DIARY.

Moonlight Evenings.

The Moon at 8 days old shines till about 8 o'olook.

The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-past 10 o'olook.

Tbe Moon at 8 days old Bbinos till nearly o'olook m tbe morning. The Moon at 12 days old Bbinoß from sundown till about 4 m the morning.

Tbe Moon at 15 days old is full, and shinoß all night. The Moon at 18 dayß old rises about 9 p.m. and shines till morning,

Tbe Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning.

Tbe Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. and shines 11 morning The Moon at 27 daysjold rises about 4 a.m. and shines till Bunrise.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 80th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be bb followß, viz. : — IF PAID IN ADVANCE Per Quarter.. 6b 6d by post, 9a 6d Half.year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d Year .. 24s Od, by post, 87b Od I IT BOOKED Per Quarter. . 7b 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 80s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at tbe hne of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh /stamps may sent as payment) if booked, 4b eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriageß sent for publication from tho oountry distriots require to be verified by tho signature of the person sending the notice

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Wa are m receipt of further letters In reply to " Enquirer," but think it un neoesaary to give them publication, as the buhjsot treated of by him has already been onfflolontly ventilated.

DEATHS

Robinson. — On Sunday, 23rd Inßt., at Stafield Road, Ashburton, Aim, the beloved wife of James 'Jhomßon Robinson, aged 62 years. Lownie.— December 22nd, at Rangltata, Albert Charles Mackay, the lofant son of Peter and Mary Lownle. Aged, I year and 3 weeks 12 160

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1888. CHRISTMAS 1888.

And to-morrow will bo Christmas Day. So tho yearß roll on, and the joyous season of Christmas comes round once more ; each successive Christmas Day appearing, to those who have lived long enough to count many of thorn, to arrive with greater and greater celerity, while to tho very young tho gap between Christmas and Christmas seems nn almost immeasurable period of time. But to old and young alike Christmas is ever welcome, not only — rather wo should write least of all, because it " brings good cheer," but because of its sacred associations, its spirit of goodwill and benevolence, its gathering together of scattered families, its universal kindliness and rejoicing, For it knows neither latitude nor longitude, and proclaims under the banner of tho Cross the wide world over the brotherhood of pian and the fatherhood of God. It is meet, therefore, that so blessed a season should be greeted with universal rejoic ing, and whether it comes to us clad m a mantle of snow, and wreathed with holly and ivy and mistletoe, or robed m tho bright verdure of our New Zealand summer, with hands full of tall white lilies, and crowned with a chaplet of crimson-tassellcd pohutikawa or star flowered clematis, matters not one whit, Christmas is Christmas m what ever garb it comes. For some it must be that Bhadow mingles with the sunshine, for with them the cypress is woven into tho Christmas wreath, and there are vacant chairs that were filled by beloved forms last Christmas day, but for those whose days of mourning are not yet ended, there is a message of peace and comfort m tho song of the angels that ushers m the birthday of the Christ, telling of another and brighter Home where sorrow comes not and parting shall be no more. Thus, then, for those that mourn there is joy at Christmas, oven though it be a chastened joy, while for those to whom no recent grief has come it is a season of unmixed rejoicing. Happily too for ' tho peoplo of itjiis colony, tho clouds , th*t have so long hung heavy upon our horizon haY« shown their silver lining, and the bright sun of prosperity is bursting forth, and while our fields are rich m the promise of a bounteous harvest the heart of the husbandman is glad within him. Indeed, m every direction there are indications 'hat the times of leanness have passed away, and that a time of plenty has begun, and, therefore, this should bo the happiest Christmas that we have known for years. Lot us then all bo thankful for tho season and its surroundings, and out of the gratitude of our hearts let us seek to make this Christmas tido a blessed ono for all around us, J^et all petty grievances against ono another bo for given, and forgotten and let us sot our faces to tho future with hopeful hearts 1 and helpful hands, aud thus shall we all indeed experience A Merry Christmas AND

A Haity New Year.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Missouri, undor looal option, has secured prohibition m thirty out of forty oounties.

The French army has at present no lobs than six Jewish Gonerals, of whom two aro (generals of piviaion,

A dandy ajked a barber^ boy if ho had ever shaved a monkey. " No, sir,'-' answered the lad ; "but if you will take a seat I'll try."

There are throughout the world fifty Qrernatorieß, moat of whioh are m the United States', nearly twenty being m Italy.

. The "New Zealand Herald?' aaya that there is no truth m the report published, that the " Wellington Times " and " Evening Press " are to be amalgamated.

Impeeunioi!? lover: "Bo mine, Amada, J and you will be J.^ated like an 80861.."! Maiden: "Yes, I euppoße sd; Nv,hfog to{ eat and lees to wear* No, I thank you, A



tht M n p om -F° ra -- y iB WBPonsible for saying hat Mr P. Cunningham, who began eoloS outo a f 8 th fl Ba rt mend -° r ' as netted *IWSO generally W Pri °° B ,n mm and P rodu °°

», D J « iho ™* n i five hundred pounds has been offered for the New Zealand Cup winner, Manton, but Mr Butler declined to part with him at the figure. This is tho largest Turn ever proffered for a thoroughbred m our

Lord Shrewsbury, tho Eogliah Peer who has made, a fortune m London by supplying the public with handsome cabs, ia about to £)^ h J ? ia , venture ia Paris. He will plaoe dUO oabs, drawn by English horses, m tho Ironoh capital.

A vain man's motto ia " Win gold and wear it ; " a generous mana " Win gold and share it ; " a miser's, » Win gold and spare it ; '* a broker's, " Win gold and lend it ; " a fool's "Win gold and end it;" a gambler's, "Win gold and lose it; " and a wise man's " Win gold and use it."

Western Australia soores one by having adopted m its new Libel Bill a olause often Buggested eleswhere, namely, chat the plaintiff m libel aotions should give Beeurity for costs. The olause, whioh wis agreed to without opposition, was suggested by the " Perth Daily News."

The aoceptanoes for the Tradesmen Racing Club's meeting on Thursday appear m another column. They are very satis factory and the meeting Bhould be a very BUOoesßful one. A half-holiday has been deolared on the oooasion of the meeting.

We have been requested to state that at the last meeting of tbe Ashburton Oyoling Olub it was resolved that "any member of tbe olub wishing to take part m the bioyole raoe at the Caledonian sports, Ashburton, on Boxing day, has the full sanotion of the olub to do so."

Obina deoorations on the walls and mantle pieces have gone out of fashion m the best Parisian houßes. Valuable pottery^ is ban;: ished m favour of stuffed birds with brilliant plumage, whioh are hung on the walls or perohed among groups of rare plants, as if still alive.

The largest bog m Ireland is the bog of Allen, whioh stretches aoroßs the centre of the island, east of the Shannon, and oovers 260,000 aores. Altogether there are nearly 8,000,000 aores of bog m Ireland— that is to Bay about one-seventh of the total area of the country iB bog.

A natural soap well has been discovered near Buffalo Gap m Dakotab. The aoap iB skimmed from a boiling spring, and hardens by oxpoaure to tho air. It is like soft olay, and oan be gathered with" a shovel, It is supposed to be a mixture of borax, alkali, and lubrioatiug oil. The quality is excellent, and the supply is believed to be inexhaustible.

Mails for United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America and West Indies, via San Francisco, Sandwich Islands, Fiji Islands, Capo of Good Hope, and Northern Ports of New Zealand, etc, olose on Friday, Deo. 28, at 5 p.m. Money orders must be taken out before 10 a.m: This mail will be due m London on Feb. 4th, 1889.

The "Dunedin Star" says:—From a private letter received m town by a well know oiti-en we learn that Sir Julius Yogel haa definitely deoided to return to this colony m the early part of February. After the negotiations regarding the publication of his literory effort, tho ex-Treasurer intends.^ BO we are informed, to visit Manchester, re turning to New Zealand by the direot steamer.

The " Press " of to-day reports that a lad named William Streakly made a pluoky rescue of a boy named Teague from drown* ing. They were bathing m a very deep hole at the Hawkins River. Teague dived, and from want of experience m the art of swim ming was m danger of losing his life. Streakly, without hesitation, entered the water, and succeeded m getting his com panion safely to land, where ho shortly reoovered consoiousneßS.

On Friday, the 21st instant, the obildren attending tho Waterton undenominational Sunday Sohool, whioh has beon conducted for many yearß by Mr Donaldson assisted by Miss Dawkins, had a most enjoyable outing m Mr Prothoro's paddock near tho Beaoh, The day waa romakably fine, and there was an amplo Bupplyof good thing?, Mrß Donaldson and Miss Dawkins being most energetio m attending to the wants of the young people and tho visitors. Mr Donaldson road a very favorable report of the sohool, both aB regards itfl finances and its attendanoe. The Rev R. F. Garbett, who distributed a goodly number of prizes at Mr Donaldson's request, spoke highly of the good work that the school was doing, urged those present not to let Mr Donaldson want teaohers, and addressed a few worda of encouragement to the ohildren. Three oheers for Mr Donaldson brought a very happy gathering to a olose.

A correspondent of the ohuroh paper the " Guardian " says : — " An oft-disouseed event m Biblo narrative ia that of the miracle of tho aun standing still at the prayer of Joshua (Joshua x., 12-13). Many explanations have been offered of this wonderfal ooourrenoe, but without attempting to discuss any of them, we will turn to ' Whitaker's Almanac ' for this year, and on page 351 find the ' Ohronologioal History of Astronomy. To the dato 8.0. 1454 is tho noto, • In the reign of Yao, tho Bovonth Chinese Emperor, tho mn is recorded to have stood still.* The date affixed m the Biblo to the event is n.o 1451- only three years' differenoo— and the oloaeness of the two dates makes it almost onrtain that they refer to one and the same event. The Chinese were keeping written reoords of astronomioal observations 2857 years before Christ j and a member of our Royal Astronomioal Sooiety has verified an eolipse that is mentioned m these same Chinese annala as taking plaoe b.o. 2168, 700 years earlier than this notice of the sun stand ing still."

The Lyndhuret Sohool Committee Rave a most suooeßsful oonoert and ball on Friday last, the proceeds of which are to be spent m prizps for the sohool obildren. Certainly the Lyndhurst children should be most grateful to Mr Peter Drummond, who not only gave the use of his wool-ahed, but ppant muoh of his time and energy for their benefit, and, with the help of several others, Buooaoded m turning tho shed into a grand oonoert hall capable of seating over 800 people, with otago tastefully aeoorated with fliga, Chinese lanterns, and evergreens. The ohair wan taken by Mr George Thompson, and a good pro gramme followed m whioh Mr and Mrß Peter Williams, Mr and Mrs Brooke, Miss Gates, Mr Brooking, of ABhburton, Mrs Fitzgerald, Messrs Grant and Pipe were the mugioal per formers, while Sootoh readings were given by Messrs Grant and Eraser, and Irish jig danoes by Mr Heeley. Votes of thankß wore given to the performers, eapeoially the ladies and gentlemen who, so kjndiy came from Ashbur ton, to Mr Drurnmond, and to the Chairman, after whioh the spnoious ball was oleared and dancing to tho musio of piano, vjolin, or bag pipes was kept up till day light, m Bpito of the exoesßive heat of the night. A speoial ooaoh ran betwoen Lyndhurßt and Aehburton for the benefit of passengers and performers for the concert. There were about 200 people present, but the room being so large there was no orowding. Great credit is due to all who took part m getting up aid makiDg the entertain ment a BUOOOB9, and it is to hoped that though it was the first of the kind at Lyndhurst it will not bo the last.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH BAZAAR.

A brziar and aalo of work In connection with the above Ohuroh opened on Satur day afternoon. A largo number of useful and fanoy articles were displayed on tho varioun Bta'ltj, and attracted muoh atten tion* The fanoy gooda atall was m oharge of Miss S. Jones and Mias M. A. Addis. The stall for plain and fancy needlework waa presided over by Mm Brothroyd, vrbile the "fish pond" which was very well patronised by the young people, was In oharge of Miss Allen The usual Christmas Tree was plaoed In "the oentre of the building, and waa adorned with a large number of toya being a centre of attraction for the javenlles. A refresh ment booth was also provided, where refreshments were dispensed at a smnll charge. It was nnder the supervision of Moadnmes Auokram and Addis. Tha B zur was fairly well patronised during Saturday. It ro-opened thin afternoon at 2 o'olook, and will also ba opened 00 Boxing Day at 4 p.m. Any goods re malnlng over it Is proposed to auction on Thuraday. The Ban tar is well worthy of a visit, the assortment o f fanoy and useful artloles being large. The object is to reduce the debt oa the churches et Aah burton and Nowlands, and It Is to be hoped a substantial amount will be realised. About £13 was oleared on Saturday,

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Prr Prxss Abbooiation.)

LIBEL BILL.

London, December 21 to 23 The House of Lords have passed a Libel Bill.

DIVIDEND.

The New Zealand Land and Mort gage Company declared a dividend of 8 per cent.

NEW GOVERNOR.

The Earl of Kintore has been ap pointed Governor of South Australia,

FAILURE OF A COLONIAL CRUISER.

The Medea, one of the colonial cruisers, was subjected to-day to a forced draught trial, which proved a failure, and the vessel has been sent to the Chatham Dockyard to undergo serious alterations.

ELECTION.

The'"election for Stockton-on-Tees' seat m the House of Commons, ren dered vacant through the resignation of Mr Joseph Dodds, took place to-day, when Sir Horace Davey, a Gladstone Liberal, was returned by a majority of 395 over the Unionist candidate.

THE EXPULSION OF A MIS SIONARY.

The London Missfonary Society have interviewed the Marquis of Salis bury, urging him to secure to the Rev Jones, who was expelled by the French from Mare, one of the Loyalty Islands, an inquiry into the question be fore Mr Edgar Leopold Lezard, C.M.G, the English representative at Noumea. M. Goblet, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, declares that the ex pulsion of Mr Jones was a measure ol joeal policy, and does not justify any qneasiness as lo religious freedom m fhe Islands.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Sir Geo. Campbell, member for Kirkcaldy, m the House of Commons to-day, protested agaiust tbe action of trie Government m parte) ing for granting responsible Government to the greater rjortion of Western Australia without first consulting Parliament. Sir John Gorst, m reply, said it would be neces sary to pass an Act before autonomy could be abolished, so that Parliament Would have full opportunity of con sidering the proposals, should they be proceeded with, before ihey can be carried out.

ATTEMPTED DYNAMITE OUT-

RAGE. Paris, Deoember 21. An attempt to dynamite the cham bers ol ihe Commissary of Police was made today, but failed.

THE PANAMA CANAL.

Panama, Dooember 21.

A French corvette has arrived at Colon, a seaport of Columbia, South America.

THE FIRE IN A COPPER MINE.

Nsw York, Deoember 21, The fire which broke oqt m the Calumet copper mine towards the end of last month has been subdued.

AUSTRALIAN.

(*BR PRESS iBSOOIAHON}

QUEENSLAND.

Brisbane, Deoember 22,

A Government Surveyor's assistant, named Lloyd, was killed by lightning at Dreghorn yesterday.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Pjerth, Deoember 22.

The man Griffin, charged with the brutal muider of a black fellow al La|fe Esperance, has been acquitted. Evidence m the case was very conflict ing.

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, December 22

Parliament adjourned to day for the holidays^ ft will reassemble on the Bth January.

The enquiry by Government into the charges made by Messrs Melville and Want m the House of Assembly, t,hat Mr Fehon, one of the recently appointed Railway Commissioners, was connected yhh what are termed the "wool frauds," proyes beyond doubt that the charges are without foundation and that Mr Fehon has fully vindicated his character.

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, Deoember 22

The man Culter, charged with the murder of a Chinarfi?.n m Little Bourke ctreet,in a row on tbe 17th of Novem ber, has been accjuilted. The " Australian Banking R.epord " says :— " Changes m the value of shares of some Companies between July and December afford full proof of the seyerity of Ihe land crisis, as the fall ranges from ?o tp <>o per cent. On July operations they average fully go per cent. The 'paper expresses the opinion that financial pressure is gradually disappearing. Probably, however, the Banks are already dis counting the effect of the new loan,

SUDDEN DEATH AT BLENHEIM

(thr press association.)

Bienheim, Dooornber 23

A very euddm doith occurred lust night. Mr Alex. Livingstone-, Chief Post master, had loft his office shortly after five o'clock, aud had been out for a walk to a friend's house, and when returning got as far as the gate of his private rebidence, when lie dropped down. Assistance was procured, and he was taken inside, but ho diad m twenty minutes. Ho was Chief Postmaster here for the post two and a half years, and at oae time held a commiyaion m the Fronoh army. He had eeen active seivioe ia Algeria, and waa a native of Pun's, hia father holding high office m the French army. Dooaased was one of the boat musicians m tho colony. He was a prominent mamber of the Wairau Lodga of Freemasons, He bad been m ill health for a considerable time past, being troated for a compTio ition of diseases, and no inquest is deemod necessary.

LEAP YEAR.

The privilege accorded to the ladies of " popping the question " at bissextile periods is perhaps not very frequently availed of, but one young lady m this distriot has determined not to let leap year pass away without taking advantage of an opportunity which will not recur until three more years hava been com pleted. She has accordingly addressed to her swain, who resides m Ashburton, the following rhyming epistle, which, if not of very high poetio order, is at least sufficiently explicit. We suppress names of oourse : — 'Tis Leap Year, bo you must exouse The liberty I'm taking, And 'tis my hope you'll not refuse The offer I am making. They say you've quite made up your mind To disregard the fair, Oh 1 pray do not be bo unkind And leave me m despair. How can you lead the horrid life A baohelor'a must be ; Pray take unto yourself a wife And let that wife be vie. — U— MMMMMM__H— — M— Ml— MM

A CHRISTMAS SONG.

(by the editob.) Weloome happy Christmas I Joyous, blessed time — Christmas, drowned with roses Of our Southern clime. Weloome, aye as weloome Aa when long ago Hollyberries glinted Bright amid the snow. There the ample Yule-log Glows with oheery blaee • Here the glorious sunshine Fills ths joound days. 1 There the leafless branohos Thiok with frosty rime, Mere the fruits and flowers Of the summer-time. Here the waving harvest Clothing valo and hill, With the song of skylarks All the air a-thrfll. Brighter, fairer Christmas Than when years ago Sang the " Waitß " a weloome Mid the winter's snow. I All among the rosea I Chrißtmas young and fair Weloome still, thrioe weloome, Welcome here as tliert. For though garb and season Vary with the clime, Benison unohanging Bringeth Christmas time. Benison of Heaven Unto all the Earth, As when first the angels Hymned a Savior's birth. And the sweet evangol Comeß with promise still, «« Peace of God " proclaiming «' Unto men goodwill,'* Promise that fulfilment, Hath m hearts that love, Yot whose full fruition Waiteth us above. Till God'B full redemption Crowning blessing brings In the golden roon Of the King of Kings.

CHERTSEY.

(From our own Correspondent.)

The Ohertsey District Bchool annual treat and distribution of reward books took place m tha aohool grounds on Friday last. The weather was excellent— if anything rathor sultry ; but a breeze towardß the afternoon helped to terapor fhe otherwise oppressive atmosphere. There was tho usual large attendance of parents and others from all parts of the dißtriofc, Before commencing tbo sports of the day, the scholars, their parents and friends were regaled with a plentiful BDpply of CBke and liquid refreshments m the shape of ginger ale, lemonade, eto. An excellent programme of sports was then gone through, prizes for these having been provided liberally by the School Committee from the fund oolleoted for the purpose. Foot raoes of all kinda [ and for obildren of all ages helped to pass the day pleasantly till far on m the afternoon, every child receiving some reward, and many being fortunate enough to secure several. In the cool of tbe evening, tea, with an abundant supply of the usual acoompanimentß, was served to the ohildron, their parents, and other visitors. The children then sang a couple of their sohool songs under the conduct of their teacher, Mr Todd, and were then presented wiih rewards m thf> Bhape of handsome volumee, everyone receiving a book. Gamoß were again resorted to, and were carried on with muoh vigor till tho shade* of evening warned all that the parting time had come. The children were then apseinhled, and the Chairman of the Bchool Committee, Mr W. Btraohan, addresaad tho children and friends m a few well chosen words, m tho oourse ef which he called for a vote of thanks to the ladies who had helpod to make the meeting a success, especially to Meedames, Oopeland and Stringfellow, who had made a special journey to town to Select toys, etc., for the ajjorts. A fear remarks wore then made by Mr Todd, the master, m which ho called for a hearty vote of thanks to tho Bchool Committee. This having born enthusiastically reoeived, three cheers for Mr and Mrs Todd terminated the proceedings. In con clusion it may be noted that tho School Oommjjjtee palne wpll fo tbo front, aud did all thoy could during the day to ma^e tho children and visitors comfortable, la connection with the Bporls, Mr Wells ronderod good torvico by the lively manner m whioh he endeavored to keep tho yoangstprs m good humor during tho day, and Mr Gunn had provided some speoial toys for the little ones whlph proved a welcome addition to the supplies. Bpecial mention aleo must bo made of the services rendered by Mesdames Wells, Oopeland, Campbell, Gunn, and String fellow, and the Mißsea Doig m assisting at the refreshment tables during tho day.

Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— Debilitated Constitutions. — When climate, age, or hardships have undermined the health, skin diseases aie prone to arse aiiil augmCHt the existing weakness. Holloway's medica mgnts diflly prove most serviceable. This well known «nd highly esteemed ojnf;ment possesses th« finest balsamic virtues, \Vhich do6the arid heal without inflaming or irritating thc'm'ost tender pkin or most sensitive sore. Holloway's Ointment and Pills are infallable for curing bad legs, varicose veins, swelled ankles, erisypelag, scaly skin, and every variety of skin disease. Over all these disorders Holloway's remedies exert a quick arid favorable action, and, where cure is possible, gradually but certainly afrrive at that consummation". They are invaluable m tbe cure of scrofula and w«rvv.

EUROPEAN SITUATION

(Per Press association.;

Warsaw, Deoember 21, One thousand Austrian and German subjects have heen expelled from this city without any reason being assigned.

SCENE IN TEE COMMONS

SUSPENSION OF A MEMBER.

(PKU PRESS ABBOOIATION. )

London. Deoember 21

In tho House of Commons to day, Dr Tanner, member for Cork (Mid), made a violent attack upon the Irish Secretary. In the course of his remarks he called Mr Balfour a swindler, coward, thief, and liar. At last the Speaker inter posed, and Dr Tanner was suspended during pleasure.

AUCTIONEER'S REPORT

Mr Alfred Harrison reports for the week ending Saturday, 22ad December : — Cattle — Uows, close to calving, sold up to £7. Aged animals unsaleable. Pigs.— Slips 7» 3d, 7s 9J, 9s 6d, 10s 6d, 14s 6d to 16s 6d. Slips of good quality are eagerly competed for. Poultry,— Fowls, Is 6d to 2s Id j ducks, 3s to 4s 6d ; geese, 4i to 6s 61 ; turkeys, 8s to 22s per pair. There was an enor mous entry, eveiy line being cleared but a few geese

Produce— New potatoes, l£d per lb; old, 9a to 12b ; oats, 2 1 6d to 2s 9d ; wheat, 2s 6d ; sbarpß, 6s j .bran, ss. Sundries of all kinds as usual,

CRICKET

AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN v NEW SOUTH WALES.

(per prkbs association.)

Sydney, December 22 The orioket match between a New South Wales eleven -and the Australians was resumed yesterday. When the last wicket fell the score stood at 342. The principal Bcorera were Richardson, 73; Charlton, 50 ; Donovan, 87. Turner scoured two wickets for 77 runs, and Ferris five for 93. The Australian Eleven had lost one wicket for 61 runs when slumps were drawn. Trott was not out for 26, and Turner not out 31.

THE MARKETS

(per press association.)

Sydney, December 22 Butter has risen one shilling, owing to the small supply m the market and the Christmas demand.

The following oable message has been received m town from Messrs Golds - brough, Mort and Co., dated Sydney, 19th December, 1888 :— .

" Market very depressed ; drought fast breaking up ; large shipments ar rived. Tuscan milling wheat, prime quality, sacks m, 5s ; fowl wheat, best quality, 'sacks m, 8s 6d to 4s 2d ; oats, 4s, Sales most difficult to effect."

VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

(per press association.)

Melbourne, December 22. In proroguing Parliament this after noon, the Governor, m the Speech from tho Throne, regretted that the drought had seriously affected the country. The Treasurer's % Budget, ho said, showed that the personal prosperity of the colony was unchecked, and the Exhibition had been the success predicted. In connec tin with the Exhibition he eulogised the support accorded by tho sister colonies toward rendering it a success. In re ferring to the Chinese question he hoped that legislation m the colonies would be suoh as would be acceptable to the Mother country.

SPEECH BY LORD SALISBURY.

(per press association.)

t London, Deoember 21. The Marquis of Salisbury, speaking at Scarborough to. day, expressed a hope to be able to take the discussion on the sugar bounties at an early date. With regard to the trouble m Suakim, he said Government were carrying out the policy of their predecessors. Dealing with the slave trade on tho East Coast of Africa, he thought England should now increase her efforts towards having it abolished. He denied the statement made by Mr Gladstone that he had promised Home Rule to Ireland, nor was it compatible with the supremacy of the English Parliament.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON TRADESMEN'S RAC ING OLUB.

The following are the aooeptanoes and ontrles for the Ashburton Tradesmen's Raolng Olub'i Meeting next Thursday, , December 27 h : — Hurdlb RAgs Handicap, of 25 soys. One mile and a half. Bt lb it lb Squib ... 11 7 Nero ... 9 10 Wire-in ... 10 12 Ivanhoa ... 9 2 Mead* ... 910 Starlight ... 9 2 Maiden Plate, of 20 soys. Weight foi age. One mile. _. , , ■* lb st lb Lady Lennox 811 Marat ... 713 Goraldlno ... 8 9 Paonlne ... J 13 Bannookburn 8 2 ASHBURTON PLATB HANDICAP, of 40 SOYS. One mile and a quarter. st lb „t lb Quibble ... 9 4 Sir Julius ... 610 Brewer ... 9 2 Little Arthur 6 6 Klraborloy... 711 Zealot ... 6 6 Meada ... 6 10 Handicap Tnts Trot, of 25 soys. Three miles. Marengo ... sor Ginger ... 45«e0 Semolina .„ sor Nellie ... 60aeo Bismarck ... 18ieo Nell Gow ... SOjeo wm y 5 y .n n o£ 303 Floflß •'« 6 ° B°°8 °° Willy Rellly 35jbo Lucy ... 50jeo Kitty ... 40jeo Jenny ... sOaeo Wakanni .„ 40seo Voltlgeur ... 60seo Siberia ... 453e0 Ladies* Bracelet, of 35 soys. One mile. T Bt lb st lb Jack ... 12 7 Sir Julius ... 10 8 Nero ... 11 4 Zealot #< 1Q 4 Little Arthur 10 12 Pennine ... 10 0 Loodogran.., 10 8 Flying Handicap, of 25 soys. Six fur longs. Bt lb B t ib 1 Brewer ; 9 6 Sir Julius ... 7 3 Jack ... 8 10 Goldfinch ... 6 6 Doubtful ... 7 7 Haaic RApq, of 10 Bovjj. Four furlongs, Starlight (Alex-'" Tnorak ,- » n t? r ' B ) Brown and Rose Young Python Paddy ' Hollowbsok Leodoaran Inoh Keith

Wells' HAir BAtsAiM.— lf gray, restores to origina color. An elegant dressing, softens and beautifies; • No oil nor grease. At tonic restorative. Stops hair coming out jtrgngthens, clea^*, heals ««*lf, 9 *

THE SOUDAN.

(P3R FRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Suakim, Deoember 22.

It is considered probable that Colonel Sir W. P. Grenfoll, commander of the forces, will shortly make a forward movement m the direction of Handoub, and he is not likely to meet with any, resistance from the followers of Osman Digna. A nephew of Osman was. wounded m the last battle and taken prisoner by the British. During the engagement on Thursday several of the revolvers were disablod through being clogged with stand, and many of tho swords of the Hussars were broken. The cavalry made a reconnaisance towards Handoub to-day, when it was discovered that the enemy are gathering on the hills m the neighborhood of Hasheen. (Received Deoember 24, 12. 20 p.m.) Suakim. Deoember 21. A spy has come m with a report to the effect that Handoub is full of wounded Arabs. SuAEm. Deoember 22.

The reported early departure oi the troops is causing a feeling^of alarm iii the city. , . ,

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

[P.b Priss Association,]

Auckland, December 23. A Native named Aporo Apiata, dis pleased at the eleotlon of a tribal repre sentative oommittee at Rotorua, is at tempting to bar the progress of tourists In that distriot,

Grbymouth, December 29. There is no rala ia the high ranges, but an astonishing accumulation of snow. 5 So much has not been seen for very many years Major Keddell had rather a narrow escape while crossing the Blaokwater on Friday, owing to a bar breaking and v the creek rising rapidly at the time. Fortunately he had a piece of rope and a spare bar with him m the buggy, and juat managed to get out m time; his daughter was with him.

Dunedin. December 23. The weather, after clearing up and turn« ing to real summer, ia again threatening. A little rain has fallen. Saturday was the firet real hot day this eeason, and it made a Wonderful change m the crops aud fruit

Inveroargill, Deoember 23.

Mrs Oameion'a Railway Hotel at Dipton Station, together with a bakehouse and private residence, was burned down yester day afternoon. Some of the effeots Were saved. Insurances, on stock and furniture £300 m the Norwich Union, building £400 io the New Zealand Office.

NEWS OF STANLEY

REPORTED SAFETY OF.THEH EXPLORER AND EMIN BEY.

(per press association.)

London, Deoember 21. The West African. Telegraph, . Co mpany have received information from a reliable source at Saristome that Stanley V accompanied by Emm Bey ( has arrived, i at the Aruwimi river.

Zanzibar, December 21.

A messenger who has arrived with a message from Tippo Tib reports that ' Stanley arrived at Bonyala, on the' Aruwimi river, on August/i7th, having " left Emm Bey on the 2.7 th July . W perfect health, and with a god supply • of provisions. It was Stanley's intention to start with his rearguard and loads to rejoin Emm Bey at the end of August. The expedition is reported to be en- V joying good health and m want of nothing. '" ' '. '

London, December 22. r News has been received that the : murderer of Major Barttelot was ek©< '■•'. cuted at Stanley Falls m July last. ...

(Received Deoember 24, 12,20 p.m.) Zanzibar, Deoember 21. * Arab traders who have arrived from Wadelai state that Stanley, with a force of three hundred and thirty, much ex-, hausted by long privations, met "Emm, Bey at Wadelai on the 20th January, Emm was then m good health though' suffering from an affection of the eyes, aud declined to leave Wadelai. The Arab traders left m April At that time a strong force of the Mahdi's was approaching, and Btanley was organisiny a strong detachment to search for his rear guard on the Aruwimi river.*?

THE CRAWFORD-HUNTER COMBINA TION.

This Company of Scottish vooaltsts and entertainers appeared it the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday evening, m the first of a series of two concerts. There waa a fairly well filled house, but the attendance waa not commensurate with the merits of tbo performance, and the oompany deserve j| this evening to be greeted by a orowded audience. The party is a small one, con sisting of four members, but the enter-' talnment they give is a capital one. TJ_b programme was opened by a selection on the pianoforte by Master Crawford, who noted as acoompanyißt throughout the evening. Miss Hunter, who has a soprano voice of great range, and who is an occomplished artiste, gave several songs during the evening including "Macgregors gathering," «« Of a» the airts the win' oan blaw," »• The Cameron men," and '• Caller Oo" m charaoter. All these items were given with capital style, finish and expression, and she had to respond to several encores. Miss Mao gregor, who has a rich contralto voice, contributed as her abare of the programme 44 1 lo'ed ne'er a laddie but auef •« Flora Maodonald's lament," "Bonnie Bessie Gray " and " Blyth was the tune,* She waa moat successful id all these, and Beveral of the items were re-demanded, Mr Crawford gave several comio Scottish Bongs m obaraoter m an inimitable style, "Mulriaud Willie," "Canny Sonny." " Tarn MoPhoe," and « Rabin Tamson's Smiddy," all being encored, the audience being kept m roars of laughter at Mr Crawford's drolleries. A sword danoe was o»pitally gone through by Master Craw, ford, for which he was warmly applauded, and the ontertainment waa brought to a conclusion by a humorous sketch entitled "Mrß Tamson's laddie," whioh caused great amusement. To-night the Company appear here fo* the last time, and we hope to see a crowded house on the occasion.

The "North Otago Times" says:— lt is not a matter of looal oonoeit, but of soientifio faot,. that vessels oan get loaded at Oamaru more quickly than at any port m the colony. Ab a proof of this we may cite the celerity with whioh the steamer Fifeßhire has had her frozen meat cargo put abroad within the last two days. So far aa we know, no suoh instance of quiokness of despatoh haa ever occurred within the oolony. On Thursday 56 vans were filled with frozen oaroases at the Refrigerating Company's Works, railed to tbe harbor, and emptied into the steamer Within the space of 10. working honrs. To put it m andiher way, the meat thus moved amounted to about 7000 carcases, and weighed about 196 tons.' The' remaining 88 tons shipped yesterday were handled m four hburs. "•• -: •

*' Skinny Men.— "Wells' Health R newerj! restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, impotence, sexual debility. At chemists and druggists. Kempthorne, Prower, and C&i agents Canstchurcfe, ' ' •'

THB_ ASHBUBTON GUAKDIAN, MONDAY. DECEMBER 24, 1888



" """ ~ Moon'B Deoombor Snn >&rm Moon Moon ago* Kieos Seta. Uieos Seta, noons p.m. a.m. 24 Monday .. 4.20 7.40 11.20 8.23 20 25 Tuosdny .. 4.21 7.40 11.49 10.30 21 28 Wodnesdny.. 4.22 7.40 • * 11.36 22 ft.m. p.m. 37 Thnrsday .. 4.22 7.41 0.16 0.44 23 28 Friday.. .. 423 7.41 045 1.58 24 29 Saturday ... 4.23 7;41 1.18 3 8 26 EO Sunday .. 4.24 7.42 1.61 4.23 20



Tho best medicine known Is BANDER and SONS' EUOALYPTI EXTRAOT. Test its iminent powerful effeots m coughs, colds, influenza, eto. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majeßty tho King of Italy, and medioal syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, Bead the offjojal reports that accompany eaoh bottlo. MobW, M.D., Prof. University, Groifswald, reports :— The 3Euo&lypti Extraot proved magnificently successful m vory severe oontusione, bruises, sprains, wounds, soald- inga, broken ribs, and limbs. (" Medioal Journal," Nov., 1881.) In diseases of the kidneys, cither aotive oongesfion or suppres* siori, (uroomia) ay albuminuria, dropsy, lithargy, nothing will eiraal m itfl aotion Euoalypti Extract. Do^ea, 6 'to r 8 drops. Moßlor, M.D., Pror., Univorslty, Grbifswalfl, reports :— Diphthoria. Tonwils continually ooherent presenting uloers with white exudata. C,ured m fourteen days, SurKioal Olinio of Prof. M'lntyre, Collßg6 of Physloianß arid Surgeons, St. Louis— Soirrhus ol Breast — Excision Euoalypti Extraot employed.' No dwelling, hcati or discoloration. .Cured m



CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. THE " GUARDIAN " will not bo pub- lished on CHRISTMAS DA¥ or BOXING DAY.



Wanted i TTTAFTED Known—Miss Aloorn has VV removed from Arcade Chambers _ to rooms over Mr Ranger's, Bornft k Street, side entranoe. 12 161 j XMAS part Young Ladies Jomnnl now m ; Family H« ra'd and Family j Reader.— H M. Jonbb. i 11HE Early Bird oatches tbo Worm ; bo Ihe Early Oußtomerffctß Iho Selec- tion and Bargains. Call early to avoid ihe crush. — U. M. Jones, LOST between Meesra Friedlander'e Office and tho Post Office, a nnail silver mounted GBD Pipo. Finder will', bo rewarded on leaving same at fc'omorßet : Hotel. 12 168 W' ANTED Known — The Glasgow Draper; and Olothlne Oo.'a Sale will olose on tie 31st Deoember. Goods offered at less than oost. ■. 12 144 WANTED Known — The Glasgow Draptry and Clothing Oo.'a S-'e will close oi the 31»t December. Good* offered at less than cost. 12 144 TT/ANTKD Known. -This ia the last V* week of th>> Grand Distribution of Xmas Gifts at the Aroade.— W. W. r?PBNOBR and Co., Draperß, 12 16$ WANTED h nown— Chrißtmas Gifts. Toys, and Fanoy Gooda of every description at coßt price. Jnspeotioo invited.— Mrs Adams, Saunders' Buildings "TT/ ANTED Known— Tnat Davis' T«.y W and Fanoy B ztar has the cheapest and bent assortment of Toys and Fanoy Goods In Ashburton. Dolls from Id to £2. Toys at all prices for all classes [Come and see the bride In my window. JOome and see my Is table. 12 152 "TTTANTED Known.— Andrew Orr is W giving a Great Bargain m Boots' Girls' School Boots, Women's Boots, 6s 6d, Men's. SALE of Boots and Shoes. We have marked our large stook of Boots and Shoes with tbe Intention of clearing them this month, Oome and save money. — H. 0. Skokßß, Melford flonae. FOR gennlne Ashburton Tweed Sulta ready made, or to measure, fit and quality guaranteed, and at prices un- equalled, go to R. Aloorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saundera' Bolldlpga. WANTED Known— That Mus Hill, Monthly Nurse,, bai removed from Peter Street to D.- Trevor's house, In Moore Street. 10t39 XMAB, Xmaa.— Andrew Orr is show- ing Novoltieo In ail Departments for Xmas Proßentß. W ANI ED Known — Mrs v Mrroh, Dressmaker, hss returned from Bydney, Bnd recommenced business m Baunders' Buildings, next MrR. Alcorn's 10 78 WANTED Known.— That Miss Edwards, Tailoress, ib prepared to make Boye' Clothing, eleo Cuffing, Strap ping, repairs and alterations, &c — Miss Edwards, oorner Moore street and Belt. 11 105 WANTED Known— That S. W. Aloorn and Co. are selling at Warehouse price, a aplend'd lot of Ladles Silk and Cashmere Mantles, and Satin and Fanoy Sunshades, bought a bargain. No valae like them In Ashborton. BEFORE buying Boots and Shoes, eto, o.lt and Inspect our Clearing prlcea. Will be to your advantage. — H. C, Rkobbs, Melford Hqusp. WANTED Known.— Support Local Industry. Buy your Suits Abh- burton Tweed from 30a ; made to measure (and ehoos* your own Tailor) from £3 10b.— Andrew Orr. ' GREAT Clearing Salo of Boots -Wei havo never marked any so cheap before.— H- 0. Sfqehb^ Melford Hqubp. rTTANTKD Known.— Beautiful Milli W nery. A ohoico assortment ie now being shown ; aleo Sunshade-, Silk Gloves, Lacoe, Fcarfe, &o } at Andrew Orb's. . HURRAH FOR FATHER CHRIST MAS.— Only for the Ohrlatmaß I am soiling Toya and Fanoy Goods of all descriptions. And as Ido not intend to keep In that line, they will be sold oheaper than ever. Jambs Bakbr, Farni- tare Dealer, opposite Hirrlson'a Auction Mart. 12 142 . _— MRS ADAMS has removed to fcaua- ders' Buildings, opposite Rallwny Station. Crewel Silks, Wools, and Fanoy Hoods of every description kept m stook. Agent for Eolioae Dye Works. Registry | offioe for Servants. 10 92 QHEEP SHEABS, 11 A's, BB A's, and O" BBAWZ's; and genalne Turkey Stones. — Robsrt Aloorn, Saunders Buildings. WORBTED Tweeds.— A Beantifnl Assortment of Worsted Twee^B as exhibited at the late Show. Specially made to order for Anphew Orr. WANTED More Known— That 8. VV. Aloorn and Co. i'b the cheapeat House m Aahburton. Gioat variety of DreßS materials; Prints and Fanoy Galateaß to choose from. H 159 Xmas. Xmas. THE Sew Zealand Clothing Factory Gives notloe to their Numerous Customers that It is not their intention to give away ALMANACKS, PICTURES, Or any other useless Artlole, but it is tbeir Intention and desire to place within the means of all their celebrated MEN'S AND BOYS' OLOTHING, And they now Rive notloe that tbey have THIS DAY made Substantial Reductions la ill Departments durbK the Xmas and New Year Holidays. ST 00 TO THE N.Z. OLOTHING FAOTORY For Gennlne Bargains In Gents' and Boys Olothiog, Regatta Shlrta, Scarfs, Ties, Hosiery, Hate, etc. The very latest dißlgns to hand. TAILOEITO. Suits to measure, £2 16s. Trouiers to measure, 17a 6d, from the newest oheoks and stripes. Oastomers can rely upon a good fit and exoollent workmanship In wery garment w* undertake, FOSTER COLONIAL INDUSTRY AND jSDT FROM THE NEW ZEALAND OLOTHING FACTORY. W, H. WEBBER, ■ Manager, 1



D. Thomas. I HAVE fer sale— Tr' jJlon Threshing Plant with New Jombine, Clayton t atd Shuttleworth ; best m the Distriot ; £ aU the latest improvements. I HATE FOR SALE— Several very desirable Farms, including some of the j •at Wakanui land. ( I HATE FOX BALE— Forster Combine j Elevater cheap 1 I HAVE FOR, 8 ALE— Roboy Combine . Aafle Iroa Fvamo ; nearly now ; only rirertrtd 48,000 Bushels. Frioe £100. v D. THOMAB, | Ashburton. ] i T AMI GASH BUYER OF \ EYEGEABB IN ANT QUANTITY. ( D. THOMAS. Ashburton. FOB SALE PRIVATELY— QAA 4 and 6 tooth Marino EWIS OAA 2 tooth Merino MIXED OUU BEXE3 KP. C\ rnU moniti Morino WE™ BB £* A A Fat 4 and 6 tooth Ist Cross OUU EWEfI QAA 2 to 0 * 0 l-t Cross WITHERS OUU Good ones. Af)f\ 2 tooth Ist Cross EWES. Good /JAA _ tooth lat Oroea MIXED UUU BEXES D. THOMAS, Ashburton. Wool Wool. Wool. i. I AM prepared to make Liberal Cash Advanoes on the growing dips of Wool Plaoed In Vj' bands for sale or ehlpmen I either In Ashbnrton, Ohrlstoharob, or any ttbtr Market. Wool Paoko and every requisite on Sate at lowest prioes. If no Sale affeflked|no Oommlealon or Charges made. First sale early m November. D, THOMAB, 10 112 Ashburton. D. Thomas, (Late of Matson, Cox and Co.), A UOTIONEER, LAND, INSURANO and ESTATE AGENT, VALUATOR, WOOL AND GRAIN BROKER. ASHBUBTON. Loans negotiated, Weekly Sales of Live Stook, Tinwald an Ashburton alternately Fortnightly Sales of Bheepsklns, Fat, Htdes, etc, on FRIDAYS Sales of Wool throughout the Season Grain Booght and Sold on Commission Clearing Sales as per arrangement AGENT FOB— Matson and 00., Ohristohuroh Mercantile Finanoe 00., Chrlstchuroh Colonial Investment Oompany, Dunedin National Mortgage 00., Ohrlatoburoh Booth, Maodonald and Co., Ohristohuroh Mtrton and White's Sheep Dip iaokeye Reaper and Binder **ondon and Lancashire Insurance Co. ?aham's Foot Rot Composition. 6 D, THOMAS, Aahburton. ________________ 1 1 ,n , , 1,, .1,,. ,___-_-«_»__■ ' LONDON AND LANCASHIRE FIBE INSURANCE OOMPANY, r HAVE been appointed Agent for the t above Company, and am now pro- ( tared to take Risks on Buildings, Stock Crops at current rater. D. THOMAS, Aifebartoo ■