TO CORRESPOMDENTS.

Non mi record^.—- Trioketfc held the Sculling Championship of the World from 1876, when he best J. H. Sadler, to 1880 when ho was beaten by Banian.

MARRIAGE.

Torre— PATCHiNG—On tho 18th Decem ber, 1888, at St. Stephen's Church, by tho Roy. E A. Boott, Thomas Totty to Louts* Sarah Patching, both of Anh barton.

DEATH.

Hawson.-— At Auckland, on the 24th lnet,, after a long and painful illness, borne with grtat patience and resigna tion, Elizabeth", the beloved wif* of Mr Ohpg Hxroon, late of Ashlurton,

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1888. CLASSIFICATION OF THE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1888. CLASSIFICATION OF THE LAND.

Number 9 of "The Crown Lands Guide," which has just been issued by the Lands Department, gives the fol lowing information with regard to the classification of the Crown Estate m Canterbury which is now m progress: — " The country between the Rakaia and Waitaki rivers, containing about 1,8000,000 acres of pastoral land, is being classified by the Commissioners, as provided by " The Land Acts Amendment Act, 1888," into pastoral country suitable exclusively for pastur age, of which permanent leases will be given for a term not exceeding twenty one years ; pastoral country capable of being worked m blockß of less than 5000 acres, which will be leased for a term not exceeding twenty-one years, but subject to the right of the Government, if the land is required for sale, to terminate the lease by giving twelre months' notice, conditionally, however, on valua tion being paid for improvements made by the tenant, as provided by section 180 of "The Land Act, 1885," and subsection 5, section 27 of " The Land Act Amendment Act, 1887 ;" and into pastoral agricultural lands to bo disposed of under the ordinary provisions of the Lands Acts, as the Governor may from time to time direct. The greater part of the classification will be completed by the end of January next, lithographs of the country and particulars of the leases will be ready by the end of February, ' and the sale will take place at the ©nd of April, 1889, one year before the termination of the existing licenses ; possession of the country will, therefore, not be given until the Ist May, 1890. Of the country to be thus classified, pro babably at least 1,250,000 acres will be classified as country suited exclusively for pasturage purposes, for which perma nent leaßas will be given. It will be subdivided according to the nature of the country, care being taken, where it is possible to do so, to include some good wintering country with the higher summer country. Most of it is fenced and subdivided by wire fencing ; it is all well watered by permanent streams, and is within easy access by good roads of the main or branch railways running through the district. The carrying capacity of the country ranges, accord ing to the altitude and aspect of it, from 1^ to 10 acres per sheep. Full particu lars of the area and rental fixed for each run will be given by advertisement as soon as the classification is completed." This, so far as it goes, is satisfactory for it would appear that there will shortly bo thrown open some 550,00Q acres available for pastoral holdings of less than 5000 acreß or semi-pastoral semi agricultural holdings m areas of 640 acres or less. But it is to be noted that the department seems to have more regard to providing the requisite publicity m respect to the 1,250,000 to be offered on permanent pastoral leases than m lespept to the small runs and semi-agricultural holdings for nothing is said as to the issue of lithographs and particulars m relation to these, although it was the subject of a distinct promise more than once reiterated during last session that this should be done. It is to the successful settlement of the 550,000 acres which will be ejtcepted from the runs proper that we have to look for the advancement of Canterbury during the next twenty years and Mr Richardson, cannot be too often re minded that the fulfilment of his pro mise m relation to this is anxiously looked for. And when the classification is completed, it is expected of him that he will exercise the powers conferred by sections 10 and 4 of " the Land Act Amendment Act 1877 " under which lands of inferior quality may be declared to be secopd-cla&s lands, and the price thereof reduced to any figure not being lees than 10s per aore. That power must be exercised if the unsold land of Canterbury is to be profitably and successfully settled for there is very little indeed left that is worth the present all-round price of £2 per acre. Will Mr Richardson do this? We shall see ; but wo confess we have begun to despair of his giving his attention to anything more than the interests of the Crown tenants, that is to say, the holders of big blocks.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The oondor of the Andes flies higbor than any other bird, sometimes attaining an alti tude of six miles.

The wheat , crops m (Marlborough are re ported to ba Looking magnificent, and the yield is expected to be a very large one.

A Blenheim sohoolmaster named Murray baji reoovered £25 damages from a Mr Bragg, a member of his School Committee, who had slandered him.

The thimblol was originally called a thumb bell by the English, beoause worn on the thumb, then a thumble, and finally its present name. It was a Dutoh invention, and was first brought to England m 1695.

During tho time of the Edwards the broad' headed arrow was considered the most effootual weapon of attack, and was accord ingly assumed as a mark to distinguish the property of the kings or queens ; and so this mark baa been used down to the present day.

The Chinese merohintsin Dunedin, besides taking up $100 worth of shares m the exhibition, have arranged for a systematic canvass of their fellow countrymen m the provincial distriot. Messrs Hogg. Howlson, and. Niool have also taken up £100 worth of chared.

The "Wang&nui Chronicle" announces the death, at the patriarchal age of 99, of Christopher Parker, who had resided m the district for orer 31 years. Mr Parker, who waa a natiYc of Kerry, osme to the oolony 36 years sro, and m another six weeks would have reaohed his centenary. The deceased had been bedridden for some time before his death, and passed away very gradually. He leaves one son, J^r Christopher Parker, of Mahirikiri, and three daughters and his widow to mourn his lose, The daughters are Mrs Prpwplee, Mrp M^f row, ana W«> Pro^n.

Mr Elston will open the Rink this evening, for that oooasion only, ho having been requested to do so.

Speoial train arrangements m conneotioß with Ohristohuroh Baoes on the 31st instant, Lyttelton Begatta on the Ist January, and Timaru Caledonian Sports on the Ist and 2nd Jan., are advertised m this issue.

The goods remaining over from the bazaar will be sold by auotion m the Primitive Methodist Churoh-this evening by Mr Bullock, There will bo a number of useful and orna mental artioles, and a large attendance may be expeoted.

A cricket mitoh between the Ashburton and Tinwald Clubs will be played on Friday, m the Ashburton Domain, com mencing at one o'olook. The Aeb.bur.ton team will consist of Messrs A. Fooks, H. Pratt, W. Simpßon, F. Mainwaring, B. M. Outhbertson, G. Andrews, E. M. Blake, F, Makoig, Danßhire, Curtia, Purohaso, and Drummond.

Tho Hawera paper says :— Apiarists are complaining of the loss of their beea m this distriot. In one instance no less than twenty* three hives out of a total of thirty have suo oumbed, and other settlers have suffered equally severe losses, No doubt the boister ous weather has been the oaueo of such an exceptional number of hives dying -, the bees having been prevented from replenishing their store after that of last Beason waß exhausted.

The M'AU Mission m France continues to be as successful as ever. The total attend ance at the meetings m Paris is Baid to be about 43,000. Of this work it has been well said : — " In this mission the starting point of Christianity has been resumed ; religion has returned to the common room Christ is set forth m the dialeot of everyday life, and once more the oommon, people hear him gladly."

The children of the members of the local oorps of the Salvation Army were taken put yesterday for a pionio m the country, filling four large trollies drawn by a traotion-engine whioh sped merrily along the Wakanui road with its novel and joyous freight, attended by numerous traps oonveying the elders, who looked all as happy as tho littlo ones. They had a magnifioent day for the outing, and no doubt enjoyed themselves immensely.

A hearty reception and a full house may we think, bo assured to the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who will give one performance here only, m the Oddfellows' Hal), on Wednesday, 2nd January, 1899, and from the way m which they sang on their previous visit, and the (reception they had from lovers of good musio, we feel sure that a orowded audience will assemble to hear this, their farewell concert.

A distinguished Oriental soholnr and biblioal specialist has, says '• The Times," just passed away, after an unusually indus trious and useful oareer. To Bible students and clergymen of all denominations few names are better known than that of Dr Robert Young, the author of the " Analytical Con cordance of the Bible," " A New Version of the Bible, translated aocording to the Letters and Idioms of the Original Language," " Ohronological Index to the Bible — Old and New Testament," "Ethics of the Fathers (from the Talmud), with English Version," etc Dr Young waß a native of Haddingdon* shire.

On Ohristmas Day St. Stephen's Anglioan Church was, as is oustomary at this season, decorated with flowers and evergreens, and texts of BOripture m white upon a crimson cround. There was a large oross of white lilies over the altar, and tb.3 pulpit, desk,' and lectern were wreathed with foliage inter spersed with sqarlet geraniums, wh.ite lilies, and marguerites, The font was covered!, wjth lilies, and the beautiful plumes of the toitoi were freely made use of m deoorating the ohoir stalls, while pots of scarlet geraniums m full bloom filled the window sills with very pretty effeot, There was an eaily Oommnnion Bervioe, and full choral servioe with anthem and second celebration at 11 a.m., and even* song at the usual hour. The Rev E. A. Soott officiated at all the services to good con* qregationa. King Charles of Wurtemburg, whose foroible dethronement Prinoe Bismarok is said to be contemplating, is the most eccentriq of living monnrohs. From 1843 to 1881 he lived m almost absolute solitude, having much the same distaste for human eooiety as the late King Louis of Bavaria. He was full of strange whims. His rooms were panelled with enormous looking-glasses, so tnat £ie^ might survey his royal person at every angle, and from all pointß of view. Another of bis fanoies was to have his rooms carpeted with' moss, instead of the more orthodox Brussels carpet. A sudden change, ocourrpd m tho. year 1&81, The Sing then beoame as fond of sooiety as he had previously been averse to it, This alteration for the better was due to the influence exorcised over the King by the secretary to the American Consulate at Stuttgart. Mr Jackson, the secretary m question, forced himaelf into the King's presence, and the King, after repeated instances of the secretary's oourage, came to like him. He made him his private secretary on a thumping salary, and Jackson now writes his name with " Von " before it, the KiDg haying made him a Baron.— 11 Eoho." An exchange gives the following curious instance of the manner m which animals sometimes treat the wounded : — In a field close to the writer's house were grazing recently a dairy of about fifty cows of the well -known Ayrshire breed. These cows aro, gs a rule, perfectly quiet and gentle, Qne day, however, not long ago, as the cows were entering the f}eld after ihe' morning milking, m pushing through the rather narrow gate one of them accidentally struck the cow m front of her a very severe blow on the {lank, and from the wound ma.de by the bpjn flic blood literally poured. The poor injured animal bellowed loudly with the pain, and all at onoe the whole of the unwounded animals seemed to go perfectly ma,d. They rushed upon the wounded oow, and m a very few minutes literally gored her to death < When the writer saw the carcase of the un. fortunate beast there was hardly an inch of the hide that was not perforated by the horns of the assailants. When the deed was ' accomplished the cows, subsided into their usual gentle and quiet condition, and have never phpwn the smallest sign of ferocity oinoe. Our Melbourne correspondent sends us the following;— The father who outa off his son is a very familar object m obsolete comedies, but it haa been reserved for modern days to produce a son who cuts his father off with four shillings a month. The father is an inmate of the Benevolent Asylum not far from Melbourne. The son was asked to contribute a few shillings a month for his parent's main tenanoe m the institution. He agreeably replied :—" Sir,-^ln answer to your letter wbioh Ireoeived abqnt ray father, as to main taining him, I did not know I had a father, for he is not worth the name of one. He never brought me up or maintained mo, for I had to go and beg my bread before I had any, and sleep out m the gardens and m the pigsties, wherever I could get a place to lie down. My mother died nnd left me a baby, and I have never had a home since. Put it

to yourself and see bow you would like to maintain such a father. He has spent quite &3 much as would have kept him now, m his old Bge, without troubling anyone, and the best thing to do is to tell him to go where he haa carried bis money and spent it. There are only two of us living, and he has served us worse than dogs. How can he look to us for support. I will alloy the old dog 4s monthly, and no more, and that is more than I ought to do," Tho offer waß aooepted, despite the terms m which it was oouohed,

ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

The annaal a hlelio sports, and com petitions m pipe music/ Highland and Irish danoing, etc , held under the auspices of the Aehbarton Caledonian Soolety, took phoe on the Society's grounds, North West Beit, yesterday. The weather, despite the threatening appearance of the previona day was all thst o mid ba desired ; bright nanahinc, with the heat tempered by a 000 l nea bretzs makinp the beßt holiday weather imaginable. The attendance of ihe public was larger than has been the easo for several pant yoara, though an excursion to Tlnmu, sports and races at Rakaia and Moant Soiaera, rac:B at Rangltata Bridge, and vamus pionloa had drained tho town of a large proportion of Ita pleasure a^ok- Ing population, Ovec£4o*waa taken at tho pates. An excellent day'b amusement wag provided by the Soolety everything going off without » hitch. The Ashburton Band was on the ground and played at Intervals during the day. The publican's booth was In tho hinds of Mr W. Davis, of the Royal Hotal, and Mr W. 0. Duvls hid the confectioner's booth, each appearing to h<vve « basy time of it m attending to the wants of their numerous patrons. Mr Charles Reid, for Mr Taoker, filled the Secretary's ohair In a very efficient manner, and his oourtesy while m the discharge of trying duties gained him general kudos. The officials, one and all. worked their. hat dost, and are deserving of credit for the very enjoyable day'a sport they provided, The programme was a lengthy one, twenty- Be ven items being set doirn, and although there was a little delay at the outset, the ball was subse qujntly kfpt merrily rolling. The High land dancing was pronounced by thone competent to give an opinion, to be excellent. The reel was carried off by A. McKay, G. Morrison, who wbb second, and D. Gallle running eaoh other ol >ac for aeoond honors, but Morrison's omiage gained him the day m that respect. Toe samo order was maintained m the Sword danoa, Scan Treutheip aad m the Reel O* Talloob, but Gtllle put both his opponen's down m the Highland Fling, G. Morrison taking bco >nd plaoe, The oompetltions m pipe mußle brought out two pipers, viz,, A. McKiy and G. Lobettion. In the Reels and S'ratbapeyo the former gave " Lidy McKenzle of Gairlooh " as a reel and " The Highland man's wedding " as a strathspey, and the latter played ''Braes of Tulliinet " and " Sir Donald Shaw's new hall," McKay was adjudged the wluner, and his playinj> could not easily be beaten. Robertson's playing was a little too fast. A. McKay also won the prize for pipe music (plbrooha and marches) his pieces being " Melbank Salute" and "Marchioness of Tolli b>rd)ne r " G. Robertson's selections m this event were " Oampbe Ts pibroch" and "F»rewell of the 79th to Gibraltar." McKay thus won the President's ( Vlr D Molearj) pras of £5 5) for most points m Highland danoing, and Mr Stitt's prlzi of one guinea for most points m pipe music. In the athlettoevents, the Grand Handicap was won by J. M'Oonoohle, and the mile and half mile handicaps by J. Bailey. A new feature at the Society's sports was the bioyole rioe, which after a rather ix cjtlng finish was wnu by T. Wall, who had a handicap of 300 yards. It seemed throughout the greater part of the race }hat nothing could prevent A. Jones, the scratch mau, from wlnnlDg, but although he jaet caught Wall, he oould not get ahead of him, and the Utter won with two or threa yards to spore. Another new item was the Tilling at the Ring contest. This brought ont thirteen com petitors. There were six rings, and eaoh man waa allowed three tries. The four placed men tied m the fi,rst go off, and tho deciding run resulted m W. Fetching winning. Moot of the horßeo we;e ntrange to tho work, and the contest was consequently not so good as it might otherwise have been. During the day a host of ohlldron'a raoas for toys were sot > oJfp"antl-thron-gfrout~lbir--iipOr:j! — the interests of the juveniles were m no whe neglected. Qne father tinßfttlsfaotory feature of Ihn sports was the number of persqns who throDgeci the enolosuro m which the events were goteff, thuß pre veatlog thoso who kept their places out side the ralllnea, getting anything like a good view of tho contests. We would sug gest that In the fu'ueo the Soolety make somo provision by wh.'oh only officials and competitors should be allowed within the enolosura. Follow lag are the results of the various events :— Qoolts— No quoits ÜBed to be heavier than four lbs. PWzmi £1 10a; 15s. J. Small, 1 ; J, K<dd, 2 ; J. Stev ns, J. MoGUI, J. Taylor, V. Smith, A. Bisbap, and T. Parks alao competed. Open Hurdle Handicap Ricp, 440jds. Over six hurdles. Prizes : £1 10a ; 15s. A. Jamieeon, 25yd«, 1 ; E. J. Whiting, sor, 2; John' Groves, 15yd«, 3, There were only three starters. Both Groves and Whiting came down at the seoond hurdle arid the former also fell at the fourth. He soon after gave the raoe and J. amieson w.on as he liked. Running High Jnmp. Pr'z«, £}; 15s- J. Jamieson, 4ft lOln, 1 ; W. Kldd, 4Et Bln, 2. J, Groves and f. Batta also oompeled, 100 yds Flat Raoe. Prljjja, £1 10j— B. J. Whiting, 1{ A. Johns, %. G, Nicholas, W. Bautlan, W Perks and E. J. May aleo ran. This race resulted m a very good finish, very little space separating the men as the tape waß breasted. Grand Handioap FISt Raoe, of 100/ da, 220 yds, and 440 yds Mr Hegeltlno'a prize and £3 ; £1 10a ; 15*.— 100 yds heatj J, McOonoohie, fads, 1 ; F. Taßker, Byds, 2 5 W. Bastian/2yds, 3. E. J. Whiting sor. John Groves' 2yda W, Porka, 2/da, and A. Patterion 7yds alao wo. The start affeoted was rather a.n Indifferent one. Mo Oojioohle won with 9 bit to spares 220 yds heat— J, McCbnoohfe, 12yds, 1 ; E. J. Whiting, Ber, 2 ; W. Bwttan, syda. 440 Yards Heat— E. J. Whiting scratoh 1; W. Baetlan 10yd« 2. Two others st»rted but only Whiting and B«stlao finished, the former winning as he liked. Scotch Reel m Highland co3tume, £2 j eoooud £I— A. MoK»y 1j Q, Morrison 2. D. Gallic also competed. Irish Reel. Mr Qhaa. Reid's pr!z) of £1 la for first j Mr O. M. Brooke's prfz > of 10a 6d for Becond— W. Fitzgerald 1 ; Mr O'Loughlla 2. Only these two com peted. Pipe Music plbroohs and mpirohes, Mr M. Stitt c priise of £1 la and £2 j 15i-A McKay 1 ; G. Robinson 2. Plpa Maslo reeJo and strathspeyn, Mr Stltt's prlzs and £1 10j and 15-— A MeK*y, 1 ; G. Robinson 2. Tossing the Oaber, prigss £1 ; 10j— J. Daly 39ft 9in 1 j T. Dalton 37ft ej'.n 2. T. Daly alao competed, Pole Vaulting, first prlzi £1 ; second Mr W. Anderson's prfza value 10s 6d — W. Kldd Bft 4in 1 ; A Jamießon 2. These were the only competitors. Handioap Bioyole raoa two mlloa, Mr D. Thomas' cup value 3 guineas first prfza ; Messrs McO*llum and Cj's piece of plate value 1 guinea seoond priza — T, W«ll 300 yds 1 ; A. Jones scratoh 2; A Plckford 250 yds 3. E. Ede aud D. Jones also started, the latter retiring at tho end of the fourth Jap. When the aooond lap had boon, accomplished Wall bad the lqad, but it appeared to all the onlookers that A. Jones had the raoe well In hand, as he was golns; well, and one by one passed all his men with the ex oeption of Wall whom he caught about 100 yards from home. Wall however was equal to the oooaslon and spurting got a short lead, and ultimately won by aboqt three yardj, ' Hart Mile Handicap X^/at Race. Ul»t prize, £1 10s j second, IQj. J, Bailey Bor, 1 lj W. Bonnie, 15yds, 2. E. J. Whiting scr, k. Jones 25yds, J, McOoQOoble 36yde f At PattfiUD 3Cyd|

also started, but the first-, and second men 1 ou!y finlaheo\ Bill y, woo j m ea ho | like 3, waking In. I

tiword Danoe or Gillio OiHnm. Firat pr'z*, £1 10j ; second Mr H Zander's pt'z>, valae 10a 6i — \. MoK^y, 1 ; G, Morrison, 2, These were the only competitors.

Trlsh Jig. Pr!z^ f £2; £I— M. O'Loaghlin, I ; W. Flfz^araid, 2. Those were the only oompeitors.

Tilting ftt the Riup. Flrat prizj, £2 : seooad, Mr T>*vh' pr za of £1 la— W. Patching, 1; J. M»ln, 2 ; G. V. Soott, 3 ; F. HltohitiKo. 4 Thirteen oompotltore oaaie forwnrc for this event, whlob resuUed os thrvye deecrih<-d

Roel o' Tnlloch. First p-Z", M' A. McK-irz ! e'a pr'z^ "f 21 ; sccopd, M- D Williamson's p- z o r 10 <M--A McKiy, 1 j D.GalSlo, 2* G. Morriaon also cotn potod.

Highland FMag p -z s £2; £i -D Q»Uie I; G. Morrison 2. A. MnKay also competed.

Throwing the H^mm?r ; przn £1 ; 10 second— -T. D-*lcon 83't 4in 1; J Diy 82fk 4£ln 2. Theaa wore the only r»o oompstitora.

Handlosp Mile. Fiat R»o* ; Beat prz £2 ; second, Mr Pat ram's przi of £1 Is— J. Bailey scratch 1; J. Groves 25yda 2. A Pattornon also utarled but retired at the end of the first lap. Bailey won m ridiculously easy fashion. Patting the Stone; first prlzi £1 ; second lOi— J. Daily 35ft o£ln 1; T. Daly and T. Dalton tied at 32ffc 2io, but In the throw off for aeooad place the former won,

Boy's Iriah Jljr ; fi rB t Mr Devane'a pr!zeof£l U. F Henry was the only eompetltor bnt his dunclng was ao good that the judges awarded him the ptizi. . Three Legged Race 200 ya^ds, first prlzi £1 • aeoood 10*— Pickford and Nloholan 1; Bastion and Houston 2, BBBt Dressed Boy In Highland coatanoe, nnder 14 years, first prfza 10a and Mr W Z»ndec'o pr:zj valae 10a 6d: —J. MoKsDzle 1.

Oonaolation Raoe 200yda, First £,{ ; aeoond 10a A . Jnreß 1 ; F, Taaker 2.

THE MAORI FOOTBALLERS

(per press association.)

London, December 23. la the match againat Swansea the Maori football team won by a goal and two triea to nil. [Number of ra^ohea playoa to date, 35. Maoala— Won, 22; loat, 10 ; drawn, 3. Ssoros— Maoris, 42 g mis, 53 tries : a^alnat 16 goal*, 28 trha.

THE HOLIDAYS.

(PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wanganui, December 26. There was lovoly weather here for the holidays. The C4arrlaoo eporta wore held to-day and were well attended. The heada railway waa alao well patronised aboui; 2000 psople going to the aeaaide for the day.

Wb^wnqton. December 26. There was beautiful weather for the holiday, and the town woro a deserted appearance, the hollday-maiiera having left either by rail or Bfceamer. The principal amnßoment In town was the Foroßtetß nporte. The usual prooeßßlon took place m the morning, and on this oooaaion they were permitted to pass through the Government Houae grounds. Hla Excollenoy addressed a few worda to the assemblage wishing the Order a proaporoua oareer, About 2500 people attended the aportn. The Boxtog-day Handicap was won by A D. Mahoney, who scored two firatß and one eecond, T. O'Brien Broond with two seoondß and one first, J. T. Nidd third with three thlrdo and one fmt. In the latter neither Mahoney |nor O'Brien started and Nldtj oonaeqaenlly had a walk over, The mile -!&S?-r-£S_HGn.J»X~A, .T), M»honey_with T. Q Brian second aud W. Bennett third Time, suain 7 2 sth seca. The other events were uninteresting. • OHBi&TCHURqn, jpeoember 28, Tha weather nm njignlflaent for the holiday. Twelve thousand people at tended the Druids' gathering on the Agricultural Show grounds. The prlnolpal events, the Dralda 1 open handicap waa won by E. Sorlmahaw, the two mile walking race by J. O. Wilatn by 60 yards, The firemen'o one man manual engine competition by Foreman Jim Cow m 40 seconds ; the firemen's manual ou«tne drill by the Ohrletoharoh Brigade. Time, 44 2 Qtlmeoondo, " The Pioneer Bloyole Olub'a raoea at Lanoaater Park were attended by over three thousand. Tho five mile roadater handicap waa won by 0. M. MoD,onald. Tlmaiu (200yde) beating nine' other cycllste, The Allianos championship wan Won by N. Hall of the Pioneer, H. A. Sosnea Ohristohurch, 2 ; A. 0. Wilmot, North Canterbury, 3 ; S. A. Steadman, Dunedln, atarted, but finished laet. Hull won by half a Jongth nftee'a good raQ6. Time, grains 60 4 $th boos. The one mile loterprovlnolal handloap was won by H. Woled«e, (110 yds), Steadman (40yds) ( aeoond. The three mile lnterprovlnolal hoodioap wao won by T. H. North 1 Ohriatohuroh (lOOyda), Soanes, Ohriat ohuroh (aoratoh) Becond. The five mile Interprovinciat haadloap, North ttßoyd«»> 1 ; Woled^e (330yde) 2. * ' Timaru, "December 26. < There was ma^ntfio'ent wenther for the i holiday. At Tlmara the only pabjlo amuaement wi\a the tnllltury sporta m Which the Timaru Artillery, Bifl d a and oadote, the Aahburton and Qeruldipe Rlfloa, Q.Y.0., OhrlatchurQh Englneera and E, jittery took part. A long programme of exerolaeß wbb gone through winding up with a aham Qght, The whole passed off anooeaafully , There waa a good at tendance ia epU© of tho oountep attrac tions at adjacent toyna Oh the railway.

ALFORD FOREST

(Fhom oub own Correspondent.)

The Pr©3byterian Church Committee have acoepted the tender of Meßsre Williams and iusk, of Ashburton, for the erection of a suitable manse on the church property ab Springburn. Being central, it will prove convenient for our respected painieter, tha Roy Mr Fiolayson, while forming another attractive feature m the landscupe of the thriving township. The recent warm spell has been very suitable for the crops, which everywhere look well. Genial showers keep a little moisture m this hilly district, which has a tendency . to pake m hot, dry weather. Cheerfulness predominates right round, but sturdy economy rei«na supremo, and will eventually win the day if prices keep up. Laborers are plentiful this Bhearing, but ihey enquire anxiously what next? The holly and miatletoo ombellish the walls of every humble home, and one Springburn resident whose olive branches were fairly numerous has an additional incentive to pluck up heart by the arrival of a Christmas box m theshnpoofh'aefwin sons. This must bo another proof of the ealubrity of mountain air, and tlioso m search of pioturesque econery and robust health could not do hotter lh.»n spend a week or t\yo, or longer, In this charwin/? locality. . Wool is lighter Ihis year than last, through an unusually long winter, but the quality ia fairly good considering. No further ne«rs yet of lh 9 Mount Homers and Springburn lines beinc m hand. * Ramoro of Impending weddings Bpeake Yojatnaa {on the " ohange for the better. 1

> Rough on Piles."— Why Suffer Piles: immediate 'relief and complete cure guaran teed. Ask for "Rough on Piles." Sure cure for itching, protruding, bleeding qr any form.

SYDNbX MARKETS

Me* ora N 'son Mori and Co Limited report undur date December 12 : —

The market Id very depressed, and hnyera will not operate except for ao!u*l wants. We qnote : Miming Wheat, — Colonial, 5s to 6b 4d , Zetland Taßoan, 6s. OHIOKFEED.-4* to 4s 6d, Oats. — 4s to 43 6<J. JPotatoks — £9 per ton.

NIHILIST PLOT

DUCHESS OF h.DINBURGH IN DANGER.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Vienna, December 23

The " Tagblatt " states that a bomb was found m the theatre at Malta during a performance at which the Duchess of Edinburgh was present. It is believed that the discovery frustrated a Nihilist plot for the destruction of the theatre, and the Russian Consul at Malta has been placed under arrest.

ZANZIBAR EXECUTIONS.

REVOLTING SCENES.

[PBK PRBBB ASSOCIATION.]

Zanzibar, December 21.

Details of the recent executions are of a most revolting character. Four prisoners were beheaded m the Market Place each day, one after another. Their eyes were not bandaged, and a blunt sword was used. Crowds wit nessed the executions, which were of a sickening character.

Zanzibar, December 24

The Sultao, yielding to the protest of the British Consul-General, has re frained from carrying out his intention of executing a number of natives.

THE MARKETS

(PER PRESS AS800IATI0N.)

London, December 23.

Australian wheat, ex warehouse, 43s 6d ; business quiet. New Zealand long-berried, 42? 6d ; business re stricted.

The English wheat market has ex perienced a great decline, and American is weak. The Continental market, however, shows a general advance.

For cargoes of Australian new crop sellers 40s 9d. Colonial beans 40s 6d. Sydney, December 24. Potatoes are brisk. Present quota tions ;£is, onions

SCOTCH CONCERT

The Caledonian Society wound up the day of their epota meeting with a concert which wbb held m the Oddfellows' Hall lcwt evening. There w»b a very good attendance nnd the affair went cff very well indeed. The very abort time there had been In which to prepare a pro gramma had prevented all the available musical talent being obtained for the oooaslon, find to tbla la probably dm the fact that there was not one lady singer last oveuiDg, Proceedings were opened by the singing of the National Anthem by the Company, followed hy a pibroch by Piper Tolmle. The Lagmhor Hlgh -1 aiders — M -Bars McLean, Mor lion, GUUIe and McrCecsle — contributed a foursome real In good style. Mr A. McKay played some reels and strathspeys on the violin spiritedly, for which he woe encored. Mr A. Har.-ieon eaug "Bine Bonnets over the Border, 1 ' and reoeived a unanimous enoore, Mr M. U'Loughlin danced an Irish jig excellently, the item being re demanded. Mr Donald McLean, the evergreen president of the Society, danced the Highland Fling. He reoalved quite an ovation on his appearing on the stage, and bis contribution was vocifer ously enoored. Mr Millar Bang "John Moßaw," his fff.rt being warmly ap. plotted, Mr Mao Lean Dnnn told the •\Talo of a dog," aud In response to an encore sang "Imphm." Mr Haig sang " Land of the Free," and the rjro.t part of the programme was brought to a conaln ■lon by a Reel o' Utallooh by the Lagmhor Highlander*, The aeonnd part opened with another pibrooh by Piper Tolmia, followed by an Iriah reel contributed by Me W, Fitzgerald, and which was enoored. Mr Millar sang a humorous song whloh was warmly reoeived, and Mr Haig gaye ".jßileen Alannah." Mr Q Morrison danced the sword dance oapitally, thla Item being followed by the song «• Pibrooh of Donail Dhu " by Mr A. Harrison. Mr H. Gates iang a oomlc song ".Only One," whloh was loudly encored, Me Gales responding with another song sttU more fanny. Mr Healy danoed an Irish jg whloh was re demanded, and Mejara Filggerald, O'LonghliD, Soanlan, and 0. O'Connor gavo a reel. A Hlghlmd reel followed from the Lagnjhor Highlanders, and the singing of *' Aqld Lang Syne " by the oom,pan,y broaght the ooncert to a close. Mrs OUildge. and Meaaca Gates and Halg aoted as aooompanylsts daring the evening.

THE SOUDAN.

ALLEGBI) DEFECTIVE WEAPONS.

(pur pr^ss association.)

London, Dooember 22 to 24

In the course of a speech at Scar borough yesterday, Lord Salisbury said the Government were Hound by Mr Gladstone's promise to the Khedive to maintain too Red Sea ports. Govern ment, therefore, were not prepared to abandon the Soudan. Ten of the allies were killed, and eighty wounded m the battle on Thurs day morning. Large quantities of the enemy's ammunition was captured. The W ftr Office will hold a searching inquiry into the statements that some of the weapons used by the British troops m the recent fight outside Suakim were defective, with a view to discovering by whom such weapons were supplied. The reported failure of weapons, especially the swords of the Hussars, has given rise to the fear that the quality of the weapons supplied to the cavalry generally may be inferior. Suakim, December 21 to 24. Osman Digna has reinforced Han doub. Both European and. Native opinion agrees that an immediate attaok on Handqub would completely quell the rebellion. Colonel Kitchener is engaged m the erection of forts on the site of the trenches, from which the Dervishes urere expelled on Thursday laafc. The British troops have now returned to this ctyy. The Dervishes have re formed their scattered forces, and wo harassing the outposts. It is reported here that General Greenfell is much disgusted at the rumored, decision of the Imperial Government to withdraw from the Soudan, and that he will desist from the further pursuit of Qsm.an Digna,

TELELGRAPHIC NEWS

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(PBR PRZBS ASSOCIATION.)

London, December 22 and 25. The Appropriation Bill has passed both Houses.

The international football match, Wales v N.Z. Native team, was won by the former by one goal and two tries to nothing.

Fotir hundred cases of kauri gum have been sold by auction. There was a good demand and prices were slightly higher.

At a meeting at Exeter Hall of those interested m Mr W. L. Rees* Crofters Emigration scheme the report of the Investigation Committee was presented to the effect that Mr Rees' proposals were preferable to isolated emigration.

It is announced that New South Wales and Victoria can secure ground adjoining the Paris Exhibition site at a rent of upon which an annexe can be erected. Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for New South Wales, considers the cost too great and, pro poses instead that the space allotted to Victoria and New Zealand should be utilised for an Australasian mineral court. ' ■'■■ ■?'•■ ..:

Parliament was prorogued on the 23rd inst. , . .-..'... The Suez Canal Convention has been ratified. v * . = A Liverpool bookseller has been fined for selling Zola's novels.

O'Connor, oarsman, is willing to leave for Australia m March. ' < *

Sir H. A Blake, late Governor of Newfoundland, will succeed Sir- Henry Norman as Governor of Jamaica. , It is expected that the new cable between Java and Western Australia will be m working order about February next. . •: ; It is rumored m Yokomana that a Japanese- Russian alliance has been formed against England. . The Italian Chamber has passed a Bill, embracing Army and Navy votes amounting to 140,600,000 lire. : Replying to a question from Mr Me Arthur, Sir James Fergusson taid that Great Britain would preserve a neutral position m Samoa. A rumor is afloat m Washington to the effect that an attempt has been made to murder General Harrison, the President elect. - , Sir Julius Yogel, m a letter to. the " European , Mail," expresses the opinion that England Would use powder and shot to prevent the seces sion of the colonies. : ;• M. Dolgourouki, Russian Minister at Teheran, has been instructed to de-. mand from the Persian Government equivalent privileges to those secured by England. r "The World" newspaper publishes a statement to the effect ; that Lord Carriugton, Governor of. New §outh Wales, is spending at the ra^te of ;£ 1 5,000 a year m excess of his allow- I ance. . .

Mr Laurence Oliphant, diplomatist and author, is dead of cancer of the lungs, from which disease he suffered intense pain during the last five months. Death, however, was pain less.

Mr E. Stanhope, Secretary of War, states that the charter of the Horu Artillery Company has not been with drawn, and it will merely be necessary- .' to remodel the Company. Some excitement has been caused by the imprisonment of Miss Sterling, an English Salvationist - r at Qrbey Switzerland. Miss Sterling was. sent to - gaol for ioo, days m October r last^ on the charge of converting children oi ' tender years. She has now been re leased, pending an appeal against thei conviction. ' ' ; 'r \ Mr James O'Kelly, member for Ros common North, who m August Ust was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on a charge of inciting witnesses to-"" refuse to give evidence under the. Crimes Act, has been discharged fronv custody.. • ■ '■ _|. ; .' j, •'■ ''.'[.i;'-- The address to be presented on the prorogation of Parliament, m referring to the Fisheries question, regrets that it had not had a satisfactory result; '" With regard to Egypt, mention is made that aftairs there are satisfactory, and the brilliant success over Osman|Digna is referred to. In India it states that everything is tranquil and prosperous. The Supreme Court of Canada has given its decision, upholding the right of Manitoba to construct , the Red River Railway. Sofia, December 22. M. M. Toiliff, Minister of Justice, and Watchevisch, Minister of Finance, have resigned. M. StamboulorT, the Premier is reconstructing the Cabinet. Rome. December 23. Mr Gladstone arrived at Naples to-day. He was received with enthusi- - asm by the populace, and ovations of welcome were delivered by the stu dents. New Yobk, December 24, A steamer leaving Memphis, a town of Tennessee, to day, caught fire. The vessel was crowded. with, passengers, . and a panic ensued, when aoq p/srsons jumped into the river. The number of persons drowned is estimated' at thirty.

AUSTRALIAN.

(PER PEEBB iSSOOIAHOK.)

VICTORIA.

Mblbotjbnb, Doeomber 24. ■•'■ Typhoid fever is largely on the in crease m Melbourne and the suburbs. ■ William Thomson, a ipell-knowA Melbourne and Fiji merchant, has. failed for The assets aie ?>■ stated at ,£50,000. ' ; - A German named Gartner, who shot ' the man Brown, irr Flinders street, .on ■ , November 13th, has been sentenced to " five years'penal servitude. ■,'■ An aeronaut named Bartholomew dropped with a parachute, from a. balloon at an altitude of 400'aftv The descent was successfully accomplished; ' The pluoger case of a pump at Mary borough mine fell down the shaft and r killed a miner named Whedlock* Another named Grade was carried 80ft under water and drowned; besides which several were more or less severely injured,

TfI^AggBURTON (HJABDIAN; gfIPfISDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1888



The best Remedy for Indigestion. — Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently • • '■■ \ recommended as a simple remedy for indiges* tion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the " nat ur strengthener of the human stomach," act as - - powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are 'mild " m their operation, and safe under auy circum- stances Sjld m bottles at is i£d, 2s 9d, 4s, by {all medicinclvcadora, throughout » h » --^



Certainly the Most Effeotive MEDICINE In the world is SANDER and SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT, Test its ominont powerful effeotein Coughs, Colds, Influenza, etc, ; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. Read this certificate :— " 24th April, 1885.— Messra Sander and Sons,— lt is with tho greatest of pleasure that I testify to tho excellence of yourEuoalypti Extraot. Having had inflam. mation of the bone of the leg, which oame on after a sovero attaok of low fev6r, I waa attended by J}r J-. Boyd, who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without auceeas. He found it necessary to amputate my limb. Having hoard m the meantime of the wonderful cures workod by tho Eucalypti i Extract, I obtained a bottle, and the oxtraot had not been applied more than an hour when I began to feel greatly relieved. After apply, ing the extraot every four hours for nine or ten deys ][ waa out of all danger, I would persuade all who may be affected with any suoh disease to give the Eucalypti Extraot a trial, and I am oonvlnced that they will find it the moßt wonderful of medicines. — Yours, etc, E. J, Gujjnow, Wattle street Saadto'irst."



Wanted 5 THE greatest variety m the County to^ ] seleofc from Id Toys, Fancy Goods, ; and nlo-nacs suitable for the present season.— H.M. JONBB V[T ANTED Known— Miss Aloorn has V removed from A road o Chambers to rooms over Mr Ranger's, Burnett Street, side entrance. 12 161 WANTED Known — The Glasgow Drapery and Clothing Oo.'a Kale will oloae on tie 31et December. Goods offered at leas than onat. 12 144 f\ 7 ANTED Koown — The Glasgow W Drapbry nnd Clothing Oo.'s Sale will close ot the 31st December. Goods rff'red &t leas than cost. 12 144 f XTANTSD Known.— Tbh is the last V* week of tho Grand Distribution of Xmas Gifts at the Aroade.— W. W. fr fencer and Co., Draperß, 12 163 X\/ ANTED Known— Tha Good Ter- n pltrs Picnlo and Sports will be held on Jaraary Ist, m Mr J W. Sawle'e Paddock, Tlnvrald. Largo and attractive prngrammp. Men's raoes, single plrle' races, married women's races, children's r 8c»«, comes, swings, etc. Admission — Is 6i j'obildren nnder 12, 6d ; Tea In olude^. Tea from ba,'f*psst 3to 6 o'clock ; after 5. admission 6d. Spots it 11 sm. 12 176 WAFTED Known. — That Miss Edwards, Tailoreuß, is prepared to make Boys' Olothing, aleo Cuffing. Strap ping, repairs and alterations, <frc — Miss Upwards, corner Moore street and Belt. 11 105 WANIED Known — Mrs Meroh, Dressmaker, has returned from Sydney, nnd recommenced business m Saunders' Buildings, next Mrß. Alcorn's 10 78 HURRAH FOR FATHER CHRIST, MAS.— Only for the Christmas I am selling Toys and Fanoy Goods of all descriptions. And as Ido not intend to keep In that line, they will ba cold cheaper tbao ever. James Bakeh, Farnl- tare Dealer, opposite Harrison's Auction Mart. 12 142 GREAT Clearing Sale of Boots. -We barn n?ver marked any no cheap before.— H- 0. 6kgers, Melford House. WANTED Known— That the Goods remaining over from the Primt tive Methodiet Bazaar will be Bold by suction m the Church Thiß Evening at 7 o'clock by Mr T. Bullock. 12°173 WANTED Known. — Andrew Orr is giving a Great Bargain m Boots Girh' School Boots, Women'B Boots, 6b 6d, Men's. FOR genuine Aehburton Tweed Suite ready-made, or to measure, fit and quality guaranteed, and at prices on- equalled, go to R. AIOoRK, Ashburton Obthtng Mart, SaunderB 1 Bnlldinga. \ V / ANTED Known— That Mrs JHilx-, VV Monthly Norse, bas removed from Peter Street to Dr Trovor'a house. In Moore Street. 10t31 ~*7~ MAS, Xmas.— Andrew Orb is show- m« Novelties m all Department! tor Xmas Presents. WANTED Known.— Support Loca Industry. Buy your Suifa Ai-h- --burlon Tweed from 30s ; made to measur( (and choose your own Tailor) from £« 10b.— Andrew Orr. WANTKD Known.— Beautiful Milli nery. A ohoice asaoitment ii notr being shown ; also Snnßbado?, Sill Gloves, Laces, Kcatfe, &o, at Andrh^ Orb's. WORSTED Tweeds. -A Beautifu Assortment of Worsted Tweed i as exhibited at the late Show Ppec'iall] made to order for Andrew Orr. WANTED More Known — That 8. W Alcorn and Co. is tfco choapeß House m Ashburton. Gjeat variety oi Dress materials; Priutß and Fanoy Gulateai to chooae from. 11 151 WANTED Known— That S. W /•LCOBN and Co are selling ai Warehouse prioa, a oplendfd lot of Lsdiei Silk and Cashmere Mantles, and Satin anc Fanoy Sunshades, bought a bargain. Nc valae like them In Aehbartnn. ALE of Boots and Shoes. We havi marked our large stock of Boots anc Shces with the Intention of clearing them this month. Come and s»ve money. — H. O. SEOEBg, Melford House. ~\l TANTED everyone to kpow thai YV J. C. Duncan is a Land Broker licensed to prepare and register Transfers, Mortgages, Enouicbranoes, Leases, Regis. tration Abstracts, Powers of Attorney, Applications to briog Land under the Act, and every . description of instrument* undor the Land Transfer Act. — J. C, Duncan, Arcade, Ashburton. 10J10] WANTED KNOWN— That. I have appointed Mrs Adams Bole agent ' n Ashburton for tho Eclipse Dye Works, Christohurch. Ladips dresses and gentle- men's clothes cleaned or dyed beal ' Skins, Gloves and Feathers, tJilks, Damask ■ Curtains, Tabie Covers, Sashes Cleanod oj D>od, etc., end all kinds of animal skins drefcsed ant 7 made up to order. —A. J. Chapman, 161 Armagh street, Chriet- , church 130 Xmas. Xmas. THE f New Zealand Clothing Factory Given notice to their Numerous Customers that It is not their Intention to give away ALMANACKS, PICTURES, Or any other useless Article, but It Is their intention and deslro to pi ice within tho meats of all their celebrated MEN'S AND BOYS' OLOTHING, And they now pivß notioe that they hive THIS DAY made Substantial Reductions j In oil Departments daring the Xmas and New Year Holidays. GO TO THE N.Z. OLOTHING FACTORY For Genuine Bargains In Genta 1 and Boys OlothiDg, Regatta Shirts, Scarfs, Ties, Hosiery, Hats, etc. The very latest designs to hand, TAILOKINU Salts to measure, £2 16s, Trousers to measure, 17a 6<3, from the newest checks and stripes. Customers can rely upon a good fit and excellent workmanship In every garment we undertake. FOSTER COLONIAL INDUSTRY I AND BUT FROM TBS NEW ZEALAND OLOTHING FACTORY. W. H. WEBBER, Manager. '



B\ sineps Notfees. PARE: STREET HOSIERY WOBKS. (New Presbyterian Churoh.) J, Dalgleish Practical Hosiery M»nnfaotorer. Woollen Shirts, Drawers, Socks, and Stockings .of all colors, for Gentlemen, Ladles, and Children, rosdo to order. 12 32 " MoCORUIOK BINDERS, A N EXPERT for these Machines will be m Ashburton before Harvest. Farmers wieking a visit from him will ploai« oommunioato with us at once. JOHN OBR AND CO , Agents for Ashbnrton. ABBBURTON COAL and FIKEWOOD DEPOT. Eft T)EAN bB 8 e to ~ iaform Wa "* j^ D friends and the public oenerolly that ho has secured a freßh ■uonlv of boat Newcastle coal which he intends tc sell at GBEiTLY REDUOED ERIOES. Also m stock — Mount Somers. I fflalvern, Weetport, and Newcastle Coal. ! Firewood, Poßt and Rile, Stakes, Btrainers, etc., etc., Cats, Bran, Sharps, Potatoes, Chaff, Ofalokwheat, etc. XS,. D X>EjA.IN, West Street, PHOTOGRAPBERS, 218 High Street, *Bsbr/> Christchai Charles Ray, MECHAMCA.L ENGINEEB, RHPAIRS Gnne, Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers, Pumps, etc. BICYCLES and TRIOYGLES repaired and extras kept on hand, BIOYOLEB FOR BATE. Engineering m all its Branches. Opposite Chntrai. Hotel, Wakanni Road John Banger, SADDLE, COLLAR, Al\D HARNESS ; MAKER, IHTAVING purchased the business o XX Mr A. Ibkland, and removed Into {hose commodious premises lately ocou- pled by him iv Bnrnett Street, begs most ■Incerely to thank bis cnstomera for past •«ppor »nd aoliolts m continuance of the same which be will strive to deserve by keeping the best stock of Saddlery and Harness, and strict attention to business, combined with pood workmanship and Reasonable charge*. Repairs nmtlv'sni promptly attended to " r. ... ' A. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, AUCTIONEER, STOCK AND ESTATE AGKNT AND VALUATOR. SATURDAY SALE at 12 o'clock sharp . -«-Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Prodooß •nd Merchandise, Farming Implements and Vehicles of all kinds constantly m Yards on view FOR SALE. Clearing Sales betd In town or Country as required, and most liberal terms arranged with both Bayers and Sellers. Bents colleoted, and ibe Easiness of Absentees managed with care. Valuation made of Properties or Merohan< dlse on easy terms. Advances made instantly on Goods delivered at the Store for Sale. TO LET— Oommodioao Residence on EUst Belt, lately oooapled by 0. Bawbon, Esq. Contains 6 rooms ; large handsome dining room, 18 z 12. Wind mill pump, beantlfal garden, 2 acres, and every convenience. Rent very moderate TO LET— Shops m Ooleman's Build- ings. Reduced rents. Good brloi buildings hmdiome shops. Agknt roR the Norwich Onion Fire Insurance Company. ALFRED HARRISON. T. BnllocK TjlOR SALE— Slngle-seated Baggy. . T. BULLOCK TO LET—S-roomed hoaue In Cameron Street. — Apply to T. BULLOCK. TO LET. HOUBE of 5 Rooms, together with . about 9 Acres of Grass Land ; rental 10s 6d per week. Apply to T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE. T IGHT Spring Dray (new) msde In JIJ such a way that it conld be ueed as a tip catt Apply to T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE. 1 (\(\ ACRES fronting the Main South JLI/v Road, not far from the Race- coarse. Apply to T. BULLOCK WINBLOW. f?.OR SALE — Loia 67 and 74 Low 1 price wit! be acoepted. Apply to T, BULLOPF, A BARGAIN. ' £**YQ 1A Brlok Cottage and 3D I O 1 V£. Section, all m good ord^r, At Hampstead • the property of Mr John Blair, to be sold at the low price ai above, on account of his having pur- chased land ontsldp the town. Libeial Uims If teqolied, Apply to T. BULLOCK..