Ashburton Guardian, Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1897. Local and General.

Tuesday was the Hen. W. E. Gladstone's birthday. The Grand Old Man is now entering on his eighty-eighth year. The Key. G. B. luglis is away on a holiday, and his pulpit m Sunday was occupied by the Rev. Mr Bates, of Ruapuna. In the Exhibition band conbeat, bhe Wel lingbon Garrison Band was first in the test selection and quick-marching contests. Mr W. Sb George Douglas, postmaster, has left Ashburton ft r the North Island, on a well-earned mouth s holiday, and Mr R. Lechner, chief clerk, will be in charge of bhe office during his abseuce. The Daily Bulletin, a Queen land paper, records bhe fact tnab au old Ashburton man, Mr C. A. Calvert, veterinary surgeon, now a captain of the local volunteers of Townsville, has been trying his hand with some sulcus at a remedy for the cattle tick. The lads Wilson and Cochrane, who were hurt at the races on Friday and Saturday, aud are now in the Hospital, are progressing as favorably as can be expected. Wilson is slowly recovering consciousness, and Coch rane, though going on all right, is badly cub aboub the head. Real dukes are expensive. Marlborough coat Vanderbilb £3,000,000 sterling. The settlement was £2,000.000 on hie daughter during her lifetime aud £1,000,000 on the Duke.* If any chi'dren are born they will inherit the mother's portion at her death, bub the Duke's million is to be his in any event, Dr Leahy's daisy cart met its iate oo Saturday morning ab the Hoapitai. The doctor had dciven to that institution on business, and left the cart and pony in charge of his lad while he himself was in the house. During his absence something startled the pony and a career in the grounds followed, which resulted in the lad being spilled, bub none the worse for his tumble, and the cart ruined, though the pony escaped without serious injury.

A queer story comes from London, to the effect that Henry M. Stanley, tho African exjlirer, is gradually turning black as a consequence of the inoculation of negro blood into his veins. In order to prevent the jungle and other dangerous fevers of the "Dark Continent' he submitted to the operation five times, aud his skin is now the colour of that of a mulatto. The eventuatiou wi'l l>", a.r>r.-.rd ing to a Germ in savant, tha<; the i no_ lair skinned Stanley will pass as a coloured man, dark as a Nubian.

The N.pier Evening News, of December 29, said " Christmas is over, and it is safe to say that a more dull, insipid Christmas has never been experienced here. No enthusi asm, no fireworks, no Christmas boxes even, so close-fisted aro the tradespeople becom ing. . . There were not nearly so many people in the streets on Christmas ye as on ,a ordinary Saturday night." Thia is very far from being the usual sort of Christmas paragraph one reads in the daily press, and at first sight it looks serious. Bub on turning to the leading columns of the same paper we find the reason for the grapes being sour. The first leading arbicle, is bwenty liars long, and its last sentence reads—-" When bhe sun rises on New Year's Diy the Evening News will be a thing of the past." A O linamau at the Tinwald races stolidly looked ab an enraged backer of bhe wrong horse trying to kick himaslf and swearing ab large, and when bhe cipers ceased John remarked "E got c bobtie fly." The News has evidently got 'em too.

Ashburton figured with o nsiderable prominence ab the Caledonian Society's sports at Timaru on New Year's Day, aud one win will serve as a good adver isement to Madame Hell, the prophetess of "Somao mancy " who recently performed here with the Ada Delroy Company. In answer to the question " Who will win the high jump at Timaru?" she gave the name "John Jamieson." She gob a little mixed up in her description of the winner, aud the mm who asked the question, but that did not afl'ect the answer. Now 'hat the trial is over, and ♦* the numbers up," Mr Jamitsou is found to have been first in the standing high jump competition, with 4ft Bin as his record ; he was only second iv the running high jump, with sft 3in to Henley's sft 4in. Mr S. Baird won the caber tossing event, <ud Mr Patsy McNull, the stone putting. In Irish dancing, Mr W. Fiiz.etald was Hrst for the jig; and Mr N. Fitzgerald, third. Mr E. Bullivan was first in the sailor's hornpipe No Highland dangers or piper* from this district competed. The ordinary quarterly meeting of 'the Ashburton Wesleyan Circuit was held in Baring Square Church schoolroom on W^d ue.-day evening last. There was only a moderate attendance, and the Rev Mi* lirooke was in the chair. The finances for the quarter showed a credit balance of £6 10*, and it was confidently expected thab by the end of next quarter tjie circuit debb would be wiped out altogether. A special effort was decided to be made to gain th a object. Ti ere was an increase of member ship during the quieter of twenty-two, and tux on trial. Mr H. M. Jones was appointed representative to the annual Conference, which will be held in VVrllingtou this year, an I in the event of Mr Jones bgjng unable to abbend Mr John Baker was appointed substitute. The Society Stewards elected for the year were—Messrs John Orr, T. H. Fox, H. R. Steel, G. W. Andrews, A. Hendry, and E. Purchase, and Mr Maclaren was nppoiuted jepoiter to the Advocate. Considerable tirre was taken up in discus-ing the various petitions on which to memorialise Conferenoe, and eventually it was decided to ask Conference to give home missionaries the same privilege aa ordained ministers had with regard to the dispensing of the sacrament. An amendment that local preachers of three year'- standing be also included was pnjy supported by two brethren, A motion to the effect that the 1 present system of districts inviting ministers aud ministers be abrogated, was, after a lengthy debate, carried by seven to four. The conbenbion that the privilege should not be so lightly laid aside was met by the objection that it was no> a privilege in the full sense, for while a dJB<Wt had the right to invite and a minit-ter to accept, Con ference had still the absolute authority to do as they thought best. The Sunday schools were reported to be in a satisfactory condition jbhj-cughout the district. A v ry hearty vote of thanks was pissed to Mrs John Baker for her kindly consideration ip dispensing refreshments during the evening,

The yield from the Thamee goldfield for 1896, so far as returns received, is £338,740 but the total is believed to be about halt a' million.

Some people seem to be under the impres* sion that the Wa erton hotel had been closed. This,however, isamistake. The proprietor (had some idea of giving up the business, but such a strong feeling existed iv the district, that a hotel was really nee ed at Waterloo, that bhe licensee received the license as usua!. Thia being holiday time, it is as well to know that the pleasant country hotel still supplies the needful.

At Lexington, in Kenbucky, a family named Morrison has been awarded a prize of £50, it. showing the greatest height und weight, and being native of t' c State. Here is the record they give :—Father, 6ffc 4iu, weigh' 2101b • wife, 6ft 4ia, weight 2661b ; son Thomas, 6ft 4in, weight 286 ib ; James, 6i't6i_, weight 2161b; Sarah, oldest girl, weighed only 1651b, bur. stood 6ft 7in iv her stockings; John, 6ft llin, weight 2061b; Mary, 6ft 2iti, weight 149.b; Elijah was 6ft 3in, and 2121b ; Martha, fourteen years of age, 6ft 3in, weight 2191b.

The water in the south branch of the Ashburton is lower than it has been for many years, and the whole river as seen at the Ashburton bridge above which the two branches unite is phenomenally low. When the junction was made recently the Counby Council's men book in aboub half the water then flowing in the south branch, but since then both branches have suffered a further shrinkage, und unless the south has been getting the benefit of the showers that often fa,II in the upper districts but with which we on the lower lands are not blessed, there is danger thab we will again be on short allowance of water.

DROUGHT ITEMS.

Farmers from all quarters of the county complain of the drought, the effects of which are evident on every kind of vege tation. The belt of country towards the hills has been more fortunate than that lower down on the plains, having had the benefit of showers that never reached the railway. The worst of it is that th« drought shows no sign of breaking up, and the rainfall for the last eight weeks has not passed the decimal stage.

The fire in the Kowai bush was by no meins extinguished by the rain on Thursday, and, fanned by the easterly breez-;, on New Year's Day was burning strongly over the hill towards Patterson's creek, A large portion of the fine bush on the hill is com pletely destroyed., and if rain does not shortly stop the fire's progress the locality will be divested of its chief charm.

The fire in the bush at Otarama is not yet exdnguished. On Saturday there was a fire behind Oxford and another in the bush at Gl-ntui. The fire in Birch Hill bu?h last week burned Itself out. A reward < f £20 is offered for information as to who started the blaze.

Oa J hursday, from 11 a.m. until mid night, occasional showers of rain fell in tho Malvern-district and have done immense good to cereal and roos crop", turnips especially have benefited by the welt,, bub a sbeady bwenby-four hours fall is still wanted. Fruit suffered severely from the heat last Tuesday and is falling off the bushes; but the wind apparently was nob po bad here, as not much harm was done on Wednesday.

In the North Canterbury district crops ar<* looking very well in spite of the hob weather. Passing showers last week with cool nights and a fair proportion of dewy mornings have kept them very Iresh. On the plains it is stated bhab the soil moisture is sustaining the crops to a wonderful degree considering tho trying effect of the atmosphere in the day time. A good deal of hay has been lost, by the high wiuds, and the sowing of turnip crops is being deliyed. Mos'; of the stations have fin shed shearing, the wool being as a rule nob so heavy as last season, but other wise iv good coudMou. On some stations, shearing is still being delayed by rains.

CRICKET.

QUEENSLAND v CANTERBURY.

The following have been chosen to repre" sent Canterbury against Queensland, on January 8, 9, and 11 :—W. Bates, H. DaMku-r F. S. F.auki*h, J. N. Fowke, J. D. Lwrence T. H. North, T. Reese, D. Reese, A. E. Bidley, J. Wheat'ey, and F. Wilding.

11 the cricket match Queensland v Hawkes Bay, the former won by an innings and 102 runs.

THE WEATHER.

, Rainfall during December i§9§ 189§ j Alford Forest .„, ,„ l._6in 556 Alford Station... ... 0.54 in 2.0 < Rainfall during year, Alford Forest 62.67, Alford Station 38.61. Seven miles distance between the two places.

ALFORD STATION.

Dunedin Caledonian Sports.

Following are the results of the first day's eveubs, in which one or two local men were engaged :— Caledonian Handicap, of £10, 100 yds (special prizes to winners of heats, prize takers excepted).—First heat—McDonald (scr) 1. Second heat—McNaught (s£yds) 1. Third heat —Harris (44yd*) 1 Fourth heat—McGiil (4yds) 1. Final—A. Cunning ham lliyds, 1; T. Cunningham, 10yds, 2 ; D. McGiil, 4yds 3. The b*ck markers made a gallanb efforb to get up, the whole field finishing in a bunch, the judge having great difficulty in separating them. 350 Yards Handicap, of £10. Prizes for heats'.—First heit—A ; Cunuingham. Second—J. S. Rotting;'_*:. Third— J. McNaught. Final—Thomson, 21yds, 1; A. Cunningham, 29yds, 2; J. S. Batting, 29yds, 3.

IRISH TAXATION.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

Copyright

London, January 1

The Earl of Jersey, dealing with the Irish anti-taxation movement, states that in 1893 and 1894 Ireland paid £3,750,000 in the shape of taxa tion above the amount reckoned to be her just contribution • but as a set off to this £2,750,000 was expended in Ireland in excess of the amount ad mittable. If the expenses accorded with the taxable capacity of Ireland, which the new movement claimed should pay one?twe}}tieth, his Lordship argued tirab Ireland would be paying only one-thirtieth.

One Box of Clarke's B 41 Pills wan an bud to cure all discharges from the Urinaiy Jrgans, in either sex (acquired or cons i utional), Gravel and Pains in the Back Guarranteed free from Mercury. Sold iD Boxes 4s 6d each, by all Chemists and Patent medicine Vendors throughout the World Proprietors : The Lincoln and Midland o'>t/**ties Droo Compauy, I inooln, Kn>l»nd

COMMERCIAL.

THE WORLD'S WHEAT MARKET,

The Washington Post of November 22 says a conference of nations on the subject of the woi Id's wheat market is understood to be desired by at least one of the great foreign wheat-growing empires. It is stated in official circles that Bussia is particula ly friendly to such an idea, and is believed to be making overtures not only to the United States, but to England, the argentine Republic, and Austria, which are the princi pal wheat-growing n-ifcions of the world. The idea suggested as outlined here ia that these nations, should they see fit to coma to aa agreemenb on the subject, could lix a price for wheat, to be ma nudued uniformly through various seasons of over-production or on the failure of crops caused by droughts or conbinued rain, and thus, make the princi pal train staple almo b as unchangeable in value as gold itself has become. This would enable the producer ia the event of an unusually large crop to store his wheat and obtain thereon aa loan what would tide him over until the wheat was in demand in the world's market, when he would receive a full and fair price for it.

The Glenbrook Murders.

Boarding the Swanhihia.

Interview With Captain

Ifclleth

{Otago Daily Times 1 Correspondent.) Auckland, January 1.

The Uhibn Company's steamer Taupo arrived frOm the Eastern Pacific, yesterday afternoon. It will be remembered that on bhe voyage of the steamer to the Islands tho ship Swanhilda was spoken and communi cated with, Captain Mcßeth sending word to Captain Fraser that the New South Wales police authorities believed thab Butler, bhe man who is supposed to have committed the murders in connection with what is known as the Glenbrook myutery was on board of the Swanhilda. Captain Mcßeth's action in taking this course has been the cause of considerable comment in Australia. Some of the polioe considered that he had acted injudiciously, as what he had done might, possibly pub Butler on his guard. Ou the arrival of tbe Taupo yester day afternoon Captain Mcßeth was inter viewed by a Herald representative, who pointed out to the captain how his action in communicating with the ship had been criti cised.

«' Well," replied the captain, " what occurred was this : I knew very little or nothing about these murders or the partij culars at the time. We sighted a ship which showed her numbers, but she was boo far away for us to make them out. I altered the course of my -termer so as to come within range, and found she was the Swan hilda, bound from Newcastle to San Fran cisco, and wished to be reported all well. As the vessel's name was made out the second officer mentioned to me that she was the i*hip in which the supposed murderer, Butler, had shipped, producing a newspaper containing a few particulars regarding the tragedy." " But, captain, did you not know that Butler was .aid to have shipped in the

Swanhild_ under the name of one of the men whom he was supposed to have murdered ?'.'

"No, bub I wished I had, for them my action would have been probably some whab different. You see I was quite in the dark as to the particulars of the alleged crime, but was anxious that Captain Fraser should be put upon his guard. 1 wished to warn him ihit if reports were true he had on board a very desperate character." " Well, finding that it was the Swanhilda, whab did you do ?" " I ab once, decided bo communicate with bhe master and signalled' Heave to ; have important communications to make.' -ignal was observed, and the ship wax brought up and I took the Taupo wiihin a reasonable distance of her. In the mean time a boat was got in. readiness to take a message on boardi On coming up with thej ship I de-patched the second officer with a ■ verbal message to Captain Fraser along with a file of Auckland papers containing parti- culars of bhe bragedy. I gave explicit in structions that he waa to taka his communi cation privately to Captain Fraser." " Were your instructions carried out ? " "Certainly, for upon my officer boarding the ship he aud Captain Fraser retired to the latter's private cabiu, where they had a , c-nversation together. No one el-e was present. At the terminal ion of the inter view Captain Fraser atnt me his warmesb thanks for my action." | '* But what about the crew in the boat while the second officer was with Captain Fraser ? Did they have any communication with the Swanhilda's eiew 1 " " No, frr none of them knew what was the reason of the visit. Besides, I gave special instructions thab the boatswain shou d ,be let j in charge of the boat when the officer went on board." "Did any of the crew of the Swanhilda want to know why you should want to communicate with the ship ? " " Oh, yes ; several of the men came aft and wanted to know what he Wanted, but the boatswain replied that it was only a matter of courtesy on my part in sending off a few papers to give the captain the latest news of the world, seeing that ib would be a long time before he would get any." " Was anything particular noticed as regards the crew ? " " Well, the boatswain says that one man who was well forward in the ship seemed to display some excitement, and. spoke quickly to two or three others, and then came aft where the boat was and said, ' What the hell do you fellows want? You must be after something.' The boat's crew, how ever, only made the same reply as had been made to the others, and the man went forward again " '* What was bhe appearance of bhis excited individual ?" bhe Herald reporter h' re desired to know, and to geb furbher parti culars Captain M'Beth sent for the boat swain, who promptly came along to the cabin.

In reply to the captain, the boatswain said the man was of stoutish build, with a heavy gingef-colored moustache. Turning to Captain M'Beth, the reporter then asked, "What action do you think Captain Eraser would take alter he had re ceived your communication ? " " If he is the sensible man I |ak> him to be, (Butler, or whatever his name might be, if he is on board, would be in irons in a very short time after we left the ship, for having been placed on his guard, he would naturally want to protect himself and his ship against any possibility of having any trouble. You see if you get a man with the character Butler bears on board your ship in the forecastle he is bound to make mischief. Besides, if the crew were of the ordinary class of men they would not care to be associated with such a scoundrel as Butler appears to be, and would probably take the matter into their own hands."

" Then you think, captain, that there is no need to worry about the man escaping ? "

" No; he will be put in a safe enough place until the ship reaches her destination, and will be promptly handed over to the proper authorities. lam only sorry that I was not bound to Auckland and knew as much as I do now, for then I would have boarded the Swanhilda myself, and, if Captain Fraser had been agreeable, would have arrested the man and brought him to Auckland." % " But that would have been a high-handed proceeding, would it not—arresting a man on the high seas without a warrant ?"

" I don't know so much about that. Supposing that he w_s the right man, I would have run the risk."

" Now, captain, a good deal has been said about your action in this matter, and our readers would like to know exactly what motives actuated you in the course you took ?"

"It was just this," said the captain. "Here you are away out ab sea, and you sighb a ship on which is supposed to be one of the most cold-blooded scoundrels that was ever born, and you don't know what devilry he m*y be concocting against 'the captain and officers. What is your duty? Let the ship go, or send word to the master ? Ido not think there can be two opinions on the subject, and I consider that I only did my duty, and acted as every j shipmaster should do to another under the I same circumstances,"

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB.

SUMMER MEETING.

The new departure of the Ashburton ; Racing Club in holding their summer meet- ' ing on the Tinwald Domain instead of on bheir own course, and on the day after the ' meeting of what must now be looked upon as the chief racing organisation of the district, ; was a fairly succe-sful move. The Club enjoyed several advantages. A large number of visitors from Christchurch and elsewhere, who had attended the New Year's Day meeting of the Tinwald Racing Club stayed j over for the' Ashburton Club's fixture, and , ■ill the arrangements for the New Year's , Day meeting were left undisturbed for the ' meeting that was to follow. It has been unkindly whispered by those who have no ; love for race meetings that the want of a j refreshment booth on the Ashburton course | killed all the sporting enthusiasm of the ; Club, and forced it to seek shelter under the aegis of its younger brother across the water. We hope this whisper has no foundation in fact, because, while nob of prohibitionist . tende. cies, we would be sorry to know that the spirit of any club can be kept ap only by the operation of pouring spirits down. Be this as it may, a liquor booth is against the law on the Ashburton course, and so by removing to Tinwald the Club were able "to have a booth, and collect a rent for it from Host Lagan. It was nob to be expected that so large a crowd would attend the second day's races as patronised tbe first. New Year's Day was a general holiday, and all the racing world and his wife seemed to be spending that holiday at Tinwald. On the day after, all the business places of Ashbur ton were in full swing, and the day in town S resented much the appearance of any other aturday. But in *pft« of that the Treas urer of tbe Club was »ble to report a £48 10* "gate"—4oo head less than on the previous day, and this In the absence of a general holiday must be considered highly j satisfactory bin. The weather was very J warm, and a strong hot wind blew across the course most of the day, carrying with it thick clouds of a dust that sought its way into every nook and cranny of the human frame. The heat induced perspiration, and perspiration retained the dust, so that in a very short space of time every sport's face looked like a lime burner's. The dust clang viciously to hair and c'othing, and many a curled darling presented a spectacle fine reverse of "natty." The dust-laden gale prevented the fair sex from making any extensive use of the grand stand, the stand supplying vantage ground certainly for viewing the course, but affording no shelter from what was a common enemy that day, co that a lower and more comfortable position was sought. The inner rail of the course opposite the grand stand was flanked for a considerable length with vehicles in which were many ladies, and ginghams and other shelters kept the dust out of the fair ones' eyes to a great extent, but the fabric has not been yet woven nor the material invented that would have been perfectly proof against the dust that ruled supreme thit day. The Brass Band' played loyally during the meeting, and must be complimented on the excellent music they were able to produce under very untoward circumstances. It says a good deal for the lung power of the bandmaster and his fellow cornet players that, though facing the wind, and with dust being blasted up the bells of their instru ments at every gust, they held on and blared out lively music in defiance of everything. , The racing was on the whole very good, the majority of the fields being fairiy large, ! although the Cup, the chief event of the i programme, was able to draw out only two entries, and left the result a moral for the Marquis of Zetland. Bub the programme was nob got through without one or two probes la, and it h also to be regretted that two accidents occurred to jockeya. In the Flying Handicap, Liberty fell with C. Co.hrane, who was rather badly hurt, and had to be taken to the hospital, and Diploma came down with Bridges, who had his foot badly sprained. Following are results of the racing :— ■ Open Welter Handicap, of 30 soys. « One mile. 34 Mr H. A. Knight's m g Binietallist, Apremont —Silver QueeD, 3vrs Bst7lb (J. Walk) 1 30 Mr H. Smith's brf Miss Orwell, 4yrs, 9st lib (C. Cochrane) 2 19 Mr C. Kliogenstsin's bo factolus, 3yrß, 9_lßlb ... . (A. Wilson) 3 28 Mr T. Cotton's h h Lord Stansbury, 6yrs, Qst 121b ... ..," (Donovan) 0 31 Mr M. Hobbs' blk g Admiralty, syrs, Bsfc 61b ..." ... ... (Shiw) 0 8 Mr C. Wynn-Williams' bg Taurinu, 3yrs, Bsb, ... ... • (W. Davy) 0 10 Mr C. F. Todhunter's b f Diploma, 3yrs, Bst .... ... (N. Williams), 0

A fairly even start carried the field on about even terms to the first turn, when MiBS Orwell and Bim*.tailist got to the front. At the back of the course the roan showed well in front with plenty of daylight between him and Miss Orwell. Coming round they closed on the leader, and the two made a ding dong race of ib homo, but she was not able wholly to overhaul the roan, and they passed the post wi h Bimetalisb a head in front, Pactolus a good third. Time—l.46^. Dividend—£3 IS.. Kolmar Trot Handicap, 25 soys; two , miles. 5 Mr T. Rotlison's br m Highland Lass by Mambrino Royal, aged, 25sec [ (Owner) 1 61 Mr W. James's b m Maid of Honour, aged, 35seo "... (C. Price) 2 6 Mr C. Harold's br m Katipo, Syrs, 17sec (Potter) 3 4 Gillie Riabh eh 15sec, 22 Mountjoy 20sec, 59 Belfast Pat 28sec, 8 J. E. Rotoiv 30sec, 22 The Miller 35 sec, 0 Curiosity 35 sec, 5 Sailorboy 45sec, and 2 Big Mick 45sec also started. Belfast Pat was the favourite, and after the first mile had shaken out the ruck, at the back of the course it looked- as it Belfast I Pat, Maid of Honour, Katipo, and Highland Lass, with perhaps one or two others, might all have a chance. Coming into the straight however, ib was seen that Highland Lass was leading by a length or two, with Maid of Honour trying all she oould to get on even terniß with her. They, passed the stand in this order bat with Highland Lass's lead lengthened to four lengths, the same distance between second ana third. Time -6.3£, Dividend—£34 18* ! Novel Race, of 25sov?. Five furlongs. 85 Mr G. M. Aynsley'. Rosy Morn, (Donovan) 1 3.5 Mr F. Cochrane'* b h Angler, 4yrs, (McDonnell) 2 28 Mr T. O'Reilly's Sweet Marie, (Shaw) 3 69 MrS. Alexander's bk m Rotomahana, aged ... .«. (C Cochrane) 0 15 Mr R. J. Gilchrist's eh g Revolver 11, aged (N. Williams) 0 230~

1 Donovan got away smartly with his mount, aud kept his lead all the way, | Winning easily. The Winner bought by owner for _)18. Time —1.4_. Dividend— £2 Bs. Ashburton Racing Club Handicap, of 50 soys. One mile and a quarter. 1 Mat guis of Zetland . (Shaw) 1 0 Nicholas ... ... (H.Thomson) 2 Won very easily. Time—2,lß4. Divi dend—lßs. Pony Race Handicap, of 15 soys, five furlong*. 37 Mr J.. Bell's br h Minister, aged, Curate—Gold Dust, 7st 71b ... ... (A. Macdonald) 1 16 Mr H. Smith's b m Lpo, 6yrs, 7st 71b (Donovan) 2 29 Mr F. Bennison'a b g Pick lea, aged, 9st7lb, (Cotton) 3 34 Mr R. Kennington's m g Welbeck, Syrs, Bst 71b (J Walls) 0 12 Mr T. Annett's b f Tamena, 3yrs, Bsb 71b (J. Johns) 0 82 Mr S. Brown's b m Phyllis, aged Bstslb (C. Cochrane) 0 6 Mr R. Mcllraithsch m Cissy, syrs 7sb7lb (Bridges) 0 10 Mr W. T. Gilch' ist's r m Nancy, syrs 7s»t7lb ... ... (Williams) 0 0 Mr ■W.'Ohisnall'sb m Dandyetta, I 3yrs, 7st7lb .. .„ (Shaw) Of 24 Mr C. Wynn Williams 9 gr m I Seabreezell, aged,7st4 b (Daveyl Of 250 I Minister was fust on his legs, getting well I !»w*y from tfci whole field, |fyllli ftf!

[ made a hot favorite, but Minister was never collared and maintained his lead to the finish I winning easily from Loo, frith Pickles a good third. Time — 1.6_, Dividend.— £6 lis. Spring Handica.-, of 30 soys, seven furlongs. 39 Mr H. Friedlander*s b c Annoyance, 3yrs, Boss — Teaze, 7*t 9ib, (Donovan) 1 72 Mr M. Hobb's b f Bizarre, 4yrs 9_b 51b, (Shaw) 2 15 Mr H. Knight's oh g Nicholas, 4yrs 6sb 13lb (J. Johns) 3 11 Mr J_. Gates' brc Battlefield, 2jrs, 6stl3ib ... ... (Davey) 0 Annoyance and Battlefield ran together in ffont to tbe straight, where the field closed up, and a capital race resulted in Annoyance winningby a length from Bizarre. Time-L32. Dividend £3 3s. Horry Scurry, of 12 soys: four furlongs. 102 Angler (MacDonnell) 1 59 Sweet Marie ... »_, (Donovan) 2 21 Saabrooke ... .(Davey) 3 16 Ottoman (Wane) 0

Won easily. Time—-52sec. Dividend— £114s. Flying Handicap, of 50 soy*; six fur longs. 82 Mr L. Markey's b g Remorse, 6yre Taeman — Waterwitch, Set 71b, (Donovan) 1 18 Mr A. Knight's rngßinietallist, 3yrs 7st 111b (including 71b pen.) (Johns!. 2 49 Mr H. Friedlaader's ch'c Grand Cross, 3yr«, 7it 41b ... (Davey) 3 12 Mr C. Klingensfcein's bo Pactolus, 3yr_, Bst6lb (Wilson) 0 53 Mr H. Smith's br f Mice Orwell, 4yrs,7*tl2lb ... ... fWiHiaine) 0 4 Mr T. Cotton's brhLord StMuborr* . 6y_s, 6»t 71b ... . . (Mao Donald) 0 ' 6 Mr E. Heffernan's eh a Liberty, sjr^> . Bsb 21b (including Kibe '..ewpjf' : *-" . (Oi Co^nM| 0 -' 4 Mr C. Todhunber'* b f Dipl#fa_;By»e - - 4 228 • '',' '" ' l" Remorse made all the running and trot easily by three lengths. Time—ll64. Dividend—£2los. Messrs Mason and Roberts had a totali sator on the ground, and put through £1367 daring the day. The officers worked -rery hard, and Mr John Davison, the secretary, got through hia arduous duties very satis factorily. To bean efficient clerk'of the scales, one wants o have a good bit of iron in one's nature, bat Mr Rudolph Friedlander had the neces ary allowance, as presuming and dilatory jockeys were not long in find ing out, _____

Cable Brevities.

London, January 1. Lord Salisbury, after reviewing the An^lo-American General Arbitration Treaty, set aside some technical points of which he could not grant his approval.

The Times' Berlin correspondent, in a communication to that journal, states there are continued signs of Germany's animosity towards Great Britain, and the writer predicts that this condition will prove one of the chief features in the present year's foreign relations.

The Great North m Railway Com pany has decided to purchase a large quantity of New South Wales hard wood for use in the construction, of a great goods depot at Manchester.

Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for New South Wales, received no tenders for the manufacture of 150,000 tons of steel rails in tbe colony.

January 2. The Times, in nn article dealing with the commercial development of the past year, states that new com panies, with a capital aggregating seventy-six millions, were floated dur ing the last Bix months: - * Lord William Beresford, who was injured while stag hunting, is suffering from a broken pelvis. His condition is improving.

As the outcome of careful experi ment, Mr Samuel Rideal, the well known analytical chemist, reports that, as far as digestibility is concerned, Queensland beef is equal to English and American for soups and beef tea.

The condition of Dr Jameson, leader of the Transvaal raid, who was recently released from prison on account of ill health, is causing anxiety.

Madrid, January 1 General Riviera, who succeeded to the comm-md of the Cuban rebels after the death of General Maceo, had an engagement with the Spanish troops, but was defeated with heavy loss.

Capetown, January 3 Mr Cecil Rhodes has expressed him self flattered and reassured by the enthusiastic reception accorded him by both the English and the Dutch resi dents of Capetown on his return from hi~ visit to Oriqualand, He added that he had- formerly accepted the advice of caucuses of his party, but in future he would, always look to the populace for guidance and an impetua in bis public, career. Sydney, January & Terrific thunderstorms at Walgett and Gunnedah destroyed several houses, and unroofed and damaged manys, others. One toppled bodily into a creek. Trees, fences and tele graph lines were blown down in all directions and great damage was done to the crops.

France and Russia.

Paris, January 2 The Czar, in telegraphing bis New Year congratulations to President Faure, added that his recent visit to France had produced ineffaceable memories. January & President Faure, replying to the Czar's New Year congratulations, says that he recalls with lively emotion the precious memory of the Csar's and Gaarina's visit to Paris.

THE &BHBDBTON GtIARDIAK: MOS

Dk% JANtJARt- 4, 189*



The following ia tha meteorological repor' for the week ending December 25, 1896 :—

I ■

Shade. Date. Low. High Saturday.. 50* 81- Sunday ... 53" 86* Monday ... 49' 92- Tuesday ... 58* 103' Wednesday 51- 85. Thursday... 45* 71* Friday ... 45- 80*

High in ■Sun.

State of weather.

I

142 --126* 143 158' 142 143* il4o* !

Fine, S. ■„ ' S.W. E ,',' N.W'. „ Nto S „ S.E. „ EtoW

- ■



Business Notices good washing print, 3|d. WHITE MrSLIN, 3_ lid per do_ AT Gr. J. NliilLiL. S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMKII DRE_S FOR 6* lid AT G. J. NEILL'S. Flannelettes 3_d yard. The Besb Turkish TOWELS in Ashburton are at— G. J. NEILL'S. BOYS' Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4s lid, Men's Tweed Trousers 5s lid, Men'b Heavy Colonial Tweed Suits 25s 6d, ab G. J. NEILL'S. Ladiesj Lace Shoes, 4s lid. Ladies' two-strap Shoes, 4s lid. AT '.,,5. J. NEILL'S. Ladies', Maids*, and Children's TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Prices, '■" ■ AT G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. ___mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmamK^———————^—— KAIAPOI HOUSE. mHE Alterations in the above Premise! being so far advanced, we are enabled to make A GRAND DISPLAY IN OUR NEW CARPET SHOW ROOM OF LINOLEUMS, OILCLOTHS, TAPESTRY, AND BRUSSELS CARPETS. ; ALSO.— CARPET SQUARES IN GREAT VARIETY. MATS AND HEARTH RUGS IN ALL MAKES AND SIZES. A VERY COMPLETE STOOK OF FURNISHING DRAPERY IS ALL BRANCHKS. MITCHELL & TURNER. TaNCRED STREET



NEW FIRM -:- :- -: -:- -:- -:- NEW FIRM SAYS MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD SIOOK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS of BUSINESS THF/ Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with a Cash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the great lossos that are occasioned by Bad Debts. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND SELL FOR CASH, - THEREFORE THEY ARE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON. — A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Brown JRibbed Pants (heavy) Is 6d -worth Ladies' Hose^fast colors, plain and ribbed J-f *r, .v qa White and Brown Turkish Towels, only 6d Men's Sfcks M-torftW Wftite Calico> „ rand Vftluej afc 2g ud __ l2yds Harvester Hats 8*«»—*«»V" ,_ e The Besb Value for Flannelebbes n Biucher Boots h 12s 6d Ashburton. Heavy Shooteis 9i "^-^J/gd-worth Heavy Twill, 4s lid dozen-worth 7d ayd Ladies' Gem Shoes, hpeoial, 4s lid wortn y .^ of 0o &t 6s 61 f !•» lid Hairline Tweed Trousers 8s 6d-cheap at Best A Asß ortment of Sunshades in town, 10a 6d j rom j s Men's Felt Hats from 2s 6.1 ,„ t Ldi , g ai i or St raws, all shades and shapes, We have the Choicest Assortment ot Hats j-aui _^_ ea(jh _ pick your owD ghape in town. nu„„ ,t ft. and trimming, and have your ?___«_■ S« r|««d-_ _?«__. ««_-, *_A_. of Ch„ g , _ width PULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MEASURED GARMENTS A SPECIALTY. _^ ,_ FULL i-UIT FROM AQq T*^ i 40S (_>D FULL SUIC FROM -kV& 0-L> | MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, EAST STREET.



PUBLIC NOTICES. J TBE CHRIbTMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND r\ LOTHING "p AC f ORY. L'ght Summer Coats from 6a 6d Lighb Summer Suits from 10a 6d Light Wa-hing Vests, slightly soiled 2a 6d Lighb Blue Serge Surbs for Summer wear 16s 6d Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 4a 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Sui s, all sizes 6s 9d, usua price 10i 6J. F*,R TRAVELLING. Portmanteaux from l(h 6d Steel Trunks from 10s 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRAW~HATS. Boys' Straw Hats ls, the best value in Ashburton Men's Panama Hats ls. BOOTS &~SHOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvas, Shoes, best quality 5s 6d Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, splendid value Men's Lighb Boots for summer wear 8s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ALEX. HENDRY Manager. << Pm __ £ S' ■3 * " ° W § : ►. : fx h__J TT < < ■ rv> __ fi~ g ■ gg -Is s a i'S§' HH S ■1° M o _Jk ■wm-B I cd % W % <_> J? o M « -S 3 M <3 *<£_ *_ri w ft ' *-< i—_ M| f I £ o _ o I h PQ __



Wanted. DID you ever hear the like ? Men s best Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, afc Mellor's, ""ancred street OWN Make in Lidies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Ptna forts; also a good assortment of Calioofs, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., ab Mrs Ai.oobn s new shop, Baker's Buildings. THERE is no doubt, no possible doubt that you get Good Value for your money ab Mellor's. VTTTANTED Known—The Economic, VV Kid Glove, four butbona, 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 ab Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. A FULL assorbmenb of new Veilings in white, black, abd black and white. Buy the celebrated new kid glove—The Victory—only 2* 6d. The beat glove in New Zealand for the money.—A. OaR. 11 124 -i QApy NEW Year Cards and AOt/ # • Booklets, Christmas Card^ half price, New Books, Fancy Goods Toys and Stationery. A large variety of goods Ruitable for New Year presents. New lot of Foreign Stamps and packets,—Andrews, Anderson, & Co. MOTHERS and fathers who have to provide Boots and Shoes, should call ab Mellor's Zealandia Boob Store. WANTED Known—looo pairs of Boots to be sold in twenty-one days at Mellor's. MILLINERY— Ladies should inapt ct the new Millinery, Capes, Mantles, Jackets, Blouses, French aud English Corsets ; all new and up to date.— A. Orb. WANTED Known — Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. Special display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A late shipment of -ailor Straws to be sold cheap. —Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Kuowu—What the people Bay. That ANDREW Orr has the largest and beet assorted stock of Boots in Canterbury. 11 125 WANTKD Known.—Feculina. Fecu lina. Another shipment of this Celebrated Cake Flour af Fle.chkr Bros., Ca*h Supply Stores. WANTED everyone to know that Fletcher Bbos, do a most extensive Business, acknowledged by a member of the Force here on Thursday afternoon, December 17. • I HEARD a man say that Mellor is selling Boots Wonderfully Cheap. WE lead, follow who may. Children's Biippers Is. Mellor's Tancred street. W" HJS&& Oh where, is that Cheap Boob Shop? Mellor's Zealandia Hoot Store. A^'ilEDKno^n-vV_ haveiustopened a line if cheap all wool Suits and i I'rousfrs. Good cut and splendid value. T.mnia aud working Shirty in great variety. Mitchell and Turner ANTEoI-nown—Large delivery of the "Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, ls 9d per pair, worth ir.uch more.— VV. H. Comjsjs.



I Wanted. : ~ WANTED Separate T« ndera for Stook ing and Forking 150 acres of whear, and 150 acres of oats. Te_ders cose at 9 ■ a.m., on 6h J*nu..,ry, at S. Hardley's, ■iKNB., E st Ee'b 1 14 FOR Sale—Freehold of Waterton Hotel, or will be let to po^d tenant. Apply Mra Dounan Waierton Hotel. 1 16 TVTEW ZEALAND Rough and Pocket I_M Diari. s, • entimenta'Tommy, Town and Bush, The Youngsters of Murray Home. Liltle Duchess, New Books, Christmas Annual-, New Lines in Stationery aud FaDcy Goods—H. M. Jones. TO LET—House of Five Rooms, Scullery aud Waahhouse, situated in Moore Street. Apply A. P. Williamson, Tancred Street. 12 209 WANTED —Every Lady iv Ashburton to see our Window of Blouse Goods, bought at a big di count, and selling at less than wholesale prices.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known—Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and Everything in the optical at S. Salkk's, Optician WANTED Known—Go to the Corner for Newest Styles in Drapery and Millinery—W. H. Collier. STUDY Economy and patronise Mellor; Cheap Boot Sale. ii i _-|-nii|nn ■ -_-"-i ~n— — h 32 ■——_,



Keatino's Powder aesiroya bugs, fleas anibs, beetles, and all other inseots, wbiltt gui c harmless to doraestio animals. In x-erminating beetles the success of this powder ia ex raordinary. It is perfectly _can in application. See the article you purohase is Keaxi^s's, as imi ations are noxious and inefieotml, Sold in tins, 6*l, Is aad 2i (M eaoh, by al obemiete.



I gAKDCR * —as -CawUypti BxfrsMS There a» imitations ot Bocabp-I- Bxtra-tln th* market now, pvodnctaoC simple dttilMioß forming rude resinous oils. Ia order that these erode oils mar-ottetakfcwOoß Puns To__Ti_a Bc«__tfti Extract, whiob ii recognised by tbe mediae] division of ihe Prussian OoTerhaont to bsof per •>< tb pun origin, as their Information _n-_rtsdto oi throiif_ the Consul at Melbourne, Marsh 1. 1878 we state :- • Is .moved by test, by tbe Nfsoieal dinks of the Universities at Bona an* Or*afswal<- Prussia, and •ported by Dt Sohul* Pn'wsof'bf Panaaootarr at Hon, kiid Prorocnr Dr Moeler, Diiaetor •? tha vJerita- CUi*."e at areifswald, that only prednots the* uesaturated with oxygen and fn*d of vndf.renßOCs uul other substances, adhetn tic primary d_t_tetfe_, vill develope the sanative qowUties grope* to the p__rk iccorduig to these authotltiofc and aooordiag to Pro _9 wi Dr t____e_r «•* j"^l*** «nd to Drs Emm tfclntlre, Wood, Hasard, eto., of America, is tbe only i-tract oor«_po__ing to seienti-e iMtc and th* only in which possesses the proper therapeutic vsl_*, SANDER & SOU'S EUCALYPTI EXTRACT All other crude oils ere to be classed among the \ urpentines, which have, when used as neditin* aa - raerapeutic effect and are abandoned aa an iatera* «ied'cr_ie_t. These so called Bucalyptf Xxtracts hich^nay have received _T_Uaatioa at-_hlbfCio_s as •tamercisl articles are rued for anhanioal par. sate only dieoerrible:— By their deficiency In pungent odour (Which oat product, tbe only teaplnc Buonlypfe Extracts de relopee most freely through its snndas cfoxnea ty their alcoholic t_ln and mobile appMianoa being reduced In spscino density thwart the presence of adds By their uste, the result of th coqtractiactsnr •iency of rortos and tannatoe. these crude oils, so called eucalypti extracts m ppliedbywiotake in eases o croup, bronohiiis. diDh. icri(wi-ter_i_in_m__vttani,ditenterT, woudaOu ?nseq_enoe* are appalling for safety ahraya ask for 4KOKH AKD SOJTS -CCAfitFTI EZTAACTISdM <_UH>S£ 4p«QNB