SHIPPING.

- STEAMERS LEAYE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington —Wellington, This Day, Tuesday, Feb. 17. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train. To be followed by Te Anau, on Thurs day, February 19th. For Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland— Te Anau, on Thursday, Feb. 19th. Passengers bv 2.-10p.m. train. To be followed' by Wanaka, on Satur day, Feb. 21. Fob Port Chalmers —Ringaroonia, This Day, Tuesday, February 17. Pas sengers by 2.40 p.m. train To be followed by Taiaroa, on Thurs day, Feb. 19. For Melbourne, via Bluff— Bmga rooma, This Day, Tuesday, Feb. 17. Passengers by 2.40 p. in. train. To be followed by the Rototnaha.ua, on Tuesday, February 24th. Fob Sydney—Tararua, on Thursday, Feb. 26. . For Hobart Town Ringaroonia, This Day, Tuesday, Feb. 17. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. For Pioton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau Wellington, This Day, Tuesday, Feb. 17. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train. For Nelson, Wesport, Gksymouth, and Hokitika Maori, on Thursday, Feb, 19.

COMMERCIAL.

❖ We extract the following remarks on the London corn market, from the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. ’s Circular, of January last ; Corn Market. —The demand is quiet, millers generally being indisposed to make any bat retail purchases. Their inaction is in part attributable to the largo quantity of home-grown wheat cm offer, and in part to the liberal stocks on hand, added to which buyers are usually reluctant to in crease their commitments at this time of the year. Exports from the United States, however, show a considerable decrease, and as the greater portion of the available supply of winter xvheao is stated to be in the hands of a strong clique of speculators, who, by keeping it off tho market, arc en deavoring to force up its value still further, few shipments will be made at present beyond what may be necessary to fill old contracts. The total quantity on passage from all ports is estimated at 2,069,555 quarters. Australian wheat of the now crop, for January-February shipments, has been freely offered and sold at 565. Gd. to 575. 6d. per 4801bs. c.i.f. For a cargo of the old crop arrived off coast (the Mizpah, 3731 quarters) 595. is asked, and 58s. of fered. Shipments on passage are saleable at 555. Cd. for U.K., but that price is not accepted by importers. Stocks of Colonial wheat in London are now greatly reduced, and prices are about Is higher than those current a month ago. Latest quotations are : —South Austra lian wheat, 60s. to Gls. per 49Glbs. ; Vic torian wheat, Gls. to C2s. per 49Glbs. ; New Zealand wheat, 5Gs. to Gls. per 496T05. ; Australian flour, 38s. to 445. per 280Ibs. ; New Zealand flour, 375. to 41s. per. 2801bs. Annexed is the usual list of arrivals during the month : Sepia, Port Pirie, 9002 sacks wheat ; Durham, s. Melbourne, 398 sacks wheat ; Rialto, Port Lyttelton, 14,765 sacks wheat; Himalaya, Port Lyttelton, 554 G sacks wheat ; Orari, Port Lyttelton, 483 sacks wheat ; Benares, Port Chalmers, 19,542 sacks wheat.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10,aoja.m. 4.30 p.vn., and 8 pan., daily. For Chcrtscy at 10.20 a.m dally. For Rakaia r.t 10.20 a. in and 4.30 pan daily. For Dunedin, Thv.vnkl "Winslow, Hind', Coldstream, Raixgixata, Ovarii, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10. 20 a.m, dally. For Ternuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Grccnstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somovs, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterloo, and Longbeach, at 3.15 pan. daily. For Walcanui and Seafiekl, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 pan. W. Sr. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1880.

Tub Alleged Larceny of Horses.— The case against James Gardiner came to a conclusion late on Saturday afternoon, and resulted in the committal for trial of the accused. The case will be hoard at next sitting of the Supreme Court. Collapse of a House. —While a house was being raised to the level ot the street at New Plymouth it collapsed, nearly killing the wife of a constable and her threo° children who were inside at the time. A Brute.— A man named Tate has been committed for trial at Timaru on two charges of indecently assaulting little girls. A New Candidate. —Mr. "William A clams, of Moore street, announces bis start in business as a commission agent, accountant, Ac. on his own account. Mr. Adams is known for his ability as a man of figures, and we can recommend him as an agent likely to look after his principal s interests. On His Legs Again.— Our broad chested defender of the peace, Denis Morouey, is getting “ blue mouldy for want of abating,” and has challenged the Rakaia champion for a bit of rough jmcl tumble business for anything from L 5 up to all the spare cash or credit the-Rakaia admirers of Mr. Roscombe possess. We would caution our Rakaia readers that the Ashburton man will take a lot of “rubbing out. ” The Sheep Act, 1878.—We have secured a copy of a pamphlet recently published by the Government giving the text of the Sheep Act, 1878, together with all proclamations, Orders in Council, and “Gazette” notices bearing thereon. An interesting memorandum by Dr Hector on the parasitic insects which infest sheep is appended to the pamphlet, and although Canterbury flocks bave long been un affected by scab, all owners of sheep should peruse this little work, which has been specially issued for their informa tion. Bread.— "We have been favored by Mr. A. Thiele, baker, Wakanui road, with a loaf of bread made from this year’s wheat, grown at Wakanui, and ground at Mr. Moffat’s new mill. The broad made by Mr. Thiele has been very highly compli mented by several gentlemen who have given the sample a trial as being a really good article, and Mr. Thiele guarantees that the principle upon which he bakes his •■•read is a new one, and a loaf will keep for a -week without getting sour, which is a benefit to consumers in the country where they can only be supplied at intervals of several days. A Change for Carriers. —At the pre sent time the greatest difficulty our farmers have to contend with is the want of draught horses to cart their grain to the stacks, or threshing machines, as the case may be, and where the crop is alieady threshed out every farmer is of course anxious to get his grain to market as early as possible. There is now a chance for a man who can afford to speculate in the best wagon and team in Ashburton, viz ; the one now belonging to the Wcsterfield Estate, which is no longer required on that estate, as the railway is constructed close by the homestead and mill. The Easter Review. —We notice that Capt. Bullock, of the Ashburton volun teer corps, is calling his men together, with the object of finding out how much patriotism exists among them—in other words, to obtain the names of those willing to “ bleed” for their country for four clays drill at the Easter review. As volunteers intend presenting themselves from the far North to the snowy South, we hope that Capt. Bullock will be able to muster a strong company to do credit to Ashburton. The local contingent of cavalry will, we understand, assemble in good force, and from their regular attend ance and able instruction under Trooper Scott, they will probably give a good account of their drill during the past year. A Midnight Scene. —There have been a number of jibes and jeers passed at the expense of the Borough Council for their action respecting the illicit trade done by the cabs. That the Council were justified in the resolution eve may mention the following circumstance which happened about la. m. this morning. A cab stopped opposite Saunders’ buildings, near the “ Guardian ” office. A man was thrown out on the footpath, and the vehicle at once drove away. The ejected one was left lying full length across the footpath, dead drunk, with a face ghastly with blood and blows, and in the darkness of the night liable to bo trodden upon, or become a trap for any late wayfarer. Three of our staff took him in out of danger. The occupants of the cab are known, and it is probable that the recent correspondence which has appeared commenting on the resolution of the Borough Council will be found to Ixave been written by some indi vidual very much interested in keeping up the illicit traffic. Lost in the Gale. —On Sunday while the gale was going it high, a photographer in town discovered that his show case had mysteriously disappeared from his street door. It was a day when Ashburton pre sented an attraction to country residents in the services conducted by Pastor Chiniquy, and the loss of the show case on that clay was a loss indeed. High and low the missing case with its “ counterfeit presentment ”of the youth, beauty, and respectability of Ashburton, was hunted for, but fruitlessly. The machinery of the police was set in motion, but it ran clown at night like a clock without “striking ile,” The photographer spent a sorry night, and in tho morning early he was that would not be unearthed from the swag of any wandering snapper-up of uu cousidered trifles—that the hangers-on at pubs could not be even hinted it as hav ing appropriated. A neighboring solicitor met the sorrowful one and heard thewoful tale. Tho sorrowful one wont into the legal office? to have a “ case ” properly put for the recovery of his lost repository of art, and after the blue document had been properly constructed the man of law sud denly pointed to a corner the eye of tho photo man had not yet scanned, and asked if the case standing there and the portraits in it, bore any resemblance to the missing “ gallery. ” The countenance of the camera-man lengthened with _ as tonishment and then contracted with joy, and after he had been cautioned not again to leave his pictures exposed to the tender mercies of a 75 to the minute gale, and the chance of a good Samaritan lawyer passing to play the part of a kindly “property man,” lie departed with his burden, but with a lighter heart.

The Chronicle Editor. —Mr. Henry Anderson, the editor of the Wellington “ Chronicle,” has been bought out by the other proprietors. He has filed his sche dule. Mr. Wal h L .nd Sale. —On Thurs day next a rare opportunity will be af forded to those who arc in search of a convenient suburban allotment. Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundrj 7 , will then submit to auction 40 quarter acre sections just outside tho belt and fronting on tho Wakanui Creek. For residence sites they are unequalled in the vicinity of the town, and for ornamental gardens the soil is un approachable. Severe Accident. —On Saturday, about three o'clock, while Mr. Stephens, blacksmith, Tailored street west, was leading a young horse past the new cemetery, the animal swung round sud denly and planted a hick on Mr. Stephen’s ancle, completely fracturing the bones. The injured man was brought to town in a dray by Mr. Hay T. Smith, and taken to his homo, whore he was attended by Dr. Ross. Pastor Chiniquv’s Services. On Sunday the Presbyterian Church was quite full in the morning, on the occasion of Pastor Chiniquy’s service. The introduc tory service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Beattie, after which Mr. Chiniquy delivered a very stirring address. It was purely evangelical, and contained a hearty appeal to his hearers to accept the great gift of God in the person of His Son. In the evening he delivered a similar dis course in the Wesleyan Chapel, at which over six hundred people attended. The audiences at both services were made up of people of all denominations of religion, and the country folks were present in large numbers. Tho collections taken were devoted to tho Pastor’s mission after deducting the average offering in each church. The Weather. —On Saturday night an unwelcome gale of windfrom theN. S. arose and continued throughout Sundajq chop ping round to the IT. W. during tho morn ing. By dusk it was again calm. The day was fearfully hot, and it was feared that considerable damage would be done to the standing crops ; but such is not the case, as wo hear that there is very little grain blown out, and in many cases the grain is all cut on the smaller holdings. About 11 p.m. last night a mild son’-west rain set in, which will retard reaping, carting and threshing operations to a certain extent, but a benefit will be derived by tho land in grass, which has lately had a terribly burnt up look about it. The export of grain has already commenced, and wheat laden trucks form a portion of evei'y train to Christchurch. We hear of a sale at 3s. lOd., but prices are not as yet fixed. The "Wrong Shop. —Yesterday his Worship the R.M. fined Joseph Sloane 20s. for being drunk in charge of a horse. The circumstances under which Joseph found himself in the hands of the police were peculiar. He rode up from his suburban homo to Ashburton in the gale of Sunday. How often he had rested and “refreshed” by the way we know not, but when he entered the town about “ church time ” his seat in the saddle was anything but a secure one. Charitable people said the wind caused the swaying of Jiis body ; unkind people said he was tight; but the spectators’ opinions were of Title moment to Joseph. He made his “ devious way ” towards tho Catholic Chapel, and there entered into conversa tion with some of the worshippers who were outside, the building being full. The conversation was not edifying to good Catholics, and when Joseph drew out and flaunted a bright orange sash, in which ho finally arrayed himself, the edification of his talk was not added to. Whatever was his meaning for the conduct he indulged in wo cannot tell, but the good people around the chapel bore it with commend able patience, and Joseph was walked off to the lock-up for being drunk. Lost Documents. —It will be "remem bered that a fortnight ago a case was heard in tho R.M. Court against Mr. James Gardiner, at the instance of one of his workmen named Higgins. Three horses and a double furi'owed plough were claimed by Higgins as his property—ho having bought them from Gardiner. A document purporting to bo signed by Gardiner, and to be a note of the sale by him was produced in Court—at least two pieces of it; They had boon torn in a struggle—so the evidence boro—between plaintiff and defendant. The case went against Mr. Gardiner, but somehow he wouldn’t give up the horses, and an information for larceny was laid against him. In the course of hearing, the pieces of the sale note wore asked for by Mr. O’Reilly. Nobody know anything about them. Higgins had given them to Mr. Branson, Mr. Branson loft them on the "bench, tho Clerk of tho Court had never soon them. But so long as a shred of evidence existed that the documents were in existence Mr. O’Reilly objected to sccomlF.ry evidence. At last, however, Mr. O’Reilly admitted that if the docu ments could not bo found they must be lost. His Worship readily agreed that this was a very logical deduction, and secondary evidence was proceeded with. Opera Bouffe. —A very enjoyable en tertainment was given on Saturday even ing in the Town Hall by an Opera Bouffe and Comedy Company that has been re cently formed under the management of Mr. Juncker The Company includes several high class vocalists, most of whom arc old favorities who have already estab lished their fame in the colonics. The programme presented on Saturday to a fair audience was certainly a long one, but its varied character and the excellent manner in which it was performed made it all too short for those who were happy enough to hear it. It began with the brilliant operetta, “The Rose of Au vergne,” to which was added tho ever green song “ The Village Blacksmith and a sweet duct from “ Girofle- Girofla. ” Mdlle Muriellc, whom we have heard before in Ashburton, took the part of Fleurette in the operetta, and sang admirably, while at the same time she was most vivacious in her acting. She is a verj' superior soprano, and will doubtless be heard of yet, as in addition to a voice of remarkable range and flexibility she acts with a captivating naivette that cannot fail to please. She had powerful helps in Mr. G. H. Brothers, an excellent tenor ; and Mr T. B. Browning, a rich bass. Tho operetta was followed with a scene or two from Maritana, in which the vocalists were very successful, and then the audi ence were treated to a musical melange, which gave Mr. F. W. Fisher an oppor tunity to display his powers of pleasing in characteristic sketches. “ Tho Soldier’s Return ” concluded tho evening. It is a buriet'.a that truly deserves the qualifier given to it iirtheprogramme—“sparkling."’ We need only add that Mr. Juncker was pianist to let it he known that the instru ment was in good hands.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. ( Heater's 7 e!eg rams.) London, Feb. 12. Three per cent consols, 9G|. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is sixteen and a half millions. The Steamer Garonne arrived from Adelaide. The 5 per cent Nexv Zealand 10-40 loan is quoted at 1921. Best Australian beef laiioxv is at 365.; best Australian mutton tallow, 38s. Gd. Tho House of Commons, after a short debate, refused for tho second time to

assent to the introduction of a Bill to per petuate the Royal Charters of Banks. London, Feb. 13. Mr. F. H. O’Donnel, member for Dun rarvan, in tho House of Commons, moved an amendment on the Address, conveying censure on the Government regarding Irish affairs, but xvas defeated by amajority of 12S to 12. The Irish Distress Relief Bill, promised in her Majesty’s speech, has passed the' 1 second reading. • Obituary. —Sir Wm. Bagga, member for Norfolk. Lord Lymington, the Liberal candidate has been elected for Barnstaple, defeating Mr. Carden. Sir. M. Hicks-Bcach, replying to Sir F. McArthur in the House of Commons, said that the Queensland management of Torres Island had been faultless. He also intimated that the Government had not at present any intention of extending its jurisdiction to New Guinea. London, Fell. 14. The London Chartered Bank of Austra lia pays one per cent, for the half year. Five per cent. Nexv Zealand 10.40 Loan 1021- to 1031. The motion for a Select Committee to inquire into the effects of Free Trade has been negatived. Mr. Clarke, the Conservative candidate, has been elected for Southwark, in room of Mi*. Locke, the deceased member, de feating Mr. Dunn, tho Liberal candidate, and Mr. Shipton, the Radical candidate. • London. Fob. 15. In the sculling match on the Tyne Boyd boat Hawdon, easily. Calcutta, Feb. 15. Latest intelligence from Cabul is to tho effect that Mohammed Jan still continues to excite the different tribes to attack the British force. Berlin, Feb. 14. The Reichstag has been opened. The Imperial speech justified the increase made in the German army on the ground that the arrangements going on amongst their neighbors rendered this course necossaiy ; but tho speech also pointed out that the coui’se of action being pur sued implied no departure from tho pacific policy laid down for tho guidance of the German Empire. Wgt A/dwVr/.) London, Feb 13. Latest noxvs states that Mahomed Jan’s poxver is xx-aniug, and his followers are de creasing. 3000 Turkomans have invaded Afghan. Ayoub Arim, aided by Russians, invaded Badiksbar, xvith a strong force. The German Emperor has announced a commercial treaty with Samoa, which pro vides for the extension of trade. Disraeli denies that Persia is absolved from the treaty xvhich provides for seizing Herat. AUSTRALIAN. (Heater’s Telegrams.) Sydney, Feb. 14. Hennessey’s brandy, case 365. ; throe star, 455. Gd. ; Hennessey’s brandy, bulk, in quarters, 11s. 9d. ; Nexv Zealand oats, 3s. per bushel; maize, per GOlbs., 2s. sd. ; candles, D.8.J., per lb., 7d. to 71s. 4d. ; kerosene, diamond, per gallon, Is. TRI AD el aide, Fob. 14. Wheat, 4s. Bd. per bushel ; flour, LlO 10s. to Lll per ton. Market firm at these

PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE.

INTERPROYINCIAL, Auckland, Feb. 16. On Saturday last a brutal rape xvas com mitted" by a Fijian on a little girl five years old, daughter of Geo. Smith, in Bishop’s paddock, Parnell. The police gave chase, and the perpetrator ran into a swamp near Kohcmarima. The police got bogged, and the Fijian escaped to the bush. A file of policemen surrounded the swamp all Saturday and Sunday night, but the Fijian is supposed to have escaped. It is the same bush Winiata got into. To-day tho police are scouring tho countiy, and the telegraph has been set in motion xvarn ing the police in tho out-districts. The teachers are moving to obtain a room for a library in the training college. It is said the Mormon elders Ixave con xmrted two or throe. They held Mormon service again yesterday. Archbishop Stons performed high mass yesterday, and confirmed a large number of children. An attempt has been made to set fire to Mr. R. Allen Webb’s house. The fire xvas discovered on tho verandah after the family had retired. They xvere aroused by the neighbors xvho put it out. The single passengers by the British Empire xvere released to-day from quaran tine. It has not been decided when the families xvill be allowed to leave. The Now Zealand Accident Insurance Company has commenced business ; shares are at a premium. The Board of Directors accepted 150 proposals for large sums at last meeting. Mx*. Sheehan has gone to Katikati to visit Rcwi. A gum digger named Robert Reid died suddenly. Haxvera, Feb. 16. Tho road is to be xvidenod, clearing axvay the fern ten feet on each side of the formation, previous to the Coiistabulary shifting their camp. Sir. F. D. Bell and Sir W. Fox, accom panied by Mr. Parris, called at the A. C. camp on Saturday on their way to Geo, whither they returned the same evening. Wellington, Feb. 16. It is mentioned that Walter Bishop, late collector of accounts for the “ New Zealand Sun,” intends to commence a criminal action for libel against that paper for publishing an advertisement in connection xvith him. Tho first meeting of the Royal Com mission on the Native Affairs xvill be held at Oeo on Thursday, the 19th inst. The interpreters and short hand xvritei*a have been instructed to be in attendance, and they leave here to-morrow morning. Tho Naval Brigade xvill send about 150 men to the review at Christchurch at Easter. Tho inhabitants of Pioton have sub scribed LIOO in aid of the Irish Distress Fund, xvhich xvill be forwarded to the proprietor of the “Evening Post” fox transmission to Dublin. Mr. Johnson, Relieving officer, has reported to the Colonial Treasurer an ap proximate estimate of tho unemployed in Wellington, xvhich is as follows ;—Car penters, saxv mill hands, etc., 112 ; iron xvorkers, 115; coach builders, smiths, etc., 20 ; plumbers, and gas fitters, 29 ; painters and paperhangers, 60 ; printers, 12 ; laborers, navvies, etc., 200 ; clerks and draper’s assistants, 30—total, 577. An enquiry is proceeding at the Hutt into the circumstances connected xvith the recent fire at Deverill’s butcher shop. The police laid an information against Kirkcaldy and Stains, drapers, Charles Hill, hatter*, Cogan, tailor*, and Mrs. Delauree, dressmaker, for the violation of Employment of Females Act. Arrangements for taking over the “Nexv Zealand Times” were completed this even ing, and Mr. Harris takes possession to morrow. The “Times” and “ New Zea lander” xvill amalgamate, when the latter ceases publishing after to-morrow morning. The shareholders of the “ Times ” have confirmed tho resolution of the directors, selling the paper to Mr. Chantry Harris. The amalgamation takes place early next xveek. Twenty-eight entries-have been received here for the N. Z. Rifle Association Meet ing at Nelson. Dr. Lemon has received a cablegram that there are txvo Irish relief funds, one with tho Lord Mayor of Dublin at its

head, and the other with tho Duchess of Marlborough. Nelson, Feb. 16. A man named Marshall, 30 years of age, who leaves a mother, a widow, and four children unprovided for, was drowned at Collingwood whilst attempting to cross the river in a canoe. Deceased arrived in the colony only about three months ago, and came with others to work at the Wallsond coal mine, Westport. Ho took the wrong ford, and was capsized. Preparations for the Rifle Association are in progress, under Armorer Christie. Wooden buildings for the officers, mess huts, sleeping rooms, and telegraph office are under construction. A bricked well has been sunk, and 12 targets are being put in position, with sunk butts, to pre vent any shadow being thrown on the target. Willie Hogg, a local poet, but also known throughout tho colony, died at the hospital yesterday, aged 70 years. Henry Adams, solicitor, who has been practising many years, and held the posi tion of Crown Prosecutor, has executed a deed of assignment. Westport, Feb. 16. At the Resident Magisti afce’s Court, W. Stewart, for assaulting Mr. M‘Lean, was committed for trial at the District Court. Christchurch, Feb. IG. Barrett, the contractor for the tramway and drainage works, was again fined to day on six informations for having neg lected to keep lights burning on obstruc tions. He said be had had two men watching, and it was after three o’clock in tho morning that the cases mostly occurred. The other morning a young man was badly injured through his horse getting into a hole on the tramway line, he is going to sue Barrett for LSOO damages in consequence. The Sunday trading case was further adjourned in consequence of press of work. There were several cases of illegal fishing for trout, but they were nearly all dis missed on technical points or in conse quence of the prosecution not producing sufficient evidence. The Rechabites are to bold their annual meeting in Christchurch this week. Representatives from all parts of the colony are expected to be present. Timaru, Feb. 16. Tho weather within the last few days has been most changeable. Yesterday morning the thermometer registered 93 in the shade, and in the afternoon a fierce northerly gale prevailed doing a consider able amount of damage to tho oat crops and fruit trees. Heavy rain has now set in. Oamabu, Feb. 16. The ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new Primitive Methodist Church took place to-day. The high winds which have dune so much damage to crops in other parts of the colony were not felt much here, and little if any injury has been inflicted. Dunedin, Feb. 16. The police have decided to take no fur ther action in the King street aflair. Over 7,000 ounces gold were sent down by escort during the past two months. The Native Lauds Commission held a formal sitting to-day, adjourning till Wed nesday, -when Judge Symons, who surveyed the Otago block will bo ex amined. His Excellency and Lady Robinson arrived in Dunedin by special train at 4.45 o’clock this afternoon. At Palmer ston they wore joined by the Commis sioner of Middle Island Railways, under whoso charge tho special train was. About 350 hands engaged in the em ployed sections of the Otago railways will be knocked off immediately, by order of Government. The high winds on Sunday did consider able damage to the crops at Tokomairiro, Clutha, and Tuapeka districts. Dunedin, Feb. 10. Tho members of Knox Church, by a majority of over 100, voted in favor of the introduction of instrumental music to the ordinary Sunday service, but as the necessary majority was not obtained, the matter lies in abeyance. The tender of Kincaid and M'Queen, L4ls9, for the construction of a dredge for Greymouth harbor works has been accepted. James Robertson, a young man, met with a suspicious death at Dumbarton Rock Hotel, four miles from Roxburgh, yesterday. A number of men were har vesting on a farm of the landlord’s, and four of them commenced card playing. One of them, M ! Loughliu, and young Robertson commenced to quarrel, and during the scuffle Robertson received a blow on the head, causing instantaneous death. It is supposed the blow was in flicted with an iron rod. M'Loughlin has been arrested. By a fire in the South Ward last night the premises of James Kennedy, boot maker, were gutted. The fire was caused by a kerosene lamp igniting a cloth that had been put round it, while the inmates were absent. The dividend paid during the half-year ending January to shareholders in the Mountain Race Gold Mining Company (Blue Duck), at Tinker’s, of whom there are 24, amounted to L 260 each. Gunners Carle and Skardon, of the Dunedin Artillery, have entered for the Nelson meeting. The master of tho schooner Awarau reports to tho Collector of Customs his feax's that the whaleboat’s crew of eight men, which went out sealing in July last, and has not since been heard of, must have been drowned. The Awarau returns to the Islands immediately to make a com plete search. The recent proseexxtion against Captain Drew, of the schooner Awarua, for catch ing seals in the close season, has fallen through, owing to Mi’. Watt, tho 8.M., commiting defendant for trial instead of inforcing penalties under the later inter pretation of the Act. Balclutha, Feb. 15. By a violent gale which continued yesterday afternoon and evening, immense damage has been done to crops, the ripe oats imexxt being fully threshed. A fire XMged in Kaihiku Bush, and Potter and Doull's old saw mills bxxildings wore des troyed. Tho house of Mx - . Motfatfc, a settler, had a narrow escape. Much fruit is shaken down throughout tho dis trict. At a meeting of the Clutha County Council to-day, four tenders xvere re ceived for erecting Balclutha bridge. The loxvest was LI, 100 above the engineer’s estimate. Consideration xvas deferred for a fortnight.

THE LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. (Hatter's). London, Feb. 14. In the House of Commons a motion xvas brought forxvard bj; W. St. John Wheolhouse, Q. C., and member for Leeds, for the purpose of getting a select Com mittee appointed to inquix’e into the ques tion of free trade, and its effect upon the commerce and condition of the country. The motion xvas negatived. Five per cent. Noxv Zealand 10-40 loan should be quoted at 1031, not 102 i as previously quoted. (AQe Special.) London, Feb. 15. A deputation to Messrs. Francis and Co. of working men demanded that owners should immediatelydischai’ge their Chinese employees. Owners promised to give the matter consideration. The Californian Senate has prohibited corporate bodies from employing Chinese Holker, Attorney-General, voted wlthth'

minority on proposal to inquire into effects of free trade prospects. February wool sales have opened with an encouraging moderate advance. Ex pected arrivals to 14th instant, one hundred and ninety-five thousand (195,000) bales.

NEW ZEALAND AT THE EXHIBI TION.

❖ (13r Telegraph.) Wellington, Feb. 10. The following is a list of awards to Now Zealand exhibitors in agricultural pro ducts at the Sydney Exhibition : Wheat—lst prize, Peter M £ Giil, Toko mairiro ; 2nd, Loan and Mercantile Agency, Oamarn : 3rd, P. Cunningham and Co., Christchurch; 4th, Holdaway Bros., Richmond, Nelson. Oats (Tartarian variety) —2nd prize, J. and T. Meek, Oamaru, Otago ; 3rd, E. H. Banks, Christchurch. Oats (short black Tartarian variety)— Ist prize, J. and T. Meek, Oamaru, Otago. Oats (Danish variety)—2nd prize, «. and T. Meek, Oamaru. Oars (long Tartarian variety)—3rd prize, Royse, Stead, and Co., Dunedin. Barley—lst prize, Harley and Son, Nelson. Barley (malting)—2nd prize, P. Cnn ni igham and Co., Christchurch ; 4th, Loan and Mercantile Agency, Oamaru. Grass seed (general collection)—lst prize, J. Dranslield, Wellington ; 2nd, Duncan and Son, Christchurch ; 3rd, P. Cunningham and Co., Christchurch. Grass seed (rye grass)—2nd prize, C. Haynes, Palmerston, Otago ; 3rd, Cap tain W. Russell, Kakamea, Napier. Hops—lst prize, Richard Andrew, Wai mea, Nelson ; 3rd, T. H. Harley, Nelson. Malt -3rd prize, Simnan and Co., In vercargill. Bacon—lst prize, M“Donald and Miller, Green Island, Otago. Hams—2nd prize, E Shecdy, Dunedin. Fish—lst prize, O. Blake and Son, Picton. The judges report that the New Zealand exhibits excel in oats and malting barley.

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

— ( Times' Correspomlcnt.) Normandy, Feb. 15. I have succeeded in obtaining an inter view- with a white man who, since 1885, has been living amongst the Maoris, and it is established beyond all doubt that he is Kimble Bent alias Samuel Smith, the notorious deserter from the 47th Regi ment. Full particulars will be telegraphed to-morrow. During my absence from the Plains, I had that telegrams have boon despatched to the press, in which significance is at tached to the cutting of the telegraph wire between Hawera and Inglewood. Upon inquiry I find the thing to have been purely accidental. A Maori boy, driving a loaded dray, struck a telegraph pole, knocking off one of the insulators. He was so frightened at what ho had done that he tried to obliterate the trace of the wheel. Considerable significance, however, is to be attached to the fact that the other day the Commissioners de spatched Mr. Williams, Native Interpre ter, to interview the Natives up the Wain gongoro River. When he got to Ma white ho found that most of them were further up the river, where they are en gaged building canoes, and those remain ing at Mawhitc would on no account allow him to proceed. He was told that anything ho had to say must bo said there. The road between the Waingongoro and Kaipipi has been formed, but instructions have been given that it is to be made some feet wider, so that it will have to bo gone over again and the camp will not be moved for some time. As the work isnotnecessary this looks like wavering from the policy of pulling towards Parihakaas quickly as pos sible, "and may be interpreted by the Natives as a sign of indecision, if not of weakness. The approaching meeting at Parihaka, to attend which I leave to-mor row is exciting great interest, and the at tendance is likely to bo largo.

PASTOR CHINIQUY AT THE TOWN HALL.

Last night Father Cbiniquy delivered his promised address in the Town Hall. There were 500 or GOO persons in the hall, and the Rev, A. M. Beattie presided After singing the 100th Psalm, and prayer had been offered by the Rev. Mr. Keall, The Chairman briefly introduced the lecturer. He said he could hardly realise the fact that they had one among them who had been for many years a man pro minent in the Catholic Church, but who was now taking part with them in the service of God from a Protestant view. Mr. Cbiniquy bad been a leading man in the Church of Romo, and now he was doing a great work in the Protestant cause. He (the Chairman) was proud indeed to occupy the chair on the occasion of the Rev. Charles Chiniquy’s lecture to the people of Ashburton, and it was now with pleasure he introduced him to them that night. Father Chiniqny, in opening his address, said he had been asked by a gentleman of the press what became of the money he raised in his travels through Christian countries. In reply to this, he would ask the president to read several extracts from English religious periodicals, and also letters from dignitaries of the Church of England, men cf high social standing in the° old country, America, and these colonies. These bore testimony to Mr. Chiniquy’s integrity and to the value and magnitude of ids work. He then pro ceeded with his lecture, taking for his motto the passage from the GOth Psalm— “ Come and see what the Lord hath done for my soul.” The rev. gentleman then proceeded to say that he had been brought up in the Catholic Church, and bad re mained in it for many years. While he had remained in it he was in every sense of the word an honest Catholic and a zealous priest. During his priesthood in Canada he had been instrumental in bringing 92 Protestants over to Romanism. Tho Church of Rome ordered every priest to curse the Protestants—every one who believed that there was salvation out of the Roman Church—every one who believed that the Pope was not the Vicar of Christ upon earth. As he read the Bible he was led to see that there were errors in the Church—that it did not follow the word of God bub the lying traditions of men. He learned as bo read and studied that salva tion could only come through the blood of Jesus Christ, and his troubled conscience pointed out to him powerfully that Jesus only was the intercessor, and iii.at Mary had no power in the heavenly mediation at all. He preached in the Cathedral of Montreal, and there lie told the people that a king could only punish and put down rebellion, but a rebel might be forgiven if ha came to the king through a friend whom the king loved interceding. Sinners came to Mary .and pleaded to her that she would’intercede with her Son for their salvation. He fairly believed the Saviour would not refuse any favor to His mother. The people were in tears when he had finished, and the Bishop compli mented him on his address. (At this juncture he asked the Chairman to read Matthew xii., and Mark, end of 3rd chapter.) These passages having been read, Mr. Cbiniquy said they were the word of God, and they came to him with fearful power after ho had delivered that address at Montreal. It was forced upon him that he had told those people a black and blasphemous lie, inasmuch as Jesus Avas the only mediator betAveen God and man, and Jesus had OAvned as His mother and His brother every man and Avoraan who

owned Him as Lord. The refusal of Jesus Christ to own His mother more than any other woman was proof that He did not desire her to have the position assigned to her that was assigned to her by the Catholic Church. It was a. terrible struggle that went on in his soul when his conaoienco began to tell him of the idolatory that ho was guilty of when ho appealed to Mary for intercession, and asked his people to pray to her, and he detailed a controversy ho had with the Bishop on the subject, in which he laid before the bishop the story of Christ’s turning water into wine, where Mary’s recpiest was not granted, but Mary was rebuked. Christ always protested against Mary’s interference, and did not want any one to come between Him. and humanity. After asking the Bishop which of the two was highest in Heaven, which of Ihe two died for man and suffered for him, which of the two loved man most—Jesus or Mary—and obtaining an answer from the Bishop in favor of Jesus, he said to him that he would not leave the Catholic Church, but he would never again ask the people to r/r_> to Mary’s feet when it was so easy at once to go to the feet of Christ. The dif ferences in the Protestant religion between the various sects staggered him (the lecturer) sadly before he joined them. lie could not see how lie could join them, for they were represented to fight like wild cats. But when he thought of how Jesus was the true vine, and His people the branches, it was made plain to him that so long as the different branches of the Church brought forth good fruit, and were joined to the True Vine they were the true Church. Here the lecturer gave several happy illustrations of how the Lord did not love a small branch less than he did a large one. He then pro ceeded to show how the wafer of the Roman Church was made, and related how his servant girl had made them often, and eaten the fragments, sharing them with the cats and dugs of the household. Those wafers were taken to the alter and in the hands of the priest the words of the mass were repeated over them, and they were belived to hare been turned into the real body and blood, the Great Almighty and Eternal God. At this point he asked the Chair man to read the second commandment jn which idolatry was forbidden. He said that as he meditated on this command ment and thought of his daily manufac ture of God in the mass, he was forced to the conclusion that he was making his own God with his own hand, an 1 bowing down and worshipping it, —in this he was an idolater, and his conscience and lie struggled fearfully in this matter ; but he struggled with the matter, anr the light came to him. He was not converted, but he. was shaken, and the day of his conversion was not very far off. He was a priest, but he was wealthy. He had obtained in his time some of the wealthiest parishes in Canada. He was wanted to go to Illinois. It was then a wilderness, and the land could be bought at a nominal price. He went to Illinois, and invited his countrymen to follow. He planted crosses all over the wilderness, and soon there were 75,000 of the French people forming a colony in Illinois. Those wore all of the Church of Rome. The Bishop had been guilty of gross sins, and in time he (the speaker) was .able to bring these sins home to him, and he was dis missed. The new Bishop when ho came wanted to obtain from Ohiniquy a state ment that he was not a Protestant, but a good priest. He also desired a full sub mission to the Church. Chiniquy was fully prepared to give him a submission to the Church, according to the word of God and the gospel of Christ, as contained in the Scriptures. The Bishop pressed him to his bosom, and, overjoyed, gave him a letter of peace between himself and he, in which Chiniquy was set down as a good Catholic and one of his best priests. The Bishop consulted with his fellows, and they said Chiniqny’s was not an act of submission, but the declaration of a Pro testant. He called Chiniquy, and after procuring from him the letter ho had given him, he burned it in the fire. He de manded of Mr. Chiniquy an unconditional submission to his authority, without any reference to the Gospel, the Bible, or any other agency'. This Mr. Chiniquy would not submit to, saying the act was not an act of submission, but an act of adoration. He was then told that unless ho did so he could no longer be a priest of Rome. Ho at once took up his hat and left the room. Ho went home, and struggled with his God for light. He had now loft the church of his father, his mother, and his country. He had sacrificed his reputation amongst the people, and was now an out cast, and lie wanted guidance. Tin’s lie sought with all his might to obtain from God. He found that he had all his pre vious life fought against the Protestants, and now he added the enmity uf the Church of Rome. As he thought on all this ho felt tempted to take his own life, and should have done so, but God stayed his hand. He read his Testament, and in the 7th chapter of Ist Corinthians, he read “ Ye are bought with a price, be ye not the servants of men ” This satisfied him ho was not the servant of anyone but Jesus, who had bought him with His blood. The lecturer then in glowing lan guage detailed his conversion, after which event he preached to his own congrega tion, announcing to them that he was no longer a priest of Rome, and that hence forth lie must leave them. He spoke for two hours, and at the close he said he would only leave at their own wish. Ho asked those who thought it was better to have a priest of Rome to preach to them than to have one who had gone out from the Church like Chiniquy to stand up. To his surprise not a soul moved. A young man rose up and said Jesus had died for him, and he would never invoke any other aid. To this all the people said Amen, and every man and woman re quested Mr. Chiniquy to remain with them and preach Jesus only. That day 1000 converts followed him, six months after there were ‘2OOO, and they' kept on increasing till now they were 25,000, with 18 priests in their midst who had re nounced Catholicism. The Church of Romo was assuredly falling, falling. Already it is shaking. He had heard from How' York that 0000 Irishmen had left the Church, and everywhere he could point to places where she was losing ground, and tottering. The rev. gentle man concluded by expressing a hope that Protestants would live lives becoming their profession. Thee meeting then closed.

DISTRICT COURT.

Monday, Feb. IG. (Before His Honor Judge Ward.) PATTON V. LAKE AND BEAKD. This was an action to recover L 142 2s. lid., amount due on a sub-contract on the Rakaia and Alford Forest Railway con struction. Mr. Thomas, for defendant, applied for an adjournment, on the ground that an important witness for the defence could not be found, but there was reason to be lieve that he could be produced if the case were adjourned till next Court day. Mr. Purnell said ample notice had been given to defendants, and he would at any rate apply for plaintiff’s evidence to be taken, as there were other claims against the defendants, and his client’s claim might be prejudiced. His Honor questioned ail the witnesses in the case who were present in court, and allowed 10s. expenses for one witness; the other three wore not allowed anything, being in plaintiff’s employ, whoso solicitor had ample notice of the wish of the de fendants to postpone the case.

HUGO FKIEDLANDER V. CAMERON.

Mr. Purnell for plaintiff; Mr. Thomas for defendant.

Claim L7O, value of i house illegally removed from land bjßlefcndant. The house had been purchased by Friedlander and sold again by him to Sir. Corsbie, on the understanding it was to be delivered at Alford Forest, but was reipoved by defendant during the night. ' Frederick Hyde, sworn—About four years ago I bought some land from Mr. Cameron at L 5 per acre, to pay interest at 10 per cent, until the purchase money was paid. My last settlement regarding pay ment of cash for interest was about April, 1878, and the next year’s interest I worked out. I put up a house on the land. It was built on stone piles. I left the place on June 23, 1870. Friedlander Bros, soldjme up,and seized the house and sold it. Mr. Hugo Friedlander bought it. When the house was sold it was standing on two heavy blocks of timber. I moved the . house from its original site, as there was too much land in the block for me. By Mr. Thomas —There was no agree ment between Cameron and myself as to the purchase of the land. I was to pay him the purchase money when I could. Did not pay any of it, but paid the interest on it. I have fenced some' land there. There were no wooden piles. Cameron knew I was going to move the house to the fifteen acre block, but he would have preferred it put on the larger block. The house was built for my self and family to live in. There was no other building on the land. Had a con versation with Cameron when I got the summons, and asked him if he would make me an allowance for the house, and he said he would make none ; and he said if I shifted it I would do so at my own risk. I have never given the place up. The house was sold for Ll 3 or Ll 4. It cost me about LGO orL7O. It had two rooms, and was a weatherboard cottage 12 x 24, roofed with iron. When I left I locked the door and nailed the gate. I have never given Mr. Cameron an account of what he owes me for working on the place. It was understood that I was to work the interest out. Re-examined by Mr. Purnell Mr. Cameron never objected to me removing the house. , By the Court —Retiring was said about fencing the land. George Oates—l acted as bailiff in a case of a seizure of Hyde’s house. I seized horses, drays, and a house. By his Honor—l would seize the Town Hall if I had an execution against the owners of it. By Mr. Parnell—l think the house was on a sledge. I don’t know if the house was advertised for sale. I sold it on the ground at the date of the expiration of the warrant. Mr. Hugo Friedlander bought it, but I don’t know at what price. By Mr. Thomas—This was the only instance in which I have acted as an auctioneer. I was acting - bailiff at the time. I was in possession for Friedlander Brothers. There were about a dozen at the sale. Mr. Friedlander bought most of the things. There were other bidders, including a lady, not a <!wid der.” She wasa married woman. The amount of the warrant was about LOO, and the sale did not realize that. I furnished account sales of the total aroint realised, but not of the not fur nish Hyde with a sold. I only took the original warrant with me and no copy. After the sale I left the goods on the ground. There were three horses and two cows, a lot of harness, Ac. They were put up in separate lots, and Mr. Friedlander bought everything, and gave a cheque to me for the goods. I have no book to show the entries of the sale. I got the cheque from Mr. Hurrell. His Honor—This is an original way of transacting business. By Mr. Thomas—l took the cheque to the bank. I don’t know what 1 did with it, whether I left it at the bank or took it back to Mr. Hurrell. Hugo Friedlander, sworn-—I am plain tiff in this action. I was present at the sale of Hyde’s goods on June 6th or 7th. The sale was advertised. I bought several tilings, among others the house in ques tion. I ]:aid Cates a cheque for it. I sold it again. The house was on two pieces of timber, a kind of sledge ; the chimney was on the outside leaning against the house. I sold the house to Mr. Corsbie for L 27 10s. I for it. I had to deliver it to him on Ihe Alford Forest road. He paid me for it at the time. I was not present when it was removed. I heard the house was removed, and had to give Mr. Corsbie the cheque back. By Mr. Thomas—l knew Cameron had a claim on the house before I shifted it. I produce a receipt for the payment of the house. Other persons bought goods at the sale besides myself, but not amount ing to more than L 5. I gave a cheque to Cates for the goods, and the Clerk of the Court sent our firm a cheque for the pro ceeds of the sale. I have dealt entirely with this house myself, not as a member of the firm. The auction was an open one. Hyde’s place was about 12 miles from town. Rudolph Friedlander—l recollect going to Hyde’s land to remove a house, and took Compton with me. It was then fastened down to wooden piles. Skids were lying alongside of the house. There were about IS piles. We removed it to the public road. By Mr. Thomas—The house was spiked down to the piles. Two of Cameron’s ploughmen were there. We put skids under the house, and moved it. We took down part of the fence to get the house on to the road. Wo left it there that night. I told Mr. Corsbie where the house was, and he said he would take it away next morning. The bricks of the chimney did not come inside the house. I don’t know how the weather was kept out. Robert Burns and Wm. Bennett were called, but did not appear. L. E. Corsbie—l know the house in question. I saw it previous to seizure. Hyde owed mo money, and I went to see if the house could bo shifted, and found it was on two skids. I saw the house the day after it was seized. The chimney was not attached to the house. By Mr. Thomas—There was no attach ment between the house and chimney, the bricks and mortar were close up to the weather hoards. I bought the house from Mr. Friedlander for Ll 7 10a. He was to put the house on the road, and give me delivery on the road. I saw Rudolf Friedlander the evening the house was shifted, and told him to send me up some one to give delivery. In the morn ing 1 sent men to shift the house, and they were told the house had been taken away again during the night. G. Compton, builder, sworn— The chimney came in flush with the studs, and inside the weather-boards. I had to-jjAy nails from the studs to remove the horSp, A few bricks were removed to detaclrWie house from the chimney, which was built close up to the house. A few loose bricks which were resting on the gable shifted. For the defence, Mr. Thomas argued that as the chimney being a fixture to tlid"" soil, and the house a fixture to the chim ney, the house was necessarily a fixture, and therefore not removable. Mr. Purnell argued that if the house could be moved without damaging the chimney, it was removable by law. George Compton, recalled—Explained that flushings should have been provided, but were noi, and the brick work was built in close to the weatherboarding. When we lifted the building to remove it none of the brick work except a few loose bricks were removed. His Honor ruled that he could not con sider the fixture point in the case. Had there been no chimney there would have been no dispute.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1880.



WHEAT FREIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE undersigned, having completed their charters for the ensuing grain season, will regularly despatch first class iron ships to various ports in the United Kingdom. Ships. Class. The Bruce, Capt Soulh cott 1146 British Empire, Capt Mather 1490 ”Aa 1 London direct. Mar. 15 A port of call in the U. Kingd’m for ordr’s In all March Remonstrant, Capt. Stod dart 1045 A 1 A direct In all port in U March Kingd’m Several other equally high class iron vessels are also chartered, and will follow. Eor freight, apply to P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. ; Or to ROYSS, STEAD, & CO., 488g* Christchurch. ENGLISH WHEAT SHIPMENTS. THE Undersigned are prepared to ship wheat to London or any other Port in the United Kingdom for farmers or others, making liberal CASH ADVANCES against same on favorable terms. Farmers placing their Wheat in our hands for shipment can rely upon receiving PROMPT ACCOUNT SALES. Intending shippers wishing to avail themselves of the present opportunity of testing the London and other English wheat markets, are recommended to make IMMEDIATE APPLICATION for space. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 489g* Christchurch. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Cm’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., Ac., 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. 9S2a MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, February 17th, 1880. C, PERCY COX, 427g* Agent, Ashburton.