COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. J. T. Ford and Co. report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, the 26th inst., as follows ; At the Addington market of Wednes day last 5117 sheep, 230 cattle, and 124 pigs were yarded. We report no altera tion in the value of mutton, but a decided improvement in beef was noticeable throughout the sale, equal to 2s. Gd. per 100 lbs. Beef and mutton are selling at ridiculously low prices, and no doubt this state of things will sooner or latter find its remedy in boiling down or preserving. Store sheep are in fair demand, and when tho stubbles are cleared wo anticipate large sales of ewes for lambing purposes. Cross-bred sheep for turnip feeding are also in good demand, especially four-tooth ■wethers, but as this class of sheep is a very scarce article buyers will have to content themselves with younger sheep, which are commanding from 6s. Cd. to 7s. Gd. each. The top price for beef may he quoted at not above 20s. per 1001 b., and mutton from lid. to l|d. per lb. Merino ewes are selling from 3s. 6d. to 4s. 3d. each ; store merino wethers at from 3s. Gd. to 4s. each. Milch cows at from LG 18s. to L 8 10s. each. Pigs are in excellent de mand, and the supply by no means suffi cient for our requirements. Our entries were on account of Messrs. H. Overton, R. L. Higgins, Greaves, L. Tosswill, W. Hartnell, and others, and we succeeded in quitting all our lines at the above quotations. At our wool and skin sale on Thursday we had the usual attendance of buyers, and biddings throughout were very brisk. Rough fat brought from l§d. to l|d. per lb, Lambskins from Is. 9d. to 2s. sd. ; cross-bred skins up to 2s. Bd. each to 2s. lOd. bach. On Saturday last we yarded upwards of 36 horses, and disposed of 19, ex Wallabi, at from Lll to L2B each. Privately dim ing the week we have sold upwards of 150 head of [store cattle at from Li ss. to L 5 ss. each. Messrs Acland, Campbell and Co. report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, February 25th, as follows : At the Addington yards on Wednesday 5117 sheep came to hand, with a limited supply of fat sheep. The market was very slack, several lots being turned out unsold, and we cannot quote any improvement or alteration in prices, j Fat lambs sold freely at from ss. 6d. to Bs. 9d. There was a fair demand for store sheep, one line of 1100 mixed sexes, 2,4, and 6-tooth cross bred sheep being cleared at ss. sd. Cattle, 280 head yarded. The supply of beef was limited, and there was a decided improve ment in prices, best quality fetching np to 225. and averaging about 205., but we do not look on this rise as at all likely to last, the improvement arising from the short supply and several of the butchers requir ing cattle to go on with. Store cattle sold at late rates, there being a rather better demand for cows springing to calf. Three year old steers in forward condition fetched L 5 65.; mixed sexes, two to three years, L 4 12s. 6d. CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE The following is the report of tho Corn Exchange for the week ending Friday evening, February 27th : The weather still continues favorable for harvesting operations. The farmers have not been unmindful to take advan tage of this. In many parts of the country the grain is now safely in stack. Threshing machine reports, take them all in all, show a large yield per acre. Large quantities of grain are now coining bo hand from the country stations. The' great bulk of the wheat is being shipped for London on growers’ account. Latest reports from Home continue to show the market firm. Timaru advices report wheat at 3s. 3d. to 3s. 6d.. but no busi ness doing, the farmers having determined not to take less than 4s. Wheat.—A few large sales were re ported during the week, but as a rule the farmers are either shipping on their own account, or in joint venture with the merchants. Sales have been effected during the week at equal to 4s. f.o.b. Several large parcels are under offer at the foregoing figures. Barley is in better supply. Several large parcels have changed hands at full rates. The quality now coming forward is better than at the commencement of the season. The demand is fairly good. Prime malting quality will command 3s. Bd. to 3s. 9d. per bushel. Medium to inferior samples arc not much sought after. Oats are coming forward very slowly. There is little or no outside demand except for really first-class samples. Tho local requirements are more than supplied. The remarks in last week’s report respect ing trial shipments of oats to Great Britain is now confirmed by arrangements being made for shipment. Prime milling samples are saleable in limited quantities at Is. fid., feed parcels at Is. 3d. to Is. sd. Grass seed is in better demand,“'but the large quantity offering precludes Any Im provement in price. Quotations as before, 2s. Cd. to 2s. 9d. Cocksfoot is a complete drug, although the samples offering are all that could be desired as to quality, while the price is absurdly low, and such as will not com pensate the growers. Prices arc nominal. Cheese and Butter.—There is no change to note in tho former article, 4d to sd. per lb. being the prices at which business is done. For the latter a better feeling is evinced by purchasers for outside demand ; parcels are saleable at from 7d to Bd.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. This Day. By Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his Rooms, at 12.30 sharp—Bankrupt stock of Groceries, Ac. By Messrs. Buchanan and Co., on their premises, Havelock street, at 1 o’clock — Horses.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1880.

The Borough Council, since its birth, has been now and then discussing various schemes hy which a reliable supply of water could be obtained for the township, both for domestic and street flushing pur poses. Many ideas have been promul gated—sonic remarkable for their simpli city, others for their extravagance, and others for their absurdity. But up to the present, the genius of none of them have been of any use to the burgesses. The scheme adopted by the Council, the cost of which is estimated to be covered by a loan of L 15,000, is not to be thought of just now, as the ratepayers would have to pay a rate equal to a very decent rental on their properties ; and judging from the objections raised hy the ratepayers against their valuations, when their responsibili ties for taxes only amount to one shilling in the £ for ordinary rates, we are justified in assuming that a considerable difficulty would be experienced in extracting an extra eighteenpence in the £ from the pockets of the burgesses. That sum would certainly be required to meet the annual charges on the loan for the pro posed works. It is evident, then, that for some time to come this scheme must be laid 011 the shelf, and we must necessarily put up with a less expensive, if not so perfect a water supply. That such can bo obtained at a cost within the means of the Borough is well known ; but the reason it has not been carried out before now is not quits so clear. The probability is that the Council were so wedded to their

adopted scheme that they did not care to descend from the altitude of a high pres sure water supply which cost so much to initiate, to a practical but easily under stood idea, which asserts its reliability and simplicity to anj tyro in engineering. It- is only too well known to most of our residents that when the river takes a notion to overflow its banks, a supply of considerable magnitude comes down at unwelcome times to flood grain stores, dwellings, Ac. At the last meeting of the Council some slight discussion took place as to the practicability of utilising this oc casional overflow as a temporary supply for the town, with this difference that it should he constant as long as required, and not periodical and destructive. Mr. E. Saunders, one of the members of the Council, gave a brief out line of a method by which a stream could be brought into the side channels at a very small expense, and as ho possesses no insignificant practical knowledge in mat ters of this sort, and has given a consider able amount of his time towards obtain ing information for and calculating the cost of the furtherance and dclop ment of his scheme, his opinion on the m.vttcr will he a valuable one. His worship the Mayor has not been behind hand, and ho intends—so wc gather from his remarks at the last meeting of the Borough Council—to pin his faith to windmills as a source of supply. As wc know nothing of the details as yet, wc must wait until he lays his plans before the special meeting to be held on Monday next.

It is, at any rate, a matter of congratu lation to know tliat this subject is being taken np in such a manner by the Muni cipal body, and it is to be regretted that the funds at their disposal are not as ex tensive as their wishes to make improve ments. We must hope for some genius to propound a scheme at the special meet ing, providing the necessary funds to carry out works by which the various water channels may be converted into something more wholesome than they are now.

The Dunedin Cup. —The time of Mata, the winner of the Dunedin cup, 3mm. 5G.| see., is the fastest on record.

Rakaia R. M. Court. Henceforth the R. M. Court at Rakaia will open at two o’clock, instead of the earlier hour.

Harvest Thanksgiving. Harvest thanksgiving services will take place in most of the Christchurch places of wor ship on Sunday.

The Grain Market. —Messrs. Fiied lander Bros, announce to the farmers of the district that they are prepared to either purchase or make advances on grain, and as this firm have local conveniences, both for loading into trucks a ad storage in the township if necessary, they ought to pass a large quantity through their hands this season. Court Houses. —The various votes for Court Houses throughout the colony dur ing the present financial jmar exceed L 50,000. Of this sum, buildings at Wel lington absorbL2o,ooo ; Auckland, L 5000; Christchurch, LSOOO ; Oamaru, L3OOO ; Waimate, L4OOO ; Invercargill, L 4500 ; and Ashburton LSOO. The Upper Ashburton Assessment Court. —The valuation roll for the Upper Ashburton Road Board was adjudicated upon by Mr. F. Guinness yesterday, and about half-a-dozen objections were lodged. These were duly heard, and the roll, after being corrected in accordance with the result of the objections, was duly passed and signed.

Opening of the Methven Railway. The first train from Methven arrived at Rakaia ct 6.50 a. m. on Thursday, return ing to Methven at 10.10, after the arrival of the express from Christchurch. A good many people availed themselves of the opportunity of a free trip to Methven and back on the opening of the line.

Wheat Stack Burnt. —On the return of the train from Methven on Thursday, word was brought that Mr. James Dent, of Winchmore, had just had one of his stacks of wheat, which the men had only just completed, entirely destroyed by fire. No further particulars were obtainable.

Timaru Gas Company. —At the annual general meeting of the shareholders of this company, held on Wednesday night, a very satisfactory report and balance sheet were read, and it was decided to de clare a dividend at the rate of 15 per cent, on the past year’s business.

The Westland and Waimate. —Both these vessels are still in quarantine, as well as their passengers, who were landed at the quarantine stations, but cases of illness are rapidly decreasing, and no new cases have occurred. Big Trout. —Mr. Seahright, a Christ church angler, took a 151 b trout from the Avon 011 Thursday, with a minnow bait. North Canterbury Races. —lt is pro posed to postpone these races till Friday, April 2, to avoid their clashing with the Easter Monday Volunteer Review.

The Temperance Movement. The Rev. Matthew Burnett, tho temperance reformer, who is likely to visit New Zea land, in a letter giving an account of his recent farewell tour through Victoria, states that during the seven weeks over which it extended, ho administered the pledge to more than 1,000 persons.

Repartee. — Ti e oilier clay a friend remarked in a humorous way at the dinner table that his next neighbor but one had a very large mouth. The latter gentleman suffered his defeat with equanimity. After a short time speaker number one began to cough vio lently, saying that a fly had made his escape from his cup of tea, but had unfortunately gone down his throat. Speaker number two saw his opportunity and improved it by saying that the fly had made a sad mistake, for he was sure the poor creature thought it was going into the open air ! Number one stopped coughing. Sabbath Observance. —At a meeting of the Christchurch Sunday School Teachers’ Union on Thursday, th e following resolution was passed : —‘ ‘ That this meeting, feeling very anxious for the preservation of the sacredness of the Sabbath Day, do heartily agree with Mr. Councillor Lambert in his resolution before the Council to suppress Sunday trading, and hereby pledges itself to use all legitimate moans in its power to assist him or the City Council to obtain any enactment or law which will enable them more efficiently to secure the sacred observance of the Lord’s Da}'.” Apiarian Society. —A meeting of ladies and gentlemen interested in the formation of a Bee-keeping Institution, took place at the Congregational School, Manchester street, Christchurch, on Thursday. There was a good attendance, there being a number of ladies present. Dr. Irving was elected to the chair. The business of the meeting having been stated in a few words by the chair man, the meeting proceeded to the con sideration of the rules, a set of which had been prepared for that purpose. The chairman said that he had received from persons resident in Ashburton andKaiapoi, communications indicative of the warm in terest taken in the movement in the country districts, and suggesting that branch societies might be formed at the places named ; a letter to the same effect had been received from Dunedin. After some discussion it was resolved to alter the name of the Society, so that its operations might be extended, and call it the Canterbury Bee-keeping Association. The rules were then considered seriatim and at considerable length. A set of regu lations suitable to the circumstances of the association having been passed, the elec tion of officers and a committee was pro ceeded with. Dr. Irving was e’ectcd president, Canon Cotlerill vice president, Mr. F. Adams secretary, and Mr. J. P. Jameson consented to act”as treasurer pro tom. The following were appointed a general committee : —Mosdames C. W. Adams, F. Adams, Espinett, Manifold, and Miss Brown ; Messrs C. Hull, Bray, C. W. Adams, H. Purdie, Wheeler, G. Harris, W. Smith, Edwards, Dr. Camp bell, and the Rev. G. Wilks. It was also resolved that the general committee should elect a sub-committee from their number to act as the executive. A vote of thanks was passed to the church authorities for the use of the building, and a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. Seeing a Man Home. —l picked Sim mons up pretty near dead drunk, and took him home. When I got to his house, as I thought, I shook him a bit, and said, “ Hei-e you are.” “ Right,” said he, and gave a big bang at the knocker. Up went a window. ‘ Who’s there V’ screamed a woman. “I have brought the old man homo,” said I. “All right,” she cried, .and came to the door. She immediately seized hold of Simmons, and gave him such a shaking that his teeth seemed to rattle in his head. “ Who are you shaking of ]” says lie. “ Goodness gracious,” cried the woman, “ That is not my hus band’s voice. ” I struck a match, and she found she had been shaking the wrong man. “ There,” said the woman furi ously, “I’ve been sitting up here expect ing my husband home drunk, and now I’ve wasted my strength on a stranger. ” “Don’t he live here?” said I. “No,” said the woman, “He don’t.” “ What made you knock ?” said I to Simmons. “ Knock,” said he,” “ You told mo to.” “ I thought you lived here,” said I. “Glad I don’t,” said he. I suppose he was thinking of the shaking he’d had. At last I found where he did live, and got him home. Mrs. Simmons was sitting up for him. As soon as ever we knocked, out she came. “Oh !” says she, “ you’re the wretch as makes my poor husband drunk, are you V’ and she caught me a slap across the face. I’ve never seen a drunken man heme since. — “Cope’s aTo bacco Plant.”

Accountant in Bankruptcy. —Mr. J. E. Buchanan has been appointed by Judge Ward a certificated accountant in bank ruptcy.

Prolific Yield. — A field of oats on Mrs. Janies Birnie’s farm, Kaiapoi Island, threshed out this week, returned the enormous yield of 93 bushels per acre nett.

SanFranciso Mail. —Tho Homo mail, via San Francisco will close this morning at 10.20 at the Ashburton Post Office. The mail will he due in London April 13. Important to Farmers. —Mr. Joseph Clark is prepared to purchase grain fir cash, or to make advances to farmers wishing to ship their produce, and with that object in view will attend to his con stituents in Ashburton on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Rakaia Valuation List.—Thurs day, the 11th March, has been fixed as the day for completion and inspection of the new valuation list of the district, and objections will require to bo sent in by the 29th of the same month. The Court to hear these objections will sit at two o’clock in the afternoon of the sth April.

The Remote Future of Westland.— The “Hokitika Evening Star” thuses : —“The selfishness, as displayed by the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, and almost all the deputations, in Canter bury and Otago, who interviewed the Minister, is commendable. They have no hesitation in asking for the impossible. They know no one but themselves, until the tax gatherer comes round. Then they recollect that there are neighbors, and at once endeavor to saddle them with the heavier burdens, whether having received any benefits or not. Westland ! your prospects in the face of sleeping cars, tiger rugs, foot-warmers, and perhaps sleeping car maids, arc ve r y remote indeed. You may pay, which is a privilege you are allowed to enjoy, but you are doomed to tramp, and manuka scrub placed on mother earth is your sleeping car.

Digby’s Bridge. —The contractor fer tile construction of the bridge near Digby’s made good progress until tho advent of harvest, when the carters struck for a substantial advance in the price of convey ing the material from the railway station to the site of the bridge. In consequence of this rise in the value of haulage the con tractor has for the present suspended operations, although the timber is now encumbering the railway station yard. All the piles are driven, about half the superstructure is completed, and in a very short time it is expected that the bridge will be open for tho limited amount of traffic expected to utilise the structure. A New Firm. —Messrs. Everett Bros., drapers, outfitters, &c., of Nelson and Christchurch, are about to open a branch of their establishment in the stores lately occupied by Hooper, Aitken, and Co., and at present used as an auction mart by Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co. The new firm intend opening for business on Saturday next, 6th March.

Civil Service Reductions. —Wo are informed on good authority that a Royal Commission will, at an early date, com mence their investigations into the inner secrets of the multifarious departments and offices considered to be necessary for carrying on the affairs of the colony. Hie necessity for the enormous army of officials employed has been severely com mented on, and has at last led to the ap pointment of a Coinmissicn of gentlemen who are to make a rigid scrutiny into the working of every department, with a view to weeding out the ornamental and retain ing the useful portion of the great army of officialdom. The work before the Com mission is a Herculean one, and will, if thoroughly and successfully carried out, deserve to he put on a parallel with the cleansing of the Augean stables.

Masonic. —At the regular meeting of the Thistle Lodge, S.C., on Thursday night Bro. T. Quill was elected W.M. in consequence of the removal of Bro. K. Hurst to Christchurch, At the meeting of tho Somerset Lodge last night it was proposed to celebrate the opening of the now Masonic Hall in Tancred street next month by a ball, and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrange ments.

Taken in. —ln Tasmania the other day, a merchant, in anticipating that the Colonial Treasurer’s statement would cause the duty on salt to he doubled, bought 200 tons to land. Imagine his disgust when he found the duty was reduced from 30s. to 20s. per ton. Several merchants made like mistakes regarding other articles of merchandise. Anti-Fat. —At a certain railway station the other day a contractor, who is trying to reduce his proportions by partaking of “anti-fat mixture,” complained that it cost him Bs. a week to keep his corpulency within bounds. “Hear that,” ejaculated a son of Erin. “In this country men are doing their best to keep down their fat; in mine they can’t get rid of their lean. Surely this must he a feme country for the working man ! ” Adventures of a Piano. —This story (which we clip from the “ South Canter bury Times”) ought to skin the eyes of a certain Town Hall Company wc know of. Some time ago an accomplished musician, whom we shall call Herr Thumper, finding business dull, raffled his instrument—a half grand—which, having undergone severe wear, was in a rather tuneless con dition. As luck would have it, the lucky thrower was a prominent Philharmonist, ami this gentleman, believing thirty bank notes would be preferable to the musical notes of his acquisition, sold it for that sum to a firm of auctioneers and dealers. From the latter it found its way to an importing firm in New Zealand, whose name and stylo, to avoid unpleasantness, we will not mention. This occurred several months ago. Now for the sequel. Herr Thumper was travelling the other day with a musical company, when lie happened to call at a ■wayside township where the only place for entertainments is a Town Hall belonging to a public com pany. Besides the hall, a grand piano was hired, and Herr Thumper proceeded to examine it. “ Why,” said he, critically surveying his instrument, “ I’m bio wed if that isn’t my old half grand that I raffled at a few months ago.” “ Can’t be,” replied the hall-keeper, “that piano be longs to the Town Hall Company, and is a newly-imported instrument which they recently paid LISO to Messrs for.” “ that may he a newly-imported instru ment of the company, but it can’t deny its identity. It’s the old half grand which I’ve hired and raffled, and played on till 1 was sick and tired of my life.’’--Herr Thumper is now on his travels, and the story of his piano is operating like an eye-opener on many a musical circle, where tlie tricks of trade have hitherto been un suspected. A Difference. —Did you (says a writer iu a Home paper) ever notice the broad, comfortable, shady looking Leghorn hats in the milliners’ windows ! Jnst buy a woman one, and the first thing she will do will be to double up her dainty fist and punch a three-cornered dent on the right side; then she will pinch the front rim down and the hack rim up, and then stave in three or four more big dents at odd corners ; and, when it resembles in shape an old tin pap that has been a target for a stone-throwing match, she will remark upon tho “ elegance and grace ” of the affair. But just let a man jam in one side of his hat, and he will be proclaimed a wine-bibbing vagabond.

Use Plump Seed Wheat. —Wo have known • practical farmers to save their shrunken wheat for seed, after selling their plumper and more perfectly developed

and matured grain, because of the better price it would bring ; holding, also, that one hundred pounds of shrunken grain would seed more ground than one hundred pounds of plump grain. Possibly there may be no noticeallo deterioration in the product of a single season from inferior seed ; but that is to be doubted, and the practice is certainly contrary to the rules of good husbandry and the laws of nature, and should be discouraged by practice and sentiment of every fanning community.— “ Exchange. ” Besterday’s Court. —There was no Court yesterday.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. ( Reuter's Telegrams.) London. Feb. 25. The New Zealand loan is quoted at 105. Adelaide wheat, 61s. per 4961b5., ex warehonsc. At the wool sale to-day, 10,500 bales were catalogued, with an active demand, with a liklihood of a further advance. Tho Brindisi mails, per steamship Norfolk, has been delivered. (Argus Special.) London, Feb. 25. During the debate in the French As sembly on the Tariff Bills, M. Rouher’s speech stating the immense advantage of Free Trade to France was loudly applauded even by the Loft AUSTRALIAN. (Special.) Sydney, Feb. 26. In the Legislative Assembly last night the Government Education Bill passed the third reading, on a division of 42 to 6. Sailed—Rotorua, for New Zealand, yes terday. Brisbane, Feb. 26. His Excellency Sir Arthur Kennedy, Governor of Queensland, proceeds to England next month on private affairs. (Reuter’s). Sydney, Feb. 26. The Judge to-day prohibited the fur ther publication of the evidence in the case Shepherd v. Dibbs by the “Evening News.” His Honor deprecated the action of the paper, which he said was demoralis ing tiic public with prurient details. Sailed Rotorua, for New Zealand yester day ; Australia for Auckland. Sydney, Feb. 27.

It is currently reported here to-day that the Governor (Lord Augustus Loftus) has received a cable message from Eng land to the effect that the relations between England and Russia are in a critical state ; that war between tho two countries is im minent, and that the situation will be decided in a few days. The rumor neces sarily requires confirmation. Melbourne, Feb. 26.

At the mass meeting of Liberals hold last night, speeches were made by Mr. R. T. Yale, Sir Bryan O’Loghlin, and Mr. Graham Berry. The proceedings were of an orderly character. Saturday has been proclaimed a public holiday. The Chief Justice charged the jury in the Bank prosecution, and then allowed them to be set free until to-morrow. Adelaide, Feb. 26. Arrived—Orient steamship John Elder, from Plymouth. Brisbane, Feb. 26. The lion. Mr. Bell, President of the Legislative Council, will assume the posi tion of Acting-Governor during His Excel lency’s absence. PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPROYIN CIAL. Auckland, Feb. 27. Messrs. T. and S. Morrin had 1 carcase of an animal, supposed to he infected with pleuro, sent to their yards in High street to-day from the neighborhood of Ellei’slie. It was examined by Messrs Goldsboro and Haines, veterinary surgeons, and a number of gentlemen interested, and their reports will bo sent to the Attorney General. At the meeting of the Pastoral Associa tion a resolution was passed requesting Government to trace and purchase the cattle recently imported from Australia, in order to destroy them, and thus stamp out the disease. The cost would beLSOO. Mr. Buckland, in event of this being done, offers to furnish a list of the purchasers and the prices given when sold at his yards. Government are urged to quaran tine Ihe cattle expected bj’ the Hero from Sydney. Cattle are also expected shortly from Queensland. Mr. McKelvie, an old Auckland colonist, has sent to Auckland Museum, by the Loch Ure, from London, a collection of Maori curiosities, which had been sent to England more than thirty years’ago, also a large collection of silver and copper coins, and twenty curious medals.

The “ Timaru Herald,” having refused to apologise for the statement made respecting the condition of the barque Glimpse, Captain Norris has determined to proceed with the action for libel. Grahamstown, Feb. 27.

Efforts have been made to induce Go vernment to compel holders of timber rights over waste land to relinquish their claims <0 the land denuded of timber, that the same may be thrown open under the Homestead Act.

0. Firth Mcller, Auckland, owns one million acres on the Upper Thames. He intends giving a banquet after harvesting, and now prefers a claim against Govern ment for L 2.452, cost of improving the navigation of the Upper Thames river. It is said some Ngatohaki natives con cerned in the late attack on the surveyors, have joined Te Whiti’s followers. Taukanga, Feb. 27.

J. C. Young, late Government Land Purchase Agent, was arrested yesterday on three informations for stealing moneys entrusted to him in his capacity as land purchase agent. The amounts are LSI, L 7, and LlO. Bail was accepted, himself in LI,OOO, and two sureties of LSOO each. The case will be heard to-morrow.

Hawera, Feb. 27,

The Constabulary are steadily working at the formation of the road, and are about one mile from’ Kaupokonui. A picket of ten men is constantly stationed at Kaupokonui bridge, as it seems that in case of hostilities the enemy might seise the bridge and render direct com munication with Hawera difficult. An earth work protection is also being thrown up at camp.

The Commission on Native is still sitting hero, but will conclude to morrow. A large number of natives have been examined, and their claims and grievances fully gone into by the Com mission.

Wellington, Feb. 27.

A petition is in course of signature calling on the Mayor to convene a meet ing for the purpose of urging the necessity of pushing on the completion of the Wel lington-Foxton railway. Seventy-five men engaged by G aver ment left for Waimate Plains this after noon, when they commence work in form ing the roads. “ Wellington Prices Current,” issued to-day, states that the hank rate for deposits will be reduced early next month, and the open market supply of money is rather less restricted, though still a good deal short of the demand, and from 10 to 12i per cent, is paid on mortgage of real estate.

A man named John Connelly, ex tele graph operator, was charged with impos ing on the relieving officer by obtaining from him half-a-crown, and spending it in beer. He was sentenced to four weeks’

hard labor, and on another charge of im posing on a tradesman he received a simi lar sentence. Grf.ymouth, Feb. 27. In the last match between the Grey month rangers and the Westland rifles, the funner made 073, this is believed to be the highest score yet made in the colon} - . Lyttelton, Feb. 27. The nominations for the Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap of LSOO close on Monday. In nominating, the age of the animal at the time of entry is required. Arrived—Southern Cross from Welling ton ; Island Lily from Chatham Islands. The Dunedin whaler Splendid had taken four whales, and lost four others through not having gear to hold them alongside. Christchurch, Feb. 27.

The University Senate sat again this morning. An application from Mr. Percy B. Adams, to be admitted to an ad eutidem M.A., was withdrawn, the certifi cate forwarded by him being informal. The other business consisted of arrange ment of details of examination. The Senate at its rising adjourned till Monday afternoon. The Otago crew won the boat race easily. They outpaced the local men from the start, and came in five lengths ahead. The betMng was also against them—and the result was a complete surprise. It is attributed to the difference in the style of rowing and the long sliding seats used by the Otago men. The Bicycle Club races come off to morrow. There are three events, all handicaps, one mile, four miles, and ten miles. Cntten, the Otago competitor, is at scratch in the first and last, for which alone he has entered. There are eight entries in the ten mile. Timaru, Feb. 27. Duncan Cruikshank was yesterday com mitted for trial at Waimate for fraudulent bankruptcy, making the third case of the kind for hearing at tli 3 District Court at Timaru on Monday. There are thir teen other criminal cases on the list, in cluding nine riot cases. Very few transactions have yet taken place in new grain, deliveries being very light. Merchants’ prices are 3s. 3d. to 3s. Cd. for wheat, Is. 3d. for oats, and 3s. to 3s. 3d. for barley, bat farmers are disin clined to accept these at present. The weather is still very changeable. Oamaru, Feb. 27. A man named James Dcering committed suicide to-day by drowning himself in the Creek as Ngapara. Ho had lately come out of a lunatic asylum, and the act was in consequence of an unsound mind and No inquest will be held. Dunedin, Feb. 27. A quartz reef, carrying silver in con siderable quantities, has been discovered on the main Cadrona range. Samples of ore will be sent to Dunedin for assay. The Native Land Purchase Commission sat again at Waikouaiti to-day, and ad journed till to-morrow. Ann Ward, a servant at Fidler’s Auld Scotland Hotel, where she had been only for a week, gave birth to a child on Wednesday, which was asterwards found dead in a water closet. The girl was taken to the hospital. Ihe body of the child was removed to the morgue, where it awaits the usual inquest. His Excellency the Governor has not received any information concerning pro bability of war between England and llussia referred to in Reuter’s Sydney message to-day. Robert Irving was killed and Hugh M'Cann seriously injured at Blue Spur. They were larking together as the trucks came up the incline, and got caught by a rope, being dragged round by the winding gear. In Abraham’s sweep the first money goes to Telford, Alexandra ; the second to Morkane, Port Chalmers ; the third to Paterson, Octagon Hotel. In Dodson’s sweep the first goes to Yallance, the second to three work girls in a local factory, the third to Timaru. In the 1 ress consulta tion, H. Lyon gets first, Grant and Co., of the steamer Wellington, second, and the third goes to a resident of Napier. In Cameron’s consultation, the first prize, LIOOO, goes to Clutha ; the second to G. Spooner, Dunedin ; the third to Captain A. Palmer. The Chinese arrested at Cromwell, charged with selling spurious gold, was discharged, the police failing to prove the ale by him. Balclutiia, Fob. 27. At a meeting of the Clutha Council to day, John Watson’s tender to erect the Balclutiia bridge, L 10,953, was accepted, Council giving back security for indent of iron from England. 4,

THE LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. [Reuter's.) Constantinople, Feb. 25. A Greek lias been arrested at Stamboul, having a number of bombs in his posses sion. He is suspected of conspiracy. London, Feb. 26. An anti-rent meeting was being held to-day at Portadown, Ireland, when a large body of Orangemen made an attack on the assembled crowd. A serious con flict ensued, and a number of both sides were wounded. St. Petersburg. Feb. 25. Fears are entertained that a serious Nihilistic outbreak will take place in this city on Wednesday next.

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN SUMMER MEETING. First Day, Thursday, Feb. 26. The weather was very dull, owing to the heavy fog hanging over the hills, but there is little likelihood of rain. The Governor and Lady Robinson arrived on the course early, being received by the officers of the club and conducted to the stand reserved for them. 'fatator was scratched for the Cup early this morning. Two totalisators are at work, and fairly patronised. The principal one, to have been stationed in the paddock, did not put in an appearance. When the first event started, at one punctually, 2000 persons were on the course. As usual, the sandhills at the back of the course were extensively patronised. ■free handicap. Luna ... ... ... ... 1 On Dit 2 Tera ... 3 Won by a nose, after a capital race. Time—lmin. 4Sscc. CHAMPAGNE STAKES. Sir Modred 1 Revoke colt ... ... ... 2 Waimea colt ... ... ... 3 Time—lmin. 21sec. The Dunedin Cup, a handicap of 500 bovs., with a sweepstake of 11 so vs. each added, the second horse to re ceive 50 sovs. and the third 20 sovs. from the stakes. Two miles and a distance. Mr. E. Cntts’ b g Mata, syrs., Bst. 91b. (F. Matthews) 1 Mr. R. Ray’s b m Titania, 6yrs., 7st. Mbs. (Wattic).., ... ... ... 2 The Hon. W. Robinson’s br h Foul Play, syrs. (including 71bs. penalty), Bst. 12lb. (Derritt) 3 Longhnds, Grip, Camballo, Hornby, Libeller, Atlantic, and Betrayer also ran. Natator was scratched early in the day. Mr. Robinson declared to win with Grip, and Mr. Ray with Titania. Betting; Even money against Titania, 3 to 1 Mata, 4 to 1 Grip, 6 to 1 Foul Play, 7 to 1 Hornby and Betrayer, 100 to 6 Camballo, 100 to 5 Longlands, and Atlantic. L 321 was invested in the Cup Race in tliQ

totalisator, and the odds .against Mata were a trifle over 5 to 1.

When the hell rang for saddling the paddock was thronged, and each horse was surrounded by a group of admirers and critics, particularly the two who stood first in the betting, Titania and Mata. The scratching of Natator did not cause much surprise, as it was freely rumored on the previous' night that he would not go. Longlands and Hornby were the first out, and it was not long before the whole ten were marshalled in front of the starter. At the second attempt the lot were sent away on tolerably fair terms, Betrayer being the first to show in front, Longlands last.' Coming round to the stand, Libel ler led, closely followed by Giip and At lantic, Camballo and Foul Flay headed the rear division. Libeller and Atlantic con tinued first and second round the turn, Grip and Mata running together a length behind. Next came Camballo, Foul Play Titania, Hornby, and Betrayer, in the order named, with Longlands tailing oft". At three quarters of a mile, Wattle brought Titania up through her horses, and, passing the stand the second time, the favorite was fairly in front, a little before Libeller and Camballo, next to whom lay Atlantic, Mr. Robinson’s pair, Hornin' and Mata in a cluster. Round ing the turn to the right, Titania began to draw further away, and Libeller and Cam ballo to drop back. At this juncture At lantic and Mata took second and third places. At the back of the course and half a mile from home, the field momen tarily closed together again, with the ex ception of Longlands. Before reaching the distance post, however, the final effort h.ad found out the weak spots of the ma jority, and the final struggle was left to Titania, Mata, Betrayer, Foul Play and Grip. Mr. Hay’s marc held a clear lead as they turned into the straight, but Mata gradually drew up on the outside, and Derritt at the same moment calling on Foul Play, the Wellington Can winner, joined issue, and a most exciting run home ensued. Wattie rode the favorite desperately, and she responded gamely, but Mata had the most in him, and once inside the rails he got his head in front, and gaining inch by inch won a fine race by a head. Foul Play, whose final rush was a little too late, and on whom the weight told too much, could not get quite up. but he was beaten by only half a length for second place.' Grip was fourth, Betrayer fifth, Camballo sixth, Libeller seventh, Hornby eighth, Atlantic and Longlands last of all. Time—3 mins. 56£ secs. This is the best time on record, beating the dead heat of last year by three quarters of a second. The next best was Templeton’s 3 mins. 59 secs in 1878. ladies’ purse. Hilarious ... ... ... 1 Volunteer ... ... ... 2 Chancellor, Lonehand, Billingsgate, and Mario Antoinette were scratched. Volun teer was scarcely backed for the race, which was won hands down, by Hilarious. No time was taken. publicans’ pandicap. Luna ... ... ... ... 1 Billingsgate ... ... ... 2 Natator ... ... ... 3 Betting—3 to 2 agst. Natator, 2 to 1 the others. Luna led from the start to finish, and won easily in 1 min. 19sec. Natator was second for nearly half the distance, when Billingsgate passed him, but could not get near Luna. SELLING RACE. Adamant ... ... ... 1 Gleiidync ... ... ... 2 Glengarry ... ... 3 Maud ... ... ... ... 0 Concrete 0 Betting—3 to 1 on Adamant, who won rather easily.

Second Day—Friday, Feb. 27. The weather is beautifully fine, and fully 2000 people were on the course when the first race started. The Governor and lady were present. The proceedings opened with the

Handicap Hurdle Race of Go sovs., the second horse to receive 10 sovs. from the stakes. Two miles and a dis tance, over 10 flights of hurdles.

Mr. D. M‘Mastor’s ch g Scamp, aged, 9st. olbs. (Allen) ... ... ... 1 Mr. G. W, Luun’s g m Alice Grey, aged, Bst. lOlbs. (Clifford) ... ... 2 Mr. J. Cotton’s b g Thilo, C yrs., 9st. (Owner) 3 Lonehand, Black Prince, Robin Hood, Architect, Antoinette, also ran. Betting—s to 2 on the field. Black Prince, Lonehand, and Scamp being mostly taken. At the fall of the flag Scamp and Archi tect went to the front an?l cleared the first hurdle together, closely followed by Robin Hood, Alice Grey, and Lonehand, while Black Prince, Antoinette, and Thilo brought up the rear. At the next fence Robin Hood fell, and was out of the race thenceforward, while Lonehand baulked once at the succeding hurdle. Scamp and Architect meanwhile raced away together, followed at a couple of lengths’ distance by Black Prince, Thilo, and Alice Grey, in the order named. Pass ing the stand the second time, the little horse "was still in front with Architect close up, Thilo next, slightly ahead of Black Prince, who in turn held a couple of lengths advantage of Alice Grey and Antoinette, Lonehand bringing up the rear, and fencing in a most awkward man ner. Going round to the back of the course Architect began to fall back, and his place was filled up by Thilo, while, at the same time Clifford began to bring Alice Grey nearer to the front. Turning into the straight Scamp had a slight lead of Thilo, while Black Prince and Alice Grey were coining up fast, and a slashing race home ensued. All were hard ridden, but Scamp held his own well, and though Alice Grey came with a tremendous rush and passed Thilo at the stand, the mare could never quite get to Mr. M‘Master’s horse, who won by a length, Alice Grey second, Thilo a good third, Black Prince fourth, Architect fifth, Antoinette sixth, Lonehand seventh. All jumped splendidly except Robin Hood and Lonehand.

Time —4uiin. o-isecs. The Du.vedix St. Lkoek, a sweepstake of 10 sovs. each, with 250 sovs. added. Fox- thx-ee-year-olds. Colts, Bst. lOlbs.; fillies, Bst. 71bs. The second horse to receive 60 sovs. from the stakes. One mile and thx-ee-quarters and 132 yards. Nomination, 2 sovs.; closed with 49 subscnbei-s. Hon. W. Robinson’s blk c Grip, by Slander—Awatea (Derritt) ... ... 1 Mr. G. Fraser’s hr c Betraj-er, by Ti-a -ducer—ldalia (Matthews) ... ... 2 Mr. J. 11. Lunn’s b f Marie Antoi-

nette, by Traducer—Maria Theresa, (Clifford) Messrs Mason and Yallance’s b c

Volunteer, by Totara Seabird

(Nolan) 0 Betting—Even on Grip, 3 to 2 agst Betrayer, 6 to 1 agst Marie Antoinette, 10 to 1 agst Volunteer. The four were sent away to a most atrocious start, the lot being spread out in single file, with Betrayer in front, Grip next, Marie Antoinette third, and Volun teer more than half a dozen lengths be hind the filly. After going a few hun dred yards Grip ran up to Betrayer, and shortly afterwards headed him, leading at the half mile by a couple of lengths. Passing the stand the black colt was fully two lengths in front of Betrayer, who was a length before Marie Antoinette, Volunteer acting as whipper - in four lengths in the rear. Going round to the right, Betrayer began to diminish the gap between himself and the favorite, and at the same time Volunteer crept up to Marie Antoinette’s girths. This contest promised to be a very exciting one. At the far side of the course a mile and a quarter had been covered, and here Betrayer rooinen*

tarily headed Grip, but Derritt let go bis colt’s head and he speedily took first place again. Coming round to the straight Mario Antoinette came with a great rush, and passing Betrayer went on in pursuit of Grip. Up the straight run in, a grand tussle ensued between the three, but Grip had always the best of it, and shakingoffßetrayer’s determinedchaMengo lie won with a lot in hand by a length, Marie Antoinette third. Volunteer last. Time— Smins. 30 There was L 320 in the totalisator, and the winner’s odds stood at 2 to 1. Dunedin Jockey Club Handicap, of 200 sovs. One mite and three quarters. Hon. W. Robinson’s Foul Hkv, syrs. 9st 31bs. (Derritt)... ■£. w.o. Foul Play being the only acceptance for this race, cantered round without any notice being taken of him. Stewards’ Free Handicap of 100 sovs, Acceptances 5 sovs., of which 2 sovs. each will go to the second horse. One mile and half. Mr. R. Ray’s b m Titania, 6yrs, Bst. (Wattie) ... ... ••• 1 Mr. P. Butler’s ch m Luna, Cyrs, 7st. Gibs. (Ruddings) 2 Mr. J. Ghaafe’s b h Atlantic, 4yrs, 6st. 51bs. (Thompson) 3 Longlands and On Dit also ran. Betting—3 to lon Titania, 2to 1 agst. Luna, 3 to 1 any other. Titania got all the best and Atlantic all the worst" of another bad start. After getting fairly into their stride On Dit dis possessed Titania of her lead, and led past the stand by half a length. Two lengths behind the brown filly came Luna, a clear length before Atlantic and Longlands, whom Clifford had the whip on soon after wards. When a mile had been traversed Titania had again taken the head of affairs, but On Dit stuck pretty close toiler till a quarter of a mile from home when she had shot her bolt, and dropped back, Luna then went in chase of the favorite, and turning into the straight the sem blance of a race took place, but Titania was soon seen to have things all her own way, and drawing away at every stride, she won hands down by two lengths. Time—2min. doscca. There was L32S in the totalisator, and On Dit stood at 2 to 1. Novel Race, of 80 sovs. One mile and a quarter. The winner to be sold by auction with all his engagements, and the whole proceeds of the sale of the liorse to go to the funds. Mr. J. H. Lnnn’s b g Robin Hood, aged, 7st. 41bs. (Webster) ... ... 1 Mr. W. C. Mackay’s ch h Duntroon, aged, 7st. (Rudings)... ... ... 2 Mr. D. Corsan’s b g Glendyne, syrs., 7st. 71bs. (Hodson) ... ... ... 3 Concrete also ran. Betting— 3 to 2 agst Robin Hood, 2 to 1 agst Duntroon, 3 to 1 agst the rest. Concrete and Robin Hood cut out the running, and led past the stand, with Duntroon a length behind them. At the back of the course Robin Hood and Dun troon passed Concrete, and raced away together. The favorite held a lead until a quarter of a mile from home, when the whip was pulled out to Duntroon, and all seemed over. The half brother to Trump Card, however, came with great game ness, and, collaring Robin Hood half way up the straight, Webster had also to use the whip freely. A great struggle took place, first one and then the other having a slight advantage, but in the end Mr. Lunn’s horse had a shade the best of it, Webster landing him first on the post by a head. Glendyne a bad third. Time—2min. 25secs. There was L 214 in the totalisator, and even money on the winner. The Railway Plate, of GO sovs. The gift of David Proudfoot, Esq. Three quarters of a mile. Weight-for-age. Mr. E. Cutts’ b g Mata, syrs., Bst. lllbs. (Matthews) ... ••• ••• 1 Mr. H. Prince's 2yrs., Gst. lOlbs. (Nolan) 2 Mr. Ray’s b h Templeton, aged, 9st. 11b. (Owner) ... 3 Betting—3 to 2on Mata. Mata got the best of the start, and cut ting out the running, won in the com monest of canters by half a length. Hilarious, who came alongside him most of the way on sufferance, was second ; Templeton last, three lengths off. Time—linin. 21secs. HACK RACE, Of 20 SOVS. Spey won, beating four others.

CRICKET.

ASHBURTON V. TIMARU. A match between these two clubs took place on Thursday on the Domain ground, Ashburton. A very strong team had been selected to represent the local club, but at the last moment it was discovered that Grant, Anderson, Saunders, and Westenra could not take part in the game, and their places were filled by less experienced players. The Timaru club was also unfor tunate, only eight players arriving to do battle on its account. Shortly after noon operations wore commenced by Timaru taking the field, and Hodder and Denshire going to the wickets for Ashburton. Neither of these usually reliable batsmen contributed anything considerable to the score, and Rooks and Andrews also failed to make a prolonged stay. Buchanan placed 22 to his credit by very good cricket, and Fagan and Groves obtained 13 and 10 respectively by hard, if not very scientific hitting. The bowling was straight but very simple, and with a better ground probably a much larger score would have been made. After lunch Timaru took an innings opposed to the bowling of Fagan and Andrews, but no stand was made, the total only reaching 19, or 57 behind that of their opponents. The bowling was good, Fagan being particularly distinc tive. At half-past three Denshire and Hodder again appeared at the wickets, and the former gentleman commenced the best innings we ever saw played in the county. He compiled 55 by really good cricket, and perfectly at home with every description of bowling opposed to him ; his defence was very confident, and hitting clean and effective. Andrews also played a good useful innings, making 27. None of the other players reached double figures, but the sub stantial contributions of the two'gen tie men referred to, brought the total up to 100. The second innings of Timaru, chiefly assisted by Jones (25), produced 49, leaving Ashburton victorious by 108 runs. The following is the score : Ashburton—lst innings. Hodder, b Rothwell ... ... 1 Denshire, c Cook, b D’Emden ... 4 Fooks, b Rothwell ... ... 5 Andrews, b D’Emden ... ... 1 Buchanan, b D’Emden ... ... 22 Whitley, Ibw, b Rothwell ... I Pagan, st D’Emdeu, b Jones ... 13 Marsh, b Jones ... ... ... 6 Groves, b D’Emden 10 Mahoney, b Jones 3 Brordbelt, not out ... ... 0 Byes 10 76 2nd innings. Hodder, b D’Emden 3 Denshire, c and b Godby ... 55 Fooks, b Rothwell... ... ... 0 Andrews, b Rothwell ... ... 27 Buchanan, b Rothwell 1 Whitley, c substitute, b Rothwell 2 Fagan, c Lusson, bßothwell ... 0 Marsh, b Mahoney, c Lougn/il-JSodby ... 1 Groves, not out ... ... ... 1 Broadbelt, absent... ' -.i, ... 0 Byes... ..; ... ... 4 Leg-byes 1 Widea 5 i’oQ

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1880.



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST. s. d. s. cL Butter, inferior to best 1? lb o 6 to 0 10 Eggs, If? dozen - - I 0 to I 3 Cheese, prime quality, I'’’ lb o 8 to I 0 Bacon, piime smoked, U lb O 10 to I 0 Hams in cloth, 1? lb - I 4 to 1 4 Flour in bags, li? loolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 251b - 6 0 to 0 0 Lard, 1? lb - - - 0 9 to 0 0



NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, Ac., Ac., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter. in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended Ids efforts to please, he is prepared to' guarantee a pericct fit in eA T cry case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 9S2a MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, Ao., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, March 2nd, 1880. 0. PERCY COX, 427# Agent, Ashburton.



WHEAT FREIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. nnHE undersigned, having I completed their charters for the ensuing grain season, will regularly despatch first class iron ships to various ports in the United Kingdom. Ships. The Bruce, Capt Soulh colt British Empire, Capt Mather Remonstrant, Capt. Stod dart Pleiades, Capt. Setten 1 146 1490 1045 Class. "A/ ' Aa l Ai A; London direct. A port of call in the U. Kingd’m for ordr’s A direct port in U Kingd’m A port of call in the U. Kingd’m for ord’rs Mar. 15 fn all March In all March To fol low Several other equally high class iron vessels are also chartered, and will follow. For freight, apply to P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. ; Or to ROYSE, STEAD, A CO., 488g* ’ Christchurch. ENGLISH WHEAT SHIPMENTS. THE Undersigned are prepared to ship wheat to London or any other Port in the United Kingdom for farmers or others, making liberal CASH ADVANCES against same on favorable terms. Farmers placing their Wheat in our hands for shipment can rely upon the ENGLISH CHARGES being REDUCED to a minimum, and upon receiving PROMPT ACCOUNT SALES. Intending shippers wishing to avail themselves of the present opportunity of testing the London and other English wheat markets, are recommended to make IMMEDIATE APPLICATION for space. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 489g* Christchurch. NOTICE TO FARMERS. J | IHE undersigned will be 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*



Gkaijt. —The grain season has now fairly commenced on the railway, and the first grain special ran on Wednesday from Christchurch to the Port.