DIARY.

Moonlight Evenings.

The Moon at 3 days old shines till about 8 o'olook. The Moon at 6 days old Bhines till about half-past 10 o'olock. The Moon at 8 days old shines ;till nearly 1 o'olook m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown till about 4 m the morning. The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 0 p.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. ■ and Bhines till sunrise. '

MARRIAGE.

Wilson — Obawfjrd —At the roeideroe of the brldVa father, Windmill Poad, OhrlsteHnroh, by the Rev. Oharloj Dail iflton, Jol n & Alison, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Wno. Crawford, both of Athburtor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1887. THE MONTH'S BLACK LIST.

The present month, now rapidly drawing to a close has, been extremely prolific of crime. Suicides, murders and outrages have been recorded m most of the papers we have taken up, and we regret to say that m a great majority of instances these are traceable ■O the effect of drink. These can bz no question that the various Temperance Societies have effected a vast amount of good, but it would seem as [if they had still a very large field of operation before them. We cannot help thinking that the Government could render them great assistance m their praiseworthy efforts, it it were so minded. There is no disguising the fact that m many places m the colony, the vilest poison is retailed under the names of brandy, rum, gin and whiskey. There is a fearful amount of i licit distillation carried on. A spirit is distilled from unmalted grain and, by the addition of various flavouring chemicals and colour ing matters, is made to resemble the spirits of commerce we have named. These have a most injurious effect upon the brain, and a very small qualtity of them, compared with that of the genuine article requisite to produce the same effect, is sufficient to produce temporary, if not permanent insanity. It is also strongly suspected m well-informed quarters that a very large quantity of spurious spirits are imported and honestly re tailed as genuine. Now, if the Govern ment were to appoint analysts at the chief ports, whose duty should be to sample and analyse each consignment, rejecting the spurious article, a vast amount of good would accrue. Some few years ago such officers were op pointed by the French Government, and their duties involved the analysing of wines and spirits exported from their : country. The report of these officers disclosed a fright ul and almost in* credible state of things. The unaditf teraed and that non injuriously adulterated bore a fearfully insignificant proportion to that deleterjously adul terated, and iheie is every reason to believe that a good portion of the Jatter exported before the appointment of these analysts and warehoused m Great Britian, has found its way to the colonies. The Government analysts might with advantage also subject samples of spirits obtained from public houses to their tests. The Government we have been given to understand by medical men, would certainly recoup e#psnses of the analyst's salaries by the great decrease m the number of lunatics and criminals that would ensue.

" Bodoh on Itch." — ♦ Bough pa Itoh ' cures skin humors, eruptions, ring worm, tetter, salt rheum, frosted feet, cbjttbUing, jtob, ivj poiioo fr&rbor'p itob» 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

* The San Franoisco mail closes at Aahburton on Friday next, at 5 p.m. Money orders must be obtained before 10 a.m. The Bcv Father Ohastagnon will officiate at Aahburton at the usual hours on Sunday, and at Methven on Monday, January 2nd, at 10.30 a.m. At the R.M. Court this morning, before Mr D. Williamson, J.P., and Mr D. Thomas, J.P., George McKonzia for drunkenness was oonvioted and discharged. — A female first offender for drunkenness was mulcted m the usual penalty.— ln a civil case, Moison vB. Ede, claim 18s, judgment waß given for the plaintiff by default. The following circular has been issued to officers commanding Volunteer companies : — Under instruoiions from the Defenoo Office, dated the 22nd instant, officers commanding corps are informed that m consequence of the necessity of limiting the expenditure of the Volunteer vote the capitation grant for the ensuing year (1888) will be materially reduood. The New Zealand Shipping Company have received the following cable message from their London offioe, dated 27th Deo. :— R.M.S. Bimutaka arrived, all well, at Plymouth yesterday ; meat m good condition. Timaru sailed from Auckland two days ago. A atrange story is reported from Hay, New South Wales, to the effect that all the oheques, amounting to a large sum, lost m the famous Cudgellioo mail robbery, for whioh a man named King was, some time back, sontenoed to tea years' penal servitude, have been found oonoealed m a log. Thers is a strong feeling m the district that King 1 is not the guilty person, and this is now strengthened by surrounding oironmstancea. 1 The women m Amerioa are invading everj sphere of employment. Female doctors arc 1 as plentiful as blackberries, and women arc admitted to the bar of the States; Mrs Adi 1 M. Rtttenbender, a lady barrister, has jusl I been nominated by the Nebraska Prohibitioi > Convention as their candidate for the office of district judge. The clerk of the peace m one of the New Hampshire Courts is t lady. 1 It iB calculated that 100 eggs are annuallj • consumed by every head or unit of the popu lation of the United Kingdom. This gives ai annual requirement of 3,600,000,000. 01 these 1,100,000,000 are now received from abroad, and the supply is steadily growing. It is reported m London that the Emperoi of Brazil (travelling incognito) will shorty visit the colonies. ; The Mayor of Argonia, Kan., has givec birth to a fine boy. As this is something oui ' of the usual line, it may be added that tbc , Mayor of Argonia is a woman, Mrs Susanm Salter, the only woman Mayor m the world. The oldest tombstone m Germany wai hitherto supposed to have been one at Worms dated 000 A.D.; but at Zahlbaob, a village > near Mainz, a tombstone has just been dis discovered with a Hebrew epitaph, and dated ' 806 A.D. There are now twelve ordinary mail packets orossing the Channel daily to and from Dover besides spooial boats whioh are frequently , running. The returns for one week reoentlj show that during the week no less than 11,73? persons orossed. [ The statistics Bhow that the hens of the ■ United States produoe annually 300,000,00 C [ dollars more than do the cows, 180,000,00 C dollars more than the cotton fields, and 7,000,000 more than the entire wheat crop U * sold for. In order to bring the productions of India i more under European notice the Indiac i Government is making arrangements for E 1 free distribution of Indian tea, coffee, anc | tobacco to visitors at the Grand International Exhibition to be held at Brussels next year. ! Mr Moody's ohurch at Northfield, Massa chusetts, owns several large carriages, on* m eaoh district of the churoh going out everj Sunday morning gathering up persons foi worship. No charge is made to those who : avail themselves of these conveyances. At the present moment gooi butter is [ bought retail m Sydney for Is 2d per pound, and m some of tha country towns it can be Obtained for a much lower prioe. It has been Bold for 3d m the country. 1 A dreadful outrage was committed m > Summer row; Birmingham, on Oat. 7th, by a 1 man named James Hyde. He went home i drunk during the night, and attempted to loave the house again, but wag prevented by 1 bis wife and a young woman. Seizing a 1 poker he attacked them, battering them about the head until they became insensible. He ' then left the house, and gave himself up to the police. The women are m a dangerous condition. We clip the following from the " Marl borough Express " and wonder who it can refer to .-—Private advioes state a large firm of auctioneers and oattle salesmen, who have been successfully earring on business m Auckland for a quarter of a century, have had to succumb to the pressure of the times, and have called their creditors together, Their liabilities are set down at £86,000. Some of the graziers m Taranaki, Hawera, Patea, and Wanganui will, it is said, suffer heavily by the failure ; while it will mean ruin to many farmers m the Waikato. The best medioine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the If ing of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrqns. Bead the official reports that accompany eaoh bottle. Mosler, M.D., Prof. University, Greifsw Id, reportß :— The Eucalypti Extraot proved magnificently successful m very severe contusions, bruises, sprains, wounds, scald ings, broken ribs, and limbs. (" Medical Journal," Nov., 1881.) In diseases of the kidneys, either active congestion or Buppres oion, (urepmia) or albuminuria, dropsy, Hthjaßis, nothing will pQual m its action, Eucalypti Extract, Poses, sto 8 drops. Mosler, M.D., Prof., University, Greifswald, reports:— Diphtheria. Tonvila aontmually oohorent presenting ulcers with white exudats. Cured m fourteen days, Surgical Clinic of Prof. M'lntyre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis— Scirrhus of Breast — Excision. Eucalypti Extraot employed. No swelling, heat, or discoloration. Pared m fourteen days. — (Advt,) 4

PECULIAR TREES

* Thero are some peculiar troes m existence m foreign parts. Soine of these «re tho followiag : — Tho "life" tree, found m Jamaica, m so designated becnuso t is impossible, either by pfucking of£ its fruit or choppiog it down, to Btagnuto its lining propensities ; it is destroyed by fire alone. The"l' Utter" tree is both usuful and prcuHar ; it belongs to Central Africa, and Livingstone states that the butter which ib mado from its kernel will keep for a year. In such a hoi climate this m indeed remarkable. In Japan and some of the Pacific Islauds flourishes the " camphor " tree — a substance well known for lie disinfecting properties. Bat the inhabitants of the island of Fierro (Qtnariarl) depend more upon a tree and its fruiti than perhaps any other commu nity. This is thp " water " tree. It is constantly iurronpded by a cloud, which it condenser), aad is the »ol« water napply

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACES.

The following acceptances have been received : — HANDICAP HURDLTB. at lb Bt lb Wrangler ... 11 0 Leah ... 10 0 Nero ... 10 11 Aurora ... 9 5 Pickwick ... 10 9 CUP. Polly ... 8 7 Nlppar ... 712 Urland ... 8 7 Golofiaoh ... 7 8 Fquib ... 8 0 L*verne ... 7 8 Doubtful ... 7 12 Emma ... 7 0 FLYINO HANDICAP, Polly ... 8 12 Olive ... 7 5 Urland ... 812 Meada ... 7 5 Moon t'n Deer 8 7 Loan ... 7 5 Goldfiooh ... 8 1 Little Wonder 7 3 Squib ... 8 0 Little Arthur 7 0 Doubtful ... 710 Minnie ... 612 Nipper ... 710 Annie Laorle 612 Sobriety ... 7 10 HANDICAP TROT Lady Grey sor. Bismarck ... ... 20ie03 Wakanui 35scca Alma 45ieos Heather Jock ,„ .„ ... fcOieoa Bedgemere Lasa ... 50 tecs Nolly 50<eca Kandora , ... 55.ecs Zenith ... ... ... ... 55ieos Ginger 65seoa Stockings , ... 60jecs Maggie McKay 60ieoa Brown Boy 60;ecn Minnie ... GOjccs Whenuakura ... ... ... 60iecs Polly 60*ec9 Ramrod 65aeos Johnny Morgan 65j60b MAIDEN PLATE. The following nominations have been received : — Mr John Worner'a Wrangler Mr John Worner's Leah Mr L. Markey'a Laverne Mr Jas. Robb's Audrey Mr G. Grice'a Sunbeam Mi J. O'Donnell'B Olive.

METHVEN RACES.

> The following weighs have been de -1 dated: — Hurdles. st lb I st lb Panlo ... 13 0 Azjlla ... 11 3 Medico ... 11 10 I Pioneer ... 10 0 Trot. 1 Pilot ... scr j Lily,.. ... 6Oaoo ! Kate ... 50 sec | Wee Wee ... 65 eeo Ladies Puhse. at lb B y ]b Zaalct ... 12 0 Van Breeze 10 12 Forrester ... 11 7 Polly ... 10 12 Azella ... 11 7 Nancy Lee... 10 9 Ngala ... 11 3 Patchford ... 10 7 Blaokßas."... 10 12

MARLBOROUGH RACING CLUB.

Blenheim, December 28. At the reces on Boxing Day there was a fair attendance, and the racing was ▼cry good, considering only small stakes were offered. There were nine eveuta on the programme. Hayes and Jenkins' patent totallsator, which ia to be exhibited at the Melbourne Exhibition, was on the ground. Mr Hayes superintended the working. It was very fairly patronised. The following are the results : — Handicap Hurdle Face. Tiromllei; eight flights of hurdlei. Ooeola , 1 Jim ... 2 Orient 3 Time, 4nain Bseo. Tuttlisator, 77— £6 6s. Hack Hurdles. O&o mile and a quarter over six flights. Sweet William 1 Cassandra 2 Hallelujah Lid . ... 3 Dividend, £12 Is. Maiden Hack Hdbdi.es. Three-quarters of a mile. Roma . . 1 Fisherman 2 Dividend, £7. Wairau Plate. One mtyg and a half, Barosm* , ... 1 Orient.., 2 Sweetie ... 3 Dividend, £2 13 1. Shbakbbs' Purse. One mile and a quarter. Miss Dor 1 Cassandra .. 2 Hallelujah Ltd 3 Dividend, £1 13s. FRYING Stakes Handicap. Half a mile. Jim 1 Queen Margaret 2 Tui 3 Dividend, £2. The owner of Tui entered a protest, and the race was run over again, but Qaeen Margaret did not start. Jim von easily. Calvary Rao*. Swordsman ,„ ... tft 1 Roma , , ... „ 2 Cassandra .„ , 3 Dividend, £1 13 i. frroßTiNa Handicap. Her Ladyship,.. ... ,, 4 1 Barofttna , , 2 Dividend £3 10a. CONSOLAIION. Sweetie I Agatha 2 Fisherman ... ,„ .„ 3

WESTLAND RACES.

We*tj«ort, December 28. FLYING HANDICAP. Cardigan i Roma ## 2 Hnrrloane 3 The favorite (Hurricane) was hold at tho start, and both the horse and jockey, ffdward Williams, of Reefton, were dis qualified. Great public indignation was expressed at those controlling Hurricane, T/WN TLATJ! V Norfolk 1 Cardigan ... ... ... 2 3UHER HANDICAP. Fleetwiog ... ... ' ,. f 1 Captain Brahim 2 OPEN HANDICAP. Snowstorm *•... 1 Norfolk Lass ... , , 2

OTAKI RACES.

Wkjclinqton, December 28. jgtISTBRTON HHKDLES, Kangaroo \ Rata 2 Johnny ... , 8 Freebooter fell heavily, the rider receiving a severe ahuklng. MASTERTOK HANDICAP. Smooth ... , 1 Rumour ... , ,„ 2 Little Sorab 3 Won by ft neck, after a desperate finish. Time— lmin 4Rseo. Dividend— £3 14 ». * trapzssjbn's handicap. Rumour .., ... .„ 1 Orator. . ... , 2 Kangaroo 3 Won by a head. Time— gmln 14seo. Dividend- £2 os. CONS NATION. Oupld 1 Porestor ... 2 * Johnny , 3 i Time— lmin 48sec. Dividend, £3 153 '

At a oon(er«noe of ladies held m Bond street, London, on the aubjeot of drans, it was deoided that the plumage of small birds should no longer be considered as fashionable trim ming for robes or bonnets. Skinnt Men.—" Wells' Health Sennwer," restores health and vigor, euros Dyspepsia, Jmpotenoe, Sexual pebiljty. At ohemiatu and druggists. Kempthoroe, Phaser, md Cfl, Hgeote, ghriitgharcb | *

CRICKET.

THE EINGLISH TEAM.

[beutbb's telegrams—copyright.]

Melbourne, December 28.

Mr B*fces is rapidly recovering In m the effaots of his aooident Hia eight ia re ported to^be unimpaired.

Am laid s, December 28

The mateh — Veruorj'a team v Eleven of Adelaide — was renamed to day, the hnme team having lost eight wickets for 450 at the conclusion of the d»y*B play. God frlrd put toge-her 119 and Giffen 203 before they were disposed of. Toe Cricket Association Insists upon the match being played out, notwithstanding th*t by bo doing it will interfere with ih* international match, which should com meno3 m Melbourne on Saturday.

ADDINGTON v PHCŒNIX CC.

Dunedin, December 28. The Addington (Ohristchurch) team met a Pbosiix mixed team to-day. The visitors put together ICB runs m the firßt inninqa, of which Caygill made 47 before he was caught, and Duokmanton n 23. When the Ptosaix had lo»t 9 wloketa foe 81 the vlßitora seemed to have victory m their grasp, but befora the last wicket foil the sooro had reaohed 135. Adding ton only eoored 58 ia their second at tempt, Turner, Dockmanton, and Ashby milking 14, 12, 13. Phoeiix lost one wicket for 25 when time was called, and the m^tch was decided lo their favor 00 i the fi.-at iunings.

LATE CABLE NEWS.

London, December 13. The Asia Minor uteainer Bellona was overtaken la a gale off Salonfoa, Tcrkey. There were 400 Greeks on board Daring the Btorm a false alarm of fire was ralßed, and a great panlo ensued. The people on board took to the boats, one of which waß oapsizad and fifty psrsons drownbd. In the rush for the boats ohera were oruehed to death. Daring the oonfaslon thieves entered the cabin and Btole money to the amount of £20C0. December 14. An article of a very alarming obaraoter is published In the "Tim 93." The writer Bta'ee there is great activity at present amongst the emiaoaries of the Olan na-gael Society. He as Berts as a faot that conspirators have now io their poste^eion m London no lobb than 200uwt of dyoamlte, and that if their plans are not circumvented great disasters are certain to happen m the cl:y. "G naral" Willonghby, the adventurer, who anted »s General m the Malagasy army at the time of the French invasion of Madagascar m 1883 84, and to whom the Frenoh attributed many of the d-ffi cnUies they enconntared m subduing the island, has been found guilty of embezzl ing £12,000, and has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment The Rev Benjimin Waugh.-the popular author of the •• Sunday Magazine," and also well-known for hia equiaitely written devotional pipers entitled " Evenings for Children," has been violently handled by a ruffian. He waa assaulted, severely injured, and robbed of money and valu ables. His assailant was arrested, and has been sentenced to 15 months' imprluon ment with hard labor and 20 lashes. Lord Braaaev, who wan reaently vloiting the Australian Colonies, baa arrived at Home, after a cruise of 36,000 miles. Bis Lordship has written a letter to the "Times," m which he discusses the present state of the defences of Australia. He says that Immediate attention should be given to coaliDg stations for the British flaet, and brings under apeolal notice the inadequate provision which exists m this renpeot on the Australian Continent. Port Darwin, he says, is particularly weak, being eediy m want of fortifications, guns' and Volunteer foroe. The "Timea 1 * commenting upon the letter, points out that Australia ought to be the defensive centre of the who c commercial interests of the Pao fio Ocean. Deo, 16. The deoislon of the International Sngar Conference, that reprisals should be made against those countries adhering to the bounty soheme, fa the subjaot of a long letter from Mr Gladstone to the press. Mr Gladstone goes very fully into the subject, and olaims that great injus tice will be done to the sugar industry, for while U now seems certam that other countries will impose countervailing duties, the British Government will stand aloof and allow the straggle to go od. The result of the Conference is disap proved of by Mr Gladstone, who had hoped to nee a fall solution of the diffi culty. Deo. 18. The " Spectator " names the Right Hon. Juhn Motley, M P. for Newcastle on-Tyne, as likely to succeed Mr Glad stone In the leadership of the Liberal Party. Mr Morley is recovering from his reoent indisposition. Lord Randolph Churohill speaking at Stockport, deacrjted the hopes of the party declaring for the maintenance of the onion between England and Ireland, aa brighter than ever. The Irlßh Natioual League, on the other hand, he oaid, was growing weaker, and its condition could now only be described as " wobbling." Dr Cftfls, of Ootk, who Lad an intrigue with a governess, haa been convicted of poisoning his wife He haa been sentenced to be hanged. The Dake of Norfolk, who was ap pointed Special Envoy from the Court ol St James to the Pope, has been received at Rome with great pomp and ceremony. He handed to the Pope a private letter from Har Majesty, and the reports irom the Vatican atntu that His Holiness was deeply moved on receiving proofs of the friendship of the Queen. He express3d a hope that the custom of the exohange of sentiments between European Courtß and hin.aelf on grea* international ques tions' of vital moment to the whole pivilieed world weald bo extended. The ceremonial meeting of the Pope and the Special Envoy from Great Britain was of the most impreaaive character. London, December 19. The funeral of tho man Linnel, who died from Id juries inflicted by the police when engaged m tho Recent " unem ployed " riots ia Trafalgar Square, took plaoo yesterday. Many thousands of persons assembled and formed a large funeral procession, which however was orderly. The pall-bearers included Mr R. O. Graham, M.P. ; (who was arrested as a rioter on December 13), Mr Stead of the " Pall Mall <inz»tte," William } Morris, the artist, Polt (one of the ! founders of of the SoolalUt League and editor of the f Common VVoal), and Mrs Besant (the well-known Socialist who desired to be arrested at a recent disturb ance but whose reqnest wai not complied with). The Key Mr Headlarn officiated at the grave. The coffin waa covered with wreaths of flo*era( amongot whioh were some sent by Mies Josephino Butler. Mr Morris addressed the crowd, and advo cated a holy war lo prevent London from being drawn into a hnpp prison.

Holloway's Ointkent and Pills.— A fre quent oauae of gout aud rheumatism, is the inflammatory state of the blood, attended with bad digestion and general debility. A few doeß of the Fills taken m time are an effeotive preventive against gout and rheuma tism. Anyone who has an artaok of either should use Hqlloway's Ointment also, tha powerful action Of which, combined with the operation of the Pills, must infallibly effeofc a sure. These Pills act directly on the blood, which they purify and improve. Having onc£ subdued the severity of these disoases, perse verance with the Ointment, after fomenting the affeoted jqinta with waim brine, will speedily relax all stiffness and jprjyont |«n* perwaoe Qontractiqu,

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

reuter's telegrams— copyright.]

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

London, Deoerober 27. The British Government has re ceived an official assurance from the French Government that the evacua of the New Hebrides will be completed within the time specified m the recently concluded Convention.

NEW GUNBOAT.

The Admiralty has ordered the gun boat Stork and the new gunboat Lizard to prepare to join the Australian squadron. These vessels are to replace the sailing vessels on the station.

THE MAILS.

Australian mails, dated Melbourne, November 27th, per P. and O. Com pany's Thames, were delivered to-day via Brindisi.

AN EXPECTED ATTACK.

Cairo, December 27. News from Massovvah reports that the Negus of Abyssinnia, with a strong force, is advancing rapidly to attack the Italian troops.

THE GREAT RAILWAY STRIKE.

Hew York, December 26. The strike on the Philadelphia and Reading railroad, consequent upon the refusal of the Company to cease employing non-Unionist workmen, has terminated, the dispute being settled by arbitration.

THE CZAR.

St. Petebsbitkc}, D.cember 27. It is understood that the Czar and the Impei lal family wiH take up their residence m the Caucasus early m spring.

THE CZAR AND THE STUDENTS.

The harsh measures resorted to m dealing with the students of the Uni versities have given rise to a strong feeling of popular discontent. His Imperial Majesty the Czar, m response to an appeal of the students, has ordered an enquiry to be held into their grievances.

THE CROWN PRINCE.

Berlin, Deoeinber 27.

His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince has refused to entertain pro posals made for the establishment of a Regency m the event of the death of the Emperor William.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTER's TEfcEGRAMS— COPYKIQHT] LORD CARNARVON. !; YDtfEr, December 23, Lurd Carnarvon " has given an em phatic denial to the assertion of Mr Justin M'Carthy, that His Lordship was a supporter of Mr Gladstone's system of Home Rule. SHIPPING. Saiied — Union Company's Zealaodia for Auckland, with the homeward San Francisco Mail, Melbourne, December 28. Sailed — Union Company's Mana pouri, for the Bluff, this afternoon.

REPORTED ROBBERY OF BANK NOTES.

Melbourne, December 28.

It is reported that several cancelled pound notes of the Bank of Australia have been circulating m this city recently. The circumstances poii t to a theft having been com mitted m the unissuable note de partment of the Bank. The number of notes abstracted is not yet known, but believed to be small. No proof exists as to any official being implicated m the affair.

GOLD DISCOVERY.

Brisbane, Ceoember 28. # A letter has been received from the

prospecting party at Mount McDonald, which states that millions of tons of "stuff" consisting for the most part of dry volcanic ash, have been found m the mountain, measuring 800 feet m height, and three miles m circum ference. It has not yet been proved whether gold runs through the moun tain.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

Wklijngion, December 23. The specification for the permanent lighting of the city by eleatrtalty are now complete, and oopiea will be forwarded by the outgoing Sbd Francisco mail to New York, London, and Paris, where tenders for the work will be invited. The yacht Dream is to competa at Lyttaiton rega'ta on Now Year'a Day. She ia to b 8 taken down by the Penguin to-morrow. Mr T. Oaborne will Ball her m the regatta. Invbroargill/, December 23. The Blutt H»rbor Board is reooganißtng its staff, have again employed all the former members with the exception of the Harbormaster, Captain Dyson, who did not apply, and another, Me GUlroy, who waa Pilot of the port m the early days and has lately been signalman. He now retires and Pilot McDonald takes hia plaor , The new men provisionally selected bat not yet confirmed are : — Norman Mc- D nald, first officer of the G.S.S. Stella, aa Harbormaster .• # and W. JcT. Paterson, second offi.oor of' the Union Steamship Company's Pakakl, as Chief Pilot. The Board abandoned the proviso that certain oflioera should not be over forty years, and also the etipuUtioa that applicants should be holders of certain certificates. Had the Board kept to ''their original resold-, tions an advertised, nearly all former servants wou'd heve been ineligible, Chkistohurch, December 28. At an extraordinary gereral meeting of tho New Zealand Shipping Company to-day, new regulations were adopted, Ihe principal alterations are the transfer to London oi the head office, tho regis tered office still remaining at Christen uroh; 2 Boards of Directory 1 at London »nd 1 ut Cbristchurch. The Londop, Board is to have' supreme financial qontrol, and the management and administration of the comtnurciai affairs of the Company, except m New Zealand, - s uatralia, Tasmania, aud the Islands of the Pacific. The New Zealand Board ia to have tho manage ment of the commercial affairs of the Company m O'ew Zoaland, etc. The New Zealand Board to be represented on the London Board by a director nominated by the Board m New Zealand, and the London Board is to have a similar nomination on the New Zealand Board, Dunedin, December 29. Charles Wilkiuß. who is already under ooinmUtal fur trial, for embezzlement, was farther charged t^day with that offence and laroeny. He was santeiicad to six month's imprisonment on two charges of embezzlement, to be cumnla tire, and the other chare o was ditmlieed, A man named John Reason fell orir > cliff at Shag Point on Sunday, He died, [a the hoipHel tQ-d»y from, iDjaplee, |<





MURDER AT RAKAIA.

A BOY DROWNED BY HIS MOTHER.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF THE WOMAN.

(from our own correspondent.)

Eakiia, This Day. A bjy was murderedj by bis mother, who attempted suicide m the Rakaia river thia afternoon, The mother tied the child to her and jumped m the water. Tbo child is dead, and the mother m the hand 4 of Dr. Withers, and ie progressing towards recovery. The woman has the appenranco of a widow from hei drets. It is rumored her name is Dalziel, and that her husband died Borne months: ago. An inquat will be held to-morrow.

ADDINGTON LIVE STOCK MARKET.

The Addington market yesterday wm thin m all departments, and the attend auoe was small.

Fat Catilu.— The supply was limited. Tyro nice lines of good qaallty combined with light w eight oold readily, but heavy cattle, aa Is usual at thia aeaaon, were not wanted. The moat desirable lot aold at J7* per JOOlba, heavier at 15i, Booondary and Inferior qualltlea brought very low rates. Very few store oattle were yarded, and transactions were not of sufficient importance to found quota tions upon, There was a decided Im provement m the demand for dairy atook, aud some good oowa being available, an advance of £1 per head on laat week'i valuea waa obtained. Good young oowi and springers brought £4 10a to £5 12c 6d per head. Oalvea continue at trifling prices. Sheep.— Very few pens of good sheep were m the market, the balk of the supply conaiating of crossbred ewes of various ages. Iv Beoond olaaa mutton there was a fall of 6d to Is per head, good fat ewes Belling at 4< 6d to 5a 64 etch ; mixed lines at 6s to 7i. There was sa active demand for export, and, the supply of saitable oheep being very email, a rise of 6d to la per bead waa got for them, up to 11s 9i being realised. • Jigs.-— Prices gave way a little, though there were buyers for e7ery line, and an ; ivei-aga decline may be quoted of 10 pec cent.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Attempted Incendiarism.

Auckland, December 29. Tha house of Mm Mary O'Oonnell, Franklin road, was dhoovered on fire last nigh-. The flames were suppressed hy the neighbours, who found the doors and windows ail securely fastened. Tiro separate fires were started with rubbish saturated with kerosene, and the furni ture had all been reaiored. Mrs O'Oon oell was near the house when the fire was firat observed, bat went away, refusing to give op the key. She was arrested later on, when she dssllned to give Information as to the Insurances She said somebody must have stolen her furniture and get fire to the house. Returned. The ruisoiotf boat and cutter have returned, lhey were on the reef at :Vfotutapu, and those on board had no provisions exospt a potato eaoh. The Rev D. Bfoea retirer 6n~Saturd»y f com the editorial department of the " New Zealand Herald,' 1 and Mr Q. M. Reid, who haa resigned the editorship of the " Evening Ball," haa taken his p'iCOw Gold Discoveries. Wellington, Deoembar 29, The prospecting party who went out to search for the retain the Waiohine Range, Wairarapa, from which goldbearlng speci mens bad been taken come time back f returned without being able to disooved the exact spot. They leave again for further search to-day. Stone picked np by the party during the searoh, although showing no gold, seems to indicate the preßenoe of gold-bearing quartz. Sir Jasi Hector ia at prevent analysing atone from the Owen creek, Nelson. He estimates that about an ounce to the ton has been lost In the crushing owing to the presenea of bismuth, and he Ib devising means for the prevention of the loss. The Retrenchment Scheme. It Is expected that a full Cabinet meet ing will be held In the early part of January, when It is understood tha principal matter to rjfc dealt with frill ba the retrenchment scheme. Property Sale. Blenheim, December 29. S . Leonard's farm, the property of Mr Thomas Redwood, wsb offered yesterday, m ten small sections, by Green and Nos* worthy, auctioneers. The property con tains 331 acres 1 rood 31 poles. Flve> seotions were disposed of for £4495 3s 66%, or a fraction over £19 per acre. Thai land, whloh Is within 3 miles of Blen heim, is of exceedingly good quality, and the purchasers are loqol men who know its full vaiua. The Bale attracted a largo number, as It is the first held for some time, and it is therefore regarded aa a fair reflex rf the value of property m Marl borough. Drowned. A telegram received by the polloe state* that the body of a man, name unknown, was found on Wednesday on the bank of the Wairan river, near Tophouse. The man was evidently going m search of work from one station to another. This is the third accident i a the Wairau river within a few months. One or two bridges are badly needed at different places, as the Wairau goes through a large tract of country Inquest. JDunbdin. December 29. At the inqueat on John Reason, a verdict was returned that he died from peritonitis accidentally caused, by falling down a cliff.

MISSIONARY WORK.

Some facts lately published In the 11 Tlmea " by Canon Taylor with regard to the results of missionary enterprise In various parts of the world will, says the ''Arguß," oom<s ns a Burprlse to moat people. Aocordlog to Canon Taylor, the reports of the Ohnreh Missionary Sooiety m India show that 841 mfßsionarie*. employed at a coßt of £40,296 19* Id, made last year rnly 297 converts. The record for the four countriea of Persia, Palestine, Arabia, and Kgypt is still worse. Here the sole result of the labors of 10J> missionaries and an expenditure of £11,804 9a Gi was the conversion of one Moslem git 1 In the orphanage at Jerusalem* of tfhom ft waß stated " that she is easily influenced, and requires constant guid ance." la Oeylon 347 agents made 207 converts, at a cost of £10.13ai7a 6J, In Mid-Ohina 71 agents made 63 converts, at a coat of £8917 13i 8d ; and In Sonth China 148 anenta wado 297 conTerts, at a cost of £7448 4s lid. The price of » couvert is thaa aeen to vary iv different parts from a little over £25 to the virtually prohibitive «gure of £11,834 9a Gl. Bven i the former is a tolerably substantial sum ; ; but with regard to the lattsrj there will be many porsoca probably prepared to endoree tha oanou'a tentative saggestioa that the money might be more profitably devotexi to Qthej pbjeo^, *

JPHE ASHBUBTOK GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1887.



Moon's . Sun Sun Moon Moon ago at Rises. Sets. RUes Sets, noondnj p.m. a.m. 24 Saturday ... 4.80 7.38 1.3? 0.57 0 35 Sunday .. 4.20 7.89 2.30 1.22 10 26 Monday .. 4.21 7.39 .i 9 1.48 11 27 Tuesday *.. 4.22 7.30 4.28 2.1C 12 28 Wednosday . . 4.22 7.40 527 2.40 13 29 Thursday .. 4.23 7.40 6.26 3,26 14 SO Friday.. .. 4.34 7.41 7.21 4.0 15



TO OUR RAKAIA SUBSCRIBERS. "TT TE desire to intimate that from and W after Ist January, 1888. SUB- SCRIBERS to thiß journal will OBTAIN THEIR COPIKft AT THE STORE OF MR C. HABDY.



Wanted. "TTT ANTED Known. —That HAVES Vy and CO, have a splendid lot of White Embroidery Kobeß at 14s, worth 21a. ( ! Segers' Great Sale.— Melford House. WANTED Known.— For Sale, Blue Guno, Stringy Bark, Peppermint Gam, Bed Gum, and Silver Wattle Tree Seeds, locally grown, and caved this Season ; also Tnrnip Seeds, just arrived, ex a.s. Rimutaka. — J, Sbalt and Co., Seedsmen, Eaet Street. 11+61 Melford House Sale.— H. O. Segers. WANTBD CASH — Moir'a Oatmeal 251 be, 2s 6d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Ooffae and Milk, l«j per Tin; Cocoa j«nd Milk, Is per tin ; Vctstaa, 5d per doz ; Cornflour, 41 per Ib ; tin Fruits, Is; Crockery, Ironmongery, eta. — At Jamb* McGregor's, Tancred Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED KNOWN ~ Oleographs Bcenery, and Catholic Subjects CathoUe Cards, good variety m Bcraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotcbet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, Ac., &c, at MBB Mandibe'B Fincy Repository, Saundare' Buildings; Sale at Melford House.— X. O. Segera, WANTED Known— To the Ladles of Aahburton and snrronnding districts, that an experienced monthly Nurse is desirona of engagement. Gnod references oan be given. Address — Mrs HILL. Peter Street, Aahborton. 11 18 "TTTANTED Known— Wells sank, with W pump and pipe fouod and fixed, from £2 10b upwards All kinds of pumps, Rangas and bouße-nmith work fixed or repaired. Chimneys swept and ranger cleaned, 3a. Registers la 6d eaoh. All orders punctually attended to. Note address, B. Dudley, Mooro. street, Aeh- btirfntl. 11 22



JOHN ORR & CO.'S GREAT CHEAP SALE —or— SUMMER STOCK, DRAPERY, . CLOTHING, MILLINERY, MANTLES, &o. Ccmmenoes on WEDNESDAY, December 28th. ASTONISHING BARGAINS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. NOTE !— The Great Sale for the Season is at John Orr and Co.'s J.G.BESTELL&CO, (LATE TUCKER & RESTELL), Timber and Coal Merchants, WEST STREET, HAVE made fre6h arrangements for supplies of all classes of TIMBEE Requisite for BnildiDg Purposes of Asbburton. Regular Deliveries from Southland, con- sist ng of — Red and White Pines, And from Thames, Havelock, and other Northern Ports of Best Dressed Floorings and Linings, The Quality of the Milling being such kb will pive entire Bstipf action. A Cargo of ASSORTED TIMBER, RED AND WHIT 1 * PTNE3 and MATAr, just received ex " Alert," A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF KAURI, FLOODING LINING, 81TELVINGS, MOULDING^ SKIRTINGS, ARCHITRAVES. Kept under cover and m good order, dry and seasoned. TOTARA and BLACK PINE of all sizes— the very beat— coming from the Terawera Paw Mills. Juflt t<aben into stock ex " Langstone" — GALVANISED IRON, Orb Brand, SHEET LEAD, ZINC, CEMENT. Fencing Wire, (barbed and pain), Boiled Raw Oil and Castor Oil, Bed and White Lead. NEWCASTLE, WESTPORT AMD MOUNT SOMERS COAL Always m stock and delivered ab any Railway Station at lowest possible I qaotationr. Tovrs Ordkhs Bkckivs ?Bo\iPr Attbntion. AGENTS FOR Northern Fire As wanes Co, Colonial Mutual Life Association MrE. F. Wright's Mount Somng cnl J. C. RESTELL & CO.



GBEAT SALE OF Bankrupt Stock v OP Drapery, Clothing, AND ' BOOT©* ANDREW ORR having secured the Stock of A. C. PRICHaRD at a great redaction from ! Invoice Cost, will offer it to the Public on WEDNESDAY, DEO. 28th, At Unheard of Fricos. (yßememberTOESDAY.the 27th DEO. uuo ANDREW 088. TRY KIBKPATEICK'S JAM. CAUTION, NONE lß^genume nnlesß our namo is stamped on each tin, and has our Register?* "1 rade*Ma* -, ".Lord Nelson, t «n the lab J. TRY KIBKPATRICK'SI TOMATO SAUCE. THE most delicious fiavoring'for Gold Meats, '.hops Steaks, Soiipß Gravies &c &g. Wool Season, 1887-88. WE are prepared to make LIBERAL OABH ADVANCES against Large or SMALL Clip* of Wool, whether In- tended for Sale In AJSHBURTON OB ELSE- WHERE. We have made most saiUfaotory'arrange i ments for SHIPPING CLIENTS' WOOL, If'prlcen realised m Ashbarton are not - considered satisfactory. It 1b our Intention to hold PEEIODICAL WOOL SALES Throughout the Season, ; Of whleh dna notice will be given, and sa nor GRaIS STORE, which was con- structed with due regard to LIGHT, will be EMPTY, ire shall have an opportunity of displaying the Wool to the very beat advantage, which should be a dlslderatnm j to the Seller^ I Chargei exactly the same as OhrUtchnrch; F insets, consult your best Interests, and Sell locally, thereby saving Railway Freigh. woolpaceTand twine OTT& ! BB3T QUALITY SUPPLIED, j If. MATSON & CO. TO TU-: SE IN WANT OF BEAPERS AKD BINDERS, Don't pnrchase until you see the Buckeye. CHAMPION OF AUSTRALIA, The Lightest and Best Machine yet before the Public. Vid© account of Public Trial*, STYX AND ASEBURTON. D. THOMAS, 12 151 igaul, Aghbutlou;



ALBEET EOBERTS HAS FOR SALE,— CIiOVERS,— RED, WHITE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE, and TREFOIL. RYEGRASS, COCKSFOOT, akd RAPE. Qolden Tares, Cape Barley, fcESD PEAB, SEED OATh (various kinds), CRDSHED BEANB PLOUGHiSHABES COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Ackpcwledg-vi to be THE BEST IN THE MARKET'