THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS.

** Wellington, December 15. The Governor presented the New Zea land cross to Lieut-Colonel McDonnell at. Government House this morning, in the presence of the Fous. Buckley, Foie, Larnach, Major-General Whitmore, and garrison officers. His Fxcellency made a brief speech explaining that ttie cross had been insti tuted at Sir G. Whitmore’s nstance, aud by the Queen’s special order It ranked with, and next after the Victoria Cross being the only similar order in the Empire. He read from a Gazette procla mation of the deeds lor which Colonel McDonnell Was awarded the declaration, particularly his reconnaisance w fh Major Von Tempsky at Fararatu. in the Waika’o, in 1864. He explained that nur relations with the Maoris were very different then to now, when the wisdom of various Governments has brought about much more peaceful relations. He ended with a few complimentary expressions to the recipient. Colonel McDonnell said he felt that he ■ had obtained the cro-s a ter such a length of time through the kin ness of Mr Ballance, and ot L er members of the present Government, and owing to the persistent recommendations of his old commanders Generals Cameron and Chute. He ex pressed sorrow that his old friend, the gallant V.m Tempsky, was not by his aide to receive the full share of honor he deserved by a similar decoration He d d not appreciate the reward less by having had to wait so long, and thanked his Excellency and those present for the honor they had done him This concluded the pioceedings, The cross was specially mad« in England, and Is an extremely i-andeome decoration. *n shape it is similar to the Vic oria Cross, but the material is silver instead of tun metal, and each ray of the cross has a gold star on it In the centre is a gold wreath, inscribed “ New Zealand.” The Governor’s statement as to the value of the cross will probably be news to most colonists. There are only 18 holders in New Zealand. The decoration carries £lO a year with it.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney December 9 Up to December 7'h 2924 persons had obtained relief from the Government Depot, and 1525 persons had been found employment* The Hospital authorities arc urging the completion of the building In McQuarrie street.

Beach has been entertained at a com plimentary picnic. The case against Wright and Heaton for alleged railway frauds tus been postponed until Febmary or March. Three material witnesses for tbe Crown are absent, and cannot be found. Defen dants complain of the delay. Political matters just now am not very active, but some members of the Opposi tion continue to address m eti« s/s.

£ The new Chief Jnst oe has * ran sworn la and entertained by the bar Alderman A. J. i ihy has been elector Mayor of Sydney by a majority of en vois over Alderman Harris The cboic<- la popular. The A.b.N. t'ornpiny’* first has been disposed of to th« Qm ml nd hipping Company for £2 ;0 COO, it.obi'Mvc of wharves and p opert:es. I has trans pired that Hnddart and P*rser were pre pared to bid a higher sum. The new concern will bo the Doited Austral-an Shipping Company, and probably com mence running in February next.

Very besvy rains have fallen over the country, and in some places per tens * f the railway line have been washed awa>. The ralnf ll in the central ard southern districts of Queensland has been the heaviest known for five years Cooktown, December 6 The Dutch war steamer Trump recently punished tne nat ves of tbe New Guinea coast for acts of attempt' d pirecv. The crew landed a d burnt a native vi lage. Muxboubne, Decembe 8 A large deputation of shopkeepers waited on the ; render to ask for the 16- peal of tbe Early Closing of Shops Act They pointed ou v that, the compulsory clauses Indicted great hardship and in some cases absolute ruin on some classes of shopkeepers. Mr Gi lies add it was Impossible to do anything this suasion. The propcssl to piece £4OOO on the Estimates for the Prison Gate Brigade of the Salvation Army was defeated by one vote.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, December 14. The fall returns for tbe Waitem»ta election give Mr Monk a majority of 435 A quantity of machinery ha* arrived from Home for the North New Zealand Woollen Factory. At tbe Civil Sessions, Tamato, a Maori dief, recovered £3OO damages for mali eions prosecution from John Anson Snbri tnhy, of Mongonni. **ome of tbe suburban School Com mittees have determined to enforce the compulsory clause after the New Tear holidays to put down truancy. Two arrests have been made tv the Post Office burglary at Ohaewal, and further arrests are expected to-day. The foundation of St Bendict’s Church has been condemned by the Building In spector. Tbe new building is to be of ferlok. J. S. Gibbous was charged at the Police Court this morning with setting fire to his premises at Onehunga. He was remanded for a week, bail being allow* d in £4OO The mother of Geffrey, accused of the Great Barrier murder was fined this morn ing for drunkeness Mrs Traill, believed to have been drowned in the harbor and buried, has turned up at the Fallen Women’s Home Tbe mystery of tbe drowned woman is still anrevealed.

Wellington, December 14 The first case m this city under the Defence Act of 1886 ia now In coarse of progress avainst a private la a local com pany. By section 47 and following sec tions cf this Act, the officer commanding 8 Volunteer company Is empowered to in flict fines for certain offences, and on non payment of the same to report" the case to the Commanding ' fficer of the district If the fine still remains nnp'id, notwith standing an order to that effect, he papers Including the order, are s»nt to the Clerk of the Bench, who records the order, which has there and then, with' nt further judi cial procedure, the same effect as if a con viction had been recorded, and a d'Btre>-8 warrant is then issued for the recovery of fine and costs. "Wellington, December 14 The property tax payments, the first! - stalment of which was doe to-day, are coming In better than in any previous year, and it Is estimated t‘at £30,0(0 was paid up 'to last night Between to day and the 18th Instant it is expect-d that the greater part of the tax will have been collected. Dunedin, December 14 The City Council wilt defend the action by Ssrgocd’s for £5300 for damages to their stock thtouch their severs being ■topped daring the August floods The body found in the Cloths river, near Trapeka, has been declared by a jury to be that of Andrew Da T z’el, and they returned an open verd'et, as there was no evidence as to how deceased came to fall into the river. While the Marat oa was at Dnnedln a charge was made for an inspection by th< public, resulting In a collection of £BO which has been divided among the local charities.

BOROUGH COUNCIL

The annua! meet! g of the Ashburton Borough Ccuu il w-s h’ld t the Council • "lamberj, at i.oun to—iay. I’rasenc- The May r ard Crs Reid bealy, Tuci-or, i ’\om.is, H uiison. Wi'liamsou and Craighead. The Mayor apologised for he absence of Cr Bird The were also present Messrs Hugo F- ied’anf’er and T. Bullock, ex-May or*, Mr C. E Fook-», the Borough. .• ngtneer Mr ! Crisp, Bir .Urfh Solicit >r, M. J 0. D mean, Bor. ugh Auditor, and -erg ant Felton. Tne minutes of the previous annual meet ng hiving been read ai d coifi med, the Miyor /tv ewtd the works which had been cmien o ur Py iha Council during his term of office, the principal of which were the extension of on' fa’l drain, com pletion of traffic bridge, improvement of the Domain by t' e unemployed, and the planting of eight acres In the riverbed. In retiring from he chair he desired to rrtnr i h'« thanks to th-* members of the Council for the asststtnoe they hid rendi rod him during the time he had occupied he chair. It cave him muc'i pleasure in calling on Cr Sealy to sign the dto a-atioj, and he was sure the burgesses deserved congratulation upon having secured a gentleman of »uch ability f.r the position of Mayor. He then handed over the keys to Or -coaly and vacated the chair. Or w ea ! y, the new Mayor, then took his seat and rece ved the congratulations of toe Council.

Mr R. Friedlander, ex-Mvyor, pro posed the health of the new Mayor, who, in returning thanks, exp eased his thanks to th retiring Mayor for the kinds senti ments he had exp eased towards him. He trusted ha might be enabled to do his duty during his term < f office in a way that would be b<m< Seal to t ie town and pleasing to the Council. He only trusted he m ghf succeed in the manner that his pred*'censor had, 1 nt the felt this w. uld be a difficult ta>k He trusted th/' good feeling which existed in the Council would continue m the fum-e, and Hint at ihe conclusion of his year of office he might be able to o mgrat >la’e the 0 m-ncil upon the disappearance of the depression now existing.

The Mayor then proposed the health of his predecessor, Mr It Friedlander Ha sud that he had eat with that gentleman as Councillor and Mayor, and ho had lound it a pleasure to work with him in either ca acity It was mainly to Mr Friedlander’s tact and ability that the traffic bridge had been erected on such favorable terms to the borough, and in innumerable other instances the Council and borough had received the bemfit of bis experience. Mr Friedlander, in replying, said he regretted that he had n t accomplished more in the interests of the town than he had. He had always felt it a pleasure to work for the benefit of the burgesses, but had he not received great assistance from the members of the Council, his endea vors would not have not been crowned wi'h such success as had attended them With regard to the traffic bridge, the County t ounctl de eived the thanks of the town for the manner in which they hsd met the wishes of the Borough Council.

Mr T Bullock proposed “ The Borough Council ” in a neat speech The Mayor, and Crs Williamson and Harrison responded. Cr Thomas proposed the health of “ The t x-31ayors ” The toast was responded to by ex- Mayora T. Bullo'k, 11. Friedlander, D Williamson, and R. Fiiedlander. In the course of his speech, Mr H, Fiiedlander expressed tbe opinion that slWurt d would xentually be ore of the richest boro ugh*: in the colony Mr H. Friedlander proposed “The C unity Council,” coupled with the name of ex- ounciilor Bui'o k. who responded Mr K Fr edlander proposed “ The officers of the Council " lie spoke at great length, an-l referred in the highest terms of praise to these gentlemen, upon possessing whom the Council might well congratulate itself During his term of office, he tad received the greatest assistance from the Town Clerk, Mr O Braddell That gentleman had all in formation that might be required at Ins finger’s ends ; be was diligent in his atten ton to his duties, though those duties made great inroads upon time which he should have at his private disposal He earnestly hoped that during the present Mayor’s term of offion the Comcil would find itself in a position to augment the Clerk’s salary to an extent that would be more In accord ance with the value of the work be per formed than that he was now receiving. Mr Friedlander paid a high oorap'iment to the Borongh Engineer. Sir 0. C Fooks, and adduced the present appearance of the t> wn and the recent improvement which has been carried out in the Domain as a testio ony to that gentleman’s worth and ability. The Borough Solicitor, Mr E G Crisp, was deserving of the thanks of Co.mcil for the service he had rendered Mr Friedlander th n expressed hia thanks to Sere eant Felton for tbe help that had always been afforded by him. He con cluded by paying a neit compliment to tbe auditor The toast was responded to by the Town Clerk the Engineer, Borough Solicitor, the auditor and Sergeant Fe’ton. The toast of “ The Press ” hi ought the drcceedings to a close

A MOA'S FEATHER.

The Evening Press gives the following description of a moa’s feather which it has been shown, and which is said to be In a wonderful state of preservation :—“ It is exactly a foot long, but it is scarcely more than a third of an inch wide at the widest part, a Blender*plume of singularly grace ful proportions and altogether unlike the feather of any bird now in exi-tence. tin of a d«rlc erey color and has a wiry ap pearance, as if it were hair rather than feather ; tut when closely examined It, is seen to consist rf a mn*t-tude of beau'i fully soft plnmeh ts, arranged in perfectly symmetrical order upon a quill of exceed lug fineness and flexibility So fl xible is it, indeed, that it can be coiled round in a circle a’d pressed between the leaves of a honk without any danger of i jurlng i k . This rare »pecimen of the plumage of the gigantic Vird so recently ex'inot, the his tory of which is such a profound mystery, was found about eight feet below the anr f«ca in a quarry on the property of the Hon. Mr Larnach, Minister of Mines, near Dunedin, and is In the possession of a man in the employment of Mr Bruce, for Raneftikel. ”

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

[PKR PKKBS ASSOCIATION.] Auck an ; C.ty Oounril. LVOKL n .*>, : Cem'-iT 15. At the annual meeting of the I'iiv Council to-day Cr Devore was installed as Mayor. The at nual reports hy the Cor. poration officers were received ihe Inspector of abattoirs reported Fat 44 519 head of cute had b ‘en slaughtered during th ' year, an increase of 805 on the previous year The Inspector under the Adulteration Ant reported that he had analysed 129 samples of food and beverage, and found five samples of milk, sixteen of groceries, and 12 of temperance beverages adulterated. • uring the nine months tho L' ck Hospital was open them were 41 admissions, ages ranging from 10 to 46 years. Ihe Corporation officers were entertained at a dinnor last night. The "retiring Mayor will bo 1 anquelted on Tuesday next Another Judge on the Probation Act i-AWBRA, I) Cain ier 16. At t e t{strict ■■■ urt Bnij-min Van’ corvicelof larcsnoy. was recommended by he jury for probation. Judge Rawer sa'd, in his ooin ou, the net was mainly lotenr'ol f r young persons aud children, ana it was inclined to give license t> people to sir al once without fear of im prisonment, In consid ration of th ■ jury’s recommendation, the soutane was only three months

Foresters’ Conference. Wklungton, 11. comber 15. A conf rence of representatives in various districts of the Order of For stert in New Zealand commenced last night The following order paper was sub mit e l :—(1) To consider the ndvisable ness of establishing and subsidising a high Court in New Zealand ; (2) To draft a-, un form scale of graduated rontributions to be adopted throughout New Zetland ; (3) To qualise <he amounts o' sick p y and funeral benefits ; (4) I o make bettor arrangements respecting medical altmd anco, examinat ons reports, etc,, on members in receipt of sick pay; (5) If practicable, to alter the laws to allow brethren iu New Zealand to join the Courts in New Zealand by clearance without increasing their rate of contribn tions ; (6) To gve more facilities and encouragement to the formation of juvenile societies ; (7) To consider insurance of fidelity of officers in trust of moneys, etc. The first qneston was allowed to over till later in too nioeti g. On the second ques ion it was agreed to divide the items, initiation foes and contribn tions Ultimately the following s n al <of entrance fees, was agreed on 18 to 25 years, 5s ; 25 to 30, 10s ; 30 to 35 15s ; 35 to 40, 2os. It was also decided that an uni form scale of cent dilutions he charged throughout the colony, and a committee was appointed to draw r> a scale an i aho draft a scheme on clearances. Considera tion of rate of sick pay and funeral benefits was referred to he same com mittee The Confereuce adjourned til 2 o’clock to-day. Found Dr wned The body of a or zy vhiori woman, aged 70, was *ou >5 on the beich at Pouruv ha’b r t.-> d»v

UNKNOWN

# we wot to r- lieva the prevailin' depress'd!, and to depie e the gorc*'d avenues of city trido, it to reverse tbe process that has Ve-n going on. We must by every means that bo sig g sted, turn the at to am £ migration ln ! o its right channel—from to»n to coon' y instead of from country to town. One if (he measures n-c.vstry fo* (hia pur pose is an al.oration in (ho exorh'tiid and inc ‘mprehensible chargra on Governtnaut railways Wo mut prune the middleman element and e courage legitimate in dustry by every pi act cal m-ans; >ir Julim Vngel g 've utterance to one unim peachable truth in hie Dunedin speech when ho said that New Z-aland cannot afford to lose its popula i *d. We are too heavily in debt f>r 'hit. And to retain them we must find them profitable em ployment. The Industrial Associations which have been formed in (bee l ief cities are capable of doing a great deal of prac tical wo>k if they will leave gener-lilies and opinions and go into details and fads The cry of Protection v. Krealrado In New Z aland is pure bunkum. There is not and cannot ha Frc-etrade here ; our tariff and our financial necessities are entitles which no amount t f theoriaim; can conjure away. We must make the best we can of them. These associations, then, should se’ect specific industries, show the difficulties they are struggling under, what are their capabilities of ex panaion, and how they may be legiti mately assisted. —Auckland Star.

I'HB ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1886



The British people, which wanders every where and settles everywhere, and found? nations as bees settle, we hardly know how or why, will stay nowhere under any rule but its own (says the London Spectator ). Through out the earth there is no body of 10,000 Englishmen obeying any law they did not make. They settle in no part of Europe, in no division oflAsia, which is not theirs; in no pirt of America where their law is not supreme. They are unattracted by the wonderful wealth of Spanish America, or the endless spaces of the Portuguese dominion ; and when once, by a rare chance, a band of them found themselves in Texas, subject to Spaniards, they established, almost without trial of the native power, a Revolutionary Republic. They glided away from Java within three years of its cession to the Dutch; they scarcely settled in the Transvaal, because it is not English ; and if Bengal were foreign to morrow, every planter would by 1890 have Boughf.a'.career elsewhere.



There are two papers in Masterton running on particularly waim terms with each other. The Star lets out in a recent issue 11 thusly” : —The diurnal castigations which we have been indicting on our local contemporary appear to be making him howl He plead ingly asks to be put out of his misery by a volcanic stream. We must refer him to his friend Mr Beetham, who has been examining the crater at Mount Tarawera. If the member for the district cannot assist him there is a very ancient gentleman who has a reputation tor sulphur and hot lava that may do 'he amiable.



Take all in all. Take all the Kidney and * iver Medicines, —Tat e all the Blood purifiers, —Tate all the Bheumatic remedies, —T»ke all the Dyspepsia and indigestion cures, —Take all the Ague, Fever, and billons specifics, —Take all the Brain and A - rve force revivers, —Take ail the Great health restorers. In short, take all the best qualit’es of all these and the— best Qualities of all the best medicines In the world, and yon will find that —Hop Bitters have the best cura'ire qualities and powers of all- concentrated in them, And that they will our • when any or all of these, singly or— combined. Fait!!!! A thorough trial will give positive p oof of this. Hardened Liver. Five years »go I broke down with kid ney and liver c mplaint and rheumatism. Since 1 have been unable to be about at all. My liver became hard like wood ; my limbs were puffed up and filled with water; All the best physicians agreed that noth ing could cure me. I resolved to try Hop Bitters ; I have used seven bottles ; the hardness has all gone from my liver, the swel ing from my limbs, and it bast corked a miracle In my case ; otherwise I would have, been now in my grave. J, W. Morey, Buffalo, Oct. 1,1881.



Poverty and Suffering. “I was dragged down with debt, poverty and suffering for years, caused by a sick family and large bills for doctoring. I was completely discouraged, until one year ago, by the o.dvioe of my pastor, I com menced using Hop Bitters, and in one month we were all well, and none of ns have seen a sick day since, and I want to say to' all poor men, you c-n keep your families well a year with Hop Bitters for less than one doctor’s visit will cost. I know it.” A WoBEiNcmUN. Prosecute the Swindlers I i If when you call for American Hop Bitters {see green twig "f Hops on the white label and Dr Soule’s name blown in the bott’e), the vendor hands out anything but American Hop Bitters refuse it and shun the vendor as you would a viper; and if he has taken your money for anything else indict him for the fraud and sue him for damages for the swindle, and we will pay you liberally for the eonvie ,ion. 1



Public Notices. HORSE HOEING WANTED. POTATOES, Mangolds, or Turn'ps. Also band hoed and moulded up a f per acre. Now patent horse boo used. A pply li. S 8., 12 84 ‘‘ Gua-dian ” Office FUNERAL NOTICE. 'T’sHE Funeral of the late Elisabeth I Smithers will leave her mother’s residence at 2 p.m To-morrow for the Ashburton Cemetery. Friends are re spectfully invited to attend. £1 REWARD. TOST or stolen from the Central Hotel, J one Dapple Grey Entire Pony, about 14 1 high, branded V on near shoulder Anyone returning the same to the Central Corel will receive the above reward. 12J82 MRS MANHIRE, FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, Saunders’ Buildings, East street. JjUNOY STATIONERY, Toys, and Christmas Presents in variety. Christmas Cards, &c., &c. Ladies’ and Children's Pinafores and Aprons, &c , &c. 9624 ASHBURTON FIRE BRIGADE.



IN consequence of the regular meeting night of the Brigade falling on a pubi c holidav, the meeting will bo held TO-MORROW (Wednesday), at 7 pm. sharp Business important. Full attendance requested. WANTED KNOWN. atebloo dining booms. Mrs S. TIMMO wish- a to inform the public (hat the has gone back to her old establish ment in Tancred street, where meals can be nad al all hours, as formerly. WATERLOO DINING ROOMS, Tancred street, Ashburton 1 9 §76 CAUTION TO POACHERS. IN consequence of so much Poaching of 'Trout from the Lasimhor 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 such information i as shall lead to the conviction of such offenders 12 83 G. F. SCOTT, Captain, ll t! 36 DONALD McLBAN, Lagmbon



ALFORD FOREST LIBRARY. Lecture BY Rev J. ELMSLTR on THURSDAY EVENING NI<XT, Dec. 16th, at 8 • '••look, on JOHN DUNCAN, 8 COTOH WEAVER and B ‘TANI^T. In aid of the Library Fuads, Tickets —Adults, le ; Children, 6d. HENRY 1 NIGHT. 12 81 C airman. ABHBURT' > v CHEESE AND BUTTER FoCTjRY COMPANY, LIMITED. I HEREBY call a GENERAL MEETING of the Shareholders of the above Company, to be held at the Arcade Chambers, Bor ett street, Ash burton, on TmUHSDaY. the 23rd day of December. 1886, at 2 o’clock in the after noon. for the purpose of receiving an account prepared by rne showing the manner in which the windintr-up of the Company has been conducted, and the property of the Company disposed of. and hearing any explanation thereof winch may bo necessary Dated the 15th day of October, 1886 JuSHUA TU> *£.BR, Liquidator. ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL EXTRAORDINARY VACANCY.



THEREBY give notice that an ELECTION to fill an Extraordinary Vacancy in the Ashburton Borough Council, caused by the election of Councillor Sealy to the office of Mayor will be held at the Council Chambers Baling Square West, on THURSDAY, the 6th day of January next NOMINATIONS in form prescribed in second schedule of the “ Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876,” will be received at the Town Clerk’s Office till 12 o’clock noon on THURSDAY, the 23rd day of December, 1886 CHARLES BRADDELL, Returning Officer. Borough Council Office, Ashburton, Isth December, 1886. 1291 NEW v. R. ZEALAND RAILWAYS. ANNIVERSARY DAY. CANTER BURY PROVINCIAL DISTRICT. DECEMBER 16th, 1886.



I Tenders. T NDERS waited for Carting Wool from Lake Heron to Mount Somers Kail tray Station, fit per ton or per hale, '-Iso for backloading. Tenders close 20th December. For particular, apply to IUDLHY E MKK E WET HER. ASHBUETON B()ROUGII COUNCIL mBNDERS are invited for POINTING 1 South-West WALL of LIBRARY. Specifications may be seen at the Town Clerk’s Office where tenders will be re ceiver! up t! 12 noon on MONDAY, 20th December. LOOKS & SON, 12 90 Architects. TO BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for the Erection f a FARM HOUSE. Plans and specification may be seen at the Office of Mr Jameson. Tenders are to bo sent to my Office not later than SATURDAY NOON, Dec 18 JAMES QLANVILLB, Architect 110, St. Asaph street, Christchurch, 12 63 ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.



BLACK FORD-BEDOLIFFK ROAD. t LENDERS are invited for construction of t'wo m lt-a of road in vicinity of Terrible Gully, in iwn contracts. Inspector will sccompai.y intending contractors ove ■ tho ground to show route, and rb-'n*. iqnc Boati ie. < to., and will start from B aokford at 10 o’clock a.m on Friday, 17oil December Tenders, p.ddrrs d to the (hairtran, to be sent in not lute- ih;n T 1 o’c ook a m. on TUESDAY 21st December By order. WILUAM BAXTER, County Engineer.



Meetings. NOTICE. tT'IHFS Revd. P H. Cornford (late West I Indian Missionary, and now Presi dent of N.Z Baptist Unio:)) will conduct a service on THURSDAY, 23rd INBT,, t 8 p in in the upper room at back of Oddfellows Hall. J W. SAWL'\ Pastor Ashbur'on Baptist Church. 12f86



LODGE STAR OF ASHBURTON, NO. 23, L.O.L. THE ANNUAL Concert and Ball. MONDAY, DECEMBER 27th. 11+177



ASHBURTON BOR'UGH SCHOOL A N ENTRRTAIKMKNT in aid of the A CHILDBED’S CHRISTMAS TRCAT Will be hehi in the ODDFELLOW'S’ HALL ON WEDNESDAY, 15th DECEMBER. First Part. GRAND CONCERT By the Leading Talent of the District, under the leadership of Mr Kneen Second Part. ROSELLE BROS- Will give an Exhibition on the ROMAN RINGS The whole to conclude with the Ethiopian Sketch “The Recruiting Office.” Doors open at 7 30, to commence at 8. Tickets Is and 2s Kindly roll up and give the children a show. J. C. DUNCAN, Chairman School Committee.



THE morning train from Methven to Rakaia will run as on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The evening train from Christchurch to Ashburton will start at 450 p.m., and run 35 minutes later than usual ; tnd the evening train from Rakaia to Methveu will start at 7 p.m., and run 20 minutes later than usua'. Saturday Return Tickets from any station to any station wi-hin the Pro vincial District of Canterbury will be leased on the 15th and 16th Decern aer, and will be available for return up to and Including 20ihinst Goods traffic will be suspended on the 16th. 12*69 By order. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS. GIFTS. GIFTS. fItHR Undersigned has JUST LANDED, and opened up, a LARGE ASSORTMENT of CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PRE EMS, Viz , Dolls of every description Toys in great variety Work Boxes Floral and Musical Albums Brackets and Ornaments Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cards in great variety. CRICKETING AND LAWN TENNIS MATERIALS, &c., &o. FISHING TACKLE, Ac Special reductions made to School Committees and buyers of large parcels. N. B —Large and New Stock of PIPES and TOBACCONIST WARES in great variety. WILHELM~*ZANDER, TOBACCONIST & HAIRDRESSER EAST STREET AStHBURTQN.



ST. STEPHEN’S Garden Party. THURSDAY, 16th DECEMBER. AT MR. HUNT’S GROUNDS, Wakanui Road. Maypole Dance at 4 o’clock. Christmas Tree. Boating. Quoits. Football. Cricket. Tug of War Gymnastics. The celebrated Ashburton BLONDIN Will give a performance at 3 o’clock. Strawberries and Cream all the afternoon. Tea and Cakes at 6 o’clock. CIRCUS, with all the Latest Novelties, 7 to 9 p.m. Admission to the Ground, 2s. TEE ASHBURTON, TEMUKA, AND GERAIDINB VOLUNTEERS, Attended bv the TIMARU GARRISON BAND, will parade in idr Hunt’s pad dock during the afternoon. Conveyances to the Grounds will leave the Post Office every half hour from 2 to 4 o’clock, and from Hunt’s to the Post Office every half hour from 6 to 8 o’clock, carrying passengers free of charge, DONATIONS in aid of the Tea, &c., will bo gladly accepted by Mrs Mayo or Mrs C. E Fooks. 12*65 Alfred Harrison, AUCTIONEER, STOCK AND ESTATE AGENT AND VALUATOR, SATURDAY SALE at 12 o’clock sharp —Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Produce and Merchandise. Agent Norwich Union Fire Insurance Oompany. FOR SAL ti — Moveable Hat on pair wheels; two bunks. Champion Wa Machine, 50s, Oall an shing Seed Sower, by Haxton and Beetle ; cheap. Ploughs, Harrows, and other imple- Obeylesmore Club Tricycle, the best kind made —cheap Piano, by Bord, nearly new. Cheap Spring Cart—Cheap 1 Gbaffoutter, by Ben tall ALFRED ItARRISON,



Auct'on. SALE OF PRIVILEGES. SATURDAY, 18th DFCEMBER. Messrs dungan & orawshaw have received instructions to SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, At their NEW SALE ROOMS, ARCADE, The following PRIVILEGES In connection the Ashburton CALEDONIAN SOCIETY’S ANNUAL SPORTS, viz, PUBLICAN’S BOOTH CONFECTIONER’S BOOTH CARDS RIGHT OF SPORTS Sale at 1 30 p.m. DUNCAN & ORAWSHAW, 12°69 Auctioneers, SATURDAY, 18th DECEMBER.. AN IMPEOYED- FAEM OP 114 ACRES, A short distance from the Tinwald Sale Yards, for Sale by Public Auction, MR T. BULLOCK has received instructions from Mr Thomas Smith to



SELL BY PO3L T C AUCTION, At the Arcade, on SATURDAY, 18th DE EMBER, 1886. Ilia FARM of 114 ACRES, being B.S. 22089 and part of 23319, fronting Ford’s Road, and only a short dis tance from the Tinwald Sale Yards. The land is all fenced with live fences, and divided into f->ur pad docks About 45 acres in wheat, the remainder in crass, Ihere is a Dwelling house and other buildings erected on the property Persons desirous of procuring a home stead near town are respectfully invited to inspect th's and attend the sale. Terms of payment will be very liberal. Sa’e at 1 o’clock. 12fG4 T. BULLOCK, Auctioneer.



Sale at attersalFs WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. SATURDAY, 18th DECEMBER. H MATSON & CO. will offer for , sale on the above date— Complete THRESHING PLANT, by Kusion, Pioctor, & Co , in good order Complete THRESHING PLANT, by Ratnpome COMBINE, by Robey McCormick REAPER & BINDER, wire Howard 6ft String BINDER, new DRAY, 3 Double-furrow PLOUGHS No 3 Buncle’a CHAFPCUTTER, with Bagging apparatus Coal Screw BAGGER and BAG ELEVATOR. Also, J_£ORSES and SUNDRIES, Sale at 12 o’clock. 12§79 H. MATSON & CO. SHEARERS. I7UGTIT SHEARERS wanted at Clent IA Hills. Price 15s per 100. 12 THUS. HARRISON. FAYARD AND BLAYN PAPER. SIXTY rears of great success proclaim its supe-iority in the treatment of Violent Colds, Irritation of the Cl est, Aching, Sprains, Sprains, Sores, Sca’ds, Corns, Bunions, Soft Corns, etc. This medicine, the property of which has been established more than half a century by tbonsands of cures, is o' an invalu able use in many inflammatory diseases against which there are not n any effi actons remedies, and is therefore justly considered by a great number of our most eminent physicians as the most active and least irritating agent in the above aflVctions In order to avoid counterfeiting, Messrs Fayard and Blayn’s signature has to be required on every roll of paper and on the box. Wholesale 30, Bue Saint-Merri, Paris (France), and sold by all Chemists in the Colonies. D. IcFarlane, family grocer AND Tea Dealer.



Retail Premises: BUENETT ST. & EAST ST., ASHBURTON. 4 LL GOODS GUARANTEED FIRST j\ QUALITY, And Sold at Lowest Prices in town for Cash, as following prices will prove. PRICE LIST OF GROCERIES, &c., FOR DECEMBER:— New Season Tea, per box, 10s 6d, 12s 6d, 16a 6d, 18a, 21a do 21b caddies, 5a each Beet 'White Sugar, per lb, 2*3. 3d 3*d New Xmas Fruit, per lb, 7d Currants, 6d Sultanas, 7d Valentias. 8d Muscatels, 2a English Peel- la Preserved Ginger, 9d Prunes, lOd IJlb hoses Figs, lOd each New Season’s Jams. 6s 3d and 6s 6d per doz. Marmalade. 6d per tin Sago, 2Jd ; Tapioca, 2Jd; Eice, 2Jd, Corn floor, ?Jd per lb Arrowroot, 8d per lb Dried Apples, 5d per lb Fiour (best), 6s 6d per 60 lb bag Oatmeal (Moir’s), 3a 3d per 251 b bag Salmon (best), 7s 6d per doz Fresh Herrings, 6s 6d per doz f'ysters, 5a 6d per doz Preserved Bloaters. 9d per tin Pickles —Colonial, 7d ; English, 6d per bottle Brawn, 21b tins for 1s 3d each Sheep’s Tongues, 21b tins for la 9d each Fry’s Cocoa, Is 51b per lb Hudson’s Cocoa, 3a per lb Preserv-’d Fruit, 2lb tins. Is and la 6d each Coffee, Is Cd, Is Bd, Is lOd per lb E-sence of Lemon, 6d per bottle Candles—Parrafine, 8d; Sperms, 4Jdlb by box Soap, per bar, IJd, 2JI, 3d, 6d,Bd, lOd Kean’s Blue iOd per lb Blacking and Blacklead, 9d per doz Pear’s Soap, la 3d per box Vinegar (English), 2s 6d per gallon Hop Bitters, 3s per bottle Si-gel’s Syrup, 2s 9d per bottle Tobacco—N nlrod, 4s 9d, 6s, 5s 6d per lb Twist, 5s Juno. 6a 6d Ruby, 6s Bno’s Fruit Salt, 2s 9d per bottle Tricopherous, Is per bottle Knife Polish, 8d per tin Golden Syrup. 21b tins, 93 each Essence Rennet ( hosse <fe Blackwell’s) Is bottle Patent Groats, 9J per tin Neave’s Food, lid per tin Akaroa Cheese, 7d pnr lb



LONGBBAOH ROiD BOARD A IL RATES UNPAID after 18:h OL DECEMBER will be sued for. By order. 11J139 ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. NOTICE is hereby given that the subjoined resolution was adopted by the a shburton County Oounc 1 at a Special Meeting of the C uncil held this day, and that the s»id resolution will be submitted for confirmation at a Special Meeting of the Council, which will be held on PHIDAY, the 14th day of January, 1887, at 4 o’c'ock in the afternoon. [Resolution.] “ Resolved—That this Council do make a Special Order adopting “ The Local Bodies Loans Act, 1886,” and that such Special Order be as follows, that is to say:— SPECIAL ORDER In pursuance and exercise of the powers vested in it by “ The Local Bodies Loans Act, 1886, “The Counties Act, 1876,” and the several Acts amending the same, the County Council of the County of A shbar • ton doth hereby adopt the provisions of “ The Local Bodies Loans Act, 1886.” Provided always that ihe operation of the said Act shall be limited to a loan of £3500, which this Council proposes to borrow from the Government under the prov 5i0..8 of “The Government Loans to Local Bodie Act. 1886,” for the purpose of constructing a Tramway from the Mount Somers Railway Station to the Mount Somers Coal Pit, near the mouth of the River Stour. Resolved further, that this Special Order shall take effect imme diately upon the making thereof.” Dated this 13th day of December, 1886. By order. F. MAINWARING, 12°78 Clerk of the Council.



Ashburton A. & P. Association Show. ASHBURTON TO THE FRONT. Grand Show OP JJANUfACTDRED TWEEDS, TARTANS BLANKETS, FLANNELS FINGERING WOOLS SHIRTINGS. DRESS TWEEDS COLORED FLANNELS NAVY SERGES CRICKETING FLANNELS, &c. All the above Goods have been PURCHASED BY ANDREW ORR And will bo offered for sale immediately after the Christchurch Show (where they will be exhibited^. These Goods are admitted to be superior jo anythin" of the kind ever offered a Ashburton, both for style, finish, and quality. Orders for suits should be given at once to secure the best patterns. 1 ANDREW ORR



Business Notice'. WTa. WOODS IMPROVED HARVESTER WITH IMPROVED TUCK IP \ M E TWINE BINDER A NEW BUNDLE CARRIER ATTACHMENT THE BEST HARVESTER AN BINDER IN THE WORLD. It has the following important advantages, ombined in no other Harros.er, and nany of them ate exclusive with it. 1. Perfect balsnce of the entire machine. Try it in all fositions 2 Extraordinary ease of draught 3. Um quailed perfection of the gearing— ccon< my of power—great durability 4 No side draught and no neck weight 6. Malleable ircn used wherever practicable, combining lightness and strength 6. Her Is adjustable horizontally and verti cally, and with changeable speed 7. Angle iron |6nger-bar, strengthened with steel back plate 8. Steel faced malleable iron guards bolted t the finger-bar 9. Trussed platform and gear frame, keeping the journals in line 10. Simple and reliable raising and lowering device for both wheels 11. Adjustable grain fender at back of platform 12. Perfect tilting apparatus effective in saving lodged and tangled gram 13. Baist-d ma n frame, clearing obstructions and dead furrows 14. Lightest running binding mechanism ever made 15 U nder open at hack, affording parstge far the lon -est r e or wh - ,at 16. Vibrating butting board of iron’and weed durable, and working ti perfecuon ** 17. Pa. ker fi ge s, ac ing in palm, straighten ing the grain instead of tangling it 18. Reliable binder trip, saiztng the boadfat w;th precision 19. Stationary twine knife, entting hat tent string, and remaining sharp a long tm« ' 20. Twine bolder which never lose* the ea 4 at the twine 21. Absolute certainty of tying mechanism. set only when new, bat alter long one. 22. Unequalled simplicity, perfection and duteh bility of entire knotting apparatus 23. Root tied close to handle— unequalled economy of twine 24. Fewer parts than anp other hinder ever es the market 25. H’ghest quality of materials, of mechsitel construction, and of finish It has the only successful handle carrier known. The carrier is a valuable acquisition to the farmer, and is adding to the already unequalled popularity of the Walter A. Wood Binder. Thousands have been sold, and every purchaser Is delighted with its operation. It saves labor, time and grain, and pays for itself in a few days. This company has been building binders for the genera' market for ten yean, andwu first in this branch of manufacture, and offers tl.ia improved and perfected machine, the result of its nneqnalled experience and facilities, as the most complete, moat practical, and most satisfactory binder yet produced.



¥. FEE RIM AN,. AGENT FOR W. A. WOOD STEEL WHEEL - BINDER W. PATCHING, TENT, TARPAULIN, FLAG, AND HORSECLOTH MANUFACTURER, A LARGE STOCK ALWAYS ON HAND OF TENTS OP ALL SIZES CALICO, DUCK, TWILL, AND CANVAS. Manilla Rope, Plough Lines, Fishing Lines, Clothes and Garden Lines. IRON AND WOODEN BLOCKS. Special attention is called to the well assorted STOCK OF REAPER AND BINDER CANVASES, All made on the Premises. Battens and Canvas kept in stock, and repairs promptly executed. Tarpaulins frem 6x8t024 x3O always in stock. Oilskin Clothing made on the Premises. MARQUEES from 12 x 24 to 25 x 65 ON HIRE. Ail Orders bt Letter or Telegram: Promptly Attended to. W- PATCHING, 10861 EAST STREET, ASHBURTON.



CENTRAL HOTEL. JW. MoRAE having taken the above » Hotel, solicits a share of patronage from the people of Ashburton and sor rounding districts. Best Brands of Wine’* Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling —Feeds, Oms Shilling. Horeca and Boggles to let on hire al prices to meet the times. For the convenience of traveller! hansom cab will meat all trains. rfIHE ASHBURTON WOOLLEN L MANUFACTURING COMPANY Is prepared to PURCHASE for CASH, SHEEPSKINS and ail kinds of WOOL, in large or small quantities. 12*2 BLANCARD’S lODINE OF IRON PILLS. \ PPKOYED by the Academy of Medicine ‘A of Paris, are specially recommended by the Medical Celebrities of the World for Scrofula (Tumors, K ng’s Evil, etc), the early stages of Consnmrtion, Constitutional Weak ness, Poorness of Blood, and for stimulating and regulating its periodic course. Nose genuine un’ese signed “ Blanoard, 40, rue Bona parte. Paris” Sold by Druggists and Chemists throughout the Colonies. T. Bullock.



Reaping machinesfor sale at w prices. McCormick String Binder, do Wire Binder, Buckeye Binder, Harvest King, 2 Samuelsou’s. T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE—About 4$ to 5 Acres of growing crop of Grass, suitable for cutting for hay. Apply to T. BULLOCK. TO LET.— For 3or 5 yean, with o* w t out a pa-ceasing clause, B.S. 25349, onota cint; 137 acres, situated new lb- Grange, at the back of the Racecourse. Apply to T. Ktolcck. TIN WALD. TO LFT.—Pour roomed Cottage on Graham’s Road, lately in the occo* patio aofMr P. Heron. Apply to T. BULLOCK. QAA ACRES Grass Land, fronting the AiUvJ MUcham road, a boat 2J mites from the Racecourse, being R.S. 29934. To Let for 4m< mbs. Offers will be re ceived by the undersigned op to 96th November. T. BULLOCK. OATS. — A quantity for Sale; good sample. T. BULLOCK TO LET.—A Five-roomed House, centrally situated iu Tancred street. T. BULLOCK FOR SALE, or TO LET.—Six-roOßed House fronting the Town Belt at, the property of Mr R. W, Clayton. As he is leaving for the North Island, this will be sold at a low price. It is well situated, being a high, dry, and healthy position. If not sold will be let at a low rental to a good tenant. Apply to T. BOLLOCK



SALE—Doable Seated America* V Waggon. 181 * T. BULLOCK TO LET—At a low rental, Oentra Bakery, together with »hop and dwelling house. Apply to T. TO LEI, a three-roomed Cottage at Trevorton. Rent, 3s 6d per weak. Apply to T. BULLOOK ' I O LET—2 Cottages la Grey Street, I keen as Contis' block; Beat at6i per week- T. BULLOCK, F OR SALE—Two sets of three leavee harrows, by “ Howard.” T. BULLOCK SALE —Lot 25, fronting tha 1 North Town Belt. Price, £l9 Liberal terms if required. Apply to T. BULLOCK TO PAINTERS. TO LET at a low rental. Shop and Dwellioghonse In Moore atnel lately In occopetlon of Mr Laeak. T. BULLOCK.