DAILY MEMORANDA

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc THURSDAY, UKCaMBBK 9 Aahbuxton Kacing Club—Annual Race Meeting ', _ Oddfellows Hall—Alleyne-Wade Oomeoy Company at 8 o’clock Tinwald Temperance Hall—Opening Ball Monday, December 13 Gerough Council, at Borough Connell Chambers at 7.30 Wednesday, December 16. Oddfellows’ Hall—Borough School Ocn cert at 8 o'clock Thursday, December 16 Gant’s Garden*—Ant ual Garden Party in connection with St Stephen’s Church Monday, December 27 I, O.L.—Annual Concert and Ball Friday, December 31 Oddfellows’ Hall —“ False Colors "at 8 o’clock

RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Trains Arrive at Ashburton— -From Ohrist hmoh and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), -4.85 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 ,m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.6 */T*aihb Leave Ashburton —For Ohrist gbnroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.65 a.m., ■ad 5.87 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and Bontb, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4.45 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and alter the 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be is follows, viz.:— IE PAID IN ADVANCE t Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d . Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18a 6d „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 37s Od IE BOOKED : Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d .. Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21a 6d „ Tear .. 80s Od, by post, 43s Od Birt Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid tor at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment); if booked, is PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAY RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE OLD RATES. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country districts, require to be verified by the signs tore of ths person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

Malle close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 0.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Bakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Bangitata, Orari, Winchester, «nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuba, at 10 a.m. and 4,30 p.m dally. for Timarn and South, at 10 a. m., and £3O p.m., daily. _ • . For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and tnrdays, at 10.46 a,m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Sea view, Seafield, UQ Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and tnrdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Buapuna,' on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Lougbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes <ays,and Fridays, at 4.30p.m. For Newlanda, on Tuesdays and Frl at 10.30 a,m. ufaUß arrive at the Ashburton Post fficO' From Christchurch and Bakaia at 10.15 ,m., 4.36 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From O isrtsey, &o, at 10.15 t and ,35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places 6.3° %m. daily. Temnka and Timaru at 10.40 a. iu p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 i.m. from Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 , m. From Mayfield and Buapuna, on Wed uesdays and .Saturdays, at 10.6 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a.m. daily. From Newhmds, on Tuesdays and Frl days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thar* days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1886. SENTENCED TO DEATH.

Terrrible as it is to contemplate such a wholesale forfeiture of human life as is involved in the fulfilment of the sentence of death passed by Mr Justice VVindeyer on the nine men found guilty of participation in the Mount Rennie outrage, no one can deny the justice of that sentence, and few will be found to question the necessity of its being carried out. For even those who are opposed to capital punishment, even for the crime of murder, must be con strained to admit that the experience of Switzerland clearly demonstrates that no punishment other than that of death has the like terrors, and that, therefore, the punishment of death has a greater deterrent effect than any other. Switzerland, some years ago, abolished capital punishment with the result that, after a fair trial, it was found that murders multiplied and public opinion compelled the restora tion of the death penalty. It is true that it is possible to go to the other extreme, as, for instance, when men were hung by dozens for sheepstealing and all sorts of minor offences, those offences were much more common than they are to-day, and it would seem that it is possible to produce a reckless disregard of the value of life on the part of numbers of the people coares ponding with the low estimation in which it is held by the law whicli inflicts death for trifling causes. But while such laws as these defeat their own object, it does not follow, as we have seen, that the death penal y can be wisely dispensed with altogether. Indeed it would seem to be necessary for the safety of society to insist upon st least one portion of the Mosaic retri butive law—that which lays down that “ Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed,” and there are circumstances and conditions of society in which that other portion of the same law which decreed death for offences against virtue evidently mast also be carried out. Such circum stances and conditions appear, un happily, to obtain in New South Wales, in the chief city of which colony, accord ing to Mr Justice Windeyer, there is “a class worse than savages, lower in their instincts than the brutes below us ” and whose crimes he rightly characterises as “ a disgrace to civilisStion.” His Honor, after expressing the abhorrence of all right-thinking men of the brutal conduct of which the prisoners before him had been found guilty who, like a set of savages pursuing some wild anima’, hunted down a poor girl whom they found defenceless and alone, and after most abominable treatment left nearly dead, went on to detail a list of crimes of similar atrocity which had come under his immediate notice in New South Wales during the past few years. He said, “ A few years ago an outrage was com mitted by a number of young men upon a girl in the neighborhood of Paramatta street, but by some mischance a gross miscarriage of justice took place in the acquittal of the men. False evidence was always ready, too ready to throw J its protecting shield around those of the i class to which ihe prisoners belonged. ! This was followed by an outrage upon J

a youug woman at tiie North Shore, and the perpetrators of that crime escaped the penally of death on account 1 of their youth. After this an outrage took place upon an old woman in the neighborhood of Ultimo, and he had not the slightest hesitation in saying that a miscarriage of justice took place there in the acquittal of the men. This case was followed by another, where a wretched woman was done to death somewhere, in the locality made in famous by its crime, where the present outrage was perpetrated. Again a mis carriage of justice took place, all of those concerned being acquitted. This was succeeded by another frightful out rage, where a wretched creature was found lying naked like a dog in the street under circumstances of outrage too horrible to mention. Only one of the wretches concerned in this crime was brought to justice. Only last yeai he tried eight men for a concerted out rage upon an old woman under circum stances too disgusting to refer to, and they escaped the death penalty.” He expressed his belief that tbe pre sent crime was the outcome of the past, and that this culminating outrage had been brought about by the immu nity from the death penalty which the class to which the prisoners belonged had so long enj :>yed upon the ground of their youth. In these circumstances His Honor warned the prisoners that, notwithstanding the: recommendation to mercy on account of youth made by the ju'y, there was no room for them to hope that it would be acted upon, and advised them to prepare to meet their Maker. He added that “ after all that had taken place of late years in the colony, the time was come when a terrible example must be made of those who seemed restrained by no fear, sense of shame, or the odium and contempt of their fellows. Con duct such as that of the prisoners could only be restrained by the fear of death —the fate which awaited the prisoners.” In view of this solemn expression of judicial opinion, there can be no question but that the sen tence will be allowed to take i.s course, and that the nine young men convicted of sharing in the dreadful affair of Mount Rennie will expiate their crime upon the scaffold. Let us hope that ■ the warning thus given will have the effect of preventing others from imi tating their brutal and lawless conduct, and that New South Wales may never again be the scene of such another terrible crime.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual garden party in connection with St. Stephen’s Church takes place on Thursday next at Mr Hunt’s grounds, where there will be a Christmas tree, boating, quoits, football, cricket, a tug-of-war, etc., a Maypole dance at 3 p.m., a Mondin and acrobatic performance at 4 p.m., tea and cakes at C p.m., and strawberries and cream all tbe afternoon. Conveyances will leave the Post Office for the grounds every half hour from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. As wo stated in a recent issue, as would probably be the case, the date of the second scries of Ashburton wool sales for this season has been altered to Thursday, the 16th inst. This has been done for two reasons, viz., because this day being a holiday will, is it thought, be more convenient for buyers, and because the date now appointed will fit in better with other sales ; those at Timaru being fixed for the 14th, at Christchurch for the 18th, and at Amberley for the 20th.

A special meeting of the South Bakaia Boad Board was held on Thursday evening. Present—Messrs Coster (chairman), Tucker, and Allan. The meeting was called to con sider the question of enterting on Mr Anderson’s land for a gravel pit. Mr Anderson bad only received verbal notice, and it was necessary that he should receive notice under clause 90 of the Public Works Act, 1882. Mr Tucker proposed the necessary motions, which were seconded by Mr Allan, and carried. The Mosgiel Factory are turning out silk mixed coatings which are spoken well of. In the fifty years of the Queen’s reign the numbers under bei sway have increased from 126,000,000 to 232,000,000.

Last year the births in France were 922,361, or an average of 300,000 fewer than the last fifteen years. Over 8 per cent, of the whole were illegitimate. The Wellington sympathisers of Miss Houston, who figured prominently in the Timaru poisoning case, have forwarded her a “ marked cheque ” for a substantial amount. A report from Wellington states that the Minister of Lands has resolved to lay off a block of land of 4000 acres, for the purpose of a Maori settlement. Major Kemp, it is said, will undertake the formation of the s ttlement.

During 1855 the colony of New South Wales imported vegetables to the value of £53,000, while for the first seven months of the present year the value of the importations was £170,000. Of this £130,000 worth came from Victoria. The chief items were potatoes, onions, and green vegetables. New Zealand supplied vegetables to the value of £3129. At Christchurch yesterday the licensees of the Palace and Criterion hotels were charged with allowing intoxicating liquor to be supplied to two boys of 14 and 15 years old. The wife of one licensee and the bar. maid employed by the other were charged with supplying the liquor in question. The evidence showed that the youngsters, with another boy aged 16, got three half-pints of shandygaff each, then a bottle of shandygaff, finishing up with some brandy which another boy fetched them. One got helplessly drunk, another nearly so, but the third who did not touch the ’brandy ran away on a policeman approaching. The defence was that the licensees were not liable as they were both absent when the boys were served, and that the persons who served them believed them to be over 16 years old. The case was adjourned till Monday. £SOO will be paid for any case that American Co.’s Hop Bitters will not cure or help. Doubt not See. Statutory Declaration,—l, Franz Kaabs Ironbark, Sandhurst, in the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on the knee. I at once took all pains to secure medical assistance However, in spite of all .efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Maogilli vray than an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, in order to save life. At this junction I called on Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of the Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the applica tion of the same 1 had the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fortnight out of all danger, to-day ha is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis bad been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied. And 1 make this solemn declaration, etc.,--Franzßaab?. Declared at Sandhurst, in the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seven teenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-BBvea before me, Merits Cohn, J.P.—'.Adyt.

The New Zealand Herald says that daring Mr Matthew Burnett’s eight weeks’ temper ance mission in Auckland he induced 3000 persona to sign the pledge, including a large number Of Maoris headed by several chiefs. Up to date he has enrolled in the North Island, during the last five months, over 10,000 names. The Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Show yesterday was greatly disorganised by the failure of railway communication by the floods, aud also through the inability of exhibitors to get 'heir stock across the swollen rivers. As a consequence competition in many classes was merely nominal, and the attendance of the public was very meagre, although the day was flue, George Prentz and A. Beaven divided shorthorn honors, and W. Rankin and W. Mollwrioh those for Ayrshires In the polled Angus ofass the Morton Mains Company took all the prizes for three-year-old bulls, and in tbe other classes the Hon M. Holmes took all the prizes, there being no competition. In merinos Eoyse and Anderson, of Napier, were first for a four-tooth ram, Rowley and Hamilton for two-tooths, the Hon M. Holmes for three ewes, and the N.Z.M. and I, Association for two-tooth ewes. In Lincolns W. Mortis takes all the first prizes; in Leioesters J. MoOrosbie and McKcroher Bros, divided. The Hon M. Holmes and Morton Mains Company took all the prizes in Romney Marsh, and Howley and Hamilton for downs. The N.Z.L. and M.A. Company’s cup for the best ten wethers for freezing was taken by John Grieve with the Hampshire and merino cross.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBUAiO' FRIDAY. (Before Mr D Thomas, J P , and Mr H. Frie-Wander, J. P ) ALLEGED BREACH ' F GAMING AND LOTTERIES *C ; George Stevens And W. G Settles were charged with having at the Ashburton ruco course on T/iursday, sold tickets by which permission was given to have an inter at in a schema whereby money wa to b • g ined ; further that they did assist in conducting a scheme by which money was to be gained; and finther that they were partners in a s< heme whereby money was to he i a<ned—Sergeant Foiton who prosecuted said that alhough nomlnaMy the e were three o arges in realtty there rfss only one The 18th section ol the Gaming and Lotteries Act under which the case was brought, was rather pecularly drawn and this had necessitated the charge being laid in such a manner that the secured could not escape io a technical ground. Ser<e»nt fel ton further stated that Mr Stringer, who i ad bean retained for the - defence, bad telegraphed to him asking for a remand and he had no objection to this corns? bring taken. —The accused were accord in ly remanded till Tuesday next, bail being allowed in sureties of £25 each, and £l2 10s iu cash which had been deposited by the accused, to be held as guarantee for their appearance, when called upon. In the event of their not being able to find sureties, the accused obtained parm’sco (to make a cash deposit of £37 10a.

SOUTH RaKalA. THURSDAY, [Before Mr H. 0. S. Baddeley, R.M } CIVIL CASES. Durey v. feheilock, claim £3 8a —Mr Purnell for defendant. A set *ff for £2 11s 6d had been file ', and was altowed. Items in the claim were dhpu-ed and plaint ff did not produce any books Judgment was given f r defendant with cost* of one witness and solictors he. Shellock v. Durey, claim £lO damage < for illegal!} holding a hor?e —Mr Pumeil for plaintiff —lt appeared that Constable Black had . irsTUOtod Durey, who is a livery-stable k. eper, to take plaintiff's horse to his stable and give It a feed. When pla’ntiff went f r his horse the same night he offered Is 6.1 for the feed but he was not allowed to take the an! al away till s mu back feeds had been paid for. Piainliff had applied on several other days for his hors*. His horsa hid not been stabled for 6 years and had Buffered through being kept in. ud plain tiff had been unable to follow his ccoup#- fon of pouukpeeper,—Judgment for plaintiff for £5 or the return of thf> ho se and £3 damages, witness Bs, and solicitor's' fee imd court fees.

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following io the Corn Exchange report lor the week ending Friday, the 10th I ecember : The past week has not been a particularly s tisfactory one to traders in cereals A dormant tendency has been noticeable, which has by no means improved b si ness. Accounts from Australia are favorab’o, and a fairly abundant harvest is ex pected, which if realised will to a great extent close their markets against New Zeala; d oroduce for the ensuin' year. The English markets show signs of im provement which, according to latest a Ivices, is expected to he maintained, with a fair probability of fu iher in creased values. Our local prospects would be more encouraging if we had a moderate rain to prevent premature harvesting vVheat has only limited buyers, but stock are low, and present values are expec’ed to bo maintained untU the new crops arc harvested. Pearl is scare- at 4s 6d; '1 uscan and Hunters have sellers in limited quantities at 4a 6d to 4s 6d ; second quality is being offered at 4s 2d to 4s 31, and chickeuwlieat is nearly ©ut of stock at 3 s 9d o3s lid Oats are hard to quit, and sales have been made at extremely low rates, but large hollers are keeping aloof in hopes of an improvement. Milling a e in a small compass, and 2s Id is asked ; short feed are offered at Is lid to 2s, with limited business ; Tartars and Danish rule very low, Is 7a to Is 8d being the ruling figure. B rley.—The season for malting is virtually over. Feed sorts are enquired for at the low pries of 2s 2d to 2s 3d. Beans, Peas, and Grass Feeds have no business to note. Potatoes —The season is fast drawing to a close, and almost any price would be accepted at the pits. 'I here being no outside trade, buyers are few ; 20s, f o b , sacks extra, is the ruling rate. Dairy produce remains quiet, there being no speculation for forward orders. Butter (in tubs) is worth 5d to 6d, and cheese (new), 4d to sd. The above prices are those paid to fanners for delivery f.o b. at Lyttelton, sacks

SIR WILLIAM EITZHERBERT.

The Wellington fu respondent of the New Zealand Herald says :—To ere was a rumour afloat in Wellington for tbe last few days i! at the Speaker of the Legis lative Connell would shortly proceed to England and retire from public life I have made enquliias as to the grounds for this rumour. His friends say it is very Improbable, seeing the energy with which Sir Willrtm Is improving his property Bnt this is a reason for as wall as against, seeing t' at- if Sir William retired he would sell the property. It is a better reason for the Incredulity of his friends that he has not said anything to any of them about his intention to retire. The rumour, 1 believe, had its origin In a oonvotsat on relative to the sale of some portions of Sir William’s property, and the recast death of JUdy Fiisberbert, ,

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The usual mouthiy m>e ! lng of the Board was held on Monday, December 7th. Present : Messrs Peaohe (In this chair), Harrison, and Kd on, overseer’s report. The Overseer’s Report, was read and considered. An additional 600 yards of shingle was ordered to bo put on the Gorge Road, between Harvey’s corner and the Deep Creek. The Q iarry Road was ordered to be rep dred the cost not to exceed £l. Concrete bridges on Boyd’s and the 5-wamp Road were ordered to be built. The road to the Mount Possession wonlshod was ordered to be repaired, the c xt not to exceed £2. The sum of £1 was granted to Mr Mere wether to repair the Twin Creek Crossing. CORRESPOND KNOB. Oorre ponde-ca was read (I) From the Aihburton County Council stating that the usual grant ■ f Is 6d per 100 for heads and egesof smc'lblrdß would bo continued, eiolved that the Boa'd world gam a further sum of Is pet 100, and that the overseer would act at receiver.—(2) Prom Messrs Cooper Bros., asking that 20 chains of Fnd and Nevlqi’s Ro d le shingled.—Granted on condition that Messrs Cooper Bros, contribute £l3 towards the work.

TENDERS, Tenders were opened for shingling the approaches to the M unt Somers Railway Station. ’■ All were considered too high, and it was resolved to defer farther action til! after harvest. DEPUTATION. Mr William M Onmoct interviewed the rdna-d w'th respect to road leading to Bedlam Bay,—After a long di suasion the overseer was ordered to report on the road at nex* meeting of the Hosed. LOCAL BODIES LOAN ACTS I^B6. Proposed by Mr A E. Peache, and seconded by Mr Wiliiam Ed sen and carried “ that the Lool Bodies Loins ct 1886, be brought in f rce In the Mount ,somers Road Board District.” ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £4O Os 3d was passed for payment, and the Bwd aejourne t to Monday, January 3rd, 1887.

TEMPERANCE MEETING AT WATERTON

A very successful Gospel Temperance meeting was bold at Waterton on Wednesday evening. There was a large aitendai cs, the hall being crowded to excess. The Rev T. W. Newbold presided, and, devotional having betn rendered, delivered a very instructive and amusing ndlress, taking for his subjict the success achieved by Temperance. A miscellaneous programme was then disposed of as follows Song, “Be temperate boys,” Me Dakera (euo'Ped) ; recitation, “ The drunkard's child," Miss A. Williams; song, “ Cold water for mo,” Mr Osborne ; recitation, “Tbe drunkard’s child’s prayer,” Miss A Donaldson; reading, “ A Merry Christmas,” Mr R. Gllmonr ; song, “The Temperance army,” Mr Wheeler (encored); song, “ The gentle lambs,” Miss Flora Prebble (aged 6) ; recitation, “Coma home father,” Miss H. Rasnstan ; song, '* Bon 1 y grows the barley,” Mr Dakers. Mr Osborne's song, “ Sign the pledge,” was well responded to, a large number of persons coming forward. A reo 'at on, “The teetotal do’ls,” by Mies Flora Prebble, brought the meeting to a close.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Wellington, t-ecember 9. Colonel Whitmore’s appointment as M»j r-General of the New Zealand Militia and Defence Force is g zstted. The u niforms which Colonels, Lieutenant- Colonels, Majors, Captains, Adj tanis, -nd Lieutenants in the New Zetland Militia era only to wear on ceremonial and State occasions, and also at reviews and parade’, appear in this Gazette. During ihe evidence In a civil case before the Ma'ist ate’s Court to-day, in which the Wellington agm t of the Aus tralian Mesc.rntile Union Insurance Com pany claimed commission for services rendered, u leaked out that the Queen’s lusuiance Company had been transacting business in the Colony, though nor licensed, and it is understood that tbe Stamp Department will institute proceed ings against the latter Company for penalties incurred. The penalty is £2O per month for each month badness is carried on without license, and the amount to be recovered will be abont £2OO or £3OO.

Oamabu, December 9. A meeting was neld here tbia evening with reference to the proposal to borrow £3O 000 to repair and strengthen the breakwater. The meeting was almost unanimously of opinion that the work should be gone on with. The Chairman made a lengthy statement, showing the position of the B <ard. He s : so stated that had the B > rl received from the Government £29 000 for their railway line <nd land, they Wi.uli have been able at the t mo to strengthen the wail ; but the B ard was compelled to accept £9OOO lostesd, and in consequence it could not carry out the work of strengthening the wall

Dunedin. December 9, During the twelve months ended Oct 31, 76,365 bales of wool, sheep and rabbit skins were exported from Port Chalmers and (>sm-ru, bein.- an increase •>f 4713 for the former and 3731 for the latter o’mpared with the previous year. The net totsl of wool was 72 74 1 ; sheep skins, 1270 ; rabbit skins, 2354 ; or a total of seven million skins, being an increase of 35 biles. The first wool sales of the season were held to-day, when there was a good attendance of buyers. Several Home representatives were present-. Notwith- i stmcing adv- rss reports of the progress of the Loudon sales, comp tit-ion for crossbreds was very good, and prices were u ) to expectations, but for merinos the demand was wean, and prices, compared with crossbred, were much lower. G easy coasbred, medium brought 7d to 8d ; do, light, B£d to 10£i, the latter being for 31 bales Glenledi ; greasy long wool, 7d to 7Jd ; merino, heavy, 6£i to 7d ; do, light, 7id to Bjfd. The Boslyn Borough Council has re fused to pny its contribution to the Charitable Aid Board, and the latter have resolved to sue unless the amount be paid within fo r days

JOSEPH’S BODY GUARD.

.People sneer at Bmperora and Kings who n cd to be constantly surrounded by a bodyguard to protect them from the violence of their well-belcved subjects. Bat what can they say,' tro wonder, when they learnt what the Home Secretary stated the other day. that the Bouse of O immooi, the mother of Parliaments re quires to be watched as zealously by as many ollcemen as a Sultan, a Cz»r, or Irian Viceroy. Daring the session, when the representatives of tie people assem bled therr are constantly on duty H? 3 policemen in and about the Houses of Parliament. Of these there are three in spectors and eieht sergeants The cost would bn £17,000 per anum if the House sat all the year round. If the house took holiday for a year, the cost would be re duced to £9,400 On the whole, it may be said that the coat of safeguarding the People’s House against destruction at the hands of Dvnamitards and others is eqtti valent to an addition of a capital sum of i a quarter of a million to the original aosjt i pi the building* I

“LADY AUDLEY’S SECRET."

There wan a fairly numerous attendance at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening on the occasion of the representation of “ Lady Andley’a Secret ’’ by several of the members of the defunct Mallaby Company. It had been orignally intended • hat the comedy “Ail at sea” should He produced, but in consequence of the effect for the piece having been destroyed in the recent fire at Dunedin, arrange ments had to be altered at the last moment, and “Lady Aud'ey’a Secret” put on. The charao'er of Lady Audley was taken by Misa Florence Wade, whose representation of the crime-imbued ad venturess was a thdlling ooe. Miss'Ll!lie Bryer made a piquant Alicia, and Misa Marion Medway gave an excellent repre sentation of Pbcebe. Mr Beaumont gave a faithful exposition‘ of the part of the septuagenarian. Sir Michael Audley; and Mr H. Alleyne, and Mr G. ' rendition of Robert Audley and George Talfcoya, respectively, were good in every respect. As usual Mr Harry Power scored a success in the part allotted 10 him, making the most of the character of Lake Marks. At the conclusion of the piece the principal performers were called before the curtain. The second part of the programme was of a miscellaneous character, and was brought to a conclusion by the faroe, “ A kiss in the dark.” thbTbells. The Company appear to-night in “ Tba Bella,” which is a melodrama showing how a murderer keeps his secret undis covered for fif'een years and then, overcome by the mental strain, diet of fright, after going through the details of the murder in adre.m Tbere is plenty of Il f e in the play, a good drinking song, a prettyicountry dancefacd a very stirring tableau of the murder of the Polish Jew. Mr Henry Alleyne, playing the part In Christen arch , held the aadieaes in breathless attention. The comedy of “ The Hough Diamond” will conclude the evening’s entertainment Miss Flor ence Wade playing Margery, aloft Ur Harry Power Cousin Joe, with songs and tia cos* The admission is at popular prices, and o nsidering .the merit of the Company there is bat little doubt there will be a jyod attend-noe.

THE DUNEDIN FIRE

Dunedin, December 2.

At the enquiry Into tbe fire at ihe rail* waygoorissh doa atirday, he jury, after a few min a tea' convocation, returned a verdict to the eff ct that there was no evidence how the fire originated. The only evidence at all suggesting that it was incendiarism, was that of boys.' The mother of one said that her son told her that M’Nab and another man “ done it,'* Her son said the boy J. ffi told him M'Nab had set fire to the shed. Jeffii ■aid he heard from the bey hi Odium that the latter ha I se n two young men running away from the south end of the but ding, and then aaw icon ;m >ke. They s*li they had seen the men loaning very fast.

THE FATAL COLLISION.

[EECTBR’s TBLEORAM3 —COPYRIGHT.}

Sydney, December 9 The Keilawarra’s crew numbered 35, all told. The total loss of life amounts to 43, made up as follows:—Twenty five passengers of the Keilawarra, the captain and n of tbe crew, and six of the crew of the Helen Nfccol. All tbe mates and engineers of the Keilavrana were saved. Among the passengers drowned was Mrs Wilson, of Brisbane, daughter of Madame Carandini, the well known vocalist. M’Grade the Victorian jockey, was also drowned. Layer. It is feared that both Mr and Mrs Wilson have perished with the wreck of the Keilawarra steamer. The Austra lasian is bringing the Helen Niccoi to Sydney. The steamers Lawrence and Game Cock have gone to meet them, and it is expected they will arrive to morrow morning. (Received December 10tb, at 1 pan.) Sydney, December 10. Mr John MacDonald, drowned In the Keilawarra, is a brother to Mr MacDonald, tbe manager of the Union Bank at Nelson. Miss' Calder Is a daughter of Captain Calder of the Keilawarra. The Schepper familly, who were all lost, have but . recently returned from Germany, and were proceeding to Maryborough. The Chamber of Commerce has voted an address of sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[beuteb’s telegrams—coptbioht.] THE IRISH QUESTION. London, December 8- At the Conservative banquet in the Cijy last night, the Marquis gf Salis bury delivered a speech, in which he welcomed the important cooperation of the Marquis of Hartington with re ference to the Irish question, and pointed out that the Unionist Liberals were gradually increasing in number. He declared that the Irish people were being deceived, and only a stem en forcing of the law would undeceive them. FURIOUS GALES- London, December 9. Furious gales haye been raging iq England and Ireland daring the last twenty-four hours. They have .been especially violent in the South of England, where numerons wrecks have occurred, causing much loss of life. Much havoc has also been caused by gales in some districts of Ireland. DECLINED. Paris, December 8. M. Floquet, who was asked to form a Ministry, has declined. M. Goblet, formerly Minister of Public Instruction, has however, accepted the task.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rF.UTEr's TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] (Received December 8, at I p ea.) AQUATIC. _ Melbourne. December ip. Beach has accepted Hanlan’s chal lenge to row on the Nepean river. He has made his first deposit of with the- sporting editor of the Austra lasian.

DISORDERLY LEGISLATORS.

The Legislative Assembly has been sitting all night discussing Chaffeiy's Irrigation Bill. Several disorderly scenes occurred.

THK AbHJBUttTON uUAKDIAJN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1886



MRS MANHIRE, Fancy goods warehouse, Saunders’ Buildings, East street. Ladies’ and Children’s Clothing in great variety. Paper Patterns instock and designed to order. Special Lines in Aprons and Pinafores. 9624 WESTGATE & B ATES, (Trom G. Elliott, Christchurch), Fishmongers and poulterers oytster saloon, Tancbed street, Ashburton. N.B.—We are now receiving daily Fresh Fish of the best quality. 964 FOB COUGHS, COLDS, Bronchitis. Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, &c, KAY’S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, Auiseed, Senega, Squill, Tola, &c with Chlorodyne. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Cheat Complaints. KAY’S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’S TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, Ac. Con tains Qo>nine, Iron, &c. COAGULINE. —Cement for Broken Articles, Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers :—KAY BROS., Stock ort, England,



HEW ZEALAND CICTBIG FACTORY The new goods for the SUMMER SEASON ARE NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style 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 shrank Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Leggings in great variety Hats, comprising every new stylo worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Buga, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WEETHBIM SEWING MACHINE. Tin • Payments. XL*. CLOTHING FAvTUdlt, East Stbsxt,



Wanted. VI7AKTED KNOWN 7 .— Washing and VV ,-;iangling done either by the day or dozen. Mangling 2d per dozen.— Address on application at “ Guardian ” Office. 880



I SLANTED KNOWN — Tint from this V* date I have reduced joints of Beef and Mution a halfpenny per lb.—Jamks Tasker. 12f 14 WANTED the Public to inspect a grand assortment of New Season’s Tea and Sugars of all grades, at prices to suit all classes of purchasers.—Jas, McGregor, Tancred street. FURNITURE —To meet the times, W. DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than over. Chest of Drawers, £1 5s ; ' Conches, £1 ss. I very other article equally cheap. All new furniture at second-hand price 804 JUST OPEiNELr—Choice assortment of New Spring Ur. »a tuffs, Prints, IVt)Henry, etc he cheapest House in town for first class goods. Dressmaking on the premises. H. C. Shores, Mel ford Honse. ANTED known that J Heseltine \’\ Saddler, &c , Burnett etr- et. Ashburton, and at Tinwald, is SELLING SALDLERY CHEAPER. THAN EVER. Large Stock to select from. Reaper and Binder Canvasses made and repaired at lowest prices. Cash paid for Horsehair in any quantity. Fote the address Next Bullock’s Arcade, Burnett street, Ashburton. 12J1 cpeciai Advertisements, MUSIC. MRS A. C. OLARIDGB is prepared to receive PUPILS for PIANOFORTE and ORGAN Terms on Application i Cox street, Ashburton. 9668



W. F. HANNAFOED, (Burnett street, opposite “ aflail” Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, WISHES to info'iu the public of Ashburton an , the surrounding districts that he keeps in stock or can MANUFACTURE 10 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 HORSE-HAIR and BEESWAX bought in any quanto j for CaSH. 11 73 WILDING AND LEWIS, jgAREISTERS AND gOUOITORS. F. WILDING, Notary Public. Offices: Next “Mail” Office, Burnett st., Ashburton. Mr WjLDi'O will attend the sittings of the Ashburton * "ourta on Tuesday and Fridays, and may be consulted personally on 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 the office to receive instructions and comer wtth touts. *IOBO



J. TO STAND THIS SEASON AT ASHBURTON, And Travel the Surrounding Districts, The Thoroughbred Horse, Kingfisher. For Pedigree see cards Terms- For one mare, £3 3s. A reduction will he made for three or more mares, the property of one owner. First class paddocks for mares at Is per week. Groomage fee, ss, payable at first service. E. COOKSON, Proprietor, 9J733 Livery Stables, Ashburtn.



MOUNT SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL CAN A T OW BE - HAD AT THE ABdVE PIT gIGHT FOR SHILLINGS PER TON, Or in Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, Ey the Truck. FOR CASH OjnLY. E. F. WRIGHT. MESSRS TCCKER~ AND RESTELL, Agents in Ashburton. o*3l



J. Ballantyne & Co. HAVE OPENED THEIR NEW SEEING GOODS, And are making a very fine display 01 MILI IN FRY, MANTLES, COSTUMES, and all the varied textures and style in -NEW DRESS MATERIALS for the coming Season. THE GENT’S DEPARTMENT is replete with a magnificent STOCK OF CLOTHING AND MEN !■’ MERCERY. DUNSTABLE HOUSE Christchurch. Luge Discounts for Cash



Victoria House. HOLIDAY SEASON, 1886-87 SECOND ANNUAL GIFT DISTRIBUTION, comprising elegant Works of Art, iu Bohemian ami Bulgarian Painted Vases, Glass Water Jugs, and Crystal Blower Stands. Ac GIFT COUPuNS now being issued to Purchasers. DIM AIN T AND COE, GENERAL DRAPER-*, CLOTHIERS, &c. f Corner East and Tancred streets, Ashburton.



Special advertisements. Gr. L. Beath & Co. £IOOO 0 s 0° Si ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION car CHRISTMAS GIFTS To-Day. To-Day. To-Day ON AND AFTER TO-DAY every Customer Jwill re ceive a Ticket with each Purchase, entitling the holder to select any Present of tho value stated on the ticket, which will amount to about one-eighth of the purchase money.



Gr. L. BEATS & CO., Argyle House, OABHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. FOR .Reliable Goods AT MODERATE PRICES, ORR & ALCORN ARB



U napproachable. THE PREMIER STOCKS OF ASHBURTON, DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES. CARPETS (NEW DESIGNS.) Christmas Cards. CHRISTMAS ANDREW YEAR CARDS AND PRESENTATION PRIZE BOOKS and NEW GOODS Suitable for CHRISTMAS <t NEW TEAR PRESENTS. H. J. WOOD AND CO. BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS, (Late T. F. Farley) FRIEDLANDER’S BUILDINGS. IN our New Season, 1886-7. Christmas and New Year Cards, are included the PRIZE DE -TONS from the following celebrated publishing firms of Loudon, Paris, Vienna, New York, and Boston ; Raphael Tuck and Sons Marcus Ward and Co. Thomas de la Rue and Co. Hildesheimer and Faulkner John Walker and Co. , Eyre and Spottiswoode Marion and Co. L. Prang, and Co, Boston, U.S. And several other Publishers, Comprising SEVERAL THOUSAND PRIZE DBSKJNS.



We have received per s.s. Arawa and s.s. Aorangi, ELEVEN CAS!- S OF NEW BOOKS Specially ordered for the Christmas Season, comprising the Latest Publica tions of He renowned Publishers—Cassell and Co ; Thos. Nelson and Sons; Rout ledge ; Wnrne ; Partridge ; Griffith, Farren, Okeden, and, Welch ; Marcus Ward and ’.'o ; and several English and American firms. And SEVENTEEN CASES OF NEW GOODS, Specially selected by our Home Agents for the Christmas Season, Comprising



Cabinets, Russian Leather Desks and Writing Case?, Photo. Albums in great variety of the m st elegant designs, Writing and So ap Albums, New Zealand Fern Albums, Photo. Frames in silk, plush and moroc co, Workboxes and Desks, Pulses, Gird Cu es, Pocket Books, and every description of Fancy {Stationery. H. J. WOOD & CO. STATIONERS’ HALL, Friedlandera’ Buildings, Ashburton.



THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS PUR , CHASING ACT, 1885, AND AMENDMENT ACT. THE HAKAIA AND ASHBURTO forks railway district. NOTICE is hereby given under the provisions of the i istrict Kail ways Purchasing Act, 1885, and the District Railways Purchasing Act, 1885, Extension and Amendment Act 1886, that it is my intention to niiko, on the 4th December, a rate oa all Propo-ty within the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway District, as defined in G zeite of 17th October, 1878, page 1415, for the year ending 31st Man.li, 1886, as follows ; 29,311 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the first class, 26,054 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the second class. 19,541 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the third class. 13,027 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the fourth class. j That such Rate will be payable to the Postmaster at Rakaia on the 11th December next, and that the Rato B -ok will j e open for inspection at the Post Office, Rakaia, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 , .m. daily from the 15th to the 30th November, buth inclusive. J. SPERRRY, Property Tax Commissioner. Wellington, 12th November, 1886, 11 86 TO STAND THIS SEASON, AT NE.THERBY FARM, ASHBURTON, And visit the surrounding neighborhood, The Thoroughbred Stallion Johnny Faulkner. Pedigree : He is by St. Albans, out of Impudence, by Peter Wilkins, out of Prudence by Jersey, out of Black Sail by Wanderer, out of Fairy (imp.) (For tabulated pedigree see cards ) Terms : £lO 10s for thoroughbred mares. £5 5s for half-bred mares. Also, the Thoroughbred Stallion Houser, 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 sa. Season, Ist January, 1887. Guarantees, Ist July, 1887, 9635 L MARKEY, Propriotf c



No one can be took if tbe atomaob. Moot liver and kidneys are waD. AnadMD o*l Hop Sitters keeps theta well, Ityl