TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Sentence Commoted Wistu gton, December 31. The Governor, in response to a petition, • has remitted the remainder of the sen tence passed on P. K. Watty, formerly a commission agent here, who has been undergoing a sentence for forgery and embezzlement. .Watty was released this morning. •

SAD AFFAIR IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

A shooting fatihty la reported f'om a station near Temora (Ntw South Wales ) Mrs Boyle, wife of a bounds* y rider, had occasion to proceed to the post office, about a mile distant. She left her three children, eighteen months, six years, and twelve years of age, respectively at home. The children rone time afterwards set oat to meet her. They were passing by s tank when the baby tumbled In The eldest girl immediately rcshed into the task, grasped the baby, and held it above water, hot the brave child became entangled in some dead timber in the tack, and coold not pet clear. The other cbiid procured a long stick, ai d reached it oni to her sister, bat unhappily the stick was too short Seeing this the child dropped the stick, rnd ran for help to some selectors who lived two miles d st&nt. Shortly after, the poor mother returned to find her baby in the water, dead, and her eldest daughter drowned in the grasp cf dead timber at th*> bo*'ora of the tsnk.

WIRE WORM IN POTATO CROPS.

Some consternation has been canted by the discovery, among some potatoes growing at Opawa, cf a-speciea of wire worm, whose ravages are so serious as to have completely destroyed the crop, tho tebers being comp'etely riddled into fragments by the borii g of the worms. In the specimens received at this office, the lari pb are s x or seven eighths of an Ireh io length, and shot t one rix'eenth of «n inch lo thickness. They are of ada k red color, the shade doepetdn? with the are c f tho worm, and are of a very hard thell-likc-nature. Specimen infected inhere have been submitted to Mr W. ti. Ivey, Director of the t-cbo 1«f Attricu - tore, Liucolo, and to Mr W de G. Reeves, officer in'charge of the Department of Agriculture, and it appears that t' is is not a now pest, but has been known for several years by potato-growers, especial y on newly-broken-np peaiy soils, or after Tory old pasture, I» hu been k*-own t. •zht for four or five years in the same toils;- but bss not spread beyond the localities whore It was generated I- has, however, ia some Instances a ticket wheat, and in England it is a fr-q sent custom to plant potatoes or oa<rots t • attract ’the insects, the crop with the luvie being afterwards destroyed as far as possible and tho ge m extern ioat d by manurglng tho land with gss limi, Common salt is mentioned as a cure m neavy lands. The Department of tore i as given insrnctiona for an invest! gation into the matter forthwith It is stated that tha infee’ed crop at °rawa Was grown from impor'e! seed Time s

FRENCH ANNEXATION IN THE PACIFIC

By out latest flies t-f the Neo Caledonitn we learn that on the 26tH November it was announced that the French Govern xrent had decided to take regular end, definite potseEsin of tke group of islands, gras le Vent, which form, with Tabii, pert of the S ciety and constitute a p'.rt of the French tv sessions, accord- Irg to'the Neo Caledoniev , in Oceara. T> e orctr of ’ annexation was rent to the Admiral eommsndirg (he French naval station In the Pacific. Of c?urse the English were opposed to the French cccufa ton, and tfco EcgUh j >am»ls immediately hthought tkemse’vrs of the New Hebrides, saying that If there were meaced it would be considered a casus belle. The perp’e, however, says the Neo Caledonien, have long been familiar with ): e ideal French occupation, and they “ are quite satisfied” at the prospec of a Fretnh protectorate. The journal quoted prophesies an important future for the group of aland*, situs ed as hey are on the ocean highway between America and Australia, especially after the cutting of the Isthmus of Panama After many vicissitudes they are new numbered atnon; the French colonial possessions Pa-atea, the scene of the labors of missionaries belonging to the London Missionary Society, is des cribed as the most important of the group, as it possesses a splendid harbor ; but all have a beautiful climate, and are rich iu natural prr ducts. The annexation Is triumphantly alluded to as placing the Society Group in the French possession ; and significant reference Is made to an expansion df English missionaries in 1842 for “exciting the Natives to massacre the French"— an expulsion which cost the French Government 25.0C0fr. In another issue .the Neo Caledonien states, that the action of the Fr°' ch Government is a proof ?h t Prance- mean enegetiealiy to maintain her rights, ‘ wbetner £nglahd reoognW» or not, or whether she soquieso s with good or bad grace.—l unedin St r.

UNKNOWN

The London papers received by the last piail contain reports of th.“ oonclosion < f * very remarkable billia'd roa ch. 'I he European Mail writes :—“ At th«> Roja! Aqm him, on Novembe- 5, *he match < I 15 Of 0 points op, 1 ail in,’Jbetweea W J. Pe»l and G- Collins, tbe latter rec'-ivi; c 50(30 points start, was re-nmed tbe score ttandiug-Cobins 10,174; P-*ali (in play). 10,044. When the ar’j nr-. • meat took place tbe prev ; ons day Pea l bad made a mas n fioent m fi isHd break of 2,f’02, tho« besting hi* own jr-e-don* records of 1989 and 1922. Tbe Pall Mall Gazette gives the following additional df - fails :—“ The extraordinary scone wh ch took place at ’be Royal Aquar nm < n Friday on the conclusion of M- W. J Peall’s mammoth break of 2,413 ha- not often been witnessed in a billiayt room Soon a f ter starting playing o > the pr - ylous afterro?n be made 709 which coy firming ip the evening be ucre’eed amid breathless excrement to 2002. w e- BUtcing the nex- afternoon he wept on hammering away at the spot, assisted by a II tie all-roand play, until he broke down tt au ordinary winning hazard, having beaten h f s owr Cambridge re-ord of 1889 by no lets tbnr §24 point*. Then the s ectators, yielding t' cnaselves np to excitemen*, yelled heir oorgramlation* till they became hoarse, and fir Robert Peel, unable to contain himself, sprang towards the smiling little player, and wrung bis band with rapture and good fellowship. Mr Wriffht, after a neat little speech, in which he seemed to p’ace Mr Peall’s marvellous performance among the greatest achievements of modern times, presented the player with the £SO note he had premised to the p'ayer who would first make 2000 -ff the bails. Pead then, after a fcre-k from" CdHcs, w tinuf-d scoring until he had amassed 780, at which point the limit was reached for the d. v■ The extraordinary character of the poifo!malice may best be judged from the fact that for many j ears, np tdl com paratively recently, Mr Cook’s 900 was the record. Perhaps fee fact that the present hero cf the billiard world abstains from emckir g aud drinking ia the secret of his wonderful cf 0 , -h3Ed«dn(sa and equally tnrrvelVnf pteadv-baodednsa"-”

A FISH STORY.

gJQoc.ae Lake, California, is a wonder (u place. It grows fish of a kind, nature, qislity, and tone not to be met with else where. The fish, so the veteran anglti alleges who relates the story, is sailed by some the greenback fis , and it is an inflationist. It has tho power to fill itsell with air nn’il it becomes very much like a ball. Every evening about, about son sot, they may bs sem playing on the surface of the water. TLay will swell np by taking in the air, and the wind will blow them over the lake They reflect a'l the colors of the ra'nbow, and sporting over the lake are a grand si f ht A hunter several weeks ago, saw a crane swallow one of these fish when in lt„- normal condition, but before tho crane had got more than fifty feet above the Bke the fi»h had taken in enough air to explode f’e crane, which, at tiie souod of a report like that of a gun, flear in o atoms, and the fish fl >a*ed lightly down to the water, no worse off for the short ride in the air. The lidr i' a great cariosity, never bavin? been fou *d in other waters. We quite believe the latter statement. Also tho previous on l s Ahem !

ROLL STUFFING.

An ingenious method of roll stuffing which has been practised in tho Thames county, has lately caused considerable indignation on the part of bona fide rite payers in the district It happens that a , entleman who takes a'prominent part in county affair.- owns a large block of town ship land in which there are numerous vacant ce tio 1 ?. In order (th* n» to swell the number of persons ent t ed to vote at the county elections, these unoccupied sections are nominally let to inhabitants of the neighboring borough, or of other parts of the county, at 3s per annum The lesees then g apply to the County Council that their names may be placed upon the valuation roll for the rid.ng, and about two years ago 98 voters were thus created in a block on the eve ot an election. An attempt was made in the Magistrate’s Court t** resist the insertion of the ’names, but it was unsuccessful Two or three weeks ago it seemed likely that the number of electors in the riding was again to be augmented >n this extra ordinary way, One resident in the riding, anxious to secure fair play, therefore went to the property-owner and agre d to take up a 1 the vacant allotments in the block, numbering about 100, at t>» each, s ipu ating, however, that they should ail be placed on the roll in the name of one person, and that the. rates should t e left unpaid until after next election, so that even thie one bogus vo’e should not b |r. ord id. Fa on pic# d mg to the ofhre ot the lana agent b was found that every section had already been let, so chat the arrangement was frus tr ted, A lively meeting of the ratepayers of the riding h»s since been held, and a Vigilance Committee appointed, to “use its uunoat endeavors to secure the electoral tights of bona fide tcsdents,” The laor.l id a’tei ded the meeting and d. Lnded hs right to sell or lease bis land as be choose, stating openly that he had S* both the p* wer and the audacity ” to do s>. The c-uncil intended to wait on the County C unc i and request that body to refuse all ..pplicatioiia from per sons who seek io b -- placed on ihe ro I by virtue of their being ’he ho ders of re ceipts in respect of vacant allotments, thus compelling the r.pplicart to estab lish tha»r rights in the Magistrate's Court.

THE MOHURRUM AT CONSTANTI NOPLE.

Globe. I went yesterday to see one of the most ghastly ceremonials it has ever been my lot to witness. If anyone had des cribed it to me, 1 should have taken the liberty of di obtieg his word to a prrtty considerable extent. I could not have believed that so barbarous a cast m would hav- been tolerated in (his nine teenth century of outs. What I saw was the Persian festival, which is held once a year, in two or three places in the world, to celebrate the am Itremry of the murder cf Hasten and Hnsseinn, the *o> aof Ali. My friend and I, with two Jiamals in attendance, went over about half-past six in the evening to a square in Stamboul, and arrived just In time for the onnnn-'ncempnt of the orgies. They began with a procession of children, dressed in hlact gowns, singing hymns in praise of Hassan and Bnsseinn to the sound of weird music. The square was guarded ail round by Turkish soldiers, who kept a clear space in the centre ; the crowd stood behind, and the windows of the square were filled with spectators The place was all draped in black thousands of lanterns were hung about, and burning braziers were stationed at intervals of a few yards In about ten minutes after our arrival a fearful din of tomrtoms arose, and a number of men entered the square, those in the fore most ranks carrying braziers, while whose in the centre supporte ■ a large campy, firmed of Persian flags, and ensigns. Tw>> white h rses were next led in. These carried bowdahs with » chi d lied -it» each to represent the two brothers The -sms other horse*, d- ckod oat wi‘h embroidery stained with blood, and dead bodies tying across their fcsik* A pre cession of priests and people then entered, r chanting songs of mourning, and these were followed by men, with their bodies bare to their waists, beeting ih-modves w -h great chains, which they swung over their heads, first on tbe'r backs and thin on their chests, all Bobbin and singing the while, the clang of the chain* -a they a'l swung together against the 3 rsh being something horrible to ffear. Then erme the awful part of the whole thii g, which made one shudder, and turns my blood cold as I write it. About a hundred men entered the square with th-ur heads shaved and dressed entirely in white ; >hese formed a huge circle arm iu arm, all with their faces to the centre of the ring, those on one side shouting * H»*san,’ those on the other ‘ Hossrlnn.’ They gradually worked themselves up into a screaming frerzy, and then b-aodishlng the huge sabres 'hey can! d. they o~>mmenaed back ing a- their bod es and heads till the • 'ood poured own them, and pieces of flesh came off the poor wre'ohe*. who as hey became more excited, irActed ghastly scalp wounca on each oth-r I never saw such an awfnl sight, and I n. yer wish to again They went twice round the square, shouting, screaming, nod brandi-hing their sabres, after which such of them ss werp still able to walk retired from t'>e scene, and the men wi'h chairs took their places, with their obesti backs black and bleeding These marched twice round the s tuur-, followed by chil dren singing and chanting. A few praye's were now offered up by tbe priests more shonts of * Hassan ’ and * Efuaseinn 1 and then there was a pause, and the people looked as if they were about to disperse Sickened and horrified by the scene we had witnessed, my friend and 1 quitted our window sent, and began a rapid walk to onr hotel; but suddenly there were loud shouts from the people, ard we raw tne entire throng returning. We were the unwilling specUt >rs of a re newal of this fearful carnage, which was only terminated by the dearh of many of the actors in it, wh le those yet lived sank exhausted to the ground, their features Id many instances nndistingaishable, their white dresses soaked with blood, and yet e en in their dying agonies sus tained by a mysterious fanaticism which teaches them that through these self h - flicted tortorrs they go straight into heaven. This recount nny seem to you exaggerated, but I can assure you it is impossible to convey to you In writing the ghastly realities of the scene I have f ast described.

CURIOUS BURIAL COSTUMES.

The Mohamxedans bury wi h at t ooffia of any kind Too Greonlanderi bury with a ihlld a dog to guide it in tha Other world, sayiov ; ‘A dog cm find its w. y an)whire.” fha muse con tinuously kept up at the Ini h wak a used to be for the purpose of warding off evi spirits. The R iss ana place in ihe huids of tha corpse a paper ceifcfiovo of the character of the decks'el, to be sh wn to Peter at the pate of tUavea. In ind a th" dftvo ed wife fo*mer’y a cended ber husband's funtoal pyra -nd perished io th fla oes T e Australians ti-tha hsnJs of a cops’* and ex tact ho finger rai a, that tha d al may not scratch his way o t of the grave. . The North America lod ens buried with the corpses ke‘t o of provl.iocs, bow and arrows and moccasins, with pieces of deerskin and sinews cf ftr the purpose of patch ng the moccasins. _ Tho Chinese scatter paper counterfeit ol money on the way to she grave, that toe evil spirit following the corpse may be de aying to gather them and remain in Ipn >r:tnce of the locality of th - s r * v ‘t. h- y also scatter in the wind, above t e grave, paper images of the sedan beare.-a and other servants, that they may over take the soul and act in its service Th? Greeks sometimes buried and sometimes burned thi'ir dead.’ In t ! e Homan Em pire tha body i*as !• variably burned.

Kidney complant, on of the most common and yet most neglected disease of this country, can be readily oared by the use of Hep Bitters. Be sure aed got American Go’s make. See. The Brisbane Observer tells a story abcut a bank manager who stuck a white rose in a rod ink bottle instead of the water jug, and in a short time the white petals became beautifully tinted with a salmon color. The Oamaru Mail says that the trout in the Waitaki River have wonderfully increased during the last 12 months. One day last week, a party of several gentlemen took over a hundredweight of fish from the river, several of them reaching 121bs in weight. As show, iug the extraordinary increase of the fish, do less than forty were counted in one school. It is understood that it is the intention of tho Acclimatisation Society to shortly liberate a large number of well-grown young salmon in this stream, and if these only do as well ae the trout have done, the Waitaki should bo one of the finest rivers in the country for piscatorial purposes.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 81, 1886



Why do American Hop Bitters ewe EC much ? Because they give good digertion, rich blood and healthy action of all the organs.



Take all in all. Take all the Kidney and • iver Medicines, —Take all the Blood ouHfieiv, Take all the lilmumatie em dies, —Take all the Dyspepsia and indigestion CUIYB, —Take all the Ague, Fever, amt bilious specifics, —Take all the Brain and tf.rve force - revivers, —Take all the Great health readers In short, take ad 'he bov qaalifes cf all these and the- best —Qualities t( all the bo-r meitci e* 'a the w >rld, and yon will find that-- Sop Bitters have the beat curs ive qualniea and powers of all concentrated it them, And that they will.cure when any or all of these, singly or— combined- Fail I!!! A thorough trial will give posi ive proof of this. Hardened Liver. T" -in ■ I broke down with kid nej t abc WC(. will A int? BitU hardi awel i ' amir ■■ have . J. snf am I yea: met we \ • sick men, with visit r If (see < Dr ver He yoi moi frai and



FOR THE KIDNEYS, LIVEMRIHARYORGM! THE BEST BLOOD PURIFIER, There Is only one Tray by TThtch any ease can be cared, and that is by rcmotii the cause —whatever it may be. The (imt tnedicul authorities of the day declare bat nearly every disease Is caused by deranted Kidneys or Liver. To restore these thereto* Is the only way by which health can be secured. Here is where Mfl (TIRE has achieved its great reputation, ft gets directly upon the gldneys and HVet, dud by placing them in a healthy condition drives disease and |mln from the system, For ail Kidney, Elver,' and Urinary troubles'! For the distressing disorders of Women; fas Malaria, and physical troubles generally, this great remedyhas no equal. For Sale b] |II Chemists. For»lnbetesashs for WARDER’S SAFEDIAi BtyriS CUKE. Send for Pamphlet, free, to Es. H. WARNER & CO., Melbourne, Ana ■toebester. .V.V.. London. Eng., Toronto. Oat NEW YEAR'S DAY. rj|o MORROW being New Year’s Day, THE “ GUARDIAN” WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED, It being our usual custom to give out employees holiday on that occasion. Tinwald Sports. A sweepstake quoit M*TCM, to commence at 11 o’ch ck sharp, will t»ke place on the Tin wald Racecom»e TO-MORROW Entrance, 6a, Winmr, 75 per cent ; second 25 per cent. Entries can be made on the ground. 13 163 • - •



Meetings. Eiangelistic Mission. TPE REV. J. 8. SMALLBT, Con nectional Evangelism will conduct a Miesion |in the Ashburton Wesleyan Church during nest week, commencing on SUNDAY, 2nd January Sankey’s Hymns will be med Sunday services 11 am, 3 pm, aui 6.30 p.m; week ev. mugs, 7 30. ODDFELLOWS’ HALL. 1 essoea T ompany Stage Manager R Elston tecretary and Prompter ... H, V. Sawtell Treasurer ... ... ... W. C Daris Musical C nductor ... J. H. Brooks Mechanist W. Clapham Friday, Saturday, and Monday,



December 31, 'B6, January 1 & 3, ’B7. GHEE ASHBURTON DRAMATIC AND E MUSICAL SOCIETY Will produce on the above dates, for the first time in Ashburton, The grand Nautical Drama, entitled FALSE COLORS, OR THE FREETRADER CAST OF CHARACTERS. Captain Mordannt (Captain of the Enterprise) ... ... J. McGill Langford (an old tea-dealer) : W. 0. Davis Mick (his elder nephew) ... H. Prate Padl Perilous (mate of the Enterprise)... ... ... H, GATES Hawk sot (commander of the Free Trader) ... J. H- Padliko Barnes (his Lieutenant) ' ... E ViNTEK Gabriel (Langford’s servant) L. F. Andbhwes Tom (a smuggler)... ... C. Andbkwes Dentites (a negro) C. Moss Boatswain ... ... ...GW. Smith Phckbb Langford... Miss ADA VINCENT Landlady Miss I. Baxter Sailors, Pirates, So'diers, Servants, etc , and a host of supernuraaries. SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY. Act I. —Scene 1: View of Langford’s House. Scene 2 : Apartment in Lang* ford’s House. Scene A : Interior of Ship Publicbouse. Scene 4: Back View of Langford's House, with Harbor and Shipping, by Moonlight Act ll.—Scene 1: Gun Deck of the Free Trader Scone 2 : Interior of Lanford’s House. Scene 3: Cabin on board the Free Trader. Scene 4 : Burn ing of the Free Trader and Tableau.



Prices of Admission : Front Seats, 3s ; Sec nd p eAla. 2s ; Back Seats, Is. Reserved Seats may be booked at Zandei’i, Tobacconist, East street. Doom open at 7.35; performance at 8 sharp. COLDSTt EAM ROAD BOARD. FNDERS will bo received until the 6th January for picking Urge stones cfi five miles of road—Binds to Low* cliff The spec ; fication may be seen at the Man, office. EDWARD Q. WRIGHT, Chairman. BS. i ■ •p infl, » t ... about 320 I 12 Acres of md Northey, II particulars i the farm, reson’s office, i TUESDAY, my tender not 12*163 R. » ;iven that the strict Court a, 4th January journed to 3lst in. LYER, District Court. OR BALDNESS. VN’S Producer.



’ ' ■' ;RY for the growth M ; load and Face; for m, .re voting Dandruff, and ding ; ill of the Hair It cures any ease me Scalp, and causes new wth on ihe head after being bald for trs Hone genuine without the trade mark and signature—JOHN HiCKMAN. To be obtained'at all Chemists. FAYARD AND BLAYN PAPER. SIXTY years of great success proclaim its superiority in the treatment of Violent Oolds, Irritation of the Ci oft, Achiog, Sprains, Sprains, Soree, Sca'dg, Oorna, Bunion?, Soft Corns, etc. This medicine, the property of which has been established more than half a century by thonsanda of enrea, is of an in vain able use in many inflammatory diseasea against which there are not many effi aclona 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 affections. In order to avoid counterfeiting, Messrs Kaysrd and Blayn a titmature has to bo required on every roll of paper and on the box. Wholesale 30, Hue Baint-Merri, Paris (France), and sold by all Chemists in the Colonies.



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR I GIFTS. GIFTS. GIFTS. THE Undersigned has JUST LANDED, and opened .np. a LARGE ASSORTMENT of CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PRESENTS, 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, &o„ Ac. FISHING TACKLE, &c. Social reductions made to School Committees and buyers of large parcels. N.l—Large and New Stock of PIPES and Tobacconist wares in great variety wlhelm” zander, ! TOBACCONIST & HAIRDRESSER I E4* PPREEI’ ASHBURTON,



fBIENDBRS wanted for Cutting, Ty'nr. I and Stocking about 40 acres of Wheat and 40 acres Oat*. For parti culars apply to Harkis amd Co., Allenton. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS FARES—CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. CHEAP EXCURSION TICKETS TO DUNEDIN, INVERCARGILL, AND THE LAKES. TTtXCURSION TICKETS will be issued |J ns under from the 22nd December, 1883, to the 3rd January. 1887, inclusive, and'will be available for return up to and including 17th January : From To To To Dunedin. Invercargill. Kingston. Ist 2nd Ist 2nd Ist 2nd Rakaia 33/- 22/- 56/- 38/6 66/- 44/- Aehburt’n 28/- 18/6 60/- 35/- 61/- 40/6 The journey may bo broken at any station en route, and be continued by any ordinary train. SATURDAY RETURN TICKETS from any Station to any Station will be issued from the 22nd DeccmbsrJ 1883, to 3rd January, 1887, inclusive, and will bo Available for retnrn up to and including 17tli January. 12 92 By order. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS EXCURSION TOTIMARD. south Canterbury Caledonian SPORTS. 3rd JANUARY, 1887. ON MONDAY, 3rd JANUARY, an EXCURSION TRAIN will be run from Ashburton to Tiniarn and back, stopping at all stations, if required. am. • Ashburton, dep 7.55 Tinwald „ 8 5 Winslow ~ 817 Hinds „ 8 36 Rangitata ~ 913 Tsm «ru, arr 10 40 Returning from TimaMi at0.45p.:n., arriving at Ashburton at 8 25 p.m. RETURN FARE 3. From Ashburton, Tinwald, Winslow, Winder, mere Hinds ... ... Faling, Rangitata, Rangitata Island Ist Class. 2nd Class 5s 6d 4s Od 5a Od 3s 6d 4s 6d 3s Od Children—3 to 12 years, half rates; under 3 years, free. By order. 12»155 NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS.



CHRISTCHURCH SECTION. LYTTELTON REGATTA and CHRIST CHURCH RACES, Ist January, 1887. . Train Arrangements. ON the Ist January, instead of die 7 30 a.m. train from Tiraaru to Ashburton and 10-55 a.m train from Ashburton to Christchurch, a train will run asunder:— Timaru dep Rangitata ~ Hinds „ Winslow ~ Tinwaid ~ Ashburton , a.m. 7.10 8.27 90 916 9 28 9 42 a m. Chertsey dep 10.14 Bakaia „ 10.27 Ch’ch arr. p.m, 1215 Stopping at other station' if required The morning train from Mount Somers to Aelr urton will start at 7-45 a m. and run 45 m nutes earlier than usual, to connect with tha above train The evening train from Christchurch to Ashburton will start at 460 p m and run 35 minutes later than usual. 'J he evening train from Methven to Bakaia will statt at 4.56 p.m. and be due from Lauriston at 5 27 p.m , arriving at Bakaia at 6.10 pm, and the evening train from Bakaia to Methven will start at 7 opm. and run 20 minutes later than usual Goods traffic will bo suspended on Ist J nuary. 12*149 By order. UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. NOTICE fa hereby given that the above Road Board intends to execute a certain public work, to wit, the construc tion of a road in the Upper Ashburton Hoad District, and for that purpose the land described in the Schedule hereto is rrquired to ba taken ; and that a plan of th" said Road and of the land required to be taken has been deooslted in the office of the said Board at Tinwaid, and is now open for inspection. All persons aflnoted by the execution of the said public w ;rk, or by the taking of the sa;d )a"d, are required to set. for’.h In writing a; y well grounded objections which they may have to the execution of snob work, or to the taking of enoh laud, and to send aoh writing within forty days from the 25‘h day of November, one thousand eight hui d ed and eighy-six, being the date of the first publication of this notice, to the said Road Board.



Auctom». ASHBURTON WOOL SALES W MESSRS MILES & CO. 7 ILL hold their THIRD SALE of WOOL BY AUCTION at MR Q. JAMESON’S STOBEB - About the Middle of January Next J. T. FOBD, Auctioneer. GEO. JAMESON, Agent, 12°95 A«hburt> n. A. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, AUCTIONEER, STOCK AND ESTATE AGENT AND VALUATOR. SATURDAY SALE at 12 o’clock sbarj. • —Hones, Cattle, Pigs, Produce and Merchandise. Agent Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company, FOR SAL jtf— Moveable Hat on pair wheels ; tw banks. Champion Wa Machine, 60s, Cali aushing Seed fewer, by Saxton and Beatie cheap. Ploughs, Harrows, and other imple ments Oheyiesmore Club Tricycle, the best kind made—cheap Piano, by Burd, nearly new. Cheap Spring Cart—Cheap 1 Ohaffoutter, by Bantali String Binder by Howard, good as new, very cheap ALFRED HARRISON.



MRS MANHIRE, FA NOT GOODS WAREHOUSE, Saunders’ Buildings, T?ANCY STATIONERY, Toys, and X. Christmas Presents in variety. Christmas Cards, &c., &c. Ladies’ and Children’s Pinafores and Aprons, Ac , &c. 9624 BLANOARD’S lODINE OF IRON PILLS. APPROVED by the Academy of Medicine of Paris, are specially recommended by the Medical Celebrities of the World for Scrofula (Tumors, K'ng’s Evil, etc), the early stages of Consumption, Constitutional Weak ness, Poorness of Bond, and for stimulating and regulating its periodic coarse. None genuine unless signed “ Blancard, 40, rue Bona parte. Paris.” Sold by Druggists and Chemists throughout the Colonies. MOUNT SOMERS ROAD DISTRICT. CLOSING ROAD. PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of “ The Public Works Act, 1882,” the Mount Footers Road Board propose to close the Road hereinafter described, and a plan is deposited for inspection at Mr Hood’s, Mount Somers. Description. 7ha Road proposed to be closed com mences at its junction with the Mount Somers-Alford Road, »t the north-east corner of Reserve 2236. and extends thence in a south-easterly and south westerly direction, a distance of one mile five hundred and eighteen links and decimal 9 of cno link, to its junction with the Mount Somers Tramway Reserve at the south-east corner of Dural Section 29699, and is bounded on the west by Reserve 2236 and Rural Sections 29600. 27790 and 29599, and on the east by Rural Sections 24748 29574, and 27791, as delineated on the maps of the Chief Surveyor of the Provincial District of Canterbury, Block XII, Alford Survey District. A. E. PRACHE, Chairman Mount Somers Road Board November IGth, 1886. 1192



D. McFarlane, FAMILY GROCER AND Tea Dealer. Retail Premises: BUENETT ST. & EAST ST., ASHBURTON. 4 LL GOODS GUARANTEED FIRST A. QUALITY, And Sold at Lowest Prices in town for Cash,.as following prices will prove. PRICE LIST OF GROCERIES, «fcc., FOR DECEMBER New Season Tea, per box, 10s 6d, 12s 6d, 16s fid, 18s, 21a do 21b caddies, 6s each Bint White Sugar, per lb, 2£d 3d 3sd New Xmas Fruit, per lb, Eiem's, 7d Currants, fid Sultanas, 7d Valentins, 8d Muscatels, 2s English Feel. Is Preserved Ginger, 9d Prunes. lOd boxes Figs, lOd each New Season’s Jams 6s 3d and 6s fid per doz. Marmalade, fid per tin Sago. 24d : Tapioca, 21d; Bice, 2Jd; Corn* flour, 3Jd per lb Arrowroot, 8d per lb Dried Apples, 5d per lb Floor (best), 6s fid per 50 lb bag Oatmeal (Moir’s), 3* 3d per 251 b bag Salmon (be. 4), 7s fid per dcz Fresh Herrings. 6s fid per doz 1 'yptrre, fid per doz Preserved Bloaters. 9d per tin Pickles—Colonial, 7d; English, fid per bottle Brawn, 21b tins for Is 3d each Sheep’s Tongnes. 21b tins for Is fd each Fry’s Cocoa, Is 61b per lb Hudson’s Cocoa, Ss per lb Preserved Fruit, 2lb tins. Is and Is fid each Coffee, Is fid, Is Bd, Is lOd per lb E-sauce of Demon, fid per bottle Candles—P irrafine, 8d; Sperms, 4£d lb by beat Soap, per bar, l£d, 241, 3d, 6d, Bd, lOd Kean’s B ue lOd per lb Blacking and Blacklead, 3d per dos Pear’s Soap, Is 3i 1 er box Viceear (English), 2s fid per gallon Hop Bittern, Sa per bottle Siegel’s syrup, 2s 9d per bottle Tobacco—N rilrod, 4s 9d, 6a, 6s fid per lb Twist, 6s Jano, 6s fid Baby, fis Fno’s Fruit Salt, 2s 94 par bottle ; Trioopherons, Is per bottle ! Knlfa Polish, 8d rer tin Gordon Syrup. 2lb tins, 9d each Essence Rennet ( rotse & Blackwell’s) is bottle i Parent Groats, 9d per tin ’ f save’s Fod, lid pec tin Akaroa Cheese, 7d pnr lb Kerosene, pec t’n, 7s. 8s 6d, 10a fid Ac., Ac.



Ths Fchbduls- The said laud being situated in the County of Ashburton. DONALD McLEAN, Ohaiman. Tinwald, 20th November, 1886. 0. W, PuBNEXi, Solicitor. 11+162 PERPETUAL LEASE OF CROWN LANDS. Under Section 143, Land Act, 1885. WRITTEN TFNDERS, tmder sealed covers, will be received for the Perpetual Lease of the undermentioned Section, under Part IV of tbe Land Act, 1885, up to 30 a.m. on THORS ‘AY, the 27th January, 1887, addressed 'o the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christ church, and endorsed “Tender for Per petual Lease of Section 35,762, Ashburton Survey District Every tender must be accompanied by a declaration, six months’ rent and a fee of 30a Should there be two or more tenders of tbe same amount for this Section, the right to occupy will be decided by lot The tenders will b’ opened at the moo - ing of the Land Board on the 27th day of January, 1887. Ashburton Survey District Flans may be seen and tender forma and particulars. obtained at tho Crown Lands Cfaces, Christchurch and Timarn. J ( C]$N H BAKER, ' Commissioner of Crown Lands. 'Crown Lands tfhce, Christchurch, 17th December, 1886. :U 99



Bustnero Notice*. W. A. WOOD'S IMPM WITH IMPROVED IRON FRAME TWINE BINDER* , THE BEST HARVESTER AND BIND It has the following important combined fa and many of them are exclusive with it. 1. Perfect balunce of the entire macbiae. Try if. in all ■ ositions 4 2 Extraordinary ease of draught 8. Unequalled perfection of the gearing— ec> n< my of power—great durability 4 No side draught and no n:ck weight 6. Malleable iren used wherever practicable, combining lightness and strength , 6. Seels adjustable horizontally and verti cally, and with changeable spt ed 7. Angle iron finger-bar, strengthened with steel back plate S. Steel faced malleable iron guards bolted t the finger-bar 9. Trussed platform and gear frame, keeping the journals fa line Simple and reliable raising and lowering device for both wheels 11. Adjustable grain fender at back of platform 12. Perfect tilting apparatus efE ctiva fa saving lodged and tangled gram 18. Rsist-d ma n frame, clearing obstructions and daad furrows 14. Lightest running binding mechanism ever made perfeethm 15 Binder, open at back, effi ths lon ,-esc r e or wheat 16. Vibrating butting board of Irani durable, ard working te 1 17. Pa- ker fi-ges, acing m pairs, i 10, fa-:ker li'go s, ac’ing m patrrr. r»tTSlflna|i "7TI ing the grain instead of tangling It. ’’ 18. Reliable binder trip, s-Jzing the Imadha ■'# w-th precision 19. Stationary twine knife, enttfas- bnt aaa string, and remaining sharp a face thqa s ■/ - 20. Twine bolder which never lores the did of the twine * * , 21. Absolute certainty of tying mechanism. matl ■ only when new, bat after long use. i *■' • 22. Unequalled simplicity, oerfectkm and Anal ta " bility cf entire knottingapparatus - „r#.. 23. Knot tied dose to bundle— uneqvwßed. economy of twine ‘ ■■ 24. Fewer parts than anp other binder ever at the market ~ 25. Hghest quality of materials, of 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 parchaser is delighted with its operation. It saves labor, time and grain, and pays far itself in a few days. This company has been building binders for the genera 1 market for ten yean, and was firet a thi branch of manufacture, aid offers this improved and perfected machine, the nari’pf ita uneqalled experience and facilities, as the most complete, most practical, and most satisfactory binder yet produced. F. 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 OP 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 OP REAPER AND BINDER CANVASES, All made on the Premises. Battens and Canvas kept in stock, and repairs promptly executed. Tarpaulins from 6x8t024 x3O always in stock. Oilskin Clothing made on the Premises. MARQUEES from 13 x 24 to 25 x 65 ON EIRE. Au. Orders by Letter or Telegram Promptly Attended to. W- PATCHING, 10861 EAST STREET, ASHBURTON.



MUSIC. MBS A. C. CLARIDGB is prepared to receive PDPILS for PIANOFORTE and ORGAN Terms on Application Cox afreet, Ashburton. 9668 ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. NOTICE is hereby given that the subjoined resolution was adopted by the Ashbnrton County Connc 1 at a Special Meeting cf the C uncil held this day, and that the said resolution .will be submitted for confirmation at a Social Meeting of the Council, wlrch wi'l be held on FRIDAY, the 14th day of January, 1887, at 4 o’cock 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 •ay: — SPECIAL ORDER In pursuance and exercise of the powers vested in it by “The f ocal Bodies Loans Act, 1886, “The Counties Act, 1876,” and the several Acts amending the same, the Connty Council of the Connty of ’ shbnr 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 provisions of "The Government Loans to Local Bodies 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 ordev. F. MAINWARING, 12*78 Clerk of the Council. Ashburton A. & P. Association Shot. ASHBURTON TO THE FRONT, Grand Show OF JJANUeACTUBED



T. Bollock. McOOEMICK TWINE BINDEB FOB SALE. FOR RALE a new McCormick Twine Binder. .Apply to T. BULLOCK. TO LET, at a low rental, comfortable Cottage in G»ey street, nicely situated, and lately in occupation of Mrs Coutts Apply to T. BULLOCK. REAPING MACHINES for sale at low prices. McCormick Wire Binder, Buckeye Binder, Harvest King, 8 Samudsou’s T. BULLOCK. TO LET.— For 3 or 6 years, with or w t ont a pu'obaeing danse, R.B. 25349, oonta'cing 137 *c'es, situated near •s Grange, at the back of the Race oo line. A-i ply to T. Buiiock. TIN WALD. TO L lr T. — Four roomed Cottage on Graham’s Road, lately in the occu pation of Mr P. Heron. Apply to T. BULLOCK. >Blj) AGUES Grassland, fronting tha Mitcham toad, about 8} mllea from the Racecourse, being R.S. 29934, To Let for 4 months. Offers will he re ceived by the undersigned np to 26th November. T. BULLOCK. OATS. —A quantity for Sale; good sample. T. BULLOCK. FOR RALE, or TO LET.—Six-roomed Bouse fronting the Town Belt et, 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. BULLOCK. TO LET—At a low rental, Oantra Bakery, together with shop- and dwelling house. Apply to T. -.uLLQOk TO LEI, a three-roomed Cottage al Trevorton. Bent, 3s 6d per week. Apply to T. BULLOCK. I O LET —2 Cottages In Grey Street, I kown as Contis’ block ; Bent at 6s par week. T BULLOCK, FOR SALE— Two sets of threeleavec harrows, by “ Howard." T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE Lot 25, fronting tha North Town Belt. Price, £l9 Liberal terms if required. Apply to T, BULLOCK.



TWEEDS, tartans BLANKETS, FLANNELS FINGERING WOOLS SHIRTINGS, DRESS TWEEDS COLORED FLANNELS NAVY SERIES CRICKETING FLANNELS, &o. All the above Goods- have been PUJRCIIASEI) BY ANDREW ORR And will be offered for sale immediately after the Christchurch Show (where they will be exhibited^. These Goods are admitted to be superior I o anything 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. ANDREW ORR



TO PAINTER& TO LET at a low rental, Shop ad Dwelliaghonae in Moore stseek lately in cccapetion of Mr Loom • BULLOCK WaTERTON DISTRICT SCHOOL. 4 TEA MEETING AND CONCERT A WILL BB BBLO IK ZBB WATERTON DISTRICT SCHOOL OK FRIDAY, DECEMBER Sin, la aid of Water ton Church. Tea on Tables at half-past Fire. Admission—Adults, 2s; children, half* price, including Tee . and Concert CENTRAL HOTEL. JW. MoRAE hntag taken thiahiN , Hotel, solicits a ware of jiattnmge from the people of Aahbnrtoa i«A m> rounding districts. Best Brands of Wlaefe Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling—Feeds, On Bnum. Hones and Buggies to Ist fta kite* prices to meet the times. For the conreDlenoe of innUln hansom esb will meet nil ifti