SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Sailed. YESTERDAY. Penguin, s.s., for Timaru and Dunedin. Rotomahana, s.s., for the North. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed —Ringarooma, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived Wakatipu, from Nelson ; Kennedy, from Nelson and the West Coast. Sailed —Hawea, for the North ; Stella, for Southern lighthouses; Boojum, for Napier.; Kiwi, for Napier and the East Coast. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Annie Bow and George Noble, barquentines, from Newcastle. Sailed—Estelle, barquentine, for West port. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived— Rotorua,s s., from Melbourne via the Bluff; Frederick Bassil, barque, from Newcastle. Dunedin, To-day. Arrived—Rio Loge, from Foo Ch >w, 103 days out.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List. Butter, inferior to best, $ H> 6d to Bd. Eggs, 1? dozen, is. Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb, 6d to Sd. Bacon, prime smoked, t? lb, lod to is. Hams in cloth, £> lb, is 2d. Flour in bags, I? 100 lb, 13s. Oatmeal. I? 251 b, 4s. Lard, 1? lb, yd. The Christchurch Corn Exchange. The following is the report for the week end ing Friday evening, the 19th inst:— Since last report, dated sth November, there is no change to note in values. The week preceding the present being entirely given over to holiday-making, no report was issued. Since then business has been almost at a stand-still, and at this time of year it is questionable whether it is worth while to publish a grain report, one week being but a repetition of its predecessor. The weather continues to be all that can be desired. The crops in nearly all parts of the country arc looking extremely well, and eveiything bids fair for a bountiful harvest. On the light lands rain would be acceptable. Wheat.—-A few small parcels are coming to hand, which are absorbed by the millers, at 4s 2d to 4s 3d. Particular kinds, namely, the hard wheats, when of unexceptional quality, are worth 4s sc! to 4s 6d per bushel ; second quality, 33 to 3s 6d per bushel; chick wheat, is gel to 2s gd per bushel. Oats.—Good stout milling samples are being asked for, at from is Sd to is gd per bushel. Holders, however, seem disinclined to part for the money, anticipating a further rise. This, however, is not likely to take place soon, the difficulty in obtaining freight being a great bar. Feed samples of really good quality are worth is 5d to is 6d per bushel; second class feed parcels, is 3d to is 4d per bushel. Barley.—A few inquiries have been made lately for prime malting samples, but of this kind there are hardly any offering. 3s to 3s 3d is the value for this class ; second-rate samples range from 2s 3d to 2s gd ; feed quality, is 6cl to is gd per bushel. Grass Seed.—The season is now so far ad vanced that there is really no business doing, but prices remain as before. First-class seed is worth 3s to 3s 3d. Fanners’ parcels, badly cleared, is gd to 2s 3d per bushel. Potatoes.—No business doing ; prices, nominal. Cheese and Butter.—4c! to 4j4d for the former; Sd to fid for the latter. Auctioneers’ Report. Messrs. H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, November 18th, 18S0, as follows Owing to the fact of there being no sale last week at the Addington yards, there was an unusually large supply of all classes of stock sent forward for yesterday’s auction—the yards being crowded from one end to the other. Both beef and mutton made a large entry, and whilst the general quality of the former was good, the latter was scarcely up to the average of late sales. There were certainly several lines of prime mutton. For Mr. Grigg we placed a splendid line of show cattle at Ll 3 per head, Mr. C. Bearing being the purchaser. As a natural result of a heavy market, there was a decline in the price of fat sheep of something like is per head, but with the erratic and irregu lar values it is almost impossible to give any fixed quotation. There was a large attendance, and most of those present were buyers, evidenced by the fact that out of an entry of nearly 6,000 sheep submitted by ourselves no' more than 400 were turned out, unsold. Messrs. Gould and Cameron’s crossbred ewes realised 16s to 17s in the wool ; merino wethers, from the same owners, to 1 is 3d ; 200 shorn wethers from the Cashmere estate brought 9s gd. For J. M, Ritchie, Esq., we placed 200 shorn 4-tooth wethers at 105 ; and for other owners 520 store merinos, out of the wool, at 5s 7d ; 150 aged merino ewes at 3s fid ; 770 merino wethers at 4s id; 469 aged merino ewes/with 60 per cent, of lambs at foot, at 4s 7d ; 366 crossbred couples at 12s 7c!; 500 2-tooth crossbreds from 8s to 9s ; and other small lines at comparative rates. The sheep sale, taken throughout, must be looked upon as satisfactory, the decline in values only being' attributable to the large supply. We cannot help thinking, now that shearing is well under way, that fat sheep will continue plentiful in the market, and, if so, yesterday’s rates may be considered equal to, if not in excess of, what rye may expect for some months "to come; The beef sale, as before mentioned, was largely supplied, and prices ruledirregularly. The best quality, however, sold well, arid at satisfactory prices, and taking the average rates, wc quote a firm maintenance of late values. The trade in store cattle was very brisk, and scarcely a pen remained unsold. Two or three-year-old steers are in active demand at from L 5 5s to L 6 10s ; younger ages,; at somewhat less pro portionate rates. The totals yarded for the day comprised 10,092 sheep, 640 head of cattle and 28 pigs, of which our entry included 5,835 sheep, 468 lambs, 387 head of cattle and 16 pigs for Messrs. John Grigg, and Gould and Cameron, and others. Tn sheep our principal sales were 120. shorn crossbreds at 1033 d, 200 at 9s gd, 80 at ips 3d, 53 at 9s, 110 at 8s gd, 199 at los, 82 woolly crossbreds at 16s 3d to 17s, 380 merino wethers (in wool) at 10s, 64 crossbred ewes (unshorn) at 12s fid, 71 merino wethers at 1133 d, 32 at ifsfid, 137 at 10s gd and ns, 139 shorn crossbred ewes at 10s. Stores—l 62 woolly merinos at 8s sd, 469 cull merino ewes (shorn), with lambs at foot at 4s yd, 772 merino wethers at 4s id, 150 do at 4s 3d, 150 cull merino wethers at 3s fid, sxß merino wethers at 5s 7d, 204 two-tooth cross breds at Bs, 157 mixed do at 6s fid to 7s fid. Fat lambs—A large supply and all sold, prices ruling from 6s for scrubbers to 13s for prime quality. Fat cattle —4 at Li 3,2 at LlB 103, 4 at L 7 17s fid,, 3 at L 7 2s fid, 2 at L 6 ios, 2 at L 7, 3 at L 6 153, 3 at L 6 10s, 3 at L 7, 3 at L 7 17s fid, 2 at L 7 15s, 4 at L 7 ios, 5 at L 6 15s, 2 at L 6 7s fid, 2 at L 8 ss, 4 at L 8 12s fid, 5 at L 7 17s fid, 7 at L 8 17s fid. Store steers —5 head at L 6 ios, 5 at L 8 17s fid, 9 at L 5 ios, 11 at L 5 ss, 6 at L 3 Ss, 10 at L 3 15s, 16 at L 4, 4 at L 3 103, 6 at 1,2, 3 at Li gd, 8 at L 3 ios, 17 at L2 12s 6d, 6 at L 3 2.3 fid, 4 at Li ios, 9 at L 4, 3 at L 5 X2s fid, 18 at L 4 19s, 7 at L 3 gs fid, 4 at Li 16s, 12 at L 6 10=, 12 at L 6 ss, &c. On Friday last we held our annual show sale of pedigree stock, the auction being held in the “fonim”at Tattersall’s. Our catalogue was of a very lengthy description, and included a number of choice cat tle from the most noted of cur Canterbury breeders—Messrs. John Grigg, John Deans, William Boag, Hay Bros., C. T. Dudley, John Gebbie, C. Withell, W. Lunn, and others. In addition to those already mentioned, we submitted on account of Mr. Samuel Gardiner, of Bundoora Park, Victoria, a draft of his celebrated Brunswick shorthorns, comprising two bulls and five heifers ; also from the Colac herd, Victoria, on account of Messrs. Robertson Bros,, two bulls and four females. The auction opened wrh Mr. C. J. Eady’s Tasmanian thoroughbred horses, with the following result : —Albion fell to the bid of Mr. Lewis for Sogs, Calstock to Mr. Murray for 6 'gs, Quamby to Mr. Jas. Wilkin for 2oogs, and the St. Albans colt was placed privately for yogs. At the commencement of the cattle sale a very large and influential audience had assembled, and throughout lire whole of the Sftle briskness of bidding, together with a keen i

competition, characterised the proceedings. It is worthy of remark that the Brunswick cattle were sold by catalogue, as they then stood in quarantine at Lyttelton. The follow ing is the result of the sale :—Account Mr. Gardiner—Bull, Alvie’s Hero, 2Sogs; 2nd Summerton’s Earl of Brunswick, 40055; 3rd Duchess of Brunswick, soogs; Flower of Brunswick, 2505 s ; 2nd Roan Duchess, 2595 s ; Read Summerton, 3005 s ; Coax 25th, iSogs ; ar an average of 3045 s each for the seven head. Total, 2i3ogs. Account Robertson Bros.- Oxford Duke of Cambridge, 30055; 22nd Duke of Dcrrimui, iSogs; 28th Road Duchess of Derrimut, 30055 ; Flower of Derrimut 2nd, 3305 s ; 31st Duchess of Derrimut, 2cogs ; 581 Countess of Alvie, 12055. Total, 143055, or an average of 238 gs. For Mr. Grigg wc sold twenty yearling bulls, chiefly by Esau and Faction, for 60555, ranging in price from 155 s 5 2 Jigs, making an average of a trifle over 3ogs each ; Esau, for the same owner, being placed at 15055. For Mr John Deans wc placed five bulls, yearlings to Leo, at from Isgs to S°S S » averaging 28gs. On account of same owner, nine females, at from logs to 3555, or an average of 20t4gs. For Messrs Hay Bros., four bulls, from 30gs to 14755, averaging 84gs. For Mr. C. T. Dudley, cows up to 405 s ; two bulls, at 2igs and 4Qgs respectively. For Mr. John Gebbie, Loddon Lass at 40gs. For Mr. Whithell, bull, Johnston, at 32j4gs. For Mr. Lunn, ten cows, at from 155 s to 52>£gs, aver aging 2Xj<gs ; and several odd lots at fair prices. Grand total of sale, L 5988 I os. Corn Market. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, report from London, under date Oct 7th as follows ;—The low level of prices current at date of our last Circular by this route has since been gradually raised, and the tendency of the market has been generally firmer. Unsettled weather and consequent floods in the Northern Counties injured the quality and delayed the ingathering of that por tion of the crop, while at the same time a re newal was experienced of the Continental de mand which previously had been inactive. These considerations stimulated an important and steady series of purchases on the part of millers and dealers, the result being an enhance ment of values all round. Heavy arrivals of foreign wheat at ports of call have reduced the total on passage to more moderate dimensions, viz., 1,328,050 qrs. Exports from the United States are below last year’s shipments, and as farmers are not rapidly placing their produce on the market, the “ visible supply ” is not at pre sent increasing. The estimates of the Ameri can harvest do not, however, appear to have been exaggerated; and the knowledge that a heavy surplus will be available from that quarter sooner or later may probably check un due speculation on this side. Arrivals off coast of Australian wheat cargoes have been very numerous, forming a total of 37 out of 115 grain laden ships arriving at ports of call during the month of September. Many of these have been taken, for the North of England, where from the cause above mentioned fine wheats have been particularly wanted. The quantity of Australian wheat in London is limited, and some fine parcels, clean and in good condition, have been placed at 50s, an advance of 4s on values ruling a month ago. New Zealand wheat is dearer. Imports have been large, but the demand is fairly sustained. The quality of the wheat, however, is decidedly inferior on average to that of last year’s pro duct, really fine parcels being a rare occurrence in e ,-en the largest shipments. Latest quota tions, ex granary, are as follows South Aus tralian wheat, 48s to 50s 6d per 496!hs ; Vic torian. 47s 6d to 49s 6d per 496113 S ; New Zea land, long berried, 46s to 47s per 4961bs ; do. average, 44s to 46s ; do. inferior, 40s to 43s ; Australian flour, 32s to 35s per 28olbs ; New Zealand do., 30 to 33s per 28olbs ; New Zea land oats, 26s to 33s per Imperial quarter. Oats are slow of sale, the demand not being equal to the immediate absorption of the stocks on hand.”

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p.m.J IWHMU..II > l|llll.«'l l ULI.JBa;l ■' I li MII I

The Ashburton Guardian. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1880.

Stray Cattle. —At the Rakaia Court, yesterday, three parties were fined in small sums for allowing cattle to stray in the Rakaia township.

The Railway Tariff. —We received at three o’clock this afternoon a copy of the representations made to Mr. Maxwell, General Manager of the New Zealand Railway's, by the Committee on the Rail way tariff appointed by the County Coun cil, which will be found in another column. Arrivals in London. —By cable, per the Merchant Shipping and Underwriter’s Association, we are advised of the follow ing arrivals on and prior to the 16th inst : —The John Bull, from Timaru, which sailed on the 28th July ; the Elizabeth Mentz, which sailed from the same port, on August 1. Ashburton Racing Club Settling.— The stakes won at the recent race meeting were paid over to the winners to-day, the following being the recipients and amounts :—Mr. R. Mason, £97 13s. ; Mi*. E. Barrett, £l7 10s. ; Mr. P. Hus band, £47 10s.; Mr. J. H. Lunn, £47105.; Mr. M. Morshead, £2B 10s. ; Mr. John Smith, £23 15s. ; Mr. H. Friedlander, £l9 ; Mr. O. Digby, £lO ; Mr. Leitch, £10; Mr. Mordaunt, £5 ; Mr. James, £5. Total, £341 Bs. “ The Game He did not Under stand.”—Marks Ball, a Polish Jew, was loud in his protestations to Sergeant Felton at the races, and less loud but equally earnest to his Worship and Mr. Winter yesterday, that he knew nothing whatever of the illegal game he was charged with playing on the course. “Not know it at all, sic, ’shelp ’ingot.” A man “ asked him to look after concern while he went have a drink, and that vash all.” “Ah, that’s too thin,” said Mr. Winter, and Marks went over to the station to do seven days’ hard labor for the benefit of his adopted country, and as an inducement to the growth of better morals.

Good Templart at Alford Forest. —Our Alford Forest correspondent writes :—On Friday evening last a lodge of Good Templars was instituted here by Bro. K. Sando, of Ashburton. It num bers 25 members already, and _ others have signified their intention of joining. An interesting address was given by Bro. Sando, illustrative of the advantages of temperance, the most striking feature being that if the three millions spent annually in drink were saved, the colony would be free from debt in ten years. He also showed to some extent what land might be cultivated, and how many home steads might flourish with the three millions thus squandered. A hearty vote of thanks was passed with acclamation. The funds are in a healthy state, and it is the intention of the members to order a complete set of regalia at no very distant date.

Civil Cases —Ashburton and Rakaia. —At the R.M. Court, Ashburton to-day, the following civil cases were disposed of by Mr. Nugent Wood ;—Bould v. Benni son— Claim L 3 17s. 9d. Defendant did not appear, and judgment went by default, with LI costs added. The same result at tended the calling of the case M'Peek v. Ladhey, a claim of L 6 ; and the case of D. Williams v. Salmon was decided in plaintiffs favor for amount of the claim, LlB os. 2d. with costs.—At Rakaia, yes terday, before the same Magistrate, H. Smith ers was ordered to pay L2 a month to W. Hartnell, until a certain debt was liquidated, in case of failure to make pay ment, to go to prison for a month. Judg mentfor amounts with costs were given in the following cases : —Morgan and Hibbs v. Smith, Lll 18s. 7d.; and same v. Alfrey, Lll 2s. 7d.; W. H. Partridge sued G. Johnston for L 8 10s. 3d., but only recovered L 6 Bs. 3d., the remainder being for drinks, which the Tippling Act interfered with.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE (Per Reuter's Agency.) Money. London, Nov. IG. Consols, 99|; New Zealand five per cents, unchanged ; 4£ per cent 1879-1904 loan, 94£. Best Scotch pig iron, No. 1, f.o.b. in Clyde, 55 ; galvanised iron, 26 guage, Ll 7 4s. alTstralTanT (Per Reuter's Agency. ) Brisbane, Nov. 17. The Appropriation Act for L 760,000 has been passed by the Legislati re Assembly. TUo JProiwioi? uicxi't'l fh.i f- f.bn balance of the loan would be floated during the' recess. NEW ZEALAND (Per Press Asoociation.) Death of a New Zealand Student. Dunedin, To-day. News by the mail reports the sudden death in Edinburgh, of Sir. George Mont gomery, 8.A., who went Home to finish his education.

The Railway Tariff.

We give below the representations of the Committee of the County Council on the railway tariff, to Mr. Maxwell, Gene ral Railway Manager, and that gentle-

man’s reply : Ashburton, 11th Nov., 1880. Sir, —The committee appointed by the Ashburton County Council to draw the attention of the General Manager of the New Zealand Railways to the unequal charges imposed by the new tariff, beg to make the following representations: — The Committee mainly considered how the interests of agriculturists within the County are affected by the tariff, and desire to draw attention to the following facts, viz.:— That from the published returns of grain exporters during the first six months of this year it appears that nearly one fourth of all the grain carried by the rail ways in the Middle Island was grown in the County of Ashburton. That under the old tariff the charge for CO miles (the average distance for all grain grown within the County) was 11s. Bd., and under the new tariff is 14s. 2d., being an increase of about 21i per cent., and the Committee fail to see that any necessity existed for such an increase of taxation on one of the chief exports of the colony, as under the late tariff the working expenditure on the Canterbury section of the New Zealand railways was reduced from 58 to 40 per cent, of the receipts during the grain season, showing conclusively that the charge for grain was most remunerative to the Department. If all classes of goods were carried at rates proportionate to the cost of each particular service, and it were then found necessary to raise all rates in equal pro portion in order to make the railways more profitable, the settlers in the County would have no special ground of com plaint, but the Committee beg to represent that an analysis of th 6 new tariff shows unmistakably that, in the first place, all classes of goods are not carried upon relatively equal terms, and, second.y, that agricultural produce is charged not only higher than the produce of other industries but is singled out for an exces sive increase of charge. . The Committee also desire to point out that the increase in the freight of cattle

and sheep is almost prohibitive, and that many people who formerly trucked their stock to market, notv find it more econo mical to drive them. The traffic returns will show that stations which contributed largely to the stock traffic three or four years ago, contribute little or nothing under the existing tariff.

The Committee would also draw atten-; tion to a hardship affecting the settlers in the neighborhood of the Rakaia and Alford Forest railway. They learn that the Department treats it for purposes of traffic as a separate line, and on all goods conveyed on that line, and forwarded by main line, a charge equivalent to a second terminal is imposed ; and in calculating mileage, the calculation begins afresh at the Rakaia ; so that forwarders of goods lose all advantage of reduced rates for long distances, and for all distances, short or long, have the initial mileage at the higher rate reckoned twice. The Com mittee feel sure that this hardship, con sidering that Government works the branch line, has only to be stated, and that it will be remedied.

The Committee beg to show in the fol lowing instances how the charges under the present tariff bear unequally upon agricultural produce. The charge for car riage of the undermentioned goods a dis tance of 52 miles is as under :

Goods Per Ton Per Truck Load Grain ... £0 13 6 Z’S 7 6 5 tons Wool .. 176 411 8 — 3% tons Timber 088 234- 510ns showing that timber has an unmistakeable preference. The charge for the carriage of the following goods from Ashburton to Invercargill, 317 miles, is as under Goods Per Ton Per Truck Load Grain r 16 1 90s Hone Dust .. i 16 i 9 o 5 .. Wool .. .. .. 4 19 6 16 it B—3^tons Agricultural Machinery 2 17 5 14 7 1 Timber .. •. 1 1 8 5 8 4 —2000 ft. Native Coal.. .. o 17 4-4/5 3 9 7 i/S'^ons showing that timber again, and native coal to a still greater degree, are favored under the new tariff. With reference to this marked difference in charge, the Com mittee would respectfully draw attention to what appears to them to be the only logical conclusions under these figures, either that every ton of timber and native coal carried at these rates bring a loss to the Department, and that an excessive charge is laid upon agricultural produce to help to cover the deficiency, or that the timber and native coal traffic is fairly assessed, and that agricultural produce is charged at a very excessive rate. The Committee also draw attention to the following anomalous charges : Goods Class A, carried direct from Rakaia to Dunedin, per ton ... £4 2 0 From Rakaia to Ch.ch £l3 6 and back to Dunedin 1 19 3—3 2 0 £0 19 3 the sender thus saving 19s 3d per ton, while the Department carry goods 70 miles additional. Again, from Shag Point to Ashburton, a distance of 132 miles, native coal is charged per ton, 11s 3d ; bone dust for a like distance, £1 0s Bd. The Committee also submit an instance of a differential charge in favor of native coal as compared with agricultural produce between Taupivi and Auckland, a distance of 69 miles. Native coal is charged tis. 6d. per ton, whereas native coal in this island is charged Bs. lid. for the same distance, and grain 13s. lid., under the same con ditions as to loading and unloading. In conclusion the Committee beg to state that as it is a well ascertained fact that, the growth of grains in New Zealand at the prices now ruling is but slightly remunerative to the producer, it is, there fore, most important to the interests of the Railway Department and of the colony, that agricultural products should not be unduly taxed for the sake of revenue. That the agricultural industry has now become the mainstay of the colony, and that any increase in the cost of transport ing gram, which would sensibly reduce the profits, would preclude the New Zealand grain grower from competing with the American, and would lead surely and rapidly to the land being devoted to wool growing to the expulsion of grain, and thereby cause a loss to the department of that traffic which i* its main support.— We have, &c.

New Zealand Railways, General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Nov. 13, 1880. Gentlemen, —I have the honor to reply to your letter of the 11th inst., touching the newrailway tariff, and drawing attention to the inequality of the charges. Though not responsible for the present tariff, and con sidering it capable of many amendments, some of which have already been gazetted, and others of which are now under con sideration, I cannot say that I think the grain rate imposes any great hardship on the Ashburton County. I find the present grain rate almost identical with that in force in the province of Canterbury in 1876, which was retained in force until December last, and under which tariff the wholq £/'■'”•' ' jC oanterpury has grown with such enormous rapidity. The reduction of the grain rate in January of this year, was an error which the railways could ill afford to bear at this time, and the re-establishment of the rate on the same basis as that under which the grain trade has so vigorously developed, can scarcely be looked upon as a hardship. In deference to your own and many other opinions, I have advised the Minister to make a reduction in the sheep rates.

The present position of the Rakaia Forks railway, I have been given to understand, is due to an arrangement put into operation with the consent of the company. The company has within the present week represented to me that it is not satisfied with these arrangements, and I have advised the Minister to work the line in such a way that it shall be on practically the same footing as the Go vernment branches.

To your table of freights for fifty-two miles, which I quote below, I venture to add the probable value of the goods carried. Goods. Per ton. Probable value Grain .. .. 13 6 £7 ° ° Wool .. .. 176 93 o o Timber .. .. 088 2xoo From this you will perceive that the rates are charged somewhat in proportion to tlxe value of the goods, though not wholly so, because such a tariff would be an absurdity, and unworkable. It cannot be for a moment supposed by you that coal, timber, firewood, Ac., Ac., are competi tors with the grain. They are, on the contrary, the direct means which assist the farmer in producing, and the lowness of the tariff for these articles should bo hailed by your Council as a great and sub stantial boon to the district, rather than treated as a disadvantage. I hiay add that the special rate you allude to is open to several grave objections, though at the same time it confers some advantages. It will be easily considered. In conclusion, I have to thank you for drawing my attention to sundry points in connection with this tariff. I shall he glad to hear any farther objections which may be raised, as it is my intention to continue to carefully consider and revise it, so as to endeavor to place it on a foot ing satisfactory to all interests.—l have, Ac., J. F. Maxwell, ‘ General Manager. To the Tariff Committee, Ashburton County Council.

SPORTING.

Ashburton Racing Club Spring Meeting.

The following events, reports of which came to hand tod late to. appear in yester day’s issue, completed the programme : Trotting Race (Handicap), of 15 sovs.: ( Ist horse, 10 sovs ; 2nd horse, 5 sovs.) Catch weights ; 3 miles ; nomina tion ios. ; acceptance I sov. District horses only. Mr. O. Digby’s r m Siss, aged, 200yds, (Physick) ... ... ... ... 1 Mr. Mordaunt’s br g Rousei, aged, scratch (Owner) ... 2 Betting—3 to 2on Rouser. This race needs but little description, as tile favorite failed to reduce the dis tance between him and the mare, who eventually won by 230 yards. A Hurry Scurry of L 5, concluded the meeting, which was won by Steamer, beating six others.

An Unfortunate Piano.

Before Mr. Nugent Wood at Rakaia yesterday the case E. Clark v. A. M. Pearson came on again for hearing. Mr. Izard appeared for Clark and Mr. Purnell for Pearson, who is bailiff of the Ashbur ton R. M. Court. The case was heard by Mr. Guinness on last Court day, and was now brought up for re-hearing. Mr. Purnell raised the objection that the case having been heard by Mr. Guin ness it was out of Mr. Wood’s jurisdic tion. This his Worship overruled and the case proceeded, his Worship reserving certain other ejections raised by Mr. Purnell.

Edwin Clark sworn, said—l am post master at Rakaia. I recollect Fagan’s auction sale. Was present at it. Mr. Pearson officiated as auctioneer. I bought a piano at that sale. T. E. Fagan men tioned at the sale that a bill of sale for L2O was held by Messrs. Milner and Thompson, at Christchurch. , Previous to this an individual had bid LlO for the piano. On hearing of the existence of the bill of sale the bid of LlO was with drawn. Mr. Pearson said he would pro ceed with the sale, and would guarantee the purchaser against the bill of sale. The piano was then started at L2O, the amount of the bill of sale. It was knocked down to me for L 25. I bought the piano in consequence of what Pearson had stated about the non-liability of the purchaser. I paid the money and got delivery. A claim was afterwards made against me by Milner and Thompson for L2O, amount of the bill of sale which they held over the piano. I referred them to Mr. Pearson. I was sued by Milner and Thompson in the R. M. Court here, and had to pay L 25 16s. 6d. I have asked Mr. Pearson to refund me the amount, but he has not done so. I have paid quite L3O over and above what I bought the piano for. By Mr. Purnell—l have sold the piano. I got L4O for it. I had an opportunity to settle with Milner and Thompson by paying L2O. If I had not settled with them I should have lost L 5. I had heard that Fagan’s piano , was to be sold. I knew that it was to be sold by the bailiff of the Court. Thought the piano would go cheap. The sale took place at Fagan's at North Rakaia.

Mr. Purnell here raised the objection that North Rakaia was beyond his Worship’s jurisdiction. His Worship decided to continue the hearing. Examination continued—Mr. Pearson said at the: sale that it was to satisfy, Saunders Bros’, claim that he was selling. A man named Mulcaster was there. I made no particular enquiries respecting the bill of sale. I was not the only person that bid for the piano. I got de livery the same evening. Spoke to Pearson about my liability. He said I was quite clear. Milner and Thompson made a claim on me about a fortnight from the date of the sale. The piano was cheap at L4O. Michael Fagan, sworn said Was present at the sale, and saw the piano put up. During the bidding, I announced that a bill of sale was over the piano. The bidder withdrew his bid. The bailiff then started the bidding at L2O, as he said, to cover the bill of sale.

T. E. Fagan, sworn—When the piano was put up Clark bid L 5, and Mr. Welsh bid LlO. I informed them of the exis tence of a bill of sale over the piano, Welsh withdrew his bid. The bailiff then put it up at L2O, and Clark bid L 25. It was knocked down to him. The bailiff said he would see the bill of sale settled. Mr. Pearson said in my house that he would send the amount of the bill of sale to Milner and Thompson. Will swear Pearson said this. Wo were in the front room of my house at the time, and my father^*"* 1

—XTMakeig, sworn, said—l am clerk of tlie Resident Magistrate’s Court •at xinKtiia. I was present at a former hear ing of this case before Mr. Guinness. I do not know whether Pearson was a wit ness in this case. I was present at Fagan’s sale. When the bailiff put up the piano it was mentioned that a bill of sale existed over it.. It was put up at L2O, and knocked down to Mr. Clark for L 25. Heard Mr. Pearson say that Mr. Saunders would see him straight. Mr. Pearson asked Fagan to produce the bill of sale. Fagan said it was in the hands of Milner and Thompson. The bailiff said immediately after that He would go on with the sale. Do not re member Clark asking whether the ex istence of the bill of sale would make any difference to him as purchaser of the piano. _ _

By Mr. Izard—Pearson said he was acting for Saunders, of Ashburton. Mr. Welsh, sworn, said—l was present at Fagan’s sale. I bid for the piano. I offered LlO for it. The bailiff said that would not cover the bill of sale. Pearson said several times that any person buying the piano he would see him allrght By Mr. Purnell—l am not sure who first mentioned the bill of sale. A. M. Pearson, sworn, said bailiff of the R.M. Court at Ashburton. I received a warrant to distrain at Fagan’s, North Rakaia. I sold the piano. Up to the time of sale I did not know of the existence of a bill of sale over it. I read the distress warrant as the conditions of the sale. The sale had been duly ad vertised. The younger Fagan said there was a bill of sale to Milner and Thompson over the piano. I asked him to produce the bill of sale. He said he could not, as it was in Christchurch. I told him he had had plenty of time to get it, as a bailiff had been in the bouse for seven days. Mr. Saunders was the executing creditor. My instructions from him were to sell unless a bill of sale was produced. I told Clark what ever the piano fetched I would give him a receipt for, if it were knocked down to him. I never mentioned any thing about paying Milner and Thompson out of the proceeds of the sale. Mul caster started the auction at L2O. Mr. Saunders said he would see me straight. When 1 gave Clark the receipt for the money he never complained of the word ing of it, and never asked for a guarantee. I had no personal interest in the sale. Heai’d Clark say he had got a bargain. Heard that he had sold the piano some time after for, L4O. I would not hare sold it if the bill of sale had been pro duced. By Mr. Izard —Mulcasterdid not bid by my authority. Mr. Saunders has not guaranteed me against loss in this action. Paid the proceeds of the sale into the Court at Ashburton. This being the whole of the evidence, and counsel on each side having addressed the bench, his Worship said he would give judgment on next Court day, 9th De cember, i ;

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

To-Day. (Before Mr. Nugent Wood, R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.

John Barrett was charged with being drunk and disorderly and resisting the arresting constable. .Barrett admitted the first offence, but denied the latter charge. Accused was then charged with damaging the constable’s uniform, for which he had to pay L2 12s. fid. For the first offence he had to forfeit 55., and for resisting the man in blue, LI Bs. A first offender, ‘‘ who didn’t know anything about it,” contributed ss. to the Clerk of the Court, and was then let off. Patrick Butler confessed to having had some drink, and also dropped ss. for his delinquency, with the alternative of taking it out in Sergeant Felton’s accommodation establishment.

Thomas Millan pled guilty to a like charge, and got mulct in a similar penalty, or the usual alternative.,.

Another first offender, who had indulged too much during the recent festivities, escaped with the small penalty of contri buting a colonial Robert to the exchequer, which he readily handed over, glad of his escape. James Lemon, who was defended by Mr. Branson, pled not guilty to a charge of creating a disturbance in a public place, and after evidence had been taken his Worship, without much hesitation, dismissed the charge. THE BY-LAWS. Joseph Hyde and Samuel Hardly, for tethering horses on the reserve at the corner of East and Moore streets, con trary to the by-laws of the Borough of Ashburton, were respectively fined Is. and costs 7s. William Toppin, for allowing a horse to wander at large, was let off, having pled extenuating circumstances, which his Worship admitted. ALLEGED LARCENY. Patrick Butler, who was charged with stealing four LI notes from the person of Anthony Thompson, on the racecourse yesterday, was, on the application ; of Sergeant Felton, remanded for eight days, to allow of material evidence, both for and against accused, being brought for ward. .

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

DISPUTED SWEEPS.

To the Editor. Sir, —Some disputes on the late race meeting were referred to me for decision. If you will kindly allow me space to record them, I will feel obliged.—l am, &c.,; . James Wilkie. Ist.—Tie sweeps on Consolation Hanoi-, cap.—Several sweeps were drawn in this race and the tickets were only numbered, and there was a variance as to the notice posted outside the weighing room and the number board. The reason was because the entrances were posted as soon as the time for entries closed, and in the order which I received them. When the weights were declared, I ■at once chalked them on the notice board in the order they would have appeared had they been pub lished on a card, that is—top weight No. 1, and so on. Consequently, the notice board being the Only authority before the public, I decide that the horses numbers were—Tam o’ Shanter, 1; Zulu, 2 ; Top thorne, 3 ; and therefore No. 2 tickets ou sweeps in this race are the winners. . ; Re Ashburton Cup Handicap.—ln this race I am asked to decide the following problem: —A sweepstake is got up in which there is a prize for first, second, and third horse on the Ashburton Cup. Only one horse was placed—viz , Lara, Holderness never passing the post at all. I consider that as the holder of Lara’s ticket could, in any event, have only won the money mentioned on the list as be coming due to the drawer of the first horse, the drawer of Lara is entitled to that sum and no more. Holderness, not being placed, is no more entitled to second money in the sweep than any other of the horses entered, as he was an un placed horse. I therefore decide that the second and third money must be divided, pro rata, among the subscribers to the sweep. r rv i \r 1. tl. r>_i _

J. Dudson.— You say you bet that Zulu would not win a race he started for at the late meeting. If you made the bet on the events he was nominated for, you win, but otherwise you have lost. Book your bets in future properly. James Wilkie, Hon. Sec. Ashburton Racing.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

- ♦ —— , A BOLD STRUGGLE FOR LIFE. (i Concluded.)

He was parched, with thirst and blinded by the glare of the .sun, which had now dispelled the clouds, and shone steadily down, being reflected from the sea and from the smooth side of the cliff—it was toward the end of August—and the heat was so great that it made Jack Harrison feel that it would be a relief to slip off into the cool water and end his misery. Hour after hour dragged on, and still he maintained his position, hi sufferings from thirst growing more and more intense.

At last, what he had been looking forward to, and hoping for all this time, came to pass. A boat, with two fisher men in it, appeared round the angle of the cliff, and his heart leaped with joy. He tried to call to them, but his mouth was so dry that he couid not get out anything but a feeble, hoarse “ Hallo,” which it was impossible they could hear. But at any rate, he thought, they could not fail to see him in his ; conspicuous position, perched there on the side of the rock, the water having now fallen several feet.- They must see, though they could not hear him, and he waved his arm to try and ; attract their attention, but in vain. They were so near that he could distinguish their faces, and recognize, one of them as an old fisherman he had known as a boy ; and yet they did not turn his way. Slowly, and without looking in his direction, they rowed further out, until they disappeared behind the cliff on the other side. The disappointment was so intense that he covered his face with his hands and wept like a child. When at length he raised himself and looked around, the sun was lower in the sky, and the heat was fast grow ing less. The water, too, had fallen so low that the, shingle would soon be exposed again, and he began to wonder how he should get down again, for he was some ten or twelve feet above where the waves had first thrown him. He was so cramped he could hardly move, and his tongue seemed to cleave to the roof of his mouth, while he felt and now arid: then lost the consciousness of where he was. As he watched the water, waiting for it to recede a little further, he saw some thing white gleaming from a wave a little way out, and he wondered vaguely what it was. The waves played with it, and tossed it about on their surface, bringing it

nearer, and then taking it back again,; but for some time it did not strike him what it could be. However, the waves at last brought it almost under him, and then he turned cold with horror, and would have cried out had he been able ; for he saw it was the body of one of his mates, a sailor from the wrecked ship. A fear seized him, that'the water would leave it there beneath him, and he would have to drop almost on to it. But the fear was needless. It was carried away again, and he saw it no more.

When the sun was getting low, the strip of sand was all to be seen again, and he began to think of getting down. Ile was beginning to lower himself, so as to hang by his hands, when his cramped limbs refused to obey him, and he fell heavily to the ground, where he lay, stunned and bleeding. Meanwhile, the news of the wrecks of that night had carried grief into more than one humble home in the little fishing village. In one a widow wept, heart-broken among her uncon scious children ; in another, a maiden bewailed the loss of her handsome young sailor who was to have returned to make her his wife ; and in another a mothermournedherson. Itwasthehome that had shown itself so vividly to Jack Harrison as he knelt by the block of stone, with its latticed window and poorly furnished room, and the mother had the same white hair and care-lined brow. They had told her that morn ing that the ship that contained her all on earth—her brave boy —had been wrecked, and that every one on board had perished; That same sea had taken away her husband long years ago, then her eldest son, and now her youngest and last was gone, and had left her alone in. the world. '

Pitying neighbors had to try and comfort her, but she had begged to be left alone and they had reluctantly left her.

The dying rays of the setting sun fell on her as she sat with her head bowed over the table. The door was a little open, but the form that darkened it did not rouse her, and it was a heavy fall that.made her start to her feet.

She came feebly and tremblingly forward, and kneeling down by the prostrate form, peered with her dim old eyes into the pale, hollow face that lay there unconscious of everything.

THE INTERNATIONAL REGATTA.

Drawing for Heats. (By Cable). London, Nov. 17. The International Regatta, for LI,OOO worth of prizes, given by the. American Hop Bitters Company, commences to morrow on the Thames. Tour heats will be rowed and afterwards the final contest will take place. The following is the drawing for heats : First—Laycock,• Elliott, Harden, and Barrier (1). Second—Riley, "Wallace, Ross, Largan, and Foley (1). Third—Smith, Hcsman, Gibson and Anderson. Fourth—Trickett, Nicholson, and Chasa ner The coarse will be between Putney and Cheswick, a distance of three miles. Han lan has been scratched, and will take no part in the regatta.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1880.

[Continued on fourth Page .]



Special Advertisements. O. Carstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G. B. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 520* NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS. Professor F. Clark, HAIRDRESSER, STATIONER, AND FANCY GOODS DEALER, MONTGOMERY’S BUILDINGS, ASHBURTON, HAS JUST IMPORTED from Mel bourne a large assortment of FANCY GOODS, too numerous to specify in detail, amongst which are the follow ing : G. B. D. Pipes, in cases Cherry do. do. Also pipes of every other description Dolls, Toy Watohoo Rowing Boats. Trumpets Shuttlecocks and Battledores Whips, Spades, Popguns Mouth Harraonicons And all kinds of Gentlemen’s Studs West’s Patent Solitaires Also Ladies’ Hair Pads, Frizettes, &c. NOVELS— “ Black Angel,” “ Star of the South,” “ Fiery Cross,” &c. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon. Agent for the Ashburton Guardian. Note the address : MONTGOMERY’S BUILDINGS. ASHBURTON. 513* THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND BOYS’) MANUFACTURED 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. jas- 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. 910 c WM. SPARROW, Manager.



Yorkshire.— Being at an _inn, and seeing the ostler expert about his horse, a gentleman asked him what countryman he was. “ I’se Yorkshire,” said the man. “ And how long have you lived here?” “ Sixteen years.” “ I wonder that in all that time so clever a fellow as you has not made enough to set up an inn for.your self. ” “Ay, sir ; but master’s Yorkshire too. ’ ' '



Wanted. Vjf 7 ANTED. —THE GUARDIAN tells V f your Wants for Is.—cash. WANTED— A good General SER VANT. Apply, Office of this Paper. 559 WANTED, a respectable MARRIED COUPLE, without incumbrance, for a farm near Ashburton. Apply to Mrs. Bland, Tancred street. 563 TTTANTED to BUY swarms of BEES, V Hives provided. Apply Sbaly Bros., Seedsmen, East street. . . 564 ANTED—One or Two GENTLE MEN for Board and Residence, in private family, near the Domain. Apply for address to Guardian office. 537 ANTED E3TOW3ff~_That W. H. Tuckeu, Chimney Sweep,- has ar rived in Ashburton, from Christchurch, and is prepared to execute orders on the shortest notice. Orders left at the office of this paper, promptly attended to. 557 ANTED KNOWN, —That GEO. F. HENRY, Saundebs’ Build ings, East Street, Ashburton, is the ONLY PHOTOGRAPHER in New Zealand who is supplying the Public with Re-touched PICTURES, Finished Off in the Best and Latest Fashionable Styles, at TEN SHILLINGS per Dozen. 470 WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE bogs 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. : 908c—286d WANTED KNOWN—Just arrived from England—Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Cards. New ; Zealand Illustrated Annual, Young Ladies’ Jour nal, and Bow Bells, Is. 6d. each. Family Herald and Family Reader, Is. each, and all other Magazines supplied at Christ church Prices. Colonial and European Newspapers, School Books, Stationery,&c. A visit solicited. L. F. Andkewes, East street, near Lancaster’s Butchery. 527 tTTANTED KNOWN—That Visiting YY Cards, plain or mourning, can be. obtained printed in various; styles, at the “Guardian” office, opposite' the Railway THE TENDER of Mr. P. Norman is ACCEPTED for Building three roomed cottage on Alford Forest road. POYNTZ & CO. . THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. gUBSCRIBERS in the Country are Particularly requested to communicate with the Publishers if their papers are not ? properly addressed. The number of Sub scribers has increased so rapidly that un less great care is taken in giving orders; as to address and liow to be sent, the papers may be left at the wrong place. All orders will receive prompt attention.



Lost. LOST,- Stolen, or Strayed, A Chestnut HORSE, three years old. Has a long scar on near , hind leg; had on a leather collar straps with long tether rope attached. ■ Last - seen in the direction of the Beach road.—-Any person bringing him to the Office of this paper will be Rewarded.: LOST, between Saunders’ Buildings, and East Town Belt, a Square Silver LOCKET, with the word, “ Souvenir.’ Finder will be rewarded on bringing the_ Locket to the office of this paper. 543 £1 Beward. LOST, from Wakanui, on Monday, November Ist, One , Chestnut , HACK, branded HD on the left shoulder, with hollow back.; Last . seen in the » ;. direction of Barrhill.—Anyone returning him to Fbiedlandbr. Bros, will receive the above Reward. 487 •• "" : . . . .. n — Public Notices. MISS LIVINGSTONE is requested to call at the Office of this Paper. ; . ■ • . ses WAGER WITHDRAWN—Nov. 19. I. F. Lei Suer declares 100 to 15, Le Loup for Dunedin Cup, NO WAGER, as he don’t think the man good enough for the money. I. F. Lb Suer. 561 ASHBURTON GAS, COAL, AND COKE COMPANY. [Limited.] fjIHE TRANSFER ; BOOKS ! will. b'e ; CLOSED from November 6tli to Novera- * k ber 24th, inclusive. ' J. WARD, _ 498 : : Secretary. i LL DEBTS due to Ashburton Herald and Guardian business must be Paid to Mr. S< E. Poyntz/ on r_f behalf of the Assignees, at the Guardian • ■ Office, East street, Ashburton, and his receipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. S. SAUNDERS, For Self and Co-Assignees. CAMBRIDGE'S CONCENTRATED I ESSENCE OF RENNET—for sweet curds, junkets, etc., three drops, ■only required to each pint of milk.- - One - Shilling a bottle; - r| . v g 529 *, f CAMBRIDGE’S ORANGE QUININE TONIC WlNE—for appetite, .. indigestion, and debility. '2s. ; 6d ‘ and 4s. 6d. a bottle. 531 CAMBRIDGE’S HAIR STIMULENT. Prevents hair from falling off,- - and induces a new growth. Two Shillings a bottle. 530 ANINEPENNY Packet of Cambridge’s GINGER BEER POWDER makes two gallons of Ginger Beer. Nearly 1000 packets sold last season. 532 : ’ f TO BUILDERS. ; . - TENDERS are invited for the EREC TION of a VILLA RESIDENCE, , for John Orr, Esq. Plans and specifications may be seen at Orr and Co.’s office, Ashburton, up to November 25th, and after that date at the Architect’s office, Christchurch, where! ' tenders will be received on or before 2nd December. , . . ... , The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. THEODORE B. JACOBSEN AND O. PEEZ, Architect’s, Hereford street, Christchurch. s 556 UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited - for-.-the , HE- r . . PAIRS and MAINTENANCE 'of ' all the Roads in this district for a term of three years ; each ward to' be’ tendered fqr G j separately. Written tenders, endorsed, are to be sent in, addressed to the Chairman.not later than noon of MONDAY, the 29th day of November. The Clerk will be at the office every Thursday of each week>, from nine to twelve o’clock a.ni. , to give the general conditions and specifications of the work. ROBT. ; D. PULLAR, " : Clerk and Surveyor to the Board. Road Board Office, Westerfield, Oct. 27, 1880. 408 ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. DOG COLLARS FOR iBBr. TENDERS are invited for the Supply of 710 DOG-COLLARS, and for Re-badging 840 Collars, now at the Council Omeesj Ashburton, for 1881.- -- - Particulars to be seen atnthe; Clerks’ Offices, Christchurch and Tiniaru ; the Road Board Office, South Rakaia ; and the Council Offices, Ashburton. ■, _ Tenders, endorsed “Tender, for. Dog 1 Collars,” will be received at the Council Offices, Ashburton, up to .11 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, the 24th. November. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. : : - ‘ ' : By order, F. MAIN WARING. Clerk. Ashburton, , 11th November. 1880. 5 • £ i 540 Barristers, Solicitors, &c. C. W. Ireland, JgARRISTER ' AND : SOLICITOR, Saunders* Buildings, " ’ - Ashburton. 393. Branson & Purnell,, ; jgARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS,: EAST STREET. U 394 f ' : TT Gazette in Bankruptcy. V. R. ■j^jTOTICE— The Ashburton Guardian is a Gazette for all notices under the ’ Debtors and Creditors Arte R. In the District -Court or Christchurch, !: holDkn at : Ashburton. • i ; IN THE MATTER of the Debtors! and . Creditors Acta and of the Bankruptcy , , of SAMUEL LUCAS, of Ashburton; v ; Painter,'a Debtor. 1 • > TOTICE is Hereby Given> that'AppU-- s ’! d Debtor’s discharge, will be made on. , j lst : day of December, at 11 ■ Dated this 19th day of Novemberj -1880. ; ! : C. W.' IRELAND, “ {. ! 2 .. - : Solicitor for Debtor. ' £ }