DEATH.

Tarbotton.— On December 27, at Ealing, Robert Giles Tarbotton. Aged 18 years.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1896. Local and General.

The Stock Department (says the New Zial'ind Times) kuows nothing officially con ceining the reported resignation of Mr J. T. Mowat, of the Falkland Islands. The last letters received from Mr Mowat made no mention of resignation, bub stated that he intended to visit London m the interests of the frozen meat export from the islands. The Lyttdton limes states ' hat the Rail way Department is so well satisfied with the results of the experiment which ir. has tried m charging passengers one penny and twopence per mile during holiday seasoiiß that it has decided to adopt the system per manently, Another concession which the department has decided upon is the exten siou of the period of season tickets by two weeks, to lhat m future they will be avai ablo for six weeks instead ot a month only, »3 keretofore.

The train arrangements for January 1, are advertised m this issue, also the rates for tickets. The Southland Times has been . purchased from the Southland Times Company by Mr Robert G ltnour, of lavercargill. "The remedy the Prohibitionists propose for drunkenness is something like amputat ing a man's leg 10 cure his chilblains," says Dr Hatheily. The Matron »of the Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of five shillings towards the Christmas treat for the inmates. The usual monthly meeting of the A.eh burton High School B^ar.l takes plapa to-morrow afternoon at two o'cock at flifr Braddell's office.. New regulations for the disposal of land under the Land for Settlaments Act have been adopted, and will be published m tjie course of a few daya. Naturalists may be interested m the fact that a stingaree, caught by Mr Tattersall at Raglan, on the 11th hist., meiißured 9fb from the snout to the tail, and IPf1 Pf 9in across. The propectus of a new lnortsii g piper for Wellington, with a capital of £25,000, has been issued. About £6000 is already sub scribed) and premises have been secured for the proposed journal. The Minister for Railways has consented to allow all apprentices m all trades travel ling m the railway to travel at half rates up to the age of twenty-one years. Hitherto the age was limited tp twenty years. Mr apd Mrs Benjamin Orjsp, two o|F Nelson's most esteemed and widely known citizens, celebrated their golden "wedding last week. Mr Crisp has resided m the colonies nearly 70 years. An old identity m the person of Mr John Bligh, the well-known proprietor of Bligh'a Boarding House, Victoria Street, Christ church, d je.d on eyening at the age of fifty-eight, baying b£en jn b^d health for several years. The many friends of Mr J. A. Poole, clerk of the Wakanui Road Board, who has for some time been m failing health, will be Berry to learn that he was much worse ywsjberday, and it was considered expedient to send him to the Hospital. The Tiviani Herald learns that the Waitaki is just now m good fishing order, and that anglers from Oamaru and neighbor hood are enjoying excellent sport. " Some Timaru anglers intend going down this week, and if at all fortunate^ Bhpjjld bring back Borne of the big fish. The nejet intercolonial Fruit Growers Ooofgf^nee jo to begig m Brjebine on the 4th * r "*"«»**/ £foe New Zealand Uepart- . 6o c a '-^ttaw WM be officially repre. sented, and fruit gro .. Mr . ift^L- \-hosa 'been invited to send two travelling , expenses our Governmenu pay. There is some good sport obtainable m the Rakaia just now. As an instance we may mention that during the Chrietmaa ho idays Messrs, Collier and Vv. C. Steward took with the rod near the mouth of that river four splendid trout weighing respectively 81bs, 9lbs, lllbs, and 121bs, besides several kahawai. ' The Nino Zealand Times states that selec tions of land for workmen's villages m the neighbourhood of lirge centres have been decided upon. The Minister of Lands has given instructions to the officers of his de partmenb to proceed along the railway lines and select suitable lands for this purpose. Speaking at Geraldine on Wednesday night, at a complimentary social tendered to Mr Flatman, M.H.R., the Hon John McKeczie said that during the past election amongst those who had fought tooth and nail against the Government, the people conspicuous were those who got relief from the Government when their sheep were lost at the time of the severe snow storms. The old leaven of the Bank of New Zealand had also fought hard against the Government, which was very unfair considering the help given to the Bank. Without hesitation he sounded the warning note to the Bank people that if they were going to dabble m )olitics m this manner the Bank would go into liquidation very soon. Before the break ing up of the gathering the Hon. Mr McKenzie was carried shoulder high round the room to the tune of the bagpipes, after which a large body of people followed him through the town to his buggy cheering him lustily. Hollow ay's Pills.— Nervousness and want of energy. — When first the nerves,feel unstrung, and listlessness supplants energy, the time has come to take some such altera tive as Ho lo way's Pills to restrain a dis order from developing into a disease. These excellent Pills correct all irregularities and weaknesses. They act so kindly, yet bo energetically on the functions of digestion and assimilation, that the whole body is revived, the blood rendered purtr, while the mu?cka become firmer and stronger, and the nervous and absorbent system is invigor ated. Thoae Pills are suitable for all classes and all ages. They have a most marvellous effect on persons who are out of condition ; they soon rectify whatever is m fault, restore strength to t^e body »nd oonfidouoe to the

THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

St Stephen's Church. The Christmas festival was celebrated at St Stephen's Church right heartily, notwitb slanding that the cheap excursions had drawn so many away from Ashburton. The' Church was most tastefully decorated by a band of few, but loving and skilful workers, and a most pleasing result was produced. The motto " Emmanuel" over the Com munion table was the work of Mr T. A. Gates, On Christmas Eve a carol service was held at eight o'clock, but was not as well attended as it deserved, and those who could not spare an hour to listen missed a treat unique m itself, to say nothing of the elevating effect of such a form of worship. The solos given by Mrs Brooke "See amid the winter snow," and the leading pare m the anthem "It came upon the midnight ' clear," were worth going miles to hear. The service consisted of hymns and carols, etc., alternated with readings from the New Testament, which contained the fulfilments of prophecies contained m the Old Testa ment, giving the promise of a Saviour ; the time when he should be born ; that he should be a prophet like Moses ; the nature of His birth and the place respectively. These were announced by the Vicar, who g*ve also the probable space which intervened be tween the predictions and their fulfilment on the first Christmas Day The rea ders were— Meaßrß Alington, T. A. Gites, B; J. Fiul, Dr Greenwood, and the Vicar. A very interesting explanatory address wa9 given by the Vicar, m which he compared the Old Testament to a lock ; the prophecies were like intricate wardß, which only one key could possibly fit. The New Testament described that key — Jesus Christ. He stated also, with respect to carols, that it was a curious fact that for every one Easter Carol there are a hundred for Christmas — a fact not easy of explanation, for Easter Day appealed to the hearts of the people quite as surely as has Christmas. The explanation might be m the fact that the representation of the cradle of Bethlehem gave a realism to the Christmas scene which could not be given to that of the garden of the resurrec tion. The offerings at the service were given to the Choir fund. On Christmas Day there was an early celebration of the Holy Communion at 8.30 a.m., when fifty-four commnuicanlb presented themselves. The Vicar gave an address on the words " Emmanuel, which is being interpreted, God with us " (St. Matt, i., 23.) At 1% a.m. there was a good congregation, and thirty four remained for the midday communion. The special hymns and other music were most heartily sung, and considering that the ranks of the choir are always thinned during the Christmas holidays, those upon whom the burden fell are to be congratulated. Credit is due to Mr H. Gates for the careful teaching, etc., given to the choir fn prepara tion for these special services. Mrs Fox presided at the organ m the absence of the organist (Miss McDunnel ), and was assisted by an orchestra of various musical instru ments. The Vicar gave a short sermon on the text " Thanks be to God for His un speakable gift " (2 Cor. ix. 15 ) During his address he drew attention to a gift which had been received that day by the Church, and used for the first time, viz., a beauti fully worked cloth to be used for the cele bration of Holy Communion. For the most part ie had been worked by the donor whilst lying on a bed of sickness. Tne heartiest thanks of the Church were duo to Miss Bardett-Stuart for her handsome present. The decorations remained intact for Snnday.

Church of the Holy Name.

The church of the Holy Name of Jesus was very chastely and artistically decorated m honor of the Christmas festival, the best use possible having been made of Christmas lilies and other flowers, with abundance of evergreens, and the effect was undoubtedly pretty. The church was as usual crowded for midnight mass, which Very Rev. Canon O'ponneil c; Jebrated, six acolytes serving. at fchja a 1 tar where the chief and most success ful efforts had been made at decoration. The service began with the carol m English ••Jesumi." The music was adapted from a Spanish carol by the organist and con ductor, Mr D. J. Jones, and the melody was very tastefully sung by Misses Mac- Donnell and Prendergast, the full choir taking up the refrain. The mass was Winter's for three voices, and throughout was well sung, bat the special charm of its rendering 'jya£ th' 6 polo work of Miss 13 erg, to whom was allotted, tbe ! * tryipg tsßk of leading the sopranos throughout, and singing three most exacting solos, The latter, however, she was quite equal to, and it was quite a treat to listen to her. Solos were also sung at intervals throughout the mass by Miss MacDonnell and Miss Prendergast, and by Mr John Wilaon and Mr R. D." Wilson, the "Adeote Fideles," of course wd.Bsung to its familiar setting, an | was the feauture of the service it usually 'is.' Q?he "Grande March," by Mr D.J. Jones, was played by its composer as the congregation retired. jQn Ghristmap morning rather O'Bonnell' celebrated' early mass and again at eleven o'clock to large congregations.

THE HOLIDAY.

From £*- ea # hoUI? w he evenin S Ot ' the town— hast; and adjoin. .■■'?^ t lf ; f especially— were lit and thronged wi.. - oe v" pie. Of course the fancy goods establish-^ ments received a large snare of public patronage, and presents for the fair ones, the dear ones, and the little . ones al ways dear Were bought m abundance, and m fact at one period of the evening nearly every man or woman one met on the street carried a parcel. But those parcels were not all compiled from the toy shops. Some of them — nay, many of them — were the result of visits to the general stores, and to the confectioners 1 and other establishments. AH the shops were m Christmas array — specially clad with their best colors and neatest arrangements to greet the visitor's eye, while not a few made uae of evergreens and Chinese lanterns to heighten the effect. The' brilliant lighting of the business establishments was heigh tened by the daikness of the night, and the mildness of the weather made' the evening's outing enjoyable. Seldom have we seen as many people on the streets, and when one considered the population, the queßtion naturally arose— where did they a 1 come from? How the question should be answered matters not. • Sufficient be it that they were there, and no doubt the merchants who were honored with their patronage would be glad indeed to see so many about more frequently and possessed with the same desire to purchase. Every face wore a smile, and every soul seemed determined to be happy. The butchers made a splendid show m ' view of the holiday, all doing their best to make the most tempting display for the cooks. Among them may be specially mentioned the display of Mr Silcock, who " laid himself out " for & crowning effort, and he certainly succeeded. All the meat was specially fed for the Christmas trade, and when hung up m his brilliantly lit and decorated establishment looked very well indeed. \ On Christmas Day many picnic parties were organised, and the beach, the mills, the farms, and Peel Forest, had many visitors, while large numbers made use of the railway to visit the neighboring towns and oth?r places where friends resided, or other attractions drew them. Boxing Day provided the local sports, sports at Rakaia, ' and elsewhere, and generally plenty of out i dgpr ?nj6y meot wrb prpvi^d,

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Annual Gathering. Since 1878, the year m which the Ashbur ton Caledonian Society came into existence, the Society has held its annual gathering on Boxing Day. New Year's Day is the day that most Caledonian Societies m this colony prefer for their annual gathering, but there I is nothing arbitrary about it, as m Scotland New Year's D.iy usually dawns upon a country wearing several inches of snow — a carpet well enough suited for some kinds of sport, but not for the athletics one enjoys m mid-summer*. But N-.w Yeai's Day would have been chosen by the Ashburton So'ciety, only another fixture on that day had for some yearo been held at Winslow, and ib was not consideied advisable to have the two meetings clash, and the Scotchmen chose Boxing Day, and have stuck to it ever since. The Winslow gathering was very popular for some years. It was mainly pro moted by Mr Harris, then proprietor of the Winalow Hotel, but by and by the Tinwald people became too strong for Winslow, and the gathering wag shifted Co that townßhip, and out of the organisation has. grown the living and likely to live Tinwald Racing Club. Nor did the Caledonian Society al ways have the Domain for a sports ground. The first meeting, and one or two subse quent ones, were held ia one of Mr Hay T. Smith's paddocks, opposite the mill Later onea were held on the show ground of the A. and P. Association. Then, the Society bought ground for itself adjoining Mr Ran dell's property at the northern corner of ihe Domain, and for some years the annual gathering was held there. As the Domain began to take shape and become the admir able park ie now ia for meetings of this sort, fcjre directors of the Society rose to the occa sion, sold their ground and made use of the public Domain. f l hey have had no reason to regret the change. The gathering this year was a bril liant success. The weather was all that could be desired. Bright sunshine— very hot, no doubt ; but people can stand heat better than cold, ani prefer a hot sun from the rays of which the trees m the Domain provide shelter to cold wet weather that nothing will shield one from. Hardly a breath of air stirred the -atmosphere ; and thi.a, too, is preferable to the howling cor' weater of five years ago that blew down every fcenfc on the ground and took away every trace of enjoyment from the holiday ; ; preferable also by far to one of those zephyrs from the south that seem to be full of the dia bolical mission of cutting one m two, and the Society have had such gales also to con tend with. But given good weather, and the Caledonian Society's gathering cannot fail to draw a crowd. It was so on Friday when the Secretary was able to report to the Treasurer that 250 people more than on any previous occasion had paid for admis ! Bion, and t he satisfactory sum of £73 Is 9d represented the "gate." The usual procession of kilted men and pipers marched through the town to the Bports ground at balf-pa&t ten, and at eleven o'clock business began. A more than usually large number of kilted men were on the ground, thanks to a strong contingent from the Otago Societies, who more and more every year show a kindly tendenoy to patro nise the Ashburton, Temuka, and Timaru gatherings of the Canterbury Caledonian Societies. The pipers oomprised Mr C. P. McGlashan, Mr D. McKechnie, Messrs Alick and Alfred Murray (sons of the veteran dancer James Murray, a nopuiar visitor to our gatherings m the early days)— all of Dunedin ; Mr Macdonald, of Laghmor ; Mr James Scott, now of Buccleuch, but lately of Elgin } Mr Donald Ross, of Lauriaton j and Mr George Robertson, of Winchester. The two last named left the aclual piping to the younger men, and with Mr George Kidd did good and satisfactory service m judging the pipe music and Highland danc ing. In'ftddition to those mentioned, moat of whom were also dancers, the following also wore the "garb of the old Gaul " — Mr Ben Stokes, of Dunedin ( * most promising step dancer), Mr Blunt, also from Dunedin ; Mr Currie, from Christchurch, Mr J. Stewart, also irom the Cathedral City, and one or two l<cal men, among whom may bo mentioned Mr James Reid, who wore a handsome costume of Black Watch tartan, and Master Pickford, very neatly dressed iv Royal Stuart. The clan tartans prominent were the Macdonald, the Gordon, the Huut ing Stuart, the Cawdor Campbell, the Royal Stuart, the Black Watch, and the Mac Lean. Of the last named, however, there was but one representative, the "chief" from Lagh mor being m Christchurch— the first time since the foundation of the Society that he has missed a gathering, and he did it with re gret. There is a deal of work to be done on the ground by the officials of th? Society ; but it was done well and loyally by the judges as follows ; — Quoits — Messrs R. Jones, A^ Lawrie, <J. Small. Running — Messrs J. Scaly and M. Stitt. Pipe Mv ic— G. Robertson, D. Ross. Dancing— Messrs G. Robertson, G. Kidd. Jumping and Vault ing—Messrs It. Miller, T. Seajy, and A. Luwrie, Toasing the Caber, Throwing the Hammer, and Putting the Stcne — Messrs J. Jamieson, T. Scaly G. Lamb, and J. Daley. Irish Dancing— Messrs J. O'Grady, f. Devane, andH. Cullen. Wrestling— Messrs C. Reid and G. Robertson. Children's Races— Messrs W Craighead, John Mathie son, E. J. Paul, R. Jones, and R. Leohner. Most of the above names are familar m connection with these sports. Some ot them have stood {ugh m the prise Hat m past years, and one nama m especial may be so mentioned — that of Mr Jeremiah Daley, who used to be invincible m caber tossing. He, too, like Messrs Robertson and Ross m the piping, has stood out to let the younger men toe the mark, and took his place, among the judges, but though judging, he was as enthusiastic over this great strength com petion as of yore, and the presence of the stalwart and kind-hearted " Laird of Liuris ton "■ was Heartily welcome 4 by every mem ber of the Society, The old' judges cf the Jrisn dancing were still to the fore, while the kindly veterans Messr3 W. Craighead and John Mathie«on, with their perhaps fleeter and more supple, but neither more active nor more enthusiastic younger assist ants managed the children's races. Mr JSrudolph Jfuedlap^er'waq an efficient and painstaKing" sUrbr |- Messrs Miller and Murray kept the time j the nandicappera for the runing were Messrs Dunlop, R. J. Hear,v, and C, Reid ; Mr J. Forbes handi capped ttc bie y^ e T b L *? hil f . MeBS " Lechner and JamiesoS k^t tbo telegraph board. Mr J, Reid was supew?!* B ' l^ ?* sports, while, all the directors lent their best aid to keep things humming. Mrs W. C. Davis had a booth for luncheon on the ground, and her catering was as usual satis factory. Mr Joshua Tucker, the energetic Secretary had his hands full of work all day, but he turned neither to th'e right band nor to the loft m the discharge of it, and no member of the Society, wore a more satisfied smile at the success of the gathering. The following are the events and how they were decided ;— x Quoits— Handicap; no quoit used to be heavier than 41b — Burgess, 1 ; Taylor,. 2. Opkn Handicap Hhrdle Race— 44oyds, six hurdles — W. Aitken, 15yds, 1; A. Houston, 10yds, 2; J. Braakin, 10yds 3. Four ran. Won by three ya da. Pipe Musia — Pibrochs and Marches— McGlashan, 1 ; McKechnie, 2 { Murray, 3. lOOydB Handicp Flat Race— First Heat — P. F. Wright, scr, 1 ; D. Fechney, 9ydp, 2; W. G. Watson, 10yds, 10yds 3. Six ran. Time — llgsec. Second Heat— J. McNaught, lyd, 1 ; P. Smith, 10yds, 2 ; A. Houston, 6yda, 3. Time -llgsec. Final Heat — Fechney, 1 ; Wright and McNaught, 2. A very close finish. Time — ll£sec. Scotch Reel— ln Highland costume — McKechnie, 1 ; Curry, 2 ; Blunt, 3. m Grand Handicap— looyds, 200 yds, and 440 yds. Most points m all distances. First prize 70s, second 30s, third 10 *. 100 yds. Handicap -D. Fechney, Byds, 1; F. F. Wright, scr, 2 ; W. Aitken, Byds, 3. Eight ran. Time— ligseo. 220 yds Heat— D. Fechney, 16yds, 1 ; F. F. Wright, Ber, 2; J. McNaught, 2yds, 3 Won by a yard. Time 22§8ec. 440 yds Heat — J. MoN aught, 4yds, 1 ; D. Feohney, 24yds 2 ; W. Meharry, 6yda, 3 McNaught cut down the field at. the half distance, winning c vsily. Time— s2£sec. One Mile Handicap Bicyole Race— A. F. Buchanan, 25yds; H. Bushell, 2; J. H. Andrews, scr, 3. Won easily. Time— 2min 34sec. Tossing we Cabek— S, Baird, 1 $ W. palton 2,

Irish Hornpipe— Sulivan, 1 j O'Loughlin, 2 - Pipe Music— Reels and c trathspeys— McGlashan, 1 ; MeKechnie, 2 ; Scott ami McDonald, equal. ."word Danoe— McKechnie, 1 ; Blunt 2. Pole Vaulting (Handie p)— Kidd, 9ft 2in, 1 ; L. , Dalton, 9ft lin, 2. Those two did really preity work for their years, and if true to the promise of their youtu will be heard of m the future. TIIREErMILE HANDICAP BICYCLE RACK (Cash)— A. F. Buchanan, 80yds, 1 ; J. H Andrews, sor, 2 ; W. Edge, ecr, 3. Time — 7min 59sec. Half-Mile Handicap Flat Race — J. Feohney, scr, 1; J. Auuett, 12yds, 2; J. Brankin, 40yds, 3. Irish -Jig— O'Loughlan. 1 ; Sullivan, 2 ; Brick, 3. Standing Long Jump (Handicap) — G. R. Dalton, 1 ; W. Dalton, 2. Putting the Stone— P. McNeil, 1 ; W. Dalton, 2 ; S. Baird, 3. - • Boys' High Jump (under 16) — Kidd, 1 ; Bright, 2. Best Dancing (Boys, any dress) — Stewart, 1 ; Pickford, 2. Wrestling (Cumberland style)— Henry, 1 ; Connolly, 2. Running Long Jump (handicap) — White, 1 ; Houston, 2. Throwing the Hammer (handicap)— S. Baird, 1 ; P. McNeil, 2 ; W. Dalton, 3. Scan Tbeus — MeKechnie, 1 ;Currie, 2. Best Dressed Boy m Highland Costume— Under 14 yeara, local competi tion — Ross, 1 ; Pickford, 2. . Five Mild Handicap 'Bicycle Rack (Cash)— A. P. Buchanan, 135 yds, 1 ; J. H. Andrews, ecr, 2 ; F. J. Hill, 350 yds, 3. Five^started. Time — 13min 3 0 aec. Highland Fling — MeKechnie, 1 ; Blunt, 2 ; Currie, 3. [- One Mile Flat Race (Handicap)— J. Annetb, 25yds, 1 ; J. Feohney, tcr, 2 ; C. W. Jonea, 25yds, 3 Four ran. Won very easily, Time — 4min 52sec. Sailors' Hobnpipe— MoKechnie, 1 ; R. Currie, 2. i Old Mbn's Race — Cates, 1 ; PerkE, 2. Boys' Race— 440 yds, under loyrs— Pocock, 1 ; Meyenberg, 2. Handicap Consolation Race (200yde) — McNaught, 1 ; Houston, 2. Won easily. Time— 2lisec.

SCOTCH CONCERT.

m The Caledonian Society gave a concert of Scottish music, etc., m the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday evening, which was very well attended. The promoters had engaged several singers from a distance, all being performers of established reputation, and with the Scotch acceut sufficieutly near the genuine • article to paes " muster. Misa McOullough, of Timaru, though a North of Ireland lassie, has so long mingled with the Caledonians of the breakwater town as to be as nearly Scotch m her accent as ii is possible for a coloiiial-born to be, while Miss Peggy Watson's Edinburgh " twang " is as palpable as wheq she left Auld Reekie. Mr James Jago's beais evidence of colonial contact, but is near enough, and leaves no room for being hypercritical when his bro<*d vein of genuine Scotch humor is taken into account, and bis .talent m singing the best ballads of Scotia's song lore. The concert opened with "A niohfe wi' Burns/ by the Orchestral Society, This was a wreath of Scotch melodieß admirably woven together, and given with much taste and spirit, under the biton of Mr A. Gordon, the conductor, and led by Miss Bessie Simmonds, fir?t violin. In the second part the Orchestral Society played the difficult overture to " Bob Boy" remarkably well indeed, the bagpipe imitations by string and reed being very well done. In other parts ot the programme Mrs Donald McLean played on the piano her own march, composed m honor of the Christ church Scottish Rifles, and another garland of Scottish melodies arranged by De Sivrai, and entitled Blair Afchole. The melodies have nearly all a north Perthshire origin, and at the hands of Mrs McLea.n lost nothing of their native sweetness. A cornet solo "Annie Laurie," with variations was well given by Mr Gordon, who showed what wouderful power he ha.s over his instrument, and the performance stamped him a nuater cornetist at once, but many of the old Scotties wanted to know what had happened to poor Annie Laurie, so faarf ul and wonder ful .were the contortions of the melody, through the many variations to which it was subjected. MrMcGlashan, the piper, also played a cornet solo, and showed that he, too, knows all that is worth knowing of the beauties of the instrument, and has well surmounted its many difficulties. Mr Jago was the first singer. He was received with a storm of applause, which was taken up at every verse of the patriotic; song he sang, " Scotland yet," and continued witjh interest at its close. He followed with " The Laird o' Cockpen," and James Kennedy himself coujd not have given the song-story with more grotesque humor. In the game part he sang the Jacobite song " Cam ye by Athole " with feeling as well &a the necessary spirit, and as an encore gave the amusing <• L.ees o' a sailor." His other underlined songs were the «/ Highlandman'a toaat " and Burns' "O'.a' the airts."— both needless to ?ay, sung as they ought to be. In response to an encore of the first he sang an amusing parody on " Comin' through the Rye," and to the second gave with Miss McCullough " The crookit bawbee," m such a way as to earn for both himself and his partner golden opinions as to their talent for opsratio effect. Miss MpCullougU sang Qlaribeli's "Bide awee " very sweetly, and. on her recta 1 " The Shamrock," a most acceptable num ber, and both were sung with all the sweet ness that her sympathetic voice, admirably suited for ballads of this description, could throw into them. She was equally success ful m the second part, and was again re called. Miss Watson, who has a keen appreciation of fim, sang the pawky song "Last May a braw wooer," and responded with another tit bit of Scottish melody, m the shape of ", Jock o' Ha^eldean." "Her other songs were " The bonnle hills of Scot land^" and "My heart is aair for somebody," m both of which she scored at every line, and left a mark by which she will be favorably remembered by an audience m which the Scotch element largely predomi nated. Miss Tompkins, of Ashburton, sang " Auld Robin Gray v and "Annie Laurie," and for encore sang " Comin' through the Rye." A part song "Ye banks and braes" was well sung by twelve ladies and gentle men, and was well received, To piper McGlashan's mußio the brothers Murray (Dunedin), and Messrs Scott and McDonald y^*»»mr6en)> danced a coup!e of foursome reels, and Mr Ben S fc okes a cleverly footed Highland fling, Mr E. Sullivan contributing an Irish jig m his own excellent style. The concert opened with " God save the Queen " and " Auld langsyne" closed one of the best Scotch concerts bhat haß been given here for many years. Mrs Claridge played the accompaniments and Mr H. G»?es was musical director. . |

A STRANGE DISCOVERY.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph — Qopyright. Wellington, December £7 A singular affair was reported to-night to the Inspector of Police. A discovery was made to-day m the bush at Plimmerton, a favourite seaside resort, near Wellington, of the remains of a man and a woman. The skeletons had been considerably disturbed, apparently by roaming cattle, but the skulls were intact, and m each was a bullet wound. Near by two revolvers were found, also a bottle, and the latter contained a note stat ing that the writers were tired of life, and had determined to destroy themselves ; further, that who they were was of nn consequence. la the bottle were seven JOl notes, left for the burial of the bodies. A portmanteau found m the vicinity contained a New Zealand Times dated October §4. 1894, and it is supposed that is about the date of the tragic incident. There is no? thing to indicate the nameg of the victims, but it is believed they went out by train and committed suicide. The police are enquir ing as to missing persons about the date mentioned.

CABLE NEWS.

Horns and Foreign Press Association— By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. ' Irish Taxation. London, December 23. Colonel Zander, on has joioed m the demand for a reduction of Irish taxa tion. Messrs Dillon and fclealy met to concert a scheme with Archbishop Walsh. Free Church Moderator. . The Rev Hugh Macmillan, o£ Greenock, has been elected Moderatar of the Free Chuich of Scotland, m place of Professor Davidson. Escaped Convicts. Three convicts escaped from Dart moor. One was shot dettd by* a ■warder and one was recaptured. The (fcueen's Reign Celebration. Mr Chamberlain, early next session will explain the colonies' attitude towards the Queen's reign celebration. It is understood that the agreement is settled. Sinking; of the Drotava. London, December 25 i The enquiry into the sinking of the Orotava has been adjourned for a week. The solicitors of the owners state that the vessel listed while coal ing, and was not using ballast tanks, two valves and a coal port being left open. Steamer Kissing:. The steamer Mawea Castle has been posted as missing. She is a small steamer of 75 tons, which le^ft Liver pool for Fremantle, West Australia, m March, and Capetown on July 11. New Guinea Rubber. London, December 26. Experts express a favorable opinion on samples of rubber from New Guinea. Redaction of Interest. It is likfly that the interest on postal deposits will be reduced to 2£ per cent. France and Abyssinia. Paris, December 25 The Government is negotiating with Abyssinia for permission to construct a railway from Ambinal to Harrar. . Supposed Suicide. Parts, December 26 It is believed that Mr Crackenthorpe, whose body has .been found m the Seine, committed suicide. Nasr-ed-Dins Fortune. Teheran, December 25. The late Shah, left forty million sterling. Hia successor has decided to devote one-tenth of it to public pur poses. Philippine Rebels. Madrid, December 23. The Philippine rebels were victorious m an engagement at Oavetemereta. The Spaniards, who lost heavily, retired. Floods. Athens, December 24. There have baeu terrible floods m Northern Greece. Many were drowned, The Plague m India. Calcutta, December 24 The plague has appeared at Kurachee and is increasing at Bombay.

Australian.

Foundered at Sea. Sydney, December 25 The ship Oarrick, which left New castle on December 9, coal laden for Valparaiso, fouudered 350 miles south east of Cape Howe. Tbe vessel struck an unknown object and commenced to leak. The Captain endeavored to make New Zealand, but the water gained through the pumps becoming disabled. The vessel was abandoned when the deck was awash, and the crew took to the boats and safely reached Eden. Great Heat. Sydney, December 26 At Bourke the thermometer regis tered 116 m the shade yesterday. Phylloxera. Melbourne, December 26 Phylloxera is spreading m the Bendigo district, which will be declared infected, and the vineyards will be destroyed. Burned to Death A woman named O'Rourke, and her daughter, were overtaken by » bush fire m the Grampians near Stawell, Beth were severely burned and are aiice dead. Her husband, who went to their rescue, was also badly injured, and is m a precarious condition. Dynamite Outrage. Brisbane, December 26 Three parcels of dynamite were stolen from the magazine, placed m a bucket at the mouth of the shaft of the Brilliant mine at Charters Towers, and exploded, wrecking the shaft. One man was injured, A heavy beam was sent through a cottage two hun dred yards distant, and dropped by the bedside of two children. (

Earl Russell.

» » London, December 28 Earl Rus§ell?s riverside residence has. been burnt. It is supposed tp be th£ act of an incendiary. December 24. Earl Russell, vhose family differ ences have so often been, before the Law Courts, b»s received a letter threatening to shoot hip).

TURKEY AND THE POWERS.

_' — : — '-^-^ 00NSTAUTINQP1.1S, December 23. The Embassies are considering fresh proposals, and have agreed^ that coercion is expedient. Russia is among those favorable to this vjew, London, December 24 The Premier refuses to ask Parlia ment for a vote m aid of the distressed Armenians. He considers rkaritable contributions should be sufficient. December 26. The French and Italian Embassies at Alexandretta have aslfed their re spective Governments to send a squadron there, to be ready to take action m the event of the acquittal and granting of an amnesty to Magbar, the murder of Salvatore,

WE ASHBIIftTOH GUARDIAN : MONDAY, DECEMBER 2&, 1896.



Wh^mmtwißn^f^f^N^ Vvm



It will be Been by a new advertisement m another column that Messrs Craighead and Berryman are probably now showing the largest Btook of new tweedi and fashionable tailoring goods ever exhibited m Ashbur- ton. This speaks well lor their enterprise «od looal influalry. ■ a



Wanted. SONS of Temperance. — Important meet- ing ?w TuEsr>AY, December 29th, at eight o'clock. '"'Full attendance particularly requested. 12 185 LOST — Ladies' Black Jacket, between Ashburlon and Ghertsey. Finder please r. turn to Guardian Office. 12 ISO LOST— On Christmas Eve, m East Street, Ladies' Back Astrachan Cloak. Rewar 1 at Guardian Office. 12 179 FOUND, lady's Umbrella, lefc ou side my shop. Apply H. A. Fiower, confec- tioner. Fresh taffies, chocolates, Vauilla ices and iced drinks always m stock. 12 184 FRESH Shrimps and Eels, mid-day Express. Flounders, Groper, Mackere . night Express. — Jbwitt, opposite Mail , Office. 12 184 OWN Make m Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina- fores ; aUo a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcorns new shop, Baker's Buildings. I" F YOU WANT the Newest and Nicest Millinery, Trilby Muslins, and Dress ' Goods, go to Mrs Alcobn's. Dresßes made on the premises. Fit guaranteed. LOST — Kicking Strap, between Mail Office and A. Orr's private residence. Finder please retutn to Mail Office. OPEN This Evening for Sale of Christmas and New Year Cards and Booklets, 'Toys, and Fancy Goods of various kinds. New Book's, Boys' and Girls' Annuals, Sunday at Home, Leisure Hour, and others^, — ANDREW£S, ANDBRBON, & Co. *- V MY Premises will be open Late This Evening and To-morrow Evening, for the Sale of Christmas and New Year Cards, etc. A splendid assortment to select from. — H. M. Jones WANTED everyone to know that Fletcher Bros, do a most extensive Business, acknowledged by a member of the Force here on Thursday afternoon, December



PUBLIC NOTICES. TBE CHRIbTMAS ] HOLIDAYS. ; NEW ZEALAND PLOTHING T7ACIOEY. L'ght Summer Coats from 6s 6d Light Summer Suits from 10s 6d Light Wajhing Vests, slightly soiled 2s 6d Light Blue Serge Suits for Summer wear 16s 6d Boys' Washing Suits, all eizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Suits, all sizes 6s 9d, usua price 10j 6d. FOE TEAVELLING. Porbmaafceaux from 10a 6d Steel Trunks from 10s 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. straw"hats. Boys' Straw Hats Is, the best value m Ashburton Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS &~SHOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvas Shoes, best quality 5s 6d Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, splendid .value Men's Light Boots for summer wear 3s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory. ..._..; .ALEX. HENDRY Manager. t . _ 6 1 V T X S 03 •i i I a P 3 - 1 1 $ ia g 3.. Ph n I is i ; p s n g. H s s - § r^i jl ° HH Wanted. STUDY Economy and patronise Mbllor's Cheap Boot Sale. WANTED— Every Lady m Ashburton to see our Window of Blouse Goods, bought ».t a big discount, and selling at less than wholesale prices.— Mitchell <N» TtTBNBB. WANTED Known — Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. Special display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A late shipment of Sailor Straws to be sold cheap.— Mitchell AND TOENEE. ANTED Known—What the people say. That Astpaw ORR has the largest and best assorted stock of Boots io Canterbury. II 125 WANTED Known— We have justopened a line of cheap all wool Suits and Trousenu Good cut and splendid value, Ten"' 8 * nd working Shirts m great variety. MracHß£l' ** D I'pbnbb WANTED Known-Lary? delivery of the •• Economic" Kid Gloves', four buttons, is 9d per pair, worth rcuch more. — W. H. Collier. WANTED Known— The Economic, Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear. — W. H. Collier. NOW'S your time to Buy. There is a Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. fXIHERE is no doubt, no possible doubt _1_ that you get Good Value for your money at Mellou's. A FULL assortment of new Veilings m white, black, and black and whi'e. Buy the celebrated new kid glove— The Victory — only 2a 6d. The best glove m New Zealand for the money. — A. Orr. 11 124 MOTHERS and fathers who have to provide Boots and Shoes, should oall at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. I HEARD a man say that Mellor is selling Boots Wonderfully Cheap. WANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and Everything m the optical . ' at S. Salek's, Optician ~YX7"ANTED Known— Go to the Corner W for Neweßt Styles m Drapery and Millinery— W. H. Collier. WANTED Known— looo pairs of Boots to be sold m twenty-one daya at Mellor's. "T^VID you ever hear the like 1 Men sbe I ) Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mellor' "ancred street WANTED KNOWN— Mrs Huffam having taken the premises lately occupied by Mr G. Neill, intends to open same as Ladies' Dining and Refreshment Rooics, where visitors will find a long felt want supplied. Meals at all hours. A few boarders will find all the comforts of a home. WANTED Known.— Feculina. Fecu- lina. Another shipment of this Celebrated Cake Flour at Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores. WE lead, follow who may. Children's Bilppera Is. Mellor's Tancred 3troet>, j



Buslne s Notices . ' GOOD WASHING PRINT, 3|cL WRITE MUSLIN, 3a lid per doz. AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6a lid AT G. J. NEILL'S, Flannelettes 3£d yard 1 . The Best Turkish TOWELS m Ashburton are at— G. J. NEILL'S. BOSS' Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4s 11*, Men's Tweed Troiwera 5s lid, Men'b Heavy Colonial Tweed Suite 25b 6d, at G. J. NEILL'S. £*dießj Lace Shoes, 4s lid. Ladies' two-strap Shoet, 4«.11d. at ■; G. J. NEILL'S. L»diea\ Maids', and Children's TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Priceß, AT "O. J. NEILL'S, ERIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. KAIAPOI HOUSE. mHE Alterations m the above Premises being so far advanced, we are enabled to make A GRAISD DISPLAY IN OUR NEW CARPET SHOW ROOM OF LINOLEUMS, OILCLOTHS, TAPESTBY, AND BRUSSELS CAEPETS. ALSO.— ■=_.. CARPET SQUARES IN GREAT VARIETY. MATS AND HEARTH RUGS IN ALL MAKES AND SIZES. A VERY COMPLETE STOCK OF FURNISHING DRAPERY IN ALL BRANCHES. MITCHELL & TURNER. TANCKED STBEET, NEW FIRM -:- :- -:- ... ... - : . NEW FIRM SAYK MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOCK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS of BUSINESS rfIHE Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with JL » Oash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the great Josses that are occasioned by Bad Debts. -^MITCHELL & BRODKIBB BUY AND SELL FOR OASH, THEREFORE i v THEY ARE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY JL (^ OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON. — A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Brown (Ribbed Pants (heavy) Is 6d —worth Ladies' Hose, fast colors, plaiu and ribbed, Is lid , 6d pair Men's Socks 6d— worth 9d White and Brown Turkish Towels, only 6d Harvester Hats 8£d — worth Is White Calico, grand value, at 2s lid — 12ydB j*Bi«»chflrJßootß 4 8 lid — grand value The Best Value for Flannelettes m r Heavy Shooters 9s lid-worth 12s 6d Ashburton. Ladies' Gem bhoee, Special, 4s Hi— worth Heavy Twill, 4s lid dozen— worth 7d a yd 6 9 6<l A Splendid Line of Corsets, all sizes, at Hairline Tweed Trousers 8s 6d—oheap at Is lid ' 103 6d - The Best Assortment of Sunshades m town, Men's Felt Hats from 2s 6d ■ * r ?, m * 8 „v J We have the Choicest Assortment of Hats Ladies' bailor Straws, all shades and shapes, m town. fr° m 9d each— Pick your own shape 12ydo Strong Print for 3a lid— Cheap at 6s and trimmingr, and have your A Beautieui Summer Tweed U Id, double Millinery done Free of Charge, width " FULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. ME ABU BED GARMENTS A SPEC [ALTY. Ar\<n /"»!* FULL SUIT FROM AAa f*^ ■4yS OP FULL H-.IT FROM 4t^ O-L* MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, EAST Sl'ttEET, j f