SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. SAILED. Jan. 22—Tararua, s.s., for Wellington and Northern ports. Jan. 23—Hurunui, ship, for London. STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington Penguin, This Day, . Jan. 24. Passengers by 8 p.m. train. To be followed by Wellington, on Tues day, Jan. 27. For Napier, Gisborne, Taubanga, and Auckland Penguin, This Day, Jan. 24. Passengers by Bp. m. train. To be followed by Rotomahana, on Thursday, Jan. 29. For Port Chalmers Wanaka, This - Day, Jan. 24. Passengers, by 12.10 p.m. train. To be followed by Albion, on Tues day Jan. 27. For Melbourne, via Bluff Albion, on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Tararua, on Tues day, Feb. 3. For Sydney Rotomahana, Thursday, Jan. 29. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Wakatipu, Feb. G. For Hobart Town —Tararua, on Tuesday, Feb. 3. For Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau Wellington, on Tues day, Jan. 27. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. J. T. Ford and Co report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, the 22nd inst., as follows : At the Addington market yesterday, 6264 sheep, 445 head of cattle, and 40 pigs, were sent forward for the week’s supply. Mutton sold at l|d per lb, and beef at barely 20s per lOOlbs for the best quality, and had it not been for an outside buyer, prices would have been lower. Store sheep are in very good demand, especially crossbreds, and we are of opinion this class of stock will be in good demand for grazing purposes throughout the season. Crossbred ewes, for lambing purposes, are beginning to be inquired for, and if the harvest should prove a successful one, we feel certain there will be none too many in the market to meet the demand. Our entries were on account of Messrs. Gough, Rudd, Evans, Grier, M'Guire, Linney, Lewis, Castille, Colonel Packe, S. Garforth, H, Sutton, and others, at prices equal to above quotations. We also sold privately 25 head of steers on account of Mr. H. Overton, at L 7 10s. each. On Tuesday last, on account of D. Allan, Esq., we submitted, at our rooms, in Cashel street, the Cathallan township, and succeded in placing every section beyond the owner’s reserve, and during the week we have sold, on account of J. R. Aiken, Esq., his Glendore estate, comprising2soo acres of freehold, with improvements,-&c., for the sum of L 15,000. On Saturday last, at our Repository, we submitted the horses, farm implements, &c., in the estate of J. Blair, and disposed of everything at satisfactory prices. On Thursday at our skin and tallow sale, we had the usual attendance of buyers. Rough fat brought say l|d, per lb ; lambs’ skins, Is. scl. each ; full merino skins, 4s. each ; pelts up to Is. 3d. each, ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1880.

An important amendment was made last session in the Rating Act, 1876, and it is an alteration which particularly affects all local rating bodies at the present season of the year, when all of them have their collectors in the field gathering in the rates. Under the 1876 Act, public bodies had power to sell holdings, or parts of them, when all other means of collecting the rates had been tried and failed. Now, although it is no doubt very aggravating for Road Boards and Municipal Councils to have on their rolls names of owners of property who cannot be found, or served with any legal process, and meanwhile the land they are rated for becomes year after year more valuable through improvements effected by their neighbors and the public boards : yet, we very much question the legality of the arbitary power conferred by the 1876 Act on local bodies, since it upset all our preconceived ideas of the virtue of a Crown Grant, an instrument we always understood to be infallible and not to be upset or questioned in any court of law. It was probably for this reason that the Amendment Act of 1879 was passed. By this Act the power to sell is now repealed, and a clause is inserted giving the Muni cipal Councils and Road Boards authority to lease the land in arrear for rates for any period, not more than fourteen years. Any property upon which rates are due for more than six months is liable to bo thus dealt with. The new Act is, we think, far more suitable and quite as effectual for the object sought to he attained, and we have no doubt but it will be utilised in this district, in which every Road Board which has struck a rate has a long list of defaulters.

Colonel Scratchlby,—Col. Scratchley who has just selected a site in Lyttelton harbor for a battery, and is making a tour of inspection of the leading harbors of the colony with a view to their defence, passed through Ashburton last night, per special train, en route to Dunedin. SiixaoEiv. ——Ownlplfllntft-jUAvo-Voon made in some quarters of the difficulty experienced in procuring totara timber. This complaint has no longer any founda tion, if it ever had any, as Mr. Alphcus Hayes advertises his ability to supply it in unlimited quantities. Before the Mayor. —His Worship on Thursday fined W. Smith and J. Clifford 10s. each, with costs, for being drunk and disorderly at Rakaia. R. Wilson for the same offence at the same place was simi-, larly punished, but he was also sent to prison for 48 hours for abusing Constable Rouse, who apprehended him. The Irish Relief Fund. —At a meeting held on Thursday in Christchurch, it was resolved to ask the different churches in the city to devote one day’s offertory to the relief of the distressed in Ireland, and also to send subscription lists to the banks, hotels, and workshops. It was further resolved to take steps to get up fetes simi lar to those instituted for the Indian famine and the Kaitangata coal mine accident relief funds. This Year’s Thrashing. —On Wednes day next, at half-past three, a meeting of proprietors of thrashing machines in the county will be held at Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co. ’s office, for the purpose of arranging an uniform tariff throughout for the present season. Such a combina tion cannot but be more satisfactory to all concerned, as fanners will have a definite fixed price to pay, without the usual bargaining with various owners and the consequent loss of time. Waiting for the Harvest. —There are about 600 men in town just now wait ing for the harvest. Most of them are accommodated in the hoarding-houses and hotels, but a great number of them, too, have taken up their quarters in tents in the river bed. Notwithstanding the number of young fellows amongst them who have their veins well blooded, and their spirits light, the behaviour of the whole has been remarkably quiet and respectable, and the police have had little to do. Visitors worth Entertaining. —The Lincolnshire Agricultural Delegates ar rived in Christchurch yesterday. They are on a visit to New Zealand to spy out the fatness of our land, 'with a view to reporting to some hundreds of brother farmers in the old country on the suita bility of the various paris of this colony for settlement by those of their number who consider a new country, with cheap freehold land, hotter for them than high rent, and bad harvests in the land of their birth. His Worship the Mayor of Ash burton, in conjunction with the Agricul tural and Pastoral Association, are taking action to induce these gentlemen to visit this country. With the favorable weather we are enjoying and the splendid appear ance-of the crops every where, we imagine there are few places will take their fancy better than the Ashburton district. The Funeral of Mr. Denihay. —On Thursday the funeral procession of Mr. Denihay, whose lamented death we notice in another paragraph, passed through Ash burton to the grave yard. The cortege was the largest ever seen in the district, extending over fully a quarter of a mile in length, and comprising between 30 and 40 private conveyances and over 60 horse men. The coffin was first taken to the chapel for the usual services and thence to the cemetery, whither it was followed by those who had attended to pay their last tribute to the dead. The procession, con taining as it did so many of the deceased’s neighbors and fellow-settlers on the plains, testified to the high esteem in which he was held. The Manugraph.— Hr. Cambridge is now exhibiting in his window specimens of work done by the manugraph, a simple

machine by which writing af any kind if done by the proper kind of ink, can be reproduced by the hundred copies, by the simple process of laying the sheets of paper over the negative after it lias been transferred to the composition which is tire transfering agent. The process is a very simple and easy one, and can bo done by anyone who is able to write. The in vention is a Dunedin one, but no end of nranugraphs are now being produced, both in Christchurch and in the southern city. Professor Wallenberg. —The public has heard a great deal, through the columns of the press, of Professor Wallen burg, a gentleman who makes a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear. Some extraordinary instances of his success South are record d—so extraordinary that unless actual personal knowledge of the cases is possessed, one is inclined to bo exceedingly sceptical of their truth. Pro fessor Wailenburg is now in Ashburton, and in response to an invitation from him we attended his temporary consulting rooms in Quill’s Hotel, when six of his patients were under treatment. The Pro fessor fixed half-past five as the time for our visit. At that hour, he said ho would have some of his best cases in hand, but ho would be employed with cases the greater part of the evening. We chose rather to visit the Professor at haphazard, and went at about seven o’clock. He was then, as we have said, attending to six persons. We were invited to question them. They were all known to us, with one exception, and we happened to know personally the history of most of the cases and can therefore vouch for their bona fides. The first we interviewed was old Joseph Goodman, an inmate of the Old Men’s Home, a lively, jolly old man of 65, whom every visitor to the Home must know. He has been in the Home for two years and a-half, and daring that time he has been totally blind in one eye, and partially so in the other. His want of sight incapacitated him from any kind of work, though otherwise he is quite strong and able-bodied, and in consequence of the failure of his eyesight he was compelled to seek admission to the Home as a man laid on the shelf for life. Mi’. Madison, the master of the Home, offered to pay the Professor’s fee out of his own pocket if he would cure old Joseph and another. The Professor would not accept payment from Mr. Madison, but undertook - the two cases gratuitously. Joseph the Pro fessor for the first time last Wednesday. Then, as we have said, his eyes were of little use to him. Last night he was able to thread a needle, and could point out to us minute drops of_ spray upon the table that were not immedi ately apparent to our thirty years younger visuals. Joseph’s gratitude as may be imagined was perfound, and his naturally high spirits were at boil ing point over his restored sight, which he says is as “ clear as ever it was,” and his previously totally blind eye is rapid y getting as clear as the other. Stephen Coppinger was the other man from the Home. He is an able bodied man of 40 years, a native of Pittsburg, Pennsyl vania, U.S.A. By an accident in - early youth his left eye was wholly destroyed. His right eye gave way last year, after he landed in Lyttelton from a sea voyage, being a sailor. He was for four months in Christchurch Hospital, from which he was discharged as incurable, or at least with an admission on the part of the medical men that they could do no more for him. This is his own story. But we know he has been in the Home for a con siderable length of time, and that to all intents and purposes he was blind, and required two pairs of spectacles to aid him in groping his way about. He and Good man came to the Professor together, and Coppinger can now see as well as ever he did, but ho is naturally short- sighted. Both will now probably leave the Home and earn their living. Mr. G. F, Rickards, farmer, Wakanui, had been weak in the eyes since he was four years of age, and was gradually getting worse, the lids being nearly closed over the pupils. He was-iw_t,ho-op<>vfvting chair when we saw him, and after he rose his eyes were somewhat inflamed under the treatment. He told us that previous to his first visit to the professor he could not distinguish objects at a greater distance than three yards from him. As the pain of the treat ment assuaged he was able to distinguish objects se\ eral chains away. Mr. Lewis, veterinary surgeon, Tinwald, is a well known gentleman. Fourteen years ago, when girthing a horse up, his hand slipped and struck his open right eye, which was so much injured that he had to use his left when shooting. After the first opera tion by the Professor Mr. Lewis felt relief, and he does not expect to require more than another visit before his sight is fully restored. Another case was one of deaf ness. Mr. R. H. Curry, a stranger to us, however, said he was as deaf as a post in his right ear when he visited the Professor last Wednesday, and to hear with his left it was necessary that words should be bawled into it. Ho had been in tliis state for six years. When we saw him last night he could sustain a conver sation with us, carried on in ordinary tone of voice. The cases mentioned above we can personally vouch for being bona fide, and as they seem to us to be extraordinary we publish them, in the belief that wo are doing afflicted ones a kindness. We know nothing of Professor "Wailenburg beyond what we saw of him yesterday, but he is evidently as clover in his treatment of diseases of the eye and oar as he is enter taining as a conversationalist. The Sunday Threepenny. — “ A Vicar ” confides ruefully to the “ Times ” that the “ offertory ” at his church is full of “ throepennies,” which arc in special demand by his congregation for the express purpose of the Sunday offertory. When paying a hill at his grocer’s in threepenny pieces the other day, the shopkeeper remarked, “ These three pennies are such a convenience to me, as I can now oblige so many of your con p regation, who come to me for them on the Saturday. ” Some time ago a country parson gave a satisfactory report on an experiment of bujdng up all the three penny-pieces and groats in his village. Ho ultimately invested L9O, and the result was a considerable increase in his collec tions. It is doubtful, however, whether enforced generosity should be a minister’s ideal. "

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under: — Saturday, Jan. 24. For Otago, per Wanaka. For Northern ports, per Penguin. Tuesday, Jan. 27. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Albion. Thursday, Jan. 29. For Northern ports of New Zealand and Australian Colonies, via Sydney, per Rotomahana. Mails leave the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4 p.m., and 7.30 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at X0.20a.n1 and 4 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwakl Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timani, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at .15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

{Reuter's Telegrams.) London, Jan. 21. It is understood that the Home Rulers in tiie House of Commons have resolved to prevent work during the present session, with the object of obtaining in creased attention to the state of affairs in Ireland. The metal market is strong. Consuls, 97 J. Adelaide wheat, 5Ss. Gd.; Adelaide flour, unchanged. Australian tallow has further declined —best beef, 35s 6d.; best mutton, 395. A terrible explosion occurred to-day at Leycett colliery, Staffordshire ; 75 minors were killed. Five per cent New Zealand 10-40 loan, 102 - ; new loan, 103$. The next series of wool auction is fixed for February 17. Arrivals to date amount to 50,000 bales. The total pro bable quantity to bo offered, including that left over from last auctions, is 250,000 bales. The quantity of new arrivals to bo included in the sales has been restricted by the Importers Com mittee to 250,000 bales. Burdin, Jan. 21. It is stated here that Germany intends to acquire some of the S jv th Sea Islands

in order to increase her influence in the Pacific. Dr. Richard Kraul, who has gone to Sydney, has been appointed Consul- General to the German Empire for Australia. Obituary.—Jules Favre, mtat. 70. (A rgus Special.) London. Jan. 21. Mr Russell Lowell is the new American Minister for England. Government has refused a special postal rate to the Orient Company. A resolution to vote half a million dol lars in Congress to the Irish Distress Re lief Fund was referred to a Committee. The capture of Tchikislar is confirmed. A “ Times’ ” Berlin telegram says that the Minister of State has irformed the Saxon Chambers that the Federal Council is discussing a project to found convict colonies in the Pacific, but is still un decided. The telegram adds that Prince Bismarck will support a Polynesian com pany intended to further this object. (Age Special.) London, Jan. 20. It has been stated by the Prussian Finance Minister that the Reichstag in tend to give an essential support to Ger man interests at Samoa. Naval com manders have been instructed to use their utmost energy in restoring peace at the Islands. London, Jan. 21. The Agent-General has petitioned the British Government to consentjo sixpence for the Brindisi postage rates. South Australia is a party to the cable contract. Cardinal M'Closkcy’s enthusiastic sup port of Mr. Parnell has given umbrage to tho Vatican. The Pope is suffering severe nervous irritability. AUSTRALIAN. (Reuter's. ) Melbourne, Jan, 20. The Gippsland bushranger has sur rendered. Melbourne, Jan. 22. Parliament will bo dissolved on Feb. 5. No performance took place last night at the Academy of Music, in consequence of the prohibition issued by Mr. Berry, Parliament reassembled on Tuesday, and there was a scene of continued excite ment in the Assembly last night. Strangers were again excluded. The P. and O. Company’s steamship Assam has arrived at King George’s Sound with tho inward December Suez mails. The telegram of Jan. 21, which read as follows : “ Parliament assembled to d;iy,” should have been dated “Mel bourne, Tuesday,” and not as given, “ London, Jan. 20.” Arrived —Rinsraroonia, from New Zea land. Sailed —Rotomahana, for New Zealand, yesterday. Adelaide, Jan. 21, The heat is intense. The thermometer registered 113 in the shade. Severe bush fires are raging. Sydney, Jan. 21. The sum of L 5500 has been remitted to the Lord Mayor of London as a contribu tion towards the Irish Reli f Fund. Thirty-six Chinese residents of Sydney subscribed together the sura of Lll4. Sydney, Jan. 22. In the Legislative Assembly last night the Hon John Watson, Colonial Treasurer, announced that Government had no inten tion to propose additional taxation in lieu of the intended excise duties or colonial beer or tobacco, recently rejected or with drawn. A meeting will be held at Newcastle to morrow to consider the best means of al levating the distress existing amongst the minors in the district. An attempt was made to-day by a mounted man to bail up some Chinese living near Gunclagai. Tho matter was reported to the police, who are now in pursuit of the supposed bushrangej’. Sailed—Wakatipu, steamer, for Wel lington. ( Special.) Melbourne, Jan. 21. Mauritius telegrams state that since Jan. 8, 900 tons of sugar have been bought for Adelaide and Melbourne. There is a good demand for tonnage. The New Zealand grain market is firm and active. Now Zealand oats, milling, are wanted at 3s. Melbourne, Jan. 22. The Assam, with the Suez mail, was sighted off Albany at nine o’clock this morning. Sydney, Jan. 22. Four men, who were seen tramping with the telegraph line near Benalla, with horses near them, are supposed to be the Kellys. Inspector Cotton and some black trackers have started in pursuit. Mr. Buchanan lias tabled a motion of censure upon the Governor for commuting the sentences of Williams and Bennett. INTE RPRO YINCIAL. Auckland, Jan. 21. The only awards for New Zealand wool at the International Exhibition are to the Auckland exhibitors—M'Nicol, highly commended, and James Wallace, first prize, for Lincoln wool ; Charles Read, Auckland, first prize for Leicester wool. Mr. James Bailey, 0.8., formerly deputy Commissioner General, and Direc tor of Land Transport with General Cameron through tho war, has returned here to settle with his family. At the Supreme Court to-day, Judge Gillies said that for the future lie would not grant discharges for bankrupts whoso assets were nil. He refused discharges to several debtors, and commented severely on the trustees reports. Auckland, Jan. 22. Mr. Winthorpe has imported from Sydney four cattle of the Alderney breed which took the first prizes at the exhibi tion. Captain Mackio, of tho ship Ben Nevis, is exonerated from the charges brought by two passengers. Samples from the supposed new copper lode at Coromandel have been sent to the Government for analysis. Mr. John London addressed the Bay of Islands electors at Kawakawa. He said it was by- dogged hard work that he suc ceeded iu getting LSOOO placed on the estimates for roads and bridges north of Auckland. Ho had not the same influence with the Hall Government as he would have had had the late Government re mained in office. It is rumored that Mr. E. Hamlin, mem ber for Franklym intends to resign and go to Napier to settle. Mr. Hobbs will pro bably come forward. A Native Parliament is about to meet to discuss native affairs of interest to the northern tribes. Auckland, Jan. 23. At the Police Court this raox-ning, in a charge of assault against a constable, the complainant admitted he had been drink ing with prisoner prior to his arrest, and the Magistrate thereupon dismissed the information and dischai’ged the prisoner. Four more boys were brought up to day, charged with absconding from tho Industrial Home and were remanded. Gbahamstown, Jan. 21. The prospect of the Miss mine from which such large returns have been ob tained during the last three months, are still good, and from present appearances in the different workings now being carried on, they are likely to continue so for some time. The Old Whau tributees have signed an agreement to relinquish the low level in which rich gold has been got, and the Company will commence work thereon as soon as the shareholders

have confirmed the action of the Direc tors, in proposing to re-form the Com pany and increase th e number of shares in order to make the necessary payment in stores as part consideration for such requirement. There is no doubt as to the richness of the lead left by the Alburnia Company on the Old Whau claim boun dary, and very little doubt as to the future runs of gold to be opened up. Graiiamstown, Jan. 22. At a meeting last night of the sympa thisers re Irish distress, L3O was subscribed in the room, and to-day subscriptions are coming in freely. Among the applications for head master ship of the High School, eight of the gentlemen were Bachelors of Art, but no choice is made yet. The question of the legality of the for feiture of old Whau shares will be tested. The price of the shares has been falling of late. Napier, Jan. 21. A girl named Gilmore, a servant at the Royal Hotel, has reported to the police that when going from the hotel to tire Spit at half-past eight last night, a man sprang out from the side of the road and attempted to commit a rape. She struggled with him, losing her hat and handker chief, in which was LI. Her dress also was torn in the struggle, and finally she hit him in the neck. She eventually got free, and on running back to the hotel the man -followed, but she outstripped him and he soon gave up the chase. At the hotel was a man named Marsh, who returned with the girl to the place where the assault was committed, and there her handkerchief and money was found. Ser geant O’Malley has been looking for the man, but has not succeeded in arresting him. The girl can give but a very indif ferent description owing to the darkness and her fright, but she is positive about biting him severely on the neck, and that will be a mark of identification. New Plymouth, Jan. 22. At the District Court this morning, Mr. Standish withdrew the prosecution against James Hill, late steward of the Hospital, who was charged with indecent assault, and over whose case two juries have failed to return a verdict. The Government take possession of the Waiuiate Plains at once, and have haddis tributed amongst the natives printed notices to the effect that the Government has decided that the commission shall hear only the complaints any native may have to make as to individual titles to any land, but that any question relating to the con fiscation will not be listened to. Wellington, Jan. 21. His Excellency the Governor has given ten guineas to the Irish Distress Relief Fund. Wellington, Jan. 22. Young Frazer started again at seven last night. At eight, when his 24 hours were up, he had completed 72 miles. A strong gale is blowing, and all rowing has been postponed. However, the sail ing race will take place. The three-masted schooner Ellcrton, which was competing in the coasters’ race, went ashore at Oriental Bay. She had a bad position, and shortly after the start, in attempting to come round, the vessel would not stay. She is on the South Beach, but will not sustain any injury. The Stella is going to Opunaki to-day with 80 Constabulary. The “New Zea lander” this morning states that the decisive measures, relative to the "West Coast confiscated land business, some time pending, are about to be taken. It lias been resolved to give full effect to the terms of the proclamation summoning all natives who have claims to tender them in due form, and thus it is expected that a virtual separation will he effected between the Taranaki natives and those of the Nga temuri, to the weakening of Tc Whiti’s power. Roadmaking is to he vigorously prosecuted by the Constabulary, commen cing at Opunaki and Tahi, working to wards each other. After the section of road between Waihi and Opunaki is com pleted, the construction of another section from Opuaajki north to Sfconey River will be undertaken. There are some 700 stationed in the district. Wellington, |Jan. 23. A large sperm whale was seen in the harbor this morning. The outrigger was rowed to-day. Wel lington and Wanganui started, and the former won by thirty lengths. The Volunteer whaleboat race was a most exciting one, the Wanganui Fire Brigade having a lead of about half a lengh of the Wellington Naval Brigido, which they maintained throughout. It was the most interesting race ever wit nessed hero. A young man named Fred. Buckland was sentenced to four weeks’ imprison ment for playing “ under and over” in a public place. Several others were detained in custody on suspicion of having false dice, etc., in their possession. Nelson, Jan. 22. The reception committee, in connection with the Rifle Association, comprises some sixty influential citizens. A cordial re ception will be accorded to the representa tives. Thomas Bray, a lad about thirteen years old, received one month’s imprisonment for breaking into Foxhill railway station, and stealing L 5 in silver. The boy pleaded guilty, and the circumstances show great cunning. Ho gained access to the office through a window. Timauxt, Jan. 21. Fifty feet more of the breakwater have been completed within the last month, and there arc now nearly' 17ft at low water at the outer end. Timarxj, Jan. 22. The ratepayers of the Timaru borough decided to-day, by 303 votes to 61, to raise the L 60,000 loan for waterworks. Dunedin, J<in. 21. The New Zealand Wesleyan Methodist Conference was opened to-night by the Rev. Mr. Morleyof Auckland, President. The Rev. R. W. Lee of Wanganui, was elected President, and the ex-president was elected Secretary. Dunedin, Jan. 22. The “Daily Times” calls on the customs authorities to make an enquiry into the condition of the barque Speed well, now being fitted out for a voyage to Newcastle, she being described .as unsea worthy. At the City Court, Mathew Pearson, carter, was sentenced to seven days’ im prisonment for having an under and over board at the Blueskin Show. The North Dunedin Rifles send five re presentatives to the Nelson meeting. There is now accommodation for 5000 children in the Dunedin schools. The re tiringschool committee recommended their successors to bring the compulsory clauses into force in March next. The passengers by the ship Marlborough were admitted to pratique to-day. The second session of the Wesleyan Conference was continued to-day. The first draft of stations of ministers for the ensuing year was read, but is not yet adopted. The Presbyterian Synod was brought to a close last night, when the Rev. J. Christie, of Waikouaitl, was elected Mode rator for 1881. A commission, consist ing of Professors Masson and Hodgson, of Edinburgh University, Sheriff Campbell, of Edinburgh University, Professor Mor ley, of London University, and Dr. Ab bott, Principal of the City of London School, was appointed to advertise for and select a suitable person to fill the new chair of English Literature at the Otago University. The Bible reading in schools committee were reappointed. The Rev. Dr. Stuart was appointed Commissioner to the Pan-Presbyterian Council, to be held at Philadelphia in July next. The Revs. J. Ryley and Greig, and Mr. A. Rennie to represent the Synod at the next meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church at Auckland, and

the Revs. W. Bannerman and W. Will to attend the Presbyterian Conference at Melbourne in November next. A case of an unusual nature occurred at to-day’s sitting of the District Court, the jury serving on it positively declining to bring in a verdict in accordance with the Judge’s ruling. The case was Maurice Tondut v. New Zealand Insurance Com pany, claim L2OO on a policy of insurance. The Judge directed the jury to find for defendant, but they found for plaintiff for the amount claimed. Dunedin, Jan. 23. A skeleton has been found at the head of Bannockburn Creek. From papers found on the clothes, the body has been identified as M'Keown, a minor, who was missed during the snow storm three years ago. Mr. Hugh Bell, an old resident of Ban nockburn is missing. He is supposed to have been drowned in crossing the river to his farm. A good deal of speculation is going on in Macotown reef shares. Tipperary and Gladstone scrip are changing hands at 255. to 30s. per share. Captain Russell, Underwriter’s Associa tion Surveyor, says the Speedwell’s re pairs are utterly inadequate, and she is the worst case of unseaworthness that ever came under his notice. The Marine Department casts the entire responsibility on the Government officers. Six insolvents have tiled this week, in cluding Simeon Isaacs, publican, Dunedin. Liabilities L 3162, assets L24OG. The papers are authorised to state that the question of the railway head-quarters has been decided by Government, and Mr. Conyers will come back to Dunedin. Otago railway work will be executed at the' Hillside workshops, which are to be repaired and refitted up for that purpose, and the work for Christchurch section will be done at Addington, and Government intend to make the Dunedin station as complete and convenient as the Christ church one is at present. Capt. Penrice, of the Comadre, died on the voyage out. Tondut v. New Zealand Insurance is to be rc-tried to-morrow.

THE LATEST,

LATEST FROM EUROPE. (Argns Special.) London, Jan. 22. Latest news from Afghanistan states that a force of 20,000 men chiefly Ghil zais, is advancing on Cabnl. General Roberts telegraphs that it will be neces sary to maintain a strong British force. A German convict settlement on one of the • most southerty of the Navigator Is lands is contemplated. Earl Beaconsfleld is suffering from a severe attack of bronchitis. An explosion of fire damp occurred at Hartley colliery, near Newcastle. The number of killed is 150. Polynesian shares are being largely taken up in Germany, except in Ham burg. (Special.) London, Jan 22. Arrived —The steamship Saltan, from Australia. The fortnightly service of the Orient Steamship Company with the colonies commences with the departure of the Chimborazo on the 7th February. In future Orient Co. ’s steamers will not carry mails cither to or from Australian ports. PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPBOYINCIAL. Auckland, Jan. 23. At the morning sitting of the United Methodist Free Church district meeting it was reported that the Auxilary Mission Society had raised during the year L2OO. Gunner Pearce, A Battery, was elected sub-lieutenant vice Hyde, left for service at head quarters in Wellington. Denis Bergon, on four charges of in decent exposure of person in the Domain was sentenced to three jmars’ hard labor. He was employed at the Hospital. A severe accident has happened to Mr W. Rowe, formerly member for the Thames. He was coming down the stairs of the Greyhound Hotel when his foot slipped, and he fell heavily to the bottom and re ceived a rather bad bruise on the temple, and was for a few minutes insensible. Dr. Hooper was was sent for. Mr. Rowe walked home afterwards without assis tance. Business during the past week has been up to the average, the opening price of wheat is about 5s for prime, delivered in good condition. It is too early to speak of yield per acre and quality, but it will not come out so well as last year’s crop in either respect. Wellington, Jan. 23. It is intended to ask for a new trial in the libel case Anderson v. Kirkbride. The reply to the issue whether plaintiff ill treated his wife should be —“ No evi dence of any personal ill-treatment or violence, but his wife sought the protec tion of Haggard.” The brigantine Progress, owned by Owen and Co., of Auckland, went ashore at Palliser Bay this morning during a thick fog. At 2 o’clock this mon ing, when a messenger left the wreck, the bottom was almost out of the vessel, and she was breaking up. The crew reached the shore in safety. No information has been received as to the cargo (if any) or from what port she is or her distination. A heavy sea is running on the beach, and probably the vessel will go to pieces fast. Nelson, Jan. 23. Mr. Robert Pollock, an old settler, who was a member of the Provincial Council, and latterly Provincial Auditor, and at the time of his death secretary to the Nel son College, died last night. Christchurch, Jan. 23. Colonel Scratchley has fixed upon posi tions for batteries on the north shore of the harbor. Ho leaves for Dunedin to day. The Hurunui sailed io-day for London at 4.30 a. in. Tijtaru, Jan. 23. Messrs. Jonas, Hart, and Wildic held an important sale of wool, skins, hides, Ac., to-day. The attendance being numer ous, the result was exceptionally satis factory, the prices being higher than have been obtained for 18 months past. Merino wool, 7d , 7gd., and 7tyb, and 74d. ; merino skins, 3s. 2d. to 4s. lOd. ; crossbred skins, 3s. 3d, to 4s. lid. ; lamb skins, 9d. to Is. 10s. Business in all branches is rapidly re viving, and as harvesting operations are now commenced under the best auspices Hie outlook is exceedingly bright. Oamaru, Jan. 23. At a meeting of the Town Council last night arrangements were made for inter viewing the Minister for Public Works on his arrival here. Immediate steps are to be taken for canvassing the district for the Irish relief fund. It is expected that between L4OO and LSOO will be collected. At the Agricultural Society’s meeting it was decided to give (in addition to the Society’s other prize) a prize of L 5 ss. for the best reaper and binder of any kind. The trial will take place on February sth. In terms of a resolution carried at a meeting some time ago, that the race meeting should take place on 17th and 18th March, the Committee met to draw up a programme. The money to be given amounts to between L4OO and LSOO. The programme includes steeplechase and handicap steeplechase. Dunedin, Jan. 23. A cable message, of date London, Jan. 22, has been received in town, giving the following information with re gard to the advance in the price, of iron :

—“ Hermatite” pig iron, L 7 per ton; girder plates, LlO ; black gaspipe, 65 per cent, discount; iron wood screws, 65 per cent, discount. The directors of-the Colonial Bank have issued their report. They propose to pay a dividend of 8 per cent., add LIOOO to the reserve fund, and carry forward L 2500. In case of deficiencies from ac counts in liquidation, they propose to transfer L 20,000 from the reserve fund to a special suspense account, until it is seen how the securities held against these accounts realise, but the directors express a belief that a considerable portion of this fund will find its way back to the reserve fund.

THE NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

[By Telegraph.] Wellington, Jan. 23. Eightj'-four members of the Armed Con stabulary left for Opunake this evening in the Stella. 'Jhe “Post” to-night, in a semi-official manner, says that after long and careful con sideration Government arrived at a final and definite decision on Wednesday as to a course of action in reference to the native difficulty on the West Coast, in cluding the Waimate Plains. The Hon. Mr. Bryce, Native Minister, and Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, left for the West Coast on Wednesday, Mr. Parris having gone there a day or two previously. The Stella was to have left for Opunal s on the same day with 90 A.C.’s, but her boilers being found out of order her depar ture was deferred until this evening. This will increase the strength of the Armed Constabulary in the vicinity of the Waimate Plains to about 800 men With this force it is intended to quietly, but at the same time steadily and cer tainly, push on the main road from Hawera to New Plymouth along the coast, crossing Waingongora and passing Opu nake. The Armed Constabulary in the first instance will do no more than roughly form the road, after which is completed metalling will be let by contract. This road, although it necessarily would be of great strategetio value in any case of difficulty, is intended merely to facili tate a peaceful settlement of the country, and no opposition is anticipated from the Maoris. There is to be no taking pos session of the Waimate Plains in an ag gressive sense, for general confiscation of the plains has neverbeen challenged, and no question as to the validity of the confisca tion has been or will be entertained. Government assume that they have always been in legal possession of the land, to be utilised when desirable, but instead of advertising the land for sale, and proceeding to survey off-hand, with out making a road through it or lay ing off reserves, or ascertaining what Native rights had to be provided for. Government have expressly instructed Major Brown to assure the Natives that ample reserves will be made for them, and their wishes consulted as to where they shall be situated. The Royal Com mission will investigate all alleged Govern ment promises brought before them by Maoris, who are to be urged to take advantage of this, probably the last, opportunity they will have of raising such questions, which will be dealt with fairly, and impartially; and every sound claim equitably redressed. Major Brown is also instructed to take every possible op portunity of personally explaining these points to the Natives (including Te Whiti himself, who will be kept officially in formed of all that is done), and to circu late Maori translations of the Act and proclamation. By the time the road is made, the commission will have reported, and Government will then be in a position to proceed with the survey and peaceful settlement of the Plains, after making due provision for all valid Native claims. It will be remembered that it was the reckless intrusion on some private Native holdings last year that mainly provoked forcible resistance. This is to be studi ously avoided, and indeed the utmost care will be used not to wound the feel ings of the Natives or provoke their op position. It is believed there will he no such opposition, but that Te Whiti, being convinced that Government is the stronger of the two, will quietly accept the posi tion. In any case, however, Government with 800 troops and 1500 Volunteers on the spot, is master of the situation.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

AN EXTRAORDINARY JUDGMENT.

To the Editor. Sir, —ln your issue of yesterday there appeared a sub-leader, and a letter signed “ Inqusitive Reader,” both attacking Mr. Guinness for delivering a judgment he never delivered. It is remarkable that a letter appeared the same day in the “Mail,” also attacking him. No doubt the author or authors is or are the same who “ coimnunicated ” two paragraphs to the same journals on the 15th instant attacking Mr. Hurrel. The Resident Magistrate and his clerk, being Govern ment officers, cannot reply to these attacks, and I scarcely think that any of your readers expect any notice to be taken of all this blank cartridge. If, Mr. Guinness did make mistakes he would do no more than every judge, aye and every Court occasionally does, but I venture to say that there is not a magistrate in the colony who is more painstaking or more free from mistakes than Mr. Guinness. When he does make a mistake it is most satisfactory to feel assured that the mis take is an honest one, and to know full well that he is far above the reach of any corrupt influences, whether they take the shape of intimidation or bribery in their various shapes and guises. In your sub-leader you attribute a decision to Mr. Guinness which he clearly and unmis takeably denied having given, and that on the ipse dixit of a solicitor, and you pub lish a judgment which is garbled and entirely different from, the written judgment of Mr. Guinness, which is luckily in Court to be seen, and which is eminently clear and satisfactory. I would suggest that you procure a copy and publish it in justice to our respected Resi dent Magistrate.—Yours, &c., Justice. January 23rd, 1880.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON— Friday, Jan. 22. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Edward O’Connell, charged with being drunk and disorderly, pled guilty with a refreshing readiness. He had “ come up from Timaru, seeking harvest work, but failed to find it”. His Worship remarked that he could evidently find money to get drunk, and fined him 10s. with costs, or 24 hours in prison. On being asked if he could pay the fine, prisoner said he couldn’t, and “ supposed he would have to take it out,” which he taken away to do. Francis Crossin, a very mild individual, who regretted that he had given the police the trouble of apprehending him, was fined 10s., or 24 hours. LARCENY FROM A DWELLING. James Anderson was brought up, on're mand, charged with stealing a shirt, the property of Henry Orman, a laborer, then living at the Ashburton Hotel. The swagsman had arrived in Ashburton on Monday last, and put up in the Ashburton Hotel. He brought a swag with him, which he laid down amongst other swags. On Tuesday he left the hotel, taking his swag with him. He opened his swag at Reid’s blacksmiths shop, where he missed three shirts and some other articles. He gave information to the police, and Constable Farmer set off in search of the thief, and ultimately appre hended Anderson at Temuka, with one of the stolen shirts in his possession. Ac cused stated in Court that he had bought two shirts a fortnight ago at Hodder’s and the one before the Court was one of them. He stuck to this statement in the face of the oath of Orman that he identified the shirt by some repairs he had made with liis own hand upon the collars, and other parts. ■ The case was adjourned in order to ad mit of the production of Mr. Hodder’s salesman, who having been brought, said he recollected the accused buying articles, but could not remember what they were. Had no shirts of the description produced in stock. His Worship said the evidence was suf ficiently clear against accused, and he would be sent to gaol with hard labor for a month. LARCENY OF A BRIDLE. James White, stock rider, Longbeach, was charged on summons with the theft of a bridle, surcingle, and breast-plate, the property of Mr. John Grigg. After evidence at great length had been taken, his Worship found White guilty and sentenced him to seven days’ im prisonment.

LONGBEACH ROAD BOARD.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Longbeach Road Board was held at the offices yesterday. The attendance was very limited, about sixteen being present, John Grigg, Esq., in the chair. The following statement of accounts was read : Balance-sheet for part of the year end ing 31st December, 1879 (i.e.), since division of district 1879. Receipts. Aug. 4. Cash in Bank ... 1589 12 11 , ~ Cash paid in 43 7 3 ~ Sale of timber 33 0 11 Dec. Bank interest ... ... 126 19 1 Rates of 1878- 1879 ... 7 13 0 Rates of 1879- 1880 ...717 18 4 Balance overdrawn ... 1602 15 0 £4121 7 3 ExPENDITCagg^, In Ho. 3Wml ... -890 13 0 „ 4 Ward 1758 4 9 Timber ... 152 13 0 Various small jobs ... ... 33 2 6 Paid Wakanui Road Board 183 15 4 Office buildings, &c. ... 828 19 8 Bank interest ... ... 0 9 6 Salaries 152 16 3 Surveying, com mission &c., ... 59 13 2 Ad vortising, print ing, &c. ... 61 0 1 r— 273 9 6 . £4121 7 3 Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Liabilities. Bank overdraft ... ... 1602 15 9 Salaries, commis mission, «fcc. ... 33 8 8 Insurance, fees, &c 11 15 6 Contracts in hand and wages due 596 6 10 Owing for goods • received ...108 7 10 Owing for gravel 83 9 9 Amount due Wakanui Road Board ... ... ... 47 9 2 Works undertaken... ... 86 0 0 Balance ... 1038 4 0 £3607 17 8 Assets * First half of subsidy, 1878- 1879 399 2 3 Second half of subsidy, pay able 31st March ... ... 399 2 3 Rates, 1878-9, uncollected... 200 14 6 „ 1879-80 1108 18.8 Land fund, say 1500 0 0 £3607 17 8 Balance brought forward ... 1038 4 0 Office, buildings, and stables .. .848 5 0 Cottages ... ...120 0 0 Furniture ... 57 4 6 Timber, &c. ... 30 0 0 £2093 14 2 W, CUTHBEST, Clerk. The Chairman said the meeting should have been held on the 7th instant, but only two ratepayers had attended on that. day and the meeting lapsed, and upon advice of the legal adviser of the Board the present meeting had been called. The Board had no funds at their disposal for works, and would probably have none during the present year. He desired to call the ratepayers’ attention to the fact of about LIOOO of rates unpaid and on that sum they had to pay interest, and the ratepayers must not feel annoyed if the Board took-action_to —---- recover the rates. Mr. S. Chapman said he thought some steps shoulc betaken to recover the un paid rates, as it was unfair to those who had paid. In reply to Mr. Williams, the Chairman said the present year’s rates were now . due —that is, for 1879-80. The Surveyor said about 14 notices had not been served. Some ratepayers, he thought, were dead, whose names were amongst the 14. Mr. Lewis thought the Rate Collector should go round the district and call for the rates at least once or twice. The Clerk said that numbers upon whom ho had called pleaded inability to pay. There seemed to be no money in the dis trict. ■ V The Chairman Imped some ratmujßpr would propose a resolution on theTO?Bteri v Mr. Clark thought there would be no - great difficulty, as most ratepayers could now raise the money to pay their rates, and suggested that action be taken to recover. The Chairman said it was absolutely necessary to raise money some way, as there were a number of accounts now due which must bo paid at.the next ordinary . - meeting of the Board.

THE ASHBUETON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1880.



Butter, inferior to best $ lb s. 0 d. IO to s. 0 d. 9 Eggs, 1? dozen I 2 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb 0 9 to I 0 Bacon, prime smoked, I)? lb 0 9 to I 0 Hams in cloth, lb - I 0 to I 4 Flour in bags, icolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal. £? 25th 6 6 to 0 0 Lard, H? lb - 0 9 to 0 0



LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT THE ‘EVENING HERALD” OFFICE. Farmers requiring hands can engage men through the “Evening Herald ” Registry for 1/- each, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can engage through the “ Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-. SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by applying at the “Herald” Registry Office, and paying !/-■ ENGAGEMENTS will be POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p.m., by numbers given to the applicants, who will learn the address on enquiring. SPECIAL or URGENT WANTS will be inserted in the “ Evening Herald ’’ in the registry column on payment of Six pence additional in advance, for each issue. Further Particulars on application at the “ EVENING HERALD ” REGISTRY OFFICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, EAST ST., ASHBURTON. WANTED, those in search of employ ment, to call and either enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. LABOURERS requiring work can secure first opening by applying early at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. SERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance.



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., TXOLD FORTNIGHTLY STOCK jLJL SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at Tinwald, TUESDAY, February 3rd, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 4270* Agent, Ashburton. BARLEY, THE Undersigned are Purchasers of very choice samples of Barley. 430a* ROYSE, STEAD, & CO. REAPERS AND BINDERS. THE Uundersigned have still on hand a few IMPROVED REAPERS AND BINDERS, at specially low rates. Farmers can be supplied, and payments arranged for after harvest. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 419g* Christchurch. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. . When no order is given, the advertise ment will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Advertisements received after 10 o’clock each evening will be placed over the leader heading and charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lettei-s to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should bo addressed to The Editor. !



A Story With a Moral. —Heathcoat’s mill at Loughborough, a factory which has for two generations been the centre of many painful associations, has been totally destroyed by fire. The founder, Mr. Heathcoat, in 1809 invented a new twist lace machine that virtually revolutionised the industry. The introduction of these labor saving machines led to the Luddite outrages, and in 181 G a gang from Not tingham, armed with pistols, hatchets, and axes, attacked Heathcoat’s mill, over powered the armed watchmen, shot and injured one of them named Asher, de stroyed 55 costly frames, cut and burnt the lace, and did damage to the amount of more than LIO,OOO. Some accomplices in the outrage gave evidence against their companions, and at Leicester assizes six men were sentenced to death on a charge of shooting with intent to murder. They were executed at the New Bridewell in Leicester, and it is a noteworthy fact that at those assizes 23 men were condemned to the punishment of death, and such holocausts on the scaffold were by no moans uncommon. The six Luddites were hanged with a man whose crime was that of setting fire to a stack of oats. The action of the misguided Luddites drove the manufacture from Loughborough to Tiverton, where Mr. Heathcoat amassed a princely fortune.