TO CORRESPONDENTS.

_____ 1 > A Stjb?cr ber— Prince Albert died on December 14, 1861,

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1887. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

* The Maßonio Bazaar was again well patronised on Saturday evening, the efforts of the fair stall-holders to decrease their display, being eminently successful. A number of ladies and gentlemen admirably contributed to the musical, enjoyment of the evening. The Ashburton Band also proved an excellent attraction. This evening the Bazaar will be open from 6 p.m. (admission free), when special facilities will be offered to all m attendance, as it has been positively decided to realise upon all goods remaining, irrespective of value. The Ashburton Band has kindly consented to appear m uniform and render selections. The closing ceremony will take plaoe at a later period of the evening* A very serious accident oocurred at Methven on Saturday afternoon; A young man named Quinn was at work with a roller. Feeling cramped m thes>sition hewaß sitting m, ho stood up on the board that was used as a seat. It appears that tho wood was decayed and so broke with young Quinn's weight and he fell off right m front of the roller. He held on to the reins but did not succeed m stopping the horses till they had gone partly over him. Another man, who waa at work near by, bbw the accident and came to render assistance. The only way to extricate young Quinn was by drawing the roller right over him, and fortunately there was a little hollow m the ground which rendered this means of rescuo less risky than it would otherwise have been. The roller was accord ingly pulled over tho unfortunate fellow, and assistance being procured as soon as possible ho was brought into Ashburton and taken to Butler's hotel, where Dr. Tweed was called m. It was found that the sufferer had sustained very severe . bruises find had had tho scalp almost completely torn off his head, leaving tho bone exposed. The wound was stitched up, and young Quiun is now progressing aa favorably as can be expeotod. A young man named McPonald, a nephew of Mr McKendry's, while riding into Ashbur. ton on Sunday morning to attend churah was thrown off his horse near M» Stilt's, sustain ing severe injuries to his head. He was immediately taken into town and to the hospital where he seems to be progressing ' favorably, but as yet the precise extent of his t injuries cannot be ascertained. A remedy for burns, proposed by M. Dubois, consists m allowing the contents of a Biphon 1 of seltzer |waterj to flow I slowly over the ' affeoted parts. He ascribes tho good effects | to the carbonic acid gas (and to the looal lowering of the temperature. The " Cincinnati Commercial " Bays that a girl who was married last week at Coyington was only 1-1 years old, and abe wore school girl's attire. Pomade was originally made by boiling very ripa applos m fat. By this process the pleasant odor of 'the fruit was communicated ; and the name pomade— from pomum, an apple — originated. The word pomatum comes from the Bame root. Mr Fisher's High Schools and Colleges Bating Exemption Bill provides that the following shall not be rateable property under Bating Act, 187G, or the Rating Aot, 1882, or any Aot m amendment thereof : — Lands not exceeding m eaah ease four acrea and buildr ings erected thereon used for tho purpose of any high Echool or any college or school which is affiliated to the University of Now Zealand. " High School " means any echool constitute! a high school by Aot, and in cluded all the schools and colleges mentioned m the schedule to High Schools Reserves Act, 1880 Certninij the Host Effective MEDICINE m tho world In SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Tret its eminent powerful effects m Coughs, Golds, Influenza, etc,; the relief is instantaneous. Thousanda give the moat gratifying testimony, lt«nd this cortifioatG : — " 2i'h April, 1885. — Messrs Sander and Sons,— lt is with tho greatest of pleasure that I testify to Iho excellence of your Eucalypti Extract. Having had inflam mation on the bone of the log, which came on after a severe attack of low fever, I was I attended by Dr J. Boyd, who had made I strenuouß efforts to save my leg, but without Buocess. He found at necessary to amptuate my limb. Having heard m the meantime of the wonderful cures worked by the Euoalypti Extract^ I pbtained a bottle, and the extract bad notfiee'n applied wore than an hour when I began to feel greatly relieved. After apply ing the extract every four hours for nine or ten days I was out of all danger. I wouls perpuade all who may be affected with any such dißeaae to give the Euoalypti Extraot' a trial, and J. am convinoed that they will find it the most wonderful of medicines. — yours, ate, E. j. On«NOW,\yttHlo street, Sandhurst/ 1

The good people of Ashburton and suburban districts will soon have tho opportunity afforded them of enjoying a musioal treat of rare excellence. The talented Greenwood family announce a musical entertainment on Monday and Tuesday, the 19th and 20th December. Whoreever they have appeared, i these exceptionally olevor artists have been witnessed by orowded houses, and the papers have eulogised their performances boyond measure. We feel sure that all true lovers of ( musio will accord them a hearty reception, testified by a bumper house. A fire ooourred at Hampstead at an early hour this morning by whioh a five-roomed house, the property of Mr B. Hughes, was destroyed. It appears Mr Hughes went to bod about eleven o'olock on Sunday night, and be is under the impression that he put out a lamp which was alight m the kitchen before ho went. About half-past twelve he was awakened by tho crackling ol fire and getting up found the place m flames. Mr Hughes only managed to save the bedolothes. The firebell waa rung by some person who observed the fire and tho brigades turned out, but when they arrived on the soene, no water was to be obtained and the fire had got too much of a hold on the houso for anything to bo done m the way of staying the progress of the flames. There are no means of account ing for the fire exoept the possibility that it may have ooourred through the bursting of the kerosene lamp, whioh waa on a table oloso to tbe wall m the kitchen, but Mr Hughes iB almost certain that he extinguished tha light before he went to bed. The house was in eared for £125 m the National and the furniture for £75 m the samt> office. The following alterations m the railway tariff are gazetted :— Class D, for each mile after 15G mileß, will be charged Id per ton. Hurunui-Blufl seotion: — Glass X, Timber from Baw-mills m Southland oonsigned to Temuka will be charged 9d per 1000 feet less that the classified rates. Classification of goods— Earthenware, native, packed, con signed direot from local iaotories, m lots under 30 cwt, will be Qharged aa 30 CWt half rate B, otherwise class D. Charring the bottom of f gnoe posts, simply, has but very little influence on their preserva tion. Charcoal is a rapid absorbent of water, and m wet ground passes it rapidly to tbe unoharred wood w ; thin» A better way ia to ooat the posts whioh have been charred with coal tar; the absorbent properties of the charcoal will then bo utilised, causing the ooal tar to penetrate to a greater depth than when placed upon the unoharred wood. The Defence Minister, m order to carry : out the principles of economy to whish tbe Ministry have pledged themselves, has issued : instruotions that all the Remington-Lee rifles i imported by the late Defence Minister shall be disposed of for cash. The Remington-Lee 1 carbines imported are also to be sold to the 3 highest bidder.— -'•Exohange." f The Queen's household includes just under 1 1000 persons, whose salaries range from ' £2000 a year, which the Lord Chamberlain 5 and the Lord Steward receive, to the £15 a year whioh is tho modest remuneration 3 awarded to the Queen's rat-oatoher. Holloway's Pills.— Weak Stomach.— The wieest cannot enumerate one quarter of the T distressing symptoms arising from imporfeot , or disordered digestion, all of whioh can be I relieved by these admirable Pills. They remove cankerp taste from tho mouth,, flatu lency and constipation. Holloway's* Pilla 1 rouße the stomach, liver, and every other • organ, thereby bringing digestion to that t healthy tone whioh fully it to convert all we eat and drink to the nourishment of our 1 bodies. Hence these Pills are the surest 5 strengthenors and the safest restoratives m j nervousness, wasting, and chronio debility. Holloway's Pills are infallible remedies for impaired appetite, eruotations, and a multi -1 tudc of other disagreeable symptoms whiob I render tho lives of thousands miserable indeed. , These Pills are approved by all classes.

THE AWARUA CASE

«. . , iNVEHOARGiiL, December 12. ( At the Police Court to-day Drew, Oapta'n of the schooner Awaraa, waa fined ' £50 for having 176 nealaklns m his 1 poßßeosion daring the close season, 1 m default three months. D. F<.x, mate, ; for the same offence was fined £10 or one month. They were previously mulcted m like penalties for killing ten seals. Counsel asked that tbo two sentences should bo made concurrent, bat the Ooatt 1 deolined, the offences being very serious.

CHERTSEY DISTRICT SCHOOL

• 4 . ; The followitg is the lospeotor's report . oh the Oherisey DUtriot Sohool, examined 1 on November 14, 1887! —

Percentage of passes 52 08 ; per centage j of failurop, 7 4 ; por centnge on class sub jects, 68-4 ; additional marks, 64. Staff and Distribution : Standnrds Y. to preparatory, Mr D. Todd master, Mrs Todd sowing mistress. General Remarks. — Tho sohool has paeßod a'good oxiiminati n. In pass sub jtcfß the roonlts are on tho whole satisfac tory. Arithmetic, spelling and grammar aro not quite so good na the other subjects. Geognphy, Irstory, and drawing have been treated with more than the usual success ; the discipline is good. L. B. Wood, In spector .

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACES. Tho following noirjinalionH have boon received lor the Tjnwald meoting : — IJCKDLES. Fir William Leah Pickwick Little Arthur Aurora Nero Wrangler cup. Squib Urlaud Doubtful Olivo Emma Poly Lavorno Go'dlinoh Liltlo '■''on 'or Nipper FLYINO HANDICAP. Nipper i qtiib Minnio . Sobriety ftjpada • Mountain Deer Annio Laurie Leah Littlo Wonder Littlo Wonder Urlond Poly Olivo Goldfinch Doubtful TJtOT. Polly Nelly Stockings Random Waknnui Alma Sodgemero Laea Brown Boy Robin Hood Zenith Minnie Lady Grey k ' Jimmy Morgan Ginger 3 Whonuakura MaroDgo f ' M'^ffip tyfcKay Bismarck HouiherJock Rnmrod

Dunbdin, Deoombor 12 f 1 Ailon Broa bayo purchased CapS {

THE COLDFINCH AFFAIR

The Stewards of tho Aohburton Racing Club mot on Saturday night to again Oonaider the clroumstancea connected with tha running of Goldfinch In the Novel Rwe at the recent Spring Moat ing of the Ciub. It will be remembered that at a meeting of tho Stewards held on tho evening of the day that the raoo was can, Mr M Frledlander waa censured, and a fine of £10 Imposed upon him, the Stewards considering that his action m himself riding Goldfinch In the prelimin ary and giving the mount to a jookey just before tha start of the race waa calculated to dooeive the public. A couplo of days after the Stewardo had arrived at thia decision Mr Friedlander wrote protesting against its j'lßtica, and asking that the case might bo re-opened, etatlng that he was m a position to dis prove coma important evidence wlioh I had been heard at the moating at which tho deoMon had beon come to. In Bcoordanoe with Mr Frledlander'a requeet a meeting of Stewards waß called to con sider fcia letter, but before tho hour of that meeting Mr Friedlander again wrote asking that his first letter be withdrawn, as he considered it would be advisable m the iateres'fl of sporting and of the Club that tha matter be aljowed to drop, but In so withdrawing he did not admit the justice of the Stewards' deoision or the correctness of certain evldenoa on which, he said, that deoision was based. Both the»e letters oime before the Stewards at their seoond meeting, but they determined they could not take the htfcer into con sideration, and resolved that the case should be r3-openod unless Mr Friedlander unconditionally withdrew his letter asking for such re-opening. No Buch uncon ditional withdrawal having been received, the Stewards accordingly met on Saturday night to again go into the circumstances connected with the case. There were present — Messrs O v W. Parnell (chair man), Stilt, Denshire, Thomas. J. O. N Grigg, McOwen, Upton and-Dr Leahy. The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed, the Secretary ro%d a letter which had been received from Me W. Doherty, but as the Stewards decided that tho'.mntter therein contained had not the slightest beailn^ on the present case it was not taken iato con sideration. A letter which had been reoeived from Mr Max Friedlender waa then read, It was very lengthy, and the writer intimated hia intention of taking no further notice of any deoision the Stewards might come to. He objected to the Stewards, for reasons which he mentioned, composing the tribunal to try his case, but he had no objestion to the matter being brought before the Canterbury Jookey 0 üb. He returned a cheque for £10, the amount of tha fine which had been Imposed on him, and which had baea stopped out of the stakes doe to him, but which the Stewards decided to le'.urn to him when they resolved to td open the oaso. The Chairman characterised the letter as an Insulting one. He understood that Mr Friedlander did not propose to attend the meeting, although he was the person who had originally wished for it, .and therefore the Stewards would he supposed, hear the evidenoe at once. A lettt r from Messrs Maaon and Robert b m reference to totaliaator tickets waa here read. The firat witness called wsb Mr R. Hart who artld that on tha Beoond day of the raoes just before the Novel Raoo he went to the totalioator. He saw Mr Friedlander m colors and naked him If ho wero going to ride. Mr Friedlander said that ho was. Witness asked him if he was not over weight and ha replied that ho was a Btone and eight pounds, or a atone, or eight poundr, witness was coat uncertain as to the precise weight, Mr Friedlander men tioned but he waa certain it was one of those specified. He oould not now re member the exio' figure but could have done BO had ho been naked— »-<l<»jr- ot—iwo after the race. Witness told Mr Frled hnder that Datß tt wca up against him, but iHr Friedlander replied that he did not mind ; he wanted to see what was m the mare, and he did not care whether he won oc lost. In reply to questions from the Stewards Mr Hart Bald that the conversation he had detailed took place b afore the preli minary, Aa far as he remembered Mr Friedlander went out about a minute or two afterwards. He would not be certain now if Mr Friedlander wculd have had time to get a jookey m the time that elapsed after tha conversation and his going ont for the preliminary, but he was under the impression that Mr Friedlander went out almost immediately afterwards. If he bad been going to back Goldfinch he would not have done %o after Mr Frledlander's statement that ho was going to ride. Mr Btitt would like to bo certain about whether Mr Friedlandor had time to get a jockey from Iho time of the conversation to when he went out for the preliminary. Mr Hart was now not sure, but to the beat of his bolief th?re was not time. In reply to a question, Mr Hart said that ho was certain ho tojd Mr Friedlander that Derritt wna going to ride m that race, and ho asked him what chance ho would have. He did not think there wore any of the other horses out at the time of tho conversation ; ho thought Mr Friedlander was the first out, Mr Stitt said that he was sure Mr Friedlander was tho first out, because he saw him juet as he (Mr Stitt) waa going to the Judge 8 box. Mr Thomas said that his nephew en dorsed everything Mr Hart had BaiH, but he said Mr Friodlander Btntod his over we'ght at Ist 51b, ho having gono to got tho tip from him Mr Thomaa added thut he had beon unable to secure his nephew's attendance. Mr Barry was the noxt witness. Ho said that he was m the faddling paddock bofore the start of tho Novel lip.cc. He mot Cochrane. Spoke to him, and askod him if ho was goiDg to got a mount. Cochrane snid that he wna going to ride Goldfinch, which mare ho advised witnosa to back, saying that a big follow was going to ride her up nnd down boforo tho race, and that ho Cochtane was going to sneak over to tho starting pest and ride tho mnro homo. Witnesß saw Dr Leahy a minutp or two afterwards, and gayo him the tip, telling him that Cochrano was going to rido Goldfinch. Tho Doptor sajd that hp understood Mr Friedlandor was going to ride ? but witness told him that it was Cochrane, In roply to a question, the witness paid thut lie had the convocation with Coch rano abput 16 minutes bofore tho race started. Witness backed the maro on tho lotaliea f or, and told others to do the aamo; (A Steward : You spoilt that dividend,)' Witneßß continued, m reply to ques tions : The conversation he had detailed cnußod him to think that the mare was going to win, and that there was to be a swindle worked. When he saw Mr Friodlauder with colors on riding the mare, it eeomed co likely that ho would ride that witness thought he had been swindled by Cochrane, and when a man wanted to bet witaeps that Mr Fr iedlander was going to rido, ho would not take him up. He backed the maro Biraply because of Cochrane's representations, Mr Thomas : You saw Mr Friedlander on the more on the course after the c -nvereation with Cochrane? Witness : Yes. When I saw him I went to Bee Cochrano to find out if all was right, but ho had then gono. Mr Stitt wanted to find out the length of time that had elapaed from the con versation to the Btarting of the race. The witnes3 said about fifteen minutes. Cochrane, tho jockey who rodo Qold- Bnoh, was tho rext witness called, lie Ejavo the foUoffi 9g evidence m reply to t jueetione:— »' ' ' ' ", c

How lon<» before tbe Novel Race wnß it that MrFredlander engaged you? — About half an hour.  Did you boo Barry ?— Yes. How long waß it after Mr Friedlander engaged you ?— -I siw Barry about a quarter of an hour or- twenty minutes after I had been engaged by Mr Fried lander. Do you remember what you said to Mr Barry ? Witness aaid that he told Barry that ho was going to ride Goldfinch m the Novel Race ; that Mr Friodlandor waß going to ride the mare m the preliminary, and that witness had orders Riven him to go over to the post. When Mr Friodlandor engaged witness he gave him the saddle and told him to get weighed. Witness asked for the colora, and Mr Friedlander said that it did not matter, ho could got weighed with ;ut them. Witness told the Clork of tho Scalos what horse ho was poing to rido. Witness told Barry that he was going to ride Goldfinch, and asked him if he thought it was good enough to put a pound or two on her, as witness thought she could win. Where did you put on the colors ?— At tho starting post. Was Mr Friedlander standing- up or lying down ?— I ihink he was standing up. tfo got off tho mare, took the colors off and gave them to me. when I put them on In reply to Mr Sfitt, witness said that ho thought he told Barry that ho was going to got on at the starting post. Mr Sftt : Did you say you were going to (l sneak over to the post "?— Witness : No. In reply to questions from several of the Stewurds, Gocnrane said that when he wer.t over tho course to the post, he had on his ridiog trousers and boots, and His ordinary coat and vest. Ho only saw Mr • Friedlander there, who had any connec tion with Goldfinch, tie saw two other • persons, but he did not think they had anything to do with the mare. Did Mr Friedlander give you any m ! Btructions to keep your coat and vest on ? ' —No 1 In reply to Mr Denshire tho witness J said that lie did not know whether Mr I Friedlander went back after giving wit » ness (he colors, or whether he waited to ■ see the start of the race. Witness did not Bse him lie down m the wheat. 1 Mr Thomas : You toM Barry a heavy « man was going to ride tho mare m the c preliminary ?— Witness : I might have > told him a big man waa goiog to ride. » I think I said Mr Friedlander was, but I • am not sure, and I might have said a big t man. ; > What did you want to make him think ? r — Vv itneas : I don't know. f Supposing that someone told you a big J man was going to riJ e a horae m the pre j liminary, and a little man waa going to 1 g ton at the post, what would you think 1 > — Witness: I should think it was an • attempt to deceive the public. J In rep'y to various questions the wit ness said that Mr Friodlander told him lie r could put on the colors at the post. Mr • Friodlander said that ho would give the 1 maro the preliminary himself. He did not > Bay why witnesß was not to put on the colors. > In reply to Mr Thomas, witoesa ea : d that he was engaged not long before Mr ' Friodhnder went out. The other uoraea » were, he thought, getting ready to weigh out. ; In rep'y to Mr Stitt, the witness stStod » that Mr Friodlander did not Lavo the ; colors on when ho ongagod him. Dr Leahy : Do you remember seeing mo [ at tho post? — Witness : Yes. Dr Leahy : Did boar me say anything to • Mr Friedlandor ?— Witness (after con- J sidoring), Oh, yea ; you said " What gamo < is this you are up to " 1 Dr Leahy: Anything olso? — Witness: ; "Whatgnmo is this you are up to. I'll : have you up for this," Tho Chairman : Did Mr Friedlander 1 aay anything to you about not telling f- nuytrno — j-oti — wete engaged ?— WitneHß : ■ He told me to keep aa quiot as I could '• and not tell anybody. Mr Stltt pointed ont that there was a • discrepancy m the evidence, inasmuch aa 1 Barry said Ooohrane told htm he waa going to'*Bneak" over to the" poet, whereas 1 Coohraua denied this. 1 Tho Chairman said aa a rale there were 1 always little discrepancies {a evidence. : Mr Thomao aald that they oould not expect euoh an admission from tbe last wltnesa. Dr Leahy aald that ho could corroborate > Barry's evidence m reference to giving him (Dr Leahy) the tip. 1 Mr Stitt thought that the jockey'a 1 evidence would boar out Mr Frladlander'a statement mado to him that the aeoreoy observed wilh regard to the jockey's engagement waa to prevent any chance of the latter being tampered with, as on a former day a palpable attempt waa : made to pull a horse. Mr Grigg pointed oat that the best way of looking after tho jookoy would have boen, after engaging him, to walk with him over to the poet and not lo3e flight of him till the race waa started. Mr Upton said it was difficult to find a jockey just before a race started, Mr Thomas said that tbe evidence showed Mr Friedlander did not look after tho jockey at al>. Mr Stltt Baid that might be taken as showing that there waa no intention to deceive the public. The Chairman thought the evidence fully justified their former decision. The public opinion was that they had been too lenient. If there were any doubts the evidonoe that night mast have dispelled them. Mr Thomaa asked if they started dc novo. Could they go further than before. Tho Chairman supposed that In re-open ing .the case they were going into it de novo but the question was whether it waa desirable to go further. They should net allow themselves to be ruffled by Mr Friedlander s insulting letters bat abould do what was just and right. Mr Thomas said it waa a question whether they would not have inflioted heavier punishment had they the addi tional evidence before them at their former meeting, Dr Leahy thought not. A desultory discussion onsued. Pr Leahy only wished that Mr EYied landor had mudo an endeavor to disprove hie (Or Loah^'e) evidence. He was very anxious for the opportunity but when it was afforded hfm he did not take it. Mr Thomas waa strongly of opinion that if tho additional evidence had been before them at thelc firat naseUng tbe verdfefc would have been Mr' Denahlre's motion. Ia fact there would have been no othor motion proposed. Mr Grlgg moved ' • that after hearing tho I evldenoo of tho witnesses examined to | night the previous decision be confirmed." Mr Thomas Beconded the motion which was oarrled. A dlecuftsion to( k placo m regard to pobliahlng Mr Frledlaoder's letter. It waa unanimously reßolved'not to do go. This *aa all the business.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

Pate A, December 11. I A young boy named Looker, when playing on tho beach near the stranded atßamer, found In a ched a dynamite cap, aud while showing It to hla mother it exploded, blowing off the two top joints of his thumb and mutilating the second finger. It Is also feared one eye is destroyed. The fingers will have to ba amputated. Wellington, December 10. Mr O'Ocuir, M Hit., has received a telegram stating that payable gold has been found on Mohikinul fht, with two feet of wash-dirt and forty feefc slaking, and that prospectors have applied for a leaae. Soma fi'teon years ago a large ru*h took placa to Mohikinul, and a quantity of gold waa obtained from this fht, but suddenly the lead was loa^, and after numerous fruitless efforts to recover It tho fl»t waa abandoned by all except the present applicant who remained upon tha spot and from time to time joined again with different parties In search for the lost lead, which they at last succeeded In finding. Wellington, December 11. Dr Pollen has intimated his Intention to resign his position ai a member of the Legislative Counoll at the end of the session, Grbymouth, December 11. The export of coal last week was 4339 tons, Reefton returns are:— Globe, 1 95 z from 190 tons; Kanplt-Duk, 920z for the wees ; Fiery Cross, 238 jb for the week ; Specimen Hill, lo2oz from 84 tons ; Just m Time, 18Ooz from 70 tons.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[REUTEB'S TELEGRAMS uPYBIGHT.]

UNIONIST MEE TING.

London Deoember 9. A great meeting of Unionists, followed by a banquet, was held at Westminster yesterday, at which the Duke of Argyle, Earl Morley, and many other notabilities were present. The speeches dealt chiefly with the Irish question, but m the course of his speech Lord Hartington admitted that a certain amount of activity was being displayed by a section of the Conserva tive party m favor of far trade, which might, he declared imperil the coalition at present existing between the two parties. The leaders of the Conserva tives however, his Lordship added, did not support the agitation, and m any case protection, if ever adopted, could be revoked, but Home Rule once granted could not.

THE PEACE OF EUROPE.

Sir J. Fergusson, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, speaking at a political meeting at Guildford, alluded to the warlike rumors now prevailing, and declared there was no present cause to apprehend a disturbance of the peace of Europe. In continuation he said that the belief expressed by Lord Salisbury at the Guildhall m November of the existence of the general desire for peace had been forti fied by subsequent events.

ARRESTED.

London, December 10. Mr John Hooper, M.P. for South east Cork County, has been arrested for publishing reports of the National League m the "Cork Herald."

RUSSIA AND AUSTRIA.

Vienna, December .9 A military conference, presided over by his Majesty Emperor Francis Joseph, was held here to-day to discuss the action of Russia m assembling troops on the frontier. It was decided that no immediate measures be taken, as the massing of Russian troops on the Galician frontier has been stopped for the last few days, but it was resolved if these tactics were resumed Austria would make active preparations, St. Petebsbuko, December 10. Semi-official journals ridicule the scare m Austria regarding the massing of the Russian troops near the frontier.

ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION.

Paris, December 10. A man named Aubertin yesterday fired at M. Ferry point blank thrice m the lobby of the Chamber of Deputies. Fortunately ihe cloihes of the latter broke the force of the bullet, and only slight wounds were sustained. The assailant, Aubertin, upon being arrested stated that he belongs to a band of patriots who are* pledged to kill intriguers. Party animosity has lately become most intense. The Moderatists ascribe the crime to the virulent Radical tone of the papers.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rbdter's telegram—copyright.]

THE FEDERAL CONFERENCE.

Brisbane, December 10. It is announced that the Premier and Mr J. R. Dickson will represent Queensland at the forthcoming Aus tralian Federal Conference.

LORD CARNARVON.

Melbourne, December 10, There were several absentees from the banquet given by members of the Legislature last evening owing to re marks of certain members of the Legis lative Assembly that strangers were not wanted there. Lord Carnarvon, re plying to the toast of his health, said he was deeply impressed with the feeling that if federation was to be approached m a true spirit, it should be the distinct outcome of \he public wish, and must not be the growth of forcing Parliament. He must also be assured of the deep permanent interest of all parties to the arrangement.

THE POSTAL RATES.

Adklaidk, December 10. fJSThe Premier has received a telegram from the Right Hon Cecil Raikes, sug gesting the advisableness of an agree ment with the colonies, fixing the" rate of postage on letters sent direct to England at threepence, but the Govern ments of this colony and Victoria favor a four-penny rate. The Government of New South Wales has not yet in timated its views on this point.

SOUTH PACIFIC OIL WORKS

♦ Gisborne, December 10. A report has been reoelved m town that on Friday morning, on the tools being let down at the South Paoifio oil bore, there was a Budden burat of oil, which shot np above the derrick and immediately took fire. On the fhmes being ex tinguished tho oil was found to be wlthla 4ft or 6ft of the top of the pipe. Tho news has been received here with a great amount of distrust. Dacombor 11: At 10.30 on Friday steana was got np m tho South Pacfio Oil Works with a view of diepenlng the well As the tools reached the bottom a sudden burst of oil, extending over the height of the derrick took place, The oil instantly Ignited, and the fUmea quickly caught the derrick. The fka continued until fivo o'clook m the evenlug, when it was extinguished by wot Bacsa being placed ovar the month of ihe pipe. The well of oil Itself is not -■ injured, but the work of ereotlng a new derrick will cause a week's delay. Tha fire is attributed to the velooity at which the tools ran down the well. The severe friction upon the ball wheel which li chocked by a Bteel band aa a braak is suppoied to have caused the wood to wear until the nail heads have come Into contact with the band, thus causing a spark to Ignite the gas whloh came out with the flow of oil. The engine and boiler were saved from destruction.

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(From ouk Correspondent.) .-• Wellington, December 10. REVISING STANDING ORDEBS. The report of the Standing Orders Committee, which was presented to the Houge last night, proposes some radical changes m the presant system of pro cedure m the House. It is not likely to very much affect the length of debates. The Committee proposes, inter alia:-? " That no motion fot an adjournment oi the House shall be made until all ques tions on the Notice Paper have been disposed of, unless at least ten members by rising m tbeir places signify their assent ; also, that whenever proceedings m Committee shall be protracted beyond 12.30 p.m., the Chairman of Committees shall preside as Deputy-Speaker, as soon as it has been decided to report progress, the report being made by a Minister," RADICAL REFORM. A terse but pointed petition has been presented to the House by Dr Newman on behalf of the Wellington Reform Association which prayB — (1) That tho election of a Parliamentary candidate shall be ball and void, whoever, per sonally or through hla agents or Oonv mlttetV canvasses for votes," and (2) 1 ; That the praotioa of taking shows of hands on nomination day should be dlaoontlnned. PROVINCIAL BBVBNT7B, A return presented to the HoaaQ on thß motion of Mr Oadman gives the amounts of nnoolleoted revenue m each provincial district on 30th September last fron gold fields, deferred payment settlers, and perpetual leases, aa follows : — Gold revenue — Auckland, £2G57 ; Nelson, £1097 ; CHago, £4673 ; Weatiaudj £220; total £8647. Deferred payment settlers —Auckland, £1495; T-urauakl, £1256; Hawke'a Bay, £675 ; Wellington, £537: Nelson, £252 ; Marlboroußh £10 ; On* terbury, £1464 ; Ofcago, £13,472 } South, land, £4657 ; Westland, £16, Villa*© settlers— Taranaki, £49 : Hawke'fl Bsy 5 £23 ; Wellington, £17 j Canterbury, £34 r Otago, £208; Southland, £640: total £971. Pastoral lenses - Auokland, £194; Hawke's Bay, £41 • Marlboronph, £14, Canterbury, £170 ; Otago, £5324} Sonth land, £6; Weatiund £136 ; total, £5632: grand total, £39,182. AN ACROBATIC LEGISLATOR The sensation of to-day m the lobby it is understood has boon the acrobatic per formance of Mr Mobb, member for Par* nell, who, during a division m the House this afternoon, was absent when the doors were locked and the barricade cloßed la the lobby; Mr Mobs being anxious to vote Bprung over the barrloade, and alighted on the baok of a constable on the other aide. Tho constable held on to the member and did not allow htm to vote. The oirounwtdnoe came np In the House as a question of privilege, and Mr Moss apologised for his conduct. There the matter ended. ALL-NIGHT SITTING. The all-night Bitting of the Houae ovee the Laad Bill last night was the longest that has taken place for leveral yeara past. Members addressed themselves to the Bill almost continuously from 730 p m., and ultimately dispersed In broad daylight, after sitting of nearly 12 hours duration, without having completed tbeir management of which rests with the task, the question of Abolition of Land Boards being still undeaided. Twenty-six membera remained for the final division. gagging: members. The Standing Orders Committee report ■ that-as no one of the Standing Orders refer to " Hansard," provision for tho Reporting Debates and Printing Commit tee, It 1b not, m their opinion, desirable to frame any Standing Order limiting tho . time dating which members' speeches nuy be reported. THE LORDS UPSET. Thero fa a gentle flatter m the breasts of some of the Legislative Councillors, and Dr Pollen, it is reported, has packed up his belongings and sent m his realgoattoa to the Governor- Others are considering whether they will do likewise, and it Is rumored that most of the Councillors residing m Wellington will probably re sign. There are t/wo causes of grievances First — The Attorney-General tabled a motion la the Council relating to the honorarium on the very day the Bill passed the Lower Honse, and this Is considered to be an infringement of the privilege* of the Council. Seoondly — Councillors re siding In Wellington oonaider It an insult that they should be placed en a differant footing from the Wellington members of the House m respeot of the honorarium. Wellington December 12, dr pollen. I hear that Dr Pollen has definitely: resigned hia position m the Council, though it was cot generally known 111 l this morning. The faot beoame known through Mr Hamlin asking the docte to tike charge of a BUI fot him In tho Council when he was met with the reply that this was Impossible as he wai no longer a member. There Is a buzzing about amongst the Lords this morning who, it ia said, are holding a caucus of their own, and a rumor is freely circulated that several intend to resign either Immediately or looner, OTAGO CENTRAL, From what I can gathor the Otago Central Railway Bill will meet with strenuous opposition In the Oounoll, and even if It Is carried several very Impor tant amendments will be moved which will hjtvo effect of hanging up the Bill for the rest of the session as they could not at this late period bo rectified. Ie ii stated by membera of the Council that Government- are desirous of having these amendments made, and their enemies say that the reason Is to keep verdant Vincont on the string. THE POBLIO WOUKS STATEMENT Will be delivered to-night at 7-30. A little bird tells me that some unexpected features will be diec'osad, and that a number of persona wiil bs diaappointed.

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, MONPA2, DECEMBER 12, 1887.



t-i "& +* 'O • «— . S. V. 5 0 0 1 4 S. IV. 7 0 l i 5 :S. 111. 4 10 0 3 1 S. 11. 6 0 0 0 6 8. I. 10 3 0 0 7 P. 16 0 0 0 0 Total 48 4 12 25



A farm of 325 aorea m the Springston district, was sold on a recent Saturday by auction, m Ohristchurch, the price realised being upwards of £5000. To reserve nerve and brain waste, nothing equal Hop Biiters. Believe this 80,4 tftk<3 none, but American Go's, Be? • . ... .o



" Rodoh on Bats."— Clears out rats mioe, roaohea, flies, anls, bed bugs, beetles, insects, ; skunks, jack-rabbits sparrows gophe At ; chemists and druggists 1 , Keating's Powder destroys both moths, fleas, beetles, and all othor insects, while quite harmless to domestic animals. In extermi- nating beetles, the suooess of this powder is ' extraordinary. It is perfeotly olean m appli- ' cation. Bee the artiole you purohas ' Keating's, as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold m tins, 6d, Ib, and. 26d < eaghj by all obemiats. I



At the annual publio mooting of the London Hospital it was reported that the m- i gtitxjtion had now beon m existenoo for i fourteen years, and had received within ita i walls over 4,000 patients and more than I 26,000 out-patients. It had treated a large variety of diseases, and had done so with success, while m only five oases during the ] whole of that time had alcoholic treatment ( been given, and it was hoped that m the future even this small percentage would dis- ' appear, "Buchu-Paiba."— Quick, complete cure, all < annoying kidney, bladder, aud urinary ( diseases. At ohemista and druggists. Komp. ] thorne, Prosser and Co., Agents, Christ- > i ohuroU. ' I ' i



Wanted. A Service of Bong, "Eva," will be given m the Baptist Church School- room, Peter otreet, at 8 p m. on Monday, I2th mat, 1887 Admission Is. 12 59 WANTED to Sell-Strawberriea for preserving at 3d and 4d per Ib. \ Order early as tho season for oheap ( stawberries will coon be 07er. W. O. Davh, Frnlteror, East street. 12 66 FOR SALE— A lot of Empty Cases, cheap.— H. O. Segkrb, Melford i House. "YTT ANTED Known.— That HAVES VV and CO. have a splendid lot of White Embroidery Robes at 14s, worth 218. WANTED Everyone to see the ONE SHILLING box of choice Christ- mas and Yew Year Cards. Envelopes in- cluded. — H. U. SKaBRs, Melford Houso. PRINTS, Prints. — Jnst opened a splen- did assortment of Prints, Ginghams, Zephjre, &c. Great variety to choose from. — H. C Seqers, Melford Honae. WANTED CASH — Moir'a Oatmeal 251b5,28 6d ; Sperm Candles, 6d ; Coffoo and Milk, In per tin; Cocoa and Mil fa?- la per tin ; Vestaß, 5d per doz ; Ootaflour, 4i per 1b j tin Fruitß, Is ; Crockery, Ironmongery, eta. — At JAMES MoGregob's, Tancred Stroet, opposite Arcnde. WANTED Known.— For Sale, Blue Gum, Stringy Bark, Peppermint Gum, Red Gum, and Silver Wattle Tree Seeds, locally grown, and i»avcd this ' Sea3on ; also Tornip Seeds, just arrived, ex s.B Rimutaka. — J, Sbalt and Co., Seedsmen, Eaet Street, llf 61 WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, arid Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tineel Balls, &c, &c, nt Ana Manhirk'b F«*ncy Repository, Saundsrs' Buildings; WANTED Known— To the Ladies of Ashburton and surrounding diot.rlotf, that an experienced monthly Nurse is desirous of engagement. Good references can be given. Address — Mrs Hill, Peter Street, Ashburton. 11 18



VICTORIA _ HOUSE. DIMANT AKD COE HAVE extreme gratification m announcing their Third Annual Distribution of Beautiful, Useful, Rare and Valuable Works of Art, which comprise. — GLASS SUGAR BASINS, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATER JUGS, BOTTER DIBHES, &o, &0., to Cash Purchasers of Parcels to tho valao of 20«, 405, and upward. COUPONS ABE NOW BEING ISSUED. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. „ DIMANT <&; COE General Drapers and ClothiQrs, EAST AND TANCRED STEEETS. 12 22 ALBEET EGBERTS has eoe sale.— Clovers, — BED, WHITE, COWGEASS, ALSYKE, and TEEFOIL. RYEGRABB, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE. Golden Tares, Cape Barley, BEED. rEAr?,IBEED OATb[(vnrlous kinds), CKIiSfIED BEANB PLOUGH SHABEB COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Ackccyledfid to be TEE LEST IN THE MAEKET XMAS. XMAS. XMAS. WE HAVE MADE EXTENSIVE PURCHASES FOR THIS XMAS TRADE. 100 pairs Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers, from lOs 6d 47 Colonial and Ashburton Tweed Suits from 38s 6d Oue Case Stockman's Col. Moles 5s lid And sr© giving Grand Value m Hate, Shirte, Flannels, Drawers, Boots, &c. MirCHELL~~&r TURNER- PICKFORD AND OTDRILL T7IURNITDRE WABEBOUSB, OAB'NETMAKEBS AND UNDERTAKERS |j TANCRED STREET, Opposite Union Bank. NEW GOoDß— Chaira of all kinds, Toilet Ware, Pier and Toilet Glaase* Mattresses and Palliases, Couches, Cheap Perambulators. Furniture to any Design Made to Order. Having procured a very superior HEABSE and MOURNING* COACH, Plnmes and complete fittings, they are now prepared to undertake FUNERALS IN TOWN OR COUNTRY With Despatch and Economy, combined with reasonable charges. STILL AHEAD OF ALL OTHERS, AND THIS 18 ENDOBSED BT THE BUYING PUBLIC. SALES FOR 1886, 48,857 MACHINES. fTIBIS record Btands unparalled. It isQlaid before tbe public as the beet evidence J of the merit of the WALTER A. WOOD BINDERS and REAPERS. This exhibit of Pales shewing at once thoir volume and their marvellous growth, has always had, and mast continue to have, »n irretistable Influence upon the judgment of the farmer m determining what make of machine it Is practically and economically his Interest to own Tha beat possible test of the merit of machinery Is ppsapnrieon. This ie the test upon which we are satisfied to rest tho claimo of tba WALTER A. WOOD HAR. VESTING MACHINES. Each year's addition to the record of sales contributes to fhe value of the test. It will be seen that aaora than 45,000 machines have been placed m the hands of the farmers during last season, and it Is everywhere known that these farmers unite Id tre verdict that the harvesters, binders, mowers and reapers that do the best work m .the grain field and hay field, that are most readily understood and operated by tbo driver, that are most easily drawn by the team, and that last tho longest, are those that bear the name of WALTER JL. WOOD, name which these machines have long made familiar m all civilised ports 9? the world, DURABILITY OF THE WOOD MACHINES] Sales of repairs lees than for any'other Machinos. It (s a fact attested by agents who sell them, and by farmers who use them, tha) Wood's Machines requires far kss repairs than any other machines In use. N( other harvesting machines are bb durable and free from breakages. F. FEEEIMAN, Ashburton, Agent. AGAIN VIGTOEIOUS I THE latest Honors— first pr'ze-— Gold Medal and 500 francs awarded to the ! Walter A. Wood Binder, after a three days' Government trial, at Melun, In | France. McOormick Wood-frame 2nd, Hornsby 3rd. , The " Cultivator and Country Gentleman " says :— v The trial at Melpn was a 1 grand success. It was attended by the French Cabinet Minister of Agriculture, and j be P*partraent Director, as well as irany other French Government officials. M aaiilMre, Inrpector-General of Agriculture, having pereonal direction." The result has been published m the leading American doilies- oast— west i north and south — m the following cable despatch, which was .capped from the ' Sen York Tribune," of 11th A gnat, 1887 :— A Government Harve^r BD^ ' "Shader Contest was held near Melun July 29, 30, 31, the moot important Enropoan \ xmt««t dnce 1885. Tbe WALTER A. WOOD Machine received first prfee— gold { jr&*\ *nd SOO francs. McOormick Wood-frame, second ; Horoaby, third McOormfck j * eWlMne W*rZAo». *r a T ..bn«ton.s ; »*»d Ackbcrel'a Machines also competed m he <