DEATH.

Baker.—On December 26, at Havelock Street, Fred Regnald Edgar David, the youngest son of Ja.nes and Emily Baker, Aged 7 months.

MARRIAGE.

Baxter—Trefby.—On December 25 th, at St. Stephen's Church, Ashburton, by the Rev, E. A. Scott, Isaac William, eldest son of Mr I. Tyrrell Baxter, Pa tea, Taranaki, to Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Tresby, of New Plymouth.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1890. LOCAL AND GENERAL

Tenders are invited m this issue for havesting 900 acres of wheat at M«thven. The latest decree of English etiquette is that beards must go. A snow-white swallow, hatched and reared under the caves of a glass roof m Grcnelle is interesting the ornithologists of Paris. Ferrets are becoming a great nuisance m Danevirke. A great many head of poultry have been lost through the depredations of these vermin. An iron angel weighing ftOOlbs fell from the ceiling of a Roman Catholic Church m Silesia, killing an infant a priest was m the act of baptising. A telegram from Wellington states that a lad named Sydney Reid had his foot reduced to a shapless mass dy being crushed between a steamer andoneof the timbers of the wharf. The Kaikoura wi,th the incoming Frisco' mails reached Hobarfc at 10 p.m. on Christ mas Day, and sailed at 11 next morning for Wellington. She has 07 passengers for "New Zealand. The recsnt floods m China hare turned thousands of miles of territory into a vast inland sea, destroying all the crops and rendering 4,000,000 of people m danger of starvation. During the late elections 39 per cent of the estimated male population registered votes- The number of votes polled represents over 20 per cent of the whole population of the colony. The latest statistics show that there are 71,287 lepers m Bengal, 13,944 m Madras, and 13,842 m Bombay. The lepers m the native States are not included m I hese totals The richest banker m the world is Baron Bleichroeder, of Berlin, who is the agent of the Rothschilds m Germany, but is indi vidually worth more than p,ny one of the Rothschilds. The repressive measures adopted by Russia against the Jews are bearing fruit m the gradual collapse of the flour mill industry throughout the country, the capital m which was all found by the Jews.

It is atated that the' Rangitikei Advocate' has changed hands at a satisfactory figure, and that it will be handed over to the now proprietors as soon as the necessary pro* timinaries have been settled. A man named Smith, who was recently arrested m. Chritchurch and remanded to

Sydney, has been discharged from custody. IfiH defalcations are alleged to amount to £4000, but the relative against whom the offence was committed declined to prosecute. The returns of the Registrar-General show that m Rouen, a city of upwards of 100,000, not a single birth ocenred during one of the days of a week m October ; and Havre fol lowed a few days later with a blank record.

In the New State of Washington there is an unknown land of 2000 square miles. This land is shut m by the Olympic moun tains, and Indian tradition says that it is inhabited by a very fierce tribe, which none of th# e<jasfc pp jbes dare molest. Africa has suffewed an enormous loss of population since ancient tjmes. We have ample proof that the valley of ifye Wjle once swarmed with life, and all through Noilh Africa, now almost a desert, given up to wild beasts *j»d Holder men, civilisation once flourished to a remarkable extent. Vera Sassolovitqh, the famous Nihilist, whose adventures and hardships m qojmfic tiod with the Nihilist, Hartmann, attracted to her world-wide attention and sympat'.y ten yews ago, dying at Geneva, win i?; she sought refuge after escaping from t,it» clutches of the Russian authorities.

In Moscow may be seen m the streets any day a beggar who was a few years ago one of til* richest men m the city. His father left him £*,/500,000, lntfc he gambled it all away. He carert Uterally for nothing but gambling, and if he h»4 %> money Again he would lose it once more m lks W&9 way- The railway race to the North |s (sayy a^ Englkjj paper) m full swing. One company' hasiß&»ag«4 to beat^ all records by doing the run from :C/j}jdon to Aberdeen m 12 hours 17 minutes.; and jts rival is straining every nerve—and poapUiiy wifety-valve as well- -to accomplish tlie tlist-auoe t$ a still shorter tim«. An astouiwllog piece of .vandalism, is .re potted to be kprogrewa m Egypt, with the connivan'-e M t'he ua.tiv,e offjuhih. Three gangs of workmen., under two local shejkhs, arc daily 9xt*Mtl*% blocks from tlie iowetf courses "of the two Utg*k pyramids of Giseh. These are hl^iiSii BJi fiW t,}mjpot, and carried away on camel Hvk wt MiUW!$ purposes. There arc 912 submarine cables, exclusive <®f tfco seven Atlantic cables, with an ag gregate oi 1J*2, 740 nautical miles ; \ ,000,900 miles of overland JJ'j.re; the United States km 776,580 miles of wiqgj Trance 220,800, tmi (Qlfdjat -Britain ISO.'O'OO ni«d»; the JJiiitcd,iis(ta,tes fa JB^9 messages, Fi-wce ,^0,(>j0 ; 0()0, uint .(Imy;- Brit*ia fym/m

Notice appears m another column o1 special train arrangements m connection with the Timvald Races and Timaru Cale donian Sports on New Year's Day. A meeting of the People's Political Asso ciation is called for this evening at 8 o'clock m the backroom of the Oddfellows' Hall." The immigration and emigration returns for New Zealand during November show the arrivals to be 1236 and departures 724. Commanding offiicers of volunteer com panies Ihuve been notified that the rate of capitation for adults for the current year will be £2. The new election for a member for the Northern Maori electorate, rendered neees eary owing to the doath of Sydney Taiwhanga has been fixodfor February 7th, the nomina tions to be made at Riißsell on January 7th. The Hon Mr (lisborne, m his " New Zea land Rulers and (Statesmen," summed up Sir Harry Atkinson m these words : " His chief faults arise out of his exceeding love of office; he subordinates policy and measures to tenure if place." A New South Wales back-countryman lately lost a valuable diamond out of a ring. He searched everywhere for it, and event ually gave it up for lost. A day or two back the stone was found inside a duck which was being prepared for tho table. Glasgow, like Edinburgh, is about to have a medical school for lady doctors m Queen Margaret's College, as it is called. Dublin, Belfast, and London have similar institutions so that there are five m the United Kingdom They are intended to meet the increasing calls from the East for lady practitioners. A correspondent is complaining—and not without cause —that a number of the post age stamps now on issue are insufficiently gummed to be propuly adhesive. As the complaint is one frequently heard, some representation should be made to the authorities on the subject. The "Lyttelton Times" says that the quantity of paper that passed through the fast rotary printing machine m that office during the six days preceding Chrismas Day, amounted to close upon eight tons m weight, and was equal to 121,925 sheets, being a length of ninety-four miles and thirty-nine yards.

Zadkiel's Almanac for 1891 predicts all sorts of trouble m America. Among [other things Gongress will have a hard time, poli tics will be disturbed, troops will be called out, taxation increased, the revenue de creased, and innrder, rapine, and epidemics will be rampa.it. Zadkiel predicts th'3defeat of the British Government m the next election. For the first time for many a long day that we have seen such a spectacle m Ashburton, a woman was placed m the clock this morn ing charged with drunkenness. The magis trate, Major Steward, advised her to give up intoxicating liquor altogether, and discharged her with the warning that a second offence would be differently dealt with. News from Melbourne states that James Mirams and William Doberty, of the Premier Permanent Building Association, convicted on a charge of conspiring to defrand the shareholders, havejbeen sentenced to twelve months and eighteen months respectively. The charges against the others were not proved. An endeavour is being made to induce the various labour unions of the colony to send delegates to a conference which it is proposed to hold m Wellington shortly, at which the important question of establishing Unionism upon a new basis will be discussed. A number of unions have already acquiesced m the idea,, which appears likely to be enthusi astically taken up It is claimed that the most potent and the most perfect remedy for sleeplessness is to drink hot water. If one awakens m the night, as hopelessly wide awake as if gal vanised or electrified with vit-il activity, an invariable remedy is a glass of perfectly, hot

—not warm—water. It can be hoated over the gas, or"over a spirit lamp, and sipped while almost at boiling heat, and one who fries it will find himself going off to sleep like an infant, and getting, too, the most restful and peaceful sleep imaginable. Two Highlanders, kilted m primitive order, dropped inadvertently into a church m Edinburgh one Sunday and seatect them selves m a respectable pew. Never having been man Episcopal church before, their astonishment cannot be described on a symphony being struck up by the organist. At that instant a gentleman came to take possession of the new, and civilly laid his hand on the shoulder of one of them and pointed to the door. 'Hoot, toot?' cried the Highlander, ' tak oot Donald there ; he's a far better dancer nor me !" We regret to learn that by a fire at his ploughing camp, on McLean's road, near Hinds, on Christmas Eve, Mr William Sutherland lost the whole of his contractor's stock-in-trade. The fire occured shortly after breakfast, but how it arose cannot bo ascertained. By the misadventure Mr Sutherland lost his large whare, the whole of the harness for twelve horses, and all the clothos m the camp belonging to himself, his sons, and the others with him. Property to the value of £130 m all has been burnt, and there was not a penny of insurance upon any of it. A very successful reproduction of " Ashore an I Afloat," to a fair house, took place last eveni'iq at the Oddfellows' Hall. The piece was ad nirably staged, and the scenic effects were good. The entire cast did well, and especial praise is due to Mr W. Potter as "Joshua Bony ton," Mr W. Salek as "Hal Oakford," Miss May Hartle as " Cicely Chips," and Mr Rv Elston as "Billy Bilberry." Next m order of merit were Mr H. Stsphenson as "Newton Barnard," and Miss A. Muller as "Ruth Ringrose." The play ran well from first to last, and the fall of the curtain on the rescue scene was the signal for loud applause. Considering the size of the township a very numerous class greeted Professor JLichtwark's vitsit to Methven. The first

subject operated upon was a three r year-old filly previously untouched by human hands, but m the space of about an hour and a half she submitted to the usual test of docility. After an adjournment for lunch a four-year year old mare that had defied all the efforts of amateur horsebreakevs to reduce to sub-

mission, and had actually succeeded m crippling one unfortunate individual was brought along from Highbank Station ; and her legs but too plainly exhibited the extreme cruelty to which she had been sub jected, she had been literally "cut to pieces" with stockwhips, and yet she would allow no one to ride her. On one occasion she threw herself, rider, and gear into a

water race, and lay m it for over two hours. Such is the interesting history of a really beautiful looking animal which the Professor undertook to reduce for one guinea, and m an hour and ten minutes from the commencement of his task be had stood on her back, lifted her by the hind legs as a man would a wheelbarrow, got her to follow Mm like a poodle, and had ridden her round thetown, much to the amazement of an admir ing crowd, A few hours afterwards she was ridden home by one of the station hands. So pleased were the ptipils with this really wonderful achievement as well as the sim : plicity of tiie whole system, that some of their number pledged themselves to secure a larger class for a return visit, and already nearly the required imirfyi' have deposited their guineas with Mr W. Rouse, of the Canterbury Hotel, who has been appointed treasurer. Tuesday, January 6th, is the date fixed upon.

Shouther tae Shouther

ASH BURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. THE if ANNUAL MEETING. Tht, twelfth annual meeting of the Ashburton Caledonian Society was held ' yesterday. The Scotchmen, m their own country, can usually count upon the weather they are to enjoy when they make a fixture for a Sports meeting, but m this wayward New Zealand climate,' no man can count upon any sol t of weather. This .season the woather has been peculuu' —a shower once m a way, and the rest ()f tho time wild nor'wester. And wild nor'wester means to the average Ashbur ton man a severe headache, a profuse sweat, and an unwillingness to do any thing at all. The Scotchmen had to do the best they could with a nor'wester blowing, and as a nor'wester was better than rain, and as most of our girls, whether Scotch, English, or Irish,,would rather face a nor'wester than a southerly buster—cold and wet -w it usually is—the Domain was patronised on Boxing Day by a far larger crowd of people, but more I especially ladies, than has been the cus tom, quite 2000 people were upon the ground. As a matter of fact the Society lias not usually been patronised by that number of people, and it may be as well to state that the fact had a good deal to do with it thit the Society had decided not to sell any liquor on the ground. There certainly was no liquor,sold—we hiow there was a good deal of liquor drunk —bufc the fact remainsthat there was not a single drunken man to be seen m the Domain. There fore it must be conceded to the teetotalle » that the running of the show upon teetotal lines has brought about a considerable decadence of drunkenness. We begin our report m this way because much has been made, of the question of no booth on the ground, and we are happy to nay, from what we have actually seen, that the Sports without a booth for, the sale of liquor, has been unqualified success. THE GATHERING.

From a Caledonian.point of view, noth ing co'jld have been better than this; twelfth gittheringoftheSociety,and we were pleased to see that a large number of family parties swelled the crowd. ' Away under the trees innumerable little picnic parties enjoyed themselves. Under one spreading pinus insignia we saw no less than eleven souls —from the line well-grown daughter of

fifteen, bursting into ripe womanhood,and lending quite a motherly help to the day's enjoyment of the family, down to the little toddler who was the apple of the family's eye—making quite a day's outing of the gathering, and we are quite sure that that family at least, m spite of the wind, spent a day of happiness and glee. As we made our way round the Domain we could hear them sing, now an old Scotch song, and again a Sankey's hymn. Sometimes the song would be uplifted by a (an^le voice, and then borne upon the wild breath of the nor'wester would be heard the chorus of family voices young and old. The lifctle family reunions that such songs indicated were surely of the pleasimtest, and there were many such, even if some of them were little p'irties,anddid not all number cloven. Then there were the other little meetings sacred to pairs. Sacred let them be. Then there weie the meetings under the branches of bachelor parties, fresh from the buck settlements, who would gladly have been other than bachelor parties, only the opportunity did not fit ; but doubtless by next, meeting the oppor tunity will be there, and the meetings will not be wholly of bachelors. THE ARRANGEMENTS.

As has already been indicated, no alcoholic liquor was sold on the ground, and no booth was provided for the purpose, so that the whole clurge of providing refreshments for the visitors was m the hands of Messrs Davis and Ranger, and well they did their work. In regard to getting oft' the events there was but little delay, but if the Directorate would not take our suggestion amiss, we would like to point out that there are now many young men belonging to Scotch families who ought to take their share m the work of the Society on the Sports ground, and we think it would be well that they should be at once put into harness, and glad, we are sure, they would be, to take their share of the work if they were asked m an official way.

There were more than the usual visitations of clansmen at the day's sports. No less than twenty-ono men m tartan

put m an appeanuipc, besides quite a regiment of little ones, It is to be regretted that during the clay the arrange ments did not admit of a parade of the tartan. Perhaps Imd the wind been less boisterous a parade would have come off, and the large number of Highlanders— man and boy—would hare made quite an interesting procession.

A new feature—new, at least for some years—was the Cumberland wrestling. For this contest there were four entries, and it would be difficult, perhaps, m this county to pick up a better pair of "grapplers" than appeared m the persons of McKinnon, the first prize taker, and Kennon, the second. The play of these two was pretty indeed, and had Grieve, of Longbeach, been more careful of his style and more conservative of his abundant strength, lie would have probably been higher up tjhan third m the game. The first fajl he had with Kennan was a dog, but there were the bones m\t of an admirable *s cross buttoqk," although the t*o other falls were neat pieces of work for Kenyan, But the best fall of all was the last between McKinnon and Kennan, when the last-named, although two stones lighter than the handsome representative of the Island of Skye, gave the " Highland picture" all he could do to put his light antagonist upon the gvass.

The running was an improvement upon last year,-and the entries larger. Where the competitors were known, and their performances accompanied their entries, the handicappers—Messrs Vincent and Anderson—had but little difficulty m arranging good spins. Both gentlemen are old sprinters themselves, and have never, since they have been relegated to the legion of "hasbeens," lost sight of what has been going on m the athletic so {hat few peds are unknown to then}! But sometimes a name may reach them'that i$ not familiar, and when such a name has no record attached to it, its owner can hardly blame the handieappers if fujl Justice is not done rp it, The bicycling drew out a good deal of interest, and the events m this depart in' n L> were both well entered and well contested. For these Mr H. H. Stephens measured out the handicaps very fairly indeed.

The pipe music brought out all our old local favorites, besides one or two strangers, and Pipe-Major MeTavish, of the Christchurch Scottish Rifles, was made heartily welcome, and well earned the prices ha gained, In bojili Irish" and Scottish dancing all the events were'well contested,' and it was pleasing to all concerned to see the number of smart young Irishmen take the platform m the jigand reel of the Old Bod. Perhajjs "jfc may hq hjujM fchat tJie Irish dancing was **aiblins!! better than the Scotch, -biib thejnftfc jjiay b§ liuit^ul oui 1 own. iKKiuB v we had to argue it out. 4nyl)qw tj\e Irish (lancing was goad |n4pad ? a}i(j[ y> |!jg"Scotch' footing dQnQ b,y j;lu) lads— mo^p Wspe'cially |;hat by tljo lif-tle Smith ffc>m Sfapier, 'anrl the Jittier Bq}il]?im frqni Ghnstcjivirch. AltqpMipv tt)P oalod<in}an gathering tlilß yeiir was a thorough success, and the Directors nnd the Secretary deserve every oredib for tho work done by (hem m uoimeutiu ith it 4

PRIZE LIST

Quoits—Kidd 1, Taylor 2. Handicap Hurdles—o. Chapman 1, F. Close 2, C, Dejoux 3. A well contested race, and well won by Chapman. Pipe Music—Pibrochs—McKay 1, Ross 2, M'Tavish 3. Running High Jump—John Jamieson (sft sim) 1, W. Kidd 2, A. Jamieson 3. lOOYards Race—A. Jones 1, F. Close 2. Scotch Reel—A. McKay 1, G. Morrison 2, Burl-Stuart 3. Grand Handicap Flat Race—loo yards heat—C. Chapman 1, F. Close 2, C. Dejoux 3. 220 yards heat—C. Chapnvm 1, F. Close 2, 0. Dejoux 3. 440 yards heat—F. Close 1, C. Chapman 2, C. Dejoux 3. Winners—C. Chapman 1, F. Close 2, C. Pejoux 3. Tossing the Caber—J. Cairns 1, J. McKinnon 2, Butterick 3. Irish Ilefl—>T. Fitzgerald 1, J. Sulli van 2, M. O'Loghlin 3. Reels and Strathspeys—A. McKay 1, G. Robertson 2, D. Ross 3. J Sword Danee—A. McKay 1, G. Morrison ] 2, W. Davison 3. Pole Vaulting—G. Haskins 9ft llin. 1, Kidd 2. Bicycle Race, 3 miles—H. Stewart 1, W. F. Bennetts 2, W. B. Craighead 3. Pipe Music—Marches—A. McKay 1, G. Rohertaon 2, R. McTavish 3. Half Mile Handicap Race—F. Leggett 1, W. Bennie2, A.I. Daly 3. Irish Jig—M. O'Loghlin 1, J. Sullivan 2, N. Fitzgerald 3. Putting the Stone—G. Tavcndale 1, J. McKinnon 2, J. Daly 3. Three-Legged Race — Nicholas and Pickford 1, 'Bastian and Houston 2, Reel o' tulloch—A. McKay I, G. Robertson 2, VV. Davidson 3. Best Highland Dancing -boys—Camp bell-Smith 1, R. Popham'2! Wrestling- Cumberland—McKinnon 1, Kcnnan 2, Grieve 3. Boys' Irish Jig—R. Popham. Hammer Throwing—McKinnon 1, Tavendale 2, T. Dalton 3. Seaun Treus—^Stuart-Burt 1, McKay 2, G. Morrison 3. Best Dressed Highland Boy—J. Stuart 1, Willie Ross 2. Highland Fling—A. McKay 1, W. Davidson 2, Stuart Burt 3. Mile Race—F. Leggett 1, W. Bennie 2, A. Burgess 3. Sailor's Hornpipe—T>. Wood 1, S. Dickey 2. Old Men's Race—Taylor 1, Compton 2. Consolation Race ~C. Dejoux 1, W. Bastian 2, W. Phelps 3. Swimming—W. Burns 1. J. McKoe 2, R, Mitchell 3

New Zealand's Weather.

Some very valuable, and, at the same time, somewhat startling m .formation (says the " Auckland Star) is contained m a statistical table to be attached to a paper entited " Twenty years of New Zealand Progress." This table, which is based upon Government statistics, will show that the increase of money m the colonial banks for nine months of the present year is no less then .£1,107,917 m ex cess of money so invested m the pre vious year ; of this sum there has been an increase of £755,917 on deposits bearing interest, and £354,000 on deposits not bearing interests. There has never been such an increase m the hoarded up wealth of the colony (luring the past twenty years. The bills under discount now amount to £2,500,000, a decrease of £2,000,000 since the year" 1885. "When asked how he accounted for this vast increase of money m banks at both free and fixed deposit, Mr B'irtoii said :—" My answer is this.—The present year will show that our exports have amounted to something like £11,500,000, against imports about £6,200,000, and in terest (public and private), £3,200,000, leaving a balance of trade m our favour of very nearly £2,000,000 for the year. We will have to face a similar rate of export nQxt year, and a consequent increase m the amount of fixed and free deposits, so that m the natural course of events capital will be forced to find an outlet for itself, and we must be upon the eve of renewed prosperity." Mr Burton intends to go into the subject much more fully, and the result of his labours should prove both interesting and valuable.

THAT DISPUTED MAJORUTY.

Notwithstanding the fact that imme diately upon the result of the recent elections being made known it was freely admitted by Ministerial papers that the Opposition had won all along the line, and that the Government were m a minority m the new House, it was not long before attempts were made to question the fact, and m the end it has come to be boldly stated that Ministers have a majority after all. It is said that certain members who on the hustings had declared them selves opposed to the Atkinson Ad ministration have so soon as they discovered that Mr Ballanoe would probably be the head of the new Government declared that they pre fer "the deil they know to the deil they don't know," and that m fact of two evils they are prepared to stick to the lesser, so that finally a card has been pricked and the figures are said to stand Ministerialists 35, Opposi tionists 32, Doubtfuls 6.. We have been curious to see how this wonderful card was made up, and here it is as published m the Wellington "Evening Press," which gives it as " a correct statement of parties," adding that "thei*e is reason to believe that when the. crucial test comes to be applied the result will be even more favorable to the Ministerial party :— Ministerial, 35.—Atkinson, W. S. Allen, Bryqe, Buckled, Buchanan,, Carroll, Bu.thie s Fergus, Goldie, Hamlin, Havkness, Hall, Lawry, J. Mills, Macarthur, Moore, Meredith, Scobie Mackenzie, T, Mac kenzie, Mitchelson, Newman, G'Conor, Palmer, G. P. Richardson, Rollestor., Russell, Rhodes, Swan, T. Thompson, Taipua, Valentine, Wilson, Wright. Opposition, 32. — Ballance, Blake, Buick, Cadman, Carncross, Duncan, Dawson, Earnshaw, Pish, Fisher, Guin r ness, W. Hutchison, G. Hutchison, Hogg, H^U-Jones, Joyce, W. Kelly, J. Kelly, C. Mills, J. MclCenzie, Mackin tosh, P^inkerton, Perceval, W. P. Reeves, Rees, R. Reeves, Shera, W. C. Smith, Seddon, Steward^ Tanner, DQubM%ik 6—Houston,liia,G-1 donajtj,:H, M, Smith, rarata, Warq, Tws !£ aoout the most amus ing example of self-complacency th^t we have come across far some time, but it fortunately only needs, a momentary glance to show that it is based upon assumptions that will not stand $ie, test of examination, To begin with, Mr W, S, Allen is not m the colony, | and is hardly likely to be out again m time for the January session, which fact brings down the number claimed by Ministers from 35 to

34. Then ..again, ariidng the 34 are counted Messrs Duthie, Goldie and Harkness who are m our opinion just as likely to vote against the present Atkinson Ministry as for it—indeed as regards the first he has said that he will4oso. Transferring only his one vote and the figures will stand 33 all. But what of the six doubtfuls ? Well of these we believe that five at least—we are not sure about Mr Houst'n —may be looked" upon as certain to vote against the present Ministry and if we are right, then the numbers will stand when the test conies to be applied, Ministerial 34, Opposition 38, absent 1, vacant seat 1, total 74—shewing a majority against Ministers of 6. That we venture to , say will be somewhere about the tally.

COMMERCIAL.

Corn Exchange Report

The following is the Cora Exchange re port (per N. P. Meyers, Sec.) for the week ending Friday, December 26, 1890 : —Accounts from country districts are very gloomy. The dry weather, noted m our last week's report, has been even more pronounced than ever. Consider able quantities of the early crops (oats) have already been harvested, and will give but poor results. Wheat has not suffered so much, but still we shall have plenty of thin grain. The markets gener ally have a hardening tendency. Wheat—Although we cannot note any advance is firm at our quotations. Oats are m good demand, milling espe cially are sought after. Barley is now iv a small compass, and any malting lines are snapped up at once. Cocksfoot is reported from the Penin- Bula to be a good crcp, although much mixed with goose grass and fog. Dairy Produce continues m fair re quest. Our quotations are as follows : — Wheat—Tuscan, 3s 6d to 3s 7d ; Pearl, 3s 5d : Hunters, 3s 4d ; second quality, 2s 9d to 3s ; broken, 2s 6d to 2s Bd. Oats—Milling, Is 9d to Is lOd ; short feed, Is 7d to Is 8d ; inferior, Is 6?. Bailey—Prime malting, 3s ; second qua lity, 2s 6d to\ 2s 9d ; feed, Is 8d to Is lOd. Dairy Produce —Butter, factory make, 7d to 8d ; farmers keg, 6d to 7d ; second quality, 4|d to 5d ; cheese, loaf 4-d to 4|d ; larger sizes, 3|d to 3|d. The above prices ai*e those paid to farmers for delivery f.o.b. Lyttelton, sacks extra.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, report on the Live Stock Market for the week ending Tuesday, the 23rd hist., as follows :—The entry m all classes of sheep at Tinwald on Tuesday last was a heavy one, and sales at public auction were rather the exception than the rule. Fat sheep held their own, but stores were most difficult to place, and then only at a considerable reduction on' the previous market. This no doubt will continue until we get the long looked for rain, instead of the howling north-west winds, which are burning up pastures, ruining the crops and playing havoc m other directions. The following are prices realised m fat sheep : Crossbred ewes 4s lOd, 5s 6d, and 6s ; crossbred wethers, 8s 9d and ss. A line of splendid sheep, sent m by Mr Bonifant, of Wakanui, brought 13s lid each. In fat lambs, of which there was a large entry, prices ranged from 6s to Bs. Crossbred hogcote : Sales were made from 7s to 9s, a really good line m very forward condition being withdrawn at 10s 9d ; merino ewes m wool with 70 per cent of lambs, brouglit 7s j do. shorn, with 90 per cent of lambs, 2s 9d each, all counted. There was also a very heavy entry of fat cattle, but little business was done. Wo have enquiries for any number of freezing - lambs, for which we can guarantee full market rates.

Political Items

The " Wanganui Herald " says :— The Egmont election was itself a sham, and the oracle was worked by getting up a- false and maudlin sympathy ; for those who were pulling the strings knew that the Premier put himself forward on false pretences, meaning to retire into an easy, paid office as soon as the elections were over. What will the duped say as soon as they find they have been sold ?

Mr Ballance's protest against the projected appointments to the Council is so sound that it will, we believe, prevent the appointments for the pre sent. Whether it will prevent them altogether remains, as Aye shall pre ■sntly consider, to be seen. The main thing we have to consider m that pro test is its truth. Of that truth, the foundation is the fact that the Govern ment has not got a majority—a fact admitted virtually by the proclamation to call the House together m January. A Government not representing a majority of the representatives has only one ttiing to do, and that is to, resign as soon as possible. XJntU it can le^ve office it 13 hound to do nothing that is not essential to the working of the administration.—" N.Z. Times."

The Premer's Soliloguy

According to "Civis, 1 m the " Otago Daily Times, Sir Harry Atkinson is sup posed to commune thus : — To bide or not to bide : that is the ques tion :

Whether 'tis better for us still to bear The slings and arrows of outrageous Bal lance Or to sink arms beneath ,h sea of troubles, And, by resigning, end them? .Ta go,'' resign; No more : and by. resigning say we end The heartache,' and the thousand painful snubs The Cabinet's heir to : 'tis a consumma tion Devoutly to be wished. To go, yesi^n^-- Resign : perchance to, starve. -, ay", there's the >üb,,, Fer m resigning, ugh ( what straits may come. When we have shuffled oft' the benches here, Must give us'pause : there's the respect That makes a Ministry thus cling to life ; For who would bear the whips and scorns of Keeves, Dick Seddon'a tongue and Cadman's. <?<>&■:. tumely, The fangs of Hutqhi^oxij the claws of Grey, Th,e. wsoljdnoe of Fish, and all tha spurns < That patient Mibohelson and t'othera took | When we ourselves could our quietus make With a bare penstroke ? \sw> would far dels bear^ To gi'Ufti, »net sweat under a weary life, I But that the dread; of losing place and pay On Opposition benches (irftPß w.hose bourne We nev«er. may return puzzles, the will, And makes us rather bear the ills we have Than fly to others that we know of old ? Thus office does make cowards of u£ ail, And thus the native h,ue of resignation Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of fright, And independence, honour, duty, all, In this rezpect their current turn away, And lose the name of action.

Murder and Suicide at Waverley.

[I'EE PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wanganui, December 26.

News was received m town late last night of a cold-blooded murder of a wife and deliberate suicide by a man named Gallagher at Waverlev. No detailed particulars are to hand, bnt travellers from up the Coast state that Gallagher shot his wife m Ellis's Hotel at Wavcrley and then put the gun to his own breast and tired. The first shot, however, did not kill him so he fired a second into his heart. The police have no further particulars.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association] London, December 22 and 23. The Lord Mayor, will entertain a number of leading colonials at a banquet, also 1 Lord Carrington. Her Majesty the Queen having consented to become sponsor to Lord Onslow's son, Sir F. Dillon Bell is asking her to indicate the name of the child. Mr Vincent Scullyintendsto petition against the return of Sir John Pope Hermessy on the grounds of undue influence brought to bear on the .electors ; by L the priests. Professor Anderson Stuart, who has been investigating Dr Koch's cure on behalf of several colonies, reports that' the latter's. remedy aids diagnosis, and good results may be obtained with respect to joints and bones and perhaps lupus. % He Considers the treatment injurious m cases of advanced consumption, and says early stages are improved more subjectively than ob jectively. Most of the doctors, who have been enquiring into the cure, assume a reserved attitude. Professor Stuart takes a quantity of lymph to Australia, and he will lecture on'the treatment and demonstrate the action of the ymph m Sydney m March. He considers no patients should come from Australia. At a trial of, a thirty feet s gun at Sandy Hook, shells were hurled a dis tance of 15. miles. Mrs Pearcey, the Hampstead mur deress, suffered the extreme penalty of the law yesterday. Before her execu tion she mad/J. a full confession of the crime. Dr Barnardo has issued an appeal to the public on behalf of his establish ments for the destitute. He states that his homes contain nearly 4000 waifs, and funds are urgently needed. The season is terribly severe, and hundreds of street children are with out homes or food. Wi'l Australia send a generous Christmas gift. Berlin, December 23.

It is reported that the Emperor William visits Paris and Cannes}incog nito shortly.

Calcutta, December 23. The Czare witch vmb with a brilliant reception on his arrival m India. Lo>:»or ; December 24 Intelligence has been received of a collision which took place between the steamers Talookdar and Libuhia soff Pernambuco. The former vessel sank, and her captain and twenty-two of the crew were drowned. London, December 26. The Most Reyr W. Thomson, D.D=, Archbishop of York, is dead 72. Frank Smith, m charge of the social reform wing of the Salvation Army, has seceded from that body, owing to a quarrel he had with General Booth m connection with the adminis tration of the funds of the Army. St. Johns, December 24 A severe storm has been experienced off the coast of Newfoundland, and sixty fishing boats, with their occu pants, have been lost. Washington, December 25. President Harrison lias issued an invitation to all nations to s*nd exhibits to the great ■exhibitipn, which is to be held m Chicago m 1893. Berlin, December 25. Germany pays four million marks for the concessions made to her by the Sulton of Zanzibar, and it is arranged that the latter maintains sovereign rghts. The State pays Dr Koch and the assistants who worked with him. In his search for the cure for consumption three million mark? f©n the right to make consumptive lymph. It is ex pected that the profits from the sale of lymph will amount to fully four million marks per annum,

AUSTRALIAN

Brisbane, December 24, Warnings have been issued to the Shipping Companies to expect bad weather from west-south-west to south west and south, between Gabo Island Hobart and Bluff. a . _.p£»™ (W.A.), December 24. [ bir Thomas CainpbeU has been ap pointed President of the Upper House, and Mr John IWest has been en trusted \\\%h the formation of the first ■Ministry under the new constitution. Sydney, December 24,. Messrs Howard Smith and the Aus tralian United Steamship, Company have arranged to, work- their steamers m co-operation, thus avoiding the cut throftt competition. Brisbane, December 24. An extensive discovery of silver has [been wade at Engham, which is be lieved to approaoh, if not exceed, Broken Hill. A valuable find of rich antimony has also been made m an abandoned claim at Charters IWers

INTERPROVINCIAL

fPBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Decerob&r 24. Immigration ard emigration returns for New Zealand, d^iaar November, show arrivals l^fiy departures 724. The arrivals were—From United Kiiijrdom 2W; New Sputh Wales, 591; Victoria, ; 324; Tasmania, 16; other pjaoes, 47 • i total, 1250. Departure were —United Kingdom, 83 ; Queensland 1; New South Wales, 33ft} Victoria, 236; Tasmania, 2a} ofcher places, 137 ; total, 724. Thejpe were no arrivals of Chinese, while 88- took ! their departure. The total Uiss of popu lation by excess of emigration over immi gration far ton. ninths, ended November 3Qth, \v«s 2f H persons. I The weather promises to be fine for tliQ holidays. Large numbers of residei^ are availing themselves of excursions for leaving town. Christohuro^ $jewmber 24. Several Maoris, fc>.W been sumnioned for scoops w^ wit h nets. It b^M %*t T« Ko^ti has developed a gro*t vafawik \n the matter, and the news, hat he AsiU YJtfb Canterbuiy when the. $$3 &''& on 5 h»a caused a yeosatioiu

We have to congratulate the Caledonian Society on the beet Kates day t hey have ever had. no less a sum than £50 7s Id having been takenjby the gate-keepers on Boxing Day. The entries were also the largest m the Society's history, from this source alone £12 JBs having found its way to the Trea surer's coffers. The Ministry are almost certain fco recon struct either just before Parliament meets or before a. test vote can be takeji. Sir Harry Atkinson into da to resign, we believe, and the difficulty which ministers arc now facing is as to the leadership. Mr Bryce, Captain Russell and Mr Rolleston are mentioned as likely to be asked to take that position, and if the Speakership can lie otherwise disposed of it is quite likely that Mr Rolleston will lead the party.—"N.Js.Times," Holloway's Ointment and Pills. — , These remedies are unequalled throughout I die world for bad legs, wounds, foul Koree, bad breasts, and ulcers. Used according to directions given with them there is no wound, bad leg, or ulcerous sore, however obstinate or long standing, but will yield to their healing and curative properties. Many poor sufferers who have been patients m the large hospitals under the care of eminent surgeons, and have derived little or no benefit from their treatment, have been thoroughly cured by Hollo way's Ointment and Pills. For glandular swellings, tumours, "piles," and diseases of the skin there is nothing that can be used witli so much benefit. In fact, m the worst forms of disease, dependent upon the condition of the blood, these medicines, used conjointly, are irresistible. Thjs Best Remedy vok Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently, recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of pearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the ' Natural Strengthener of the. Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is I^.l, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine a endors throughout the world.*

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACES. i The following htiurlioaps have been declared for the annual meeting of the Tinwald Racing Club on New Yoar s Day : Hurdle Rack Handicap, of 20 soys.

Acceptances for the above and entries for tlie Maiden Plate aud Novel Race close at 9 p. m. on Monday, December 29th.

(r£R PItJGSs ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, December 26. For the Auckland Racing Club'\ Summer Meeting to-day there was beautiful weather. About 5000 pvesant- Tkul Stakes.—Cissy 1, Antelojxj 2,, Memorandum 3. Great Nokthkrn Foal Stmees.— Lebel 1, The Workman 2, Brown Bes* 3l Auckland Cur.- Crackshot 1, Hildas 2, Cissy 3. Time, 3min 30^sec. Hurdle Race.—Satyr 1, Orlando 2. Nap 3. Railway Handicap.—The Baron 1, Reprisal % Leolanfcis 3.

THE MARKETS

[PKE FKESS. ASSOCIATION. J

A quantity of the .-Aa^ m%n^;B butter only realised from TOs^tQ 94 s The New Zealand j^, an an( j Mercan tile Agency Company, Limited have received the following cable advice from their London office, Sated Dec. Wtieat—steady. Quotations un changed since last telegram. London, December 24. Tallow, best mutton, V 26s 6d to 27s : beef 26s to 26s 6d. Adelaide wheat is firmer at 38s 6d, Victorian firm at 38s, New Zealand long berried from 37s Cd. Three months' bills are discounted at 4 per cent.

Bicycle Races

(PJSK PRBSS ASSOCIATION.)

Chkistchurch, December 26. About 4000 people attended tha Pioneer Bicycle Club's meeting at Lancaster Park. Following are the results :— ■" . Mile Maiden Roadster—E. HassalF. (Timaru.) , Time—3min 15 4-sth sees. Mile Bicycle Handicap—T. H. North, 130 yds, 1; *\ ,T. Craddock, 135 yds, 2 ; P. Mitchell, Oamaru, 120 yds, 3. Time— 2mm 45 4-sth Bees. Two Mile Championship—A. C. Wil mot, 1; S. R. Sfceadraan (Taieri Ram blers), 2 ; .N. Hall, 3. Won by a foot. Time—6min 56 l-sth recs. Miie Safety Race—E. HowEson (Dun edin), 160 yds, 1. Tim© -2min 69 2-sth sees.. Won easily. Two Mile Lap Race—S. R. Steadman. 1. Time—&uin 37 l-sth sees. Ladies Bracelet; one milo and a hal*— Nwth, 200 yds, 1. Time—4min 15 l-sth sees. F. J. Craddock, 200 yds, 2 (a foot behind) ; Boyd (North Canterbury), 200 yds, 3. Five Mite Roadster Handicap—V Ledsjiam. (Pioneer), 410 yds, 1; £L -a' Thompson (North Canterbury), W )w i * >>2; J. Robertson (North ctW^^S 380 yds, 3. Time-a&nin 53 3-W rt B™'B™' 120ydsPedestrian Handicap-.f o' iSToill (C.A.A.C.), 10yds, 1. r im P e _Zi3 2 S sees. 1000 yds Flat Rac.o Handicap -J. S awke£ (CA-A: C-X 55yds, 1 ; C. G. Recs (C.A.A.C.), 10yds, 2; D. Wood (0.A.A.C.), scratch, 3. Time—2min 24 sees. Wood van the distance from scratch m 2min 24 3«sth sees, beating White, of Sydney'^ Australasian record by 3-sth second, Baring the afternoon Adams, of Chrjst clmpch, rode a mile on n tandem safety to make a record, doing it m 2min 59 3-stlv sees.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DeOeMBM if, . IsM



l-i mile. st'lb st lb Don ... 11 0 Inchkeith... 9 4 •Cymaro ... 10 9 MissWarbeck9 4 Marmion ... 10 7 Digby ... 9 Q Clifton ... 9 7 Tinwald Cup, of 45 sovs. H mile. st lb | " st ll> Breadalbane 9 0 i Portadown 7 7 Liberator... 810 I Pennine ... 7 li Ben ... 8 71 Corringa .... 7 3 Don ... 8 0 | Coinage ... (S 13 Zealot ... 7 9 j Kilmamock # . 6 7 Welter Handicap, of 25 sovs. One mile. st lb fit lb Breadalbane 10 5 Glenlora ... 810 Liberator ... 10 2 Mailboy ... 810 Ben 9 12 Tit Willow 8 4 Doubtful ... 9 7 Coinage ... 8 4 Don 9 5 Cymaro ... 8 0 Portadown... 812 Truro ... 8 0 Pennine ... Bli Kilmarnorjk 8 0 Kimrof Ulster 8.11 ' Flying Handicap, of 25 sovs. 5 mile. st lb . st lb Breadalbane 9 7 Clifton ... 7 7 Ben 9 0 Corritigu ... 7 7 Doubtful ... 810 Tit Willow 7 0 Mailboy ... 8 3 Somonimu 7 0 Zealot ... 8 1 Lady Darling 7 0 Portadown 713 Violet ..." 7 0 Pennine ... 712 Nightingale 6 7 Glenlora ... 712 Kilnmracek 6 7 Handicap Time Tuot, of 25 sovs. Three. miles. .Too I. , ... sec , OnStrike 40aec Minnie .... 15$ec Quail x l-gsec Home Rule... 20scc Jess . 45sec loianthe ... 20sec | Quicksilver 45sec Nellie ... 25scc I Long Sal...- 50sec Biddy ... SOsec ,loaeph ... SOsec Flnrrie ... 30sec Sailor Boy oOsec Belle ... 85scc Luida ... 50sec Victoria . 35sec Ellen ... SOsec Taipo ... 35sec Springfield 50sec Walianui ... 35sec Nancy ... 50sec Anacouda ... 40sec Thuiza ... 50«ec Cascade ... 40sec ■



The Lower Heathcote races yesterday were well attended, Breadalbane was the winner' both of the Heathcote Cup and of X)^ Sp'd- j



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUCALPTI EXTRACT. Test it 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 meqical syndicates all orer the globe, are its patrons, JAot*4 tl}i? official reports that accoin'pany each bottle. &|/e haf edq cccj?, sion to offer rewards m proof of the genuine ness of bur references.' .Tlie oiflsciaj[ reports of medical clinics and universities', ' tjis /jjfßcial communication of the Consul-General t'oi- jttjtjy jit Melbourne; the diploma awarded lilteniationai ftyiljihitipn, Amsterdam—all tJieSS are authentic 'aooTlmwnpu, and, ar, such, not open to &cty»k' We ftdd here ep^We of anti of the vaiious .cases treaf*4 l>y ,§J,^ej.it M.D , I*r<ifesjsor, etc. Burning qf the ri^': I haijd tiwongh tlje «sK|»lfieiou of a small oil stiQve. The epidermis oif thfs vqtyf p,jjd pafmor si(jc of the hand of tli# thirty-year old nat|i»nj; »ffta poinpletely separated aif'd lift-tilt up fts far as tlip joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails wen« hwgfilg l«os(^ and Iwlf of the plia-luax of the nail of tho middle finger was coal d. The wounds tluu contracted healed m three weeks imlcr daily application of Kuealypt Extract dressing. The pat ent has retained the fu p,? : o(%^d~-(Advt.)



_____ Wanted , I JHHMSmSr~Humber of young J \J Ladies' Journal, Ladies Pictorial, granitic, large supply of annuals now m stock.—H. M. Jones. 12 183 WANTED a youth to make himself useful about Hotel. Apply at the office of this paper. 12 184 Tj^OUND, on Christmas evening, white .Jj straw hai. Apply Mail Office. _ 12 185 WANTED Known.— 11. MURRAY, Xm-ts Discounts, 10 per cent, on Jewellery, Clocks, and Plate, for 1 month 1_146_" / \ Ice Cream daily al; H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. Ice kept m .stock. WANTED Known -Ladies StockinTT with Silk Toes and Heels m black and colors, la 6d per pair.—W. H. Collier. "ANTEDKnown. - ForDrewTStuffii Prints, &c., Trimmings, to match, go to Melford House. Best value iri town. Christmas presents now giving away.—H. C. Sjeoeks t 17"ANTED Known.—For Sheetings' VV Tabling, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels Table Napkins, Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, »fee., go to Melford House. Presents to every purchaser.—ll. C, Segers. "PRESENTS.— We are now giving JL presents to every purchaser of Drapeiy, Clothing. Boots, and cheapest house m town.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. "ANTED Known—The "Strong wear" Boot is the best for Men, adies and Children.—W. H. Collier. TTT ANTED every man m the County VV to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. ANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron warn goods made and repaired with des patch. agag BOOTS, BOOTH. "Keep you* feet 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. One of the Old Men. "—lf you will send your name your letter will appear.



Sharplin, Vincent # f.o. SAWMILLERS ANT) TIMBER MERCHANTS, SPRINGBURN. HAVE erected large Sawnills at Alford Forest, and 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. he Mills are within If miles of the Springburn Railway Station. FIREWOOD, SLABS, AND WASTE TIMBER Always on hand. Orders by post promptly attended t3B Spring and Summer,, 1890. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FOR Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, Boys* and Youths' Coloni»l 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 fit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits, Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &c., m Latest Fashion Mid Style. Best Vaiujs .foe Cash m District JN E*V ZEAIAND CLOTHING FACTORY Agent for the Wonderful "Wtx&id&l i ,„ Machines W. H WEBBER j Manager j THE, JftGSK FOR CHEAP CHRIST | MAS CHEER i



NEW CHRISTMAS CARDS. A Beautiful Assortmet. NEW ANNUAL VOLUMES and BOOKS for Prizes and Presentations. FANCST GOODS, -fee, &• L F. ANDREWES & Co. IMPOKT '.NT PUBLIC NOTICE. KzVTAPOI HOUSE AGVIX TO THE FRONT. MITCHELL 0^ riWRNER ITCHELL C\J J.URNER DESIRE to inform their numerous Customers and the public m genera}, that after careful and rnacure 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 tho 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 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. A WELL ASSORTED STOCK JUST OPENED UP. MITCHELT C_ mURNE'p ITCHEIJU OC JLURNEXi KAIAPOI HOUSE. CIIHISTMAS B4KiilhS. A NDRTSW nRa Andrew \Jrr HAS opened up a Splendid Show OF .NEW GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Beautiful Assortment OF Fancy Goods SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS. LADIES, GENTS', and CHILDREN'S BOOTS and SHOES GREATLY REDUCED. Andrew Orr.