Ashburton Guardian, Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1897. RESOLUTION ISLAND

This island, which ia situated oft the south-western coast of New Zealand, between Breaksea Sound and Dusky Sound, has, as perhaps many of our readers are aware, been made a reserve for the protection of indigenous bird?, many species of which, but for the establishment of some suoh protected area, would, it is feared, speedily become extinct, owing to the ravages of lire, the ruuliplication of stoats, ferrets, weasels, cats, and other natural enemies, and the reckless destruction indulged in by shootists— we cannot call thera sportsmen, 'i he Island is under the control of the Otago Accli matisation Society and is well adapted for the purpose for which it is set apart. It is in charge of a curator, Mr liichard Henry, and an assistant, the former of whom we met a day or two ago aud from whom we learned some interesting particulars of the scene of his labours. The island, which is distant about 2} f miles from the mainland, is about six miles long, by about five broad and has, therefore, roughly r.n arcs, of thirty square miles. It h -.lino^ entirely covered with bus's the ■...;•}• < pen 'and

being a few hundred acres of hill tops. Among tlio timber trees are birch, riinu, and totam, and nearly all the species of birds to be found on the adjacent mainland are to bs found hero. There is abundance of pigeons and kfckas, and the comparatively rare ground birds indigenous to the colony, kiwis, kakapos, etc, are becoming numerous, part of tiie work of JMr Henry consisting in captivating f;hese on the mainland and transferring them alive to the island. Thoy are for this purpose hunted with dogs, which are muzzled, and run down and knock over the birds, which are then picked up and transferred to c*gea made as light as passible for convenience of transport. Once caught they have to be very carefully protected from sandflies which otherwise would speedily devour them. These insect pests abound in countless myriad-*, and sleeping in a tent is impossible without the precaution of pretty well filling it with smoke, for ! which purposes daipp moss is burned Mr Henry is an enthusiast in his work, and is able to give a great deal cf interesting information about the birds of the colony, For example he mentioned a curious f ict in rehtion to the kakapo or ground parrot which is quite new to us and we think also to most people. This is that these birds pvery now and then establish a, close season for themselves, ab staining from nesting ojc laying for two years at a time. Our in formant says that in 1892 and 1893 not such a thing as a kakapo's egg wbs anywhere to be found and that a like circumstance; occurred in 1896 and continues until now, so that be believes another biennial period of abstention from multiplication has been entered upon. He thinks that the birds know instinctively when tfopy are becoming too numerous for the ordinary food supply and that non-nidifio ition is a pre determined consequence. This supposed example of ornithological Malthusian ism is., however, apietty severe demand upon credulity though the £-ict of the entire abstention every now and then of the entire species from reproduction for a biennial period must on sucb testimony be accepted as a fact, be the explanation what it may. It may be added that Mr Henry's attention is principally devoted to the wingless birds, not only because these are specially distinctive of New Zealand bi|t because tho winged birds cannot be kept strictly to ll.e island, but fly to and fro between it and the mainland. The waters around the island abound with fish, blue cod, mold, and crayfish being very plentiful. Mr Henry has also a good bit to say about seals and sea!fisheries. Not that there are any seals about Resolution Island but there used to be very valuable sealing grounds of the south western coast of the colony and about the adjacent islands. Mr Henry believes that what might have been and would have been a great source of wealth to Hew alealand—our sealfishen'ea—has been almost, if not utterly destroyed. On his way to Dunedin the other day, per the Hineraoa, for a well earned holiday, he says Captain Faircbtld. pointed out I

to him on a rocky islet a small group of fur-seals, seven in number, which he believes arei the last of the myriads that used to come to our coast, and that unless these be carefully preserved the fur-seal will be utterly extinct so far as New Zealand is concerned. This is a very serious matter and well worth the attention of the Minister of Marine to whose department, we believe, the control of such matters belongs So much as we have written we gathered i the other day in a five minutes conversation with the genial curator, who kindly promised *o supply us at an early date with som« notes relat ing to Resolution Island which we should be very pleased to receive and place before our readers.

Local and General.

A man named Schofield, was before Mr Adam Jackson, J.P., on Thursday, on a charge of thett and vagrancy. He was remanded till Tuesday. A. will be seen by a telegram from our Rakaia correspondent a somewhat serioi ■ fire broke out after the passing of the express train to-day. Much damage has been done and more is threatened. A sale of work in aid of the Flemingron manse fuud waa held during Christmas week, organised and presided over by Mrs Skinner and other ladies of the congregation, which realised the handsome sum of £ .4. Bibulous Elector (who has just received his blue and white voting papers at the Ponsonby polling booth)- — " Slowed if they h'ain't been given me a < hlooiam' •■Sjjj.dHtz powder. Here's a pretty fizzle ! "—Oiiervei". Parcel post rates to the United King dom have been reduced to Is for the first pound and 6d for each subsequent poind, in lieu of the previous rates of 1* 6d for the first two pounds and 9d for each subsequeut pound.

Mr W. F. Meyenberg, late of Ashburton, has entered into partnership with Mr Skene, of Tairuu, Auckland, as river launch pro prietors. We understand he is doing a good business, and wish him every success iv his new enterprise.

Lord Wolselcy, the commander-in-chief of the forces, continues to make himself un popular. At tbe Guildhall bat quet on Lord Mayor's Dty, he referred to the British mivy, which, he said, "has not fought a battle n sixty nine years, while the army has done much.''

Mr S. Salek's jewellery establishment looked very attractive on New Year's Eve with the fine display of silver and electro plated goods he has just opened up from the firms of Walker and Hall, England. The window display drew a good deal of atten tion, the goods shown being of new and tasteful designs. His new advertisement will appear ou Monday.

An appeal against a decision of the Liver pool Court of Brewster Sessions cancelling the hceuse of the Grapes Hotel, adjoining Lime street Station in that city, waa beard by the Liverpool County Magistrates on the 4th November and dismissed. The takings had been about £5000 a year, and the capital value of the license, which is now cancelled, was £24,000. The ground for cancellation was the frequenting of the house by loose women.

A banquet to welcome the southern dele gates on their way to the conference at Feilding, took place in the Primitive Methodisb Church on Thursday evening, when a large number of people sat down to roastsucker, poultry, pies, peas and potatoes. Tbe Rev*. J. Clover, president of the con ference, then give an interesting lecture on "Love, couttßhip and marriage." An impressive watch-night service followed, concluded by the Rev. J. Olphert wishing all a prosperous and happy New Year.

A fire which broke out about one o'clock this morniug on the Seafield Road would undoubtedly have resulted very seriously had it not been for the prompt action of Constab'e Drury. That energetic officer, seeing the glare of the fire, got down to the scene as quickly as possible, aud we are requested by some of the residents who were threatened by the fire to express their thanks to him for hia services. With fhe aid of Messrs Hill and H^ume, Constable Drury succeeded in putting out the fire, aud in saving the life of a resident who, beieg deaf, heard nothing of the disturbance and noise reaulting from the fire. Constable Drury's action in this matter is well deserving of the public recognition. The Star of the East Lodge of Good Templars held their aunual picnic on New Year's Day at Elgin, in a paddock kindly lent by Mr John Cochrane, A start was made from the Templar Hall, the several conveyances reaching Elgin at about ten o'clock. Cricket, tennis, rounders, and other games were kept going during the day and refreshments, of course, were not for gotten, the ladies being quite equal to the demand made upon them in this direction. An opportunity was teken of visiting Mr Cochrane'B well kept garden of beautiful shrubs and flowers, and of seeing the water wheel and fountain, the latter playing prettily upon Beveral gold and silver fishes. The homeward journey, enlivened by singing,; soon passed, everyone voting that the beginning of 1897 could not have been better spent.

The annual treat in connection with the Flemington Sunday School was held on New Year's Day on grounds kindly given for the occasion by Mr W. Anderson. r.|_he day being beautifully fine, there was a large muster of children with their parents and friends. All having partaken of refresh ■ ments provided by the ladies of Flemington an adjournment was made to an adjoining oaddock, when cricket, rounders, and other games were kept up with great spirit until / the evening, when a return was made to the lawn, where'all partook of a bountiful spread. A move was then made for the hchoolroom, and about 250 people having found seats, tlio Rev Mr Skinuer presided, and presented the children with their prizes according to merit, each child receiv ing a volume. The choir, under Mr Dunn, then gave the service of song "Jessica's first prayer," which was illustrat d by a lantern exhibition by Mr Gilmour, Mr ."kinner giving the connective readings. M.ss A. Dunn presidsd at the organ. The usual vote of thanks brought a most enjoy able day to a close. , t ... x . ?£ An interesting discovery has followed the destruction of part of the breakwater at gilloth, on the Solway Firth, by the recent galea and high tides. Upon the surface of what seemed to be a huge boulder of clay appeared the trac _s of animals' cloven hoofs, distinct and unmistakable. Should it prove true, as conjectured, says the Eastern Mom* ing News, that these marks are five or six centuries old, the discovery forms ah interesting jink with tho time when Skin burness, which now oonsists "of an hotel for seaside visitors and a few cottages, was an important city, which waa swept away by the sea. The local chronicles of the four teenth century etite that " the devastation made by the breaking of the sea must have been tremendous, for, in the place of the boroifgh, thp niagaijines of princes, and a couutry full of merchandise and p:qple, the^e remaius nothing but a sandy waste," It will come as a shock to many that there are evidences which cannot be disputed of the decadence of village life in the eastern provinces of France, The Brussels correspon dent of the D ily Chronicle says this de cadence is evidenced by the number of dwellings abandoned and falliug into ruin, and the poverty-stricken appearance of the habitations of those who draw their means of livelihood from the soil. Even ihe better clas.. of the peasant proprietary, he says, live iv homes uh.re wooden floors are more oftenaupp't(.nted by the bare ground; the farmer's chjef di§t is bread and cheese, and his drink water hardly tinged with wine. Twepty yeaps ago tlie wolf had disappeared frpm t-h'e Past of _fFj.anpe \ to-djiy large ; -mi*. „.; .r- ■** ■'^SSSX_ JS I writer ascribes all these m.. „., . [ militarism," the enforced result of the I present armed peace which weighs upon Europe. Wholesome md Rtimhint—-N>vi Venm I

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

There was a record attendance at the Tinwald Kacing Club's meeting on New Year's Day, visitors being present from all parts of ihe county, as well as very many from Christchurch and distant parts of the province. For two hours before the starting of the first race, the Great South road was an unusual eight, vehicles and foot passengers jostling each other on their way to Tinwald Domain, and the carriers must done very good business indeed, for every brake, cab, and express that had a license was pressed into service to bear a heavy burden to and from the races, and one would have fancied that every private vehicle in the county was also on the road. The weather was excellent, —warm, no doub', and a little dusty, but much to be preferred to cold wet weather, and there must have been at least 2000 people on the ground spending their New Year's holiday. Mr Lagan, of the Tinwald Hotel, had the publican's booth, and did a roaring trade, while Mrs Keller, of the Winslow Hotel, had the luncheon booth, and also was well patronised. There was nothing phenomenal about the racing, It wa.B very good, and there were a few close finishes, notably in the Pony race, in whioh the outsider Pickles put out the favorite and won by half a length, landing for the seven investors on hitn the handsome dividend of £32 10s. The Tinwald Cup was an easy win for the Marquia of Zetland, and the Novel, won in very quick time by Admiralty,, sent that horse to auction, to fetch £47. As the Stakes were only 25 so /a, the race was a profitable one for the Club. In the WeUer, Tale of the War ran off the course justafer the start, and coming to grief at a, wire fence, his rider, R. Wilson, was thrown badly on his head, and was attended by Dr Leahy and taken subsequently to the hospital. Here he has receivol every attention, but we are sorry to learn that, up to the time of our going to pres, he had not re covered consciousness. Mr H. Piper wan to have been starter, but sent his apo'osjieti to the Club, and the able services of Mr A, Boyle were only secured at the last moment, Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin had two totalisators on the ground, one working on £1 shares and the other on 10s shares, and £1783 went through their hands. The Bras** Band payed a number of selections during the day. Every credit is due to the officers of the Club for the expeditious way in which the fields were marshalled and got away, and generally far the fact that a very liberal programme was got through without a hitch. New Year's Gift Handicap, of 30*ovs ; second horse 5 soys from the stake, Seven furlongs. 93i Mr J. Curran's blk m Vanilla, 6yrs, by Vanguard—Lady's Maid, 9at 51b (H. Telford) 1 15 Mr T. Cotton's b h Lord Stansbury, 6yrs,6sfc9lb ... (G. Higgott) ii 25 Mr L Meirkey's b g Remorse, syrs, 7stl3lb  (R. Wilson) <> 42* Mr P. Builer's bg Rustic, Syrs, 7st 13lb ... ... (N. Williams) 0 29J Mr H. Smith's br f Miss Osweil, 4yrs, 7sb 10lb ... (S.Johns) 0 IQ£ Mr H. F iedlander's be Annoyance, Syrs, 7st 71b ... (A. McDonnell) 0 9_ Mr A. Knight's m g Bimetallism 3yrs, 7st 51b iR. Johns) 0 12£ Mr C Klingenstein's be Pdctoiu*, 3yrs,7st3lb (Donovan) 0 239 Annoyance had the worst of a nob very even start, and was never able to make good the 'osl ground. Stansbury led at a strong pace for half a mile, and then gave place to Vanilla and Remorse, the former going to the front in the straight, and coming home an easy first, Stansbury a good second, and Remorse well up, third. Time —130$. D_vidend-~£2 4s.

Pony Race Handicap, of 20 soys; sscond pony 3 soys from the stake. Four furlongs. 7 Mr F. Bennison'B b g Pickles, aged, Bst. 71b (R. Wilson) 1 8_ Mr S. Brown's b m Phyllis, aged, 7st 12lb (Bridges) 2 75 Mr W. Chisnall's b g D.ndy, 7yrs, list , .„ (W. Miaw) 3 56 Mr N. Welch's b m Corringa, aged, B.t 101b (Walls) 0 20 Mr J. Bcli's br h Minister, aged, Bit 71b .. (A. Wilson) 0 12 Mr J. F. Bell's eh m Golden Treses, aged, 8-jt 7ib ... (R Telford) 0 21 Mr H. Smith's b m Loo, 6yrs, B.t 71b (-*. Johns) 0 _ Mr J. E. O'Shea's b m Rosie O'Shea, 3yrs, 8.t71b ... (E. Hussey) 0 2£ Mr T. Lean's eh g Doubtful, aged, B<t 7ib ... ... (N. Williams) 0 2 Mr C. Hobbs' b g Nigger, aged, Bst 71b ... (Armstrong) 0j 0 Mr F. Hedge's br g» he Judge, Syrs , Bst7lb (J. O'Grady) 0 4£ Mr R. Mcllraith's eh m Cissy, syrs, Bst 71b ... ... (C. Cochrane) 0 18£ Mr C. Wynn-Williams' ge m Sea breeze 11, aged, 7st 101b (R. Johns) 0 4 Mr C. Hobbs' b m Lady Guy, aged, 7stlolb (G. Higgott) 0 24 Mr D- P. O'Shea's m m Rose Agaew, Byrs, 7st7lb ... (T. Cotton, junr.) 0 0 Mr T. Twomey's br g Bot Fly, 6yr_, 7st7lb ... ... .. (Donovan) 0 257 Dandy was made a strong favorite, and the tote carried £75 of public money on him. He got away well in this flutter, but was challenged in the straight by Pickles and Phyllis, who both passed him, Pickles coming home making a grand race of it, and winning by, half a length from Phyllis* During the last few strides of the race Dandy dropped his lead bag, and was not placed. Time— 54sec. Dividend-£32 10s. Tinwalp Cup Handicap, of 60 soys; second horse 10 soys from the stake. One mile j and a quarter. ! 125 Mr M. Hobbs' b c Marquis of Zet land, by Perkin Warbeck II —Reverie 3yrs, 8-t (W.Shaw) 1 38| Mr C. Wynn-Williams' br c Maximns 4yrs, Bst3lb .... .„ (R. Wilson) 2 24i Mr H. A. Knight's eh g Nicholas, 4yrs, 6sh 101b ... (R. Johns) 3 32 Mr H. Friedlander's eh c Grand Cross 3yrs 6st 71b (McDonald) 0 220

The race was Zetland's from the start. He led ail the way, and won easily by three lengths. Time—2 12£. Dividend—£l 10s. Tinwald Handicap Time Tbot, of 35 sovsj second horse 5 soys out of tho stake; third horse, £2 10s. AbovE two miles. 48_ Mr J. Small's blk g Black Oak, 6yrs, 30sec (E. Price) 1 11^ Mr T. Rollinson's br m Highland Lass, aged, 30sec ... (Owner) 2 11 Mr J. Shearer's blk g«Toby, aged, ISsec ... (Shearer) 3 5£ Mr G. Grice's m g Sam, aged, 7sec (T. Cotton) 0 4 Mr R. MaOonaohie's grg Wharfdale, aged , (Owner) 0 42£ Mr C Harold's b m Katipo, syrs, 16sec (W, Potter) 0 26 Mr T. Harold's b g Tralee, 4yrs, 25sro (0. Harold) 0 2_ Mr W. de B. Compton's b m The Nun Sfge6, 25sec ... ,o*ner) 0 _ Mr t),'McLean's b g Sailor Boy, Syrs 32sec (J. Smith) 0 34 Mr H. Bills' b g Wester Held, aged, 35sec .„ '.. (R J. Hil!) 0 1 Mr G. Robertson's eh m Flora, 4yrs, 35sec (A. Robertson) 0 17 Mr T. Hickman's b g Big Mick, 6yrs, 40aec (T. H. Hicktnan) 0

173J Black Oak was never headed, and his win ,waa a very easy one. Time—s.sl J. Divi dend—£3 4s. Welter Handicap, of 40 soys; second hbrse to receive 5 soys from ths* stake. One mile, 18} Mr C. Klingeustein's b c Pactolus, by Medallion—Rosebud, 3yrs, Bst 111b (Donovan) 1 88_ Mr T. Sheenan's eh h Vogengang, aged, lOst 31b .. (P. Cochrane) 2 19£ Mr C. F. Todhunter's b f Diploma, Syrs, Bst 31b ... (N Williams) 3 96 Mr H. Friedl Oder's br g Tale of the War, Syrs Bst 41b .. (R. Wilson) Q 25 Mr E. Gates' br c Batfefield,' 2yrs, Bst JOlb .  (C. Cochrane) 0 14$ Mr 0, Wyntj-Williams' bgTaurima, *»™. Bat 21b } ... (Davey) 0 Vogengang and Pactolus rah &W»y With the lead, and kept side by side all the way. but iu.t at the heme turn Paotolui forged I ahead a }Utlp, and shewed^Hiw J»*»d |»d^

neck in front when passing the judge's boat Tale of the War ran off the course, and threw his rider. Novel Race, of 25 soys ; weight Bst. Five furlongs. 38a Mr S. Binney's bk g Admiralty, syr*», by First Lord (Donovan) 1 53 Mr S ..k-xinder's bk m Rotoma hana, aged (G. Cochrane) 2 4^ Mr F. Blogg's eh g Stouycrofr, 6yrs, (A. Williams) 3 57 Mr H. Smith's eh m Moderation, aged (S. Johns) 0 16| Mr J. Bryan's blk g Back Raven, aged (\. Macdonald) 0 12£ Mr S. Tilford'a b m Evelyn, aged (A. Williamson) 0 Rotomahana led to the distance, but Admiralty paused her there, and came home an easy vi inner. Sionycroft web up third The winner was sold by Mr Friedlander at auction for £47, the owner buying him in. Elying Handicap, of 40aovs; second hors.^ ssovs from the stake. Six furlongs. 119£ Mr M. Hobb's bf Bizarre, 4yrs, by Apremont — Whim, Bst 71b ' «• (Shaw) 1 25 Mr L. Markey's b g Remorse, syrs, Bst2lb (Donovan) 2 10i Mr A. Knight's m g Bimetallist, Syrs, 7st 81b ... (R. Johns) 3 31 Mr S. Brown's bh Warrington, aged, Bst 13 b ... (C.Cochrane) 0 9£ Mr H. Friedlander's bg Field Marsha!!, Syrs, 6st lo*b (McDonnell) 0 22 Mr T. Cotton's b h Lord Stansbury, 6yrs, 6at9lb (Higgott) 0 217 This was a good race. Bizarre was first away with Remorse on his haunches, and the two kept the lead, making a good fight of it for first place, which Bizirre however, was just able to keep, Bimetallist being a good third. Time—l.l 7. Dividend—£l 12s. Hurry Scurry, of 12 soys. Catch weights* Half a mile. «"*■" > 40i Mr E. Heffernan'a eh h Liberty ... 1 56 Sweet Marie 2 7 Quicksighb, 10 Revolver 11., 11| Sea brook, 74 Angler, 3£ Ottoman, 19 Stony croft 12^, Miss Kilda, and 2_ Rosiisa also started. Won easily. Dividend—£s 4s.

CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

Press Assooi|jtion —By Electric Telegraph

> Chrtstohoroh, January 1. The second day of the Canterbury Trotting Club's Summer meeting was held on the A. and P. Show Grounds to day. There was a fair attendance and the weather was good. The sum of £3861 10s was put through the totalisator. The following are the results :—- Maiden Handicap Harness, one mile.— Heather Dew, lOsecs, 1; Imperial, 16 ees, 2. Mine others started. Time—2.s6. Dividend~£l2 18s. Pony Handicap Saddle, two miles.— Destiny, 3sec3, 1; Apprentice, 153ecs, 2. Thirteen others started. Jime—s.44^. Dividend—£4 2s: New Year Handicap Harness, two miles. — Electioneer, 19_ec, 1 ; Ruadan, 24sec8, 2; Ham, 203ecs, 3. Time—s.l6. The owner of Ascot, who ran fourth, pro tested against the three placed horses on the ground of inconsistency and the stewards decided that the race should bo run again, and disqualified the three placed horses, returning the whole of the money on the machine to investors. Ou running the race again the result was—Ascot, 18iec, 1; Dextrin*, 7secs, 2 ; Sam Slick, 4sec3, 3. Time— b.2%. Dividend—£3 4s. electioneer would have paid £20 10a, Selling Handicap Harness, ono mile. — Groatholm, 18secs, 1; Nigger, 14secs, 2; Starlight, 16secs, 3. Time—3.l. Dividend —£56 Bs. Progressive Handicap Harness, two miles.—Sapphire, 14secs, 1; Dido, 24-ecs, 2 ; Hazoldean, 19sec3, I. Time—s 36. Dividend—£2 6s. Lincoln Handicap Saddle, two miles. —Sandy, 22 ecs, 1; Lady May, 16secs, 2 ; Economy, Bsecs, 3, Time—s.l9. Divi dend—£4 12s. Final Handicap Harness, one mile.— Little Wiilie, Usees, 1 ; Miss Tracy, 178ecs, 2 ; Ascot, lOsecs, 3. Time—2 42 Divi dend—£2 18a. Teiegraph Handicap Saddle, one mile. —Mascotte, 13seos, 1 ; Monte Carlo, 4stcs, 2; Lady May, 12.ecs, 3. Time—2.3B. Dividend—£4 2s.

HAWKE'S BAY J C. MEETING.

Following are the winners of the races, which were held yesterday :—New Year Handicap—Trentalto 1; dividend—£2 16s. Hurdles—Prairie Grass 1; dividend—£2s \ Summer Handicap—Orion's Belt 1; divi dend—£ls 12.. Triai. Handicap—Mail Marion 1; dividend-£3 Bs. Two Year Old Handicap—Valiant 1; dividend—£l 18s. Welter—Golden Plover ; dividend — £4. Christmas Handicap—The Shrew; dividend—£2 15s.

A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING.

Auckland, January 1 For the second day of the Auckland Racing Club's summer meeting the weather was fine, and the attendance about 12,000. £15,577 was put through the totalisator, giving a total for the two days of £28,518. Following are the results : — Glasgow Handicap, of 100 soys, seven furlongs.—Doris 1, Quickfire 3, Solitaire 3. Time—l 295. Dividend—£2 12s. New Year Handicap Hurdles, of 100 soys; two miles.—St Simon 1, Sterling 2, Levanter 3. Time—3.s6. Dividend—£2 lis. Great Northern Derby, of 500 soys; 1£ mile.—Nestor 1. fc t Paul 2, Tiri 3. Time— 2.40. Dividend—£4 12s. Midsummer Handioa?, of 200 soys ; five furlongs.—Gold Medallist 1, St Evelyn 2, C mop us 3. Time—l.3£. Dividend £2 7s. County Handicap, of 100 soys; six fur longs.—Doris and Rex (dead heat) 1, St Elmo 2. Time—l.l 64. Dividend on Doris 17s, on Rex £2 ss. Auckland Racing Club's Handicap, of 350 soys ; l-_ mile.—St Laura 1, Fabulist 2, Pegasus 3. Time—2.39. Dividend—£s 10a. Pony Handicap, of 80 soys; six furlongs —F,«ir Nell 1, St Owen 2, Napoleon 3. Time —1.19. Dividend—£3 4s. Maiden Handicap, of 100 soys ; one mile. —Webley 1, Lufta2, Admiral Hawke 3. Time—l.44|. Dividend—£7 ls.

A GOOD DIVIDEND.

Dunedin, January 2 Silverstream won the Cup at Waikouaiti yesterday paying £17 7s*

The Plimmerton Mystery.

Wellington, December .31. In connection with the Plimmerton mystery, it has been ascertained that Mr Brookes (his proper name is Braybrooke) came to Wellington with a young woman, who passed as his wife, somewhere about April, 1893, and went into lodgings with the Kings. While there Mrs King and her daughters had ample opportunity of noticing the clothes and effects of their lodgers,, some of which, as telegraphed yesterday, they identified in connection with articles found at the ecens of the tragedy. After

living with the Kings for about three weeks Mr and Mrs Brookes took a boarding-house in Ghuznee Street, which they kept till July, and then sold out of it. Shortly after this they took another boarding-house in Dixon street, but a little later on Mrs Brookes seems to hive gone away up country somewhere, and the seoond Mrs Brookes with two children came on .the scene. The first woman was about twenty years of age and the second near fifty. The Dixon Street boarding-house also proved an unsuccessful venture, and was Fold out by Messrs Townsend and Paul. Brookes was known to make trips into the country, presumably to see the young Mrs Brookes, and just prior to the supposed date of the tragedy, October 1894, returned from one of these trip, looking very seedy and hard qp. | His position financially had gradually been getting worse and worse and then suddenly he disappeared and was not afterwards heard of. Where his wife and children went is not yet known, nor has it yet been ascertained who was the young woman who lived with Brookes as hit wife and who is J supposed tp be one of th« victim.! of th« ;

NATIONAL CONCERT.

The concert on New Year's Night, in the Oddfellows' Hall, given by Mrs Bowman Fox and Miss E. Rowley, was v*ry well attended, and the programme submitted was gone through satisfactorily. In the first section "England," Mesdames McLean and Fox opened with a well-played piano forte duet, which was followed by the song 'The British Grenadiers." A character song was made of this by Messrs Broad, R. Upton, and E. Matson, who appeared in military uniform. This was followed by Miss Kathleen Orr's song " Love was once a little boy." Miss Orr sang sweetly, as she always does, but one expected her to show more archness with such a theme. Perhaps, however, the fair camatrice thought the subject was one not to be light y played with, and in her encore song " Hush thee, my baby," she was far more sympathetic and telling. Mr Millar, from Christchurch, sang with fine effect "The gallant Sala mander," and did justice to this song of the sea, his splendid voice rolling down the deeper passages with great power. As an encore he sang "Big Ben,'' earning raptu rous applause. Miss Rowley sang " Home, sweet home," very charmingly, and in response to an emphatic encore, gave " Home they brought h*r warrior de*d." " Tommy Atkins "by Mr Broad, and " Rule Britannia " by Rev T. A. Hamilton, brought the voc-1 work of section I. to a close, the final effect being a tableau, in which Mrs Crisp appeared as " Britannia," looking aa handeome and as stately as the picture , required. After a short interval section 11, " Ireland," was essayed, Mr Millar again scoring an encore with " Off to Phila delphia," and Miss Kathleen Orr receiving the same honor for "Kathleen Mavourneen.' Mrs Bowman Fox was at home in her pianoforte solo "The minstrel boy," and Miss Rowley ag .in made her mark with "the Kerry daoce," and was recalled. A. similar compliment was paid to Mrs Den shire for " Come back to Erin,*' one of her best ballads ; and Mr Broad was happy in his exposition of "Father O'Flynn. Mr Burgess waa in better voice than usual, and gave " Eileen Alaanah " with due effect, the concealed chorus working very effectively. The closing tableau displayed Mrs Percy Jones in the character of the "Colleen Bawn," as pretty an Irish picture aa one could wish to see. The part de voted to "Scotland" opened with a skirl on the pipes by Piper Scott, and as Mr Bert Bickerton had missed the boat at Nelson, Mr George Morrison took his place and danced Gillie Galium as only Mr Morrison can do it in th-se p>ris. Recalled he danced the Highland fling with equal grace. Mrs Denshire sang "Jessie's dream" with effect, the pipe 1 fleets baing made sufficiently weird by Piper Scott. Mrs McLean's piano solo, "Blair Athole," was made familiar ab the recent Scotch concert, and was just as popul r on this occasion. "The Macgregor'a gathering " is never considered by Scotchmen to be safe in the hands of a lady, but Miss Rowley sang it wonderfully well, and was loudly applauded. "Auld lang syne" sung by the company was the last number, illustrated by a pretty picture in which Mr George Morrison appeared as a grey haired "John Anderson, my jo," and Miss E. Leahy as his auld guidwife. At to the elderliness of the guidwife, much was left to the imagination, but the lady made • charming picture in her mutch and plaidie, hob-nobbing with her auld guidman. Mra rßowman Fox made an excellent accompanist, occasionally a'sis ted by Mrs McLean, who closed the coucert wi h God save the Queen.

St. Stephen's Church.

The watch night service in St Stephen's Church on New Year's Eve was remarkably we'l attended. Special hymns were sung, and a stirring address given by the Vicar, in which he gave the command given by God to Moses for the Children of Israel, as a motto for the New Year —" Speak unto the Children of Israel that they go forward,'* but fir&t it was necessary to "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Theft when the quiet self communion was over, and the sins of the dying year repented of, and a new course shaped in the right direc tion he bade them in God's name "Go forward." A few minutes before twelve o'clock the bell was solemnly tolled, and ac 'soon as the midnight hour had tolled the knell of the departing year a joyful peal was rung for a few moments. After a prayer for bVssing and guidance in the New Year, the Holy Communion was proceeded with, when about fifty received the sacred elements. The novelty of the hour of service, the solemn thoughts which crowd into the mind when the rapid flight of time is thus forced upon the attention, must surely work for good in bringing home to many thenecessity of pausing as they drift along the stream of trivialities, in order to contemplate the realities of life, and the good attendance shows that watch night services are rapidly .superseding the old custom of " dincing the old year out and the new year in,"

THE RUAPEHU ASHORE AT FAREWELL SPIT.

Assistance Seat.

Wellington, January 2. A telegram received from Farewell Spit states that the steamer Charles Edward reported Mere at 4.30 this morning that the, steamer Ruapehu bound from London via Hobart to Wellington was ashore on the Spit, seven miles west of the light. No particulars are to hand but it is noi con sidered there is any danger. The New Zea'and Shipping Company are arranging a despatch steamer to go to Ruapehu's assistance. Later. The Ruapehu has upwards of 200 passengers. A light nor'wester waa blowing there with but little sea. A messenger haa been sent from Farewell Spit to the scene and nothing further will be known until his return. The Corrina leaves at 2 p.m. with Captain Rose, a local manager of the company, also Captain Bendall, secretary of the Underwriters Association.

The latest telegrams state that the Ruapehu was not floated this tide. The wind is freshening, hut the sea is moderate.

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON MARKETS.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraphs- Copyright.

London, December 31 English wheat is firm with an upward tendency, Continental firm, and American showing a general advance. Californian No 1 milling 35s 6d. Russian cargoen 32* 3d, No 1 hard Duluth 3bs 9d. ' The Bradford wool markeb is quiet. The butter market is firm with fair busi | ness and unchanged prices. The shipment ex Maori King is in good condition, hue some of this we k's shipments ara of slightly fiehy flrvoqr.

BOATING ACCIDENT.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph*- Copyright,

Wellington, January 1. A sad boating accident happened near the patent slip in Evans' Bay late this afternoon. The particulars to hand so far are only meagre, but it is known that Mr William Hazel wood, a middle aged man, a sailmaiter, who resides at Newtown, was cruising about the bay in an open boat, and had with him a Mr Wil-on and several young children, including Misses Wilson (3), Webb (2), and Craig, when the boat capsized. The accident was witnessed from the shore, and boats at once put off, and though some of on board who clung to the overturned; boat were rescued, Ha^elwcod wa. drowned, s^lso the girl Craig, aged seven, and the others were in a much exhausted condition, and ire under medical treatment. The bbdie* have not yet been recovered.

You have ruined your constitution uffioienily by drinking inferior Tea. _ft««raifc by drinking mly Fowl T*A iit if pnrf , Thi ta* i»d«UcH»u ■\ ■ -fl

THI ASHBORTOft GBAEDIAN : SATtiBDAf, JAHUAfeY 2, 189?.



Bnsine s Notices __________ I GOOD WASHING PRINT, S|d. WHITE MUSLIN, 3* lld por dor.' AT G. J. NELLL'S. A BEAUTrifUL SUMMKR DRESS FOR, (is lid AT G. J. NUILI/S, Eiauneleties 3|d yard, 'llw Brat Turkish Tt,m"i...S in Anhtmrlon arc at— (jr. *J. AKILi jo. BOVB' Navy Blue Sailor Suit-. 4* IM, MphV Heavy i* lm\M Tweed Suits 25s 6d, at G. J. NKIU/S. Ladieii Uoe Shew, -Is lld. LwH*»" J«-o-«trap Show, 4a lld. At G. J. NEILLS. Ladies', Maida 1, and Children's TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Prices, AT G. J. NEILLS. FRIEBLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET.



KAIAPOI HOUSE. ft! HE Alterations in the above Premises baing so far advanced, we are enabled to make A GRAND DISPLAY IN OCR | NEW CARPET SHOW lIOOM I OF LINOLEUMS, OILCLOTHS, TAPESTRY, : AND BRUSSELS CARPETS. ALSO.— GARPET SQUARES IN GREAT VARIETY. MATS AND HEARTH RUGS IN ALL MAKES AND SIZES. A VERY COMPLETE STOOK OF FURNISHING DRAPERY m ALL BRANCH i;.S. MITCHELL & TURNER. TANCRED STBEET



fcEW FIRM -:- :- -: -:- - : - -:- NEW FIRM JSAVB MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL &.BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. KG OLD BTOOK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS of BUSINESS " riIHE Public should only consider what they can gave by dealing with X. a Cash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the great losses that ""are occasioned by Bad Debts. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND SELL FOR CASH, THEREFORE i THEY ARE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON.



— A Few Quotations will be Convincing —



Brown IRibbed Pants (heavy) Is 6d -worth Ladies' Hose, fast colors, plain and ribbed 1_ lld pair Men's Socks 6d-worth 9d White and Brown Turkish Towels only 6d Harlter Hats S^l-worth Is Wh lp eCahco grand value at 2, lld-12yd S Blucher Boots-4*. lid-grand value The Best Value for ilannelette. n Heavy Shooters 9s lid-worth 12* 6d asnourton. rSdies'Gem Shoes, Special, 4s lid-worth Heavy Twill, 4s lld dozen-worth 7d ayd ■ *™«™ \rm j v A Splendid Line of Corsets, all sizes, at \ HMrlmejweed Trousers 8s 6d-eheap at of Sunshades in town, wt DllftS ftc\S ß t2tLrtment of Hats Ladies' sXr Straws, all shades and shapes, ' . " I from 9d eaon —Pick your own shape 12vds SUtotb Print for 3s lid-Cheap at 6s ( and trimming, and have your rSLSSSP Summer Tweed ls Id, double | Winery done Free of Charge. , width



FULL RAJSra&S OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MEASURED GARMENTS A SPECIALTY. f 49s 6o WSTboh 49s 6d MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, EAST STKEET.



Public notices. TBE CHRIbTMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND r\ LOTHING "p AC TORY.



Wanted. . WT^^^ a( onee > a competent Binder \ \ Driver. Apply Max Friedlander. 1 5



"\ 17"ANTED an experieLced Housekeeper V V f.>r the country. Apply, Mail Office, Tuesday, January 5. 17 WESLEYAN Church, to-morrow.— Preacher, Rev T. G. Brooke. Special monthly .ermon to young people at evening service. Subject, "No compromise." Sti augers cordially invited. 1 5



L;ght Summer Coats from 63 61 Light Summer Suits from 10s 6d Light Wajhiug Vests, slightly soiled 2a 6d Light Blue Serge Suits for Summer wear 16a 6d Boys' Wishing Suits, all sizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Suits, all sizes 6s 9d, usua price 10a 6J, IV R TRAVELLING. Portmanteaux from 10s 6d Steel Trunks from 10a 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRAW~HATS. Boys' Straw Hata Is, the beat value in Ashburton Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS &~SHOES. Men's Biack and Tan Canvas Shoes, best quality Sa 6d Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, splendid value Men's Light Boots for summer wear 8s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing* Factory, ALEX. HENDRY Manager.



WANTED Known.—Strayed to my place, Boxi g Day, Black Puppy. Owner cm have cam« by paying expenses.— John Osborne, Willowby.' 1 12



rpO LEl'—House of Five Rooms, Scullery JL and Washhouse, situated in Moore Street. Apply A. P. Williamson, Tancred Street. 12 209



H $3 s * Si ig I s Q « VQ * O ■ x* ■ £Q __________________M___n____a_M_w__-_ak-__M_-_«w-__M^



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. Ashburton. SUNDAY SERVICES, (3rd January). 11 a.m.-rMorning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 3 p.m.-(SREENSTREET) Rev T. A. Hamilton. 3 p.m.—(DROMORE), Mr. W. Bowman Fox. 6 30.—Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. .wmmmHmmmmßmmmmvmmmmmmmmmmmwmmmmmmnwmmwmi Wanted.



DID you ever hear the like ? Men b best Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mellor's, " ancred street



MY Premi.es will be open Late This Evening and To-morrow Evening, for the Sale of Christmas and New Year C-irds, etc. A splendid assortment to select from.—H. M. Joan.*..



OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcorn s new shop, Baker's Buildings.



THERE is no doubt, no possible doubt that you get Good Value for your money at Mellows.



WANTED Known—The Economic, Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear,— VV. H. Collier.



NOW'S your time to Buy. There is a Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store.



A FULL assortment of new Veilings in white, black, and black and whi c. Buy the celebrated new kid glove—The Victory—only 2i 6d. The best glove in New Zealand for the money.—A. Orr. 11 124



1 Q AfV NEW Year CVrds and ICjVf f p Booklets, Christmas Cards half price, Ijlew Books, Fancy Goods, Toys aiad Stationery. A large variety of goods suitable for New Year presents. New lot of Foreign Stamps and packets.— Andrew_s, Anderson, & Co.



11 If OTHERS and fathers who have to iYJL proyi/le Boots and Shoes, should call at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store.



WANTED Known—looo pairs of Boots to be sold in twenty-one days at Mj2M,or's. MILLINERY— Ladies should inspect the new Millinery, .Gapes, Mantles, Jackets, Blouses, French and English Corsets ; all new and up to date.—A. Orr. J



WANTED Known—Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. Special display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A late shipment of Sailor Straw? to |?e sold cheap. —Mitchell and Turner.



WANTED Known—What the people say. That Andrew Orr has the largest and best assorted stock of Boots in Canterbury. I 1 *25



"\TTANTH_D Known.— Feculina. Pecu _l\ lina. Another shipment of this C^ebrated C^ke FlopF at Fletcher Bros.,



WANTED everyone to know that Flktcueb Bkos. do a most extensive Business, acknowledged by a member of the Force here ooTh«wd»y afternoon, December 17,



LOST— Kicking Si rap, between Mail Office and A. Orr's private residence. Finder please return to Mail Office.



WANTED— Every Lady in Ashburton to see our Window of Blouse Goods, bought at a big di .count, and selling at IeBS than wholesale prices. ~Mitchell and Turner.



WANTED Known—Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and Everything in the optical at S. Salek's, Optician



WANTED Known—Go to the Corner for Newest Styles in Drapery and Millinery—W. H. Collier.



TT7"HERE, Oh where, is that Cheap f V Boot Shop? Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store.



WAN'I ED Known—Wo have justopeued a line of cheap all wool Suits and Trousers. Good cut aud splendid value. Tennis and working Shirts in great variety. Mitchell and Turner



WANTED Known—Large delivery of the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth ituch more.— W. H. Collier.



I HEARD a man say that Mellor is selling Boots Wonderfully Cheap. a_- ->l I) IM ■mm mmtmm*m_—m_m-_mwammmWmmm_W_m_m