COMMERCIAL.

* ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

METEOROLOGICAL.

We have been supplied with the fol lowing meteorological report for the week, notes being taken about noon each clay ;

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails leave the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4 p.m-, and 7.30 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinvvald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Kangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3 p.m daily. For Grcenstvcet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m • For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at .15 p.m. daily. For AVakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. Sydney J. Dick, Chief Postmaster.

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

How much, or rather how little the County of Ashburton owes to the Grey Government was made apparent at last County Council meeting by a cones pdndence that had taken place between the Hon. Mr. Oliver, the present Minister for Public Works, and Mr. E. G. AVright, the member for the district, who is also Treasurer of the County Council, and who read the conmspondence. In Mr. Wiight’s letter to the Minister he traced the history'of the Mount Somers railway from the original vote of £IO,OOO by the Canterbury Provincial Council for its construction to its taking over by the Colonial Government as a part of Mr. Macandrew’s celebrated railway scheme. Mr. Macandrew does not stick at trifles, and knowing that he had no support to gain from the Coleridge district, he was Quito ready to sorve tlie necessities of liis party at the expense of the Ashburton district. The £1.0,000 voted by the Pro vincial Council had been expended in rails for the proposed lino to Mount Somers. These rails the rapacious Colonial Government did not think twice about making use of on colonial railways" When asked to replace them they re luctantly offered to supply rails to the value of L 6400, or money to that amount instead of LIO,OOO, the original cost of the rails they had gorged for the colonial lines. They put forth, in plea fortius pro ceeding, that the price of iron had so fallen that the LIO,OOO worth of rails could be replaced for the smaller sum. To save bother the County accepted the compromise, and the Mount Somers line was to proceed as a County railway. Then it struck Mr. Macandrew that the line was worth appropriatingas a part of his general scheme, and he adopted it accoidingly. But a wide-awake man is Mr. Macandrew, and one has to rise up early to get to windward of him. Fancy the County s astonishment when they found that, after all the £6,400 was to be annexed by Go vernment again, by being stopped from subsidies. Truly it was high time we not rid of the Liberal Government, with Its high flown ideas of reform, and got into power a Minister who respected fan dealings to the extent at least of giving us what was honestly and undeniably our own. For a straight piece of hard im pudence commend us to the loss through Mr. Macandrew’s harefacedness of the £G 400 ; and let us thank Mr. Oliver s honesty and Mr. AVright s cuteness for its recovery. .

Chbktsey.— Mr. Edward Bowley, who has been railway porter at Cherlsey for a considerable time, was removed on lues day to Selwyn station, where he has been appointed station-master. The people of the district express many hearty good wishes for his future success, for his great kindness and civility rendered to the pub lic during a residence amongst them ox nbout 18 months.

Mount Somers Road Overseer. —Out of 92 applicants for the overseershipof the Mount Somers Road District Mr. J. C. Wentworth Cookson was selected by the Board at their meeting on Thursday last. The Special Constables. —Theß.M., at the Court yesterday, desired it to be noticed through the columns of the press that the services of the special constables were now dispensed with, as the necessity which led to their being called out bad disappeared. He desired to thank those who had come forward in the interests of peace on the occasion on which they were sworn in. Mount Hutt Road Board Election.- The official declaration of the poll in this election has taken place, the Barnhill returns showing a large majority in favor of Messrs. Pannett and Chapman, who are thus the candidates elected. The Weather. —Yesterday the thermo meter stood higher than it had hitherto done this summer, registering a little after noon, 82 degrees In the shade, • being 14 degrees higher than it stood at noon on the previous day, and 3 degrees higher than the previous highest record on Wed nesday, the 7th instant. An “Escapee.” —An individual who had been indulging too freely was arrested on Wednesday evening, and spent a quiet night at Her Majesty’s expense in the house conducted on the cheapest possible principles by our local police. On being liberated for a few' minutes, for the purpose of making his ablutions, bo was not to be found on the call of the roll, and by the assistance of a resident he w'as discovered later in the day and re arrested. The Aneroid. —The aneroid barome ter stood at 23.47 ac 10 p.m. last night. Bad w'eathev of some sort is brewung, whether it means nor’-westers or sou’- westers a day or tw r o will determine. Valuation Lists. —Great complaints are being made as to the incorrectness and incompleteness of the valuation lists for this year. The County Council under took the w'ork, and at its last meeting passed a resolution calling upon the valuator to fill up all the blanks by the 15th inst. From a cursory glance at the roll we imagine he has a tough job before him. Cricket. A general meeting of cricketers was held last evening at the County Council Office. There was a fail attendance, and Mr. Douglas occupied the chair. It w’as proposed by Mr. Poyntz, seconded by Mr. Main waring, and carried unanimously, “That it is desirable the County and Borough Cricket Clubs should amalgamate.” It was proposed by Mr. Poyntz, seconded by Mr. Fooks, and carried, “ That the amalgamated club bo called the Ashbur ton Cricket Club.” After a resolution had been fully , discussed the following amendment was carried, “ That the two recently existing clubs wmd up their affairs independently.” Mr. Saun ders proposed and Mr. Poyntz seconded, “ That the subscription to the Ashburton Cricket Club for the present season be five shillings.” It was suggested'that the Committe of the new Club should pur chase the material from the old clubs, and a resolution recommending this course w r as proposed and carried. The following officers for the new club were appointed ; President—F. Guineas ; Vice-President — J. E. Trevor ; Captain—G. W. Andrews ; Deputy-Captain—A. Fooks ; Treasurer— St. G. Douglas ; Secretary—F. Mainwar in" ; Committee men—T. R. Hod der, T. Buchanan, S. Poyntz, D. Amos, J. Ashwood, R. Westenra, A. Fooks. It w'as proposed by Mr. Fooks and seconded by Mr. Hodder, “That any of Committee absenting himself from twm consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse vacate his seat.” A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceed ings. Auction Sale. Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and G undry held a sale at Mount Somers on Thursday of the goods in the estate of the late Mr. Andrew Todd. There was a large attendance, and the bidding for the various lots was spirited. The property consisted of horses, drays, implements, and growing crops, and the whole of the items changed hands at very full rates. The draught horses brought what should be considered very high prices, and a field of standing oats brought 30s per acre. A Close Shave. —Yesterday the intense heat had the effect of causing a 5-pint bottle of strong ammonia in the shop of Mr. Neate, chemist, Moore street, toburst and fall from a top shelf to the floor. The powerful gas arising from the ammonia for a time threatened the inmates of the shop and adjoining room with asphyxia, but they all fortunately succeeded in escaping from the premises. Mr. Neate’s family were at dinner at the time, and his two children were only rescued in time from great danger. Whatever farmers think of the fine weather, it is not at all profitable to chemists who require to keep on their premises goods of a description that may at any time become a domestic torpedo. Miraculous Escapes.— On Monday last Mr. George Cole and his family visited Ashburton to witness the afternoon per formance at the circus ; and, having business to transact on the south side of the river, drove over, and on his return journey took a short cut across the river bed, about 7 miles down from the bridge. At the time he tried to cross, it was nearly dark; and the trap, containing himself, his w'lfe, four young children, and a quantity of household necessaries was capsized into an unexpected hole in the river. The whole of the occupants and cargo were in an instant adrift on the deep. Mr. Cole as soon as he got footing, finding the trap and his wife safe, made for the children, and picked up two on'the first shallow' place down the river. The third he discovered apparently lifeless, nearly a mile below w'here the trap capsized ; but the fourth was not dis coverable anywhere. He then made his w'ay at his best speed to the nearest house (Mr. Fitzgerald’s') and his neighbors collecting, a further search was made, and the child w'as discovered fully a mile and a half from the scene of the accident, and to all appearances dead. With great presence of mind, and a promptitude which deserves both commendation and imitation in such cases, the remedies recommended by the Humane Society were used, and a messenger sent for medi cal assistance to Ashburton. Before Dr. Stewart arrived, however, the appliances used had the desired effect, and the nearly moribund infant was again brought to the land of the living.— On the same day Mr. Wallace, of the Chertsev Hotel, with his wife and another lady and an infant, were driving up to Ashburton, also to see the circus. About two miles down the Great South Road, the buggy springs broke, and the horse began to plunge. The two ladies were thrown out, the one above the other, with the infant under both, and the trap was smashed to smithereens. Mr. Wallace had one of his legs severely bruised and torn, but the ladies and the infant were not in any way injured. After some delay another trap was procured, and the party came on to Ashburton, the mishap, though a nar row shave, not having been serious enough in its consequences to spoil the evening’s entertainment.

Pastures.— The droppings of animals on the pastures should be scattered and spread. This not only manures the field, but prevents injury to tlie spots covered with droppings. A dressing of plaster over the pasture wall be useful, sweetening the fouled spots and so avoiding the nn equal character of the surface caused by the neglect of cattle to eat down the herbage in other, wise distasteful places.

Trapping the Chinamen. —The “ Ra- | venswood Mining Journal” describes a , curious scene which recently took place in the Police Court there ; —“ The Court j was full of Chinamen as it could well j hold, there being hardly standing room, j As soon as the case between Ah Pong and i four Chinamen was heard, the doors were closed ; but all those who had their miners’ rights with them were allowed to go out at a private door ; but those who had none had to fork out 10s. each for miners’ rights. When the Chinamen found out their little game, some got out of the window's, while’ others outside lent their miners’ rights to some inside ; but, nevertheless, the Warden succeeded in getting about L 15.”

Underground Streams. —Mr. H. C. Russell, of the Sydney Observatory, in a letter to the “ Sydney Morning Herald ” “On the supply of waiter to be found in wells in the interior of the colony,” supplies the following interesting informa tion :—“The width of the river at Bourke is only 180 feet, and the banks are steep, but I am not able to state at what height the water overflows the bulks ; for my present purpose however, this is not of much consequence, because this back water must sink into the ground, or find its ivay back into the river. And my object is to show that by far the greater part of the Darling River water sinks into the ground and finds its way to the sea below the surface. The figures for the first ten months of this year seem to prove that at least eight times as much water as the Darling carries off must find its w T ay to the sea beneath the surface; and there is every reason to suppose that this is the abundant source from which the wells derive their supply. It is w r ell known that the Barcoo, a fine river, getting its water from tropical Queensland, flows out ou to a plain and entirely disap pears, and there are several other streams lost in the same way ; and when such largo quantities of water do certainly flow' beneath the surface, it is reasonable to suppose that by far the greater part of the water wdiich should pass through the Dar ling goes in the same way. One striking fact bearing upon this question has come to my knowledge. Several wells have recently been sunk iti the Darling district, between Bourke and Wilcannia, and the water ran over the top ; when pipes were connected with one of these wells the water rose 2Gft. above the surface ; its temperature was found to be Sideg., and the time w r as winter. The depth of the well w'as not given, but said to bo moder ate, probably, therefore, less than 100 ft., wdiich is considered a deep well. The height to which this water rose, and its temperature, point to a very distant and tropical source, and suggests so much that I am sure it would well repay anyone who had time to investigate the cause of these phenomena. ”

The Five Million Loan. —The Syd ney “Morning Herald” says regarding this loan :—The New' Zealand loan has been an unexpected success It is true that the terras have been made compara tively easy, and that to take 97 for a 5 per cent stock is a condescension to which none of the other colonies would like to stoop. Still, it is not very many years ago since the best of ns v.'ould have been glad to get money on such terms, and to New Zealand it is just now much more important to borrow- on that footing than to do without borrowing at all. The tone of the English press has of late been very unfavorable to colonial loans, and it lias endeavored to discourage our Govern ments from pressing their claims on the market. But the readiness with wdiich all the money New Zealand wanted was subscribed, and, indeed, twice as much as w-as wanted, show’s that people who did so have not made the complaint. It is quite clear that, however heavily indebted New Zealand may be, the moneyed people in England regard it as solvent and as free from ail taint of repudiation.

The Otago Team. —Regarding the Otago team of cricketers chosen to face the eleven from Canterbury, a writer in the “ Otago Daily Times ” has the follow ing to say:—“They ought to render a very fair account of themselves. Otago is, however, lamentably weak in bowling. There are seven or eight changes of bowling in the team, but not one first class tvundler. There is lots of quantity, but very little quality. McLennan, in racing parlance, a strapping colt from the Albion, is to bo tried solely fur his bowling, and should the ground be any way wet, ho w’lli prove difficult to play. Conway bowls fast, but is rather erratic ; Cooke is very promising, and likely to succeed better. Par am or and Haskell both bowl well on the wicket, the former at times with good judgment. A onion and Spring can bowl a decent ball. The eleven is tolerably strong in fielding, and lucky in having sijch a good wicket keeper as Spring. Their strongest point, how ever, is in batting, nearly every one in the team being in fair practice.”

Railway up Vesuvius.— This railway, the last new project iu mountain-climbing, is now finished. It is 900 metres in length, and will enable tourists to ascend by it to the very edge of tho crater. The line has boon constructed with great care upon a solid pavement, and it is believed to be perfectly secure from all in cursions of lava. The mode of traction is by two steel ropes put iu movement by a steam engine at the foot of the crone. The wheels of the carriages are made so as to be free from any danger of leaving the rails, besides which each carriage is furnished with an cxceeingly powerful automatic brake, which, should the ropeby any chance break, will stop the train almost instantane ously.' One of the chief difficulties of the undertaking was the water supply, but that has been obviated by the formation of two very large reservoirs, one at tho station, the other near the observatory.

Life Saving Beds.— A new life saving bod for the use of passengers on board ship (says “Cassell’s Magazine) has been recently approved and adopted by the United States Naval Department for use in the American Navy. These matresscs possess a remarkable power of buoyancy. They are made of elastic felt, and one measuring six feet six inches long by two feet nine inches wide, and 5 inches thick, of which the entire weight is only 251b5., floated a man weighing 1501bs, in addition to an iron grate weighing 501bs. more. To sink it so that its upper surface was level with the water, a dead weight of 3001 b. was required. An average steerage bod of this material would cost only _ 13s. _4d., and would be capable of sustaining 051 b., which is equivalent to the weight of three men under water, or in other words, when swimming. Several lines of steamers running to the AVcst Indies now employ these buoyant beds, and they are, we hear, about to be tried for adoption into the Royal Navy.

French Railways. —M. de Freycinit’s proposed increase of the railway system seems likely to be soon bearing fruit. Ac cording to a recent report of the Minister of Public Works, it was decided in the last Parliament to proceed with the con struction of between 11,000 and 12,000 kilometres of new lines, which, roughly speaking, will thus be divided [among the different systems : -Nerd, 79G kilom. ; Est, 2549 ; Quest, 2335 ; Orleans, 2341 ; Lyons, 19G2; and Midi, 212 G. Traffic between France and other countries is, or will be, abundantly served by 40 inter national lines, of which 29 are already at work and eleven have to be made. When all these lines are finished France will have communication with Belgium at 22 points; with Germany at seven; with Switzerland at six ; with Italy at three ; and with Spain at two.

A Maori Abduction.—A curious case of abduction of a European girl by a Maori is reported from Clive. The girl who is the only daughter of a man named Thakson, and is only eleven years of age, states that about 8 p.m. on New Year’s eve she wont down the Pakorahai road in company with another little girl, and as she was returning home she was met by a Maori, who took her under his arm and carried her to a wharo, where he fastened her in, but did not in any way assault her. She remained there all night, - but be tween 5 and G o’clock in the morning she took a knife which she saw in the whare cut the rope which fastened the door, and returned home. The girl’s father having made complaint about the matter at the Clive police station, a constable proceeded on New Year’s day to the Maori pah at Kohupai. Ho was accompanied by the girl, but she was unable to say positively which was the whare she had been kept in. Constable Matley considered that the fright the girl had received prevented her identifying the whare, but lie be lieved her story to be true, and that he would be enabled to discover the Maori who fcommißed the abduction.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. ( Special.) London, Jan. G. A German Company to carry on God defroi’s Samoan business is established with Bismarck’s sanction, and a Govern ment subsidy. An agitation has commenced in Ireland for a general redaction of house rents, on account of the depression. There is uneasiness in Germany because Russia is massing troops in Poland. An explanation is demanded. (Reuter's.) London, Jan. 7. News has been received that an insur rection has broken out in Bolivia. The President has been overthrown and has fled. The insurrection is attributed to the ill success of Bolivia in the wav with Chili. Throe per cent consols, 97.]. Adelaide wheat, per 49Glbs., ex ware house, 595. Gd. The Board of Trade returns of imports for past month amount to L 35,375,000, showing an increase of L 5,750,000 com pared with last year. The returns of exports for the past month amount to L 421,250,000, showing an increase of L1G,500,000 compared with last year. Dublin, Jan. 7. The Irish Government have advanced L 250,000 of Church surplus funds for relief works. Capetown, Jaa. G. The Secretary to the People’s Com mittee in the Transvaal, recently arrested for treason, has been committed for trial, but .ias been liberated on bail. AUSTRALIAN. {Reufei V.) Brisbane, Jan, 5. Mulligan, a prospector, has returned from King and Lr.ckit Reefs. Hu reports finding gold, but not in payable quan tities. Sydney, Jau 9. Arrived —Hero, from Auckland. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, Jan. S. Mr. Gwynneth, civil engineer, made an inspection of the Cambridge railway route on behalf of the settlers, and is of opinion the line can be cheaply and ex peditiously 7 made. The “ Herald,” alluding to the tele graph strike, attacks Dr. Lemon. It alludes to Mr. Magiunity as the “Frank Passmore ” of the telegraph department. Sir George Grey delivers the inaugural address at the opening of the Grammar School. The Now Zealand Shipping Company present a Cup to the Regatta. Lonehaml, Mavitana, Templeton. Pin fire, and Lara, wei’e shipped to Welling ton by the llingarooma this morning. At the Supreme Court, Frederick Ben jamin Duvell, charged for forgery and uttering a cheque for 30s. Professing that ho was a medical man, ho received it from a patient. He was sentenced to throe years. It has transpired that the captain of the Cormorant applied to be taken into dock, but the application had been refused on account of the dock’s limited dimensions. Mr. Moss, M. 11. R., meets the Parnell electors at the beginning of next week. While engaged in the work of raising t!ie steamer Hannah Mokau at the North Mokau river, Mr. Hollis discovered the bowsprit of H.M.S. Orpheus embedded in sand. The spar, which measured 34ft. hud floated nearly a hundred miles down the coast. It was cut up and used in raising the steamer. Mr."’ O’Rorke has gone to Christchurch to mccUiis colleagues of the Commission on Higher Education. Dr. Wallis, who is also a member, docs not intend to go, and says he will resign his place. An accident happened to Mr. Grant, the Line ilushiro delegate. The Attorney- General was driving him in a buggy and pair, when he lost hold of the reins. Mr. Grant jumped down, and while endeavor ing to right matters the wheel of the buggy wont over him. In the case Court v, Chiai ini, claim LSO damages for being upset from a buggy through the horse taking fright at mooting the zebras of Chiarini’s circus on One hunga road, plaintiff was awarded L3O and Ll2 13a. costs, witli immediate execution. The schooner Marmion, from Timaru, reports sighting off Kaikoura Peninsula, a conical red buoy, with block and chain attached. Owing to the fog and sea she could not recover it. It is believed to be one of the Cook’s Straits cable buoys. Auckland, Jan. 9. John Murray, schoolmaster,-Taupe, was fined 10s. and costs, LB, for beating a boy in school. ThcR.M. censured the School Committee for not enquiring into the matter. . Gkahamstown, Jan. 7. The Grand Lodge session of Good Templars continued its session to-day. It was resolved to have a periodical for the Order in the colony, and to support Temperance Hotels. It is expected that the next session will he held at Christ church. The following officers were ap pointed for the ensuing year : - G. W. C. T., Mr. W. Johnson, Wellington ; G.W.C., Jennings, New Market; G. W. V.T., Mr. John Scott, Thames; G.W.S., Mr. Ellis, Auckland, At the meeting of Templar Grand Lodge to-day, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : —Johnston, Wellington, C. T., ; Jenkins, Auckand, Councillor ; Scott, Thames, Vice Templar; Gillies, Auckland, Grand Secretary ; Dor rington, assistant ; Sir William Fox, Exi cutive. The next meeting of the Grand Lodge will be held at Christchurch. Sister Boness, of the Thames was elected Superintendent of the Juvenile Templars. Gkahamstown, Jan. 8. A large Temperance meeting was held last night, which was crowded to the ut most. Messrs Speight, Johnston, and Spence,Grand Lodge members from Wel lington, and Donovan, from Taranaki, were the chief speakers. Alio in. Mining Registrar, and passenger by the Rotomahana on her trip to the Barrier Islands, states that he warned the captain of the sunken rock on which she subsequently struck, and was all along steering directly for it.

Heteva Apiko, a native, jealous of bis half-caste wife, knocked her brains out with a tent pole and afterwards hung himself. Some weeks ago she fled from him, and swam tiro Thames river, since winch time her husband had consulted a Maori prophet about Ins wife’s fidelity’, but the revelations were anything but satisfactory, so he killed her. Gbaiiamstown, Jan. 9. A man named AVheelan met with an accident this morning in the Alburnia mine, by falling down a winze and break ing Iris leg. Sir George Grey intends soon visiting the Thames and opening a lecturing cam paign through the Colony. The Good Templar Grand Lodge closed its session last night, when a tea meeting was held. New Plymouth, Jan. 8. Mr. Parris left by steamer this morn ing for Wellington, the Government wish ing to consult him on Native matters con nected with this district. Wellington, Jan. 8. The Maori prisoners have been re moved from here, 91 going to Dunedin in the Hinemoa, and 43 by tire Stella to Hokitika. A guard of 30 Armed Con stabulary left with the former, and 20 with the latter. It is said the -removal will not interfere with their trial on April 45. Both steamers left at 4 o’clock this morning. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency report under date London Cth inst :—The wool market is firm. There has been a little private enquiry, and there is a fair trade demand. Tallow-—Stocks of all sorts are 7000 casks. Best mutton is 'worth 39s per cwt., andjbest beef 3Ss. 6d. The wheat market is quiet. Adelaide is worth fiOs., and Now Zealand 58s. per 49Glbs. The leather market is firm ; best sides are worth Is. Id. At the Supremo Court, Denis M‘Cor mack, f<-r unlawfully wounding, w-as sen tenced to six months. The case of Jacob Bloom, for obtaining money under false pretences, is proceeding, AYellington, Jan. 8. The prize firing rules for 1830 arc gazetted. A man named Crofton, a steerage pas senger by the Star of the South, from Lyttelton w-as lost during the passage here. Ho was last seen about 10.30 last night, when .ho retired to bed, and was then quite sober. At eight o’clock this morn ing he w-as missed, and no trace of him could be found. No cause can be attri buted for his disappearance. The Star of the South sighted a steamer, believed to bo the Tui, bound for Wanga nui, and to all appearances having broken down. A fatal case of typhoid fever was re ported to the authorities last night. A very sudden death, at Lower Kaikorai Yalloy occurred yesterday'. James Keat ing, laborer, w-as found in a fit. He died before he could be brought to the hospital. The telegraph operators had a dinner last night to celebrate the termination of the strike. During the proceedings it w-as stated that the department will in future practically allow- resumption of the old hours. Timaru, Jan. 8. The Harbor Board resolved to-day to postpone levying any port duties on ship ping for six months. They also resolved to reduce the rate for shipping wheat from 4.s (id to per ton. The harbor master reported tha* two Auckland vessels and one American had sailed without returning springs, Ac., supplied by the Board, and that a heavy loss must accrue in consequence. The secretary stated that he had communicated with the Collector of Customs at Auckland on the matter, requesting lain not to clear the vessels until the amount w-as paid. It ' was resolved in future to make the agents of vessels guarantee the cost of all such appliances before they were supplied. A meeting of burgesses is called for to morrow night, to consider whether a LOS,OOO AVatorworks Loan should be raised. Miss Jardinc has been appointed Lady Superintendent of Timaru High School, out of twenty-six applicants. Dunedin, Jan 8. At Mr. Fish’s request the presentation of the address to Mr. Walter, calling on him to resign the Mayoralty-, has been abandoned. Mr. Fish says that as Mr. Walter stated publicly lie will not resign on any account, the requisitionists only lay themselves open to insult by jn-oceed iug further. About L2OO is already- col lected towards Mr. Fish’s expenses. Up to the present, only- four have entered for the National Association meeting—Hutchinson, Richardson, and Miller, all of the North Dunedin Rifles, and Captain Wilson, of the City- Guards. The remainder of the passengers by the ship Auckland were removed from Quarantine Island this forenoon, and their places occupied by the steerage pas sengers W’ho arrived yesterday by the ship Marlborough. A deputation waited on Mr. Oliver to day to suggest that annual railway passes should bo issued, available over the Middle Island railway's, at the rate of LSO each. Mr Oliver said he would con sider the suggestion, but did not feel very' favorably inclined towards it, as facilities for railway travelling were as great as could lie expected, and there w-as a pos sibility that the revenue might suffer. James Tay-lor, a highly respected and old resident at Cromwell, committed suicide last night, Dunedin, Jan. 9. The City Bench, in committing a woman to gaol for shop lifting, strongly expressed its disapprobation of goods being exposed outside shop windows, thus tempting people in penury to commit theft. The trial of the Waimatc bush tire cases lias been fixed to take place in Dunedin on March 15th, before special juries. A case of suicide bypoisoning occurredin town ymsterday afternoon, the victim being an old pensioner, 57 years of age, named William Esmond. During the past few days lie had been drinking, and ymsterday procured from the shop of Mr. Neil, herbalist, a shilling’s worth of poison, saying he wished to destroy some rats. After taking the poison he was brought to the hospital and died in an hour and a half after admission. He re ceived his last remittance only about a week ago. Rome time since he was separated from his wife ; from statements made in hospital it appears he was jealous of her. Invercargill, Jan. 9. In many parts of Southland the turnip crop is an absolute failure, owing to the continued drought. Frosts also so damaged the potatoes that the yield cannot be large. Patches of grain, in parts, are so disap pointing that they will seriously lower the large average yield reckoned upon a few weeks ago. John Harford, late steward of the May Queen, was ymsterday committed for trial on four charges of larceny. Ho was remanded on three others, including the possession of ho use-breaking tools. In accused’s box were found dark lanterns, files, a “noddy,” and keys.

THE LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. ( Reuter's Telegram,) London, Jan. 7. The Board of Trade returns for the last month show that exports have reached a total of L 35,375,000, being an increase of L 5,750,000 compared with last year, show ing an increase of L 21,250. London, Jan. 8. The Government has decided to advance L 250,000 of Irish church surplus for carry ing out works for the relief of distress in Ireland.

Fourteen bodies of those lost in the Taj 7 bridge disaster have been recovered. The rumored massing of .Russian troops on the German frontier is attracting a good deal of public attention in England and Europe. ( A >gus Sje.-lal.) London, Jan. 8. Prince Bismarck supports a company to replace Goddefroi and Co., but it is doubtful if the Reichstag will approve of subsidising it. The Irish distress is increasing. The Marlborough Homo Fund is L4OOO. {As r Special.) Loudon, Jan. 8. Parliament has been asked to grant 2i (millions (?) sterling from the surplus fund of the Irish Church disestablishment for relief of the distress in Ireland. The English Press favors the proposal. Tenants refusing to pay rent wore served evciy where with notices of eviction. The servers of the notices wore roughly handled.

AUSTRALIAN.

f Reuter's Telegrams.) Adelaide, Jan. 9. Wheat is quoted at 5s 3d to 5s Gd per bushel. Flour, Ll 3toLl 3 10s per ton. Melbourne, Jan. 8. Arrived—Tararua. Sydney, Jan. 0. New Zealand wheat is worth 4s Gd per bushel ; oats, 2s Gd ; maize. 2s Gd. i Brandy, kerosene, rice, tobacco, and sugar, and candles unchanged. The barque Bobycito, bound from Dun edin to Newcastle was spoken off Wolon gong with only a mast standing, and fore hold apparently filled with water. She declined assistance. Later. The Bobycito is being towed into New castle. PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPRO YI NCI AL. Auckland, Jan. 9. The Penguin has arrived from the Sounds excursion. While passing Port land Island a passenger named Mrs. Ashley gave birth to a male child. A deputation of Waiuku settlers waited on Mr. Whitaker to urge the survey of the branch line from Takekao to Waiuku. The deputation stated the rough statistics would show the line would pay. Mr. Whitaker said Government would not construct any further linos in the present state of the finances of the colony, and it was doubtful whether they could complete the lines undertaken. Government would not take over more branch lines. Pastor Chiniquy proceeds to Waipu on Monday. After visiting that district he returns to Auckland. He will go to the Thames on the 18th and Waikato on the 21st. It is understood that Hokitika will be the first place visited by him in the Middle Island. For the Civil Sessions of the Supreme Court the following cases are set down for hearing Alex. Lyon v. Robt. Wil liams, alleged seduction of plaintiff’s daughter ; damages Ll5O. Henry Edwin Webb v. Edwin Mortimer Edgcombe, alleged libel, arising out of East Coast journalism. Wellington, Jan. 9. The City Council received a letter from the Bank of New Zealand last night, in reference to the waterworks’ loan of L 130,000, stating that the managing directors were of opinion that the imme diate appeal for funds, so soon after the allotment of the last loan would have a damaging effect. Christchurch, Jan. 9. A woman named Stokes was committed for trial to-day on a charge of larceny of a gold watch and chain and a pair of gold mounted eyeglasses. Her son had found them in the street, and a neighbour, who saw Mrs. Stokes wearing them, and had seen an advertisement regarding the missing articles, gave information to the police. Complaints arc made about the practice of “cross fishing” in the Avon. Two men stand on opposite banks with lines from their rods attached, and strung with ffies the whole width of the stream. By moving gradually down they can strip a whole length of the river of fish. The practice is visited with a heavy penalty at Home, and it will be necessary for the Acclimatisation Society to take immediate steps in the matter. A gamekeeper at the Cheviot liills > named Harrison, was drowned on Thurs day evening. He was learning to swim and had gone down to the creek by him self. Hokitika, Jan. 9. An expedition started to-day with divers to search for gold at the bottom of the Mahinapua Lake. The result is verj 7 satisfactory. Probably a dredge will be employed and a company formed to work it. The Stella has arrived with 43 Maoris and 20 A. C’s. Greymouth, Jan. 9. By a fire at Orwell’s Creek, Gilmer’s Hotel was totally destroyed, as were also a butcher’s shop, a bakery and a dwelling house. Some of the property was saved. Nothing was insured. Tt.maru, Jan. 9. The meeting of biu-gcsses re the LOO,OOO Waterworks Loan to-night is crowded. Hie poll will be taken next week. There will be a good deal of opposition to the loan, L 20,000 of which has already been anticipated. Dunedin, Jmi. 9. Hinemoa from Wellington. Passcn gers—3l A. C’s., and 91 Maori prisoners. Mrs. T. Birch died this morning.from the effects of burns accidently received a few days ago. Five single women per the Auckland were engaged at L2G to L3O per year.

THE CHRISTCHURCH RIOTERS’ TRIAL.

(by telegraph.) Christchurch, Jan. 9. The trial of the rioters has for the pre sent come to a deadlock, between the Crown and the jury. The whole of the jurors were exhausted without getting a 'panel, and his Honor ordered the doors to be locked while the situation was consi dered. No one would pray for a tales, and the judge adjourned for further consideration, and decided to do nothing until he had communicated with the other Judges by telegram. An adjournment was then made till two o’clock, and the doors unlocked. On resuming His Honor said—Since I left Court I have been thinking over the little point involved in the curious com bination of circumstances, and have come to the conclusion that I shall not give my opinion now. I shall adjourn tfio Court till to-morrow morning, in order to con sider which of the two courses I shall take. I shall show the authorities in order that counsel on both sides may he prepared when the time comes. Of course, if necessary I shall reserve the matter for the Court of Appeal. As at present ad vised I think it is perfectly competent for me to order orally forthwith a jury to bo empanelled. [His Honor quoted the Juries Act and the Jury Act of George IV.] Ihave some difficulty in tracing authorities on the subject, though I have found sevei-al, but I don’t think it necessary to go into them. I will read one case however, which I think is singularly appropriate. It oc cuiTed 191 years ago. Some of the cir cumstances of this case lender it singu larly appropriate. Mr. Joynt—May I ask your Honor to say again what is the course you intend to take 1

His Honor—l am not giving judgment, Mr- Joynt. lam merely saying what my view is at present as to the courses open to me. I may io-aioirow morning take an entirely different view. As at present advised, 1 may cither order the accused to be tried by a jury taken from this panel, or by a jury which I shall order to bo em pauuellod, cither for the trial to proceed at once, or on some future day. [His Honor then read the case of Salis bury and others, a trial for murder, held in the first year of the reign of William and Mary, and quoted other cases from Plowdcn, Blackstonc, and Foster.] I now adjourn the Court till to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A general meeting of tbs members of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Thursday in the Somerset Hotel. John Grigg, Esq., pre sided in the chair. There was a fair at tendance of members The first business of the meeting on the card was to consider the advisablcness of altering No. 4 of the Society’s rules, which provided that the annual general meeting of the Society should be held on the second Tuesday in September. An alteration was made from the above date to the second Tuesday in April. A letter was read from Mr. F. B. Pass more, advising that in offering prizes at the annual show for implements it was ad visable to have as many classes as possible. Exhibitors of machinery and implements as a rule did not care for the money prizes offered, being more desirous of having tire machines, &c brought under public notice. This would bo more effectively done by the award of a greater number of cards of merit than was usually done, thereby drawing attention to machines and implements meritorious in themselves that might otherwise ho overlooked. The letter could not be dealt with at that meeting, which was a special one, but it was filed for future reference and guidance, and the Secretary was ordered to acknowledge Mr. Passmore’s letter with thanks. It was resolved to hold the reaper and binder contest on the 20th insfc., two offers of grain for cutting having been made—one by Mr. Hay T. Smith, and the other by Mr. J. Carter. The selection of the most suitable field was left to the Managing Committee, which was consti tuted as follows ;—Messrs. Hay T. Smith, Mayo, Silcock, E. Saunders, and Joseph Hunt. As judges of the reapers and binders —Messrs. Parsons, Black, Pass more and Caincroii, as farmers were ap pointed, and Mr. B. G. Wright as an engineer. The alteration of rule 4 having necessitated an alteration in rule 9 the needful change was made. The Chairman stated a petition had been drawn up and extensively signed for 20 acres of a reserve near Saunders’ mill, being set aside for a public market. The idea of a public market was hit upon, as a reserve for cattle show purposes having already been granted on the other side of the river, it might be difficult to get a second reserve granted fur these purposes. Tiie Chairman had spoken to Mr. Marsh man on the subject, who had raised the difficulty of the .society not being enrolled, and therefore the land could not be crown-granted to them. It was eventually resolved —“ That steps be taken for the immediate enrolment of the Society, and also for having the proposed cattle market invested in the Society.” Mr. Garter wrote, offering a finely fenced paddock of five acres at Tur.vald, enclosed in a plantation of gums, for the use of the Society as a show-yard, at the rent of 10s an acre, with the reservation that he may graze sheep on the ground when it was not in use by the Society. The question of holding the annual show on the Ashburton side of the river was held over to be settled at next meet ing. Mr. Zouch proposed that a Committee, comprising Messrs. Grigg. Carter, and Cox, bo appointed to frame a device for a Society medal, which proposition was adopted. On the motion of Mr. Edward Saun ders an extra honorarium of LlO was voted to the Secretary, Mr. Jameson, for his valuable services in connection with the recent show, and the general busi ness of the Society. The mover, the Chairman, and Mr. Hunt, all spoke highly of Mi’. Jameson’s attention to the Association’s business and. in terests. After some other unimportant busi ness the meeting adjourned.

ACCIDENT TO A RAILWAY TRAIN.

On Thursday evening the in-train from Oxford to Kaiapoi, on the Eyrotou branch, due at the latter station atG p.m., did not arrive till C. 30, the delay of half an-hour being accounted for by the break age of a spring under the engine beyond Maudeville. The engine was packed up and ran for some distance, when the pack ing shifted, and slipping down the iron cow-catchcr in front was crumpled up under it like a bird cage. This caused a further delay, and the train was brought under easy steam to Kaiapoi, the train from Amberly to Christchurch being de tained in order to forward mails and pas sengers. The engine was re-packed for the return journey to Bennett’s junction, and left Kaiapoi about 7 p.m. with two carriages and guard’s van attached, the engine being driven by driver Duffey. When nearing the junction of the Oxford line with the main line, after crossing the North Waimakaviri bridge, the packing again gave, and the engine left the metals, two wheels going outside, and two remaining inside the line, all being buried to the axles. The carriages, however, remained on the line. There were seven passengers in the train, who were much startled with the shock, but not injured in any way. The accident was forthwith reported, and a special engine with van was sent from Christ church, with Mr. Back, railway manager, Mr. Cuthbert, assistant railway engineer, Mr. Salmond, inspector of permanent way for the northern lines, and Mr. Dickinson, locomotive engineer. They at once pro ceeded to the spot with a gang of work men and McGregor’s men wore taken on at Kaiapoi. Orders were given to clear the line ; the carriages were returned to the shed uninjured, and the workmen proceeded to raise the engine—one of the small kind—on to the metals, and place the lino in order for the midnight train. This was successfully accomplished. The damaged engine has of late been, doing all the work on the West Eyreton line, and running an average of 112 miles per day. No doubt there will be an inquiry held iu reference to the accident. The passengers by the train returned to Kaiapoi, and then went forward by buggies to their destina tion. Commendable promptupss was shown by the officials in thefmattcr.— “ Press.”

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURTS.

ASHBURTOH —Tuesday, Jan. G, VACUIANCY. Henry Hamlin was charged with vag rancy, inasmuch as ho being blind, and without means of support, had deserted the Old Men’s Homo, and used abusive language to the inmates. He was sent to gaol for one month, saying there was no humanity at all in the colony. URBACH OE THE PEACE. John O’Connor and Dennis Kelly were charged with committing a breach of the peace. Kelly failed to appear, and his mate denied the charge. n T. H. Zouoli saw O’Connor and Kelly fighting in a gully close to Jhe Ashburton saleyards. .Kelly knocked

O’Connor down, and smashed In's face about, which was very much indfked. A mob gathered, and witness infojuied the police. This was on Friday lasdß- G. J. Martin said his attentioir was drawn to Kelly and O’Connor lighting on Friday last in a gully at the back of the sale-yards, Kermodo street. O’Connor was very drunk. Some one went for the police, and Kelly ran away. Don’t Icnow who began the fight, but when witness first saw the men they were going over to fight evidently a made up match. O’Connor was asked if he had any witnesses. He replied that he could bring twenty men if His Worship would let him go over to Power’s Hotel. His Worship didn’t see it that way, however, but said O’Connor should have had his witnesses in Court. Prisoner was fined LI, or a week’s imprisonment, which alternative he acce]; ted. A warrant was issued for the apprehen sion of Kelly. ALLEGED ASSAULT. D. Pearson laid an information for assault against J. E. Hyde Harris. Mr. Harris asked for an adjournment, on the ground that as the information had teen laid at the advice of the Magistrate him self, the case should be heard by other Justices. Tire Magistrate said he would grant an adjournment, but he did not know the merits of the case. The case would be beard on Friday, when his brother Bcetham would be on the bench with him. CIVIL CASES. Stoduart v. Smith—claim, L 5 ss. for grazing a mare and foal from October last to December. Judgment for plaintiff without costs, payment to be made on return of naro, now held possession of by plaintiff. Trickett v. Harper—claim, 12s. Od. for goods delivered. Defendant pled the existence of -a contra account, and also that payment has been tendered in due time. His Worship gave judgment for plaintiff, with five shillings coats. ASHBURTON —Friday, Jan. 9. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, 11. M.) INTERPLEADER SUMMONS. » Saunders Bros. v. Gleeson. Mr. O’Reilly for Messrs. Saunders Bros., and Mr. Branson for Mr. Gleeson. S. Saunders deponed that he was a member of the firm of Saunders Bros, and had taken the place of William Saunders in it. Knew T. P. Gleeson, who is men tioned in the bill of sale. I caused a claim to be put in against the goods seized' by the bailiff on a judgment of Fried lander Bros. By Mr. Branson—The bill of sale was given to William and Edward Saunders. I was not a member of the firm At the time the bill was given. The notice given by me was given as against the bill of sale. William Saunders assigned his private estate but not bis slufee in the firm. There is no registered assignment to me of the bill of sale. There Mas a gazette notice of the alteration in the linn, but no deed was made out When I made the claim on Friedlandcr Bros, it was on behalf of the firm of Saunders Bros. I succeeded William Saunders in the business. An argument ensued as to the right of the present firm to sue for debts due taJL the old firm. By the Bench—William Saunders did ' not assign his rights in the partnership to trustees. His property in the firm passed to me. By Mr. O’Reilly—The goods included in the bill of sale were not assigned in Wil liam Saunders’ estate, nor was any part of the partnership property of Edward and William assigned. It now rests ri myself and Edward by virtue of a “ Gazette ” notice. Arthur Smith, clerk to Saunders Bros., deposed—The property mentioned in the schedule of the bill of sale is the same as that sold by the bailiff'. By Mr. Branson—l know the goods were the same because Gleeson told me they were, and I took an inventory -of them. C. B. Branson, bailiff of the Court, proved the seizure of the goods. Re ceived a not;a i from Saunders Bros, holding me responsible for any loss sus tained by them. I sold the goods, and paid the amount of judgment into Court, and the balance to Messrs. Saunders Bros., under instructions from Gleeson. By Mr. Branson—When I applied for the interpleader summons I knew the money had been paid by the clerk of the Court to Priedlander Bros. By the Court—At the time the money was paid I did not know of the payment. Saunders did not enter into a bond nor . pay the money into court, nor pay costs of keeping possession until the case was tried. No fresh claim has been made by Saunders Bros, to the proceeds. I told the clerk of the court that the case was settled. C. C. Hurrell, Clerk of the Court, de poned, that he had paid the money to Friedlander Bros, in the usual way. Mr. Branson argued that the Court had no jurisdiction, on the ground that no assignment had been made in the eye of the law from W, and E. Saunders to B. and S. Saunders. After argument by counsel his Worship said, as the case was an important one, he would look up authorities and endea vor to give a decision on Tuesday next. Anderson v. Twentyman Claim Ll2 Is. Sd for ploughing, &c., on a farm belonging to defendant. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff. After evidence had been led his Worship said the evidence went to show that the work had not been done in a satisfactory manner, and as to the day work judgment •would be given for L2 10s, and costs 165., professional fee, 10s. 6d. RAKAlA.— Thursday, Jan. 8. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) vagrancy. Mary Ann Cook was brought up, charged with having no visible means'of support. Prisoner said she was a respect- , able married woman. She and her husband came from Leeston on Monday, and had been trying to get work in this place. She was out walking last night when several men followed her, her husband was at that time standing at the corner of the hotel. Peter Cook said ho was prisoner’s hus band. He was looking for work on Wednesday night. His wife went away from him. She had had a glass or two. , His Worship said there was not suffi cient evidence to commit the prisoner but he would caution her that if she is again brought up he will send her to prison. CIVIL CASES. M'Lean v. Lake and Beard —This was a case of disputed account, which was ad journed from last Court-day for the pro duction of defendant’s books and book keeper. Mr. Purnell for plaintiff. John Miles, sworn, said—l aip book? keeper to Lake and Beard. I produce the books of the firm. Ido not know what book this is. It is not a ledger. His Worship here examined the book produced, andsaid “This book is of nouso whatever. There appears to have been at least two ei’asures. ” By his Worship—l made this entry since last Court-day. I made the erasure at the time I made the entries. His Worship again commented on the impropriety of a firm carrying on extern sivc works with such irregular books. He would give judgment for plaintiff for Ll 5 ICs. Bd., with costs Lt 2s. O’Connor v. Smithels—Judgment for plaintiff for 17s. Cd., costs os. Laurie v. W. Byrne—Adjourned till next Court-day.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1880.



s. d. s x d. Butter, inferior to best $ lb I 0 to 0 9 Eggs, $ dozen I 2 to ■ 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb 0 9 to I 0 Bacon, prime smoked, V f lb 0 9 to I 0 Hams in doth, 1? lb I 0 to 1 4 Flour in bags, t? roolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal. 1? 25th 6 6 to 0 0 Lard, W lb - 0 9 to 0 0



Wind. Ther. Bar. Saturday Jan. , 3 E. G4 - 5 29-33 Sunday „ 4 S.E. 70 0 29 - 50 Monday ,, 5 E. 71-5 Tuesday ,, 6 E. 74 0 29 -17 Wednesday ,, 7 E. 79 0 28-02 Thursday ,, 8 B. (i7'5 29-3 Friday „ 9 K.W. 82 0 *87



THE “ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.”



NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. SUBSCRIBERS are reminded that a NEW QUARTER ' lias just COM MENCED, and SUBSCRIPTIONS paid in ADVANCE are subject to a DIS COUNT of 2s. on the Annual Sub scription. Intending new Subscribers are requested to send in their orders as early as possible to the publishers, or any of the agents in the country districts. Terms —In advance, 245. per annum ; and posted 30s. per annum. WEEKS & DIXON, Proprietors. ;■ REAPERS AND BINDERS. mHB UNDERSIGNED HAVE FOR I SALE A SPECIAL SHIPMENT OF WALTER A. WOODS’ REAPERS AND BINDERS, With All the Latest Improvements, in cluding a new IRON DRIVING WHEEL. A sample machine has been fitted up, and is now on view at Messrs. P. and D. Duncan’s yard. PRICE £SO EACH. *355g ROYSE, STEAD, & CO. mHE EWE ;SHEARING will COM- X MENCEat Coldstream on MON DAY next, 12th inst. WANTED, 2 FLEECE PICKERS and 2 WOOL ROLLERS. 375<r* C. H. DOWDING. SEALY BROS., SEEDSMEN AND NURSERYMEN, East Street, ASHBURTON. ■ Farm, Garden, and Flower Seeds and Garden Requisites of every descrip tion at Lowest Rates. Notiseky—Moore Street.