SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington— Taiaroa, This Day, Tuesday, Feb. 3. Passengers by 3.35 p.m. train. To be follewed by the Bingarooma, Thursday, Feb. 5. For Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland —Ringarooma, Thursday, Feb. 5. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Hawea, on Satur day, February 7. . For Port Chalmers —Tararua, Tins Day, Tuesday, February 3. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. For Melbourne, via Bluff—Tararua, This Day, Tuesday, Feb. 3. Pas sengers by 2.40 p. m. train. To be followed by Arawata, on Mon day, Feb. 9. For Sydney —Wakatipu, on Tnclay, Feb. 6. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. For Hobart Town —Tararua, This Day, Tuesday, Feb. 3. Passengers 2.40 p.m. train. For Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau —Taiaroa, This Day, Tuesj day, Feb. 3. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train.

DEATH.

Buchanan.— Feb. Ist, at her residence, East street, Ashburton, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of J. E. Buchanan, Esq., aged 27 years.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as folio’,vs : ' 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 Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach. at .1? p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1880.

After the unusually exciting political season we passed through last year, it was not surprising to find a reaction set in after the prorogation, and a dead calm succeed the storm. It was the first time in the colony’s history that a Premier had found it necessary to appeal to the coun try through the medium of a dissolution, and perhaps it was also the first time that two parties in the House had been so equally pitted that business could not pos sibly proceed. It is not necessary to rake up now the doings of a session that was remarkable as much for the vast amount of breath expended in : purposeless talk, as for the downfall that Greyism suffered, notwithstanding the stone walling the Greyite party persisted in practising, and the strenuous efforts it made to retain the power it was ultimately forced to relinquish, and to recoverit after it had slipped from its grasp. Though the session "was a busy and an exciting one. it was very unproductive, and members were glad when the end came, for then they could retire once more to the rest ot their homes out of the hurly-burly. Since the close of the Parliamentary session the colony has, politically speaking, gone to sleep, and a season of quiet has set in,

broken only by the recess speeches of one, ox* two of the lesser lights of Parliament who, in out of the ’way places, have lifted up their voices in explanation of their doings, and to recount their sayings while the Assembly sat. The only other occur rence giving any indication of political life is the fact that, in the north, Govern ment are trying to adjust the native diffi culty bequeathed them for solution by the Ministry they succeeded. It cannot by any means he said there is no cause for anxiety regarding the result of their attempt at solution when a road through the plains now in course of formation has to be worked at by armed men, with their comrades on guard beside them ; but appearances seem to point, so far, to a peaceful ending of the trouble, with our semi-barbarous neighbors fairly provided for, and, if not satisfied, at least taught that an appeal to the arbitrament of arms is hopeless, and the law of the land is the only adjudicator. We believe that the natural shrewdness of the Maori mind will allow wise and peaceful counsels to prevail, and that the threatened dangers with the natives that beclouded the colony’s hopes last year will melt away, leaving a path of peace in their track for settlement to follow in. But, though a calm has followed the turbulence of 1879, and the country lies at peaceful rest from political agitation, the session of 1880 promises to 1 c big with important work, and many reforms. 1879 settled the question of S r George Grey’s rule at once and for ever. He will never again occupy the place he did in the colony’s confidence, and though he may yet continue to influence in some measure the party he led, he will never again be its leader and its guiding spirit. The deposition of Sir George was the work of 1879 and that work in itself was something achieved—even if the session was sacrificed to do it. But 1880 has the real work of legislation before it, and the announcement of the probable assembling of Parliament in April brings to our mind the work lying at the door of the Hall Ministry. They took office with noun certainty. When they deposed Greyism they distinctly told us that the tempting measures Sir George outlined in the Go vernor’s speech had their entire approval : their opposition was to the men who wished to pass them. Those men had proved themselves unworthy of confidence by their incompetence and insincerity, and once deposed from office their successors would assume the rule of true Liberalism, and pass the many measures of reform that the pseudo-Liberals had hung out as baits in angling for popularity. Following out a policy that will enable them to fulfil this promise we find the way paved last session for a faithful completion of the work they have undertaken. The Triennial Parliaments’ Bill, that re ceived Sir George’s blessing, but was denied his aid in 1878, was passed by the Hall Government. By five Electoral Acts passed every man deserving a vote can now obtain one, and the time is past when a qualified elector in a district could come to the polling booth, and suffer the dis appointment of finding his name not on the roil. These Acts have given fair redress of the many electoral annoyances that existed under the previous machinery, and there now only remains, to complete the reform, the passing of a Bill to redis tribute the seats in the Assembly. This question is perhaps one of the most im portant the House will this year have to consider, and it is one of great moment to the Coleridge district. We know of scarcely any other district in the colony so wide in its area, and so diverse in its interests as that represented by Mr. E. G. W.ight. It is a district rapidly increasing in population as it is every season rising in importance and filling up its blanks ; and the time is not so very far off when the tussock, less common than it has been, and gradually vanishing, will be found only on land that really is not worth the clearing. The claims of Coleridge to a second representa tive are, we think, undeniable, and we mention it thus early because of its impor tance to our readers, who, we hope, will think the matter over, and be prepared when the time comes to demand their right to fair representation.

The discontinuance of the midday train has not been long in making the want felt. Yesterday a number of passengers from South, bound for Christchurch, amongst whom was a very prominent M.H.R., arrived hero by the morning train from Timaru, and on arrival they discovered to their dismay that they could just as well have stayed at home for the express train, for any|chancc they had of reaching the Christchurch before half-past seven. What the object of the railway department in putting the public to this inconvenience and loss may he we do not attempt to guess. If for economy’s sake, we should say they have a very poor idea of the value of the midday train, since on many expeditions we have undertaken we have always found this train to be what is known as a mixed one—that is, a combination of woods and passengers, and the engine doing the hauling business was also em ployed as a shunter, to the intense disgust of passengers impatient to arrive at their journey’s end. However, the powers that he seem to have decided to dispense with this train. We would respectfully .point out to them that it is not a particu larly good stroke of business. As matters are arranged now, a would-be visitor to town has to ho on the platform either at ten minutes past six in the morning or at five in the afternoon ; and as fully the half of the passengers are folks from country the early train is clearly impractic able, unless the intending emigrant sits up all night to catch it. By leaving with the express at 5, he is led into all the tempta tion provided for the bucolics in the City of the Plains, for he has to stay oyer night and beyond the early train time next morning if he would do business in business hours. Thus he has to remain in Christchurch the whole of next day till 5 p.m. again, while his business might pro bably have been completed in half an hour after arrival in the afternoon, and he rangement just dispensed with been con again on his way to Ashburton, had the ar tinued.

We are of opinion that an error has been committed in abolishing this train ; but if the railway authorities are deter mined not to continue it, we would suggest that some alteration be made in the time of starting the morning train, so that farmers in the outlying districts may have a chance of accomplishing a trip to town and back in a day, more particularly those farmers who reside south of Ashburton. Say start a trainfromTimaruatGa.nl., which will arrive at Ashburton at 9 a.m., and at Christchurch about noon. There would thus be left five hours for shopping, &c., plenty of time to do business in, and Ashburton is again reached at 8 p.m. We are hearty advocates of economy in public expenditure, but we believe in efficiency of service and fair accommodation for the public in accompaniment with it. If the present time table is adhered to, we will see the farmers driving their spring carts and buggies to town, and probably a Cobb’s coach started, to say nothing of the now nearly defunct bullock dray—as being more reliable and speedy means of performing the journey than by the agency of the New Zealand Railways.

Cattle Sale. —The usual fortnightly sale of horses, cattle, &c., will bo held at the Timvald sale yards to-day. Fire Brigade.— The Fire Brigade have their annual reunion at Shearman’s this evening, and there will be a demonstration by the members during the afternoon. The Alleged Defaulting Wine Mer chant. —Francis Arthur Sims, wine mer chant, Timaru, has been committed for trial for larceny. Bail was allowed—him self in LIOO, and two sureties of like amount. Cricket. —A match will be played on Saturday next, between an eleven of the Springfield Club, from Christchurch, and an eleven of the Ashburton Club. Play willcommeuceimmediatelyonaiTival of the morning train. The following gentlemen are to play for Ashburton : —Messrs. G. Andrews, A. Andrews, J. Ashwood, A. Fooks, T. Hodder, S. Poyntz, W. St. Douglas, F. Shiny, D Amos, E. Fooks, F. Mainwaring. Emergency men—E. G. Crisp, A. Curtis. It is to be hoped these gentlemen will turn up true to time, and show the Christchurch boys what Ashbur ton can do. A New Work Finder. —Government have instituted a new plan for finding out where laborers are wanted, with a view to disposing of any unemployed immigrants or others they may have on hand. Forms are kept on hand at the various post offices which employers in want of labor are required to fill up, stating number and class of workmen or workwomen wanted, wages offered (by day or per annum), and giving a guarantee to find employment for the workers asked for, on their arrival. The form, filled up, is sent free to the Immigration Officer, who forwards free of cost to the applicant the workpeople he requires. The institution will doubtless be very useful in districts whore labor is scarce. As yet its usefulness in Ashbur ton lias to be discovered.

The Crops North. —The Carlyle cor respondent of the “Wanganui Herald” writes :‘ • The grain crops are being gathered in, and the farmers in this and the Waverly districts are jubilant at their prospects of a rich harvest, more especially as the wheat market is expected to be good this season. A large quantity of machinery has been introduced into this district during the past month, and many reaper and binder machines of' diffei'ent manufacture may ho seen at work both up and down the coast. The settlers in the Wavcrley district have by far the largest proportion of land under cultiva tion, and it is believed that the yield per acre will he much greater there than hero. At Hawera some large crops are being harvested, but much more land would have been under cultivation had it not been for the unsettled state of native affairs on this coast.” Caught. —A certain well-to-do farmer in this district was very hard of hearing— up to within a few days ago. We shall call him David, but his familiars know him better by the shorter form of the name—“ Davy.” Those familiars could safely crack an “aside” joke in David’s company without any chance of his heavy ears catching its purport. On Saturday David was in a merchant’s shop in Ashbur ton, and the busy shopman waited im patiently till David had searched his pockets for a missing document. The search resulted in the searcher coming to the conclusion which he expressed in these words “Why, I’ve lost it.” Impatient shopman (trusting to David’s deafness) “ Pity lie hadn’t lost his head.” David (irate yet gleeful)—“ Eh ! Wouldn’t you like I had now, Ac. ” David had been, to Professor Wallenburg, and jokers with deaf persons had better beware in future, for many “ dull ’’people, both in sight and hearing—have quietly visited this miracle worker, and may suddenly wake up when the jokers are trusting to their senses being asleep.

Professor YVallenSuro. Joseph Goodwin, of the Old Men’s Home, writes as follows to Professor Wallenbui’g. The letter tells its own story, hut we may add that the case is that of the man whom we mentioned some time ago as having been cured of blindness and deafness by the Professor :—“ To Professor Wallenburg— Dear Sir, —Permit me express to you my sincere thanks for the great benefit 1 have received at your hands. For nearly three years I have suffered from pains in my head, and entirely lost the sight of my right eye, and my left eye being so much effected that I was afraid of becoming totally blind. During that period the organs of earing became seriously affected, at times I was deaf as a post, but now, thanks to your skilful treatment, the sight of my loft eye is quite recc’ered, and the sight of the right eye, which was quite gone, is so far restored that I can see the outline of any object held up before it. The organs of hearing have been so success fully operated upon, that I can now hoar most distinctly the ticking of a watch.— Joseph Goodwin. P.S.—I would also express my best thanks to Mr. Maddison for the kind interest he lias shown to me by bringing my case under the notice of Professor Wallenburg.—J. G. Old Men’s Home, Ashburton, Feb. 2nd, 1880.” Pastor Chiniquv. —Pastor Chiniquy arrived in Christchurch on Saturday by the Hawea, and received a very cordial welcome at the hands of the Christchurch Presbytery, and the Orangemen of the district, both of which bodies presented him with addresses of welcome. He preached in the Baptist Church to a crowded congregation on Sunday. During the course of his service he explained his mission to these colonies. He had not come into their midst for the purpose of making money, but he was now—when advanced in years—striving for the com pletion of an immense work, and needed aid. He had determined to fight Rome, not by insulting her, not by using the temporal sword, but with the sword which Christ had put into the hands of His soldiers, the Word of God. He knew 800 priests who had left the Church of Romo because they rocognLod it to be a grand imposture—a terrible imposture. These men, who had been in the receipt of incomes ranging from L2 to L 4 per day, were working in the streets of Paris, New York, London, and Boston, working for 20 and even 18 cents a-day. But these men were not converted. Just like St. Paul, they had heard a voice calling to them, and he (Pastor Chiniquy) wanted to prepare a home for them. Those who thought this a good and holy work he invited to help him. Then, those priests would shake Rome, not by insulting her, but by telling the truth. He (the speaker) was about the only one that day who did it, at the peril of his life, and after 20 years’ fighting he found himself still an outcast among Protestants. He was so regarded by the greater part of the ministers, who did not dare to shake hands with him or to give him their churches. He was looked on as a firebrand. This was making Protestantism a dead thing, licking the feet of the Church of Rome, when Christ said, war not with the sword but with truth and charity. They must begin anew the battle which their fore fathers fought. He had now 40 congrega tions, and 18 converted priests. The sum of LIO,OOO was sent to him from England, and therewith he had built a splendid college; and he had 32 young men for training. Twice he had been to England —he was twice invited —and he got L 20,000. The LIO,OOO he now wanted was offered him from there, but he decided to go to the Australasian Colonies. If his hearers did not like the work, let them not give a cent. He had bought 200 acres of magnificent land to aid those priests to get a living, and he hoped to get move. Amongst the rev. gentleman’s appointments for the month are Rakaia on the 11th, and Ashburton on the 12th.

Sunday Trading. —A fruiterer in Manchester street, Christchurch, is to he prosecuted for keeping open shop on Sunday evening. The Act under which the prosecution will take place is one of the reign of Charles 11., and the penalty must not exceed ss. The Postal Time Table. —We would call our readers’ attention to the amended postal time table issued by the postmaster, Mr. St. George Douglas. The amend ments have been necessitated by the changes in the railway time table, and it will be noted that the closing time of all the afternoon and evening mails affected by the railway has been thrown back 1 alf an hour. Typhoid among the Maoris.— Typhoid fever is prevalent among the natives at Parawanui. Hori te Kaharoa, better known as “ Young Hori,” a man about twenty-five years of age, died there on Friday last. He was quite a pakeha-Maori, and could speak English fluently. Several other natives are ill with the same com plaint. Obituary— lt is our melancholy duty to record the demise of the wife of Mr. J. E. Buchanan, auctioneer, of this town. The deceased lady has been ailing for some weeks from a low fever of the typhoid typo, and appeared on Sunday to be in a fair way of recovery, but during the day she again suffered a relapse, and about 7 p.m. suddenly expired. She was a born colonist, Adelaide being her birth place, and was about 2 years of age when her father, Alfred Saunders, Esq., M.H.R., returned to Nelson, of which he was one of the pioneers. The late Mrs. . Buchanan was beloved and respected by an extensive circle of acquaintances and relatives, and has passed away from their midst at the ea.ily age of 27 years, leav ing a young family to mourn their irrepar able loss. A Mistake. —Two sisters, on a visit to a large house near Wanganui, were sleeping in a room together upstairs. During the night (says a correspondent of the Marton paper) one of them had toothache, and descended to the kitchen en dishabille to procure something to alleviate the pain. She returned to the bedroom, and exclaim ing, “ Oh, it’s so cold,” jumped into bed. The exclamation aroused the occupant, who proved to be, not her sister, but a male sleeper. She had got into the wrong room. He turned over, and thinking a burglar was in the room, caught hold of her. She managed to escape, but not before his rough handling had scratched her face. She related the circumstance to her sister, and to hide from the gentleman which of the two had been his unwilling guest, both of the ladies appeared with a strip of sticking-plaster on her cheek. One of the Four Seceders. — A deputation, numbering fourteen elec tors of City West, united on Mr. W. J. Hurst on Saturday, and presented a re quisition asking him to convene a meeting of his constituents and explain his change of sides in the recent session of Pai-lia ment. Having been presented with the address, Mr. Hurst was proceeding to read a written statement which he had pre pared, when the deputation refused to hear the statement, and insisted on a reply “yes” or “no.” Mr. Hurst re quested them to a’low him to reply in his own way : he did not intend at that time to enter into a defence of his political action. The deputation again refused to hear his written statement, and withdrew. One hundred and fifty-five pounds was sent from the Thames people through the Bank of New Zealand to-day, to the Mayor of Dublin for the Irish Distress Fund. The telegraph department refused to cable the amount free, so the money was sent by letter. Christchurch Taste.— A Christchurch correspondent writing to the “ South Canterbury Times,” makes the following remarks :—“Although the Opera Com pany, for want of patronage, expect to lose from LSOO to GOO (I have this from a very old friend and leading member of the Company), on their Christchurch season, yet those who say that we, of this very blue-blooded district, are not familiar with, and do not appreciate and encourage high art, cannot know us, as we know our selves. What makes me so sure of our love for the beautiful is that, although the Theatre Royal, with “ Carmen ” mag nificently produced, was about throe fourths full, and the audience looking as if they had each a season ticket to attend funeral;, the Oddfellows’ Hall, with Abo Hicken, the Australian champion, some amateurs and retired pugs, having sets-to, was crowded in all hut the front seats, and these were fairly tilled, at ss. But it was beautiful, and how we applauded them, and how Abe “propped,” “plug ged,” “ uudercutted ” and “ ducked,” was worth going miles to sec. It was, though, the host satire on the bosh we assume that I have witnessed in my experience here.” Ashburton and the Relief Fund. —With reference to a correspondent’s letter in another column, wo would remind him that it is neither usual nor correct for the Mayor of a Borough to call public meetings for any purpose, excepting on a requisition signed by burgesses, and so far as we are aware only three public meetings have as yet been convened in the colony. Should “Humanity,” and those who are desirous of having a meeting hold, adopt the usual course, we have no doubt his Worship will promptly accede to their request. At the same time we would remind “ Humanity ” that a meeting was convened last week, and responded to by a very limited section of the community, and all was done by those present which could bo done under the circumstances, viz., a committee and collectors appointed. We commend Mr. Ivess for his prompt action in trying to raise suberiptions for this cause, but at the same time it was only his duty as an Irishman holding a public position. And if the Irish people do not find hearty sympathy amongst their own countrymen in the colonies, where, we would ask, are they to hope for it 1 Had the distress been as severe in England or in Scotland, as it ap parently is in Ireland, every Englishman and Scotchman in the colony would have been moving heaven and earth to send Home help, and long ere this the Mayor would have had the usual requisition. But it cannot be denied that the reponse made to his Worship’s efforts does not betaken a very warm enthusiasm in the cause on the part of the general public, however much may be actually felt. The Lincolnshire Delegates.— Messrs Grant and Foster, the Lincolnshire dele gates arrived at Rakaia by the express train from Christchurch yesterday morn ing, acompanied by Mr. Jas. Gould, one of the directors of the Rakaia and Ash burton Forks Railway ; Mr. C. F. Barker, Secretary to the Company ; and Mr. John Anderson, of the firm of Anderson Bros., contractors for the construction of the above line. They were met at the Rakaia station by Messrs John Lambie, R. McKerrow, and John Mann. A special train, kindly placed at their disposal by Messrs. Anderson Bros., conveyed them in a palace car, imported specially for the R. and A. F. Railway, to Somerton, the estate and residence of Mr. E. S. Coster, by whom the party were entertained. After lunch they proceeded in a four horsed conveyance to inspect the country, passing near to the estates of Messrs. Holmes, Wason, C. N. Maclde, C, S. Mackie, Alington, McPhail, and Moriarty, returning to Somerton, where they again took the train. They arrived at Methyen at 3.45 p. m. and were met on their arrival by Messrs. R. Patton, Cameron, Dent, and Hibbs. A conveyance provided by Messrs. Gould and Cameron was in wait ing, and conveyed them to the estate owned by those gentlemen, where they passed the night, and from whence they will proceed on to Ashburton.

A Oalathumpian Drummer. —A some what amusing episode occurred in a hall at Auckland, last week, according to the “N. Z. Herald.” Shortly after the pastor had commenced his address, a brass band began to practice in a Catholic schoolroom adjacent, which effectually prevented the speaker being heard with comfort. The windows of the hall, which had been lowered for ventilation, were promptly pushed up, but still the “ big drummer’s” paroxysmal efforts were brought home to the cars, if not the hearts of the audience. “ Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,” but last evening's attempt to exemplify it was a decided exception to the truth of the axiom. That drummer, there is reason to believe, is a Oalathumpian by persuasion, and can obtain a testimonial as to his “ initial energy ” on application to Pastor Chiniquy. The Native Difficulty. —Telegraphing on the 31st, the “ Press” correspondent says, regarding the native affairs: —It is stated that a hu-ge meeting of natives will be held shortly in the Manawatu, and that several leading chiefs will go there, as they express it, “To talk with God and not with man.” The subject of discussion will he the action of the Government respecting the Waimate Plains ; but, from all I can gather, there is no real danger of any hostile proceedings, unless Te Whiti should take it into his head to command his followers to sweep off the Europeans into the sea, assuring the executants of his mandates that they will be invulner able. At present, however, Te Whiti seems inclined to make liis prophecies and inspirations fit in with the changing aspect of affairs. Unless under the influence of some insane impulse, it is in the last degree improbable that he will attempt to inspire any forcible resistance to the pro ceedings of the constabulary. Every day that is gained increases the strength of our position, and renders any adverse attack more hopeless of success and improbable of occurrence. The Government ate very sanguine that the occupation and settle ment of the plains will be effected peace fully, and without any necessity for using force. The Eye and Ear Specialist.—Pro fessor Wallenburg still has his hands full of work, and patients keep coining to him from all parts of the county. He is as successful as ever with the cases he under takes, and many people with injured eyes have had them restored, while as many with defective hearing have had occasion to rejoice. Though the Professor’s oppor tunities for exhibiting his extraordinary skill have not been so frequent this week as last—his cases, though many, having been more of a minor cast—there are one or two deserving notice. A little boy of six years, the son of Mr. John Devery, coutratcor, lost his sight at three years of age from falling over a fence. He was brought to the Professor last week, and the child can now see as well as any boy of his ago. We were to-day shown a letter written by the master of the Old Men’s Home, at the wish of three patients from that institu tion whom Professor Wallenburg has treated gratuitously. It breathes the deep thankfulness of the men for restored sight and heaving. Two of them—Coppingev and Goodwin —whose cases wo have previously noticed, have loft the Homo, and gone to work, while the thud, an old man of 75 is of course unable with Ins load of years to go out again into the world. This old man is named Watkins, and for years he has been deaf. So dull was he that it was necessary to write on paper any idea required to be conveyed to him. At 76 one does not expect to have quick ears, hut the Professor has restored the old man’s hearing to a most marvellous acuteness when his great ago is considered. —[Advt.]

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Age Special.') London, Jan 29. Latest news from Afghanistan states that the insurgents art increasing, and the situation is serious. The late Governor of Jellalabad has joined the the rebellion. London. Jan. 30. A report is current that the Russian losses in camels and war material have been so groat that they will be unable to continue the expedition in the Turcomans’ country. It is further stated that the Russian Government already contem plates abandoning the expedition. At a large meeting held in Dublin to day, to consider the question of relieving the distress in the country. The Duchess (?) of Marlborough was present, and ad dressed the meeting. She repudiated the assertions made by Mr. Parnell in his re cent speeches in America. London, Jan. 31. Latest news from Afghanistan states that Ayoub proposes to march on Cabul when the snow clears. Roberts had but little success in bis conciliatory efforts. It is stated the Afghans will fight to the last. Proofs have been discovered that Ayoub solicited the Cabulese to march on Farap, but they declined. The British Government have decided that the expense of the Znluland Resi dency shall be divided between Natal and the Transvaal. ( Special .) London, Jan. 29. The South Australian Four Per Cent. Loan of L 325,000 is announced to-day. The minimum is fixed at 921. AUSTRALIAN. {Association Special.) Melbourne, Jan. 31. The Adelaide loan is unaccompanied with a pledge of ahsention from borrowing. Phylloxera, the vine blight, has again been discovered in the vicinity of Geelong. Sydney, Feb. 2. The production of “ The Happy Laud ” is a great hit. It is rumored that Govern ment intend to prohibit its repetition. INTERPROVINCIAL. PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. Auckland, Feb. 2. An extraordinary case of loss of speech occurred to a woman named Barrington, through a fit of excessive joy. The family had been alarmed by a cry of lire but found they were safe, and the woman was so overjoyed that she went into a fit. On recovering she found she had lost her speech, and has remained in her dumb state ever since. At the Police Court to-day a single woman named Staines, keeper of a tobacconist shop, was charged with sly grog selling, but the case was dismissed. The evidence showed that money was paid for cigarettes, and beer given as a shout by . Miss Staines to an old friend named Rielly. Grahamsxown, Feb. 2. Mr. Morrison, of Christchurch, who was appointed head master of the High School, has not communicated with the Board, and there is likely to be another person elected to the position. Miss Chet tery, of Hamilton, was appointed to-day assistant teacher. It is rumored that Sir George Grey will visit the Thames on Saturday, being the same day as Mr. Whitaker, the Attorney- General is on a visit as Grand Master of the Scotch masons.. A company is being formed to establish the manufacture of mineral paints. A new Caledonian Company is being formed to work the mines bought by Mr, Rowe. Capital, LIO,OOO in the same number of shares. George Vidal, a local lecturer, held forth last night, on Chiniquy and Henne

bery, characterising both as impostors, whose object was money. New Plymouth, Feb. 2. Yesterday a shoal of about 120 black fish were driven ashore near Shell. Boach, and were left there when the tide receded. Some of them measured 20 feet in length. The beach is strewn with them. It is supposed that some enemy, probably a sword fish, must have chased them in, for several had wounds, which were bleeding. They are attracting great attention, and largo numbers have gone to see them. The Maoris claim the fish, but are willing to giro half of them to the pakehas. Yesterday the Maoris cooked one for dinner, and.partook of it with great gusto. Napiek, Feb. 2. The Ram Fair to bo held on Thursday promises to be a great success, the entries being very numerous. They come from all parts of the colony, as well as from England, Victoria, and Tasmania, and exhibits from all the best known colonial flocks. Renata Kawopo lias determined to eschew the turf in future, and advertises Otupai for sale. His horse racing experi ence has been one of continual worry and vexation and loss, and the old chief has come to the conclusion to dispose of the single horse he has left. Experiments with the whitefish ova have been anything but successful, at least as far as this district is concerned. Those turned out at Framley in the Accli matisation Society’s ponds were chiefly put into the trays in which the trout were hatched, in running water, and these have all died. S line were put into the drag pool in grass-cloth boxes, where artesian wells flow on them. They are doing very well, but unfortunately only a compara tively small number were thus treated. It is thought the water is too warm for them, and, if so, we cannot expect a very encouraging report from the Taupo Lake, where a good many were turned out. Wellington, Feb. 2. Mr. Johnson, Secretary to the Benevo lent Institution, had an interview with the Colonial Treasurer to-day, with refer ence to the unemployed. The Colonel Treasurer replied that the matter had been under consideration by Government for some time, and as soon as the Cabinet met it would be dealt with ■without fail. Messrs. George, Plimmer, Coffey, Bayliss, Harcourt, Jackson, and Mills, were nominated to-day as candidates for the two city representatives on the new Harbor Board. A preliminary enquiry as to the circum stances connected with the loss of the brigantine Progress at the Heads recently, was held before the Collector of Customs to-day. Nothing fresh was elicited. The evidence will he forwarded to Govern ment. A man marking at the Pollhill Gully range had a narrow escape from being shot this morning. While he was paint ing the target a Volunteer arrived at the GOO yards range, fired, and the bullet brushed past the marker and struck the target. The appointment of a Native Commis sioner, vice Mohi Tawhai, resigned, has been further delayed, owing to the absence of Sir F. D. Bell, one of the Commis sioners, who is expected here on Wednes day. The following appointments have been made in connection with the com mission ;—Reporters, Messrs. Drake and M'Carthy; interpreter, Mr. Hadfield ; secretary, Mr. E. Bell. Changes are about to be made in the proprietorship of the “Evening Chronicle,” but it is not yet decided who retires. The arbitration is now being held. During January, 111 births and 52 deaths were registered here, and 30 marriage certificates issued. Mr. Chas. Woolcock, formerly M. H.R. for the Grey Valley, has been appointed to the editorship of the “ Rangitikei Ad vocate. ” Dr. Lemon, Superintendent of Tele graphs, has received the subjoined: — “Please communicate the following to the press of your colony Mr. John Pender, Chairman of the Eastern Tele graph Company, notifies to the press of Australasia that now that telegraphic com munication between Australasia and the other civilised centres of the world is made more certain by duplication of cable, I hope the press will use this great facility for bringing the colonies and the Mother Country and other great and extended dependencies to a closer union and love, and increasing harmony. The cable is now laid to South Africa, and 1 beg to thank the Australian colonies for enabling my Company to serve the Imperial Go vernment at a critical juncture, by allow ing that cable to be completed before the Australian one, now happily laid within the time originally fixed. A. Kimble is agent to the Company at Adelaide. ” The following is the latest betting on the Cup • —5 to 2 against Foul Play (offered), 100 to 30 and 80 to 25 against Lara (taken and offered), 6 to 1 against Hipocampus (taken and offered), G to 1 against Templeton (taken and offered), 100 to 12 against Laertes (offered), 100 to 10 against Hailstorm (offered), 100 to 10 against Chancellor (ottered), 100 to 9 against Soukar (offered), 100 to 5 against King Quail (offered). Over 100 tickets in North’s sweep were sold on Saturday. A man named Alex. Weiber, who was arrested at Christchurch for obtaining L 3 17s. 6d. from Myers, picture frame maker in Wellington, by means of false pretences, has been committed for trial. The Chairman of the Eastern Exten sion Telegraph Company has sent the fol lowing to Dr. Lemon :—“ Please deliver the following from the Lord Mayor of London to the Mayors of the Australian colonies: ‘ Should be obliged bya response to my application of Jan. 10th, respecting the Rowland Hill Fund.’ ” At the Supreme Court, in banco, Mr. Rees applied for a new trial in the libel action, Anderson v. Kirkbride. Judg ment was reserved. Timaru, Feb. 3. The foundation stone of the Convent of the Sacred Heart, with attached schools, was laid yesterday, by Bishop Redwood. Bishop Moran was also present. Both of their Lordships condemned in strong terms the present godless system of educa tion. At a meeting of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association to-day, a committee was appointed to meet the representatives of the Lincolnshire farmers, and arrange for their tour round the district. The Customs revenue collected at Timaru last month was nearly LSOO be low that collected in the corresponding month last year. Many of the principal farmers in this district are making arrangements to ship their wheat Home direct on their own ac count this year. The Timaru High School was opened this morning, 36 girls and 28 boys pre senting themselves. Oamaru, Feb. 2. A inquiry lias been made to-day con cerning the identity of the human remains found in the ruins of the Queen’s Hotel after the fire. Dr. Delatour gave evi dence to the effect that the bones were those of a human being, and although it was not absolutely proved the remains were those of William King, yet there can be no doubt that he it was who met his death in the fire. Jeremiah Kenny was to-day convicted of sly grog selling, and fined L2O. Dunedin, Feb. 2. The Dunedin Jockey Club have resolved to do away at their future meetings with Loger stakes for three-year-olds, with a view of increasing the stakes for two-year olds. A large number of applications have been made to the Committee of the Dune din Jockey Club for leave to work totaii sators at the annual meeting. A sub committee has been appointed to make

inquiry regarding the method which other clubs have adopted in licensing totali sators. One of the hard-labor gang of prisoners named Nicholson, met with a serious acci dent at Port Chalmers on Saturday. The man was bathing, and in diving struck his head on the bottom. When brought to the surface he was perfectly unconscious. He is suffering from spinal paralysis. The Ministers went up country this morning. The twenty-four hours’ walking contest between Brooks and Delaney was won by the former, who did 102 miles to the other’s little over 83, In the final match for the challenge cup, Dunedin, who had lost six of their best wickets for 28, put together 108 —George Clark making 43 and Carisbrook 71—for nine wickets. The Governor is to be invited by the Jockey Club to attend its forthcoming an nual race meeting. The lollie and glue factory, the property of Richard Boneckie, at Kaikorai Valley, was totally destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. Shortly after 12 o’clock, Boneckie went to tire factory for the pur pose of putting some coal in the furnace. This he did, and then went into the dry ing room, where he remained for about an hour. When he came out he found the room adjoining the furnace room filled with smoke, and the partition of the fur nace room on fire. Ho was unable to stop the progress of the flames, and before assistance arrived the building was de stroyed. It was insured in the Standard Insurance Company for the sum of L 1250. The stock and machinery are not insured. Boneckie estimates his loss at from LI 600 to LI7OO. He thinks it probable that the fire originated by a spark being blown from the furnace while he was putting on the coal. James Hunter, chief steward of the ship Canterbury, was found dead in his bed this morning from epilepsy.

THE LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. (Renter's Telegrams.) London, Jan. 31. Arrivals—Ships, Loch Maree and Mil tiades, from Melbourne ; the Murray and Pckena from Port Augusta ; Jeffie, south ward, from Port Pirie. AUSTRALIAN. {Reuter's.) Melbourne, Feb. 2. Parliament will prorogue on Thursday next, and the dissolution of the Assembly will take place on the following Monday.

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

The “ Times” correspondent, telegraph ing from Normanby on the Ist, says : Nothing startling has occurred yet in connection with the occupation of the plains, and the natives continue to visit the camp and mix freely with the con stabulary. Preparations are being made for the native gathering at Oeo, mentioned in a previous telegram, but it will not be held until the return of Mr. Parris. Nothing definite is known about it, except that Te Whiti docs not in any way recognise it. The natives are all looking forward to the March meeting to provide a solution of the difficulty, but not one of them will venture to say what that solution, from a native point of view, will be. There are many who think that Te Whiti’s policy is to lull the pakehas into a sense of false security, and then surprise them. Colonel Roberts is fully aware of this is the last man in the world to be decePT A. by present appearances. The constabulary having completed the formation of the road from Kaipipi south wards towards the Waingongoro, have now commenced forming northward towards Kaupokonui, that is, towards Parihaka. Te Wetere, the celebrated Mokau chief, who is well known as the murderer of the Rev. Mr. Whitely, visited the camps on Friday, and was in Normanby to-day. He attended the great Waitara meeting and visited Parihaka last year, but has not been so far since he marched down to the Waitotara during the war,, at the same time that Hone Pihama was against us. It is Te Wetere’s boast that upon that occasion he wont to Waitotara with 200 men, and returned with the same number, not losing a man. It is impossible to say, with regard to the present state of affairs, whether this visit has any significance or not. Colonel M‘Donnell, whose name is well known in connection with the last war, has gone to Parihaka, and it was rumored that he was in some way connected with the Government, but I am in a position to say positively that he is in no way employed by the Government, and that he goes merely in his [capacity as a Justice of the Peace to witness signatures to certain deeds. It is somewhat puzzling to many persons that, while the Plains question is in the present unsettled condition, and the attitude of the Natives towards the Government is one of passive opposition, liable at any moment to become active, persons known under that most elastic and comprehensive of titles, “ Native Agents,” seem to be busier than ever. Many far seeing men think that martial law should be proclaimed, and that all transactions relative to land between Europeans .and disaffected Natives on the Waimate Plains should be suspended. The present state of affairs with regard to this is certainly very anomalous.

CORRESPONDENCE.

o We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE IRISH RELIEF.

TO THE EdITOK.

Sir, —The interest you have taken in the Irish distress entitles you to the thanks of all humane men in our district. Your correspondent, “ True Sympathy,” seems to feel much more interest in the matter than his Worship the Mayor and our leading citizens. Two meetings have been called at 3 p.m.—a time very few could possibly attend them ; and then bis Worship seemed incapable of doing more than sneer at Mr. Ivess—the only gentle man who really seemed in earnest, and certainly the only one who “ put his shoulder to tho wheel.” If his Worship really wanted to make the effort to raise funds for this very praiseworthy object a failure, his measures could not be better taken to attain his object. It is a pity that his Worship should, on such an occasion, abdicate his functions as our Chief Magistrate. Many think, and with a very good show of reason, that the geographical position of the distress has a good deal to do with our “ leading citizens’ ” reluctance to call a public meet ing. They did not hesitate in any other part of the colony ; and lam much mis taken, whatever his Worship and the leading citizens may do, if the people of Ashburton do not find means to express their sympathy with their suffering fellow men. Speaking for myself, I will sag Ido not care where a man may have be® Jaorn—. if he is hungry I will share my loal : - witn . him whether he be Jew or Gentile. If the Mayor will not call a public meeting, would it not be well for One or two other gentlemen to do so, and not allow our town and district to be dis graced ? By inserting this you will very much oblige Humanitv, Ashburton, January 30, 1880.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON—Saturday, Jaw. 31, (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) VAGKaNCY. Jas. Nolan and John Brown were charged with having no lawful visible means of support. Sergeant Pratt stated that the men were living in the river bed in a tent, and were knocking about from public-house to public-house in a state of drunkenness, and had not been working lately. He gave both prisoners a very bad charac ter. His Worship sentenced them, to three months hard labor. LAEO2KV. John J. O’Brien was charged with larceny from a tent of property to the value of L 9. Constable Farmer, sworn, said—From information received, I went to a tent in a paddock on the Wakanui road to make enquiries about a watch and chain, the property of Angus Ross. I searched and found a bag containing blankets, tie, scarf, and waistcoat. In the latter garment were a silver watch and chain. Accused claimed the blankets, tie, and scarf; Angus Ross claimed the waistcoat, watch, and chain. I arrested the accused. (Watch, chain, and waistcoat produced.) Accused said we knew nothing about the watch and chain, more than that he had seen them in the tent at the head of a bunk. By Mr. Branson—There wore others present when I arreste 1 the accused. Angus Ross, contractor, d'.poned—l am working at Mr. Scott’s. Prisoner was working there on 29th inst. ’ I live in a tent with accused and Samuel Scott, my mate. I left the tent on morning of 29th to go to work among the corn. Prisoner stayed at Mr. Scott’s. I left my watch in my waistcoat in the tent. I returned at noon same day. My watch and chain were then all right. I then left for the township, and came back about 6 o’clock. Missed my watch and waistcoat at 10 o’clock that night. Prisoner was in the tent; and I told him I missed the things. Prisoner said he had lost his blankets and scarf. Saw prisoner next morning about seven o’clock. The prisoner was set at work that morning at some barley stooks. I saw him shortly afterwards coming from the direction of some oaten stooks, near where the bag was found, and not from the barley stooks. I then accused prisoner of taking the things. He denied it. Mr. and Mrs. Scott and I searched the oaten stooks and found a bag containing prisoner’s blankets, towel, and scarf, and my waistcoat hidden in a stock. Was with Constable Farmer when he found the property. I identify the watch, chain, and waistcoat as mine. I value the watch at L 4 or L 5. James Quinn, watchmaker, valued the watch at L 4. Mary Scott and her husband, Samuel Scott, corroborated previous evidence. After hearing Mr. Branson and evi dence for the defence, his Worship dis missed the charge.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

(From the Ashburton Herald, January 31.) “lam not yet so bald that you can see my brains.”—Longfellow. If it weren’t for the R M. Court, Chispa would have to shut up. The court is the only cheap entertainment provided for “wo, us, and Co.” in these hard times ; and until harvest and half-a crown an hour set in, and plenty good cheer pro vided at that, Chispa and his mates find the court the best place in which to spend an idle hour. Chispa has a groat, in fact an overwhelming respect for constituted authority ; and there can’t be much doubt about the sitting R M. - with all the dignity by her Majesty, or Disraeli, or Sir Hercules, or Professor Wallenburg, or whoever does that kind of thing. But it seems to me a queer sort of a thing that any poor swagger, or even Chispa himself, who is as poor as any swagger, should find a fine inevitable if he has been guilty of doing a bit of neighborly fighting, while a legal individual requires to have three trials wasted on him, and afterwards dis missed on a charge of assaulting a bailiff. Chispa has no sympathy or affection for bailiffs. As a matter of fact he abhors them, and the reason why is, he has had a lot to do with them in his time. But when a “ bum ”, drops on a lawyer and that lawyer is up in the nonsuits, Chispa’s experience in the RM. Court is decidedly of a kind that would lead him to back the nonsuit to win. It don’t matter about the . money being owing, or the debt being a fair and just one. That is not the ques tion in point at all! Chispa is amazed at the front some men will put on, standing up in Court doing their best to get out of a debt—not on any ground of non-liability, not denying the justness of the claim, or that the money is legally owing, but simply on the plea of some legal quibble. One can admire the mode but scarcely the motive. Every man has his fancy, and when he gets sick his fancy runs in the direction of a doctor. The old rhyme about the ad versary ought to be applicable here. If I recollect, it is as follows ; “ When the devil was sick, the devil a monk would be! “ When the devil got well, the devil a monk was he. ” Chispa has seen a lot of sick men and a whole army of doctors in his time,-and among his experiences can mention a case or two. There was a well known medico on one of the West Coast townships, who was equally renowned for the brusque manner in which he treated his clients, as for the efficient manner in which he cured them, if a cure were possible. One case brought to him was a man with a severe cold. The patient entered the surgery, and was promptly ordered to strip, and then the usual athletic sports ensued which attend an application , for a life insurance policy. The patient objected to the method of treatment, and then medico asked him if he could under take to walk a couple of miles. The patient thought he could, whereupon the doctor requested his customer to take a constitutional for a couple of miles to the cemetery, and there and then peg out a site for his final residence, as in his (the • doctor’s) opinion he would be buried in a fortnight. The joke was a cruel one, as the unfortunate patient was set up by the doctor in less than a month, and both the patient and the adviser are on the best of terms. I hear there is a new grievance against the Burnett street drain stink. It is as a rule tolerably well ventilated. Nor’- westers spread it around the district when they blow, and when they don’t the “Mail” circulates the effluvium. Another Joseph has, however, arisen in the Egypt of Burnett street. A showman who claims to have caught the mantle of the immortal Artemus Ward, and who has a let of “ wax figgers ” to exhibit, says these “ figgers ’’ feel dread fully ill over the evaporations from Burnett street. The man who fixes up the “figgers” confided to me the infor mation that, if he had to stay another day there, Queen Elizabeth would lose her front ringlets, and he would hawe to ™b Kelly the bushranger’s back har to 7 ake the deficiency good. But it cuan’t ..after much, as he could easily tunf old Bess into the Sydney female impersonator: or he could, with the assistance - of a bit of wax'and a few horse hairs, turn George Washington into Sir Geprge Grey, and make him the most popular “ figgef ” in the show. The Artemus Ward of the a present day had a sleeping beauty, but she wasn’t very tempting, and 1 don t a think the girls of the poriqd vyill feel

TTTF ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1880.



LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT THE ‘ EVENING HERALD ” OFFICE. E IARMERS REQUIRING HANDS “Evening Herald” Registry for 1/- each, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUY 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 I/-- 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. s ” ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION IN ADVANCE. As. paid by the 31st January, obi i iB6O, will be a SAVING to sub scribers, of 6s. on the year’s subscrip tion. £l. 10 s - for tlie GuARMAN - sent post, paid by theSlst January, 1880, will be a SAVING to yearly sub scribers of Cs. WEEKS & DIXON, Publishers and Proprietors, Ashburton, Near Railway Station. 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, &0., &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 Cl’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a MESSRS, H. MATSON AND GO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at Tinwald, TUESDAY, February 3rd, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 427g* Agent, Ashburton.



The San Francisco Mails.— The City of New York with the mails from Home left San Francisco for Auckland on Jan. 19. The Zealandia reached San Francisco from Auckland on Thursday last. Drunk. —Mr. Guinness yesterday let off a man with a reprimand and a warning against a repetition of the offence foi which he was brought up—drunkenness and disorderly conduct, the result of Saturday night's indulgence.