COMMERCIAL.

[by telegraph.]

Dunedin, May 28. Prime beef, 225. Gd. per 100 lbs ; mutton, 2d.; good sample milling wheat, 3s. sd. to 3s. lid.; fowls feed, 3s. to 3s. 3d.; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.; malt barley, 3s. Gel. to 3s lOct.; feed, 2s. Gd. to 35.; potatoes, L2 7s. Gd.; old hay, L 4; new oaten hay, L 3 ; chaff, L 3 ; straw, L2; bran, L 3 ; pollard, L 4 ; flour, LlO ss. to LlO 10s; large sacks oatmeal, L 9 10s.; pearl barley, L2O; onions, 75.; cheese, 5d.; bacon, rolled, lOd.; hams, Is., sides bacon, lOd. Wellington, May 28. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency report under date, London, May 25, as follows : —The wool market is un changed. Home buyers are purchasing freely, but the continental demand is limited. Competition on French account is sluggish, and the American demand has fallen°off. Up to date 200,000 bales have been sold. The sales will close on the Bth proximo. The wheat market is quite, Adelaide being worth 525. per 496 lbs., and New Zealand, 50s. ditto. Supplies of town melted tallow are light, and the market is firm. The leather market is quiet, best sides being worth ll|d. per lb. AUCTIONEERS’ REPORTS. Messrs. H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, etc., for the week ending Thursday, May 27th, 1880, as follows : The continued satisfactory advices of the European sales of our wool tend to create an increased demand for a l l classes of store sheep, and the difficulty ex perienced in the selection of good lines of stores for holding over is very great; in fact, without paying the full extra pros pective value they are not obtainable, and the prices asked for this class of stock exhibit to our mind such a small margin of profit, in comparison to the prices ruling for fat stock, that were we pur chasers, with a desire for an early return, we should prefer the last mentioned, and our remarks apply equally as well, as far as profit is concerned, to the cattle market, as until the permanent establishment of the freezing process on board our inter national vessels, we see no great outlet for our surplus fat stock, and although there is at all times a fair dealer’s profit attached to purchases and sales the bona fide pro ducer and grazier must make up his mind to the fact that unless relief is obtained through export, his breeding and feeding on co.i paratively high valued property is only a precarious employment. At the Canterbury Salcyards on Wed nesday the attendance was only moderate and the bidding throughout the day was on a par with the weather, which was ex ceedingly damp. The supply on offer was far from'large, and 011I3' in a few instances was the quality sufficiently good to merit attention. 344 cattlo, 4,838 sheep, and 79 pigs, comprised the day’s catalogue, of which we offered 203 cattle, 1,961 sheep, and G 8 pigs, all of which sold, fetched a good figure. Canterbury Horse Market.—On Satur day, at Tattersall’s, 102 horses formed the catalogue for the day’s auction, chiefly consisting of light sorts, with a fair num ber of good useful farm horses, for which there was a fair demand. At the opening of the sale biddings dragged, but towards the middle and close competition became more animated, and sales were effected of a considerable number at quotations. The large number of weedy, ill-bred stock coming forward every week tends to weaken trade, and militates against sales of even good stock. Our sales were— Good serviceable draughts from L3O to L 42 ; ordinary, L 22 to L2B ; medium to inferior, Ll's to LlB ; and weedy from L 8 to Ll2 ; hacks and light harness horses, Ll2 to L 22 ; very inferior, L 5 to LB. We have a capital demand for well-grown, decently-bred upstanding geldings, for cab, coach, or hack purposes, with none in the market. Country Sale.—On Tuesday, at the Tin wald Yards, we held our usual fortnightly sale of stock, &c. Our entries for the day comprised 2,074 sheep, 46 head of cattle, and 3 horses. There was a limited attendance, owing to the wet weather, but we succeeded in disposing of the whole of the sheep and horses, and most of the cattle, at highly satisfactory values. Messrs. J. T. Ford and Co. report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, May, 27, 1880, as follows The supply sent forward to the Adding ton Yards on Wednesday comprised 4,838 sheep, 344 head of cattlo, and 79 pigs. Prices remain at 2d. per lb. for mutton, and from IGs. to 20s. per lOOlbs. for beef. Store sheep of all classes are in excellent demand, crossbreds for grazing purposes fetching from 7s. Gd. to Bs. Gd., and ewes (crossbreds) in lamb to long-woolled rams, at from Bs. 6d. to 9s. each. Merino ewes from 4s. Cd. to ss. Gd. each. Hoggets, from Gs. to 7s. Gd. each, according to size, condition, and quality. Fat sheep moved off pretty freely, but the cattle sale was a perfect drug from beginning to end. On Thursday last we held a clearing sale at Methven, on account of Messrs. Gunn Bros. Stores brought from L 35 to L3B each. Drays, from Ll2 to Ll 4 each, and farm implements at satisfactory prices. On Saturday we submitted for various owners, Messrs. Maxwell and Mathias and others, 30 head of draught and light har ness horses, and succeeded in placing a good few at from LlB to L 32 each. Messrs. Acland, Campbell and Co. re port on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, 27tli May, as fol lows :—On Wednesday, at the Addington yards, there was a smaller entry of sheep than we have had for some time, owing, no doubt, to the wet weather, only 4,838 being yarded. There were several lines of excellent butchers’ sheep • entered, but, in spite of the limited supply, there was very little, if any, advance on last week’s prices. Our quotations are—For best crossbreds, heavyweights, 11s. Gd. to 135.; medium, 9s. to 10s. Gd. ; inferior, Bs. ; one line of merino ewes, good quality, Gs. lOd. The few crossbred stoves in were placed at late rates. Cattle yarded-—There was a. good supply of butcher’s cattle of really first-class quality, but the market was one of the worst we have had for some time, very little of the best quality fetching more than IGs. per lOOlbs., averaging about 15s. The market for stores were also dull, and sales were only effected at prices slightly lower than late quotations. On Tuesday we held the usual monthly sale of live stock at Tin wald. There was a large entry of sheep, all of which found buyers at market rates. The market for cattle was very dull, and sales were only effected with difficulty. After the sale of live stock we offered a number of sections in the township of Chelmsford, situated about six miles from Tinwald, on the Ashburton-MountjSomers railway. The sale was highly satisfactory, all the sections offered being placed at prices ranging from L 5 to Lll 10s. for quarter acres. The remainder of the sections will be offered at Ashburton on Tuesday, the Bth June. CHRISTCHURCH COEN EXCHANGE. Christchurch Corn Exchange. The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange Report for the week ending Friday evening, the 28th May, 1880 : The condition of the market for the past week is precisely what it has been for some time past. There is no improve ment to note. The market for all classes of grain is extremely heavy. Supply is in excess of demand in nearly all kinds of produce. Good milling wheat and short oats will find a good market, but at

very low fig ires. The most recent ad vices from Home are not more reassuring than formerly, hence buyers are chary. Wheat—Good sound milling wheat will find a market at 3s. 6d. per bushel, second quality ranges from 2s. Cd. to 3s. 4d. per bushel. Chick wheat still con tinues in large supply, and does not meet with a ready sale, Is. 9d. to 2s. 4d. being the prices at which business can be trans acted. Oats—For good short milling oats a market can be found at Is.. 4d. per bushel, f.0.b.; feed samples at from Is. to Is. 4d., according to quality. Barley.—The market still continues well supplied, with an indifferent demand. The prices quoted last week may be again repeated, but it must be borne in mind that sales are difficult to effect at the rates quoted, and the quality is the great desideratum. Fair to good malting samples range from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d. per bushel ; feed samples are almost unsale able, prices nominal. Potatoes are moving slowly. Sales are taking place at 255. to 20s. per ton, at stations within a few miles of Christchurch, sacks extra. Grass seed. —There is no change to note in the value of this article of produce. The demand is very limited, while the supply is abundant. The quality, how ever, as a rule is very indifferent, and at best times would be difficult to place. Good heavy seed, well cleaned, is worth 2s. 6d. to 2s. lOd. per bushel. Cheese and Butter.— 4d. to 4|d. for the former, and Bid. to 9d. for the latter.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under:— Tuesday-, June 1. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Rotomaliana. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch at 10.35 a. m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. Fr*m Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.in., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Crari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1880.

Parliament has been opened, and in a few days the work of the session will com mence. Whether that session will be pro ductive of great and good results to the colony, or be barren and unprofitable, is a matterof useless speculation. Thespeech of his Excellency, however, is a very hopeful one, if only "a condensation of the Pre mier’s speech at Leeston, and if all the work that Government has cut out in it for Parliament is got through, the Legis lature will have accomplished much. After a reference to the monetary pressure— now happily to a great extent relaxed, and to the depression in various branches of trade and industry, which, let us hope, will soon be relieved, his Excellency goes on to notice the degree of confidence which has been inspired by the abundant harvest and the rise in the price of wool. He views these with satisfaction, as all well wishers of the colony must, but at the same time he is fully alive to the colony’s condition. The Go vernment, speakingthroiighbis Excellency, know that the abundant harvest and the rise in the price of wool have not ac complished all the reaction that was necessary to raise the work ing classes out of the state of de spondency into which the dullness of the times have placed them, and a clause in the speech refers to the fact, with aa expression of hope and trust that this dullness may be only temporary. This is the hope and trust of all, but in a good many cases, we fear, men are thus hoping against hope, and are looking with anxiety for some foundation on which lo build those hopes more securely. The Government tell us that this question of the unemployed is engaging their atten tion, in proof of which the Royal Commis sion on Local Industries is pointed to. To the report of this Commission most people will anxiously look, and not a few virulent anti-Protectionisls are already on the qui five. Without opening up the question of protection, w T e fail to see how Parliament cm take any very effective steps to foster local industry, and we feel assured that protection is quite unpopular enough in the New Zealand Parliament as not to be adopted, or to be adopted to only a very innocent and harmless degree, in the nurture of our native industries. The speech then deals with the Native difficulty in a few words, expressive of a beb’eve that the firm yet fair course fol lowed by Government will favorably effect the Maori feeling towards us, and there the question is left. On financial matters the Government is straight and outspoken. It is not for getful of the fact that for a lengthened period the colony has been rolling in borrowed wealth, the limit of which havirg been reached a time of straituess was sure to ensue, and it points cut that t T >e falling off in the colony’s revenue from all sources is attributable to the ces sation of the influx of foreign wealth, with which cessation must also come a diminution of the rate of progress towards development hitherto made. The present is a point all who carefully studied the Immigration and Public Works policy of Sir Julius Yogel plainly foresaw, and it was this slacking off our, so to speak, fast living that many of the opponents of that pol'cy had in view when they offered to ic their opposition. Glamored with the attractiveness of Vogel’s scheme sanguine and short-sighted men saw only the bright side it held to view, and that side was surely a golden and brilliantly burnished one. That bright side has been turned towards the people for ten years, pud it shone while the millions lasted. While they held out, railways spread out their iron arms, and the artizan’s hammer charged on public works, and there was plenty in every home. Like a flood, wealth rolled over the land, and all shared in it. Now, however, the fountain of that wealth is dry, and New Zealand has in the future to be dependent on her own resources. She will now find how far the reproductiveness of her borrowed mil lions will help her to pay the interest upon them, while at the same time he raises ordinary revenue sufficient to make both ends meet, and keep the wolf from the door. The paternal Government preaches economy—“ Expenditure must be de creased, luxuries must be curtailed, and public works already constructed must be made more reproductive.” The above is a pvegr ant sentence, and might be made to include between the few lines that make it up something like a revolution in our railway system, our civil service, and every public avenue of outlay that bleeds the treasury chest of the colony. Nothing short of some radical change will suffice to bring down the expenditure to a balance with revenue, for it seems to us the people of New Zealand have reached very near vhe limits of their taxable endurance, and that a few more turns of the screw will break the machine, and additional taxation will cease to increase the return. The wisest sentence in the whole speech is perhaps the one which tells us that henceforth we must look to industry and economy for the development of our resources and the maintenance of healthy progress. Pity that the lesson was not well conned over long ago. On the question of finance too, local bodies are promised a plan that is calculated to place their finances on a satisfactory basis and enable them to carry on their works in a self-reliant and inde pendent manner. For this plan we we will look with some degree of curi osity. With the critical question of the co lony’s finance to be satisfactorily solved, Parliament has a great and important work in itself on hand, and added to that Native affairs not yet squared, ample excuse may certainly be found for less pressing matters, that can well affoi’d to wait for handling, being laid aside for a time, though not overlooked. Notwith standing, tire ragged ends of legislation unfinished last session are to be gathered up, and some very weighty questions will engage the attention of Parliament. As hinted by the Premier, the licensing laws will once more be on the anvil, and if a satisfactory measure can be framed out of the present inefficient liquor legislation something will have been done to mark the session of 1880. The vexed question of charitable aid will also appear, and a radical change in the judicature is hinted at. The latter question is too large to be grappled with in a moment, and how the legal procedure in the Courts of the colony can be simplified will form the subject of an inquiry the result of which will probably supply a basis for future le gislation. The re-adjustment of repre sentation will receive attention, as was expected, and measures for facilitating the extension of settlement are promised. It is worthy of note that the important question of education, a change in the pre- |

sent law regulating which was by many ex pected, is not even mentioned in the iSpcech. Altogether the programme of the ses sion is a good one, and offers room for wise and good legislation. How far the carrying out of that programme will be satisfactory to the colony we can only sur prise, and must wait till the legislature promised has developed itself under the hands of Parliament.

“ Wickrd Marks.” —His Worship the Christchurch R.M. gave judgment yester day in the charge of Sunday trading against Marks, the Christchurch fruiterer, fining him ss. for the offence. Appointaients. • —A Gazette just to hand has the following appointments of Licens ing Commissioners ; —Ashburton, Rakaia, and Mount Somers district Mr. F. Guinness, Messrs. J. Ward, C. P. Cox, and H. T. Winter; Mount Peel and Geraldine Messrs. L. Walker, W. Postlethwaite and W. N. Slack ; Temuka —Messrs. S. D. Parker, A. Cox, jun., and J. A. Gammack. Meeting of Creditors. —A meeting of Mr. George Rickard’s creditors was held at the District Courthouse, on Thurs day last, Mr. S. Saunders in the chair. The debtor submitted a statement of his assets and liabilities, which showed a balance of nearly LBOO in favor of the former, but anything of value appeared as secured to Messrs. Saunders Bros. , King and Co., and Morrow, Bassett, and Co., the principal creditors. Mr. Pavitt was elected trustee. “ Black-eyed Susan. —Owing to un forseen circumstances, Mrs. Hoskins will be unable to play in “ Black-eyed Susan,” at the Town Hall, tc-night. The piece, however, will not suffer in interest on this account, as the part will ho played by the lady who has rehearsed for Dolly Mayflower, and who has made herself a favorite with local playgoers. An adver tisement elsewhere tolls us that Mrs. Hoskins will take the part she promised at the representation next week. The play gives every promise of being well put on. Civil Cases. —At the Court yesterday, His Worship gave judgment for the plain tiffs for the amounts claimed, with costs, in the following cases :—Fowler v. Rolan, L‘2 7s. 9d.; Harris v. Bryan, L 4 Os. 6d.; Harris v. Forbes, L 4 75,; Harris v. O’Shea, £4 18s.; Reate v. R. M. Buclianan, 95.; Saunders v. Boileau, L 7 10s. (on a promissory note) ; Hodder v. Spring, Ll 3 (on a promissory note). Mr. Crisp appeared for the Borough Council in suits for rates as under ; —Borough Council v. Butler, L 25 ; same v. Hicks, L 4, in each case obtaining judgment, with costs. A Holiday Spree. —Yesterday his Worship, theE.M.,reheard aebargeagainst Wm. Stothers for breach of the peace. The case was heard last Tuesday, and on that occasion Stothers was fined L 5 in his absence. He applied for a rehearing of the charge, on the plea that when the first hearing came on he was in a very unclean state, and before he could become presentable the Court was over and his case disposed of. His Worship granted the rehearing, conjoining the charge with another of a similar character against John Meiklejohn, for whom Mr. Ireland appeared, who said the offence had been committed while his client, who had been to the Christchurch races, was under the influence of liquor, and in that state had discussed racing matters with his fists, his opponent being Stothers. Both parties were fined LI, his Worship remitting the previous fine of L 5 recorded against Stothers. Drunk and Rowdy. —There are a goodly number of very disorderly charac ters in the town just now, if we, may judge by the amount of “drunk” business the R.M Court has to dispose of. Yesterday a man named Symons, avlio was robbed of a watch, Avas fined 5s or twenty four hours in prison for being drunk, he having gone to the police station in such a state of inebriation that the Ser geant had to lock him up. Charles Tonan, another inebriate “ owned to it,” but urged that he hadn’t been before that Court for two years. In Court, however, he appeared to he under the influence of drink : he had been out on bail. His Worship levied LI from Tonan. Robert Hunter, an “incorrigible vagabond,” was sent to prison for twelve months. Previ ous convictions Avero recorded against him, and this time he AA r as found drunk in Moore street, and it Avas only after a severe tussle, and aid had boon obtained, that Constable Daly AA r as able to fix him up Avith the handcuffs. Funeral of Mr. George Bland. —On Thursday, at one o'clock, the remains of Mi’. George Bland, avlio met his death by a gun accident on Sunday last, Avere carried to their last resting place in the old cemetery. The procession, which Avas an exceptionally large one, numbering about 200 people, left Mr. Daily’s house in the Wakanui Road, at one o’clock, and proceeded to St. Stephen’s, where service was conducted by tlie Rev. Mr. Hands and Mr. J. Ward. The service was semi-choral, the 39th Psalm to Tallis being chanted, and hymn 221, “ Ancient and Modern,” was sung at the conclusion of the lesson. The “ Dead March, in Saul,” aaris played as a volun tary by the organist, Miss Gates, as the cortege left the church. At the grave, when the burial service was concluded, .the church choir sang Hymn 225 from “ Hymns Ancient and Modern.” Much sympathy with the friends of the deceased was shown at the grave, and the large number who attended the funeral testified to how much the incident of Mr. Bland’s death has affected the dis trict. At the request of deceased’s mother the service at the grave was road by Mr. J. Ward, whose kindly ministra trations as lay reader in the church has endeared him to many Christians in the Ashburton district. Flags on one or two of the larger establishments in town were hung at half-mast as the procession passed along the street. The Burnham School Escapees and the Stolin Cheque. —Yesterday at the R.M. Court, the two lads, Eli Jones and Wil liam Edwin Best, who recently escaped from the Burnham Industrial School, were brought up befoic Mr. Guinness, charge with the theft of a cheque for- LIS odds from a tent at Rakaia. Sergeant' Felton said that the lads, having con fessed their guilt, it would be useless to send them for trial, if the case was gone on with, as being of such tender years, there was no suitable gaol to send them to, and hence the only course which would be open to the Judge would be to send them back to the Burnham School. Mr. Guinness dissented from the opinion ex pressed by the Sergeant, as it was a mat ter open to doubt as to what his Honor the Judge might do with the lads in case they were found guilty. The matter being one which was very difficult to deal with, His Worship allowed the case to bo with drawn. The two lads were then charged with absconding from the Burnham In dustrial School. S. J. Maddison said that he missed the two boys on Saturday last. He had allowed the lads to sort the clothes of the reformatory on Saturday, and they had taken the clothes which they had on, and hid their uniforms in a paddock. Constable Rouse deponed to arresting the lads at Rakaia on Monday night. From the statement of the boys he knew that they were absconders. His Worship said in making an order for their return to the Reformatory, he would order J ones to be privately whipped. Mr Guinness gave both lads a warning to mend their ways, and to endeavor to lead an industri ous life, Both lads would bo sent buck to the Reformatory until they had reached J the age of 15 years. J

The Borough Council Chambers. — There is every probability of the Borough Council Offices being lit AA’ith.gas by their usual meeting on Monday evening next. The gas-fitters have been pushing on with their work, and all that is neces sary noAV is for communication to be opened up with the mains, which will, avg understand, be completed by this evening. Adjourned Once More.—The ad journed special meeting of the Borough Council to consider and adopt the By hiAVS again fell through last night, as we prophesied. Messrs. St. Hill and Wil liamson were the only Councillors present, and Avhen our. reporter left at 7.30 the former gentleman and Mr. Crisp Avere deep in the mysteries of a game of chess. Steeplechases. —Theannual Ashburton County Steeplechases Avill fake place to day over a course selected by the secretary on Mr. Hunt’s farm. With the promise of fair weather and excellent sport there should bo a large attendance. The our.-;e 'is quite severe enough to thoroughly test the capabilities of the horses, and none but good fencers Avill surmount one or two of the obstacles provided. A Avater jump of 12 feet with-a post and rail fence on the take off side appeared to us as a likely cause of grief. Calcutta Sweeps. The fulloAving sweeps on the Ashburton meeting Avere drawn last night, Mr. A. Harrison acting as auctioneer. There Avas a fair attendance, but doubtless the Bachelors’ Ball then being held in Quill’s Hotel prevented many from attending, Ash burton Handicap—No. 1, A’alue, L2G 15s. Gd. Raven, LI 10s. ; The Fakir, L2 55.; Micky Free, £i 55.; Stella, LI 15s. ; Grey Moines, L 5 15s. ; The Lad, 15s. District Handicap—No. 2 SAvcep—Value, LI 18s., The Lad, LI ss. ; Raven, L 3; Jack, L2 10s. ; Tam O’Shan ter, LI ss. Ashburton Handicap—No. 3 Sweep—Value, L 25 2s. —Stella, L 5 10s. ; Grey Momus, L 8 ; Raven, L 3 ; Fakir, L 5 ss. The Canterbury Cattle District.— The following is the official definition of the Canterbury Cattle District, under The Diseased Cattle Act, 1871, Canterbury, as proclaimed by His Excellency : And I do hereby define all that tract of country comprising the Counties of Amuri, Cheviot, Ashley, Selwyn, Akaroa, Ash burton, Geraldine, and Waimatc, Avith such islands as may be adjacent thereto, and all cities and boroughs within the boundaries of the said counties, as and to be a district under and for the purposes of The Diseased Cattle Act, 1871 ; and, in further pursuance and exercise of the powers conferred upon mo by the said Act, I do hereby attach to the said district the name of “ The Canterbury Cattle District.” Cambridge School Committee.— A meeting of the Cambridge School Com mittee Avas held on Monday evening, 24th inst. Present—Messrs. Megson (chair man), Lloyd, Lill, Grcyburn, and Mar getts. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education, authorizing the api pointment of a seAving mistress for the school. Mrs. Cape-Williamson Avas ap pointed to fill the position, and to com mence duties on the Ist June, subject to the approval of the Board. As a number of letters intended for persons resident in the school district of Cambridge have found their AA’ay to Cambridge, Waikato, the Chairman Avas I’equested to communi cate Avith the Board of Education, re questing that body to change the name of the school district to Newlands. After passing several accounts, the Committee adjourned until Monday, the sth July. Telegraphic.—The telegraph stations hitherto known as Rangitata North, GreytoAvn, and Blueskin, will in future be called Ealing, GreytoAvn North, and Waitati respectively. ■ ‘ Larrikin ism.—Four young men, for breaking into and Avrccking the furniture of a Christchurch brothel, Avere on Thursday fined 40s. each by the Magis trate. . Old Age.—No octogenarians died dur ing April, but four septuagenarians passed aAvay, viz., one, aged 78, at Dunedin ; two, aged respectively 76 and 72, at Wel lington, and one, aged 70, at Auckland. 1 Christchurch Soup Kitchen.—The Mayor of Christchurch is receiving sub scriptions for the proposed soup kitchen, and is to call a public meeting of the : citizens, Avith a view to fostering the pro ject. Sir George Grey.—Sir George ad dressed a croAvded meeting at Timaru last night. His speech Avas mainly a repeti tion of those delivered at the other large centres. A vote of thanks was accorded to Sir George Grey for his address. “Paying tub Rent.” —A man in Christchurch Avent to pay his rent to his landlord. lie exhibited the money and asked fur a receipt. When that document was made out he seized it, but refused to casli up. Yesterday the Magistrate sent him to gaol for 24 hours. Infected.—Old Wellington residents Avill learn Avith regret that Mr. John Orr, of the celebrated City Buffet, in Lambton Quay, a popular temperance hotel, has seen fit to apply for a license—but Avhether from choice or necessity we cannot say. The application will doubtless injuriously affect a colonial popularity the buffet has secured. Violent Deaths. The “ violent deaths ” in New Zealand last month com prised four in Wellington (onofromacciden tal burning, one from droAvning, and two recorded simply- as “ otherwise ”), two in Dunedin (one from “ injury to head from a fall,” and one from fracture of the skull), and one in Christchurch, the cause of Avhich last is not specified ; total seven. Curious Adventure. —The Post says ; —The Pencarrow I'ghtkeeper, while out duck shooting on the Saltwater Lake, met with a rather curious adventure. He was up to his middle in water after a duck, when ho observed a formidable looking animal coming towards him. He imme diately took aim and discharged the con tents of his gun, which, being only duck shot, took no effect, with the exception of making the animal more fierce. The keeper, being in close quarters, gave the animal tAvo or three heavy bloivs with the butt end of his musket, and succeeded in killing Avkat he afterwards found to be a •.seal, ' measuring quite twelve feet in length.” A Very Sad Accident. — A sad accident befel a reverend gentleman, or rather, avc should say, the fair organist, in a kirk in our district lately (says the Bangitilmi Advocate). The minister, carried aAvay with the fervor of his own discourse, over stepped the bounds of the platform which did duty as a pulpit, and fell upon the lady, to their mutual discomfiture. The only damage done was that which occurred to the even tenor or the reverend gentle man’s discourse ; though the lady might well be pardoned- if, in overstepping the bounds of the platform, she considered that the divine had overstepped the limits of propriety also. A Very Considerate Gentleman.— If Ave are to believe a member of the Auckland Waste Lands Board, Mr. Tonks, the gum-diggers are terrible felloAvs. Some genius or other has invented a machine for finding kaui’i gum, and he applied to the Board for aid in utilising it. Mr. Tonks Avas apprehensive that the invention would have a demoralising effect on the gum-diggers. At present they only made a rise at rare intervals, and when such an event did occur, they invariably went in for a lengthened spree, but if this un erring machine was to assist them, half of them would bo in their graves in a few weeks. After a short discussion it was agreed that the Board could do nothing in the matter.

A Baby Smothered. —A half-caste Maori woman had her baby smothered at Cambridge, Waikato, while sight-seeing at the races. Ax Extraordinary Wager.—An ex traordinary wager for L2 has been made between two gentlemen at Bulls—viz , whether a man weighs heavier before or after partaking of a meal. ■ The decision (says the Bangifikei Advocate) is to be ar rived at by practical proof, and with this view the two will weigh on Saturday • morning, and after partaking of dinner at an hotel will again try their weight. The gentleman who holds the latter hypothesis will, we presume, tax his capacity for vic tualling to the utmost, while his adversary holds that this will be in his favor, as the weight of food partaken of does not com pensate for a corresponding displacement of chemical gases which occurs. Strikes in America. —Some suggestive figures regarding strikes in America are given in the report of the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics and Labor. This re port is prepared annually by order of the Massachusetts Legislature, and embodies the results of the most systematic and painstaking research amid the varied in terests of the Bay State. The report of this year gives some interesting informa tion about strikes and strikers, which is summarised in the following figures, cover ing as far as possible the record of all the strikes which have taken place in Massa chusetts :—Causes of strikes—To secure better wages, 118 ; to secure shorter days, 24; to enforce Trade Union rules, 9 ; re sistance to employers’ rules, 5 ; against introduction of machinery, 3. Results of strikes—Unsuccessful, 100; successful, 10; compromised, 16 ; partly successful, 6 ; results unknown, 9; contest still pending, 1. The conclusion drawn in the report from these figures is “that strikes as a rule are powerless to benefit the laboring classes ”; and certainly the statistics .given appear to bear out this view, at least as regards Massachusetts. ’ Extraordinary Capture of a Shark. —On Sunday morning last Messrs. D. White and H. Talbot went for a pull to the bank beyond the Motueka harbor, Nel son, and on arriving there the children Avho accompanied them took off their boots and socks for the purpose of wading in the tide, which at the time was making. Just after the children had loft the water a large shark was observed beating about very near them, and Messrs. Talbot and White at once made up their minds to secure him if possible. Mr. shark approached to within a few feet of them, and upon find ing the water too shallow for him to get nearer, he turned to go back, but as he was in the act of doing so, Mr. White with great pluck rushed into the water, and seized his tail for the purpose of dragging him ashore, which feat he accomplished. The shark turned upon him several times whilst he was in the act of doing so, but each time White gave him a sudden jerk, and so prevented him from reaching his arm with his mouih. After landing him upon the bank, they half killed him by battering his head with a huge stick, and afterwards towed him across the harbour and landed him at the Retreat Inn at the rear of which he could be seen all day on Sunday. It was a blue shark, and about eight feet long from tip to tip ; ho lived about two hours after arrival at the inn. The water where White seized him was about two feet deep. Colonial Ploughmen. —Cricketers and boatmen from the colonies have visited England, and showed their superiority over their British brethren with the willow and the oar, and now it is proposed to send home a team of colonial ploughmen with colonial made ploughs for the purpose of contesting in the matches which will take place in the fall of this year. The Geelong Advertiser says : —“The promoter of the movements is Mr. John Dailey, of Ballairne, an intelligent man, who has for upwards of twenty years been engaged in agricultural pursuits here, and who has taken numerous prizes, including champion medals for his skill has a ploughman. Some two or three years ago he went Home and from what ho saw then in the rural districts of England, Scotland, and Ire land, he has no doubt that such a team as he will select, with such colonial made im plements as they will take with them, will travel through the three kingdoms with an eclat equal to that which attended our riflemen and cricketers in the Old Country.” The team is expected to leave Melbourne about July, and as no doubt the ploughmen chosen to visit England will be very skilful workmen, even if they do not win any matches, it will tend to show the British public that the colonies are not behind them in agricultural pursuits.

THEFT OF A WATCH AND CHAIN.

At the R.M. Court yesterday, Edward Lee was brought before his Worship charged with the larceny of a watch and chain from one John Symons, on Tuesday last. Constable Smart arrested the prisoner ip the bar of the Somerset Hotel about 8 p.m., last Tuesday, and charged him with the theft. On arriving at the lock-up, prisoner said he had not got the money, but another man had it. He said the man who took the money wore a long coat. John Symons, sworn-I am a laborer, residing in Ashburton. On Tuesday evening last I was sitting in the bar of the Royal Hotel. I had, as nearly as I can recollect, about L4O on mo, including a cheque for L 29, which was in a purse in my right-hand Housers pocket, I had a roll of twelve LI notes, also in my pocket, and some silver loose in my left-hand waistcoat pocket. I had a silver watch and steel chain, the bar of which was attached to my button-hole. [Watch produced, which witness identified]. I value the watch at about L2 10s. The prisoner, who is a stranger to me, was in my company. We had a glass or two of drink together. Up to one o’clock of that day I had the watch and money in my possession. I was par tially intoxicated on that occasion, hence I cannot remember the last time the watch was in my possession. I had occa sion to go to the back of the hotel, but do not remember prisoner following me out. It was between half-past four and five o’clock when I missed my watch and some notes. On coming into the bar I wanted to shout some drinks, and on putting my hand into my pocket found only L2 remaining. I do not know how the other money was taken out of my pocket. I never gave the prisoner any permission to take care of the watch. It was about .five o’clock when I missed it. On a qonstable coining to the hotel, I gave ray cheque and other money to John Toppin. The cheque was for L 29, and there was also two single notes. I cashed a cheque at Mutch and Mcl£enzie’§ for L 39 odd. James Leesou, sworn—l am a wheel wright, residing in Ashburton. Iremember being at the Royal Hotel on the 25th May. I saw prisoner outside the bar door. Prisioucr said he had got another man’s watch and chain, and he knew that the man had ten pounds more, and he was “ going for it.” He said he would give me five pounds to say notiiing about it. A person,, sitting with his head down, was in a corner of the bar. Prisoner was crouching down on the right hand side of this individual, with his arms crossed, but I cannot say whether he was touching the oilier person. This was after prisoner had told me he had got the watch—about three o’clock. I then gave information to the police. Adam Stevenson, gave corroborative evidence. John Toppin deponed—l am barman at the Royal Hotel, Ashburton. I saw Symons and prisoner at the hotel last Tuesday, drinking together. I saw Symons take a roll of notes out of his

left-hand trousers pocket to pay for some drinks. I also saw a watch chain on Symons at dinner time. Prisoner handed over a watch and chain to ms about four o’clock, saying it belonged to Symons, and he did not want to see him robbed. I do not know whether prisoner had been out side before this. It was after Leesnn and Stephenson came into the bar that prisoner gave me the watch. Sjnnons was under the influence of drink, but prisoner seemed sober. Between 7 and 8 o’clock Symons gave me a cheque for L 29, two notes, and some silver James Leeson, re-called, was examined by prisoner—l never was acquainted with you, and don’t know how you came to make such an observation to'me as you did. James Stephenson, also re-called— Prisoner is a perfect stranger to me. Prisoner was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor.

ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE BY TWO FOREIGNERS.

Charles Peterson, a Swede, and Carl Brunn, a Dane, were charged yesterday before Mr. - Guinness with violently assaulting Hugh Hewitt, and stealing five one pound notes from him. Cor stable Warring deponed to arresting the two prisoners on the south end of the Ashburton bridge. They were both in a cab, and he charged them with robbing with violence. They said “ You have captured the wrong men.” This was about 3.30 in the afternoon of Thursday. I found on searching them 18a. Gd. on Peterson, but no money on Brunn. At the request' of Peterson, his Wor ship explained what robbery with violence meant, upon which Peterson professed innocence of such a charge. Hugh Hewitt said he had been em ployed on the Westerfiold Estate. Got L 7 10s. about 9 o’clock on Thursday morning from Mr. Shearman. Put the money in my trousers pocket. Paid’away one note, and changed another at the bar of the Somerset Hotel. On going out about eleven o’clock in the morning, I fell over the catch of the gate, making myself very dirty. I was in such a state that I went back and got a change of clothes. I went into the wash-house, which is in the backyard of the hotel, to change. Before taking the dirty clothes off, I took five single notes and about a pound’s worth of silver out of my pocket, and put it on the boiler at the side. Joseph Gale assisted me off with the trousers. I put on a fresh pair. While talking to Joe, two men came into the wash-hpuse. Joe said they had no business there. I recognise Peter son as one of the men who came in. Peterson struck mo in the eye, and knocked me down, rendering me in sensible. Just before becoming insensible I heard Joe cry out “ you shan’t take his money.” When I came lo my senses the whole of the notes were gone, and some silver also. Ido not remember seeing the prisoners in my life before, or of ever giving them any offence. By prisoner Peterson—l have not seen the money since. I saw you both in the wash-house, but did not see you come in. Joseph Gale deponed—l am a laborer employed at the Somerset Hotel. I know the last witness. I took him to the wash house on Thursday before dinner to change his clothes. Before taking his dirty trousers off, Hewitt took some notes and silver out of his pocket and put them on the boiler. He was sitting on a small box, and put on clean trousers, during which ti.ue, Peterson came in and hit Hewitt in the eye and knocked him down. The other prisoner got on to him and com menced taking his money. After Peterson came in, Hewitt put the money in his pocket. I called Mr. Hewitt by his name, upon which Peterson made use of a course remark. Neither of the men said anything to me. Brunn took the notes out of prosecutor’s pocket, and four of them fell on the floor, which I took possession of. I saw Brnnn’s hand in Hewitt’s pocket while the latter was on the floor. When the notes fell I ran out with them to Mr. Shearman. The wash house is in a portion of the yard not open to the public. The next time I saw the prisoners was when I was in company with the police. They w’ere in a cab, coming over the bridge. Hewitt was very drunk. James Owld, sworn—l am cook at the Somerset Hotel. I saw Joe and Mr. Hewitt in the wash-house about 10.30 a.m. on Thursday. I saw the two prisoners go in about tea minutes afterwards. I think they were ill the wash-house about half hour. Hewett was intoxicated when he went in. The prisoners came out of the wash-house very quietly and went into the tap-room. They w r ere slightly under the influence of liquor. The door of the wash-house was closed while they were in. George Millar depoded—l am barman at til 3 Tinwald Hotel. Saw prisoners at about three o’clock on Thursday at the Tinwald Hotel. Peterson gave me a pound note, out of which to pay for three drinks. They then went away in a cab in the direction of Ashburton. Robert Shearman, sworn—l am proprie tor of the Somerset Hotel. I paid Mr. Hewitt seven LI notes and ten shillings in silver about eight o’clock op Thursday morning. At about 12.30 I received four LI notes from Gale. I saw prosecutor at about ten o’clock, at which time he was sober- There is a wasji-fiouge in my back yard for the use of servants exclusively. The prisoners had come to board at my house the night previously. I could not identify the notes which I gave to Hewitt in the morning. This concluded the case for the prosecu tion, and after being cautioned by his Worship, Peterson said that on Thursday he was in Shearman’s bar drinking. He missed his mate, and on going into the yard to look for Brunn, he found Joe and Hewitt in the wash-house, and on going in en quired who was going to shout, upon which the prosecutor said he would shout, and said that- Peterson should have the first drink. Hewitt then gave him a slap across the face, and on Peterson enquiring whether he meant it, said yes, upon which Peterson gave him a blow, but not suffi cient to knock him down. Hewitt sat down with his hands before his face, and the accused then went out and found his mate lying on the table in the dining-room. Peterson asked Brunn if he had sufficient money for a drink. Brunn told him to feel in his pocket, and he found a note. Both of them took a cab and went to the hotel by the bridge, where accused said he shouted for himself and the cabman. They then divve out to Tinwald,’to get wages for work which they had done there. They had drinks at the Tinwald Hotel with another man. Peterson said that the pight before they each got a note frouj Mr. Shearman. He had spent his, but R >yas with Brunn’s note the drinks were obtained, The prisoner Brunn declined to make any statement. His Worship committed prisoners for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court to be held at Christchurch,

SHOCKING ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE AT NAPIER.

(by TELEGRAPH.'I Napiek, May 28. William Collins, groom at the livery stables, attempted suic'.do thi? morning. He went to the stables at 8 o’clock, but instead of attending to his work he entered the office, where there were two guns—a muzzle loader and a breach loader. Finding no ammunition to load the muzzle gun with, he emptied a cartridge for the purpose, and then placed

the muzzle under his chin and pulled the trigger. His jaws, tongue, and nose were completely blown away, but the brain was uninjured, The report alarmed his fellow workmen, who conveyed the man to the hospital. Collins has been drinking hard lately. He has a wife and three children. The doctors entertain a hope of saving his life.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

A WORD TO THE FARMERS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, —Allow’ mo to warmly congratulate you upon the production to the public of your first Farmers’ Supplement; it is per so a most praiseworthy edition. The particulars given by you with respect to the productions of wheat and meat in . America cannot fail to be a treasury of knowledge to our New Zealand farmers, who are as a rule not apt scholars in learn- ; ing anything having for its object a pro gressive tendency. Force of circumstances , is a grand teacher. From the latter lam inclined to conclude that the agricultu rists of New Zealand have in store a lesson that will be pretty well impressed on their minds, and one that Seems to be close at hand, namely,—low prices for all kinds of corn, and keener competition. At present one of the primary draw backs that our farmers have to contend with, and which it is in their hands to control, is the unprecedentedly high railway rates, storage, and shipping charges, which their corn is subject to before it finds its way on board ship ; but, farmer-like, this most vital question scarcely gives the “tillers of the soil” a* second’s thought, although it . has been publicly avowed that under the railway rates hero of the last financial year, it cost. ... as much to carry one ton of ,produce ja, ,vi distance of 58 miles as it did one ton in an adjoining colony 150 miles, yet her railroads, for all that, cost her as much to • construct as ours did ! The question here arises, What have our aspirants to states manship, who are, as a rule, so ambitious for distinction and power, been about ? and how calmly our over-burdened farmers carry the gross imposition. This and all such State-bungling must sooner or later have an end. The New Zealand agriculturist endures the payment of taxes to keep going this governmental mis management with complacency of the most charming nature—all. he does is to pay and grumble. America might be instanced as another striking example upon this very point of railway management. The distance from Chicago to the New Fork is estimated at 912 miles, and one ton of grain has been carried for 18s. Bd., or about, one-fifth of a penny per ton mile ! Comparisons are, according to some people’s measure, in vidious, but are, nevertheless, wholesome, and if acted upon with a firm hand, have cleansing effects. It will be well, for the information of our easy-going farmer, to introduce to his notice the most out rageously high tariff rate, which he has been subject to—viz., paying 15s. 2d. for one ton a distance of 58 miles to Christ church ; or for 18s. Bd. he has had the great privilege of having one ton carried miles f.o.b. at Port Lyttelton ; while our cousin across the deep sea can have one ton carried for the same money a ; distance of 912 miles, or over eleven times that our New Zealand corn-grower can.

I noted, Sir, by your last issue that your Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion Society is to be “ opened next Tues- r; day by an introductory address, and. that 0 monthly meetings are to be JBp-for the purpose of reading matters of farming good or bad government affects the interests of the - farmers in the way I have suggested, it is to be hoped .the members will keep the ball rolling, and not rest until economy is the inherent policy of the Government. Unless some such action is taken the order of the day will be taxes of an inter- . minable nature, and nothing to show for them.—l am, &c., ' William.

SPORTING.

THE ENGLISH DERBY.

(By Cable.) London, May 26. The race for the Derby was run to-day, and resulted as follows : Bender ... 1 Robert the Devil ... ... 2 Mask ... 3

TELEPHONE’S TIPS,

Since my last notice I find The Lad has accepted for the “big” race to-day, and I must look upon his chance of victory as a good one, although I fancy Grey Momus will just beat him, provided Mclvor’s horse goes straight. The following are my final selections ;

ASHBURTON HANDICAP. Grey Momus... 1 Fakir ... ... 2 DISTRICT HANDICAP. Tam O’ Shanteb 1 Jack ... ... 2 Raven... ... ... ... 3 WAKANUI STAKES Grey Momus.,. ... ... 1 Fakir .. 2 farmers’ STEEPLECHASE. Tam o’ Shantisii ... 1 Jack ... M Raven 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Telegraph.]

Wellington, May 28.

Parliament was opened at two o’clock yesterday by the Governor in person. There was only a very small attendance of members in both Houses of the Legis lature.

Sir William Fox took the oath and hia seat for Rangitikei. His Excellency’s Speech.

His Excellency delivered the customary Speech, giving an outline of the work to be done during the session, • The full text is given below :

Honorable Legislative CmincUlors and Gentlemen of the House of Representa tives — In accordance with what was under stood to be the wish of both branches of the Legislature, I have called you to gether at an earlier period of the year than usual, and after an interval of little more than live months since the last ses sion of Parliament. When I last met you, the cquntry was suffering from severe monetary pressure, arid a general depression in various branches of Indus? try and trade. It ig gatigfactpry for nje to be able, on the present occasion, tp con* gratulate you on the partial relief which has been experienced, and on the degree of confidence which has been inspired by an abundant harvest, and by the’increased value of most of the staple products of the country. At the same time, the condition of the colony demands your careful con sideration. I regret that there should be a considerable amount of distress among the working classes, but I and believe this may be only of a teiS

porary character. It is engaging th? serious attention of my Government, whp have taken steps for enquiring into the means best calculated to encourage such local industries as will afford steady and remunerative employment to the people. In accordance with the decision of the Legislature, I appointed a Royal Com

THE A

ON GrU



AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, June 1. J. E. Buchanan <&Co.—33 building allot ments. Tuesday, June 8. Acland, Campbell, and Co. —On the estate of Mr. Thomas Simpson, Wakanui road, Ashburton, 120 acres of freehold land. At AN EARLY DATE. Messrs. Acland, Cjimpbell, and Co., at Wcsterfield Station—Horses, Cattle, Implements, &c. NOTICE TO FARMERS. P~|pHE 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. 550g* MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, May 25, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. rjma 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 nublic. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Invercargill Oamaiiu Timaku 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. OYERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— Bast Street, Wm. SPARROW, SSBa Manager.



McSHERRY DRILLS. A SHIPMENT of these celebrated Drills is expected shortly to arrive. They will range in wicltn from G feet G inches (12 Hoppers) to 10 feet (.17 Hoppers). Or iers taken by the undersigned, FREDK. PAVITT, Ashburton, For the SOLE AGENT, JOHN ANDERSON, 64Gg-240c Canterbury Foundry.