The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Praevalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1881.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 508, 14 December 1881, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Praevalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.30 p.m-.j

Thistle Lodge. — The monthly meeting of the above takes place at the Masonic Hall to-morrow night at 7.30. Ashburton Volunteers. —The monthly inspection parade of the above took place last night. Fifty men were present, who after being duly inspected, were put through the usual evolutions by ColorSergeant Dolman.

Fine Strawberries. —MrG. H. Smith, gardener, exhibited some fine strawberries at last night’s meeting of the Horticultural Society, grown by himself. Nino of them weighed 9oz, whilst a single strawberry turned the scale at 2oz. The fruit can be seen in the window of Mr W. T. Davison, fruiterer. Wilhelmj. —lt is scarcely necessary for us to remind our readers that to-night Herr Wilhelmj, whom the Loudon Times calls the first living violinist, will make his bow to an Ashburton public. We have heard so much of Herr Wilhelmj that we have no doubt there will be a crowded house to-night, the one opportunity we shall have of judging the capabilities of the man who has created so great a sensation elsewhere. Mount Somers Athletic Sports.—A meeting of the Mount Somers Sports Committee was held in Mr Hood’s Hotel on Saturday, 10th inst, when there were present Messrs Harvey, S. MoCHmont, and Wm. Edson; Mr Harvey in the chair. It was resolved to ask Mr H. Brooks to become a member of the Committee, and also that he he requested to take the appointment of Secretary, in place of Mr Puddicombo, who is unable to act. Resolved that the. secretary post up notices of the sports in the various centres of' the district, and also call tenders for the right of erecting a confectioner’s booth on the ground. The Secretary was instructed to call a meeting for next Saturday (17th inst.) at Mr Hood’s Hotel, at 7.30 p.m. This concluded the business, and the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chair.

A Phenomenon. —During the heavy shower of rani, which listed about fifteen minutes, yesterday afternoon, a wonderful instance of the power of reflection from the sun’s rays was witnessed in a room which faces the north-west, in this town. Whihst th ree persons were conversing in the room, which at the time was slightly darkened by means of a Venetian blind, a remarkably beautiful picture, distinct in every outline and colour, was reflected on the ceiling of the room, through a small aperture between the Venetian blind and the top of the window casement. There was no mistaking the objects presented by the reflection, so vivid and clearly were they defined. It consisted of a lovely view on our sea coast (probably pear Akaroa), showing the headlands, with One or two houses in the distance, and the hills and trees, etc., and steaming along in beautiful grandeur one of the Union Steamship Company’s vessels, which was easily distinguished by its red funnel. The steamer was rolling slightly, and the" waves were seen washing lightly against the sides, and the port-holes on one side wore distinctly discernible, and glittered with the sun’s rays on tho water. This charming and remarkable phenomenon lasted about ton minutes, and as it faded away tho color of tho ship appeared to become aflame, as if tho steamer was burned up, and gradually disappeared. We are prepared to vouch for the truth of this statement in every particular, and those who witnessed tho reflection wish it to be made public, in order to see if any more of our numerous readers witnessed

this remarkable phenomenon. We can account for tho reflection being shown through the window on the coiling by this, fact of there being some water on the! floor of the verandah in front of . !th*n room.

Dentistry. —Mr Oattlin notifies that he will remain in Ashburton until to-mor-row, and those who require his aid should call on him at the Somerset Hotel. Tenders. —Mr James Mac Lean Dunn invites tenders, on behalf of the Caledonian Society, for the erection of a dancing platform at Ilia sports ground. Mr A. E. Ingram, architect, invites fresh tenders for the erection of a shop and dwelling-house. Cricket. —The cricket match of the season in this district—Ashburton v. West Canterbury—will be played to-mor-row and Friday on the Domain grouhd. A strong team nas been selected to try conclusions with the visitors, and those of our readers who are fond of witnessing a good game of cricket should certainly bo present at this match. Our Russian Visitors.— The Russian Admiral states that his vessel is the only one calling at New Zealand, the rest of the squadron going direct to Australia. He will probably remain in Auckland a week. The Admiral intends to visit some of the Maori settlements at the Thames and Waikato, and other places of interest.

Breaches of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act. Rumors are freely circulated in Wellington of breaches of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act having been committed during the elections in that city, and one of the candidates for Te Aro announces his intention of petitioning against the return of Mr C. Johnston for that seat. Local Industries Association. The meeting of the above which was to have been held this evening has been adjourned to Wednesday next, when the question of winding up the Association will be fully discussed. Wo hope to see a full attendance of members on the above date, for the business is really important. We notice that the Southbridge people have just formed an improvement society—not for their mutual improvement, but to consider at regular periodical meetings the best means of improving the town and developing its resources in every possible way. Would u not be well for the members of the Ind. atrial Association here to consider before they decide on disbanding whether they could not advantageously take a leaf out of Southbridge’s book, and organise themselves into a similar society ?

Declaration or the Poll for Auckland East.— Sir ft. Grey made a lengthy speech at the City East declaration yesterday, stating that probably it would be found that a majority of the men in Parliament were Liberals. Gentlemen put down on the lists as Ministerialists had sent him telegrams of an opposite character. He regretted the defeat of Mr DeLautour, Mr J. T. Fisher, and Air Ballance. He thought that a clean sweep should be made of the Ministry before the country would prosper or justice bo done to the people. Mr J. M. Clark bitterly referred to the attempted personal violence to himself at the close of the ptJll by a section of Sir G. Grey’s followers, but acquitted Sir G. Grey of sanctioning or approving it. Titokowaru. —Yesterday afternoon, at New Plymouth, Titokowaru was brought up on a charge of having, on the 10th of November, 1881, at a certain place within the confiscated territory mentioned in the West Coast Settlement Act, 1881, to wit, Parihaka, wilfully obstructed E. W. Hursthouse, and refused to leave there when requested to do so. Mr Hursthouse deposed that Titokowaru was only a visitor at Parihaka, and had no land there. He was called upon, with others, to return to his home, but refused to do so. On being arrested, he said to his people—“l thought it would come to this.” Walter Gudgeon deposed to giving Titokowaru a copy of the Governor’s proclamation at Manaia, and corroborated"the last witness with respect to prisoner’s arrest. Henry Charles Morrison deposed that Titokowaru was very bounceablo to Europeans. Prisoner was then committed to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court.

“The Miller and His Men.”— Owing to the paucity of the attendance at the Town Hall last night, the Amateur Dramatic Club did not repeat their performance of the previous evening. We regret that the efforts of the Club should have been so poorly patronised, as it must have been put to considerable expense for the necessary scenery, dresses, etc. No doubt the parade of the local Volunteers and the Wesleyan tea meeting militated considerably against the attendance, and on some future occasion doubtless the Club will be better patronised. If the members will accept a word of friendly advice, we would say, do not again attempt so elaborate a piece as “The Miller and his men.” The Club undoubtedly possesses talent, and if it would content itself with placing pieces thoroughly within its range on the boards, and there are many such, its success would be greater. Such capital little pieces as “ Betsy Baker,” “ Done on both sides,” “ A Thumping Legacy,” or “ liaising the wind,” w'ould be far more suitable for public representation than the melodramas of a by-gone day, and the sort of pieces above referred to have these further advantages, that they require but comparrtively very little scenery and can hardly fail, played as wo are sure the Club could play them, to amuse and interest the audience.