DAILY MEMORANDA

MEETING?, AMUSEMENT? Etc Thursday, Dfckmbe:; 23 Afhbrrt r :n (,'hoesa r.nd Batter Factory Company Meeting in the Arcade Chiusbera at 2 o’clck MONDAY, DeCKMBF.R 27 L-O.L.—Arnpal Conceit and Ball Mo-'dav, December 27 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7.30 Wednesday December 29. ¥ Wakanut school M-eUr.g of Ratepayers Friday, December 31 Oddfellow a’ Hall—“ False Colors" at 8 o’clock

RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Trains Arrive at Ashburton —From Christ f huroh and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10,45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 6.27 a.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 B ™baiks Leave Ashburton —For Christ church and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., an 6.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and South, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terns of Subscription to this journal will be re follows, viz.:— IF PAID IN ADVANCE Per Quarter.. 5s 6d, by post, Os 6d Haif-yrr.r 12s 6d, by post, 18a 6d „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 37s Od IF BOOKED t Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21a 6d „ Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43a Od Birt Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2a 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment); if boobed, 48 P?? if SENT OR IBERR M AT R! NbW TH 1R SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE ot.D R T '. , Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent tor publication from the country districts, require to be verified by the signa ture of tbs person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

Malls close at the Ashburton Post OS:c= follows: — J , For Christchurch ana hirrtn at ba.i. 0.30 a.m., and o p.m., da”y. For Chortsey Rakaia, Ac., at 10.30 a. a. »nd 5 p.m. daily. , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Joldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, %nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. dally. ForTemuta, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m got Timara and South, at 10 a. a. , and 3 SO p.m., daily. For Greenatreet, on Wednesdays and tnrdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakannl, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, id Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and tnrdays, at 6.30 a,ia. For Blount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m . For Mayfield and P-uapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Lcngbeach, 4.30 p.m. dally. For Flemlngton, on Mondays, Wednes ttys, and Fridays, at 4, o 0 p. m. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.nu

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post fica— _ From Christchurch and B-akafa at 10.15 •.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ghertsey, Ac. at 10.15 K and •35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and Intermediate places 5. 3 r ’ n. m. daily. r-Froju Temaka andTiraara at 10.40 a.m p b. 30 p.m daily. From Greenatreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Mount Somers, dally at 10.5 . m. From Mayfield and Ruapnna, on Wed oesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a.m. daily. From Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Frl ys ,at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays,'Thura days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1886. A MODERN COLISEUM.

These are the days of mammoth enterprises, big companies, big build ings, big ships, big canals, big debts, big frauds and big smashes. Big ex hibitions are the latest rage, and now ' there is to be a big hippodrome, which is to beat the ancient Roman Coliseum and which is to serve for a variety of purposes, from that of a monster circus to a metropolitan show-yard under glass. Its promoters are a powerful company, of which a Mr Wood is manager, and the vast palace of glass and iron which is now being raised at Kensington is to be known as the National Agricultural Hall, or, for short, as Olympia. The Company, it seems, owns 12 acres of freehold at Kensington, and the buildings will cover 4 acres, the great hall it self having a floor space of no less than 2Yz acres I This immense hall is to be seated in the form of an amphitheatre, the seating accommodation being divided into boxes, stalls and grand circle, with two extensive promenades, and will provide for no less than 9000 people. The great track in which the tournament displays will take place is 100 feet wider and longer than the largest similar track anywhere in Eng land. It will take five minutes to walk round it. In such a space horses can go at their wildest speed, while a brigade of artillery may gallop at full sttetch, giving a reality to mimic war fare impossible in any other hall. Be sides the great hall, there are to be many accessories in the way of side shows, and spices are to be let for exhibitions, shows, concerts, fetes, tournaments, contests, races, sports, balls, fairs, theatrical and equestrian performances, lectures, dinners, meet ings, amusements, and entertainments of any description. The gardens of Olympia will also be a special feature and attraction and will contain musical promenade, lawn tennis courts, etc., the et. cetera including an artificial presentment of the Canadian national sport of tobogganing. This Brobdig nagian palace of amusement is, it seems, opened on Boxing Day by a great Hippodrome Company from Paris, anent which Mr Wood supplies to the Pall A fall Budget the following particulars :—“ The horses, ponies, elephants, packs of hounds, stags, &c,, number more than 250. There are 300 artistes, assistants, and servants, and an orchestra of seventy performers. Among the properties and accessories is the carriage of His Royal Highness the Duke of Brunswick, dated 1803. It is a large gala chariot, similar to those seen in the German Court at the commencement of the present century ; also the carriage of the Khedive, made for the Viceroy of Egypt, Said Pasha, Ihe panels of which are of engraved crystal. This was awarded the first place at the Paris Exhibition of 1869. These two magnificent equipages are drawn by four horses, and are used to convey the artists round the track and to the 1 magic circle.’ It would be 100 far for them to walk from the manege. The harness room contains types of saddlery of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and a collection of sad dles and bridles from Spain, Arabia, and Turkey sufficient for the equipment of 400 horses. There are nearly 300 suits of German and French armour for men and horses, which serves for the representation of the great tournaments.” This monster Hippodrome is indeed said to be “as unlike the- ordinary circus to which London is accustomed as the Derby race is to the parlor game of that name. In one of the great comic pantomimes a railway is con structed within three minutes, and a veritable train appears with locomotive, t ender, and waggons, carrying more th.an a hundred travellers at express spec’<h 1° another of their representa tions s real stag hunt is represented with (.tvery regard to the truth of detail. The p-ack of hounds were lately the propcty of the Due d’ Aumale. One of the most exciting and popular attrac tions of the show is the revival of the chariot races which so delighted the Roman people in the Coliseum at the time of the Crcsars. Some of the chariots are drawn by four and others by eight horses. There are also exact repiesentations of the ancient Roman race (the Olympian race) —the 'post/ with thirty-two horses, in which the rider stands on two horses, racing thirty others yoked together.” All this reads like romance, but it is neverthe less veritable fact, and goes to show what wonderful strides the world is making even in the matter of its .amusements. The idea of providing some monster building, such as Olympia originated it appears with Colonel Burnaby, who sought for some metro politan arena w.iere all the ‘ arts of war and peace* might be centralized and developed- His soldierly instinct made him long fpr a Coliseum-like structure, in which combatants might do full justice to themselves in a great military or other tournament. This germ has swollen to its present huge dimensions.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At the B.M. Court this morning, before Mr R, Alcorn, J.P., and Major Steward, J.P., a prohibition order, to have effect in all the licensing districts in Ashburton County, was made against J. W. Primmer. The Lyttelton Times has authority for stating that the Minister of Railways has been able to effect reductions in his depart ment amounting in the aggregats to £BO,OOO, and that there will be substantial reductions in other departments. The Agent-General has advised that the next shipment of nominated Government immigrants, comprising about 200 adults, would be forwarded by the ss. Ruapehu, which was to have left England on the 18th of the present month. The Waikato royal Bengal tiger has been seen again. This time it was ran to mother earth, and proved to be—a spotted dog I Three publishing houses have already mads overtures to Prince Alexander for a story narrating hie experiences in Bulgaria. The looal Star is given to understand that a Hastings syndicate has bought the patent rights of Hooker’s gaslight for the whole of Hawke’s Bay. The price is said to be £4500. The Victorian Assembly, by one vote only, rejected a proposal to put £IOOO on the estimates for the Prison Gate Brigade of the Salvation Army in that city. Inspectors of Police throughout the colony ate gazetted as Justices of the Peace: We learn from the Wellington papers that the Property Tax is being paid more promptly this year that at any previous time. Mr Joseph Maokay, formerly well known in Otago' as the proprietor of the Brute Herald, has, we see, turned up at a place called Fernmount, on the Bellringer river, in New South Wales, where be has started a new journalistic venture under the name of The North Coast Times, The first number con tains a sketch of his own life, its ups and downs.

A contemporary noticing the marriage of a deaf and dumb couple, wittily and gallantly wished them unspeakable bliss. According to the Taranaki News a man named Hallsnd met with a peculiar accident at New Plymouth a day or two ago. Ha was digging potatoes in his garden when be came across something like the ferrnle of an umbrella. His curiosity being awakened he picked np the article and began to examine it minutely. He afterwards pricked it with a pin, when an explosion immediately followed, and the top of his thumb and top of a finger were blown off. He bad bis wounds dressed by Dr Leathern. It is supposed the article he picked up was a dynamite cartridge, but bow it came to be there is a mystery.

It may not bo generally known, but the Post says it is true, that the celebrated religious novelist Miss Yonge gave £2OOO which she received from her well-known children's story, “‘The Daisy Chain,’ towards the building of the Missionary College in Auckland ; and that she devoted a larga share of her profits from the “ Heir of Bedcliile ” to the fitting out of the Melanesian Mission schooner Southern Cross. The latest freak of fashion in London is for ladies to have a different dog for different costumes. The inconsolable widow in sable weeds is accompanied by a Landseer New foundland, while the maid who wears a golden brown silk carries a fluffy Skye of the same shade. As grey is now the ultra fashionable color, the blue Skye, which is an exquisite shade of grey, is the reigning favorite. The Otago Daily Times remarks that the Midland railway is about to be started in real earnest, and tenders are now being invited for two contracts from the junction with the Nelson and Christchurch lines to Arnold creek.H The new company has adopted a device for its coat of arms intended to typify the union of the East and West Coast industries, namely, a miner and a shepherd shaking hands.

A MODERN AMSON.

I propose to givo a short sketch of the life of a man who was little known out side the village of Granville Corner, in Washington county, where he was born and spent the most of a long life. It is Known of him, and can be proved, that he has performed feats of strength unsur passed by any man that has lived in ancient or modern times, except, of coarse, the Hinlioal Samson. His name Is, or rather was. Steam Carpenter. Being naturally of a very quiet, peaceable dis position, and a member of the Society of Friends, ho never did anything for jdis play to attract attention; but the feats of streop'b that he did were done more to satisfy himself and to see now much he could lift than for anything else. All his lifting was done by mala strength wihout harness of any kind. Gnu of his greatest feat? was lifting a box filled with iron, which weighed 1900 lbs which is equal to lifting 3800 ibs In a harness. He lifted it with ease by grasping a rope or chain which was bound around the hi xto secure it. He did not know 'ha weight of the box tf iron at the time, and was afterwards heard to say that had ho known it woighei so near » ton he would have pat the other 103 Ibs on and lifted the whole. At another time he lift'd a cannon that weighed 1400 Ibs and shouldered it. At Comstock’s Land ing, on the Chunplain Canal, near White hall, one day while waiting for a load of merchandise, he lifted a barrel of white lead with ease. Bis neighbors, when killing ho?s, if he happened to be around, would atk him to guess the weight of a hog just killed. If it happened to be a big t/tie weighing 400 or 500 lbs, he would ai. op down and twis his fingeis Into the bri ties and in 'hat way lift it clear from the ground a»d guess on its weight. Be performed ooeof the greatest feats of strength on record after he had reached the age of seventy-five years. He lifted two twenty four foot imn rails by grasp log one in each baud and walking off with them. The rails were resting on wo den horses, so he did not stoop down to lift them. One day in haying be was going from the field to the honse for dinner. They were walking along the road together, when one of his men, for mischief, came np behind him, and by a skilful trip, threw Caipenter down. He got up and sa d nothing about it. He walked to the h use, and, after dinner, when returning to the field with hi# men, they came along to the place “here the man gave him the fall, ‘ He suddenly turned upon the man,and grasping hjm by the shoul »>tb and the seat of the lifted him and hurled him high into the air, and over a seven rail fence, by tie side at which they happened to be walk ing. The man came down in the meadow a rod or more from the fence considerably shaken op but not badly hurt. Mr Carpenter web no* a gigantic man I size. He was about sft tall, and appeared much less than that owing to hU ma sivo build. There was no super fluous fiesh upon him, bat the musoles of his arms, shoulders, and neck seemed to be piled upon Him, so great w?s their size* This gave him a stooping appear ance. In a crowd, a oisual observer would not be likely to pick him out as one of the strongoat men that ever lived. Mr Carpenter's living at the present time at Granville Corner, Washington County, N.Y , hi* old home, or was living the last I heard of him Ha must be over 80 years of age,— Tmj N 7 , T'mes.

THE CAIN CASE.

Dunedin. DscemborlS. It is understood that If a chenge of venue from Chrietohuroh U applied for in ho chargn of mnrder of Captain Cain against Thornes HaU, the Attorney- General will not oppose it

INTERESTING EXTRACTS

A REMARKABLE BOOK.

The most curione b ok in the world Is one that is neither written not printed. Every Ict'er of the text is cut into the loaf, and as the alternate leaves are of blue paper, it is as easily read as the best print. The work is so perfect that it seems as though it had been done by machinery, but every character is made by hand. The book is entitled “The Passion of Christ,” and is now kept at a museum in France. FRENCH VETERANS. There are at present seven hundred and forty old soldiers in Franca who served under the First Napoleon, and each of whom receives a life amnnlty of two hundred and fifty francs. It is said that this venerab’e battalion loses annually on an average one hundred and e'ghty-five of its members ; and It may thna be ex pected that within the next four years the last ve.eran will take bis departure fr >m this life.

AN OUTRAGEOUS SENTENCE. Clerical Magl-tratoi,” writes a corres pondent of a London papa , “do not often err on the side of mercy, but I venture to suggest that, for eoveHty of sentence, the encosed beats any English record ; Durham Quart r Sessions, (Be fore the Bov Q. P Wilkinson, Chair man, and Mr Richardson)—John Yourg, ■lily-nine, p-<ot, was ohsrg; 1 i h steal-, log a cotton shirt, the property of Joseph Chambers, at South Shields, on Septem ber 2. Five years' penal servitude. ” SLEEP-IKS AND SLEEPERS A sleeper Is one who sleeps A sleeper is that In which the sleeper sleeps A sleeper la that on which the sleeper which carrle* the sleeper while ho sleeps runs. Ther-Jore. while the sleeper sleep in the sleeper the Bleeper oa-ries the sleeper over the sleeper under the sleeper until the sleeper which carries the sleeper jumps off the sleeper and wakes the sleeper in the s’eeper, by striking the sleeper noder the sleeper, and there Is no loaner any sleeper in the sleeper on the sleeper.

FRINGE ALEXANDER. The Chicago News is responsible for a statement, which has been widely re printed fn the States, that under th- name of Alexander Marie 'Yllheltn Lugwig Maraschkoff, Prince Alexander of Bulgaria Is the owner of real estate in Chicago, Kansas City, Denver, and Omaha, and part owner of one of ths largest sheep ran ches in New Mexico Colonel J S. Norton, a well known Chicago at orney, looks after the Prince’s interests in America and a ivg he should not be snr rlaed if the l*te ruler of Bulgaria should co net» reside in th- Unit-d States

EMPRESS OF GERMANY. The Empress Augu t». wife of the Qer man Emperor, attained her 75 h year on the 30th September. Her M j -v bavin ; b a en born on v- 'ep ember 30th 1811 She (. tt-e dauehter o the late Grand Dak*< Karl Fredrlch <.f Saxe-We mar. by his marriage with the Grand Duchess Ma is daughter of the late Pan l I , Cza of Ruaria; FJor marriage with the German Emperor then Prince Wilhelm of Brass's, was solem--:z?d on Jim- ll'h 'B2l. the issue of the union b< icg a son (the Crown Prince of Germany) and a daughter (the Grand Duchess of Baden.)

A ROYAL ALLIANCE. The P.-inca of Wales is said to be erectly pleased at the prospect of effac ing a marriage between hie eldest a>n and the Prince’s Alexandra of Anhalt- Dessau, who is the moat heaatlfn! of all the possible candidates for the ultimate reversion of th* high place of Queen Consort of this empire. She also pos sesses the very rare advantage of a dowry of El 5 000 a year This consideration has pr-ihahly had as much ioflu*no’ with the Prince as the lady’s bsauty, because H vt.H has a rooted dislike to going to Parliament for a large grant for his son, whom ha still supports on bis own greatly strained resources. AN ICE CVVERN. It Is reported from Vienna that a great ice cavern baa been disovered on the southern slope of the Daohstein or ttahneeberg, the very conspicuous lofty mountain in Lower Austria, which is visible from the rajspa p ts of the capital. The general direction of the cavern runs from south -o north, and it has been ex plored for n distance of 600 metres, a sharp precipice, seemingly fourteen metres deep, having stopped farther progress for the time; The cavern is from five to six metres broad, and very loftr, giving the impression that the ice is enormously thick. The explorers are of opinion that a subterranean lake will be found in the cavern.

CENTENARIANS IN FRANCE, Ce'-t'nnrians are growing common In France At Aueh a very old maid of tbe name of Benoite has been unearthed. She has reached her 109th year In con sequence of tbe great frequency with which authentic centenarians are being unearthed in France, a patriotic move ment has been set on foot to give a banquet next year exdos vely to persons who have attained or passed the century. Hopes are entertained by some persot s that ninety-nini of them can he procured In Franco, and M Ohevreul wi'l be asked to preside at 'h < head of the table, making up a hand ed. Altogether their united a./rs will thus amount to something over 10.000 years.

A BANKRUPT B<X'KMAFER. An Australian paper has the following reference to a bookmaker well-known in New R-atand It is not often that a bookmaker has to take the benefit of the Insolvency Act, but on this week’s list is Mr Abraham Snider, who has had a bad time t one t : m? it was hoped that he w-iuld pull through, fir a strong effort was made by some of his friends to help him to tide over his difficulties, but one U»u-er who had promised support backed out at th( last moment; he considered “hishoase vos too critical,” and so the poor booty had to file his schedule. He hopes, however, some day to be able to pay every b ,-, dv in full. His liabiliriea were set at £I7BO. and th? assets at £l, leaving a defi noncy of £1779 The causes insolvency were stated to have hern lossea in business as a turf commission agent, be having daring the lest two years lost £6OOO. All the debts are owing for money lent, and the following are the in advent’s creditors, all of them being on? secured ; Aaron Waxnaan, fi.iaooier, £SOO ; Miss Solomons, tobacconist, £250; George Patterson, turf commission agent, £210; Reuben Barnard, money lender, Leonard Levy, money lender £200; Laurence SJqoker, turf commission agent, £200 ; Joseph Harris, turf commission agent. £150; Solomon ‘ Eyams, pawn broker, £SO

SPORTING.

0.J.0. MIDSUMMER MEETING. Christchurch, Dec. 19. The C J.C. acceptances are:— MIDSUMMER HANDICAP. , Admh iuistrator bpade Guinea Artillery Hermitage Tit Bit Marion Leon Buby Longwaist’ Patrician St Ives D*rwenter St. Clair Kog MIDSUMMER HURDLES. Peter Osbeck Tres Sic Aroha Msmtnoc Mainbootn Irish King Archduke Bob Roy Gunpowder Farther payments of the Middle Park Stakes are:— Maxim Fair Nell - Repose Ruby Vaultress Kimberley Gipsy King Rose and Black The nominations are as follows: CRAVEN STAKES. Mirella Russley Sierra Tit Bit Maligner Galatea Rocket Tarantalus Rubina A propos Jack Melville NEW TEAR WELTER. Mirella Russley Fair Nell Mazurka Derwenter Kingask Galatea Rocket Wairuna Archduke The Gem Puck Jack Melville HURDLE RACE. Baldy Brian Born T es Sec Irish King Mainboom Archduke Peter Osbeck Azim Mammoo Master Guy Aroba NEW YEAR NURSERY. Maxim Repose Vaultress Red Ensign Lorraine Kimberley Filin. Wakatipu Gipsy King Rose and Black VLTINO HANDICAP Mirella sierra Marion Russley Fair Nell Tit Bit M ligner Galatea Rocket Marlborough GJety Vinaigrette Rubina Apropos Jack | Hornby WELTER HANDICAP. Mirella I Fair Nell Russley I Sierra Derwenter I Buckthorne Kingask Galatea Rocket Marlborough Wairuna Archduke The Gem Pock Melville

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not bold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by out correspondent#. ASHTON SCHOOL ENQUIRY. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In your issue of Friday last there appeared a letter tigaed by the Oh irmsa of the C >mrai tsa, in which ho ooa radicts aid endeavours to disprove several statements made in my report of the enquiry. Ho finds fau ! t with tha copy of the charges, saying I have given an abbre v a'ed version of my own.” Now, Sir, the varamn was not my own but was as [ stated previously received from the Board’s Secretary who i» qu : te, com petent to supply a communication with out the aisistance of M' Qismour whether that gentlemtn think so or not. Still should he prefer his own orthography and compos tion, I have no donbt, Sir, you will allow him space to advertise the charges.

Your correspondent objects to the re marks passed by Air Saunders regarding the election of the Committee, Neverthe less I maintain such remarks were passed, sad also that the exact word* given were need by Mr Saunders, The fact that “ other persons” were taking notaa, dopj cot necessari'y prove that the remarks were not made. However, as he i* so confident, will the Chairman be kind enough to furnish the cam’s of the “ other parsons ” taking notes Than my report, your correspondent continues, falls to mention that I kept *‘a family of four closed np for ahonc six hoars.” Most decidedly, for no time was mentioned. And as the children that day came at 9-39 and were dismissed at 2, the six hours will amount to 4£. Farther the report was stated to bp “ barren of the fact that another witness stated that her girl had her band r md- rod so bad as to be arable to use It for a fortnight. ” We will suppose such a statement was made, bat did Mr Gib ■sou' see the hand ?—fur I have a witness (a teacher) to prove that the girl was at bis school three days afterwards, and that ber band was perfectly well. And this same witness was the teacher who reinsert to admit the children to his school. The girl’s mother stated to me during the enquiry that the children had been refused admittance to another school, so that I am quite satisfied on this point* Your correspondent then says—“ Words are put into the mouth of Mr Saunders which bo never utte r ed.” At the com mencement of his letter he stated I had attempted a feat which no reporter on your staff would have undertaken nearly a month after the occurrence ; and yet Mr Gilmour can give the exact words quoted by Mr S-unders 1 will leave your readers to draw the inference. Yet again he states the Committee considered the last annual report “ very unsatisfactory.” The report in question was as follows, and is given in the Inspector’s word", not in my own version: —“ the school has pasted an excellent examination. The grammar of Standard IV and the reading of the lower classes were the only subjects In which any traces of weakness were noticeable.” These remarks were endorsed by the Chairman of the Board as “ a very good report,” and yet the Committee were dissatisfied.

Then the Mistress is represents! as teaching standards I, II and the infants Before committing himself to paper Mr Gilmour would do ir 11 to make sure that his statements are borne <>ut by facts Though never in the school once dur ng working hoars he appears to know the whole internal arrangements Now at the time of the examination the Mistress was teaching Standard I and toe infants, and is doing so at the present time. The conclusion to be dra »n from the letter is that everything appearing against roe qieets your correspondent’s approval entirely ; and any r- mark passed in my favor receives no recognition ; and hence he expresses hig sorrow £V<js I should have opened a matter that bad been virtually settled to bis complete satisfaction. But the report furnished by Mr Gilmour “was apparently intended to mislead yonr readers” and to satisfy a certain amount of pomposity and to, vent to a large amount of verbosity which perhaps is pardonable In a Obsir man who has served scarcely two years on a School Committee. Again apologising for trespassing bn your space, 1 »m f etc., Th* rotrso Mastee, Achton School.

TREMENDOUS FIRE AT NAPIER.

DAMAGE £60,000. N Alias, December 18. - The most destruo ive fire which has ever occurred in Kapler broke cat this morning in Tennyson street. The fire alarm rang about ten o’clock, and news qu’ckly spread t hat the premises of Messrs Banner and Liddle, auctioneers and insurance agents, were in flames. The Fire Brigade were on the spot in an incredibly short space of time, but still the fire had got a good hold of the building, which was burning fiercely. The hose was promptly rnn out, but the water failed It wss only at low pressure, and it was obvious from the start that the building where the fire originated was doomed- Nothing onld save t from the first outbreak, and a nasty north wind was blowing, which threatened destruction to many buildings In the viol nisy. Within three minutes the back fence and ont-offioea of the Daily Telegraph building were in flames. The thing bed been too sadden to lead anyone to suppose that what at first was bnt a little fire wee the inception of s conflagration. The Tele graph office was speedily levelled to the ground. By this time the flames ware spreading on both aides of the Telegraph office, and Dnuoan’s auction meet wae in great danger on one side and a row of lawyers’ offices on the other aide. The fire was also spreading right through to Emer> ■on street, there being a strong southerly wind, and several buildings were observed to hive caught fire. Orest efforts were made to save the large Criterion Hotel, and this would undoubtedly hare caused the fUmes to spread to a long distance both sides of Hastings street. Fortunately the Criterion was at length sufficiently protected to allow of the Brigade directing their efforts to Tennyson street, and other buildings In Emerson street. By this time Hoadlsy and Co.'s fine premises wore on fire, and also those of yfartin (tailor). Snnsbnry and Logans’ new offices, and the premises of Neal (photographer) It wae generally thought that the Hawkes Bmy Herald office was perfectly secure, but the flames a:-read rapidly from Neal’s to the Herald office, and it was observed that the latter waa also burnio» fiercely. The whole of the Herald staff, and a boat of willing hands then removed cues of type, valuable dooanvn‘B, and everything that eager and wi ; li ig peop’e could lay bauds on, bnt the whole of the valnsble machinery was totally destroys K Farther up the street it was found that the rest of t he outbuildings on the Government land wa.-e on fire, but fortunately those flimes were speedily extinguished and gave no cause for alarm. As soon as the Herald buildings were reduc«d to ashes great fears were entertained for the safety of St J.ihn’s Church a id parsonage, behind the > Herald office- The fire was fortunately somewhat exbsu ted before reaching the church The parsonage farnltara was quickly removed, but was necessarily damaged in transit. Surrounding Messrs Hoadley’s were n amorous shops, and the fire wai spreading rapidly to them in a promiscuous manner which boded favor to none, bnt which meant de struction to all. Shop after shop want, and it was evident teat nothing could possibly save them. A suggestion to n..a powder was made but not acted on, and the fire fiend marched bn oblivions of all that was being done to stay his pro gress. O ' nr.e one aide of Tennyson street the Ha aid cffica was being reduced to ashes, the Masonic Hotel was In Simas, r Giro’s r.aida'ci was beginning to furnish Its quota to the devouring ele nHDf, On the oppnsl e side of the street the fl ones were playing havoc with the

row of small wooden buildings previously referred to. Fortunately its progress higher up had been stayed. There was a narrow street, Market street, between Me Spring’s establishment and the auction r mm; in thatdireotiooa boundary had been formed and a limit set to the destruction. At the ether end mere was a vacancy between ths lart office and a blacksmith’s shop, and the dim s could not leap tin distance. In Emerson street, a fire was raging on both sides of the •trec.t. Bankets were in requisition to cover various premises, and a willing crqwd of workers Wfs rendering assistance. For an hour the fire was at its fiercest, and a f ter that the efforts of the firemen, who bad been work mg like Trcjms, were beginning t > make headway on the firm as, and from that hour, though the fire went on, it was within the prescribed lim ts, and a aenca of relief w«s experienced that, barring accidents, the worst was over It was nearly noon before the fire had worked Itself out, and even long after that hour the flames were still to be seen here and there shootiag out thair lurid darts, and smoke was everywhere. The firemen were busy in all directions, and people ware beginning to move about with safely. The damage done cannot be estimated, but approximately It may be •et down el from £40,000 to £60,000. What the insurance! ere cannot be known, as the Union Office, one of Ihp leading In. suranee companies in the district, has been destroyed, and particulars are not yet obtainable. The following offices and places of bod. ness have been destroyed s In Tennyson street —Telegraph news paper office, Duncaa’s a notion room. Sheath’s (Solicitor) office, Lee’s (Solicitor) office, Garner’s (Deputy Assignee) offios, Priosbury and Logan’s old offices, also the offices and buildings of Alger, com mission agent; Wilding and do., timber merchants ; W Ellison, surveyor Cham berlain, commission agent; Martin, tailor; Salnsbury and Logan;Neal, photographer; Herald, newspaper ; Masonic Hall; Welle, blacksmith ; Evans, saddler; Bakins and Co , sheep dip manufactory. In Emerson street —Hoadley end Co , auction mart; Fitzheard, late fish shop..; Nicholson, (furniture warehouse ; Jansen, jeweller ; Lessong, surveyor; Lavl, tailor; Garnham (lata), painter. The premises of the following are damaged :—Worth’s boot shop; White, fsccv goods; McGill end Campbell, draper* ; West, greengmo- 1 ; Searle, mil liner ; Evening News office; N. Williams, house decorator ; National Insurance. Foil iwing are the Insurances so far as at present can be obtained i —South Brtifh, £3130; New Zealand £3150; Co'oniai £1080; London and Lancashire, £4OO The above figures do not really represent the total amount of insur ances. In consequence of the destine ti n of the Union Insurance office, in which it is supposed the heaviest Insur ances were effected, the amounts cannot as yet be ascertained. The fire commenced in a yard at turned to Banner and Liddie’a warehouse where stood a number of cum of iron bedsteads packed In straw. How it arose no one can say, but it apresd with astound ing rapidity. Of course an inquiry will be held, when the mystery may be unravelled. Mr Banner was the first to discover the incipient fire and the alarm was promptly given. The boundaries of the fire are marked very strong.ly The ground for two scot is hare. The Insurance on the Daily Telegraph office is only £2300, so that this loss will bo' exceeded by £2OOO. The Herald is inenred for £4OOO. out 'he proprietors estimate their loss at £ISOO additional.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 1886



C| HAWKINS, Bootmaker, Tinwald i, bas just received a pood assortment of *BOO'« 6 ND SUO’rS for the Summer Senaon, all of which wiU be so d at prices not to bo rubbed out in Ashburt' n. tarly call solicited 11*96 '.f ttt ANTED KNOWN that MRS STRIPLING HAS REMOVED from old premises in Burnett street (next to the Arcade) to the PANAMA B< jAHDING-UOUSE, TANCRK isTHEET (Lately occupied by Mr Lucas). 8°537 n.OtVL'r'S P NNY OY • L AND § STEEL PU LS EOR FEMALES quickly correct ail irregularities, and relieve the At reeling -ymptoms so pre valent wth the sex. Boxes Is lid and Is 9d, of ail Chemists and Patent Medicine -Vendors. repaved only by The Lincoln ‘and Midland Counties Drue Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. FOR COUGHS, COLD', Bronchitis, Asthma, Coryza, Ii fluecza, Con sumption, <fec, Tr-AY’S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, [\ , Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &o ■with Chlorodyne. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints. KAY’S COMPOUND, for Couchs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’S TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, *S'c. Con tains Quin n«, Iron, &c. CO AGULINE.—Cement for Broken Articles, Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers KAY EROS , Stcck ort, England,



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY The new goods for the SUMMER SEASON ARE NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE T' WN, And the variety of Style and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men’s and Eoya Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers •and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Leggi-gs in great variety Hats, compris’ng every new style worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Mcn of-War Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves; Oxford Aegatta and White Shirts Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WERTHEIM SK‘V;NG MACHINE. Time Payments. 15.55, CLOTHING FACTOR*', E*st- Sxsissr-



Wanted. \\7 A K TED KNOWN.—Washing and YV Mangling dono either by the day or dozen. Mangling 2d per dozen.— Address on application at 11 Guardian Office. 880



FURNITURE— To meet the times, W. DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than over. Chest or Drawers. £1 5s ; Sprina Couches, £1 5s Every other article equally cheap. AH new fu-niture at second-hand price 804 W r ANTED~A gi 1, about 18, to assist in housework. Apply office of th:s pspsr. - JCST OPENED —Choice sssortrneut - f New Spring Dress '•tuffs, Prints, Mrllenry, etc he cheapest House in town for'first class goods. Dressmaking on the promises. H. 0. Sesers. Mel Urd Hous‘d CHl ISTMA-'' an' New Year Cards in treat variety »nd very cheap. New Zealand Views. H. M. Jones. IXTANTED CASH.—New Currants, W s£d ; Valencias, 6d; Sultanas, 7d ; Elemes, 7d ; Muscatels, Is 6d ; boxes New Figs, 8d ; White Sugar, 2£d. Jas. McGbegok, opposite the Arcade. WANTED Icown—DTNOAN AND \\ CHAW H W have removed to the. r new premises, Fancied street, end of Arcade, *b< re f ey will conduct th ir next sde on Saturday. 18th inst 12§70



1 - ANTED known that J Heseltink V> Saddler, <£c , Burnett Btr et Ashburton, and at : inwald, is ELLING !>A CHEAPER THAN EVER Large Stock to select from. Reaper and Binder Canvasses made and repaired at oweatprices. Cash paid for Horsehair in any qn-ntify. Bote the address • Next Bullock’s Arcade, Bn:nett street, Ashburton. Special Advertisements. THE ASHBURTON WOOLLEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY Is prepared to PURCHASE for CASH, SHEEPSKINS and all kinds of WOOL, in large or small quantities. 12°2 W. F. HANNAFOBD, (Burnett stsei-t, oppeshe “ Mail" Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, fTTISHES to info m the public of *V Ashburton an the surrounding districts that he keeps in stock or can MANUFACTURE TO ORDER all de ecriptions of TINWARE for FARM or DAiRY purposes; also, all REPAIRS of any nature promptly executed in a skilful manner.



All goods sold at lowest remunerative prices A Tival eoucited HUB.SE-HAIR and BEESWAX bought in any quanti y forC.'.SH. 11 73 WILDING AND LEWIS, ■gAREIsTERS AND QOH-TTORS. F. W I~LD IN G, Notary Public. Offices; Next "Mail” Office, Burnett st,, Ashburton. Mr Wildinc? will attend the sittings of the Ashburton f oarts on Tuesday and Fridays, end may be consulted personally op tbeso oaya. The firm 1» now represented in Ash burton by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of cocs ; d rable experience, who will be in daily attendance at the office to receive instructions and comer wth dents. *IOO 8 WHITE, CAYGILL, & CO., BARRISTERS aND SOLICITORS, J. W. WHITE, Notary Public. NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned, Messrs Whitb and O. (White Smithson, and Raymond), of I'imaru, and John A Caygill, of Ash burton, have this day entered into Partnership as Barristers and Solicitors, -it Ashburton, under the style of “White, Caygill and O '.” Mr J. W White, will attei d the sit ings of the Courts at Ash art m. WHITE & CO., JOHN A. OdYQILL. Money to lend in any sums on approved freehold security. Offices ; Bullock’s Arcade 10*803



TO STAND THIS SEASON AT ASHBURTON, And Travel the Surrounding Districts, The Thoroughbred Horse, Kingfisher, For Pedigree see cards Terms—For one mare, £3 3s. A, reduction will Be made for throe or more mares, the property of one owner. First class padd- cks for mares at la per week Groomago fee, ss, payable at first service. E. COOKSON, Proprietor, 9+736 Livery Stables, Ashburtn.



MODS! SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL C'AJT KW BE HAD AT TBE ABjVE PIT. SHILLINGS PER TON, Or in Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, By the Truck. FOR CASH OjnLY. E. F. WRIGHT. M -SSR i TUCKER - AND RESTELL, Agents in Ashburto n 0 oi



Victoria House. HOLIDAY SEASON. 1886-87 SECOND \NNUAL GIFT DISTRIBUTION, comprising elegant Works of Art in Bohemian end Bulgarian Pain ed Vases, Glass Water Jugs, and Crystal Flower Stare’s, Ac GIFT COUPONS now being issued to Purchasers. DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c., Corner East and Tancred streets, Ashburton.



Special advertisements.



FOR Eeliable Goods AT MODERATE PRICES, ORR & AROORN ABE U napproachable. THE PREMIER STOCKS OF ASHBURTON, DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES. ! CAB PETS (NEW DESIGNS.)



Christmas Cards. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CARDS AND PRESENTATION PRIZE BOOKS AND NEW GOODS Suitable for CHRISTMAS & NEW TEAR PRESENTS. H. J. WOOD AND CO. BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS, (Late T. F. Farley) FRIED LANDER’S BUILDINGS. IN our New Season, 1886-7. Christmas and New Year Garda, are included the PRIZE DE-IQNS from the following celebrated publisbin • firms of London Faria, Vienna, New York, and Boston Raphael Tuck and Sona Marcua Ward and Co. Thomas de la Rue and Co. Hildeaheimer and Faulkner John Walker and Co. * Eyre and Spottiswoodo Marion and Co. L. Prang and Oo , Boston, D.S. And several other ‘Publishers, Comprising SEVERAL THOUSAND PRIZE DESIGNS,



Wa have received per s.e. Arawa and e.s Aorangi, ELEVEN CAS ; S OF NEW BOOKS Specially ordered for the Christina* Season, comprising the Latest Publica tions of toe renowned Publishers—Cassell and Co ; Thos. Nelson and Sons; Rout ledge ; Warne ; Partridge ; Griffith, Farren, Okeden, and, Welch ; Marcus Ward and Co ; and several English and American firms. And



SEVENTEEN OF NEW GOODS, Specially selected by onr Home Agent* for the C hristmas Season, Comprising Cabinets, Russian Leather Desks and Writing Case*, Photo. Albums in great variety of the m st elegant designs, Writing and Scrap Albums, New Zealand Fern Albums, Photo. Frames in silk plush and morocco, Workboxes and Desks Purses, C rd Ca es, Pocket Books, and every description of Fancy {stationery. H. J. WOOD & CO. STATIONS KS’ HALL, . Friedlanders 1 Buildings, Ashburton. G. L. Heath & 00. £IOOO 0 8 0 D



sth ANNUM DISTRIBUTION CHRISTMAS GIFTS To-Day. To-Day. To-Day N AND AFTER TO-DAY every Customer will re ceive a Ticket with each Purchase, entitling the holder to. select any Present of the value stated on the ticket, which will amount to about one-eighth of the purchase money. OF G. L. BEATH & CO., Argyle House, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH.



0 STAND THIS SEASON, NETHERBY FARM, ASHBURTON, And visit, the surrounding neighborhood, The Thoroughbred Stallion Johnny Faulkner. Pedigree : He is by St. Albans, out of Impudence, by Peter Wilkins, out of Prudence by Jersey, out of lilack Sail by Wanderer, out o f Fairy (imp.) (For tabulated pedigree see cards.) Terms : £lO 10s for thoroughbred mares. £5 5s for half-bred mares. Also, the Thoroughbred Stallion By Messenger, out of Kate O’Shane, Will stand at Netherby Farm, and travel he districts of Ashburton, Methven, Mount Somers, and • Alford Forest Terms; £3 10 ; guarantees, £5 ss. Season, let January, 1887. Guarantees, Ist Juy, 1887. AT Rouser, 9635 L MARKET, Proprietr e



Jt is Impossible to remain long siok or oat of health where Asasri?an Oo.’s Hop Bitten are need. See another The groats nourishing tonic, appetizer, etrongthener t.nd curative on earth. Hop Bitters uwSe paly by American Qq, Sea



We learn from the Telegraph, that travellers arriving at Napier by way of the M&nawstn Gorge states “ the beantifol scenery Is already being destroyed by the commencement of works in connection with the Gorge railway.” Those magnificent palms (Nikans) and other of the grand foliage peculiar to the Gorge are being destroyed by the ruthless hands of the workmen, and what at one time waa considered one of the moot Beautiful ol 2«»!aQ4’s soeoes, will soon lw of toe p»«t f Q|