Either the price of admission— which was considered by many too high— the press of farm work just now, or an utter indifference to what many scientists consider an exploded science, conduced to bring together such a meagre assembly. We understand the Professor remains in the district for a few days for the purpose of supplying charts of character delinea tion.

About fifty persons met at the Club hotel, Waimate, on Monday evening last, on the occasion of a presentation to Mr McCiven, manager of the Bauk of New Zealand at Waimate, who has been re moved to Ashburton. Mr Steward, M H.li., occupied the chair, and the Mayor of Waimate the vice-chair. The testimonial consisted of a very handsome silver tea equipage and epergne, and an illuminated address, by Mr Wrigg, hand somely framed. The expressions of es teem for Mr MoOwen were very general, and in making the presentation the Chair man said the whole of the community regretted Mr MoOwen’a departure from amongst them. The parakeets have commenced a mos voracicus attack upon the crops in the Ashburton Forks district. Oats appears to be a favorite article of diet with these invaders, and it is feared their depreda tions will largely affect the threshing returns.

The ordinary general meeting of the Ashburton County Council 1a aet down for Friday next, bub we understand that it will brobably be adjourned until Mon day, 9th inst., when a statutory meeting must be held for the purpose of electing a representative to the J yttelton Harbor Board. As the result of a suggestion made bj Leutenant Fooks at the Fire Brigade banquet last evening a friendly com petition will probably take place between the Ashburton and Western Fire Brigades at an early date. His Worship the Mayor and Mr Alfred Hanison have offered prizes for such a competition. A meeting of Mr A. Moore's creditors was held in Christchurch yesterday. The liabilities so far as known, are L 15,090. The National Bank is a creditor for nearly L 13,000, but is partly secured. The available assets are small.

Tho nineteenth annual meeting of the Christchurch Gas Company was held yes terday. Mr 111, G. Wright, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, occupied ihe chair. A dividend of 8 per cent, for the past half-year was declared. The following is a list of attendances of the members of the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade at meetings, practices, and firou during the year ending Monday last: Lieutenant Dolman, 35 ; Fireman Jes sup, 32; Deputy fireman Wilmshurst, 30 ; Fireman Loitoh, 30; siraman Porriman, 25; Fireman Uefford, 26 ; Fireman San doo, 23 ; Treasurer Parkin, 22 ; Fireman Parkin, 22; Captain Dolman, 21; Fireman Forgusson, 21; Fireman R«ttraj, 20; Fireman Stephens, 20; Secretary Higgins, 14; Branclimuu Miller, 10 ; Fireman Marsh, 10. Several members obtained leave of übacencu for a term, and are not included in the foregoing list.

Fir 15. J. Heed and other naval en gineers echo and emphasize our disatis fiiction with the inadequate and inconsis tent proposals, by which the Government attempt to divert pubtio attention from the navy. It cannot be too often repeated that the Admiralty give us no room to hope that anything is to bo done to put our fleets up n a sufficient footing within reasonable time. A certain number of new ironclads and cruisers are to be or dered ; but we have no sort of guarantee that they will be constructed any more rapidly than the ships which appeared in the official papers five years ago, and are not yet out of the dockyards. Or rather, we can he quite certain that they will not be built quickly ; for the LBOO,GUO, which is all that is to bo devoted to shipbuilding in the next finan cial year, would be exhausted three times over if the private builders and the na tional dockyards wore to put forth their full strength upon now vessels, The “belted cruisers’ and the “scouts" will of course ho reckoned immediately to the credit of our fighting strength ; but wo need not expect to see many of them h flout within the next half-dozen years.— St. JatmiH Jiudijitl.

Skinnv Men.—“Wells’ Health Kenewer restores health and vigor, cuics dyspepsia, I iti polcnce, debility, t’he N.Z. Drug Co. General 'Agents.; I Don’t Die in the House. “Kouugh on R*ls " f ;]eiU!, put rats, mice, beetles, roaches, Ited-bngM, tiles, insects, moles, rabbits, gophers, T|m U,/„ prug Co., General Agents, “ t

A' other unfortunate.—Again we mind di>i\v 11 he attention of our readers Id the fact lljal a ' "*‘i stock of Clothing and (/pi)c)nj Ifia pcryl" in the :' tak ' °. f ( tra iling in l.yltclion .tnu mow Unk. mpt, was pureluiscd by 11. K. ivi..' s ‘ Co., Ol llie H.dl, High street, tor jC'jS'U or ..nly a liltle over une-lhird of its value. 11. l‘l. M. and Co. ;ue now selling it at half die marked pi ice, which atrcly ought to secure u speedy clearance.

The Mount Somers and Wakanui Road Boards announce (heir intention to su<

for all unpaid rates. Tenders are invited for leasing the Mount Homers Pound for a period of twelve months.

An important telegram conveying Samoan news, brought to Auckland by the schooner Aurora, appears in another column. The postponed trial of reapers and binders will take place in the Ashburton Domain, between the railway line and the Hospital, on Saturday next. Six machines will be at work from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Queen’s Christmas “ Royal baron” of beef is this year to be cut from a short horn of her Majesty's own bree ung, and it will weigh over 300 lbs. This huge joint is always roasted at Winder Oastle, and on Christmas Eve it is despatched to 0.-borne, where it is placed in the centre of the sideboard in the Queen’s dining room, flanked on one aide by a woodcock pie and on the other by a boar’s head—a genuine hure de sanglier, of which her Majesty receives several at Christmas from her relatives in Germany, as well as other national dainties of the Fatherland. —The World, Dec. 17th. I was talking the other day to a gontlo-

man, who had been bnught into closer relations with the adherents of the Mahdi than any other European. Ho told mo that the only difficulty in corning to an arrangement is that the Mahdi has little confidence in us since our massacres in the vicinity of Suakim, and is as much

puzzled by our pofioy ns many are at Home ; but that if he can bo convincod that we mean fairly to him, ho- would willing treat on these te-naa. The Houda-

nese, he told me, are not anxious to oc cupy Suakim, and would leave it to Egypt. It is, however, doublful whether it would not be better tactics to leave this port to the Soudanese, who would thus bo brought into relations with civilisation, instead of being isolated from it. —Truth

New South Wales affords an example of free trade prosperity second only in degree to the Mother Country itself. The strides she has made during the last de cade are remarkable. In 1874 she ex ported goods to the value of between L 12,000,000 and L 13,000,000; in 1883 her exports fell short of L 20,000,000 only by about LIOO,OOO. Imports show a greater increase still, and whereas in 1883 New South Wales received produce to the valueof L2), 900.167—which, how ever, is leas than in 1882 by L 321,00 in 1874 shs expendel in a similar manner something over L 11,000,000. Are not these figures a proof that by throw ing open its markets to homo and foreign commerce on equal terms a country doss not necessarily find itself in the position of a spendthrift 1 In connec tion with the exports of New South Wales OO ' circumstance, which it is some what dlffi suit to account for, has been brought to light by the publication of the Customs Bill of Entry for the past month. During November Victoria has increased her export of mutton to the Mother Country from 2,260 cwt to 2856 cwt ; New Zealand advanced during the same period from 8,607 cwt to 23,446 cwt ; but New South Wales has dropoed from 1,4730 wt to nothing —home News. The magnificent sum of L 3.900 has just been paid in Messrs Sotheby and Wilkinson’s auction room, in the Strand, for an old Bible in two volumes. It re joiced, however, in not only being the first edition of the sacred work, bearing the date 1450 5, but also in being the earliest book printed with metal types by the inventors of printing. One of the same exceedingly rare edition, which has been called the Mazarin over since the discovery of a copy in the library of Cardinal Mazarin, was a short time back purchased in the Perkins sale for L 2,600. In the sale of December 13 another Bible, dated 1462, brought LI,OOO, and many oarce books fetched large sums, thus proving that the bibliophiles of the pre sent day are both able and willing to pay for their fancies. Last evening Webb’s Royal Marionettes gave for the second time their unique entertainment at the Town Hall, to a fairly large audience, The female “ Blon din,” the stilt clown, animated skeleton, and Turkish juggler were received each in turn with wonderment and applause. Then followed the minature Musical Party, who caused great amusement in their songs, dances and eccentricltes. The Pantomime of the “ Beauty and the Boast ” was given with appropriate vocal and instrumental music, it being difficult at any tim»to discern anything but life-like acting in the figures which were so cleverly worked behind the scenes. Mr W. Qarland, who baa a very nice bari tone . voice, sangl feelingly “ The Actor’s Child.” The whole concluded with a beautiful transformation scone, en titled “ The Palace of Dew Drops in the

Grotto of Stalaota,” with limelight effects, which was greatly appreciated by the aud ience. To day a matinee was given, which whs largely attended by ladies and chil dren, and a thoroughly enjoyable time was spent in the Town Hall by the audience. The manager, Mr Love, announced that 10-night, being the last night, an entire change of programme would take ipla o and wo feel confident that those who have not yet visited this entertain ment will do so, as it is certainly well worth seeing. Notice is given in this issue of the in-

tontiou of a number of ratepayers in the Longboacn Road District, to apply to the County Council for the constitution of a new Hoad District. Indigestion and Liver Complaints'.—For these complaints Baxter's Compound Quinine Fills 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. Wells’ “Rough oniS Corns.” 1 Ask (o r

Wells’ Rough on Corns." Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, vvaris, bun>ons. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 1 August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and ll;eir effects ; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, waterbrash, gnnwmg and -burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coaled longue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coining up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go 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 you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, 6d.—fADVT.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, January 30. There is little further in reference t

the railway disaster. Search has been made for additional bodies, but none have been discovered A number of other persons were in the train whoso names wore not published. The sufferers have boon removed from the scone, some to their own homes in Melbourne, the two Saquia and Barnard to Melbourne Hos pital. The rainfall has been fairly general oyer the Colonies. It varied from 2in to lOin. The weather is now lino.

A pu!,!ic meeting on the annexation question, cihivonod by Mayor on r° - quiultlmi, is to lip field next Wednesday. No further caaotf of mnall-ppx aro re ported. Admiral Tryon hits boon paying a sonos of ollipial visits, [but resides aboard the Nelsoil for fb° present. MtwiomiKK, Jan. su.

Mr Griffiths is now in Melbourne, mtoi viewing Mr Service in regard to General Scratchley’a appointment to New Gurne*.

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIG ADE.

The annual banquet of the Ashburton V -lunteer Fire Brigade was held at the Commercial Hotel last evening. In ad dition to the members of the Brigade there were several invited guests pre sent, and a very p’easant evening was spent. The chair was occupied by His the Mayor, supported on his right by Cap tain J. 0. Dolman, and on his left by Mr Alfred Harrison and Lieutenant Fooks,

The vice-ch dra were filled by Lieutenant Dolman and Mr Parkin.—A letter was read from Mr J. M. Cambridge, apologising for his non-attendance. Ample justice having been done to the good things provided by Mr Quill, the Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honored. The Chairman proposed “ The Army, Navy and Volunteers,” and Lieutenants Dolman, Fooks and Corporal Dunn re sponded. Lieutenant Dolman proposed “ The Ashburton Borough Council,” coupled with Iho names of Messrs Alfred Harri son and George Parkin, a present and ex- Councillor.

Mr Parkin, in responding, said there ms only one fault to be found with the louncil—their parsimony towards the fire brigade. Ho hoped, however, that irhen they became more affluent, they roiild recogise the error of their ways and leal more lihoraliy with the Brigade Mr Harrison also acknowledged the umiplimmit. Mr I’arkin proposed “ The Ashburton Jouoty Council,” speaking in very eulo gistic terms of that body, and deprecating ,ho proposals for its abolition. Ho re vetted that no member of the Council was prevent, and coupled the toast with the name of Mr T. McLean Dunn. Mr Dunn responded with characteristic humor. Cnpt. Dolman proposed “ The Western Kiro Brigade.” lie said that the senior brigade had not yet had an opportunity to see the junior in work, ut he hoped the time was not far dis tant when they would meet at a fire. Then, he had no doubt, the Western Bri gade would fully sustain their favorable reputation. He thought the two Brigades should amalgamate, and that working under one head they would attain greater efficiency. The toast was coupled with the names of Captain Fooks and Lieuten ant Miles of the Western Brigade, and drunk with musical honors. Captain Fooks, in responding, said that it, must not be assumed from the pro poser’s remarks that hia Brigade had never turned out to a fire. They had not only turned out to a fire, but succeeded in extinguishing it. He thought with Captain increased efficiency would result from the amalgamation of che Brigades, but in the meantime, with a view to the annual competitions under the auspices of the Fire Brigade Association, he suggested that friendly competitions should take place between the two Bri gades. He was happy to- say that the Western Brigade was flourishing ; it was certainly composed of young men, but if that was a fault it was a good one. Lieutenant Miles referred to the valu able assistance the Western Brigade had received from Lieutenant Dolman. He (Lieutenant Miles) thought that if the friendly competition suggested by Captain Fooks was arranged, the We Tern Brigade I would beat their older contemporary handsomely. Mr Marsh proposed—“ The Canterbury Fire Insurance Association,” and Mr Alfred Harrison responded. The Chairman proposed—“ The-United Fire Brigades Association.” He was, he said, glad that the toast had been placed in his hands, as it gave him an oppor tunity to compliment the local Brigade upon their enterprise and pluck in sending a representative team to the recent competition in Dunedin. That team, from a variety of circumstances that did them no discredit, had not been emi nently successful, but they had had an opportunity to observe the working and methods of.other brigades, and leathering experience which would ultimately be of much value to them, not only in future competitions but in actual work. He coupled the toast with the name of Lieu tenant Dolman, who had command of the team despatched to Dunedin. Lieutenant Dolman said there could be no doubt that the United Fire Brigades As sociation had done much to advance the in terests and efficiency of the Brigades. Its Oommittoa had succeeded in obtaining free railway passes for the representatives at tending the recent Demonstration in Dunedin, and a grant of L 250 from the Government. The latter, however, had been almost wholly absorbed by the other travelling expenses of the Northern Bri gades. The competition itself had been of incalculable b nefit to their own repre sentatives. They might have remained in Ashburton until attaining the age of Methuselah without acquiring one half the knowledge they had secured by their few days’ visit to Dun edin The officers of the Association were in no way responsible for the dis satisfaction that had occurred in refer ence to the competition. The entire ar rangements wore made by the Dunedin Loo d hminiittoe. The next competition would be held ut Napier, and he had no doubt that it would be oven more success ful and instructive than the last. The president of the Association, (Captain Cummings), the vice-presidents (Captains Amos and Waterford), and the other officers wore in every way qualified tor the post'ions they tilled. The Ashbur ton team had not oipeqtod to win, hut certainly had expected to occupy a

bettor position in the contest, and would have done so, he thought, if they had had some previous practice with the plant used in the competition. Their keys, too, were too large for the engines, and delays con sequently occurred which wore fatal to their ohaiice of success. He had bean much impressed while in Dunedin with the high pressure water supply, which was infinitely more efficacious than the most powerful engine in suppressing fire Mr Alfred Harrison proposed “ The Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade.” He said that from the Captain downwards the members of the Brigade had always dis played the greatest enthusiasm in the discharge of their important duties. The value of the properly saved by the Brigade, notwithstanding their comparatively small appliances, was enormous. He concurred

with Lieutenant Dolinin's view as to the benefit of the competitions held under the auspices of the United Fire Brigades Association, and expressed confidence in the future of the local Brigade. Oaptain Dolman, in responding, said that the Brigade had during the past year held 22 practices, 11 meetings, and at tended 4 tires. Ho had worked hard to send a representative team to Dunedin, not expecting that they would attain any great measure of success, but would gither inhumation which would be in valuable to the Brigade on future occa sions. Ho thought that in all future competitions the representatives should use the same plant. Ho deplored the misunderstanding with the Borough Coun cil, and expressed himself as quite willing to retire from the office of Captain if such a step would result in improved relations between the two bodies. The Brigade had not received a single penny from the public during the past twelve months. They had in hand between L 3 and 1,4 to carry them on for the next six months, „iid the present liabilities amounted to nearly L 7. UnmiS M?*? received some ad ditjonal support from the public their fl nances would bo in a very sorry plight. The Chairman said ho felt ttyat tqo re marks winch' had tuilen item Oapta u Dolman demanded some comment ato,l ■ him. As regarded the financial positpu of the Brigade, the members must not be discouraged by its unfavorable »»J»eot j It

was no worse than that of other public bodies in Ashburton. He was quite sure that the best feeling existed between the Borough Council and the members ef the Brigade, and it was the earnest wish of the former that the latter should flourish and take the position they were entitled to in public estimation. If any temporary difficulty, such as hinted at by Captain Dolman, existed, the Brigade should con fer with the Fire Brigade Committee of the Council, and he thought its removal would be expeditiously effected. Mr Parkin, treasurer to the Brigade, said that during the past twelve months the Brigade had received from the Coun cil a grant of L 25, and the amount of ex penses, L 4 16a, a total of L 29 I6s, while their expenditure had been L7B 10s. Until the previous day, when he received two one guinea subscriptions, they had not had any assistance from the public.

The Chairman said that he had not that evening prepared himself to go into financial matters, but he was satisfied that an> tangible grievance the Brigade might have would, if properly submitted, receive the prompt and liberal attention of the Council Ho thought that it behoved the people to lend a helping hand to the Bri gads, and he had no doubt that if the matter was ventilated, support would be forthcoming. He recollected in Ballarat some sixteen years ago the caretaker for the local volunteer firemen made a round of the town each week, and received 6d from each householder towards jthe main* tenance of the Brigade. He thought such a method of collection might be advantageously adopted here.

Mr Alfred Harrison announced that he would give a prize to be competed for by the two local Brigades.—The Chairman said that be would do the same. The two announcements were received with loud applause. Mr Stephens proposed “ The Com mercial Interests,” and Mr »Jesaop res ponded, —Mr Parkin proposed “ The Banking Interest,” coupling the toast with the name of Mr S. Saunders. The latter gentleman responded with some am biguity.—Mr Perriman proposed “ The Ladies,” and Messrs Grant and Fooks res ponded.—The Chairman proposed “ The Officers of the Volunteer Fire Brigade,” Mr Higgins responded.—The Chairman proposed “The Press," and .Messrs Saunders, Kay, Dolman, Dunn and Paul responded.—Lieutenant Dolman proposed “The Chairman,” highly eulogising the Mayor’s social and public worth. The toast having been acknowledged, the Chairman proposed “ Our Host,” and the proceeding were concluded by singing “ An d Lang Syne,” and “ God save the Queen.”

THE CROPS.

Ashburton Forks.

Following the course we adopted last year in our annual review of the crops of' the county, we shall commence with a notice of the Ashburton Forks, i.e , the part of tbe Upper Ashburton road dis trict lying between the north and south branches of the Ashburton river. It will be recollected that early in January, 1884, this part of the county was visited by a terriffic hailstorm, which we estimated at the time, destroyed fully L 5,000 worth of grain in this division alone. Last year there were 1,300 acres in wheat, averaging 15 bushels per acre, or a gross ' yield of 19 500 bushels. The oat crops last year amounted to only 400 acres and were nearly all destroyed by hail, while the only crop of barley was completely de stroyed. This year wo estimate the fol lowing yields :—l,lOO acres wheat, 27 bushels per acre, 29,700 bushels; 400 acres oats, 35 bushels per acre, 15,000 bushels, 120 acres barley, 20 bushels per acre, 2,400 bushels. —Referring to individual crops we may mention a very promising head of wheat—Bo acres—grown, by Mr Mclntyre, which will yield close upon 40 bushels to the acre. The same gentleman has a small paddock of oats, which will also yield heavily. Hr Pearce has an ex ceptional paddock of wheat, one of the best in the district, and should it be har vested under favorable conditions, it will give a very remarkable return. Mr John Corbitt has 50 acres of wheat and 60 acres of oats looking very well, which will exceed the average for tbe district. Mr J. Knox has 25 acres of very fine oats, and a small paddoCk of barley, which will run fully 30 bushels per acre. Mr Grealy has 80 acres of wheat on new land at Greenstreeta, which is estimated to yield nearly 40 bushels to the acre. Mr W. Green’s crops are again very promising. Mr Weldon has a magni ficent crop of oats, and although he estimates the yield on a much lower scale than we should adopt, he admits that it may cun 60 bushels ; his crop of wheat is well up to the average. Mr Sutherland has a heavy crop of wheat. Mr Church, whose oats usually run into three figures, per acre has a small crop of this cereal which will amply sustain his reputation. The same grower’s wheat—about 80 acres—ia also very good. Mr Stokes has 23 acres wheat and 22 acres oats, which, especially the latter, will yield well. Mr O’Shea has a fair crop of wheat, and has out a large paddock of oats for hay. Mr Doherty has 100 acres wheat, 70 acres oats, and 95 acres barley, and his first venture in the Forks promises to be a remunerative one. Mr Sargent has a capital crop of wheat— »bout 140 acres—and a veryfine paddock of 3ats. Mr Frisby’s small crops will yield well. Potatoes, turnips and grass seed, which there are very small acreages

grown, are better orppa than last year, it will bo observed that our reports from this district are much more favorable than ve were able to present last year, and we trust it may be taken as an index to the other districts wo shall briefly review during the current month

SPORTING.

PLUMPTON PARK RACES.

The following are the handicaps for the above races : Hurdle Raos ; two miles. st lb at lb Linwood 11 7 Larry ... 10 3 Secretary... 10 9 npreyd’a LaaslO 0 Marquis ... 10 G Louth ... 9 S Bordeaux... 10 6 Moved Rack ; one mile. Supplejack 9 5 I Klaxt’a Beauty 8 2 Fair Flay ... 9 2 j Little Dick 8 0 Bordeaux ... 8 6 j Vanity Fair 7 0 Plumpton Park Handi ap ; one and a half miles. Kingask ... 9 0 Faro ... 7 6 Restoration Supplejack 7 4 (late Hoi- Isish King... 7 2 derneas) 8 3 0e0... ... 7 0 Rebecca ... 712 Papanul ... 7 0 Wee Roddio 7 9 Mor ... 610 Nellie ... 7 5 Stewards' Stakes ; three-quarters of a mile. Rally ... 9 7 Forest King 7 3 Kingask ... 9 6 Castillo filly 7 2 Silver Queen 8 7 Papauui ... 7 0 Wee Roddie 8 4 Gadogan- Faro ... 8 0 Malice filly 610 Nellie ... 7 12 Deoep ion... 6 7 Nor’-Wester 7 7 | Puri Puri... 6 6 Handicap Time Trot ; Three miles. Cook Robin scr Raddle ... 45sec Fr i n c e s s . Energy (late (late Peggy) lOaeo Darkie) ... 5 Jaec Daisy ... lOsec Rambler ... 55seo Billy ... SOseo I Curly Kate 65sec Warrior ... 35 eo | Greening Tack 55sec WEIiLIixOT *m raCx.B.

Training Wptes ■ Wellington, Yesterday.

This morning the Island Bay coarse i re sented a busy scene, the majority of tftg

horses located in (he neighborhood being on the track, although there was little fast work done. Daring pare of the time the rain came down heavily, and A toot’s billet was by no means a pleasant one. Dan O’Brien’s team were oat early. Tas man, looking first-rate, went round ,by himself, and was then picked up by Rubina and Gaiters, and the three did another circuit at half speed Mr Butler worked Fusilier and Talebearer ; the for mer went the Gold Oup distance, picked up at the three-quarter mile post by Talebearer, who brought him home pretty fast. Both horses wetit Wldba*"- style, but Fusilier’s pipes were as noigyas yesterday. Linwood, in sweaters, want • three times round slow. Sou’-wsstar and t, Ugly Buck, separately, did a fast mile,; , the former went particularly welL Trick ster travelled three times round at a fair pace. Lady Evelyn was out and did a fast mile. Black Bose only walked/ bat Clogs did a rousing gallop of a mile. Mar niion also did a good gallop once round, moving freely and welL Several others were out walking. This morning a thanderstorm passed . . over the town, but after midday the weather cleared, and this evening there Is every probability of its being fine to- * morrow. The rain has done the Island Bay course much good, And unless there is more wet it will be capital going. There was a very large attendance at Tatter sail’s to-night, and business was' more < animated. Tigredia is a decided favorite., for the Gold Oup, at 6 to 4. Black Bose has receded slightly, and is quoted at 3 to 1. The prices of the others in the Gold Gup show no alteration from quotations telegraphed last night. Jim was scratched for the first day’s hurdles at 4 this after noon, and Salvage for the Gold Oup at' 7.30 p.m. This afternoon the owners and trainers engaged the bookmakers in a cricket match, when the latter sustained a hollow defeat.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] Wellington, To-day. The weather ia fine and there are 3,000 persons present Kilbiunie Stakes. Rubina... ... ... ... 1 Talebearer ... ... ... J ' Slave ... ; ~, 3 ; GBEYMOUTH RACES (Special to the ; \shbubtok Guabdian). [by telegraph]. Grbymodth, To-day. The following nominations havebeea receceied for the Goldfields' Handicap and Jockey Club Handicap, to be run at the March meeting:— Goldfields* Handicap. Jersey Lily Little Dick Volunteer Wanderer Marie Stuart Grand Duke Caridigan Restoration Princess Royal Jockey Clcb Handicap. Jersey Lily Marie Stewart- Little Dick Grand Duke ■ Volunteer Cardigan Wanderer Restoration.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[rkdter’s telegrams—COPYßlGHT.] A Royal Visitor. London, February 2. . Tbe Prince of Wales has gone on a visit to Cannes.

A Suspect. Gilbert, the Irish American who was arrested on suspicion of being con-, earned in the dynamite outrage at the 7 Tower on December 24th, was to-day re-examined at Bow street Police Court. The evidence adduced showed that the prisoner had been in the habit of frequenting the tower, and that he had in his possession a loaded ■ detonator. The enquiry- was further : adjourned. Monetary and Commercial- London, February 2. r Consols have advanced to par. New , Zealand securities are unchanged. Colonial breadstuff's have suffered a general decline of a shilling per quar- ' ter. To-day’s quotations, ex store, are as follows :—Adelaide wheat, 365; New Zealand, 28s to 345, according to ~ quality; Adelaide flour, 355; Adelaide ' wheat is realising 355, for off coast cargoes. Australian tallow has ad- - vanced 6d per cwt; beef, average quality, is at 34s 6d ; mutton, 355. The total stock in London today is ' 18,300 casks. The market rate of dis- r count has declined to 3f|, and is, now s $4 below the Bank rate. Kauri gum " —Best selected transparent has de- ' dined to Ll2.

The Mails. The mails per Orient R.M.S. John Elder (Melbourne, 26th) were de livered to-day.

War News. London, February 3. Lord Wolseley telegraphs the Horse Guards that the enemy has Berti, and the place is soar occupied by Major-General Earle, who reports the Nile most difficult to navigate, but that his column are graduallyovercom ing the -obstacles, O’Donovan Bossa. New York, February 3. O’Donovan Rossa was shot at and wounded in the streets of this city to day by an English woman. She was at once arrested and detained in custody.

AUSTRALIAN.

(rBDTER’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.) (Received February 4, 1 p.m.) Aquatic. Sydney, To-day.

Hanlan and Clifford are doing good training work for the sculling match which takes place between them on Saturday next. Both men have dene excellent trials, and are both in good condition. Betting—2 to 1 on Hanlan. (Received February 4, 2.16 p.m.) The Bootmakers. Melbourne, To-day. In connection with the bootmakers’ - strike a Committee has been appointed, consisting of friends of manufacturers and nominees of the Trades Hall Council to devise means of reconciling the existing difficulties between masters and men.

TELEGRAMS.

[FEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Firs.

Auckland, Yesterday,

Mr Charles Murray’s general atore, at Whitianga, Mercury Bay, was burned down this morning. Insurances—Stock and furniture, L 350 j and the buildiag, L 250, in the South British. 1 Hospital Enquiry. The Hospital House Committee com* menced to-day an investigation into’the charges against the House Surgeon of alleged ill-treatment of a patient. The Brigade. The Auoklaad Fire Brigade entertained the Auckland and Thames return team,at a

banquet. Superintendent Hughes, is his speech, made strong charges against the management of the Fire Brigade De monstration,' and complained Of vrapt 'o( impartiality In fl»« dsoisfoqe, ' " “

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1885.



Wanted. WAITED, immediately, respectable Man for the Kitchen. Q dill’s Bot£.l. 2 173 WANTED —To purchase a Driving Belt. Apply “B,” Office of this Paper. 1 T^TTANTED Known- That persons wish ’ * ing to purchase Cheap Groceries would do well to look at J. McGrkgors advertisment in another column.



L M ANURES, Mh««m Friediandee. Bros. , have been appointed. Ashburton AGENTS for the Belfast Chemical Works, and will supply Soper phoaph ate, Nitrophosphate, Guano or. Bone Dust, at Factory Rates, with rail charges added. For circulars, etc., apply to • FRIEDLANDER BROS., 10 1974 Ashburton and Tinwald. Comsacks. Okfl BALES of 00RN8A0KS to arrive ex ship Atlantigue (now due), size 48 z 26J, 2s. Apply, at once, to HAYES & GO., i p Arcade, Ashburton. jDilpaant and Coe, AiBE ' authorised LOCAL AGENT lor Singer’s SEWING M A CBINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A snppiy cf Machine eitraa on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANOEED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 112181 J LOOK 1! LOOK 1! SEIiIiING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONARY, Ac. ENOEMOU3~REDUOTIONS. JHt' Must be sold—««en if at a loss Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Station bus, &c., Ashburton, JffEW TWEEDS ! | NEW T WEEDSI SUMMER SUMMER SUITS. | SUITS. Perfect Fit Guaranteed in the latest or any style that may be jrequirod, Graigheaa & Co., ! MERCHANT TAlla? rs » w* have much pleasure la arinuuno*. n ß to our friends and patrons, and all who may feel interested in the general ogress of oiir times that we have just oelved a splendid assortment of Tweeds, Coatings, Serges, etc., etc., of the best pnality and latest designs—suitable for the season we ate now entering. 1 AU Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICE CRAIGHEAD & CO., 7«n«red street, Ashburton,



WANTED Known—That R. Lancas ter starts the new year entirely on hia own account with a very light handi cap, which will enable him to sell meat cheaper than ever. With quality, clean liness and civility combined—defies com petition. So rally round to the Ready- Money Mea*. Mart, Bullock's Arcade. 1 2



\Tt7ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders V» 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 strest, Ashburton. 11 2161



VTTA3STKD Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V\ That Haves and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Bodta, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s Gd; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10»| Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must bo cleared at once. 7 1278



ANTED Known Removed.— Jones and Bradshaw, Corn and Chaff Dealers, have removed to the large premises in Havelock street nearly oppo site Mr A. Harrison’s auction rooms (lately occupied by Messrs Robinson and Townsend), where they will be better able to comply with the demands of their trade* Jones and lbadshaw.



WANTED Known.—We are not to be beaten ! Good straw bate, 4Jd, 6d f 9J ; black Cashmere, double width, Is 3d; print costumes, 2s 9d ; white calico, 2s 6d per doz; a lot of infants’ white and colored satin and merino hats and hoods, Is to 3a 6d—usual price, 4s 6d to 12s 6d. H. 0. Segues, cealya’ Buildings, East Street.



WANTED KNOWN— Robekt 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



SOMETHING worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro fessed Coat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. 0. is too well known as a master of his profession to need further comment. One trial will prove it Gentlemen’s own ma terial made.up; repairs and alterations carefully attended to. 10 195il



ANTED Known— O. Hawkin’s, of Tinwald, having decided to coni' pete with either Christchurch or Ashbur ton, in price and quality of Boots, will, Ist 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, 9a 6d; Children’s all reduced from Is per pair. Motto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Be turns.” C. Haw .in's, Uoot and Shoemaker. 12 2393



WANTED Known—J. Meboh & Co., are still Sailing On and not Selling Off at saleroom prices. J. M. and Go’s Furniture is made for use as well as ornament and not for auction sales. The beat materials are used, being specially selected, and combined with good workmanship, all goods are guaran teed of the best quality, and at the very lowest prices. East and Burnett street, Ashburton. 12 2312



Special Advertisements. MISS CARSON, TEACHER OP MUSIC, Wishes to announce that she has Removed to the house formerly occupied by Mr A. Curtis, opposite the Parsonage. New term for Pupils begins 2nd February. A few vacancies. Terms on application, 1 138 VALENTINES. VALENTINE S—A Very Artistic Assortment. Inspection Invited.. CHEAP STATIONERY. Superfine notepaper ... 5s per ream Cream-laid envelopes ... 6s per 1000 Foolscap, exceptional value Is per quire BOOKS. Books by various authors, and some of the latest editions. Toys and Fancy Goods incredibly cheap, to dear out surplus stock. K. Bevan, STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, Ac. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, (Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel.)



rno my readers and the reading public. I Just to hand.—New Books.—Black Poodle, by Anstey ; Our Old Mobility ; The Ouckoo Clock, by Mrs Molesworth ; We Two, by Edna Doyul; Poverty, by Platt; I Say No, by Wilkie Collins; John Bull’s Womankind, -by author of John Ball and his Island; The Jilt, by Charles Retde; Good Stories of Man and other Animals, by Charles Reade; Yesteged, by Geo F. Gumming; Pages in Waiting, by Edmund Yates; Notes on Ingersoll, by Rev L. A. Lambert, Roman Catholic Jesuit; My Own Child, by Florence Marryatt; Life, Opinions, and Table Talk of Dr Johnson; American Society Novels; inspiration; A Clerical Lympucium; Bos well's Life of Johnson ; Magna Charts Stories; Taming Down without Banting ; Money and Mechanism of Exchange, by g, Jevons; John Holdsworth’s Chief Mate; My Watch Below, by W. O. Kus «ol' The Wonder of Nature; Death Shot, by Reed; How to live upon Is per Week; Stories of Waterloo: Secrets of Success ; How to Read Character ; Christmas .Number of Quod yard’s Ohrystal ; Longman’s Magazine; The Bop* of the Beginnings, by K. H. Newton; Mistletoe Bough; 160 Illustrated London Graphics, latest copies, to be sold cheap at Thomas F. Farley’s; PRINTER, BOOKSELLER, AND - fciTaTTONER, Faunobus’ Builoinoh, Asuiiuuton.



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



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING k SUMMER CLOTHING, ■ Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSQIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men's, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. SL’irts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW ZE ALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



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



V. R. TOE DENNIS O’CONNELL, -t* BANKRUPT, Of Manchester street, Christ church, and Lyttelton, CLOTHIER AND DRAPER. Marked price of Stock, £2,424 Actual Cost, £l,BlB Sold for £951. NOTICE OF BANKRUPTCY. In Bankruptcy. In the Estate of Dennis O’Con nell, of Christchurch and Lyttel ton, Draper. Tenders are invited for the pur chase, either separately or other wise, of the stock, fittings, and book debts of the business in Manchester street, Christchurch, and also in Lyttelton. The stock consists of clothing and general drapery, and is mostly new, the business having been carried on only since May l ist. It will be on view on and after Monday next, and the stock sheets can be inspected on the premises, Manchester street. Tenders will be received by the undersigned until 10 a.m. on Monday, Ist December. E. 0. LATTER, Official Assignee. Christchurch, 21st Nov., 1884, ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER. Official Assignee’s Office, December, 1884. Messrs H. E. May and Co., Gentlemen, —I have the plea sure to inform you that your tenders for the purchase of stocks In Christchurch and Lyttelton have been accepted, viz— Christchurch ... £1502 18 0 Lyttelton ... £315 7 0 £lBlB 5 0 At 10/0d in the £, being £954 9a. Yours faithfully, E. O. LATTER, Official Assignee. Mr White,will deliver the sjocks. Notiob of bAi,is tothb Pontic. This stock, which really repre sents a retail value of £2,424. was bought by us of the Official Assignee for £964, so that if we get one half O’Connell’s price it will pay us handsomely, and that is all we want. We think you are convinced that our sales are thoroughly genuine, and always worth a visit, especially if saving money is an object SALE COMMENCES SATURDAY, January 10. Terras Cash —No discounts or abatements of any kind. H. E. May & Co



Victoria House. Season bale commencing January isth, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEK® C‘ NI| Y. RKMARKABjLE REALITIES ! GLARING HE DUCT lONS !! j/XrFar Convincing proof and Special I’rlooe See Windowtife.. Dimant and Coe, ÜBADY-MONBY DUAPEUS, CLOTHIERS, Au,, In premises lately occupied by On and Co., Corn East and Tanciod streets. I ASHBURTON,



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tanored Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf, 5d per lb Beat White Crystal, 3£d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2a 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12a fid per box Canterbury Oakes, lOd each. Bice, 3d Mixed Biscuits, fid Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 5£ I Raisins, fi^d New Figs, la per box Best Sago, 3d j New Muscatels, Is fid Oysters, fid Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jama, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keillor's Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, fid per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. james mcgregor, Tancred Street, 12 2342