SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For "Wellington Rotomahana, This day, April 1. Passengers by 3.50 p.m. train. For Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland —Rotomahana, This day, April 1. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train. Cargo till 3 p. ni. Foe Taueanga— Rotomahana, This day, April 1 (transhipping passengers and cargo at Auckland). For Port Chalmers —Taiaroa, This day, April 1. Passengers by 12.10 train. For Melbourne, via Bluff—Ringa rooma, Monday, April 5. For Sydney Wakatipu, on Friday, April 2. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. For Akaroa Taiaroa, This day, April 1. Passengers by 12.10 pan. train. For Picton, and Nelson (transhipping at Nelson for West Coast Ports) — Hawea, Saturday, April 3.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4-3° p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Tcnv.ika, Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.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 Wakanul and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi, will be closed at Christ church on April Gth, and will be due in London on May 27th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

MMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. This Day. By Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, at Mr. George Parkin’s Farm, between Dromore and Ashburton Farming

Stock, Implements, Horses, &c. Sale at 1 o’clock. By Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., on the premises of Mr. James Stevens, Alford Forest—Groceries, Ironmongery, &c.; also Store and two acres Land. Sale at 11 o’clok. To-Morrow. Messrs. 11. Matson and Co., at the Ash burton Sale Yards—Clearing Sale of Horses, Cattle, Farm Implements, Ac. Sale at 11 sharp. By Robert Wilkin A Co., on the Farm of George King, Esq., on the Beach Road, 2J> miles from the Chortsey Railway Station—Clearing Sale of Horses, Im plements, &c. Sale at 11 sharp.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1880.

Charity, as a rule, knows no system. Just as the heart of the giver is touched by the urgency or particular circumstances of the case calling for his aid, and accord ing to his circumstances at the time, does he contribute of his means. When a great calamity, like the Kaitangata coal mine disaster for instance, agitates our bosoms, and stirs up the better feelings of our natures, and the cry for aid is heard throughout the length and breadth of the land, then money is lavishly poured in by every man who owns a copper and a heart with ever so little of humanity in it. But just as often as not, more money is given than the circumstances of the case really require. Not unfreqnently funds have been raised in this way for some special object, and having been disbursed to an extent that afforded the required relief, a handsome i-esiduum is left, never to be used, but is allowed to lie in the hands of the bankers, tied up and useless to any one but the bank that holds it. While the world wags, calamities will occur that call forth the sympathies and aid of humanity for those who suffer by them ; but as these calamities occur by no rule, and cannot be regulated by any rule, any more than they can be prevented, so the giving of the benevolent to relieve the distress that follows, is usually only regulated by the magnitude of the disaster, and the amount of the element of sensation that may' have ac companied its occurrence. A great and sensational disaster is thus the most effectual in raising relief funds. But, as we said, the occurrence of calamities cannot be regulated, and sometimes they occur when a man’s, a community’s, ..or a nation’s pockets are empty—when giving is perforce limited by the want of means to give, and it may he that a compara tively trifling accident, that involves only a few hundred people in its disastrous in fluence, is the signal for a a lavish out pour of generosity, while a great and widespread disaster, that may perchance make want stalk like a plague over a whole land, and touch thousands upon thousands with its terrible finger, does not meet with that response to its call for aid that the pressing nature of its case and the magnitude of suffering demand from thoso to whom its victims may naturally look for We had evidence of this in the meagre response—com paratively speaking, at least—that has been given to the call for aid from this colony that lias reached us from Ireland. The above remarks have been inspired by a circular we have received from the editor of the Oamaru “ Times,” a gentle man not unknown in Ashburton. The circular contains a reprinted leading arfcle, and two “ letters to the editor/' bearing the signature of “North Britain.” The article and the letters strike out what seems to us to be a,new idea in the way of reducing giving to a principle and a They advocate the establishment of a “ National Penny Relief Fund,” which shall be con tributed to by every member of the popu lation at the rate of a penny per month per head, but need not, of course, interfere in any way with the more generous giving which the benevolent will always continue. It is suggested by the article that the col lection of the penny subscriptions could be facilitated by boxes in the post offices, courthouses, and banks of the colony, and by enlisting the co-operation of house holders as collectors within their circles ; wTfle the management of the fund should be placed in the hands of local committees elected by subscribers from those of their number who had subscribed a guinea to the fund over and above their penny per month subscription. Both “North Britain” and the editor would apply the fund thus raised to cases of distress not assisted from other sources, or, if so assisted, requiring further assistance, and they would make the fund operative in localities altogether irrespective of those in which the distress immediately existed. The idea is of course crude, and wants elaboration, but we fancy that were it taken up, and its details perfected it might be brought to as great efficiency as has been the penny postage or the penny press. Certainly _ it would be a great boon to civilisation, which carries so much of suffering of every kind with it, wherever it advances, to have some permanent and living fund ever available for the relief of distress that is not absolutely pauperism ; and if the idea of “ North Britain,” with any modification it may require, can be brough t to a workable and adoptable scheme, it will doubtless be a benefit to the country. Thrown at us all at once, as the idea of a “National Penny Relief Fund” is, we are not prepared to give an opinion upon it other than the favorable one that strikes us at the first glance, and we give the out line of it in the hope that some of our men of figures and powers of organisation may set to work to think out its practi cability. “ North Britain” gives the fol lowing figures as what would bo the result of the scheme’s adoption in the British possessions— Great Britain would rake annu ally ,£1,500,000 Australia and Tasmania ... ... 150,000 New Zealand ... ... ... 22,500 Canada 150,000 India 9,300,000 Other possessions, say ... ... 500,000 Total £11,622,500

The Alleged Criminal Assault. The man tskedgewell, alias Plymouth, who is accused of having attempted to commit a criminal assault on a female in Ashburton some months ago, was re manded to Ashburton on Tuesday by the Christchurch R.M., before whom he was brought up. Ashburton Rifi.es. —The certificate of the officers’ election is in course of signature by the men of the Ashburton RifLs, and already over 40 names attest the choice of the following gentlemen for officers: Captain, Thomas Bullock; Lieutenant, St. George Douglas; Sub- Lieutenant, C. C. Rooks. The Goods Shed. —We learn that a new office for the receiving and delivery clerk is to be fitted up in the Ashburton goods shed, with a communication with the office now existing. The addition will greatly facilitate business at the shed, and the improvement was authorised by the Commissioner, on the recommenda tion of the station-master, Mr. Pilkingtor. An Improvement. —The financial pros pects of the Borough are improving. Over LSOO of this year’s rates have been collected, and the present balance is only some L2OO to the debit of the account, and an instalment of L7OO is expected from Government on the land fund account, so that our Municipal Council will be able to prosecute some much needed works at an early date.

Dr Irving’s Lecture on Bees. —We are sorry that Dr Irving’s promised lec ture on the interesting subject of bee keeping has had to be postponed for a few days, but the definite date will be an nounced as early as possible. Back from the Be view. —Yesterday the main body of the Southern Volun teers travelled homewards per special train. Their passage through the town on this occasion was in striking contrast with their journey down. This morning they were remarkably quiet, and. very few of them left the station. The Ashburton cavalry arrived by the morning train. Wesleyan. —The usual quarterly meet ing of the office-bearers of the Cameron street Wesleyan Church was held on Tues day’ evening, there being but a moderate attendance. The balance-sheet showed a debit balance of L 34 Os. Bd., the circuit debt being reduced by about one-half during the quarter, which, considering the late depression in trade, was considered highly satisfactory. The church member ship roll stood about the same as the pre vious quarter-. During the evening a very animated and interesting discussion took place on the Sunday school work in con nection with the church, a matter in which the members of the quarterly meet ing are evidently awaking to the import ance of.

Projected Port for Kyle. — To obviate the necessity for bringing their grain to Ruk.va, to be sent from there by railway to Lyttelton, it is thi intention of the residents in the Kyle district to construct a small jetty, about a chain in length, on iron pipes (in the same way that was done in the construction of the Rakaia bridge by Mr. White, the contractor), with a moveable deck and tramway. The object of tht jetty is that small crafts, or better still, small steamers, may come alongside and ship produce, bringing return cargoes of timber and fencing materials from the bays of Banks’ Peninsula, which is not more than forty miles from that part of the beach near Kyle. Civil Cases. —At the R. M. Court on Monday there was very little business done. In two cases the amounts sued for were paid into Court, and in another—Land- Tax Commissioners v. Cairncross —there was no appearance of either party. M'Kerrow and Co. sued one Gordon for L 59 15s. lOd., and obtained judgment on confession with L 5 17s. costs, immediate execution being granted. Mr. Branson appeared for plaintiffs. The same plain tiffs sued the same defendant for LlO, Mr. Branson appearing for them in this case also.. Judgment on confession was obtained, with L 3 3s. costs. A number of cases brought by the Longbeach Road Board against defaulting ratepayers were adjourned till April 9, owing to the illness of the Board’s clerk, Mr. Cuthbert. Wfs'it.rfield Wool. —From the offi cial catalogue of wool exhibits at the Sydney Exhibition, we are able more fully to see the very fair appearance that New Zealand made at the great show. We are able to find only two first prizes, however, that came to this colony, and it says a good deal for Ashburton that one of her settlers should be one of the fortunate wool growers—that gentleman being the late Mr. Charles Reed, of Westerfield, who obtained the first prize in sub class 28—six ewe hoggets’ fleeces un skirted. The prize was gained in division G (wool in grease, from any variety of sheep other than merino). The w r ool was that of English Lincolns, grown at Wester field, and was of 382 days’ growth. Its brand for exhibition was six musical sharps, these in vaiious numbers being the devices adopted by Mr. Reed in the six exhibits he entered.

Sale of Farms. —A very good land in vestment otters in the putting up to auction of the farms at Leeston, Waka nui, and the Upper Ashburton that be longed to the late Mr. John Joyce, and which are now brought into the market by Messrs. Friedlander Bros, at the instance of the administrator of Mr. Joyce’s estate. Messrs. H. Matson and Co. are the auctioneers, and they have classified the land into suitable lots, the first being the Leeston farm of 75 acres, on two sec tions, and will be sold separately ; the second, the goodwill of a lease, with seven years to run, of an educational reserve near Killinchy, 150 acres in extent, at a rental of ss. per acre ; the third, 200 acres of freehold arable land at Wakanui, fenced, and with all the needful buildings for a fine farm ; the fourth, a freehold of 346 acres near Gould and Cameron’s, also carrying a dwelling-house and farm build ings, 140 acres in English grass, and two acres in orchard ; and the fifth 293 acres of freehold immediately adjoining lot 4. The sale will take place in Christchurch on the 10th, at the land salerooms of Matson and Co. Clearing Sales. —Messrs. Matson and Co. will submit to auction on Friday, April 2, at the Ashburton sale-yards, the whole horses, cattle, and farming plant that belonged to the late Mr. John Joyce, and we would commend the sale to farmers as a good opportunity for getting possession of a good thing at a reasonable price, seeing that the live stock are of a superior class, and the implements, Ac., very good indeed, while the sale is with out reserve. —To-day, Thursday, the sale of the farming stock and implements of Mr. George Parkin, will take place at his farm about three miles from the township, and about the same distance from Dro raore. Some excellent teams will be put up, and all the impedimenta of the farm. The sale will be in the hands of Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, auctioneers. —OnFi'iday, the 9th, the farms and farm stocking of Mr. Benjamin Ede will be disposed of by H. Matson and Co., and the catalogue shows some good and useful stuff in the shape of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs, while all the implements will also be put up. The Grain Despatch.— To all con nected with the Ashburton district, the getting away of the grain is a matter of importance, and every item that tends to save time is worth noting. We were yes terday shown the system adopted by Mr. Pilki.jgton, the Ashburton station master. of keeping a record of grain coming and going. Every lot is shown, with its number of bags, its marks or brands, and the storeman is enabled to despatch each in its order o! arrival, thus dealing fairly by all parties. That the work of the railway officials has been no sinecure this season in regard to grain the following figures will show, and those who know anything of shifting about sacks of grain will be able to understand that there was somebody not idle. From January 24th to March 31st there have been received at the railway station 28,871 sacks of wheat, 8,118 sacks of barley, and 6,411 sacks of oats. Of this number only 2,400 sacks remain in the shed, which is capable of bolding 5,000. Only 500 sacks have been put outside this season, and these were soon got away, and without suf fering any damage. To carry away the quantity of grain despatched, 608 trucks were required—4Bß for wheat, 115 barley, and 13 for oats. The last item is very suggestive of how little demand there is for oats. The pressure has considerably slacked off during the last two days, the arrivals of grain teams being fewer, and consequently the quantity brought in has not been so great as it had been only a short time previously. A very large quantity of grain, however, from farms that used to load at Ashburton has this year gone down the Rakaia-Methven line to Ilakaia, and has been despatched thence to port. The Mount Somers line may be expected to commence bringing down grain in a few days. At present a siding is being constructed at the termi nus, which is necessary before traffic can be begun generally, and all along the line there is grain now stacked and waiting for transit.

Unregistered Dogs. —At the Court on Monday several cases of keeping un registered dogs were disposed of in the usual manner.

Ashburton Honors. —lt is satisfactory to learn that the Ashburton Contingent of the C.Y.C. have been the most successful of any in gaining prizes at the tourna ment. In the “ neck and post ” competi tion Trooper W. B. Compton gained second prize with nine points, while it is not yet certain that the first position does not belong to him, seeing that the trooper who claims to have won the first prize entered the competition riding a pony of only 14 hands high instead of a charger. The little horse gave the trooper an advantage over all those who rode big troop horses, and if he is disquali fied, then the first prize cornea to Trooper Compton. In swordsmanship nobody could come near Sergeant Scott, barring perhaps Trooper Cookson, and the first prize for this has, therefore, been won by the able drill-in structor of the Ashburton Contingent. Sergt. Scott also stands a good show in the competition for the best “charger and caparisons.” There is a dispute still pending as to the legality of entering an entire in this competition, and if such an entry is found to be illegal, then'Sergt Scott will be first in this also. The prize for swordsmanship is a handsome sword, one of the best that can be manufactured, and it is now on the way out from the old country. The Ashburton men have reason to be proud of their Sergeant and their little troop, for we are given to understand by unbiased outsiders who are able to judge, that in appearance and smartness they were not to be wiped out by any body of cavalry on the ground.

The . Dunedin Murder. —The coro ner’s enquiry into this tragedy revealed particulars which must throw the gravest suspicion on the accused Butler, but some links are still required to complete the chain of evidence necessary to ensure a conviction. It is currently reported in Dunedin that the police have recently ob tained information which, if correct, will go some way to remove the mystery which has attached to the absence of motive towards the deed. It appeals that the girl who was chiefly instrumental in sup plying evidence which led to Butler’s last incarceration bears a strong likeness to the victim, Mrs. Dewar, and it is pre sumed that the accused, deceived by this, singled her out as an object for revenge. Another rather alarming report connected with the occurrence is that a list of names has been found in Butler’s possession, supposed to be a programme of his future operations. This list is headed by the name of a well-known Blueskin resident, who had incurred Butler’s animosity, and it will be remembered that the accused was in that neighborhood at the time of his arrest. The house in which the murder was committed is daily the object of survey by the curious, and one of the local papers has published a plan of the immediate neighborhood, showing that no less than five murders have previously taken place within a few yards of the house recently occupied by the Dewars. The effect of this has not been gratifying to the proprietor of the block, as nearly every house within a considerable distance has been vacated.

Man Missing. — A clerk in Wellington, named Kirk, has been amissing since January 26th, He was supposed to be insane. A Hushed up Accident. —The Welling ton “ Evening Post ” of Tuesday contains particulars of a railway accident on the Cluthaline, near Waihola, last Wednesday evening, which narrowly escaped being very serious. It says the particulars have been kept remarkably quiet in the South. Splendid Yield. —Mr. Perryman, of Tai Tapu, has finished his harvesting, and repoi ts a yield of close upon 6,400 bushels from 86 acres. One paddock of Tartarian oats yielded an average of, 93 bushels to the acre, and a small paddock of barley gave an average of 84 bushels to the acre. Attempted Suicide at Timaru. —A married woman attempted to poison her self with laudanum on Monday night, owing to a quarrel with her husband. Medical aid was at once proeux-ed, and the remedies used proved successful, though the woman is still very ill. She will be charged by the police with attempted suicide. Accident to Sinking Fund. —Lovers of horse racing will regret to learn that the well-known horse Sinking Fund, while being led into Wellington from the Hutt on Monday, to ship South, took fright at a passing train, broke away from the boy, and x-aced the train along the road, injuring himself to such an extent that it is feared his x’acing days are over. The Dunedin Murder. —The prisoner Butler, charged with the murder of the Dewar family, has been further remanded until Saturday. The medical evidence showed that tlxei’e were blood stains on the coat and trousers found in the bush, and on the shirt and collar worn by prisoner. Px-isoner was committed for trial on charges of burglary, and attempt ing to shoot the arresting constable. The Revised Bible. —Dr. Angus, one of the company engaged in the revision of the New Testament, stated the other day, in the course of a lecture delivered in Lon don, that the x-evised New Testament will in all probability be published at the end of the present year. The revisers, he said, had sat from 11 a. m. to 6 p.m. for forty days in each year during the last ten years, and had had received no pecuniary reward for their labors. Escape of a Russian Prisoner. —The St. Petei-sbux-g correspondent of the “ Parlement ” writes : “A j icce of news from Siberia furnishes a stx’iking instance of the increasing laxity of the Russian Government. Some eight years since a wealthy merchant named PloLyzine, the leader and chief propagandist of the Skoptsi sect, was arrested by the police. Plotyzine and several of his fellow prisoners were condemned to exile in Sibex-ia. A despatch just published in the “ Nowosti ” now announces that M. Ploytzine had been employing his time while under detention in Sibex'ia in build steamships at a yard which he had brought into being. A few days since the first vessel was ready, and the prisoner went on board in full view of the authorities present, as he said, just ‘to try the engines.’ Ic is scarcely necessary to remark that, once on the open sea, he made sail direct for San Francisco, instead of x’eturning to his late quarters.” Truth Stranger than Fiction. Almost every day (remarks a Victorian paper) some incident occurs proving that fact is as strange as, if not stranger than, fiction. Aboxxt 20 years ago the bride groom of a few weeks went to the far north of Queensland, there to make a home for his young wife, whom he had married on faith and love. By dint of hard toil and perseverance he succeeded in less than 12 months in realising the object in view, and, full of joyful anticipations, he was about to start to this colony on the happy mission of claiming his beloved from hex parents and bx-inging her back to the home he had provided. He had hardly set out on his journey when he received the mournful tidings that she on whom all his hopes were concentrated was dead. Almost stunned by the cruel and unex pected blow, the bereaved husband set out for Europe, and continued a cheerless wanderer for many yeax-s, when he finally settled down in Victoria, and, by the merest chance, met a young lady at the house of a mutual friend, who, to his sur prise and joy, he discovered was his own daughter. The parents of his wife had never told him of the child’s birth, dread ing that she might be taken from them.

The San Francisco Mail.—Regard ing the mail from San Francisco, which is now due by the ordinary time-table, the following memo, to the press is sup plied by the postal authorities ; —The s. s. Australia with the February mails arrived at San Francisco on March 23, two days in advance of the time-table date. The s.s. City of Sydney, with London mails to Feb. 26, left San Francisco on March 20, five days late. The very late depar ture of the City of Sydney from San Francisco is exceptional, but is no doubt due to the fact that the steamer caught fire on March 14, the day before she should have sailed for Auckland. It was stated that the fire was speedily extin guished, and but little damage was done. Judging, however, from the reported very late sailing of the City of Sydney, the damage must have been much more serious than was at first anticipated. The mail should reach Auckland on April 10. The Mataura Paper Mills. —Con- siderable improvements have been effected at the Mataura Paper Mill during the past two months. •An additional stuff chest has been erected, powerful appliances for lifting rollers, a revolving washer, callender rollers, and a number of other appliances have been added. A set of four bleaching cheats have just been finished, so as to enable the company to turn out white paper, which, however, cannot be done at present in consequence of so many orders for “ browns” having been received lately. The water supply has also been increased. New flood-gates have been erected, the masonry to which they are attached being a very solid bit of work. A flood wall extending several chains is in course of erection. When finished it will prove a wonderful protection to the mill when the river is in flood. The company has had many difficulties to contend with, but they have been faced in a very determined man ner, and we hope success will ultimately crown the undertaking.—“ Mataura En sign.” The Cadets' Encampment at Waimate. —There are about 100 boys in the Cadets’ camp at Waimate, and the affair is quite a success, so far, at least, as the small num ber of cadets will allow it to be. It is im possible, of course, with such a handful of boys to attempt any military manoeuvre of any consequence on the open ground, so that the officers have turned their atten tion to skirmishing and guerriila work, for which the bush hills and gorges at Waimate afford a fine opportunity. The lads do not take kindly to the tents, and failing to sleep get up long before the regulation hour, 5.30. On the march to the camping ground, though most of the lads stuck gamely to the road a number did a good growl at its length, and one becoming footsore had to.be helped on his way by a buggy that passed at a handy time. On the whole the bojs have been well-behaved, though one or two instances of larrikinism are reparted. On Sunday there was a church parade. Cure for Love of Drink. Dr. Duncam, of Chicago, communicates the following to the Press : “ A man to whom I gave medicine to help him to break off his tobacco habit came in to-day and said, ‘ What was that medicine you gave me 1 It has taken all my appetite for beer and whiskey. I have no more hankering after beer than I have for milk, and not so much ; and as for whiskey and alcohol, it is simply disgusting to me. ’ I have known this man for over twenty-five years and have no reason to doubt his word. The remedy is a homoeopathic preparation from nicis v. saach alb. (globe.) 20 3 deg. zji. I hasten to tell you of this fact, for it is something I have been seeking for years for the benefit of the temperance cause. With it we may control the ante-natal, involuntary hanker ing for liquors, especially beer. Under such circumstances it is a disease, and should be, and is, amenable to treatment.”

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

A special meeting of tlxe Ashburton Borough Council was held last night in the Borough Chambers, for the purpose of considering the questions of water supply, bye-laws, etc. There were present his Worship the Mayor, and Messrs. Saunders, Parkin, and St. Hill. Mr. E. G. Crisp was present to explain the proposed build ing clauses in the bye-laws, and Mr. J oseph Clark attended as agreed upon at last meeting to report on the probability or otherwise of objections being x-aised by tlxe freeholders to bringing the water down the gully. THE BUILDING BYE-LAWS. The first matter discussed was that of the building bye-laws. Mr. E. G. Crisp, Borough Solicitor, ex plained which portions of the town were to be included in the building bye-laws. The districts proposed to be included com menced at Friedlander's store, thence to the corner of Burnett stx-eet, thence down Havelock street to Butler’s Hotel, thence to Moore street, and back to the starting point. Mr. St. Hill took exception to the area proposed to bo a fleeted by the building clauses, as likely to drive people to build outside the township. Mr. Crisp then proceeded to read the clauses as he had prepared them. They defined the chax-acter of the buildings to bo erected, etc., but before he had finished, His Worship suggested that the matter be referred back to the Bye-laws Com mittee to report at next meeting. Messrs. St. Hill and Parkin were added to the Bye-laws Committee, and the Mayor’s suggestion was adopted. WATER SUPPLY. Mr. Joseph Clark stated his belief that the various owners ®f hind, abutting on the old watercourse had agreed to the water being brought down that course. An agreement, signed by a large number of them, was road, to that effect. H : s Worship pointed out that the agree ment did not meet the Council’s condi tions, as it did not provide fox- persons who "may object. Mr. Clark said ho did not think any objection would be raised, as he had seen most of the section-holders. He knew of only one probable objector, and with him he thought an arrangement could be made. Mr. Saunders pointed out the disadvan tage of using the old gully from the ab sorption and evaporation that would take place. His own mill-race was instanced, and Mr. Hunt’s attempt to bring water on to his land, and in both cases the diffi culty he referred to had been encountered In the latter ease, it had taken the water two months to flow where it was wanted. It appeared, too, that Mr. Wil liamson, who held the key of Mr. Clark’s scheme, was an objector, and that was sufficient to put an end to the whole thing. He would propose — “ That this Council, having considered Mr. Clark’s scheme of water supply, wishes to thank him for the trouble he has taken in drawing up plans and getting informa tion, but thinks it advisable to carry out the scheme adopted at their last ordinary meeting, and for which tenders have been called. ” Mr. St. Hill seconded. His Worship expressed his regret that they could not make use of Mr. Clark’s scheme, after all the pains he had taken. It was advisable to go on with the work at once, and therefore he would put Mr. Saunders’ motion, which was carried, Mr. Saunders stating that if the’ gully free holders wanted water they could proeux-e it through a sluice in the the miff race. Tlxe lenders for the work wore then opened. After a long discussion, in which the advisableness of accepting tendex-s for the outfall drain only was considered, seeing that no provision was made for construct ing a dam iu the domain; and in the

course of which it” was stated that the whole work necessary was not provided for in the specifications, Mr. Fooks, the engineer, said a lot of timber belonging to the Council could be used for fluming. Mr. Parkin said it was worthless. Mr. Fooks said it was good enough for a temporary job like this. The tender question was disposed of by Mr. James Wilkie declining to take any part of the work less than the whole. In the course of discussion, Mr. Saunders said he was of opinion that Mr. Fooks had scarcely caught the idea of the Council, and had not prepared a perfect scheme to be tendered for, so that what was before them was a half-and half sort of thing. He (Mr. Saunders) was of opinion that if the work were let that night, and also the extras included in Mr. Wilkie’s alternative tender, the whole job could be done in a fortnight. Mr. Parkin saw no need for delay. The work had been before the public from a date anterior to the declaration of the municipality, and everybody knew all about it. Mr. St. Hill was quite sure that if somebody prospecting for gold managed to get, near the belt, a quarter of an ounce to the tub, water would be in in a day or two. The Mayor declined to put any resolu tion not in accordance with the advertised terms on which the tenders had been made. After some further talk the reporters were requested to withdraw, as the Coun cil were in Committee, hut we understand all the tenders were rejected, and the Engineer was instructed to prepare fresh specifications and advertise for tenders, to be opened at a special meeting on Satur day week.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents. THE WATERTON DOG CASE. To the Editor. Sir, —"Will you allow me space through your valuable journal to correct some errors in the report of the “ Ashburton Mail,” on the case of Anderson v. Fleming at the R.M. Court, Ashburton, on the 23rd inst. and also to make clear to the public the justice of my claim. First, my claim was not for harboring my dog, as stated by the “ Mail,” the words harboring and impounding ai:e very different. My claim was to recover my dog, which was taken up by defendant, chained at or in his house, and kept under close confine ment for three weeks, lest he might come home ; and when asked for him defendant, with great insult, said ho had me now, and refused to give him to me unless I paid him the enormous sum of L2O for imaginary damage, represented to be done by the dog in question. Secondly, I am represented as a wrong-doer in the same report. How, Sir, was I wrong in applying to a Court of Justice (when all other means failed) to recover my own ? As to the defence raised in the shape of damages, it is very strange the accident should happen to that particular hen and her large family, which was sworn to be worth L 3 10s. My dog has his character, no doubt. Hois said to be a wanderer and a sheep worrier ; for in answer to a question, while on oath, the defendant stated that the distance between his and my place was 1A miles, whereas it is only two chains from his land to mine, and 55 chains from house to house. As for worrying sheep, defendant has only one X>etlamb, and it is alive and well. Flem ing’s witness also stated, while on oath, in answer to a question, that the night- of the 3rd March last was moonlight, almost as light as day at nine o’clock. See your almanac, and apply your chain, and test the truth of these statements. I love the truth, and shall stand or fall by it.—l am, &c., Robert Anderson.

“ FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.” To the Editor. Sir, —The above heading refers to that great boon conferred on the Ashburton people by the railway department, the carriage attached to the 11 a.m. luggage train. This concession was, obtained through Mr. Friedlander, who represented that this cereal city of the plains would practically be without communication with Christchurch fx’ora 6.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Of course every one thought what a concession this was, and Ashburton in consequence was inflated with the idea that i t possessed influence with the figux-e ---heads of the railway department. Now, being part and parcel of Ashburton, I was jubilant about this, and last Thurs day determined to avail myself of the “ convenience,” feeling it incumbent on me to honor it with my presence. I ob tained a first-class ticket for Christchurch after the express had left, I stood on the platform like Patience on a monument smiling at Grief, waiting for this aforesaid “ convenience ” to show up, until one of my acquaintances hailed me thusly—“ I say old man, if you are going to Ohrist church by this tx-ain, you’d best look spx-y.” Then I heard the station-officials calling on the passengers to take their seats for the north, but I wanted to know where those seats we were to take were located. My friend pointed out to me that they lay over against the goods-shed. I steered cax-efully across the line, tried to go on the port tack, once or twice missed stays, and finally collided with the “convenience.” I scrambled aboard without loss of life; the bosen’s whistle piped stand by ; and we got fainly under weigh. We reached Dromore in due course, and stayed there 10 minutes. Ghertsey was our next port, which we reached at 12.25, and left at 1 p.m. for Rakaia; and so on to Christchurch, which we reached at 4.45. Shax-p work this. Put me in mind of the old lady who was walking to Inver cargill, some yeax-s ago, fx-om oxie of the villages on the line of rail from Winton. The guard of one of the tx-ains asked her if she would not ride to town. “No, thank you,” she replied, “ I am in a great hurry to reach Invercargill.” Rather severe this on the tx-ains; and on Thurs day, if I had been in a hurry, I certainly should have got out and done the re mainder of the journey on “ Shanks, his pony.” But, being a Briton out for a lioliday, and time and a pound or twq of no consequence, I stayed in the luxurious first-class carriage. Did I say first-class ? I humbly beg its pardon ; I mean a dirty double second-class one, half of it being a cross between a good third and a bad second-class Home carriage ; the cushions abstracted from a superanuated first, and made to do duty in this second, to tx-ansmogrify it into a firsc, the word “ second” being scrubbed off to make folks believe it was first. The floor of this “ first” compartment was in a dis graceful condition, there being a good deal of what Mr. John Stuart Mill said was matter in the wrong place—-viz., dirt, —about it, well-seasoned apple cores, dried plum atones, and a few cobwebs thrown in as an inducement for people to travel by this carriage. : It was plainly evident to me that the floor had not rubbed noses with a good broom for some time, for it “ ’pears to me,” asTopay said, that these brown apple cores and dried plum stones hadn’t “grow’d” there, .nor were they seasoned'in an hour. From the official annoulxeement re specting this “convenience,” I was under the impression that a first class carriage was to be attached to the luggage train, and only first class tickets issned ; yet on Thursday I saw second class tickets issxxed, and for more passengers than the second class

compartment could hold, and m conse quence some of these passengers had to be put in the first class (save the mark) compartment. This is scarcely right,, not that I object to rub shoulders with people who travel second class, but I object to pay for fiivt class accommodation when second class fare would' apparently have done. It seems disgraceful that people who pay for the luxury, if such it can be called, of first class, should be stuck in a dirty bastard first class carriage, and be kept on the road for nearly live hours, and then landed just anywhere in the Christchurch station, in a perfect sea of wagons, to the imminent danger of one’s life ; and it seems preposterous that this train should travel so slowly that a pas senger should be able to jump off safely at one of the crossings near Addington.;— I am, &c., Dot.

SPORTING.

THE CHRISTCHURCH AUTUMN MEETING. FIRST DAY, TUESDAY. Racecourse, March 30. The poor attendance on the course to day is in marked contrast to the number present yesterday. The scratching of Fish hook and York for the big event late last night has altered the betting. Titania is now coming into favor. On Le Loup’s arrival on the course he created consider able attraction. Ho seems fit enough, as far as appearances go. The three final acceptors saddled for the Free Handicap of three sovs. each, with 50 sovs. added. One mile. Le Loup ... ... ... 1 Tera ... ... ... ... 2 On Dit 3 Betting—Six to four on Le Loup.. On Dit got the best start and kept the lead until turning up the straight for home, when Le Loup came up passing the others and winning easily by a length. Time—lmin. 47|-aecs. L 62 were on the totalisator, L 25 on the favorite. Great Autumn Handicap, of 10 sovs each, 300 sovs. added, li miles. Camballo (Harris) 1 Mata (Mathews) ... ... 2 Betrayer (Clifford) ... ... 3 Foul Play, Titania, Volunteer, Norse man, (JVlarie Antoinette, and Luna all started. On Dit was scratched. Betting—lo to 1 agst. Camballo, 3 to 1 agst Mata, 2 to 1 agst Betrayer. After some fiddling at the post a start was effected, Marie Antoinette getting the best of it, with Betrayer next, Mata third. This order was maintained until opposite the Stand, when Foul Play assumed the lead. At the three-quarter-mile post Titania went up to the leader. Turning into the straight, Mata and Foul Play came round together, with Camballo lying on the off side. The two leaders raced up the straight, Mata having Foul Play beaten. Betrayer now came up with a rush, which Camballo answered, and amidst great excitement assumed the lead, winning by a length. Time —2inins. 41secs. There were H 39 on the totalisator, and only five investors on the winner.

The Epsom Stakes was a walk-over for Mata ; Foul Play, Le Loup, and Fishhook being scratched. Champagne Stakes of 15 sovs. each, with 250 sovs. added. Six furlongs. Sir Modred ... ... ... 1 Lure ... ... ... ... 2 Virginia Water ... ... 3 Noumea and The Governor also started. Betting—Even on Sir Modred; 2 to 1 each against the others. Coming into the straight, Sir Modred, Virginia Water, and Lure turned the corner in a bunch. The three then raced up the straight, Lure passing the filly at the distance post) but' could not catch the winner, who landed the stakes by a length. Time—lmin. 19secs. In the totalisator were L 80—33 invest ors on the winner. SECOND DAT, WEDNESDAY. [by TELEGRAPH, j Racecourse, March 31. The weather is beautiful, but the at tendance on the co urse is small, the arriv ing trains bringing very few down. Be fore the first race started a notice was posted that Fishhook was scratched for all his engagements. There is very little betting in the paddock. For the first event', Autumn Nursery Handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 100 added; for 2-year olds. Five furlongs:— Lure 1 The Governor 2 Sir Modred ... 3 Virginia Water also started. Hilarious was scratched. Betting—2 to lon Sir Modred, 2to 1 agst others. After three breaks away at first, in which Sir Modred, Governor, and Virginia’s colors were very prominent, a start was effected, Lure and the Governor having the best of it. These two led into the straight with Sir Modred in attendance, the order being maintained to the winning post, though Sir Modred made a strong effort to catch the other horses, Lure won by half a length, Modred two lengths behind the second horse. Time not taken before telegraphing. LlB2 were on the totalisator, twenty-six investors ,on winner. Easter Handicap, with 5 sovs. each, with 100 sovs. added. One mile. Camballo ... ... ... 1 Betrayer 2 Foul Play 3 Le Loup was scratched. Betting—2 to lon the field. A splendid start, Camballo, if anything, being a little in the rear. At the first turn Betrayer and Foul Play were running neck and neck. Turning into the straight, Camballo came up with a tremendous rush, Foul Play’s rider sitting down and whipping. At the distance post Betrayer was leading, Canballo coming up hard, and after a splendid race he forged gradually ahead, winning by three-quarters of a length. Time—lmin. 46secs. There were Lll3 on the totalisator—23 investors on the winner. Selling Race, 5 sovs each, with 50 sovs added. Mile and a quarter. York 1 Mirielle 2 Middleton 3 Blue Ribbon, Albany, and Sludge filly also started. Camballo and Titania were, scratched. Frightful bad start, York, Sludge filly, and Mereille had a long way the best of it. Opposite the stand Blue Ribbon came up to the leaders, but soon fell back again. ing into the straight, York was leading by four lengths, with Mireille and Middleton in attendance. York ran in an easy winner by nine lengths, with a good race for second place. Time—2mins. 17 SJrsecs. Ll7B in ihe totalisator, fifty-two inves tors on the winner. Flying Stakes, 3 sovs. each, with 50 added. Six furlongs. Mata 1 Le Loup also started. Betrayer, Sir Modred, Hilarious, the Governor, Foul Play, and On Dit were scratched. Betting—s to lon Mata. Mata had all the best of a bad start. Le Loup came up at the first turn, and Mata had a slight lead. Turning into the straight both Ixorses ran neck and neck until within twenty yards of the winning post, when Mata forged ahead landing winner by half a neck. Time —Imin. 14|secs,

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. ( Reuter’s.) Bombay, March 28. Intelligence has been received from Cabul that severe fighting has taken place between that city and Gundamuk. Kohistanis having effected a the other hostile tribes, made a attack on the British position ■Tween Cabul and Gundamuk. HeavjTHghting ensued, and the enemy were repulsed with great loss. The British loss is trifling. London, March 28. Mr. Gladstone has recovered from his recent illness. News has been received from South . America of hostilities between the Chilians and the Peruvians. A severe battle has been fought at Mosquequa, which resulted in the defeat of the Chilians, who suffered a loss of thirteen hundred, killed and wounded. Dublin, March 30. Since the arrival of Mr. Parnell in Ireland he has delivered several speeches to uproarious meetings. Last.night at Wexford he made a speech which had a bad impression. When explaining his conduct on the Relief Fund question the platform was rushed; Mr. Parnell being severely maltreated in the disturbance which took place. . . Paris, March 30. The official decree for suppressing the Society of Jesuits, and expelling foreign members from the country, has been issued. Calcutta, March 30. According to the latest news from Cabul, a general rising of hostile tribes around the Khyber Pass is imminent. The Passes are being held, and protective measures are be : ng adopted, by the British Government. Suez, March 29. The Orient Steamship Company’s steamer Lusitania arrived here the day before yesterday, homeward bound. AUSTRALIAN. | (Reuter's Telegrams.) Sydney, March 29. . Exhibition Commission awards—Bag nall, Thames; Halcombe, Fielding; Otago Museum ; all first prizes for timber exhibits ; Harbour Board, Auckland ; Dr. Campbell, . Kaipara ; Hornby, Picton ; Nome, Auckland; second. Potts, Christchurch, for cones, first. Gum— Labonde, first ; Baker, Wellington, second. Also, sundry other awards. INTERPROYINCIAL. Auckland, March 31. Charles Ducie, a settler drowned in the Waikato river last night, had towed his horse across and was in the act of re mounting when the horse reared and fell over the bank into the river. The deceased leaves a wife and one child, and has friends in a high position at homo. The body has not been recovered. Auckland, March 31. Bishop Selwyn is a passenger by the mail steamer from Sydney. She left for San Francisco early this morning with 60 passengers. Through some unexplained cause not a single member of Chiniquy’s committee was on the wharf to see him off. Amongst the passengers were Sir Arthur Kennedy and daughter, Bishop Redwood, Messrs. Grant and Foster, the Lincoln shire delegates, and a number of Mormon converts for Salt Lake. The case of the Ameren Consul, Stephenson v. Salmon to-day at Russell before E. M. wSßms, R. M., and Marsden Clark, J.P. receipt being produced by Stephenson from Salmon to show that he had ever received the seal, etc., and no proof was forthcom ing that the articles were the property of the American Government, plaintiff was nonsuited with, costs. ; ’ Grahamstown, March 30. The Waikato Cavalry and Auckland Artillery were entertained at a banquet last evening, and there will be a grand ball to-night. Cavalry races are being held at Parawai to-day. Wellington, March 31. Lighthouse dues to the extent of six pence per ton will be levied from the first of April from all vessels other than inter colonial trading vessels and coasters. Intercolonial trading vessels will be charged at the rate of four-pence per, ton, while no levy will be made on coasters. Timaru, March 30. Hegarty, the long distance walker of Southland,, completed the task of walking 112 miles in 24 hours last evening, seven minutes wichin time. He was fearfully exhausted towards the finish. In the last mile he fell down twice, and brandy had to be dashed over him, his hair pulled, and his ribs poked, to revive him and keep him awake, the crowd in the mean time calling out—“ Go it, old man— don’t give in. ” The exhibition was dis graceful and brutal. A protest has been entered that the mile was 26 yards short, but Hegarty declares that if the distance is disputed he is prepared to walk 115 miles in the same time. Invercargill, March 30, The Civil Service J Commission, which arrived last night, proceed to Queenstown, where they will begin an enquiry. Robert Curtis, a boy of ten years, and the son of Mr. Curtis, of the Temperance Hotel, was accidentally shot yesterday. He had gone out by train to visit some relatives, and on finding they had left, re turned to the railway platform nearer to the town. Whi’e waiting there he was shot as stated. It is not yet known by whom the fatal shot was fired, -but two boys who were in the vicinity will be ex amined on the subject. . Queenstown, March 31. The Civil Service Commission arrived yesterday and immediately commenced work. They received valuable assistance from Mr. Finn, the member for the dis trict. They examined several Govern ment officials. The Commission will now work gradually northwards.

THE FRENCH PASS.

It is being brought” strongly before the eyes of the colony that some sort of regu lation is required for steamers 'going through the celebrated French Pass at night. It was only a few nights ago that a Nelson steamer got out of the jaws of death by the skin of her teeth in this narrow pass having, as nearly as may be, been run down by the Waitaki as she was rounding the sharp and sudden point at the north entrance. The Nelson steamer managed to swing round by dexterous management on the part of her captain, and thus he was able to clear the Waitaki by all. that was wanted to save his steamer and the one that was passing him, but a few feet more, and there would have been but little hope that either one or other of the steamers would have been saved, aud considering the ugly character of the dangerous pass, the narrowness and depth of the channel, and the frowning cliffs on either side, the chance of rescue for the passengers would have been well nigh hopeless. The occurrence was the first of the kind that we remember iu many years, and perhaps it because people set it down as one pro bably never again be being so much against two steamers meet ing in the French Pass, that after the first surprise created by the event, there was no more notice taken of the affair. On Saturday night last, however, we learn that almost an exact repetition of the scene occurred, the steamers this time being the Nelson steamer Charles Edward, and the West Coast steamer Grafton, We

THE ASHBURTON. GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, APEIL 1, 1880.



s. d. $. d. Butter, inferior to best 1? Ib O IO to I O Eggs, t? dozen 1 I to I 3 Cheese, prime quality, I? Ib o 7 to 0 10 Bacon, prime smoked, $ lb o 10 to 1 0 tiams in cloth, f? lb I 2 to I 3 Flour in bags, loolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal. 251b 5 6 to 0 0 Lard, • $ lb - 0 9 to 0 0



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 13, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAYE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he_ is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Co.’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a NOTICE TO FARMERS. fJIHE 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 LOTHING FACTORY "AS 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 bettor 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 SAVE 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. MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD. TAKE NOTICE that the VALUA TION LIST for the year 1880, as amended, is now OPEN for inspection at the Road Board Office, Mount Somers. All objections thereto must be left at the Road Board Office, Mount Scmers, on or before the Third day of April, 1880, addressed to the Assessment Court; and a copy of every such objection must be left at the Mount Somers Road Board Office, not less than Seven days before the next sitting of the said Court. C. J. WENTWORTH COOKSON, June. Clerk to the Mount Somers Road Board. Mount Somers, March 13th, 1880. Cl4g