THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

A NARROW ESCAPE. chapter ii —continued. For an instant he made as if he would have gone away, satisfied with this answer: it seemed to stun him. Then he broke into a last appeal—“ Oh ! Ettie, hear me ! I can give you love and wealth and may be honor. Yonder is my ship, my own, manned with a crew devoted to me. Come with me, Ettie, we will fly to brighter scenes than this dull coast. Change will wean you from Stanton, and in my love you shall forget that your word was ever given rashly to a boor. ” While he spoke, his eyes fixed on hers, he had drawn nearer, and now clasped her hands with a grip like that of a drowning man. She struggled with him in vain— fear and anger mastering her voice so that for a moment she could not speak. At last she cried— --Richard Eller ton, you are still the coward and savage that you ever were. You play the tyrant with a woman. If a man were here, you dare not face him. Let me go, or I call for help. George ! George ! help ! help !” The rocks resounded with her despair ing cry. Ellerton threw one arm around her, and placed his hand upon her mouth— “ I’ll stop your crying, mistress Ettie,” he said with suppressed fury. “ You are in my power, beyond the reach of help.” As he spoke, he dragged the wretched girl towards the shore, plainly making for the boat she had seen lying on the beach. With the energy of despair she struggled to get free, and momentarily succeeded in displacing his hand from her mouth — “Richard! Richard!” she pleaded, oh ! Richard, by your old love for me, let me go. For your father’s sake ; for the sake of your own good name ? ” “ It is too late, mistress,” he answered, with a brutal laugh. “ I was willing once to await on your pleasure, to abide by your sentence, whether it might lead to happiness or banishment; but now I will and do.” Thus saying, he dragged her still fur ther towards the boat, despite her frantic struggles, and renewed cries for help. At these Richard laughed bitterly. “’Tis of no use, mistress,” he said “ no one can hear you. Only my own men are within call. In a few minutes we shall be on board ship, and then up an chor, and away for ever with pretty Ettie Stanton, the rover’s plaything ! Ha! struggling again ; the bird will break its wings against the bars. Well, then, we must call for a net, and shut the poor thing up ! ” He lifted a silver whistle to his lips, but before there was time to blow' a note, a piercing scream from Ettie arrested Elletton’s attention, and the next moment there descended upon his head a blow that stretched him senseless on the sands. In an instant Ettie rescued and happy, was in the arms of George Thursfield ! A few words suffice for explanations on both sides. Ettie told her lover how she had come to look for him, had met with Ellerton, and had nearly been carried off to a captivity worse than death. George, on his part, told how he had come along the road on the landward side of the cliffs, had heard the cries of a woman, had ridden to the summit, and seeing the struggle below, had left his horse, and scrambled down a rocky path, unconscious all the tir ic that he was hastening to the rescue of his affianced. This he discovered only when close to the villain ; and then, springing forward at a bound, he struck Ellerton to the earth with a single blow. At first Thursfield fancied he had killed the villain ; but presently Ellerton show ing signs of returning life, and fumbling in his bosom, as if to find a weapon, George set foot upon him, and then search ing the prostrate ruffian, took from him a brace of pistols, and the whistle hanging round his neck. Then, stumbling to his feet, but staggering like a drunken man, Ellerton, with curses and cries of ven geance, made at the other, as if to take him by the throat. But Thursfield, putting him easily aside, held him with an iron grip, saying— “ Hound ! back to your ship, or I give you to the officers of justice. For the sake of her good name”—pointing to Ettie—“ and for your father’s sake I give you an hour. If by that time your sails whiten this coast, a king’s ship shall be in chase. Go, scoundrel, and never show your evil face again. ” With a threatening gesture, but with out a word, Richard Ellerton slunk away towards the shore. They saw him stagger across the sands, crawl into the boat, and put out to sea. Then lifting Ettie in his arms—she trembling and fainting with alternate joy and terror—George Thurs field bore his precious burden on the way to Stanton Holm. CHAPTER IH —DARKENING CLOUDS. Within the hour specified by George Thursfield the ill-omened vessel which brought Richard Ellerton to Stanton Bay had disappeared, leaving no trace behind. George experienced a deep feeling of relief as he looked from the summit of the cliffs across the unruffled waters of the bay, upon which no sail—not even of the tiniest fishing boat—was visible. Still, he could not repress a sense of appre hension. The danger to Ettie had been so recent and so terrible that the dread of it still hung upon his mind. Knowing the character of Richard Ellerton, he feared the possibility of some renewed outrage or attempt at abduction. Upon questioning Ettie, her lover found that alarms of the like nature had taken possession of her mind. These were deepened by the rumors which began to spread about Stanton, that mysterious figures had been seen in the dusky evening amongst the rocks near Saint Bridget’s Cave, and that signals were made from shore to sea, and from sea to shore. This led to the revival of old stories about smugglers and their haunts and people in general sought no further solution. But strive as she might, Ettie could not divest her mind of the idea that these reported movements had something to do with Richard Ellerton and his designs; and once or twice she fancied that she saw Ellerton him self lurking on the hill paths near Stanton Holm. So, to quiet her alarms, George Thursfield proposed to hasten thffir marriage, to let Thursfield Farm and Stanton Holm, and go for a time either abroad or into some inland city, where protection might be obtained against any possible designs on Ellerton’s part. To further this arrangement it was settled that the marriage should take place by license instead of in the old-fashioned way by banns; and the date for the sacred rite was fixed within ten days of Ettie’s rescue in the bay. This change of plan seemed to restore firmness to Ettie’s mind ; and, indeed, George him self was reassured by it, for although he did not share her fears |to the full extent, yet he was anxious to bring her under his own immediate protection. The lovers were confirmed in this decision by an occurrence which caused them no little uneasiness. The rumours that smugglers had reappeared at &tanton soon became known along the coast, and caused an unusual stir amongst the pre ventive men, who had a station a few miles distant. With these rumours there also got into circulation distorted versions of the attack upon Ettie Stanton, and her opportune deliverance, for though both George and Ettie had striven to keep the occurrence secret, a few broken hints, escaping one or other of them, had en abled the servants to patch together Btories far beyond even the truth. The

first evidence that such rumours were abroad was given by tire appearer.ee of a coast-guardsman to make inquiries about the reputed smugglers; and with him came a Mr. Thompson, the excise officer of the district who announced his inten tion of staying for a timo at Stanton, to keep watch. His presence scarcely suited George’s arrangements. Therefore, with a view of preventing idle gossip, he thought it better to take the exciseman into his own keeping. So Mr. Thompson was invited to make Thursfield his resi dence ; and George took care to accom pany him in his rambles along the coast. Nothing, however, was discovered. The dills were thoroughly searched, the caves explored, every possible hiding-place ex amined ; but no trace of smugglers could be found. At last, having exhausted all

moans of inquiry, Thompson became con vinced that he had been allured by a false alarm ; and acting on this conviction, he prepared to leave Stanton. George, who had taken a liking for the man, urged him to wait a day or two longer, to be present at the wedding. Thompson, however, had conceived the notion that his host knew something im re of the smugglers than he chose to tell; and he therefore resolved to make a private examination of the coast, without Thursfield’s presence. So, appointing a coast-guardsman to meet him a few miles out of the village, he set off in the evening, with the avowed inten tion of spending the night at the nearest preventive station. George went with him along the cliffs, and there, at a path leading down to the main road inland, they parted. For a little while, George lingered on the cliffs, watching the retreating figure of the exciseman, till the latter disappeared behind a projecting rock, round which the pathway turned. Then Thursfield pursued his way home wards, thinking of Ettie, and still, in spite of himself, troubled with the evil image of Richard Ellcrton, which came like a black shadow across his mind. Once he paused, thinking he heard a cry amongst the rocks below'. He looked keenly round, but he could see nothing. Evening was fading into twilight—it was hardly possible to distinguish between the grey of sea and sky, while around and below, deep gloomy shadows were fast settling upon the cliffs and obscuring the broken rocks at their base.

[to be continued.]

PARLIAMENTARY.

(per press association). HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. At Tuesday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, a petition was presented from Otago praying that the bottle license be retained. Mr. Macandrew intimated his intention to ask for a copy of the evi dence taken before the Civil Service Com mission, also for information regarding the contracts with the firm Mr. Conyers is said to be connected with, and if he had an opportunity afforded him of rebutting the evidence given on this subject. Mr. Oliver, in reply to Mr. Murray, said no cement factory existed in New Zealand, and cement made from stone got at Tara naki had been found to be useless. THE NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE. Dr. Wallis resumed the debate insisting on free trade, and protesting against pro tection in any form. Sir George Grey was the proper man to carry out the items of the Liberal programme. Mr. Gisborne twitted Mr. Reader Wood with being a political weathercock, who, in ciying up Minister’s’ credit, cried down that of the colony. His speech, he said, would injure the colony on the Lon don Stock Exchange. He said the Public Works Policy of 1870 was wise and states manlike, and, though the colony was now depressed, it was sound at heart, and would yet rise superior to temporary diffi culties. Government’s real saving, he said, was not more than L 7,000 or LB,OOO. The whole fiscal policy of the Government was shadowy. Mr. Murray defended the Property Tax, and hinted at the advisableness of selling the railwaj's Mr. Montgomery spoke at some length, deprecating any exhibition of party feel ing in dealing with the critical position of the colony at this moment. Government had not fulfilled their promises of reduc tion, hut had put them off at a time when prompt and immediate action was neces sary. Ho would oppose the beer tax, and would not vote for any new tax unless lie saw considerable departmental reduction. Not L 50,000, but L 200,000, would have to be struck off, irrespective of party or personal feeling. Mr. Hurst followed in a similar strain. He defended his secession from the party now in opposition as an act in response to what he believed his duty to the colony, and he would assist any party to carry out an honest scheme of retrenchment—not a panic retrenchment, but a settled deter mination to do their work effectually. Mr. Saunders would support the amend ment if it were not purely a project to bring about a change of Government. He disagreed with the financial proposals, and hoped they would be modified, though he desired to see an honest and earnest desire to remedy the evils that had followed past extravagance. It was necessary to reduce the horde of civil servants the colony now employed, and Parliament should vote a certain moderate amount of money, and compel Government to make it suffice for departmental purposes. Any Trea surer who could bring things right again from their present condition would be a public benefactor. Mr. Saunders thought no new taxing machinery should be created, but what now existed should be utilised. The land tax machinery had cost more than the tax brought in. He favored an income tax more than a property tax. Ho hoped the days of borrowing were over, but he would never be a parly to concealing the real state of the affairs, and borrowing money under a false color. He opposed the taxation of industry,—shipping, machinery, &c.— but thought accumulated wealth, furni ture, and carriages should bear a part. We had too many lawyers, too many doctors. If we had fewer parsons we would not be disturbed in our devotions by theological distinctions which created sects. He favored the abolition of sub sidies, because the colony could not afford them. If retrenchment wei’e not prac tised, one half the population would leave the colony, and the other half would be unable to bear the burden ; and if the producing class went away disaster would be left. Mr. Reid having spoken, Mr. Macandrew moved the adjournment of the debate which will be resume I to-day. Wednesday, June 23. The House met at 2.30 p. in. THE BOTTLE LICENSES. Over a dozen petitions were presented from Otago, praying for retention of the bottle license. MR. CONYERS. Mr. Macandrew asked if the whole of the Civil Service Commission evidence will be laid on the table ; also, for a re turn showing the nature and extent of the contracts entered into with the firm of which the Middle Island Commissioner of Railways is alleged to be a partner. Mr. Oliver replied that the evidence had not been received from the Com mission. Mr. Brown moved the adjournment of the House, and in doing so insisted that it was only right that the evidence in question should be before the House. Mr. Gisborne concurred. He said the report was a most alarming one, and the country had a right to insist upon know ing whether it was based on reliable data Mr. Macandrew said the reply was not

satisfactory. If the report was correct, the South Island Railway Commissioner should be at once dismissed. . Mr. Oliver said it was to be presumed some portion of the evidence would be produced, but it might not be proper to produce the whole. The Railway Com mission had been instructed to report, and their statement would bo laid on the table. Mr. Speight said this was one of the first results of government by commission. Parliament was entitled to have every particle of the evidence produced. He knew reliable evidence had been omitted, and they had a right to know the value of the evidence taken as a whole. Mr. Reeves concurred. Mr. Murray could well understand that it would be unfair in many instances to divulge the nature of the evidence given. A committee should be appointed to en quire and report as to whether or not the report was based on reliable evidence. Mr. Turnbull thought the demand made for the evidence was somewhat premature. Mr. Hall said the whole subject would have to be gone into when the report was brought on for consideration and the dis cussion at present was premature. He apprehended all the evidence would be forthcoming. The commission was in titled to credit instead of being reflected upon, as some members attempted to do. The report contained many valuable sug gestions, although he would not be pre pared to say Government would adopt the whole of these suggestions. Mr. DeLautour complained that the re port had been supplied to certain news papers throughout the colony before it was before Parliament. He concurred in the opinion that the evidence should be pro duced. Mr. Seddon condemned the action sought to be taken as an unjustifiable attempt to interfere with Government in its first efforts towards much needed re trenchment. If the evidence were de manded, the names of witnesses should be suppressed. Mr. Stewart quoted Parliamentary pre cedents to show that it was not the practice to produce such evidence. It was in fact left to the discretion of Government them selves. Mr. Hutchison did not see that any good end would be served by producing the evidence, and condemned the action as an attempt to interfere with Govern ment in making a much needed retrench ment. Mr. M'Lean concurred. Mr. Rolleston said he had no doubt but the evidence would be forthcoming, and the fullest opportunity given to the officers implicated to rebut the charges made. Sir George Grey said the fullest possible information should be given, as the report reflected not only on the professional, but also on the personal character of servants. Major Atkinson argued that the de bate had proceeded on a false issue. No one know whether or not the Commission had or had not furnished a copy of the evidence to the officers implicated by the report. They were bound to assume that the Commission had taken every pre caution to get the report based on reliable evidence. Evidently it was persons, and not the service itself, that members were solicitous about. The motion for adjournment was nega tived on the voices. Dr. Wallis gave notice that ho would ask Government to state at what time copies of the report were furnished for transmission to the Heiv Zealand Herald, Christchurch Press, and Otago Daily Times, on Friday evening. The debate on the no-confidence motion was resumed by Mr. Thomson, and inter rupted by the 5.30 adjournment.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1880.

Printed and published by Horace John Weeks and Charles Dixon, at their Printing Office, East Street, Ashburton, Thursday, June 24,. iBBo,



Medical. IVOR COUGHS, ' BRONCHITIS, IN -1 FLUENZA, COLDS. &c. "OOWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED. _k_ ■pOWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED. JpOWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED. T E HE Oldest and Most Effectual GOUGH REMEDY. XTRAORDINARY TESTIMO NIALS. HER. MAJESTY S GUN BOAT NET BEY. Wick, Scotland. Dear Sir, — Having had a most distressing and severe cough, which caused me many sleepless nights and restless days, I was recommended by his LORDSHIP the EARL of CAITHNESS to try your most invaluable Balsam of Aniseed, and I can assure you, with the first dose, I found immediate relief, even without having to suspend my various duties; and the first small bottle com pletely cured me, therefore I have the greatest confidence in fully recommend ing it to the million. Signed, W. LINZELL, H.M.G.B. NETLEY. "DOWELL'S BALSAM of ANISEED. Due de Montabor writes : “ Chateau de Moutabor, Aveyron. Sir, —Having suffered for some time from an obstinate cough, accompanied with fever, continuous head-aches, and sleepless nights, I resolved after having vainly tried several other medicines, to have recourse to your BALSAM of ANISEED. I cannot resist, sir, the desire of making j’ou acquainted with the really marvelous results which I derived from it. From the first dose I felt great relief, the bad symptoms grew feebler, the irritation of the throat was calming down, and I recovered the sleep which had nearly left me. The third dose delivered me completely, and I am now completely restored to health. Receive, sir, with the expression of my gratitude the assurance of my distinguished sentiments. DUG DE MONTABOR.” KEATINGS COUGH LOZENGES, ROUGHS, ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS, | W ACCUMULATION OF PHLEGM. Composed of the purest articles. These Lozenges contain no opium nor any deleterious drug, therefore the most delicate can take them with perfect confidence. Their beneficial effect is speedy and certain. This old un failing family remedy is daily recommended by the most eminent Physicians. (In use nearly 60 years). MEDICAL TESTIMONY. July 25th, 1877. 22, Cold Harbour Lane, London. Sir, —Your Lozenges are excellent, and their beneficial effect most reliable. I strongly recommend them in cases of cough and asthma. You are at liberty to state this as my opinion, formed from many years experience. J. Bringloe, M.R.C.S.L., L.S.A., L.M. Mr. T. Keating, Indian Medical Service. Dear Sir,-Having tried your Lozenges in India, I have much pleasure in testifying to their beneficial effects in cases of incipient consumption, asthma and bronchial affections. I have prescribed them largely, with the best results. W. B. G, , Apothecary. H.M.S. KEATINGS COUGH LOZENGES are sold by all Chemists, in tins of various sizes,' each having the words, “ Keatings’s Cough Lozenges ” engrrven on the government stamp. KEATING’S WORM TABLETS, A PURELY VEGETABLE SWEETMEAT, Doth in appearance and taste, furnishing a most agreeable method of administering the only certain remedy for INTESTINAL or THREAD WORxMS. It is a perfectly safe and mild , preparation, and is especially adapted (or children. Sold in tins by all Chemists. Proprietor, TITOS. KEATING, London, Export Chemist and Druggist. SK for POWELL’S BALSAM of ANISEED J



Business Notices. TO FARMERS. fJpHE undersigned are CASH BUYERS Of Wheat and other Grain, or will make LIBERAL ADVANCES On shipments to London on grower’s account. DEBEING’S TWINE BINDER. NOTICE TO FARMERS. have this day APPOINTED MESSRS. FRIEDLANDER BROS. SOLE AGENTS for the PEERING TWINE BINDER for the county of Ashburton. MASON STROTHERS & CO. Christchurch 10th. February, 1880. The Deering Twine Binder AWARDED GOLD MEDAL At Ashburton, six machines competing. THE DEERING TWINE [BINDER took the SPECIAL PRIZE at the Oamaru trial etc. ~|~~|~AVING been appointed sole agents for the above machines, we are now prepared to TAKE ORDERS for the coming season. As only a LIMITED NUMBER can be supplied, ail who wish to make certain of securing those favorite machines fo next season should order before the depar ture of next San Francisco Mail. I FRIEDLANDER B R ° AGENTS FOR THE COLONIAL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND SOLE AGENTS FOE THE CELEBRATED ALTHOUSE SELF £ REGULATING WINDMILLS. 8g )



Business Notices. Dissolution OF Partnership. ORR AND CO., to announce that they intend to DISSOLVE PARTNERSHIP on Ist SEPTEMBER They will therefore, on Satchday, May Ist, offer the whole of their superior stock, amounting to over £20,000 worth of DRAPERY, IRONMONGERY, AND GROCERIES, AT COST PRICE. The reductions in price extends to every Department in our Business, And we trust our Customers will pay PROMPT CASH DURING SALE. All Goods will he marked in plain figures with Red Ink. $ % $ All outstanding accounts must bo paid at once so that partnership accounts may be adjusted. ORE & CO., ASHBURTON & RAKAIA April 24th, 1880. P.S.—A Large Shipment of Drapery Goods just opened up ex Pallala. Guns! Guns! Guns! POWDER. SHOT. GAPS. ORE AND CO. JJAVE now on band a very fine assortment of BREECHLOADING DOUBLE AND SINGLE-BARREL GUNS, And as these have been imported direct I j from the manufacturers, we are prepared to Sell at the most Reasonable Prices — Prom £2 10sj to £25. ORR AND CO 1£ 9c-9g



Railway Time Table. JJEYISED JJAILWA.Y rjlß AIN ANGEMENTS NORTH. + Stop to allow passengers to alight only. ASHBURTON AND TIMARU SECTION. SOUTH. NORTH. RAKAIA AND ASHBURTON FORKS RAILWAY. TIMARU AND DUNEDIN SECTION. SOUTH. Stations. dep. arr. arr. NORTH.



Business Notices. FARMERS ! FARMERS ! FARMERS 1 R. McKERROW AND CO., RE Cash. Purchasers of Wool, Grain, and all kinds of Farm Produce, and are Iso prepared to make Liberal CASH ADVANCES on the above placed in their hands either for sale or shipment to the English or Colonial Markets. A Large Stock of Cornsacks, Wool packs, &c., for sale at lowest current prices. R. McKERROW & CO., GRAIN MJERCHANT3, RAKAIA. 38



Business Notice. A. J. WHITE’S STEAM CABINETMAKING AND FURNITURE ESTABLISHMENT, CHRISTCHURCH, Will be found one of the most convenient in New Zealand. THE Stock being so varied, that, pur chasers may at once select any Article they can possibly require, suitable for any class of House. This will be found an IMMENSE ADVANTAGE TO COUN TRY CUSTOMERS Thus saving time, trouble and expense. 589 a



Business Notices. ; «ar THIS ADVERTISEMENT SHOULD BE CAREFULLY READ AND RE MEMBERED BY EVERYONE IN TERESTED IN FENCING. THE PATENT OVAL SAMSON FENCE WIRE Has now been before the public for four years, and during that time 5,000 TONS HAVE BEEN SOLD Giving very great satisfaction, in proof of which we hold numerous testimonials from well-known colonists ; and the demand is daily increasing to such an extent, that numerous spurious imitations have lately been introduced in the various markets of Australia and New Zealand, for the sole purpose of damaging the reputation of the Patent Oval Samson Wire. The Samson Wire By using the Patent Oval Fence "Wire you get a better and cheaper fence than any other, and the best proofs are the imitations already referred to. comprehensive circular as to its advantages, with numerous testimonials from well-known colonists, will be posted to any address on application. The state Forests of Victoria are fenced with the Patent Oval Samson Fence Wire; the one at Dookie is, without doubt, the best Wire Fence in Australia, and people come from great distances to see it. PRICES GREATLY REDUCED, The public, when purchasing, are there fore cautioned to see that each coil bears a tin tally thus : PATENT OVAL SAMSON WIRE, IN' OVAL ; And the Patentee’s Tally or Trade Mark:— M B R IN PADLOCK. Manufactured, by the Whitecross Wire Company, Warrington, England. Was patented and introduced four years ago in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand ; and the principal claim set fourth was itsbeingmade Oval to prevent fraud. Yet, in the face of these patents, firms —many of respecaltry standing—have, for the sake of a paltry commission, lent themselves to the intro duction of various spurious imitations, which render them liable to actions at law, and annoyance and disappointment to the users. We would point out to intending pur chasers that any persen erecting Oval Wire Fences, other than the Patent Oval Sam son, renders himself liable for damages. The Patent Acts on this point are very explicit ; therefore, after this notice no excuse can be made. Wehave had instances brought under our notice where scmepersonshave been so un principled as to mix the Spurious Oval Wire amongst the Patent Oval Samson in order to make a sale, and damage the the reputation of the genuine article. We have a great aversion to take legal proceedings in this matter, but shall be compelled to, in self-defence, unless these practices are at once stopped. ADDRESS M Lean Bros. & Rigg 3 IMPORTER , 69 ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE TRADE MARK : M B R IN PADLOCK. We undertake through our agents, to deliver the Patent Oval Samson Wire at any port in Australia or New Zealand, ither direct from England or Melbourne. Inquiries by telegram promptly answered. REWARD.—Fencers throughout the Colonies who can give information as to the erection of Oval Wire Fences, other than the Patent Oval Samson Wire, will find it to their advantage to communicate with Messrs. M’Lean Brothers and Rigg, 69 Street Melbourne. TO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. For sal e. One Second-hand Double Demy Tape Printing MACHINE, in thorough working order, with rollers, moulds, &c., complete. This machine has been replaced by a Double Royal Wharfedale, which necessitates removal of the Double Demy Machine formerly used for printing the ‘‘Herald ” and “ Guardian,” for hand or steampower. Can be seen and all par ticulars obtained at our oflice. For a Country Office this Machine suits admirably, as it can easily be turned by hand, for which we have fitted a fly wheel and handle. Price £7O WEEKS & DIXON