SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington Hawea, This Day, Jan. 17. Passengers by 8 p.m. train. To be followed by Waitaki, Tuesday, Jan. 20. For Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, and Auckland —Hawea, This Day, Jan. 17. Passengers by 8 p.m. train. To be followed by Tararua, Thursday, Jan. 22. For Port Chalmers Penguin, This Day, Saturday, Jan. 17. Passengers by 12.10 p.m. train. To be followed by Rotorua, Tues day, Jan. 20. For Melbourne, via Bluff— -Rotorua, on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Albion, Tuesday, Jan. 27. For Sydney Rotomahana, Thursday, Jan. 29. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. For Hobart Town—Rotorua, Tuesday, Jan. 20. For Pxcton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau Waitaki, on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train.

COMMERCIAL.

The following report on the London wool and corn market we extract from the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency’s circular of 4th December, 1879 : Wool. —The fourth and concluding aeries of the year commenced on 18th ultimo, and according to the existing programme will terminate on 6th inst. The available arrivals are as follows : New South Wales and Queensland ... 16,208 Bales. Victoria ... ... 9,375 ~ South Australia ... 7,145 ~ Western Australia ... 88 ~ Tasmania ... ... 1,561 ~ New Zealand ... 10,451 „ Cape of Good Hope 48,358 „ Total 93,186 Bales. Of these, some 8,400 bales, chiefly Cape sorts, have been sent direct to the manu facturing districts and the Continent. In estimating the supplies for the current series regard must be paid to the large quantity of bought-in, held-over, and second-hand wools which, despite sales by private treaty since the close of the third series, will probably reach about 35,000 bales. These, under the influence of higher values, are now being brought to the hammer. The opening catalogue contained the following assortment, viz : New South Wales and Queensland ... 949 Bales. Victoi'ia ... ... 1,603 „ South Australia ... 311 ~ New Zealand ... 401 ~ Cape of Good Hope 3,998 ~ Total 7,262 Bales. It will thus be seen that upwards of one half consisted of Cape produce. On 9th October, in our circular No. 154 by this route, attention was called to the very low range of value established during the third series for merino clothing wools and for all coarse descriptions, and it was pointed out that in view of the very liberal purchases made by foreign buyers the chief support during the fourth sei’ies ought to come from the home section of the trade. This opinion gained strength from the course taken by the market dur ing last month, resulting in sales by private contract, in great measure to home buyers, of upwards of 6000 bales. Sur prise was not therefore felt that at the opening of the current series these views, not only received abundant confirmation, but that, even a greater upward tendency than had been looked for was manifested. The attendance of buyers for the season of the year was exceptionally good, and the biddings on the part of the home trade unusually spirited. The wools of fered not being so suitable for foreign re quirements and the revival in our domes tic woollen industry not having been yet fully reflected in continental markets, ex port operators naturally exhibited less keenness than home buyers. The rise established on 18th ultimo is, as the sales progress, firmly maintained, and may be quoted as follows : per lb. Greasy combing merino ... Id. Washed and scoured comb ing merino ... ... lid. to 2d. Greasy coarse wool ... lid. „ 3d. Washed and scoured coarse wool...fully ... ... 2|d. ~ 3d£. The rise on clothing merino sorts, ‘in any condition, and on lambs’ wool has been less accentuated, and the same re mark applies to Cape produce. Lambs’ wool of superior quality shows a slight advance, but short and faulty parcels are almost without change. Cloth ing sorts are from id. to dearer as compared with the closing rates of Sep tember, and Capes are higher by from lid. to 2d. owing partly to the bringing forward of considerable supplies of second-hand wool as indicated above, and to a little restriction in demand for the mass of middle and low class produce forming the bulk of the catalogues, buyers have become somewhat more discrimina ting in their purchases. This, however, has not led to any radical change in the market, though in a few instances its effects were perceptible in a slightly weaker competition. The fox*eign section of the trade have not increased their operations, which remain upon approxi mately the same scale as on the opening day of the series. It is satisfactory to notice that the values of all domestic wools exhibit a marked recovery, varying from 2d. to 3d. per lb. from the lowest point, and that the periodical auctions of East Indian wools, which opened on 18th ultimo, show an enhancement in value 011 September prices of from 15 to 20 per cent. It being generally recognised that the stocks of raw material in the hands of Consumers, in consequence of restricted manufacture dux-ing the past eighteen months, have been brought within very harrow compass: if the revival of our domestic trade now initiated rest on a solid basis and receive further support by increased orders for textile fabrics from America, in the absence of political com plications, and provided there be no re currence in 1880 of the disastrous harvests with which in 1879 this country as well as France has been visited, the position of the woollen industry both at home and abroad ought to be much more assured next year than it has been during the past twelve months. Exclusive of this evening’s catalogue, the following assortment has been offered to date : New South Wales and Queensland ... 20,899 Bales. Victoria ... ... 24,356 ~ South Australia ... 9,372 ~ Western Australia ... 97 ~ Tasmania 1,257 ~ New Zealand... ... 15,081 ~ Cape of Good Hope... 36,961 „ Total 108,023 Bales. Of those it is computed that 4,300 bales have been withdrawn. The arrivals for the first series of 1880, the commencement of which has not yet been fixed, are New South Wales and Queensland ... 1,709 Bales. Victoria 22 ~ South Australia ... 772 ~ Cape of Good Hope... 4,574 „ Total 7,077 Bales.

Corn Market. —Under the influence of very heavy imports” of foreign wheat and liberal supplies of homo grown grain, the wheat market has assumed a more quiet tone. The quantity on passage is esti mated at 2,001,640 qrs., of which about 1,300,000 qrs. are from Pacific ports, and stocks continue to accumulate at the prin cipal depots of the United States. The visible supply there at the close of last week was advised as 3,750,000 qrs., a total which, though large, is generally supposed to be far below the quantify actually available. We are, however, attracting but little grain from other sources, South Russian shipments being for. the most part still absorbed by the Mediterranean ports, while exports from North Russia have practically come to an end for the time being. Several sellers of Australian wheat of the new crop for December-January ship ment have already appeared on the mar ket, and transactions in cargoes for the U.K. have been reported at about 5(55. c.i.f. Sales of the old crop on passage to London have been made during the last few days at 565. to 565. 6d , and for a small cargo under October bill of lading 575. Gd. has been refused On the spot quotations show little change, but owing to the considerable offers of English wheat, New Zealand descriptions receive less attention. The present value of good milling lots is about 58s. Other quotations are as follow : South Australian Wheat 58s. 6d. to 60s. per 4961b5.; Victorian wheat, 61s. to 635. per 4961b5.: New Zealand wheat, 555. to 595. per 4961b5.; Australian flour, 375. to 435. per 2801b5.; New Zealand fb'ur, 365. to 40s. per 2801bs. Arrivals during the month have been as follow : Bags Wheat. City rf London (s). from Adelaide 1,800 Trevelyan \ ~ ~ 4,050 ~ J ~ Port Pirie 8,140

METEOROLOGICAL.

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

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-Day. By Messrs. Acland, Campbell, aud Co., at the Bazaar, Burnett street, at 12 o’clock—Reaping Machines, Drays, Horses, &c. By Mr. J. L. Wilson, at the Exchange, Christchurch, at 12 o’clock—the Prince Albert Dining Rooms ; also, 192 acres land under crop. MEETINGS. Ashburton Racing Club, at Quill’s Hotel, at 8 o’clock this evening. Mount Somers Road Board—Adjourned meeting of ratepayers, in the School room, on Monday next, at noon.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 1880.

Ashburton High School. —The North Canterbury Education Board have ap pointed Messrs. E. G. Wright and John Grigg their representatives on the Ash burton High School Board of Governors. Removal. —Mr. F. P. O’Reilly inti mates in another column that his office in future will be in the premises adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s store, Tancred • street. Horse Bazaar. Messrs Acland, Campbell, and Co’s usual fortnightly sale of horses, &c., takes place to-day at noon, when a lot of useful draught horses and farming implements will be offered for competition. Sergeant Felton. —Our readers will no doubt, like ourselves, be glad to hear that Mr. Feltor’s trip to the hot springs, at Rotorua, in the North Island, has so far recuperated his health that he is now able to indulge in pedestrian ex .rcisc to a considerable extent, without the assist ance of a walking stick. He expects to visit Ashburton in a few weeks again as a convalescent. Unclaimed Letters. —Country people sometimes allow their letters to lie a con siderable length of time at the post offices without calling for them. We would remind them that letters are now kept at the post offices for one month only, instead of two months as formerly, before being sent back to the Dead Letter Office. This information is worth noting by residents at a distance from post offices. Bazaar. —Quite a crowd assembled in front of the buildings occupied by Messrs J. E. Buchanan, and Co., last evening, to take part in Mr. H. M. Jones’ grand gift bazaar. The prizes were numerous, the stakes low, and an attraction was provided in the shape of the Ashburton brass band whose enlivening strains collected quite a crowd in the vicinity. A Thunderstorm. —About 2 p. m. yes terday a heavy thunderstorm from the S.W. passed over the Wakanui, the tail end of it fetching Ashburton, where a few heavy drops of rain fell. Towards the beach a perfect torrent came down, ac companied, near the sea, with hail, but we are glad to hear that, beyond a more liberal deluge than is welcome at this season, no damage has been done to the crops. The same news reached us at a late hour from Longbeach district. Inquest at Waterton. —An inquest was held on Wednesday last at the resi dence of Mr. John Milne, foreman for John Grigg, Esq., on the body of his son, William Milne, aged 14 months. J. E. Trevor Esq., coroner, presided, and Mr. John Wells was elected foreman of the jury. The evidence went to show that during the absence of the mother for a few minutes an elder brother, about 8 years of age, went to the fireplace, where a hilly of boiling water was standing, and lifted it off the fire. The deceased caught hold of it to get a drink out of it, and the hilly tilted the scalding water over the child’s arms and body. A mes senger was dispatched for Dr. Stewart, who applied the usual restoratives, and the child appeared to do well until the following afternoon, when it died. The jury returned a verdict of “accidental death.” A Child Poisoned by Chlorodvnb. — An inquest was held yesterday at Harris’ Winslow Hotel on the body of Mary Jane Wills, aged six months, before J. E. Trevor, Esq., coroner. A jury was em panelled, of whom Mr. J. Harris was appointed foreman. The evidence of the parents was taken, and it appeared that the father was working some distance away from the house, and his wife went to him with a drink of tea. A bottle of chlorodyne was kept in the house, which was carefully hidden on a shelf. One of the children, about five years old, who had seen his mother giving a dose occasion ally to the others, found the bottle during the absence of his mother, and adminis tered a dose to the baby. On the mother’s return she found it gasping, and ran with it to her husband, who took it to Mr. Chapman’s farm close by. They then brought the little patient to Ashburton, to Dr. Trevor, where it lingered till 2 p.m. on Thursday, and then expired. A verdict of accidental death was re turned. A Government Whisky Bill.- —The Court was occupied for about three hours yesterday afternoon with hearing a rather peculiar case, which was very properly alluded to by one of the bar as a scandal to the Public Works department. The cause of action was the supply of stimu lants by Mr. Shearman to men working on the railway as far back as July, 1877, and amounted to the tidy sum of L 46 15s. Mr. J. Henry Lowe had shortly previous to this date assumed charge of the Canter bury railways, and when the account was presented to him to certify, he very properly refused to do so on account of the magnitude of the claim, which was for three drinks per day for men who had been working in water. For the defence evidence was given that these allowances had always been made under similar cir cumstances by Mr. Lowe’s predecessor, and the order for the “goods,” in ques tion had been given to Mr. Shearman in the usual course. A considerable amount of hard swearing took place ns to the authority given by the District Engineer to supply refreshments to men at work, and the evidence was of so opposite a character that hia Worship postponed giving his decision till Tuesday next.

The Ashburton School Committee. —On the 2Gth inst. the householders will be called upon to elect seven members to serve on the School Committee for the year just opened. The work of the com mittee is not arduous, and their meetings are not frequent, but their work is neces sary to the proper working of the school and the welfare of both teachers and scholars. It behoves the ratepayers, therefore, who take any interest in the cause of education, to see that gentlemen are placed upon the committee who care for the children’s education, and are pre pared to attend the monthly meetings. At the election in last January there was only a very meagre attendance of the householders, and the committee was formed, almost without any election, out of those present who were willing to serve upon it. It does not say much for those parents wiio have children to educate that they cannot spend one hour in the whole year at an annual meeting for the purpose of helping in the election of a suitable com mittee, and preventing the position of committeemen from going a begging, thus possibly falling into the hands of men who have little interest in the matter, and who only allow their names to go on the list so that the town need not altogether go -with out a Committee, The office is an im portant one and ought not to go abegging, nor should it be entrusted to anyone willing to take it, and we hope that on the fourth Monday in the month there will be a large attendance of householders, and a long list of good candidates to choose from.

Distress in Ireland. —A special meet ing of the Borough Council is convened by his Woi’ship the Mayor, to be held on Monday next, at 3 p.m., to consider what means can bo adopted towards assisting to relieve the distress in Ireland. Ashburton Racing Club.— A general meeting of the Ashburton Racing Club will bo held at Quill’s Hotel, this evening at 8 p.m. The business is to receive the annual statement of accounts, and to con sider what is to be done with the race course for the future. A full attendance of members is solicited by the committee. The Police. —The members of the police force have lately been so much en gaged with outside duties that the Court yesterday was compelled to do without the usual officer to cry, in the customary stentorian tones, “Order in the Coort,” and his Worship directed the clerk to inquire “the reason why” of the absence of Die representatives of law and order. A Late Train. —The 8 p. m. train from the North was some hour and a half late last night. The cause is stated to be the heating on the journey up of some of the engine bearings, necessitating a halt to allow of their cooling. An engine was started from Ashburton for relief of the unfortunate, but only went a short dis tance before meeting her crippled com panion struggling home. Harvest Accident at Rakaia. —On Thursday one of the men attending a reap ing and binding machine on the Acton Station met with a severe accident. Standing by the horses when they started, he was accidentally tripped up. The animals trampled on him, injuring his face with their hoofs, and also dragging the machine over his body, injuring the poor fellow very much. He'went on to Christ church by the 5.30 train for medical atten dance. The Fire Brigade.— The Fire Brigade held a practice on Wednesday evening, and again tried their bote noir near the County Council buildings, which still re fused to woi’k to their satisfaction, al though it had been driven two feet lower. The new open well opposite the “Guar dian,” office was also tested, aud proved a complete success, no appreciable diminu tion of the water being discoverable after a severe trial. The annual meeting of the Brigade, which will be celebrated by a dinner at the Somerset Hotel, will take place at the Somei’set sample rooms on Tuesday, February 3rd., and a pro cession of the Brigade will march during the same afternoon. O.Y.C. —The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry do not seem to be a pet corps with the Defence Office in Wellington. They have now been for some months without a drill instructor, aud Lieut. Slater, the officer in command, has re peatedly written to Government about the appointment of one. The Defence Office up to the present have taken no notice of the correspondence, and the corps natu rally feel they have been slighted. A general meeting is to be held at the Brit tania Hotel on Thursday next, to consider the position of affairs. So far as the Ash burton contingent is concerned, they have been extremely fortunate in securing the services of Trooper Scott, who is most efficient and persevering in his efforts to improve the drill of the men. The Rangitata Railway Bridge.— Considerable improvements are now being made by the railway authorities on the island between the bridges over the noi'th and south branches of the Rangitata river. The embankment on this length of the line, about a mile in extent, was originally formed only 10ft. in width on top, and by the action of wind and water it has become so diminished in its propor tions as to require some repairs. A ballast engine and a gang of men have accord ingly been at work for some weeks past, widening the formation to 12ft., and it is expected that it will take till the end of April to make a thoroughly good job of the embankment. Suitable material is close at hand in the big cutting in the ter race on the north bank of the river, and under the able supervision of Mr. Lines, the local inspector of permanent way, the work is beginning to present a more sub stantial-looking road for the iron horse. Proposed Horticultural Society.—A meeting of gentlemen favorable to the for mation of a Horticultural Society was held in Quill’s sample rooms, on Thursday. There was a fair attendance, and Mr. J. Sealey was voted to the chair. Mr. Poyntz was requested to act as secretary pro tem. The chairman explained the ob ject of the meeting, when it was duly moved, seconded, aud carried—“ That it is desirable stejis should be taken to es tablish a Horticultural Society, and that those present form themselves into a pro visional committee to canvass the borough and county for subscriptions.” Full infor mation was laid before the meeting as to the working of the Christchurch Society. The secretary and Mr. Anstee were ap pointed a special committee to canvass the borough and outskirts. It was resolved that if possible, the first show of the so ciety should be held on the same day ns the Ashburton Agricultural Show. It was also resolved that the provisional com mittee bring up their report for considera tion at an adjourned meeting to be held on Thursday evening, the 29th inst., in Quill’s sample rooms, at 8 p.m.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Atie S/>caal.) London, Jan. 14. The “ Globe ” suggests a compromise of the political difficulty in Victoria by the Council becoming a revising chamber. It condemns the plebiscite. Childers has returned from Canada. The floating of the South Australian loan is deferred, owing to a dispute as to the minimum. Latest newsfi’om Afghanistan states that the tribes are menacing. General Roberts telegraphs that a large foi’ce is required to maintain British supremacy. A offensive alliance is believed to exist between Russia and France against Ger many. The latter is largely increasing her artillery, and Krupp, the great gun founder, has been dh'ected to use des patch in the fulfilment of the orders he has received. Two hundred persons perished hi the floods at St. Kitt’a. The destruction of property was immense. The marriage of Garibaldi, the Italian Liberator, with the Marchisa Hermondi, has been annulled under the Austrian code. Political riots have occurred as Pesth, and a collision between the military and populace resulted. The Grand Duke of Schleswig-Holstein is dead. [Renter's.) London, Jan. 15. The five per cent. New Zealand loan is at 101. The trial of those who have been arrested in connection with the dis turbances in Ireland, will commence on Friday. Paris, J an. 14. Gambetta has been re-elected President of the French Chamber of Deputies by a small majority. Constantinople, Jan. 14. The Sultan has conferred the Order of the Medjidio upon the Turkish Minister of Police, who was accused of having ordered tlie arrest of the Mollah (priest) who translated the English Bible into the Turkish language. The accusation against the Minister is however denied. Bombay, Jan, 14, The Kohistanis, whom General Baker

recently dispersed, are concentrating their forces at Lundee-Khana and Dakka in the vicinity of the Khyber Pass. The other Afghan tribes, however, are re ported to be quiet. AUSTRALIAN. [Renter's). Sydney, Jan. 15. A quantity of wool was damaged, ex Scottish Knight. The vessel will pro bably be floated, and come on to Sydney for repairs. Sailed—Albion. Sydney, Jan 16. An exciting debate took place in the Assembly last night on the Treasurer’s proposal to impose an excise duty on colonial ale. The proposition was ul timately rejected by a majority of 2, and the remaining resolutions in favor of excise duties were withdrawn. Melbourne, Jan, 15. Arrived—-Albion. The Bank of Now South Wales has given notice of withdrawal from the agreement with the other banks res pecting the rate of interest. The Chief Secretary has prohibited the production of a burlesque called “ Happy Land,” wherein it was intended to re present Mr. Berry as Longmoro Smith. The other characters are Gladstone, Lowe, and Ayrton. Large subscriptions arc coming in to wards the Irish Relief Fund.

INTERPROYINCIAL.

Auckland, Jan. 15. The Midge, from Samoa, brings dates to December 15th. The treaty of peace was signed that day by the representatives of each party. The substance of the treaty is that there shall be no more fight ing. The treaties with the United States, Germany, and Great Britain, are to be re cognised, and the convention established between the district of Apia and neutral territory is also to be recognised. A grand ovation was given to Captain Deinbard, of H. I. M. ship Bismarck, for his efforts in quelling the disturbances. Sixteen repx’e sentatives of districts met on board the Bismarck and proclaimed Mulitea King of all Samoa. Ausep, the King in Stein berg’s time, was made heir apparent. All foreigner's are excluded from the new Go vernment. The new Municipal Council is elected, consisting of representatives of Germany, America, and England. A large number of the late employes of Dempsey, the contractor, who has failed in his railway reclamation contract, obtained judgment for wages at the Court to-day. On the return of the Rotomahana to this port an inquiry will be held into the accident which occurred to her off the Great Barrier Island. At the sitting of the Supreme Court in banco, a peculiar case was mentioned, namely, Prince v. Kerr, a suit commenced in the first instance to i-ecovor a gambling debt. Plaintiff was described as u “ gentleman of the turf,” and defendant as “ the scion of a Scottish ducal house.” The debt was on a promissory note for L2OO, won by plaintiff at cards. The wilt was issued on 30th May la. t, defendant appeared on the 13th June, the declara tion was filed on the 14th June, and de fendant pleaded on 21st July. The action was bi'ouglit upon a three months’ bill made by defendant, and lie pleaded first that he received no valuable considera tion for the bill, and further that it re presented a sum of money won from him at cards by plaintiff in the Nevada Hotel, Auckland. His Honor made an order that the action should be dismissed unless the next step was taken within eight clays. In the case of W. Brandon v. City Council, claim LSOO for injury to pro perty through improvements, Judge Gillies ami the assessoi-s awarded L4OO, and costs L 25. The Mormons have commenced a mis sion in Auckland. Mr. DeLean, in a letter published in the local papers, states that a petition, urging the Berlin Government to establish German supremacy by placing the Samoan King under German protection, is being banded about for signature by a captain of the New Zealand Militia, and being signed here by many naturalised German citizens who have taken the oath prescribed by the Alien Act, 1860. Mr. Hurst has been solicited to address his constituents. Auckland, Jan. 16. The Hon. Mr. Bryce is expected in Auckland about the end of the month, to confer with Mr. Whitaker as local matters. Some merchants here ax*e heavily weighted with Goddefroi’s paper. Waste lands to tho value of LSOOO will be offered for sale on Monday next, prin cipally in the Waikato district. Grahamstown, Jan. 15. The “Star” opened a subscription list yesterday in aid of the Irish distress. Sir George Grey visits the Thames after the opening of the Auckland College. Pastor Ohiniquy is to charter the Roto mahana for himself and his Auckland friends for a visit to the Thames. A two-roomed cottage, occupied by a miner named Jno. French, his mot-hex*, and a young brother, was destroyed by fire last night. When the fire was lirst seen the house was all in flames, and be fore anything could be saved, the cottage and its contents were burned to cinders. It is believed the fire occurred through a candle being Me burning. N abler, Jan. 15. This portion of ova was lauded at 4 p. m. in good condition. New Plymouth, Jan. 15. The Mounted Rifle Volunteers were presented with colors this afternoon. There was a large muster from the coun try. The colors were presented to the corps by Major Stapp on behalf of the ladies. The coal bi-ought from Mokau is very good. The engineer of tho Hannah Mokau says he can get more steam up with it than with the Grey coal. It is to be tried on the engines on the line here. Wellington, Jan, 15 Tho half-yearly meeting of the ’Work ing Men’s Club was held last night, when the report and balance-sheet showed a satisfactory result. Colonel Scratch!ey inspects the whole of the Wellington volunteers to-night. The ship Zealandia cleared for London this morning, with cargo valued at L7!,392. Subscriptions in aid of the Irish dis tress fund are coming in freely. It is understood that his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston and Mr. W. Read, Solicitor-General, have been appointed Commissioners to consolidate tho statutes of the colony. It is reported that Sir Francis Dillon Bell and Sir W. Fox have definitely ac cepted seats on the Royal Commission on Native affairs. The following tender for the Wakama rina bridge contract has been accepted— Joseph Gilbertson, Nelson, L 1673. Colonel Scratchley will inspect the various volunteer corps to-morrowevening. Notification of the relinquishment by Her Majesty of negotiations for the pur chase of certain lands in the North Island appears in the. “ Gazette.” Colonel Whitmore lias been ax>pointecl Colonel to the New Zealand regiment of Artillery. The return of the quantity and value of gold entered for exportation for the year ending 31st December, 1879, is as follows: —Auckland, 37,9010z5., of the value of L 154.295 ; Picton, 8790z5., L346G ; Nel son, 48210z5., L 18,648 ; Westport, 18,120 ozs., L 72,482 ; Greymouth, 68,6410z5., L 274,570; Hokitika, 54,2030z5., L21G,785; Dunedin, 92,8660z5., L 367,857 ; Invercar gill, 10,0030z5., L 40,011 ; totals, 287,464 ozs., valued at L 1,148,108.

At the Supreme Court the case O’Grady v. Johnston and Co, was heard. This action was to recover L3OOO damages for alleged breach of agreement on the part of defendant in not endorsing a promis sory note after having promised to do so. The jury found for plaintiff, for LlO. Nelson, Jan. 15. The result of Nelson College scholar ships examinations, for hoys attending public schools is : —For the city ; John son, 1 ; Sartell, 2 ; for the country districts: Harkness, 1 ; Talbot, 2, both of Richmond, Conolly, of Picton, 3. Nelson, Jan. 16. The local Committee of the New Zealand Rifle Association are preparing for the forthcoming meeting, An influential reception Committee is being formed, and the telegraph department is about erect ing an office on the ground at Bright wliter. The Wanganui cavalry have arranged for a steamer to bring over their horses, aud a most successful meeting is looked forward to. Oamaru. Jan. 15. The weather is now fine, and the reports from the country districts do not record any great damage to the crops from the recent rains. Dunedin, Jan. 15. With reference to a statement in the Wellington “ Chronicle” that Mr. Robert Stout had been offered a Supreme Court judgeship by the Government, Mr. Stout has authorised the “ Times” to say that no such offer was ever made, that had it been made it would not have been ac cepted, and that he does not intend to allow liis political opponents to put him on the shelf quite so soon. Very little damage appears to have been done to the crops by the late rain, and the weather to-day has been splendid. Judge Williams heard the case, David son v. Davidson, in Chambers. It is a wife’s petition for judicial separation. Dunedin, Jan. 16. The coroner’s jury that inquired into the death of James Taylor, at Cromwell, added a rider to their verdict, censuring Thos. Anderson, at whose house the de ceased died, for inhumanity. After a whole day’s debate, the Presby terian Synod agreed to endow in the Otago Univei’sity a chair of English Literature, Political Economy, and Constitutional History. Thirty-s’x voted for it, against fl 6 for Mr. Copland’s motion to make the Chair one of Political Economy and Moral Philosophy in the Presbyterian Hall, if the University Council again refused to accept it. Professor Salmond’s motion to endow a chair of Natural Philosophy and Experimental Physics was negatived by 32 to 23. Some strong language, at the expense of the University Council and the supporters of Mr. Reynolds’ Bill <>f last session, was indulged in by the minority. The workmen on the unemployed section of the central railway held a meeting over their grievances. They de cided to petition Government for an increase of pay and regular payment. Alex. Forbes, a miner, was killed by a fall of earth in a claim near Naseby last night. The Justices decline to act at the City Police Court till better accommodation is provided. Invercargill, Jan. 15. The Borough Council, at its meeting to night, decided to vote the Mayor a salary of L3OO per annum. Invercargill, Jan. 10. A meeting has been called for Monday to raise an Irish Relief Fund.

THE LATEST.

PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, Jan. 16. A double attempt was made to upset the Waikato trains to-day by placing large blocks of scoria on the rails, neav the mouth of the Domain tunnel. The vigilance of the drivers prevented the success of the dastardly attempt. The police are investigating the mystery. About two chains of the railway em bankment are washed away on the Kaipara line by the recent rain. At the Thames a deputation waited upon Mr. Whitaker to urge the continua tion of the work on the Grahamstown- Waikato Railway. Mr, Whitaker ad vised the deputation to lay their case before the Minister of Wox-ks, who was expected to visit Auckland shortly. The first step to be taken would be to settle claims for compensation. It would be necessary to overcome the obstacles raised by Tukino, and come to some definite ai’rangement with that chief be fore the lino could be proceeded with. Wellington, Jan. 16. Owing to the dullness of the coastal trade tlm U.S.S Co. have decided on lay ing up three of their steamers. At the Supreme Court to-day, the case of Platt v. Smith and Moody was heard. The action was brought to recover from defendant LIOOO damages for breach of contract. The jury entered a verdict for L 920. Before the defendants carried out their agreement they became ins®lvent, and therefore plaintiff will only rank as a creditor in the estate. A deputation from the Chamber of Oom mci’ce will wait on Government to-mor row urging the necessity of erecting new post and telegraph offices. The fund in aid of the Irish distress is steady increasing. At the District Court to day Henry Best, commission agent, was summoned by Mrs. Mearcs, for L2OO, moneys alleged to have been received by the de fendant as agent for the plaintiff, and fraudulently appropriated to his own use. His Honor reserved judgment until to morrow. Christchurch, Jan. 16. The rainfall on Tuesday and Wednes day last as registered by Mr. J. B. Stansell, was 1.71 inches. There was a heavy thunderstorm between 3 and 4 o’clock this afternoon accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning and hail. It lasted about an hour ' and a half. The rain was very heavy this evening. The sky is again overcast and it is raining slightly. Timaru, Jan. 16. Two men, named W. Reilly and Robt. Robertson, were arrested to-day on a charge of robbery with violence. They were identified by a man named M'Nulty as the two men who had x’obbed him on the road, near the town, the previous night. Subsequently one of them was identified by another man, who was robbed a week ago about the same place. A young man employed as barman at the Club Hotel w r as brought up at the R. M. Court to-day, charged with the larceny of moneys from his employer, and remanded till to-morrow. Dunedin, Jan. 16. There are 7,050 scholars on the roll of the Presbyterian Sabbath schools in Otago, comprising 3,362 boys and 3,688 gii’ls. Yesterday afternoon Dave Bell, a sail maker of the ship Auckland, fell down the main hold, a distance of 15ft., striking an iron tank in his fall and breaking his right le". He was brought ashore and con veyed to the Dunedin Hospital. The Fish testimonial is to be presented on Monday evening. The meeting will be open to ratepayers only, as Mr. Fish has expressed a desire to fully state the whole circumstances connected with the late Mayoralty contest and his subcontract with the contractors for the Town Hall. The total subscriptions amount to L 230. The hearing of the divorce case, David son v, Davidson, was continued at the Supreme Court to-day, before his Honor Mr. Justice Williams, but not concluded. At Port Chalmers to-day, while Wil liam Rumraall was engaged _ unloading a truck with casks from the ship Taranaki, the sling broke, and one of the casks

struck him, inflicting severe injuries on the head and face. Fears are entertained for his recovery. Invercargill, Jan. 16. The scaffolding at the new law court, now in course of' erection in Tay street,. gave way this afternoon, precipitating five men to the ground, a distance of thirty feet. One of the men, George Smith, is believed to be fatally injured while two others have sustained serious injuries. The other two escaped with a shaking and a few bruises. The three severely in jured are now in the hospital, but the ex tent of their injuries is not yet known.

REAPER AND BIDDER TRIAL.

, , * — : (From our own Correspondent.) Christchurch, Jan. 16. A trial of the Johnston and Wood string binders came off at Prebbleton to day. The Johnston did very well in a moderate crop of oats, tying small sheaves with very strong twine, but not tying them as regularly tight as theDeering did. The Wo xl was at work in a heavy crop of oats, 6ft. high, green, and sometimes wet with showers, so that it made little pro gress. The binder choked often, and many obstructions arose. The sheaves it turned off were large and badly tied, and but for the frequent long stoppages and taking less width than the machine was made for, the horses would have been un equal to the work. Neither of the machines can be said to have done their work so remarkably well as the Deering binder did, but there was very little to complain of in the Johnston.

ALFORD FOREST.

* (From our Rambling Reporter.) This interesting locality, which I lately visited, is distant about 25 miles from Ashburton, and about 10 from the Spread Eagle Agriculture is not a feature in this district, the principal productions being posts and rails and firewood, and the only cultivation is confined to a few patches near the foot of the hills. The land between the “Eagle” and the hills has mostly been purchased by the proprie tors of the Alford run, of which Mr. L. B. Corsbie acts as manager. Some of this land is of a very superior quality, and would be more profitable to the country if broken up and cropped than lying com paratively idle in tussock. It was origin ally intended to continue the Eakaia and Alford Forest railway through the centre of this block, but the tightness of the money market, and other causes, com pelled the company to cease operations at Methven, which the landholders on the south side of the north river consider too near the hills to be available for extension towards Alford, without turning back at an acute angle, and this is considered objectionable, as adding to the length of the line without proportionate benefit. As, however, these land-owners are sub ject to be taxed by the operations of the District Railways Act for the cost of the line, they feel that they will be unjustly treated, as at present the difficulty ex perienced in crossing the north branch precludes their making the Rakaia and Methven line of much utility to them selves, and the proposed bridge over the north branch will bo too near the hills for them. However, when the tax comes to be inflicted, we will probably hear more about the matter. The roads in this part of the Mount Somers road district are a splendid ex ample of “how not to do it.” The formed and metalled ways are religiously shunned by the travelling public where possible, and the native tussock used in preference to the abortions called metalled roads. Across Taylor’s stream Mr. Butt is busy with the erection of a bridge across Taylor’s stream. The bottom of this branch is very rough, and the pile driving extremely difficult in consequence of the number and size of the boulders. The timber used in the construction, is Alford Forest black birch for the piles, caps, and corbels, and Oxford birch for the top work. The latter is of very good quality, but the local wood is not, I think, calculated to lasc more than five years at most. The local bush is of a very stunted and meagre description, and only fit for fencing or firewood. Some few years ago Mr. Tisch had a saw mill at work there, but ho did not get rich over it. He, however, in tends at some early date to have another try in a block of 600 acres which he owns there, and which he described to me as being the best patch in the forest. I trust his venture will be successful as a saw mill generally employs 20 to 30 men about it, one way or another. Alford Forest is remarkable for the moistness of its climate, and it frequently happens—l give this on the sworn testimony of the oldest inhabi tant—that it rains there when it is sun shiny weather two miles nearer Ash burton. If the liberal favors conferred upon this district by the clerk of the weather are to be looked upon as a help towards wealth, then I should say that the dwellers in this umbrageous country ought to be doing well. But for my own part, if I were anxious to make a rapid fortune I don’t think I would endeavor to try it on in that neighborhood. Postal communication is for the future to be kept up by means of a daily mail from Methven, Mr. Tisch being the con tractor for the service. It is not con templated to employ more than a two horse coach for the extensive correspon dence the business people there receive. Mr, Alfred Harrison was at Alford Forest during my visit, and was the centre of attraction that day. being busily en gaged in selling the furniture and effects of Mi\ Morgan of the hotel, and the prices realised ought to have been satisfactory to both auctioneer and seller. The sale was the means of collecting together nearly the whole population. The most absorb ing topic appeared to be the adjourned annual meeting of the Mount Somers ratepayers to be held next Monday, when a lively time is expected.

NEW VERSION OF THE PRODIGAL SON.

A London paragraphist says : As an illustration of the actual mental calibre of some of the English schoolboys, I give a paraphrase of the Prodigal Son, as writ ten out by a youthful genius of our Mid lands, at a certain Sunday school the other day.. There is a drawing-room game called “ Tradition,” in which the fun lies in seeing how a story conies out after passing through several hands, but I think my readers will agree with me that this lad had so great a gift of confusion of thought that he could play the game all by himself to perfection : “ The Prodigal Son was once sent to sell some grain. On his way back some thieves met him, and stripped. him and took his money from him, and then the son dare not go home to his father, but ran away, and his father went after him to seek for him. One day a good way off he went to church and preached in church, and said how he had lost a son, and after they were all gone out of church but the father of the son, the son came out from under the seats, and the n.an took him home and blessed him.” '

DISTRICT COURT.

Thursday, Jan. 15. (Before His Honor Judge Ward.) On the business of the Court being called on, _ , The Clerk of the Court drew his Honor a attention to a paragraph in this morning’s “ Guardian. ” His Honor said he could not take any notice of the paragraph, as it did not affect the Court. Mr. O’Reilly disavowed, as far as he was concerned, any connection with the article in question. His Honor stopped O’Reilly to inform him that the matter was not before the Court. PETER V. FERGUS. Mr. Gresson for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant. Judgment by consent for amount paid into Court, L3O 11s. De fendant’s costs allowed. PETERS V. FERGUS. Claim Lllß 18s. 9d., for use and occu pation of land as per agreement. Mr. Gresson for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant. On the conclusion of plaintiff’s case, Mr. Purnell opened the defence, and pointed out that the plaintiff had waived his claim to the rent. Mr. Gresson objected, on the ground that the defence v.'as not included in the plea filed. His Honor upheld the objection. Mr. Parnell then asked leave to amend his plea, and this was done. After hearing further evidence his Honor gave judgment for plaintiff for amount claimed and costs. PAULINO V. M r KIB. Claim LG7 10s., balance of commission on a sale of land. Mr. Parnell for plain tiff ; Air. Thomas for defendant. Mr. Pauling, farmer, deponed.—Before Christmas 1878, M‘Kie came to me and I asked him what he wanted for his land. He said L 3 10s. per acre. I asked if I got a purchaser, would he give 2|- percent, commission. He agreed to do so. There were 1800 acres near the Rangitata. I got a purchaser named James Boyd who is now in possession of the land ; .and I applied for my commission, but only got part of it. Defendant said the charge was too much, and I demanded a cheque but did not get it. About two months after wards I got a cheque for LOO, and I sub sequently took out a summons in the R.M. Court against McKie, and the case was dismissed as that Court had no juris diction. By Air. Thomas—At the time the con tract was made I was working on the ad joining land. I think the transaction took place in the latter end of November. I had nothing to do with striking the bar gain ; all I did was to find a purchaser. When I saw McKic I demanded a cheque, and would have taken a cheque for L9O if it had been paid then and there. I would have taken a post-dated cheque. Ho told mo the bargain was not closed then. I was afraid he was going to leave the country. McKie demurred paying, as he considered 2\ per cent, was too much. Elizabeth Pauling, daughter of plaintiff, deponed—l was present at a conversation between my father and AlcKie. The latter said he would sell out if he could get a purchaser. McKie said he would take L 3 10s. an acre, and my father said he thought he could find a purchaser. AlcKie said he would give 21 per cent. Aly father asked him if he was jesting, and ho said “ no. ” By Mr. Thomas—l was helping my father at the fence. I have been two or three years at school. I heard all the conversation. It was in the morning. I have never had any conversation with my father regarding the conrarsation on that day. I knew I was goi»UJhbe a witness. I know that 21 per cent, means 6d. in the £. Air W. R. Boyle, commission agent, gave evidence that 2h per cent, was a fair price to pay for land transactions. By Air. Thomas—Don’t think 2| would be a fair charge for a mere introduction. Think L9O a very liberal price to pay for the work done. Mr. Thomas, for the defence, pointed out that the plaint was for work, labor, and journeys made; and that had; not been borne out in evidence. That given by both father and daughter was so exactly alike that it was evident the daughter had learnt her lesson like a parrot. Mr. AlcKie, farmer, sworn—Am a far mer residing at Hororata. Held 1,800 acres at Rangitata. Pauling occupied land between Air Cree’s and mine. I had a coxiversation withhim,and toldhiml would try to sell out in a short time. He- said he thought he could find a purchaser. Did not then tell him how much I wanted for the land, that as I did not intend selling just then I would not make any bargain about it. Nothing was said about 2h per cent. The daughter was about a chain away whilst we were talk ing. The father stood talking' to me about 20 minutes. This was in October. Subsequently, about the end of Novem ber, I had another conversation with Pauling, and told him I intended selling iflconld get L3losanacre,andsaidafriend of his was a likely purchase.!, and asked if I would pay a commission if he sold it. He asked 2h per cent, which I said I would not pay, as I did not employ him to sell but only to introduce the buyer., No agreement was come to as to what should be paid. I told him if he wrote to his friend and the land was sold at the price mentioned for cash I would deal liberally with him. Air Boyd came up about the 27th Nov., a!nd saw me and about the 18th February my brother sold the land to him. The purchase was completed on the Ist April. I saw Pauling in March. He asked me if I was going to allow him . anything for his trouble. I asked whatfe he expected, and he replied he would leave it to myself. William Brooks was present at the time. I told him that, had the land been purchased before harvest, I would have given him LOO; but as the land had not been purchased till after harvest I did not think he was entitled to that amount. I told him if Boyd paid me, and completed the purchase, I would still give him the LOO, and he said he j thought that very fair. When the trans action was completed I sent a cheque for the amount. William Brooks, ploughman, sworn— Recollected Pauling asking McKie what .. he was going to give him for selling the land. AlcKie asked what he considered he was entitled to, and Pauling said he would leave it to McKie, who then replied l.e would give LOO, and defendant said he was satisfied. By Air. Purnell—l was then in the employ of Air. APKie. This closed the evidence, and, counsel having addressed the Court, His Honor said the whole case hinged, on the credibility of the witnesses, and, the evidence was entirely contradictory on; both sides ; but he considered defendant’s, rtiost reliable, and judgment would be for defendant, and costs. Tisch v. Carter.—Claim LSO, forl-tres pass on land. Mr. Purnell for plaintiff. Air. O’Reilly for defendant. Air. O’Reilly asked for an adjournment on the ground that the defendant’s state ment of defence was filed too late. Air. Purnell stated that willing to waive the question of filipg the defence. His Honor stated that he could see-no reason for adjournment. Mr. Purnell then explained the position of the plaintiff in the matter, and after hearing the evidence, ; 5 Air. O’Reilly applied for a nonsuit. Judgment by consent for a farthing, and His Honor suggested that the balance of the purchase money (LIS) be paid by Mr. Carter, and so end the matter. •~ V ; A'::

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day : — Wind. Ther. Bar. Saturday Jan. 10 N. B. 78-0 28-87 Sunday ,, 11 S.W. 66 0 29-40 Monday ,, 12 E. 67-0 29-52 Tuesday „ 13 S.E. 61 5 29-57 Wednesday ,, 14 s. 61 0 29-26 Thursday ,, 15- f N-W. 73 5 28-93 Friday „ 16- ; later ] 1 s.w. J - 66 0 29-22



LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT THE “EVENING HERALD” OFFICE. Farmers requiring hands can engage men through the “Evening Herald ” Registry 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 !/-• ENGAGEMENTS will be 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. WANTED, those in search of employ ment, to call and either enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. , LABOURERS requiring work can secure first opening by applying early at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. SERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance. V. R. NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAPHS. Head Office, Wellington, Jan. 2, 1880. THE Telegraph Commissioner is pre pared to receive applications for Cadetships in the New Zealand Telegraph Department. Applications must be made in appli cant’s own handwriting, stating age, and accompained by references as to character, &c. , addressed to the General Manager, New Zealand Telegraphs, Wellington. By order of the Telegraph Commis sioner C. LEMON, *37Ba Superintendent of Telegraphs. REAPERS AND BINDERS. rnHE UNDERSIGNED HAVE FOR X SALE A SPECIAL SHIPMENT OF IMPROVED REAPERS AND BINDERS, With All the Latest Improvements, in cluding a new IRON DRIVING WHEEL. One of these Improved Machines has been used this season in a paddock of early barley, with the best results. The farmer who worked it states it is the Best Machine he has ever seen used. We par ticularly invite inspection of the Sample Machine now on view at Messrs. P. and D. Duncan’s Yard, Christchurch. PRICE £SO EACH. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., *3B6g Christchurch. Advertisements received for tim GUARDIAN up to 9 p.m. at the scale charges, afterwards at double rates for insertion over the leader



SEALY BROS., Seedsmen and nurserymen, East Street, ASHBURTON. Farm, Garden, and Flower Seeds and Garden Requisites of every descrip tion at Lowest Rates, Nursery —Moore Street. 43*



Holloway’s Tills. --At the change of seasons many persons feel oppressed without knowing why they are so—they arc aware something within them is wrong, though they cannot detect the delected organ. A few doses of those powerfully purifying and eminently cooling Tills will restore regularity to every part of the system—will cast out all impurities lurking in the frame, and will throroughly expel the last traces of disorder, however obscure its cause. With Holloway’s medicine elief is insured without risk : erroneous action s rectified without disturbing natural regularity, health is re-mstated. and with it return the cheerful feelings which unmistakably tell the invalid that aU within is right again.