THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after tbe 30th November, 1880, the ' termß of Subscription to this journal will be follows, viz. : — IF PAID IN ADVANCE . Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d „ Half-year 12s Gd, by poat, 18a 6d „ Year .. 24b od, by poßt, 37s Od f booked; Per Quarter. . 7s Gel, by post, 10b 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 30a Od, by post, <13b Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at tbe time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4s each. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country districts require to be verified by the signature of the erson sending the notice.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prævalebit TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1888. THE RECENT SESSION.

Now that the holidays m which we all indulge at Christmas and New Year are over, and which for the nonce obliterated from the public mind such pro s y and svork-a-day matters as general politic?, there is time to take a retro spective glance at the proceedings of the recent lemarkable session of Parlia ment and to sum up its results. That it was a remarkable session will be generally admitted. It placed m the forefront m the person of Major Atkin son, the man whom three years before the country rejected by an overwhelm ing majority, and relegated to a position of absolute impotence the man whom three years ago the country regarded as its.political saviour. Not that this was because m Major Atkinson and his policy the country generally reposed a renewed faith and confidence, but because Sir Julius Yogel on his re-entry into power had with an over-sanguine estimate of the possibilities of the situation promised more than he could perform, and bad encouraged hopes the disappointment of which rendered him less trusted than his chief political adversary. It is proverbial that "noth ing succeeds like success" and the converse proportion that " there is nothing so disastrous as failure \ is an equally obvious truth. People do not stay to enquire into the why and wherefore, the result is the touch-stone of the matter, and as the result of progrecs and prosperity which was looked for as the consequence ot a new Vogelian Administration was not forthcoming, there was a sharp re-action and Sir Julius has paid the penalty by the loss of power and prestige. The wheel of political fortune may yet take another turn, and once more bring him to the top, but m the meantime it is not to be denied that he is for tbe present powerless and that Major Aikin6o>n is wholly master of the situa tion. Indeed, the majorities he com manded during the recent session were something phenoniinal and almost unprecedented. Then, again, the ses sion was almo«t unique for the large amount of solid work accomplished within a period that can scarcely be reckoned by weeks, but rather must be counted by days, for nearly all the legislation was carried through towards the very end, and begun and com pleted m less than twenty sitting days. In that very short period of time both I Houses dealt with many la'ge and [ important questions, and dealt with jyitji them on the whole, we are hotfntj fo pay, satisfactorily. A gcod deal u/a» accomplished to wards carrying into cftect tfce policy of retrenchment and economy whjcb we have talked about beginning for years past, but which until now we naye never yet begun, a broad-spirited compiehen6ij/£ and highly necessary liberalisation of our J?n/3 laws has been elected,, the entire system of. fajlway administration has been remodetfea jn ob,<ji ence to t h e public wish—with wnat results of course remains to be feen«~ibe j^g j, aye en

for the definite termination of the bor rowing policy, all the remaining diffi culties m the way of the completion of that great enterprise the Midland Railway have been successfully sur mounted, and, for good or ill, we have cas tin our lot with the other Austra lasian colonies and with the Imperial authorities m the Australasian Naval Defence Scheme. That is surely a big record for a single session, not to say for less than a month's work of Parliament. We are not sanguine enough to predict that the result of all these new departures will be satisfactory — it may indeed m some respects be very much the reverse, but this at least is certain that the action of Pailiament has been a true re flex cf the public desire. The remodelling of the representation is also | what the public has demanded, and j Parliament has here also faithfully acted up to the wishes of the country, but we have grave doubts as to the results of the experiment which will be made at the next re distribution of seats among 74 instead of 95 members. Unless a much larger percentage allowance is made to the country constituencies than at present, the electorates will become so large that none but leisured men can afford to become candidates, and as leisured men m this colony are almost exclusively men of wealth, it follows that if none but these can be candidates wealth will have altogether an undue influence upon our future legislation. In this, as m the matter of the Railway Board, we have entered upon the region of experiment — let us hope that the experiment may result satis factorily. However that may be, there can be no doubt that the work of last sessision fraught with great potentialities, and that the legislation of 1887 will be for good or (or evil a landmark m the history of the colony.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The English team of footballers sail for the ooloniesth Maroh. The Standard Insurance Company have an advertisement m another column to which attention is directed. The excursion train from Ashburton to Tiraaru this morniDg took 270 passengers. That from Christchurch to Timaru carried 250. On Friday next, being the feast of the Epiphany, Mbbb will be oelebrated at Ashbur* ion at 10 a.m. by the Ray Father Chastagnon. The weather during the past three days has been unußually hot, particularly on Satur day and Sunday. On the afternoon of Satur day the highoßt reading of the thermometer ia given as 137 m too sun and 87 m the shade. The following is a list of lettora received j at the Ashburton Poet Oflioe, from places beyond the colony during the month of , November, and remaining unclaimed on January 1, 1888 :— Patriok Kelly and Mrs John Tait. Quite phenomenal dividends were paid by the totalisators at Ohristohurch yesterday, m the Midsummer Handicap, Springston, who was looked upon as quite an outsider, paying his backers £47 17a 6d and £38 8s at the inside and outside machines respectively. It is notiGed m the " Gazette " of Decem ber 22nd, that tho Grown lands situate m the Mackenzie Country and Hakateramea Valley, formerly excluded from sale by the Govern* ment, m view of proposed railway extensions will be open for application on the 2 ( Jth February next. There was a serious fire on Lambton <juay, Wellington, early on New Year's morning, by ; which the City Buffet Hotel and two adjoining shops, one of which was occupied by Nelson, Moate and Co., were razed to the ground. There were seventy lodgers m the hotel at the time who esoaped with but few artioles of wearing apparel. Tho cereal crops throughout the district are looking raagnifioent and give promise of a bountiful haavest. A few showers would do g iod by filling the grain m the ear, and if rain come coon, and not too much, of it tho yield will be greatly improved. Without this, such fierce heat we havo had during tho past few days will, if it continue, bring about a premature ripening to the loss of the farmers. Some of the larrikins, little or big, of Ash burton were up to their usual senseless and mischievous pranks on JShw Year's Eve, the taking down of signboards, tho overturning of certain inelegant but useful structures, and other mischief being the way m whioh they signalised their own idiocy. We under stand that a few of these have reoeived pressing invitations to an interview with Mr Ollivier. Among the many handbooks whioh are, as usual, making their appearance with tho new year not tho least noticeablo is the very usoful Almanao and Commercial Handbook for 1888, just issued by the Now Zealand Mutual Creditors' Association. It is a busi ness directory for all tho chief centres of population, and contains a large variety of usoful information upon matters of daily intorest to business men. Tho comploto Buccoss n of the harbor works at Oamaru ia converting what was once a dangerous open roadstead, into a safo and commodious port for vessels of the first-class, ja demonstrated by the fact chroaioled by tho '■ Mail," that tho ship Orari recently sailed m and out of port without any assistance, drawing on her outward trip 17ft Jin, and yot having 7ft of water under her keej. The Fifeehire, 5000 tons, is now announoed to visit the port, and the " Mail " says that Oamaru is to be a port of oall for the I£ai« koura and the Dorio, The^e are facts upon which we heartily congratulate our North Otago friends. The anniversary tea and concert m connec tion with 'he church of Sts. Philip and James, Waterton, was held m tho schoolroom on Friday, December 30ib. There was a good attendance), onrl tho ladies who provided tho bountiful trayo wero Mesdamos A. Dawson, §tandieh, Misses Grigg and Pawson. The bttohoiur : s tablo was presided over by Misses Smith and Asbton. At the conclusion of the tea the Rev Garbett, on behalf of tho vestry, thanked the ladies who providod the tea, and the audience for thoir attendance, after whioh a moat successful ooucert took place. Bongs wero given by Mesdames Cobb, Luscombe, Williams, Misses Gates and Barrett, Messrs Stephenaon, Williams, Luscombo, and Fareny. A glee party from St. Stephen's ohoir, Ashburton, consisting of Mrs H. Gates, Misses Gates and Barrett, Messrs Stephenson and H. Gates, added muoh to the success of the concert. Mrs Standisb, Miss Permato, and Mr H. Gates presided at the piano. Tbo Ashtua glee party brought a very pleasant evening to a oiobo,' with one of their pieoes well rendered. " Rouoh on Rats." — Clears out rats mice roaohes, flies, anls ,bed bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack-rabbits sparrows gophe At ohemusts^nij druggists 1 Wo know that there is nothing oo eaith equal to Araerioan 'Co.'c Hop Bjttiri as"i family medicine, fyopk for ' fi

The Customs revonue oolleoted m the Colony last month was £107,073 as against £109,325 for the corresponding jear m 1886. Aooording to an exohange, it is common „ gossip m Ohristohuroh that two of the Can terbury papers lost £4000 and £6000 m the year previous to this. As a specimen of Parliamentary amenities m New South Wales it may be mentioned that Mr Walker, a member of the Legislative Assembly, was so polite as to inform Sir Henry Parkeß that ho (Sir Henry ) was " a cross between an Egyptain mummy and a 1 baboon, a jumping-jaok politician, and a I turncoat." * Sir Goorgo Grey has m his possession an interesting relio of Bartholomew Diaz, the t Portuguese navigator who lived m the 15th I century, and who discovered the Oape of • | Good Hope. It is m the shape of a pillar . ereoted b.v Diaz on what is now known as Diaz Point. Sir Joorge intends to present it J to the Anckland Library. I At the opening of the season Lord Tolle. ' maohe, wrote to each tenant on his estate, Baying he would present every oheeeo prizo ' winner with £50 worth of bone manure, and . every farmer reooiving a highly oommendod card with £25 worth. At the London Dairy Show his 'ordsbip's tenantry took five out of six prizes offered for Cheshire choeße, and to eaoh of the five winners will bo presented £50 worth of manure. Romarking upon the faot that there are evdry year frequont. complaints of the turnip crop, m consequence of the seed not germinat ing, the " Bruoe Herald " adviaes farmers to follow the example of Mr Hewiteon, of Lovellß Flat, who has hit upon the plan of sowing the seed by night. He has just done this now for the third year; the last' two seasons he had magnificent crops, m striking contrast to his neighbors. He thinks tha reason is that there is more moisture m the ground at night, and tho seed gets a hotter ohance of a start. The Stook and Pedigree Company, Auok land, have just had (so an exohange informs us) a very costly and unpleasant experience. The Company had imported from England two of tho best Leioester rams obtainable, for wbioh they paid £300. By some means these rams got into an outside paddock one night where their fat and well-proportioned sides exoitedthe admiration of some hungry Maoris passing that way to a native meeting. They took the two costly rams along wiih them ; and when the police arrived at the soene of ttie gathering they were just m time to Bee the thievoß picking their teeth after a most delightful dinner, which 3ost tho provides £800 m hard cash. On Sunday morning last a floral service was held at the Wesleyan Church, when the Rev. D. MoNicoll proaohed a sormon on " Beligion m its relation to the beautiful," the main design being to prove that the Creator had implanted m all men a oapaoity to enjoy and appreciate that which was pleasing to the sight, and within proper limits this inßtinot should be gratified. The ohuroh was prettily decorated jwith choice flowers, and afforded the preacher an opportunity o aptly illustrate hia subject from the immediate surroundings. As largo expenditure is being incurred by the Colonial Government to fence the rabbits out of Canterbury it may be worth noting that experiments oonduoted by the New South Wales stook department with rabbits have shown that young rabbits six weeks old can get through netting with 1£ mash with the greatest ease, and made it perfectly clear ! that any netting of a larger mesh than l£in would be ineffective for fencing out rabbits. In the course of the experiments three full, grown rabbits managed, by climbing or jump ing, to get over netting 3ft 6in high, with Gin nuun m mv a . A ,,_a. Yesterday the teachers and scholars of the Ashburton Wesleyan Sunday Sohool held their annual treat In paddooks at Tinwald kindly placed at their disposal by Mr A. M> Pearson. The weather wob simply perfeot for the enjoymentß participated m, orioket, rounders, lawn tennis and the many Other healthful pastimes which on these facoasiona are indulged m. A nioe grove of trees afforded some alight shelter during the hottar hours of tho day, while some of the largest trees were useful for erecting a number of swings for the smaller scholars. The Rev. D. MoNicoll and a large number of parents and others interested m the sohool wera present, and appeared to enjoy themselves quite as much as those of younger age, while the assistance rendered by some of tho friends was muoh appreciated by the officers and teaohers of the institution. If wo are to believe what we read the pursuit of rabbiting is the high road to wealth m New South Waleß. There we are told the bonus paid per scalp ranges from 3d to Is, and tho men earn from £3 to £10 per week at the game. The rabbiters grow rioh as the squatters grow poor. It is a oommon experience to meet a rabbitor driving to his work m his own buggy and pair ; m fact, tho most of the carriage folk m that part are rabbiters. At Wilcannia recently a rabbiter entored an hotel and called for a sixpenny drink. In liquidation thoreof ho planked down a cheque for £1070 odd and demanded the ohange. The man also gave tho most gorgeous champagne supper Wilcannia has witnessed this season. Many men m Now B South Wales thus bless the rabbit as heartily a as hundreds curse it. j The " Wairarapa Star "is responsible for 1( the following amusing paragraph: Masterton's a most inveterate angler had a curious ox r, porionoe the other evening. It seems he has |( lately been studying tho manufacture of fly hooka. On this occasion he tried his hand a at an artificial minnow, the result being that j he oaqght a salmon weighing ljowt. He had j. juat qompleted the minnow with sevoral „ hooks m front, when m trying to bite the j string fastenings, a hook oaught fast on the t top of bjs nose. Tho acojdont ooourrod at night, and the angler's, wife tried to hold the candle while he out the hook out, but Booing tho blood she almost fainted. The big fish 1 under the ciroumstancos, had to rush through t the town with the minnows attaobod to the front of his nose m quest of Dr Honking's surgery. Tho dootor speedily released him, ' but the kind enquiries of his many friends about his wounded probosois is causing ex cFUoiatjng agopy.

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACES.

President ; Mr Donald MoL9an ; vloa- Presidents : Messrs J, 0. N. GHt»g, aud 0, M. Strachfty ; Judge : Mr Matthow Stilt ; Stewards : Messrs Jam^s Bsjßg, Gao. Jatnos, H. Fowler, M. Scott, and 0. Jephaon ; Treasurer : Me M. Scott ; Starts : Mr David Thomas ; Olork of the SoalPß : Mr Stephen Olark ; Clerk of the Oourte : Mr B. Hanks. The annual raoo meeting of the Tinwald Racing Olub was hold yesterday. The weather was splendid, and ihe attendance largo. The fields iv moat of the eveuta > ere largo, and the sport provided for those who attended this deservedly popu lar meeting was very good. The t jtalisa tor, whioh wai well patronised, wan worked by Messrs Maoon and Roberts. Mr M. Soutt, of the Tinwald Hotel, had the publican's booth, while Mr W. 0 Davia, of Aehburton, supplied refreshments of » lighter nature, aud also provided the lunohoon. Both these gentlemen should have no reason to complain of the custom nco.Tfled them A private s'aad had been erected on the grou-id, the modest sum of a shilling being charged for the privilege It afforded of witnessing the pirt with greater convenience. The Ashburton Band was present, and con* tributed nu morons musical selections during the course of the day. Following are the rosults of the various events : — Handicap Hußi>iyK Rao*, of 15 nova ; over 6 flights of hurdlej, about 3ft 6ia high; aeoond horse to rcoolve 50j from the stake; 1£ miles. Mr J* Oorbett's b g Nero, aged, lOat lllb (Oorbe t) 1 Mr J. Woruar'a blk g Wrangler, aged, Hat (Smith) 2 Mr L. Marker's b m Aurora, aged, 9st s!b (Kearney) 3 Mr J. Worrer'a oh m Leah, aged, 10«t 0 Nero and Wranger got all the advantage of the start, which was rather an in different one. At the stand Nero was leading, Wrangler second, Aurora third and Leah last, several lengths separating each of the horses At the back of the oourde Aurora passed Wrangler but this advantage was not of long duration, and Wrangler wet t up to Neto bit m spite of Smith's endeavors Nero won easily by a length. Totalisstor — Nero 61, Wrangler 20, Leah 23. Aurora 48, total 142 Divi dend, £2 103. Novei. Hubdlb Raob, of 20 boy; over 6 flights of hurdles, abjat 3 t Gin high; winner to be sold by auction, ani the whold of the proceeds to go to the funds of the Olub; weight lOat ; l£ miles. Mr Armstrong's br g Seagull, (6lb overweight) (8\ Ball) 1 Mr J R Oorrigan'n Jimmy ... (DaUh) 2 There were oaly these two starters Seagull went away at tho start and was never overhauled, winning by aiy uumber of lengths . Totalisator— Seagulls, Jimmy 1 toral4 Dividend, £14j. The winnor went buck to the ownor fT £10. Tinwald Oov Handicap, of 30 aovs; second horso to receive £5 from the stake; 1$ miles. Mr W, Doherty's b m Polly, aged, Bit 7ib (carried Bst 91b) ... (Wall) 1 Mr W. G. Pearoe'a oh g Doubtful, 4yrs, 7ot 121 b (carried Bit lib) (Harding) 2 Mr G. O, Prlmmer's b m Emma, syrs, 7at (Motfrath) 3 Mr B. Bdnnett'd br g Urland, 6vra, Bit7lb (tfilliot) 0 Mr H. G. Pitt's g m syrs, Bit (Koss) G Mr A. McLood's b g Nipper, nged, 7ot 12lb (Oox) 0 Mr L Markov's b m Laverce, 4yre, 7*t 8 b (Robinson) 0 Polly got all the beat of the start. Passing the stand tho oi-dor was Polly, Squib, Emma. At the top of the oonrsc Doubtfu', who got away bad'y, was im proving his position And oarue up fast al the last, and a magnificent raoa down the straight ensued, Polly winning by a neck, iihnn*. a hand nnparatlng Doubtful and Emma. Totalisator— Polly 16, Doubtfu 33, Emma 39, Urland 18, Squib 23 Nipper GG, Laverne 20, total 215. Divi dend, £12 Is. Trotting Race, time handicap of 11 bovb; second horse to receive 50s froir the stake ; no weight under lOat ; i mileß. Mr J. MoLeod's Minnie, aged, OOseos (Price) ] Mr I, M. Thompson's b ra Wakanul, Bged, 35seoa (Owner) i Mr G. Kidd's Heather Jock, aged, 6Ojeos (Kidd) i Lady Grey, Bismarok, Alma, Sedgemen Lass, Nelly, Random, Zenith, Ginger Stockings, Maggie McKay, Brown Boy Whonuakura, Poly, Ramrod, Johnnj Morgan, also started. Minnie quiokl] went to the front. Passing the staud the second time Minnie was first, Giogei second, Zenith third* and Heather Joel fourth. The next time Heather Ji ck wa< second and Ginger third. Wakanul soon aftar ran into second place but nevei overhauled Minnie, who won [easily, To' alisator— l4s-43. Dividend, £3. Maidfn Raob, of 10 bovb ; weight foi age;' 1 mile. Mr G. Grloe'a Sanbeam, aged, Sat 131 b (Grice) 1 Mr J. Worner'o blk g Wrangler, aged, 8»t 13lb (carried Oat lOib) (Smith) 2 Mr H. JaniPb' eh m Annie Laurie, sprs, 8 tl3.b (Km*ey) 3 Mr J. Wornor'a Leah, aged, Bit 131 b (Mitchell) 0 Mr L. Markej'd Laverne, iyra, Bit lllb (Wilkie) 0 Mr J. O'Donnell's Olive, 3yrp, B.t lib (carried 8 1 61 b) (Miller) 0 Sunbeam got av?ay fimt and passed the stand with a good lead, followed by Annie Laurie and Leah, Wrangler lying last At the top c f the course Wrangler oame np fast and challenged Ruobeam. A gocd race ensued down the straight, Sanbeam winning by a length, the same distance separating Wranglor and Annie Laurie. Totalieator — Sunbeam 17, Wranglor 15, Loah 28, Annie Laurie 10, Laverne 16, Olive 49, total 155. Divi dend, £7 2i A protest was entered against the winner on the griund of run ning inside a post. The Stewards met after the r? oj to oonslder the matter c^d aft^r hearing evidence dismissed the pro t st. Flytng Ha'PlOap, of 10 covb ; Oup winner to carry 7ib penalty; G furlongs. Mr M. J?ott'B oh m Goldfinch, aged, Bst lib (VToßratb) 1 Mr J. O. N. Grigg's b g Mmntaln Deer, syis (Robb) 2 Mr W, Dohetty'a b m Polly, nged. BHl2lb ... (Watte) 3 Mr R. Hennett'a br g Urland, 6yrc, B*tl2lb (Kllioti) 0 Mr H. tt. Pitt's g m Squib, 6yra, 8n (Harding) 0 Mr J. O'DjinU'Bohm O.iv<J, 3yra, 7st 61b (carried 9 it 21b) (Rosowarno) 0 Mr H, Coulter's bin Meada, syra, 7a« 51b (Cox) 0 Mr J. Worner's g m Little Wonder, aged, 7<st 3.b ... (MoOonaohie) 0 Mr J. Lewla' oh m Minnie, Got 12. b " (Lewis) 0 Mountain Deer and Goldfinch went away from the start, the former leading. At the back of the course Goldfinch passed Mountain Deer and won by half a length, several lengths separating second nnd third. Totalisator — Goldfinch 67, Mountain Daer 36, Polly 23, Urland 5, Squib 4, Olive 4, Muada 17, Little Won der 9, Minnie 7, total 162. Dividend, £2 lls v Novel Raoes, of 20 aiva; winner to bs sold by auotioi), and tbe wholo of the proceeds to go to tho funds of the Olub; weight, Bit np; 6 furlonga. Mr J, Worner'o b g Yankee (Ross) 1 Mr F* Dc-ennan'a b m'Qjeen Fairy* (Cox) 2 &gr Eobb's b m Andrey , (Wilkle) 3 S Paddy, ftUtlpohJiah aud Rapid Boy

alio ran. The lot were despatched to a I good start. Yank «c quickly showed m ! front, with Qaoao Fairy m close attend ance. Y»nkee continued to increase hie lead, and came home the easiest of winners. Totnlfsator— l3l-— 55. Divi dend, £2 2s. The winner was sold to<' I Mr J. C. N: Grii?g for £L 6 10s. | Consolation Handio__t, of 10 aovs,; 1 mile. Mr J. O. N. Grigg's Mountain Djar, Bst7lb ... (Jlosb) 1 Mr G. Primmer'a Erara*, 8»t (MoGrath) 2 Mr A. MoLeod'a Nipper, 7*t 31b (Oox) 3 Mr Bennett's Urland, Bit 71b (tlolmes) 0 Mr Peatco's Doubtful, 8a 51b (Harding) 0 Mr H. G. Pitt's Squib, Bst4lb (Miller) 0 Mr J Robb's Audrey, 7«t 3ib (Price) 0 Mr J. Worner'a Little Wonder, 7»fc ; (McOooaohle) 0 From the start Mountain Deer and Squib want away with the lead, closely followed by Emma and Nipper. At tho back of the course Emma went up to Mountain Deer and a olose race ensued till near home. Nipper meantime came up fast and Mountain Deer drew oat winning by a bare length, almost a dead heat between Emma and Nipper for second plana, the former having a slight advan tage. A protest was entered against the winner on the pround that he went inside a post. The Stewards met and considered tho protest which they deoldod to allow, i and therefore awarded the stakes to ; Emma, who paid a dividend of £3 la. Tho Hurry £ curry was won by Q teen ; Fairy, who paid a dividend of £1 19.,

A NOVEL 10-MILE MATCH.

Chbxrtohoroh, December 31

At Lancaster Park this afternoon, Fred. Wood, the oyolisc champion, rode a 10-mile matoh agalnßt A. J. Keith's trot ting horses Wrtit-a while aud M.lvino, In saddle, for £25 Nearly 2000 people wore pres3ot. The race »■»•• vod a hollow victory for the horses. X th rode, his weight being lOat. Walt- - " hlle was first oa the traok, and gaiaol <>n Wood from the start. The hoise hal done five miles when Wood had covered four Keith then ohanged to Malvino, aad gained one lap (a third of a mile) before the finish, thus winning by 1$ mile. Time— 2Bmin 33seo. The betting was slightly m favor of the horses

C.J.C. MIDSUMMER MEETING.

Chbibtohoboh, January 2, To-day's rao9s were fairly well attended. The following were the results : — Midsummer Hukdle Rags Handicap, of 100 bovb ; 2 miles. Mr 0. O'Keefe'a Teddy, 9.t 71b (0. O'Connor) 1 Mr H; Luun's Tres Sec, 6 -rs, list (Kingham) 2 Mr H. Vallance's Mac, lOat 7ib (M'Onkie) 3 S-oretaty and Mimmoo alao started. Time— 4min Saeo. Middlepark Stakri, of 250 aovs ; 6 farlongs. Mc D. O'Brien's Cirbine, 7>t 71b (Derritt) 1 Mld_.lepi.rk Company's Bavenawing, 7«t 3'b (H'Morrow) 2 Mr P. Batler's Manton, 7.b 21b (Holmes) 3 Springston, Credulity, St. Swithin, Adulation, Exchange, and lUiabow alao r«n, Time— lmin Is£aec. MiosoMM.n Handicap, of 260 scva ; 1£ mile. Mc W. O. Webb's Springston, 6st (Jackson) 1 Mr W. 0. Webb's Ruby, 7tt lO.b (Djrritt) 2 Hon G. McLean's Mokoh, 6ifc 8!b (Buddloombe) 3 Rusßley, Far Nell, Torrent, and Sul tan were the other starters. Time— 2aain 38V.e0. Dividends, inaide —£47 17s 61 ; outside— £3B Ba. Selling Rao 3, of 50 sdvb ; 6 furlongs, Mr W. O. Rutherf. rd's Parihaka, Bst 2,b (M'liroy) 1 Mr H. Hammond's Nelly, aged, Bit 21b (Derritt) 2 Mr P. Butler's Repose, Bst 41b ... 3 Arcade and St. Agnes also ran. Time— lmin 184. cO. Craven Stakes, of 150 bovb ; 7 furlongs. Mr W. O. Webb's Ruby, 7«t 131 b

(Derritt) 1 Hon G. M< Lean's St. Ives, 6a. 101 b (Buddioombe) 2 Mr P. Butler's Marlborough, 7at sib (Holmes) 3 Jack and Rose and Blaok also started. Time- lmin 24|.ec. Hornby Welter Ha»dioaf, of 100 bovb ; 1\ mile. Mr G, G. Stead's Ohaatilly, 10st 21b (Jackson) 1 Mr R. Rutherford's Ravensoraip, 9a t 9b ... ... ... (Thomson) 2 Mr H. Horsford '• Leon, Bst (Derritt) 3 St. Ives, Klmberley, Arohduke, and Enid also ran. Time— 2min 13|icc. Dividends, inside — £6 6s ; outside, £8 Bs. Focrry Stakbs, of 30 aovs ; 1 mile*. Mr G. Olement'B Normanby ... ... 1 Mr E. S. Bell's Forward 2 Mr W. RusaeU's Paiutor 3 St. Agnes, Manilla, and Fiokle were the other starters. Time— lmin 45300. Consolation Handicap, of 50 bovb. One mile. Mr P. Butlor'a b h Marlborough, by St George — Farewell, 4yro, Bat 4lb (Moore J 1 Mr H. Hammond's blk o Sultan, 3yre, 7at 81b ... (Derret) 2 Messrs M. and C. Hobba' b g Jack, aged, Bat (Huxtablu) 3 Ravenaoralg, Arohduke, Enid, Loon and Credulity also ran. Won comfortably by a length and a half, with twice that distanos between second and third. Time — lra'n 43 sec. Totalisator dividends— Inside, £3 19 j 6d ; outside, £3 9j 6d.

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

The weather was fine and the attend ance good. The following are the results: New Year's Hcrdle Race, of 100 aovs, With aweep of 2 aovs each to Becond horse. Two miloa, Mr W. H. Nathan's Uranus, by D y D»wd, aged, list. ... (Frewln) ] Mr J B. Williamson's Shillelagh, aged, 9»t9b (J.Lang) 2 Mr W. R. Carter's Coral, 6yrs 9 it £Ub j (Collins) 3 Peter Oabeok, Isaac, Shotover, Dan, and Sirloin alao ran. Won by two lengths. Time— 3min 57i»eo. Totaliß&tor dividends— lnßlde, £6 "l6a; L outaide, £6 6s. Selmnc. Starrs, of 60 aova, added to a aw.epstake of 2 aovs eaoh. Mr W. R. Carter's blk h Rowl, aged, 9_t7lb * tt | i Five others started. Ao-rKLANn Cup. of 750 aova added to a sweepstake o. 10 bovb each ; aeoond horeo to rooaive 150 aova, and third 50 aova. Two miles end a quarter, Mai or F. N. George's eh h Nelson, by K'nj Cole— My idea, aged, Oat 12lb ' (Brown) 1 Mr O. Lennard'a b m Cloga, 6 yrs, 7atßlb (raylor) 2 Mr G. G. Stead'B br o Sextant, 3yrs, 7»t121b (Oliffjro) 3 Victoria (7st 101 b), Friendship (7at 91b), Cannon f6it), and Laorina (Oat), also ran. Betting 2tol on Nelson. Won by a length. Time— 4nln 6£bbo. Dividends— lnside, £1 '2:; outside, £1 lOi. Ta.S c was a Beetle of grett excitement a<_ Noloon returned to aoale, tbe borpe &Qd bis fid^r b<jlr>g loud'y chee^d, 7 " J

Midsommbr Stakes, of 150 bovi, with a swoepstßko i f 5 soys e-.eh to sooond horse; third borsa to savi. h's staked For two-year-olds Five furlongs. Mr J Marshall's br f Pearl Shell by Musket— Poarl Aah,B_t 12tb (Includ ing 3!b ptnalty (King) 1 M. J. Ghana's Forest King, 8n 71b.!. 2 Hon E. Mitohelson's eh f by Leollnus —Lovebird, 8 :t10!b... 3 Vatap^an also started. Pearl Shell led throughout, and won by <\ length, Foreßt King, running nnder the whip.boatlog Lovebird colt for seooud place. Time, lmin 7£aao. Dividends loeide, £1 4j ; out<ido, £1 3». Newmarket Handicap, of 100 aovs, wlt_i ' a sweepstika of 2 eovs each for neoonJ horse. Six furlongs. Mr D. Twohili's br m Cinderella, by Javelin -Renga, Gyrs, 7at Gib (Hope) 1 Mr E, Fraset'a Tennyson, 3yrs, Bst „ 81b „ (M'Hroy) 2 Hon E. Mitohelson's Formo, 3yrs, ? ak 2 , 1 b (Wright) 3 Antelope, Balista, Bangle, Paddy. C^eßby, Gapella. Lady Alice, and Brown Ray also started. A great race. Won by a nose. Time, lmin 17seo. Dividends— Inside, £L 0 153 ; outside, £7 19j" _ Selling Hurdle Race, ot 60 BovoTTJoe mile and a half, Mr O'Grady's br g Blaok Joo ,„ 1 Two other 1 started. Criterion Stakes, of 90,#sov», with a sweepstake of 2 boys eaoh to Becond horse. Seven furlongs, Mr E. Fraser'a Ten uy son, by Anteroi —Fancy, 3yrs, 7*t 61 b (O'Meara) X Mr W. SomervUlo's br f Baliata, Byrs, 7** Ulb ... (Taylor) 2 Mr J, Carnegie's Lioness, 3yrs, 6st 101 b (Katterni) 3 Wapiti, Bangle, Formo, and Flintlock also ran. Won rather easily by a length and a half. Time, lmin 30aeo, Divi dends—lnside, £4 12. . outside, £3 16i,

NAPIER NEW YEAR MEETING.

At the Napier meeting the Hardlei wm won by Premium, the New Year Handi cap by Pearl, the High Weight handicap by Waterfall, the Flying ha.nd.oap. by Whistler, the Selling Baoe by Tamablne, aud the Green Meadow Handicap bj Premium.

SYDNEY TATTERSALL'S CLUB RACES.

8 _t>nby, January 2. The Tattemll's Club Hsndioip of 500 aovs waß won by Aome by a head, Bowmont, aeoond ; the Qieen, third, i Eleven started. Time 3mln 42 Jieca.

THE NEW YEAR.

If, as one poet tells us, with the advent of Spring "the young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts oflove," so, also, with a greater universality—a universality which embraces all, whether young or old— the return of the New Year Season inspires m every heart that sentiment of hope which m the words of another bard " springs eternal m the human breast." Notwithstanding the unpleasant t/uth of the remainder of the couplet, to wit, that "man never ts but always to be blest," and notwith standing that many of the hopes with which we have entered upon previous New Years have been doomed to dis appointment, we go on hoping still, and cherish a sublime faith m the future, m the comforting belief that after the storm must come the sun shine, after the dark the dawn, and that every lane however long must needs have a turning at last. And though the "good time coming," of which we have sung and prophesied; so hopefully m the past, has' tarried long, yet it is bound to come some day, and as we stand on the threshold of the New Year it will do us no harm to believe that it will come ere the year shall close. We have had so long a spell of depression that according to the law of averages the return of prosperity cannot be far off— the tide cannot go on ebbing for ever, and the longer it has ebbed the nearer the flow must be. New Zealand, like other countries, has been passing through her share of adversity, and now that we have manfully set ourselves to the exercise of economy and prudence, and have determined for the future to endeavour to live within our means, we have a right to expect that we shall soon begin to recover our leeway, and ere long be speeding along again on the highway of progress. Indeed there are already signs that the worst of the storm is over, and there is a broaden ing rift m the clouds which promises an early return of -the sunshine of prosperity. Never, for years past, have ♦here been, m this district at any rate, fairer harvest prospects, and just now there is every indication of a bountiful yield ; and if only, as we think there is toom to hope may be case, the season open with a fair price for grain the present year will be a good one for farmers, and therefore a good one for the whole community. There is reason, too, to hope that the markets of America will be opened to our wool, and with this will come a better price for this another of our chief products, while the successful results of recent shipments of cheese to England also augur well for the dairying industry, destined yet to be one of the chief if not the chief industry of the colony. Then all that is wanted is combina tion and good business management on the part of our exporters of meat to secure for themselves the fair proceeds of that export, the lion's share of which is now absorbed by the middleman, and this done that export would speedily expand to dimensions enormously greater than it has yet assumed, the carrying capacity of out land would be vastly increased, and the rapid extension of the necessary improvements would mean a demand for labor, which would not only absorb all the surplus labor m the colony, but attract immigration of the right sort; while with a growing and thriving popu lation the weight of our burdens would diminish, and the country once more forge ahead as it did m the prosperous times of the past. All this is, we verily believe, attainable, and with all these possibilities within our reach it will be our own fault if we do not grasp them. Lastly, Canterbury cannot fail to benefit by the expenditure of the millions of outside capital which will now be devoted to the construction of that great work, the Midland Railway, with the completion of which will come the opening up of new markets for our produce, and the cheapening of the cost of production by tha lowering of tbe cost of coal and by consequence of that of steam power. Altogether there are sound reasons for believing that the New Year is for us the harbinger of better times, and when these return, as we hopa they soon will, we shall appreciate them all the more for the taste 6( adversity whiclf has been the universal expert enqe of the jtast three or foyr ye«e,' "

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1888 — — — — — ~ « *



Sour stomaoh, siok headaohe, and digqiuess, merloan Go.'a Hop Bittera cures with a few o ca. Use Statutory Declaration.— l, Franz JRaabe, Ironbark, Sandhurst, m tbe colony of Victoria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six yeara of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee. lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance. However, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Maogillivray that an amputation of tho injured limb had become imperative, m order to save life. At this juncture I called on Messrs Sander and Sons, proouring some of their Bxtraot of tho Euoalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had the satisfaction of Boeing my son within a fortnight out of all danger, and to-day ho is recovered. I may juat add that it was whon the crisis had been readied that the Extract referred to 'was first applied. And I make this solemn declaration, etc, — Fiians. lUaiiis. Deolared at Sandhurst, id the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth day of October, oao thousand eight hundred and BeventyeeYo'a bpforo tie, Moritz Coboi J.lW(4dyt.J ■ « . 7 ■ J



TO OUR RAKAIA BUBSOK BKRS. "TXTE desire to intimate that from and VV aftor lht January, 1888. BUB- SOU IBE US to this j-mrnal will OBTAIN 'THEIR OOPIEft AT THE STORE OF MR C. HARDY.



WANTPSD OABH ~ Moir's Oatmeal 2511.8, 2s 6d ; Sperm Oandles, 6d ; Coffee and Milk, la per 'm; Cocoa and Milk, Is per tin ; Vfßtas, 6d per doz ; Ooroflmr, 41 per lb; tin Fruits, Is; Crockcy, Ironmongery, etc.. — -At JAME6 McGregor's, Tancred Street, opposite Arcade. "TTTaNTED Known— Wells aunk, with VV pump and pipe found and fixed, . from £2 10a upwards All kinds of pumps, Ranges and house-smith work fixed or repaired. Chimneys swept and ranger cleared, 3i. Registers Is6d eaoh. All orders punctually attended to. Note address, H. Dudley, Moore street, Ash- burton. 11 22



Wanted. WANTED Known.— W C Davis has fouad a Bum of money. Owner can have Burae by describing and paying this udvettis. merit. 18 WANTED Known.— Board and Rosi- dence for one Gentleman ; com- fortable bedroom and use of pitting- room, only ono other Boarder. Address— A. B , "Gu rdian" Office. 1 m •■ ■ — — ■ i TTTANTED Known— That HAVES W and CO. have a Bplendid lot of Wtiite Embroidery Robes at 14s, worth 21s. _______ Segers' Great Sale,— Melford House. Melford House Sale.— H. 0. Segers. WANTED Known.— For Sale, Blue Gum, Stringy Bark, Peppermint i Gum, Red Gum, and Silver Wattle Tree Seeds, looilly grown, and raved this Seas)n ; also Turnip Soods, just arrived, ex s.s Rimutaka. —J. Scaly and Co., Seedsraon, Eaet Streot. lltGl Sale at Melford House.- H. O. Segera. WANTED KNOWN — 01cograph B Scenery, and Catnolic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scrape Novelties m Ponwipera, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &a„ at Ana Manrire'h F<»ncy Repository, Saunders* Buildings} WANTED Known— To the Ladies of Ashburton and surrounding districts, that an experienced monthly Nurse is desirous of engagement. Good references can be given. Address — Mrs Hill, Peter Street, Aahburton. 11 18



THY KIKKPATBICK'S JAM. CAUTION. ftTTONE is genuine unless our name is \ji stamped on eaoh tin, and h».s our Registered TradeJMa. ..', ".Lora Ne'uon, on the label. 1 R V KIRKPATBICK'S TOMATO SAUCE. THE most k delicioun tlavor'ng for Cold Meats, Chops SUaVg, Soups Gravies &9 &o.



GEE AT SALE Of Bankrupt Stocky or Drapery, Clotbing, AUD BOOTS. ANDREW ORB having secured tho Stock of A. C PKICHaRD at a groat reduction from Invoice Cost, wdl offer it to the Public on WEDNESDAY, DEC, 28th, At Uoh.ard of Prices. TOEt-DAY, tho 271h DEC. am ANDBEW 088.



Proctor & Go, WUOLEB\LE AND RETAIL OA»H GROCERS, &c, BEQ to announce to the inhabitants of Ashburton and Surrounding Dis- tricts, that we hnvo just landed our Christmas Goodß, and as we buy largely for C\SH, wo are m a position to BfcLL Cheaper than any of the other Houses m Town, We have also a large and varied Btock ot CROCKERY and IRONMON- GERY, whioh we are disposing of at PRICES that will defy compotit on. N.B.— See windows for Presents to bo given away at XMAS. Please note tho Address,— BULLOCK'S ARCADE, Burnett Street.



E: McCallum * AMILY GROCER AND 1 E\ DEALER, FOWLER'S BUILDINGS, TANCRFD 8 TREE I', HAS tow m Stock a Largo and Very Superior lot of Goods for the Christmas Trade. Also, — SEW FRUITS. NEW FRUITB. Albo,— Just unpacked, a lot of Usef v Crockery, cheap and well- assorted. Note the Address: — R. McCallum, GROCER, &c. TANORED STREET.



F. H. von SCHOENEBERG, ! FRENCH POLISHER, CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTEREEC, AND UNDERTAKER, HAB opened m Premiso3 (next W. Patching) East street, md hopes to receive a fair share of public support, being prepared to MAKE FURNiTURE ! any design to order at OHRISTCHOKCH RATES. Pianos and Furniture re- pollihed at very low rates. ♦110 MEET THE TIMES. C TRUCKLE, PROPRIETOR of thePriDce Albert Boarding - House, Wills Street Ashburton, next Oddfellows' Hall, while thanking hiß many Friends and Customers for their liberal support for the past 10 years, solioits a continuance of the same. Board and Lodging, 16s, 18s per week, or 3s per day. Dinners only, 4s per week, Good accommodation for Families, and private rooms for Ladies* 7 52



PAPERHANGINGS! PAPERHANGINGS ! I THE Undersigned have juat opened up a spltndid assortment of PAPERHANGINGS, SCRIM, TAPES, TACKS, Also,— WINDOW GLASS (all sizes). W & R LEAD, PAINTS, OILS, VARNISHES, COLORS, DRYERS, TURPENTINE, &o_. Just landing, a splendid lot of He use Coal, ex " Hauroto." arecaiium & Co , IRON, TIMBER, AND COAL MER- CHANTS, & IMPORTERS. Agents for TITAN and TRIPLFX STRAINERS. 12*103



Wool. w coJL MESSRS MILES AND CO. beg to inform their friends and clients that they propose, holding Local Auction Sales of Woo) Throughout the Season as usual, end are on*iiJJ. r<spare cl to make Liberal Advancer MB<JK, - JA S?,^w« Where every care and attention will bo given to pach lot entrusted to our cire. Tbe Shed is well lighted, convenient, and In every way suited for tho proper display WOULPAOKBAND TWINE supplied at tiowegi, Current Rates. J. T. FORD, Auctioneer. v GEJKUH JAMfSttUN. Ajjoo..



George Jameson. Feed Oats. FOR SALF, m large or small qua' titi> n, atONK SHILLING & SIXPENCE per bushel, for CASH GEORGK JAMESON, 12°173 Ashburton. BINDER Twine and Wire. I HAVE on hand a large assortment of TWINE and WIRE, of the bast GEORGE JAMESON, 12* 1 74 Ashbuiton. OIL S ~~ FOB THRESHING MACHINES, REAPERS and BINDERS, etc., fo- -B_le m any quantity. GEORGE JAMES TN, 12*175 Aslitmrton. " TURNIP ANDMPE SEEDS. FOR SALE-Po/ple and Green Top Aberdeen, Mammoth, Grey atone, and other varieties, These have been thoroughly tea'od, and are gnaranteed new and frceh GEORGE JAMESON, Ashburton. Wool Season 1887-88. LIBERA.L CASH ADVANOI S taaii on Large or Stcall Olipa at Currtr' JUaUs, Wcolpuck.. and Twine fiopp'ifd. GEORGE JAMEt.O", Ashbnrtort



HINHiI AND IN YEAR'S GIFTS. JUST IN .TIME FOR OHRISTMAB. JHAVi_ just bought from a Home Trßve'ler all hiß samplns of FANG? GOODS, TOYS, DOLLS, ORNAM ENTS, FANCY B ABK*,TWARE PERFUMERY, BOOKS, ETC., ETO., ETC* At half-price, and all who want to avail th.mofclveß of this opportunity to buy CHEAP GOODS for the Holidays, will do well to CALL AT ONCE, as I will allow a LARGE DISCOUNT on all these Goods anc 1 other Artic'es m Stock. COME EARLY~~AND SECURE BARGAIISS. W. ZANDER - Tobaoconist, Hair Dresser Shavi Saloon, and Fishing Tackle D;'pot, EAST STREET. 12 120



ALBERT ROBERTS BAS FOR SALE,— Clovers, — RED, WRITE, COWGRASS, ALBYKE, and TREFOIL. RYEGRASS, COCKSFOOT, asd RAPE. Golden Tares, Cape Barley, cEHJD PEAP, BEED OATb (various J inds), CRUSHED BEANB PLOUGH SHARES COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Ackncvlodfd to be THE LEST- IN ME MARKET