SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER.

For Wellington— Each Tuesday, Thurs day, and Saturday. Fob Napier and East Coast—Every

Thursday. For Picton and Nelson —Each Tuesday and Saturday. Fob Taranaki and Manxjkau—Every

Tuesday. For Port Chalmers— Each Tuesday and

Thursday. For Melbourne via Bluet—Every Tues day. For Hobart Town —Each alternate Tues day. For Sydney—Each alternate Thursday.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs H. Matson and Co. held a large auction sale of land at their rooms on Saturday last, Mr. Walton presided as auctioneer. The first property offered was 441 and 489 acres of land at Dromore. There was an immensely large attendance, but the biddings were not very spirited. The Dromore property failed to realise the reserve of the owner, and was bought in at L2 per acre. A farm of 520 acres, with house and improvements, at Dunsandel, was next offered, but bought in at L 4 per acre. The next property offered was the large properties in the estate of the late John Joyce. Considerable animation was shown in this portion of the sale. The first lot was 50 acres in the Lceston dis trict, which fell to the bid of Mr. George Stevens, of Irwell, at LlB par aero. The next lot was 25 acres, also in the Leeston District, which was purchased by Mr S. McLeary, of Brooki-ide, at LlB per acre. The Lease of 157 acres, Educational Re serves No. 71G, having about seven years to run at a rental of 6s. per acre, was purchased by Mr. Walter Hartnall, of the Rakaia, at L 402 10s. The next lot offered was 200 acres of land at Wakanui, •with dwelling house, and was knocked

down to Mr. D. Wilson, of Wakanui, at Lll 10s. per acre. The next lot of 364 acres at Upper Ashburton, fell to tlie bid of Mr. Ullyatt, for L 7 per acre. The next lot, 287 acres, sold to Mr. D. Wilson, of Wakanui, ot L 4 19s. 6d. per acre. The total amount of tho sale was L 7711 12s. 6d.

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, April 13. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company report, under date London, April 10th :—Tallow, no trade demand. The market is overstocked. Stocks of all sorts, 19,000 casks. Best mutton is worth S4s. and beef 335. per cwt. Leather—Best sides showed Is. 4d. decline on previous rates, others in pro portion. 4,000 sides Australasian have been sold since last report.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. For Chertscy at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at- 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwalcl Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangilata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Greenstrcet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at J.IS p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster. 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 6th, and will be due in London on June 26 th. Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under : This Day. For Northern Ports, per Taiaroa. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Friday, Anar. IG. Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., at Mr. Spring’s Farm, North Ashburton— Wheat, Oats, Barley, Ac. Wednesday, April 21.

Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., at the Chertsey Hotel—4oo acres first-class Land. Sale at 2 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1880.

In our last issue we published a cable gram from Melbourne, via Reuter’s Agency, which announced the removal by the Victorian authorities of the import duty on oafs introduced into Victoria for the purpose of being converted into oat meal. The cablegram gives no hint of the duty on oats imported for other uses being removed, and from this we are in clined to the belief that the millers have taken a new departure, and mean to direct their enterprise to grinding for ex port. If it bo to encourage some such object as this that the duty has been re moved, so that advantage might be taken of the largo crop of oats which has been gathered in this colony, and at the same time continue protection to the Victorian farmers, then it is time that something were done in New Zealand in a similar direction. If oatmeal can be made in Victoria from New Zealand oats, and ex ported to the English or any other market, then surely it stands to reason that the oats could be ground on the soil on which they are grown ; and if the enterprise can be made payable by Victorian millers, is there anything to prevent it being made to pay in this colony ? There is not. We are fully assured there is sufficient milling power in Canterbury to make oat meal of all the oats the province has grown this season, and if the game is worth the candle for Victoria, who has to import the raw mdterial, it ought surely to be much more an object to New Zea land, who this year has such an overplus of oats on hand. A rumor has been in dustriously circulated during the last two or three days that the price of grain has suffered a severe fall, and that buyers re fuse to operate at a higher figure than 3s. 3d. for the best samples of wheat, and Is. 2d. for white Canadian oats, while only lid. is offered for long Tartars. If there is any truth in this rumor, and holders of grain will very soon be able to ascertain whether there is not, it ought to be an additional inducement for steps be ing taken to rescue the colony from the great loss it is bound to suffer on its oat crop this season. At Is. 2d. per bushel, oats must be a particularly heavy crop to pay, and only those who have been blessed with exceedingly heavy yields can hope to make at all out of oats, while the growers of “ long Tarters will be heavy losers. But the removal of the duty on oats for grinding in Victoria seems to us to be in dicative of a change in the Victorian policy which will be joyfully hailed by all politicians of true Liberal principles. Since the enforced re tirement of Mr. Berry a new regime may be expected, and it is perhaps not tco much to hope that the partial sur render of the oat duty is only the thin edge of the wedge, and that sooner or later the Victorian Parliament will be converted to the doctrine of Free Trade. At present the Protective tariff she in dulges in militates sadly against her in interest. The opening of Victoria to New Zealand oats would have a most beneficial effect upon oat-growing here, as transactions are on record that have re sulted in a profit to the New Zealand ex porter, even with the heavy duty of Is. per cental that is still charged on oats not for milling.

The Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion’s meeting on Tuesday was a most satisfactory one, not only because of the large number of farmers that attended, giving token of more interest taken in the Association’s work, but also be cause of the nature and extent of the business done. We were glad to note this increased attendance, as while a Society of the character of the Agricultural and Pastoral exists in such a district as Ashburton, and is well nourished by those for whose special benefit it is formed, a clear in dication is given that tire fanners under stand their own interests, and know in what direction they can best serve them. But when we find the Society’s meetings thin, and its members apathetic, we must come to the conclusion that either the charge of the Society is in bad hands or its rank and file arc so doltish as not to know what is good for them. We know, and the farmers know, that the care of the Agricultural and Pas toral Association of Ashburton could not well be in the bands of a better or more enthusiastic team of officers, and the manner in ■which the subjects that were brought up were intelligently discussed was sufficient proof that the membership of the Society is not wanting in clear head edness. We must congratulate the Asso ciation on having at last settled the vexed question of which side of the river is in future to have the honor of affording the show ground, and wo think with the majority (and that was a largo one) that the best side has been chosen. Though perhaps the Tinwald show ground was the most satiable for the large number of stock ex hibitors that undeniably are south of the river, still there are many advantages to be urged for the Ashburton side. The chief of these is unquestionably the in creased attendance of the public and the large addition of gate money that must inevitably accrue, for there can be no question that very many of the towns people, with their families, will visit a show held just outside the town belt, who do not care to face a journey across the river, and along the dusty road to Tinwald. The Society, too, having now fixed the site,have actedpromptly and in a business like manner in at once setting about the preparation of plans for show yards that may also bo utilised for sale yards, and the proximity of these to the town, being on the reserve near Saunders’ mill, cannot faff to make them remunerative. But not the least important part of the business done was the passing of a resolution to institute more frequent meetings with the object of disseminating among the members practical information on agricultural matters, and also to form a library of standard works on agricul'ure. The resolution was the joint production of Mr. W. J. Silcock and Mr. F. Guinness, and to them the members are, we should say, indebted for initiating the movement. We may safely prophesy from this movement, if it is energetically carried on, huge benefit to the farming interest in the county. While the Society simply existed, and limited its work to arrange ments for an annual ploughing match and a cattle show, it did no more for the farmers than what on a smaller scale our Gaines Committee or Racing Club do every year for the townspeople —that is, supplied a little enter tainment, and gave an opportunity for an outing. Certainly we do not for a moment mean to place the results of a cattle show for one moment on a level with a race meeting or an athletic competition—but so far as the work of preparation is con cerned the one is just as arduous as the other, and when the Association stopped at its shows, it was net fulfilling all the mission it came into existence to accom plish, Now, however, we may look for

some real benefit to How from the meet ings suggested in Mr. Silcock’s resolution, and we hope that no effort will :be spared <ni the part of the Committee to make these meetings eminently useful. Not many days ago we had enquiries from a gentleman in Christchurch, who takes an interest in this district, as to whether a Farmers’ Club existed hero, as he would be willing to read an interesting paper before such a club. We were forced re luctantly to tell him that no such club mot in Ashburton, but now it will be with much pleasure that we will communicate to him the fact that a Farmers’ Club has been instituted, who may perhaps accept his offer.

Drunk. —James Gibson was yesterday fined ss. for being drunk. It was his first offence. Railway Time Table. —The alterations in the railway time table, referred fo a few days ago, are published in our present issue.

Extract of Kerosene. —Messrs. Orr and Co. have been appointed agents in Ashburton for Niner’s extract of kero sene.

Political. —Sir W. Fox has announced himself as a candidate for the E-angitikei seat in the House of Representatives, vacated by Major Willis.

Dr. Irving’s Lecture. —There was a good attendance at Dr. Irving’s lecture on bee-keeping on Tuesday, Mr. Guinness occupying the chair. A notice of the lec ture appears in another column.

Niner’s .Oil. —This oil, which claims to be the essence of kerosine, and to reduce the chancoof lamp accidents to a minimum, has been introduced hero by the Messrs Orr.

Arrival. —The English ship Palala arrived yesterday at Lyttelton from the Downs, with 42 passengers, all well. She brings two thoroughbred brood mares for Mr. Stead.

Crushing. Mr. .Henry Beckett, Wakanui, announces his readiness to crush grain at 2|d. per bushel, and to do parcels of 200 bushels and upwards at fanners' own homesteads.

Electoral Rolls. —Copies of the elec toral rolls for the ridings of Mount Hutt, Upper Ashburton-, and South Rakaia, will be on view from the 20th inst to the 15th May, at the several Road Board offices, and also at the County Council Chambers. More Work. —Tenders are invited by the Upper Ashburton Road Board for re pairs to tho Rangitata Cuttings on Sir Cracroft Wilson’s station, and also for clearing stones off the road near Ealing station.

The Civil Service Commission. —The Civil Service Commissioners arrived on Tuesday from Timaru, and at once pro ceeded to the County Council offices, where they held a sitting. The gentlemen examined were Messrs Pilkington, station master, Johnston, chief clerk, Guinness, R.M., Harrell. Clerk of Court, and Ollivier, Provincial Auditor.

Post Office at Cambridge. —A re quisition is in course of signature in the Newlanda district for the establishment at Cambridge of a branch post office. At present residents in that district have to call at the Ashburton post office for their correspondence, and the institution of a branch at Newlands would be attended with very little expense to the department. Compensation. —At the Railway Com pensation Court in Christchurch yesterday the New Zealand and Australian Land Company claimed LB7O from the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Company for damage to their land. An arrange ment was made, however, by which the Railway Company make certain alterations within six months, or pay L 525 10s. to the Company. The San Francisco Mail. —The Ash burton portion of San Francisco mail arrived by special express at 8 o'clock last night. Owing to the detention of the Rotomahana by the southerly gale she was not able to reach Lyttelton till late in the afternoon, instead of early in the morning, as was expected, and as she would have done had the weather been propitious. Civil Cases. —At the E.M. Court on Tuesday the following civil cases were disposed of:-—-MacLeod v. Horngan ; claim, L 7 10s.; Mr. Purnell applied for judgment in this case for amount and costs, LI 12s. 2d., which was granted. The case of Cookson v. Stewart ; claim, LlO 10s., was adjourned. Bowick v. Moore ; claim, L 8 13s. Gd.; judgment for amount and costs, and immediate execu tion granted.

Attempted Suicide at Methvrn.—A man named Parsons, who has been work ing at Mount Somers for some little time, was brought to Rakaia by the train from Methven on Wednesday evening, suffering from delirium tremens, having been drinking two or three weeks. The poor fellow attempted to cut his throat yesterday, but fortunately without doing much injury to himself. He was locked up by the constable at Rakaia, and will be taken on to Ashburton.

Worthy of Imitation. —Our telegrams from Dunedin record an act of beneficence by Mr. Hallenstein, of the New Zealand Clothing Factory which is rather uncom mon. The sum of 'LISO having been raised for the purpose of giving him a sub stantial token of the esteem in which he was held, Mr. Hallenstein requested the amount might form the nucleus of a fund to ameliorate any distress which may at any time arise amongst those in his employ. The firm, of which Mr. Hallenstein is a member, added LSO to the amount. Accepting Tenders. —Great dissatisfac is expressed in Christchurch with the Drainage Board, who recently accepted a tender of over L 30,000, when there was one LI,GOO lower against which no valid objection has yet been urged. They have also given a contract of LB,OOO for dram pipes to an importer, when a local maker tendered only 11 per cent, higher, and this was in the face of an expressed inten tion on the part of the Board to allow about that margin to local manufacturers. A requisition is being signed for a public meeting to call upon the Board to explain its action.

Cricket. —The last match of the Christ church cricket season was played yester day, and was marked, as indeed the whole season has been, by a fine display of batting. The match was arranged be tween a number of English gentlemen on a visit (aided by some lawyers) and a Christchurch eleven. The former went in first, and made 220, of which Mr. E. W. Wallington, late of the Oxford Eleven, made no less than 141. The only other scores were Mr. W. P. Reeves, 40, and T. B. Harbottle, 17. The local team had only time to get 33 runs for the loss of a wicket. A similar score of 141 was made by Mr. A. M. Ollivier early in the season, which, with Ashby’s 112, makes the third century on the same ground this season. Ashburton Building Society.—A meeting of the Ashburton Permanent Building and Investment Society was held yesterday, Dr. Trevor in the chair. The attendance was very small. The re port and balance-sheet, wffiich were con sidered very satisfactory, were adopted, on the motion of Dr. Trevor, seconded by Mr. Gundry. Messrs. W. St. G. Douglas and John Carter were elected directors in the place of Messrs. Jameson and Doherty. The chairman, in reviewing the business of the Society, since its formation, re ferred to it as being very satisfactory. He also wished to acknowledge the very liberal manner in which the Bank of New Zealand had acted towards the Society all through the depressed times, which_ en abled them to carry on the business in a most profitable manner. The average profits have been 15 per cent, per annum on investors shares.

The Masonic Hall Dedication.— Extensive preparations are being made for the masonic demonstration on Friday, and for the ball which is to follow in the even ing. Visitors from many lodges are ex pected to be present to assist the Grand Master in the dedication, the ceremonies at which will be of the most imposing character. So that full advantage may be taken of the floor room at the ball, a large canvas addendum is in course of construction in front of the building, for refreshment purposes, and the Committee have been unsparing in their efforts at de coration, so that altogether a very success ful meeting will in all probability be held. A Disappointed One. —At the parish meeting on Monday some one suggested the name of a Tinwald resident as a suit able one for the list of candidates for parochial honors. It was immediately ex plained that the same name has been placed upon the list last year, but the owner had not been elected. Since the affront thus given the huffed one had failed to attend more than one or two of the services, and was very greatly offended. Our friend, “ Chispa,” says ho lias ordered a gingerbread horse from Mr. Thomas Taylor, for presentation to the vexed Tinwaldite.

Obstinate Witnesses.— There is a class of witnesses who appear in the R. M. Court from time to time, who are a source of a-nnoj-ance both to Bench and bar. A representative of this class—the plaintiff in a civil action—appeared in Court on Tuesday morning, and tried the patience of Mr. Guinness and Mr. Purnell to the utmost, the latter gentleman- being the solicitor for the defendant in the action. In fact, Mr. O’Reilly, who appeared for the witness, was evidently not very proud of his client. The plaintiff was certainly obtuse, and exhibited signs of being very deaf. To the query of what was his em ployment, the witness vacantly stared at the solicitor, and when the question was simplified to “ what trade are you ?” the man confessed to being in ignorance as to what was meant. Subsequently it was dragged out of him that he was a labnrei’. While in the witness box the lungs of both his Worship and counsel were strained beyond measure to make the man hear, but when the latter got into the body of the Court and the defendant made some statement which the plaintiff evidently did not aequisce in, he blurted out “no you didn’t,” it being evident to those present that there was a method in his deafness. Ashburton School Committee.—A meeting of the Ashburton School Com mittee was held 011 Tuesday evening. Present; Dr. Stewart (Chairman), Messrs. G. Andrews, Bean, Jacobsen, and St. Hill. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education re the number of times the school had been lot for other than educational purposes ; also, two applications for the office of pupil teacher from B. Stewart and A. T. Ennis. It was moved by Mr. St. Hill, and seconded by Mr. Andrews, that A. T. Ennis be re commended to the Board of Education as a pupil teacher, the headmaster having reported favorably as to his abilities ; Carried. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Board of Education re black boards ; and six loads of shingle were decided to be placed about the pump with as little delay as possible. The Chairman having stated what had been done at the Conference of Chairmen of Committees held in Christchurch on the Gth instant, and the part he had taken in it, it was re solved, on tho motion of Mr. Jacobsen, seconded by Mr. St. Hill, that a vote of thanks be accorded to Dr. Stewart for the part he took in the deliberations of the Conference. Messrs. Boyle and Andrews were appointed the visiting committee for tho mouth ; and accounts amounting to L 5 145., having been passed for payment, the meeting adjourned.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The .annual meeting of the Ashburton A and P. Association was hold on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o’clock in the sample rooms of the Somerset Hotel, when some 40 or 50 members attended. In the absence of John Grigg, Esq., President of the Society, W. C. Walker, Esq., occupied the chair. Mr. Grigg sent a letter of apology in which he expressed his regret at being unable to attend, having been called to attend a meeting of the general synod of the Church.

The Chairman, in opening the business, said the Society had great reason to con gratulate itself upon the work of the past year, A very successful show had been held at Tinwald, notwithstanding the difficulties of the times, when it was at one time a serious question whether it was ad visable to hold a show at ail. Referring to the prospects of the agricultural and pastoral interests, the Chairman said that from the abundant harvest just reaped, and the recent advance in the price of wool, they could now bo of good courage and hope for greater prosperity. He then mentioned the arrangements that had made with the Tinwald Domain Board, whereby the society’s laud, which had been hitherto been in two blocks, was now, by a judicious exchange,put into one undivided block. He would ask the Secretary to read the Mr. George Jameson, lion. Secretary, then read the annual report. Your Committee, in presenting this the second annual report, have much pleasure in congratulating the Association on what has been achieved during the period under review. On the 30th September last, a most successful Parade of entire horses was held, when a marked improvement was noticeable in the quality as well as the number of horses paraded. The annual exhibition of stock, produce, implements, and manufactures, was held at Tinwald on Tuesday, November 18. 400 entries were re ceived as against 230 at the 1878 show. The large attendance of visitors testified to the increasing interest that is taken by all classes in those annual exhibitions. During the year the Association has been incor porated under the provisions of the “Agri cultural and Pastoral Societies’ Act,” and now possesses ail the powers and privileges conferred by that Act. The reserves of twenty-five acres at Tinwald, having been cut in half [or two] by the Mount Somers Railway, an exchange has been effected with the Tinwald Domain Board, by which the Association has now its land all in one block, and lying between the Main South Line and the Mount Somers Railway, an arrangement which we think will be mutually advantageous. In addition to this, another reserve con taining twenty acres, has been granted to the Association on the north side of the Ashburton, being part of the old Police Reserve near Saunders’s mill. This site will be found a most suitable and valuable one for the purpose of the Association, and for utilizing which a proposal will be submitted at this meeting for your con sideration. In common with the rest of the colony, '’this district has during the year shared in the revival of prosperity, which a bountiful and prolific harvest, to gether with the improved value of wool and wheat in the English market, has sub stituted for the depression we had pre viously been* suffering from. The success ful experimental trip of the Strathlaven, in conveying preserved meat to England by the Bell-Coleman process, cannot fail to have a most beneficial effect on all agricultural and pastoral properties in this . colony. A deputarion of gentlemen re presenting a body of Lincolnshire fanners visited the district a few months ago, at a time when a plentiful harvest could not fail to convince them that ourplains, under judicious treatment and in our favoured climate, are capable of far better results than a casual inspection would lead a stranger to suppose. We hope, their re

port will he a favourable one, and be the, means of inducing some most desirable colonists to emigrate and settle amongst us. A reaper and binder contest was held on the 28th January, when a number of both string and wire binding machines competed. The work done by both classes Was very satisfactory. A Horti cultural Society has been established during the year, and a most successful show was held in the Town Hall. You will be asked to take steps to co-operate with the Society, which we trust will be of mutual benefit. A proposition will be laid before you having reference to the holding of periodical meetings, at which papers relating' to Agricultural and Pastoral pursuits may bo read and dis cussed. A further matter of interest to all persona connected with agriculture will be introduced this evening by Dr. Irving, who has kindly promised to lecture in the Town Hall, under the auspices of the Association, on bees and their manage ment. The balance sheet which appears on the other side, shows the receipts to have been L 382 7s. Id., and the disburse ments to be L3Bl 10s. 9d. L2ll Is. has been paid in prizes, which is highly satis factry considering the short time the Association has been in existence. Your committee have much pleasure in testifying to the energy and as siduity displayed by the Secretary, Mr. George Jameson, to whose unremitting exertions the success of the show and the satisfactory state of the Association is in a great measure owing. In conclusion wo trust that .every member will see the neces sity for increased interest being taken in all that pertains to the welfare of the Association, and that they ivill do all in their power to add to the success of the shows that may be held during the coming year, both by getting their friends to be come subscribers to the Association, and by using their best endeavors to add to the number of entries.

The balance sheet, which was printed along with the above report, and circulated among the members, showed a slight balance on the right side, and it was held as read.

On the motion of Mr. Garter, both were adopted.

NEXT YEAR’S SHOW.

Mr. David Wilson, Wakauui, in a few words, moved that the next annual show be hold in Ashburton. Ho had given notice of this motion, and did not require to dilate on the subject, as all know that the town was quite the beat place to hold the annual shows of the Society. Mr. Cox seconded Mr. Wilson’s motion. The shows haiHhitherto been held on the Timvald side (Whe river, but that fact by no means settled the site of the shows, and the decision for the time being had been aided by Mr. Clark placing his sheds and yards at the Society’s disposal. But now there was ground belonging to the Society on both sides of the river. Ho would suggest the erection of permanent yards on the new reserve at Saunders’ Mill, which yards could he used both as sale yards and show yards. He was sure that if such yards were erected the fees derived from them would put the Society in a position in a couple of years to erect similar yards at the Timvald ground. On the question of funds, there was a great proportion of members who had not paid up their subscriptions, but from the large number present at that meeting, and the good harvest that had been reaped, he did not think there would be any difficulty in doubling the present number of members. If all the subscriptions were paid up there would be about L2OO available to build yards, the fees cf which would leave a very respectable balance on the right side. He favored the erection of yards on botli sides of the river, so that after the next two years the shows of the two following years could be held at Tinwald. As an instance of how the yards of the Society may be expected to turn out, he pointed to the yards at Addington which had long ago paid for themselves. Mr. Andrew Dawson said the Society could not afford to go to the expense of two sets of yards. He would move that the Society’s shows bo held on the south side.

Mr. Carter seconded, and to show that the bulk of cattle, sheep, and horse en tries at last show had come from the south side he quoted from the last catalogue, wh ch showed—from, the south, 10, 61, and 13 respectively ; and from the north, ■5, 13, and 11 respectively. Those figures showed from which side of the river the entries came, and it was unfair to ask the exhibitors on the south side to take their cattle across the dangerous Ashburton bridge for exhibition on the north side. He could not see that the Society was in a position to erect two sets of yards. Mr. Lewis, speaking in favor of the south side, said there was every railway convenience, and a ticket from the town to the show yard cost orly 4d. On show day a special train could easily be arranged for with the Government. Then, on the south side thcie was plenty of water and a luxurious growth of grass. It was non sense to raise the objection that people would not cross the bridge, as every Sun day it was crowded with foot passengers. Regarding the Addington Yards, they were the most shabby affair he could imagine. It was imperative that good accommodation should be given for the valuable stock that came to the shows, and that accommodation should also be of a kind that woo'd not interfere with in spection. Saleyards were not suitable for show purposes, as they were built for the accommodation of large mobs, while show yard required to be arranged for individual entries.

Mr. F. B. Passmore had not intended to speak, but he must take exception to what had been said regarding railwry con venience. At Tinwald he found the trains on show days went off at times when they were not wanted, and their times of starting were insufficiently pub lished, so that the trains were not made use of as they might. The cost of sheds would be as great at Tinwald as at Ash burton, and if they wore to bo erected the only question was, which site I Re garding the question of water on the Ash burton side, he said the mill race supplied plenty, so there was no difficulty on that score. Then, a show depended for its success on the gate money, and there were a great many instances brought under his notice at the last show of ladies having been grossly insulted on the bridge during a block. If the bridge was productive of hindrances of that kind, people would not cross it to go to Tinwald Show, and the gate money would suffer. Then it was a fact that bj 7 far the greater majority of implement exhibits came from the north. Mr. Hugo Friodlandcr thought there could be no doubt of the success of the show if hold on the Ashburton side. Not withstanding the figures quoted by Carter, it was a fact that, when the entries of all kinds were added up, the north had a majority of 53. Tiie farmers on the south side had taken advantage of the show being held on their side of the river, and had rolled up ; but wore the site changed the northern men would roll up in far greater numbers. So far as railway accommodation was concerned, both sides of the river were equal, and as any con cessions on the part of the railway autho rities in the matter of a platform had yet to be made, it would be as easy to get it for the north as the south side. Mr. Allen was sure fees on the Ashbur ton side would soon pay the cost of erec tion of yards if they were used for sale yards. On a vote, 17 voted for the amendment of Mr. Dawson, and 32 for Mr. Wilson’s motion.

The next show will therefore bo held at Ashburton. THE SRARROW REST. Mr W. J. Silcock moved the resolution of which he had given notice, viz.

“ That in order to prevent the further spread of the fanner and cottager’s com mon enemy, the sparrows, the Committee be requested to take the initiatory steps to form clubs for their destruction.” In a few words Mr. Silcock advocated the adoption of the resolution. Mr. Andrew Dawson seconded.

Mr. Joseph Clark hoped that before the “ destroying angel” was sent among the sparrows, due thought should be given to what they were doing. He allowed that sparrows ate the grain, but the laborer was worthy of his hire, and since the in troduction of sparrows there had not been a single instance of caterpillars destroying the barjey. Mr. Cox deprecated any action in the matter, as there was danger of many other small birds being poisoned with the sparrows. Tiie Chairman thought it would be lost labor to attempt the eradication of the sparrows, as from the firm footing they had got they could defy the strongest efforts to destroy them wholly. The motion was lost by 14 votes lo 10. ‘ 1 LODGES OF INSTRUCTION. ”

Mr, Silcock then moved the other reso lution of which he had given notice, viz. : —“To bring rule 15 more effectively into operation, by asking the Committee to arrange that meetings should be held at short intervals, at which subjects of in terest to the farmer could be discussed. Mr. Passmore seconded the motion. He lived at too great a distance from town to be able to take advantage of the meetings proposed, bub he could see in them a great benefit to those who could be present. He thought it would be within the spirit of the rule for him to point out the excellence of an American publication called the !“ American Agri culturalist” which was full of information of every kind to the farmer, and profusely illustrated. The subscription was only 7s. a year, and it could be obtained either direct from the Orange Judd Company, or perhaps Messrs. Weeks and Dixon would procure it for anyone who wanted it. He knew that firm did have it.

Mr. Lewis favored the project indicated by the rosoluton. There were many subjects on which the practical experience of individual farmers given at such meet ings would be valuable to the whole. Mr. Guinness thought a library ought to be formed of standard works on agricul tural subjects, that would be accessible to every member of the Society. Mr. Silcock accepted Mr. Guinness’ suggestion, and it was incorporated in the resolution.

Mr. Joseph Clark drew the meeting’s attention to the difficulty of getting farmers t--gather. If the meetings sug gested wore 'to be held he would advise that they be held in the afternoon, and not in the evening. Farmers uicl not care to come out :ib night. They lived far apart from each other, and at a distance from a suitable centre, so that to avoid driving home in the dark it would be ad visable to hold these meetings in the afternoon. They would forgive him for referring to that old place, Ivaiapoij hut his experience there of mootings of the kind proposed was that they were very beneficial, not only by the excellent papers that had been .readj but by the valuable hints thrown out in conversation. Far mers, as a rule were not speech-makers, but a half hour of a convetsational charac ter would often elicit a great amount of useful knowledge. At present farmers ’were not the power in the country they ought to be considering that they were the country’s backbone. But if they united together in some such direction as these meetings pointed they would very soon become a power in the land. It was with pleasure indeed that lie saw in an Austra lian paper the heads of the farmers’ dele gates and ha wished to see the day when New Zealand farmers would he able to point to a long line of able representative men.

The Chairman also advocated the move ment, adding that Dr. Irving’s lecture that night on “Bee-keeping” was a step in the right direction. "The resolution being put was carried unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr. Guinness suggested that, before proceeding with the election of office bearers, it would bo well to ascertain whether the Act under which the _ Society was incorporated did or did hot limit the number of Committeemen. The Act could not be readily found, and it was decided to proceed with the election, which resulted as under :—Pre sident—Mr. W. C. Walker ; vice-presi dent—Mr. John Carter ; treasurer —Mr. W. H. Zouoh ; hon. secretary —Mr. G. Jameson. Committee —Messrs, Coster. Passmore, Cox, Gundry, Hugo Freid lauder, R Friedlander, Hunt, Mayo, Guinness, Stitt, Bell, Wilson, Cameron, Lewis, James Scott, Oliver, Clark, H. T. Smith, Sargent, Isaac Taylor, Thomas Taylor, Corsbie, Grigg, E. G. and E. F. Wright, Silcock, Brown (Wakanui), M‘Lean, Bullock, Dowding, Saunders, Jacobsen, M'Coll —with power to add to their number. THE NEW YARDS, Mr. Cox moved the appointment of a sub-committee to procure plans for yards, fencing, &c., on the reserve near Saunders’ mill. In moving the resolu tion, he advocated the erection of yards to supply the want of saleyards that now existed, and he was sure they would be extensively patronised. The fees deriv able from their use would enable another set to be erected in Tinwald afterwards. The yards at Addington had been very successful, and if something of the kind were not done here some private company may step in and erect yards. He did not wish to see two sets of yards erected unless they were likely to prove a paying speculation, but he was sure yards on this side would pay, and Tinwald was increas ing so rapidly that yards would pay there in" the end. The committee named were Messrs. Carter, Clark, Stett, Jameson, and Cox.

Mr. Clark thought that to erect yards on the Society’s ground, with, public money, was going out of their province, and trenching on that of private enter prise. The erection of these yards was clearly a work for private enterprise, and a company ought to be formed to do it. Mr. Hugo Friedlandor thought the Society was quite within its province in letting any yards it may build for the sale of stock.

Mr. W. Nome supported Mr, Clark’s suggestion. Mr. Lewis again reminded the meeting that yards erected for sale purposes were never suitable for purposes of exhibition. The Chairman thought the resolution was quite within the Society’s province, and instanced the cases of Addington and Timaru, where the Society’s yards were let for the sale of stock.

On being put to the vote the resolution was carried.

The Chairman then urged the members to be diligent in recruiting for the ranks of membership; the subscription was only a guinea, and he thought most of the farmers could afford that sum.

The usual votes of thanks were given, and the meeting adjourned.

DR. IRVING'S LECTURE ON BEE KEEPING.

On Tuesday evening, to a large and in terested audience, Dr. Irving gave his highly entertaining lecture on “Bee keeping,” in the Town Hall. It would be impossible to reproduce the doctor’s lecture in extcnso, seeing that his remarks

without the accompanying hives and other appliances he had with him in plenty on the stage would be useless, arid we con tent ourselves, therefore, with only a few notes. After dealing to some extent with the natural history of the bee, the docter said it was possible to make the bees build perfectly straight combs, that could be taken out of the hive, emptied of honey, and replaced. Tixis could be done by using the bar-framed hive, which ho then had with him On • the stage. This hive was perfectly suited to the habits of tbo bee, and did not interfere with their working operations or their breeding. It did away with the cruel method of spoli ation adopted under the old system of hives and boxes—namely, killing the bees, which was just the same as killing the sheep for its fleece. To kill the bees was simply to rob one’s self of a prolific source of income, for the honey could he ex tracted from a bar-framed hive, and the combs replaced to be refilled with honey, which could be got at any moment. Bee keeping under this new method could be carried on by the most delicate lady—it was so simple ; and, being a pleasant amusement, it was a very profitable voca tion. He knew a case in which a lady was able to buy a grand piano from the proceeds of her combs. The introduction of bees had had the effect of enabling colonists to produce white clover seed on their own land, the flowers having been fructified by the bees, but previously it was necessary to import the seed from England. The lecturer then referred to the superiority of the Ligurian bee, as it is found in Italy, over the same bee in America, and advocated the use of Italian Ligurian queens in preference to the American ones. The tongue of the Ligurian bee was far longer than that of the common black bee, enabling the former more easily to reach the bottom of different flowers, and it was advisable to cross swarms with Ligurian queens, and so lengthen the tongues of the work ing bees. After describing very minutely the working of bees in a hive—the gener ation in the cells of working bees, drones, and queens, the storing of honey,, the making of comb, the habits of the queen bee, and how she was attended and seen to by the others, even a detachment of bees told off to keep her cool by means of fanning when the temperature became too hot for her comfort, ho went on to explain which of the bees in the hive had stings and which had not. The drone was the only male person in the hive, and he had no sting. The queen was not stingless, but she never used her weapon till she mot a rival queen, and then the fight was terrible. In the course of the evening the lecturer circulated amongst the audience pieces of comb in various stages of perfection from the thin comb founda tion to the complete ceils ready for the reception of honey and eggs, .and said that the introduction of the bar framed hive had laid open to tbo apiarian’s inspec tion every item worth knowing regarding bees. The bar-framed hives, of which there were two on the stage, admitted of a piece of comb foundation being fixed on one of the moveable frames, and on this the bees would build combs as straight and regular as a marble slab, that could be lifted out of the hive and replaced at will. These hives allowed of cutting out the queen cells if swarming were desired to be prevented, and of introducing a new queen if by chance a hive 'should become quoenless. They also, by the addition of an ingenious contrivance, which he ex hibited, admitted of feeding the bee-, when their own honey had been abstracted. The mode of abstracting the honey from the comb by means of a “slinger” was described, and the comb was emptied without sustaining any in jury. At the conclusion of the lec ture, Dr. Irving showed by means of a scioptioon several interesting illustrations, such as the bees attendant on the queen, the cells of the drone, worker, and queen bee, and the anatomy of the bee itself. He also exhibited a useful suit of bee armor. The lecture was full of interest ing information, more especially as re garded instructions for keejjing the new hives properly, and the rules he laid down are given below. Mr. Guinness, R.M., was chairman, and introduced the lecturer,

and at the close votes of thanks weie given to him and Dr. Irving. RULES FOR BEE-KRGPING. 1. That it should give the apiarian such perpect control of all the combs that they may be easily taken out without cutting anything or enraging the bees. 2. It should permit all necessary opera tions to be performed without hurting or killing a single bee. 3. It should afford suitable protection against extremes of heat and cold and sud den changes of temperature, and the in jurious effects of dampness. 4. It should permit every desirable operation to be performed without exciting the anger of the bees. 5. Not one unnecessary motion should be required of a single bee ; that is, there should be the straightest possible road to every part of every comb. G. It should afford the greatest facilities for inspecting at all times the condition of the bees. 7. It should be capable of being readily adjusted to tho wants of either large or small colonies. 8. It should allow the conib to be re moved without jarring the bees or the combs either. 9. It should allow every good piece of comb to be given back to the bees instead of melting it into wax. 10. It should offer every inducement to the bees to build regular combs. 11. It should be capable of being fur nished with empty comb or comb founda tion, so as to induce the bees to occupy the hive, or a super or extra hive so-called, or the outer combs more readily. 12. It should prevent the over-produc tion of drones, by permitting the removal of drone comb from the hive, or its trans position to the outside range of combs. 13. It should enable the apiarian to trap and destroy the drones if he thinks desir able, before they consume the honey in the hive. 14. It should enable him to remove such combs as are too old to be used for breed ing purposes.

15. It should afford all possible security against the wax or bee moth ; but should the eggs, when hatched into worms, get the upper hand, the combs being easily movable can be taken out and destroyed. 16. The greatest possible accuracy in fitting of all the parts of the hive, especi ally those exposed to the outer air, so that there be no crevices into which the wax moth can thrust her egg or earwig gain a shelter.

17. The bottom board shonld slant to wards the entrance to facilitate the carry ing out of dead bees and other useless sub stances. It also gives a slight advantage to the besieged in case they are attacked by robbers it carries off moisture towards the entrance, and prevents rain beating in. 18. The bottom board should admit of being easily cleared, in cold whether, when bees are apt to die in larger num bers, so as not to get mouldy in the hive, ■ • 19. Ho part of the interior of the hive should be below the level of the entrance, or place of exit. 20. It should afford facilities for feeding the bees whenever desired.

21. It should afford the easy hiving of a swarm, without injuring the bees or risking the destruction of the queen. .

22. It should permit the safe transporta tion of bees to any distance, but that would depend in part on the age of the combs.

23. It should afford ventilation and as abundant supply of air without any draft, when from robbing or other reason it is desirable to shut the entrance.

24. It should enable the entrance to bo enlarged or contracted, or closed when desired by the bee master, and when altered the bees should not have to search for it. 25. It should afford facilities for mitting a large supply not only of air buT* sunlight, so as to induce the bees to fly out to empty the lower bowel, thereby preventing dysentery and disease, and the ultimate loss of the colony. 26. It should enable the apiarian to re move any excess of bee-bread from old stocks. 27. It should afford Uie greatest facili ties for the removal of all the contents of the hive to another hive.

28. It should permit the safe and easy dislodgement of the bees from the combs— an easy thing from straight combs. 29. It should afford easy access to a super or side box, if such are used. 30. It should permit the honey to be taken away in the most convenient and most saleable form, without risk of an noying the bees or being annoyed by them.

31. It should permit of the relative size of the body of the hive and the snper or supers being altered, according as increase of work or honey is desired.

32. It should be so constructed that the relative distance of the combs is always maintained, viz., 1A inches less l-32ud. 33. It should bo weather proof, but capable if admitting the sun in fine days in spring.

31. The interior should be constructed, if desirable, so as to prevent' the exit of the queen, and so should the passage, or pasaages to the super. 35 Swarming can be forced or pre vented, either by dividing the hive, taking away the queen, or cutting out the queen’s cells. 36. It should enable the apiarian to multiply his colonies, with a certainty and rapidity, which are impossible if he depends on natural swarming. 37. It should enable the apiarian to supply destitute colonies with the means of obtaining a new queen as soon as pos sible, and so save ranch valuable time. 33. It should enable him to catch the queen, and replace her if required or de sired.

39. It should be made of well seasoned wood, which when well painted will not shrink or swell, as I find to my cost most New Zealand wood does.

40. It should be complete in itself, not requiring sheds and other expensive and mistaken appliances.

51. It should not be liable to he blown down by winds. 42. The alighting board should- be so protected, that neither show nor rain can reach it, and it should be shaded from winds.

43. Of course it should 'be impossible for mice to enter.

44. The hive should be neat, cheap, simple, compact; no wasted space; capable of adornment, if desired,, but equally effi cient, whether plain or ornamental; it should be capable of being locked up. .

The interior should be left rough from the saw, as affording a better foothold for the bees.

A LEER IN WAIT.

(Fro?n The Ashburton Herald.}

A few days ago, in an article in these columns, we referred to a class who are exceedingly dangerous being of any community where and at the same time we advocated severe measures for the removal of such pests from respectable society. The remarks made in that article had special reference to cases which had occurred in other parts of the colony, and which had come to light in the courts of justice—cases in which the purity and chastity of young unprotected girls were not safe whilst liable to the insults of the social vermin referred to. We had no idea, however, that the representatives of such a class were to be found within the radius of this township ; and it is with deep regret that we are compelled to admit that, in this respect, the. young people of Ashburton are in no way safer than those of other townships of the colony. A case has come under our notice which we are reluctantly forced to publish, in the interests of the general well-being of our fellow-citizens. The facts are simply these A girl, about twelve years old, the daughter of a respected townsman, attends one of our local schools daily, the distance from her home to the school being rather lengthy. Up to very recently, nothing has trans pired to lead the parents of the girl to imagine but that their daughter would be perfectly safe in her journey to and from school. However, some little time back this girl was frequently overtaken- by a man, who claims for himself, and is gene rally understood to be, a most respect able citizen. This individual :on several occasions made small presents to the child, and the parents not being able to understand such conduct from one with whom they were not intimately acquainted, and under such peculiar circumstances, strictly enjoined on their daughter to refuse any presents whatever from anyone without their know ledge. A day or two back, however, the conduct of the man in question was such that the parents are now in a state of con cern how to act. There are no grounds for a criminal action, seeing no offence in the eye of the law has been committed, and yet they feel the child is not safe in going to school alone. In his remarks at the Supreme Court at Christchurch, his Honor Jedge Johnston drew attention to the way in which parents allowed their children to go about the streets without some attendance from persons able to take care of them. It seems to us a little strange that a gentleman of such standing as Judge Johnston should look at the matter in this light. We contend that every citizen should be, as far as possible, the guardian of his neighbor's rights ■ and property ; and where children are oh their way to school, or in the streets from any other cause, their safety and protection should be guaranteed by the faith which man puts iu his fellow man with respect to his manliness and honor. It will be a strange period in the history of the colony when parents will have to provide a page to escort their .children in the streets, and we hope the day will never arrive when such a state of things will come to pass. We have referred to this matter, as stated above, solely in the interests of our fellow-citizens ; and as the individual referred to will see that he is a marked man and that there are those who are perfectly cognisant of his actions, we trust to hear that his disagreeable and un- Eleasant attentions to the young girl have ecu discontinued.

“A Spelling Bee.” —The ingenuity exhibited in the different modes of spell* ing quite a common name is curiously illustrated in the folowing incident. A lumber dealer in Minnesota, whose given name was Isaac, had quite an extensive correspondence. His book-keeper made a memorandum of every time was mispelled in letters directed tJHMj and the ]ist reads as follows

lisac, Icaack, Igcac, Ysac, Isaag, Isiace, Icac, Isaeh, Xsjc, Isiaa,c ? - Isaacc; Icaas, Icks, laaaic, Ajsee, Isaac, laasac, Isaach, Iceic, Isaas, Isioa, Taaq, Xassac, Izk, I Sic, Issach, Isac, Isick, Issaco, Isaace, Iseke, issick, Isaac, lisace, Isak, Isaack, Icaao, I Sick, Isich, Jsaac, Isaac, Isace, Isoac, Isice, Isaic.| *

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1880.



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TIN WALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 27, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. NOTICE TO FARMERS. HE 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* nn.HE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the public. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Invercargill Oamaeu Timaru Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch a singl: Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. N.B.— Our New Winter Manufactures are now ready. “TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— East Street. Wm. SPARROW, Manager.



Compensation. —A Jersey man was once thrown one hundred and fifty feet by an express train, when he picked himself up, he looked around for his hat, and re marked, “ Well, if I don’t find, that hat, I’ll make the company pay for it. ” “ What is Nobler than a man wresting his bread from the stubborn soil by the sweat of his brow ?” asks a philosopher. Wo don’t recall anything nobler at this moment, but we know what is a great deal more popular—hiring some other fellow to do it, while you sit on the fence and superintend him.