The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1890. THE NEW MINISTRY.

We observe that those of our con temporaries who support the present Government are doing their best to make the public believe that it will be impossible to form a stable Govern ment from the ranks of the Opposition. It may be conceded at once that among the shattered forces of Sir Harry Atkinson there is a much larger proportion of members who have at one time and another occupied seats on the Government benches than is to be found among those who acknowledge the leadership of Mr Ballance, or even among the entire body of members op posed to the present Ministry ; but to admit so much is not by any means to admit the contention of the journals referred to. For it has long been the desirw of the country to have a large proportion of new blood m any Minis try, and m deference to that feeling it was that when forming his Adminis tration m 1887 Sir Harry threw nearly all the" " old hats" overboard, and elected to govern with a young and untried team. The experiment may not have been m all points successful, but at least it served to demonstrate that there is plenty of ability among the rank and file of Parliament. Had Mr Ballance had a large number of old Minis terial colleagues, or of ex-Ministers m his following, he would have done wisely m to a large extent following his predecessor's example,and, as compared with the gentlemen who served their first term as Ministers of the Crown under Sir Harry, there are plenty of men on the Opposition side of at least equal, several of undoubtedly superior capacity. We may say here that we have no t special information on the subject of Mr Ballance's intentions, but assuming that, as we imagine is probable, he takes with the Premier ship the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer, the other offices m the Ministry might very well be allotted as we will now indicate. For the portfolio of Lands a better selection could not bo made than that of Mr John M'Kenzie, who would bring to bear upon the administration of that important de partment, sound, practical knowledge, and an intimate acquaintance with the needs of settlement as well as of the administration of the existing law, he being a practical farmer and having been for many years a member of the Otago Waste Lands Board. For the Mines department, (with which could go the portfolio of Public Works) Mr Seddon would for similar reasons prove a thoroughly competent head. Mr Ward or Mr Perceval would make an admirable Colonial Secretary, and Post master-General, and with cither Mr Fisher or Mr W. P. Reeves as Min ister for Education, and the Hon. P. Buckley as Minister for Justice, Mr Ballance would have a more capable and decidedly more popular Ministry than that which is about to quit the Benches. That, however, is not the only possible Ministry by any means, and for ourselves we believe that there is plenty of material to hand for the formation of a satisfactory Liberal Administration.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

One or two residents at Brighton have had 40 or 50 fowls destroyed by ferrets. Yesterday was again a very hot day, the thermometer registering 90° m the shade at two p.m. " Prudery is a perfume which disguises a vitated atmosphere. "The Queen of Roumania is alleged to have written that epigram. In consequence of alterations now proceed ing m the interior of St Stephen's Church the services to-morrow will be held m the schoolroom. Delia Besk, a sixteen year old girl of Coke ville, Westmoreland County, Pa., weighs 45011)3. .She is sft 4in m height, and measures 61in round the waist. Her parents are steady hard-working people, and decline all proposals for their daughter's exhibition m public. Seven Maoris were caught illegally netting trout and other fish on private property at White's Bridge, on the Waimakariri. Pro ceedings are to be taken against them. It is understood that they claim rights of | fishery under the Treaty of Waitangi. Letters received by Professor Hutton state that Professor Agassiz will not be able to attend the meeting of Australasians for the advancement of science m Christchurch m January. Dr George D. Goodall, a Pro fessor of Botany at Harvard, and President of the American Association for the Advance ment of Science, will attend to represent that associasion. j Albert Otten, seventeen years old, and Herbert McCready, fifteen years, were com mitted for trial at the Christchurch Police Court yesterday for breaking open and robbing a pillar letter box. Otten was also sentenced to ten months' hard labor and McCready to three months, for breaking into fcur houses and stealing cash amounting to £8, with a number of small articles. It appears that a law has just been pro mulgated at Hardanger, m Norway, to the effect that "no girl shall be eligible for the marriage state until she is proficient m spinning, knitting, and baking." It would not be uninteresting could we learn what, m Hardanger, are popularly supposed to be the qualifications that befit a man for matri mony. Mr G. P. Pulley, of Loburn, has sold to the Kaiapoi Woollen Company some very heavy merino fleet •3, two of which weighed 15|lbs and HJlbs, respectively. Fourteen fleeces averaged 131bs l'2ozseach. A Novem ber lamb's fleece weighed 101 lbs and a lamb dropped m June yielded a fleece of 14|lbs. The wool was of an exceedingly fine staple, proving the high value of Mr Pulley's floek t The annual Garden Party m connec tion with St. Stephen's Church will take place m the Parsonage Garden on Tuesday next. The gates will open at two p.m. and close at nine p.m. The entrance fee, which is very small, will not include tea, which can be purchased on the ground. There will be the usual stalls and various amuse ments, including fireworks. The proceeds will be devoted to defraying the cost of the alterations which the church is now under going, and which will amount to about £50, Says a Wellington paper:—As showing the value of Wellington becoming the head qnarters of the Australian fleet we may in form our readers that the German Squadron have given orders for provisions and stores to the extent of £10,000, which are now being packed m quantities required and delivered. If the Germans leave £10,000, what value would is become to Wellington it Admiral Scott shifted to this harbour from ijydnejjf.? A Berlin telegram ia Ralgsiel sajs :-~-A butcher named Pelmeckc and his mother, a women seventy years of age, have been brought from Eberwalde to Berlin, and taken to the Hedwigs Hospital suffering from mysterious symptoms of blood poisoning. It appears that they were stung by flies m a | stable containing a number of cows which had been declared to be diseased and con demned to be slaughtered. Extraordinary precautions have been taken to prevent any one seeing the patients. Their bodies seem 'id be decomposing, although they are both jtityftti've,' ' ' '■■

The South Australian Parliament is the most progressive of colonial Legislatures, having by a substantial majority passed the | third reading of the Bill to enfranchise ! women, i ' Butchers, farmers, stockholders, and others will no doubt take note of the fact, 1 advertised elsewhere, that the next sale at the Tinwald Yards will be held on the 23rd of this month, instead of the 16th the usual <lay for holding it. On the 16th there will be no sale held. A very successful entertainment m aid of fch« Prize and Treat Fund of the Hampstead School took place last evening m the Odd fellows' Hall, which was crowded to ito fullest capacity. The programme was a long one, and included vocal and instru mental performances by some of the best local talent, and a number of action songs were given excellently by the younger children. Some seventeen of the elder girls gave a piece intitled " Fairy Voices " very prettily indeed, and the elder boys' per formance of " William Tell at Altorf " was very creditable. A detailed report is given m another column. For the Wakanui Athletic Sports the fallowing footrace handicaps have been de clared:—looyds—F. Close scr., F. Taster 4yds, D. Betts syds, A. J. Daly 6yds, J. McGeeSyds. 300yds—Phil Dolan scr., F. Close 3yds, A. J. Daly 6yds, T. H. Lockhard Byds, M. Lockhard 10yds," W. J. Sherman 12yds, A. Burgess 15yds. Quarter-mile Hurdles—F. Close scr., A. J. Daly 6ydF, D. Betts Byds, T. H. Lockhard llyds, W Houston 15yds. One Mile Flat- Phil Dolan scr., W. Binny 20yds, T. H. Lockhard 50yds, W. Houston 60yds, G. Robinson 70yds, C. Millar 80yds, McVicker, A. Burgess, and J. McGee 90yds each, J. Sutherland 100 yds, McFarlane 150 yds. With unfailing punctuality the looked-for phenomenon of a solar eclipse took place yesterday afternoon, and, the sky being perfectly clear, was watched through the medium of pieces of smoked glass, etc., by a number of amateur astronomers and a very much larger number of other spectators who can lay no claim to be called astrono mers—amateur or professional. The shadow entered at the sun's lower limb, and at three p.m. about a fourth of the surface of the great luminary was obscured. The nearest approach to totality was about four p.m. when the shadow covered about three-fourths of the sun's disc. At Christchnrch the sky was clear and the eclipse was observed throughout its whole course. The following certificate, which shows conclusively the benefit of liming land, has been placed at our disposal: "E. F. Wright, Esq.,—Sir, We certify that we have measured the piece of land you had treated with the lime, and the piece of land adjoin ing which was net treated with lime, and find each parcel contains 32 perches. The weight of grass on the limed land was 14cwt. 3qrs., and on the unlimed land, 7cwt. 2qrs. Each quantity of grass was put on a separate dray and weighed on the Ashburton weighbridge. Yours obediently, C. E. Fooks & Son, Authorised Surveyors." We may add that the laud m question is situated near the Convent, and that the proportion of lime used on the one plot was at the rate of 2^ tons to the acre. An almost incredible story comes from near Coonaoarabran (N.S.W.) A wealthy selector named A'-thur Alfred Teale was visited by the Rev James Young, a Church of England clergyman and incumbent of that parish, lately from England. Mr Young made some enquiries concerning the early family history of Teale, and knowing that a large property was m chancery belonging to someone of the same name he communicated with a lawyer at Home, the result being that little doubt is felt that the rightful heir is found. The value of the estate is said to be £500,000 m cash and property to the value of £700,000. Years ago Teale used to say that his family were worth millions, but little credit was given to the statement. A good story of Bishop Julius is going the round of the press. At the Metropolitan Show lutuly held at Christchurch, the Bishop was strolling around amongst the reaper and binder men, who hail from the land of stars and stripes, 'painted hams aud wooden nut megs. Putting on his most innocent look he . gravely asked the McCormick expert, "is this a shearing machine V" " No, Sir," said the McCormick boy, withdrawing his head from among the wheels of the binder. Looking up he saw who his questioner was. "Are you,a farmer, sir?" he asked. "No I'm a shepherd " was the reply. Quick as a flash came the query. " How often do you shear your flock ?" For once the Bishop acknow ledged he had met his match, and langhing heartily went on his way, leaving the binder boys to laugh over the joke. The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board was held on the llth inst. Present:—Messrs D Cameron, R. Johnston, and J. Hibbs. Mr J. Devery was granted extension of time on his shingling contract at Mitcham. It was decided to clear the boulders off Lyne's Road where necessary, and to clear tussocks off the Black Track near Corwar. Messrs Hibbs and Browne I were appointed to sign the Rate Book. Mr J. Irwm interviewed the Board respecting an obstruction to storm water caused by Mr D. G. Holmes' fence, it was decided that the chairman (Mr Johnston) and the clerk meet Messrs Irvvin and Holmes on the ground on Monday, December 18th. A letter was read from the clerk Ashburton County Council, rt leasing gravel reserve. It was decided to ask the Council to plant the reserve. Accounts amounting to £65 12s lOd were passed for payment. Hollow ay's Pills.—Weakening weather —The sultry summer days strain the nerves of the feeble and decrepit, and disease may eventuate unless some restorative, such as these purifying Pills, be found to correct the disordering tendency. Holloway's medicine gives potency to the nervous system, which is the source of all vital movements, and pre sides over every action which maintains the growth and well-being of the body. No one can over-estimate the necessity of keeping the nerves well strung, or the ease with which these Pills accomplish that end. They are the most unfailing antidotes to indiges tion, irregular circulation, palpitation, sick headache, and costiveness, and have there fore attaiiied the largest sale and highest re. putatiou.

How the Editor Died.

Wifeh fingers blackened with ink, With eyelids he^vy and red, The looal editor sat m his chair, Writing for daily bread. The small boy was by his side, The foreman grumbled and swore, And the office boy, like Oliver Twist, Constantly cried for more. He had told of a leg that was broken That had never been broken at all ; He had killed off the dearest friend he had, A^d'tftrn up a housp \n, ii( squall And now ho was at an end, And hadn't an item left; And he bowed his head to the small boy's scorn Like a fellow of hope bereft. They found him a corpse that night In the street so drear and sloppy, With the foreman whispering into his ear

COMMERCIAL

THE MARKETS.

[PER PBBSi' ASSOCIATION.]

[Received December 12, 7.40 p.m.] Lojsdon, December 11. Fog having prevented the last wool sales, the first series m January will be unlimited. The second series, opening on Aprils, will be limited to 400,000 bales. New Zealand hemp is m fair demand —good quality, £26 10s ; fair, £24. Quotations for frozen meat are unchanged. [Received December 13, 10.30 a.m.] London, December 12. Consols, 95^. N.Z. 4 per cent., in scribed stock," 106 ;3£ do, 94. South Australian wheat, 38s 9d, firm ; Victorian do, 38s 6d, business restricted. N.Z. 1 long-berried wheat, 37s 6d, steady. Wel lington hemp, fair to medium, £23 15s to £24. Butter, best quality, averages 104s per cwt.

ASHBURTON COUNTY SALEYARDS.

. Tuesday, 9th inst. Messrs Miles and Co., (per Mr George Jameson) report: — As usual at this season of the year, the entry of sheep was far below the average number, while the attendance was not large, with but few buyers, resulting m a dull, dragging sale. The continued hot, dry weather has, of course, the effect of shortening feed and decreasing the demand that would certainly exist if feed were plentiful. There were about 2000 sheep penned, of which our entry com prised 1390, which we sold as fellows :— Four-tooth crossbreds, mixed sexes, at 12s ; inferior do. at 6s to 8s 5d each ; and a line of good two-tooth store crossbred at 9s 9d each. 395 merino ewes, with 77 per cent, of lambs, 7s 6d ; and 80 ewes and lambs, 3s sd. A few small lines were withdrawn, the biddings not reaching owners' ideas of value. During the week we were able to dispose privately of 250 hoggets at owner's reserve.

PRODUCTIVENESS OF SMALL HOLDINGS.

New Zbalanders have been so long accustomed to the idea of the necessity of large acreages m order to enable cultivation to be successfully carried on, that many would be astonished to find that m other parts of the world— nay even here m some instances—very ! small,areas are by good management made so prolific as to pay not only acre for acre, but absolutely m the gross returns of the whole better than big farms of ten times their area. Yet so completely has the idea, we refer to, taken hold of huudreds of our farmers that their one effort hitherto has been to widen their bounds! and enlarge their holdings by ad ding acre to acre and field to field. This has only too often been done by having recourse to mortgaging their freehold at high rates of interest, j and many a man has gone under because unable to meet these self imposed burdens, and many more are j condemned to years, even a life, of struggling, virtually laboring not for themselves but for the mortgagee. We verily believe that m nine cases out of ten a small holding, free of debt, pays infinitely better t.ian a large .one subject to interest charges; nay, further, that a little form well-tilled— even a very little farm—may be made to yield better financial results than even a moderate acreage less intelli gently utilised. France is emphatically a country of small holdings, and the amount of produce raised is absolutely marvellous, and m England a return recently prepared shows the astound ing productiveness of small holdings as compared with large farms, even when the latter are cultivated on what is known as the " high-farming" prin ciple. From that return it appeared " that the number of small allotments of less than an acre was 455 000, and each of these small allotments almost supported a whole family of operatives, or m other words, about 280,000 acres provided nearly the whole of the food required by two and a quarter millions of people—with the exception of a little sugar, tea, and flour required by each family. The number of small holdings, other than 'allotments ' is given as 410,000, each of which not only sustains large families, but annually disposes of large quantities of produce m the shape of vegetables, poultry, eggs, etc." If it be objected that the different con ditions obtaining m New Zealand prevent the possibility of small hold ings being managed equally success fully here, we reply that we know ourselves of instances to the contrary. For example, we have m our mind's eye one settler who for many years has grown and sold on an area of less than twenty acres such quantities of fruit that the money proceeds has enabled him to bring up a large family well and comfortably, and yet another who from less thau ten acres is now deriving an annual income far larger than that obtained from many a largs farm. Taking up a small block of undej twelve acres of land about five years ago this industrious man set to work and planted ifc with many hundreds of apple trees, pear, peach, apricot, plum and other fruit trees, planting strawberries between them. Last year he sent four tons of the last named fruit to market, and this year will send well on for ten tons of strawberries, besides later on as large a weight of apples. His strawberries alone will bring him m well on for £400. Of course, if everybody went m for strawberry culture the market would be glutted, but there are, we are persuaded, lots of other things that could b« profitably grown—onions, for instance —a few acres of which will produce far larger returns than a big paddock of wheat. We are convinced, indeed, as we have already indicated, that the ideas of our farmers are often too much confined to one channel, and that many of them would do much better were they not to confine their attention to the one direction of growing grain—be it oats, wheat, or barley ; and we are further persuaded that, intelligently and industriously made the most of, small ho.k%gs, may be made to produce the means of a thriving subsistence for many thousands qf dur population.

The Gale in the Chinese Sea.

[per. press association.]

Sydney, December 12. Later news from China states that the two war ships which put to sea during the recent gale and were reported to have foundered with all hands, have returned to port safely.

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per. press association j

London, December 11 and 12. The Portuguese arrested at Matacas have been released. As anticipated, the steamer Nepaul became a total wreck, and she has now been abandoned to the underwriters. A meeting of the shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand will be held on January 14th, for the purpose of amending the constitution. Lord and Lady Carrington were not on board the s.s. Nepaul when she struck the rocks m Plymouth Sound, they having come overland. The townspeople at Wycombe, the seat of Lord Carrington, are organising a week's festivities m honor of his return, and his tenants are making similar preparations. Lord Carrington inter viewed Lord Knutsford, Secretary for the Colonies, to-day. Paris, December 12. An agitation which has arisen among the Radicals renders a political crisis m France imminent. Berlin, December 12 The opinion is prevalent among pro fessional gentlemen that Dr Koch's remedy for consumption is still m the experimental stage.

INTERPROVINCIAL

[per press association.]

Auckland, December 12. An application from the four Inspectors m the employ of the Board of Education for an increase of their salaries was before the Board to-day. It was pointed out that the Inspectors were receiving less than some Head Teachers. Ultimately consideration of the matter was deferred until after the next session of Parliament. Wellington, December 12. Sir Harry Atkinson, Premier, Hon. Captain Russell. Colonial Secretary, and H®». Mr Fergus, Minister of Public Works, paid a visit to the French warship Volta to-day. The sum of £265 10s is offered as prize money for the yacht races on Anniversary Day. Mesdames (Dr) Grace and Perceval, and Messrs Sydney Johnston and Charles Johnston, have jointly made a donation of £753 towards St. Joseph's Orphanage building fund. Dunedin, December 12. At the Rifle Association meeting, the challenge shield, for teams Of fire men, was Avon by the North Dunedin Rifles, the High School Cadets being second, and the Irish Rifles third. The shooting was poor, owing to the mi it and haze. Invercaugill, December 12. It is said that a seam of true coal has been found at Orepuki, where there are great deposits of brown coal and shale.

Political Items

[pee, press association. J

Wellington, December 12. A meeting of the Cabinet, attended bjr all the members of Government, except Hon. Thos. Hislop, was held at four o'clock this afternoon to discuss the political situation. The meeting ex tended over half an hour, and at its con clusion the Premier, on being interviewed, stated that no decision had been arrived at. The matter will be further consi dered m Cabinet to-morrow, and Sir Harry states that it is not likely that aiiy information will be divulged until Mon day, or at least until tbe subject has been discusssed with His Excellency the Governor, who is expected to return from Wahetanui to-morrow night.

The Wellington correspondent of the " Lyttelton Times," telegraphing under date Dec. 12, says :—Ministers are all assembled m Wellington, and meet to-day to consider the question of resignation. I understand, from what has transpired, that their resignation is unlikely. The idea is, "We have not a majority ; Bal lance has not a- majority ; nobody has a majority—call the House together to give a majority to some one." I should not be surprised, as.l sent you word three nights ao;o, to see the House called together m the middle of next month. I hear that several men who declared themselves during the elections m opposition, finding Government m an unexpected minority, are making overtures to giye the Ministers support. Although the Government, after being m Cabinet nearly two hours this after uoon did not come to any decision as to their course of action, there really is not any room for doubt what that course will < be. Wl) ether the Governor will agree to that is, of course, a question unanswerable yeb. though popular belief here is that he will. In the event of Parliament meeting next month, the only business will be the appointment of a Speaker. The Governor will return to Wellington tomorrow (Saturday) night, and will at once, or on Monday (if indecent haste or undue respect for the Sabbath prohibit it earlier) be waited upon by Ministers, who will then and there advise him to call Parlia ment together early next month, say a fortnight after New Year's Day. The present Ministerial party vill not, I hear on very good authority, offer any opposi tion to Mr Ballance, whom they will assist to an adjournment for two or three months if he wishes it, m order that he may formulate his policy. As to the constitutional practice, Ministers say it is all on their side. Mr Ballance's 'principles, as laid down, iti an interview recently, were very favour-^ ably received- here. The moderate tone generally pervading- has calmed the fears qf many and, on all sides, it is admitted that the policy outlined is an excellent one. The party has gained great benefit by it. The only debatable part seems to bs that referring to a change m the inci dence of taxation, which is thought, m some quarters, inadvisable at present.

A Hint For Our Apple Growers.

. In consequence of the scarcity-of good English apples th& y<aar, writes the London emresponderit of the '< i^uckland Star,' 1 the consignments of f Tasmanian and New Zealand and South Australian apples, arriving here i about February next, will, it is antici pated, command exceptionally high prices. Captain Ashby informs me, that Messrs Lewis, Joel, of Spitalfieids : and Borough Markets, offered to pay him " down on the na^l"' hal# the ya^ufi of any shipments, of New. Zealand apples coming,thtpugh, him from New IJeijJan.d; This firm wowJd also bel wiling to buy any amount of New Zealand new potatoes. The paucity of the home apple crop-is New Zealand's Opportunity. Intending shippers shoul^

take care to pack their produce care fully (sending only first-class fruit), arrange beforehand with a London agent as to disposal, and get the fruit home early m February.

A Human Fiend.

Wo I'd comes from the City of 33y1; stock, Poland, of the fiendish revenge taken on a poor boy for stealing a single apple. Isaac Shilekewidi is seventeen years old. One day h.ft was passing by an orchard owned by "Dr Sergin Freudianow, one of the wealthiest menin the province, famous m that part of Poland as a scientist. The doctor sa.w the youth take an apple, and despatched his servants after him. Dr Freudianow first gave Isaac a severe thrashing. • That did not wear out his rage, but seemed rather to increase his violence. " I'll teach you," he said, "to rob people. I will mark you so that all the world shall know you for the thief you are." He bade his servants bring him some stamping irons which he used about the place. He directed them to bind Isaac so that he could not more a muscle. He took the steel letters and set up the Hebrew word " ganiff" m Russian characters. He plunged the stamp m the fire until it was almost red hot. Then, with fiendish skill, he forced the iron upon the forehead of the boy. The Victim fainted. ' The doctor then set up the Polish word "dieb," meaning thief, m the frame. When it was sufficiently hot he stamped the word upon both cheeks, The fiendish doctor chuckled over them, and again he resumed his inhuman task of preparing the stamps. This time he set the Russian word for thief, " bopr," m the frame. For the third time he heated it, and pressed the red-hot stamp upon Isaac's upper lip and chin. The awful screams of his victim warned the doctor that he mv st use caution. He carefully dressed tha wounds and gave the boy, an opiate; then ho sent him home. The barbarity of the deed aroused the poor people of the city, and they threatened vengeance. Dr Freudianow became frightened, and offered to pay the boy 10,000dol to have the matter dropped. Tho money was refused, however, and a prominent lawyer has taken the boy'a case. The doctor has been arrested.

Hampstead School Concert.

- — o The entertainment given last evening hi the Oddfellows' Hall m aid of the Prizes and Treat Fund of the Hampstead school was on immense success m every respect. Parents, friends, and children turned out m.force and the building was consequently crowded. It wae well lighted and prettily decorated two large clumps of toi-toi on either side of the proscenium having a pleasing effect. Mr Orr, Chairman of the School Committee presided, and prefaced the proceedings with a few remarks m which he stated tbe object of the entertainment and expressed the thanks of the Committee for the hearty' response of the public to their appeal. He concluded by asking the: little folks iii the gallery who were some what exuberant m their manifestations of delight to " hold their tongues with their feet." The programme opened with a piano solo " Highland Gems " by Miss Orr, Mrs Gamble, who was m good voiq© leading off m the vocal items with "The Lover and the "Bird" to Miss Grobb's accompaniment. Mr Pickford gjw© the well-known aong' 'Kathleen" and an action song "The Fox " under Miss ShirtclifTt* direction, by about 40 little ones, all well dressed and presenting a very pretty sight arranged on tier above tier of seats on the platform, was next given with excellent effect, the item, evoking an encore, m acknowledge ment of which was given a, little ditty about '' A kiss and a letter." Mr Milsom followed with "The Goodbye at the Door," and next Miss Barratt with an exquisite rendering of the charming song, "The Miller and the Maid." This was succeeded by another action: song by the children " Here we stand," and Miss Alcorri then gave the favorite Irish ditty " The dear little Shamrock," which of course, was encored. Mr P. Williams, who was m splendid voice, gave, admir ably the basso song, " Oh ! heat the Wild Winds Blow," and Mr Stepfccnson fol lowed him with the amusing and difficult ditty " Peter Piper," well and cleverly sung, and loudly re-demanded. Next another action song "Roll your Hands," by Miss Shirtcliffe's clever little people, and then the capital song "Trusty as steel," Mr C. M. Brooke, Mr J. H. Brooks accompanying. Mr Kersel then gave excellently "The Battle of Stir ling," and Mrs Brooke followed with the beautiful song "Alas those Chimes !'• the effect of which was unfortunately marred by a noticeable discrepancy be tween the tones of the piano and thosa of the voice of the singer. Mr Flower was encored for his rendering of " Alice i where art thou ?" and the, comic son» (i No Matter" capitally sung by Mr Miller, whose make-up, as a broken-down hatter was irresistibly aniusing, closed the first part of the programme. After the usual interval, the second part opened with tho piano solo (Miss Orr) "Irish Diamonds," introducing the piece de resistance of the evening the spectacular presentation by the elder girls of the school of a piece intituled "Fairy Voices.", Opening with a chorus sung m the wings, and lights having heejti lowered to produce a moonlight' effr*t,. seventeen young girls, dressed as fairfe»jim muslin and spangles, trooped on to. the stage, and sang and danced as fairies aro. supposed m the elf-lore of the>oid' World; to disport under the soft rays of the; evening luminary. The performance was an. exceedingly pretty one, and wound up with a display of" colored fires, which produced aA effect well worthy of a first cjass pantomime at aChristuias perform ance m a London theatre. All who were concerned m training the "fairies" && well as the "fairies " themselves, deseira to be heartily congratulated on the result, of their efforts. It is needless to add fthafc the item was loudly applauded. Mr Stephenson then gave remarkably well the very pretty song "Footprints m the Snow," and Miss Barratt another ex quisite song " Good-bye." Mr Milsom followed with " Across the far blue sea, Marie," very well sung, and Mr Pickford also scored a success with "The old rustic, bridge by the Mill." Mr P. Williams splendid voice told well m "Our Jack's come home from Sea," the chorus of which was taken up by all the boys m the room withmuch vigor and heartiness. Then came a spectacular interlude by the elder boys " William Tell at A)»orf " m which the dialogue was yuhnivably given, . the boys concerned. Reserving the greatest possible credit Mr Flower gave another taste of his excellent quality m " Queen of the Eauth " a«d finally Mr Miller . fairly brought down the house with hi?. excruciatingly comic rendering, m character* of " the Party that opens the ,P§¥?Bv * Mr Malcolm, headmaster of the "sfihool then stepped to the foot^hts and! returned thanks to all and sundry, the audience, the performers etc> and thus; ended the most successful' school enter tainment thab A&hbtirtrm has witnessed!, for years past^ . We are glad to hear that; the Pricey and Treat fund will benefiis l&rgeiy- bhe proceeds amounting- to some thing like £20,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY DECEMBER 13, 1890



HOPE FOR THE DEAF A Person cured of deafness and noises J£\ m the Head of long standing, by a simple Remedy, Avill be glad to forward a description of it free to anyone who applies. The most as tonishing cures have lately been effe.^ed, by the same' r,omec^,. ' Mch.qlsQu,, j^3 Wsiam, Street, M.c.l



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, head the official reports that accom pany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Professor University, Griefswald, reports : — The Eucalypti Extract proved magnificently suc cessful m very severe contusions, bruises, spiains, wounds, scaldings, broken ribs, and limbs. (" Medical Journal," Nov., 1881. In diseases of the kidneys, either active con gestion or suppression, (urojmai) or albumi, nuria, dropsy, lithargy, nothing will equal m its action Eucalypti Extract. Dosses, five tp six drops, Mqsler, M.D., Prqfessor, University, Griefawald, reports :■—Diphthe> ria. Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with white exudats. Cured m four, teen days. Surgical Clinic of Prof. M'lntyre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis—Scirrhus of Breast—Excision Euca ypti Extract employed. No swelling, heat, or discoloration. Cured m fourreen days. "lAdyt ' 4



) . WANTBn CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceedin SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be I left at thJß_office Til LEOTRO - PLATED, Plush wd _LLJ Leather Goods, Ornaments, Per fumery, Japanese nick-nacks, and Fancy Woods, Toys, Dolls, and 1001 items to please all.—H.M.Jones. 12 59 / IAKE and Apron and Fancy. Fair for \.J We«loyan Buildini? Fund. Old Town Hall. Friday and Saturday, December 19 and 20. 12 AMERICAN Ice Cream ! American Ice Cream daily at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. Ice ke[>t m stock. __ \X7"ANTED Plouirh Teams. | Harvest vv work to follow. John Grigo Longbeach. . 12 74 v \ /' ANTED Known -Ladies Stocking VV w ith Silk Toes and Heels m black and colors. Is 6d per pair.—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known. - Feu-Dross" Stuffs Prints, «fee, Trimmings, to match, go to Melford Hou.se. Best value m town. Christmas presents now giving away.—H. C. Segers. \J OOI% BOOTH. "Keep you. fee* \.y Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known—The"" Strong wear " Boot is the best' for Men, adies and Children. —W. H. Collier. t iTANTED Known.—For Sheetings^ VV Tablings, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels Table Napkins, Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c, goto Melford House. Presents to every purchaser.—H. C. Seokrs. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clobhing Mart, Saundor's Buildings. PRESENTS. —We arc now giving presents to every purchaser of Drapery, Clothing, Boots, and cheapest house m town.—H. 0. Segers, Melford House. ANTED Known — The "OheapesT Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashborfcon, is at. W. F. Hannaforp's, Burnett Street. A urge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware, goods made and repaired witii des patch, Public Notices. \ idoNEY JO LEND. It/TONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 To_£sooo For further particulars apply to J. C. FRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch. WOOL SHIP FOB LONDON" fWHE MAGNIFICENT SHPjH^ IRON SHIP "CARBET CASTLE," 1585 Tons Register, 100 Al, Will be despatched from Lyttelton for LONDON DIRECT, about the middle cf December. Cargo carried at lowest current rates. Early application for space is neces sary. For further particulars as to rate of freight, etc., apply to 11 13 FRIKDLANDER BROS. SAWMILLERS AND TIMBER MERCHANTS, SPJRINGBUBN. HAVE erected large Sawmills at Alford Forest, aud can now supply any amount of Building Material, also Bridge Timber and Planking to any size m Birch Timber, Gates, Hurdles, &c, made to patterns as desired, Splitor Sawn Posts morticed by machinery. Prices will be found reasonable, and orders will be executed promptly. Timber can be delivered by train, or at the Mills, or by rail from Springburn to any part of the district. The Mills are within li miles of the Springburn Railway Station. FIREWOOD, SLABS, AND WASTE TIMBER Always on hand. Orders by post promptly attended to. 2t38 Spring and Summer, 189 D. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOBY FOR Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, Boys' and Youths' Colonial TWEED SUITS. HATS.—We keep the Largest and Best Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE. Best workmanship put m every garment, and a perfect lit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &c, m Latest Fashion Mid Style. Jtesf Value pmi C^sp m District N E V? Z 13 A J AND ■GLOTHM FACTORY Agent for the Wonderful Wertheim Machine.'-: #T, H WEBBER M.an&ger,



FOR SALE. I PWELVE McCORMICK WIRE 1. BINDERS. All m perfect work ing order. CHEAP I lO*IM PRIEDLANDER BROS. SHA.G POINT COAL npiIIS superior Coal, for household and j _l_ steam purposes, can now be obtained from Messrs J. G. Rbstell, W. H. Collins & Co., and R. S. Bean m any quantity. Special quotations for truck oads. This Coal is perfectly safe m using, leaving no live ashes or soot, and is very cleanly and economical for household purposes, having great heat and lasting power W. H. WILLIAMS, 10§] 8 Manager Shaec Point Mine. | JAMES BAKER, TIMBER MERCHANT, HAVELOCK STREET Opposite Harrisons Auction Mart, TTAS IN STOCK Large Supplies of— Building Timber, Stakes and Posts, Galvanised Corrugated Iron, Builders Ironmongery, Turnery, Furniture, and Fancy Goods m endless variety. urniture made to order m a:ny design at shortest NOTICE Sole Agent m Ashburton for Clegg s Perambulators. I I ,—. ; lVo>v Showing?— \ FASHIONABLE LOT Spring & Summer Goods. THE LATEST FASHION, REASONABLE PRICES, GOOD PIT, and WORKMANSHIP, ought to ensure a ready sale for these Goods. «JoiiM! JBarly uinl avoid Tlie JjtnHfi at Xmas. Our Customers may depend upon our promise that their orders will be linished up to time. H. & E. ~CRAIGHEAD, •TANCRED STREET ASHBURTON ■ Timm pi tLiiß. ANNUAL MEETING. TO BE HELD on the RACECOURSE, TINWALD, on Thursday, January 1, 1891. j President—Dr Tweed. Vice-presidents— Messrs D. McLean, and C. M. Straohey. Judoe—MrM. »Stit>. Steward??— Messrs J. Bcgg, G. James, M. Scott, 1). Thomas, M. Stitt, C. M. Strachey, H. H. Wright, E. Gates, and Dr Tweed Clerk of tub Course -Mr B. Hanks. Clerk of the Scales—Mr A. J. Kelly Starter—Mr D. Thomas. Treasurer—Mr M. Scott. Handicapper—-Mr J. Cresswell. First Race to Start at 12.30 p.m. imioc;uai»ime: (Approved by the Committee of the Canter bury Jockey Club.) 1.— Handicap Hurdle Race, of 20 soys ; nomination, 10s : acceptance, 10;?. The second horse to receive .3 soys out of the stake Over six flights of hurdles about 3ft Gin high. One mile and a half 2, Maiden Plate, of 15 soys; entrance, 15s. The' Second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Weight for age. One mile. 3.--Tinwald Cup Handicap, of 45 soys; nomination, 1 soy: acceptance, 1 aov. The second horse to receive 5 soys and the third horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. One mile and a half. 4.—Tixwald Handicap Time Trot, of 25 soys; nomination, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. The second horse t*j receive 5 soys out of the stake. Weight not less than lOst. About three miles s.—Weltkr HaNDiCAr, of 25 soys ; nomina tion, 10s ; acceptance, 10a. .The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. One mile. , g,—Novel Race, of 20 soys. Winner to become the property of the Club, and to be sold by auction. The amount re alised above 10 soys to be divided between the Club and the second horse. Entrance 10s, on night of general entry. Weight Bst. Any overweight to be declared. Six furlongs. 7 —Flyinu Handicap, of 25 soys; nomina tion, 10s : acceptance, 10a. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. The winner of Tinwald Cup or Welter Handicap to cany 71b penalty In the event of a horse winning both the fore going events such horse to carry lOlbs penalty. Six furlongs 8 Consolation Handicap, of 15 soys. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Nomination, 10s ; to be made to the (Secretary immediately after the Flying Handicap is run ; acceptance free, to be notified within five minutes of the declaration of weights. Six fur longs. 9.— Hurry Scurry (if time permit) of 10 soys; entrance, 10s. For horses that have never won public money. Catch weights. Hulf a mile. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. The meeting will be held under the Rules of Racing. The Trotting race under the rules of the New Zealand Trotting Association. 2. No entry will be received except on the condition that all claims, disputes, and objections arising out of the racing, shall be decided by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Their decision on all points con nected with the carrying out of this pro gramme to be fina 3. The races arc open to any horse, com monly resident m the district from the Ist October, 1890, to the date of meeting, and ftwfjed by a person who has resided m the disfccifcfc for the same period. 4. 'Tim district above mentionrd is bounded on the ifcprth by the Selwyn River, and on the south by iuc Opihi River. 5. Five per cent, will be deducted from the gross of all moneys payable m accord ance with this programme, for the expenses of the course. 6. All uowiuation and acceptance fees to no to the funds of the Club NOMINATIONS' Nominations for Hurdle, Tinwald Cup, Trot, Welter, and Flying Handicaps], accom panied by fee, name, age, description, and performances of horse, and colours of rider, must be m writing and m the hands of the .Secretary at Scott's Hotel, Tinwald, not JUufcei' than 9 on SATURDAY, December the lat-h, jltfjW) , WEIGHTS. ! Weight ,-»?lji fye declared on or about December 27-tfa ACOW?A^(S3. Acceptances for Handicap's, wi N^mina ions for Maiden Plate and Novel time J^u^t, be m the hands of the Secretary, at Scott's ! Hotel, Tinwald, not later than 9 p.m. on MONDAY December ?9th, 1890 * 15 J. *OOKS Jfou Sec



NEW CHRISTMAS CARDS. ' A Beautiful Assortment. NEW ANNUAL VOLUMES and BOOKS for Prizes and Presentations. FANCY GOODS, -tc, &c. L F. ANDREWES & Co. IMPORT >NT PUBLIC NOTICE. KAIAPOI HOUSE AG\IN TO THE FRONT. MITCHELL Q- rnURNER ITCHELL 65 I.URNER DESIRE to inform their numerous Customers and the public m genera), that after careful and macttre consideration they have decided to have THE WHOLE OF THEIR CLOTHING CUT, MADE AND FINISHED ON THE EXACT LINES OF TAILOR MADE GOODS, As this involves the outlay of Hard Cash to a large amount, they trust tre numerous and material advantages given to ALL THOSE m want of Really GOOD CLOTHING will be so palpable that MITCHELL AND i TURNER will at once largely increase their already Extensive Clothing Business, by the adop tion of the above alteration m the style of their Manufactured Articles. t i A WELL ASSORTED STOCK JUST OPENED UP. MITCHELT £r TPURNEXJ ITCHEL_L OS jLURNEXt. , RAIAPOI HOUSE. W. ZANDER, » FISHING TACKLE AXI) TOBACCONIST'S DEPOT, Premier Ladies' and Ge>:ts' Haikdressing Establishment, EAST STREET. I*HE Fishing Reason being now m full hwing, I beg to call the attention of all anglers to my Large Stock of all requisites for the sport. Every class of Rods, Baits, Flies, Minnows, Lines, Hooks, &c, &c, m .stock at lowest rates. My Tobacconist's Stock is replete with all the leading Brands m Tobaccos, Cigars, &c. Also, high class Pipes and Fancy Goods of every description. Tennis and Cricketing Materials m great variety for I the coming season. Having made a change m my clair dre^sing "Saloon, I beg to announce that I have "engaged a First-cksa Artist from one of the best Establishments m Dunedin. He has had 27 years' experience at Home and m the colony. The Saloon is renovated, and now has Two Chairs. J Ornamental Hair Work of every descrip tion, ,as Wigs, Plaits, Coils, Bracelets. Watch Guards, &c, made up on the premises at short notice. Haircutting, Shaving, or Shampooing only 6d FIRST DISPLAY UF Spring Goods, ; V NDR E W \J R R I Snow showing a Beautiful Selection of MILLINERY, MANTLES, PRINTS, GINGHAMS, NEW DRESS GOODS BEIGE'S FRENCH CHECKS, RIBBONS, FLOWERS, ETC. 2 CASES of Ladies French BOOTS and SHOES Direct om France. ANDREW ORR. WOOL. WOOL mHE UNDERSIGNED IS PRE JL PARED TO MAKE LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES On the Coming Season s Clip of W 001, FREE OF COMMISSION. INTEREST AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. ' GROWERS have the Choice of Selling either at the ASHBURTON WOOL SALES, or m CHRISTCHUROH, or SHIPPING. 1 Shall Holt* REGULAR SALES DURING THE SEASON, having arranged with the New Zealand Loan a»'j> Mercantile Agenay Company, Limited, to act as my Financial Aoexts and auctioneers. Every care Mid jittenfciou will be used m displaying, properly lotting, classi fying, and valuing tfce Wo). Account Sales will be rwdered by the JNcw Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, w&tU their isual promptitude. WOOI/PACKS, TWrNE, ktc, At Ltiiros 1 ' Currtyit l<ata:->, Jolifi Q» J?eßtel] wool sToaes WEBT STREET, ASHBLTJtStf