SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington —Tararua, This Day, Thursday, Feb. 2-3. Passengers by 3 55 p.vn. train. To be followed by Hawea, on Satur day, Fob. 23th. For Nafier, Gisborne, Tauranga and Auckland — Tarama, This Day, Thursday, Feb. 2'ith. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train. To bo followed by Hawea, on Satur day, Feb. 23. For Melbourne, via Bluff—To Anau, Tuesday, 2nd March. Passengers by 2.40 n.m. train. For Sydney— Tararna, This Day, Thurs day, Feb. 23. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train. For Hobart Town —Te Anau, Tues day, March 2. For Pioton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau —Waitaki, Tuesday, March 2nd. Passengers by the 2.40 p.m. train.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. T;ij Day. By Mossvn. E Imiston Bros, and Gundry, fit tlioir Tirabar Yards,- East street-, at 1.30 p. in.—lo,ooo:t. Black Birch.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at to 20’a.m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., duilj’. For Chert-ey at 10.20 a.m daily. Fur Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. Fur Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hind', Coldstream, Kangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Gcra’dine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Te’.nuka, Timarn, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Greenstrect, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Watcrton, and Longbcach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakavuti and Scafielcl, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. tV. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion must be written egibly on tlio face of tho advertisement. When no order is given, the advertise ment will ho inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Advertisements received after 10 o’clock each evening will be placed over tho loader heading and charged double rates.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1880.

That our bankruptcy laws are not suited to the requirements of the colony is an axiom which needs no recording by us, and it is only too often that wc are made aware of their utter inutility when those seeking the protection of tho Court appeal to the Judge for a liberation from their debts, by a legal process which can only be characterised as “ legalised rob bery.” Those laws have developed a species of “ tradesmen” wo would like tc see become extinct, but while tho laws continue as they are, we must expect them occasionally to come to the front. Men possessed of sufficient effrontery go to a merchant, represent themselves as capable men of business, and obtain credit fur a few boxes of tea, some sugar, a plug or two of tobacco, and other articles in tho way of a grocer’s business, and then at once extend them selves as full blown merchants, and initiate business which could only he carried on by men possessed of considerable capital. A man with, some capital is not usually the kind of individual to embark in des perate undertakings. But- merchants and others are occasionally to be found who have a soft side, and who from a feeling of sympathy, or pity, or goodfcllowship, often give an incompetent man a chance to go into a business he is totally unfitted for, and thus lose their goo Is or their money for no other reason than that they have been over-persuaded by the oily tongue and false representation of- the bankrupt. There lias been a groat deal too much business done in this district in the direction of “ discounting the future,” and the depression of the past bad season ought to have been a caution to merchants. But it seems us me that any charlatan can even now incur largo liabilities, and show a sheet of very dubious assets, and pass clear through the Court without question. A step has, however, been taken by creditors at last. Yesterday a bankrupt, certainly not the most competent to con duct any hind of business where books •were necessary to bo kept, called his credi tors together for the second time within a very few months, and as his statement of accounts in his previous collapse showed a very crude idea of book-keeping, and same very novel notions ou meum and tinun his victims on tho present occasion took the unusual but necessary proceed ing of putting the bankrupt on his oath as to his transactions. We think the public, more especially tradesmen, owe a debt of gratitude to tho meeting wo allude to, for the stand they have taken in this matter, as wo feel convinced that such proceedings by creditors will tend to a healthier state of things, and drive amateur financiers and quasi-merchants out of the field.

Wo have occasionally in this column alluded to the advances which larrikinism is making in this district, and only yester day a case was hoard in which a new phase of the disease was brought out. Two youths, quiet enough, innocent enough, and dirty enough looking to have been guiltless of anything but- playing truant, or not knowing their nominative cases, were charged with placing two pieces of wood on the Rakaia and Alford Forest Railway. The offence was a serious one, and one deserving due punishment, and tho justices on the Bench evidently felt the gravity of the case they had t > deal with, for did they not have as wit nesses no loss personages than the “General Manager of the Christchurch Section, New Zealand Railways,” the “ Locomotive Inspector, Christchurch Station,” and other important and digni fied Government officials to give evidence as to tho enormity of the offence ? Of course, considering the slanding and in fluence of the prosecution, and the fact that two small ignorant boys, who had never heal’d of forms of law, were the de fendants, and who had not die least idea of the nature of the proceedings, it is not to he wondered at that the police obtained that sunmium bunum of their hopes—a conviction.

It may' be law, and it may bo against the “ Offences to Railways Act,” but in our opinion it is against the common sense of the public—if the public wore asked their opinion in these day's of so-called Liberal Government. Wo ask our readers to look at the case from a humanitarian point of view. Two boys are caught in the act of laying two pieces of wood (and they were small ones) across the railway line. Some very' distinguished railway officials arc passengers on a train running preliminary to the celebration of the open ing of a new line; an opportunity'occurs to immortalise the inauguration by' arresting a couple of larrikins. Two important and in dispensable officials, such as the “General Manager of Railways, Christchurch,” and the “ Locomotive Inspector ” can be spared to spend a whole day on the Rakaia-Methven line to inspect it. They catch a couple of larrikins, and next day they come to Ashburton with a few more of tho staff to give ev.deuce ag inst their quarry. The J.P.s’ sitting in judg ment on the offence, elect to make it indictable instead of summary', because, we suppose, there was such an array of talent on the part of the prose cution that a case brought in the Supremo Cmirt would show how diligent and observing the heads of the department were. So we now find that a couple of ignorant larrikins, with no knowledge whatever of tho enormity' of their crime, are committed for trial. ’ The colony is to be put to the expense of carrying out that trial, the colony must for the lime that trial lasts lose the valuable and indispen sable services of the “ General Manager” and Hie “Locomotive Superintendent,’ and the other necessary and ornamental officials, for the sake of sending a couple of boys to Burnham, when, had the charge been laid under the proper Act, twenty four hours’ imprisonment and a good cow hiding would have done the offenders moro°good, and saved the colony a lot

of expens?, and at the same time left to the C interbury railways tho valuable ser vices of the ‘ ‘ general manger” and his stair. We sincerely hope that n > more manuka will be laid on the line when Mr. Back comes this way again.

Incokroration of xne Ashburton A. a\d P. Association. —A “Gazette,” of Feb. 10th, announces that the Ashburton Agricn tnral and Pastoral Association is incorporated under tho Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, 1577.

Ashburton asd Rakaia Forks Rail way.—Tho company owning this railway have made arrangements with the Govern ment to work the line, and Mr. Back expects to be able to commence running next week.

Tin? Fire Brigade.— The usual fort nightly practice of tho Brigade was held last night, and with the object of test ing the ability of the Brigade to extinguish a fire, should one happen, at tho Immi gration Barracks (or as it is better known as the Old Men’s Homo). About a dozen firemen turned out, and the engine was sot to work, the supply being drawn from the river, and notwithstanding the elevation of the building above tho river level, a splendid stream was thrown from both branches over the roof of the Homo.

Anoti er Home Smr. —The ship Wai mate, Captabi Peek, arrived at Lyttelton yesterday, ofter a smart passage of 33 days from London, having been only soven months and three days absent from Lyttel ton. She has 153 passengers, and as some of them are suffering from measles, the vessel was orderrd into quarantine, in company with (he Westland which arrived a few days since. “ Chispa’s ” Sum:. —The award in this contest lias been made by “ Chispa,” and he had so much diflic ulty in deciding which was the best of two of the com petitors that lie has decided on giving a prize to cadi, viz,, Miss Eva Henderson and Master Philip O’Reilly ; the former having worked the calculation out in the neatest way, but not having all the necessary calculations shown, and the latter has finished his contract very honestly, but not particularly neatly. The Hollowing are the results 52 tons of wire measure 0303 miles, 7 furlongs, 20 poles, 3 yards, 1 font, and will tie 27 - 407 1-17th acres of crop. Horse Stealing— On Tuesday the R.M. dealt with but did not finally dispose of a charge of horse stealing hud against one John O’Brien. The horse which is alleged to have won Mr. O’Brien’s love, and in flamed his lust after horse flesh, belonged to Mr. Samuel Brown, of Wakanui, who had ridden tho animal np to tho Royal Hotel, on Feb. tho Bth inst., towards evening—say about 8 o’clock. Dismount ing, Mr. Brown had tied np his animal by the Royal’s fence, and gone into the hotel. While inside, the horse, with all his riding furniture, disappeared, and was not again heal’d of by bis owner for some time. Mr. Brown, however, ultimately got to know that his T obbin was not lost beyond recovery, for he knocked against the missing quadruped at Mr. R. Little’s, at the Hinds. Mr. Little had bought the horse and belongings from O’Brien for LL7 10s. after a liitlo huckstering, 'and very readily gave up his purchase to Mr. Brown when that gentleman established a claim. Prisoner, when making tho deal with Mr. Little, gave his name as John Kirk and signed a receipt with that name, but denied all knowledge of the horse or the horsey transaction when before the Court. Mr. Guinness remanded him for eight days to allow the police to establish prisoner’s identity—allowing the stiff bail of L2 'O, and two sureties of LIOO each.

Arthur Seetchlby. —From a letter reoeived from Dunedin yesterday, wc learn that Mr. Arthur ISketch’ey, the clever and witty author of “ Mrs. Brown at the Play,” and other laughable works on the adventures of the said Mis. Brown, proposes giving some lectures in Ashbur ton, on his way North. As it may in terest our readers to know something of the past history of this mirth producing lecturer, wc cull tho following from the letter referred to:—“He was educated for the church, took his degree, was or dained, and was for five years a curate in the Weald of Kent. He then be came a Catholic, and being a good classical scholar, and master of several modern languages, he became tutor to the late Duke of Norfolk’s family, and educated the present Duke. Ho has made money by his hooks and readings. Of “ Mrs. Brown at tho Play ” 250,000 copies have been sold. He is very fat, very talkative, and very amusing. You must go and hear him if you want a good laugh.” Our readers may, therefore, de pend upon it that they have something really good in store for them. His real name is George Rose.

Montague Mosley. This newly f!o Igod lecturer essayed business lust night in tlio Town Hall to an audience of 44—a1l told. A lecturer that could only attract it people to the hall on a fine moonlight evening must be a poor affair indeed, and those who stayed away lost nothing, and save; 1 , a shilling. Mr. Mosley was not able to galvanise tho dead spirits of his hearers into even the ghost of applause, and but for the mild evening, a seat in the hall last night would have been one of tho coldest and dreariest ex periences possible. Burns once wrote on tho window of a church tlio following : A canid kirk, an ! in’l but few, As cask! a wind as ever blew ; A caul lor minister never spake, Yc’s a’ he warm ere I come back.

Cold indeed was the cheer Mi 1 . Mosley had to give, and ho, poor man, was un fortunately not able 10 earn bis hall rent. The only interesting piece in the whole lecture was whore ho threatened this paper with criminal proceedings for pub lishing a loiter signed “ A Wesleyan ” in our last issue.

Methyen Railway. —This lino of rail way was inspected 0:1 Tuesday' by Mr. F. Back, railway traffic manager, accom panied by Mr. Dickenson, of tho locomo tive department, preparatory to its being opened for traffic by the Government. Mr. G. Hart, Chairman of the directors of tho company', Messrs. John Maun, R. M'Kerrow, C. if, Maclean, and W. Hart nell were also present, besides Mr. Sydney' Dick, Chief-Postmaster, and Mr. M‘Ker ro-.v, Surveyor-General to the Colony'. Shortly after leaving Rakaia, and when nearing tho Hatfield station, two lads wore seen to lay two pieces of firewood on the rails, and run behind the fence. The engine was immediately pulled up, and Mr. Back and some others ran to a wharo where the boy's had hidden, and turned them out. They proved to bo la Is who were cooking for Mr. Dearclen’s harvest men Constable Rouse, who happened to be in the train, at once apprehended them, and took them and tho sticks, one of which was quite two ami a-half inches in thickness, back to Rakaia. Had they placed the obstructions in the evening, when it was dark, the consequences may have been very' serious, as the sticks were quite large enough to have thrown the engine off tho track. Mr. Back expressed himself pleased with the construction of the line, but there are some things yet to be done to facilitate the loading of trucks on the track. There is no goods shed any where on the line, which is rather an over sight, considering the quantity of grain which will have to be carried by' it this season. It is estimated that quite 300,000 bushels will have to pass over it. Mr. Dick has arranged with Mr. Chas. Hibbs, of the firm of Morgan and Hibbs, to act as postmaster at Methven, tho post-office to bo at their store. A post office will also be opened at Which more shortly. It is intended to open the line for traffic to day. The time table will be found in our advertising columns.

Sale of Bankrupt Stock. —Mr. Alfred Harrison announces the sale on Saturday next of the stock-in trade, &0. , of Messrs. Sando and Co. The stock is for absolute sale, and doubtless bargains will be agoing. Saturday is a handy day for the country people, who will no doubt pay Mr. Harrison’s rooms a visit.

Cricket Match.- —The match between Ashburton and Tiiu.iru comes off in the Domain to-day, Fit 11 a.m. sharp. The secretary of the local team has re quested us to remind ihe Ashburton men to be as punctual as possible, and to en deavor to retrieve the laurels they have lost this season by tho laxity of their at tendance at matches. Tlmao selected to play for tho County Club are Pooka, A.; Andrews, G.; Denshire ; Grant ; Ander son ; Buchanan, T. ; Fagan ; Whitley ; Hill ; Douglas, and Ho lder. Emerg encies—Hoskins, Westenra, Field, and A. Andrews. The Communists. —Six of tho French Communists who recently arrived from Noumea in Auckland, have gone to Whan garoi to seek for work at the coal mines or gum fluids, and the local police have been instructed not to interfere with them in any way that would prejudice their chances of employment.

Professor Hughes’ Entertainment The Town Hall on Tuesday presented a beggarly array of empty benches to as classical and enjoyable an entertainment as ever was within its walls. All who were present bad the pleasure of listening to a good elocutionist in tho lecturer, Pro fessor Hughes, who is also a finished musician, being equally good as a pianist or violinist. In the latter role he brought out the beauties of the Irish melodies in a very touching and delicate manner. He was ably assisted in-his endeavors to pour tray the intentions and feelings of the poet by Miss Pauline Best, who sing through a long programme, and met with deserved applause ; and also by two gentlemen, who ably assisted the lecturer in his c(Torts. Burglary. —On Tuesday the case of alleged burglary was heard against the man, who was suspected of taking advan yantage of an opportunity he had gained to attack the cupboard in which Mr. Baldwin, of the Central Hotel, kept his cash box. The man, whose name is Storey, had been supplied with a “ shake-down ” in the bar parlor of the hotel, and in the morning it was found that the doors leading from this parlor to the bar had been tampered with, and an effort make to break open the cupboard, in which was a cash-box containing Ll3O. The evidence went to show that a some what daring burglary had been attempted on the morning of the 13th inst., and though there were one or two suspicious circumstances fully warranting the police in taking proceedings, these circumstances did not point suflicintly straight to Storey to justify tho R,M. in convicting him, and the prisoner was therefore discharged.

A Persistent Truant. —At tho Auck land R. M. Court on Tuesday, a school-; master was charged with flogging a hoy for truancy. Tho case was dismissed. The. hoy had played truant from the school (53 times out of a possible 100 last quarter, and 17 times this quarter out of a pos sible 30. Meeting of Creditors. —At the Town Hill yesterday miming a meeting of the creditors in tho estate of the firm of Sando and Bowling was held, an I Mr. Zouch was appointed Chairman of the meeting. Ho called upon the bankrupts to give some explanation of the state of tlicir affairs, and they produced a balance sheet showing their liabilities to be L577,’ and their assets, inc’uding bo >k debts, L 545. Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed by tho creditors present as to the manner in which credit had been ob tained by the firm, and Mr. Sando was pub on his oath on his examination by tho official trustee in giving his evidence. The meeting absorbed some two and a-half hours of valuable time to those present, and it eras finally resolved —“That Mr. Zouch should act as trustee and the assets he realised forthwith.” The bankrupts made an excuse to the mooting that they wave compelled to file because they could not obtain any more stock on credit, and promises of support had not been kept.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN (Reuter's ) Calcutta, Fob. 23. Advices have been rcceved from Cabul stating that General Roberts has offered to hold a conference with Mahomed Jan and the other insurgents, for the purpose of discussing tho position of affairs in Afghanistan, and the question of the future rulership of that country. St. Petersburg, Feb. 22. The Academy of Forest Culture, at Moscow, was totally destroyed by fire to-day. One of the students of the Academy is believed to bo implicated, and has been arrested on a charge of incen diarism. (Argus Spedal. ) London, Feb. 21 Greek brigands have seized Colonel Synge and wife, and demand a heavy ransom. The Russians are sending torpedo boats and war material to Pultroiga Bay, abandoning Oladisvostock. It is rumored the Russians are arrang ing with Japan for a largo ship yard at Nagadaki. As tho dispute between China and Japan is still unsettled and as China talks of refusing to satisfy tho RulJja treaty Japan may accept. AUSTRALIAN.'” (Reuter's. ) Sydney, Feb. 24. Serious floods have occurred in Rich mond river, and the streets of Casino are completely submerged. Boats are now engaged saving the lives and property of the inhabitants. Newcastle, Feb. 24. It is reported that the colliery proprie tors now working under the vend scheme in this district intend to reduce the wages of tho men and the price of coal by 25- per cent., in order that they may bo in a position to compete with collieries not bound by vend rules. PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPROYISCIAL. Auckland, Feb. 25. Tho Hon. Mr. Whitaker has appointed Mr. Maxwell, engineer, to examine and report on the alleged silting up of Auck land harbor. The Board proposed a con siderable increase in wharf clues with a view to increasing the revenue and pro viding funds for constructing a larger graving dock.

Captain M'Kcnzie was re-elected chair man of tlie Harbor Board yesterday. He spoke of the onerous nature of the duties, and said he could not afford the time. Tho members agreed that provision should be made to amend tho Act so as to remune rate the Chairman of the Board. The Waikato Farmers’ Club resolved to bring into force the eleventh clause of the Diseases of Cattle Act, and have ap pointed a sub-Oommittee for the purpose. Gisborne, Feb. 25.

Allan M'Donahl, M.H.R., addressed the electors of Gisborne in the Masonic Hall last night. The meeting was crowded, and he received an enthusiastic reception. He spoke in favorable terms of the pre sent Government, but in reply to direct question, he said he stuck to the Grey party while it lasted. He also supported Macandrew, and while having the utmost confidence in Major Atkinson and one or two other members of the Ministry, of whom he spoke in the highest terms of

praise, he positively declined to declare himself an adherent of either one or tho other. Ho assured tho meeting that he had no intention of becoming a mere dele gate. A vote of confidence was carried unanimously. Considerable excitement exists about the oil springs. A member of the firm of Clarke Bros., Melbourne, and Mr. Fleming, representing Canada at tho Melbourne Exhibition, an oil expert, have .isitodthe springs. Mr. Fleming says the indications are equal to anything in America. It is .believed tb it probably a company, with a capital of LOO,OOO, will be floated to work the oil, and operations will be immediately commenced.

Napier, Feb. 21. Mills, who on Saturday evening arrived in town and gave a sensational account to tho police about the natives shooting sheep on Morehouse's run, was never in the employer’s house. No station hands have left, and Mills appears to have given a bogus report, as no reliable information has been receive ! here of any serious dis turbance.

Hawbra, Feb. 24.

Colonel Roberts, and the whole of the Armed Constabulary under his command at Ka’pipi, shifted camp to-day, and took up a position at the Otaikato stream, about live miles north of the old camp. The natives visited the camp in the after noon, and intimated that a present of food would be made this day. Wellington, Feh. 25.

The “ Evening Post ” subscription list in aid of the Irish relief fund reached LOGO. Tilt balance not soul Home will be banded to tho Treasurer of the fund being raised for transmission. The Homo Government are engaging 150 men for road work on the Waim.ite plains, married men to receive 235., single 21s. per week. They will be provided with tents, and with their families will he sent np free. They will be supplied with rations and Is. 3d. per day, and can leave whenever more remunerative work offers.

The following tender has been accepted for the Greytown branch station building contract, Ebenezor Grey, Greytown, LI 183.

A half-caste named Henry Casnon, whilst engaged this morning in tending a threshing machine, had his arm cut off at the she elder.

An influential Committee has been ap pointed to collect subscriptions in aid of tho Irish Distress Fund, and a house to house canvass will ho made on Monday. The Now South Wales and Queensland Governments unite with ours in protesting against the importation of French con victs. Tho three Agents-General will make remonstrances.

Nelson, Feb. 25

It is understood that Mr. George Hodgson, recently appoints 1 secretary to the Nelson Education Board, at a salary of L 350, has resigned. There has been some correspondence in the papers, from which it appears the action of the Board in creating bo expensive an office was disapproved of, it being alleged that a smaller salary would be sufficient.

The weather hero continues fine, though rain was wanted for potatoes. Hop pick ing is now general throughout the dis trict. In the town gardens alone 103 persons are engaged. Chrlstgiiucii, Feb. 25.

A farm in Prebbleton lias given yields of 44, 43, and 5'5 bushels per acre from throe paddocks. The land has been cropped for many years, and received no special preparation. The owner has already threshed 20,000 bushels, A property sale was held to-day, which in point of attendance was excellent, and points to a revival in tho land trade. Twenty-eight sections at Sumner fetched an average of L3G each, and a half-acre in Christchurch, with an old house, near the North town licit, brought LBOO.

The total expenditure on Hospitals and Charitable Aid during the year 1879, was L3GGO 15s. 3d. It was much less during the last half year than in the first. Two head of imported cattle arrived from Sydney per s.s. Wakatipu, for Miles and Co., Olnistohurcli. Owing to some informality with regard to certificate, tho cattle have been quarantined on board the hulk Derwent for the present. Timaru, Feb. 25. A storekeeper at Waitohi Flat, named Thos. Liston, was to-day fined LSO and costs for sly-grog selling. During the past ten weeks the break water has been extended 130 ft. The Harbor Board have decided to at once commence tho erection of wharfage for 300 ft. along inside of it, tho depth of water ranging from Bft. to 18ft. at low water. The “Timaru Herald”'has declined to apologise for the alleged libel on Captain Norris, of the barque Glimpse, and will defend the action. Very little business is yet being done in the grain market. The merchants offer 3s. 3s. to 3s. Gd. for wheat, while farmers stand out for 45.; and if they cannot get that figure they will ship home direct on their own account. Harvest operations are well forward and there is no doubt now that the yield will be tho heaviest ever known in the district.

Dunedin, Fob. 25.

Permission hat been given by the Com missioner of railways for the doors of car riages on the Port line to be left unlocked on one side.

The Captain and officers of H. M. S. Cor morant, now lying in Lyttelton harbor, arc coming down to the races, and they will also attend the ball to be given by the Otago Rowing Club on Friday*, for which His Excellency tho Governor and Lady Robinson have accepted invitations.

A serious accident occurred this fore noon at Port Chalmers to Michael Tighe, who, whilst removing an old chimney from the back of the George Hotel, fell from the scaffold, a height of 14ft., on to a heap of stones, and sustained either a fracture of tho skull or a concussion of the brain, in addition to having one of the fingers of the right hand broken. He was attended by Dr. Dugdale, but he now lies in a very precarious situation. The following is a full list of tho Dune din entries for the Nelson prize tiring : Lieut. Black, D. Christie,, R. Dalziel, S. Hutton, Hislop, 0. A. Lees, A. Marshall, G. Millar, B. Morrison, W. Thompson, W. Richardson, Capt. Willson, J. Webs ter, Jordan, Lieut. Peake, Lieut. Curie, Sergt, Smith, Coventry', and Fox. The superiority of Groymouth coal over Newcastle for gas making purposes has received a striking proof at Dunedin gas works. Tne Engineer reports that for the 23 day's, ending Feb. 18th, while Grey mouth coal was being used, the con sumption was 50 tons less than during the corresponding period of last y'ear, when Newcastle coal was used, while tho quantity of gas manufactured was 105,000 cubic feet more. Besides this gas from tho Grey coal is of two-candlo greater illuminating power than that from New castle. The statement was made at the Council meeting, and it was added that the saving was equal to L6OOO yearly. Owing to recent advices, there was an advance at yesterday’s sale in the value of cross-breds, but in merinos little improve ment was noted. Greasy, 4jj-d. tolled.; washed, GAd. to Is. 5d.; scoured, Is. 5d.; greasy merino, 3||d. to 10J. Arrived—The Rotomahama, from Syd ney, via tho Coast; Ladybird, from Timaru. Invercargill, Feb. 25. The Garrison Band is unable to attend the Christchurch Review, owing to one or two of the principal players being pre vented by business engagements. The Artillery batteries will probably go under canvas. The scarcity of water is still com plained of, A whale, stranded on Riverton beach, was bought by a local chemist fo? LSO.

THE LATEST.

L VTE3T EROif EUROPE. ( Rath vV Teleei ams. ) London, Fob. 23. A lei Vide wheat has f irther advanced, and to-day i s quoted at s ; >s (?)• per 400 lbs., ex warehouse. The total quantity of wheat afl.ut for Great Britain is 1,810,000 qua. tors. Australian tallow is declining. Best beef, to-day, is worth 355. ; best mutton, 375. per cwt. . Rome, Feb. 23. The Italian Government has resolved to send an official representative to the Melbourne Exhibition, and will take other steps for the due representation of the country. London, Fob. 24. In the II uise of Commons yesterday, Sir Stallbrd Northcote, Chancellor of the Exchequer, gave notice of a motion having for its object the punishment of nvmhers who systematically obstruct the business of the House. The motion pro poses that members guilty of obstruction shall be temporarily suspended from the privilege of sitting in Parliament. The “ Standard” to-day, alluding to Sir Stafford Northcpte's motion, hints that the Government will dissolve Parliament un less the obstruction can bo overcome. (Age Special.) London, Feb 24. The British Government consent to the request to appoint a representative of Great Britain at the Melbourne Exhibi tion. It is considered probable that Lord Beaconslield will dissolve Parliament on March 3rd. The Nihilists threaten to fire St. Peters burg and destroy all public buildings un less a liberal Government is conceded. Latest news from Afghanistan states that several leading insurgent chiefs manifest an apparent unwillingness to submit! AUSTRALIAN. (Renter's). Sydney, Feb. 25. The members of the Mammoth Min strels have been summoned at Newcastle for desecrating the Sabbath by giving a Sacred Concert at the theatre on Sunday last. Arrived—Rotorua, from New Zealand. In the case of McKenzie v. the Union Insurance Company, for wrongful dis missal, a verdict was given for plaintiff for L 230. Brisbane, Feb. 25. It is announced that the Government of Q leensland has declined to join with New Zealand in protesting against the introduction of expires from New Cale donia. (Association Special.) Melbourne, Feb. 25. The Tanjore has arrived. The Arawata, with the English mail, sailed for Now Zea land this afternoon.

THE DUNEDIN RACES.

[UY TELEGRAPH. | Dunedin, Feb. 25. Tho following arc “Pegasus” tips for to-morrow’s racing :—Titania for tire Cup. For the Free Handicap, Marie An toninotte. For the Champagne Stakes, tho Waimea colt. For the Publican’s Plate, Fairplay. “Stranger’s” Tips in the “Daily Times ” are—Mata, Titauia, and Libeller; the St. Legcr—Hornby, Beti-ayer ; the Publican’s—C.unballo. Latest betting—Dunedin Cup—2 to 1 against Titania ;sto 2, Mata; G to 1, Crip ; 7 to 1, Hornby ; 8 to 1, Natator, Libeller, and Foul Play ; 100 to 10, Gamp ballo, and Betrayer ; 100 to G, Longlands ; 100 to 4, Atlantic. The weather is delightful, and tho city is filling fast.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Per Wakatipu at Wellington. Sydney, Feb. 10. It is understood that the vital statistics about to be issued will show an increase in the population during last year un precedented oven during the early gold discoveries, nearly forty thousand, making the total population close on three-quarters of a million. During the empanneling of the juries to try the cases yesterday, the Crown Prose cutor challenged those jurymen who acquitted Williams of rape on his own daughter. A company is starting at Kiami with five thousand pounds capital to condense milk. Constable Hayes, who was injured by a crowd of larrikins, is in a critical condi tion. Victoria. The Reform League meeting at Dunoily yesterday, Messrs. Berry and Grant being present, was the most disorderly meeting which has ever taken place there. Several fights occurred, and the police were called in, but were unable to restore order. The meeting broke up in confusion. The Reformer Paper, with an issue of a hundred thousand, containing an adverse history of the Berry Government, is pub lished for deasemination broadcast throughout the colony. Larkina, publisher of the “Firebrand,” appeared in Court to show cause why the publication should not he destroyed as obscene. Ho denies that- it is more objectionable than some of the passages in Shakespeare, Swinborne, Byron, or the Bible. The Bench ruled that it was dis gustingly obscene, and ordered its des truction. Queensland. Wells, the Cunnaunilla bushranger, has been sentenced to death for shooting Murphy with intent to murder, without hope of mercy. South Australia. The “ Register ” complains of Govern ment importing iron bridges from America instead of calling for local tenders. It states that a violation is' thus committed of a resolution of the Assembly seven years ago.

Conceiininq Dr. iei> Potatoes. Pota toes are in new countries and in rich low lands often a more drug in the markets. They are a perishable product, and when the surplus, which pours into San Fran cisco from Russian River, Bodega, Tomales, Pajaro, Lompoc, Humboldt, and the Tule islands, is sufficient to flatten the market below the cost of production, the potatoes are left in the fields undug, and rot, or sprout with the early rains. Pota toes are a bulky article, and will not be carried any great distance, except in times of great scarcity. It has, therefore, been an aim of inventors for some time past to adapt a drier to the production of a cheap, but at the same time healthy and palatable article of dried potato. Several driers now before the public seem to answer this put pose admirably. The potatoes, after paring, are cut in thin slices, and dried quickly. They are then white and as hard as horn, but they become soft on being cooked. Four fifths of the potato is water, so that a bushel of good potatoes can be reduced to ten pounds of the dried product. There is much difference between different varieties of potatoes for this purpose, the kinds which have the most starch being the best fop drying. The “ Country Gentleman ” reports that a citizen of Rochester has been for soma years en gaged in drying potatoes for shipboard nag, and has obtained profitable contracts with the United States Navy, as potatoes when well dried can be kept for years without loss.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

AS33URTOJ—T'j:«a vv, Fob. It (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) HOI«E STSALISO.

John O’Brien was charged with stealing a horse, the property of Samuel Brown, vain fid at L2O. Mr. O’Reilly for defendant.

Sergeant Pratt, who prosecuted, said complaint was made to the police that a horse, saddle, and bridle had been stolon from the Royal Hotel on the evening of February Sth, and witness arrested prisoner on Saturday last, and charged him with the offence. He said he know nothing about it.

Samuel Brown, sworn—l am a farmer residing at Wakanui. On the Bth inst. I wont to the yard at the Royal Hotel, in Ashburton, about 8 p.m. and tied my horse up, and left him there. ■ About 9.30 I returned, and the horse was gone. -1 reported the loss nest day to the police. I next saw the horse tethered at Little’s at the Hinds. Mr. Little gave mo posses sion of him, T 1 e horse is worth L2O. I gave nobody permission to take the horse. Robert Liitle, hotel keeper,. Hinds, sworn —I know prisoner. lie came to my stables about half-past 7 on the 9th inst., and asked me if I wanted to buy a horse. 1 first said “No.” Ho said he was hard up and wanted to sell the horse. I then ashed him where ho got the horse. He said from his brother at Mosgiel, 12 miles from Dunedin. He wanted L2O for the horse, and I refused to give it. He after wards offered me the horse for LlB, and I went to look at the saddle and bridle. I gave him LI7 Us. for the horse. 1 pro duce the receipt. He signed his name John B. Kirk. I handed the horse over to the lust witness. lam confident prisoner is the same man I bought the horse from. He has a scar ou his neck. Sergeant- Pratt applied for a remand for further identification of the pris mer, and asked that bail should be refused, as he had attempted to escape from custody. The case was then remanded for eight days, and bail was allowed prisoner in L2OO and two sureties of LIOO each. CIVIL CASES. Judgment for amount of claim was given, with costs in the following cases : Moynihan v. N. Fitzgerald, L 59 14s. 6d ; Boyle v. C. Branson, L 9 18s. ; M'Laugh lin v. Taylor, LSI 2s. 3d ; Moynihan v. D. Fitzgerald, L‘s 3s. 6d ; Griffon and Ibell v. Bonham, Li I ss. 9d ; Friedlander v. Patten, L 33 2s. 81. Case adjourned till March 2, defendant paying costs. SPROUTED SEED PAULEY. Jameson Bros. v. E. A. Field, claim LSB 3s. 4d. Mr. Scott for plaintiff; Mr, Purnell for defendant. Georg! Jameson, grain merchant, de poned—Defendant came to me in October to purchase barley. I had sold out at the time, and told him I believed I could get some from the same farm at Temuka, as I had previously sold from. Did not show him any sample. He said he w mid take 2GO bushels if I got it at once. I sent for it, and it was delivered in the trucks at Saunders’ mill. 1 sold about 500 sacks of the same barley to other farmers, and have had no complaints as to its quality for seed. I know defendant’s farm. It is light land. By Mr. Purnell—l ordered the barley from Mr. Marcroft to bo of the same quality as I had had from him previously. 1 did not see it when it came up. Mr. Field complained of the quality, and I made a reduction of 3d. per bushel. He told mo it was for seed. William M-ircroft, farmer, Temuka, de poned—l sold nearly all my barley last year through Mr. Jameson. It all grew in one paddock, and was of similar quality. I sowed some last year, and have harvested it, and it is a good crop. By Mr. Parnell—l did not see the bar ley packed, but it must have been the same, as there was none other to pack. There was no smut in it. It may have been discolored. John Carter, farmer, Tiuwald, deponed to having bought two lots of barley from Jameson last year. It was sold as Mar croft’s. The result of the crop grown from it has been very good. Other evidence was taken to prove that seed barley bought from Jameson Bros, had resulted satisfactorily. For the defence, Mr. Purnell called E. A. Field, farmer, fieafield—l went to Mr. Jameson to buy some seed barley, and he showed me a sample which I produce. I gave him an order for enough to sow 175 acres. The price was to be 4s. (3d. per bushel. It was brought to my place and there was a very large quantity of smut in it. I pickled it. The first bags I opened did not appear to have been heated. Some of it opened after wards was so heated that it was growing. The barley was sown, and the crop is not worth catting, and it cannot now arrive at maturity, as there is not enough strength in the grain. It is only a foot high, and I could not reap it. The land was specially prepared for barley and is of good quality. On the adjoining land a 30 bushel crop has been cut this year. By Mr. Scott— l have never grown barley before. I do not call myself a skilled farmer. I can hardly describe what smut is. The description was black smut in the barley. When it came to the mill 1 requested Mr. Saunders to pickle it, but I took it away. It was pickled by a skilled farmer. I should imagine the whole of the grain had sprouted more or less. Some of the sacks had been wet and the grain on the wet side had grown. One of the sacks burst, being so rotten. Osborne’s crop of 25 bushels to the acre, was sown some time before mine, but Hardwick’s, which gave a yield of 35 bushels, was sown at the same time.

By the Court—l think the grain must have got heated in the stack and caused the rotting of the sacks. Mr. Marcroft recalled : The barley was dry when thrashed, and had not sprouted. There are two kinds of smut in barley— one known as black ears, which turns to a kind of dust, is broken in the threshing, and usually discolors the grain ; the other attacks the grain and damages the quality. Alfi ed Saunders, sworn —I received in structions from Mr. Jameson on the Bth or 9th October to taka delivery of some barley for Mr. Field. It came in a truck on the 10th. Mr. Field's men came for it on the 12th, and I detected it to be smutty by the smell. It seemed as if it had been on a damp floor, or on the ground.

By Mr. Scott —I examined the barley on the truck. The roots of .the barley wore growing through some of the sacks. I examined most of the sacks with a sampler, and it was all smutty, and five or six bags were badly grown. The barley would be no use for malting. Smutty seed will produce smutty barley. Arthur Smith, clerk,, sworn—l saw some of the barley on Field's farm, and some was pretty good and some was matted together. 1 have seen the crop. It is quite a failure. By Mr. Scott—What was matted was shot out ready for pickling. John Hardwick, a farmer of 40 years’ experience, deposed to having sowed the barley in question. It had been hosted in the stack, or in the sacks. I used last year three times as much bluestone on my seed as Mr. Field did, and I have got 28 bushels to the acre. The laud was pro perly worked for barley, and ought tq have given a good crop. The crop would nqt pay to cut, By Mr. Scott—l sowed lh bushels to the acre on about IQ3 acres'. The sacks had been wet, and got dry again. I kqow the farm for three years. Last year it had wheat on, and the year before tusgockg. I don’t call them grass, I know hoiy much bluestone he put in the barley, be cause he got it from me. He put in li ounces, and I put four ounces to the

bushel. Both lots wore sowed in October. I consider it a good time. Isaac Osborne gave evidence as to the rotten state of the sacks and the grown apnearanco of the barley, and the pre sence of amat in it. J '. After Counsel had addressed the Bench, His Worship said the evidence was very contradictory. The plaintiffs witnesses swore unanimously to the good condition of the barley. The defendant’s witnesses wore equally unanimous as to the fact that the seed had germinated, and that the young roots were protruding through the ba"s.° Seed once germinated will rot ger minate again, and it was how far the defendant had himself to the damage by sowing seed palpably bad. The seed sown in a bad state had been pointed out to de fendant by the man bo had employed, but it was nevertheless sown, and there were sufficient opportunities given to-defendant to decline the barley if. ho had so wished. But he had not taken these opportunities, and could not now come into Court to repudi ate the bargain. The judgment would therefore he for the plaintiff with costs of Court and witnesscss. A COSTLY 3s. Longheach Road District v. White. Claim 35., for rates. Mr. Purnell for plaintiff, Mr. Harris for defendfmt, who claimed a nonsuit on the the plaintiffs were wrongly described.' Mr. Purnell applied to have the name altered to the “ Road Board of the Long heach District,” which his Worship granted and the transposition made all the difference. W. J. Cuthbert, Collector for the dis trict proved the non-payment of the rates and produced the roll book as evidence. Mr. Harris contended it was necessary to produce the valuation roll. Mr, Purnell quoted clause 44 of the Rating Act to prove that the rate book was sufficient evidence. The Magistrate Slid that all that was necessary for the collector to prove was that the rate list had been duly signed by throe members of the Board. This was done, and Mr. Harris then took objection to the name on the roll as being “ White W.and that was not a sufficient description as “W.” was not a name in the meaning of the Act; further the occupation column was not filled in. Mr. Cuthbert said he could not swear the “ White ” in Court was the identical man mentioned in the rate list. He had posted the usual notice on Nov. 14. Mr. Purnell said he could easily 7 prove the identity of the person mentioned in the list with defendant, and would ask leave to put Mr. White in the witness box. . William Winsbury White, sworn —l am not, nor ever was owner or occupier of section 12 Tiuwald.

By Mr. Purnell—l received a notice from the Longheach Road Board, but don’t know what it was for. I have never held any property there. Plaintiffs were nonsuited with costs. Harris and Ireland v. Baker and Brown. —Adjourned till Friday. The Court then adjourned. Wednesday, Feb. 25. (Before C. Percy Cox, Esq., and Dr. Trevor, JJ. P.) rL VOINO AN OBira'JGTION ON THE BMLWAY. Henry Mason and William Palmer, two boy's about 14 years of age, were charged with having placed pieces of wood across the rails on the Rakaia-Methven railway. Frederick Back, manager of railways, Christchurch, deponed. Shortly afterll a.m., yesterday, I was on an engine travelling from Rakaia to Methven, and a short distance from Rakaia I and others on the engine noticed an obstruction on the rails, and I removed from them two pieces of manuka wood. Tiie two pieces produced are exactly 7 like those jl picked off the rails. There was -Jr gap in the fence near the spot, and a wliare close by, and we found the two lads now in Court in the bunks. I charged them with having placed the wood on the rails, and they ad mitted having done so, and promised if I let them off they would never do it again. I informed the constable who was in the train, and he arrested them. There was a carriage and truck attached to the engine with about 20 passengers in them. The obstruction was sufficient to have thrown the engine off the line. There has been traffic on the line, but it will not be for mally opened till to-morrow. The wood could not liave been accidentally placed in the position we found it, as it was laid straight across the rails. Ltbok the two pieces into the hut and lefWlievn there. John Dickenson, locomotive foreman, Christchurch, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness, and further stated that he had seen some boys running , to wards two huts when about half a mile from the spot on which the obstructions weie placed. Mr. Back and himself got off the engine and found the pieces of wood produced carefully placed on the rails. The timber would have passed under the cow-catcher, and if it did not throw the engine off, would have probably broken a spring. Went in the hut and found the two boys now in Court hid away, and they said they would never “ do it again.” William Jclfs, fireman, sworn —When the train was about half a mile from where the obstructions were found, I saw two boys run out of the whare, stoop down, and then run back again, and as the train approached I saw two pieces of wood on the rails.

Peregrine Robert Deardon, farmer, sworn—The prisoner Palmer is in my employ as cook, and Mason is employed by some contractors engaged by mo. One of the pieces of timber I recognise as a peg 1 had been using in chaining. Wm. Rouse, constable, deponed to having arrested the prisoners in one of the huts. The boy Palmer showed me a piece of wood which he said they had placed on the line, and said they thought it was only a truck coming. I took the long piece of wood with me. The train went on to Methven, and on our return wo picked up the other. When I was locking the prisoners up, I aimer said that each had placed one piece of wood on the rails. This closed the case.

Mr. Dearden said, in defence, that the line was not open for traffic as yet, and that his men had been in the habit of stopping the trollies to get a ride to Rakaia. He would ask the Bench to deal summarily with the case. The Bench said the offence was a very serious one, and they could not deal with , it that way. They decided to send*the case to a higher court, and committed the boys for filial, bail being allowed,; each prisoner to find two sureties at LSO each. The Court then adjourned. 1

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

LOCAL FLOUR.

To the Editor. Sir, — Seeing you have been around the farmers of this district and report on their crop and yieldings, you would also like, to know what this year’s wheat turns out, and I think it will be a great benefit to the merchants and exporters this season. 1 have been favored by Mr. Moffat to try his flour, grown in the Wakanui district, and sho\yed 3’ou a sample of bread on which you reported in your v»,lpablp paper. I now send you a sample dTfyead frpin Sapnders Brpg.’, who senPnfhp a sample qf their flour tp try it, and I find it equal to Adelaide fluuy—equal to either Tnfiield or 'Hart’s, wlpcjy app supposed, tp be the best brands of Adelaide. 'On Mon r day last J made a sack qf flpur 2001bs. in weight into bread, of Mr, Moffats’g. which produced (by scaling off dibs, dozs.) seventyrfour 4lb loaves, which is equal tp

a luuu.



NOTICE. r E have to request a prompt settle ment of a Large number of over due .and long standing accounts, otherwise legal proceedings will bo taken to recover same. WEEKS & DIXON. “ Herald and Guardian ” office, Feb. 10th, 1880. WHEAT FREIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. |PHE undersigned, having completed their charters for the ensuing grain season, will regularly despatch first class irom ships to various ports in the United Kingdom. as es Several other equally high class iron vessels are also chartered, and will follow. For freight, apply to P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. ; Or to ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 4880'“' Christchurch. ENGLISH WHEAT SHIPMENTS. THE Undersigned are prepared to ship wheat to London or any other Port in the United Kingdom fov fanners or others, making liberal CASH ADVANCES against same on favorable terms. Farmers placing their Wheat in our hands for shipment can rely upon the ENGLISH CHARGES being REDUCED to a minimum, and upon receiving PROMPT ACCOUNT SALES. Intending shippers wishing to avail themselves of the present opportunity of testing the London and other English wheat markets, arc recommended to make IMMEDIATE APPLICATION for space. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 489g* Christchurch. MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, Ac., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tiuwald. Next sale at TIN WALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, March 2nd, 1830. C. PERCY COX, 4270* Agent, Ashburton. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, TXAVE opened those premises situated |~| in Tailored street adjoining Messrs Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., Ac., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead's experience as Head Cotter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended ins efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TA NC RED ST REE T, (Next Orr and Cj. 's.) CRAIGHEAD A CO. 982 a 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 1/-. 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 bo 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 KNOWN—That we are now Selling 250 Cream Laid Commercial Envelopes for 25., cash ; 500 ditto, 3s. Cd. cash ; and 1000 ditto, Gs. Gd., for prompt cash only. Weeks & Dixon.