DAILY MEMORANDA

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc Monday, December 27 ZbO.L;—Anneal Concert and Ball Ashburton Caledonian Society—Annnal Sports Rabaia Domain—Annual Races Primitive Methodist Church— Christmas Tree Rsrough Council, at Borough Connell Chambers at 7.30 Wednesday. December 29. Wakannl School - Meeting of Ratepayers Friday, December 31 Oddfellows’ Eall—“False Colors” at 8 o’clock

RAILWAY TIME TABLE

- Tbaihs Arrive at Ashburton— -From Ohrist hurch and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), |.85 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.37 V.m» (express). From Mount Somers, 10.6 UO Trains Leave Ashburton— For Christ horoh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., an 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and South, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

VI fti tfi close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m >.30 a.m., and 6 p.m,, daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a. m .ni 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, ■iftream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, •i Geraldine, at 10 a,m. daily. P>-ir Temuka, at 10 tm. and 4.30 p.m ! »Uy. for Timaro and South, at 10 a. n*, and >0 p.m., dally. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and tnrdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanul, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, id Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and tnrdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon flays and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes iajrs, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl at 10.30 a.m. Mall., arrive at the Ashburton Post ffico From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 :,m., 4.35 p.m,,.and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey &o. at 10.15 S and ,36 p.m. daily. From Dunedin •ad Intermediate places 5.39 n,m. daily. (From Temuka an Timarn at 10.40 a.m p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m- From Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 , m. From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed oesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl , at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thun, days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Manga est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1886. IMPORTED VERMIN.

Everybody has heard of the patriotic Scotchman in a neighboring Australian colony who, in his enthusiasisrn for his native country and everything apper taining thereto, brought out a plant of the national thistle in a flower-pot, and assembling his friends and neighbors gave a feast in celebration of its success ful planting in the soil of his new home, where it spread with a rapidity which speedily evoked curses instead of blessings, covering thousands of acres with impenetrable thickets. A similar instance of fatuity is to be found in the case of the Southland runholder, who gave a champagne spread on the occasion of the turning out of a few pairs of rabbits on his estate, the increase of the “ game” being jealously protected by an ordinance of the Pro vincial Council, under which the slaughterer of a rabbit incurred s penalty of “ not exceeding Nobody needs to be reminded that hundreds and thousands-of.acres in Southland and Otago have been over run and ruined by the long-eared de predators, that these have cost the country, directly and indirectly, millions of money, and that special legislation and special departments have had to be adopted or organised for their repiession. Yet another instance of the same sort of thing is afforded by the importation of foxes into some parts of Australia, where they have already become so numerous as to be a serious matter for flockowners, and yet another in the reckless turning loose in New Zealand, to the destruction of our cornfields, of those winged mice, the sparrows, which have also had to be legislated for, and for the destruction of which Road Boards and County Councils are already called upon to spend consider able sums out of the moneys of the ratepayers. Still, in face of all these evidences of the danger of injudicious interference with Nature's own dis tribution of flora and fauna, people do not seem to learn wisdom by experi ence, but go on making just as reckless experiments at the present time as any that have been made in the past. For example, in order to cope with the rabbit nuisance, we are importing and turning loose, as “ natural enemies ” of the mischievous rodent, thousands of ferrets, stoats, and weasels, and des pite the warnings of a few cautious people here and there, the “ natural enemy ” enthusiasts have it, for the present, all their own way. But we venture .to think—we only hope we may be wrong—that the day will come, and come soon, when there will be as bitter an outcry against these pesti ferous fercc naturcc as there ever has been against the rabbit, for if the country gets overrun with them—as why should it not?— not-only will the poultry-yards suffer but, we believe, the lambs also, while, still worse, young children in out-of-the way places will be by no means safe. An instance of the sort of thing that we may expect to be common occurred at Herbert the other day, where a ferret, which had escaped from its cage, made its way to the cradle of an infant daring the temporary absence of the child’s mother, and ale out one of the poor

little thing’s eyes before it was dis covered and captured—and, it is need less to add, killed. Some years ago we knew of another instance of the same kind in the Waimate district, ard, while the escape of tame ferrets is a rare occurrence, the circumstance of wild ferrets finding their way into settlers* houses, if only those which have been turned loose multiply as rapidly as we fear they will, will be by no means rare. The prospect is anything but a pleasing one, and if the rabbit nuisance can be dealt with effectively by other methods, as there is reason to think it can, then it is worse than folly to go in for the development ot another pest which will presently prove perhaps still more difficult to eradicate.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Ashburton Dramatic Society announce for New Year’s Eve a performance of the nautical drama, “ False Colors." The oast includes a number of well-known amateurs, whose names is a sufficient guarantee of excellence. Every pains is being taken to mount the piece well, and the publio may rely upon a very good evening’s entertainment. The Master of the Ashburton Home desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of the following donations for Christmas treat for the inmates :--Mr Charles Clark, of Christohu’ch, £1 Is; MrT. Bullock,Ashbur ton, £1 Is; Mr J. Tasker, sausages; Mr D. H. Brown, plum pudding; Ashburton Bread Company, large oaks; Mr J Hepburn, milk a Friend, strawberries

At Christchurch on Christmas Day Mr B. J. Hale, Chairman of the Linwood Town Board, Handioapper of the Heathoote Racing Club, and a prominent man in coursing circles, while getting off a tramoar in motion slipped, with the result that he was run over and instantly killed. At Dunedin on Friday an application was made to Mr Justice Williams that the hearing of the charge of murder against Thomas Hall be adjourned for six weeks. Ultimately an understanding was arrived at that the case will be taken on January 24th, and the grand jury can be asked to come back on the Friday previous to that date, for the purpose of returning a bill.

The Rev. J. S. Smalley is announced to conduct an Evangelistic Mission in the Wes leyan Church, Ashburton, commencing on Sunday next.

Carrier pigeons are being trained on a moat extensive soale by both the French and German War Departments.

A new gem has been manufactured in Paris. It is called the violane du cap, and is of clear, lustrous, purple color that in gaslight assumes a deep, vivid, red hue.

A table of the inquests hold during 1885 shows that there were 330 accidental deaths during the year. Six persona were the viotima of homicide; there were 51 suicides, in the oases of three of which verdicts of felo da se were found •, 21 were “ found dead,” and in seven cases the jury ascribed death to the visitation of God. In only five oases was death attributed directly to intemperance.

At ihe sitting 0! the Supremo Court in Auckland last week Hia Honor Mr Justice Ward dealt with no less than 104 casea of bankruptcy. In ninety.seven of these orders of release were granted to the official assignee. At the conclusion of the business Mr Cave made a remark as to the great number of cases, when His Honor replied laughingly, «It does not matter. I have always heard you save by taking a quantity, and I suppose it is true in this case.”

Public meetings in Westland seems to be pretty lively affairs. The Grey River Argus says that the meeting at Hokitika the other evening to consider the Kumara railway deviation could not have been very satisfac tory to anyone, as |it broke up in something like disorder. Mr Seddon evidently had no sense of time, as he spoke for nearly two hours. Several dog fights, and three gentle men speaking on the platform at the time may give some idea of the manner of meeting it was.

A number of silver and copper coins have lately been found on the beach at New Ply mouth, owing to a quantity of sand having blown away. It is believed that the coins were oast ashore when the Black Diamond or the Regina were wrecked in the early days of the settlement. The coins are chiefly of George lll.’s reign. There is, however, one shilling of 1839. The coins were quite black when found. A number of old Brown Bess bullets, and some steel tools were also picked up.

The London correspondent of the Otago Daily Times says : The New Zealand Government is desirous of accelerating the Ban Francisco mail service by two days each way, and Sir Dillon Bell has been holding interviews with the management of the Union Steamship Company to see if this matter can be arranged. There is every disposition to comply with the request of your Govern ment, but it' has been found necessary to deter doing so until nest spring, as it would be difficult to alter the time tables in the winter months.

“ Moody’s Church ” in Chicago was burned on the 12th ultimo. The church was built nineteen years ago by the evangelist, Moody, at an expense of 5100,000, which be had received in subscriptions from all parts of the world. It had the largest auditorium of any church in Chicago. The fire is supposed to have been lighted by an incendiary. Another move in the direction of the eman cipation of woman is talked of. The Girton girls, with other ladies who have studied at Oxford and Cambridge, or have taken degrees at the University of London, want a club to themselves in the metropolis, and one is likely to be established, on the model of the University clubs. It is impossible to remain long sick or out of health where Amerioan|Oo.’s Hop Bitters are used. See another

SANDER AND SONS’ BUOALYIPT EXTRACT.—In protection of the world-wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following :—Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Pathology and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System, says in an editorial published in the Clinical Record: —“We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufactures; the preparation of Sander and Sofia’ was the only one that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests.’’ Another concoction called “Refined Extract of Eucalyptus,’’ has made its appearance since This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost in causing injurious effects. That gentleman communicates at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became moat seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we fee warranted in exposing the above facts, and' desire the public to exerciser care' and pra caution when buying.— SANDER AND SONS—(Advt.)

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[rkcter's telegrams —copyright.] LONDON MARKETS. London, December 23 Cousols rem-tin at par. New Zea land securities—Five per Cent. 10.40 Loan, 103 ; Four and a half per Cent. Loan 99^d; Four per Cent. In scribed Stock, 96. The Bank of Eng land weekly returns show a total reserve in notes and bullion of a reduction of a million' during the week ; proportion of reserve to liabilities, 40 per cent. Colonial breadstuff’s and tallow are unchanged. POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS. A conference of the Agents-General with the Postmaster-General, for the purpose of discussing postal arrange ments between Great Britain and the Australian Colonies, was held to-day, but no settlement was arrived at. Further consideration has been ad journed until communications have been exchanged between England and the colonies, and Mr Raikes, Post master-General, expressed himself as doubtful if any decision could be arrived at prior to the meeting of the Imperial Conference in May next. THE BRITISH IN BURMAII. Rangoon. December 23 The British column, under General Low, has reached a position close to the ruby mines without meeting further opposition from the rebels, Kaloo, one of the most notorous Dacoit leader*. h- p made overtures for peace, and is pie pared to surrender. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. London, December 24. A fire broke out in Liverpool yester day at Lewis’ Bon Matche, The pre mises and contents, which include a large and valuable menagerie, were completely destroyed. The loss is estimated at

IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. A formal scheme for the establish ment of the Imperial Institute has been issued, based upon the agreement recently arrived at between the Agents- General and the Committee. It is proposed that the Emigration Bureau shall be connected with any now exist ing for the management of the Insti tute, undei Government control (sfc). London, December 25. The Australian Agents-General have expressed their approval of the scheme which has been issued relative to the establishment of an Imperial Institute. EGYPT. Orders have been issued for the im mediate withdrawal of 4000 British troops from Egypt. COLLISION, 1 isbon December 25. A collision has occurred on the Tagus between the ironclad Sultan and the vessel Vdle Victoria; the latter sank, and thirty of those on board were drowned. FEDERATION. Ottawa. December 26 An influential meeting of all political parties was held yesterday at Halifax, for the purpose of organising a Nova Scotian branch of the Imperial Federa tion League.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rrdter's telegrams—copyright ] MELBOURNE WOOL SALES. Mclbourne, Deo tnber 24 At the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company’s usual weekly sale yesterday, 3384 bales were offered, and 3886 sold, making a total of 3906 disposed of during the week. The bidding was spirited throughout. Greasy was decidedly firmer than last week. Scoured was somewhat easier. Greasy realised to and scoured i6d ; washed fleece to i4^d. NEW MINISTER. Sydney, December 24. It it announced that Mr McKellar has accepted the portfolio of Mines. MOUNT RENNIE OUTR AGE. Efforts are being made to obtain a reprieve of the prisoners who have been sentenced to death in connection with the Mount Rennie outrage. SERIOUS FIRE. Adelaide, December 25. A very serious fire took place in Rundle street on Thursday night, by which Castle and Co.’s drapery estab lishment and Cunningham and Co.’s hardware depot were destroyed, the entire premises being gutted. The damage is estimated at {sic). Later. The fire which occurred in Rundle street on Thursday night entirely de stroyed the Academy of Music.

TIN-KETTLING AT A WEDDING

At Adelaida on the 7th Instant the McLaren Vale shooting case came on (or trial »t the Supreme Court Criminal Sittings, when Frederick Giddlngs wa? charged with unlawfully wounding Edward Chapman, at McLaren Vale, on November 7. The facts are that the dnughrer of the accused had just been married, and * number of youths aesem. bled around the house and commenced “ tin-k jttling.” Qiddiogs asked them to desist without, avail, and he then fired a charge of shot amongst them, hlttine Chapman amongst others- Gidding was found gniitv, and bound over to appear for sentence when called upon.

INJURED BY VITRIOL.

Chicago, Nov 19. —The Timts’, Troy. N.Y., special of November 18th, says : A terrific tornado swept down the valley of the Mohawk river this morning and wrecked the large Vitlro Works of John L. Thompson O mpany, across the river froin here. Tfiero were eight men at work in the building, six of whom were fatally injured. The first three wore at work under a large tank of vitroil and its contents were spilled over them. Their clothes re burned off and their bodies shockingly mutilated. The add put out their eyes, and in their eff rt» to get to a place of aafety they wa’ked among the ruins and were farther injured by falling timbers. The other three men were badly burned by toe vitriol, bat not so severely,'bal their iujdtiesfrom this falling timbers were fatal

CALAMITY AT JACKSON'S BAY.

AVALANOUEB OF M D LOS -i F LIFE Wellington, D-cemher 23 A report from Jackson’s Bay saya he' a heavy landslip has destroyed game-it and houses, etc. One youth, named Robinson, was overpowered, and carrivi' away m the slip, and thnro is no p -«*i bibty of r-covetin;/ the dy. Hokitika D ci mho- 2* P°rtloulars of tin J c -on Bay riisv- -r ah w tmi 'h'» rata c moi ’r ced >n f»l ---aturdiy, 4’h Inst., an i, wi h the excep tion of a few hours on Monday, an in es sant downpour non o o-d till the follow ing Thursday. The hills were thoro''ghly saturated. it 9 o’clock on the oighi >-i the Bth the inmates of houses w -r. Startled by a lout umbling noise, f iihrw-d by aroar/f rushing waters indicative of the descent of an eu >rm <ns mass -v sudden rash of muddy water surrounded houses, and a son, aged 13 years, of Mr Robinson, of the Royal Hotel, was carried away, Robinson accompanied by the boy endeavoured to divert the flow into another channel. While so engaged an enormous mass was detached from the mountain sides and rapidly advanced on them. Robinson endeavoured to clutch his sou but was himself knocked down while the boy whb overwhelmed and carried away The b «dy was not -ee ve ed at 3 on Thursday morning. Then another avalanche of water and earth came down overthrowing fences and on houses belong ing to Mr MacFariane, R M., but did not carry away tha house. th» wupants of which were rescued with diffisulty. Sh.*rt'y afterwards another terrfio roar alarmed the watchers, and showed them wha‘ appeared to be a n side moving a owly upon 'hem. This miss completely stove in VfacF irlane’s house. Robinson's hotel suffered equally, the kiiohen being buried, and the dining-room wall crashed The miss hurled the piano through a parti ion into an adj doing ro"m. During the day the room »as completely pile! with rubbish. Robinson’s garden and crons were covered to a dep h of from 6 to 40 feet with trees, bonlders, and mad An attemot was'made on Friday to clear away tha mud. but fresh mod flawed in as rapidly as he other was taken away The damage wis not confined to the township, the track at Arawata F at being Completely mined by enormous slips Suddenly what seemed like a whole mountain’s ride leaped into the air, a d precipita ed itse f Into the sea with a roar like thnnder, causing the sea to surge np 30 or 40 feet, and becoming a seething mass of foam for miles round: Huge fissures are cut into the mountain aide, down which roaring torrents are pouring.

THE RESIGNATION OF LORD R. CHURCHILL-

FEELING IN ENGLAND. [REUTERS TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT ] London, December 23. Conservative evening papers gener ally condemn the action of Lord Randolph Churchill in resigning his position in the Ministry, London, necpinber 24 It is understood that a hopeless differ ence of opinionwhich exists between the Marquis of Salisbury and Lord Ran dolph Churchill on the subject of local self-government is the main cause of the latter resigning his position in the Cabinet. There is a consensus of opinion that the Cabinet has been severely damaged by the step which Lord Randolph has taken. Conservatives are furious with him, and the leaders of that party are unanimous in their desire that Lord Hartmgton should be asked to form a coalition Ministry. Lort Hartington is at present in Rome, and communica tions are; being addressed to him with that object. In addressing a meeting at Birming ham last night, Mr Chamberlain stared that he considered Lord Randolph’s resignation an evidence of the triumph of. . Conservative principles in the Cabinet, and declared the present oc casion offered a great opportunity for the reunion of the Liberal party, who were agreed on all points with the ex ception of immediately granting Home Rule to Ireland, Mr Chamberlain, in conclusion, made an appeal to Liberals of all shades of opinion to make an honest attempt for the reunion of the -party.

Lord Salisbury has made overtures Hartington with a view to a coalition, offering to resign the Premier ship- to a Liberal statement. He also proposed that Lord Hartington should accept that position in the Cabinet, and lead the House of Commons. London. ' ‘eoember 25. The Marquis of Hartington has left Rome for this city, were he is expected to arrive on Monday next. It is considered probable the meeting of Parliament will be postponed until February next.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, December 24.

Hood has been committed for trial for the Ohaewai post office safe robbery Halliday, who turned approver, was ad mitted to bad. The cave of altered Impersonation at the Waitemata election against fleiry Brady, has been remanded till the 29th A criminal summons has been issued for Thomas Kelly, of Wade, In connection with the affair. Bushmen, withTarge cheques, continue to pour into the city for ihe holidays, and it Is expected “ lambing down ” will go on briskly Blenheim, December 24.

The funeral >*f the late Mchdeaoon Bu t yesterday was the largest known in Marl borough, The shops were dosed, and buriueei was suspended. Bishop Sutor performed the service. Many Maoris attended, and showed ranch grief on account of th-t death of the venerable gentleman. Gisborne, December 26.

A yonng man, named Janus Waylie, was found on Christmas morning hanging to a tree in one of the suburbs of the town. He bad been missing from his home a few days, and was known to have been in a despondent state of mind. It was a case of deliberate suicide. He evidently cimbed up the tree, tied a hempen and wire rope r >und his neck, and jumped off The drop was 20ft, and death must have been in stantaneous, The gear used must have taken some time to erect. At the inqnest a verdict of “ suicide while of unsound mind ” was returned Gretmooth, December 25. While H. Dobson’s party were survey ing for the Midland Rai.way, dose to Lake Brunner, they came across so enormous red pine (rlmu) 66ft in ciroam erence, be tween 180 ft and 200 ft without a branch. Other trees of the cluster are large, but nothing \o this monarch of the forest. Steps are to be taken for the protection of the giant tree. Dunedin, December 2L A poundkeeper was to-day fined 5* and costs for charging for feed for horses which he had net given them. It appear ed from tho evidence that he had fed the horses before 6 a.m., whereas the Act provides that they shall be tea between six sad nine.

PICNICKING ON THE BACK.

At this time of ‘hr > ar, esp cially on sue'' h fiercely h t Hay as we had on Saturday the very idea of a trip to the baa«,h and of a sight •-£ the big white crested waves is cooUng and refreshing, and if is not surpris n . therefore, that on Ohriatni s Day tnere was a perfect exodus Wakaoniwards. The road was alive with vehicles of a’l sorts, fro n the b g bay— cushicnr d dray loaded up wi'h a smiling hippy family par'y including ur.count d numbers of r.-sy-cheeked c ildren. tb'thi more ambitious buggy and pair, or the moiny or wril-horsed coach on and in and around which the st-p to the box seat every available perching pUce was ecupied »ha passengers swarming all o/er the ve : c'es Ik a cast of bees K- erybodv was d eased in her or h s best particularly her's, and everybody seemed lo be in the very high st of sp rite, and the road all 'he way from Ashburton ti the sea was a scene of life and jollity Down fo within a mile of the beach it is a splendid level nad, passing between well* cultivated paddocks, now hedge-high with wheat and oats, nearly all looking grandly and promising, bar nor’westers, an abun dant harvest. And here it may be noted that the breadth of wheat in this district will be much larger than last year, and given s fairly paying tirioe oar farmers ought to do well. About a mile from the beach the road descends into a broad riv r bed, down which in the geological ages most have fl »wed a mighty river bat which i< now threaded by what is only at ordinary times (that is s tve at s*-as ins of flood) an i significant creek widening out into a small tidal lagooo, where are to be found silve ies and other small fish, an i sometimes very fair Sounders Turn ing towards the sea the road becomes very indifferent, consisting of a mere rutted tractc among tussocks, with depressions in the ground very risky for springs, and seeing the numbers of people who, at holiday times especially, frequent it, there is some reason to complain of the Wakanni Road Board as behind the age altogether in not studying the public convenience a little. They would earn general thanks if they would clear away a track and level it—they need not metal- i-, though, as it is only in summer time that the road is much used, and shingle is not pleasant to travel upon. Arrived on the beach, the terrace above ttie sea was like an encamp ment picnic parries by the score having disposed themselves at chosen spots, and gipsy fires being set acuing with the aid >f 'he drift-wood to boil the kettles for ch» c 'veied cap of tea, while here, there, and everywhere were al freset spreads of a m >»t appetising sort—fowls, hams, salads, cake, and lots of other good things, not forgetting Christmas puddings, being all to the fore. These discussed, there whs dancing to the strains of fiddle and coocer.tua, and merry outdoor games, an 1 for those who were apcoolly inclined, rambles in twos along the beach, and quiet courtships In convenient nooks. Then there was the pleasure of wa'lringas close as possi ble to the curling waves and an occa sional shrieking iu i for safety as soma biggo" roller than usual came tumbling in, not infrequently soaring rather more thau the hem of the garment and giving to sweeping skirts rather a bedraggled appearance. And so passed a very happy day. and just as the sun began.to decline 'here was a great harnessing np and a g»n ral start w*s made, the road being speedily again gay with songs and laughter as the merry holiday parties made their way horn wards, all vowing that there *s r>o mo re-pleasant experience in life than a picnic on the beach at Wakanui.

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAM-* —COPYRIGHT ] Paris Deoa*»b*r 23. The Bulgarian deputation has arrived in this city from Berlin. hkrlin 23. The unofficial Nord Dm'sche Zeitung publishes an article to-day advocating the increase of-the Array Bill being proceeded with at any cost. ViK'NA. December 23. The action of Germany in leaving the settlement of the Bulgarian question in the hands of Russia is increasing*the umbrage which has already been mani fested against Germany on the part of the Austrian people.

THE NAPIER FIRE

Nambr. December 24. After adjustment, the net losses of the severs! Insurance Companies by the late fift* * Snath British, £2959 Union, £2700 C >lonial, £2* 50 Victor's £2O >0 Ne« Zailano, £lBlO National. £HOO Standard, £7BO Northern. £6lO Norwich, £550 United, £ R SO London and Lancashire, £4OO Liverpool, London and OtoN, £2lO Australian alliance, £l7O Equitable £IOO

A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

(Bx the Editor.) w

<• A merry, merry, Ohistmas,” And “ A happy, glad New Tear I” The kind, old-fashioned greeting, To ev’ry heart so dear; Methinks I hear it sounding. From (ar across the deep; From hearts that aye the absent In fond rememb’ranoe keep; And baok again it echoes From Earth’s remotest strand, .And gathers into chorus Bound the dear old fatherland. 0 merry, merry Christmas, Where the holly-bemas glow, Among the dark green branches That bend beneath the snow; - Where through the frost-bound windows Streams the Yule log’s gladsome light. And the good cheer loads the tables That are thronged with faces bright. Where the mistletoe is hanging In cottage and in hall. And, for one happy season, “ Love ” truly “ levels all.” Where the sound of mirth and danoing, And of children’s laughter clear. Makes Christmas of all seasons The brightest of the year. And a Christmas just as merry, Where the harvest sun rides high. In this our fair New Zealand With her blue Italian sky. Where the lark goes soaring gaily From her nest among the corn. To sing her Christmas carol At the pearly gates of morn. Where a crown of red, red roses. And a wreath of lilies fair, Instead of snow and holly. Doth our Southern Christmas wear Ay, a Christmas just as merry-—. For out hearts are aye the same— And we’U keep it as we kept it In the land from whence we mate. With thankful hearts and joyous, With tables filled with eheer. With thoughts of love and kindness For friends both far and near. With full and free forgiveness Of past transgressions dumb, With hope and faith directed To the days that are to come. With a smile to cheer the fainting, And a hand to lift the load Of the heavy-laden toilers On life’s too ragged road. We’ll meet the blessed season. To ev’ry heart so dear. And we’ll spend a merry Christmas, **—*Arid expect a glad New Tear. — Mail,

-• m?n?gITHEASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY DECEMBER 27, 1886



THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN. From and after the 30th November, 1886, the tonne of Subscription to this journal will be U follows, viz.:— IF PAID IK ADVANCE ! Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d *, Half-year 12s fid, by "oat, 18a 6d „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 37s Od nr booked : Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 16s Od. by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 80s Od, by post, 43s Od Birt Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid lor at the time of insertion, #8 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment); if booked, u 6&ohe PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAY RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE ORB RATES. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country district*, require to be verified by the signa ture of ths person sending the notice.



C HAWKINS, Bootmaker, Tinwald , has just received a good assortment of BOOTS aND SHOES for the Summer Season, all of which will be »o;d at prices not to be rubbed out in Asbbnrtcn. Early call solicited. 11*96



anted known MRS STRIBLING HAS REMOVED .from old premises in Burnett street (next to the Arcade), to the PANAMA BOARDING-HOUSE, TANCRBD STREET (Lately occupied by Mr Lucas). 8°537 TOWLE’S PENNYROYAL AND STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing aymptoms so pre valent with the sex. Boxes la IJd and la 'v 9d, of all Ohemiata and Patent Medicine v endors. repared only by The Lincoln d Midland Counties Drug Co., Lincoln, * /land. Wholesale of all the Wholesale '’ •uses. Beware of Imitations. jjlOR COUGHS, COLDS Bronchitis. j' Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con , -nut-on, &o. rr AY’S COMPOUND OP LINSEED, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &c »’’h Chlorodyne. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, aod Chest Gcmplaints. KAY’S COMPOUND, for Couehs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for > W orses and Cattle. AY’S TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, <sc. Con .aina Quin ne, Iron, &c. CO AGULINE.—Cement for Broken A r tides, • Sold Everywhere. 'Sole Makers :—KAY BROS., Stock port, England, THAT



Wanted. WANTED KNOWN.—Washing and .dangling dona either by the day or dozen. Mangling 2d per dozen.— Address on application at “ Guardian Office. 880 FUBNITFRE— To meet ihe times, W DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than ever, Chest of Drawers, £1 5s ! ' priow Couches, £1 5a Every other article equa'ly cheap. A'l new furniture at second-hand price 804 WANTED a respectable Young Man to drive Bread Cart, with good references Apply B, Morris, Triangle Bakery, Ashburton. ' 12 134 WAITED KNOWN.—That Angus McPherson has opened the Edin burgh and Glasgow Cooking Pa'ace, Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, ad joining the Club, Ashburton. 12 130 JUST OPENED—Choice sssortmeut rf New Spring Dress tuffs, Prints, Milieuty, etc. he cheapest House iu town for first class goods. Dressmaking on the premises. H. 0. Segkbs, Mel ford House. _ |\ T ANTED CASH.—New Currants V\ sid ; Valencia-, 6d ; Sultanas, 7d ; Elernes, 7d ; Muscatels, Is 6d ; I£H> boxes New Figs, 8d ; Whito Sugar, 2|d Jas. McGregor, opposite the Arcade.



WANTED PLEASURE SEEKERS in hui drtds to VISIT HUNT’S during tho Holidays, and enjoy Boating, Sbady Walts, Strawberries and Cream. Entrance gate within eight minutes’ walk of Town belt. _■ 12 137 I*7 ANTED known that J Heseltine VV Saddler, do, Burnett str et Ashburton, and at I inwald, is "ELLINQ SAi DLERY CHEAPER THAN EVER Large Stock to select from. Beajjer and Binder Canvasses made and repaired at lowest prices. Cash paid for Horsehair in any qu-mtity. Note tho address Next Bullock’s Arcade, Burnett street, Ashburton. 12tl Special Advertisements, THE ASHBURTON WOOLLEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY Is prepared to PURCHASE for CASH, SHEEPSKINS and all kinds of WOOL, in large or small quantities. li°2



J6TBW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY The new goods for the SUMMER SEASON AKE NOW. OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, Anri the variety of Stylo and Patterns In ‘ Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men’s and Boys 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, comprising every new stylo worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suits Gentlamen’s . Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford Jegatta and White Shirts Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. H.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, East Stbuct



CAUTION TO POACHERS. IN consequence of so much Poaching of Trout from the LagmLor Creeks I hereby give notice that anyone found so doing will be prosecuted ; and further, that a reward of £2O will be paid to any person who will give each infornufon as shall lead to the conviction of such offenders. DONALD MgLEAN, 11*36 Lagmhor; TO STAND THIS SEASON AT ASHBURTON, And Travel the Surrounding Districts, The Thoroughbred Horse, Kingfisher. For Pedigree see cards Terms- For one mare,, £3 3a. A reduction will be made for three or more mares, the property of one owner. First class padd cks for marea at la per week Groomage fee, ss, payable at first service. B. COOKSON, Proprietor, 9J735 Livery Stables, Ashburtn.



MOUNT SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL CAN NOW BE HAD AT TBE ABOVE PIT ♦ FOR SHILLINGS PER TON, Or in Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, ’ By the Truck. FOB CASH OisLY. E. F. WRIGHT. MESSRS TUCKER - AND RESTELL, Agents in Ashburton. o°3l



WHITE, CAYGILL, & CO., BARRISTERS aND SOLICITORS, J. W. WHITE, Notary Public. is hereby given that the undersigned, Messrs White and O. (White* -Smithson, and Raymond), of Timaru, and John A. Cayoill, of Ash barton, have this day entered Into Partnership as Barristers and Solicitors, at Ashburton, under the style of “White, Caygill and Oo." Mr J, W. White, will attend the sittings of the Courts at Ash arton. WHITE & CO.. john a. caygill. Money to . lend.. In any . scms on approved" froeholdreeCarhy.— - - Offices : Bollock’s Arcade. 10*803



Victoria House. HOLIDAY SEASON. 1886-87 SECOND ANNUAL GIFT DISTRIBUTION, comprising elegant Works of Art in Bohemian and Bulgarian Painted Vases, Glass Water Juga, and Crystal Flower Stands, &c GIFT COUPONS now being issued to Purchasers. DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPER CLOTHIERS, &0., Corner East and Tancred streets, Ashburton. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING COME Inspect, a'd Select from the LARG 'ST STO”K of TOYS AND PANOV GOODS in the County bought especially to commemorate the annual visit of the above listing ished visitor Como and R-e the UNPARALLELED, SHOW OF DOLLS all sorts and sizes. GLASS and. RASKEi WARE, beautiful Plush Brackets, and Mirrors . JAPANESE GOODS and NICK-NACKS of all descriptions. PRIZE and REWARD BOOKS LOWEBT POSSIBLE PRICES. Schools Liberally dealt with. COME EARLY TO AVOID THE CRUSH. H. M. JONES 12 131



Special advertisements. Christmas Cards. CHRISTMAS ANDREW YEAR CARDS AND PRESENTATION P TZB BOOKS AND NEW GOODS Suitable for CHRISTMAS A NEW YEAR PRESENTS.



H. J. WOOD AND CO. BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS, (Late T. P. Farley) FRIEDLANDER’S BUILDINGS. IN our New Season, 1886-7. Christmas and New Year Cards, are included the PRIZE DE'IQNS from the following celebrated publishing firms of London Paris, Vienna, New York, and Boston : Raphael Tuck and Sons Marcus Ward and Co. Thomas do la Rue and Co. Hildeshoimor and Faulkner John Walker and Co. Eyre and Spottiswoodo Marion and Go. L Prang and Co , Boston, US. And several other Publishers, < 'omprising SEVERAL THOUSAND PRIZE DESIGNS. We have received per s.s. Arawa and b.s Aorangi, ELEVEN CAS S OF NEW BOOKS Specially ordered for the Christmas Season, comprising the Latest Publica tions of the 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 C OF NEW GOODS, Specially selected by our Home Agents for the ( hristmas Season, Comprising



Cabinets, Ruesao l eather Desks and Writing Case?, Photo. Albums in great variety of the mi st elegant designs, Writing and Scrap Albums, New Zealand Fern Albums, Photo. Frames in silk plush and morocco, Workboxes and Desks Purses, Cord Canes, Pocket Books, and every description of Fancy H. J. WOOD & CO. STATIONERS’ HALL, Friedlanders’ Buildings, Ashburton. G. L. Death & Co. £IOOO 0 8 0 D sth ANNUM DISTRIBUTION CHRISTMAS GIFTS ,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. OP



Gr. L. BEATH & CO., Argyle House, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. W. F. HANKAFOED, (Burnett street, opposite “ Mail” Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, WISHES to inform the public of Ashburton an' the surrounding districts that he keeps in stock or can MANUFACTURE TO ORDER all de scriptions 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 Trial solicited H' »RSE-HAIR and BEESWAX bought in any quanti j for CaSH. 11 73



WILDIN(? AND LEWIS, AND gOLIOITORS. F. wiTding, Notary Pdblio. Offices: Next “Mail” Office, Burnet tat., Ashburton. Mr Wilding will attend the sittings of the Ashburton Courts on Tuesday and Fridays, and may be consulted personally or these days. The firm is. now represented In Ash* burton by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of .considerable experience, who will be in daily attendance at tbs office to receive instructions and confer with cleats. *IOO B



FOR Reliable Goods MODERATE PRICES, ORR & ALCORN Unapproachable. |THB PREMIER STOCKS •V ASHBURTON, DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES. CARPETS (NEW DESIGNS.) 0 STAND THIS SEASON. NETHERBY FARM. ASHBURTON, And visit the surrounding neighborhood, The Thoroughbred Stallion Johnny Faulkner. Pedigree : He is by St .Ibans, out of Impudence, by Peter \\ bins, out of Prudence by Jersey, out ot Rack Sail by Wanderer, out of Fairy (imp.) (For tabulated pedigree sea cards ) Terms : £lO 10a 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, Ist January, 1887. Guarantees, Ist July, 1887. AT ARB AT Houser 9635 L MARKET, Proprietrr