baggage respective!,! 7 , v-te : ■ ’v; ; ,v..t wise fatal consequence - w. •! attended the attempt. :r is ancci the explosive was fired from house in tlxc vicinity of the lino taken by the j? t npe«br. The criminals escaped auidieii.utc l. .Tuc matter has caused profound sensation. Dublin, Decv 4.. The trial of the persons recently arrested commenced on the 11th Nov. (Herald Special.) London, Dec. 5. The French Chamber of Deputies have passed a special vote of confidence in M. Waddington’s Government. This will relieve the uncertainty and disquietude which lias for some time prevailed.

AUSTRALIAN.

' (Special.) Melbourne, Dec. 6. A deputation of, Lincolnshire • Tanner?; arrived here on‘ board' tlie Norfolk that intend to -.inspect land in New • Zealand with a view to immigration. ' ' (‘Reuters , Telegram.) Melbourne, Dec. 6. The question whether -an absolute 1 statutory majority is obtainable, has been submitted; l£y; Governmeiit to five Queen’s Counsel. A decision is expected on Monday. The deputation of Lincolnshire farmers which arrived here on board the Norfolk intend to inspect the land in New Zealand with a view to immigration. : Dec. 7. Sailed- Oriert steamer Lusitania, for London.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

'■.n /.-o'; ' ‘ Auckland, Dec. C. A party; of t surveyors have started to survey tire npw north railway line from Helensvjlle. ... ) Richard Appleby Coates, recently ar rived froth the South, died suddenly at the Victoria Hotel,; He was about 50 years of age and diploma as chemist and druggist issued by the Queensland Board,. The liabilities of Messrs. Giiddefroi, in Auckland,' vtfill not.exceed L 20,000. At a meeting of. the Committee of the Auckland. .Working Men’s Political As sociation it was decided to support the proposal, of the Wellington Local Indus tries Association to have a New Zealand Exhibition. The remains of Mr. Coverley, recently drowned at Waiuku, have been recovered. ;• Auckland, Dec. 8. A little girl belonging to the Industrial School was carried into deep water while bathing at Motu Ihi, and was .gallantly rescued by a lad named Michael Bren. A trotting match at Ellerslie competi tion was. worthy G. GWynne’s Polly. Geahamstown, Dec. 6. The Gold Mining Company has declared n dividend of two and sixpence. The Moanatairi will also declare a dividend before Christmas. The mine had a re turn on Saturday of 143| ounces of gold. Alburnia shares are unaltered. The judgment of tire Resident Magis trate on Saturday in the Volunteer scrip case was for Turtle, for £3O, and osts £14155. _ - ’ :i ■ Gisbobne, Dec. 8 Mr. Webb, late of the “ Standard” com menced an action in the Supreme Court, Auckland, against Mr. Edegcombe, late of Tauranga, for LIOOO for an alleged libel andislander at the Bay of Plenty. f.;j.Plymouth, Dec. 6. A private - meeting of Mr. Courtney’s creditors .was held, yesterday afternoon. An estimate; of the liabilities was laid be fore the mecting, showing , secured' Credi tors, abPut £23,000 ; unsecured’creditors, about; £17,000; with assets about an equal amount, . It was decided to accept an arrangement of the assets, and Messrs Davidson, Humphries, .and Simpson, manager National Bank, were appointed trustees. • , Wanganui, Dec. 6. Dr.. Earle was savagely attacked in his surgery, this morning by a madman named Antonio,,. The man, after a conversation with the doctor, during which he applied ■for admission: to the hospital, took the opportunity of the doctor’s back being turned to strike -him on the back of the head with a large; stone,, Dr. Earle was stunned; for, some considerable time, and is now.autfering from the blow.. Antonio, made his escape. Wellington, Dec. 6. Chiarini’s [Circus closed lset night. They-have had a successful season. A man named.'WUliams, while ' working at a foundry, received a splinter of iron in his eye. It is believed he will lose his eight.- r ' ' The mail steamer with London mails of November, left San Francisco for Auck land On November 24, contract date. Th#g a. s.'. Australia, ; with November colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco on Dec. 2, two days in advance of due date. It is;reported: on good authority that Rewilhaa declined to hold any further commnmoaripn with the Government, and has rejoined Tawhiao at Te Kuiti, also that Hiroki • has. left, Parihaka, and has been offered refuge in the King country ; he ri now at Ngatimaru. Tfte Government have received a cable gram from th e Agent-General, stating that the Bank of England, having under takenthe issue of the loan, there is no doubt.of its being successfully floated. A serious stabbing case took place last eventrig. -Two’married women, neigh bors iikdadispiite, during which several Were ’used," : On the return' home of the ; husbands a' row between the • men ensupd| and one, named James Flahnigan, wasjtathef Severely stabbed 1 y his wife also [pefllflM'OGrmack, the ptnyy man, hga been 'arrested. The doofcWrStates that Fmnnigan and his wife areflaot out of danger. , , A whang man named Ryote was.arrested last.flightfor issuing a valueless cheque. named ; Connell,.; .who was arreitefl at Auckland for wife desertion at Christchurch, f watKent through to-day. Anewiriarblealtarfor St. Mary’s Cathe dm * was cdiisecrated this mom}ng by Bishop'‘Redwood. A large assemblage witnessed the ceremony-, ‘t'r'*,;';’ Welungton, Dec. B.’ Abthe Magistrate’s iCpurt this morning, Dennis MfQormickj for stabbing Mr. and MwmFlaAnagad,. was .remanded for a weekowtag’ to the latter being unable to ; .!v. huhrnamed*Pucht, for issuing valueless''' cheques, was remanded for a sijifijajppcriod. It is believed 16 other will bp preferred against him. A ‘ pajped Hoclding had a narrow

I■ ■ ■ ,-3 f bo : ng «h >t I lit Saturday at the ikimvanr, i-iiie »ange. .ie crossed the | rna- b just as a man fired a bullet, which kpasccd through the lad’s trousers, and } cvii'iou.'ly enough, actually made a centre, i ■Greymou'H, Dec. 8.

-Tits rush to the Seventeen Mile Beach continues, in spite of unfavorable weather, and miners speak well of the prospects. A very rich reef was struck on Saturday in the New River tunnel at Lyell. Sluicing claims at Nelson Creek opened by the. Lake Hochatetter race are yielding splendidly. It is reported that one claim for the last eight months has averaged lOOozs. per month among four men. Dunedin, Dec. 6. The Dominican Convent Bazaar realised £478. .

Mr. Pish has been served with copy of a writ in connection with the attempt to oust him from the Mayoralty. The action is generally condemned, and the case will probably be defended by public subscrip tions.

The Italian and English Opera Company opened on Saturday night, with Maritana, to a crowded house.

Mr. J. B. Dunn, canvasser for the “ Tribune,” when alighting from the tram car while in motion this morning, fell between the wheels, which passed over his right arm, smashing it in several places. Amputation is thought to be necessary.

LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE (Age Special.) London, Dec. G. The “Times” has expressed grave doubts of the wisdom of the New Zealand loan. Sir P. Julyan has resigned the Crown Agency for New Zealand. He advised the floating of half the loan immediately, and the balance ,in twelve months, con sidering the market unfavorable. Govern ment demurred to this. Tenders will shortly be invited for the South Australian loan of two millions. Crennan has been lodged in Kilmanham gaol. Latest news from the Cape states that Sir Garnet Wolseley telegraphs that the disaffected Boers have relinquished all attempts at hostility, and are better dis posed. The settlers are holding meetings calling on the Imperial Government to grant a constitution. The Hon. W. E. Gladstone, in his rectorial speech at Glasgow University, was brilliantly and enthusiastically re ceived. In addressing a political meeting in Glasgow, he denied opposing Govern ment for the sake of office, but the country demanded justice in dealing with foreign nations, and economy financially, and reforms generally. The New Zealand consolidated 44 de bentures fell to 94 on Dec. 5. ( Special. ) London, Dec. 6. Three per cent, consols 974. New Zealand, 10‘40, five per cent, loan 101. The wool sales have closed. 127,800 bales were catalogued during the series. It is reported tiiat the Empress Eugenie is going to Zululand to visit the place where .the Prince Imperial fell. Glasgow, Dec. 6.

Mr. Gladstone in his final speech vehemently denounced the Government policy, especially the Afghan war, which ho characterised as dastardly. Vienna, Dec. 6.

The Lower House has passed a Bill for raising the Austro-Hungarian army to 800,000 men.

Per our Special Wire.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, Deo. 8.

The steamer Penguin, which left at one o’clock for Auckland, via East coast, has just returned, one of her boiler tubes having burst. The estimates of the public works have have been recast since the news was re ceived of the floating of the five million loan, and in consequence the delivery of the Statement has. been postponed until to-morrow.

.. Fifty of the Arethusa’s immigrants have been sent to Wanganui, and 50 to Foxton.

It is believed His Excellency has aban doned the idea of going to Sydney for the present. The steamer Penguin will complete re pairs, and leave again this evening. At the Magistrate’s Court Denis M'Cormack was charged with stabbing Mr. and Mrs. Flannagan. Owing to the latter being unable to attend prisoner was remanded.

At the Supreme Court, in Chambers, this afternoon, the Chief Justice made an order compelling inspectors of police to hand over to the New Zealand creditors the property taken from Gleich at the time of hisarrestforfraudulent bankruptcy at Adelaide. The order was made in con sequence of the Appeal Court having decided that the New Zealand creditors had preference over the Adelaide creditors by Gleich having changed his domicile by visiting England. The certificated accountants in bank ruptcy have adopted a letter to the Cham ber of Commerce,*in which that body is requested to use its influence in having Mr. Berry, one of the accountants, strcck off the roll.

Arrived—Kiwi and Auroro, from East Coast ; Fanny Thornton, from Grey mouth ; Martha Reid, from Oamaru. Sailed—Southern Cross, for Auckland via East Coast; Falcon, schooner, for Grey mouth. Wanoanui, Dec. 8.

The Italian who assaulted Dr. Earl on Saturday, proceeded to the racecourse and burned down the fencing there, setting Are to it in twenty places. He then threatened the custodian with a knife. He was captured bv the police near the Heads on Saturday. A shoemaker named Henderson, from the West Coast, stabbed Mr. Poole, land lord of the Maxwell Town Hotel. The wound is not very serious.

On Saturday morning a man named John Pokarwet was drowned in Wanga nui River. He took a horse into the river and fell over the bank into deep watei.

Christchurch, Dec. 8. The man Hindman, who was injured at the Port on Saturday, died to-day. Timabu, Dec. 8. The weather during the last 48 hours

has been very boistrous. Heavy rain hai fallen damaging the crops, flooding rivers, and washing away a portion of the rail way line at Otaio.

Oa.vaeu, Dec. 8.

At a meeting of the Naseby-Oamaru Railway (jumraiuue it was decided to take immediate stops to urge upouthe Member? fertile distrust the making of a special effort to have LSffJ placed upon the Sup plementary Estimates for a survey, with a view to ascertaining the best route for continuing the Livingstone line from Livingstone to Strathtaieii, on the Kye burn Flat.

Dunedin, Dec. |B. The Dunedin Jockey Club to-day re ceived a letter from Mr. H. P. Lance, accepting the office of handicapper to the Club, in place of Mr. Moore. Mr. Malcolm, Rector of the Toko mairiro High School, has been appointed Rector of Christchurch Normal School.

Shearing has been commenced in the Lakes district. The price is 15s. per hundred.

At the inquest on the body of Henry Madden, found on the Ocean Beach yes terday, a verdict of “ Found drowned,” was returned. Deceased was an inmate of the Benevolent Institution.

Mr. W. A. Crombie, late manager of the Dunedin tramways has been appointed Goods Traffic Manager here, vice Mr. W. C. Norman, resigned.

Invercargill, Dec. 8. The sitting of the Supreme Coure com menced to-day, before Justice Williams. The only case heard was one against Patrick M‘Mananiaiu, charged with feloni ously killing a horse. He was acquitted.

REWI’S DEFECTION.

(By Telegraph.)

Wellington, Dec. 8.

The “New Zealander” publishes the following : —“Major Te Wheoro has just received a letter from one of his principal people in the Waikato. Among other matters its contains information with re gard to the reason which led Rewi to leave ids settlement at Ponui, where he pro posed to reside permanently among the Europeans, and to go back to his old settlement at Te Kuati. At the time Manga (Rewi) left Ponui for To Kuati, several of his people who were here in Wellington were greatly alarmed, not merely because of Manga going from Ponui to Te Kuati, but the fact that in stead of going overland on horseback by the inland route, lie went by trap through the settled district of Waikato, and took his departure by canoe from Alexandra, a frontier town, and the nearest European settlement to the King country. With this explanation a letter which we have referred to will be intelligible. The letter is as follows :

“ Te Wheoro, 2bth month (Nov.) Manga left by canoe from here for Te Kuati. This is the word spoken by Manga on his departure from Alexandra. A word spoken to both Europeans and Maoris. He said ; “I will now listen to the words of Tawhaio. I will never con sent to see the present Governor, nor will I again return to dwell amongst Euro peans. I leave it with those persons who have abused Grey to see how they can manage affairs in.my absence.” The word of Manga to us was ‘ ‘Horupeo poroporoake. ’ ’ It is a farewell word to us and to Europeans. “ Kupu horoporo ” is a native word for the last words spoken by a chief before he dies, of which there is one very well known instance in Manning’s “Old New Zealand. ” When a chief is on his death bed, this last word is listened for eagerly by the whole tribe It is supposed to prophetical of the future destiny of the people whom the dying chief leaves be hind.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per Arawata at the Bluff.)

The following additional Australian news was brought by the Arawata : Moonlight conceived the idea of organ ising a gang to stick up the mail steamer, sailing from Adelaide as steerage pas sengers. The plan was to induce the Lascar crew to mutiny andseize the officers and vessel. Moonlight wanted then to force the bullion room, and compel the Lascars to take the gang and plunder ashore. October Ist is definitely fixed for the inauguration of the Exhibition. A pro bable premium of fifty guineas for the words of an inaugural cantata, and ov.e hundred guineas for the best musical com position. Berry refuses to provide endowments for municipal bodies. New South Wales. A fatal coach accident occurred near Maitland. The driver fell off in fit and the horses bolted, the coach capsized, a young lady was killed, and several others seriously injured. Rust has appeared in several places, and is expected to affect the crops, which are large. A fire at Green fell destroyed property worth £IO,OOO. The township was saved with difficulty. Twelve horses were burned. Alexander Stewart, member for East Sydney, has accepted the Agent-General ship. A Bill to legalise the totalisator on race courses was introdnced. Dent, late pay-master to the Sydney City Council embezzled LBOO. The sale of exhibits at the garden pslace is strictly prohibited. Entries for Sydney Cactle Show for December 18th, are not numerous. The Catholic agitation in opposition to the Education Bill is unabated.

Receipt fob a Lady’s Dkess. —“Let your earrings be attention, encircled by the pearls of refinement; the diamonds of your necklace be truth, and the chain of Christianity ; your bosom-pin be Charity, ornamented with pearls of gentleness; your linger rings be affection, set round with diamonds of industry; your girdle be simplicity, with tassels of good humor; let your thicker garb be virtue, and your drapery politeness; let your shoes be wisdom, secured by buckles of per severane. ” “ Mattie,” they call her. The other morning she complained to her mamma that her “button shoes were hurting,” and mamma thought that relief might come from changing right to left. “ Why Mattie, you’ve put them on the wrong feet.” Puzzled, and just ready to cry, she made answer, “ What’ll I do, mammal They’re all the feet I’ve got.”

POLITICAL GOSSIP,

.FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, Saturday evening. The first 20 clauses of the Property As sessment Bi.'l were got through this morn ing at tin - ' e o’clock when the House rose, leaving the? knotty clause 2, to be fought over at its next sitting. Sir George Grey was- insane enough to propose nutting a tax of 3d. in the £1 on our creditors the bondholders, to which Major Atkinson replied with great seventy, and showed the proposal up in its “truly dishonest, absurd, and suicidal character. ” The election telegrams are still kept off the table by the efforts of the Greyites, and are pretty safe to escape, for at least this session, from the exposure that has been threatening them. The Licensing Bill, the Ashburton Waterworks Bill, and the Bills of all private members, will very probably be slaughtered in the general massacre of the innocents that usually takes place at the end of the session, as members are deter mined not to stay another week. The necessity for their stay in Wellington is very great as the Public Works Statement is still undelivered.

PARLIAMENT.

Per our Special Wire. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Monday, Dec. 8. In the Council to-day, after the routine business, Colonel Whitmore gave notice to move that the Agent-General ought to he ap pointed for a limited term, fixable by Parliament. Mr. Whitakers General Harbor Act Amendment Bill was read a first time. The Native Affairs Committee reported on apetition re the Kinross case, that the Council ought to allow its officers to appear as witnesses in any future trial, or itself institute proceedings against Mr. Kinross. The report was objected to by seven hon. members, who asserted that it condemned Mr. Kinross unheard. There was upon this a discussion lasting over an hoar, in which twelve members took part, after which the debate was adjourned on a division, by 22 votes to 10. The Council rose at a quarter to 5.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Monday, Dec. 8. The House met at 7.30 p.m. THE AGENT-GENERAL. Mr. Hislop gave notice of a motion to the effect that it was incompatible with the office of Agent-General for the colony to take part in Imperial politics. THE .SPECIAL WIRES. In reply to Mr. M'Lean, Mr. Hall said that pending definite arrangements being made with certain newspapers in the special wire business, arrangements had been made for enabling these papers to obtain telegraphic informa tion. REWI. Replying to a question by Mr. Kelly, Mr. Bryce said his attention had been directed to a letter which had ap peared in a newspaper to the effect that Rewi had joined the King party. He did not believe there was any truth in the statement. A request had been re ceived from him some time ago, that, as he was going to the King country, and had met with an acci dent, a carriage should be placed at his disposal. That request was complied with, and Government had no reason to believe he was in any way displeased with Go vernment. The letter in question had been received by one of the Maori mem bers, not from Rewi, but from a friend of his. The letter had been left in the mem ber’s office and in that way it had been got hold of by the newspapers. Te Wheoro said that he was the mem ber referred to. The letter stated that Rewi was displeased with the Govern ment, and that he would not return to the European side, and that those chiefs who had been instrumental in turning off Grey from the Government must be left to carry on the Government of the coun try. These were the contents of the let ters, but he did not know how they got into the newspapers.

SIR PENROSE JULY AX In reply to a question by Mr. Gis hourne. Mr. Hall stated that Sir Penrose Jul yan had retired from the Loan agency ship, on a petition, and there was no truth in the statement which appeared in the newspapers to the effect that a difference of opinion had’ arisen between him and the Government, such difference having occasioned the retiral. THE END APPROACHING. Replying to Mr. Macanclrew, Mr. Hall stated he would be prepared to state to-morrow what business was to be dropped, so as to bring the session to a close within the next few days. Mr. Macandrew suggested for the con sideration of Government that business so dropped should be taken up next session —both public and private business, as it stood on the Order Paper. REVISION OP STATUTES. Mr. Hall moved the second reading of the Revision of Statutes Bill. Mr. Stewart called the attention of Government to the importance of making pecuniary provision for the publication of the “Jurist.” He pointed out that in the absence of such a publication there could be no uniformity of procedure in the various courts. The work could not he efficiently done by private enterprise. No one whose reports were at all trust worthy would undertake the work unless well paid, and in the present state of the colony the profits arising from such a pub lication would not be sufficient to warrant a suitable person undertaking the task. The Bill was read a second time. M*OKI PRISONERS RILL. The adjourned debate on the Confiscated Lands and Maori Prisoners Bill was re sumed. Mr. Turnbull opposed the Bill, and spoke strongly against the Maori prisoners being kept in prison for such a length of time without being brought to trial. Major Te Wheoro also objected to the Bill, and stated if passed, the Maori prisoners might be kept in custody with out being tried for years. They had been already in prison six months, and after all it might turn out they were in the right. He argued that they ou»ht to he brought to trial forthwith. ° Captain Norm supported the Bill. Tainui opposed it, and argued that the

I prisoners should be brought to trial at once. The charge should not be kept hanging over their heads in the way it hail been done. ■Mr. Sutton supported the Bill. Sir George Grey said the measure was calculated to shake the confidence of the i native race in the justice of our courts of law. Mr. J. B. Pisher contended that th e men now lying in prison had done no' thing to render them amenable to the criminal law, as they had simply asserted a fancied right. The Bill as it stood was not calculated to obviate the abuses com plained of. He moved as an amendment that the Bill be read that day six months. Mr. Seddon supported the second read ing, and expressed a hope that when it became law it would do jus Ue alike to all. Mr. Sheehan supported t.ie second read ing. If they refused to pass the Bill, and allowed the natives to return to Parihaki, a native disturbance was imminent. Certain mistakes in the Bill could be remedied in Committee. He considered the policy enunciated in the Bill was the policy of the late Government, and one which was absolutely necessary if they desired to prevent a native war. Mr. Hislop opposed the Bill. Air. Bryce, replying, said it was the opinion of Government that it would be a most dangerous thing to relieve the prisoners under existing circumstances. The late Government had a similar opinion. A motion for the second reading was then put, and on a division was carried, Ayes, 37 ; noes, 12. The House then went into Committee on the Bill.

THE DOCTOR OF ALCANTARA.

For the first time in Ashburton an opera was presented, on the boards of the Town Hall last night. Thanks to the manage ment, some scenery was provided from Christchurch, which tended in no small degree to relieve the bareness of our stage ; and this innovation was much appreciated by the large audience that assembled. The laurels won by the company in Christ church for their rendering of Eisch berg’s “ Doctor of Alcantara ” were in no way tarnished by the performance of last night, every performer striving to the uttermost to make the performance the immense success it proved. Mr. Towle presided at the piano, and conducted the instrumental portion of the opera with that accuracy and taste he has been bo long noted for. The opera opens with a charming serenade in which Carlos ( Mr. C. Florence), assisted by a chorus, made a great hit. Three ladies, namely, Donna Lucrezia (Mrs. Charles Florence), Isabella, her daughter (Miss Jenny Thorn), and Inez, her maid (Miss Beatrice), then enter, each thinking the serenade in tended for themselves. The scene is an apartment overlooking a river, the night being partially illumined by the rays of a full moon. After some pretty conceited music, the ladies recognize each other, and mutual accusations follow, each, however, being secretly impressed with the idea that the charming melody has been in tended to soften her own especial heart. The charming naivete of Miss Beatrice’s acting in the part of Inez in this scene was delicious, and was thoroughly appreciated by the spectators. Miss Thorne sang an aria, “ Beneath the gloomy convent walls,” with great taste, but Inez’s solo, “ When aloverispoor,” was listened to with wrapt attention, and would undoubtedly have been encored had not the succeeding music attracted the attention of the audience. Two porters then enter, bear ing a huge basket, and singing a comic duet. The stage is then cleared, the lid of the basket opens, and Don Carlos, the serenader, leaps on to the stage and sings the charming cavatina, “ Love’s cruel dart. ” Lucrezia enters, and thinking Don Carlos smitten by her charms, responds to his ardent passages of love in a most amusing manner. He, poor fellow, madly in love withher daughter, feigns to recipro cate, and is with difficulty persuaded when others approach to again seek the friendly shelter of his basket ; after a charming disentitled, “I Love, I Love.” Lucrezia then sings the ballad of “ There was a Knight,” after which she quits the stage and Don Carlos, tired of his captivity, quits the basket and secretes himself in the house. Doctor Paracelsus and Inez then enter and are carious to know what the basket contains ; they lift it on the balcony overhanging the river, and acci dentally topple it over into the stream. Imagine their confusion, when shortly afterwards, Lucrezia enters and informs them that the basket contained the amorous Don Carlos. Terrified by the idea that they have unintentionally com mitted a murder, they are in the greatest horror, and the acting of both Miss Beatrice and Mr. Alexander at this crisis was worthy of all praise. Don Pomposo (Mr. Marshall), accompanied by the watch which had been attracted by the splash in the river here enter, and the first act is brought to a conclusion by a spirited solo of Mr. Marshall’s, and an admirable chorus in which every member of the Company did their best to render the unqualified success it proved. The second act opened with charming Spanish dance music, a trio following in which Inez, Carlos, and Paracelsus take part. Neither Paracelsus nor Inez know who Carlos is, and lie refuses to ex plain ; his ballad, “All noble hearts,” displayed the excellent quality of his voice to great advantage, and was vocifer ously redemanded. Carlos is offered some refreshment, and by mistake Inez gives him soma of the doctor’s drugs, of which he swallows a sufficient portion to render him temporarily unconsciona. Again impressed with the idea that a murder has been committed, Inez and Paracelsus are in desperate fear, and hide the supposed corpse under a sofa. Almost immediately afterwards Don Balthazar, father of Carlos (Mr. Warren), enters, and is put to sleep on the; sofa under which is the body of his son before, however, he is left to his repose, a good night of a particularly ominous nature is sung to him by Donna Lucrezia Isabella, Inez, and Docter Paracelsus, in a manner that deservedly brought down the house. Left to himself he is much an noyed by the groans of his son, and as soon as he slumbers soundly, Paracelsus and Inez enter with the intention of re moving the corpse. they cut open the sofa, Carlos recovers, and sings an effective air, entitled “ Oh, Where am I. ” The disturbance brings the other characters on the stage. Carlos declares himself the lover of Isabella, is accepted, and a spirited chorus brings the opera to a successful conclusion. It is impossible to

speak in tun hiyii terms of praise of the acting and singing of Miss Beatrice and Mr. Florence; Mr.- • Alexander’s' Para celsus was excellent, and so was Mr. Marshall's Don IVmrposq; Mr. Warreu, who took the part-of Senor Balthazar at very short notice, did very well, and Mrs. Florence was an immense success as Donna Lucrezia, Miss Jennie Thorne as Isabella being charming, and singing the music allot;ed to her with great effect. The company, we are glad to hear, iptend re-visiting Ashburton on Thursday week, when that very popular opera “ H. M.S. Pinafore’' will be presented.

CRICKET.

A match was played on the Domain ground on Saturday afternoon, some of the members as usual turning up consider ably after the appointed time. We would again call the attention of players selected for matches to the necessity for punctu ality, as many come a long distance, and others give their time at some sacrifice for the love of the game. It was expected from the start that the single men would win by a large majority, as the benedicts were principally made up from the muff division of the Club, G. Andrews and Den shire beingthe only two go >dall round men in the team. The latter was unlucky, as he was caught for 4 after a very short spell at the bat. G. Andrews put together 14 by steady play, and the rest of the game was simply a slaughter of the innocents—the total closing for 31. Bi uce and Westenra bowled well throughout. The Bachelors were for the’' most part unlucky, G. Andrew’s bowling being very destructive. Such good players amongst them us Westenra, Fooks. and Bruce had to retire without scoring, and Rudder and K Saunders were the only two who got into double figures. The second innings was . played in a driz zling shower, which rendered matters very disagreeable for the field, the ball being particularly difficult to handle. The Married side went in a second time ; but after a quarter of an hour’s play tho rain came down too heavily to continue the game, imd the stumps were drawn. One corner of the ground is now made use of by a number of ladies for lawn ten nis and croquet, and lias become a, centre of attraction for admirers of those games. The following is the score ; MARRIED. Denshire, c Hodder b Bruce ... ... 4 Harris, b Westenra ... 2 G. Andrews, b Bruce ... ... ... 14 Douglas, run out, b Westenra ... 2 Curtis, b Bruce ... ... ... ... 0 Broadbelt, b Bruce ... ... ... 0 Wilkie, Ibw, b Bruce... ... ... 2 Crisp, b Bruce ... ... ... ... 0 Main waring, c. E. Saunders, b Wes tenra ... ... ... ... ... 0 O’Reilly, b Bruce ... ... ... 0 Substitute, not out ... ... ... 5 Bves ... ... ... ... 3 Wide ball 1 No ball ... 1 Total ... 34 SINGLE. Hodder b G. Andrews ... ... ... 15 S. Saunders, bG. Andrews ... ... 4 Westenra, b Andrews ... ... ... 0 A. Fooks, bG. Andrews ... ... 0 E. Saunders, b Harris ... ... ... 12 Grant, b Harris ... ... ... 2 Bruce, c Denshire, b Harris ... ... 0 E. Fooks, bG. Andrews ... ... 3 Ginney, bG. Andrews .... 0 Guy, bG. Andrews ... ... ... 5 Fowler, not out... ... .... ... 0 Byes ... 4 Wide balls ... 2 No ball 1 Total ... ... ... 48 DOWLING ANALYSIS. MARRIED. "ri £ M « CC - f 3. or ~ *-> i“H rJ O £ !S •" s? Andrews, 93 22 4. 7 9 1 Harris 90 21 z 3 2 8 SINGLE. Westenra 60 14 231 1 Bruce Co 17 i 7 0 o

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

♦- Saturday, Dec. 6. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, 8.M.). APPLICATION VOR RK-UKARINO lil! FOKfl V. III.UHTT. Mr. O’Reilly applied, on the [Kit of defendant, fur arc-hearing in this onset nit the ground timt further evidence could now be produced in favor of his cliom’s case. The Magistrate said lie would! decide on Monday. Yesterday His Worship refused the application.

Singular Story of Aristocratic Life.

An extraordinary piece of gossip (says ai London correspondent) is going about, and is founded, lam assured, on positi re fact. It seems that a North of Engl aad earl, owning one of the oldest titles in .'die peerage, and one of the’fiinsst estates, in the kingdom, has just lost 3 is eldest son, who died of fever abroad. I would be more explicit, but the circumstances and place of his death would give a due to his name. The earl, however, has a sec ond soil, to whom it was expected the title and estates would come. But it has just boon discovered that the deceased heir was privately married to a woman who had been servant in the family, and had been discharged in consequence of rela tions known to have existed hetwe jn her and the deceased. She is the mot her of two daughters and one sun, which son is now beyond ell question the heir to the earldom, as well as the estates, w’ nch are strictly entailed. He is two ye u s old. The mother, it is said, has ever r neces sary documentary proof of the h gality of her marriage, so that it is imp issihie to sot aside the claims of her son. The earl who is far advanced in years, is , now on the Continent.

Truth Stranger than Fiction.

Amongst my wife’s most intimate ac quaintances was a Dr. and Mrs. Blundell, of Eaton Place, and as the doctor suc cumbed to the inevitable fate of man soon after ray marriage, the widow con stituted me her guardian, and in virtue of that office had called to inform me she had let her house (furnished) at six guineas a week, and as she was going to Brighton for a tew months, would I kindly receive the rent and forward it to her ? In the course of conversation I asked her who her tenants were, and what reference she had with them, when she replied she had let the house to a widow lady, whose sisters ami brother lived with her ; that as in references, anyone could easily see they were ladies—besides, they liad paid in advance, and having no children they exactly suited her. The first time I called for the rent I was ushered by a boy in livery into the library, and the young widow—Mrs. Osmond Browne— received me. She was' one of those really startling, elegant women, only, and ; eldoni, to be seen even in England a pene it lady to all anpearance, in every sense of the word. She paid me the rent due. and made a few remarks about the comfort of the house, hoped I should air ways come myself for the rent, and left such an ag. ee.tble and pleasing impression upon me that I caught myself thinking of her several times during the day. I felt, further interested, as, noticing some of my Hampshire expressions, she asked me: if I had ever lived in the vicinity of the* Few Forest;--and, on answering that I was born near Southampton, she also ad mitted to being born in that county. The forthcoming week T was introduced to the supoosed sisters, but as Mrs. Browne’s Irish cousins. Miss Evelyn and Ellen Murray, over on a visit during the Lon don season. They , were both blondes, exceedingly ladylike, pretty, and Ixighly educated, as I could judge from the many 'conversations I had with them. They ;e mod to be so well off, that I was some what surprised one Monday morning with a request to call again the following week, and on calling to find they were put But. as throe week’s rent was then due, I called, again towards the end of the week, and was received as usual. lia a few minutes, Mis. Osmond Brown® made her anpearance, and al though she looked somewhat agitated, I certainly was not prepared for the revela tion her first question opened to me ; as looking me full in the face, she stdd : “As a man of the world, of course you aim fully cognisant of our real position.” I was perfectly thunderstruck, for as a man of tho world, and up to that moment, I had f.attered myself a rather shrewd one, I had not the slightest idea they Were otherwise than Mrs. Blundell haddescribed' them, but sooner than betray my ignorance: —or rather, perhaps, my innocence—l bowed an acknowledgment, when she asked me to sit down and give her advice under the following circumstances : —She then told me that the friend who had placed these two Irish ladies with her had gone to Scotland for a week’s grouse shooting. But neither seeing nor hearing from him for now nearly a month, si • feared she had been taken in, and would i try and find out his, Sir Massey Stanley’s whereabouts ! I promised to do so, and soon found that his father was just then dead, and that he was in Cheshire in orderr to attend the funeral., which would takes place on the following day, and I commu nicated the same to her. She replied:: “ I also will leave town by this train, and will stand at the head of thatt grave,'and he shall see if ho can decora® me with impunity.” She was as goo 2l as her word, as two days aft er I receijrad a note wishing to see me immediately,, and after describing the journey, the position she took up at the grave. Ac.. that not perceiving her friend, and inquiring which was Sir Massey Stanley, found she had. been deceived cvc,u in the name, and. askeel what was she now to do? I re quest o 1 her to show me some of his letters;, and on one I discovered a crest which thei Pe; aid’s Office pronounced to belong to am English baronet, a married ran with * grown-up family, who bad overrun his in come, and his friends to save him had obtained an appointment for him as Governor of one of the ishmds, and he had. already sailed. Fmdinjg ' all means of; immediate payment' gome, she proceeded! - to take off her diamond rings and goM watch, and laying them, down on-the tahto said to me, “ Take tliose and pay your self,” hat as 1 declined to r.ouch them, and offered if she wo aid give me posses sion in a few davs, to leave the rent due: to her honor, she. burst into tears, and. .left me with many exprjssions of thank fulness at my 'orehearance. The world in the meantime hard gone on so evenly with respect to myself that several times during the two yearns that had elapsed, I had wondered what, had become of these: three beautiful hut unfortunate girls,, whom the world at large, and the female; portion, in particular, shows little or no; pity for, no matter' how Dying the circum stances, or how powerful the cause that may have, led to their downfall when, one Sunday afternoon, a lady drove up in her carriage-, and stopping at my door, asked to see rne, Tho servant girl had shown her into the p arlor, and while wondering who it could % 'ossibly be, I found myself again face ti > face with Mrs Osmond Browne. She had, she said, called, know ing how pie > sed I would be to hear the news s! * ! was bearer of—that Ellen Murray w?,a a dually married to an English earl, whmse name she gave me, and, further, t hat she herself had also married the only son 'of a merchant in the eitv ; that, b afore she would marry him, she had in? isted that he would acquaint his mother „• with her whole history ; that his motlw -r had sent for her, and given her cense - at to the wedding, and she was now, but 'for Sue estrangement from her own fami' ,y, one of the happiest of the happy trub - loved by her husband, and regarded, as s real daughter both by his father and mol her ; that she had brought tho rent dm ■to Mrs. Blundell, and to mo a sligibfc soi .vonir of her gratitude, which souvenir II .ave ever valued, as revealing to me the us me of her parents, she besought me to se 3k them, and I am happy to say was the id eans of again reconciling them to their 1c ist but still beloved daughter. T. W. G.

Tuesday, December 9-L 8 79 j

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

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Thk Farmer's Daughter.- _if y ou are courting a farmer’s daughter, don’t adopt a harrow policy, Cultivr generous spirit, and you will reap j eward. She can’t help ploughing your a j values if you do sow. It has spade niuc’ iln such cases, and the mower liberal yo' i are, the more she will es-team you. A little pains will sometimes result in grc- t t acres. If you are inclined to be a ra’ Gj however, you will be sent to grass.



-A Bto Globk .—A New York artificer,. • Grebe, has constructed what purports tin ho the largest globe of the earth now fii. - existence, showing all the prominent fea tures of its surface. Its diameter is four feet and one inch, the scale baing one to 10,000,000. The globe is made of wood ;; , the relief is formed by w&£.