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, &c., 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 G 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, Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton, 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 Te-nuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. in. 5.35 p.m., and 8.?5 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Loag fceach at 10 a.m, daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Friday, October 22. Alfred Harrison, at 12 o’clock, ort the pcemises, behind East Belt, Furniture and effects, Harmonium.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Monday, October, 18. Borough' Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Lecture by the Rev. John Elmslie, M.A., in the Presbyterian Church, at 7.30. To-morrow, Tuesday, October 19. Extraordinary General Meeting of Share holders of the Town Hall Company, at the Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Medley Entertainment, Seafield School room, 8 sharp. Amateur Dramatic Club, Final Rehearsal “Josephine” and “The Railway Belle,” 8 p.m. Thursday, October 21. Meeting of Committee, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at Shearman’s Hotel, at 3 p.m Amateur Dramatic Club, Town Hall, at 8 sharp. Friday, October 22. Concert, Kyle Schoolroom, 8 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1880. The Bitter Pill.

[lssued at 5

There was great consternation through out New Zealand when Major Atkinson showed the colony how much it had gone to the bad, and what the mis management and extravagance oi the predecessors of his Ministry had en tailed upon the taxpayers. He could hold out no hope of escape irom the situation, except by heavier taxation and rigid economy. These two cures were the only means that could be adopted to escape from our public financial difficulties. It was no use hiding the fact; it had to be faced, and like loyal and business-like men, the taxpayers, though they growled a little —as Englishmen always do when they have to pay money to the public coffers —they prepared themselves to meet further requisitions to recruit the exhausted Treasury chest. Fresh and increased taxation was at once imposed

on the one hand to meet the situation, and on the'other Government set about practising the rigid economy they had announced as necessary, and the sweep ing reductions and severe retrenchment they saw only too well were possible From the report of the Commissioners, sent out to discover in what direction retrenchment ought to be practised, it was learned that one-thirteenth of the population werein the pay of Govern ment, and this standing army it was decided to reduce, and to reduce con siderably. There were few taxpayers who had a word to say against the principle of retrenchment —in fact, it became a popular cry and demand. All were agreed it was necessary, and though most were inclined to sympa tl ise with such of the civil servants as the straitened circumstances of the colony demanded should be dispensed with, there was no voice raised against their dismissal, as a necessary proceed ing. But this was before the weeding began—before it had been decided where the pruning-knife should be applied. No sooner, however, had the walking tickets been given, than from every corner of the colony came protests — this officer had found favor in the dis trict, and commanded the respect of those around him—that other was an old servant who had risen to his position by sheer force of merit, and it would be a direct loss to the colony to discharge or remove the one, and gross injustice to dispense with the other. It was an easy matter to cry “ retrench,” and retrenchment was what the colony prescribed for the Govern ment to apply to its diseased and at tenuated exchequer. But the colony is a peculiar physician, and acts in a peculiar way when the prescription comes to be used. The ingredients that go to make it up must be drawn from anywhere the Government may choose, but not from “ our district.” We must retain “ our ” little convenience—we cannot do without it; “ our ” efficient officer —he is a deserving man, and has spent his income amongst us (perhaps more, who knows), and we cannot let him go. And so tire thing goes on, and Government is besieged with peti tions and deputations from every part of a colony (that vigorously preaches retrenchment and denounces the abun dance of Government billets) against the discharge from the Government ser vice of any single man now employed. In the case of the police inspectors, Government were perhaps ill-advised in ordering their dismissalSwithout ascer taining whether they were willing to serve for less money in a' lower posi tion, but the police inspectors are only one class of servants, and their sum mary dismissal without an alternative was made a handle of to strengthen the reactionary cry. Had the hand of the retrenchment Government not been laid on other and better paid, and therefore higher living and more money spending officers, there would have been comparatively little sympathy ex pressed for the policemen. But now that the terrible earnestness of the powers that be is manifested in the work of reduction —an earnest ness that is born of the urgent necessity for the strong measures .that are being taken—a howl of opposition is raised by the very men who advocated the adoption of these measures to begin with. Government knew they had a difficult task before them —a thankless office —in cutting down the expendi ture ; they were prepared to encounter all sorts of opposition, from friends of the “ Dowbs” who were to be removed, and even from their enemies, if their creditors may be so called ; but the Ministers had made up their minds to save the colony, and, despite petitions and agitations, no matter what inspira tion may set them on foot, they appear determined to go on with the depart mental reductions they have com menced. They only want to be firm and they will succeed in their efforts. The same care for “ our district ” that has started the opposition to each dismissal will aid their success, for it seems to be a guiding principle in New Zealand that, the land within “ our ” fences cared for by the Government, we care not a rap for that outside, and the jealousy that obtains, between the various communities in regard to Governmental favor is as great as that existing between two lap dogs over their mistress’s care sses.

Judge Mansford.

In our last issue we published a telegram which in one line announced the death of Judge Mansford at Dunedin on Saturday morning. Mr. Mansford had been for some time sitting as Resident Magistrate and District Judge at Wellington, but fail ing health compelled him to ask for leave of absence. A twelve month’s holiday was allowed him, wind] he decided to spend in England. Prior to his departure thence, however, he went by the Hawea to Dunedin, to undergo an operation for disease in the throat, but he had only been a few hours in, the Southern city, when he died. Mr. Mansford was for a long time associated with Judge Bathgate on the Dunedin Bench, and being trained a barrister his decisions were usually unassailable Less than two years ago, he left Dun edin to assume at Wellington the posi tion from which he bad so recently been relieved, and during his stay he earned a popularity as a Judge quite equal to that he had won in Dunedin.

Borough Council. —The usual meet ing of the Ashburton Borough Council takes place this evening. The Ash burton Pound.— Mr. William Price has been re-appointed to the pound keepership till further notice, notice to that effect being given by the County Clerk. Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion. —A general meeting of the Agricul tural and Pastoral Association Commit tee is to be held in the Somerset Hotel on Thursday afternoon, at three o’clock. The Dramatic Club. —The last re hearsal of “Josephine” and “ The Bail way Belle,” before their performance on Thursday evening, takes place to-morrow night. We observe that the Club are anxious to increase the number of lady members “McGuire.” —Philip .McGuire .made his appearance on the South Boad on Sunday afternoon, carrying with him a “cross” that had boon made with only one tool, and that a tomahawk. The large funeral procession passed at an awkward time for Philip’s lecture, as the greater attraction led away the crowd, and the “ lecture” has yet to be delivered.

Captain Barky Again. —Captain Barry, tho hero of the rotten egg scenes at Timaru and Christchurch, has been asked by 510 gentlemen to deliver his lecture, and he has consented to once more appear before a Christchurch audience and Christ church eggs. “ Pinafore. ” — ln our last issue we gave an account from a Wellington paper of how “ Pinafore ’ was to be performed on board the ship St Leonards, lying at the Queen’s Wharf, Wellington. The per formance should have come off last Thurs day, but “ Pinafore” was delayed from “ stress of weather.” Saturday, however, was fine, and the representation eventuated in the evening, and was a great success. A Goon Deal. — A few months ago a dealer in Edinburgh bought at a sale two eggs of a great auk for 325. A few days afterwards the same dealer sent the eggs to London to be sold, when one fetched LIOO and the other 102 guineas, which, with one exception, is the highest price ever known to have been paid for one egg. This exceptional case was a moa’s egg, sold some years ago at the same place for L 165.

Teeth. —Dr. Fararr, an American physician, has made a very curious calcula tion. He estimates that not less than half a ton of pure gold, worth half a million of dollars, is annually packed into people’s teeth in the .United At this rate, all the gold in circulation will ( be buried in the earth in 300 years, lie also calculates that three million of arti ficial teeth are annually supplied, and that only one person in eight has sound teeth. Tvess v. Martin. This case has at last been settled. It was just beginning to be aa interesting as the celebrated Gor ham case, a leader on which was written by an Indian editor. The leader was very short, but it was very telling, and comprised only two lines, one of which was the heading, “ The Gorham Case,” the other being the leader, which ran— “D the Gorham case.” The settle ment of the Ivess v. Martin case has been brought about by Mr. Martin choosing rather to pay the £6 13s. than to be wor ried to death by lawyers, professional or amateur.

This Year’s Vintage. —Last year there were no grapes worth speaking of in Rhineland, France, or Italy. At Dijon in September the vino keepers were making mustard of their crops. In some parts the Swiss were leaving their crops to rot upon the vines. This year, the prospect is very different. Some of the vineyards on the Rhine have the finest fruit of the lasb five years. In Burgundy the glad heart of those who keep the ven dange is full of joy. In many parts of Italy the harvest is of the best. Wine of 1880, the connoisseurs say, will become in time a famous and luxurious tipple.

Dangerous Lessons. —The Pall Mall Gazette says that the English army is teaching the. Afghans the art of war, the value of breechloaders, and the use of rifled artillery. Napoleon found a Europe trained to antiquated maxims and prac tices of war; he defeated army after army till a school of generals arose who had learned through defeat to become vic torious. Then at last the master fell under the blows of his pupils. It is not impossible that we may be gradually teach ing the warlike tribes how to resist the might of civilised armies. When the odds are five to onfe* men and six to one in guns againsi^ns; when the gunners turn out to be welFtaught, and many of the infantry are armed with breechloaders which they know how tousfr, the question may well arise whether we are not strengthening the Afghan nation without rendering it friendly.

Adelaide Keelson's “ Skeleton in the Closet.” —Miss Kcilson, the actress, had her own reasons for keeping her pro posed marriage, which-never occurred, a secret for a time. She had been married early but not well. Her husband and she parted. She went to America and became an American “ citizeness.” In the land of free divorce she easily freed herself from the matrimonial bond. But could she marry again without committing bigamy ? It is doubtful whether she could have done so anywhere without running the risk of a prosecution in England. It is still more doubtful whether she could have done so in England, the English law recognising no foreign divorce after an English marriage. But she intended to run the risk, and death removes an interesting suit from the greedy hands of the lawyers. Quack Doctors. —An extraordinary trial for murder has been heard at the Central Criminal Court. Robert Slade Colmer, and his wife Jane Colmor, who for nearly twenty years past have followed the business of herbabsts, in the West of England, travelling from town to town, and giving advice and healing patients, were charged with procuring miscarriage to the widow of a deceased solicitor at Crew kemo, the illicit and violent measures used having caused her death. The deceased was proved to have gone to their house in perfect health, and when she left she was in a dreadful condition, and death was the rejault. Sentence of death was passed, and the prisoners were remitted to the custody of the sheriff of the district. After the sentence was pronounced the jury handed in a recommendation to mercy on account of their believing that the death might have been accelerated hy riding home in an omnibus.

Funeral. —Yesterday afternoon one of the largest funeral processions that has ever passed to the Ashburton cemetery, left the house of Mr. Donald Ross, on the North-east Town Belt. Mr. Ross’s second son Andrew, had for many months suf fered from an affection of the lungs, and with a view to trying the improving effect of a milder climate, Mr. Ross had gone to Sydney to make arrangements for his son’s reception there, as soon as the latter should feel himself strong enough to face the journey. This errand of the father, how ever, has proved a bootless .one, for in his absence the son has been placed beyond the influence of earthly solicitude, and on Sunday he was buried. The young man was well known in town, and his general disposition endeared him to many friends. His suffering too, was well known, and many took an interest in his cause when they learned that the bright-faced youth carried with him the seeds of the deadly dosease that must finally take him away. Besides having a wide circle of private friends, the deceased was a member of the Somerset Lodge of Freemasons, and also belonged to the Good Templar Order. Both these bodies decided to mark the occasion of his funeral with the signs cf mourning peculiar to their re spective Orders, and on Sunday the Masons and the Templars in full strength, headed by the brass band, playing the “ Dead March in Saul," preceded the re mains to the cemetery. Following the band, came the Juvenile Templars of the Sunbeam Lodge, then the adult members of the various Lodges in the district, to the number of, perhaps, 100, and all in appropriate mourning regalia. Then the Freemasons followed in Masonic order, strangers and .visitors first, then St. John’s Lodge, then the Thistle Lodge S.C.), then the Royal Arch Chapter, and finally the Somerset, of which de ceased was a member. Probably, 150 Masons altogether were in the procession. At the grave, service was read by Mr. George Jameson, lay reader of the Episcopal Church, and at its conclusion the usual Masonic final farewell was taken by each brother dropping a sprig of acacia on the coffin. After this ceremony had been completed, the Good Templar order for the dead was read by Mr. G. W. Andrews, of the Dawn of Peace Lodge, and the proceedings over, the procession moved homewards in the usual maimer. The deceased was only 24 years of age.

Steam Home. —The next large steamer from London direct, is to be Messrs Money, Wigram and Son’s Durham, a vessel of 2284 tons register. She will be despatched from Lyttelton also, direct for home, with cargo and passengers, leaving there about the 12th of December next.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM_ EUROPE (Per Renter's Agency.) The Mountmorris Murder. London, October IT- All those persons who were arrested aa being concerned in the murder of Vis count Mountmorris have been released, the evidence not being sufficient to con vict them. The Cologne Cathedral. Berlin, Oct. 17. The Cologne Cathedral, which has lately been completed, was opened to-day with great splendour by the Emperor of Ger many, several Princes being also present at the ceremony. A German Turk. Constantinople, Oct. 17. The Porte has nominated a German to fill the post of Foreign Minister. The Montenegrin Question. Riza Pasha, the Turkish commander Dulcigno, is making satisfactory progress with regard to pacifying the Albanians, Delegates have been appointed by Turkey and the Great Powers to meet at Carthage for the purpose of further negotiating on the Montenegrin question. An Assassination. Intelligence has been received that the dragoman or interpreter attached to the Austrian Consulate at Priscend, in Albania, has been assassinated. AUSTRALIAN. {Per ReutePs Agency. ) The Orient. Melbourne, Oct. 17. Arrived Orient Company’s steamer Orient, from England. Lieutenant-Gene ral Sir John Henry Lefroy is a passenger. The Border Duties. Melbourne, Oc f . 18. An interview has taken place here between Mr. Berry and Sir Henry'Parkes, Premier of New South Wales, regarding the border duties, but they failed t{T come to any agreement on the subject. Ned Kelly’s Trial. The trial of Ned Kelly commences to day. . Superintendent Hare, who was wounded at Glenrowan, and whose con dition for some time has been critical, has now rallied, and is improving. The New Victorian Railway Bill. The Railway Bill, which is to be intro duced by Government, will provide for the construction of 450 miles of new lines.

Big Fires in Australia.

(By cable, from Reuter's Agency.) Sydney, Oct. 18.

A most disastrous fire broke out at Waggawagga, at midnight on Friday, and completely destroyed the Masonic Hall and several adjoining buildings. The damage is estimated at LIO,OOO, which is fully insured. The fire raged for five hours.

Brisbane, Oct. 18.

A fire broke out here at 11 p.m. Satur day in tho premises of Bolam, draper, in Queen street. The flames spread to the, adjoiningestablislnnent, and were only ex tinguished with great difficulty. The in surances include LBSO in the Royal, Im perial, and Colonial of tho New Zealand, besides L 5,250 in oblio-y offices. ■ f

The Cricket Match.

The match between Ashburton and' Mount Somers, played on Saturday con cluded in favor of the Home team. We give the scores below. The play was not in any way extraordinary, and perhaps considering the limited opportunities for practice possessed by the Mount Somers Club, they deserve the greater credit of the two teams for the show they made. Most of the players are familiar to those who take an interest in cricket in this district, and need not now be individually noticed, but we cannot refrain from com plimenting Duncan, the new Ashburton bowler on his Saturday’s work, and his club on securing his aid. The following s the score:— Mount Somers— Ist Innings. Tomlinson, b. Duncan 5 Bain, b. Duncan ... ... ... 2 Gifkin, c. Groves, b. Duncan ... 3 Peters, c. Eyton, b. Duncan ... 2 Fagin, 1.b.w., b. Duncan ... ... .5 A. Potts, b. Andrews 5 Taylor, b. Andrews ... 8 Corsbie, b. Duncan ... 1 Lovell, 1.b.w., b. Andrews ... ... 3 Hood, c. Andrews, b. Andrews ... 1 Knight, not out ... ... ... 1 Byes ... ... ... ... 4 ' Wides ... 5 Total 45 2nd Innings. Tomlinson, b. Duncan ... ... 3 Knight, c. J. Fooks, b. Duncan ... 6 Bain, b. Duncan ... ... ... 3 Gifkin, c. Andrews, b. Andrews ... 1 Fagin, b. Duncan ... ... ... 0 Peters, 1.b.w., b. Duncan ... ... 0 A. Potts, b. Andrews 6 Taylor, b. Duncan ... ... ... 1 Corsbie, c. Denshire, b. Duncan ... 9 Lovell, c. Groves, b. Duncan ... 1 Hood, not out ... ... ... 7 Byes ... 2 Leg Byes 1 Total ... 40 Ashburton —Ist Innings. G. Andrews, b Bain ... ... 1 A.. Fooks c Knight, b Bain 2 Denshire b Bain 10 Eyton b Peters ... ... ... . 0 M'Laren b Peters ... ... ... 11 Marsh b Hood ... ... ... 14 Eagle b Peters ... ... ... 0 Groves c Fagin, b Peters ... ... 2 Martin c Gifkin, b Hood ... ... 9 Duncan c Bain, b Peters 2 J. Fooks, not out ... 3 Byes ... ... ... ... ... 4 Leg byes 3 Wide 1 Total 61 2nd Innings. Andrews, c Baine, b Peters ... 11 A. Fooks, c Potts, b Hood ... 3 Denshire, b Hood ... ... ... 3 Shury, b Hood 0 M'Laren, b Hood 1 Marsh, c Knight, b Hood ... ... 0 Eagle, not out ... ... ... 2’ Byes ... ... ... & Wide ... ... 2 Total for six wickets ... 27

News by the San Francisco Mail.

[by telegraph.]

(Per s.s. Zealandia, at Auckland.)

San Fkancisco, Sept. 25.

The project of securing the Great Eastern to run between London, New Orleans, and Galveston to take out cotton and other produce, and bring back immi grants, is in a fair way of being fully realised. A Mormon elder and a New York city missionary had a set-to at Castle Garden recently, because the latter was endeavor

ing to dissuade the Mormon converts from going to Utah. The Shivatka Arctic expedition that sailed from hew York on June Ist, 1878, in search of data regarding Sir John Franklin, returned to New Bedford on the 23rd inst. They obtained many relics of the lost navigator and his party, and also the remains of Lieut. Irving. Geographically, the expedition has been quite a success. Important rivers and coasts have been discovered, and serious errors on former charts corrected. The longest sledge ride on record was made in the face of terribly I cold weather and- deprivation of the ' customary food. The result of the expedi tion has gone to show that it is feasible for white men to adapt' themselves to the life and climate of tho Esquimaux in pros pecting journeys in the Polar Regions, and they are not particularly restricted to any seasons of the year for that purpose, but can travel at any time; and in the same way which the natives travel.

Louis E. Cook, press agent for Coles’ circus, and seven attendants leave by the Zealandia for the colonies. The entire circus will sail for the same destination on October 23rd.

A new system of reducing ore by elec tricity has lately been formulated, and threatens to revolutionise mining.

Mormon immigration from Europe is increasing to such an extent that Secre tary of State Evarts has determined to institute proceedings against the converts immediately on arrival for the practice of polygamy. He justifies himself in this course by the circular recently issued to foreign Governments, asking their co operation to prevent this class,of immigra tion, and stating the consequences if Mor mons came to the United States. While ..endeavors were made to prevent polygamy at home, tho Government could not afford ■to have the obnoxious element constantly recruited from abroad.

Manhattan Market, New York, and tho adjoining buildings were destroyed by fire. The loss was 1,000,000 dols. The United States are represented in De Lesscps’s Canal syndicate by two emi nent Now York bankers, and probably by a mining millionaire in San Francisco. Some damaging statistics recently issued as to the prospective profits of the canal have materially depreciated the stocks. The steamship Vera Cruz, of the New York, Havanna, and Mexican line, foundered recently in a tremendous gale off St. Augustine, Florida. Some twenty five passengers were lost, including Gene ral Torbert. a famous cavalry officer dur ing the last war. In regard to this disas ter a New York Herald despatch from Florida says—“ The pilots of St. Augus tine, of which thei’e are five, who first dis covered the wreck, formed themselves into a joint stock company, and took pos session of a vast amount of freight, already beached; as well as to claim all that was to come after. Several trunks belonging to the ill-fated passengers came ashore in good order only to be rifled.” Dr. Tanner’s fasting example is being followed for notoriety or gain. Charles Livingstone, of Brooklyn, started to do forty-two days, but after fasting nine hours his wife broke up the business by feigning mortal illness and summoning her husband to hear her “ last words.”

The ship Jestoria left Liverpool lately with 450 farmers for Texas,

A parcel containing twenty-seven dyna mite cartridges connected with a rubber tube filled with percussion caps and gun powder was found under the rails on the London and Northampton Railway line, sixteen miles from Eustun, the London terminus, on September 13th. It is sup posed that the express train to Scotland passing over the railway two hours pre vious to the discovery shook out the tube and prevented the explosion. Suspicion points'to three or four employes just dis charged as the parties in the plot. Parnell, in a recent speech to the farmers e/t Eunis, declared his policy to bo All fact unanimity of action among Irish members, independence of English poli tical 'parties, refusal to pay more than what the tenant considers a fair rent, and the social excommunication of any • one person taking a farm from which another lias been evicted for non-payment of rent. William Henry Wells, one of the origin ators, of Punch and an associate with Charles Dickens in the establishment of “Household Words,” died in London, aged 71.

The American Minister, Lowell, is can vassing English authors as to their views concerning an international copyright. Tho strike among Lancashire weavers is more extensive than at first supposed, and several families from Burnley have migrated to Fall River, Mass.

The Baroness Burdott Coutts, who is said to have set her heart on marrying Mr. Ashmead Bartlett, is ill in consequence of her friends’ remonstrances against the match. There is a prospect of a run on the Coutts’ Bank in consequence of the expected withdrawal of the Baroness from the concern. The alien clause in the Duchess of St. Albans’ will cannot be now admitted in the case of Sir A. Bartlett, as ho is to all intents and purposes an Englishman. Owing to the continued depression in the Irish linen trade the Manchester flax spinners will, after October 4tli, reduce, the working days to four per week. An upward tendency in raw cotton is threatened. The Scotch ironmasters have resolved to re-light half the furnaces put out during the strike of miners a short time ago. ’ Sugar has been unfavorably affected by the prospects of the European beet supply, which appears likely to reach 160,000 tons, the largest amount on record. Phillip Callan, M.P. for Limerick, and described as the Pariah of. the Irish party, made a scene in the House of Commons recently. He was intoxicated when he took his seat, and made an incoherent speech, in the course of which-he insulted the Chairman of Committee, denounced the members generally as infidels, Scotch Presbyterians, contemptible Noncon formists, and despicable shopkeepers. His colleagues left the House in a body at the beginning of his speech, and O’Connor Power, on behalf of the Irish party, apologised for Callau’s conduct. Parliament w'as prorogued on the 7th till November. The two points touched on in the Queen’s speech were that the concert of Europe has been steadily main tained in regard to the Eastern question, and the resumption of hostilities in Afghanistan. The Times says that the' prorogation was not too soon considering Mr. Forster’s attack on the House of Lords.

A political prisoner, confined for five months, recently hanged himself. Before suicide he disclosed the names of the Nihilist leaders, and that of the author of Winter Palace explosion. By a landslip at Koine, Bengal, eighteen British officers, fifteen soldiers, and eleven other persons were killed, and four injured. Bain began falling heavily on Friday, and poured steadily till Saturday afternoon, when the guage showed a fall of five inches. The effect of such on enor mous mass of water pouring down into the confined settlement, which is simply a basin formed by a circle of hills, can be imagined. All the roads were cut to pieces, and in the forenoon of Saturday it was rumored that the Victoria Hotel was in a dangerous state. The alarm was given to the visitors in the hotel, who took shelter elsewhere before the building fell. Thirty natives were b iried in the ruins. The police and a band of laborers and soldiers were quickly on the spot. About noon there was a sudden roar and rumble, followed by a vast cloud, which burst. The lake rose in a moment far above its usual height, and swept in a mas sive wave towards the weir, where an enormous landslip came down, burying the hotel and band of rescuers, with the disastrous result already mentioned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

To the Editor.

Sir, —In your issue of the 12th, I see a letter signed “ A Farmer,” who appears to have a very doubtful opinion of our A. and P. Association. “ Farmer ” begins by saying that it is not very pleasant to ride a long way home after the meetings when these are held at night. Now, if “ Farmer” had taken any notice of our meetings, he he would have known they were held once or twice in the afternoon, to try and draw the farmers together ; but so few attended that they had to be given up. “ Farmer ” again says that he thinks the Society will soon be a Toiyjicultural Society, and be more for merchants than fanners. Here he is very much mistaken again, especi ally when he says the townsfolk wish to “lord it” over the country. Those merchants who attend the meetings, and others who take an active interest in agri cultural matters, know and feel that un less the farmers in this district succeed in their .work, there would be very little prospect of the merchants prospering with theirs.

I think there is no restriction as regards non-members attending these meetings, but all will be welcome. As a parting shot “ Farmer” declares that he has paid his guinea annually and never received a ticket. All I can say is that “Farmer” must pay his money in a very round-about sort of way ; for if he had paid his sub scription to the Secretary he would have received his ticket at once. The best thing “Farmer” can do is not only to attend the meetings regularly himself, but persuade others to do so too. If he does this he will soon be convinced that it is not a 2'ormcultural Ssciety.—l am, &c., A. Farmer Who Attends.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1880.



Special Advertisements- THE BEST VALUE FOPv READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND, BOYS’) MAN UFA Cl DEED BY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. ■ The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best descrip tion. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satis faction. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarfs, Bags, Portmanteaus, Rugs, and Blankets at Wholesale Prices. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. -WAI. SPAIiROW, 910 c Manager. NEW GROCERY BCSINESS. ANDREW YOUNG desires to inti mate to his friends, and the public of Ashburton generally, that he HAS OPENED A GENERAL STORE on the Wakanui Road (within a few yards of Dunn and Ray’s Foundry) where he trusts by supplying First-class Articles, at Cheapest Current Prices, to obtain a fair share of support. Note the Address— Andrew Young (Just below Dunn and Ray’s Foundry), WAKANUI ROAD. In connection with the above, A. Y. wishes it to be understood that he has not laid aside his Carpenter’s tools, as of no further use, but he is still engaged in manufacturing and repairing Gates, Wheelbarrows, Drays, Hurdles, etc. General Joiner’s work and odd jobs executed in a workman-like manner, at exceedingly low rates. The advertiser doing all the work himself, will be a sufficient guarantee for all orders en trusted to him. 340 MR. CAYGILL, of Walker street, Christchurch, is AUTHORISED to CANVASS for Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian.



Wanted. TO COMPOSITORS. WANTED— A good NEWS HAND, day work. Is. Id. per 1,000. Apply to The Manager, Ashburton Guardian. WANTED— A NURSEGIRL. Mrs. F. P. O’Reilly, Cox street. 341 WANTED, LADIES to Join the Amateur Dramatic Club and assist at the Christmas Pantomime. 328 WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M £ RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 90Sc— 28Gg To Let. LAND TO LET FOR CROPPING. ACRES of really good LAND in UeJl/ one or more lots. JAMESON & ROBERTS, 335 Ashburton. Found. I BOUND, a CLOAK on Saturday last, j between the Hospital and Railway Station. Owner can have the same by giving description and paying for this advertisement. Apply Guardian office. 337 Meetings. ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAT. AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. A GENERAL COMMITTEE MEET /\_ ING will be held at Shearman’s Hotel on THURSDAY NEXT, October 21st, at 3 p.m. : GEO. JAMESON, 336 Secretary. THE ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COMPANY (LIMITED). AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of the Shareholders in 1 the above Company will be held in the Town Hall, Ashburton, ©n TUESDAY, the 19th day of October, 1800, at 8 o’clock in the Evening, for the undermentioned purposes : 1. To consider the advisability or other wise of increasing.the nominal value of shares. 2. To consider the advisability or other wise of reducing the quorum of shareholders necessary to be present at meetings before business can be transacted. 3. To regulate the election and retire ment of Directors of the Company and their powers and business. Dated this 9th day of October,* 1880. THOS. BULLOCK, 991 c Chairman of Directors. Amusements. SEAFIELD SCHOOL. A MEDLEY ENTERTAINMENT, JTjL Consisting of Songs, Recitations, Instrumental Music, and a Screaming Farce, entitled, WHITEBAIT AT GREENWICH Will be given at the SEAFIELD SCHOOLROOM, On TUESDAY, the 19th ihst. Doors open at 7.30. Performance.to com mence at 8 o’clock prompt. The proceeds will go towards purchasing a Harmonium for the Institute. Admission, 25.; Children, half-.price. 301 A. M'KELLAR Wl'X. TOWN HALL, THURSDAY, OCT. 21st, 1880; GRAND DOUBLE BILL THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB will perform that sparkling Comedy “ J osephine,” on THE CHILD OF THE REGIMENT, Acknowledged by all to be the best comedy ever performed in Ashburton. Full of Grand Choruses and Martial Music. To conclude with, for the first time in New Zealand, the screaming farce of The Kailway Belle. Admission—3s., 25,, Is. Doors open at 7.30.; to commence at 8 punctually. The Incidental Music by a Full and Effi cient Orchestra. 322 AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB, FINAL REHEARSAL for“ Josephine” and “The Railway Belle” TO MORROW, October 19th, at 8 pan. Full attendance requested. S. E. POYNTZ, 338 Hon. Sec. 1



Alfrffd Harrison. FRIDAY, 22nd OCTOBER. 12 o’clock. ALFRED HARRISON has been favored with instructions from Mr. James to sell by Public Auction, on the premises (the brick house just behind the East Town Belt), the whole of his FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, Comprising Chairs, Tables, Bedsteads and Bedding, Chest Drawers, Sofa, Linen, Crockery, Kitchen Utensils, etc , etc. Also, A really Good HARMONIUM. Without reserve. 323 ALFRED HARRISON, Auctioneer. Gazette in Bankruptcy. V. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the several Acts amending the same, and of the bankruptcy of EDMUND ALFRED FIELD, of Seafield, fanner, a debtor. Notice .is hereby given that ; on MONDAY, the 15th day of Novem ber, 1880, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, or so soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, Application will be made to the above honor able Court on behalf of the abovenamed Debtor for an Order of Discharge. Dated this 18th day of October, 1880. BRANSON AND PURNELL, 339 Solicitors for Debtor, Public Notices A LL DEB T S due to Ashburton Herald and Guardian business must be Paid to Mr. S. E. Poyntz, on behalf of the Assignees, at the Guardian Office, East street, Ashburton, and his receipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. K. SAUNDERS, For Self and Co-Assignees. AhHBURTON AGRICU LTORAL AN O PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. Ashburton, 23rd September, 1880. TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR, ASHBURTON. SIR, — I am directed by the Committee of the above Association, to ask if you will be good enough to proclaim TUESDAY, November ICth NEXT, a General Holiday (under the Act), it being the occasion of the Annual Show of Stock, &c. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, GEORGE JAMESON, Secretary. TO GEO. JAMESON, Esq., SECRE TARY op the A. and P. ASSOCIA TION. SIR, — In accordance with the above requisition, I hereby request the burgesses to observe TUESDAY, Novem ber 16th Next, a PUBLIC HOLIDAY. HUGO FRIEDLANDER, „ Mayor. ■ Ashburton, October 15th, 1880. 325 ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. rjTHE’ ANNUAL SHOW OP STOCK, PRODUCE, IMPLEMENTS, * , &c., WILL EE HELD ON • TUESDAY, 16th NOVEMBER. Entries must be made with the Secretary not later thap.;,Tuesday, 9th November. Members "will oblige by forwarding their Subscriptions at an early date. GEORGE JAMESON, 326 m Secretary. ASHBURTON WOOL - SCOURING WORKS. WOOL, LOCKS, and Pieces scoured at lowest current rates. 316 CYRUS HOMERSHAM. THE NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE 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. Reajdent Secretary Thomas Swain, Temple 'Featherston street, Wellington.. . Agent for the County' qf- Ashburton — S. SAUNDERS (of the fjrm. of Saunders Bros.), Ashburtdn'. 4 ’ 1 *" Note the name—The 'National Mutual; . 169-218 ca THE NEW ZEALAND ■ . LOAN • AND • MERCANTILE AGENCY COMPANY (limited). wdOL SEASON—IBBO-18&1. SPECIAL N(st-IGE TO SHEEP FARMERS. THE Company makes* LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES on WOOL entrusted to its care for sale in the* London market. This being one of the leading depart ments of the Company’s business, and an expert and practical staff being employed by its London House especially to superin tend the classification, valuation, and dis posal of wool consignments, growers may rely upon their clips being carefully handled and placed to the best advan tage. Further information may be obtained upon application at the Company’s office, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. 283 a BRANSON & PURNELL, BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS EAST STREET, FORMS PRINTED —“To Let” and “ For Sale ” —can be obtained at the Guardian Office.



Matson Cox,. and Co. JMaTSON, Co x & Co**' STOCK AND ESTATE AGENTS, LAND & MONEY BROKERS, AUCTIONEERS AND COMMISSION AGENTS, ASHBURTON. Their business will include the manage ment of Estates, Investment arid* Pro curation of Money, Valuation of .Pro- . parties, Stock, &c., and General Agency. ■ They will' hold throughout the District Public Auction Sales of Land, Live and. Dead Stock; also on Market Days at Ashburton and Tinwald, Fat and Store Stock. They are also prepared to make Liberal Cash Advances on Properties, Stock, Wool, &c., placed in their, hands for sale. MATSON, COX, & CO., Agents for Robey & Co.’s CELEBRATED THRESHING MACHINES 44a T- Bullock. Y | Undersigned begs to inmate to former constituents and that he has i| RETURNED TO BUSI&ES Auctioneer, at V AN COMMMIOIJ A%NT i In ,d* T R .S' D And B ,A Z”A A R, BURNETT STREET, Formerly occupied by him. Weekly Sales OS’ PROPERTIES, MERCHANDISE, ETC, Will be held as formerly, ALSO, SALE of HORSES , 1 AT THE HORSE BAZAAR, BURNETT STREET, and intends holding periodical sales of Wool and Grain During the ensuing season. Will also attend the usual ,; i* g -• Fortnightly Stock Sales AT TINWALD, AND AT THE COUNTY SALEYARDS/ ii When opened. 934 c T. BULLOCK FOR SALE—CHEAP. FOUR SECTIONS in one block—viz., 502, 5C3, 510, 511, situated in Tin wald. Small deposit cash : balance by instalments. For sale or to let, with a PURCHASING CLAUSE, 439 Acres, all fenced, and partly improved situated in Wakanui 266 „ A compact Farm, all ‘ fenced, well-watered, and partly in English Grass. Improve ments consistof a comfortable Five-roomed Cottage, Stable, Stockyard, &c., &o. 220 ~ All fenced, partly improved and well-watered. v :. 360 ~ All fenced, and a portion of it in English Grass. 50 ~ Near the above, will be sold very cheap. 65 ~ About Three Miles from the Town of Ashburton. 150 „ Near the above, and adjoining Mr. George Aston’s 290 „ About Six Miles from Ash* burton. l TOWN PROPERTIES. That Valuable TOWN SECTION, 159, Tancred Street, will be Sold very cheap, and on easy terms. 539, (part of) £ of an acre, terms same as above. 341, Kermode Street. 77 , 37, (Lot) Mayo’s Block. 78, (Lot) with Dwelling-house of Seven ? o Rooms,, near the Parsonage, East Town Belt. TO LET, A Four-roomed COTTAGE, situated on the North Town Belt, opposite the High School Site. ' Commodious BOARDING-HOUSE in East Street. Shop and Office in East Street. That convenient SHOP, situated in the Triangle, Wakanui road. 671cd,86a ,T. BULLOCK. For Sale. Poyntz. & Co. HAVE FOR SALE, on advantageous and easy terms of payment, the following TOWN AND SUBURBAN PROPERTIES;— A good five-roomed House, on quarter* acre of land, within three or four chains of the East Town Belt. , A splendid six-roomed House, with a good lawn and well laid-out flower garden, fronting on East Belt and close to the Wakanui Road. A compact four-roomed House, with one acre of land, well fenced. Three quarters of an acre laid down as a paddock. A nice four-roomed House on half acre of land near the Gas Works, tfell finished throughout. Town Sections, 742, 743, 465, 466, 467. Town Section 711 upon which is erected ■ a capital four-roomed House fitted » with every convenience. . > A two-roomed House, with outbuild ings, on a quarter acre, well fenced and planted, on N.E, Belt,