RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Tbains Abbivb at AsHBcr.TON— -From Christ hurch arid the North, at 10.16 a.m. (express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 a.m. (expresß). From Mount Somorß, 10.5 a.m Trains Lkavk Ashbubton — For Christ hurch and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., aa 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and South, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4 p.m. * For Mount Somera, 5.5 p.m.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

" From and after the 80th November, 1886, the tarmi of Subscription to this journal will be M follows, viz. : — f .. IF PAID 15 ADVANCE *. - «Pw Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d ', Half-year 12a 6d, by post, 18a 6d fc> „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 37b Od " • vr bookjbd : "•**- « Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by poßt, 10b 9d ***- 1 -- „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d ■>>'-„ Year .. 30b od, by poßt, 43s OS ,; c * Birt Marriage, and Death Notices, il paid :,". fir at the time of insertion, 2a 6a each '.; r fttamps may be sent as payment) ; it book«d, ■. m eaoh. • PRESENT SUBSCRIBER 5 ? MAY *•• RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT ;;; ■ ; THE OLD RATES. - Announcements of Births, Deaths ' and ■ Marriages cant for publication from the country ihtrioti. require to be verified by the nigna tare of the porßon sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Aahbnrton Post Office follows : — . For Ohrlstchnrch and North at 6 a.m 4). 30 ft. m. , and sp. m. , daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a.m rod 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, CJoldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, ' ' %nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. "' ForTemuka, at 10 i.m. and 4.30 p.m .«*lly. -v For Timani and South, at 10 a. in., and • ! SO p.m., dally. ■ ' For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and tnrdayß, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Soafield, id Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and tnrdays, at 6,30 a. m. For alount Somers, daily at 4.30 p. m For Mayfield and Ruapnna, on Mon • d»ys and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Afihton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednen ■ ; Uys, «nd Fridays, at 4. 3o p.m. '■ For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m. fc Mulhi arrive at the Aahburton Poet "fice— From Ohristchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 •.m. ,' 4. 35 p. m, , and 7. 20 p. m. From Ohertsey <ftc"at 10.15 4 - and ,35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin •ad Intermediate places . 5.3" *».m. daily. I r.FrbM Temuka an Timaru at 10.40 a.m p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 *.m. from Mount Somers, dally at 10.5 . m. From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed oesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. . , .From Ashton, Waterhon, and Long • • each at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlanda, on Tueedayß and Frl at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thnrb .v (lays, and Saturdays,* at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1887. PLOTTING AGAIN.

While with one hand ready to snatch the cheitnnts out of the fire that is fast kindling m Central Europe, Russia keeps the other ready for any convenient piece of pilfering that may present itsolf farther East. Scraps of novrs which find tbslr way into print from time to time, if care fully pieced together suffice to show clearly that this arch-schemer among nation? is busy plotting again, and the object of her plotting is no: such as England can afford t? look upon with Indifference. For, that, if opportunity serve, she means to creep nearer and nearer to our Indian possessions, upon which she will inevitably sooner or later encroach, is evident to the most parless reader of the signa of the times. Her emissaries are unceasingly at work among the native peoples, and It was not for mere amaze ment that her sp'es, disguised as mer chants, were caught the other day mapping out the mountain paanea wit hi a view to dlncover the most praotloable route for an Incursion intc British territory. That was another eigniSoant item wh'Oh reached us later, Intimating Russia's dis pleasure with the Ameer of Bokhara because of his refusal to accept of the rervices of Russian officers m the army if that piii'.c'p 'iy. and emphasis is given to the preiiio'ir.n that Rtmia meant mischief by the further intelligence that no has been ■ endeavoring to ne sot'jte for the cession of Herat m exchange for other territory offered to Afghanistan, All these things to gether are indabitable evidence that ■he still looks with a covetous eye toirardn India, and are a plain intima tion that the day will ' come when Ruisla and England will be engaged In a fierce contest for preosdenoe m Asia, Qu ; te possibly tho straggle may come much earlier than Englishmen expect, and if war break out m Kuropo and Eng land become involved, this may be the signal for Ransia's ondeavour to grasp the pr'a^ which she has so long coveted In any cose It will be well that the British lion should sleep with hia eyes open, if, m such times as these, he can afford to sleep at all, and now if at any juncture m our history it is abor* all things necbHflarr that too shou'd hold ounelvos m rettdiness to meet a* y emergency however great. We | iKta that msuy of the leading journal* et Home and abroad are prophoayiDg pence, but, m our opinion, tbe~e can be no assured peace while so mat.y millions of men are k«»pl by the Great Powers m constant readiness for * or. Liuccd, the whole civilised world — what a commen tary en civilisation !— is at this moment liko.a vast powder mtg»z ? ne, needing only a sp»rk to produce a tremendous ex p'ojioa. And w-.i may be well easured that the spark will fall ere long, and when it does tbere must be a Bin»sh»up p.orne where. RuEsia kmwa it, a- d ift planning for U, because she hopes to pick up oome of tha pieces. Let us hopa she will find them too hot to hold.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

It will be noted by an announcement m our advertising columns that Mr Alexander Oraighead, so loDg and favorably known as a skilful builder of gentlemen's apparel, is retiring from business, and has transferred his establishment to his brother, Mr Hugh Oraighead, who comes to New Zealand with thirtnen years' practical experience at Home, and who will doubtless deserve and achieve success.

At the B.M. Court this morning, before Mr P. Williamson, J.P., James Furn, for drunken ness, was fined 10s and costs, with the alter native of 48 hours' imprisonment.

We (Evening Belt) have been credibly informed by a gentleman who has travelled over the North of this colony, that he has, m the inland distriots, eaten Oiroular Head potatoes, borne all the way by steamer from Tasmania, sent up to Whangarei by Bteamer and then parted inland by bullock dray ; that colonial babies, the offspring of farmers, are being brought up on Swiss milk ; tbaj tinned salmon are consumed on the banks of the estuaries and rivers m the North that are literally alive with fish.

Liddy, the enterprising agent for Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Muagrove's Oomedy Company, writes to say that the Company wii* make their appearance m the Oddfellows' Hall, Ashburton, about the end of this month, when the comedy of " The Magistrate " will be put upon the boards. The Company has been showing to orowded houses m the South and elsewhere, and the pieoe ohosen for pro duction here is one of the most successful comedies of the day.

The usual monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held on Monday evening. Present— Messrs Hardy (ohairman), Cox, Broadbent, iVlakeig, and Oxley. The Master reported a very marked increase m the attendanoa during the past twelve months. The strict and working averages for the past quarter were, m each oaae, 165*6. The average for the past month was 172-4 ; for pa*t week, 1762. The highest attendance was 193, and the number on roll 199. The Master pointed out that another teacher was muoh needed to do justice to the ohildren. The examination had taken plaoe daring the previous week. The Master ex pressed his thanks to the Committee for the uniform courtesy extended to himself and his assistants. The aotion of the Ohair man m granting holidays from December 24 to Monday, January.24, was approved. Tha Chairman was requested to write to the Board of Bduoation and ask for a new bell; also, urging that an assistant. taacher be provided. It was reported there was a balance m hand of £13 12s sd. The amount expended during the year m salaries was £418 7s 4d, and m incidentals £64* 14s sd. It was resolved to give the ohildren a treat on opening day, and it was 'decided that no adults should be allowed m the ichool until the ohildren had been attended to, with, of ooufse, the oxcep tion of the attendants appointed by the Com • mittee. Lei .: . •'. -un the Board of Eduoation on routine subjeolu were read and dealt with. Accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned. Shareholders m the Union Insurance Co. will notice by an advertisement m this issue that a dividend of 10 per|cent. is now payable at Meßsrs Matson and Co.'s office, a ciroum. stance that, m these times of depression, is very satisfactory. The usual monthly meeting of the. Upper Ashburton Road Board took place yesterday. Present : Messrs Harper, Sarjeant, and Foster. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs McLean and Stitt. Correspondence was read (1) From Mr C W. Purnell re road at Dromore. (2) From Chairman Coldstreum Road Board, enclosing aoount, for payment. The Board resolved (1) To request Mr Purnell to complete trans fer of road at once. (2) To request the Coldstream Road Board m future to give this Board proper notioe of its intention to do boundary work. The account was passed for payment on the certificate of the sur veyor. The Clerk's report was read and adopted. Tenders were ordered to be called for the work of ereoting fence on Reserve 1122, Alford Forest Road, by Saturday next. The Chairman's action re Reserve at Sawle's was approved. Other matters of an un important nature were discussed. The usual accounts were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned till the last Monday m March. We observe that it is stated that Mr Mitoholeon is about to resign his seat for Marsden. * Entries close on Friday next, at 9 p.m., for the principal event" at the Timaru Raoing Olub's Summer Meeting, to be held on Feb. 10th. Particulars are given m another column by the Hon Secretary, Mr W. Collins. By a fire wbioh took place last week 2000 acres of tussock feed at tho Coldstream estate and a considerable extent of Mr Wheelband'B plantation were destroyed. The Minister for Public Works is to turn the first sod of the Midland Railway at Brun nerton m about three weeks time. The Wairarapa Star reports that a fine little girl, daughter of Mr T. B. Hitchings, of Whareama, was bitten by a katipo or some other poisonous inseot. Her symptoms becom ing serious, the parents drove into Masterton with her for medical advioe, Dr Hosting prescribed for the little patient, but without avail, death ensuing at 3 a.m. the following day. The number of landed proprietors m Franca before the Revolution was 4,000,000 ; m 1825, 6,500,000; m 1850, 7,000,000 to- 7,500,000 ; m 1875, 8.000,000. Sinoe the last date the number has diminished and still tend* to do so. There ii a brave and polite young man m the gaol m the City of Mexioo, who is await ing exeoution for the murder of his mother. The other day several of his friends received nicely printed cards worded as follows : — " Francisco del Moral has the pleasure to invite you to be present at his exeoution, so that you may be able to judge how a man should die." The strength of the New Zealand Volunteers on December 31st, 1885, was as follower- Cavalry, 594 ; mounted infantry, 150 ; naval artillery, 1851 ; artillery, 872 ; engineers, 175 ; riflos, 5520 ; cadets, 1704 ; total, 10,366. The Provincial Districts most strongly re presented are :— Otago, 1914 ; Canterbury, 1741 ; Auckland, 1441. The following 'statistics will interest some of our readers : — Of persons married m New Zealand m |1885, 75 males and 1010 females were under twenty-one years. Of the brides 13 wore between fifteen and sixteen years. Tha proportion of men and women married at eaoh period out of every 100 for tha year 1885 were — Under twenty-one, 1*97 and 26-40 ; twenty-one and under * twenty.fi ve, 27 30 and 43 33 ; twenty -five and under thirty, 35-54 and 17*44 ; thirty and under forty, 2386 and &1$; forty and under fifty years, 8-16 and 3-16; and so on till only decimals remain* After the eruption of Tarawera, m June last, it waa feared that the grass lands on the East Coast settlements whiah were covered with the shattered dibris of Tarawera Moun tain and the bed of Rotomahana Lake would be destroyed for a long time to oome. These fears have been falsified by the result. On several occasions we (Auckland Herald) have pointed out that the grass lands appear to have been benefited by the topdressing of vol canio dust, and a correspondent, writing from Maketu, on the 10th instant, says:— " The graqs is better all along this coast, especially hare and at Matata, than I have seen at this time any other year. All the oattlo are roll in fat. The To Puke oanibe seen from hire quite green. The olover is growing so fast that the oattla oannot keep it down." After the following it need hardly be argued that there is no sense of humour m the girl that marries a fakir. One of these Wat brought up before a Chioago Justice the ether day for misdemeanour. "Do you know the nature of an oath, madam ? " inquired the Judge. " Well, I think I oughtnr," was the reply, f my husband is a variety aotor." Tha Empress of China has reigned twenty years, and will resign next February m favQt of her son. She is said to be exceedingly progressive, and but for the men who formed bartounoil would have had railroads through* Olt the Empire.

LATE CABLE NEWS

[" AGE " SPECIALS ] London, December 22 The outlook m Europe is again of a threatening character, aud oraiuoua pro paraiions are being made fur war. The Turkish* Gjvernment is rapidly m«s«ing an 1 enormous number of-tror.pi In Mace donia. The Austrc-Huugarian Gjvern ment has despatched an order to America for 400,000 riflis, with special Injunctions requiring its speedy fulfilment, a condition baing made that the rifles shall be supplied before IVforoh. A report his been published that Count Herbert Bismarck during his interview with th« Bulgarian delegates Btrongly advised that Bij'gsiria Bhoold accept Prinoe Nicholas of Mlngrelia, the Russian nominee, as iti inter, but this statement is declared to bn untru «. It id probable that the depo3ed ruler, Prir ca Alexander, >f Bulgaria, will be re-elected, unless the Powers agree to the candidature of Prinoe Nicholas of Mingrelia Intelligence has been received that the Russian Government has made proposals with the object of seonrlugthe annexation of Herat, and hus offered m return to give Afghanistan another territory m com pensation. London, December 23. It is stated'that the principal catrn of Lord Randolph Churchill resigning his position was his disagreement with Lord Salisbury as to the wisdom of adopting, the policy of coercion m Ireland, London, December 24. Lord R. Ohurchill hat intimated that, notwithstanding his disagreement with the polioy of the Government he ti ill continue to- give them his support, and wil! abstain from making an attack upon them, even on questions regarding which he differs from their polioy. The Standard regards the desertion of Lord Randolph Ohorohill as a leal gain to the Oons rvative pnrty. 't is not probable that any further resignations will lake plac3. London, December 26. Considerable nnenainesj continues to prevail with regard to t'nb situation m Europe Tho relations between Count Kalnoky and Prince 'ismarok a*e grenily strained, the Austrian Government obj-cting strongly to the dFcision arrived At by Germany to allow Rnßßia a free hand wth .regard to the settlement ■ f the Bulgarian question. The . Austrian Government has vigoroua'y undertaken the work of placing the fcrfcrfsstjs on the Gallioien frontier, abuyin/ on 'the territory of Russia m a thorough state of tmciency and readiness forvjmpiedift'e use. ••• fefihee "Alexander of Battenberg has had an interview with the Bulgarian delfgateß at Cologne. The proposal to re-elect Prince Alexander to the sovereignty of the province was discussed at the interview, but tho result has not been allowed to transpire. Lord Randolph OhurvhHl has explained the reasons which c-iused him to take the. step ho did- Fie c-tatea he deei'ea to oee tho fighting effioicrcf of bath branches of the service increased, but he considers everything neoeesiry m that direction could be achieved wiihoob ircreaeing the present ouUay,if the money wero carefully and jadiciously spent. ' London, December 27- Hopes »re now eatertained that the d'ffioulty which has arisen m connection with Bulgaria may be settled withont resort to war. It is considered that the attitude of v»erm»ny precludes the proba bility of w^r, unless the Cz*r ohould want t> provoka it. A belief prevails that Außfria > except with the concurrence of allies woul'l never initiate huEtllity.

A proposal has boen made that colonial colleges should be founded at Oxford an 1 Cambridge Universities, m connection with the celebration next year of the Qaeen's jubilee,

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEET ING.

The following are the results of yester day's races : — Auckland Plate, of 250jjovb ; 2 miles. 1 KiDtifish 2 Derringer ... ... ... ... 3 Auckland Steeplechase Handicap, of 300aova ; 3^ miles. Falcon 1 Tiger ... 2 Guy Fawkes 3 Selling Stakes, of 100 soys ; 1 mile. Greeumont ... 1 Blarney ... 3 Lionel 3 Syltia Park Stakes, of 200 soys ; 6 furlongs. Niagara 1 Lady Florin ... 2 Bangle ... , S Victoria Handicap, of 100 soys ; 1 mile. Waitiri ...  1 Mitrailleuse ... ... 2 Turquoise , ... ... 3 After the Steeplechase the Governor left for. Onehunera to embark m the Hine moa for Wellington.

SUCCESSFUL TIPPING.

Our aportini» contributor " El Mahdi " was exceedingly aacorfaafal m his tips for tho.firbl day of the Aahbinon Race i/imt in.' and alm> f-»r iho Tiawald Raea Mee' mg. For the Hurdles at the Ashbm-ton Mee v in<£, five startera, ho gave the thr»a placed horses m the exact npdor m which they ja^aod the j idee, viz : — Moody Panic Nero. la the YVeltee Handicap he indicated ar hi Jackal. And out of seven Bturters these two were respectively firat and second, though m reverse order. For the Ashbsrtos Cup (won by Rubina) he declared for Spade Guinea, but Mr Mason's mare was scotched, and "El Mahdi," like all other tlpßters, is entitled to a start. Fo» the County Ocp he wrote MeLVILXiB Tasmania And when the numbers went up he waß lar^e y corroborated, these showing Melville 1 ; Zealot. 2 ; out of five starters. For the Spring Handicap the tip was Jack Tit Bir Quibble. And the result was Jack, Tit Bit— Quibble being soratched. For Monday's meeting at Tinwald he was remarkably sacoesaful m his predic tions. The forecast for the Hurdles was Panic Nero Wrangler. And the result (five starters) Panic, Wrangler, Minnie — Nero being scratched. For the Cup "151 M&hdi " placed all three horses exactly, viz. : — Tasmania Tkmuka. Zealot. The numbers going up as iudioated— six starters. For the Maiden he gave Tasmania as the winner correctly ; and was out m one event, the Trot, for whioh he tipped Alma, the race being won by Lady Grey, Hts tip of Jessie for the Flying Handi cap (won by JSero) omnot o iunt against him, aa Jtssie did not, Btnrt. Altogether it will be seen that we claim the assist ance of a- Sporting Prophet of singular accuracy.

A farmer named Sullivan, residing at Arowhenua, possegies a more than usually prolifio cow, whloh has juat oalvod for the leoond time, and brought forth no fewer than three well developed oalves,

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY

Wellington, January 3.

The Minister for Public Workt has, at the request of the Directors of the Mid land Railway Oompony, oonieut^d to turn the first dod of the Company's line, whioh starts at Brunnerton The hon gentle man will leave for Grey mouth for that purpose m about three weeks' time.

COLONIAL DEFENCE

Wellington, January 3. The Defence Department intend -to place oertain of the forti throughout tht oolony under the ohsrge of She varioas Nav&l Artillery batteries, the guns of which they will be expeoted to man should an emergency arise. Should offioera com manding the different batteries desire it Government will probably arrange for • oertain number of men to learn torpedo drill. At tho present time the question of reorganising the Volunteer foroe m th« colonj Is under the consideration of Government.

THE HOME CRISIS.

[kBTCER's TEUJGRAM8 — COPYRIGHT.]

London. Jannaty 3. The leadership of the House . of Commons has not been offered to Mr Goschen as previously reported. He has, however, been offered the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer, which office both the Marquis of Harrington and Mr Chamberlain urged him to accept. Mr Chamberlain is endeavor ing to bring about a reunion between the followers of Mr Gladstone and the Unionist Liberals.

A lette- by Mr Gladstone is pub lished m this morning's papers, m which he states he appreciates the motives that caused Lord R. Churchill to resign. He urges Liberals to adhere to their present policy while seeking an opportunity for the reunion of the different sections of the party.

CRICKET

[rEUTRR's TKLRGRA.M3 — COPYRIGHT.]

Mpiboubkb, January 3. Ih^ cricket match, Shaw and Lilly whtie'a team v Auerralian Eleven, vu cuntiiiut'.d to-day. Tne home team, who yesterday lost ol>ht wckets for 2^3, oon tinuori their i> niugs, the last wiokefc fillinp Tic 245. Blnckhana incroised hU score 63, when he was caught. Spofforth, c-iught, 6 ; Evttns, not out, 4. The vhitoro then weufc to the wiofeeta, and when the stumps were drawn had mad,> 272 for «he 10-a of nine wiokets. Followiog are the* ecores : — Bartoa, c , 93 Barlow, b ... ... ... 2 Reid, b „ 7 Scotton, run out ... "... 13 Ounn, b 18 Bates, o ... 14 Lihaunn, Ibw 24 B igga, b 4 Flowers, b ... ... ... 0 Shrewsbury, nob out ... 29 (sic) •Sherwit), not out ... ... £0 Though the weather waa fine the atUndnnoo was small.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, January 3, At a meeting of the New Zealand Iron and Steal Company, tho Company wat formally wound up His Exoelleucy the Governor has re oeived no offiotal communication relative to his rumored transfer to the Mauritius. ' He knows noth'n^ farther thsn the pub lished cable meeaApe. The New Ztaland Herald le now perma *>" t' 7 enlarged to the size of the Melboiune Argus. A cable mesaage from New York, dated Daoember 30 h, reoeived m Auckland to day, states that the new business of tho Equitable Lift) Assurance Sooiety of U.S., daring 1886, is about twenty.tyro mlllfon pounds sterling. W. Smith PergaaoD, a medical man, but working at Maugawai aa a gum digger, has beau the victim of a murdereous aniult, ana* lies m a oritioal condition. A man named Pyoe has been arrested on bus pioion. WjiLLtNOTON, January 3. Mr Tregear, author of the " Aryan Maori." by the last mail received notloe of his appointment aa a Fellow of a Royal Geographical Society; A man named Barns walked out of the window of the Get-r me»t shop during hit sleep and smashed his lee badly. The offioial record of the Wellington Fxhlbltion was circulated this morning. It is a vofume of 359 p*goa, with a preface hy Sir Juliu3 Voge), and includes the three pri*23 essaya on the industries of New Zea land. Ts Whiti was released from prison this morning, at ton o'clock. He was met by ab«ut (en Natives, who groated him warmly, aod pre?eattd him with enough lobacc > to 'aafc him tho next fix months. He 'i Teased hia thanks to Mr Garney, Govern r of the »:aol, for the treatment he haa received. He wi'.l remain at tho Hutt for. anno dya, ani then return to Parl haka. i'ln fine of £100 imposed oa Te Whiti m ari.lkioD to his iaipriaonmentwill not be »uforcod as lung rs his behavior Is good. The amount of property tax paid at tho Wellington Office up to Saturday, and the amount paid at the several !Poßt Offices m the colony, advices respecting which were reoeived to-isy by the Commissioner, make a total of £171,000 ao far received. Mr Price Wi.liams, an English oapl talist, before he 1 ft bought all the mineral leases at C,»llingwoo<i he could acquire. Tho first thing done will be to run out a wharf into 35ft of water at a cost of some £30 COO. The Govemmwib will probably give a contraot for steal rails at a price less than now paid, Wakganui, January 3. William Turner, a boy twelve years of age, was drowned seventeen milaa up the Wanganui river, on Saturday. He was with a pionio party, and bathed near ft rapid, and was carried away. Two young men tried to save him, bnt the risk to themaelvea was toe great; The body was dragged for to-day, but has not been found. Another boy's body waa found to-day m the river opposite the town. Strange thing is, no boy has bian miased. The body must have been m the nater nine or ten days. Jt was recognised by aehoolfe'lowa and relatives an that of % lad named Nixon, but the supposed mother, a widow, nays It is not her boy, whom she cent a week or two ago to Morton to spend his school holidays. Blbnhbim, January 3. The Waipapa run, Clarence river, 70,000 aoreß,htia been sold through Mesara Sinclair and MacAllstpr to Messrs J. and A. Bel!, Wairau Valley, for £6600, The run was taken over by the Govern* ment eighteen mouths ago for the era dication of soab. The sheep on the pro party were killed, and the run is noir olean. There is inoreased activity m station property m Marlborough, UDNKDiN, January 3. An unsucooßsfal search yr\n made yesterday and jt>day f jr tho body of the man lost from the Tekapo. : There ia so truth m the statement, that one of the crew jumped over after him.

Why do Ainericau Hop Bitters cure 80 muoh? Because they give good digestion nch blood and; healthy, aolionjgofjlallflthe

PHJB ASHBUitrON HUAKfUAfV, TDESDAif, JANU.AKY 4, 18^7



Kidney complant, one of the moat common and yet most negleoted disease o! this country oan bi readily oured by the us* of Hop Bitters. Be sure a«d g«t American Co's make. See.



TRY KIRKPATEICK'S -NEW SEASON'S JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. XT-IRKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S J\_ JAM is made from NKLSON GKoWN FRUIT, and boiled within a few hours after the fruit has been gathered. It thus retains most of the natural flavor of the fresh fruit. KIRKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM is the most delicious preserve m the market. Dq not b* persuaded to buy cheap and inferior brands of Jam, the remains of old stock, which must be sold at any price, but ,ASK for KIRKPATBICK'S NEW BEASON JAM, and see that you get it. THE BEST IS ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST. Kirkpatrick's New Season Jam ia the best. CAUTION. None is genuine unless our name is stamped on each tin, and has our. regi-oered Trade Mark "Lord Nelson" on the label 3, Kirkpatrick & Co. MANUFACTUBERS, NELSON, N.Z. 12 9



HUSBAND AND WIFE. The Husband. Dear wife, I am weury of seeing Yon ty.il every day for your bread, While I am a poor helpless being ; •Tis often I wish I were dead. You ne'er were accustomed to toiling, Your hands were once white like the unow ; , While I watch you work night and morning Yonr movements seem wearied and slow. The Wife. Dear husband, give over your worry, My work seems liSe labor, I ween, i Bnt I am nevor compelled, dear, to hurry Now I use Ferriman's Washing Machine. It lightens by two-thirds my labors.' And makeß all my garments so clean, That our clothes are the envy of neighbors Who adore Ferriman's Washing Machine TO THE WIVES AND MOTHERS OF ASHBURTON AND THB GENERAL PUBLIC OF NEW ZEALA.ND. In presenting to the public of Aahbutton the marvellous STEAM WASHER, I believe I acu confer ing a boon of incalculable worth on every wife and mother m taia beautif a 1 laud, on whom that moßfc important function of every household devolves, known (and hitherto dreaded) as washing clotheß of every de- scription. By the u»o of this Machine, this distasteful and slavish work is entirely relieved of its drudgery, and ma-lo a source of pleasurable exerciso. The unequal'ei qualities which it possesses of thoroughly bl'nc'riie the clothes, giving them an unpartl'eled whiteness, and it* harmle-s action upon delicate and colored fabrics r< nder it peculiarly useful and popular '•ho saving qualities of tha Machine are quite m keeping with its other m -itoriooe features. Any person who will give it a prac- tical test will be rinqueßtionably convinced that from an E3ONOMIOAL Bt ndpoinu it is unsurpassed and unequalled- The consump- tion of fuel is materially reduced. The Having effected m tbii ite-n alone will m one year equal the price of the Machine. As it only entailß tbe consumption of two-thirds the amount of soap v ed m the ordinary way of waehing, this item of ec nomy Is «jl(-evideno to every person. The greatest saving, how- ever, is effected m the wear and tear of the cl«thes>. Every intelligent individual knows that th 3 use cf the washboard wears tin var ions fabrics more than anything elso, and &B tk^ marvellous P team Washer renders its übo absolutely unnecessary, and thereby ob- viates almoßt entirel) the necessity for " clothes mending," it 3 Baring qualities m thi< particular will be at once apparent and appre- ciated. Bnt all ltq savin-* qualities of a financial character are eclipsed, and dwindle into insig- nificance, when we take into consideration the frail, delicate, and weakly condition of thousands of wives and mothers who are forced to tax their energies and waste their limited strength m Jihe old wiy of washing ; but who may, by the use of its' magical pro- perties, do the work without any fatipne to their feeble bodies, and with infinite satisfac- tion and pleasure to their mindß. This, more than any desire or expectation on the part of the htventor to mak« mon^y out of the article, was the prime obj ct he ha«l m view. From the marvellous remits obiained from its use, hcwe.ver, and the unboun ed and en-h^si- astic common' ations from everyone having used it since it- introduction to the public, a's tbe annexod liar, of names of persons wh • have purchared the machina and are willing to testify t> its merits, will folly atlest, the advertiser h3B deemed it w 83, m ord'ir to place this incomparable article of household use more prominently before the intelligent poople of the district, to give the postal address of a few of the buyers, m order that an Junprcj idiecd and entirely impaHial opinion of its intiinsic value, may be readily obtained by anyone desirons of getting such iaformation from actual users and purchasers, who will un- doubtedly be best calculated to give a japt estimate of its value. Mrs Herbert, Seifield Mr M. Bruce, Senfield Mr Collison, Beafield Mr D. Koss, Lauriston. Mr G. T. Mnrriott, Ashburton Mr T. Claridge, Ashburton Mr W. Charlton, Ashburton . Mr Bradbury, ftphhurton Mr H. Hudson, Elgin Mr J. Lloyd, Ne.wlands Mr E Thomas, Waka^ui' Mr A. Frisby, A'hburton Forks Mr 8. Cbapman, Willowby Mr G. Grice, Willowby Mr J. Williams, Willovby Mr J. Hearn. Ealing Mr A. McLeod, Tinwald Mr W. Anderson. Fleoiington. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Bteep the clothes over night, then wring thf m out. Soap a'l the dirl.y parts well. When the water is boiling violently, which will at once b•» evident by heavy and foaming suds rising to the top of the machine, take out the clothes and put them at once into clean water (as the dirt is liable to set, and difficult to remove if this is neglecUd). After this, rinee and put them m blue water. /Prints and Gingbama. soap same as white clothes Tut th/ m all mnt once ; when water is boiling turn f>r five minutes. If water is not boiling, but very hot. turn eight minuteß. Lace Curtains, wet rsnd soap them , pub them m a pillow *lip ; tie them up. Tnrn for ten or fifteen mvuteß. Cold water will do for wetting all tbe above. Woollen Blankets. Wet m warm water Soap and put them m loose When the water boils turn ten minutee. Rinse m warm water. Red I'Jann Ip. Wet them m w#rm water. When water is just ready to boil, turn for one minute. Rime m warm water, frr white flannels tarn for five minutes. Hose, ladies' and Children's Hose, highly colored, meet not be put into boiling water, bat hive good and hot. Turn one mittute, if not highly colored torn five minutes. F. FEbRIMAN, Bole Agent, Aehburton. FOR BALE. A Good WiroMcCormick BINDER. A eecond-hand Wood'fIJ3TRING. F.FERRIMA&



>sis«isi Adveirtiaeraont-s. W. F. HANRAFOED, (Burnett atrett, oppr-site " Mail" Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, IRISHES to inform the public of M Ashburton anl tho surrounding districts that he keeps m stock or can MANUFACTURE TO ORDER all de- scriptions of TINWARE for FARM or DAIRY purposes; also, all REPAIRS of any nature promptly executed m a skilful manner. All goods sold at lowest remunerative prices A Trial solicited. H ORSE-HAlKand BEESWAX bought m any quanti j forCdSH. 11 73 PUBLIC NOTICS. IN retiring from the Tailoring Business co Jorjgand successfully carried on 'oy me under the style of Craighedd and Co., I beg most heartily to thank the many Kind friends and patrons who have bo liberally supported me during the time I have resided m Aehburton, also to inform them and the public generally 'hat I have disposed of my business to Mr Hugh 0. Cralghead, who comes to New Z a and well recommended with over thirteen years piaotioul experlenoe, and all the latest and newest Ideaa connected with the trade. ALEXANDER CRAIGHEAD. Aahburton, January lot, 1887. REFERRING to the above, I have JO; much pleasure In intimating to the residents of ARhburton and surrounding; district that I have decided to settle m Ashburton, and hope by strict' attention to business to merit the same favorable support which baa been extended to my brother. The Ashburton Tweeds being quite equal, and m some respects euper or to Imported goode, I will support the looal industry as f*r as the requirements of business will permit. Fit, Style, and Wobkma.nship Guaranteed. HUGH O CRAIGHEAD. Ashburton, January Ist, 1887. 12 8



Special advertisements. THE ASHBURTON WOOLLEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY Is prepared to PURCHASE for CASH, SHEEPSKINS and all kinds of WOOL, m large or email quantities. 12*2 Christmas Cards. CHRISTMAS AND NEW TEAR CARDS AND PRESENTATION PRIZE BOOKS AND NEW GOODS Suitable for OHRIBTMAB & NEW YEAR 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 DESIGNS from the following celebrated publishing firms of London Paris, Vienna, New York, an«l Boston : — Raphael Tuck and Sons < Marcus Ward and Co. [ Thomas de l<**Rue and Co. Hildesheimer and Faulkner John Walker and Co. Eyre and Spottiswoode Marion and 00. L. Prang and Co, Boston, US. And Beveral other Publishers, Comprising SEVERAL THOUSAND PRIZE DESIGNS. We have received per s.s. Arawa and s.b Aorangi, ELEVEN CASKS Ob 1 NEW BOOKS Specially ordered for the Christmas Season, comprising the Latest Publica- tions of the renowned Publishers — Cassell and Co ; Thos. Nelson and Sons; Rout- ledge ; Warne ; Partridge ; Griffith, Farren, Okeden, and, Welch ; Marcus Ward and Co ; and several English and American firms. And SEVENTEEN CA^ES OF NEW GOODS, Specially selected by our Home / gents for the < hrintmas Season, Comprising Cabinets, Rubs ao Leather Desks and Writing Case', Photo. Albums m great variety of the m st elegant designs, Writing and Scrap Albums, New Zealand Fern Albums, Photo. Frames m silk plush and morocco, Workboxea and Desks Puises, C*rd Ca-es, Pocket Books, and every description of Fancy stationery. H.J.WOOD&OO. STATIONERS' HALL, Friedlanders' Buildings, Ashburton. D.I.C. Special.Ghristmas Announcement IN calling the attention of onr many patrons and the general pubHc to tne aboye,we have pleasure m informing them of our very EXTENSIVE SHIPMENTS OF ' CHRISTMASJANCY GOODS TOYS, &c, &c. ThcEe are now displayad m the new and very spacious additional Show Booms lately auded to the Warehouae as a FANCY GOODS BAZAAR School Committees Sports Committee*., and Public Institutions havo now the opportunity of selecting from the largest, the choicest, and the most varied Block of Fancy Novelties ever displayed m New Zealand, and all at strictly "Whole- Bale Prices. IMMENSE DISPLAY OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAF CARDS. Owing to the extraordinary attendance of customer* du'ingthis season m the past year, 'he WAUEIiOUSE will be OPEN till 9 80 pm. on BATUKDAYS, the 11th And 18tb, and also CHRISTMAS EVE. Visitors are requested to inep'Ot the Stock without being pressed to purchase. E. O, BROWN, Manager. D.1.C., Caßhkl Stre&c CHBISTCHUECH.



Wanted. WANTED KNOWN.— Washing and Mangling done eithor by the day or dozen. Mangling 2d per dozen. — Address en application at "Guardian" Office. 880 T^UBNITURE— To meet the times, W. JJ DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East strco* Ashburton, is now selliDg Furniture of vi. kinds cheaper than ever. Chest of Drawers, £1 5s ; Spring Couches, £1 5s Eyery other article equally cheap. All new fu-piture at second-hand price. 804 WAITED KNOWN. — That Angus McPherson has opened the Edin- burgh and Glasgow Cooking Palace, Fowler's Buildings, Tancred street, ad- joining the Club, ABhbarton. 12 130 \XTANTED Tenders, not lat» than January 10th for complete Har- vesting 37 Aores of CORN.— O. Mabtin. Winßlow. I*6 IJITANTED STATION COOK. Must be VV a good baker. Apply to Mr Geo Jameson, Weßt street, Ashburton. 12 153 WANTED KNOWN. — Come and Bee the Great Bargains we are giving during our Clearing Kale.— H. O. Seoers, Mil ford Houee 1 21 WANTkD KNOWN —That Davis's, next Bunk of New Zealand is tho Cheapest Place to buy Fruit for preßerv- iDg Gooseberries at l^d per quart. Other Fruit equally cheap. TENDERS^ WANTED TENDERS for HARVEST- ING about 60 Acres WHEAT. For particulars apply to H. MASON, 12J 1 64 Ashburton. ANTED CASH.— New Currants s£d ; Valencia?, 6d ; Sultanas, ftl ; Elemes, 7d ; Muscatels, Is 6d ; l^lb boxes New Figs, 8d ; Wbito Sugar, 2^d Jas. McGregor, opposite the Arcade. WANTED known that J. Heseltine Saddler, <Sc, Burnett street Ashburton, and at Tinwald, is J-ELLING SAT DLERY CHEAPER THAN BVBtt. Large Stock to select from . Reaper and Binder Canvasses made and repaired at lowest prices. Cash paid for Horeobair m any quantity. >ote the addreaß — Next Bullock's Arcade, Burnett etrept, Ashburton. 12J1 Special Advertisements. MRS MANHIRE, FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, Sounders' Buildings, East street. FANCY STATIONERY, Toys, and Christmas Presents m variety. Chribtmas Curds, &c, &o. Ladies' and Children's Pinafores and Aprons, &c , &c. 9624 MOUNT SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL CAN is T OW BE HAD AT THE ABOVE PIT . FOR rjMGHT SHILLINGS PER TON, Or m Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, By the Truck. FOR CASH OinLY. E. F. WRIGHT. o*3l G. L. Beath & Co. £1000 O 8 O D sth ANNUM DISTRIBUTION OF CHKISTIAS GIFTS, To-Day. To-Day. To-Day ON AND AFTER TO-DAY every Customer will re- ceive a Ticket with each Purchase, entitling the holder to select any * Present of the value stated on the ticket, which will amount to about one-eighth of the purchase money. a. L BEATH & CO, Argyle *House, CABHEL STREET, CHRI6TCHURCH.



Victoria House, HOLIDAY SEASON. 1886-87 SECOND 4NNQAL GIFT DISTRIBUTION, comprising elegant Works of Art iv Bohemian and Bulgarian Painted Vaseß, Glass Water Jugs, and Crystal Flower Stands, &c GIFT COUPONS now being issaed to Purchasers DIMATST AND COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c, Corner East and Tancred streets, Ashburton. * SANTA CLATJSJLS COMING ! COME, Inspect, and Select from tho LARGRST STOOK of TOYS AND FANCY GOODS m the County, bought especially to commemorate the annual yisit of the above distingnished visitor. Come and See the UNPARALLELED SHOW OF DOLL^, all sorts and Biwa. GLASS and BASKE I'WARE, beautiful Plush Brackets, and frfirrors JAPANESE GOODS and NICK-NACKS of all descriptions. PRIZE and REWARD BOOKS LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. Schools Liberally dealt with. COME EARLY TO AVOID THE CRUSH. H. M.IJONES i«m



mOWLE'S PENNYROYAL AND X STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and . itlieve the distressing symptoms so pre- valent with the sex. Boxes la l£d and Is * W, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Tendon. Prepared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drag Co., Lincoln, Xngland. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. CAUTION TO POACHERS. F consequence of so much Poaching of Trout from .the Laemhor Creekß I hereby give notice that anyone found bo doing will be prosecuted ; and further, that a reward of £20 will be paid to any person who will give such information Aft shall lead to the conviction of such . offenders, DONALD MoLEAN, 11*36 Lagmhor; Twenty Years' Practical Experience m London. CA. HARROW, Pianoforte Maker, • 186, Caehel street, Obristchuroh, will VIBIT ASHBURTON on or about JANUARY 18th, to Tune and Repair Tianafortes American Organs Har- MOblumß, etc. Orders received by Meisrß Wood and Co. Stationers and ifusic-sellera, Ashbnrton, and Messrs Gates and Son. GA. H. holds firat-cWs !Homo and Colonial Testimonials. 12+126 FOR COUGHS, COLDS, Bkonotjitis, Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con- ■nmption, &c. T?- AY'S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, jSI. Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tola, &o with Ohlorodyne. "IT" AY'S COMPOUND, a demulcent J\_ expectorant, for Cougho, Colds, Mid Chest Complaints. XT" AY'S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and IjL. Colds, is equally serviceable for Borgoa and Cattle. KAY'S TIC PILLS, a specific m Neuralgia, Face-ache, &v. Con- tains Qnta na, Iron, &o. jp<OA.GULINE.— Cement for Broken \j Articles, Sol<i Everywhere. Bole Makers:— KAY. BROS., Stock- port, England, HEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORS" THE NEW GOODS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON ABE NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style and Patterns m . Men's, Youthß', and Boys' Clothing Jfiiwea nothing to bo desired. Thousands of Men's and Boys Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweede. Every garment warranted Bhrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and leggings "m great variety Bats, comprising every new stylo worn Children's Jeraey Suits, Children's Men- ? ';- of- War Suits 'Genii amen'B Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford ■; *-i Regatta and White Shirts "Ruga, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WEKTHEIM SEWING j MACHINE. Time Payments. ] X.55. CLOTHING FACTOR Y f East Btbeei 1 .