SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. Fob Wellington— Wellington, This Day, Tuesday, March 9. Passengers by 2'40 p.m. train. To ho followed by Ringarooma, on Thursday, March 11. For Napier, Gisborne. Tauranga and Auckland — Ringarooma, on Thurs day, March 11. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed Wanaka, on Saturday, March 13. For Port Chalmers— Rotorua, This Day, Tuesday, March 9. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Taiaroa, Thurs day, March 11. Fob Melbourne, via Bluff— Rotorua, This Day, Tuesday, March 9. Pas sengers by 2'40 train. To be followed by Arawata, March 16, calling at Hobart Town. Fob Sydney Ringarooma, Thursday March 11. Fob Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau Wellington, This Day, Tuesday, March 9.

BIRTH.

Orr. —On the 7th March, at Tancrecl street, Mrs John Orr of a son. 155 c

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. This Day. By Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., at the farm of Mr. James Ward, Water ton—Grain, Stock, Farm Implements, &c.

To-Morrow.

Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, at their Timber Yards, at 1 o’clock— -75,000 feet Totara Timber.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1880.

It will no doubt be remembered with what a howl of disapprobation the Finan cial Statement of Major Atkinson was received by the so-called Liberal party and their supporters throughout the colony. When the Major had ransacked the Treasury accounts and satisfied him self as to how they balanced, he had no difficulty in coming to the correct con clusion as to why Sir George Grey had carefully held back everything in the shape of a balance-sheet and the custom ary Budget, and gone to the country while it was in ignorance of the true state of affairs. The reason why Sir George did bo was not difficult to find. Had he put before his dearly beloved “serfs ” the fact that the colony had made a financial lee way of £900,000 —a leeway that had every prospect of increasing instead of diminish ing, and that to make good a portion of

this leeway he would require to impose additional taxation, the multitude who “gaped and clawed the elbow” while ho spoke, and swore by his name at the poll ing-booth, would have gaped with another wonderment, and would have cast about for another conjuror. But Sir George did not care to show his hand. In fact his success, if he was to succeed at all, lay in the ability he could display in concealing that hand, and how well he succeeded in doing so is shown by the difficulty his opponents experienced in turning him out ; for he went back to Parliament with a following about equal in strength to that of the party ranged against him, and it was not till his own sup porters became disgusted with his tacties that a defection from his ranks turned the balance of power, and let in the then Opposition. Up to this time no clear statement of the colony’s financial posi tion had boon laid before Parliament. That money was scarce and the outlook not cheering everyone was aware, for in dications were nut wanting, by the falling off in land sales, and the gradually at tenuating revenue from ordinary sources, that the treasury chest was getting low. The wild anxiety of the Greyite Ministry to rush on the Loan Bill -was sufficient index of their trouble ; bat it was only when Major Atkinson got fairly into office that a fair statement of the colony’s position was laid before the House and the people. Then came the storm. It was only an accountants trick—the de ficiency was not real ; it existed only on paper, and was manipulated with the ob ject, not of showing the true state of the colony’s finance, but of giving color to the charges of extravagance and incom petency that had been brought against the Grey Government. It was said that a statement such as that produced by Major Atkinson would ruin the colony’s credit and throw her back in her inarch of pro gress, rendering and deficiency that did exist more difficult to redeem. But Major Atkinson still held to his statement, and the evils that were prophesied to result from his fearless laying bare of the colony’s financial position have yet to come. But the evils lie himself pro phesied have come. He told us that to meet our engagements, it would be neces sary to increase taxation to a disagree able extent, and to reduce expendi ture at every available point. He told us, too, that by the end of the financial year we should have to face a deficiency, roughly estimated at £900,000. His opponents told us that the news of the deficiency would so fearfully tell on the colony’s credit that all hope of ever entering the money market again was irrevocably gone. We have bad to endure the increased taxation, and that at a time when we could ill afford it, and reduced expenditure is the order of the day throughout every Governmental depart ment, and now we hear that a further issue of £200,000 Deficiency Bills has been necessary, making £1,000,000 since the commencement of the financial year. This is only the state of affairs wo ex pected from the Major’s statement, and is further proof that Government knew the rottenness of our finance when they took office, and promulgated the disagreeable but spirited financial policy they did to make revenue cover expenditure. The tax-payer will have reason to remember how the extremely Liberal Government paved the way for the burdens he now has to pay, and the colony lias reason to bo grateful for the intrepidity with which the present Government stepped in and saved her from financial disaster by simply pointing out the disparity between the two sides of her legor and with a bold front taking such stops as they could to equalise them.

Typhoid in Christchurch. — Twelve cases of typhoid fever have been reported in Christchurch during the past fortnight. The Native Commissioners. —Tiie Native Commissioners on the South Island claims are now in Christchurch, and will hold sittings in Akaroa tliis week. A Good Sample. —We have been shown some tolerably good stalks of grain this season, but a sample one of oats came to hand yesterday from Mr. John Hood’s paddock at Mount Somers, which is the most prolific, yet shown to us. It is a Canadian oat, not yet ripe, but with the enormous number of 342 grains on one branch of a stalk, and our informant stated that the paddock was all ‘ ‘ much of a muchness.” There are also some very large yields of oats reported in the Lagh mohr district. Accident at Burnham. —When the down train was leaving Burnham this afternoon a serious accident occurred. A woman with two children was stepping off the train on to the platform when the train suddenly started. The jerk caused the eldest child, aged about three years to fall on the line, and before it could he rescued the wheel of one of the carriages had cut clean off one of its arms. The above are the particulars as we have been able to gather them ; we have not been able to ascertain the child’s name, which was taken on to Christchurch by the express. “ The Scarifier.” —Montague Mosley, the man who started the foolish notion that he was a lecturer, and thought he could injure Pastor Chiniquy by vamping up from old newspaper cuttings a string of what ho called “yarns” and retailing them from a platform to a dozen or so people has been before the Christchnrh R.M. on a charge of obtaining money under false pretences. He had obtained a six guinea suit from a tailor, and tendered a cheque in payment of all he was owing the architect of garments. The cheque was £7 125., and the debt amounted to £7 9s. This was squared by 3s. being given in as change. It was this 3s. upon which the “false pretences” charge was laid, for the cheque was dishonored. Mosley was dismissed, it having appeared that the tailor had taken some of Mosely’s furniture in security. Want of Trucks. —On all sides we hear of complaints among the farmers of the inconveniences they suffer for want of ac commodation at the various railway stations for want of the necessary waggons and labor to tranship their grain in any thing like a reasonable , time. Our re porter to-day heard complaints from several farmers in the Wakanuithat drays sent in good time in the morning to the Ashburton station were delayed till a late hour in the afternoon. The Government were not backward in making all sorts of promises that during the grain season every nerve would be strained to get the grain to port as rapidly as possible, but we find, that leaving the paucity of trucks out of the question, there is a deficiency even of manual labor, a deficiency certainly only too easily made good at the shortest notice. Getting into Shape. —The usual slip shod method of doing business in the Borough Council is to be revised and corrected for the future. Councillor St. Hill was very neatly and gracefully sat upon by Councillor Williamson last night as to his fondness for debate, and he will probably set his sharp wits to -work to read up standing orders, so as to find out on what point he can fire off one of his pop guns at the solid flesh and steady nerve of the vis-a-vis of his Worship. Most folks would prefer, so far as their feelings are concerned, an hour of Councillor St. Hill’s tin-tack attacks than one minute of the sledge-hammer utterances of Councillor Williamson. The Mayor announced that for the future he would not allow verbal resolutions to he made, and that he would only recognise pen and ink sketches of the ideas of the Council, This resolve on the part of the Mayor will probably shorten the business, but it will tend to do away with a deal of the comic part of the Borough’s business.

Drainage op Christchurch. The Christchurch Drainage Board have ac cepted a tender for the construction of a sewage reservoir, &o. It is under the engineer’s estimate, -which was £41,000. Timber Sale.— Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry announce in another column a sale by auction of some 75,000 feet of totara timber of various sizes, a shipment consigned to them per Star of the South from the North. The timber has arrived, and is now stacked at the auctioneer’s yards, and is well worth the inspection of builders, contractors, and others requiring some really excellent totara timber. The sale takes place on Wednesday at one o’clock. The Ram Pair.— The entries this year the Ewe and Ram Fair are rams, 1640 ; ewes, 108. This is a decrease on last year’s entries of 327 and 178 re spectively, but the quality of the animals is reported to be greatly improved. The Borough Bye-laws. —‘ ‘ Bettor late than never ” is a good old adage, and it must have been very satisfactory to the Borough Council last night to be informed that one more interview on this now hoary-headed measure would in all pro bability settle the knotty points which have so long been occupying their atten tion. We are glad for the sake of the ratepayers and the Council that the de liberation of the Municipal officers have so nearly arrived at a climax, but wo are also glad on account of the printers who will now he able to set free some ten columns of very useful type which has been in durance vile for over a year patiently awaiting the final touch to he put on them by the Engineer and Solicitor to the Municipality. A Proposed New Government Build ing.—The local commander of the police forces (cavaliy, infantry, and irregulars) applied to the Borough Council for a fresh lock-up last night. He has plenty of ac commodation for lodgers of the usual class, but is not provided with the necessary ward for neglected or orphan dogs, and he mildly laid before the Municipal authori ties the necessity for providing an orphan age. The authorities thought the request a trifle too thin, and one facetious coun cillor remarked that it was a pity they had let “ that cottage go for a five pound note, as it would have made a good asylum for the bow-wows.” As wo have so many public bodies, perhaps the architectural beauties of tho town will he added to by the erection of the dog lock-up jointly between the Borough and County Councils and the six Road Boards, and so as to give each body fair play it ought to bo octagonal, with eight compartments and a door to each, and the whole surmounted by a bull dog weather cock, with the device “ Cave canem” in bold type. How it Strikes a Stranger. —Some wanderer from the West Coast lias been up this way, and gives his impressions thus to the “Westport Times:” —Drop- ping down by the 8.40 a.m. express, I thought I would have a look at Ashbur ton, and proceed on by a following train ; this would enable me to make a few memos., and possibly give mo the oppor tunity of seeing some old Westport friends whom I knew to be resident in the town, so I stopped. I was not long in finding some of them out, and after din ner took a stroll around the town, one of them assisting as cicerone. My guide was evidently dissatisfied with the change he had made in his quarters, as he mentioned his intention to again try the West Coast ns soon as the harvesting was over. I have little doubt Ashburton is a lively enough town during the continuance of what is generally known as the grain season, hut viewing it as I did, in an inter val between the departure of the southern trains, it looked dull enough. There seemed to be plenty of idle men knocking around, and the drays and expresses about the railway station were anything but busy. Folks in Ashburton told me it was a great place entirely for opposition in matters of business—from newspaper pro prietors upwards; perhaps since the rejec tion by the burgesses of tho proprietor of one of the local papers as a candidate for the office of Mayor of the Borough, things will resume their ordinary peace footing in that community. Copper near Nelson. —The Aniseed Valley Copper Company has struck a lode of pure black oxide of copper, 2ft. Cin. wide, 120 ft. from the surface. The vein was followed down the whole distance without a break.

Grain. —The grain carried up to date on the Christchurch section of the rail way, Winchester to Amerlcy and branches, amounts to 119,331 bags. St. Stephen’s—Thanksgiving Service. —Cn Sunday thanksgiving services were held in St. Stephen’s Church, when the edifice was well filled with worship pers. The church was decorated with evergreens and flowers, while fruit, wheat, and barley, &0., adorned the altar. The Rev. W. E. Paige delivered sermons appropriate to the occasion, and harvest hymns were sung. The Rifle Championship. Okey, of Taranaki, has won the championship of New Zealand at the rifle shooting at Nel son. His aggregate points amounted to 279; Parnell, of Wanganui, following with 272 ; and Rogers, of Blenheim, with 207. Medals of L2O, LID, and L 5 were also won by the three shots named in the same competition. Plhuko.—The farmers in Auckland are becoming very anxious about the pleuro pneumonia question, and meetings on the subject arc being held. The Greymouth Harbor. —Sir John Goode’s report on the Grcymonth Harbor has been received by Government. He estimates the cost at L1G2,000, and when the plans are carried out they may under any circumstances get 10ft. at low water, and 18ft. at high water spring tides. As trade increases to the port this may be further increased to 13ft. at low water, and 21ft. at high water. He recommends deepening the lagoon channel at once, and looks on Revcll’s Lagoon and Karora Lake as very important to keep a good scour in the channel. He further recommends the reservation of all lands by the lagoon and Karora Lake for the future construc tion of docks. The Unemployed.—A deputation, representing 150 unemployed men, waited on Saturday on Messrs. Stevens and Andrews, M.H.R.’s. with the object of laying before them the necessitous circum stances of the petitioners, and ascertaining whether Government could be moved to provide work and transit thereto in’ the North Island, or failing that, to rc-opon works on the Waikari. The interview took place in the offices of Messrs. Harman and Stevens, Christchurch. The petition read to the gentlemen interviewed by the unemployed bore the signatures of 150 men, and included carpenters, brick layers, and other tradesmen, but these were for the most part accustomed to pick and shovel. Mr. Stevens said that in re ply to a telegram from him on the subject of work, the Premier had said there were more, unemployed in the North Island than there was work for,jbut if real distress followed the ingathering of the harvest in the South Island, Government would make arrangements for providing work. Messrs. Andrews and Stevens undertook to forward the petition per the Penguin, which sailed the same evening, and the gist of it would be telegraphed North to the Hon. John Hall, should the Premier have left Wellington. In the course of the interview, one of the deputation, a Mr. Matthews, said he had only earned 15s. since Christmas, and had to support a wife and family, while a Mr. Coombs could mention cases of new arri vals who for three or four months had not done a day’s work, and these were married men with large families. Ho himself had been in the colony seven months, and had five children, for whom he did not know where to look for a loaf.

District Court.— ln accordance with a recommendation of His Honor Judge Ward, at the last sitting of the Disteict Court, we learn that the legal profession of Ashburton intend to take steps to have Ashburton proclaimed a separate district in order to give his Honor jurisdiction in probate and administration, besides many other advantages in connection with the District Court. Dromobe Goods Shed. —Messrs Nelson and Coutts have completed their contract within the specified time, and the build ing is now ready for the architect to pass. This will he good news to farmers having grain in the district, as they will now have a place to store their produce. An Autumn Snow.—Tho Agricultural and Pastoral Association propose holding a grain, root, and foal show about tho end of March or early in April, and it is pro bable that an-exhibition of gang ploughs will take place about tho same date. The exhilition of cereals, will be in Messrs. Jameson Bro’s grain store, and the others at some convenient place yet to be de termined on. GePvMAN Education. —The G erman War Minister reports that out of 143,119 men recruited during the working year 1878- 79, only 2574, or 1.80 per cent., could neither read nor write. Gum-Digging. —Quite a rush was re cently made on the gum-diggings in tho Auckland district, and many of the diggers made a good thing out of it. Gum-digging, however, , has its advan tages and disadvantages as well as other occupations, and has its rowdy worship pers as well as its quiet ones. A telegram from Auckland on Saturday shows us that some of the diggers have been in trouble. —Several gum-diggers who wore summoned to tho Police Court to-day, for trespass, met in large numbers. They had been digging on freehold property, and when ordered off, flourished spears and threa tened violence. When tho constables appeared, the gum-diggers fled to the hush, resuming their digging at night. Some days ago, several charges of larceny were preferred against them, which broke down.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. [Renta's.) London, March 4. Three per cent consols, 97|. The Bank rate remains unchanged. The Bank of England weekly returns show a total reserve in notes and bullion of £10,025,000. Adelaide wheat and flour and Australian tallow remain at last quotations. At the wool sales to-day, 9900 bales were offered. The tone of the sale was firm, and bidding very active. (London, March 0. A series of resolutions in favor of optional local government throughout Great Britain were introduced by a member of the Opposition. A lengthy debate ensued, and on a division being called the resolutions wore negatived by the House by a large majority. At the -wool auctions over 150,000 bales have been catalogued since the opening up to yesterday. The market has a firmer tone. St. Petersburg, March 4. Moodesky, the Nihilist who was arrested in connection with the recent attempt on the life of General Melikoff, has been tried and found guilty of the offence, and sentenced to death. He will be hanged immediately. A Nihilist propaganda has been issued, expressing regret at the failure of the ex plosion at the Winter Palace, and stating that further attempts on the life of the Czar will be made unless he abdicates or grants reforms of the Constitution de manded by Nihilists. Berlin, March 4. The Emperor of Germany dined to-day at the French Embassy in this city. In the course of conversation with the ambas sador his Majesty expressed most cordial feelings towards France. AUSTRALIAN. [Reuters Tele«tarns.) Melbourne, March 5. Mr. James Service, the new Premier, has intimated that he will adhere to his reform proposals as set forth in his address last month to the electors of Maldon, namely, to maintain intact his former scheme of reform, including joint sitting on the Norwegian plan. It is expected that Mr. Service will address Ids consti tuents in a few days. The new Ministry has been sworn in by his Excellency the Governor. Mr. David Elder succeeds Mr. Murray Smith as manager , of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in this city. The Hon. J. W. Clarke has resolved upon selling his fine stud of horses, and retiring altogether from the turf. Hobart Town, March 6. The Legislative Council has adjourned for throe months This step has been taken in consequence of alleged dis courtsey shown by Government to the Upper House. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, March 8. Government have decided to appoint two Cattle Boards for Auckland and Wai kato and have gaze tied regulations for their guidance. At a meeting of the Thames Farmers’ Club, it was stated that the cattle in that district are not diseased with pleuro, but suffered from exhaustion in consequence of the long voyage. The Premier will visit Waikato, and wall be present at the ceremony in com memoration of opening the navaigation of Upper Thames river. The rumor that Mr. Hamlin, M.H.R., intends to resign is contradicted. The volunteer officer's have met to con sider proposals for improving the volun teer forces, to bo submitted to Col. Leckie, who will forward the same to the Govern ment. Chief Paul, of Orakei has called a meeting of Kaipara tribes for the 17th. He states that chiefs from the north are expected, and the meeting Avill be important. Dr. Fox, of tiro ship Earl Granville, died at the quarantine station, Motuaihi, of low fever. Grauamstown, March 8. Salmon have been seen in numbers on the Ohinomuri river, apparently making their way up stream. The natives are catching them, but the police are taking steps to prevent them in future. Vernor, agent for the Norwich Union, concerned in the disputed case Driscoll versus the company, has been dismissed. Gisborne, March 8. The case of forgery against Mr. Ward, solicitor, still occupies the court. Napier, March 8. The Premier arrived this morning, and proceeds north this afternoon. The Lincolnshire delegates also arrived by the Arawata, and will stay till Tues day. Mr. Power, Sheep Inspector, retires, and Mr. Canning, of Nelson, takes tem porary charge, pending the appointment of Mr. Pasley from Canterbury. New Plymouth, March 8. A telegram has been received from Mr. Rees, the Harbor Board Engineer, at pre sent in England, to the effect that the levels in connection with the harbor works will mo it likely be altered, and advising the immediate suspension of all works until his arrival in Now Plymouth. Ac cordingly the men on the harbor works on Saturday received a week’s notice, and in the meantime a special meeting of the

Board will most likely bo called to confirm the action before the men are paid off. A meeting has been called, fay the Mayor to arrange for the reception of our volunteers on'their return from Nelson on Saturday next, specially ’Volunteer Okey, who has won «the Champion Belt of the Colony. It is also intended to invite them and the Auckland and Thames Volunteers ashore, and entertain thorn at a banquet. Tire town of Now Plymouth was lighted with gas for the first time on Saturday night-; the quality of tho gas was good. Carterton, March 8. Philip Gooden, fanner, was again burnt put yesterday morning. This is the third fire at the same place. W ellington, March 8. The Railway Commission commenced its sittings this morning. Mr. Oswald Curtis was elected chairman, Mr. Edward Downey was unpointed secretary, and Mr. Mitchell shorthand reporter. The Com mission then adjourned. The Commis sioners visit several parts of the colony after concluding their sittings hero. The Minister for Public Works left for Picton and West Coast ports this evening, to thoroughly investigate the system of working the railways in those districts. The total subscriptions raised in aid of the Irish distress fund is L 670. At the inquest to-day on the body of Robert Campbell, seaman on hoard the Go-ahead, who died suddenly on the pas sage here, the jury returned a verdict of death by natural causes. • A seaman on hoard the Goahead, named Robert Campbell, died suddenly yesterday afternoon during the vessel’s passage from Napier here. He was at the wheel, when he was observed suddenly to fall down. All restoratives were of no avail, and lie expired in a few minutes. An elderly man named Henry Ashton -was charged at the Police Court on Saturday with attempting suicide by jump ing off the wharf. He was remanded till Friday. Oamabu, March 8. Two severe shocks of earthquake were felt at about 12’30 on Saturday morn ing, there only being a few seconds be tween the shocks. Dunedin, March 8. At the twelfth annual meeting of the Standard Insurance. Company to-day the report, which did not recommend pay ment of any dividend, was adopted. Messrs. J. Reid and J. Curie were re elected directors. Several burglaries have been reported to the police. On Thursday tho residence of Mr. Kohn, jeweller, was entered, and jewellery valued at Ll5O abstracted. An Order in Council has been issued, ordering a special sitting of the Supreme Court on the 15th. This is necessary owing to the failure to adjourn the court at the conclusion of Mackenzie v. Smith’s case. At tho City Court, Edward Rees (13) and Jas McElhenny were charged with stealing. The master of the industrial school stated that since McElhenny’s ad mission the school had got into a dis organised state. He said he was just as happy doing wrong as right, and did not care for gaol floggings. He was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and Rees to six months’, the former to receive twelve stripes with the cat-o’-nine-tails, the latter twelve with a birch rod. Mr. Stewart, M.H.R., telegraphed to Mr. Oliver —“ A deputation of unem ployed have just waited on me. They state that a meeting attended by 500 people was held this morning to urge that the Government should find employment on the Hinden section and Mullocky Gully. The unemployed represent car penters, bricklayers, a few engineers, and a largo number of ordinary laborers. Many are recent arrivals, and a number married. What can Government do for them 1 Case scorns to he one of urgency.” Scarlet fever and typhoid are very rife in the city and suburbs. A serious accident happened on the Port line on Friday afternoon. Margaret M'Kenzie, aged 14, got into the Oamn.ru instead of the Port train, and did not find out her mistake until tho train had pro ceeded on its journey. Whether she fell or attempted to jump out of the carriage is not known, hut she was picked up insensible on the line near Burke’s brewery by a woman who was passing. Her skull was found to bo fractured, and she was removed to the hospital as quickly as possible ; no hopes arc entertained of her recovery. A severe shock of earthquake was felt a little before one on Saturday morning Invercargill, March 8. A slight shock of earthquake was felt hero on Saturday morning. Pastor Chimqny is expected here on Saturday. A strong committee is making arrangements for his reception.

THE KELSON PRIZE FIRING.

(By Telegraph.) Rifle Camp, Biugutwater. March 6. Match No. 1G just completed. The winning team is the Dunedin City Guards, Blenheim Rifles second, Wellington City Rifles third. Scores .-—Dunedin Guards Capt. Wilson, 91 ; Fox, 81 ; Smith, 95 ; Coventry, 100 ; Webster, 95. Total, 4G2. March 8. In match No. 15 (Ladies’) 10 prizes are given. The ranges ai-e 200 and 300 yards. The winners are ; —l, A. Ballinger ; 2, Richardson—each 50 ; Beach, Acheson, H. Dixon, Mogridge, Lieut. Adams, Morris, and Payntcr—each 48 ; Hunter, 47- The other scores are :—McKee, J. Ross and Harding—each 47; Turner, King, Oakoy, Milne, A. Thomas, Smith, Gordon, Downio, and Christie—each 46 ; Rogers J. Hunter, McKenzie, Morrison, Haycock, F. France, C. France, Coventry, Clark, Fenton, Marshall, Webster, Segt. Haslett, A. Dixon, Muller, Armstrong, andH. Sutton—each 45; Griffiths, Roper, Buckley, Weir, Roley, Mair, Thomas, A. McKenzie, Hutchinson, H. Rose, Price, Corporal Haslett, and D. Thurston—each 44 ; Edy, Kellew, Jamison, Cummings, Parslaw, Dalgleish, W. Ballinger, Hay, Lewis, and Cooper—each 43 ; Gilchrist, Strachan, Hood, Menzies, F. Soper, Skinner, Robinson, Hoskins, Purnell, Bannister, Prouse, Tandy, Ellis, Somer ville, Barriball, Thurson, Coleman, and Wilson —each 42 ; Taylor, Currie, Davy, Penk, McKae, Gcll, Fairs, Maddock, Fearson—each 41 ; McCredio, Stagg, Bun-, and Hawes—each 40 ; Craugher, Hodges, Desfargis, Turner, Mason, P. Smith, Hislop, and Monk—39 ; Winter, F. Smith, F. Sutton, Fox, Lee, Monson —each 38 ; Capt. Thompson, W. Sutton, Crawe and Lyon—each 37 ; Black, 35 ; McKenzie, 34. The winner of the prize for the greatest number of bulls eyes is Acheson, with 65. 8 p. m. Match 13, North v. South Island, for rifles, was won by the South with one point. The scores are—South : Rogers, 56 ; Acheson, 47 ; Paynter, 66 ; Webster, 56 ; Buckley, 52 ; M'Kcnzio, 61 ; Hood, 60 ; Richardson, 64 ; Christie, 51 ; Tur ner, 56 ; total, 571. North : Oakey, 52 ; Purnell, 49 ; Cummings, 49; Monk, 52 ; Haslett, 64 ; M‘Kee, 49 ; Hay, 58 ; Tay lor, 59 ; Downie, 68 ; Marr, 59 ; total, 57°. The consolation match is just com pleted. The winners are—l, Sinclair (Christchurch) 73 ; 2, J. Ballinger, 72 ; 3, Frearson, 71 ; 4, Hutchison, 71; 5, Bradly, 70 ; 6, Hay, 70 ; 7, Cochrane, 70; 8, Howell, 69 ; 9, Mcßae, 68 ; 10, Hastel, 67 ; 11, Howie, 67; 12 Bannister, 66. Match 19 was commenced, and will be continued in the morning, when match 18 (both long distance matches) will also be fired. The cavalry tournament takes place at Richmond on Wednesday, when the meet ing will terminate.

ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

FIRST FLO WE a SHOW. For some weeks past the almost newly formed Horticultural Society has been working hard, with the object of establish ing itself on a firm and sound basis, and with a view to helping its popularity it resolved upon holding a show this month. To many who have been long residents in the township, but who have only casually looked into the vegetable kingdom in our. midst, an undertaking like a flower show in March was regarded with many mis givings. There wore few gardens, they said, and there were fewer gardeners. Floral enthusiasts wore scarce, and those that did flourish had had but scant time and opportunity to break in their young land to delicate duty of flower raising. Difficulties of every kind were conjured up and though the committee were not only hopeful but confident of making the show a success, there were many. warm sup porters of the Society who were despon dent over the undertaking. But the event itself when it did come off last. Saturday took everyone —hopeful friends, confident committee, and misgiving ad visers of caution—with a surprise that was delightfully pleasant. Out from neighbor ing suburban villas, from the nurseries of Messrs. Sealy Bros, and G. T. Smith, from the plots of business men, cultivated in the cool of the mornings and evenings, before business commenced and after it had closed —a work that smoothed out the first beginning of many a wrinkle of melancholy—from the gardens of the cot tagers, gradually increasing in number and growing in beauty as they grow in age ; and from the most unlikely and un promising back yards in busy East street —came contributions from Flora’s king dom that filled all with a gladsome astonishment, and told ns that the Society had not started too soon, bat that the townspeople have been standing in then own light, and that a show might easily have been held long ago, to delight every soul in the town who had a mind and a soul above him to whom— A primrose by the river’s brim A yellow primrose was to him : And it was nothing more.” The show was a great success, we have said ; and was so in every way. The ex hibits were numerous, numbering between 300 and 400, and every class almost in a schedule that represented 140 odd dif ferentj opportunities for competition was fairly represented. The Town Hall was handsomely got up for the occasion with evergreens, native vegetation such as the ti-palm, the grace ful toi-toi grass, numerous sheaves of ratipo flower, ana flax wreaths, garnished here and there with the not very beautiful but certainly peculiar flax sticks, with their loads, of black seed pods. Down the centre of the room ran two long benches, on which stood the pot plants and cut flowers ; round the sides wore the vege tables ; virile the stage had the honor .of holding a perfect cornucopia of fruit, and a largo collection of couifera. The extra exhibits were on tables under the gal lery, and here also were to be found the flowers for exhibition.

We have scarcely space to go into exten sive details of the exhibition, seeing that we give the full prize list below, but there were several articles that we can scarcely pass without special mention. We noted a large variegated Wellington!*, the ex hibition of Messrs Sealy Bros., and raised by. them from the seed. We are given to understand that this specimen is the only one in Canterbury. Considering the lateness of the season, Messrs Sealy and Mr. Poyntz must be complimented on their fuschias, and the general display of pot plants was very good indeed. The Secretary in calling our attention to the dahlias shown by Messrs. Nairn and Son, made use of an expression which wc gladly repeat—“ They were a show in them selves.” We confess to being more prosaic, however, than poetical, and while wo admired the flowers, we could not help being pleased, though in a different way, with the vegetables. They were a grand show—both as regards quantity and quality—and they show what our little township is able to do, and give an earnest of what may yet be expected of her. We must notice Mr. Gordon Holmes’ cabbage —it was, as we heard it called, “a terror,” and not a few were brought up “all standing ” as they did the round of the hall and reached the huge vegetable. We would gladly continue our notice of the splendid show —it is an agreeable duty— but space forbids. Still, we must notice Mr. E. G. Wright’s grapes—black Ham burg and black Muscat—that would bear comparison with any grown anywhere ; nor must wo forget Dr. Trevor’s poaches, a dish that made us a good deal better pleased with Ashburton than we had been before. And last—not least —the ladies’ bouquets were a treat. The prize takers were Miss Saunders, Mrs. Sealy, and Miss Porter, among the ladies, while the floral designs of the gentlemen competitors were very grand. The piano was made use of at in tervals during the evening by kindly volunteers—-a kindness that was much ap preciated by the 400 or 500 people who at-, tended to enjoy the show. We are glad to learn to that the show financially is a success. . The following is the PRIZE LIST. ROT PLANTS —OPEN CLASS. Fuschias, one entry (6 plants, varie ties) ; Ist. prize, Scaly Bros. Fuschias, one entry ; 3 plants (varie ties)—lst. prize, Sealy Bros ; 2nd. prize, Sealy Bros. Fuschias, one entry ; one specimen plant—lst. prize. Scaly Bros. Geraniums, one entry (zonale) 6 plants (varieties) —Ist prize, G. T. Smith. Geraniums, one entry (zonale) ; 3 plants (varieties) —Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Geraniums, two entries ; 1 specimen plant—lst prize, Sealy Bros ; 2nd J. S. Savage. Geraniums, one entries : four double varieties: Ist prize, ‘•maly Bros. ; 2nd, Scaly Bros. Geraniums, two entries: one specimen plant: Ist prize, Scaly Bros. Geraniums, one entry; (four varie gated) : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Primula Sinensis, one entry; four plants : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Coleus, two entries ; (two varieties) ; Ist prize, S. Poyntz ; 2nd, Sealy Bros. Cyclamen, two entries ; two plants ; Ist prize, Sealy Bros. ; 2nd, Scaly Bros. Petunias, three entries; double or single (four varieties): Ist prize, Scaly Bros. ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Conifers, three entries ; (12 varieties) named : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Best specimen ornamental foliage pot plant two entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Best specimen (new or rare plant of any kind) two entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. Collection of 3 pot plants (varieties) not otherwise specified, two entries: Ist prize, Sealey Bros. ; .2nd, E. G. Wright. POT PLANTS —AMATEUR CLASS. Fuschias, three entries; (three plants) varieties : Ist prize, S. Poyntz ; 2nd, W. Davison. Fuschias, two entries ; one specimen plant: Ist prize, S. Poyntz ; 2nd, Miss Henderson. Geraniums (zonale), one entry; speci men plant : 2nd prize, J. Pilkington. Best specimen of ornamental pot plants, one entry : Ist prize, S. Poyntz. Collection of four pot plants (varieties), not otherwise specified, two entries : Ist prize, S. Poyntz. Best specimen of now or rare plant, two entries : Mr. Mitchell, highly com mended. CUT FLOWERS —OPEN CLASS. Roses, two entries; G blooms—lst prize, G. T. Smith. Verbenas, four entries : 2nd prize, Sealy Bros.; H. 0. Jacobson, highly com mended.

Pansies, one entry: Ist prize G. T. Smith. ; ■ : ' . Dahlias, one entry: Ist prize, Scaly Bros. Gladioli, one entry : Ist prize, Scaly Bros. Marigolds, one entry (African, orange, and lemon) : Ist prize, Sealey Bros. Bist collection Dxanthus, one entry; Ist prize Sealy Bros. Best collection petunias, four entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros.; 2nd, G. T. Smith; H. C. Jacobson, highly commended. Best collection of antirrhinums, two entries: Ist prize, G. T. Smith; 2nd, Sealy Bros. Asters, three entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros.; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Phlox one entry (G varieties): Ist prize, Scaly Bros. . Best collection of cut flowers, four entries (L2 varieties') ; Ist prize, G. T. Smith; 2nd, Sealy Bros.; H. C. Jacobson, highly commended. CUT FLOWERS—AMATEURS J Boses, one entry (G blooms) : No prize. Verbenas, one entry : H. 0. Jacobson, highly commended. Gladioli, two entries : Ist prize, A. 11. Shury ; 2nd, A. H. Shury. Asters, two entries : Ist prize, A. 11. Shury. Marigolds, one entry (French) A. 11. Shury. Best collection of Antirrhinums, one enbiy: H. 0. Jacobson,highly commended. Best collection of cut flowers, four entries : Ist prize, Mrs. Mitchell ; Miss Henderson, highly commended.. Best hand bouquet, three entries (for ladies only): Ist prize. Miss S. Saunders ; 2nd, Mrs. Scaly. Best hand bouquet, four entries (not to exceed G inches in diameter) ; Ist prize, G. T. Smith; 2nd, G.. T. Smith. Best table bouquet, six entries : Mrs. Sealy. Best floral design, two entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros.; 2nd G. T. Smith. Best collection of ferns, in cultivation, two entries : Ist prize, Sealy Bros. ; 2nd, Mrs. Mitchell. Best exhibit of musk, one entry : Ist prize, H. Fooks. FRUIT (OPEN CLASS). Outdoor grapes, one entry Four bunches. Miscellaneous collection, one entry : Ist prize, G. T. Smith. Peaches, six entries (best sis) : Ist prize, J. S. Savage; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Apples, throe entries (dessert): Ist pi’ize, J. S. Savage. Apples, three entries (cooking) : Ist prize, J. Simmonds. Filbert or cob nuts, two entries : Ist prize, G. T. Smith. Special collection of fruit, one entry (by fruiterers only) : Ist prize, J. S. Savage; 2nd, J. S. Savage. Best exhibit of grapes : Ist prize, E. G. Wright. FRUIT (AMATEUR CLASS). Grapes, two entries (four bunches) : Ist prize, J. S. Savage. ‘ Peaches, five entries (four) ; Ist prize, Dr. Trevor ; 2nd, Mrs. Trevor; G. H. St. Hill, highly commended. Nectarines, one entry (four) : Ist prize, G. H. St. Hill.

Extra exhibit, seedling peaches : Ist prize, J. Ward. Best collection, six pears, one entry: Ist prize, J. S. Savage. Filberts or cob nuts, one entry: Ist prize, J. S. Savage. Extra exhibit of peaches : W. T. Davi son, highly commended. Best collection apples, two entries : Ist prize, J. Hunt. VEGETABLES (OPEN - CLASS). Cucumbers, two entries (best two) : Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Pumpkins, three entries (two heaviest); Ist, G. H. St. Hill; 2nd, E. G. Wrigat. Vegetable marrows, five entiles : Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, J. C. Bell. Celery, three entries : Ist prize, E. G. Wright. Cabbages, four entries : Ist prize, E. G. Wright ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. , j Cabbages, two entries (red): Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Carrots, eight entries: lst,E. B. Pearce; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Turnips, eight entries ; Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Onions, six entries : Ist prize, J. Sim monds ; 2nd, Jos. Hunt. Extra exhibit, cschalote ; Ist. prize, J. Simmonds. Parsnips, two entries : Ist prize, J. Simmonds. Lettuce, two entries : Ist prize, G. T, Smith ; 2nd, J. T. Smith. Beetroot, five entries Ist prize, J. Ward ; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Beans for table, five entries : E. G. Wright ; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Savoj-s, five entries : Ist 6. T. Smith ; 2nd, E. G. Wright. Potatoes, kidney, fourteen entries ; Ist prize, H. Rookc; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Highly commended ; J. Simmonds. Potatoes, round, sixteen entries : Ist prize, J. Simmonds; 2nd, J. M. Cam bridge. Peas, twenty-five pods— four entries • first prize, E. G. Wright; 2nd, E. G. Wright. Rhubarb, six sticks, 3 entries: Ist prize, G. T. Smith ; 2nd, E. G. Wright. Best collection of vegetables, three entries : Ist prize, E- G. Wright; 2nd, G. T. Smith. Honey in comb, four entries : Ist prize, Mrs. Mulford ; 2nd, J. Simmonds. Beans, broad, twenty-five pods, two entries : Ist. prize, E. G. Wright. VEGETABLES —AMATBUK CLASS. Cucumbers, two entries: Ist prize, J. Slee. Pumpkins, two entries : Ist prize, Miss Henderson ; 2nd, Maurice Mayo. Cabbages, two entries: Ist prize, Maurice Mayo. Vegetable marrows, two entries : Ist prize, T. Williams. Tomatoes, red and yellow three entries, Ist prize, S. B. Nelson ; 2nd, H. Stephen son. Rhubarb, one entry : highly com mended, P. Mayo. Celery, two heads. No prize. Carrots, eight entries : Ist prize, B. C. Smith : 2nd, Mrs. Mulford. Turnips, bunch of six, two entries : Ist prize, M. Mayo. Onions,, four entries : Ist prize, H. Rooke ; 2nd, H; W. Barratt. Onion, new giant rocca : one entry, highly commended, F. Mayo. Parsnips, three entries : Ist prize, Mrs. Mulford ; 2nd, H. W. Barratt. Beetroot, three entries : Ist prize, J. Per main. Peas, twenty-five pods : highly com mended. H. C. Jacobson. Beans, fit for table, three entries : Ist prize, J. C. Bell. Savoys, five entries : Ist prize, Maurice Mayc ; 2nd, J Slee. Best collection of vegetables, two en tries ; E. Ling. EXTEA PRIZES. Best collection of potatoes, 7s. 6d., given by Mr. G. T. Smith: Prize, J. Portei’. Best tri-colored geranium, 7s. 6d., given by Mr. Charlton :- No entry. Best hand bouquet, made by girls under 13 years of age, 65., given by Mr. G. J. Ansteo : Prize, Miss Porter. Best collection of apples, not less than six varieties—open to amateurs only— given by Mr. T. Sealy ; Prize, J. Sim monds. Best two double fuschias, one light and one dark, given by Mr. Poyntz : No entry. Best rose—exhibited by amateurs only —7s. Gd., given by Mr. J. Sealy. No entry. Best Swiss rose, grown in pot, ss. given by Mi’. Elston : No entry. Best grape vine, grown in pot, 55., given by Mr. Elston : Prize, Scaly Bros. Best vegetable marrow open to amateurs only—ss., given by Mr. T. Wilfiains; Prize, W, T. Davison,

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held last night at the Council’s office. Present— His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs. A. Orr, G. St. Hill, D. Williamson, G. Par kin, G. M. Robinson, T. Bullock, and E. Saunders; chairman’s statement. The Chairman said that since the last ordinary mooting had been held, the councillors had inspected Mr. Saunders’ scheme, which had been Mr. Fooks instructed to would bone -essary to advertise the ap pointment of the rate collector; and he (the Mayor) would also suggest that the Sergeant of Police be instructed to Ibf'k up all dogs which were not re gistered, as the borough being so much in debt, it was > incumbent on the -Oonncil to look to every source of revenue. The financial statement was then read as follows :—Balance at Bank, Dr. L69G IGs. 7d. ; rates collected since last meeting, L 7 4s. ; rates collected previously, L 1059 4s. ; rents, L 7 4s. ; dog licenses, L 26 10s. ; dog licenses pre viously collected, Ll 3. Total—Lilli 2s. The Mayor stated that he had been re ported wrongly in the papers last ordi nary meeting. He had stated that a certain amount of rates were to Mr. T. Bullock’s debit in the rate book, and ho had called attention to the fact, but not with any intention of saying what might give offence to Mr. Bullock. THE DRAINAGE QUESTION. The Mayor stated that he had written to the County Council for assistance to wards the drainage of .the Borough ; and he had noticed that the subject had been deferred for a month on the motion of Mr. Bullock. Mr. Bullock, in explanation, said he was surprised to see himself reported as not having paid his rates on four-sections. Two of two sections never belonged to him. He had long ago paid his own rates, and also -rates due by his tenants. THE FIRE BRIGADE. A letter was read from the Ashburton Fire Brigade, asking payment of the L 25 voted to them by the Council, and also asking that the Council’s promise regard-. ing the finding of uniforms for the brigade may be fulfilled. The Mayor considered it absolutely necessai'y that the present quarter should bo tided over before they could pay the sum asked for. and the brigade could not look for any payment towards uniforms until the overdraft at the Bank had been paid. The Fire Insurance Association had agreed to reconsider the amount of their subscription towards the brigade. Mr. Parkin said unless any payment was made to the brigade that that body would have to resign. It was impossible for them to continue their duties without assistance. Mr. St. Hill did not think the letter should be received, knowing as the brigade did, the straits in which the Council’s funds were, and he thought the brigade should have waited until they knew the Council were in funds. Mr. Parkin said that none of the brigade received any emolument, and more than that, three members had become respon sible for the cost of the bell. Mr. Bullock said ho must agree with Mr. Parkin. There had been a promise to the brigade to pay this subsidy, and the Council were duty bound to pay the money. Mr. Saunders proposed, Mr, St. Hill seconded —“ That the money be paid as soon as the Council is in funds.” He did not think it would be right to break the engagement made with the Bank not to overdraw their account after the 31st March. The resolution wqA<yj^^. THE WATER HiSStoCHEME A letter was read from the Upper Ash burton Road Board granting permission to the borough to cut a channel to bring water down Winter’s road, providing the borough will pay all damages in the future that may he incurred by such channel either to roads or private property. It was resolved to acknowledge the let ter with tnanks. , COUNTY COUNCIL GRANT FOR DRAINAGE, The clerk to the County Council wrote stating that the consideration of their ap plication for a grant to assist in the drain age of the town was! deferred till next meeting. The Mayor asked Mx% Bullock why he had moved a resolution to this effect ? Mi*. Bullock said he had asked for an adjournment, as he was not possessed of data to go on with the discussion. ; Mr. Williamson considered., that the work being a mutual one, the-;borough’s claim was not only a fair, but also a legal one. , SUNDAY TRADING. A letter was read from Christchurch Municipal Council enclosing the following resolution—“ This Council deprecates the action of those in this, city who expose their goods for sale on the Lord’s day; and that they deeply regret that the Municipal Acts do not empower the, muni cipalities to make a bye-law to suppress such practices; and further that this Council pledges itself to act in conjunction with other municipalities to petition the Governor in Council, or the legislature of this colony, to pass an Act to prohibit Sunday trading.” ■' His Worship was glad to observe such a resolution had been passed, and thought the Council should give all the assistance in their power to help the Chistchurch Municipality. Mr. St. Hill thought a bye-law should be passed compelling shutters to be put up on a Sunday.—(Laughter). Mr. "Parkin proposed, and Mr. Orr seconded —“ That this Council endorses the action of the Christchurch City Council-,” which was passed. DOG HOUSE FOR VaGRANT CURS. . ;

Sergeant Pratt wrote, calling attention to the regulation by which all dogs, not having the badge of registration on them were liable to be at once seized, and within 24 hours destroyed. He pointed out the necessity of the borough erecting a house for the safe custody of the dogs. The or* dinance stated t£ that all unregistered dogs or any dogs at large without the badge of registration wheresoever found may be destroyed.” * The Mayor said he agreed with the principal (embodied in the letter, but not with the time allowed. It would be un fair to imprison and destroy a dog in 24 hours’ notice. The difficulty might be got over by making the time 48 hours and advertising the description of dogs imprisoned ; but: it would be necessary for the borough to erect the house, and as it would be in the borough perhaps the county would object to pay part of the cost. , Mr. St. Hill could not see why the borough should erect a dog lock-up more' than a lock-up for drunkards. Mr. Saunders moved—“ That the police be asked the probable cost of the establish ment, also the practice of other boroughs in such cases.” Mr. St. Hill seconded, and the motion was passed. THE SIX-SHIIiXJNG LETTEH. Mr. B. G. Crisp wrote as follows : “With reference to the letter of Miss Callaghan as to the rate collector having no legal claim upon her for 65., handed me by the Town Olerk for my explanation, I now ' have : to ■■ that as this matter has been before a legal tribunal, I doubt not will see the propriety: of leaving it to,that tribunal. As a matter of common fair-play, as -well as a matter of common courtesy, might I submit to you that when, on any future occasion the conduct of any person em ployed by you is to be brought into ques tion, and under discussion, that person may reasonably be considered to be entitled to a notice, informing him of the

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1880.



THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY WAS started about five years ago. The proprietors at first in tended to manufacture for the Trade only, but, owing to the persistent op position of importers and Shop keepers who could make a better profit on the imported article, they were compelled in self defence to open Branches for the sale of their goods direct to the public. In this they but followed the example of some of the largest manufacturers at home, and the Public, by purchasing at the undermentioned Branches, will SAVE THE PROFIT OF MIDDLEMEN, AND OBTAIN A SUPERIOR ARTICLE. BRANCHES. Invercargill Christchurch Wellington Dunedin Ashburton Auckland Oamaru Nelson New Plymouth Timaru Wanganui Napier A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. W. SPARROW, Manager, Ashburton Branch, 588g* New Zealand Clothing Factory. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cptter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he is prepared to’ guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. • 982 a NOTICE TO FARMERS. 7JIHE 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* TO FARMERS. f undersigned are CASH BUYERS of WHEAT, or will make LIBERAL ADVANCES on shipments to London on growers’ account. MILES, HASSAL, & CO., Christchurch ; MILES, ARCHER, & CO., 8660 Timaru. MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, March IG, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 42*i a* Agent, Ashburton.