MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under:— Wednesday, A pril 28. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Penguin (to connect with s.s. Tararua at Port Chalmers), at 1.50 p.m. Thursday, April 29. For Northern Ports, per Ringarooma, at 3.15 p.m. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr Alfred Harrison reports the follow ing business done at his mart on Satur day.:—Several horses were disposed of at prices ranging from LlO to L 25 ; also several drays at from L 7 to Ll 4 10s. Double-furrow ploughs by Reid and Gray brought LlO and Lll ; and one by Hornsby, L 6. Several single-furrows were sold at from L2 to L 5. Three-leaf harrows fetched L2 10s. and L 4. An in termediate and horse-power were sold for 810. Harness sold at very fair prices in deed. Fourteen pigs, weighing about lolbs. each, were sold at 15s. per head. Geese fetched 10s. per pair, and fowls from 2s. 6d. to 3s. per pair ; ducks, 4s. 6d. to ss. 6d. per pair; and turkeys, 4s. to 6s. each. Potatoes were sold at L 3 per ton, while onions were quitted at fd. to Id. per lb. Chick feed was sold at Is. 6d. to Is. 9d. per bushel, and pig feed at L2 10s. per ton. Cheese (a very good sample) brought 6d. per lb. A very good feature of the times is the fact that furniture and sundries are now on sale only in small lots, and what comes to hand commands good prices—signs, we should say, of more confidence, and the absence of a desire to move.

CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

The following are comparative agricul tural returns for the years 1876, 1877, .1878, 1879, and 1880, of grain and pota toes grown in the Canterbury district, New Zealand.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1880.

Our correspondent in Wellington tele graphs to us that tenders have been ac cepted for a wcoden Courthouse for Ash burton, and adds, as a reason why the wooden structure has been decided upon, that- Government have been strongly urged not to incur, the delay of calling for alternative tenders. We have no reason whatever to doubt the accuracy of our correspondent’s telegram, and therefore assume that the information is to be relied upon. We are not very much surprised to learn that the new Courthouse is to be of wood—we had not much hope that it would be of any other material. If we had been in the midst of a dense bush, where timber was plentiful (as at Wal mate, for instance), we should have ex pected to see a grand edificefif white stone put nil; but being on a wide plain, where timber only grows at the planting of the settler, and where wo are miles and miles away from the “forest primeval,” It is only in keeping with departmental intelligence and foresight that a wooden building should be put up that will last but a few years, and require its com ponent parts to be imported from a dis tance. It seems to us such an exceedingly sensible thing to discard the very superior bricks we can turn out from our local factories for the timber we cannot fell on our treeless plains, and must therefore he beholden to some more sylvan locality for, that we were not a bit surprised to hear that wood has been the material selected with which to build the Courthouse. But wo were astonished to find that tne reason why timber bad been selected was that owing to the pressing urgency of the case there s was no time to wait for the calling of alternate tenders. We haven’t waited for two years already, and another month would make such a terrible difference. We are such a patient people, too, and we have been so long neglected that really it would he unkind 011 the part of the Government to keep us out of our Courthouse any longer. And so, rather than waste the other week or two in waiting for alternate tenders for a building in brick, the Government makes all haste to relieve the terrible pressure of legal business, and accepts a tender for the wooden house. Just so. Now that the tender has been accepted, will the work go on at once ? will every hammer available within coo-ey of the township he set to work like greased piece-work to fix the studs and weather boards of the wooden Hall of Justice ? Not if the slow-movlrtg Government ma chine can obstruct their movements. And who, we should like to ask, was it repre sented the case to Government as so ur gently pressing that we could not wait another month for alternative tenders in brick ? It would be interesting indeed to learn who tendered this advice, and to whom we are indebted for this piece of gratuitous kindness. As he a myth, or is he really living, and did he really so advise Government ? We shall not, pro bably, be able to ascertain for a lew months to come who the sage adviser is, but we hope the member for the district will make it his duty to ascertain, when he takes his place in the House. After waiting for more than two years for a Courthouse of any dosciiption, surely we could have borne with our troubles for a few weeks more, when those were to he lightened by the hope that they would really end in a comfortable brick building being provided for the accommo dation of our Court. There is no very great amount of harm done, perhaps, by our having to be content with a wooden building. The suffering party will not be the district, for at an advance of ten per cent, on the total cost of a wooden structure a building that would have been good for a hundred years could ha v e been erected, whereas, by accepting the tender for a timber house, a structure of a perishable nature is obtained that roust be renewed in a comparatively short time. Government knows its own affairs best, but we would be very much pleased to learn who was the sago that advised the “ urgency,” and if we can we will learn to whom we are indebted for the “ hurry” in which we are to get a Courthouse, though not one altogether to our liking.

Postponiment OP Sale. —The sale of farm implements, etc., in the estate of Edwin Watkins, has been postponed till the 4th May. Ashburton Steeplechases. —The pro gramme of events at the Ashburton Steeplechase meeting, which is to take place on the 29th May, appears in another column. Lunacy from Brink. — A man named James Downie was yesterday remanded by Mr. 0. P. Cox, J.P., to Lyttelton for seven days to suffer a recovery from ex cessive drinking.

Tenders. —Both the Mount Somers and Wakanui Road Boards arc advertising various works for which they invite fenders. Full particulars will be found in the advertising columns.

Storting.— We understand that the race between Messrs Groves and Mont gomery, reference to which was made in our columns last week, has been arranged, and will be run next Saturday week on the racecourse. The distance is to be one mile, and the stakes L 5.

The Railway Commission. —The Rail way Commissioners arrived in Ashburton per special train on Saturday afternoon at half-past two. After luncheon in the Somerset they sat for two hours in the County Chambers, hearing evidence on railway matters in the district, and then proceeded to Christchurch in the evening.

The Elgin School.— Owing to severe and dangerous illness in the family of Mr. South, recently appointed to the Elgin schoolmastership, the school will not be opened for perhaps a fortnight. The opening day was fixed for Monday, 26th imiant, but the unfortunate illness of Mr, South’s family will necessitate delay.

The Recent Accident at the Rakaia— Dr. Trevor has received from the Commis sioner of Railways, a letter stating that the jury’s recommendations, added as a rider to their verdict, in the case of Clarke, who was recently killed near Rakaia, have been submitted to the Minister for Justice.

The Property Tax. —ln another column Mr. Sperrey, Property Tax Com missioner, gives notice that all persons require to furnish statements according to the Property Assessment Act, of their real and "personal property by the 30th of June. Forms -will be sent as far as prac ticable to every person, but as the duty of procuring such forms rests with the public, no excuse will be accepted for any one neglecting to supply himself. These forms can bo obtained from the various district assessors, and Mr. James Wilkie is the assessor for this district.

As Others See Us.—A member of the Malvern Independent staff has been on a holiday down South. Under the heading of ec Rambling Notes” he gives a descrip tion of his journey, and thus speaks of the Ashburton printing establishments : “ Finding myself in front of the Guardian office I entered, and found the commer cial, composing, editorial, and machine departments to be in the best possible order, while plenty of room and ventilation is afforded to each. Externally, the build ing has a far more respectable appearance th in the Christchurch newspaper offices. The Mail claims the same share of notice.”

The JN ew Court House. —From a tele gram from our Wellington correspondent, we learn that the Government have ac cepted tenders for a wooden building for the • Com t House, they having been strongly urged not to incur the delay which would be incurred by calling for alternate tenders.

"Bottling Up. —Owing to the difficulty the folks who prefer taking their tot at home have experienced in procuring a bottle of genuine liquor, except through the medium of the “bar,” which-is to many an objection, Mr. Quill has intro duced a new feature into his business, viz., that of a bottle and wholesale de partment. Mr. Quill has always had a name for keeping good wines and spirits, and he evidently means to im prove his reputation.

The Chektsbv Sale. —A most im portant sale takes place this morning at Chertsey. Mr. W. A. Brown’s farm and plant will be sold by Messrs. Matson and Co. to-day. Being adjoining the railway, and one of the first sections, in the dis trict, a good round price should bo bid for it. Mr. Brown being one of those men who have had an eye to the future, has laid out the extensive property in ques tion in a most artistic style, having made plantations of forest trees in those parts of the estate whore most required, and the homestead is one of the most com fortable and best laid out in the county.

Criminal Returns. —During the half year ended 31st March there were 178 persons guilty of offences reported to the police at Ashourton. Of these there were 168 arrested, seven committed for trial, 145 summarily dealt with, and sixteen discharged. There were only two females included in the above numbers. There was an increase of forty-eight during the last quarter, the increase being principally in drunkenness. The number of arrests for that offence during the quarter ended 31st December was twenty-seven, while there were fifty-five arrested during the last quarter. A Blow-up. —Yesterday afternoon a peculiar accident happened at Methven. A couple of sportsmen, who had been out shooting, were returning from an on slaught on ducks, and not having had much luck in the direction of birds, went in for sporting of another kind, that is to say, they tried the paces of their horses, one rider being handicapped with a double barrelled gun as ballast and the other with a half-pound cannister of gunpowder. The man with the powder lost his hat in the race, and on returning to pick it up was considerably astonished at an explo sion taking place in his ulster pocket. Whatever the cause, the result was palpable. One side of the great coat, and one leg of the trowsers were absent. The horse lost his winter coat, and the whole of the rising township of Methven were in a state of alarm, as they were under the impression that tbe last day had arrived. I.O.G.T.—At the weekly meeting of the Star of the East Lodge, on Saturday evening, Bro. St. Hill presided. There was one initiation, and after the usual routine business, the question of the anni versary celebration was discussed. It was finally resolved to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Lodge on the 24th of May next, by a tea meeting and concert, in the Town Hall. The following officers were then elected for the quarter ensuing : W. C. T., Bro. Henry ; W. V. T., Sister St. Hill ; W.S., Bro. J. Bradley ; W.T., Bro. Craighead ; W.F.S., Bro. B. C. Smith ; W.C., Bro. Trigg; W.M., Bro. Cook; W.D.M., Sister Cook; W.1.G., Bro. Tutty;, W.0.G.,8r0. St.Hill; W.R-.H.5., Bro. I. Scott; W. L.H. S., Bro. Elston. —There was a fair attendance at the Dawn of Peace Lodge last evening, Bro. S. E. Poyntz presiding. One candidate was initiated. The Lodge Deputy read a co'ii mun’eation from the Grand Lodge in reference to tbe registration of subordinate Lodges, and Bros. Poyntz, G. W. Andrews, and Williams were appointed a committee to investigate the by-laws. The election of officers for the ensuing quarter resulted as follows ; —W. C. T., Bro. S. E. Poyntz ; W.V.T., Bro. Quarterman ; W.S., Bro. Richard Murray ; W.G., Bro. Geo. Mason; W.M., Bro. Williams; LG, Bro. Brooks; O. G., Bro. Leitch ; R. H. S., Bro. S. Hardley ; L.H.S., Sister Poyntz. The appointment of D.M. and A. S. were left over till next sessio '.

Ashburton Gas Company.— A special general mooting of the Ashburton Gas Company shareholders was held in the Library Hall on Monday. The business for which the shareholders were called together was to adopt or otherwise the articles of association of the company. There was delay in commencing business, owing to the dilatorinoss of the share holders in attending, but ultimately the requisite 15 shareholders provided for by the Act were scraped together, and the business proceeded. Mr. Bullock presided, and after twitting the share holders about the apathy displayed, ho stated that a number of the outside share holders were out of the province, while others had difficulty in attend ing. There were some sixty-nine share holders altogether, some sixteen of whom were local shareholders. The articles of association having been held as read, Rule 28 altered to read “ that no business be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of eight or more shareholders be present at the commence ment of the business.” Rule 33'|was also amended, reducing the number of share-

holders who can demand a poll at a gene ral meeting from five to four. With these amendments the articles were adopted. The election of auditors was then pro ceeded with, and Messrs. Zouch and Jamieson were elected, at a renin iteration of two guineas per annum.

Entertainment. An entertainment was given last night in the Primitive Methodist Church, to a very attentive and appreciative audience. The pro gramme opened with a series of views, given through the medium of a sciopticon, illustrative of ‘‘ Heroes of the Christian Era,” Mr. Bevan accompanying the same with some interesting narratives in con nection with the people and times of early and English history. A number of views were then brought before the audience, which were described as a “ Trip to Syria and Palestine,’ 1 in which Mr. Bevan again led his audience along with him ini o that deeply interesting part of the world. “ The Drunkard’s Progress” was next put on the canvas, and in this an opportunity was given to Mr. Piiddicomoe, and one he took advantage of, to display a certain amount of wit and humor, accompanied with some very sound advice. This gen tleman is evidently not now to the work, and we would throw out the hint to our total abstinence friends that when they anticipate giving an entertainment in the interests of their causa they secure the services of Messrs. Bevan and Puddi comba. A number of views, illustrative of certain remarkable phenomena, were then exhibited, in which the Rev. A. J. Smith contributed some instructive items in connection therewith. The ooncluping part of the programme resulted in a series of views of places of interest in Waimate. Oamaru, and Dunedin, Mr. Puddi combe again acting as guide in these interesting localities. We should imagine the audience would feel some what dissatisfied with the paltry buildings of Ashburton, after taking stock of the finished and elegant structures of our but little older sister township, Waimate. During the evening a number of pieces of music were rendered qery effectively, a little girl of nine years old contributing not a little to fits interest. It is needless to add that Miss Jowsey presided with her usual ,ability at the harmonium, and received an encore to the “ Write me a letter from home.”

Inquest. —At the inquest on the old man Duffey, who was killed at Addington station on Friday, the jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.” Tbe Taranaki Iron Sand. —Ten tons of Taranaki iron sand are to he sent to Eskbank Iron Works, New South Wales, where the sand will be tested. The moving spirit in the matter is Mr. Wil liams, the Eskbank proprietor who is at present on a visit to New Zealand.

Tee Civil Service Commission. —The Civil Service Commissioners have arrived in Wellington. Messrs. Kelly and Doug las go to Auckland via Taranaki, and Messrs. Saunders and Pharazyn via Na pier. They stop at Napier and Taranaki, and after a visit to Auckland they proceed to Nelson and Blenheim.

The Hind Legs. —Scene : Printing office. Boy applying for a situation. Boy —“Are you needin’ a boy?” Manager —“ Yes ; what have you been accustomed to work at!” Boy—“Amin the Gaiety at niclits.” Manager—“ Are you one of the fairies ?” Boy—“ No ;am the hin‘ legs o’ Ali Baba’s donkey !” (The donkey is at once sot to work.) —The Glasgow Bailie.

Fire in Christchurch. —By a fire, which occurred on Sunday in Christchurch, the premises of Mr. Richard Walker, bootmaker, Tuam street, were destroyed, as also several other buildings belonging to him, but rented by tenants, of whom his sister-in-law was one. By the energy of the fire brigade the fire was confined to Mr. Walker’s own property, ard the tenants’ furniture was saved, but, the houses wore destroyed. Mr. Walker was from homo when the fire started, and his wife was in- her sister’s house, so that it has not been found out how the fire originated. There was an insurance of L 270 on the property destroyed. Drinking at Bars. —The social habß of drinking at bars, whore each member of a party, having been “ treated ” by another, considers it necessary to treat every other member, has at last attracted the attention of the law-makers. The lowa Legislature has a bill before it to abolish the custom, and make it a punish able offence ; and, although such a pro position can never become a law, it is significant as showing public dislike of a custom which no drinking man wants to be the first to disregard. This habit of standing treat is the cause of more phj'si cal and mental discomfort than every other convivial custom combined. A res pectable man who feels the need of a glass of wine or spirits—and there are hun dreds and thousands of such men, in spite of all that the temperance people say to the contrary —approaches a bar, and finds, perhaps, several acquaintances who are drinking and who invite him to join them. When he has done so, and drank all he came for, his spirit of independence prompts him to return the invitation, which is accepted by the others because it would seem discourteous to refuse ; then those who have been treated make haste to return the compliment for fear of seeming mean, and the end is that four or five men, each of whom came for a single "lass of liquor, retire with several times as much as they needed or wanted.— Boston Traveller. A Physician’s Mistake. —Dr. Cleraen ceau, the eminent Parisian physician, is also a member of the French Legislature. Es is a brisk and busy man, keenly cog nizant of the fact that “time is money,” and the other day, while he was in atten dance at the Montmarte consulting-room, two men simultaneously solicited an inter view with him for the purpose of tailing his advise. One of them was admitted to hia presence, and when asked ‘ ‘ what was the matter with him,” complained of a pain in his chest; whereupon ho was ordered to take off his shirt, and Dr. Olemenceau subjected him to a careful examination. Before the Doctor, how ever, sat down to write his prescription, lie rang his bell and ordered his servant to show the other patient into the consulting room. As the baiter entered the doorway, Dr. Olemenceau, without looking up from the desk at which he was writing, said to him, “ Just undress yourself, too, if you will be so good. Wo shall save time by your doing so.” Without a moment’s hesitation the second visitor proceeded to take off his clothes, and by the time the Doctor had finished writing his receipt, taken his fee and dismissed the preceding patient, was stripped to the waist ready for inspection. Turning to', yard him the Doctor observed, “ You are also suffering from pain in the chest, are you not 1” “ Well, no, Doctor,” the man replied, “I have called upon you to beg that you will rccoinrasnu, me to the Government for a place in the Post Office.” —London Tele graph. _________

BUSINESS IS BUSINESS.

The Lev. J. Upton Davis has been giv ing a course of lectures on Sunday even ings in Dunedin. The church was crowded to excess on Sunday week, and the preacher took for his text 1 Theas. iv., 2. The following is a portion of the lecture ; Christ never censured the honest occu pations of men. He Himself had wrought at the gates, windows, and ploughs needed by His neighbors at Nazareth. Matthew was a custom-house officer; John was joint proprietor of a fleet of fishing smacks ; Paul was proud to support him self b} 7 weaving haircloth. Christ never forbade money-getting ; He taught that the labourer was worthy of his hire. But as became the doctrine of one who would make man perfect by control ling his whole life, He counted money but moans to an end, and business but a part of life. And the double charge we make against the men who adopt “ Business is business” as their sole motto, is that they ignore the social, domestic, and personal relations of business itself, and wholly exclude the claims of religion. Were this done solely at the cost of the delinquents alone, they might be left to their own folly ; but it is done to the injury of com merce at largo, the deterioration of families, the stunting of their own growth, and the damage of religion. By getting and by spending they lay waste their powers. “ Business is Business.” Even in its widest sense this axiom, touching society, home, self-confidence, and wealth, does not cover all our relations. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath; so business was made for man, not man for business. You must not sink your manhood in its pursuit, its objects, and occupations. This is often done to tiro neglect of the highest inter ests of a man ; his relations to his Father in Heaven and the future beyond the grave. Religion is religion. We are told in one of those inimitable stories of East ern life, which abound in the words of Jesus, how a feast was made, friends were invited, but at the time they all with one accord began to make excuse. W hat were the excuses the invited guests urged for their refusal 1 • “ Business is Business.” For one said, “ I have bought a yoke of oxen and go to prove them.” He was making money. Another said, “ I have bought a section and am going to look at it.” He was investing his money. A third said, “I have married' a wife and cannot come.” Well, he was spending his money. Is not that story true to-day ! The feast is in the home of Divine Love; its pleasures are in the friendships of a Heavenly Father ; and yet the getting, saving, and spending of money keep men from the marriage supper of the Lamb. “Business is Business,” hustles out of life “ Religion is Religion.” The truest manhood is -not with those whose investments are large, whose trans actions are world-wide, and whose wealth is enormous. It is with those who, what ever their business and their gains, love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves.

THE RAILWAY COMMISSION. • If the Ashburton district is forgotten in the report of the Railway Commission, it will not be because the district’s repre sentative men failed to impress our wants upon the Royal Commissioners. For fully two hours on Saturday afternoon a deputation was closeted with.the members of the Commission, and all the grievances Ashburton has against the railway were exhaustively stated, and the most effective remedies suggested. John Grigg, Esq., introduced the ' deputation, and went into the business in hand without any parley. Ho pointed out the disadvantages under which the town and district labor from the insufficient station accommodation at Ashburton, and was not sparing-of its other demerits that have been so long patent to the residents’ eyes. He drew attention to the miserable waiting-room for ladies, its proximity to the adjoining erections, and the very bad position these occupied, and also their dis agreeable condition. He referred to the limited siding room, remarking upon the fact that a great number of trains wore at the station at one time, causing a traffic and a crowd for whose requirements the place was far from adequate. In this connection he touched upon an accident that occurred some time ago, when two trains shunting at the station came into collision. Then the dangerous crossings were placed before the Commission, and particularly the fact that at one especially a large store obstructed the view of foot passengers, and not infrequently a train was absolutely af the crossing before the pedestrian was aware of it, simp'y because the view of the line was shut out for a considerable distance. For another crossing, nearer the station, a pile of coal according to its size was an equally successful obstruction, and several narrow escapes had taken place ; but more particularly were the children pas sing and ro-passing to school endangered. He urged that the fencing of the lino was a very"needful thing for the safety of the lieges. Regarding the Ashburton Bridge he°made a very practical suggestion namely, that the gates should be trans ferred from the bridge itself to the en trance to the approaches. This would prevent much awkwardness that occurs at present. A man, driving say a dray loaded with wood, gets up the approach almost to the gate. A train is and by ihe hard and fast regulations of the bridge the gates are shut and he cannot enter upon the structure. He has no choice but to either stand where he is until the train passes, or “ back ” down, for turning is impossible. The danger of standing upon such a narrow approach, where turning is impossible, while a train is passing within four or live feet of a perhaps young horse, strange to loco motives, is apparent, and could bo altogether avoided if the gates were removed to the bottom of the ap proaches. Then it was shown that the grain merchants wore wholly at the mercy of the railway, as no provision was made for taking tally of the sacks received, and grain lost in transit must be borne by the sender. One merchant had offered to pay the wages of a clerk to do this tallying if the railway would supply the officer, but the authorities declined, and things remain as they were. The cost of the Canterbury line, as compared with southern lines, was referred to, and the injustice of a uniform rate being charged over the costly lines and the inexpensive ones. A suggestion was made that, during the slack season, when the rolling stock was not in much demand, a low tariff should be charged for such bulky goods as potatoes, chaff, etc., which would possibly bo an inducement to working men to grow patches of root crops, while it might also give an impetus to chaff-cutting. For chaff a market existed on the West Coast, but it was .supplied from Melbourne at a lower rate •than it could be supplied for here, owing to the costliness of carriage. Evidence was given before the Commission on all these subjects as well as upon matters connected with the Mount Somers rail way. On the latter, wo fancy a good case was made out for the extension of the line to the coal pit mouth, which would reduce the price of coal in this township to £1 per ton. The value of the stone quarry was also dwelt upon, and the reduction that would take place upon its product were the cost of carriage reduced by the introduction of a railway lino. The mode of conveying grain was also commented upon. Grain trucks wore despatched in the season with no covering whatever, and in the event of rain, damage resulted to the grain. As many as seventy grain laden trucks had been one day seen that were wholly unprotected from the rain that was falling. This evil was all the greater that grain was now shipped direct from the trucks and not previously stored, so that there was no opportunity for counteracting the bad effects of wet, be fore the wheat was sent on board, and as a consequence a bad sample was sure to be sent Home. Mr. F. B. Passmore ap peared before the Commission and gave information regarding the Methven and Rakaia railway, urging its further exten sion to join the proposed route of the Ox ford and Terauka line, which extension would bring within railway reach a very large circuit of agricultural land. The Commission promised to give every con sideration to the recommendations of the deputation.

UNEXPECTED RESULT OF A RELI GIOUS DRAMA.

The attempt to combine the Sunday school and the theatre is always a doubt ful experiment. The New York Times of the 6th insfc. says :—“ Great things were anticipated, unreasonably of course, by the congregation of the Williston Congre gational Church, in regard to the repre sentation of the Scriptural play of ‘ ‘ Elisha ” last Monday night. The play was written by the Sunday school superin tendent’s wife, who was a clever woman of no little literary skill, and the pastor and members of the Prudential Com mittee, who heard it road, were greatly impressed with its merits. The lecture room, with a temporary stage and a red drop curtain, made a neat little theatre, which was crowded half an hour before the performance began. The curtain rose upon a scene representing a shady valley, with a high hill in the background, up which a practicable and very steep road ran. On each side of the stage was a dense forest of ten or twelve trees, and a country tavern, with the sign ‘ Railway Hotel,’ stood on the left sidt. In front of the tavern 42 children—who constitute nearly the whole strength of the Sunday school—were engaged in various games, some of them were pitching quoits, others pitching pennies, and others wore playing marbles. All were quarrelling fiercely, and from their appearance were children of the very worst moral character and most curiously ragged clothes. To them presently entered from the right lower en trance the Prophet Elisha, carrying his hat in his hand, in order to display his total lack of hair. He was a large pro phet, with a kng white beard and walk ing stick of great size, but there is no doubt that he would have looked better had he been provided with a little hair. As he passed the ‘ Railway Hotel ’ he stopped to ask the way to the' nearest post-office, but it is painful to relate that the boys refused to give him a civil answer. In fact, they chaffed the prophet, and made allusions to his lack of hair which were both personal and rude. The good man betrayed no anger, but he told them that they disgraced their parents by their conduct, to which they with one ac cord triumphantly answered that they ‘ hadn’t got none,’ and that they were ‘ orphants. ’ Greatly disgusted by this re partee, the prophet shook his [stick sadly

but kindly at them, and proceeded on his way. The wicked children continued to yell after him, advising him to buy a wig, or to try somebody’s hair restorer, and in other ways expressing their wicked want of respect; Endurance having ceased to be a virtue, Elisha paused and whistled loudly. Whereupon two frightful bears issued from the forest, and falling upon the children, began to tear them in pieces. All would perhaps have gone well had not one of the wicked boys refused to be torn. The others had promptly fallen flat on the ground the moment the bears arrived, in stead of climbing trees or seeking refuge in the Railway Hotel; but this, particular boy, who, as it subsequently appeared, had been borrowed at the last moment from the Methodist Sunday school, and who had not attended the rehearsal, showed fight. He caught up a stick which happened to be at hand, and hit the first bear a resounding whack over the head, drawing from that astonished animal the exclamation, ‘By gosh !’ Leaving the 41 prostrate children, the incensed bear rose on his hind logs and hit the borrowed boy a beautiful blow straight from the shoulder. The two then rushed together and fought all over the stage, while the other bear, yielding to the excitement of the moment, encouraged his associate brute by loudly requesting him to ‘ go in,’ and by offering to bet 10 cents on his suc cess with anyone who might be willing to put up the money. The prophet, in view of the uproar, turned back, and belabored both bears and borrowed boy with his stick with great impartiality, until all throe cried for quarter. It was while he was engaged in this praiseworthy work that he accidentally knocked down the chandelier with his stick, and thereby created an alarm of fire, which speedily emptied the house, and brought the en tertainment to a close. The fathers of both bears have since sued the prophet for assault and battery, and the whole congregation is divided over the question whether the prophet had any right to thrash other people’s boars in public, no matter if the latter had yielded to strong temptation to infuse an unexpected realism into the dram. However this may be decided, there is no doubt that the play was a failure, and it is to be hoped that it will have some little influence in inducing Sunday school superintendents to abstain from complicating religious in struction with amateur theatricals.”

TOTALISATORS IN TROUBLE.

Auckland, April 24.

The circumstances under which the seizure yesterday of two totalisators and the men connected with their working was effected aie stated to be as follows : During the afternoon the police were in formed of groat swindling in connection with one of these machines. They ware in formed that in St. George's Handicap four tickets had been taken and four numbers registered on the totalisator, and that when the four people who put their money on King Quail came to the totalia tor for a settlement, they found that the numbers had been altered to 14. Messrs. Richard and Corbett offered them each one-fourteenth instead of one-fourth of the nett proceeds. The four speculators, backed up by an indignant public, refused to have it, and there was a great row. The stewards were called, and the police sent for. As Inspector Pardy was seen ap proaching, the proprietor of the totalisator. offered to pay the four men their fourths and proper share of the pool, which was L 53. By the alteration to 14 from 4, it left the institution a nice sum of L 36 over and above the commission they were en titled to. Inspector Pardy, Sergeant Mason, Detective Jeffrey, and others of the force surrounded the totalisator, and Felton the clerk, with Richards and Cor bett, were at once arrested, together with the instruments, tickets, stamps, and ap pendages. There was also a bag of money seized, and amid a great tumult they were incarcerated in the lock-up. After the selling race another totalisator storm arose.- Mr. Adams was alleged to have added two to his numbers. The police made another raid, and took possession of the instrument and its manager, who was unassisted. He was marched off amaid a storm of yells. The offenders were brought up at the Police Court to-day, and remanded.

ARISTOCRATIC SCANDALS.

What a delightful scandal in high life the following paragraph—quoted from one of the first of English “ society” journals —would furnish a text for, if the “true inwardness ” of the facts could bo made public. The journal in question is re viewing the latest edition of the “ Snobs’ Bible,” Burke’s Peerage, and complains that “ no mention is made of the divorce of Colonel Charles Norton, the heir-pre sumptive to the peerage of Grantley, from his wife ; of that lady’s subsequent mar riage to Lord Grantley, the present holder of that peerage ; or of the birth of a daughter to his Lordship within a day or two after his wedding. Yet these events took place early last November, and the preface to this Peerage is dated Bfch De cember, 1879. Great guns ! What a bonanza certain of our dailies would have found in this if Nob Hill, instead of the British Peerage, had possessed such an awkward family “situation.” Talking of “ Peerages,” howeverj it seems that a new compiler of that sort of literature, one Forster, has arisen, who is likely to cause a sensation, from the fact that he —accord- ing to another “society ” journal—“ dis cards the polite fictions current in genea logy, and seems to take a positive delight in dragging the skeleton out of the cup board. A baronet who married on the sch June, 1872, has the following comment attached to the birth of his son and heir :— ‘ Registered 9tli September, 1872, as having been born on the pre ceding sth June:’ whilst the daughter of an eminent judge, who married a ? rela tion of the Duke of Devonshire, has the word daughter in inverted commas, to call attention to the fact that her father is described on another page as unmarried.” —American Paper.

FEMALE EMIGRATION.

(Home News 26th February.) The movement of emigration is always rather slack in the winter months, but the agents of the New Zealand Government are just sending off a shipload of nomi nated passengers from Plymouth. About one hundred of these are single women, drawn mostly from the ranks of our do mestic servants, and intended, in the first instance, for the same walk of life in the colony. It appears nearly certain that the young women who have proceeded to New Zealand have sent back very flourishing accounts to their friends. Wages there for domestic servants are more than twice as high as with ns, and there is besides the chance —something like a certainty, indeed —of early marriage. The bait can not but be tempting to the - fair sex in a country whore women, according to politi cal economists, are redundant, and the number of spinsters and old maids greatly on the increase. The only question is, do these female emigrants marry well in New Zealand'? That marriage is a lottery is an adage as old as the hills. Husbands may be plentiful enough in the Antipodes, but are they always of ■ the right sort ? The offers made are not always such as an honest girl should accept; while the ex cellent parti, with his grant of land which he cultivates himself, may prove on a closer acquaintance a gentleman who pur poses to turn his wife into a mere house hold drudge. Nevertheless, the stream of female emigrants sets steadily towards the Antipodes, and housewives at home complain more and more that the class from which domestic servants are drawn js rapidly thinning out.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, April. 26.

The Australia loft San Francisco on Monday, the 12th inst. Under the recent arrangements for shortening the period of transit between London and Auckland, the mail steamer should have left San Francisco on Saturday, the 10th inst., but for some reason unexplained in the telegraphic advice, she did not get away on the proper date, It is anticipated, how ever, that she will make up two days on the voyage down, and reach Auckland on the Ist or 2nd of May. The City of New York, with the March homeward mails, arrived at San Francisco on Wednesday, the '2lst inst.—one day in advance of contract date.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. {By cable from Reuter's Ajency.) London, April 21.

Adelaide breadstuffs have suffered a further decline. Wheat is at 545. per 496ibs, ex warehouse ; and flour, per 2801bs, ex warehouse, 395. New Zea land wheat, cx snip, is quoted to-day at 515., being a decline of Is. on last quota tions. Consols, New Zealand securities, and tallow unchanged. At the wool sales to-day 1000 bales were offered, making 18,500 catalogued since the opening. There was a good demand at to-day’s auction, and cross breds were firmer.

April 22,

The Beaconsfield Ministry has tendered its resignation to the Queen. It is stated that Her Majesty accepted it and sum moned Lord Hartingfcon to form a new Ministry, but ho declined in favor of Mr. Gladstone.

Mr. C.B., Private Sec retary to the Bari of Beaconsfield when Prime Minister, has been raised to the

Peerage. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, late Speaker of tlie Victorian Assembly, has been in vited to stand for an Irish borough in the Homo Rule interest. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L1C,250,000, being a quarter of a million more than last week.

At the wool auction to-day, 11,100 bales were offered, making a total of 296,000 bales catalogued since the open ing. To-day’s sale is firm, and an active demand continues.

The market for Australian wheat and tallow is dull.

London, April 23.

The Marquis of Hartington and Earl Granville had an audience of Her Majesty the Queen to-day in regard to the formation of a new Ministry. The Marquis of Hartington, after an audience with the Queen, returned to London and had an interview with Earl Granville and the Right Hon. W. B. Glad stone, He returns to Windsor to-day, when it is expected that he will decline the task of forming a new Ministry. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 179,000 quarters, being 120,00 quarters less than last week. Australian tallow is dull and declining. At the wool sales to-day 109,000 bales were offered ; a firm and active demand is main tained.

April 24,

Mr. Gladstone has been summoned by the Queen, and lias been appointed Prst Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He has accepted the task of forming a now Ministry. It is probable that Earl Granville will accept office as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.;

Consols have advanced to 99 ; Hew Zea land securities unchanged ; Australian and Hew Zealand breadstufis remain as at last quotations. At to-day’s wool auction 1,170 bales were offered, making a total 52,200 cata logued since the opening. A firm and active demand was again shown at the sale.

Calcutta, April 31,

Intelligence lias been received of the resumption of hostilities in Afghanistan. A severe attack was made upon General Stewart’s force on the 19tii- instant, in the vicinity of Ghuzneo, by 1500 Afghans. A serious conflict ensued and resulted in the defeat of the enemy with heavy loss. The British loss is unknown. General Stewart’s vanguard entered Ghuzneo on the 20th.

AUSTRALIAN. (Per Reuters' Agency.) Melbourne, April 23.

Mr. Gordon, C.E., has been re-employed by Government as chief engineer of the Water Supply Department.

Pig iron is in good demand. A deputation of workmen was received to-day by the Hon. James Service, when threatening language was used and re munerative employment demanded. They declined to accept stone-breaking. Mr. Service replied, stating that everything possible had been done, and he was unable to do more.

A vessel named the George Ai’kle, bound for (ho colonies, went ashore near Sourabaya, but afterwads floated unas sisted.

Arrived —Rotomahana from Bluff. Sailed —Ringarooma for the Bluff on Wednesday. _ , Melbourne, April 24.

Thompson Moore, the member for Man durang, has accepted the position of Go vernment whip*" in the Assembly. A prospectus has been issued of a Freezing Company, under the dry air pro cess, with a capital of LIOO,OOO ; the sum of L 40,000 has already been subscribed, and the company will commence opera tions as soon as subscriptions amount to L 50,000. Sydney, April 23.

.An influential meeting was held tc-day, at which it was resolved to form a meat export company. Adelaide, April 23.

Adelaide wheat, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 3d. per bushel ; Adelaide flour, LlO 10s. per ton, market depressed. Freights from Ade to London, 40s. to 425. (kl. depressed.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, April 26.

The Arawata, arrived at Russell from Sydney, brings amongst her passengers 52 Chinamen for Dunedin.

George Hart, charged with forging and uttering a cheque on the Bank- of New Zealand for L 4 55., was committed for trial.

Te Ngakau, a famous Maori chief, inter viewed Mr Bryce to-day, and afterwards was taken on a visit to H.M. S. Cormorant and Wolverine.

A sacred concert by the Camillo Urso Company at the Theatre Royal on Sunday evening could not be termed successful, and the audience introduced an undesir ably noisy element into the affair. The German war ship Nautilus; arrived from Samap,,brings intelligence that on the 12th, Mahitea was annointed King of Samoa. On the follo wing day the Stein berger party hoisted a flag, and threatened to rebel. Unless the representatives of the foreign powers interfere the affair may result seriously. Te Ngakau, the famous secretary and adviser of Tawahio, has come to Auckland on a visit. He interviews Mr. Bryce to morrow. Te Ngakau has not been in Auckland since the, Waikato war. Rewi intends sending down a representative to see Mr. Bryce, as he is too feeblo to come himself. Mr. Bryce intended to visit Waikato, but will not be able, as he leaves for Wellington about Wednesday,

Mr. Sheehan proposes to accompany Mr. Bryce overland through the Upper Thames to Grahamstown and there to address his constituents. Several depu tations waited on the Native Minister to day, one asking Government to grant a sum of money as coninensati«B-4o the natives in consideration granting land for the road fromTambridge to Rotorua. Mr. Brodie, and others from the Thames, asked Government to assist in opening the X’oad through 'Komatu block. A deputation consisting of Messrs. McDonald, Sheehan and Morris asked that the lands of Tauranga district should be thrown open for purchase. . Mr. Bryce promised to consider the application. r^ai ‘ . Napieb, April 26. A diabolical attempt was made this morning to burn down the Corporation Offices. On the messenger going to the offices at 9 o’clock he found a fire smoulder ing in the Rate Collector’s office, and a large hole burnt in the floor. He found the floor had been sprinkled with kero sene, but the cocoaiiut matting had only smouldered, preventing the fire spreading to the wall. It is not known at present how it was done, but the police have a clue. It is fortunate the attempt was discovered, for if the building had caught, the Post and Telegraph Offices, close by, would not have been saved. Several buildings on the other side of the road would have caught also, and in the build ings—which are occupied by the Educa tion Board, County Council, Corporation, Stamp, and Property and Land Tax De partments many valuable documents would have been lost. The man, after committing the deed, coolly washed hia hands in the Town Clerk’s lavatory. Haweba, April 26.

Sir Dillon Bell arrived here on Satur day, .and proceeded to Oeo, accompanied by Mr. Parris. Yesterday they inspected the survey lines of reserves, and visited Titokowaru and other chiefs, by whom they were well received. The natives generally are very friendly, and no opposition is offered to any one of the works now progressing on the plains. Sir Dillon Bell and party returned here last night, and proceeded to New Plymouth to day,

Wellington, April 26,

The enquiry as to the circumstances connected with tke recent accident to the steamer Manawatu will be merely a short preliminary one, for it is practically certain that a full official investigation will_ be held before the magistrate and a nautical assessor.

Wellington, April 24.

At 12‘30 this morning the jury gave a verdict in the tramway case, which was substantially for the plaintiffs. Upon the verdict the Court will have to make an award.

Longhurst, sentenced at last session of the Supreme Court to ten years and two whippings, received the first 25 lashes this morning. He bore it unflinchingly, but suffered severely. The report of the medical examination denies f hat the prisoner suffers from heart disease. The steamer Manawatu, which broke down on her trip from Wanganui,' was towed into port this morning, The injury done is that the crown of her boiler has fallen in. It is stated that a strict inquiry will be held as to the circumstances con nected with the damage. (From our oum Correspondent.) : Wellington, April 26.

The Civil Service Commission met twice on Saturday, when they examined Messrs. Lawson and Ashcroft, a ad that, in order to get W& jyjfessary evi dence taken before the House sits the_J Commission should divide into two partie-, the Chairman and Mr. Pharazyn talcing the East, and Sir R. Douglas and Mr. Kelly the West Coast of the Horth Island; the whole Commission meeting again in Auckland, after which, the Chairman and Sir Robt. Douglas will probably take Helson and Blenheim. ASHBURTON COURTHOUSE. Tenders have beenaccepted 4 for a wooden Courthouse, the Government having been strongly urged not to incur the delay of calling for alternate tenders. Dunedin, April 26. : - In the case of Butler, the Minister for Justice telegraphs stating he is of opinion, after careful consideration, that under existing circumstances it would, be adyis- , able to enter a nolle prosequi, reserving right to prefer a fresh indictment at next sittings of the Court, should fresh evi dence render that step advisable. _ In Butler’s case, it is said, the . police will able to adduce fresh eveidence that Butler was seen about the premises on the morning of the murder.

AMERICAN SHEEP.

Neva York Weekly- Tribune. Since 1809 our improvement in the - sheep that produce clothing (fine) wool has been very great. Then 9J per cent, of unwashed wool to the live of the animal was the standard; in 1864 the best recorded yield was 21 per cent, and the heaviest fleece 27 pounds. Three rams, bred since 1873 in Vermont have yielded fleeces averaging 27.3 per cent, of un washed wool, while the average weight of fleeces was 34J pounds. The fineness of' the fibre equalled that of the Saxon super electa. Breeders of Australia and South America are importing these animals to improve their flocks. The Secretary of the National Wool-Growers’ Association has lately taken 200 of our sheep to Japan for the Government of that country. We have made equal progress in the production of long ccmbing wool, or mutton-sheep husbandry. In 1860 a very little long-combing wool was raised in Kentucky and Maryland, but the proprietors of oiir worsted-mills had to go away from home, chiefly to Canada, for 2,500,000 to 3,500,000 pounds annually, the impression then being general that these wools could not be grown in this country. Now Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maine and other States are producing, it is estimated, 10,000,000. pounds annually—equal in quality to the best English wool. Wool yielded by cross-bred Merino and mutton sheep is held by the manufacturer to be of* great’ value, producing a combing wool that gives softness and cloth-like character to our fabrics not found in those abroad, as admitted by the best London and Paris tailors.

We are now raising good mutton and supplying a rapidly increasing market. In 1839, on the great market day before Christmas, 400 sheep fully stocked the market at Brighton, near Boston, Mags. Last year 272,000 sheep apd lambs were slaughtered at the Brighton Abbatoir, 200,000 of them coming from Kentucky, This wonderful advance in the production of mutton and wool in the last twenty years has gi’own out of the war and a ’pro tective tariff.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1880.



Wheat. Average yield • per Year. Acres. Total bushels. acre. Bushels. 1876 57,50° 1,770,363 30.8 1877 92.417 2,707,627 29-3 1878 147,197 3,399,353 23.0 1879 173.895 3,621,820 20.8 x88o 193,556 5,461,400 Oats. 28.2 1876 72,522 2,888,683 39-8 ,1877 70,032 2,106,800 30.1 1878 86,728 2,396,483 27.6 1879 128,384 3,237,462, 25.2 18S0 153,427 5,776,275 Barley. 37-6 1876 16,820 600,699 36.9 - 1877 16,047 505,700 3i-5 1878 13,757 335,733 24-5 1879 17,062 371,009 21.7 • 1880 37,095 1.124,281 30.2 Potatoes. Tons. 187 6 3,140 17.895 5 7 1877 3,423 19,886 5-8 1878 4,4i9 26,786 6.0 1879 4.613 26,766 , 5-8 1880 5,6Si 37,466 6.6



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 27, 1880. 0. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. NOTICE TO FARMERS. f|IHE undersigned will bo prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. , February 28, 1880. 5500* T BiE NEW- ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the public. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Invercap.gill Oaiiaeu Timaru Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland" A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. N.B.— Our New Winter Manufactures are now ready. “TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— East Street. Wm. sparrow, Manager. WHEAT SHIPMENTS TO. LONDON. rjIHF Undersigned are Advancing against WHEAT SHIPPED TO LONDON, Guaranteeing the charges to be as low as any Company shipping from New Zealand. 764 g P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. TO FARMERS & OTHERS. XSTB are CASH PURCHASERS o W WHEAT OATS, and BARLEY, Delivered at any of our Branches, or at any Railway Station. 765 g . P., CUNNINGHAM & CO. TO FARMERS. THE UNDERSIGNED are CASH PURCHASERS of WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY, and are prepared to SHIP WHEAT to the English markets on farmers’ -account 'at the lowest possible cost. P. CUNNINGHAM'& CO., ■s6la Ashburton and Christchurch.



A Pencil in a Man’s Body.—Hart ford, Connecticut, February 3. —Over five weeks ago a Hartford man had a fall and was rendered insensible. After being, taken home a surgeon discovered a slight wound in his body close by the heart', and thought the man had been either stabbed or shot. A few days later, however*'■anSß ’ pieces of black lead began to the wound, and it was then concluded that in falling, the point of a lead-pencil which the man had in his vest-pocket - had penetrated the" body. Probing, later, > brought out a little wood. To-day the surgeons, who have watched the case with much interest, used the knife, and to their , astonishment, a whole lead-pencil, which had been sharpened but once, was ex tracted. It was five and three-eights inches long, and the wood was split in two. 1 It had been completely buried below the chest, and not half an inch from the heart. The man is very weak - , but it is thought he will recover, 3 . -