COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday evening. Alfred Harrison reports as follows for the week ending May 15 : —■ On Tuesday, May 11, at the Ashburton Forks, a lot of 10 foals were disposed of at prices ranging from L 5 to LlO. On Wednesday, May 12, the farm of the late Mr. James Cairns was placed, at L 6 10s. per acre. The stock and implements realised moderate prices. Business was rather quiet at the usual weekly sale on Saturday, loth inst. One or two horses were disposed of, and implements brought fair prices. The following produce was also knocked down :—Pigs, 7d. to Bd. per lb. ; pork, 5Jd. per lb. ; ducks, 4s. to 4r, 6d. per pair; fowls, 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. ; cheese, sd. per lb. ; onions, fd. per lb. ; apples, 6s. 6d. to Bs. per case.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : The outward mails for the United Kingdom via San Francisco, will close at the Ashburton Post Office, on Saturday, the 22nd inst., at 9 a.m. For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia. &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a. m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Watcrton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and SeaSeld, on Tues days and Fridays, at G a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p. m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster. Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under: — Tuesday, May 18. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Te Anau, at 3.15 p.m. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Grafton, at 3.15 p.m. Thursday. May 20. For Northern Ports of New Zealand and Australian Colonies, via Sydney, per Tararua. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on June 3rd, and will be due in London on July 24th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Minnis.— On May ICth, at Cameron street, Mrs Minnis, of a daughter. 864 a

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. This Day. J. E. Buchanan and Co.—At his rooms, Havelock street, 2 Yearling Foals, &c. Sale at 2 o’cloc. Thursday, May 20. Alfred Harrison—At the Tinwald Sale yards—Stock and Implements in the estate of Henry Thomas, Waterton. Sale at 12 o’clock. Saturday, May 22. Alfred Harrison—At his rooms, Steeple chase privileges. Sale at 2 o’clock. Wednesday, May 26. Alfred Harrison—On the premises, at the corner of Tancred street. Furniture and effects of S. J. Zander. Sale at 12 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1880.

Some weeks ago, we took note of a very peculiar case of marine management that occurred at Wellington in connection with the steamer Manawatu. On board that steamboat an accident had occurred, by which the crown of the boilers sunk, and the safety of both ship and crew was im perilled. An inquiry into the facts brought out the startling intelligence that one engineer, the only qualified one on board, believed he shipped only for the purpose of enabling the owners or agent to comply with the shipping laws, that he received no pa}’, and was only taking a pleasure trip, doing nothing on board as an engineer, the whole work of at tending to the engines being. done by a man who, whatever his skill, had no certificate, and in his hands the accident occu;red. A telegram informs us that legal proceedings are now to be taken on t.io fact elicited at the inquiry, and the captain is to he proceeded against for going to sea without a proper complement of men ; against the purser for falsifying ihe ship’s articles, (it having come out n evidence that he signed the nan e of the certificated engineer to the articles wifi out his consent or knowledge) and aga nst the agent of the vessel for fraudu lently engaging men to go to sea. It will perh; p; be remembered that the engineer who, by his own statement enabled the agent to evade the law by taking a pas senger on board the vessel, has up to this time been the only one of the lot of offenders who has suffered any punish ment —he having had his certificate taken from him for six months.! 4. : Sir Hercules Robinson brought with him to this colony a character for being a man of man of some parts, and those of the Ashburton settlers who heard him deliver his reply to the County Council’s address when he turned the first sod of the Mount Somers Railway would be satisfied that the character he brought with him was not an undeserved one. Sir Her cules Robinson’s public utterances since he came to the colony, some nine or ten months ago, have not been man}’, but when he has opened his mouth he has always said something worth thinking over. Colonial Governors as a rule are not the most brilliant of British statesmen, and we in New Zealand are fortunate in having at our head a gentleman of Sir Hercules Robinson’s talent. Last week he spoke at the opening of the Wellington Normal School, a fitting and apt occasion on which to give his opinion of our much lauded educational system. Of this sys tem of ours the fame is world-wide, and for instituting it the colony has gained golden opinions from all sorts of people in other countries. Wherever New Zea land is known, so also is the fact that her educational system is the most liberal of of any State under the sun, that it is free and unsectarian, and that under it no child brought up in the colony can pos sibly be without a knowledge of the three R’s, while education embracing a wider lange of subjects may easily be secured, if parents are but willing to keep their children at school. There is little to pre vent this —certainly [no deterrent in fluence in the shape of school fees —and there is no direct taxation of any kind for the .support of the system. In a great measure, too, the educational affairs of the colony are directly in the hands of the people as represented in the Local Com mittees whom they elect, and through these in the Education Boards, the members of which are elected by the Committees. Altogether the educa tion system of the colony is a grand one—and that is just what Sir Hercules has to say of it. Buthe says a good deal more. He asks whether the attempt to provide the “ machinery for supplying the whole youthful population of the colony with free education of the varied and advanced character embraced in the six standards will not entail upon the country an expen diture more heavy than can be borne. As to cost, however, he had to confess that when he contemplated the expenditure which primary education will entail on the general revenue, so soon as the scheme at present established by law is brought into full operation, the prospect appeared to him to beappaling.” It has had an ap palling appearance to more than Sir Her cules Robinson ever since the system was adopted, but so much in love with the free and open handed gift of education were the majority of the people that those who dared to think it too costly had to say so with bated breath. Now’, how’ever, the Governor, after, as he says, several months of study of the Education Act and its administration, makes the statement boldly that the education given is altogether of too high a class for the colony to provide free, and soon the consolidated revenue will be unable to bear the cost. It is when we are brought face to face with hard figures on the subject that we begin to think of what the cost of the system is like, and the figures given by Sir Hercules, and given just before the meeting of Par liament, seems to us to indicate rocks ahead for the completely free character of New Zealand’s State education. He points out that in 1877, when the present Education Act came into force, Parliament wrote off £204,200 for purposes of primary education. In 1878 this sum increased to £317,923 ; and in 1879 to £368,457—0r, as Sir Hercules makes it, from £5 for every child in average daily attendance in 1877, to £6 12s. in 1878 and £6 14s. in 1879. His Excellency pointed out that the expenditure could not by any possi bility be reduced below L 6 per head, if the present character of the education given were to be maintained, and at the natural rate of increase in attendance the colony would soon find it self face to face with an expenditure from the consolidated revenue of from £400,000 to £500,000 a year, and this upon primary education alone, and exclusive of the no mean cost of the Education Department, and what was expended upon higher and secondary education. His Excellency dealt with other features of our education system, but we are con tent to refer only to the question of cost, as being the most powerful factor, in the present state of the colony’s finance, for bringing about a change. Delivered just at the time it was, we are inclined to_ take the Governor’s speech as an indication of

what line legislation will take on educa tion this year. And all things considered we fancy that a re-imposition of the household tax for education looms up in the near future, for it stands to reason that something more than a Par liamentary vote from the consolidated fund will be required to sustain an educa tion costing £6 14s. for every child in average attendance. For this sum per annum in the old country something more could be obtained than a bare knowledge, and not very certain at that, of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Indeed, there are not many of the Grammar Schools, whose school fees amount to so much per head.

The New Courthouse. —Yesterday the contractors made a start with the new Courthouse, and a number of men are at work on the site, which, as our readers are aware, is the reserve just northward of the Town Hall. Lime-Light Diorama. Raymond’s Lime-light Diorama of the travels of Stanley and Livingstone in Africa, and the principal events of the late Zulu war, is to be exhibited in the Town Hall this evening. The papers speak of the paintings as well executed, the lime light xvell managed, and add that the lecture is decidedly eloquent and well delivered. Christchurch Corn Exchange. —A meeting of the subscribers of the Com Exchange was held in their rooms, on Saturday last, when a paper was read by Mr. Bateman on “ The Utility of Farmers’ Clubs and Corn Exchanges. ” The paper was listened to with much attention by all present. Mr. Perryman proposed, seconded by Mr. Bailey, that the thanks of the meeting be accorded to Mr. Bate man for his valuable paper, and that they hoped steps would be taken to have it printed. The meeting then terminated. Free Lodging. —An unfortunate in dividual had got mixed in his geography of Ashburton, and in the darkness of midnight lost his way. He happened to strike Mr. Bossenburg’s stables, and at once made for a hay rack, where he fancied he would be snug till day-light. He was found there and lugged out. Yesterday he was charged with being ille gally on the premises, but as no criminal intention was evident, the man having simply been benighted, he was let off with a caution to hear in mind that every stable is not available for free lodgings. Larrikinism.— ln his sermon oa Sunday night the Rev. VV. Keali expressed himself very strongly on the larrikin element which prevailed in the colony, remarking that the very name was becoming odious to all respectable colonists. The fact of most members of the larrikin class being of such an age as to lead to the inference that they were not yet beyond the reach of parental restraint, made the matter even more lamentable; and the rev. gentleman feared that very stringent measures would have yet have to be adopted to stamp out the evil. Inquest. —An inquest was held at Leeston on Friday last, to enquire into the cause of the fire by which Messrs. Wills Bros, had about 1300 bushels of wheat destroyed, and Messrs. Levett and Dale, who were threshing at the time, had their combine and elevators burnt. A great number of witnesses were examined, but nothing of any importance in connec tion with the origin of the fire could be gathered. The following verdict was re turned ;—“ That the sacks and grain, part of a stack, the combine, and elevators were set fire to and burnt, but that there was no clue or evidence to show how the fire had originated.” A Dangerous Jump.— On Saturday Miss Johnston, a pupil teacher in the Rangiora school in attempting to get on the train for Christchurch while in motion, slipped on the platform, and narrowly escaped having her legs cut off by the guard’s van. Being late, she made for the last carriage, but in catching hold of the standard on the verandah, slipped on the wet platform and fell between the carriage and the van. Constable Mahar, who was near, made a desperate effort to pull Miss Johnston back, only succeeding, however, in dragging her from the danger of being cut in two on the metals, and holding her under the step of the van, between it and the platform, till the train had passed. Though Miss Johnson was much alarmed, she escaped unhurt. A Flutter. —On Saturday afternoon, Willcock’s Longbeach coach went past our windows at speed that was sure to attract the attention of any constable, be he ever so dull. The reason, however, was ob vious. The fresh team were “ off.” Down the street they went in high feather, but with both George Willcocks and Tom Cotton on the box, it would be a very ram-stam four indeed that would he able to have it all their own way. At the old barracks they were pulled up, and brought back, both George and Tom breathless. Fortunately, beyond turning out all the town for a moment’s excitement, there was nothing extraordinary happened, and everything came back from the trip whole, and George was able to gasp out to us that they take some holding.” We should say they did. Mount Huxt Road Board. —The usua monthly meeting of this Board took place at Methven, on the 13th instant. Pre sent—Messrs, E. Chapman (Chairman), Jackson,Pannet, and M'Millan. It was resolved that, as it was understood from the explanation given by Mr. Coster at the previous meeting that the Mount Somers Road Board had received a con siderable sum of money in excess, on ac count of the entire expense they would incur by bridging the river, this Board de clines to contribute towards the cost of the bridge over the north branch of the Ash burton. A letter was read from the chairman of the South Rakaia Road Board relating to the Boundary Road. The clerk was instructed to interview the clerk of the South Rakaia Road Board, and re port at next meeting. A claim was put in by Mr. Ritchie’s agent for two acres of land, at L2O per acre. It was resolved to offer LlO per acre. On a similar applica tion from D. Henderson, forLls per acre, the Board decided to offer LlO also. Several accounts having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned until Thursday, 11th June. District Court. —His Honor Judge Ward held the usual sitting of the District Court yesterday, when several applications for discharge in bankruptcy were made. The following were granted :—Applica tions for discharge by Mr. Branson in re Jeremiah Cummins, John Candish, and J. P. Parker. By Mr. Crisp —in re Wil liam Ford. Mr. Crisp applied for. order of discharge in re Patrick Sullivan. A creditor named John Williams opposed, stating that the debtor was only a labor ing man, and had obtained money that be longed to his mates, filing immediately thereafter witli a deliberate intention to defraud them. Mr. Crisp said no notice of any intention to oppose had been given, and submitted that Williams’ state ment could not be received without such notice. The debtor was not present, and his Honor, holding that he should have been in attendance, adjourned the case to admit of notice being given by Williams. Applications for discharge were made by Mr. Crisp, instructed by Mr. Ireland, in behalf of William and Charles Risely, and John Young Ward, but both were ad journed for the filing of the necessary affidavits. The application of Henry Thomas —Mr. O’Reilly for the debtor— was adjourned, the gazette notices in the bankruptcy having been informal. Order for payment of costs hi re bankruptcy of James Gardiner was made on the applica tion of Mr. Crisp.

The High School Site. —Tenders for fencing the site of the Ashburton High School which is to be, are invited. Rangitata Island Siding. —The Ran gitata Island siding which has been closed for repairs is again open for traffic. The Steeplechase Meeting. —The privileges of the steeplechase meeting are to be sold by auction at Mr. Harrison’s rooms on Saturdaj’ next, as per advertise ment elsewhere. Warning. —Mr. Wentworth Cookson, registrar of dogs for Mount Somers dis trict, announces that all owners of dogs that are unregistered after the 30fch inst., will be prosecuted. The Borough By-Laws. —The by-laws of the Borough will be “ advanced a stage ” at a special meeting of the Council to be held on Tuesday, 25th inst., at which the local statutes will be considered and adopted. Borough Auditors. —The nominations of two gentlemen to audit the accounts of the Borough for the ensuing year will be received bj the Town Clerk on Tuesday, the 25th May, and the election, if neces sary, will take place on the Ist June. Fined the Wrong Man, —ln our re port of the last R. M. Coui’t sitting at Rakaia, we fined the wrong man. We made it appear in an assault case that Pluck was fined, whereas, Pluck was com plainant, and it was ' Mapples, against whom he laid the information, who was mulct in LI. The Town Hall Alterations. —The contractors for the work of altering the Town Hall have made very rapid progress, and already the whole appearance of the building has been changed. A very sub stantial, if not very ornate or imposing verandah has been erected ; the two shops in front have taken shape, their bow window projecting out to the street line, while the gallery has been boarded up to the ceiling, leaving a apace facing the stage that can be utilised as a dress circle, while the space behind the board ing forms a spacious room. The entrance to the upper room and to the dress circle is gained by an outside staircase, which, however useful it may be, does not add te the beauty of the Hall’s outside appear ance. But that can very well be tolerated if the effect will improve the acoustic properties of the building. We should fancy that the two shops, one in the oc cupancy of a confectioner, and the other in the hands of a tobacconist and news man, ought to be good centres for busi ness.

Tenders Accepted.— At the meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board yes terday the largest number of tenders that have yet been opened at one sitting of the Board were considered, showing that work is a consideration of some weight among contractors at the present moment, and the low prices are a suggestive commen tary on the times. The following were the tenders accepted : —Contract No. 59. —Forming six miles, more or less, of road at Dromore Railway Station—James Quigley, ss. per chain. No. 60—Supply of shingle, at per yard, for portions of same road —James Fraser, Is. Id. per yard. No. 61—Forming three miles, more or less, of road at Winslow, to meet M'Lcan's Swrmp road—John Black, ss. Id. per chain. No. 62—Supply of metal, at per yard, for portions of same road— James Gardiner, Is. per yard. No. 63 Re-forming portions of Alford Forest road —Donald Forbes, 3s. lOd. per chain. No. 64—Clearing ditches, etc., Hinds Swamp roads—John Baker, 2s. 3d. per chain. The meeting was a special one to consider ten ders for the above works, and after these had been disposed of, it was decided to call for tenders for widening the Alford Forest road, near Corbett’s, at the place known as the Narrows. Ashburton Agricultural and Pas toral Association. —A meeting of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s Committee was held at the Somerset Hotel on Friday to hoar report by the Com mittee to whom the question of yards was entrusted. There were present, Messrs. Walker (in the chair), Stitt, Scott, E. F. Wright, Passmore, Hay Smith, Cox, Car ter, Hunt and Jameson. Mr. Percy Cox, in reporting for the sub-committe, said that the ground that found most favor with the sub-committee as a site for the proposed yards was vested in the County Council, and he suggested that that body should be at once communicated with, with a view to obtaining a lease of the land for that pm-pose. He believed there would be no difficulty with the Council, as the aims of both tint body and their own were indentical in meeting the wants of the public. It was the sub-com mittee’s belief that the yards proposed to be erected would be more extensively patronised than those now existing on this side the river were, and the fact that mw there were larger numbers of cattle, Ac., offered for sale than there had been in the past justified them in this belief. The fees of Messrs. Matson and Co., for the last six months had in themselves reached between L4O and LSO, and the bulk of these had accrued within the last two or three months. If the supply of stock at the yards were to be regular and ample, buyers from both South and North would be induced to attend, and the benefit of this to the residents would be great, as it would establish a sufficiently remunera tive and satisfactory market at our doors, both for vendor and purchaser. In the assurance he felt that there would be a larger revenue from the yards, he had pleasure in moving—“ That the Secretary be directed to write to Mr. Marshman, asking him to recommend that the land applied for by the Association as a site for cattle yards be vested in the County Council.” Mr. Passmore acquiesced in what had fallen from the last speaker, and threw out the suggestion of the advisable ness of erecting a building in which to bold meetings of the Association. At the last general meeting they had decided to hold a meeting every month for the purpose of reading papers on subjects of interest to the Society, but there was a difficulty as to where such meetings could be held. He had gathered some very useful informa tion at meetings of the kind in connection with the Christchurch Association, and suggested, that, in addition to what had been agreed upon, samples of grain, &c., should be exhibited from time to time. Mr. Passmore seconded the motion. With reference to Mr. Passmore’s sug gestion to erect rooms for holding the meetings of the Association in, Mr. Cox expressed his disapproval of such a course being pursued for the present, on account of the expense it would necessitate, though, in course of time, he was of opinion it would be advisable for them to entertain the idea. There was a new room in the Town Hall now in course of completion which he thought would admirably serve the purpose, and the cost of which would be trifling. The Chair man promised that the matter should come before the County Council in due course, and expressed his opinion that there would be no diffipulty with that body. The motion was put and carried. It was resolved—* * That the Secretary write to the Ashburton County Council, requesting them to accept the reserve pro posed to be vested in them as a site for a cattle market, and to erect yards thereon and lease them to the Association on reasonable terras.” It was also resolved to at once advertise for tenders for leasing the Tinwald reserve. On the motion of Mr. Passmore, seconded by Mr. Carter, it was decided to procure an Association Seal, similar to that of the Council, but with the name of the Association substi tuted. It was resolved that Messrs. Hunt, Cox, and the Secretary arrange for the first monthly meeting for the reading and discussion of papers, the most suit able time being suggested to be about full moon. After some unimportant business, the meeting adjourned.

Drunk. —His Worship the R.M. dis missed tw’o inebriates yesterday morning, with a reprimand. Formation. —The Borough Council last night accepted Mr. James Wilkie’s tender ef Ll 5 15s. for the formation of Burnett street, the only other tender being that of Mr. W. J. Silcock, at L2l. The Water Pipes.— The question of disposing of the iron pipes recently im ported for the Ashburton water supply, but not wanted yet awhile, was again be fore the Borough Council. The discus sion, which elicited nothing fresh on the subject, ended in the remission of the question to a committee to consider and report. The Side Channels. —At its meeting last night the Borough Council decided to call for tenders for the supply of two or three hundred barrels of cement, with a view we presume of making under the Engineer’s supervision, the concrete street channelling required for the water supply about to be introduced. The labor of putting in ti e channelling is also to be put up to public tender, and tenders will also be invited for the timber required for the town’s drainage.

The Fire Brigade Uniforms.— Now that the Borough Council have got better in funds than ihey have been for some time the Fire Brigade thought it fitting to take advantage of the opportunity, and appeal for the long-promised uniforms. In 1878 a resolution was passed by the Council, appointing a sub-committee to see to the uniform question, but as the committee were never in a position financially to move in the matter, the Brigade remained without uniforms. Sow, however, they have ordered helmets, etc., themselves,and a deputation last night waited on the Council asking for a refund of the cost. The Council did not altogether relish the Brigade’s movement towards procuring uniforms without consulting the Council, but they eventually voted L 25 towards meeting the cost, which, the deputation stated, was L3B.

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MUNICIPALITIES.

Last session and the session before, Go vernment were besieged by applications from numerous municipalities that had not received the full extent of their rural land endowment, and were put to some trouble to stave oft’ the applicants. Some were sent away with a small present of land, others—the Thames, for instance got the full allowance, while less favored ones had to “ whistle.” Both the present Government and the last used this sort of diplomacy in order to avoid making over land as rural endowments to municipali ties, and both incurred a certain degree of unpopularity with municipalities in this direction. It appears now, however, that something direct and definite is meditated in the coming session, for we find in a telegram that a statement is being com piled by order of the Government, and will bo presented to Parliament, showing the comparative extent and value of the endowments, rates, and property of the various municipalities in New Zealand.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

A telegram from Auckland shows us how inveterate a disease is pleuro-pneu monia, the scourge which is now afflicting the farmers’ herds in the North, and affords another justification of the steps taken by the County Council for the pro tection of the district. The steps were abortive, to be sure, but that does not in the least lessen their propriety, nor de tract from the credit due to the Council in taking them, even if in doing so they only sympathetically followed the ex ample of Geraldine. The telegram to which we refer informs us that on one property it was thought the disease had been stamped out in March, since when not a case had been reported until Thurs day last, when a post-mortem examination on a carcase showed that the animal had died from the dreaded disease. The re appearance of pleuro on this estate is attributed to the change from dry to wet weather, but when the seeds of it cling so closely to a locality, and spread so rapidly, too much care cannot be exercised n guarding against their dissemination.

RARE PLUCK.

The following description of a plucky encounter with a shark is given by the Auckland Herald. The incident was mentioned in our telegraphic news at the time : —About 6.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning last (May 4), a son of Captain R. Stevens, aged 14, was bathing opposite Fraser and Tinue’s, about 100 yards out from the beach, when Joyner came along with the intention of bathing, but after wards changed his mind. While standing on the beach his attention was attracted to the lad through his cries, and then he saw a shark about a yard behind the boy, making attempts to seize him, while the terrified lad was splashing to drive it away. Seeing the boy’s dangexq Joyner at once stripped, got a sailor’s clasp-knife from a bystander, and leaping into the sea, swam to the youth’s assistance. On swimming up to the spot he told young Stevens to strike out for the shore with out fear, as he would settle the little diffi culty with the shark himself. The shark was equally agx-eeable to the new ai’rangement, and dived under Joyner with the purpose of attacking him, only to x’eceive a stab in the belly, as he passed under, for his trouble. In the second attempt the shark got the “ cold steel ” behind the shoulder. Altering his tactics, the shark made a flank movement, with the purpose of seizing Joyner in the ribs or abdomen, but throwing out his arms round the fore quarters he jobbed the shark in the eye with the knife, sending it home to tlxe hilt. The shark sheered off, carxying the knife away with him as a souvenir of the little difficulty. Joyner swam asjxoi’e, and was subsequently thanked and rewarded by the grateful. father of the lad. The Royal Humane Society’s medal might very fitly be awarded in such a case, as there is little doubt that young Stevens owes his life to Joyner’s gallaxxtry and courage. There are scores of xxxen who would leap ixxto tlxe sea to rescue any one from drowning who would think twice before venturing in to deliberately en counter a shark.

FIGHT WITH A GRIZZLY.

A contest of an exciting character has just taken place in California. A man xxanxed Alfred Ross backed hiixxself against a grizzly for 3000 dollars. Thousands of people assembled to witness the fight, a dollar a piece being charged for admission. Odds were freely laid on tlxe grizzly. The descx'iption of what ensued is quite romantic. Wrapping a shawl around his arm till it was swathed to the shoulder, Ross went into the crowd and asked a ypufig and pretty girl to tie it for him. She gladly did so, xxsixig her own hand some scarf for the pqrpose. Rqss, in re turn, took a diamond ring frorq his finger, and, “ bowing with exquisite gallantry,” presented it to his fair patroness Kissing his hand to her, the bold Ross drew his bowie, a terrible weapon, weighing four pounds and a half, and sharp as a razor, tightened his belt, and leaped into the arena. A muffled shriek of borrow rose from the crowd as they saw the grizzly rush at Ross. But Bruin was not in it. One quick upward blow, and tlxe bear’s uxxder jaw dropped, cut in two. One raox’e quick descending blow behind the shoulder, and Bruin rolled over with his heart cloven in twain. Amid a storm of “ Vivas,” Ross wiped his bloody bowie on the grizzly’s hide, and walked off without a scratch.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night hi the Council Chambers. Present —His Worship the Mayor (presiding), Messrs. Bullock, Friedlander, Saunders, Parkin, Williamson, Robinson, Orr, and St. Hill. mayor’s statement. His Worship the Mayor, in a brief speech, reviewed the matters which would come before the Council that evening, and remarked that it was a great pleasure for him, for the first time during his term of office, to report a credit balance at the bank. The Council had now to its credit the sum of L 343 2s. lid. The amount which had been received from . the Wakanui Road Board was on the distinct understanding that if the grant were found to be illegal the amount should be refunded, but such a contingency was not contemplated. PLANTING. A letter was read from Mr. Rowney, offering to do the work of planting re quired by the Borough at current rates. Referred to the Planting Committee. A NUISANCE. Messrs. Mutch and M'Kenzie wrote, drawing attention to an offensive nuisance which existed near their premises in East street, and trusting, as the cost would be trifling, that the Council would see its way to remove the cause of offence. Referred to the Foreman of Works. FOOTBRIDGE. Mr. Geo. West, asked permission to erect a footbridge in Burnett street. Granted, subject to the approval of the Engineeis. THE SCAVENGER. Messrs. Edmiston, Gundry, and Co. wrote, complaining of the neglect of the Borough Scavenger to remove night soil from their premises. With reference to this complaint, Mr. Gale, the scavenger, also wrote, defending himself from any blame which might attach to him on this account. Through the conduct of one of his employees and his horse bolting, breaking the dray, and doing other damage, some -work had been neglected ; but it was unavoidable, through the causes stated. The Clerk was instructed to write to the scavenger, in forming him that comp’aints had been made, and trusting that the Council would hear no more of a like nature. THE FIRE BRIGADE DEPUTATION. A deputation from the Fire Brigade, consisting of Messrs Wilkie, Dolman, and Bradley, interviewed the Council with reference to a promise which the Council had made to pay for uniforms for the Brigade. Mr. Wilkie read a statement of the accounts of the Brigade since February, 1879, which showed the expenditure to have been L 135 11s. 5d., and the receipts L 165 15s. The actual balance in hand was Ll 4 15s. 4d., against which they had a liability for L3B. Mr. Wilkie drew the attention of the Council to a resolution which had been passed by that body in November, 1878, accepting the services of the Brigade, and at the same time grant ing a subsidy of LSO a year, and appoint a committee to procure uniforms for the Brigade’s members. On the strength of this resolution the Brigade had ordered uniforms from England, and out of con sideration for the impecunious state of the Borough’s finances, had hitherto refrained from putting in their claim for the cost of uniforms, but now that the Council were in funds, they felt more confidence in interviewing them. Mr. St. Hill wished to know whether 355. per man was not a large figure for a helmet, which might be burnt to a cinder at the first fire. Mr. Dolman replied that the reason such an apparently exorbitant price was being paid, was to obtain what was needed, namely, fire-proof helmets. His Worship said that certainly the amount of L 25 was due to the Brigade for the uniforms, but he thought the Brigade might have seen the Council before send ing Home for them. Mr. Wilkie replied that the Brigade was a long-suffering body, and had waited patiently for action on the part of the committee which had been appointed by the Council to procure the uniforms ; but as no assistance came from that committee they had had to enter into negotiations themselves. His Worship thought the deputation would be wise in leaving the matter in the hands of the Council, and although no thing coaid be decided just now, there was little fear but that the Council would deal liberally with the Brigade. The deputation then withdrew. THE GAS FITTINGS. The Mayor referred to the question of gas fittings for the Council Chamber, and it was decided that the Clerk write to the local gas fitters inviting tenders for the work, and that Messrs. St. Hill and Friedlander be appointed to accept tern ders. NUISANCES, The Inspector of Nuisances reported that he had visited the back premises of several of the places of business in the borough. They were in a most filthy con dition through the neglect of the Scaven ger, and the Inspector asked for instruc tions if this state of things continued. The Clerk was ordered to make the scavenger acquainted with the complaints referred to. . THE L 5,000 GRANT. His Worship stated that in a private conversation with the Chairman of the County Council, Mr. Walker had ex pressed his opinion that the balance of the L 5,000 grant could be utilized for pur poses of channelling. engineers’ report. The Engineers reported as follows : Water Supply. —The contractor has ex ceeded the time stated in the specification for the completion of this contract, but as the time (one month) was specified on the probability of tho three several contracts being carried on by separate contractors at tho same time, we consider that Mr, Wilkie having taken the whole work, may fairly be allowed a reasonable extension of time. The greater portion of the work has been done and satisfactorily. We have had several culverts made and fixed, and the side channel in West street altered and deepened to the necessary levels for the overflow, and for this pur pose obtained the necessary timber and have taken on one carpenter and two labourers. Shingling East and Tailored streets. — Before depositing the shingle on East and Tancred streets, we recommend that the present surface to the width of 16 feet to 20 feet be picked up or scored. Gully, N.W. Town Belt. —According to instructions we have examined the gully crossing Cox street, and estimate that a crossing may be made at a cost of about five pounds. Immigration Cottages. —The Qverseer has requested us to report that one of the pottages on the N. W'. Town Belt is in a yery dilapidated condition. The whole pf the glass in the windows is brpken. The paling roof is very defective 5 the chimney requires pointing apd repairing, and there are no fastenings on the doors. Several of the chimneys to other houses on this block are defective, Mr. Saunders said that the Engineers’ had neglected to state why Mr. Wilkie re quired the extension of time to complete the contract. Mr. Fooks understood that Mr. Wilkie would have been there himself to make the application for the extension of time, but he thought that perhaps Mr. Wilkie had not put as many men on the work as were necessary. Mr. Saunders had been given to under

stand from Mr. Wilkie that he had really too many men on the job, but that he could not keep them going through not receiving the necessary plans from the Engineer. Mr. Fooks denied this in toto, and said that all the plans had been supplied with the exception of those for the intake ; and the drawings for this portion could be given at two hours’ notice if required, but they were useless to Mr. Wilkie until he could get cement to go on with the job Several Councillors corroborated what had fallen from Mr. Saunders, and a lively scene was approaching when His Worship drew the attention of members to the business in band, remark ing that it was only right to take the re port of their own officer. Mr. Saunders said the only reason he had for mentioning the matter was, that “ someone had blundered,” and it was only right that when blame was to be given, the person who deserved it should receive it. An extension of time was granted to the contractor. The portion of the Engineers’ report re lating to the gully on the N.W. Town Belt "and the immigration cottages, was referred to the Works Committee. the bye-laws. It was resolved to hold a special meet ing, in compliance with the requirements of the Municipal Corporations Act, to consider and adopt the bye-laws which had been advertised ; the meeting to be held on Tuesday, 25th inst. THE WATER PIPES. Mr. Saunders, in accordance with his notice of motion, thought it would be well to refer this matter to a committee. The mat ter had been fully discussed, both by the County Council and the Borough Council, and it was not necessary to go into the matter at any length. There was a deal of money lying idle in these pipes, and it would be far better to have the money in use. The pipes could be sold at a great profit now, and there was a possibility of the price of iron getting low at a future time, when, if they felt disposed to enter into a more extensive scheme of water supply than that now in course of construc tion, it would be quite competent for the Council to again negotiate for a further supply. He would propose that the Mayor, and Messrs. St. Hill, Bullock, and the mover, be a Committee to consider the advisableness of disposing of the the water pipes, and to report at next meeting. Mr. Parkin seconded the motion. Mr. Bullock did not wish to oppose the appointment of the Committee, but thought there was little use in such an ap pointment. The water supply scheme Which they were now entering into had yet to be tested, and it would be unwise to dispose of the pipes until it was certain they could be done without. It was also an undecided question whether the money realised from the sale could be used for any other purpose than that for which it was first intended. Mr. St. Hill said that the Council was not pledged to any particular scheme, and he had very little doubt in his own mind as to the success of the present undertaking; and if it was a cheaper scheme than was at first contemplated, surely if anyone reaped any pecuniary benefit from it the Council should. The Mayor said that the Chairman of the County Council and himself were not agreed as to the disposal of the profit which might accrue from the sale of the pipes, but it would be a matter upon which the Committee would have to report. The motion was carried. THE DISPUTED DEED. A letter from Saunders Bros., held over from last meeting, referring to the deed of of easement, the conditions of which did not meet with the approval of their solici tor, was read. Mr. Saunders said the letter required a little explanation. All that the firm of Saunders Bros. required was that in case of a scarcity of water in the mill race, they should have a preferential claim to it. Mr. Robinson did not see the use of cutting drains and going to the expense they were doing if Saunders Bros, could at any time divert the water to their own use, to the exclusion of what was required by the Council. Mr. St. Hill thought that all the firm wanted was that if there should be at any time not sufficient water botlx to drive the mill and flood the side channels, Saunders Bros, were to have a preferential claim to the water. His Worship thought the claim of Saunders Bros, was very reasonable. It was resolved that the Borough Solicitor be instructed to prepai'e a deed to be approved of by the solicitor of Messrs. Saunders Bros. THE FIRE BRIGADE GRANT. Mr. Bullock moved, and Mr. St. Hill seconded—“ That the sum of L 25 bo voted to the Fire Brigade for the pur chase of uniforms.” Carried, HONORAKIDJI TO THE AUDITORS. On the motion of Mr. Bullock, seconded by Mp. Friedlander, it was de cided the auditors receive remuneration at |the rate of two guineas each for each balance-sheet. An amendment by Mr. St. Hill that the anxonnt.be one guinea, failed to find a seconder, and the motion was carried. SIDE CHANNELLING. His Worship thought it was necessary that tenders should be called for at once for the concrete channelling. The con tractor would finish his work at bringing the water into the township in a very short time, and for this reason he thought there should be no delay in getting the side channels in preparation. After a lengthened conversation, it was proposed by Mr. Bullock, seconded by Mr Williamson, that the Council call for tenders for 100 to 200 casks cement, to be delivered at the Ashburton railway station. —Carried. On the mention of Mr. St. Hill, seconded by Mr. Bullock, the Engineer was instructed to call for tenders for channelling East street and Burnett street East —labor only. It was also decided that the Engineer be instructed to call for tenders for the timber required for the drainage. PRINTING. It was resolved—“ That the annual balance-sheet be printed and circulated amongst the various Borough Councils in Canterbury. ” TENDERS. There being only one tender sent on for the supply of timber it was resolved to call for fresh tenders. There were only two tenders for the formation of Burnett street, W. J. Silcock, L2l; James Wilkie, Ll 5 Is. The latter tender was ac cepted. ACCOUNTS to the amount of L 33 18s. 3d. were passed for payment, as also the pay-sheet L2O 17s. 6d., after which the Council ad journed.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH .AND FOREIGN.

(Reuter’s Telegrams.) London, May 13. The homeward English mails via Brin disi were delivered in London to-day. j The Australian cricketers are playing a three days’ match at Southampton against eighteen gentlemen players of Hampshire. The weather is very fine. The Australian team went in first, and scored 250. Their playing was much admired. The top score was made by Mr. Murdoch, with 97. Mr. Boyle made 50. Both players were caught out. The English team went in, and have two wickets down for 43 runs. The total reserves in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 15,875,500. Three per Cent. Consols, 99f ; Five per Cent. New Zealand Loan, 1889, Four-and-a-half per Cent. New Zealand Loan, 1879 to 1904, 99. At the wool sales to-day, 9,800 bales were offered, making a total of 215,600 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the market showed less demand, and was occasionally easier. The with drawals amounted to 7,000 bales. London, May 1-1 The cricket match between the Austra lian team and Eighteen Gentlemen of Hampshire was resumed and concluded to day. The Englishmen scored 116 in their first innings, and then followed and scored 113 in their second innings. The Austra lians thus won the match in one innings with 21 runs to spare. Three per Consols 99|. New Zealand wheat, per 4961 b., 435. to 455., ex ship. Best Australian beef tallow, 335. ; best mutton tallow, 355. At the wool sales, merino fleece and merino lambs wools are unchanged, but cross-breds are 2|d. to 3d. lower compared with previous sales. There will be no further sale until Wed nesday 19th, owing to Whitsuntide holi days. The sales close on June Bth. May 15. The statement made that the Chief Secretary for Ireland recommends a policy of coercion towards Ireland is denied. The Orient steamship Liguria sailed from Plymouth to-day. Prince Leopold has started on his tour through Canada and the United States. It is stated that the Chief Secretary for Ireland, the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, recommends the adoption of a policy of coercion towards Ireland, with a view to settle the difficulties which beset govern ment in that country. The market for Australian and New Zealand breadstuffs is unchanged, Ade laide wheat being at 525. ex warehouse, and New Zealand brands at 435. ex ship and 495. ex warehouse. Australian tallow is, at last quotations, 325. 6d. for best beef and 345. for best mutton. AUSTRALIAN, (By Cable to Reuter's Agency.) Melbourne, May 14 Hennessey’s brandy, case, 345. 9d. to 355.; bulk, quarters, 10s 6d, to 11s. 6d. Kerosene, diamond, Is. 2d. per gallon; Devoe’s, Is. B£d ; Patna rice, scarce; oats, Is. 9d. per bushel; New Zealand, , oats, 2s. per 401b5.; maize 2s. 3d. to 6d. per 601b5.; Sugar Company’s No. 1 pieces, L 34 ; candles, D.R.J.SL, 6fd to Bd. per lb. The Hon Mr. Service says that no fur ther steps will be taken in regard to the missing ship Knowsley Hall, as the bottle found at Portland proves to be a comntete hoax. : y Melbourne, May 15. The Hon. Neil Black is dead. The agricultural statistics show that the wheat crops in Victoria have yielded 13 bushels per acre. The quantity produced shows an increase of 50 per cent. The Argus, in its leader to-day, com ments on the gravity of the political situa tion in Victoria, and declares that Mr. Service’s task is one of extreme difficulty. The speech of Sir John O’Shannassey in the Assembly on Tuesday, which was adverse to the Government, is much dis cussed. Adelaide, May 14 Adelaide wheat, 4s. 4d. to 4s. sd. per bushel; flour, LlO 55., per ton. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, May 16. At Hamilton a man named Flood, work ing for Mr. Martin, tailor, took possession of the upper rooms of the shop in a state of delirium tremens, heaped up a large lire, and threatened to burn down the premises. An attempt to dislodge 1 him was fruitless, and the police were called in. Meeting Constable Weldon on the staircase with a tomahawk, Flood held his own, but a man named Edwards got bie : hind him and pinioned his arras as he was striking at the constable. He was then secured and taken to the look-up by the police. A skeleton has been discovered by a Native in the vicinity of Huntley, Wai kato. It is not known yet whether it is that of a Native or European. A memorial is being got up to Mr- A, Fantham, for his exertions in preventing the spread of pleuro-pneumonia in the Waikato district. Wellington May 16. The body of a middle-aged man was picked up on the beach near Coffer’s slip last evening. A large portion of his face has been eaten away. The body has not been identified, and an inquest will be held to-morrow. May 17. During the voyage of the Loch Dee which arrived yesterday from London, one passenger committed suicide, and three, who fell overboard, were drowned. Owing to the dispute among the miners at Newcastle the late price of coal here has been resumed. Legal proceedings, arising out of facts elicited at the enquiry recentlyTield in re? ference to the late accident to the Manawatu, are about to be taken against the captain for going to sea without bis proper complement of men ; against the purser for falsification of the ship’s articles, and against Martin, the agent, for fraudulently engaging men to go to sea. Auckland, May 17. A petition for the release of Mrs. Bos tock, imprisoned for evasion of Customs, signed by 600 citizens, including the Mayor and Mr. Barstow, R.M., has been forwarded to the Minister of Justice. Philip Alcock, a youth, has been com mitted for trial for breaking and entering. Hawera, May 14. The Natives are again passing through here to attend the usual monthly Pari haka meeting on the 17th. The roads and surveys are progressing without op position. Wellington, May 15. The railway line to Masterton is expected" to be opened in August. The line is now completed to within three miles of Car-' terton, to which place the line will be finished in .July, It is nqt, however' : tended tq open to Cartertoii tiff the Mas : tertqn line is opened. ‘ I’he pflicem pf the Brigade en tertained the m e mberq at diqrier lq.sk night, Two hundred persons were prej sent, . ' • Wellington, May L 7. The barque Himalaya, . 100 days out from London, is signalled. At the inquest held to-day on the body of a man found in the harbor on Saturday last, the deceased was identified as Peter W. Earl, who was last seen about 10 days ago. He had been drinking heavily. A verdict of ‘ ‘ Found drowned ” was returned. It is understood the Premier will pay a

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1880.



s , a. s. d . Butter, inferior to best Ib 0 10 to I 0 Eggs, dozen I 10 to 2 0 Cheese, prime quality, $ lb o 6}4 to 0 9 Bacon, prime smoked, 1? lb 0 0 to 0 0 Hams in cloth, $ lb - 0 0 to 0 0 Flour in bags, loolb 1 [ 4 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, $ 251b 5 0 to 0 0 Lard, lb - 0 9 to 0 0



NOTICE TO FARMERS. PJpHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, 1880. 550a* MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, May 25, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. FJIHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the uublic. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Invercargill Oamaru Timaru Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE, N.B.— Our New Winter Manufactures are now ready. “ TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— East Street. Wm. SPARROW, Manager.



Loene and Cuelino. —The Marquis of Lorne has uqited at Rideau Hall all the old Scptch with the Canadian gaipes. He gets up curling gpme? whenever he ha? the chance, apd surprise? people by the way he handles a broom. Tpp Heathen Chinee. —The Caucasian has not a monoply of hard swearing- At the last sitting of the Resident Magistrate’s Court a disciple of Confucius, Ah Bing by name, solemnly stated that he had never been in a certain house, although he had heard four of his countrymen previously make oath that they had seen him there. Mr. Macdonald was clearly of opinion that, according to the law of evidence in English courts he had no alternative but to give judjment against Mr. All Bing.— AwMand Herald,