SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER.

For Wellington— Each Tuesday, Thurs day, and Saturday. For Napier and East Coast— Every Thursday. For Picton and Nelson— Each Tuesday and Saturday. For Taranaki and Manukau— Every Tuesday. For Port Chalmers —Each Tuesday and Thursday. For Melbourne via Bluff— Every Tues day. Fob Hobart Town —Each alternate Tues . day. For Sydney —Each alternate Thursday.

For Picton and Nelson (transhipping at Nelson for West Coast ports)— Wanaka, This Day, Saturday, April 10. Passengers by 7 '2O train. For Port Chlmers —Penguin, This Day, Saturday, April, 10. Prssengers by the 2 - 40p.m train. For Melbourne via Bluff —Rotoma- hana, Tuesday, April 13. Passengers by 3 '55 p.m. train. For Hobart Town—Rotomahana, Tues day, April 13. For Akaroa—Wanaka, April 15.

Lyttelton, April 9. —Arrived —Padi- shah, from Port Chalmers ; Dumfries shire, from Newcastle. Sailed—Waimate, ship, for London, with IG4B bales wool, 173 casks tallow, 7262 sacks wheat, 36 cases tallow, and some sundries ; also 30 passengers. The Margaret Galbraith, ship, for London ; the Arawata, for the North ; and the Hawea, for the South.

COMMERCIAL.

CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the report of the Christchurch Corn Exchange for the week ending Friday evening, April 9. The week that has lapsed has not evolved any new features, which call for special remark. Large quantities of wheit continue to arrive from the country stations, which is being shipped for Groat Britain on growers’ and merchants’ ac counts. Recent Home advices report the market flat, latest quotations are 565. per quarter for 4961b5. Wheat sales have been effected during the week at from k, lOd. to 45., accord ing to quality. Prime samples fit- for seed will command 4s. in Christchurch. Good milling 3s. 9d. to 3s. lOid. Oats.—No change has taken place in the value, sales are taking place at from Is. 4d. to Is. Gc. Demand fair, but growers unwilling to part. Barley.—The state of the market is almost precisely what it was the preceding week. Few samples of really prime quality are to hand, while the market is glutted with second-rate to feed samples. For prime malting, 3s. 9d. to 4s. is ob tainable ; for the other, 2s. to 2s. 9d. is the value.

Grass seed.—A few sales have been effected at from 2s. 9d. to 3s. For good extra dressed heavy samples the latter yrice is obtainable. Potatoes. Enquiries continue for forward delivery, and a few sales have already taken place. For one large parcel the rumor is that 365. is the price agreed upon. There is still nothing defi nite as to market rate. The present aspect of affairs points to between 30s. and 40s. per ton, sacks extra. Cheese and butter.—The former is in good supply at from sd. to s]d. per lb., demand slack. The latter is saleable at BJd. to 9d. per lb., demand moderate.

Messrs. R. Davies and Co. held their first auction sale in the yards attached to the Railway Hotel, Rakaia, on Friday, when they disposed of two town sections in the town of Rakaia, and several horses, ploughs, and other farming implements, belonging to the assigned estate of Mr. E. Powys, at satisfactory prices. At the close of the sale Mr. Davies, on the pari of his firm, thanked those present for their attendance, and informed them that he intended to hold monthly sales of stock and implements in those yards, when he hoped they would give him their support, promising them to do his best in their interests.

Messrs. H. Matson and Co. —At a sale of vessels held by Messrs. H. Matson and Co., on behalf of Mr. F. Jenkins, at their rooms, Cashel street, Christchurch, at 11 o’clock on Thursday the attendance was but scanty, and the biddings were very slow and weak. The first vessel offered was the Especulador, 262 tons register, which it was stated could carry about 360 tons of dead weight, or about 170,000 feet of timber. A very full inventory was read, and she was stated to be ready for sea. The first bid was L7OO, which went slowly up to L 725, at which price it was bought in. The Elizabeth Curie, of 76 tons re gister, was next offered, but a bid of only L2OO was made, and she was passed in. The Onward, fore and aft schooner, 69 tons register, was next offered, but all the efforts of the auctioneer failed to elicit a bid. The ketch Lucy James, 27 tons re gister, but said to carry 40 tons, was next offered. The first bid was LSO, which ran up to LIOO, at which price she w r as knocked down to Mr. Mackintosh. It w r as in tended, we understand, to offer the unsold vessels by auction in Lyttelton in about a week. At 2 o’clock a sa’e of land was held at which there was a numerous atten dance. Mr. Walton was the auctioneer. The first property offered were two sections of land upon the Esplanade, Sumner, but all the efforts of the auctioneer failed to obtain a bid over LIOO each, at which price they were withdrawn. The next property offered were 42 sections of the township of Newmarket, at Ad dington, on the West town belt. Number 30, containing 1 rood, 4| perches, brought L 10 0; No. 49, containing 25? r perchos, produced L7O; No. 12, containing 32 perches, brought L7O. The balance of the sections not reaching the owners’ limits were withdrawn. The bidding was exceedingly slow. At the same hour, Messrs. Matson and 00. also held a very large skin and tallow sale. There were 7500 sheepskins, 210 bags fat, 221 ox hides and several casks and packages of tallow. There was a numerous attendance, and considering the large quantities of fered prices were very good. The prices of hides averaged about the same as last week. Sheepskins were rather easier. Fat was fully |d. per lb, better in price. A sale of over 250 horses was also held on Thursday, at 11 o’clock, Mr. J. T. Mat son being the auctioneer. There was a very large attendance, and great curiosity and excitement was shown : the biddings were very active, and the prices unusually good. It is not often that an auction firm has four important sales such as these upon one day.

Messrs. Acland, Campbell, and Co. re port on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, April 8, as fol lows :—The Addington Yards on Wed nesday were filled to overflowing with sheep. In fat sheep late rates were not maintained, there being a drop of at least Is. per head, and through out the sale for bins class of stock there was a great want of animation. A large number of stores were yarded, and although some good sales were effected the market was irregular, several lots re maining unsold. We quote best cross breds from 9s. up to 11s.; medium, Gs. up to Bs.; fat merino ew«s, 4s. lid. to ss. 6d.; cross-bred store ewes, 4-tooth, 7s. 9d. j 2-tooth, 7s. 3d.; cross-bred wethers,

in good condition, 7s. to 7s. Gd.; merino wethers, 4s. 3d. to 4s. Gd.; merino ewes, fair mouthed, 45.; crocks, 2s. to 2a. 6d. Yery few lambs yarded, what were in selling from ss. 3d. to Bs. 9d. Fat cattle did not sell freely, and late rates were not maintained, best quality, not making over 20s. A large number of stores came to hand, but it was almost impossible to effect sales and a large majority were turned out unsold. For good milch cows, in profit, and springers, there was a fair demand, and sales were made from L 8 up to Ll2. For the few lots of young store cattle that were sold, vendors had to sub mit to a considerable reduction on late prices. During the past week we have placed privately several lines of cross breds and merino stoi’es and have still a good many orders to fulfil for this class of stock, especially for merino ewes. [by telegraph.] Dunedin, April 9. Prime beef, 225. 6d. per lOOlbs.; mut ton, Ijd.; wheat, 4s. to ss. 4d.; fowl wheat, 3s. to 3s. 3 1.; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.; barley, 4s. to 4s. 6d.; feed, 2s. 6d. to 35.; potatoes, L2 15s. to L 3 ; old hay, L 4 ; new oaten hay, L 3 55.; chaff, L 3 55.; straw, L2 ; bran, L 3 10s.; pollard, L 4 ; flour, LlO 10s. to LlO 15s. per ton ; large sacks oatmeal, LlO ; pearl barley, L 22 ; onions, Os,; new cheese, sd. to Gd.; bacon, rolled, lOd.; hams, Is.; sides bacon, lid. Hams and bacon scarce.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

MAIL NOTICES.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will be closed .at Christ church on April 24, and will be due in London on June 8.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on May 6 th, and will be due in London on June 26th.

Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under ; Saturday, April 10.

For Otago, per Penguin, at 1.50 p.m. For Kaikonra, per Tui, at 4.20 p.m. For Northern Ports, per Wanaka, at G p.m. Tuesday, April 13.

For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Rotomahana, at 3.15 p.m. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, 13i'H April. Messrs. H. Matson and Co., at the Ash burton Yards —Horses, Implements, Ac. Messrs. Acland, Campbell, and Co., at the Ashburton Yards ■ — Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and 30 Fat Pigs. Wednesday, 14th April. Messrs J. E. IJuclianan and Co., at the store of Mr. James Stephens, Alford Forest—Bankrupt Stock. Sale at 11 a. m. Tuesday, April 22. Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., at the Chertsey Hotel—4oo acres of first-class land. Sale at 2p. m.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1880.

There are few indeed of the colonists of New Zealand who have left their old as sociations so very far behind as not to feel interested in the general election now going on in Great Britain—the kernel of that great empire of which we are all sub jects, and which claims and receives our fullest and most loyal devotion. The electorates of Great Britain have been called upon to decide the grave question of which political party is to be the ruling power of the empire, and to the surprise of a great many they have pronounced with no muffled voice in favor of the Liberals. The septennial duration of the

Legislative clockwork of the Old Country had almost run down, and Parliament was dissolved that the constituencies, who hold the keys of the mechanism should again wind it up for another se\ en years’ spoil. When the Parliament that has just bid good-bye to St. Stephen’s was elected, Mr. Gladstone held the reins. But when he saw that the voice of the country was against him, as evinced by the majority of the members that ranged themselves in opposition, without waiting for an adverse vote in the House he at once gave place to the great Conser vative leader, and Mr. Disraeli came into power. Mr. Gladstone then announced that he had fought his last battle, and that thenceforth another and younger cham pion must head the Liberal forces. For a lengthened period he maintained the posi tion —comparatively speaking—of an on looker. He was silent in the party de bates of the House of Commons, and his grand oratory was only heard in advice and good consel. But it was impossible that a soul like his, set as it is in a golden wreath of the highest talents and the soblimest gifts, could rest inactive. The terrible atrocities in Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish war, fired his noble and philanthropic spirit, and the old Gladstone came forth brilliant and eloquent as of yore. His telling periods have ever since rung out against the foreign policy of the Govern ment. He has been stintless in his de nunciation of every step of the Govern ment in its foreign relations. He never forgave the countenance given to Turkey; his criticism of the occupation of Cyprus was severe, and the language he used was scathing ; Ids laugh at the attempt to curb Russia in her fancied lust for Asia Minor was keenly cynical ; and his bitterness against the war with the Zulus was only equalled bv that which he showed against the step which led our armies against the fastness of Afghanistan. Honest William Ewart Gladstone is no warrior statesman, and his only Conservatism is that the skins of his countrymen should remain untouched by the impact of foreign bullets, and their blood saved from being wasted on the land of a stranger. He believes in the prestige of Great Britain, and in sustaining her influence at foreign Courts,but ho has no idea that she should become a sort of universal bruiser, and take part in every qu vrrol in the world, no matter how pretty: With all the power of his splendid oratory he was denounced the flow of blood that has continually kept on during the time the Tories have been in power ; and though every division of the House was against his ideas on the foreign policy of the Government, the people, who are ever ready to listen to him, and who have come to look upon him as honest and sincere to a fault in his statesmanship— failings they do not generally attribute to the leader of the other side—the people have not been blind to his doings nor deaf to his sayings. So we find that those who so confidently predicted a victory in the general election for the advocates of “ a spirited foreign policy ” are astonished when they read the cablegrams announc ing as thorough a scattering of the Conser vatives as that party has suffered since Ben jamin Disraeli first ranged himself on their side. The victory has evidently been won upon the soil of Enland and Scotland, for we are assured that the Liberal party will secure a majority independent of the Home Rulers, so we feel justified in be lieving that it is the foreign policy alone of the Government that is their weakness —a policy that was too “spirited” and costly at a time when the heaviest depression Great Britain has suffered for many years was hanging over her trade and commerce, and clogging the wheels of her factories. A starving nation has little heart to fight, and when hungry men look abroad and see millions of money wasted in wars that after all bring nothing to the country’s coffers, but entail ad ditional taxation to make good the expen diture, the sight is not calculated to raise enthusiasm for the legislators who so ac tively flourish the hatchet. Of course we on this side of the water see events only through the indistinctness of distance — but there can be no question whatever about the figures our telegrams give us, and the thorough collapse of the Conser vative cause for the time being that they indicate. In every part of the Kingdom the results are in favor of the Liberals, and they have been harvesting seats wherever they have set up a contest. Up to last returns that have reached us, some 90 seats that last session were held by Tory members will now give votes to the other side, and doubtless the rush of suc cess that has attended the Liberal cause will gather impetus as it goes on. Mr. Gladstone’s career as a leader has ceased. He has voluntarily laid it down, and another will wear the honors in the Parliament to come, but notwithstanding he is the best card in the Liberal pack, and there can be little doubt that, who ever holds the reins has no one else to thank for the triumph of the Liberal cause but the genius of William Ewart Gladstone.

Parish Meeting. —The annual parish meeting of St. Stephen’s will be held on Monday evening in the Library Hall, at 7.30.

Tenders. —The County Engineer calls for tenders for 10 miles of flood water drainage between Winchmore and Meth veu, the work to be let in six different lots.

Gift Auction. —The Financial Com mittee of the Presbyterian Church have arranged for a gift auction in aid of the funds" of the church, to take place in the Town Hall on the 6th of May next, St. Stephen’s Church. —The Rev. Mr. Hands has arrived in Ashburton, and visited the choir at its practice last night. He will conduct service in the chinch to morrow.

The Waimate Bush Fire Cases.— The whole of the Studholme cases, in which damages are claimed for compensa tion arising out of the great Waimate bush fire, have been withdrawn. Mount Somers Railway—Upper Sec tion.— The surveyors have completed their survey of the upper section of the Mount Somers line, and the next we ought to hoar in connection with it should be that tenders are called for.

Town Hall Company.— At its meeting on Wednesday the Town Hall Company decided to carryout the improvements de cided upon some time ago—namely, the boarding up of the gallery and the erec tion of a verandah, &c. A Dear Smoke. —The man who was lugged out of the train and dropped at Rakaia, for smoking in a second-class car riage which was not a smoking carriage, was on Thursday fined L2 for the enjoy ment of his illicit pipe, and also for obstructing the guards. Fire. —Early on Thursday morning six stacks of oats the property of Mr. John O’Shea were destroyed by fire, at the Ash burton Forks. The loss is estimated at about Ll5O, which is partially covered by insurance with the London and Lan cashire Insurance Co.

Scholarships. Ten scholarships of the annual value of L4O each, and tenable for two years, will be awarded in June next, after an examination in accordance with the conditions advertised in another column by J. Colbcrn Veel, Esq., Secre tary to the Board of Education. Neck and Neck. —lwo applications having been made on the same day at the Crown Land Office for five acres of land at Tinwald, the two applicants will have an auction all to themselves of the land applied for, the auction coming off at the Land Office, Christchurch, on the 3rd May.

A Divorce Case.— The divorce case of Herbert Fergusson v. Jane Fergusson and John Pradialle is set down for hearing on Monday, at Dunedin.

The Ivess Libel Case. —The tail of this case got a shake in Court yesterday again, when Mr. H. Friedlander sued Mr.

Ivess for the solicitors’ fees in connection with the apology published in the three Ashburton papers. Mr. Ivess had to pay.

The Canterbury Co-operative Land Company. —Government have granted free passages to Messrs. Barsley and Cook, the Canterbury Co-operative Land Company, to inspect the land open for Selection in the North Island under the deferred pay ment system, and they have left Welling ton for Taranaki.

A Warning. — Dog owners who have neglected to register their canine favorites had better hurry up and interview the Registrar of Dogs, or they may have to experience a more expensive interview with Mr-. Guinness, who fined John Hicks, of Tinwald, LI yesterday morning for neglecting to register his dog.

Death to the Small Birds. —The small birds are likely to have a war of extermi nation waged against them very shortly. Yesterday afternoon the Christchurch Agricultural and Pastoral Association re solved to invite the attendance of repre sentatives from farmers’ clubs and sparrow clubs, to consider what steps should be taken for the abatement of the small birds nuisance.

Wesleyan Church.— The congregation of the Cameron street Church, who have hitherto worshipped on Sunday evenings in a veritable “dim, religious light,” afforded by kerosene lamps, will be glad to know that gas has been laid on, and next Sunday evening the church will be illuminated in a somewhat more satisfac tory manner than has hitherto been the case.

Mount Somers Railway. —The firsi, traffic train ran up the Mount Somers line Thursday, making a cut into_the grain that is stacked along the route. No arrange ments exist for passenger traffic, and there is little chance of any being made for a long time as the work done would not look at the cost. We would not be surprised to learn that after the grain rush the hue will he idle.

Defaulting Ratepayers —His Worship gave j ndgment yesterday morning against the following ratepayers in the Longbeach Road District, who had failed to pay up arrears:—R. Colloway, 10s.; John George, LI 9s. Bd., and costs, 55.; J. R. Steele, L2 Bs., and costs, ss. A claim by the Board against Risely Bros, was dismissed on account of an informality in the sum mons, and Messrs. A Jackson and Hay man paid the amounts sued for into Court.

South Rakaia School Committee The usual monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held on Tuesday evening. Present Messrs. Tucker (Chairman), Hartnell, Cox, Shel lock, and Walsh. It was resolved that, Mr. A. Makeig having failed to attend three consecutive meetings of the Com mittee without leave, his seat be declared vacant. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned. A Smash. —Yesterday afternoon an indi vidual armed with an order on Messrs. Orr and Co., which they did not choose to honor, fancied, according to his own statement, that he might as well work six months for Government for nothing, as to a cockatoo for the same sum, and therefore proceeded to smash in three of the large panes in the shop win dow. He succeeded in accomplishing his self-set task, and having done so was walked of to the police station. We understand that his wrath was kindled because his cockatoo employer had given him an order on the Messrs. Orr in payment for harvesting work, which order Messrs. Orr would not honor, inasmuch as they had already forwarded to the cockatoo the money needful to pay the wages for harvesting the crop, over which they held a lien. The man hails from Waimate.

St. Stephen’s Vestry. —On Wednesday the vestry of St. Stephen’s Church held a meeting, at which were present Messrs. Bullock and Books (churchwardens) and Messrs. Ward, G undry, and Boyle. It was resolved to recommend the new vestry to hold a gift auction on the first Tuesday nearest full moon in June next, and that the annual parish meeting be held on Monday next, in the library, to elect officers and receive the balance-sheet. Re garding the new pastor, Rev. Mr. Hands, it was decided to ask for information from the Bishop. Rev. Mr. Paige was in formed that he was welcome to the use of the parsonage until his successor required it. The vestry expressed their regret that their finances would not permit them to purchase certain improvements that had been made upon the parsonage during Rev. Mr. Paige’s occupancy. A report was ordered to be drawn up, and the ac ounts printed and distributed. St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia. —The annual meeting of parishioners was held in the Public Library, Rakaia, on Wed nesday evening. There was not a large attendance. The Chairman, the Rev. W. H. Elton, Incumbent, opened the meeting with prayer. The Chairman made some remarks on the work of the parish during the ten months he has had the incumbency. The parish has now three churches in good centres St. Mark’s, Rakaia ; St. John’s, Barrhill and All Saints, Sherwood that of St. Mark’s having been erected entirely at the expense of the people, excepting a grant of L9O. The debt upon the church is now Ll4O, which will be reduced by about L7O, the proceeds of the tea meet ing and gift auction held last week. The new vestry will therefore start with the comparatively small deficit of L7O on the building account. The incumbent con gratulated the parish on the erection of All Saint’s Church at Sherwood, which, through the untiring energy of Mr. Pass more, has been opened free of debt, ex cept a loan of L2OO from the Church Pro perty Trustees. Two grants of LIOO each have been received for the erection of two school churches—one at Methven, the other at Chertsey. During the last three months a grant has been received of LIOO for the completion of the parsonage, which is now large and comfortable. Besides three services held by the incumbent every Sunday, there are four lay services, making together seven services every Sun day, and it is hoped soon to have two more. He was glad to say that there are three Sunday schools in the parish—one at St. Mark’s, one at Barrhill, and the third at Kyle, the attendance at each being very good. He begged to thank the churchwardens, vestry, lay readers, Sun day school teachers, the organist, and the choir for the zeal displayed by them in carrying out their respective very arduous duties. The balance sheet, audited by Mr. 0. Maclean, was received and adopted. It was resolved that the parish take over the liability of the L2OO loan from the Diocesan Treasurer for the bunding of Sherwood Church. It was resolved that the matter of letting the seats in St. Mark’s Church be left to the incoming vestry to decide. The incum bent stated that he had appointed Mr. Mackie to be clergyman’s churchwarden for the current year On the motion of Mr. E. S. Coster, seconded by Mr. C. S. Mackie, Mr. Edwd. Chapman was elected parishioner’s churchwarden. The follow ing ten gentlemen were then elected as vestrymen ;—For Kyle, Mr. Dearden and Mr. Thompson ; Chertsey, Mr. L. Maug ham, and Mr. Francis ; Methven, Mr. G. Alington ; Barr Hill, Mr. 0. S. Mackie ; Sherwood, Mr. F. B. Passmore ; Rakaia, Messrs. Coster, Maclean and Hardy. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. i

A Drunken Litigant. —ln the R.M. Court yesterday, Mr. O’Reilly asked for the adjournment of a case in which he ap peared for the defendant, on the plea that his client was not “ physically capable ” of appea ring. The adjournment was granted in payment of the usual costs, but some one pointed out to the opposite side that defendant was sitting in Court “ with his head bowed down.” His Worship ordered the alcoholically soporfic defendant off to the lock-up. A Scene in Court. —The relations between Bench and Bar at the Ashburton R.M. Court do not seem to be of the most amicable character, and now and again little ebullitions of temper are manifested. Yesterday, during the hearing of a case, a little scene occurred in which the love that exists was shown. In the case of Weeks and Dixon v. Harris and Ireland, Mr. Branson, who was not engaged in the case, interposed some remarks, where upon Mr. O’Reilly asked him what right he had to interfere where he was not con cerned. Mr. Branson making some further remarks, the R.M., with the front of Jove, came down upon the luckless Mr. Branson, and observed that he was always conducting himself in an outrageous manner in that Court, and so for a time discord reigned supreme in our classic Hall of Justice. Ultimately the R.M. said if he had said anything rashly he was willing to apologise to the bar, but the bar wasn’t on, and the Bench has not yet been apologised to.

Melbourne Exhibition. —The Royal Commission for the Melbourne Exhibi tion has been appointed, consisting of his Excellency the Governor, Dr. Hector, his Worship the Mayor, and Messrs. Drans field, Lemon, Levin, Mclntyre, Krull, Thomson, and Tolhurst. The Case of Longhurst. —The charge of rape on a child of tender years, against George Longhurst, heard at Wellington, has been heard, and after a two days’ trial, the prisoner has been found guilty, and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment with hard labor, and also to receive fifty lashes

A Tonga Islander on the Police Bench.— At Auckland on Thursday, S. Tunehoka, the Minister of Police for Tonga, accompanied by the Rev. S. W. Baker, the Tonga missionary, paid a visit to the Police Court, to witness the manner in which the business is conducted. Both gentlemen were accommodated with seats on the Bench, and both appeared to take considerable interest in the cases which came before the Court.

Friendly Natives. —A New Plymouth telegram says : —A meeting o Natives was held on Wednesday, when Motu addressed his people. The speech was characterised by warm expressions of friendliness towards the pakeha, and was more than ever opposed to To Whiti. About 150 were present at the meeting, including some Europeans. The Natives of the settlements evince friendliness towards the Armed Constabulary by constantly presenting food. The roads at Punho are being rapidly pushed on by the efforts of the men sent from Wellington and the Armed constabulary. Gatling Guns for Infantry. —The opinion which finds expression in a sug gestion made by the “Army and Navy Gazette,” that three Gatling guns should he attached to every battalion of infantry, is ■well worth consideration. Of late it has frequently happened, as on several occasions in South Africa and Afghanistan for instance, that a comparatively small British force has found itself attacked by an enemy of an enormous numerical superiority ; and there can be no doubt that machine guns would be found most serviceable weapons for repulsing such onslaughts. A weapon from which 600 to 1000 bullets can, if necessary, be dis charged per minute could be used with deadly and decisive effect against an assailant closing in dense masses round a defensive force or post. The weapon is light, easily transported, and can be worked by very few men. If two or three of these machine guns were given to every battalion they could be worked by men of the battalion itself, and if necessary they could be easily moved by them from point to point, and taken wherever the battalion went. Had the handful of troops who so gallantly defended the Residency in Cabnl on Sept. 3, or had the 24th Regiment when attacked at Isandala had a few machine guns ready for action, the issues of those two days might, there can be no doubt, have been other than they -were.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

GARDINER'S CASE.

To the Editor.

Sir, —Can you explain how it happens that the remarkably pungent remarks made by Judge Johnston on the nature of the defence set up in the trial of Gardiner for horse stealing, at the Supreme Court, were not contained in either the report given by the “ Herald,” the “ Guardian,” or the “ Mail” of the trial, although they appear in both the “ Lyttelton Times” and the “Press”! In fact, lam told that, strong as it looks in those papers, even stronger language was used by his Honor on the occasion. These observa tions give the case an entirely different complexion to that it wears in your re port, and it is just a little singular that, while the Christchurch papers should afford them so much prominence, they should be conspicuous by their absence from the Ashburton journals.—l am, &c., Enquirer. [ln reply to the above, we have only to say that in condensing the reports of the Ashburton cases at the Supreme Court, all the evidence was omitted because it had been previously given in these columns, and everything else that could well be done without was omitted, to save room in the particular issue in which they appeared. The Judge’s remarks were in cluded in the matter excluded solely for want of room, but since the matter has been pointed out to us, and to please our correspondent and anyone else who may feel with him, we give now the opinion of the Judge on the case ; —“The defence was really that the prisoner had been guilty of obtaining money under false pre tences, and, though there had been a very disgraceful freud, he thought that, in point of law, as Friedlander’s title was not impeached, Higgins had no title to pos session.” In directing the jury, his Honor said —“ There was no doubt of it that it was a most disgraceful fraud, in which the prisoner had taken the earnings of the prosecutor for property which he well knew was not his own, and over which he had given a mortgage. But, as he had said, as a matter of law, there was no evidence to support the charge of lar ceny.”

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS AT HOME.

(By cable from Renter's Agency.) London, April 7.

The election returns so far show that the Liberals had gained G 7 seats which were held last Parliament by Conserva tives, five seats having been won since the 6th inst. The Liberals are, however, being less successful in the counties. Mr. Parnell, the Home Ruler, who represented the County of Meath, in the last House, has been elected for Cork. The Liberals have now gained 83 seats, and, contrary to expectations, the county elections are going in their favor. An opinion is gaining ground that the Minis try will resign before the meeting of Par liament.

THE EVERETT BROS. CONCERT.

Messrs. Everett Brothers’ concert last night was a huge success from all points of view. The attendance was large, the hall being quite full, and the acting and sing ing were far above the average. During the evening the applause was hearty and frcq uent, testifying to the appreciation of the various items presented. The front of die hall was hung with Chinese lanterns to mark the place where the entertainment was going on, and in the early part of the evening the brass band played a tune or two at the door. The proceedings inside were opened by Mr. F. Everett, who made a humorous speech that was very flatter ingly received. This was followed by the sweet little comedy of “ The Happy Pair,” in which appeared the ever fresh Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins, whose well-known talent received the recognition it so well de serves. After an interval, the musical portion of the programme commenced, the introduction being a well played overture by a lady amateur. The first song was given by Mr. Jacobsen “The harp that once in Tara’s halls.” A repetition was demanded, but owing to the length of the programme, he declined. Mr. Hoskins followed with the oration from Julius Caesar, which in his hands was a splendid exhibition of declamatory art, both in voice and gesture. Miss Ellis followed with “ Oh, fair dove,” and her sweet voice contributed not a little to the pleasure of the evening. Mr. Robertson, as a “ Bold militiaman ” was not very per fect at the “ goose step,” but made a fair appearance in spite of the trick his mous tache strings played him. Mrs.' Bell sang “ Esmeralda ” remarkably well, and with an artistic grace that was much appreciated. The duet “Larboard watch ” evinced want of joint practice but showed that both gentlemen could sing. Mrs. Corrick is not unknown to an Ashburton audience, and we enjoyed her sweet rendering of 1 ‘ The fair moon.” Mr. Robinson’s “Farewell to his Arab steed ” my perhaps teach those who entertain horsey colonial sentiments that there is something more to be con sidered in horseflesh than simply £ s. d. Miss Ellis in “ Give me back my heart ” closed a very nice musical programme. The piano was manipulated by Miss Palmer, Mr. Everett, and Mr. Weeks in turn, and the fine touch and delicate execution of the lady was much admired. The concert closed with the scene from “ The Hunch back” in which Helen (Miss Colville) teaches Modus (Mr. Jacobson) the art of love. The scene was perhaps the hit of the evening, certainly the applause it re ceived was loud and prolonged. L 24 9s. are the financial results of the concert for charitable purposes, and we hope it will form the nucleus of a substantial fund, to be added to during the winter months for the benefit of deserving suffering ones.

MAGISTERIAL.

RESIDENT MAGSISTRATE’S COURT,

ASHBURTON— Friday, April 9. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, E.M.) neglecting to register a dog. John Hicks, of Tinwald, for neglecting to register his dog, was fined 20s. NO CHRISTIAN NAME. Cookson v. Stewart. —Claim LlO 10s. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Ireland appeared for the person who had been served with the summons, but there seemed to be some doubt as to whether he was the individual indebted, the plaintiff having omitted to obtain the correct Christian name of Stewart. B. Cookson deponed that he was a livery stable keeper in Ashburton, and knew Stewart, the’Go vernment Insurance agent at Dunedin, to whom he had rendered the bill of particu lars, and made a demand for the money, He had addressed letters to the person in question as H. Stewart, Esq., and had re ceived answers to such letters. Mr. O’Reilly applied for an adjournment for the purpose of obtaining the correct name of the defendant. Granted. AN OLD ACCOUNT. Weeks and Dixon v. Harris and Ire land.—Claim L 6 3s. 4|d. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiffs ; Mr. Ireland appeared for the defendants, and asked for an adjourn ment until the 7th May, to allow of Mr. Harris giving his evidence in Dunedin. He objected, on the ground of a previous ruling of his Worship, to Mr. O’Reilly ap pearing in the case, as he was at one time a partner with one of the defendants, and hence, it might be assumed, knew the arguments for the defence. His Worship stated that he admitted having given such an opinion as referred to ; but subse quently had ascertained by inquiry and reading-up on the subject that such opinion was not correct. Case adjourned until the 7th May. Weeks and Dixon V. Harris.—Claim L 6 IGs. 3d. Adjourned to 7th May, for same reason as the pre vioue case. A DRUNK DEFENDANT. M'Leod v. Hoi’rigan.—Claim L 7 10s., for sod fencing and ploughing. Mr. Branson for plaintiff; Mr. O’Reilly for defendant, asked for an adjournment, on the ground that the defendant was not in a fit state to appear. It was afterwards found that Horrigan was in the Court in a state of intoxication, upon which his Wor ship immediately ordered the man to be taken into custody. The adjournment was granted, after evidence had been taken, until this morning, conditionally on the defendant paying costs of the pre sent case into Court. ANOTHER HORSE CASE. Bryant v. Willcocks. —Claim L 9, for sale of a horse. Mr. Branson for plaintiff, Mr. Spackman for defendant. Joseph Bryant deponed—l am a farm laborer employed on the Longbeach station. I know Mi*. Willcocks. On the 3rd March, while standing at the bar, was asked if I would sell my horse, and offered to dispose of it for LlO. Will cocks offered to give me L 9 10s. for the horse, saddle, and bridle, cash. The de fendant gave me a cheque, but I did not look at it. The last I saw of the cheque was when I gave it back to Willcocks on the 4th, and the latter tore it up. I was perfectly sober at the time. On the 3rd, after receiving the cheque, went to Waterton, and offered it to Mr. Doherty, when it was found that the impressed stamp had been removed and the signa ture torn off. The cheque was taken back to Willcocks, who tore it up, remarking that the whole thing was a joke, and that he did not want the horse. Never sold the horse again. Stayed at the hotel till the 6th. A few weeks afterwards called again, and seeing the horse in a poor state, told the defendant I would take it away, when he (Willcocks) said it be longed to him. Willcocks said that he had given me L4' 10s. cash for the horse, the balance to be paid in three months. The defendant told me that he had drawn up a receipt for me to sign, but that I was too drunk to do so. Willcocks said that he had drawn up a second receipt, how ever, which had been signed, when wit ness remarked if he was too drunk to sign one, he must certainly have been too drunk to sign the other. Witness had made several applications for either the horse or receipt, but was refused, when witness ultimately told Willcocks that he would .shortly hear from his (Bryant’s) solicitors.

By Mr. Spackman—l work at Mr. Grigg’s, Longbeach. Saw Mr. Willcocks on the 2nd March. No contract was made on the first day that I went to Will cocks’. I did not notice whether the cheque given to me was torn or not. I was too drunk to know whether defendant gave me the cheque to get rid of me. In a subsequent conversation, Willcocks told me that the giving the cheque in the first instance was a joke, and that he did not

want the horse. Ido not remember ever signing any receipt. [A document was here handed in, the signature to which witness did not deny.] Ido not remem ber signing the receipt, nor do I recollect receiving L 4 10s. Re-examined by Mr. Branson—When I asked Willcocks what had become of the money, he said I had spent it at the bar.

C. W. Parnell, sworn—l am a barrister and solicitor. I asked Willcocks for the receipt in my office, but the defendant said he would neither show it to me nor to Bryant. He said he would show it in court.

G. H. Willcocks sworn—l remember plaintiff being at the Wheatsheaf Hotel on the 3rd, and he was very tipsy. He did not ask me to buy a horse. He left the horse with me that night, as he was too drunk to ride it. The horse was put in my paddock. Plaintiff tried to sell the horse to another party. The reason he assigned for wishing to sell the horse was that he was going to work for Mr. Grigg, and that he would not want it. There was no signature to the cheque which I gave him. He came in next morning and made a remark that I done a nice thing in giving him an unsigned cheque. He sub sequently gave the cheque, which I tore up. I told him I gave him the cheque to get rid of him, and that it was merely given in fun. On the morning of the 4th he offered me the horse for L 9, when I told him I had no use for it ; but I paid him L 4 10s. for it, the balance of L 4 10s. to be paid in three months. I saw defendant sign the receipt on the morning of the 4th. He was then sober.

By Mr. Branson—l gave him four notes and half a sovereign. A fortnight after I saw Bryant, but did not mention anything about the L 4 10s. on that occa sion.

John Miles, sworn —I live at Wheat stone. I was in the Wheatsheaf Hotel on the morning of the 4th March. I saw Bryant there, and he was perfectly sober. I saw Mr. Willcocks pay Bryant L 4 10s., and the receipt was drawn up by him. Peter Whitelaw gave the same evidence. By Mr. Branson —Bryant was in the hotel the night before, and I saw him en deavor to sign a document. Bryant re ceived four pounds in notes and a half sovereign on the Monday morning. Mr. Spackman, for the defence, sub mitted that Mr. Wilcocks did all he could to prevent having any transactions with a drunken man. The evidence had proved that the first transaction was only done to get rid of Bryant, but on a subsequent occasion, when the man was sober, the bargain was struck. He would claim for the amount and costs. Mr. Branson said it was ridiculous for Mr. Wilcocks to come to that Court and tell them that the transaction was merely a joke. The case was really one in which the landlord of the hotel took advantage of the drunken state of the guest to get a bargain. If, however, his Worship gave a judgment against the plaintiff, he trusted he would not grant costs, considering that Wilcocks had refused to show the receipt, and hence the plaintiff had to seek justice in that Court. His Worship gave judgment for de fendant, with costs, remarking that Mr. Wilcocks left the Court free from any charge of discreditable conduct as in sinuated by the counsel for the plaintiff. THE IVESS LIBEL CASE. Harry Friedlander v. Ivess. —Claim L2 2s. costs of preparing and obtaining Mr. Ivess’s consent to publication of a public apology for a libel on Mr. Harry Fried lander contained in an article published in the “ Ashburton Mail,” and headed “ Six Shillings Costs.” The apology was pub lished in all three Ashburton papers. Mr. Branson appeared for Mr. Fried lander, and Mr. Ivess conducted his own case. Mr. Branson, in stating the case, said the claim was for the solicitor’s fee as mentioned above. He alleged that the then editor of the “Mail,” Mr. Haughton, had, while acting as agent for Mr. Ivess regarding the apology, agreed on Mr. Ivess’s behalf to the payment of all costs. This being so, Mr Ivess had no right to “ approbate and reprobate,” but must either accept the whole or none of what his agent did. He had no right to accept the benefit of the apology, and renounce its conditions. The benefit the apology gave to Mr. Ivess was that it saved him from the consequence of a criminal action in which he certainly would not have got off as he had got off in the one laid by Mr. Crisp. To say the least of Mr. Ivess’ refusal to pay, it was mean. C. W. Purnell, sworn, said —He had been engaged by Mr. Friedlander to obtain an apology for the libel in the “ Six Shil lings Costs ” article from Mr. Ivess, and failing that, to prosecute. Wrote to Mr. Ivess, and received a letter in reply, in which Mr. Haughton was empowered to act as agent in the matter. Mr. Haughton drew up an apology. It was not considered sufficient, and was rejected in toto. Ulti mately the apology that appeared in the papers was accepted. Told Mr. Haughton that Mr. Ivess would have to pay costs, as it was their express instructions to make such payment part of the conditions of accepting the apology. On behalf of Mr. Ivess, Mr. Haughton agreed to the pay ment, saying that the costs were a trifle compared with the bitter pill Mr. Ivess had to swallow in having to make the apology. Without the payment of the costs,"the apology would not have been accepted, and the promise to pay w T as accepted because they believed Mr. Ivess to be a gentleman. The entry in the firm’s day-book (L2 2s) represented the amount of costs due, and was made at the time.

By Mr Ivess—The copy of the apology sent to the “Mail” office contained the orders for insertion over the leader in each of the three papers, and also a note of L2 2s, costs. Knew nothing of what Mr. Ha ughton said to Mr. Ivess. Harry Friedlander, gentleman, was present at the interview between Mr. Haughton and Mr. Purnell. Mr. Haugh ton was sent to Mr. Ivess to let him know that without the payment of costs the apology would not be accepted. Mr. Haughton said it would be all right, and Mr. Ivess would be glad to pay the money. Mr. Ivess, sworn, said Mr. Haughton was instructed to agree to the apology, but on no account to agree to any legal costs. Would rather stand the brunt of the action threatened for libel than pay legal costs. Whatever the evidence, Mr. Haughton had no authority to agree to those costs, and he held a letter from Mr. Haughton from which proof could be obtained that he had no such authority. Mr. Ivess then addressed the Bench. He said the whole basis of the apology was its publication in the three papers, and Messrs Branson had no right to add farther terms after that basis had been fixed. Mr. Ivess contended that there were several kinds of agents, and the agency Mr. Haughton was empowered to exercise was only a limited one. If he had exceeded that authority that was no reason why costs should be recovered from himself that he had not incurred. Mr. Branson was notorious for his bad taste, and had been repeatedly snubbed by the Bench, and by every professional gentleman who was his match in bullying. Though a lay man he would not permit Mr. Branson to bully him. Mr. Haugh ton was an honorable man, and would pay the costs himself if he had agreed to them, but there was no evidence of this agreement. Mr. Branson said he was astonished that Mr. Ivess should choose to speak in the strain he had done. There could be no doubt that that apology had enabled Mr. Ivess to wriggle out of a nasty scrape, and the apology itself was an evidence of the white feather on his part, however much he may now put on the brazen face and defy Mr, Friedlander to go or with the case for libel, Mr. Branson

then recapitulated the facts the case, reiterating his assertion that if a case had been laid by Mr. Friedlander Mr. Ivess would have been heavily mulcted. The statements of the agent were in law the statements of the principal, yand the actions of the agent were the Anions of the principal. If the agent conroffted a fraud upon the plaintiff’s solicitors, there could be no doubt that Mr. Ivess enjoyed the benefit of the fraud, and by it had escaped the consequences of a criminal action for libel. Mr. Haughton was virtually accused by Mr. Ivess of having told deliberate falsehoods in the case, but was it probable that a gentleman of Mr. Haughton’s standing would have been guilty of conjuring up a speech for Mr. Ivess that had never been made, and giving Mr. Ivess’ consent to proceedings, when he knew no consent would be given. His Worship, in giving judgment, said the evidence before the Court led him to believe that the agent had been fully empowered to complete the contract for the apology, and he would therefore give judgment for the plaintiff with costs. It was a case that ought never to been brought into Court, and would have been far more satisfactorily settled outside.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(Renter’s 7 elegrams.) London, jApril 7. The Board of Trade returns of imports for the past month amounted to L 37,025,000, being an increase of L 9,187,000, as compared with last year. The exports for March reached a total of L 18,812,500, being an increase of L 2,087,500, as compared with March, 1879. London, April 8. A Lit eral demonstration took place to day, at which Lord Hartingdon made a speech in -which he denied the statements which had been made to the effect that the Liberal party was divided, and said it was more united now than it ever had been. A rumor, recently published in London newspapers, thatThebar, King of Burmah, was dead, is entirely unconfirmed. Berlin, April 6. The Federal Council having rejected Prince Biscarck’s Stamp Duties Bill, the Chancellor has resigned, but there is a probability that the Council will recon sider. St. Petersburg, April 7. An official denial has been given to the report which recently gained currency to the effect that China had shewn open hos tility towards Russia by despatching troops across the River Amoor, and that the latter had committed acts of aggres sion towards the inhabitants of Kuldja. Bombay, April 7. The reported death of Mahomed Jan, the leader of the Afghan forces at Ghuz nee, is denied. Vienna, April 8. Baron Von Hay merle, Minister for Foreign Affairs, made an application to the Austrian Parliament for an extra grairi of LIOOO for the proper representa tion of Austria and Hungry at the Mel bourne Exhibition. (Rutter's Telegrams.) Sydney, April 7. In the Legislative Assembly last night the bill to define the powers of the Legis tive Council was read a second time. Sir Henry Parkes, Premier, atatedjie would proceed no further with the BiflH&til the similar measure which had bOTE.,intro duced in the Upper House had been dealt with. The following Exhibition awards are announced —Furniture, Seaford, of Auck land, specially commended, first class; Large and Townley, Napier, and Carl Peters, Wellington, Ist. class; Guthrie and Larnach, Dunedin, and Nicholson, Wellington, 3rd. class. Burt, of Dun edin, Ist. class awards for gasliers ; Peter sen, Christchurch (special) for silver jug ; Myers, Wellington, and Guthrie and Lar naoh, for hall door, 2nd class awards. Greenfield and Stewart, for mantelshelf ; Halley, Ewing, and Stewart, all of Wel lington, for doors ; and Sandstein, of Christchurch, for epergne. Third class awards, Scott, for stoves; Child and White, Christchurch, for cone work. Arrived—Hero, from Auckland yester day. Sydney, April 9. The steamship Wakatipu has arrived. Seven stowaways were found aboard her after her departure from Wellington. In the Legislative Council last night, a letter was received from the Hon. W. B. Dailey tendering his resignation. An anti-Chinese meeting was held last night, at which a petition to Parliament was adopted, praying for the immediate passage through the Legislature of an Act of one clause, requiring the steamer Brisbane, now quarantined here with two hundred and fifteen Chinese, and with some cases of small-pox on board, to depart immediately without discharging, under a penalty of L 20,000. Brisbane, April 9. A Commission has been appointed to inquire into the cause of the heavy mor tality which has taken place among Kanakas on plantations near Mary borough. Melbourne, April 7. David Syme, the proprietor of the “Age,” has apologised and paid costs, and the libel case is off. Melbourne, April 8. There is a moderate business doing in oats. Sugars are becoming firmer, and appear to have reached the lowest price. Arrived —Te Anau, from New Zealand. Auckland, April 8. Captain Colbeck addressed his con stituents at Waipa last night, and received a vote of confidence. He said he had no faith in Mr. Macandrew as a leader nor in Sir George Grey as a financier. Pleuro pnemonia is rapidly spreading in Waikato. Two farms at Okakupo have been proclaimed infected. Communications are proceeding between Auckland and Southern members with a view to forming a compact Opposition next session. Sir George Grey’s Inver cargill speech is expected to sound the key note of the new party. Sir George Grey is expected to address the electors at the theatre, Auckland, before going South, The Agricultural Statistics show a great falling off in the average yield of crops, caused by sparrows and pheasants. The Waitemata County Council demur to the deduction of L 324 by Government, from the subsidy for alleged destitute. Members deny that any real destitution exists in the County. The Regatta Committe have fixed the champion four oared outrigger race prize at L 135, and the champion schooner (50 tons and upwards) at LIOO. Auckland, April 9. The charge of indecent assault'against Stephen Hughes, jun., solicitor and rate collector for the Ponsonby Road Board, will occupy the Supreme Court all day. The charge is brought by a girl of sixteen, engaged as servant in his house. The girl fainted while under cross-examination.,, this morning. She said Hughes had* never taken liberties with her before this occasion, and had once discharged a man of whose conduct she had complained. The Bank of New Zealand shipped six boxes of gold (61290z5) valued at L 25,000. Hawera, April 8. Mr. Parris, with the Chief Surveyor and others, has gone over to Waimate Plains with a view to deciding the boundaries of native reserves, as the natives will not name what portions they, wish reserved. A good deal of judgment has to be exer cised in defining the boundaries between the races. Remainder of Telegi ams see Fourth Rage,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1880.



Butter, inferior to best yl lb J. o d. 10 to s . I d. 0 Eggs, p? dozen I 6 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, dr 1 lb o 7 to 0 10 Bacon, prime smoked, li? lb 0 0 to 0 0 Hams in cloth, I? lb o 0 to 0 0 Flour in bags, t? 1001b 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal. 2£lb 5 6 to 0 0 Lard, If? lb ■ 0 9 to 0 0



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Timvald. Next sale at the ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 13, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. NOTICE TO FARMERS. rpHE 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* THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY WAS started about five years ago. The proprietors at first in tended to manufacture for-the Trade only, but, owing to the persistent op position of importers and Shop keepers who could make a better profit on the imported .article, they were compelled in self defence to open Branches for the sale of their goods direct to the public. In this they but followed the example of some of the largest manufacturers at home, and the Public, by purchasing at the undermentioned Branches, will SAYE THE PROFIT OF MIDDLEMEN, AND OBTAIN A SUPERIOR ARTICLE. BRANCHES. Invercargill Christchurch Wellington Dunedin Ashburton Auckland Oamaru Nelson New Plymouth Timaru Wanganui Napier A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. W. SPARROW, Manager, Ashburton Branch, 588g* New Zealand Clothing Factory.