The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1888. THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL WAY.

The system of constructing railways, or rather of paying /or the construction of railways by means of land-grants has been applied to many thousands of miles of iron road m the United States and m Canada, and now that we have for t -msent m New Zealand about reach* * 1 limit of our borrowing powv ' * iMJ dp well tp fall back uponi i» " Jtem for the completion of such man ipes as yet "remain to be constructed m this colony. Already we havv applied this system very suc cessfully Indeed m the case of the Wellingtof:*Mapawatu line and more recently have secured the construction of the Midland Railway by the same mean^ and Parliament (at anyrate inso far as the Representative House is concerned) has shown j.t? readiness to proceed upon the same, or a sir,ailary plan m respect to the Otago Central, while it is by no means improbable that qooncr or later we shall have to fall back upon this method for the comple tion of the North Island Main Trunk, The former of the two last-mentioned lines is. indeed, now much nearer realisation as a completed work than it was a few months, or even weeks, ago, and that it is so Otago has to thank first and mainly the bon. member for the D»n/st«n, whose unflagging per sistence and indomitable energy m the furtherance of this, his pet projepi, has certainly deserved the success which we are glad to believe he is on the eve of achieving. It appears to be thought by many persons that because the Otago Central Railway Bill, after a triurapfea passage through the House, was rejected m tf another placje " therefore the whole scheme has collapsed. But this is not so by any means, indeed the case is quite the re verse. The position of the matter is this — the Government, through the Attorney-General . (the Hod. Mr )Vhitaker) has undertaken to prepare »

:ontract based on the lines of MrPyke's Bill, and if Mr Pyka can find a syndicate )r company willing to accept the terms Df such contracr, has further undertaken to bring m as a government measure a B'll togive it validity,forceandoperati6b. Under these circumstances let us see what, are the concessions offered as an inducement to the enterprise. The Syndicate or Company is to receive a grant from the Crown of an area of land equal m value to 33 per cent of { the total cost of the railway from Middlemarch (where it will connect with that portion of the line now under coneiruction hy the Government) to the Hawea and Wanaka Lakes, a sufficient area within' a distance of fifteen miles on either side of the line, to enable this to be done to be withdrawn from sale on the signing of the contract, and to be granted to the Syndicate or Company m alternate blocks, the other alternate blocks being retained by the Crown. The value of the land to be granted to the Company is to be calculated upon the estimated value j immediately prior to the making of the contract, and irrespective of any pros pective value to be conferred by the construction of the railway, but no land is to be deemed as of a less value than ten shillings per acre. All lands required or likely to be required for mining purposes are excepted from the ! lands grantable to the Company, and it is stipulated that such lands as are granted to the Company under the I contract shall be disposed of m accord i ance with the land laws m force for the time being m the colony. Mutual running powers over each other's lines, as between the Government and the Company, are to be the subject of mutual agreement, and ample borrowing powers necessary to enable the raising of money upon debentures are graoled to the Company. The whole of the details necessary to be provided tor are either set out m Mr Pyke's Bill or will be found m the contract with the Mid land Railway Company, which will doubtless form a guide for the contract to be prepared by Sir Frederick Whitaker, and there ought, therefore, to be no possibility of a hitch m the business details. As regards the under taking itself as a speculation, no doubt the Company, if formed, will fully satisfyitself as to the prospects, and that these promise well there can be no doubt on the part of those who are acquainted with the lane and capabilities of interior Otago. There are hundreds of thousands of acres needing only railway communication to be brought into cultivation, and there is room for an extension of settlement which will secure a large freight and passenger traffic. As from the point of view of the colony the bargain will be an excellent one. The remaining Crown estate m the district will be enhanced m value by the construction of the line by an amount far greater than that of the area to be granted to the Company, to say nothing of the collateral advantages, while it will be a grand thing to secure the completion of this great work without adding to the burden of the public debt. When the contract is made we hope that a pro vision will be inserted enabling the construction of a link between the Otago Central and the Government line at Livingstone. The distance from Livingstone to the point of junction with -the Otago Centra), on Kyeburn Flat, is not more than twenty miles, and as from this common point the distance to the sea at Oamaru is fifty miles less than to Port Chalmers the linking up we have referred to must be undertaken m the near future and it would be well that it should be provided for m the proposed contract. With the assistance of the Government secured, and the sympathy of Parliament already expressed, Mr Pyke has already half won his battle, and we hope that he will be equally successful m inducing a powerful Company to accept the terms offered, and that, as he turned the first sod some ten years ago, he may also m less than half that period of time also drive the last spike of the railway on the shore of Lake Wanaka.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A case of attempted suioide occurred early this morning. About half-past two or three o'clook a man, apparently about fifty years of age, made big appearance at the Woollen Faotory where werk was going on. It was noticed that the man's throat was out, and information was sent to the polioe. Constable O'Sullivan immediately proceeded to the Faotory, as did Dr Tweed, who waa also sent lor. It was found that the mam who gave bis name as Oharles Hunter, waa suffering from a wound m the throat and also a slight out m the arm. The dootor having attended to the injuries ordered the man's removal to the Hospital, The wounds are not of a very Berious nature. The man's swag was found about a couple of miles further up the road, and it was evidently here that he inflioted the injuries on himself. It appears that he had oorne from |t is stated tb,at he b.as been m Uje Lunatjo Asylum, and that he suffere from ftfe, Mr S. Oeum has now got his eider mill into, working order. Stnoe we gave a description of the plant as it then was, about two months ago, a large press has been set m position. Everything m connection with the mill ia now complete, and crushing can be under taken at any time. The terms MrOrum offers are very favorably to those who would like to take advantage of the oppor* tunity forded them of having their fruit manipulated by a man who thoroughly undor* stands the business, and who Has" at his command the best of appliances. Mr Orum jg deserving of credit for the pluoky manner m which he has purmoupted the diOfoultips attendant on the establishment of an industry of tho nature of that which he has underr taken, All the work m connection with the mill, except the ironwork of the press, he had dono with his own bands. We understand from Mr Cruni that it is possible ho may pay a visit to the Old Oountry shortly when he will procure some hait cloths for the press, these not being obtainable m this colony, and wiU aftio be on the look-out for any improve ments whiofa may have be6Q introduced since tie left tho alder.produoing distriot, The only safe and sure cure for Gravel or Urinary troubles is Amerioan Co. 'a Hop Bitters. Prove it. Bead Powder destroys both moths, flea baotlos, and all .other ina.eots, while quite harmless to domeatjo apimals, Jn e^te'rmi anting beetles, the sucoesa of this powder h xtraordinary. It is perfeotly oloan m appli jatioß, Beo the artiole you purohas Keating's as imitatiouo are noxious and i . lefleotual. Sold n tiup, 6d, 1b and 2a fid i uoh, by all obcmmtß, I

Tho half-yearly meeting of the Star of ABhbnrton Lodge, U.A.0.D., was held on Wednesday evening. There was a very large number of members present. After the .ordinary business had been dealt with, the balance-sheet was read and adopted. A ' special vote of thanks was accorded to Bro Potter", secretary, for tha energetic way he had worked during his term of office. The following ofhcers were installed by P.A. Bro Nokes, for the ensuing half year :— J.P.A., , Bro Clark • A.D., Bro Venty ; V.A.D., Bro E. Tasker ; Treasurer, P.A. Bro Elston (re eleoted); Seoretary, Bro Potter re-eleoted ; M. Seo.,P.A.Bro Wall (reflected) ; I.G .BroUn drill; 0.G., Bro Masson ; A.D.B.'b, Bros Taylor and Pickford ; V.A.D.8.'0 Bros Palmer and Leitch. The Seoretary then presented Bro Pauling, J.P.A., with a very* handsome diploma, and expressed the esteem m which he was held by th« Lodge. Bro Pauling suitably replied. The members then spent the remainder of the evening m a Booial manner. Songs and recitations were supplied by Bros Pauling, Clark, Palmer, Piokford, Tasker, Wall, Elston, Lawson, Ashlet, and Potter. The meeting broke up shortly after midnight, after having spent a most enjoy able evening. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Ashton School Committee was held m the Schoolroom on Monday, the 2nd instant. Present — Mesßra Gilmour (m the ohair), J. Croy, W. Croy, Ryan, and Brown. The Master's monthly report was read and ap proved of. The number on the roll was 55, and average attendance 46, showing a steady increase both m the number attending the sohool and m the average attendance. The Committee agreed to close the school on January 27th, for five weeks harvest holidays, and re-open oh Maroh 5 th. After some aeooants had b«en passed for payment the Committee adjourned. The executive commissioners of the forth 1 coming Melbourne Centennial Exhibition will receive on or before the Ist of February next original poems of about 50 Hneß, from which a seleotion shall be made of a poem suitable for the opening cantata, and the sums of 50 guineas and 25 guiaoas respectively will be given the authors of the first and second m point of merit of these compositions. The following Home emigration figures are eloquent as to the hard times there : Daring the firßt ten months of 1886 36,325 emigrants left ports m the United Kingdom for Austra lasia, while only 29,091 proceeded to Canada. Last year the figures was reversed. During the first ten months of 1887 42,704 persona have sailed for British North America, aa compared with 28,797 to Australasia. A monster eagle has been shot near Castle town Conyers, oounty Cork. For sometime past the bird has been foraging on the poultry of the neighboring farmers, and one day a sportsman saw the eagle on the top o the hill and fired. The bird waß wounded at the first Bhot, but Bwooped towards his foe, and oven showed fight when disabled by a second shot, till a third discharge ended his troubles The eagle measured siz feet six inohes, and had enormously long talons. A jam factory has been established it Timaru. The Paris Munioipal Council has been reading through tho books used m tho Pane schools m order to cut oat all passages where the name of God ooours, or any allusion it made to Christian doctrines. The New South Waleß Minister of Minei said m the Assembly the other day that the subsidy this year for rabbit deßtruotion would atoounfc to between £400,000 and £500,000.3 The author of » Grandfather's Clock " died recently m University Hospital, London. The song is better known than the writer oi it, E. C.Bertrand, who tried again and again, but never afterwardß hit the public taste. He was an actor, a theatrical manager, and a dramatist. As has generally been the case with these mußio-hall ditties, it was the pub, lishers who made a little fortune out of the chance buoobsb ol " Grandfather's Clock," not the author. A correspondent of the ** Auokland Herald " has been interviewing Sir Robert Stout la Ounedin. Prom bis report to that journal we take the following : — " Do you intend to address any publio meeting dn political questions ? " "I have no suoh intention ( I am now doing simply citizen- duties, and attending to my own business. The people who should have known me best did not think fitto elect me, and I do not see that I am ooReS upon to continue making aaorifioes for the publio when my services are not desired. 11 From this it would appear that Sir Robert has no present intention of re-entering tho political arena. The best medioine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test it« eminent powerful efieots m coughs, colds, influenza, eta. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give tho most gratifying testimony. His ; Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany eaoh bottle. We have no occasion to offer rewards m proof of the genuineness of our references. The offioial reports of medical glinica and universities, the oftoial communication of tha Gonsul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam— all these are authentic doou ments, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various caees treated by Siegen, M.D., Professor, etc: Burning of the right hand through the ex plosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the yolar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year-old patient wag completely 1 separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose, and half of the phalanx of the nail of the middle finger was ooaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three weekg under aailyappHpations of E.xtraot dreßß{ng. The patient hag retained tho full use of her band.— (Advt.) 1

SUPREME COURT

» Wellington, January 5. At the Supreme Court Thomas Con nolly, for horae stealing, waa sentenoed to two years. Dunbdin, January 4. Thomas Pepperll, for forglag and utter- i ing, was sentenoed to 3 months ; Janaei Marshall, house-breaking, Q years ; Qagh Anderson, attempted suicide, dladhargod on his own reoognlaanoe ; Alfred Helms Palmer, a boy of twelve, robbery from a dwelling, Ben{ to the Industrial School. The grand jury threw out the bill against Arohlbald Buchanan, Indeoent aasault, EIIz» Wblttot was sentenoed to 2 years, to commence at the end of the sentenoe she Is already nerving, Edward Arthur, charged with robbing a Chinaman with vlolenoe, was dismissed. Nine out of the eighteen oases havo thua been disposed of to-day. DuNßittN, January 5. At the Supreme Court, James Johns* ton alias Davery pleaded gillty to two charges of forgery and was aentenoed to twelve months. James Bplera was ac quitted of laroony. James Hunter and Mary MoNaught who were pharged con jointly with Spiers were found guilty, and Edward Adams guilty to receiving stolen goods. Sentences were deferred.

THE MARKETS.,

(Per PfiESs Association.)

London January 1* Consols have advanced to xo2 T /i. New Zealand inscribed stock is quoted at 97. Flour is nominally £26 to there are, however, but small supplies. Leather is 1 1 %& ; the market is steady. The tin market is firm at Wil larroo copper is quoted at London, January 3. The copper slocks m England and France, and also afloat, are valued at ,£42,300, against last year. • Money is easier. The market rate of ( discount is 2j4 per cent merely. A reduction m the bank rate is expected. Wheat is 6d cheaper, . The tone of the wool market is quiet but steady.

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

[Per Press Absouation.] Bkriin, January 2. At the reception held by the Emperor of Germany to-day there was a large attendances of diplomatists and officials. No political allusions were made, but the Emperor, conversing lately with his principal officers, ex pressed satisfaction at the improved situation. St. Petersburg, January 3. The " Journal de St Petersbourg," semi-officially opines that the publica tion of the despatches removes the mistrust which existed, and practically closes the incident. Lorooir, January 4. It is rumored that if Russia recog nises the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine, Germany will arrange an Austro-Russian agreement respecting Bulgaria. It is also reported that the valuables m the Imperial Chateaux m Poland have been removed to the interior. Vienna, Jaonary 3. The official feeling here has suddenly become confident of peace, the Russian Military Attache declaring that the Czar is absolutely 'opposed to war.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible lor the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

CANON TAYLOR AND MISSIONS.

TO THE EDITOBi Sib, — I thought you would be pleaied to know there was more to follow, and as onr view* harmonise on the sabjdot of ' the value of missions you need fear do k menace m the norn de plume " Will , Saymore." I will change it, however, If you please, aod m saying a Httla more beat to remark, first, that I never alluded I to your views on the matter, bat only by I Inference to those of the " Argus." from . which you quoted. The "Argus" was I presumably, as its manner Is, making a handle of the statistic! to show the In utility of Ohrlatlan Missions to the 1 heathen, and it appeals, m confirmation of this assumption, that Canon Taylor , himself was advocating the withdrawal of , Christian Missions from parts of Africa »nd A<jU m favor of Mohammedanitm, I now quote from " The Ohristian," of J November 4,h : — "To the extraordinary demand from Canon Taylor, made at j the recent Church Conference, that j Christianity should be withdrawn from j parle of Afrlqa and Asia In favor of Mo haramedanlßin, the "Spectator" hat > well urged that Islnmlsm with its serfdom i and large concessions to lust, feeds every , kind of natural pride, aod exactly suits > the passions of tropical regions, where men refo.ee to accept Christianity because ' of Its precepts of ohastlty. The drink 1 traffic which threatens Africa and Asia Is ' not a prodaot of, but m spite of, ) Christianity; and it Is little less than . scandalous that a clergyman should plead , for a teiphing which denies the mission > of the Son t»i God." It goes on to say it would have been well if he had consulted Indian Mission -1 arles before stating that Mohammedanism i It an imperfect Christianity, seeing It I fosters a spirit of proud blasphemy , against It. I should be glad if I had . time and you had spaoe to " say more " on the sabjeot, bat instead shall snb • scribe myself • 1 , Vjsbitab.

POLICE OFFENCES

Through the kindness of Fergeant Fellon we have seen • return of the offanoes dealt with m the R.M, Court daring the past year. It appears that. ' including the Rskafa and Methven sta tiooa whioh are within the jurisdiction of the officer m oharge' of tfte Ashburton sub-district, there weire a total number of 636 offences report«d, 362 persons were apprehended «nd 240 summoned ; four perBODB oommltted for trial; 504 inclnding 17 females, were summarily convicted; and 95, Including 10 females, discharged. The numbers of offences reported, persons apprehended, summoned and oonvioted \u25a0how an increase oyer tf»e previous year 1886. Ja that year 672 offences were reported, 345 persons were apprehended and 195 aummonod, 421 were summarily convioted, five were committed for trial, and Jl4 discharged. Of oourse the number of oases grouped u^dex the head of drunkenness— ln which class three distinctions are made, viz., " drunk and disorderly," " drunk while In charge of horee»," and, " dcnnh mi n a railway carriage »— hr »nd away exceeds the total la any other olass. In the year jusfc past 180 persons were charged with thlaoffenoe, 176 men and 2 women were convoked' and two men wrre djs horged. In the previous jear l { /8 persons were chargedi lbf males *nd threo females were con viewed, and 18 men were discharged. In 1887 there were 12 charges of larceny dealt with, a den ease of 15 on the previous year, and 10 conviction* were recorded, Of fourteen persons charged with failing to provide, six were convicted; thero were no charges of thia nature m the precodlng year. Thirteen charges under the Licensing Act were dealt with, an increase of 10 on the number for 1886 ; m olght ( i tljpße there were oonvlotlons* Out of 19 charges of common aeo-mlt. thero were peven convictions. The number of charges and convictions under this head shofr a alight deoreaae on the previous year. Twenty-eight cases of o&Ule trespass were hcqrd and m all thege t^ere wers convictions. Seven foen persons wore oonvioted of breaches of the Dog Registration Act and seven were diamtased j m 1886 40 were oonvioted and 5 diemissed, Sixteen persons, lnoluding ono female, were con* vloted of obscene and profane language, this number being the same aB that of the preceding year. Nine prohibition orders wero applied for, of which seven were granted. Two persons were convicted of rescuing from a pound and six were dis charged. Seven convictions nnder the Sheep Aot were recorded, aa against five ] m 1886. Two persona were oharged with sheep stealing, ope qf whom was oonvioted. : here were seven bonviotlons for vagrancy as against }2 m 1886, There wero a ' gieett many other otaeses of cases dealt ' with, but m no one of these was the , nnnqber of persons oharged very great, )

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(PBB JTRBSS ASSOCIATION.)

THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON.

London, January 3. H.M V S. Espiegle succeeds H.M.B, Pelican on the Pacific Station.

EXHIBITS FOR MELBOURNE.

Fourteen hundred British and foreign exhibitors have applied for space at the Melbourne Exhibition.

VAGABOND EMIGRATION.

Sir J. Fi Garrick, Agent General for Queensland, states that the Charitable Society are trying to foist vagabonds as farm laborers for emigrants.

THE NEW HEBRIDES QUESTION

Paris, Jann&ry 3 Ia National* states that if France \u25a0 abandons the New Hebrides she will eventually lose New Caledonia,

THE AUSTRALIAN FORCES.

It is stated that as Lord Wolseley's duties prevent him, Sir Evelyn Wood, Colonel Brackenbury, and other lead ing officers, will shortly inspect the , Australian forces.

SIR CHARLES DILKE.

It is repotted that the Gladstones will find a seat for Sir Charles Dilke.

MOONLIGHTING IN THE HEBRIDES.

A case of moonlighting has occurred near Stornaway, a seaport on the east side of Lewis, one of the Hebrides, Scotland. One of the gang was ; captured.

SILVER WEDDING OF THE PRINCE OF WALES.

A proposal has been made by colo : nists m London to make a presentation to the Prince of Wales m honor of his silver wedding, which will be celebrated on March zoth.

FIGHTING IN UPPER EGYPT.

Suakim, January 2. Continued skirmishes made by the rebels under Osman Digna have been repulsed.

MR WILFRED BLUNT.

: The appeal of Mr Wilfred Blunt 1 against the sentence of two months' imposed on him for taking part m a t National meeting was heard at Por [ tumna, County Galway, and adjourned. r Great crowds were present m the town, i and much excitement prevailed, i During the hearing a force of military > surrounded the Court.

RUSSIA AND THE PACIFIC.

St. Pjbtjebsbubg, January 3 I The " Moscow Gazette" complains i of the paucity of Russian warships m . the Eastern Pacific.

THE POPE AND THE QUEEN.

' Bomb, January 3. | The Duke of Norfolk is the bearer . of an important letter from the Pope to i her Majesty the Queen.

SINGULAR ACCIDENT.

1 Vibnna, January 3. » The Archduchess Stephanie, wife of I the Archduke Rudolph, of Austria, had t her eye seriously burned through her hair catching fire while it was being I dressed. There is a hope that the 1 sight may not be impaired. t ..

AUSTRALIAN.

1 • 1 |>KB rRBSS ASSOCIATION.]

A DISAPPOINTED LOVER.

I Adklaidb, January 4« A man named Sampson, a dis appointed lover, fired five shots at him self m one of the main thoroughfares m the city, but only wounded himself m the arms slightly.

1 • _ ___ _ 1

QUEENSLAND REVENUE.

J : Bbisbanb, January 4, I The half-yearly revenue amounts to ! ;£i, 672,000. The amount shows an ! increase over the last year of over i ,£324,000. The principal items show ing an increase are : — Customs, ;£ir7,ooo ; pastoral department, j£a 2,000 ; railways,

QUARANTINED.

The Balista has been quarantined at Thursday Island, typhoid fever having j broken out on the passage.

RABBIT DESTRUCTION.

Sydney, January 4. Mr Abigail, Minister for Lands, has received from Europe numerous schemes for the destruction of rabbits. They are, however, mostly impractic able.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST HYDROPHOBIA.

In consequence of the development of hydrophobia m Europe, the quaran tine regulations relating to the impor tation of dogs from foreign countries are being strictly enforced. Ihe police officers are taking active steps to destroy all stray dogs m the colony.

INDUCTION.

Bishop Camidge, recently conse crated to the See of Bathurst, was inducted yesterday.

THE METALLICIANS STRUCK.

It is estimated that the ring lost .£3.<;,a09 over the Tattersall's race meeting on Monday.

HANLAN AND NELSON.

A match has been arranged between Hanlan and Nelson for over the Grafton course, Hanlan giving Nelson three and a half lengths start. '

KILLED BY LIGHTNING.

Heavy thunderstorms have been experienced m the inland districts, and < a man has been killed by lightning.

FURTHER RACING CASUAL TIES.

Two other horses and a jockey have been killed at the spot where Silver* rm'ne's accident occurred, <

NEW SOUTH WALES REVENUE.

The revenue for the year is ' an increase of nearly a ( million. Followiog are the increases : —Pastoral revenue, ,£704,(30.0 \ rail- - W»y, j£?**-oqoj postal and telegraphic, \

. 8 »ooo ; excise, land sale% ; %2« } ooo; miscellaneous, ,£52,000; customs decrease,

THE S.S. ELDERSLIE.

- Hobart, January 4. Arrived— s.s. Elderslie, from Lon don^ via Fremantle.

POSTAL CONFERENCE.

Melbourne, January 4. The New Zealand Government have been invited to send a representative 1 to the Postal Conference, which will ; commence m a few days.

LORD WOLSELEY'S VISIT.

The " Melbourne Age," referring to " the proposed visit of Lord Wolseley;to ! the colonies, expresses the opinion that 1 no benefit will result to any colony, and that his visit will only increase ex penditure. Mr Gillies, the Premier, explained that it would be advantage ous to obtain the opinion of an expert on the combination of colonial forces | m the event of any one colony being 1 attacked.

FREIGHT ON WHEAT.

Mr Speight, Chief Commissioner of * Railways, states that it would not pay ' his department to further feduci. the ' freight on consignments of wheat; : <

ACCIDYN ON A RACECOURSE.

The Moonei Valley races took place k yesterday. In the hurdle race both Courage and Landseer fell. The for mer was injured to such an extent that he had to be destroyed. The jockey of Landseer was thrown very heavily, j and his life is despaired ot

THE TAINUI.

B Bio on Jawibro, January 3.' Sailed— Tainui, for Plymouth,; with her cargo of meat m prime condition.

NEW SOUTH WALES ELECTION

I (Beoelved Janimy 5, 1 p.m.) ;

j STDNB7, January 6, g The Protectionist Union failing to j induce the candidate for the Padding ton election to retire m favor of^ a candidate chosen by the Union has # thrown up the contest. There are now half-a-dozen candidates m the field.

MELBOURNE RACES.

Melbourne, January 5, Ninety-nine nominations have been received for the Newmarket Handicap and forty-seven for the Australian Cup. | Nelson is nominated for the Cup. \u0084

GOLD EXPORT.

The gold export for last yew shows . a decrease of 23,500 02s. on that of 1 the previous year, - '*\u25a0

THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

HoBABT. JftDQMy 5, Messrs Clarke and Braddon M.L.A/S have been appointed delegates to> the Federal Council m place of Messrs s Brown and Dodd, M.L.A.'s.

RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Adelaidb, January 5. An engine and ten trucks fell over a trashed out embankment on the r Northern Railway and were considerably > damaged, The passenger carriages re mained on the rails. ;:!!;; -, : \

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

(Received January 5, 2.40 p.m. f I r \ '

London, January 4. The French press criticise the New Hebrides agreement with hostility and urge the exclusive possession of the group by France. The "Standard,'" on the same subject, says it closely concerns the French honor not to further evade the evacuation on the pretence that the Suez Canal Conven tion had not been ratified by the Powers. ,: V

ISSUE OF STOCK.

It is reported that Mr Goschen, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will issue [ fifteen millions of 3 per cent stock* 1 reducible before twenty-five yews.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

w . . . — • (Pkr Press Asaocruxiox.} Auckland/ Jajioary 4. The fire warships now ilMport will probably aa.il to-morrow for and to-day the police were kept bus/ lo arresting straggling seamen belonging to the squadron. About 30 sailoro *«re as •enabled at the Greyhound Hotel thla morning, and on the polio* appearing they showed fight. One of the polio* oonstablea, Ohrlotie, waa thrown against the glass door, and his wrist oat, the vela being aevered, Jn the woffle this land lord 1 ! fornitore was broken. . An enquiry ordered by the Minister of Jostlce upon the petition ot Wi ? H. Wakeham, on oertain charges preferred Shim against the management of th» ount Eden gaol, was fixed to take place at the gaol this morning before Hi O. Baddeley, 8.M., but owing to the absence of one of the visiting justices, the •riaairy was adjourned till Saturday next: - The New Zealand Stnd Company 'held their annnal sale of yearling stook at Sylvia Park to-day. There was a 'forgo attendance, a good number of Southern buyers being amongst these present. The lota offered were m fine condition! and the colt which attracted moat attention, was a Musket-Nelly Moore, half brother to Locblol and whloh wai disposed of for 625 guineas to P* Kean, who, It Is pres umed, aoted on behalf of the Hob E. Mitoheloon. Every lot offered was sold, and the total realised 4315 guineas. the> highest priced yearling being a filly by Musket, purchased for 660 guineas, by Mr J. Marshall. Messrs G. G. Stead, Ohrlstohuroh, W. Douglas, Napier, -and 3. P. Gollan, Napier, were amongst the buyers. Wellington, January d. The Cabinet will meet about the end. of next week. The Gear Meat Company's report and* balanoe-sheet were adopted at the annual' meeting to-night, and a, dividend of id* per cent was declared. Mr &, W. Lorie, who has been appointed district agent of the Government Life I^suranoe Department at Dunedln, t>tc<& Mr Driver, is an experienoed ofticer of thai department. Hokttika, January 4i The Bank of New Zealand have shipped! their Christmas gold buylngs—6lß2 i ounoes, valued at £21,22% > A great number of beach- and river ! leases for working by the Ball or Wellmsn dredger have been takbn up, there being two or three every week. The first dredger will be working next week. Dunbdin, January 4\ About 2600 peroons attended the tbfid day's Caledonian sports. Tha mlddls weight Birder wrestling wa§ won by Tlffen, Jadd Heoond. tfhe Consolation wrestling foil to Stountag. The steeple chase was won by Gllohrlet.

THE A3HBDBTOK GUABDIAN, THURSDAY, JANOaHY 5, kW i



Take Hop Bitters threo times a day sad joa will have no doctor's bill to pay. Tbftt i# \t mtfi by &meiisas (Jo '



Wellß' Haib BitißA^,— lf grey restores io \ original color. An elegant dressing, softens ' and beautifies. No oil or grease. A Tonio Bentorative. Stopi bair oorqiog 9-4 itreo^heDß, oleaniei, feeall noftlp. 2 1



Sgsmiy-.lfEtf.— "Wells' Haalth Rommei?," restores health and vigor, our«s Dyspepsia, Impotence, Sexual Debility, At ihomists and druggists. Kempthorn.6, J*.«wer, tod Co, gents, Chnptohurch %



TO OUR RAKAIA SUBSCRIBERS, "T"! 7"fi deaire to intimate that from and VV aftor let January, 1888. SUH. S :HIRERBto Una journal will OBTAIN THEIR OOPIRB AT THE STORE OF MR (3. HAKDY.



Wanted. I ( "TTTANTED Known.—That HAVES ] VV and CO. havo a splendid lot of < White Embroidery Robes at 14s, worth < «lB* i Segers' Great Sale.—Melford House. rTTANTBD on • Station situation by YV Married Couple, no enctrnbraDce. Han aa general rund— oan milk, kill, etc. Wife good oook and laundress. Apply, Mks Bandall, Aihbnrton. 12J148 WANTED Known— To the Ladies of Aahburton and aarronndlng dlatrlota, that an experienced monthly ' Name is desirous of engagement. Good ! references osn bo given. Addreaa — Miw Hill, Peter Street, Aahbarton. 11 18 VITANTED Known— Doard and Rosi- VV den ce for one Gentleman com- fortable bedroom an 1 use of pittinsj-rooin, •nly one other Boarder. Addresi — A.B , "Gu rJian 1 Office. 1 V WANTED Known.— For Sale, Blue Gum, Btrinjry Bark, Peppermint Qnm, Bed Gam, and Silver Wattle Tree See 38, locally grown, and saved this Boas )n ; also Tnrnip Seeds, just arrived, ex b.«. Rimutak*. —J. Scaly and Co., Seedamen, Eiet Btroot. 11+61 Sale at Melford House.*-H. O. Segera. WANTS i) CASH — Moir's Oatmeal 251b8, 2a 6d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Coffee and Milk, Is per tin; Coooa and Milk, Is per tin ; Vf staa, fid per doz ; Cornflour, 41 per 1b ; tin Fruita, la ; Crnokery, Ironmongery, etd. — At James McGregor's, Tailored Street, opposite Aroade, ___.^___^_ WANTED KNOWN — Oleograph b Scenery, and Catholic Habjeclß Catholic Cards, good variety m Scrapg Novelties ia Ponwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, Ac, &c, at Aw Manhibb's Fancy Repository, Sauadsre' Buildings Melford House Sale.— H. 0. Segers. "TTTaNTED Known— Wells annk, with YV pomp »tid pipe found and fixed, from £2 10 j upwarda All kinds of pumpi, Renpa* and Hnn^e smith work fixed or repaired. Ohlmne \u25a0 iwept and ranger cleaned, 3s. Uygiuters Is6d eaob. All order* pn»c:t>>a Iy attended to. .Note oddreii, H. Dudley, Moore street, Aeh- barton* 11 22 THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. From and after the 30th November, 1836, the ' .erms of Subscription to this journal will bo follows, via. : — ir TAID IN ADVANCE : Per Quarter. . 6a 6d, by post, 93 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d 1 „ Year *. 24s Od, by post, 37s Od 1 F booked; Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10a 9d \u0084 Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d ' „ Year .. 30s Od, by poat, 43s Od tmtm .--1., i m» Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid lor at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each i (stamps may be cent as payment) ; if booked, #3 eaoh. Announce nenta of Births, Doatha and Marriages sen; for publication from the opuntzj' diatriota require to be verified by the signature of the erson sending the notioe. DIARY . Moon's Sun Sun Moon Moon ago at lUecs. Sets. Bines Bets, noonday l>m. ajn. 81 Saturday ... 4.2S 7.41 8.13 4.59 16 1 Sunday .. 4.36 7.43 a5B 5.56 17 2 Monday .. 4.27 7.43 0.40 8.68 IS 3 Tuesday .. 4.2R 7.41 10.15 8.4 19 4 Wednesday.. 4.20 7.41 10.48 0.13 SO 5 Thursday .. 4.30 7.41 11.20 10.32 21 0 Frldny.. .. 4,31 7.41 11.61 11.33 23 Moonlight Evenings. The Moo a at] 3 days old shines till, about 8 o'clook. The Moon at 6 days old shines till abont balf-paßt 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old shines ;tttl nearly 1 o'clcok m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from Ban lown till about i m the morning. The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all nig V. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. and ahinng till morning The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old ri3es about 2 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. t nd shineß till sunrise.



F. H. YOB SCHOENEBERG, FRENCH POLISHER, CABINETMAKER UPHOLSTERER, AND UNDERTAKE, HAB openod In Premißes (next W. Patching) East street, *nd hopes to receive a fair share of pnblio support, being prepared to MAKE FUBNITURE any deaigo to order at OUBISICHUIIOH RATES. Pianos m.d Furniture re- polUhed at very low ratei. B: McOallum IAMILY GROCER AND TEA. DEALER, FOWLER'S BUILDINGS, TANOSED 8 TREE r, HAS cow m Stock a Large and Very Superior lot of Goods for the Christmas Trade. Also, — UEW FRPITS. NEW FRUITS. Aleo,- Just unpacked, a lpt of Uvefu Crockery, cheap and well -assorted. Notb the Address: — R. McCallum, GROCER, &o. TANORED STREET. Proctor & Go , WUOLEBALE AND RETAIL OAbH GROCEBS, &o , BEO to announce to the inhabitants of Ashburton and Surrounding Dts tricts, that we have just landed our Christmas Goods, and as we bay largely for C\SrJ, we are m a position to BKLL Cheaper than any of the other Houses m Town. W© have also a large and varied Stock ot CROCKERY and IRONMON- GERY, wbioh we are disposing of at PRIOLB that will defy competition. N.B.— See windows for Presents to bs given away at XMAS. Please note the Addrotß,— BULLOCK'S ARCADE, Burnett Street. GREAT SALE or Bankrupt Stock v or Drapery, Clothing, AND BOOTS. ANDREW OBR having tecured the Stock of A, C PRICHARD at a great reduction from Invoice Cost, will offer it to the Public on WEDNESDAY, DEC: 28th, At Unheard of Prices. TUESDAY, the 27th DEC. uw ANDREW ORR. • j TRY iIBKPATBICK'S JAM. CAUTION. NONrD ie genuine unless our nam« is stamped on ear.h tin, and hos our R^gisterrd i rade Ma.-, " Lora JNolson, on th; lebJ. TRY KIBKPATEIOK'SS 1 TOMATO SAUCE. THE most. deiicious flavoring for Cold Meats, Chops Sv^b^ Soups Gravies Ao.



HS* LOOK HERE! 4^ THE PREMIiR TAILOR, Town Hall, IS making Tweed Fuits m first class style from £2 10s Od. Trousers from 18s 6d (specialty). Heavy Saddle Tweed Baits, £4 Ob Od, GENTS' OWN MATERIAL MADE UP. Trousers, 7s 6d ;" Sac Suits, 35s ; Pagets, 40f, TißMi Cash- TOWN~HA-LL, | EAST ETBBET. j mißittinnf year's GIFTS. mmmmm i JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS, JBAVR just bought from a Home TrAveler all his awnplwi of j FANOF GOODS, TOYB, DOLLS, j ORNAMENTS, FANCY BASKKTWABE PERFUMERY, BOOKS, BTO., KTO,, ETC* At half-price, and all who want to avail themselves of this opportunity to bn> CHEAP GOODS for the Holidays, will do we'l to CALL AT ONCE, as I will allow a LaRGR DI6COUNT on all these Goods and other Articles m Stock. COMB EARLY~~AND SECURE BABGAIKS. W. ZANDER, Tobacconist,' 1 Hair Dresser Fhavi Saloon, and Fiehtng Tackle Dep6t, EAST STREET. 13 120 MAXWELLS PATENT SPRING PADS. GIVE your Saddler orders to line yoar old Collars and Saddles with MAXWELL'S PATENT SPRING PAD 3. They keep the shoulder cool. Testimonials coming m freely. Everyone is giv : ng satisfaction. NO MORE SOBeTsHOULDERS AND BACKS. Very good for newly broken m horeee. Fplendid thing ia Biding Saddles. Aik your Saddler to chow you them, and explain te jou how they are put m. One Trial will prove if. To be* had from all Saddlers. i< 9 MANILLA BINDER TWINE I HAVE eecmed a quantity of the same make of Twine as gave so much satisfaction last Season, and as Quality ia the true Economy m the Harvest Field, farmers will consult their | «wn interest* by eecuriog a sufficient \u25a0apply early, as it is likely to be v scaroo this Staeos. i EOBEET ALCOEN, Importer and General Merchant. PAPERHANGINGS! PAPERHANGINGS It THE Undersigned have just opened up a splendid assortment of PAPERHANGINGS, £CBIM, TAPES, TACKS, Also, — WINDOW GLASS (all sizes). W & R LEAD, PAINTS, OILS, VARNISHES, OOLORB, DRYERS, TUuI'JtNTINE &o, /astJlandJnp, a splendid lot of Hcuse Coal, ex " Hauroto." McCalluiQ & Co., IRON, TIHBEB, AND (COAL MER- CHANTS, & IMPORTERS, Agento/ot TITAN and TJiIPLBX STRAINERi 12*103



ALBEET ROBERTS BAS FOR SALE,— CIOVBRSj — RED, WHITE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE, and TREFOIL. RYEGRABS, COCKSFOOT, akd RAPE, Golden Tares, Cape Barley, fcEBD FEA£, SEED OATb (various Linds), ORDSfiED BEANS PLOUGH BHABES COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Acfcacvledg'vi to be THE iifiST IN T'lIE MARKKT