THE CHURCHES.

SUNDAY AND WEEK NIGHT SER VICES AND MEETINGS. EPISCOPALIAN CHURCH.— Tanored Street, West. Rev. A. W. Hands, Incumbent. Sunday. Morning at 11 a.m., Mr. J. Ward. Afternoon at 2.30, Sunday School. Evening at 6.30, Mr. J. Ward. Wednesday. Evening Service at 7 p.m., Rev. A, W, Hands. Choir Practice at 8. Country Services—To-Morrow. Green street at 11a.m., Mr. G. Jameson. Tinwald at 3 p.m., Mr. J. Ward. Mount Somers, 11 a.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Shepherd’s Bush, 6.30 p.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Wester field, 3 p.m., Mr. G. Jameson. " ’ ' RAKAIA PARISH. Rev. W. H. Elton, Incumbent. Sunday. St. Mark’s Church., Rakaia.—Morning at 11, Lay Reader. Evening, at 7, Rev. W. H. Elton. St. John’s, Barrhill, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. Kyle, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. St. Barnabas, Methven, 11 a. tn,, Rev. W. H. Elton. All Saints, Sherwood, 3 p.m., Rev. W. H. Elton. Communion.—First Sunday in the month at St. Mark’s. Second Sunday at St. John’s. Fourth Sunday at St. Barna bas. Fifth Sunday at All Saints. Baptism in St. Mark’s, and Children’s Service at 3 p.m., second Sunday in the month. Sunday School. St. Mark’s, St. John’s, and Kyle, at 2.30 every Sunday. Friday. Evensong and Choir Practice at 7.30. — St. Mark’s. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.—Have lock Street, West. Rev. A. M Beattie, Minister. Sunday Services. Morning at 11, and Evening at 6.30, in the Church. —Rev. A. M. Beattie. Wakanui, at 3 o’clock afternoon, at Mr D. Wilson’s house —Rev. A. M. Beattie. Sunday School in the Church at 2.30 afternoon. —Mr. W. Gavin, Superinten * dent. Tuesday. Finance Committee —First Tuesday of every month, in the Church at 7.30. S; S. Teachers’ Association —Second Tues day of every month, in the Church at 7.30. Wednesday. Pastor’s Bible Class in the Church Yeatry—Weekly at 7. Week night Service at B—Rev. A. M. Beattie. Thursday. Tinwald School — Weekly service at 7.30. Friday. Choir Practice at 7.30 —Mr. Savage, con ductor ; Mr. A. Stott, organist. RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. —Town Hall, Rakaia. Rev. B. J. Westbrooke, Minister. Sunday. Rakaia Town Hall at 11 a.m. Kyle School, at 3 p.m. "WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. —Cameron Street, East. Rev. W. Keall, Pastor. Sunday. Morning, at 11, Rev. W. Keall. Evening, at 6.30, Rev. W. Keall. Sunday School—Afternoon, at 2.30 ; address at 3.30 by Mr. H. M. Jones. COUNTRY SERVICES. Old Men’s Home —Afternoon, at 3, Mr. J. Buchanan. Tinwald—Evening, at 6.30, Mr. H. M Jones. Seafield —Afternoon, at 2.30, Mr. J. Alison ; Sunday School at 1.30. Monday. Cameron Street Church —Prayer meeting at eight o’clock. Tuesday. Class Meeting at 7.30. Thursday. Preaching Service at 7.30, Rev. W. Keall; Class at the conclusion of the service. Friday. Choir Practice at 7.30., Mr. Weeks, con ductor. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. —Wills Street, East. Rev, Arthur J. Smith, Pastor. Sunday. Morning School at 10 a.m. Morning Service at 11 a.m., Mr. W. H. Puddicombe. Afternoon School at 2.30 p. m. Evening Service at 6.30 p.m., Rev. A. J. Smith. Monday. Ladies’ Class —In the Church at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday. Divine Service at 7.30 p.m., Rev. A. J. Smith. Wednesday. Children’s Singing Class, at 7p. m., Miss Jowsey, teacher. Thursday. Class Meeting at 7-30 p.m. Friday. Choir practice at 7.30 p.m. Saturday. Bible Class at Mr. Smith’s, at 7 p.m. NEWLANDS PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. Sunday. Morning School, 9.30. Divine Service at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., Rev. A. J. Smith and Mr. E. Watkins. ASHBURTON FORKS. Sunday Afternoon Service at 2.30, Mr. J. Colwell. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL.— Burnett Street West. Rev. Father Chervier. Mass at 11 a. m. on the second Sunday of every month. Benediction service in the evening of the same day at 6.30.

COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE The following is the Corn Exchange re port for the week ending, Friday evening, the 24tli inst.: — Business during the week has been of a most unimportant character. The principle business doing is grain passing into local consumption. Shippers are in the market for feed grains. The demand is scarcely so good, as there ap pears to be some difficulty in obtaining freight. With the wool season rapidly approaching, it is probable that the difficulty will increase. The market for all classes of grain is hardly so strong. Wheat.—Good sound milling is being in quired for, and is saleable at from 4s to 4s 3d; second quality, 3s 6d to 3s gd ; chick wheat, 2s 6d to 3s 3d per bushel. Oats.—Stout short milling are being offered at from is 7d to is 8d per bushel. Buyers are in the market but are hardly so eager. For the before-mentioned description they are giving is 6d to is 8d in Christchurch; good feed qualities are saleable at from is 3d to is 4d per bushel; second quality feed, is id to is 2d per bushel.

Baarley.—Brewers and malsters are still in the market for good malting samples, prices are, however, in no way affected. Good malt ing is saleable at from 2s 3d to 2s 8d per bushel. Extra prime qualsty, 3s to 3s 6d per bushel. Feed qualities are being enquired for, and are saleable at from is 6d to is gd per bushel.

Potatoes.—The market for this tuber has ex perienced a very decided fall. Considerable quantities are offering, with but an indifferent demand. Sales have taken place during the week at from 10s to 20s per ton, sacks extra. It is difficult to quote an exact value, as the exi gencies of the case frequently influence the prices. Inall cases sacks extra. Cheese and Butter.—There is no change to report in the state of the market for these articles of produce. The former is in fair sup ply at from qd to The latter is abun dant, and is hardly saleable. Grass Seed.—A better inquiry has been ap parent during the week, but prices are not sensibly affected. Good heavy well cleaned samples will fetch from 2s gd to 3s. Farmers’ parcels badly dressed vary from is gd to 2s 6d per bushel. Cocksfoot —Good heavy seed is fetching 2%d to 3d per lb. in small lines. Large lines at a shade under the quotations. Hay.—sos to 55s per ton delivered in Christ church. STOCK AUC'I lONS. Messrs. H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, etc., for the week ending Thursday, September 23rd, as follows : —For yesterday’s weekly sale, at the Addington yards, there was a fair entry of sheep, chiefly butchers’ lines, with a large proportion of merino mut ton. Owing to the auction commencing at ten o’clock (an hour earlier than usual) there was a small attendance at the opening sales, and competition was weak and languid. The same feeling prevailed (with great irregularity) throughout she whole of the auction, About one-third of the sheep were unsold and may in some instances be quoted at is. per head under last week’s rates, in others little or no change was perceptible. The general quality of the sheep to hand was remarkably good, Messrs. Gould and Cameron’s crossbred wethers top ping the market at 19s and 19s 6d ; ewes, on account of the same owners, 16s; merino wethers, usto 12s; other lots, proportionate rates according to quality. There is still a large demand for store sheep, and values are unchanged. Good fresh-conditioned two and four-toothed crossbreds are worth I Is to 13s; hoggets, 8s 6d to 12s. The Jamb trade 'may now be said to have fairly commenced, with a suppy equal to present requirements. Prices rule from 8s to 12s. Scrubbers, 5s to 6s 6d. The totals yarded for the day comprised 4,796 sheep. 503 head of cattle, lambs, and 55 pigs, of which our entry included 249 head of cattle, 3036 sheep, 45 fat lambs and 46 pigs, for Messrs. John Grigg, Gould and Cameron, and others. In sheep our principal sales were: —2O crossbred wethers at igs 6d, 54 a t I 9 s i 100 crossbred ewes at 16s, 48 merino wethers at 12s, 98 at ns gd, 94 at us 6d, 91 at I is 3d, 100 at I is ; 50 mixed crossbreds at 16s 6d, 77 at 13s, 61 at 14s, 70 at 13s 6d, 103 at 14s ; 55 merinos at 10s ; 69 crossbreds at 16s 3d ; stores, 83 merino ewes at 6s 3d ; 48 crossbreds at us 3d ; 59 merino ewes at 6s ; 218 merino wethers at 8s ; 133 cull do. at 4s 3d, and vari ous small lines of mixed crossbreds and hog gets at ids to 13s ; fat lambs, 10 at 9s, 8 at ios, 5 at 12s, 6 at 10s 6d, 6 at 9s, 10 at Ss 3d. Fat Cattle—l at Li 1 Ss, 1 at L 9 15s, 5 at Lli, 2 at LS Ss, 2 at L 6 7s 6d, 2 at L 6 15s, 3 at L 8 25 6d, 2 at L 7 2s 6d, 3 at L 5 ss, 3 at LS 17s6d, 4 at L 7, 5 at L 6 15s. Stores —25 head, mixed, at L 4 12s, 4 M L 4 2s 6d, 15 nt Ls 2S 6d, 8 at L2 17s 6d. Springers and dairy cows —L 5 to L 8 ios. In pigs jwe cleared our entry —11 at 305 6d, 3 at 365, I at 455, 3 at 38s, 3 at 41s, 2 at 355, 3 at 245, 9 at 28s, 6 at 255, 4 at 265, 2 at 31s. At this, the early part of the season, we would give our clients a word of advice, viz., not to send lambs into the market until they are fit for the butcher, for whilst good quality will always command a satisfactory price, scrubbers are almost unsaleable, and will pay far better to hold over for store purposes. In beef there was a large supply, and during the early part of the sale, biddings were very dull, and where sales were effected, a drop of ios to 20s per head had to be accepted. Towards the close, however, there was a better demand, and prices very nearly recovered themselves. Taking the sale as a whole, trade ruled dull, and prices were unsatisfactory. The Longbeach shorthorns averaged Li 1 per head ; fair average weight cattle, L 7 to L 8 ios ; inferior lots, L 5 ios to L 6 ios. Store cattle made a small entry, but there was a thorough absence of anything like competition, and several of the best lines were turned out unsold. This is no doubt attributable to the dry weather, and a good rain would at once dispel the present inactivity of the market. Pigs are unchanged in value, and we think that present rates may be looked upon as a fair criterion for the summer months. Canterbury Horse Market.—Our catalogue for last Saturday’s horse sale comprised 64 lots of various descriptions, from heavy draughts and unbroken colts to weedy hacks, etc. On Saturday next, 25th September, we shall offer for sale, on account of various clients, from 10 to 15 blood and draught stallions. The sale will commence on the Show Grounds at 12 noon. LONDON MARKETS. We extract the following from the New Zea land Loan and Mercantile Company’s circular, dated London, August I2th, 1S80: Corn.—The unsettled weather of the past month has in many districts bean productive of serious damage to the growing crops, and it now appears certain that the anticipations which were formed earlier in the summer as to • the result of the harvest will not be fulfilled. The tone of the wheat market, however, is weak, under the influence of liberal American offers and the suspension of demand for Con tinental account But for the comparatively light stocks of foreign wheat held in this coun try, and the almost complete exhaustion of our supplies of home-grown produce, values could not be maintained at their present level. There is little desire for forward speculation, although red winter wheat is offered to arrive at 43s per qSolbs., and Californian is procurable at 44s per soolbs. for immediate shipment. Off the coast and almost due there is a con siderable fleet of grain-laden vessels, shipped for the most part on account of the American ring; but they do not attract offers, as millers are unwilling to go largely into stock under existing circumstances, the total quantity of wheat on passage is now estimated at 1,671,310 quarters. The visible supply in America is, about 14,200,000 bushels. A cargo of wheat and oats from New Zea land, per Star of India, has been on sale at port of call for the past week, but no bids have so far been obtained. Arrivals into London have been large, and have sold freely, ex granary, at about 47s 6d for good ordinary sorts, and 51s to 53s for fine Talaveras. Oats sell slowly at from 28s to 33s per quarter of 8 bushels. We quote : s. d] s, d. Australian wheat, new, per 496 lbs 49 o 50 6 New Zealand, do. do. ... 46 o „ 53 ° Australian flour per 280 lbs 34 o „ 36 o New Zealand do. do. ... 34 0 »> 34 0

The arrivals for the month from Port Lyttel ton have been as follows :—Salamanca, 15,348 sacks; Buttermere, 9,116 ; Padishah, 15,656; Gurli, 8,886 ; Coriolanus, 10,149 ; Stracathro, 15,314; Margaret Galbraith, 9,532; Ada Wiswell, 6,816 ; Nebo, 18,511. Wool.—The trade both in this country and in France is somewhat inactive. Home reports are generally to the effect that stocks are going gradually into consumption, while on the other hand French dealers are experiencing some difficulty in working off the purchases made at the recent auctions except at prices which would leave a toss. Transactions in the meantime are limited to a few small parcels of special quality required to fill particular orders.- At the Liverpool sales of East India Wool held on the 20th to 23rd ultimo, a fall of 7% to 10 per cent, was noted on the rates current in May, medium sorts maintaining their values better than either the superior or lower quali ties; . >. , At' the Antwerp sales, which opened op the 26th and closed on the 31st tilt., there was a good attendance of buyers, but with an absence of spirit in the biddings, prices ruled lower by }4d to per lb. The arrivals for the third series” which wilt open on the 17th instant, are as for°ws :—New South Wales and Queensland, 86,983 bales ; Victoria, 49,470 bales; South Australia, 13,114 bales; Western Australia, 738 bales; Tasmania, 13,946 bales ; New Zealand, 89,863 bales ; Cape and Natal, 70,374 bales ; total— -324,488 bales. [by telegraph.] Dunedin, Sept.'24.- Good sample milling wheat, 4s. 4d. to 4s. ?d. ; fowl’s wheat, 2s. 6d. to 35.; feed oats, is. 6d. ; milling is. 7d. to is. Bd. ; malt barley, is. gd. to 3s. 3d. ; feed, is. gd. to 2s. 6d. ; potatoes, L2 ss. ; fresh hay, L2 10s. ; oaten hay, L 3 ; medium wheat, 3s. gd. to 45.; straw, L2 ; bran, L 3 10s. ; pollard, L 4 10s. ; flour, Lio 103. to- Ln ; oatmeal, Lg 10s.; pearl barley, Liß; ■ onions, Bs. ; cheese Bd. togd.,; bacon, rolled, gd.; hams, sides bacon, 7 1 /zd. to Bj4d. per lb. (grain fed) ; chaff", L2 15s. ; prime beef, 255. to 275. 6d. per loolbs. ; mutton, 2to 3d. per lb.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows ; For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, Ac., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m,, daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Watcrton, and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Fr«m Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, 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, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1880.

Government have now under con sideration the question of District Courts, and there is every probability that changes of some importance will take place in this branch of the colony’s judicature very shortly. Returns show ing the business done in the various District Courts throughout New Zea land have been procured by Govern ment, and from these it is ascertained that in comparison with the cost of maintaining the Courts, the advantage taken of them for ligitation by the public is not commensurate. It is as signed as a reason for this that since the procedure of the Supreme Courts has been made less costly, the District Courts have been neglected for the higher institutions. Government, we understand, have no intention of abolishing District Courts, but the direction reform is likely to take is said to be their abolition in large towns where the Supreme Courts are easily accessible, and their retention in groups of smaller towns where their usefulness is recognised and appreciated. It is further hinted that the number of the Courts will be reduced to five or six— half in the South Island, and half in the North—the spare services of some of the Native Court Judges in the North Island being utilised. No one will gainsay the usefulness of the District Court to the Ashburton district, which is likely to be rather a litigious locality for some years to .come. We infer, if the, surmises as to the probable changes are correct, that, with perhaps Christchurch cut off from Judge Ward’s jurisdiction, our dis trict will remain the same as now, so that Ashburton will not be very greatly affected by the retrench ment that is indicated as about to take place, and the public will still be saved the trouble and expense that would be entailed upon them were it found to be necessary to revert to the old arrange ment under which every civil case of any importance had to be heard in Christchurch. While Government are thus considering the remodelling of District Courts, we think they might just as well consider whether it would ' not be better to retain all the J udges and extend their usefulness, dispensing with the Resident Magistrates alto gether. Cheap law is all very well for Government and the lawyers, but it is not by any means cheap to the clients. Mott of our Resident Magistrates are gentlemen who have not had a legal graining, and their decisions are in many instances of a somewhat rule-of rthumh.character, while their business is not always discharged in the most ex peditious manner possible—at least were their benches occupied by Judges of acknowledged standing the character of their courts would be wonderfully changed. Would it not be better to abolish the very numerous Resident Magistrates altogether, giving the Dis trict Court Judges the same jurisdiction of cases they have now, and leaving all cases in which amounts under are involved to be undertaken by the Justices. It would not be difficult, we take it, to simplify District Court pro cedure to admit of such an arrangement, and with the host of Justices of the Peace the colony possesses there ought to be little dificulty in getting the minor work done. A Mayor’s Court in Boroughs could easily undertake the criminal business—at least could do it nearly as well as it is done at present, for every case that looks at all formid able is committed to the Supreme Court for trial. If the plan we have suggested could be carried out, there would be a far greater saving by dis pensing with the array of Resident Magistrates than by reducing the Judges.

Unregistered Dogs. —The only police cases heard at the R.M. Court yester day, were two informations which had been laid against Robert M'Oonnell and Samuel Anderson, for respectively having in their possession unregistered dogs. Both these negligent dog owners were fined LI.

The Camera Obscura. —Yesterday the -pavilion of Mr. Diraaht was literally be sieged with the children from both the public and private schools, those of the borough school visiting the place in detachments. The young folks were highly pleased with the exhibition, which certainly combines the elements of amuse ment and instruction. The exhibition will close to-night.. The New “ Hammer. ” To-day. we would remind our readers Messrs. Quill and Co. open their auction room in Saunders’ Building with a full sale list, comprising a general assortment of furni ture, &q.f as per advertisement. A luncheon will be provided, and a great roll up of the public will no doubt grace the opening day. Mr. Thomas Quill will bo auctioneer.

Shoddy, —We are informed that not a little “ shoddy ” cloth is being hawked about the country just now, and several purchasers have been taken in. It would be wise on the part of country people to be careful with whom they deal, and be stow their patronage only on pedlars of es tablished repute. Wenoticefrora Southern, exchanges that shoddy is being energetic ally hawked about in Otago, and settlers have been victimised with the worthless stuff. ’ I

Half-Holiday.—ln compliance with the request of a number of ratepayers, his Worship the Mayor’ ha 4 declared next Monday afternoon a half-holiday, in honor of the ceremony of letting in the water into the township, to take place at noon of that day. This being the first demonstration over any local event since the Borough was established, it is to be hoped there will be a numerous attend ance of citizens present to witness the in auguration of what is undoubtedly a work of the highest benefit to the township.

“The Art of Memory.” —Mr F. P. O’Reilly, who displayed such a power of memory on the occasion of his recent lec ture on Pitt, is to deliver a lecture in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening next for the benefit of the Library. It is not per haps generally known that Mr O’Reilly has one of the most extraordinary me mories agoing, and some wonderful feats of memory have been done by him. His excellence, however, is as much due to cultivation of the talent as to natural gift, and therefore his lecture on the “ Art of Memory” ought to be very interesting.

The Waterworks Demonstration. Councillor Weymouth Roberts is very busy superintending the erection : o: a triumphal arch across the corner of the Domain. The triumphal “ business ” seems to be a specialty all Mr. Roberts’ own, and every arch of evergreens built in the township has been his handiwork, and all have been creditable to him. Doubt less he will be no less successful with-the one he is now at work on. At the deir.onr stration on Monday, which' has every ap pearance of being a grand affair, the Fire Brigade will attend in uniform, with their engine and appliances, and the day being a half holiday there will be a great turn out.

1 Cricket. —A committee meeting of the Ashburton Cricket Club was held on Thurs day Mr. Poyntz in the chair. A letter was read from the Ashburton Dramatic Club, wishing to arrange a match on Boxing Day, the members to play in costume. It was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the Match Committee—Messrs. Andrews, Marsh, and Price were elected a ground committee. After several small accounts had been passed, and other busi ness of a routine nature, the meeting ad journed. A meeting of members is called for Saturday, for the purpose of electing a vice-captain, for the reconsideration of colors, and for other important business. The Lawyers. —The South Canterbury Times, a Timaru evening paper, of which Mr. A. W, Hogg, late of Ashburton, is the editor, has a leading article on our R.M. Court, in which the following occurs ; —As a fact, Ashburton is lawyer ridden ; it has an army of professional gentlemen quite out of proportion to the surrounding population, and as they do not care about eating one another, they must either be allowed the privilege of carefully skinning and picking the bones of their clients, or they must eat the magistrate. Wesleyan. —The usual quarterly meet ing of office-bearers of the Wesleyan Church in Ashburton and neighborhood was held on Wednesday, in the vestry of the Cameron street Church, there being only, a moderate attendance. The pastor, Rev. W. Keall, intimated that the number of members on the roll stood about the same as at last quarterly meeting—namely, thirty-seven. Mr. H. M. Jones read the balance-sheet for the quarter, and the very favorable financial statement was a source of much thankfulness to the mem bers present. The total receipts for the quarter amounted to L 137 75., which in cluded a grant of L 45 from the Home Mission Fund : the sura of L 92 7s. thus being the contributions of the circuit for the quarter. The envelope system has been adopted in the circuit, and by this means L6O 6s. 3d. had been raised, Ll 4 Ga Gd. being the amount realised from the ordinary collections. Last quarter the circuit started with a debt of L 36 19s. 9c1., and after clearing off this undesirable liability, meeting current expenses, and handing over L2O Bs. lid. to the Trust Fund, the circuit start the ensuing quarter with a clean sheet. Of course this satisfactory condition of the finances only refers to the fund from which the working expenses are derivable. There is still a burdensome debt hanging over the church properties, but with assistance from other parts of the colony, which has been generously rendered, and with other help yet to come, the meeting thought there was every reason to take encourage ment, and hoped ere long that even the Trust Fund would show a more satisfac tory state. The Rev. W. Keall was unanimously requested to remain a second year in the circuit, which the rev. gentle man expressed his willingness to do, subject to the approval of the Conference. The Wakanui School Committee wrote, intimating that in future a sum of three shillings would be charged for all services held in the school. It was decided to reply that the meeting had heard- with pleasure that the Committee had re scinded its motion on the subject, and the meeting assumed that henceforth the school would be open for religious services. It was decided to sub mit the following recommendations to the District Meeting, to be held in November next ;—l. “ That the term for which ministers may remain in a circuit be extended from three to five years.” 2. “That the removal expenses of ministers be taken from the contingent fund.” After other minor matters in con nection with the affairs of the church had been discussed, the proceedings termi nated. An Election Mistake.— At the Resi dent Magistrate’s Court, Oamaru, the re turning officer for one of the Borough wards was sued on Thursday, for not ac cepting the nomination of a candidate at the recent election of councillors. The grounds of the objection were that the qualification of the candidate was not of the usual value of L 25. Since then it has been discovered that this qualification had been withdrawn by Act of Parliament, and the defendant was fined Is. and ss. costs.

“Captain” Jackson Barry. —Poor “ Captain ” Jack Barry attempted to de liver his most marvellous lecture in Timaru on. Wednesday evening. About 100 people attended, but the rotten eggs they threw at the captain were too much for him, and after he had delivered a terrible defiance to the,best man amongst the crowd Jackson had to clear out, stat ing that he would rather have lost LSO than gone to Timaru.,

Civil Oases. —There were only two civil cases heard by the R.M.- at the Court’s sitting yesterday, in both of which judgment was given by default. The cases were Mitchell and Turner v. Smith, claim L 5 10s., and Hawkins y. M’cLoughlin, claim, L4l9s. 6d. v;r SJ » j ', ' 5 Postal. —A. petition to tthe .chief, .post master of the district is hl'.course of signa ture at Kyle, Newlands, and other places in that direction. The prayer of the petition is for a tri-weekly postal service between Kyle and Ashburton, to include Newlands or Cambridge, Elgin, Seafield, and Wakanui, the runner leaving Ashbur ton immediately after the arrival of the express train on three days in the week, and returning from Kyle to Ashburton on the alternate days, arriving in time for his mails to catch th,e afternoon trains. Wo are given to .understand that this petition, has been prepared oh the strength of a hope and belief that the authorities are favorable to such a service as the peti tioners desire. The present service to Kyle is from Rakaia, and is only once a week, whereas throwing the two into one would be more satisfactory to the Kyle people, cheaper to Government, and would suit all parties far better than the, present arrangements.

Cheap Pavements. —We would recom mend the following paragraph to the mem bers of the Ashburton Borough Council. It is from the Wellington Times :—Many residents in the city have no doubt noticed that a considerable area of footpaths has recently been laid with black flagging in place of the light grey concrete flags which were formerly used, and the majority have probably concluded that they consist of the old flags,, with the addition of a coat of tar On visiting the Corporation yards it is found that these flags are made there in large numbers, and that the materials used consist of nothing but fine gravel or coarse sand, mixed with a sufficient quan tity of hot tar to “ moisten ” it. This is put into a mould and compressed by means of a screw, after‘which it is put aside to set, which it does within twenty four hours, while concrete requires three months. It has the additional advantage that the cost is only half that of concrete flagging, while broken pieces may also be made use of by re-melting the tar. The invention was made by Mr. Baird, the City Engineer, who has already demon strated that it is superior to all the other kinds of pavement which have been tried in this city. The Pantasoope. —We have no hesita tion whatever in saying that the “Colossean pantasoope ” is the best entertainment of the kind it has been bur fortune to enjoy in Ashburton. The splendid pictures, excellently managed are illustrative of a journey from New York to San Francisco, across to New Zealand, and thenco to Syd ney, and the lecturer, M. Chalet, is just about a,s racy as could be wished. . His de scriptions are. plentifully; but judiciously sprinkled with jokes and American stories, and he displays the ability (rare amongst panorama “lecturers”) of keeping his audience highly amused with jokes that are not stale, and chat that is lively with out being ofl'ensive or vulgar. M. Chalet is a first-class; ventriloquist as well, and his changes of voice on Thursday were per fectly wonderful. There is all the dif ference in the world between his ventrilo quism and that of any who have passed through Ashburton before him, and he ex hibition is really worth seeing. Another item of the entertainment are two auto maton trapezists, which keep the audience well amused for a time. The figures exe cute all the tricks of living tumblers to the life. The usual distribution of gifts, • now fashionable with panoramas, was made on Thursday, and a silver watch fell to a lady, the lucky holder of No. 4 ticket. Last night the entertainment was repeated to a good audience.

A Stowaway.— Adam Young, a person who stole a passage by the Rotoraahana, from Sydney to this colony, has been fined L 5, with the alternative of a months’ im prisonment for his theft. A Profitable Cow. —The Live Stock Journal mentions a cow in Yorkshire which has dropped three calves, all alive and well. This cow has had five within twelve months.

The University. —The following ap pointments appear in the Gazette ;—The Right Rev. William Garden Cowie, D.D.; ;Sir George Maurice O’Rorke, Knight, 8.A., and Charles Christopher Bowen to fbe Felllows of the University of New Zea land, vice Hugh Carleton, Esq., His Honor Mr. Justice Richmond and the Rev. Thos. Buddie. Maori Witchcraft. —The trial of a native named Pukeroa for supposed witch craft, by a council of the tribes of Auck land district, - resulted in accused being allowed his liberty without molestation in future. The publicans were ordered to close their bars during the sitting of the Council. It was anticipated that he would be killed, being accused of causing the death of the great chief Te Moananui some years ago.

TooMugh Married. —Geo. Henry Shep person, the Auckland man lately before the magistrate for having three wives, went on Thursday night to Onehunga, where his third wife lives. He demanded admit tance and was refused. She fled out of the back door as he burst the front one in, and informed the police. On their arrival they found thej doors fastened up, but on gaining an entrance they found Shepperson on the floor with his throat partly out. The wounds were stitched up by a doctor, and Shepperson was sent to the hospital. He sayp that he is weary of life, and does riot wifnt to live. He kept a diary, which is in the hands of the pslice. In it he states that his two first wives were spiritual, and the third veiled in the flesh but faulty.

Natural Dilution of Milk.— lt is told of a French padre, hearing the con fession of a groom, that he incredulously asked, “Do -you not grease the horses’ teeth i ” “ No;” said Petit Jean, but, ever after, that was part of his confession. He found that with greased teeth there were larger manger perquisites in unconsumed bats. Apropos of this, “ Angles ” imparts a wrinkle about blue milk. A friend of mine who has cows of his own, was talk ing about the diluted article to a prosper ous, milkman,, who spurned the . idea of: watering the milk, “ Because,” said he, “it is so much easier to water the cows and act honestly.” His system was to give the cows a bucket of slightly warm water, with a little oatmeal thrown in, shortly before milking. He increased the yield at the cost of the quality, satisfied his conscience, lived in the odour of sancity, and made just as much money as the vulgar fellows who barefacedly carried their pails to the pump.

111-treating a Prisoner.— Serious charges of ill-treating a prisoner have been, made against two Wellington constables. A sailmaker named Edmunds states that bn Saturday night in stepping off the foot path he fell and broke his leg. The con stables complained ofjcame up and ordered him to move on. He informed them of his condition, but they did not heed it. They seized him and proceeded to drag him to the depot. - Edmunds alleges that he was dragged the whole distance to the lock-up, for he could not use his leg, and was placed in a cell and given a rug to sleep upon. ' He was left there till be tween seven and eight next morning, when he was sent in a vehicle to the hospital. He says that no explanation was given as to the conduct of the constables on the previous night, nor as to what led them to ultimately convey him to the hospital. He says that he was perfectly sober at the time. The constables state that Edmunds was very drunk when locked up, and that on his complaining of his leg being broken they examined the limb but saw no traces of injury. A strict enquiry will be held.

TROTTING MATCH.

For some time back the horsey men in the districfchavebeen considerably exercised as to the capabilities of the various trot ting favoritiea in Ashburton town and district, and arrangements were made for a trotting match that would bring all the best roadsters together. It was at first arranged to have the spin on the Wakanui road, but listening to wiser counsel the promoters decided to have conclusions tried on the racecourse. The course was therefore secured, though at the last moment, and yesterday afternoon..the trotters rolled up. There had been seven entries, but only five horses put in an ap pearance. These were Mr.* M. C. Win ter’s brown cob Rouser, ridden by-the owner ; Mr. M'Rae’s iron-grey gelding Ginger, carrying young Price ; Mr. Octavius Digby's Bijou, with Physick up ; Mr. Robert Millar’s bay gelding, ridden by his owner; and a fifth horse, whose connections we have not yet learned. The entrance fee was Ll., the win ning horse getting L 5, the second L 3, and the third saving his stakes. Mr. E. Cookson was starter ; Mr. D. M*Lean judge; Messrs. Stitt and Neil M'Lean, referees, and Mr. Morshead, clerk of course. Mr. Cookson got the troop.off to a good start, Houser having slightly, the best of it. The Rakaia horse , having taken the lead, kept it well throughout, Bijou following up well, with Ginger in attendance, Mr, Millar’s horse next, and the big bay stranger rear guard.. /The stand had to be passed four times in the four miles course the horses were supposed to run, land there was some little misunderstanding about this, but matters were : ultimately squared. The order of running we . have mentioned above was the order of win ning, with the exception of Bijou, who, though he came home before Ginger broke into a canter, and was disqualified, Ginger thus getting second honors, to Rouser’s first, who did the four miles in 14mins. 58secs., Mr. Quill having kept the time. We learn that the winner was challenged at the close for a LSO trial, and also L2b, but declined both invitations. It is to be hoped that the next time a trotting spell comes on, some ■ little pains will be taken to avoid misunderstandings about the course, so that no ness of any kind may arise on that score, A second trot took place after the first, for a small sura, which Bijou won. There were about 250 people on the course, many of whom had come a considerable distance. '

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

To the Editor. Sir, —A movement is now on foot in Ashton district to give a testimonial to a highly deserving resident in recognition of valuable services he has rendered in con nection with the Presbyterian Church. * The object of the. movement has my entire spmpathy, but, perhaps you will permit me, through your colums, to take exception to the means adopted, and to point outhowa more general and public ex pression of the settlers’ esteem for the gentleman in whose favor the movement is made could have been obtained. . The : movement seems to have been started suddenly, and a subscription list opened without any consultation with the Church Committee. No fault can be found, with any gentleman for giving or raising sub scriptions for the purpose of recognising public services rendered, but when a whole Church has been benefitted by these services, the proper management, of a movement to recognise them is the Com-, mittee of that Church, and I take it that in the matter to which I refer, the func tion of the Commitee has .been usurped. It would have been far more graceful otf the part of the gentleman who has takerf the subscription list in hand if he had left the matter in the Committee’s hands, and if he thought they were dilatory to have brought it under their notice. . The pre sentation would then have taken place at a public meeting of the whole Church,, and would have been far more valuable as the experience of the whole body than as that of a. few members. It; is not too late to have thematter remedied, and I do hope that steps will yet'be taken to give the movement'the public expression that, considering the value to ail of the services it is intended to recognise, it certainly ought to bear.— I am, &c., A Member op the Church. Ashton, Sept. 23.

THE WATER PIPES.

To the Editor. ....... Sir, — I am at a loss to. understand what Mr. Ivess means by wishing the Council., to rescind their motion re sale of iron-: pipes As he explains it, ,e the Council has not the power to divert the proceeds from the specific object for which, the money was voted.” Now, sir, I helisve am correct in stating that it has' < never t been the Council’s intention to: expend the,, money for any other purpose than the; specific one, for the reason that it nevet s can. All cheques drawn-upon th® L 5,000 grant have to be drawn by the Secretary of the County Council, and signed by the Chairman and the Mayor. When the L 5,000 was voted for a water supply for the Borough, it was not voted for any._ particular scheme, but merely for a water ‘ supply. The present scheme that has been adopted seems to answer very well, and will meet the wants of the Borough for a number of years to come. The reason that the Council have stopped; short in the present scheme is the want .of funds, owing to something like LijOOO out of the L 5,000 granted being locked up in a mass of iron pipes which if not sold will * lie and rust away, but which, if they are . turned into money, will enable the Council to proceed with the present scheme, which is—channelling and kerbing, and finishing the outfall drain, part and parcel of water scheme. Perhaps Mr, Ivess would like .to see: the ■Xi 15,000 • loan raised, of which, I believe ho was the proposer. If so, I would advise him. not to try it—it will not do. We have enough to pay in the shape of taxes’’ already. The late Council had the confi-'' dence of the ratepayers, and endeavored , to do their duty ; and if Mr. Ivess will - not obstruct them, in the course of a very , few years the town will be able to com pare favorably with other boroughs of a ■ greater age, and still have only a shilling rate. lam open to correction in anything that I have stated, arid would like’the 1 opinion of other ratepayers. —I am, &c., 7 Ratepayer. ■' ■ Ashburton, Sept. 23. . v

TRIAL OP THE MAORI PRISONERS.

New Plymouth, Sept., 23. . ; Sixty-five native prisoners were arraigned this morning at the District Court on the charge of wilfully obstruct ing the free passage of a thoroughfare at, Paugarehu, on the 4th of September. * Mr. Standish, Crown Prosecutor, with Mr.- Samuels, appeared for the Crowny and Messrs. Halse and Roy for the prisoners. ; As the interpreter was about to read over the indictment to the prisoners, the Court, ordered: the natives to take off their hats. This the natives at first declined to do,- and appeared sulky. Aftersome persuasion \ one by one obeyed the order until all were i bareheaded ; but one old man was some what obstinate, and made some harangue, which was not interpreted to 'the .Court." Counsel for the prisoners objected to the indictment, as the boundaries of the con*' Jfiscated lands were, he alleged, incom’i fplete, showing only three .boundaries'.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1880.



s. d. s. d. Butter, inferior to best $ lb S3 0 to to 0 Eggs, $ dozen - 9 0 to 0 O Cheese, prime quality, lb 0 6 to 0 8 Bacon, prime smoked, lb 0 10 to 1 q Hams in cloth, lb 1 2 to 0 0 Flour in bags, Iff loolb 13 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, $ 251b 4 0 to 0 0 Lard, lb - 0 7 to 0 0



TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR. WE, the undersigned Ratepayers, re spectfully request that you will proclaim Monday Next, the 22nd inst., a Half-holiday, in commemoration of the Water Supply being turned on. John Orr Branson and Purnell Orr Thos. Bullock W. H. Gundry Saunders Bros. T. R. Hodder and J. M. Cambridge Company Friedlander Bros.' O. Carstens and Co. Fredk. Clark T. Chambers Hallenstein Bros. G. M. Robinson (P. (per W. Sparrow) C. and Co. William Anderson Sealy Bros. R. Lancaster City Company B. Hughes (Butchers) Weeks and Dixon. Everett Bros. TO THE BURGESSES SIGNING THE ABOVE REQUISITION. Gentlemen, —I have much pleasure in acceeding to your request, and hereby declare MONDAY Next, the27th Inst., a PUBLIC HALF-HOLIDAY, from 12 N ° on ‘ HUGO FRIEDLANDER, Mayor. Ashburtoa, Sept. 22nd, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. Saturday, September 25. Alfred Harrison, at his Saleyards— Thoroughbred Fox Terrier Pup. Quill and Co., at their Mart, Saunders’ Buildings—First-class Harmonium, and Household Furniture. Sale at 12 o’clock. Tuesday, September 28. Robert Wilkin and Co., at Tinwald Sale yard—Horses, Colts, Fillies, and Two tooth Crossbred Sheep. Saturday, October 2. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association Grounds— Entire Horses, &c. Sale after the Parade. T. Bullock, at the Horse Bazaar —Horses, &c. Also at his Rooms, East Street— Furniture, Miscellaneous Goods, &c. Tuesday, October 5. Davies and Winter, at South Rakaia— -250 cords of Bluegum Saplings. Sale at 2 o’clock.



Miscellaneous. For the benefit of the LIBRARY. A LECTURE WILL BE DELIVERED AT THE TOWN HALL, ON TUESDAY EVENING NEXT, at 8 o’clock, by MR. F. P. O’REILLY, OH THE ART or MEMORY or the CHINESE and ANCIENTS. MASTER MORRIS has kindly consented to Perform on the Piano during the evening. Synopsis : The Mental Faculties—Topical Memory of the Hebrews, Romans, and Greeks— Mnemonical Exercise : The Blackboard full of figures in one reading—Simonides, Quintilian, Cicero, Raymond, Tully, Gra taroli, Bacon l —Mnemonical Exercise : The Almanac for any year, from the Reforma tion of the Calendar, 1752 to 1900— Bad Memories and Remarkably Good Ones ■ —How to Remember— The Chinese Lan guage : Mnemonical Exercise on the 214 Radicals —Quintilian’s Royal Road to Learning— Conclusion. Admission—One Shilling. 934c-258g ESTATE OF SAMUEL HOLLAND. CREDITORS will please send in proved claims on the above Estate before the 27th hist., as a first and final DIVIDEND will he declared after that date. GEORGE JAMESON, 245 a Trustee. • WAKANUI. A PUBLIC MEETING will be in the Wakanui Schoolroom on TUES DAY, Sept. 28, at 7p. m., for the purpose of considering the best ' means of paying off the debt on the school fund. A. G. EARLE, 235 g Chairman. ASHBURTON FIRE BRIGADE. SPECIAL NOTICE. BY request of his Worship the Mayor, the BRIGADE will ATTEND the CEREMONY of turning on the Borough Water Supply. Members will meet at the Engine-shed at 11.30 a.m. sharp on MONDAY, 27th inst., in full uniform. J. C. DOLMAN, 257 a Officer in Charge. A SPRING OM THE PIPES! AND STILL THEY COME— Aitken’s sales of Cakes, Pastry, &c., are in creiising daily. Once tried, more wanted. Aitken, Saunders’ Buildings. 932 c



Miscellaneous- WANTED —By a respectable young man, a SITUATION to make him self generally useful; age 19 years. Apply office of this paper. 9200 S~~ ECTIONS—-TO LET, for One or more years, Town and Suburban SEC TIONS, from one rood to fifteen acres. CHARLES BRADDELL, 914 c Burnett Street. TTfTANTED—One or two young men as » » BOARDERS, in private family ; 18s. per week. Apply, John Olson, Peter street. 928 c EOR SALE—Angle HANSOM CAB (with latest improvements) in lead color. Price L6O Cash. Apply to Hugh Braener, between Hereford and Worces-j ter street, Bast Belt, Christchurch. 926 c! mHE NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE JL ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRAL-' ASIA (LIMITED). ; Established 1869. Actuary and Secretary —J. M. Templeton, F.I.A, ; The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT-: ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in the Australasian Colonies. The best, office for young men. Profits divided every three years. Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, and Hobart Town. The New Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in the colony. Resident Secretary Thomas Swain, Temple Chambers,; Featherston street, Wellington. • > Agent for the County of Ashburton—* S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders Bros.), Ashburton. Note the name—The National Mutual. 169g-821c KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR ING COMPANY (LIMITED,) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. Forms of application for SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 50s. per share on allotment. August 23, 1880. CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. GRAND ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, OF SCOTCH MUSIC, DANCING, &C., IN THE TOWN HALL, ON THURSDAY EVENING, SEP TEMBER 30. PROGRAMME : Introductory Address President Bagpipes “ Pibvochs” Piper Elder Piano...“ Reels and Strathspeys”...Miss Kidd Dancing In Costume The Clans (Messrs Kidd, M‘Rae, Reid and Macduff.) Part Song. ...“ Scots whahae” Party SoNG.,.“Auld Robin Gray”...Mrs Craighead Song “Scotland Yet”....Mr Craighead Re vding “ Tam o’ Shanter” Song Macgiegors M Branson Gathering Gaelic Song Mr D. Campbell Song , llle UII V,.MrMacLEAN Dunn o oor Door Sword Dance...Ghilie Callum....Mr M‘Rae INTERVAL OF TEN MINUTES, Piano. Jessie’s Dream Miss Kidd Dance. .. The Highland Fling...Mr MacDurF Song...“ The Auld Scots Sangs”... Mrs Dunn Song Mrs Brookshaw Song “ The Cameron Men” Mr Craighead Song Mr G. D. Branson (“ Wha Wadna Fecht for Chairlie,”) Duet “Caller Herrin” Two Ladies Tri0....-...“ Willie Brewed a Peck” Party Songs—The Rowan Tree, The Land o’the Leal, etc., as time may permit. Reel o’ Tulloch The Clans “AULD LANGSYNE” in Chorus. National Anthem. Tickets —Dress Circle, and a few Re served Seats in front of the stage, 3s ; second seats, 2s. ; back seats, Is. To be had of members of the Committee, at the several stores in town, and at the Hall on the night of the Concert. Apply early, as there is a demand for seat room. Doors open at 7.30. Pibroch to strike up at eight. ADA N C E will take place after the Concert, tickets for which —2s. Gd.— may be had of the Dance Committee. 921 - 250 g Y. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and - Creditors Act, 1576, and the several Acts amending the same, and in the - matter of the Bankruptcy ofTHOM AS GREEFAWAY, of Ashburton, Farmer, a Debtor. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ap plication will be made at the above honorable Court, at the first sitting held after the expiration often clear days from the. date* hereof, for an order of discharge. Dated this 24th day of September,, IgS-jp, EDWD.'G. CRISP. 933 c Solicitor for the said Debtor. ASHBURTON CRICKET CLUB. A GENERAL MEETING of Mem bers of the above Club will be held on SATURDAY, September 25th, at 8 pan., in the County Council Chambers. A. A. FOOKS, 931c-2620 Hon. Sec. R. LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY, IVTOTICE is hereby given that the J 3( Lands known as the OLD RAIL WAY RESERVES, that were submitted to auction on the 24th ultimo, and were not sold, will he open for application at the Survey Offices, Christchurch and Timaru, on THURSDAY, the 7th of October next, at the auction upset price. JOHN MARSHMAN, Commissioner of Crown Lands. Land Office, Christchurch, 6th September, 1880. 205 g TWENTY POUNDS REWARD. THE above reward will be paid to any person who shall give such informa tion as will lead to the conviction of any one committing a breach of the Law Practitioners or other similar Acts or Odinances, by preparing Deeds or other Legal Documents, or in any way what ever. BRANSON and PURNELL. F. P. O’REILLY. EDWD G. CRISP. 0. W. IRELAND. 853c-198g



Circular. To STATION-HOLDERS, LANDED PROPRIETORS, FARMERS, CATTLE DEALERS, AND THE' RESIDENTS IN ASH ;• BURTON AND SURROUND ING DISTRICTS. , Messrs. Quill & Co., AUCTIONEERS, STOCK, LAND, & ESTATE AGENTS, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Ashburton, T3EG to announce to station-holders, landed proprietors, farmers, cattle dealers, and residents in Ashburton and the surrounding districts, that they have COMMENCED BUSINESS in the above line ; and, from their long experience in the various departments, feel assured that all commissions en trusted to them ■will be conducted satis factorily to their patrons. Sales will be held as required, at the Salerooms and Yards in Ashburton, or any part of the, district. They will also hold a Regular Sale of STOCK, LAND, FARM PRODUCE, FURNITURE, and GENERAL MERCHANDISE, ’ at their Rooms, every Saturday, particu lars of will be duly advertised. The interest and the support of sellers and buyers are respectfully solicited. Cash Advances made on all classes of Goods placed in their hands for sale. THE FIRST SALE Will be held at their Rooms on THIS DAY (SATURDAY), SEPT. 25. For particulars of Sales please see advertisements. Quill .& Co., AUCTIONEERS, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Ashburton. 238g-918c*