SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For ■Wellington —Ringarooma, This' Day, Thursday, March 11. Passengers 2 - 40p.m. train. To be followed by Wanaka, March 13th. For Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga and Auckland —Ringarooma, This Day, Thursday, March 11. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed Wanaka, by on Saturday, March 13. For Port Chalmers— Taiaroa, This Day, / Thursday, March 11. Passengers by 12.10 p.m. train To be followed by Hawea, on Satur day, March 13. For Melbourne, via Bluff Arawata, Tuesday, March 16. Passengers by 2 - 40 train. To'be followed by Tararua, March 23, not calling at Hobart Town. For Sydney Ringarooma, This Day, Thursday, March 11, Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. For Picxon, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau Ladybird, Tuesday, March 16. Passengers by 240 p.m. train. A NARROW ESCAPE FROM COL LISION IN THE FRENCH PASS. The steamers Waitaki and Charles Ed ward narrowly escaped a disastrous col lision in the French Pass on Thursday night. The Charles Edward left Nelson at 7 o’clock on Wednesday evening, and reaching the French Pass at 11, steamed slowly through against the tide, which was adverse. The night was dark and rather thick, while the precipitous spur which projects into the passage on the south side effectually shut out any long view ahead. Suddenly, to the horror of those on hoard, the lights of another steamer were seen coming round the corner, and bearing down on the Charles Edward with the full force of the strong tide which runs through the “ narrows ” at the rate of ten or twelve knots. All her lights were visible, thus showing that she was heading straight for the Charles Edward. It was perfectly well known on board the latter that the other could not possibly stop or even check her way without instant destruction, and the only chance of escape for both vessels was to get the Charles out of the direct course. Captain Whitwell, who never lost’ his presence of mind, instantly stopped the engines, and then put them full speed astern. For a few moments the vessel hung motionless, and then began to move backward just in time for the approaching steamer, which proved to be the Waitaki, to slip by, almost touching her as she passed. The escape was about as close as well could be, and had the threatened collision occurred it is hardly likely that a .soul would have escaped to tell the talc. —“ Evening Post,” March 6th.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Wednesday afternoon. Auction Saies— Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co. report having sold the stock, im plements, &c., on Mr. Jas. Ward’s farm at Waterton on Tuesday. The sale was •well attended, and the bidding throughout very spirited* owing to the superior quality of the various lines submitted by the auctioneers. The following prices were realised :—M'Cormack reaper and binder, L2B; other farming implements at fair rates. Double-seated buggy, L 24. Pigs ■were in demand, and were quitted at ex treme rates. Milch cows from L6to L 7, calves up to 315., heifers at L3l2s. 6d., steers at 475. Horses : Draught stock from Ll 7 to L2B ; foals, Lll to L 24 10s., the latter being a prize taker at the Tin wald Show. The crop was also sold, the oats realising Is. 3d. per bushel, barley 2s. 3d., and the wheat, a blighted sample, only brought 2s. Yesterday afternoon Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, per Mr. T. Bullock, sold a line of about 70,000 feet of totara timber of useful dimensions, at from 10s. to 12s. 6d. per 100 feet. The speculation must be far from a profitable one for the consignors.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at : the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under Thursday, March 11. For Otago, per Taiaroa. For Northern Ports of New Zealand and Australian Colonies (via Sydney), per Ringarooma, at 1.50 p.m. ; late fee letters, 2.10 p.m. ; guard’s van, 2.40 p.m. train. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi, will be closed at Christ, church on March 11th, and will be due in London on April 29th. The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will be closed at Christ church on March 27th, and will be due in London on May 11th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows: — For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. . For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. . For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Ftjrks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge qji Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a. m y vA For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at, g. 15 p.m. daily. ,For Wakanui and Seafield, and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. ” W. St. G. Douglas,

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1880.

The agricultural returns for, this county as well as for some other in Canterbury have been published, and from them we note that a large increase has taken place in the acreage under cultivation as well as in the yield of produce. Most people were aware that the acreage tilled this year had considerably increased over that of last year, but they were only aware of the general fact: the statistics now published give us the figures. But every man, who took any notice of the weather and the fields, was bound to be satisfied that,-as compared with the dry season of 1879 troubled as the farmers were with strong and incessant north-west winds, that parched the land and robbed it of its moisture, checking the growth of the grain, and reducing the yield—the very favorable growing season of 1880 would tell a satisfactory tale upon the harvest. X’he figures relating to this county are as

follow ;—ln 1879 there were 64,880 acres of land under wheat, yielding 1,139,025 bushels ; in 1880 there were- 73,502 acres under wheat, yielding 1,974,401 bushels —an increase of 8622 acres, and 835,376 bushels. In oats there were 23,470 acres tinder crop, yielding 515,204 bushels in 1879; and in 1880,34,911 acres, producing I, bushels—an acreage increase of 11, and an increase of oat yield of 759,360 bushels. Under barley, 1879 had 5980 acres, from which 122,788 bushels were gathered ; and in 1880 the .acreage under barley crop was 15,159. from which 397,668, bushels were reaped—an increase of 9279 hcres and 274,880 bushels. In addition to these the statistics give 261 acres under potatoes in 1879, producing 1244 tons : in 1880, the acreage rose to 370, and the yield to 1961 tons. The yield per acre shows the difference be tween the harvests of the two years, as far as the unsatisfactory way Government has of taking these returns will allow any ac curacy to bo obtained. In 1879, the re turn of wheat per acre was over 17 k bushels; in 1880, over 25k. In 1879, oats to the average of 21£ bushels per acre were secured ; in 1880, they have yielded nearly 34 bushels to the acre. Barley gave about 21J bushels per acre in 1879 ; and 33f bushels in 1880. The yield of potatoes in 1879 was 4 tons 14 cwts per acre; and in 1880 5 tons 6 c wts. We say Government has a very unsatisfactory mode of collecting this information ; or rather, the mode is right enough, but the time at which the collection is made is wrong. In some parts of this country— not many, to be sure, but still some parts —grain is still standing, while a very large quantity is still unthrashed. Those statis tics are compiled while the grain is in many cases still green, and the return of bushels to the acre given by the fanner is a haphazard guess—under or over, accord ing to his judgment, or possibly, accord ing as he desires hii creditors to believe. At best it is difficult to obtain more than a rough approximation to the yield, but there is, a possibility of having that approximation a good deal closer to the truth, and far more reliable than it is now. And that could easily be brought about by waiting until the grain has passed through the thrashing machine, when the actual number of bushels raised on a farm could easily bo given by the farmer, and the figures would then be results, and not simply a guess. In one case we know of Hat year—and we have no doubt that case was only one of many—the farmer gave his farm’s yield at 12 bushels to tire acre, and expressed his sorrow at the miserable disappointment he had sustained, for he had hoped to reap 25 bushels from his land. His disappointment was a good deal intensified when ho brought the machine to his holding, and from that crop ho fancied was going to yield him 12 bushels to the aero he was only able to thrash out an average of five. Similar cases have occurred this year, and not seldom the machines have thrashed out a far heavier yield than that given to the collector of official statistics. Last year was a poor year, and we are afraid that the machines too often disappointed the far mer’s hopes ; and though this harvest has been a very good one, we are inclined to believe there will be a considerable differ ence in many cases between the estimated yield while the crops were green, and the actual per acreage thrashed out. But though errors may be made regarding the result of the crop when the ear is green, there can bo no mistake about the acreage. He is a very fire-eating farmer indeed who works so fast that be takes no note of the number of new acres he breaks up, so the return of new land is sure to be correct, and over the land in crop last year, 1880 shows an increase of 29,451 acres. An. examination of these figures shows as well as anything does the pro gress the county is making in agriculture, and gives proof of the firm belief the farmers have in the land they till, and their determination to stick to it. Steadily, year by year, and at no snail’s pace, the tussocks —the distinguishing feature of the virgin soil of the plains—are disappearing, and soon they will be as scarce .as even yet they are plentiful. It is no very great stretch of memory —it seems but-yesterday. —to call to mind the vast sea of tussocks those plains were when the railway first ran through them. But to-day the traveller, as the train rushes over the plains, has his eye caught by innumerable portly stacks of grain that are visible on either side of the line as far as the eye can reach, and the picture covers the ground along many, many miles of coun try. The smoke wreaths of the thrashing engines are to be seen all the way between the rivers, and homesteads arc steadily in creasing. Nor are the fanner’s prospects dull. In all likelihood ha will obtain for his produce this year a satisfactory return, the only disadvantage being that the pru dent farmer who this year grew a fair per centage of oats will not do so well as he had hoped ; but take the year all round, it must be a good one, and cannot fail to tell upon the agriculturist’s condition. Re garding oats, it is worthy of remark that by far the largest increase is upon that cereal, the difference between the two years being no less than 769,360 bushels, and this is quite sufficient to account for the low price they are now bringing, and the wise course many farmers are adopt ing—viz., stacking their oat crops till the market is less burdened, and buyers are more willing to trade at a good figure.

We have had some enquiries regarding the rates of postage by the Suez mail, which some of our readers do not seem fully to understand, and it may be as well to place the rates as fully before the public as possible. All mails by the Suez route will in future be sent via Brindisi alone, the service hitherto made use of via Southampton having been discontinued, and the letter rate will be Bd. for each letter, weighing less than half-an-ounce, and Bd. for each additional half ounce or frac tion of half-an-ounce. It must be borne in mind that letters must be specially addressed “ via Brindisi” if they are in tended to go by the Brindisi mail, and if they should by any mistake bear only the sixpenny stamp as formerly, they willbe de tained till the next outgoing San Fracisco mail and sent by it. But should the letters be over weight, and bear stamps to the amount of Bcl., they will be forwarded by Brindisi, if so addressed, and the rate for the excess weight, with a fine of the same amount, will be charged against the receivers of the letters. Thus, a letter weighing more than half-an-ounce, but bearing Bd. worth of stamps will be for warded, but the person to whom it is ad dressed will have to pay on receipt one shilling and fourpence—Bd. to cover the deficient postage, and Bd. of a fine. By the new arrangements newspapers will not be charged for as they used to he —Id. per single newspaper—but the rate will be 2d. for every four ounces. So that in future senders of the nows will study economy by making up in one cover parcels of newspapers to the weight of under half a pound, when 3d. in stamps will cover the postage. The lowest news paper rate is 2d., and no newspaper, stamped with a penny stamp only, will be forwarded via Brindisi, but will be de tained till the next outgoing San Fran cisco mail. The rate “per book post” &c. via Brindisi is 2d. for every two ounces or fraction of two ounces. Hopes are held out that the rate for letters by this route will be reduced by and by, but meanwhile the rates we have given above are those charged just now. We shall gladly give notice at once of any reduction in the rate as soon as we are apprised of it.

The Brindisi Mails. —Mails for the United Kingdom &c., via Brindisi will close at the Ashburton post office to day, at 10.20 a.m., to connect with the s. s. Rotorua, at. Port -Chalmers. Correspondence for this route should be specially addressed. The rates of postage are for letters, Sd. per hoz. ; book packets 2d. per 2ozs. ; newspapers, 2d. per 4ozs. Volunteers. —The total number of volunteers in the colony is 8247, exclusive of cadets, who number 1901. Inspectorship of Hospitals.—Dr. F. W. A. Skae has been gazetted an inspector of Hospitals and Charitable Institutions for the colony. C.Y.O.—Lieutenant Slater’s appoint ment to the Captaincy of the C.Y. C. is gazetted, as also the resignation of Sub- Lieutenant Brittan. Presbyterian Tea Meeting. —The annual tea meeting of the Presbyterian Chui ch has been fixed for the 20th of April in the Town Hall. Reduction of Wages.— On Tuesday, the Christchurch Board of Conservators reduced their men’s wages from eight to five shillings per day. Indecent Assault. A man named Patrick Martin has been committed by the Christchurph R.M. on a charge of in decently assaulting a child of two years. The Native Commission.— The Royal Native Commission have concluded their sittings at Waitara. They will remain at New Plymouth another week, and then will return to Patea. Registration of Electors. — Mr. C. Percy Cox has been gazetted Registrar for Coleridge district under the Registration of Electors Act, 1879, the appointment dating from the Ist inst. The Cyclone in New Caledonia. — Mr. D. O. Gruickshank, the French Consul at Auckland, is soliciting subscriptions in aid of the sufferers by the recent cyclone in New Caledonia. Unemployed for the Waimate Plains. —The s.s. Hincmoa left Wellington for Opunako on Tuesday evening with the wives and families of the men already sent on to the Plains, and also a further de tachment of unemployed. Grain at Raicaia. —The Rakaia railway station is now a busy scene from the advent of daylight till long after dark, long strings of drays all day long coming in loaded, and all the available trucks at the disposal of the station-master are filled with sacks almost as soon as they arrive. The Oarandinis. —From a cominunica we have received from Mr. Walter Sher win, wa learn that the Carandini Company of talented instrumentalists and vocalists will appear in Ashburton for two nights, the 22nd and 23d inst., at the Towxi Hall. Particulars will appear shortly. Forcible Entry. — At the Timaru R. M, Court on Monday, W. Quinn, Charles Pontiff, Charles Hawkins, John ' Keen, Michael Lynch, and Joseph Sima, laborers, were committed for trial at the Supreme Court for forcible entry on the land of Mr. James Cowl at Makikihi. Quinn held a mortgage over the land. Alford Forest. —Mr. John Tisch has assumed command of the Alford Forest Hotel, lately occupied by Mr. Morgan. Mr. Tisch’s hostelry is the only establish ment in the district wherein the weary traveller may obtain refreshment for self and beast. Mr. Tisch runs a daily mail from Methven, which is a convenience of great value to travellers in search of the Forest. An Opening for Choppers. —Those of our readers -who are on the look out for a block of good land, on easy terms, could not do better than cast their eyes over the advertisements in our columns calling for tenders for leasing a lot of Govern ment reserves on long leases. Some of the land is worth inspection, and the terms arc so exceptionally easy that there is no doubt very good rents will be realised. Narrow Escape.— Just as the express train was leaving the railway platform at Rakaia on Tuesday morning a man, very much the worse for drink, in attempting to walk across the line fell on the rails directly in front of the engine. Fortun ately, the engine, although started, had not gathered much way, and the driver was able to pull up though not till about ten yards from where the man was lying. Masonic Ball. —The Masons of Ash burton have decided to give a Masonic ball at the consecration of the new hall now erected in Tancred street. The ball is pui’posed to take place on Friday, :16th April. The following brethren are the committee for carrying out the arrange ments :—Bros. P.M. Shearman and Stephenson, Bros. E. Saunders, W. H. Gundry, W. 11. Zoucb, C. Braddell, T. Quill, R. Friedlander, S, B. Nelson, H. C. Jacobson, W. Sparrow, J. Bradley, and H. W. Felton. The new hall will be finished about the beginning of April. The consecration will take place on the afternoon of the 16 th. Advice to Ratepayers. —The attention of the ratepayers is called to section 12 of the Rating Act, 1876, Amendment Act, 1879, which reads as follows : “It shall be sufficient if any demand required to be made under section 48 of the Rating Act, ■ 1876, be made by the same being sent through any post-office addressed to the person liable at his last known place of abode or place of business.” Section 48 above referred to states that a demand for rates must be made in writing under the hand of any collector or other duly ap pointed person, and “delivered” to the person liable either personally, or by leaving the same at his last known place of abode or place of business, or on the premises in respect of which such rate is due. We would remind the ratepayers that the rate now struck is payable on the 15th inst., and it is necessary that it be collected within the time specified. It will be seen by advertisement that the rates are payable to the Town Clerk; at his office, Burnett street, between the hours of 10 and 12 forenoon and 3 and 5 afternoon. ; : , . • Ashburton School Committee. —This Committee met on Tuesday evening. Present—Dr. Stewart, Messrs. St. Hill, Boyle, Andrew, Bean, and Jacobson. A letter was read from the Board of Educa tion in reply to the Committee’s applica tion for increased salaries to some of the teachers, stating that the staff required Re modelling. The present staff are—a master at L 291 ; mistress, LIOO ; 2nd master, L 13 0; and 7 pupil .teachers. The staff allowed to the school by its average attendance is a master at L 201; a mistress at L 164 ; infant mistress at Lllß ; assis tant teacher at L 10 0; and seven pupil teachers. It will thus be seen that the school is entitled to another mistress, and the Secretary was instructed to write to the Board of Education to that effect, and at the same time to recommend Miss Stewart for the post of head mistress at the increased salary of LIG4. The master’s report, which was a rather lengthy one; was read, and some of the suggestions adopted. The Chairman, Messrs. St. Hill, Orr, and Bean were appointed a com mittee to arrange about supply of drinking water for the children, the present system, being very defective. It was resolved that the school treat should be held on Easter Monday, 29th inst., and it was deter mined to appeal to the public for funds in aid, a considerable sum being yet required. It was resolved to urge on the Board of Education the necessity for iihmediately providing increased accommodation. The Reason Why. —A lady entered Her kitchen rather suddenly, in Paris, and was surprised to see a fireman quietly seated. The cook at once said : “ As our chimney has not been swept for some time, I thought it would be a good thing to have a fireman in the house in case of fire.”

Insurance. —A conference of the -heads of Insurance Companies is being held in Wellington. The business is of a private nature, but it affects insurance generally.

Another’Large Railway Bridge.— The iron railway bridge which crosses the Volga from Sysran in the direction of Orenburg will soon be completed. It is nearly as long as the Tay Bridge, but it is more strongly constructed and has not the same elevation. It will have occupied about seven years in building. The engineers promise the Russian Govern ment that it shall be ready before the spring, but it may bo doubted if they can fulfil that promise. There is no-question, however, that every effort will be made, because this completion of the Russian rail way system to Orenburg has the greatest possible importance in connection with the military operations about to be resumed in Central Asia.

A Police Ball Incident. —A strange incident occurred at the police ball. All the men had to leave their coats and hats in a cloak room, and were expected to give their comrades who looked after them 'id. in coming out. Port wine served ad libitum had the effect of making even some of the “hobbies” a littla troublesome. One of them presently went for his coat, and was asked for 6d. “ What,” said ho, “ d’yer get sixpence for all of them ? (hie). Then I’ll take the money for ycr (hie). ” And he planted himself in front of the plate. His brother constables had —sad to relate—to “ move him on ” by main force to his hearth and home.—“ London Correspondent. ”

A Wealthy Sayings Bank. —The C4th annual report of the Liverpool Savings Bank, just published, shows that the total amount due to the 65,144 depositors at the close of the financial year was L 1,808,903, while the total amount to the credit of the bank was L 1,813,509, showing a surplus of L 4,606, besides the valuable hank premises and a sura of LIO,OOO on a separate sur plus account. In the past year 13,309 new accounts were opened, 5843 old accounts were reopened, and 556 dormant accounts were carried to “suspense.” The position of the bank has improved in the year by L 36,276 in the amount due to depositors, and by 1767 in the number of open accounts.

Dried Peaches.—l have just seen some dried peaches (American), which are very good, and suggest how much might be done in this way in countries where there is an over-supply of fruit. The drying process, which is now carried out to such perfection in America, is certainly much better than the “canning.” one as regards wholosomeness of the products, while ft avoids the expense of cans, and the carriage of much liquid matter, which is probably more liable to injury than the dried goods. The practice of drying fruit is carried on to a great extent in many parts of Germany and Switzerland for domestic use through out the winter, but does not seem to be in use with us. The dried apples now sent from America are excellent. — “The Garden ” The Revolver in English Streets A case investigated before the Liver pool justices recently shows that the reprehensible practice of carry ing loaded revolvers continues in that town. A young man named Trainer was seen firing a revolver in Sea grave street, about half-past one o’clock in the morning, and a bullet struck the wall of the neighboring bridewell. Being asked what he was doing, he said he was only using his weapon, which he was always allowed to do in America. The pistol was taken from him, and was found to be still loaded in four chambers. Be fore the magistrates he pleaded that he was under the influence of drink, and did not know what he was doing. A fine of 405., with costs, was imposed. A Farmer Killed by an Aerolite. In Nemaha County, Kansas, David Miscn thalor, a well known stockman, was struck by a falling meteor, or aerolite. He was driving some cattle from a field, and it ap pears as if the meteor had come from a direction a little west of south, and fell obliquely at an angle of about sixty de grees, for it first passed through a tall maple, cuttingthe limbs as clean as if it had been a cannon ball, and then struck him apparently on or under the shoulder, pass ing clear through him obliquely from below the right shoulder to above the left hip, and buried itself about two feet in the •soft black ground. |The poor man’s head and legs are uninjured, but the greater part of his body seems to have been crushed into the earth beneath the terrific aerolite, which is about the size of a common patent bucket, and apparently of a roughly round shape. It appears to be formed of what is called iron pyrites. Ascent of Hecla by a Lady. Miss Th. Petursson, a daughter of the Bishop of Reykjavik, Iceland, made an ascent of the great volcano, Hecla, before the end of the summer, for the purpose of making geological observations. The temperature of the sides of the larger craters she found had recently undergone a consider able increase ; and from a number of very small fissures and holes on those craters there arose heavy white columns of vapour, the sulphurous character of which was much stronge! than for a long time past. From those circumstances it is inferred that a new eruption of the volcano is to be expected. This is con sidered the more likely as since the last eruption the period of quiescence usually observed between the outbreaks of Hecla has already been long since exceeded. The last eruption took place in the year 1845. At that time, shortly before the outburst of flame, flava, and ashes, there was likewise observed a considerable rise in . the temperature of the orators. An earthquake took place last September in the southern portion of the island, and as the direction of its motion was as though it set out from Hecla, it is not improbable thafi it had some casual connection with the; recent , changes observed on the volcano. In Reykjavik, too, rather smart shocks were felt, but no injury was done. In j;he south-east, however, their violence was less innocent, a number of buildings having been destroyed at Yigdisarvollir, near Krisurvik. Scavenging by Fire. — For som e months an apparatus has been in use at Leeds for burning up the refuse collected by the scavenging department of the Cor poration. It is tumbled into the furnaces —pots and pans, crockery, and earthen ware, stones and brickbats, all going in— being either burnt up bodily or so purified as to be no longer ' offensive. In the month of December 991 loads of refuse, or 1,090 tons 2 cwts were consumed in 24 working days of 24 working hours each,: or at the rate of 40 loads dailyl The work of destruction begins on Momjtiy morning, and the place is con tinuously in operation, day and night, till three o’clock on Saturday afternoon, when work ceases for the week. No coal is used. The draught of air is so strong, and the heat so fierce, that the furnaces roar and blaze away, the material poured in at the top being sufficient to keep the “ destructor ” going. There are six fur naces or “cells.” These ai-e regularly raked up by the men in charge, who pull out the masses of the refuse. Amidst the burnt stuff are iron pots and pans, which are picked out, placed in a heap, and sold at 255. a ton. Attached to the works are a couple of mills, driven by a fourteen horse steam engine, in which capital mortar is made. The slag which collects in the furnaces is ground into. a fine sand and is utilised for the purpose. With the exception of the pots, pans, and tin canis ters, everything is. either burned or ground up on the works, and made useful in some. way. Above the fur naces are a c Duple of orifices, covered with iron, into which deceased animals can be put and their bodies be rapidly eonsvpued, ■ .. -

. Hematite Deposits. —A company is being, formed in Auckland to develop the Thames hematite ore deposits, and other pigments in the province. Valuable ore deposits of pigments used in the painters’ art have been discovered in the province, and these, blended with the Thames crude material, will enable the company to manufacture all the most useful paints. The intention of the Auckland company is to bring out their pigments in quite anew form. The Kelson Crown Prosecutor.— At a meeting of the creditors of Henry Adams, solicitor, Nelson, his liabilities were given as L 8,597 and his assets at • L 5,915. The assets are considered over estimated, as the properties are heavily mortgaged. A number of questions ware asked with reference to moneys entrusted to the debtor for investment, and it was resolved not to assent to a deed of assign ment, but to throw the estate into the Bankruptcy Court. Devi ii of a Waterloo Veteran.—Ser geant Leonard Simons, a Waterloo veteran, has just died at Corby, Northamptonshire. He was born at Bedford in 1793, enlisted in the 69th Regiment in 1813, and served in • the attack on Bergen-op-Zoom, the siege of Antwerp, and the battle of Water loo, for which he received a medal. He claimed his discharge in 1833, and re ceived a pension of Is. Gd. per day for life. He has left a widow, to whom ho was married 65 years ago. The Late Dr. Fox.—The late Dr. Fox, who died on board the ship Earl Gran ville, quarantined at-Auckland, came out last year as doctor of the immigrant ships Maraval and Famenoth. His interment took place on Tuesday. All the passen gers per Earl Granville are progressing slowly. Dr. Humphrey Haines has been appointed Surgeon-Superintendent, and he is at present on the island. The ship will ho admitted to pratique about Friday, hut the immigrants will remain on the island for a week. A Legacy to the Freethinkers. — Freethinkers in general, and Mr. Brad laugh in particular, have to thank a Scotch Radical—the late Mr. Win. Thom sm, of Montrose—for a nice little wind fall. Under that gentleman’s will £3,000 was bequeathed to Mr. Bradlaugh, to be applied at his absolute discretion to the propagation of antitheological and ad vanced political views. The money lias just been paid over, and Mi - . Bradlaugh has exercised his “ discretion.” The National Secular Society, of which Mr. Bradlaugh is president, receives about £ISOO, and amongst the other beneficiaries figures the fund for securing Mi - . Brad laugh’s election for Northampton, which is awarded £IOO. At the Front. —The Armed Constahn lary Force lately stationed at Stoney river moved to their now camp at Purehu, on Monday. The natives at Purehu made not the slightest opposition to the Armed Constabulary coming, telling them that they could fix their tents where they liked. The chief Te Motu intends mak ing a present to Colonel Roberts as soon as the tents are fixed. The site of the new camp is about 209 yards from the old telegraph office, and is on the stream called Hauminga. There were 260 men belonging to the Force, besides the work ing party, which consists of 80 men, who will be under the charge of Mr. C. W. Hursthouse. The Unemployed iji Napier. —They must be a queer lot of unemployed in Napier if the following telegram is true : The meeting of unemployed called for Saturday night proved a great fiasco ; about 50 men, two-thirds laborers, rolled up. The convenor of the meeting un expectedly asserted that there was plenty of work, and then said there was none, rnd concluded by returning to his first statement, and offering to get work for any who said they could not find it. He told an extraordinary tale of how he and Mr. Vincent Pyke lived on snakes for a week in Victoria when on the “ wallaby.” The next speaker strongly denounced the non-employment cry, saying that every man able and willing to work could get constant employment. Bennett, convener of the meeting, said he must dispute this, and mounted the barrel which did duty as a platform, but some one pushed the barrel from under him, and he fell heavily to the ground, where he lay stunned for some time. On recovery, he offered to fight anyone in a 36-foot ring for love or money. This concluded the proceedings. An American Miser. —An American paper announces the death of Hugh M'Glinn, proprietor of the Rhode Island livery stable, at the age of 60 years. The deceased left behind him an estate valued at over 200,000 dels. M'Glinn, it is stated, acquired his large fortune by lead ing an extremely penurious existence, and denying himself even the common neces saries of life. He occupied himself in the most menial employments about his estab lishment, and devoted himself to the making and hoarding of money. For years he occupied a loft in his stable, where he died. He was unable to read or write, and was obliged to entrust the manage ment of his business to an agent. In his illness he refused to pay a physician to attend him unless he would guarantee a cure. He left a will bequeathing the whole of his estate to his wife, who, with his daughter, are earning a living in Rhode Island as domestic servants. He separated from his wife a number of years ago be cause she bought a silk dress.

TELEGRAPHIC.

.BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Renta V.) London, March 6. A. Russian named Hartman, charged with complicity in the late destruction by fire at the Academy of Forest Culture at Moscow, having escaped to France, the Russian Government recently demanded the extradition of the fugitive. The French Government, however, refused to deliver him up to the Russian authorities, and he has since been deported to Eng land, The ship Invercargill hag arrived. Genoa., March 7. A gun burst on boai'd the man-of-war Duilio, at La Spezzia, 10 sailors being wounded and the turret damaged. AUSTRALIAN. Melbourne, March 8. The new Government have decided to rescind certain vexatious portions of the regulations which have from time to time been issued by Mr. Longmore, late Mini ster|?for Lands. The cricket match ended to-day by the Victorian Fifteen beating the Australian Eleven by one wicket. The excitement was intense at the finish of the game. Madame Camilla Urso, the great vio linist, will visit New Zealand shortly. Melbourne, March 9. , It is not probable there will be any opposition offered to the re-election of Ministry. Mauritius advices, dated 17th January, stated that the sugar market was and large sales were being made with stocks small. The Rotomahana grounded on the banks of the Yarra, but is expected to float again at midnight. Sydney, March 9. A man murdered his two children at Bathurst. He was suffering from the effects of delirium tremens. Arrived—Hero and Tararua from Auck land; yesterday,

Brisbane, March 10. A. large number of blacks made a raid yesterday upon a station near George Town and drove away a large mob of cattle.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 10. Sickness is increasing at the quarantine station. There are eight cases of sickness at present, and active sanitary measures are being taken. The New Zealand Accident Insurance Company have had their first claim in Mr. Thos. Brown, injured at the Whatapu saw mill. On his arrival in Auckland, Mr. Brown was promptly paid his cheque. At the meeting of G. Barton’s creditors it transpired that the debtor kept the books of the Queen street shop in cypher. The proved claims amount to L 2351. The meeting adjourned for further investiga tion. The Hon. Ji hn Hall, Premier, and the Hon. Mr. Whitaker, Attorney-General, left by the morning train, accompanied by a party of gentlemen, for Mata Mata, reaching Hamilton at 1.30. The Premier, aided by elaborate maps from the Public Works Office, was enabled to distinguish the districts and their more important features on the journey. A telegram has been received by Auck land merchants, stating that the bills wl ich they had held, accepted by Godde froi and Go. and dishonored, have been paid, and tbe new company will carry on operations on a grander scale than for merly. The Naval and Artillery Volunteers are arranging for a reception to the Thames winner of the Carbine Belt and competi tors. Major Heaphy is holding an . enquiry into the old laud claims. The most im portant is Captain Bendon, R.N., who claims a large portion of the Piako Swamp, now in possession of the Piako Swamp Company. On Monday a passenger by the train to Waikato jumped off between Taupiri and Huntley, rolling down a steep bank. He has not been seen since, and is supposed to have been fata’ly injured. No further caseS of pi euro-pneumonia are reported. The Cattle Inspector will make further inspections in the country districts. Mr. Bucldand advocates a sub scription of LSOO to purchase the re mainder of the cattle introduced from New South Wales by W. Payne, with a view to their distraction. Mr. Buckland publishes a letter from the Chief Cattle Inspector of Victoria, admitting that pleuro-pneumonia prevails throughout that colony. Charles Williams, alias “ French Fred,” has been committed for trial for uttering a valueless cheque to the landlord of a hotel. Wanganui, March 10. The town is full of visitors for the races, and a large assemblage is expected to-mor row. Hornby is now first favorite for the Cup, but local people are backing Otawa and Hailstorm. Wellington, March 10. The members of the Civil Service Com mission have been appointed, and com prise Sir Robt. Douglas, Messrs. A. Saun ders, and J. Kelly, M.H.R.’s, and Mr. C. Pharazyn. Messrs. F. W. Bain* E. Wakefield, and W. Murray, M,H.R.’s, have been .ap pointed members of the Commission to re port on the question of local industries. Two ’others are yet to be appointed. During the passage of the barque Alas ter, from London, a seaman named W. Day fell from the main topmast on to the deck, receiving concussion of the brain. He died four hours later. A young man named Griggs, belonging to the Cadets, had a narrow escape of being killed this morning, by the bursting of a gun which he was firing at the butt. Christchurch, March 10. At the Police Court, Patrick Martin, on a charge of indecently assaulting a child was committed for trial. E. W. Terry, obtaining money under false pretences, was remanded. Dunedin, March 10. :|; A petition is to be forwarded to the Government from the Dunedin unem ployed, urging the necessity of opening more public works, to provide employment during the coming winter, and giving im mediate work to those in need. The Hon. Mr. Oliver telegraphs, offer ing the unemployed the same terms as in the North Island. £1,602, of which £516 came from the •country districts, were subscribed in Dunedin suburbs towards the Irish famine. The Harbor Board instructed their Home agents to accept a tender for a hopper dredger which will have a carrying capacity of 1,258 tons, the price being £29,000. One of the conditions of the contract is that the builders undertake fitting up ihe machinery in the colony and superintend the working of the dredge here for three! months after handing her over in good forking order. The Gladstone Company at Arrow sent down a cake ’of 130 ounces from 138 tons of stone. 1 The report of the Benevolent Institute shows a revenue for the year of £5,534, expenditure £2,794 .1,521 persons were relieved. Deserted wi\es received the lion’s share. The committee say that special efforts are needed to cope with the increasing disti’ess.

THE LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. "■ [Reuter’s.) 1 ' London, March 8. . It has been announced to-day that Par liament will be dissolved at, Easter. The general elections will take place during April, and the new Parliament will, it is, expected, be summoned for the despatch of business in the beginning of May. Sir Stafford Northcote, Chancellor of the Exchequer,, will submit the Budget statement to the House of Commons on 'Thursday next. Three per cent, consols are at 98. The market for Australian wheat is strong, and Adelaide brands remain un changed at 505., and Queensland at 475. 9d. The tallow market is quiet; best beef being worth 355. 6d. and best mutton 375. At the wool sales to-day 8400 bales were offered, making a total of 159,200 catalogued since the opening. The tone of the auction was firm, and there was a good attendance, and a fair inquiry for New South .Wales fleece wools. The Board of Trade returns of imports for the past month amount to L 33,250,000, showing an increase of L 4,502,500 com pared with last year. The returns of ex ports amount to L 7,437,500, an increase of L 3,781,250 on last year’s returns for the same month. London, March 9. The Premier, Earl Beaconsfield, has issued a manifesto addressed to the Vice-- roy of Ireland, in which he invites the opinion of the country on the question of maintaining the unity of the British Em pire. His Lordship asks Ireland to express its opinion as to the necessity or otherwise for the predominence of English influence in the Councils of Europe. > : Washington, March 9. President Hayes, in a message to the aas pointed out that it is necessary the construction t and working of . the Panama canal should be under the control of the United States. - i r AUSTRALIAN,.*^ (Reuter’s Telegrams.) Sydney, March 10. Bishop Selwyn has arrived at Gunga from Ngvfolk island en route tg Auckland^

THE NELSON PRIZE FIRING.

(By Telegraph.) i Rifle Camp, Beightwatee. March 9. The nineteenth match is completed. The, winners are—l, Somerville, 63 ; 2, Parnell; 55; 3, Fenton, 50; 4, Skinner, 59; 5, Gordon, 50; 6, Paynter, 47 ;7, 1 Hutchinson, 46 ; 8, Oapt. Wilson, 46 ; 9, H. Dixon, 46. The other are— Ross, 43; F. France, 36 ; JBpd and Richardson —each 35 ; HutcHKßm and Mair—each 34 ; Rogers, 27 ; Milne, -26 ; Davy, 23 ; Hunter, 21 ; Lees, 14; Ellis, 9. Rifle Camp, Richmond, March 10. There is a large attendance : at''.the cavalry tournament. The arrangements, are good and the weather perfect. In the' first contest for files, two men ride quarter of a mile, taking two fixed fences ; ; 3ft. Gin. high, and on arriving at the 200 yards firing point dismount and fire as tnauy shots as possible. The time allowed is Suiins. The winners are—l, M’Lean and Waldington (Wairoa), 15 centres, 10 outers —90 points'; 2, Howie and :J. » Thurston (Wairoa), 15 centres, 9 outers— - 87 points; 3, Johnson and Aiken (Wairoa), 2 centres, 24 outers—Bo points. The other squads are—Smith and Thurston (Alexandra), 65 points; Somer ville and Laird (Alexandra), 43 points. Somerville’s horse refused the jumps, and time had almost expired when he arrived at the firing point. M'Lean was thrown when going oyer-the second fence; : but jumped up and run to the firing point. In the second cavalry tournament the winners are —Johnson, Pilkington," and McLean of Wairoa—36 centres, 14. outers, total points, 186 ; 2nd, Thurston, Mussen, • and Smith of Alexandra—26 centres, 10 outers, total points, 174; 3rd, Somer vi-le, Heggie, and Laird, of Alexandra — 33 centres, 14 outers, total points, 17L The others are—Aitken, Howie, and Thurston, of Wairoa, total 159. In the cavalry tournament, third con test, each competitor was required to start at a gallop for post practice, each ring taken counting as one point, and each neck cut fairly thro ugh as. one point. Time allowed, 20seos.; 4 necks and 4 rings in the line. The winners are—l, Laird, of Alexandra, 7 heads 6 rings, 13 points ; 2, Mussen, of Alexandra, 6 heads 7 rings, 13 points (in the ultimate ties Laird’s total was 4, and Mussen’s 3) ; 3, J. Thurston, Wairoa, 4 heads 8 rings, 12 points. The others were Heggie, Alexandra, 11; Aitken, Wairoa, 11; Smith, Alexandra, . 11; Howie, Wairoa, 8; D. Thurston, Alexandra, 5. Contest four ■ —pursuing practice; squads of four men riding abreast; to : start at a gallop out in pursuing practice,; , half points for good dressing, and excel lence of swordsmanship. Winners—l, J. ■ Thurston, Howie, and Aitken, of Wairoa— -13 points; 2, Somerville, Heggie, and. Laird, of Alexandra—l2 points; 3, D. Thurston, Mussen, and Smith, of Alex andra—9 points. . r ; - i At the conclusion of the toumment ; there was a parade, and the prizes won at the meeting were distributed by Mrs. A. J. Richmond, wife of Major Richmond, M.H.R. In presenting Sergt. Okey with ■ the rifle belt, Mrs. Richmond said she had great pleasure in making the presen tation. The scores he had made in r the. late contest, combined with the high position he had secured in last year’s competition, convinced her: that she was, in the . name of the Association, conferring this much coveted honor on the right man. Three cheers were given for 1 Okey, after Mrs. Richmond had placed the belt on his, person. That lady then presented Gunner Thomas /with the car-' bine belt, upon win ning it, and extending her congratulations to his corps, which, for the second time in succession, had sent the best carbine shot - to the meeting. Three cheers were then - , given for Thomas, and also cheers for the ex-champion. Gold medals were presented to Ballin ger, Lieut. Gordon, Okey, and Thomas ; • silver ones to Hutchison, Smith, Mapp, Purnell, Rogers, and Somerville; • and bronze ones to Sutton, Jamieson, Neill, Rule, Soper, Hood, and Gee, each being complimented with suitable remarks. The cup for the North and South Island con test was presented to the winner's in the ■ ■ rifle and carbine matches, cheers being given for the winners, after which Major Baillie, on behalf of the volunteers attending the meeting; thanked the people of Nelson most sincerely for their wel come and reception. As regards shooting,- ! he said he was surprised at its excellence... ■ • Col. Packesaid he found this meeting had H gone on without the loss of a single 1 moment. The shooting was raagiiifi cent, and he complimented Okey on win ning the rifle belt, remarking that four years ago at Hokitika he shot remarkably _ well. Healso congratulated Captain 1 Wildman, of .the Thames,-who; for the second year had shepherded his men, and . ■ for. the second time the carbine .belt had been secured to his company.. He warned the other companies'that the Thames men would win it altogether, unless they were on the look, out. He thanked the. ladies of Nelson for their presence, and spoke in the warmest terms of Mr.‘ Canning’s gene- : rcsity in placing the grounds, lunchepn,. &c.,, at their disposal, and he thanked fall • the people of Nelson for their hospitality.- Three cheers were given for Colonel Packs and other cheers for the staff officers., Cheers were also given by,.the, Nelson men for their companions during •the meeting. Thanks having been re turned, the force was dismissed; arid'the- ■-- meeting was at an end.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

: i/-Mi-^- ASHBURTON— Wednesday, March 10. (Before His Worship the Mayor.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. / ■ George Palmer was fined 1 10 A, and-costs r 12s. 6d. for having been drunk and dis orderly at the Rakaia. .•, , : OBSTRUCTING THE RAILWAY. George Palmer was then.charged with having obstructed a train by lying on the rails, thus placing himself in a dangerous position, and in one likely to cause an ac cident to the train. The Magistrate gave him a severe caution and fined him L 5.

New Rysii.— Goid has boep, discovered j> in the Upper Wairau Valley, about 30 miles from Blenheim. Some 40 miners are at work, making from 16s. to 20s. per day. A rush is deprecated. Experts s con- . i , sider that with the first heavy rains the diggings will be flooded, and the works carried away. A New Use for the Telephone.— ln the United States a series of experiments has been made by the Ordnance Depart ment in the use of the telephone to assist : in determining the timq of flight of sipail anp projectiles, which has hitherto been a matter ,of great difficulty at. long -ranges, owing to the impossibility of seeing them strike. One telephone was placed, within . a few feet of thejg'un, : And the other (both ' being provided with Blake’s transmitters) ; in the shelter, about 30ft. in front of the : target. The -telephone being/placed; ip the ear, a stop-watch, beating, second, was started, at the moment ing, and stopped on. the,bullet striking!/ The observations-founded on a large numVfV ber of experiments never differed'; more than a quarter or half of a second from , each other, the slight delay in starting thV ” watch being neutralised by the delay ,in : stopping it. It was found that the time. • of transit was affected by the wind, being u shortened by.a,rear;and lengthened by.iari head wiud. -. , ' - > ; .1

GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1880.



BUTCHERS, BAKERS, GENERAL STOREKEEPERS, GRAIN AND SEED MERCHANTS, NORTON FARM, SEAFIELD. JONES AND CO., Norton Farm, Sea field, return tlianks to their patrons for the hearty support accorded to them since Norton Farm was opened as a Butchery, Bakery, and General Store, and solicit a continuance of past favors, assuring customers that their interest will always have first consideration at the hands of the advertisers. Jones and Co. beg to inform their Mends and the public in the Seafield and neighboring districts, that their Bread Meat, and Store Carts travel the following routes on the days given below : Seafield to Kyle, and Acton—Wednes days. Seafield to Wakanui Homestead, Waka nui School, and Creek, back by Christie’s Road — Thursdays. Seafield to North Seafield, Charing Cross, Dundas, Cambridge, returning by Pioneer Road —Fridays. In view of the Harvest, orders for at tendance of the Cart may be left at the Store, Norton Farm, Seafield ; Wakanui School, with Mr. Ginney; with Mr. ISambie, at Kyle ; and with Mr Brown blacksmith, Olontarf. JONES AND CO., NORTON FARM, . Seafield. Butchers, Bakers, General Store keepers, Grain and Seed Merchants. : A GEN T S FOR THE ASHBURTON HERALD AND GUARDIAN. 679 a LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, . AT THE ‘EVENING HERALD” OFFICE. Farmers requiring hands can engage men through the “Evening Herald ” Registxy for 1/- each, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can engage through the “Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-. SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by applying at the “Herald” Registry Office, and paying V-- ■ __ ENGAGEMENTS will he POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p.m., by numbers given to the applicants, who will learn the address on enquiring. SPECIAL or URGENT WANTS will be inserted in the “Evening Herald” in the registry column on payment of Six pence additional in advance, for., each issue. Further Particulars on application at the “EVENING HERALD” REGISTRY OFFICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, EAST ST., ASHBURTON.



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 Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and oj.’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a 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 homo, 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. NOTICE TO FARMERS. f~jpHE undersigned will he 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. 550a* TO FARMERS. f | HE 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., 566 g Timaru. MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &a, Hold fortnightly stock SALES lit Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, March. 16, 1880. SPECIAL ENTRY. 1000 MERINO EWES. 0. PERCY COS, 427g* Agent, Ashburton.



An Bsc 4 phd Lunatic. —A lunatic named Daniel;Foster, who recently escaped from Sunnyside, was on Monday captured at Governor’s Bay.