DEATH.

AuEsr. —On Friday, December 25, at E»st Belt, Ashburton, .Tajiks Allen, aged 65 years.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1891. THE LAND POLICY.

Back numbers of " Hansard" are not quite the most exhilarating form of Christmas literature, but there are some people who are so constituted that at this season they take those rery drj books down from the shelf. What their fate deserves to be we will not venture to say. Nobody will call the contents of the books " fairy tales," anyhow, and it is well, m these days of short memories, that such records are at hand. A hint from a contemporary has led us to look at " Hansard " for 1882, and to the report of the debate m the Legislative Council on Mr RoUeston's Lfind Bill. On this Bill of the present leader of the Opposition, }§er" Bell, the Opposition candidate for the vacant Wellington seat, is endeavouring to set up a claim to Liberalism for his party. Ho told the Wellington electors that " There is no difference between Mr Rolieston and Mr Ballance on the land question ; Mr Rolieston was the most liberal land legislator we had." Well, m 1882, the Hon Mr Oliver, Minister without portfolio m the Atkinson Government, took charge of Mr Rolleston's Land Bill m the Legislative Council. In his speech m the debate on the Bill he delivered a most eloquent and forcible panegyric on the advan tages of the perpetual lease system. He upheld with the utmost fervor the principle of leasing the land without according the right of purchase, and instanced Great Britain as an example of the excellence of the leasing system pure and simple. We have thus the incontrovertible fact thafc m 1882 the Atkinson Government advocated and sought to enforce by legislation the abolition of the freehold system of land j tenure. Now, when, after all the in-; dustrious attempts of Opposition poli-; ticians and press to make out that tije j Government* land policy is going to ruin the country, Mr Bell is compelled fco assist his chanee# by telling the electors that Mr Rollestoi* «Jso advo cates the «anie ruinous policy a$ £hat parsuei by tht ' Government, «*4 ty

J leading the electors to infer that, m agreeing with Mr Rolleston. he also agrees with Mr Eallance. We only want a speech by Mr Bolleston, at Wellington, m support o£ Mr Bell's candidature to make the beautiful ( picture complete. Mr Bell does not appear, so f *r, to have been called upon to definitely pledge himself to support <m Parliament—should he succeed m getting there —the principle which he admires m his platform speeches. It is hoped that before the election hn will be called upon so to do. Should he then be successful m the contest the country will have the edifying spectacle of the leader of a party being at direct variance on a main point of policy with the members of that party, and the latest recruit to the party gaining his seat by the profession of similar anta gonistic principle?. Such is political consistency as evidenced by the Oppo sition candidate and party m the contest at Wellington.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The fruitgrowers of Southern Tasmania have arranged to ship early this year 200,000 caass of fruit to England by the Orient Company and other steamers. The Mail and Guardian companionship acknowledge Christmas greetings from their fellow-craftsmen of the " Qtago Daily Times." The card is a very beautifully designed and printed one. A girl named Rose Griffin, 18 years old, belonging to the Salvation Army, fell while going up the railway bridge steps at Lyttelton on Friday evening and fractured her skull. She lies m a very precarious state. The latest diversion for lazy minds is announced from Paris, as a game called '' Oyster Loo." The bivalves are placed one m front of each player round the table, and an equal stak« is placed beside each oyster. The oyster which " yawns " first secures the sweepstake for the lucky indi vidual who is seated opposite to it, A Dunedin telegram a few weeks ago announced the death of Mr J. D. Fcraud,late of Dunedin and Clyde, one of the pioneers of mining m Otago. It is now stated that there was no trti*h m the report which found currency that he was dead. He was m Adelaide on the 12th inst., recovering from a severe illness. "There was a great deal of truth m a remark made by a prisoner at Court m Napier that prison was a terribly slow place to spend a holiday m." This comment is made by the " New Zealand Herald, " writing , obviously, "asone having authority." Yet we cannot remember hearing of our friend having acted as an amateur convict. It is wonderful how some people come by know ledge. The Greytown Borough Council, for economical leasons, omitted to print their annual balance-sheet this year. They re ceivt-d a reminder from the Auditor- General that an omission cf this sort — unsanctioned by the Governor—entails a penalty of £5, and the Council have wisely decided to print their financial statement as usual. At Lyttelton on Thursday a lad named Abbott, 11 years, son of the niglitwatchman on the wharf, was playing m front of a house where furniture was being removed, when four dynamite caps fell out from among the goods. The boy picked one up and commenced tapping it on the fence, when it exploded, shattering his left hand badly. He was attended to by Drs Peryman and Guthrie, who found it necessary to amputate four fingers. On Christmas Day a little three-year-old son oi Mr George Cole, of Wakanui, had one of his legs brokenin a very simple manner. He was leading a sheep dog with a string, when the dog gave a bound which threw the boy to the ground, and on picking him up his father found that his leg was broken between the knee and ancle. Mr Cok- coiiveyed the bey to Ashburton and Dr Tweed set the leg during the afternoon, and the patient is progressing favorably. Referring to the settlement of the land the other night, the Premier said :—Since they took office last January, 36 Special Settlement Associations had been formed, with 1200 members, and the area applied for was no less than 250,000 acres, of which 97,000 acres had been token up m the Wellington district. None of the sections were more than 200 acres m extent, but if the policy of their predecessors had been followed," the whole of the area would have been taken up m sections of 2000 acres and more. It is net often that a representative of the press has to maintain his right to report a meeting with an exhibition of the noble art of self-defence, but such wa« the experience of a Manawatu journalist. The chairman of the school committee read a report that on December 3 the thermometer registered 140deg m the sun and lOOdeg m the shade, and then intimated that this was not for publication. The journalist intimated that he would use his own discretion, whereupon a member of the committee tried to eject him. "But the journalist was young and active, and he not only maintained his ground, but obtained an apology for the insult offered to the majesty of the press. A witness named Fox, summoned to give evidence m the sealskin case at Invercargill did not turn up when called, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension. After his arrest the Court resumed, and was about to take his evidence, but he refused to say a single word concerniug the case, on the ground that he'had been "jammed into a police cell for nothing." All the persuasive powers of counsel could not move him, and ! after a lot of talk the Court adjourned for a couple of hours to allow him to cool down, granting him also his liberty. On resuming, Fox was as obdurate as before, and there was no option but to adjourn the hearing till the following morning, as the the only other witness for whose arrest a warrant had also been issued, had not been found. Fox was committed to prison till the next day. We have received from the publishers a copy of the Christmas number of the "Otago Witness." It is an immense publi cation, which has as its special feature a collection of original tales and sketches by New Zealand authois—all good, and showing that the literary talent of the colony needs only to be encouraged m order to take a prominent place m the journalism of the times. Few of our readers are strangers to the "Witness." We will not make com parisons, but writing of the paper as it appears before us, we must say that it is a credit to New Zealand. In its tales and sketches, its serial fiction, its agricultural, sporting, and mining news, its own Civis (though he recently appears to have been bitten by a political mad dog), and above all m its country uews it is not excelled by any weekly m New Zealand, and is approached by but f *»w. The Melbourne correspondent of the " Star " gives the following particulars of the recent disastrous storiv m South Australia : —A destructive cyclone occurred on Friday afternoon m the inuidrpds of TicYera and Kadina. It was about three miles m width, and the devastation wrought along its track was remarkable. The approximate area of the crops destroyed along twenty miles of the course of the storm is estimated at 10,000 acres, and the loss will not be less 1 than £15,000. When the cyclone struck Tickera, on the coasr,, it churned up the wheat Irom the soil, and mallee trees were torn up by the roots. Mr John Farrell, a farmer, living about four miles from Tickera I township, suffered most severely. His house, 'which is of stone, rocked before the wind, and his position was so ajarming that he took his terrified wife out of the house through a dangerous drift of blinding hailstones, some of which wore as large as hen's eggs, and he had t<? shle'd her m ths open plain. Mrs Farrety is under medjeal treatment. The house was battered m, and the trees surround iwg if were blown down. JS'inun. Hyslop an/1 OoAs " Imperial' pure Oeylor aiid Indian Teas are jf.h.e bes m the market. -JAdvt,) Ask for Niiiian Hyhlop, and Co,'s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and ipdjait Teas. Special pricesi—(A4vfc,)

Mrs Pender, wife of the Inspector of Police, died at Christchurch this- morning of consumption.- The many friends of Mr Pender m this district will sincerely sympa thise with him m his sad bereavement. Members of the organising Committee of the proposed Horticultural Society are reminded that the adjourned meeting to receive the subscribers' lists is appointed for to-morrow (Tuesday evening) at 8 o'clock, nt the Arcade Chambers, when it is hoped thkt all will make a point of being present. ! The remains of the late James Allen, an old Ashburton resident, who died on Christinas morning at the age of sixty-five, were carried to the cemetery on Sunday. Fifty Druids attended the funeral, and at the grave the burial service of the Order was read by P. A. Bro Robert Clark. In the course of his speech at Auckland Mr Ballance, referring to the Whitaker- Hutchison libel case said he could not, of j course, hare expressed auy opinion upon this , subject while Sir Frederick Whitaker was alive; but he had inquired of the officers of the Treasury, those who were m the position of thoroughly knowing all about this subject; he had gone into the matter himself, and he stated deliberately, after due reflection, m the presence of an Auckland audience, to whom the late Sir Frederick Whitaker was well known—he stated unreservedly that thore was absolutely no foundation whatever for the charges made against him—not even a shadow of foundation for the charges made against him. The Akertnan combination had a very satisfactory house on Saturday evening, and the programme submitted was of a most entertaining character. Mr Akerman was m his best form, and elicited rOars of laughter by his funnimeuts. His songs and negro sketches were especially amusing, and the. littleniggerTom|Th«mb, who was interlocutor m the chair business, played "up to his chief admirably. Miss Willis is a very sweet vocalist, and a great addition to the com fiany. Miss Pearl Akerman, the celebrated ady contortionist, also takes part m the vocal work, and this department of the entertainment was made all the more attrac tive by the singing of Mr Wilson, who con tributed several songs m good style, notably "Killarney," for which he was encored. The company play again this evening. We learn they are en route for Australia, whence they return with a strong addition to their numbers and novel* ies.

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACING CLUB. The following are the handicaps de clared for the New Year's Day Meeting :— Hakdicap ■ Huriklh Rabb, of 20 soys. One mile and a half. stlb stlb Inchkeith ... 10 10 Sandy ... 9 6 Tamutu ... 10 5 Dignity .i. 9 4 The Chief... 9 12 Alexander... 9 4 Master Raven 9 8 Flyaway ... 9 0 Lotto ... 9 6 Tinwald Cup, of 50 soys. One mile and , a half. Bay King ... 9 3 King of Ulster 7 6 Quibble ... 813 Corringa ... 612 Lady Zetland 8 7 Gillie ... 6 7 Coinage ... 8 2 TitfWALb Handicap Teot, of 25 soys, Three miles. Mountjoy ... scr Camellia ... 50sec Marengo ... scr Prince ... 50sec Madeline ... 25sec Diana ... 50sec Kit 11. ... 25sec Glenrowan... 50.-sec Star of Honor 28sec Rocket 11. ... 50sec Lily ... 30sec Fores tor ... SOsec Humbug ... 33soc Zenith ... 55sec Forest Maid 35sec Old Dad ... 55sec Luguaquilla 35sec Thirza ... 55sec Tom ... 38dec Little D 011... so.sec Winchester 4O.sec Tommy .... 6O.sec lolanlhe ... 40sec Barn Dance 60sec Victoria 11.48 sec Taipo ... 60aec Stumpy ... SOsec Eos... ... 6O.sec Kittie ... 50aec Welter Handicap, of 25 soys. One mile. Bay King ... 11 5 Glenlora ... 8 7 Quibble ... 11 0 TheSpiaer 8 5 The Idler ... 10 5 The Jewel... 8 5 JncobFaithful 9 11 Alexander... 8 5 Kins of Ulster 910 Pennine ... 8 3 Chester Lad 9 8 The Chief... 8 3 Beau Nash... 9 5 Aquarius ... 8 2 Young Cheviot 9 0 Sandy ... 8 2 Corringa ... 8 12 Ringrove ... 8 0 Gillie ... 8 9 Beach ... 8 0 Flying Handicap, of 25 soys. Six furlongs t Lady Zetland 9 6 Queen B ... 7 4 The Irllor ... 9 2 Pennine ... 7 0 Coinage ... 811 Porfcadown (> 12 Jacob faithful 8 8 Aquarius ... 6 12 Beau Nash 8 4 Diver ... 6 10 YounaCheviot 7 13 Ringrove ... 6 10 Marten ... 7 9 Beach ... 6 7 Glenlora ... 7 6 Flyaway ... 6 7 The Spider 7 4 Fabler ... 6 7 Dignity ... 7 4 Acceptances close on Wednesday night, at nine o'clock at Tinwald hotel.

THE AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

[PER PRESS AMOCIATION.j Auckland. December 21. Details are as follows :— Trial Stakes of 80 soys ; 1 mile, Clanranald, Bsfc 21b ... ... (Clark) 1 Flinders. 7st 111 b (Derritt) 2 The Workman, Bsfc 21b ... (Brown) 3 Five started. Won by a length, two lengths separating second and third homes. Time—lpiin 43fsec. Dividends --Inside and outside, £1 18s. Great Northern Foal Stakes of 10 soys each, with 300 added ; 6 furlongs. Whakawatea, Bst 101 b ... (Smith) 1 Stapniak, Bst 101 b (Clifford) 2 Bro,vn Alice, Bst 51b ... (Gallagher) 3 North Atlantic, St. Hippo and His Worship were the other starters. Won by two lengths ; Stepniak three parts of a length m front of Brown Alice. Time— Imin 16sec. Dividends—£B 5 and £7 Bs. Auckland Cup, of 10 soys each, with 600 soys added ; 2 miles. Mr Walters' Pinfire, 6st 101 b ( Wright) 1 Major George's Coalscuttle, 6sfc 61b (Davis) 2 Mr Porth's The Dreamer, 7st (Cotton) 3 Hilda Bst 111 b, Fraternite 7«t 131 b, Queen of Trumps 7sfc, and Leorina 7sb also ran. Won by a length, Coalscuttle a length and a half m front of The Dreamer. Time —3rnin 32|sec. Dividends—-£l7 34s and £16 14s. Hurdle Raof, of 100 soys ; two miles. Lonely, lOst 91b ... ... (Rae) 1 Fishmonger, lOst 61b ... (Fergus) 2 Oraksi, lOst 81b (Dyers) 3 Five started. Won by six lengths. Dividends—£3 3s and £8 11s. Railway Han oicap, of 70 soys ; six furlongs. Reprisal, Bst 71b 1 The Dancer, 6st 101 b 2 ScobFree, 7sfc , ..,.. 3 Eleven started. Reprisal, who was never headed, won by about two lengths. Time—lmin 36sec. Dividends—£2 3s and £1 17s. Nursery Handicap, of 80 soys ; five furlongs. Wyvern, 7st 51b (Rae) 1 Puwerewere, 6st llib ... (Davies) 2 Glenom, 6.51, 91b (Wright) 3 There were six starters. Won rather ensily by two lengths. Time—lmin ISiaec. "Dividends—£3 13s and £3 17s. Maiden Steeplechase, of 100 soys ; about three miles. The Colonel, list 21b 1 i Five others ran. Dividends —£2 4sand £1 15s. Christmas Handicap, of 100 soys ; one mile and a quarter. Fiesple, &t ••• ? . ? (Golding) 1 Morion, 7st 61b ... ... (Common) 2 The Dreamer, f»b 61b ... (Cot'gxi) 3 Won by a bare ha}f length Timg — 3witti2fsec, Divid.e»(W£i3 6sjs mi £9 B§.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

[per press association.

THE COLONIAL OFFICE.

London, December 23. Lord Carrington declares that al though Lord KnutsEord is satisfied himself, there must be*a change in the policy of the Colonial Office before long. THE LONDON HOSPITALS. ' The income of the London hospitals for the year 1891 has declined £150,000 as compared with the previous year, a fact wh eh is attributed to the large I amount of subscriptions received by General Booth in aid of the Salvation Army funds. MONETARY. . London, December 24. The "Economist" states that the new investments offered this year will be £85,000,000, which is £67,000,000 below that of last year, and £104,000,000 below the 1889 investments.

DISASTROUS RAILWAY COL LISIONS.

New York, December 25. The Buffalo and St. Louis express trains collided to-day at Hastings A | brakeman was sent to stop the latter train and it is alleged that he delayed doing so by going to an hotel for a drink. Ten persons were killed and fifty injured. Many were scalded owing to the bursting of the boiler of the St. Louis express. London, December 25, A railway collision took ; place at Lowestoft, in Suffolk, to-day, by which three persons were killed and thirty injured. The heavy fog prevented the signals being seen. OBITUARY. Sir Thomas Chambers, Recorder of London. THE ROYAL MARRIAGE. It is officially announced that the marriage of the Duke of Clarence and Avondaie and Princess Mary of Teck will be celebrated in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, on the 27th February. THE LONDON FOG. Tliefog which has prevailed for four days still hangs around London, and 25 deaths from drowning in the docks are reported. IRISH AFFAIRS. The election for the Waterforcl seat in the House of Commons took place to-day. Mr John Redmond defeated Mr Michael Davitt by nearly 500 votes. London, December 26. It is expected that sixty of the Unionist merrbers of the House of Commons will not seek re-election at the general election. .The Unionist press are elated at Mr Redmond's victory in the Waterford election.

SACRILEGIOUS OUTRAGE.

Madrid, December 26. During a midnight mass on Christ mas eve four bombs were exploded in a church in Valencia. The altar was wrecked and several of the congregation were injured. Two arrests have been made.

FRENCH POLITICS.

Paris, December 25. The Chamber of Deputies has agreed to the amendment proposed by the Senate according bounties to hemp and silk. The protection policy adopted by the Government has led to an advance m the price of bread and meat. M. De Freycinet, the Premier, in tends to ask Parliament to increase the vote for victualling the. army by 12,000,000 francs.

THE HONOLULU CABLE.

San Francisco, December 26. The soundings for the Honolulu cable have been completed. The greatest depth is under 4000 fathoms.

AMERICAN POLITICS.

Washington, December 25. I Mr Crisp, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has appointed Mr Springer, Chairman of Committee of Ways and Means; Mr Mills, Chair man of the Foreign Commercial Com mittee, and Mr Bland, Chairman of the Coinage Committee. A general revision of the tariff is now looked for. Mr Springer, Chairman of Com mittee of Ways and Means in the House, proposes to introduce a Bill making imported wool free and not charging a tariff on woollens. THE STATES AND CHILI.

Mr Elaine is preparing a statement for President Harrison to present to Congress showing the grounds on which the request that action should be taken against Chili was based. Valparaiso, December 20. The enquiry into the disturbance with the men of the United States cruiser Baltimore has concluded. Two ohilians were found guilty of stabbing, but the police were exonerated from blame.

CANADIAN AFFAIRS.

Uttawa, December 23. The Canadian Liberal press is accus ing the Hon. A. R. Angers, Lieutenant- Governorof Quebec, of gross corruption. The Hon. C. E. Boucherville has succeeded m forming a strong Ministry m Quebec. It is alleged that the followers of the Hon. H. Mercier, Premier of Quebec, misappropriated £250,000. Ottawa. December 24. The Quebec Parliament has been dis solved. The elections take place m March. A Royal Commission has been appointed to enquire into the whole doings of the Mercier regime, Ottawa, December 26. There is an increasing feeling throughout the Dominion that the dis missal of the Hon. Mr Mercier's. Government is a dangerous invasion of provincial autonomy. Nicholas Connolly and Thomas McGreevy have been committed for ' trial on a charge of conspiring to de fraud the Government. McGreevy expected acquittal, but now threatens to subpoena the Hon Sir H. Langevin and Sir J. P. Caron who held portfolios m Parliament, and confront them with damaging documents. Thirteen Conservative members of the Dominion Parliament have been unseated on the grounds of corruption. The Treasurer of Quebec declares that a deficit of .£500,000 has been congealed by tb,p previous Treasure^

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wanganui December 27. A fire broke out about 4.20 on Sunday morning m premises occupied by A. Johnson, bootmaker, Ridgway street. There were two other shops m the block, i-ccupied by A. J. Cribb, tailor, and J. Crane, barber, but Johnson was the only one that lived m the building. The fire is supposed to have originated from an Aurora stove limp believed to have been left burning m.l ohnson's: parlour. Owing to the strong wind blowing only, a few firemen heard the bell, but these ex- | fcinguishedthe flames before the rouf was ! reached. Johnson his wife and four children had to escape by the verandah, j and one of the latter was nearly suffo cated. Insurances —Building (belonging to the estate of C. H. Ashforth), £400 m the Norwich Union ; Johnson, stock m trade, furniture, etc., £150 m the Commsreial Union ; Cribb, stock, £225 m..the Imperial; Crane, £25 m the Standard. Johnson's premises are gutted and the remainder of the building partly destroyed. Dunkdin, December 26. Wilson and McGuire, who escaped from Milford Sound, were captured afc Moas bourne, near Lake Te Anau.

THE WEATHER.

EXTRAORDINARY HEAT AND RAINFALL. Saturday was one of the sultriest days that has been experienced here for a long time. There was fortunately very littfe wind, su had the dust which is generally raised by a nor-wester did not spoil the pleasure of holiday making. In the after noon a fresh breeze sprang up from the south, and about seven o'clock rain set m, the fall getting heavier ana the wind higher as the evening wore ori^ until it was the heaviest rain that has fallen here for years. A Government rain gauge m Ashburton registered 1.58 inch of rain m the eight hours between 8 o'clock on Saturday night and 4 o'clock on Sunday morning. A great deal of damage was done to some of the heavy grain crops, which were laid twisted and broken be yond hope of recovery. The lighter and more backward crops will benefit by the rain, and on bhe whole the fall has done good. Some of the newly shorn sheep suflered severely. Our Rakaia correspondent writes:-- A splendid rain came on Saturday even ing. O"er two inches fell, and although the heavy gale laid some of the crops it will be of great general benefit. •Mr Herring writes from Alford House : —The self registering thermometer (black bulb m vacuo) on Saturday last recorded 165 deg afc 11 a.m., one degree higher than any previous record during the past eight years. In the evening snow fell at Alford Forest. The rainfall at Alford House was l£ inch.

|'PER PRL'SS ASSOCIATION], Christchurch, December 27. Very heavy rain fell during most of last night. A strong S. W, gale blew in the early morning,doin<? great damage to fruit trees,but no injury is reported to shipping at Lyttolton. The weather was fine to day, but a south-west wind is blowing. Dcnrdin, December 27. The holiday makers on Saturday were thoroughly drenched by the rain. Up to two o'clock the day was fine. A smart shower then fell and was followed by others at intervals until 4.30 a drenching r-.vin fell ii torrents and continued till p-ist midnight. Since then showers have been frequent. The crops will be greatly damaged by being laid, and it is feared that the rain will have dissipated the pro spects of a bountiful harvest.

CRICKET.

LORD SHEFFIELD'S TEAM.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. (Received December 28, 10.35 a.m.) Melbourne, December 28. The match between Lord Sheffield's team and sixtem of the Melbourne Cricket Club was drawn. In the first innings tho visitors pub together 175 and the local team 156, the latter m their second innings having two wickets down for 88 afc the call of time.

CARISBROOK (DUNEDIN) V. ASHBURTON.

The match between the crack Dunedin Club, the Carisbrook, and the Ashburton Club was played on the Domain ground to-day. Ashburfcon went fir&t to the wickets, but made a poor stand, being all disposed of for twenty-four. Carisbrook, at the time of our going to press had scored sixty-one runs for two wickets.

TINWALD CRICKET CLUB.

The match between the Married v. Single members of the Tinwald Club was played on Friday last on the Tinwald Domain m the presence of a large number of spectators, and after an interesting and exciting game resulced m a victory for the Single by the narrow majority of two runs. Owing to want of time only one innings a side was played The bache lors m their attempt scored 73, and the benedicts 71. For the winners Watson, 21, was the only one to reach double figures, and for the losers Bonnington 23, and Loe, 13 (not out), were the prin cipal scorers. The bowling honors on both sides were very evenly divided. It is propose;! to play a return match later on m the season.

Tinwald Town Board.

A meeting of the Tinwald Town Board was held on Wednesday, December 23. Present—Messrs Redmayne (Chairman) Gudsell, Gates and Williams. CORRESPONDENCE. From Mr Curtis re pounding cattle. After discussion it was decided that the Ashburton Poundkeeper be stopped from pounding stock in the Town Board dis trict from January 1, 1892. LOG REGISTRATION. The registration fee for dogs was fixed at 2s 6d for sheep dogs, and 10s for all others ; the Chairman to see the Clerk of the County Council in reference to dogs i that have been "registered ekewhere be- j longing to the Town Board. ACCOUNTS. After passing accounts the meeting ad journed. ____„_____„____

A Victorian anti-vaccinationist has been fined three times for refusing to have his child vaccinated. He says he will move io Sydney first.

In the Christchurch Girls' High School the pupils are taught swimming. Mr A. Francis, the examiner m swimming, m his report, says:—As a result of my observa tion I was impressed with two facts: Firstly, the ready aptitude shown by the young ladies m acquiring the art of nata tion ; secondly, the good methods adopted by the swimming master to impart instruc tion. He has great patience and the tact to gain the confidence of his pupils, very necessary qualifications for a successful swimming master to possess. As one of the aspirations of the New Zealand Amateur S,witnming Associ&tfon is to get swimming included' ill ' the syllabus qf the, public schools, it not deemed gut of place, I would like, on behalf of the N.Z.A.S.A., to con : gratulate the Board on the advanced posi fipu tljey fywe taken on this important ' jnatteiV

THE HOLIDAYS.

THE CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

The thirteenth annual gathering of the Ashburton Caledonian Society was held in the Domain on Saturday, Boxing Day. The Caledonians were never in better fortune as to weather, the day not being too warm for open air work., although quite hot enotiirh to turn out a god many well tanned faces. The shade afforded by the Domain trees, however, was largely taken advantage of, and many little picnic parties were held in '" the bush." It was calculated that about 2000 people were on the ground, and the crowd "was as orderly a gathering as could be seen anywhere. It is a pity, however, that where ground is so well arranged as our Domain i-s for sports purposes people could not try for one day to be unselfish and refrain from crowding in where such competitions as pole vaulting, wrestling, eta., are going on. When this is done the number of people, who get a chance to see what is really "oing on is very limited. The police did all They could to assist the officers and kilted men to keep the competition ground clear, and succeeded very well for a ' considerable portion of the day, but gave lup the effort apparently in disgust towards the close of the meeting. Visitors from Dunedin and Christchurch com plained bitterly of this conduct on the part of the crowd, comparing us nob by any means flatteringly ; but they forget *hat at Dunedin and Christchurch the I parks are fenced, and the courses are thus very easily kept clear. The Commit coe this year raised the dancing platform to four feet, in the hope that the crowd would keep back ; but the extra height did not have the desired effect. Perhaps raising it another four feet would do it, as then the crowd would have to stand back to see anything at all. There were a great many men in tartan at the gathering this year, among the fresh faces to be seen being those of Messrs Smith, from Dunedin ; James Reid, lately of the Canterbury Scottish, who wore a hand some costume of Black Watch tartan; Mr Thomas Begg, Ashburton; and Masters W. Smith, Dunedin, and John Stewart and R. Popham, Christchurch ; all of whom were prettily dressed in Royal Stuart and Hunter Stuart tartan. There were not very many competitors from outside the county, and all the best prizes were won by local men, except in pole vaulting, and wrestling. In the pole vaulting, J. H. Hoskin and W. Kidd kept well up to each other until the bat had reached 9ft Sin which proved the local man's limit. Hullen and Keenan, the Waimate men, with J. H. Hoskin had a big tussle for honors in wrestling, and all' three showed clever play, bui Hullen's long reach and fine conditior placed him first. No specially good times were recorded by thepedestrians, bul Daltons's 81ft 2in cast of the 161b hammei was considered very good, as well as hi; 33ft 3in put of the 221b stone. Mr Davie Thomas was starter of the races as usual, Mr John Corbitt taking charge of tht distance pegs. Mr John Devery took his old place in charge of the jumping gear, along with Messrs W. Anderson and R Miller, and all three leant a hand at tin caber, hammer, and stone with Messrs T. Scaly, James Jamieson and Geo'gt Lamb. The pipe music and Highlanc dancing were judged by Mr McGlashar from Dunedin, aided.by Mr James Rek from Wellington, and Messrs Donalc Mac Lean and Charles Reid. Tht wrestling judges lvere Mr James Rek and George Robertson, while the work o judging the Irish dancing was done b] Messrs John O'Grady and Patrick Devane In addition to a card of thirty-four events, some thirteen or fourteen races foi children were got off, superintended b] Messrs Craighead, Mathieson and Els ton Mr W. Malcolm was superintendent o snorts, !"v1 Mr Joseph Wv,li'(ln toil some day'a work as Sccietaiy. The tasl of judging the quoit playing fell to M Murdoch Bruce. The Ashburton Brr.si Band held a position on the ground al day and played selections at intervals Mr C. W. Davis had the refreshmen (confectioner's) booth, and did goo< business. The weather kept up grand! until the events were over, and it wa only the secretary and his staff win encountered the drizzle that fell as dusl was closing in. The gate money wa the highest the secretary has yet takei for one day—£ss 15s. PRTCE LIST. Quoits.—W. Compton 1, J. Taylor 2 There were five competitors, most of then well-known players. Open Handicap Hurdle Race, 44.0 yds six hurdles.—James McFarlane and W Waites (dead heat) 1 and 2, W. Hustoi 3. Time lmin l| : sec. This was th< closest event of the day. There were seven competitors and all jumped verj prettily and fairly well together for the first hundred, but after that they opened out a little, only, however to let Waites and McFarlane run into a strong lead. This they kept to the tape, breasting it together, and dividing first and second money. Pipe Music. —There were only three pipers on the ground altogether, namely, Messrs Alick McKay, George Robertson, and Donald Ross, and the first, second and third prizes were awarded in this order in all the pipe music competitions. Dancing — Scotch Reel.—A; McKay and A. McKenzie equal, 1, G. Morrison 3. Sword Dance—A. McKay 1, A. Mc- Kenzie 2, G. Morrison 3 : Special prize of £1 Is R. Popham. Reel o' Tulloch— A. M'Kenzie 1, A. M Kay 2, G. M^ri son 3. Seauntrieubh—A. M'Kenzie 1, A. M'Kay 2, G. Morrison 3. Highland Fling—A. M'Kenzie 1, A. M'Kay 2, A. Smith 3. Boys' Highland Dancing.—W. Smith 1, R. Popham 2, John Stewart 3. Irish Hornpipe.—E. O'Sullivan (Mr Andrew Black s Cup) 1, M. O'Loghlen (Mr P. Devane's prize) 2, N. Fitzgerald (Messrs Mitchell and Turner's prize) 3. Irish Jig—E. O'Sullivan (Mr John Henry's prize added to the money given by the Society) 1, M. O'Loghlen (Mrs Butler's prize) 2, N. Fitzgerald 3. Irish Jig (boys) —R. Popham 1, F. Henry 2. Sailors' Horn pipe—R. Popham 1, E. O'Sullivan 2. Costume—Best dressed Highlander— Men—(Ward and Co.'s prize of £2 2s) A. McKenzie 1. Boys—John Stewart 1, W. Smith 2. Funning—lOOjda fln,fc—J. Robb, 3yds, 1 ; C. Henry, 6yds, 2 ; A. Fraser, syds^ 3. I There was nothing very special in this I event beyond the fact that it showed the paces for the first time of a new local pedestrian in the person of Mr Cardy Henry, whose performances that day were keenly watched as those of a runner of great promise. As it happened, he came up well to expectation and Avon the big event of the day. Grand Handicap Flat Races of 100 yds, 220 yds, and 440 yds. —in this event Cardy Henry obtained first prize, having a handicap of 6yds in the 100 heat, 15yds in the 220, and 20yds in the 440. The second prize was gained by J»mes Dawkine, who had 3yds, 6yds, and 10yds respectively, and the third prize by W. Bruce whose handicaps were respectively Byds, 20yds, and2syds Half mile Handicap—W. Bennie, 10yds, 1; W. Waites, 10yds, 2; J. Dorm, 20yds, 3. One mile Handicap—W. Bennie, scratch, 1 ; W. Waites, scratch, 2; E. Sullivan, 40yds, 3. Three-legged-race — Huston and Roberts, I ; Pickford and Nicholas, 2. Old Men's Race—Oompton 1; Perks 2. Consolation—Johnston 1; Dawson 2. Jumping—Running High .Jump—John | Jamieson, sft 4|in, 1 ; W, Kidd, sft3|in, 2. Pole Vaulting—J. H. Hoskin, 9ft 3in, 1 j W. Kidd, 2. ' ' Tossing the Caber—T. H. Dalton, 1 ; \H. Butterick, 2 ; P. Keller 3. Putting U|e StoneVT. «. Dalfcyn, 3.3 ft' Sin, I j

J. H. Hoskin, 32fb lOiu, 2 ; H. Hullo:i. 28ft lin, 3. Throwing the Hammer —T. H. Dalton, 81ft 2in, 1; H. Hallon, 7»tt 6in, 2; J. Dorm 72ft 2in, 3. Wrestling —H. Hullen, 1; J. Hoskin, 2; J. Keenaii, 3. Bicycle Race—R. Curtis with a 200 yds start won from H. Stewart (200 yds) 2; and J. Wilson 3. Fire Brigade 'Competition —W. C>mp ton and J. Groves (Ashburton), 44 2-s;h sec, 1 ; J. Pauling and F. Nokes (Ashbur ton), 47 I-sth sec. 2 ; H. T. Baker and T. Barber (Ashburton), 53ssc, 3 ; C. Dauvergne and W; Jordan (tlangiora), 62 2-sthsec, 4.

RAKAIA SPORTS AND RACES.

The annual sports and rices at South Rakaia were held on Boxing Day in the Domain. The Domain itself is one of the most perfect spots for the purpose that could be wished for, the high hill on one side .of the ground, forming a natural grand staud from which an uninterrupted view of the whole course can be obtained. The trees round about are growing up well, and form a beautiful background to the scene. A fine crop of oats is growing in the centre, and not only were pleasant to the eye, but kept the dust from being troublesome; there was, however, very little wind to raise this fiend, which has completely spoiled the pleasure on more than one previous anniversary. There was a large attendance, both fashionable and popular, and several of the "county families" had erected tents on the hill, wherein they entertained their friends who had come from a distance. The horse races, of which there were seven on the programme, were the principal attrac tion. To them must be ascribed the presence of a number of s)-called " book makers/ and though some of them dealt fairly with their patrons many of them did not, ani it would be well for the j Committee to take into consideration. j whether it would not be better to face the position and give in future years sufficient stake money to entitle them to the use of the totalisator. Better that than the public be victimised as was frequently the cisc on this occasion. The officials were energetic in the dis charge of their dutips, and kept the . amusements going briskly, the only hitch bfring caused by an obstruction on the course just when the trotting races had started which led to several of the com petitors pulling up. The race, however, could have had but one result as far as the first was concerned. Mr Aynsley had quite j a day out, winning four races including the selling race on which the Committee made a profit of 11 soys. Mr E. Wilson won the other two flat races. Most oithe races were well contested, and the racing was much better than is usually seen at a sports meeting. The Burnham Band discoursed sweet music on the hill, and Mrs Howell had a refreshment booth on the flat. There was the usual dance at night in the lowa Hall, which was crowded. The following are the results of the various events : — Ladies' Purse, of 10 soys, second horse 1 soy from the stake ; one mile and a half.—Miss G. Murray-Aynsley's eh g Chester Lad, 4yrs, list (Mr G. Murray- Aynsley) 1; Miss Williams' g sr Sher wood, list 71b, 2 ; Miss Welsh's b in Lotto, list 71b, 3. May Queen, Don, Rotomahana, and Master Raven also started. A good race ; Chester Lad won by a short neck. Don broke down. Flying Stakes, of 7 soys, second horse 1 soy from the stake ; three-quarters ot a mile. —Mr G. Murray-Aynsley's eh g Juveno, 3yrs, lOst (Owner), 1 ; Mr T. Watts' eh m Collina, lldt 7lb, 2 ; Mr E. Wilson's eh c Ringrove, lOsfc, 3. Nabob, Rotomahana, Lotto, May Queen, Hetty, Billy, Pincher, and Miss Lilly also started, Juveno led all the way, and won very easily. Rakaia Handicap Trot, of 10 soys, second horse 1 soy from the stake ; three miles. —Mr .1. M'Orory's eh m Polly, 65yds behind scratch, 1 ; Mr G. D. Hardwick's b g Fancy IT., 50yds behind scratch, 2 ; Mr R. Cain's Tommy, 65yds behind scratch, 3. Thirteen horses started. Polly soon got to the front, and won easily by a quarter of a mile. Farmers' Plate, of 10 soys, second horse 1 soy from the stake ; one mile r.nd a half.—Mr G. Murray-Aynsley's eh g Chester Lad, 4yrs, Hat (Owner), 1 ; Mr E. Wilson's New Hope, list 71b, 2 ; Mr A. Dixon's Billy, 1L t 71b, 3. Nabob, Sherwood, May Queen, Rotomahana, Portadown, and Lotto also started. Chester Lad won a good race by a head, Billy close up third. Selling Race, of 10 soys, winner to be sold for 10 soys; one mile.—Mr G. Murray-Aynsley's eh g Juveno, 3yrs, lOst 71b (Owner) 1; Mr J. Baxter's Roy, list 71b, 2 ; Mr W. Stubbs' Hetty, list 71b, 3. Wo» easily. The winner was offered at auction by Mr J. R. Bland, and was bought in at £21. Hurry Scurry, of 10s each; six furlongs.—Mr E. Wilson's b g New Hope (P. Miller) 1; Roy, 2 ; Jack (late King Billy) 3. Rotomahana also ran. Won easily. I Consolation Handicap of 6 soys, j second horse 1 soy from the stake ; one ■ mile.—Mr E. Wilson's eh c Ringrove, 3yrs, Bst, 1; Collina, Bst 71b, 2; Pincher, Bst 51b, 3. Roy, Bst 101b, also ran. Won easily. Trotting Match for 5 soys ; one mile. —Mr J. McCrory's Polly 1, Mr Gamble's piebald pony 2, athletic events. Men's 100 yds Handicap; first £1, second 10s.—E. Laraman, syds, 1; A. Santy, syds, 2 ; P. Dolan, scr, 3. Boys' Race, under sixteen, 200 yds, first 10s, second ss, third 2s 6d.—C. Hampton, 1; J. M'Anulty, 2 ; F. Meg-son,-3. Men's 440 yds ; first £1, second 10s, — A. Santy, 37yds, 1 ; P. Dolan, scr, 2. Girls' Race, under sixteen; first 10s, second ss, third 2s 61.—Jane Hinds 1, Budget Collins 2, Jane Stewart 3. Boys' Race, under twelve, 100 yds, first 7s 6d, second 2s 6d, third Is.—C. Shannon 1, G. Bruce 2, P. Harvey 3. Girls' Race, under twelve, 80yds ; first 7s 6d, second 2s Bd, third Is. —M. Clark 1, B. Collins 2, G. Sturgiss 3. Sack Race, boys under sixteen, first ss, second 2s 6d, third Is.—J. Coffey 1, W. Sturgess 2, T. Hood 3. Married Women's Race ; first 255, second 15s, third 10s.—Mrs Brown 1, Mrs Kea» 2, Mrs Babbage 3.

THE CHURCHES.

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH

At Sb Stephen's (Anglican') Church the decorations were more than usually beau tiful. A large cross of white wool, m which were set blooms or scarlet ajer anium, was placed m front of the chancel window, and below this and immediately above the communion table, a Greek cross m the same flowers, flanked on either side by vases full of white lilies. A. temporary rood-screen with three arched openings was erected on the chancel steps, and covered with ever-greens, toi-toi and lilies, and the pulpit, lectern, desk and the ends of the choir stalls were wreathed with foliage and flowers, among which matapo, cupressus |lawsoniana, veronica, and holly, relieved by white ftlies, scarlet geranium, etc., were prominently notice able. The pillars, of the nave were adorned with wreaths of evergreens, Ninons which were sprinkled bunches or the white everlasting pea, and the window sills were very tastefully ornamented with iry set off with shafts of the scarlet gladi olus and the light feathery branches of the asparagus. Another noticeable fea ture wnH a very beautiful cvos»s of la.ures tinus blossoms, with centre of Jtfies, which occupied », prominent poaitiuu m fro^t of

the pulpit,. The font was, however, the chef d' oeuvre, the column on which the basin rests being encircled Avifch a wreath of ivy, and the basin filled with r» wreath of of lilies and ferns very taste fully arranged. To the ladies who under took, the work of decorating the interior, it had evidently been a labor of love, and they are much to be con^rntuld'cd upon the result. There were Mesdamca TO. A. So;>tfc, A. Curtis, Trevor, and Kemp thorne, and the Misses Twenty man, •Tenuings, Purnell (2), K. Gates, M. Fowler, Reid, Moss, J. Slimy, Court, Lifctlecott and Roberts (2), Jand they were very ably and efficiently assisted by Mr Simeon. The services comprised early communion, matins (with com nuiiiio.r,), and vespers, the Rev E. A. Scott being tha'preacher, and the Rev J. S. Uanbington incumbent of George town, Tasmania, (who is now on a visit to A.shburtoji) reading the lessons.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Throe masses were celebrated m the church or the Holy Name on Christmas day,; the Very Rev Fath3r Chastagnon being the celebrant. The alcar was beautifully decked with flowers, the work (if Miss Cosgrove's tasteful fingers', and seldom have larger congregations attended, or more liberal Christmas offerings been received.

THE WESLEYAN CHURCH.

The services on Sunday at the Wesleyan Church were conducted—morning by Rev Mr Garlick, and evening by Rev J. H. Gray. On both occasions the church was well attended, and the services were appropriate to the season.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

The Rev P. Riddb occupied the pulpit of the Ashburton Presbyterian Church on Sunday at both services, and was also the preacher at Wakanui m the afternoon. There were Mr attendances at each service. !

The Rev Mr Woollass, of' Tnnaru, con ducted the services in' the Primitive Methodist Church on Sunday, and m his j discourses touched especially on the I season, choosing for his subject "The Birth of Christ." The congregations were specially good.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH, RAKAIA.

The church was very prettily decorated for the Christinas services, thanks to the kindness of the ladies of the congregation, and the Rev J. Holland was |he preacher.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Vmtml Urfvlng: Accident.

Patea, December 28. A sad fatal accident occurred last ni^ht. When Mrs Gadsby and Mrs Cox were driving home from'here, m 'gcing down Whenunkura hill the horse- shied and went over a steep embankment. Mrs Gadaby was picked up insensible, and died m a few minutes. Mrs Cox is badly hurt, but it is hoped not dangerously.

MELBOURNE NOTES

[from otjk corbkspoa'dkxt.] Melbourne, December li>. There are still thirty-seven Bills on the notice paper of the House, but to-night (Tuesday) is appointed for the slaughter of the innocents, and about half-past four the Premier Avill announce tho dooai of the hapless measures he intends to abandon. Probably the Local Govern ment Act will be the only measure of im portance he will succeed m getting through the Council. 3 One new Bill will m all probability <*o through easily and speedily. That is the Bill for the construction of the north suburban lines, and for the building of a sufficient number of country lines to balance them, principally to coalfields and mining districts. The northern suburbs have been left too long without railway communication, and the coal fields want developing. That is the os tensible reason for rushing the lines. The truth is that many leadine members both of the Council and the Assembly have invested laagely m lands the lines must pass, and behind them they have a strong body of civil servants who have done the saoie thing. In this manner the state is fairly honeycombed with corrup tion. One late member who was largely interested m Building Societies used to lavish courtesies and small loans amon" draughtsmen m the Railway department and make a little pile of money every now and then by investing according to the in formation he received as to what work was being pressed forward. One sub nrban line alone yielded him six thousand pounds within a month on an outlay of two thousand pounds for land and ton pounds as a douceur to a clerk m the survey branch of the railways. In the last days of the session the Government announce that during the recess they will prepare a Bill for the Government audit of Building Society accounts and for limiting the amount of the deposits such societies may receive to a sum not exceeding that of their paid up capital. The Societies will consequently lend half their own money and half that of their depositors when they effect loans at all. It is a move m the right direction, but it is rather late, and it may turn out to go too far. The great thing requisite is to make the directors and shareholders < understand that the onus of meeting claims must lie upon the depositors. Ti\ read the addresses of the directors of JJhe various societies which have failed would. lead one to believe that the depositors had committed some grievous wron.3 m want ing their money back again n,t the expira tion of the time for which it was lent. As far as the audit is concerned, Government auditors are just as easily got at as private. firms. What is wanted is to make audi tors and direotors absolutely responsible for their own signed statement. On Saturday last tho South Melbourne Justices of the Peace made asses, of them selves m the true Dogberry manner. Francis Cleary, who is charged with com plicity m the horrible Larkin frauds, was charged before then\ and David Gaunson appeared f.av his defence. Now some' months f*go when the Emerald Hill Justices were sitting m petty sessions, Gauuson, whose good qualities and bad tmnper are equally notorious, had a breeze with the Bench, packed up his papers m a rage, flounced out of the Court, *nd swore he would never enter it again. On his appearance on Saturday before a i differently constituted bench the Magis trates present were stupid enough to demand an apology, and to threaten not Iphear Mr Gaunson if he did uot make one. Of course he laughed at them arid stoo.'i on his legal rights of audience ; whereupon they wev© so supremelj idiotic as to say they would not hear him on Wednesday, to which day the case was adjournqd. They could not play his gamo uor that of his client better than by refusing. It is a question if they had any power to punish him when the first quarrel took place* It is quite certain they have no power to do so now. How ever, the presence of a Police Magistrate '• Yx'ill V 1 obtained to-morrow, and as he can 1 adjudicate alone,, the offended Magistrates can stop away if they please. "They never wtfj be missed."

THE ASHBURTON GITAEDIAN: MOtfDAY, DECEMBER 28, 180 J.



JPOSTAILi NOTICES MAIL~NOTICES. Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— WEDNESDAY, December 30. For United Kingdom, Continents of Europe add America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., and also for Koithern Ports of New Zealand, per Takapana, as follows:—Ordinary letters an 1 papers, €5.155 p.m.; registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. This mail will be. due m London on February 3, 1892. For Chatham Islands, per Kahu, at '0.15 p.m. Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26). and New Year's Day (January I), being postal holidays, the Ash- Imrtou Tost Office will be closed except from nine a.m. till ten a.m. and from acveu p.m. till eight p.m. Mails for Christchurch and North will close at five a.m.. Mails for Dunediu and South will close at ten a.m. No Mails will be despatched after ten a.m. A complete delivery of letters will be made by the letter-carriers on Boxing Day, com mencing at eight a.m.



'^ Wanted. CAJ3H Advertise™sins under chis hihdtiut not exa*sdia,s SIXTEEIN WORDS 1/-. Addresses maybe left at this Office. MISS CARSON, Music Teacher, Burnc.t Street. Christuns Holi days, Deceiuber 23 to January 4. Hi 122 WANTED, Situation as Traction Engine Driver ; experienced hand. Thorough machinist, re ipers and binders. Apply W., '• Mail" Office. 12*178 ANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cnihmore Hose, Under cV>thin", Pinafores, As. Come and see them. " Handsome Xinas presents now giving away.—H. C, S bosk's, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rngs at Is lid, 2s 61 and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. T&OTHINGwiII Cool you so quickly and -^ invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream —H.G. Fixmmt, Confectioner, East Street. LL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship euaraneeed; froW 60s cash. Kobbm Amwbk, Aahburton Clothing Marl, Saanders' BuildingH. WANTED Known.—For first-class Drapery and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. ( See windows. > Beautiful Xmas present s being given'ftway. —H. C. Sbgeks. W" ANTKDKnown. ™At''The Corner' now Helling Ladies' French Shors. 5s lid. See them".—W. H. Coojeb. WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is 10M ; orfcim.l value, 4s. —H. C. Sbgbks, Melford House. WANTED Known.—T have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Ooods to eel«ct from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Bailers, Spouting and Ridging kept m ptock.—J. W. Hakdmy, East .treet. 6^202 SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers ar< requested to call early.— Robrrt Alcobk, Saunders' Buildings. fTiO Meet the Times. —t am aupplying .JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all deasriptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. Harto-ky, Eas street. 6J201 WAFTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and ' his highly reputed make by calling at J. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. WANTED Known. -H. Baibstow has opened those premises m East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and lion Bedsteads on viyw. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l