MAIL NOTICES.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — _ Prom Christchurch at 10.30 a.m., 4.50 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. , in „f- From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. . , From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. , noK Fr»m Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m, and 5.25 p.m. daily. . From Greenstreet, Ashburton lorks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch, and North at u a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and bouth at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster. Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under: — Tuesday, June 1. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Rotomahana. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1880.

Civil servants, over -whom a cloud was hanging in the report of the Royal Com mission on the Civil Service, are likely to have the evil day put off for a time. It is said that the Commission having in March last sent Home to the Imperial Go vernment for information as to the Civil Service in the old country, they will be unable to submit their report until they receive a reply, and meanwhile, there is a probability that the question of re-or ganisation will be postponed, and only such officers dispensed with as can pal pably be done without, but in this direc tion, with other retrenchments, Govern ment will be able to effect a reduction of over £IOO,OOO.

We do not know if the Timaru break water is in any danger of demolition from the report on the Timaru Harbor Works by Mr. Blackett, Colonial Marine Engineer, laid before Parliament, but wc should say Mr. Blackett himself will be in great danger should he ever again dare to

cross the boundaries of Timaru. This is how, in his report above mentioned, he dares discourse about the darling of the Timaruvian heart:—“My recommenda tion, therefore, is this, to stop the building of the breakwater at once, and afterwards to remove and break it up. so as to lesson the prejudicial effect on the beach adjoin ing the lands and railway on the north. The damage to the Main Southern line through the diversion of the sea by the breakwater is stated to be very ex tensive, and certain to increase enormously in a progressive ratio. This is an unsatis factory result of the heavy expenditure already incurred, but both Mr. Carruthers and Sir John Goode gave distinct warning of the danger.” Mr. Blackett’s reason for thus advising is his belief that the break water is causing incalcu’able damage t; the railway line, which must in the end require the expenditure of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Amongst the intended legislation of the session just commenced is a measure to facilitate the transmission of telegraphic messages to the press in the event of a temporary interruption. The present regulation is that all messages must be forwarded according to the order in which they are received, whether they can bo delivered or not at their destination im mediately after their receipt at the office to which they have been sent. By this rule, ivlieu the telegraph line is blocked late in the evening, private messages that by no possibility can reach the person they are intended for till after the resumption of business next morning are sent on to the office they are intended for, where they must lie till the messenger resumes duty at nine o’clock. While these messages occupy the wires, simply because of their priority in sending in, press messages, that can be delivered where they are addressed, are kept back until the line is clear, and are consequently too late to be of any use to the newspapers. Should the new Bill pass this state of things will be altered, the private messages that would not and could not be delivered until the following morning will be delayed, and the press messages forwarded as long as there is a chance of their delivery, which is up till onea.m. Press messages will, under the new Bill, obtain precedence after a stoppage, but care will be taken that the private telegrams will not suffer delay in actual delivery. This new arrangement will be a decided improvement, inasmuch as the general public will not be incon venienced, while the press will enjoy a benefit in the removal of what has always been an annoyance and a grievance.

Opposition papers are making an outcry over a somewhat reticent passage in the Governor’s speech—namely, that “public works already constructed must be made more reproductive. ” One newspaper cor respondent has found a mare’s nest, making the discovery that this increase in reproductiveness refers to intended in crease in the passenger and goods tariff on the railways ; and it is alleged that should this increase eventuate the provinces where there is the greatest extent of rail way mileage will suffer in consequence. This would be only natural, for where the most railway traffic is done, there would surely be the greatest extra contribution to the revenue of the railway. But Go vernment have as yet given no sound whatever on the subject, beyond the single line in His Excellency’s speech, and until they have announced what they really intend to do, surmises either one way or other, unless some more tangible authority is given than the imagination of a newspaper correspondent not in the Go vernment confidence, are only laughed at. Is it not just as likely that instead of raising the tariff in the hope of bringing in more money without any extra outlay, Government may see _it to be advantageous, with a view to in creasing both passenger and goods traffic, to reduce the tariff in a very great degree. The railway companies at Home and in America, when they find their receipts are falling off, do not increase the tariff but reduce it, and the result is usually per fectly satisfactory. There can be no doubt whatever that were the fares charged on our railway lines reduced to figures within the roach of the million a far larger proportion of the population would travel, and a greater extent of carrying trade would be done were the goods rates lowered. For instance, would not the parcel traffic between Christchurch and Ashburton be very much added to if the fares were low enough to be in no case higher than the value of the parcel sent, as they sometimes are at this moment; and would not quite a rush of travellers visit the city every week if a day’s sojourn in Christchurch did not include in its ex pense to a family man a too heavy item for railway fares. Wo do not pretend to know any more of the Governmental mind than those who circulate idle rumors of what Government intends to do. John Hall keeps his own counsel until the proper time comes, and does not babble to every man he meets what he intends to do. But we have sufficient faith in his good sense, and the good sense of his colleagues, to believe that he will go about his increase of productiveness in the most business like way possible, and not adopt a course on the face of which non-success and dis aster are plainly written.

County Council. —The usual monthly meeting of the Ashburton County. Council will belield to-morrow. The Address in Reply. --It is under stood that the Hon. Dr, Grace will move the Address in Reply in the Legislative Council. The By-lyws.— At a meeting of the Borough Council last night, the draft by laws were adopted, and a meeting will be held on the 25th June to confirm the re solution. The Brindisi Mails. —The mails for the United Kingdom, &c., via Brindisi (for snecially addressed correspondence only) will close at the Ashburton Post Office on Thursday next, the 3rd inst. Dentistry. —Sufferers from the excru ciating pangs of toothache, and those whose organs of mastication require re placing, are advised to give Mr. Arm strong (who has just arrived from Dun edin) a call. This gentleman’s temporary quarters are at Quid’s Commercial Hotel, but once a week Mr. Armstrong intends paying a visit to Rakaia.

Tenders. — Tenders - for work are re quired by the Mount Somers Road Board, including formation, metalling, and putting down culverts. Mails for Sydney. —The City of New York is due at Auckland from San Fran cisco to-day. Mails for Sydney by her will close at Auckland immediately after the steamer’s arrival. Cheap Oats. —On Wednesday last Mr, J. L. Crawley sold by auction a line, consisting of 6000 bushels of first-class oats at the veiy low price of B|d. per bushel. The oats were not delivered at any railway station or store, but delivery was taken on the farm, which is situated at the present terminus of the Mount Somers Railway.— Times. The Borough Chambers. —The com fort and convenience of the members of the Borough Council, as well as that of the representatives of the press, has been greatly enhanced by the introduction of gas to the Chambers, which has been satisfactorily accomplished by Mr. Hardley. Last night, wo are glad to say, all the members of the Council came under the new illuminating influence, the full team being present. Mount Somers Valuation List. — The valuation list compiled by Mr. 0. J. Wentworth Oookson, for the Mount Somers district, is now open for in spection at the Mount Somers Road Board, and objections to the valuation must be left there, addressed to the As sessment Court, on or before the 22nd June, as also a copy of such objection, at the Read Board Office, not less than seven days before the sitting of the Court. The “Dress Circle.” —lntending patrons of the dress circle on Friday —when “ Black-eyed Susan,” with Mrs. Hoskins in the title role , will be produced —are referred to a note at the bottom of the Dramatic Club’s advertisement. The entrance to the dress circle in the gallery is by the outside staircase, at the top of which the box-office is situated, so that all necessity is avoided for entering the ower hall to purchase tickets. The Borough Auditors. —The poll for the election of two auditors for the Borough of Ashburton will be taken to morrow. There are three candidates for the office, Messrs. Boyle, Zouch, and Poyntz. The two former gentlemen filled the position last year, and seek re-elec tion ; the latter gentleman is a new aspi rant for the office, and as his ability as an accountant is so well known, it is very probable there will be some close running. “ Gone Bung.” —The Colonial Printers’ Register, the organ of the craft in New Zealand, thus refers to the latest venture of an old acquaintance :—Mr. Joseph Ivess’s new venture, the Hawera Times, has “gone bung.” It only appeared twice. The rival Messrs. Galvin and Innes’s Uawera and Nor manhy Star, refers to its untimely decease thusly : —“ We are glad, not only for our own sakes, but also for Mr. Ivess’s, that he has had the good sense to see that two newspapers could not exist in Hawera and ■Normanby.” Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Rail way.—This line is doing something like business. On Friday last no less than 43 trucks loaded with grain came down, and considering the lateness of season this is a very large quantity of grain. If this line were only extended to Alford Forest a wide country would be opened up, and ample resources of coal, wood, and stone would be developed. The coal has been used for years in these districts, and the wood of the forest is already well known, while the stone quarry at Mount Somers is highly spoken of, and would be very valuable were it brought nearer the market, but the want of a railway makes the cost of carriage very high. As it is, however, the Forks line is said to be pay ing better than the trunk. Licensing Court.— The quarterly sit ting of the Licensing Commissioners for the Mount Somers, Ashburton, and Rakaia districts will be held at 12 o’clock to-day, at the Court House, when the following applications will be heard : Applications for renewal—Philip Tisch, Spread Eagle, Hotel,. Ashburton Forks ; Robert Little, Hind Hope, the Hinds; R. Patton, Methven Hotel, Methven ; J. Tisch, Alford Forest Hotel, Alford Forest; R. W. Shearman, Somerset Hotel, Ash burton ; W. Harris, Railway Hotel, Win slow ; J. Hood, Hood’s Hotel, Mount Somers; M. Scott, Tinwald Hotel, Tin wald ; G. Wiilcocks, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone; F. Doherty, Water; on Hotel, Waterton ; D. McFarlane, .Barr hill Hotel, Barrhill ; J. McNamara, Rail way Hotel, South Rakaia ; J. F. Butler, Butler’s Hotel, Ashburton ; D. McKenzie, Ashburton Hotel, Ashburton ; T. Quill, Commercial Hotel, Ashburton ; W. Power, Royal Hotel, Ashburton ; J. Baldwin, Central Hotel, Ashburton ; J, Wallace, Chertsey Hotel, Chertsey. Mr. J. W. Francis will also make application for confirmation of the license of the South Eakaia Hotel from Mr. W. H. Partridge to himself, and apply for the renewal of the license for the ensuing year. Opening of the Church at Methven. —On Sunday morning the Rev. Mr. Knowles, on behalf of the Primate, assisted by the incumbent of the parish of South Rakaia, opened for divine service the pretty little church which has just been completed at Methven. The church was quite full. Prayers were read by the Rev. W. H. Elton, the lessons were read and the sermon preached by the rev. cele brant. The singing, which was unac companied, and was lead by the incum bent, was most hearty. The church, which has been opened free of debt, stands on a site given by Mr. J. Grigg, in the centre of the township of Meth ven. Messrs. R. McKerrow and Co., of Rakaia, have also given a site for church purposes in their portion of the township. The building has been erected from plans by Mr. Mountfort—the con tractor, Mr. E. Bowler, of Rakaia, having completed his work most satisfactorily. The church was built by a grant of LIOO from the Church Property Trustees, the residents at Methven contributing most liberally to meet this grant. The altar, lectern, and prayer desk were special con tributions. A monthly service will be held in the church by the incumbent, besides which arrangements have been made for one lay service monthlj, Financial Statement. —lt is not im probable that the Colonial Treasurer will bring down his financial statement on Tuesday next, June Bth, unless any un forscen delay should take place in debat ng the Address in Reply. The Jewish Synagogue. —At a meet ing of the Jewish congregation in Christ church yesterday, to consider the proposal to erect a nowsynagogue, it was resolved to defer the matter for one month, to allow members to canvass for subscriptions. L 350 has already been promised, and 1,2,(300 is the estimated cost of the building. Making It Up.— lf there is honor among thieves there is also honor among Timaru painters. Two knights of the brush who were “run in” for painting one another with their fists, being fined this morning, the slayer took pity on the slain, and gallantly paid for his fallen fellow-tradesman. — S. C. Times. The Royal Commissions. —Regarding the Royal Commissions the Press corres pondent in Wellington says the report of the Local Industries Commission will be presented to Parliament about the end of next week, and adds It is understood that the Government are anxious to have the report of the Railway Commission before the Public Works statement is brought down, as the nature of the latter necessarily must materially depend on the former, but it is not known yet how soon the report is likely to be available.

Dance at Mount Somers. —On Friday evening, as a large number of the young people of the district were likely to be congregated at the Mount Somers school on the occasion of the Presbyterian tea meet ing, advantage was taken of the fact for making arrangements for a dance to come off in the schoolroom, the only available floor in the district. There was a large turnout of the youth and beauty, “and all went merry as a marriage bell ” till long past the small hours ; in fact daylight had begun to hint to drowsy eyes that it was time to go, before the fiddle gave its last scrape, and the finality of “Sir Roger” was reached. Political Gossip. —The special corres pondent of the Press, at Wellington, says that a rumor was afloat in the lobbies this (Friday) afternoon that a direct no confidence motion was to be tabled im mediately by the Opposition with a view of testing the relative strength of parties at once. Another report is that the first aggressive movement of the Opposition will take the shape of an amendment on the Address in Reply. Nothing will be definitely known, however, until more members arrive. The general opinion seems to be that the Government are safe for the session unless they fall on the property tax. Ministers are very reticent as to their intention on this, but the Op position members freely express their conviction that it will be modified in some way, so as to soften the most objection able features. It is believed that Ministers themselves are not altogether satisfied with the mode of collection and assessment. Nothing, however, is yet de finitely known on the matter.

Tea Meeting at Mount Somers. — On Friday evening a tea-meeting, arranged for by the Committee of the Presby terian Church at Mount Somers, came off in the Mount Somers school-room. The object the Committee had in view was chiefly to have a large gathering of the Presbyterians in the district, as they are widely scattered, and it is difficult to bring them all together at one time. The Committee succeeded admirably in their efforts, for a large attendance was the re sult, the school-room being quite full. After a very hearty tea had been partaken of, purveyed in the open-handed and liberal style which characterises all such demonstrations in country districts, the tables were cleared and the room set in order for the entertainment which fol lowed. At this the Rev. B. J. West brooke presided, and delivered an address as did also the Revs. Beattie and Smith, of Ashburton. The addresses were listened to with great attention, and were very interesting as well as instructive. A lengthy progamme of song, recitation, and instrumental music was gone through, to the making up of which the following were contributors :—Messrs. J. and J. Price, Tomlinson, G. and A. Pearce, Gates (of Ashburton) and Mr. and Mrs. Knight, who rendered a duet very effectively. The usual votes of thanks were given and re sponded to, and the meeting closed.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Previous to the ordinary meeting of the Borough Council being held last night, the Council went into Committee to consider the By-laws. All the mem bers were present, and Mr. Crisp, the Borough Solicitor, also attended. Mr. Braddell, the Town Clerk, read the notice calling the meeting for the 25th May, and his Worship the Mayor ex plained that, through the non-attendance - ' of Councillors, it had been necessary to hold over the meeting until that night. The By-laws were gone through cate gorically, and, with a few slight altera tions, were adopted, as published in the Herald on the 10th May last. It was re solved to hold a meeting on. the-28th Juno, to confirm the resolution adopting the By-laws. ORDINARY MEETING. The usual ordinary business of the Council was then taken up. On the minutes of the previous meeting being read, the Mayor said that, with reference to the payment of ten shillings decided to be made to Mrs. Gooden, a tenant of the Council, he had taken upon himself to disallow the amount, in consequence of Mrs. Gooden neglecting to pay her rent. The Council approved of the action of the Mayor. mayor’s statement. His Worship said that the balance to the Council’s credit in the Bank was L 319 155., hut this amount was liable to a con siderable reduction in consequence of it having been found oat that a certain sum, the exact figures of which he could not give, would have to be refunded to the Wakanui Road Board. However, he had ascertained that if an application were made to the County Council, it was very possible this sum would be made good. The amount of rates collected since last meeting w r as L 27 25., and dog fees L2. He had received a letter from the Christchurch City Council with refer ence to certain proposed alterations in the Municipal Corporations Act. A letter had also been received from Mrs. McLean, referring to damages which might ensue to her property in carrying out the water supply scheme, but his Wor ship did not think the lady's property would be in any way affected. THE TEMPLAR HALL RENT. A letter was read from Mr. Zouch, Secretary to the Templar Hall Company, intimating that the hall was not let to the Resident Magistrate’s Court for the pur pose of holding the Assessment Courts, but only for the ordinary R.M. business, and stating that accounts, similar to the one in dispute, been sent to Government for payment, and such accounts had been referred back to the local body. Ihe account was for two guineas. His Worship thought that the charge of two guineas made by the Templar Hall Company was exorbitant. Mr. St. Hill said it was possible the Company based their charges on the amount at which they were rated. Mr. Williamson thought that if the Council were not consulted as to the Assessment Courthouse they should not be called upon to pay for th§ place in which the Court was held. Mr. St, Hill thought that under any circumstances the Templar Hall Company should not be tho losers. On the motion of Mr, Williamson, seconded by Mr. Fricdlander, it was resolved that one guinea be offered to the Company. MRS. M { LEAN’s PROPERTY. Aletter was read from the solicitors of Mrs. M'Loan, informing the Council that that body would bo hold liable for any damage which might ensue to Mrs. M‘Lean’s land through the carrying out of the water scheme. Resolved that the letter lie on the table. SIGN BOARDS. Mr. J. Mcech, requested permission to put a sign board on the footpath opposite his shop in Havelock street. Mr. Parkin drew the attention of the Council to the fact that the Council had already refused such requests. Referred to Borough Engineers. THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS AOT. A letter was read from the Christchurch City Council, forwarding certain proposed amendments in the Municipal Corpora tions Act, and requesting the attendance of the Mayor at a meeting to be held on the 20th May. The Mayor said that the letter had not been received until the day previous io that on which the meeting was announced to he held, and such short notice had been insufficient for him to arrange to attend the meeting,

Mr. St. Hill said it was very evident the Christchurch City Council was not very anxions for Ashburton to be repre sented at their meeting, and characterised the conduct of the Christchurch Town Clerk as discourteous in having given so very short notice to the Mayor. Resolved, that the letter be acknow ledged, and reference made to the impos sibility of the Mayor attending the meet ing in consequence of insufficient notice being given. THE COUNTY OFFICES. The Mayor stated that he had received a, letter from the County Council, request ing that the road and footpath opposite the County Council Chambers be shingled. Resolved that the work be taken in hand. WATI3R PIPES COMMITTEE. His Worship stated, on behalf of the Water Pipes Committee, that in conse quence of the non-attendance of the mem bers of that Committee, no meetings La i been held, and hence there was no report to present. PLANTING COMMITTEE. Mr. Saunders stated that a meeting ha<l been held of this Committee, when they had decided to ask the County Council to give a grant of £ for £ for all moneys ex pended by the Borough Council on this work. Mr. Williamson said it had been de cided to plant the reserve from the barracks to the West Belt and from the barracks to the bridge, the amount not to exceed the sum of L 250. Mr. Robinson moved, and Mr. William son seconded —‘ ‘ That the Mayor and Mr. Saunders be appointed a deputation to wait on the County Council for a grant in aid of planting.” Carried. the engineers’ report was then read as follows : Water Supply. —ln the contracts Nos. 1 and 2, there has been little progress made since the last meeting of the Coun cil. The bulk of the earthwork is done, but there are several items not finished off. The concrete work has been under taken for the contractor by Mr. J. Bradley, whom we have supplied with the necessary information, and who com mences operations at once. The con tract, No. 3, for the outfall drain, has been pushed on lately, and ought not to take more than a few days to complete. Mr. Wilkie makes an application, which we enclose, for extension of time, on ac count of the hardness of the ground. Until the last rain this was certainly the case with respect to the deep cutting from Tancred street to the cemetery. Now the cement is to hand, and the ground is softer, we consider the whole of the work —that is, the three contracts—ought to be completed, weathcivpormitting, within ten days or a fortnight. Shingling Past street. —Mr. Black, the contractor, applied to be alio wed about two weeks to finish a contract for the Waka nui Road Board before commencing to deliver the shingle. As the road was very dry and hard, and would be beue fitted by some rain, we assented to this delay, and expect'the contractor to com mence work in a day or two. The Labor Gang has been engaged in making the cutting at the junction of Cox street, and the N. W. town belt, removing and refixing culverts, cutting trench for the gas main to the Conned offices, fixing lamp-posts, &c. Fools and Son, Borough Engineers. Mr. Fooks asked permission to make an explanation with reference to the first clause of the report. An imputation had been cast on his veracity at the last meeting in the way in which several of tIA Councillors had referred to the sub j(fct. Mr. Wilkie had certainly told him llat the reason why he could not go on with the work was because the cement could not be obtained. During that con versation Mr. Brown was present, and re membered Mr. Wilkie’s remarks on the matter. The detail drawings which had been mentioned had not anything what ever to do with the progress of the job. He made those remarks in justice to bim seff, as the insinuations thrown out at the previous meeting were likely to convey the impression that he had been the cause of the work being behindhand. The Mayor thought the explanation given by the Borough Engineer was highly satisfactory. Mr. Fooks said that Mr. Wilkie had re ceived a progress payment of LIOO, and under the terms of the contract he con sidered that the contractor was entitled to a further payment of between LSO and and LGO. The Mayor said that the matter of the progress payment lay in the hands of himself and the Chairman of the County Council, but the meeting would have to decide whether an extension of time should be granted to the contractor. It was resolved that an extension of time, not to exceed a fortnight, be granted to the. contractor for the complex tion of the work. The action of the Borough Engineers, as referred to in the last two clauses of their report, was approved of. THE IMPOUNDED LAND FUND. Mr. Williamson, in referring to the re pudiation by the Wakanui Road Board of their liability to hand over the subsidy, thought the Council should exercise cau tion in the matter, as by the Wakanui Road Board referring them to the County Council there was a danger of falling between two stools. The Mayor explained that he had ob tained information from two of the members of the County Council who both were agreed that the Borough’s claim on , that body was perfectly safe. Mr. Williamson said he had every con fidence that the Mayor would look well after the interests of the Borough. The Mayor intimated that when the Commissioner, Mr. Walker, had divided the subsidies on the first occasion, acreage was taken as the basis of endowment, at which time Mount Somers got the lion’s share, but the following year the amount was based on the, rates collected, and it was on this fatter basis that the Council would get their grant. Mr, Saunders thought it would be foolish to surrender any substantial claim they had on the Road Boards for a pre carious claim on the County Council. Mr. Williamson said it was quite com petent for the Borough to refer the matter to arbitration. TENDERS. Messrs Montgomery and Co. were the only tenderers for the supply of cement, and their tender of 235. 6d. per barrel was accepted. For the supply of timber, two tenders were put.in, namely Montgomery and Co., 19s. per lOOfeet(accepted); AlpheusHayes, 20s. per 100 feet. There were a number of tenders sub mitted for the work of channelling and kerbing, but after spending about half-an hour over several of them, the Council were compelled to enter into the consider ation of only three of them, the rest being sept ip. in such an informal and un satisfactory manner as to be perfectly un intelligible. The tenders which were con sidered were as follows: —Mortimer and Orr, L 91195.; Strothers and Risely, L 123 Cs. 9d.: James Bradley, L 132 19s. It was decided to accept the tender of Mortimer and Orr, if their tender included the whole of the work ; and in case they declined to undertake it Mr. Bradley’s tender would be accepted. After passing sundry accounts for pay ment t’ e Council adjourned,

THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB.

“ BLACK EYED SUSAN.”

It is our pleasant duty to compliment the Amateur Dramatic Club on the success of their representation of “Black-eyed Susan ” on Saturday night, and on the patronage bestowed upon them by the public. The night was happily chosen, as, closing Race Day, it afforded an ex cellent chance to many strangers to put in a pleasant evening, and at the same time witness what Ashburton could do in amateur theatricals. It was announced the previous evening that Mrs. Hoskins, who had engaged to sustain the part of “ Susan,” would not play, hut that her place would be supplied by Mrs. Tippets, and though regular play-goers may have felt disappointed at the absence of the popular professional actress, and deferred their patronage till the night of her ap pearance, the immense crowd that thronged the Hall gave unmistakeable proof of their satisfaction with the sub stitute the Club were fortunate in being able to put forward. We have hitherto onlyknownMrs. Tippetsinlightlivelyparts, in which she showed herself to be the very soul of fun, and we were therefore agreeably surprised to find that her ver satility extended so far as to include the power to present very coramendably in deed the somewhat difficult character of Susan. Her entrances were always re ceived with applause, and her acting throughout the piece met with general and hearty approbation from all parts of a thoroughly crowded house. She was well supported by Mr. Jessop, who played the hero of the piece, as near to perfection as it could be expected. Mr. Jessop is very popular, and receives the applause that his fidelity to the characters he assumes so richly deserves. The part of Dolly May flower was taken by Miss Hardley at very short notice, for Mrs. Hoskins’ absence had compelled a hasty re-casting of the female parts. Miss Hardley, however, got through her part of Dolly very fairly indeed, and required very little aid from the prompter. Of the other characters, most prominent for excellence was that of Gnvtbrain (Mr. Elston), who was very effective, and made the most of his part, provoking a smile at every turn, and getting at once on good terms with his audience. Captain Crosstree fell to the lot of Mr. Felton, and was in good hands, as the reception it met with showed, while Mr. Poyntz made a very imposing Admiral, and Mr. Henry a smart Lieu tenant Pike. Jacob Twig was entrusted to Mr. Vaughan, and the other parts were apportioned as follows :—“ Doggrass,” ef fectively played by Mr. Cullen ; Raker and Hatchet, by Messrs. Fooks and Tip pets ; the subordinate characters of sea men, Ac., by Messrs. Fooks, Cook, Leathara, Leitch, Hardley, Higgins, Tutty, and others. Contributing largely to the success of the piece was the excellent scenery painted by our local painter, Mr. 0. Bourke, whose efforts were rewarded by repeated calls before the curtain as each successive new scene presented itself. His representa tion of the fleet at anchor in the Downs, was vociferously applauded, as was also a correct picture of East street, Ashburton, which did duty has a drop. He contrived, too, to introduce a little joke into his picture of a street in Deal, by placing the name of a local hairdresser over a shop from the door of which projected the inevitable “pole.” Altogether Mr. Bourke is a valuable aid to the Club, who would he tame indeed without the aid of his facile brush.

The afterpiece was the farce of “ John Smith,’'’ in which Mrs. Tippets, Miss Hardley, Messrs Poyntz, Jossop. Felton, Fooks, and, of course, Elston, took part. From beginning to end the amusing situa tions, and comic contretemps “ fetched ” the audience, who left at the close in the highest good humor. Nor, must we, in closing our notice of the performance, forget to mention how much of its success is due to the painstaking management of Mr. Jacobson, whose prompting on Satur day was not obtrusive, and his guidance kept the two pieces in the even tenor of their way Avithout the slightest hitch of any kind—barring one, and that Avas most unfortunate. The gas Avent out at the close of one of the acts, and for a feAV minutes the Avhole building Avas in dark ness. Some truer hand had better be put in charge of the taps. Wc Avould suggest, too, Sergeant Warr ing, or some other lusty armed constable should be stationed in the open of the Hal!, Avith a roving commission to use his riding whip amongst the young larrikins Avhose loud and unrehearsed “ asides ” Averc not an enjoyable part of the per formance to respectable people, even if great louts from the country avlio know no better encouraged the young imps in their larrikinism.

The pieces will be repeated on Friday, with Mrs Hoskins playing the part of Susan.

SPORTING.

THE OAKS,

{By cableftom Reuter's Agency.) London, May 28. The race for the Oaks took place to-day, and resulted as follows ; Jenny Hewlett ... ... 1 Bonny Maiden 2 War Horn 3

ASHBURTON STEEPLECHASES,

SATURDAY, May 29.

President—E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R. Vice-President—W. C. Walker, Esq. Stewards—Messi's. Hay T. Smith, John Carter, L. E. Oorsbie, R. Fried lander, Neil McLean, J. Hunt, B Saunders, A. McLean, E. S. Coster, Dr. Ross. Judge—Mr. M. Stitt. Starter—Mr. John Carter. Clerk of the Course—Mr. E. Saunders. Clerk of the Scales—Mr. E. F. Wright. Hon. Secretary—Mr. J. Wilkie. Hon. Treasurer—Mr. C. 0. Fooks. Handicappcr—Mr. H. P. Lance. The Ashburton Steeplechases of 1880 were run in the best weather it has ever been the Jot of the Committee to enjoy. After a night of exceptionally heavy frost, the first nip of the season of any conse quence, the sun shone out with almost midsummer heat and brightness, making the outing a pleasant one for visitors, and altogether very enjoyable. At the same time the sunshine had the effect of thaw ing the ground and leaving it heavy, and in some cases sloppy. The attendance was numerous, as the fine weather would naturally induce many to come out, and steeplechases are always attractive. The course was laid out over Mr. Hunt’s ground, and presented as fair a trial of metal as could well be expected. The Committee are fortunate in having a friend like Mr. Hunt, whose belongings, no matter what, are always at the service of sport, and this is the second time the steeplechases have been run over his land. Certainly the thanks of all lovers of true sport are due to Mr. Hunt for his liberality. The course itself was well selected, and was laid off so that the horses never once were lost to sight of the Grand Stand. There were nine jumps in all, but only two of these wore of gny consequence—namely, the last two on the course’, One of these, the second last, was the water j amp, before which was erected a post and rail fence for the nonce. This gave three feet of fence and twelve of water to cover, and it will at once be seen that coming as it did so near the finish, the jump was a stiff one. The other difficult nogociation was a gorse fence with a four feet ditch on the take off side, and it tried the best horse on the

ground. At about one o’clock the first race started. The publican’s booth was seen to by Mrs. Butler’s skiff, and her catering was apparently quite satisfactory. Mr. J. S. Savage was about with his refresh ment tent, and there was the usual army of wheel-of-fortune men and other para sites. Ashburton Handicap Steeplechase, of 40 sovs. add to a sweepstake of 2 sovs. each for acceptors ; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country ; nomination, 2 sovs. Mr. J. H. Lunn’s g.g. Fakir, by Golden Grape—Banshee, aged 7sh. 71b. (Clifford) 1 Mr. P. Husband’s b.r.g. Raven, aged, 10st. (Nicholson) ... ... 2 Mr. R. M'lvor’s g.g. Grey Monms, aged, 12st. 71b. (Oliver) ... ... 0 Mr. G. Dancell’s ch.g. The Lad 5 years, lOst. (Kelly) ... ... ... 0 Mr. P Butler’s cb.m. Stella, 4 years, 10st. (O’Connor) 0 Mr. Dillon’s ch.g. Mickey Free, aged, lOst. (O’Neil) ... ... 0 Betting—4 to 1 agst. Grey Momus ; 3 to 1 the rest. In this race all six faced the starter, and Mr. Carter got them away in a good line, Mickey Free being slightly ahead, where he remained till he reached the first fence, which was too much for both him and The Lad. Fakir now came to the front, and making the running led over the next two fences, the rest at tending. At the next the whole field refused, except Fakir, who took a long lead to the water jump, at which he stood back, but in the second attempt he got over. Steadily his lead increased from this date, but Raven, The Lad, and Stella followed the line given. Grey Momus refused several jumps, and was nowhere for a chance before he had finished his first mile. Fakir kept the lead over the remainder of the ground. At the big post and rail and water jump he fell, but came to terms on a second request. His immediate follower, the Raven, had the same damp experience, but both riders were speedily in the saddle again, and got over the last jump in good shape, Faker came in an easy winner, and Raven a fair second. The rest caved in. There was Ll 5 on the totalisator and LG on Fakir. District Handicap, of 20 sovs., added to a sweepstake of 2 sovs. each for acceptors ; 2 miles ; nomination 1 sov., for district horses only. Mr. H. Muir's g.g. Tam O’Shanter, by Talisman—Lady Jane Grey, 12st. 31b. (owner) 1 Mr. G. Dancell’s ch.g. The Lad, syrs., 12st. 21b. (Kelly) 2 Mr. T. Holmes’b.c. Sir George, 3 yrs., list. 21b. (Woods) 0 Raven was scratched. Betting—G to 4 against Jack, 3 to 1 the rest. Jack was first away in the race and led over the first piece of gorse, which De ceiver wouldn’t tackle. At the distant side of the course the lot came together in a crowd, out of which Sir George came away a little, and led over the water jump. At the nest fence he baulked, and let The Lad into prior position, Tam following, and Deceiver next. This order was kepi over the next two gorses, where DeceWer was left and Tam went to the front, lead ing to the water jump again, where he came to grief, as did also his neighbor, The Lad. Tam was quickest under speed again, and came in an easy winner, as The Lad humbugged his last fence. There was LlB in the totalisator, L 3 on the winner. The Wakanui Stakes, of 20 sovs.; weight for age ; open to all horses. Two miles. Entrance, 1 sov. Mr. R. Mclvor’s Grey Momus (by Traducer —Patricienne), aged, 12st. 31b. (Owner) 1 Mr. J. Lunn’s g g The Fakir, aged, 12st. 31b. (H. Lunn)... ... ... 2 Mr. J. Danoell’s ch g The Lad, syrs. (Kelly)... 3 Stella was disqualified, owing to an error in the nomination as to her age. Betting—2 to 1 on the field. The Lad had the start, and led over fho first gorse, where Mr. Mclvor came ahead, and kept well in the van until he reached the fence that separated the ploughed field from tho stand paddock. Here The Lad gained and passed him, keeping front place for a time, but Grey Momus soon recovered his leeway, and again resumed his place in the front. He kopt it over the water jump and up to the last fence, where Fakir, who had ridden a waiting race, made the effort he had been saving for. In a few strides, how ever, he had spent it, and Grey Momus won, with a good handful to spare, The Lad a fair thirl. This was the best race of the day. Farmers’ Steeplechase, of 15 sovs. ; about li- miles ; weight for age ; en trance 1 sov. ; for district horses only. Mr. H. Muir’s g g Tam o’Shauter, aged. 12st. 31b (Hedge) ... ... 1 Mr. A. Sturgeon’s b g Lonehand, aged, 12st. 31b. (Owner)... ... 2 Mr. G. Wilcox’s g g Deceiver, 6 yrs., 12st. 31bs. (T. Cotton) ... ... 3 Mr. T. Holmes’ b c Sir George, 3 yrs., list. (Wood) .., ... 0 Mr. W. Maugham’s b g Little Tom, aged, 12st. 31b. (S. Osborne) ... 0 Mr. J. Carter’s blk g Tinwald, aged, 12st. 31b. (Kelly) ... ... ... 0 Jack was scratched. Betting—2 to 1 agst. Jack, 3 to 1 Tam o'Shanter and Lonehand. The lot got away following Tam and Lonehand, Tam in front, Lonehand next, and Deceiver close up. They kept fairly together till the water jump tried their mettle, and then Tam and Lonehand hav ing overcome the difficulty set out almost alone. Tam got the last fence in a clumsy way, and his rider came to grief. Lone hand came through safely at the same gap, and looked like landing the money. Hedge, Tam’s xnder, was not to be had this way, however, and making a spring into his saddle, made anurgentcall on Tam, to which the game little grey responded with a rush, passed staid old Lonehand, and got first to the post amidst ringing cheers. Tom Cotton brought Deceiver in third, Sir George fourth. Hack Steeplechase, of ssovs.; 1 mile ; catch weights'; entrance, 1 sov.; for district horses only. Mr. Smith’s Merlin (Owner) ... ... 1 Mr. Corbett’s Maid o’ the Mill (T. Cotton) ... ... ... ... 2 Merlin had it pretty much all his own way, and came in an easy winner. Poor Jack met with a sad misfortune in the District Handicap, The water jump seemed to be a lion in the path to nearly every horse on the ground, and in taking it, Jack in the District Handicap fell heavily, hurting his back in the fall, and receiving further injuries from the horse that followed. It was found that the mis chief he had encountered rendered him worthless for further work, and he was diplomatically done for next day. Raven, too, did not come out of the Ashburton Handicap scatheless, though he won second honors in the contest, and he bid adieu to the course for the day imme diately after. The totalisator was pretty well patron ised during 'the day, but not nearly so much as was expected, while the book- might just as well have stayed at homo. ‘ Every speculator in privileges of the course made money, the Grand Stand was crowded, and the man at the gates carried away a pot of money; the confectioner sold out, and the publican’s booth was very busy, but withal there was remark ably few drunken men to be seen. Loud complaints were now and again made that cards of the races were not to be obtained.

and it was not till the Farmers’ Steeple chase was about to be run that we heard a card boy whisper that he had the official pasteboard to sell. If these indispensable documents are not to be more easily ob tainable at next meeting than they were on Saturday we would .advise the Com mittee to take them into their hands. 1 DUNEDIN.

* [by- telegraph.] ”' w ' Dunedin, May 31. The circumstances in connection with the death of the woman named Lockhart, living off Walker street, are of such a sus picious character as to lead the police to take charge of the house in which she died. From the statements of a neighbor, it appears that on Thursday night last Lock hart and his wife had a quarrel. Lock hart struck her—how or with what has not yet transpired. The only other oc cupant of the house is the youngest son, a lad of about eleven years old. ■ He refuses to give any account of what took place, the only statement that can be got from himbeingthat his mother fell justout side the door, and there hurt herself. The eldest son is twenty years old. He states that on Thursday night he was living in another house, as he had left his father’s house some time before. Oh that evening he heard that something had happened to his mother, and that she was badly hurt. He went home to see what was the matter, and found her lying bn the floor unable to speak. He watched her until Friday morning, when, finding that she got no better, he went for Dr. Brown. She died without returning to consciousness. On Saturday afternoon three doctors made a post mortem examina tion. They state death has resulted from violence. An inquest was held to-day. The evidence showed that the woman had been illtreated by her husband, Charles Lockhart, against whom a verdict of manslaughter was returned.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN,

{Per Reuter's Agency.) London, May 27.

New Zealand five per cent. Loan, 1889, 105; 4-| per cent., Loan, 1879-1904, 98. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 15,750,000. .. At the wool sale to-day, 11,500 bales were offered, making a total of 300,700 catalogued since the opening. The tone of to-day’s sales showed that prices were firmly maintained. The withdrawal from sales to date amount to 14,000 bales. Pig iron is at 50s. There is a fair demand for most descriptions of hides. Prices are a shade lower. The Australian cricketers commenced a match against Eighteen, of Rochdale to day. The weather was showery during the day. The English team went first to the wickets, and when the stumps were drawn had eight wickets drawn for 45 runs. | A Ministerial Bill has been introduced into the House of Lords, by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for the purpose of per mitting the burial of dissenters in church yard cemeteries without the Church of England Service. London, May 28, The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is. 1,770,000 quarters. Leather is quoted at At the woql sales to-day, 8500 bales were offered, making a total of 309,200 since the opening. The tone showed a firm and active de|^Hp^ Three per cent, consols Zea land securities, 5 per cenkv" 10710 16an 103 ; 5 per cent. 1889 loan 106 ; 4£ per cent. 1879 to 1904 loan, 93. New Zea land wheat, ex ship, 495. ; Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 51s. ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 375. ; Australian tallow, best beef, 335. ; best mutton, 355. 6d. The match between the Australian cricketers and eighteen of Rochdale, Lan cashire, was resumed to-day.. There was only a moderate attendance of the public, but the weather was fine throughout the day. The Home team, who at the close of the first day’s play had eight wickets down for 45 runs, resumed their innings, and were soon all disposed of for 92. Boyle, for the Australians, bowled splen didly, and took ten of the Rochdale wickets. The Australians then went in, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had seven wickets down for 194 runs. McDonnell had contributed 99 towards this score when he was given out leg before wicket. His innings was a very fine one. London, May 29. The following promotions have been made in the Order of St. Michael and St. George :—Major George Cumine Strahan, Governor of Tasmania, to be Commander; Charles Domett, Esq., of New Zealand ; John Bates Thurston, Esq., Colonial Secretary of Fiji, to be Companions. A European Conference will be held at Berlin next month. At present the questions to be discussed will be limited to those connected with the Greek fron tier. It is, however, uncertain whether the discussion will be extended tq ojjhep questions. At the wool sales torday, 8,900 bales were offered, making a total of 318,600 since the opening. The tone of the sale was firm.

The match between the Australian cricketers and eighteen of Rochdale was concluded to-day. The Australians won the match by one innings, with 80 runs, and thus scored their fourth victory. The Orient Co.’s steamship Garonne sailed from Plymouth to-day for Australia. Constantinople, May 24.

The Right Hon. G. J. Goschen has arrived. He will temporarily act as Special Ambassador for Great Britain to the Porte.

AUSTRALIAN

{Per Reuter's Agency.) Melbourne, May 31. The race for tho professional interco lonial sculling championship took place on the Lower Yarra on Saturday, and was won by E. Laycock, of Sydney, by two lengths. Sydney, May 29. The alarmists’ report with reference tq the Gjeni is denied Here by the representa tive of Marquis de Rays. He explains that the vessel is merely conveying a colo nising party to New Ireland, and that her cargo consists of machinery and tools. The alarm • probably arose from the fact of there being a corps of 211 gendarmes aboard. ' " At a meeting held last night to arrange for the collection of subscriptions to defray Trickett’s expenses to England, the sum of L4OO was subscribed in the room. Patna Rice, Ll 6 per ton ; Hennessy’s brandy, in bulk, quarters, 10s. 6d. to 10s. 9d.; maize, 2s. to 2s. . 6d. per GOlba.; sugar, Company’s No. 1 pieces, L3B. Adelaide, May 28. Adelaide wheat, 4s. to 4s. 4d. per bushel ; flour, LlO to LlO ss. per ton. Brisbane, May 29. The Saturday returns of exports from Queensland for the last year show an in crease of nearly L 280,000, as compared with 1078 ; but the imports crease of nearly L300,00(]. ’(M

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. This Day. J. E. Buchanan & Co. —33 building allot ments, Land, &c , at Ashburton Town Hall. Tuesday, June 8. Acland, Campbell, and Co. —On the estate of Mr. Thomas Simpson, Wakanui road, Ashburton, 120 acres of freehold land. Saturday, June 5. Edmiston, Gundry, and Co., at their Rooms, East street —700 acres of Turnip Land at Lagmohr. At an early date. Messrs. Acland, Campbell, and Co., at Westerfield Station —Horses, Cattle, Implements, &c. NOTICE TO FARMERS. fjjpjHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS, JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, 1880. 5500* MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tmwald. Next sale at the TIN WALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, May 25, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27<j* Agent, Ashburton. T HE NEW ZEALAND FACTORY’S CLOTHING GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the public. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Invercargill Oamaru Timaru Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. N.B.- Our New Winter Manufactures are now ready. “ TRY THE M OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— East Street. Wm. SPARROW, 588 q Manager.



To Let. TO LET. OAA" ACRES First-Class LAND to fJ U U Let, as a whole or in blocks, for immediate Cropping. Apply to D. CAMERON, 8700 Clones, Methven. TO LET—OAKLEY FARM, Orari (late Mrs. Arenas’), for a terra of ten years.. For further particulars apply to F. LeCREIV, Esq., Timaru, Or to FRANCIS ARENAS, Temuka, Or to FRIEDLANDER BROS., g 7 Ashburton. A SPLENDID CHANCE. TO LET, for a term of Fifteen Years— -1000 Acres of LAND, situated North Rangitata, in one or more lots. Four Shillings an Acre for the first five years. Taluacion will be given for improve ments at the expiration of lease, if ap proved of. For further particulars apply to FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ashburton.



INT^RPBQYJNGf4^- (Per Press Association.) Auckland, May 31. Michael Gallagher, landlord of the Cos mopolitan Hotel, charged with permitting gambling on his premises, pleaded guilty at the Police Court this morning, and was fined HO