SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. Fob Wellington —Wanaka, This Day, Saturday, Feb. 21. Passengers by 7.20 p.m. train. To be followed by Taiaroa, on Tues day, Feb. 24th. Fob Napiee, Gxsbokne, Tauranga and Auckland —Wanaka, This Day, Sa turday, Feb. 21st. Passengers by 7.20 p.m. train. To be followed by Tararua, on Thurs day, Feb. 26. . Fob Poet Chalmebs Hawoa, Tins Day, Saturday, February 21. Pas sengers by 12.10 p.m. train. To be followed by Rotomahana, Tues day, 24th February. Fob Melbouene, via Bluff —Roto- mahana, on Tuesday, February 24th. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Te Anau, Tuesday, 2nd March. Foe Sydney —Tararua, on Thursday, Feb. 26. Fob Hobabt Town —Te Anau, Tues day, March 2. Fob Picton, Nelson, Takanaki, and Manukau Taiaroa, on Tuesday, Feb. 26th.

COMMERCIAL.

[by telegbaph.] Auckland, Feb. 20. G. W. Binney quotes Adelaide flour, L 14105.; Canterbury, Ll2 to Ll2 10s.; oatmeal, Ll 4 10s.; pearl barley, 235. to 245.; oats, Is. 7d. to Is. 9d.; Fiji maize, 2s. 6d; pollard, L 5 to L 5 10s.; local cheese, 4d. to 6d.; butter, salt, 4d. to 6d.; Canterbury, Bd.; potatoes, L3los; onions, fd. Sale dull in above lines. Market for grass seed glutted, no sale.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

ATaila close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at i 0.20 i a.m. 4-3° P. nl -> an( l 8 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. , For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmasterj

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. This Day. By Mr. Alfred Harrison, at liis Rooms, at at 11 o’clock.—Furniture, &c.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion must be written egibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given, the advertise ment will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Advertisements received after 10 o'clock each evening will be placed over the leader heading and charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to bo addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1880.

Our morning contemporary essays in its issue of Thursday last to review “Farmers and prices of wheat,” and although our attention has only just been directed to the article, we cannot allow this opportunity to pass without pointing out a few of the more prominent inaccu racies it contains. In the first place, we think it a little premature to congratulate ourselves upon an “ abundant yield of well fed grain harvested in splendid condition,” but we sincerely hope it may soon be our gratifying office to confirm the assumption of our contemporary. We pass over the remarks which treat of the rise on freights ; suffice it to say that the ad vance is an accomplished fact, and if the demand for tonnage reaches present anticipations, there is little doubt the higher rates will be maintained. Our con temporary, with some minuteness, fur nishes the cost of sending a bushel of wheat from Lyttelton to London, and summarises the whole as follows :

s. d. Baying price ... ... ... 3 9 Freight and charges ... ... 2 3 Loss on bags ... ... ... o 3 Loss on difference in bushels... o 3 Insurance against damage ... o 3 Total ... ... 6 9 The item 11 freight and charges ” is about the mark, 2s. 2i-d being the correct amount, assuming the freight to be the current one—viz., 50s. per ton. We fail to comprehend how the loss on bags can possibly reach 3d. per bushel, as the original cost of full sized bags is only 9d. each, and if they were totally lost it would only be a matter of 2|d. per bushel ; but as a matter of fact they readily realise 4d. in the London Corn Exchange, and the loss from this source cannot exceed l£d. per bushel. In calculating the “ loss on difference in bushels,” it is obviously incorrect to value the 21bs. difference between the English and colonial bushel at an extreme price such as 7s. 6d. must be regarded. We should take the cost of the 21bs. up to this time— i.e., ss. 11-id. per bushel, or say 2jd. for the 21bs. The sum for “ insurance against damage ” also appears a little excessive. Last season 2i per cent, would have been an ample allowance for damage, and this would only amount to l|d. per bushel. Summarising our figures, we have : s. d. Buying price ... 3 9 Freight and charges ... ... 2 2, l /z Loss on bags ... ... ... o 2t( Loss on diffeience in bushels o 2j/ Insurance against damage ... o 1% Total ... ... ... 6 4% This shows our contemporary’s estimate of net cost at 6s. 9d., and our cwn at 6s. 4}d. —a very appreciable difference ; but the former by an ingenious application of the laws of compensation, considerably adjusts mat ters, by assuming that 565. per English quarter represents 7s. per colonial bushel. Our contemporary concludes its figures by affirming that a bushel of wheat, costing 6s. 9d. (per bushel of 601b5.) in London, will show a clear profit of 3d. if sold at the rate of 565. per quarter. The difference in measurements, which was so liberally allowed for on the other side, is here ignored, and a profit shown which would really not exist —565. per English quarter being only equal to 6s. 9jfd. per bushel of 601bs. So that our contemporary's esti mate actually shows a margin on wheat purchased in Lyttelton at 3s. 9d. per bushel, of only £d., and our estimate sd. —little enough in either case, but we will return to the discussion of this interest ing matter in a later article.

A Gleam of Sunshine. —Our tele grams to-day announce a rise in wool of ten per cent. This means an extra L250,0G0 at least on the New Zealand wool crop. Moors’s Lyrics. Professor Hughes announces that he will, on Tuesday next, lecture upon the subject of Thomas Moore, the poet “par excellence” of the Green Island, and the entertainment will be varied by the introduction of instru mental music suitable to the occasion. Sunday School Treat. —One of those enjoyable meetings which are always looked forward to and welcomed by the youngsters was held to-day, when some two hundred of the Episcopalian Sunday School pupils enjoyed their annual treat. Service was held in the church by Mr. Ward at 11 a.m., and the children, with banners flying, marched to Hay Smith’s paddock, where, under Mr. 0. E. Eooks’ and the teachers’ superintendence, they went through a programme which seemed to delight all concerned. A tea meeting is to be held this evening in one of the mill buildings kindly lent for the oc casion by Messrs. Saunders’ Bros. A Religious Revival in Norfolk Island.— lntelligence received from Nor folk Island is to the effect that the Island is at present passing through a phase of religious mania, unparalleled in the his tory of the country. Crowded meetings are nightly held, and an extraordinary change is working amongst the people. The Irish Relief Fund. —At Timaru a meeting called to further the Irish relief fund was not well attended on Thursday, but a committee was appointed to canvass for subscriptions. The Timaru Catholics have raised LBO, those at Temuka, Ll3O, and at Waimate L 325. A Slight Difference.— “ Chispa,” the ancient popular correspondent of the “ Herald,” offered a prize for the best ex ponent of a small sum in arithmetic in last night’s issue, but as a vei-y grave error was patent in it, we waited upon him, and discovered that whatwas intendedfor '32lb. was printed 321bs. So that the following will be the correct calculation for the lads to work out :—“Messrs. Friedlander Bros, have sold during the present har vest 52 tons of wire for the reaping and binding machines. The wire is No. 20 gauge, and weighs -321 b. per 100 ft. What number of miles is the 52 tons ; and if it takes 4jibs, of wire to tie an acre of crop, how many acres have been tied ?” Now the sporting editor of the “ Guar dian” has also been fired with the ambi tion to have another mystery solved, and offers a prize of a fat goose to the sub scriber who can give an answer to the fol lowing question : —lf the Borough Coun cil strikes a shilling rate, how long will it be before they can prevent the footpath from being made a lumber yard, on which to stack packing cases and empty casks ?

County Council Election. —Mr. T. Bullock was yesterday returned, unop posed, as member for the Upper Ash burton Riding in the seat formerly occu pied by the late C. Reed, Escp Temperance Lecture. —Dr. Rosehy, one of the ablest champions of the tem perance cause in New Zealand, will de liver a free lecture in the Town Hall on Monday evening, the 23rd inst. Pre vious to the lecture the Good Templai’s will walk in procession from the lodge room to the Hall. Cricket. —A match has been arranged between the Ashburton and the Timaru clubs for Thursday the 26th Feb. The Ashburton team will comprise Messrs. Denshire, Westenra, Saunders (S.) Field, Andrews (G.), Grant, Anderson, Hodder, Buchanan (T.), Ashwood, Fooks (A.). Emergencies—Moriarty and A. Andrews. Umpire—Mr. Whitley ; scorer —Mr. Poyntz. The Timaru team are a stiff lot to beat, and our players had better take advantage of the practice that will be held every evening till the event. Pastor Chiniquy at Timaru. —At the close ofPastorJChiniquy's lecture on Thurs day at Timaru, Mr. Granger, one of the Committee, stated that owing to certain expressions used by Pastor Chiniquy he would sever his connection with the Com mittee, as he considered he was not furthering the interests of Protestantism by his language. Crown Lands Guide No. I.—A pam phlet- having this title and published by the authority of the Honorable the Minis ter of Laiuls is before us. We cannot ex plain the intentions of this publication better than in the opening paragraph of its preface, viz :—“ The object of this pub lication is to afford, more especially to per sons who may have recently arrived in New Zealand, and to others who may be ignorant of the land system of the colony, such general information as to the charac ter and localities of Crown lands, and the terms and conditions on which they may bo obtained as will enable those in quest of land to set about its selection without much trouble.” A useful map accom panies the pamphlet which can be seen on application at our office. Thursday’s Land Sale. —At the sale of sections on Thursday the whole 87 were disposed of, realising ajtotal sum of LlOOl. Wc may mention that Mr. Bullock, who was the auctioneer, sold on behalf of Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry. We mention this all the move readily that a rumor—which we are authorised to emphatically contradict—was in cir culation yesterday, to the effect that the firm of Edmiston Bros, and Gundry had retired from business, and that Mr. Bullock was again to assume proprietor ship of the auction mart. The firm have not oven the most remote intention of relinquishing business. We suppose the rumor has gained currency from the fact that one of the brothers Edmiston is in weak health in the North Island, while the other is ill in Christchurch. Threshing.— Harvesting in many dis tricts is now approaching completion, and the threshing machines will shortly make their all-important revelations. In fact, we have already returns of oats and bar ley from the Ashburton-Rakaia Plains, the yield of each cereal generally exceed ing 30 bushels an acre. Mr. J. E. Gal lotly, of Kyle, is now threshing wheat, and our correspondent was informed on the ground yesterday that the average turn out would exceed 25 bushels per acre, some of the better crop reaching 30 bushels. We have a sample from this farm before us, and it appears to be a nice marketable wheat. We shall watch the yields with much interest, and endeavor to furnish our readers with reliable particu lars as they come to hand, but we fear it will not be our pleasurable duty to chro nicle in many cases so satisfactory a result as that attained by Mr. Galletly. How ever, we think all the Plain crops un affected by rust will compare favorably with the one under notice. A Wonderful Stroke of Business. — A gentleman in Auckland (says the local “ Herald ”) lias received a letter from a relative in England giving an account of a clever and daring business stroke. The writer, who dates from Liverpool, says : “ We have had great excitement in the cotton market. A German Jew, called Ranger, bought, some months ago, all the cotton in the United States that was likely to reach this port in October. He then went about in Liverpool, buying all the cotton to arrive from the local brokers. They sell cotton that has no existence, if they think it a good speculation, trusting to buy in a lower market, and so hundreds and thousands of bales are sold daily that have no existence. Mr. Ranger bought from all who would sell, with the promise that the delivery would take place in October. When October came, and the cargoes began to arrive from America, the brokers found that they could not make purchases, that the cargoes were disposed of, and were not for sale. Mr. Ranger then called upon the brokers to fulfil their con tract to him, failing which, he would execute the penalty for non-delivery. They found that no one had cotton except Mr. Ranger, and they were obliged to go to him to buy in order to sell to him again. The delivery under these contracts was to take place before noon on Oct. 31. During the last days in October the ex citement was terrific, and the Exchange on the last day of the month was a little Babel itself. A place about the size of the Albert Bar rack square was filled with a clamorous excited multitude, shouting and hollowing at the top of their voices, just like the m ib on Derby Day, when the horses are first seen rounding Tattenlxanx cor ner. In all this whirlpool of excite ment Mr. Ranger was a calm as Jupiter. He clears L 150,000. He is a short, thickset man, with a firm determined chin, not a happy face. He has the telegraph wire alongside his bod, from which he can send messages and news all over the world.” Effect or Music on Animals. —It is certain that the songs of birds, as well as most other forms of musical sounds, have as their express object the charming of female ears. It is fairly certain, too, that the presence of a quasi-melodic element in many of the animal cries, e.g., the neigh ing of tiie horse, is to be accounted for by its being pleasurable to the ears of the particular animal’s companions. One may even suppose that in many sounds, as the crowing of the cock, the individual that utters the music enjoys the result of its own performances. The question naturally arises whether sensibility to the pleasurable character of musical sounds is not much more widely diffused among animals than would appear from the quantity of music which they produce. The fact that birds, when confined, are excited and stimulated to song by the sound of other birds or ether musical sounds, set ms to point to tho presence of a wide and catholic musical sensibility. The many stories of the wonderful effects of music in taming wild animals, if there is any truth in them, would appear to show that species which are incapable of uttering anything like musical sounds are endowed with the correspond ing musical sensibility. It is a well-attested fact, we believe, that the dolphin follows a ship in which music is performed. Brchm says that the horse is delighted with the note of the trumpet; and, ac cording to the same authority, even the dog, which is apparently tormented by the notes of a soprano voice, remains undis turbed by those of a bass voice.—“ An imal music,” in the “ Oornhill Magazine.”

Presentation. —lt is always gratifying tohearof kindly feeling subsisting between employers and employed, and we have therefore great pleasure in taking note of the fact that yesterday the assistants and others in the employ of T R. Hodder and Company presented the head of the firm, Mr. Hodder, senior, with five very hand some volumes, in token of their apprecia tion of his kindness and considerateness towards them. Mr Hodder, on receipt of the testimonial, expressed the pleasure such a mark of his employees’ good will gave him. It was doubly gratifying to him, inasmuch as it was the first instance in his 35 years’ business career, in which he had met with employees who chose such a tangible an unexpected mode of expressing their appreciation of the con sideration he has invariably shown to wards those employed by him. The oc casion of Mr. Hodder’s 53rd birthday was taken advantage of as an appropriate time for making the presentation. The Reason Why.— lt will be seen by a report in another column that the valua latiori list for the Mount Hutt riding was passed without any objectors appearing. As very prominent objections to tlxe rolls prepared for other ridings are sent in, we have endeavored to discover why the Mount Hutt roll should pass so easily, and the solution of the mystery is palp able. The Mount Hutt riding, and its parent the South Rakaia Road Board, do not, and have not as yet struck a rate, consequently nobody has anything to pay ; and there is not the slightest need for the appearance of the valuation list, the judge, the valuator, or the ratepayers. We imagine some landowners will be rather astonished at the valuation, if the Mount Hutt Board strikes a rate this year. The Wool Sales. —The following tele gram to the New Zealand Loan and Mer cantile Agency Company, Limited, was sent to us from Wellington, per our special wire last night. The same tele gram appears in the Christchurch evening papers : —London, 18th February, 1880 : —Wool : The sales opened with spirit on the 17 th inst., at an average advance of Id to F|d. on last sale prices. Up to date 199,000 bales have arrived ; 25,000 bales are admissible to the series ; 32,000 bales have been sent to the manufacturing dis tricts direct. The opening catalogue con tained 7000 bales. Competition by both Home and foreign buyers is active. Tho following advances on hist sale prices are exhibited : —Superior greasy, Id. to lid. ; combing washed, 2d. ; scoured, 2d. ; clothing washed, Id. ; crossbred clothing washed, 2d. Lambs’ market unchanged. A Big Difference. —At the last meet ing of the Mount Somers Road Board the tender of Mr. Wm, Howson, con tractor, was accepted at L 378 for addi tions to the Board’s office and cottage. He failed to take up the contract, and the next lowest, Messrs. Nelson and Coutts, at L4BO, was then accepted. The latter firm are now busily engaged with some 12 carpenters in the erection of the Dromore goods shed. Murderous Horses. —A most extra ordinary occurrence took place at Wake field two or three days ago, in which three ordinarily quiet horses exhibited disposi tions which are fortunately very seldom met with in domestic animals It appears that a lady, who until recently has resided in town, went on a visit to her father’s homo at Wakefield, taking with her a goat which was placed in a paddock by itself. The other day, however, the goat broke out of its paddock, and got into another, in which three horses were grazing. Now as a rule horses and goats feed together on the best of terms, but in this instance the horses, apparently with malice afore thought, went for that goat, and the three beasts caught the goat by their teeth, and literally tore the poor brute asunder. Their shrieks, our informant could call the noise they made by no other name, were audible half a mile away, and these attracting the attention of the lady re ferred to, she was about to go to the rescue of the goat, but she had to run for her own safety. It was found impossible to drive the horses from their victim, which they crushed beyond all recognition, for having torn the brute in pieces, they stamped the remains into the ground, even its bones being broken into small frag ments, and these driven into the soil. Such a case as the above we never before heard of, and it seems almost incredible that three animals should have arranged to carry out such a horrible action ; but, nevertheless, the truth of the story we are assured of.—“ Nelson Colonist. ” Jacob’s Ladder. —A clergyman of Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, was lately ex amining the parish school. In the course of examination, the Bible class was brought forward. After many questions had been asked and answered, greatly to the satis faction of the minister, he proposed that any boy might ask him a question, as he might then have an idea what par ticular information they wanted. A pause ensued. At last a bright-looking boy said, “ Sir, I would like to ask one.” “Well, my little man,” asked the minister, “ what is the question you are to ask?” “Sir,” said the boy, “ what was the use of Jabob’s Ladder when the angels had wings ? ” Tho minister felt taken aback, took out his snuff-box, and looked at the boy. “I think, my little man, that is the very question I should have asked at the class, and I will give sixpence to any boy in the class who will answer it. ” After a some what long pause one little fellow, third from the bottom, held out his hand. “ Well,” said the minster, “ can you answer that question?” “Yes six - .” “Well,” what was the use of the ladder when the angels had wings ? ” “ Oh, sir, the angels were poukin’ (moulting) and conldna flee.” The minister is taking an interest in that boy.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. (Reuter's Telegram.} London, Fob. 16. Sailed—Steamship Chimborazo, from Plymouth. A small portion of her cargo, which was damaged by the recent acci dent, had to be left behind. February 17. Three per cent, consols, 98. The new series of the colonial wool auctions opened to-day. 8000 bales were catalogued for the opening sales. There was a fix-m and active demand, and Aus tralian wools at the close of tho day showed an advance of 10 per cent, com pared with last auctions. There was a large attendance of Home and foreign buyers. London, Fob 18. Three per cent Consols remain un changed at 98. 5 per cent. New Zealand 10-40 loan has advanced 1 per cent., and is to-day quoted at 1044. Adelaide wheat per 4961b5, ex ware house, further advanced Is., to-day’s quotations being 595. Adelaide flour un changed. Market for Australian tallow unchanged at last quotations, viz., best beef, 365. ; best mutton, 38s. Cd. per cwt. St. Petersburg, Feb. 17, evening. Intense excitement has been occasioned in this city in consequence of a renewed attempt to destroy the Czar and the entire Imperial family. From the particulars which have at present transpired, it ap pears that about the time at which the guests invited to a grand dinner at the Winter Palace were assembled to dine, a mine fired by electricity was suddenly exploded under the guard room, which is situated immediately beneath tho grand dining hall. A terrific ex plosion took place, causing a large rent in the flooring of the dining hall, where the Imperial family were supposed to be

congregated. Most providentially, how ever, they had not assembled, and all the members of the family consequently escaped. The guard room was, however, completely destroyed. Five of the guards were killed on the spot, and no less thin thirty othei’s less seriously wounded. Not the slightest doubt is entertained that a deliberate attempt was made to assassi nate the Czar and the Imperial family, and the act is believed to be connected with the plot to destroy the Palace, which was discovered some time ago. St. Petersburg, Feb. 18. On an examination being made at the Winter Palace it was discovered that a mine, consisting of dynamite and gun cot ton, liad been laid. The ti’ain was ti’aced from the inner court to the fuel cellar. The escape of those in the palace was most providential. {Age S/eaat.) London, Feb. 18. A Turkoman expedition under Abdul Oman is approaching Baikh without op position, occasioning great excitement amongst tho Gabulese. Tho “ Times’ ” statement that the Eng lish manufacturers are unwilling to exhibit at Melborne is contradicted. The Municipality of Paris voted 5000 francs to defray the cost of special collec tion of exhibits for Melbourne. The Chinese are being dismissed from the factories and railway works in Cali fornia, owing to popular pressure. The Turkoman chiefs have been ordered to levy 60,000 men for the purpose of of fensive operations against the Russians. The Khan of Merv has appealed to India and Pei’sia for artillery. By the explosion at St. Petersburg, 30 Imperial guards were wounded and 7 killed. AUSTRALIAN. [Renter's ) Melbourne, Feb. 19. A Mr. Black has announced his inten tion of offering himself as a candidate for Malden in the Government iutex-est in opposition to the Hon. James Service, the leader of the Opposition. Arrived —Arawata, s.s., fx’oixx New Zea land. At the trial of the Provincial and Suburban Bank Directors, a long opening speech was made on behalf of the prosecu tion. [S/teeial.) Sydney, Feb. 19. The Government have commissioned George Folingsby, a Melbourne artist, to paint a portrait of Sir Hercules Robinson. Five thousand bushels of New Zealand oats were sold by auction. Milling fetched 2s. 9d. ; feed, 2s. to 2s. 34d. Calcutta telegx - axxxs state that wool-packs are suffering and jute advancing rapidly. PEE OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTE RPRO YIN GIAL. Auckland, Feb. 20. The steaxner Rotomahana brought over from Syclxxey 632 bales of wool and 52 tons of zinc. These are for transhipment to New York by the barque Elmiranda, which is daily expected hei’e from Welling ton. At present tlxex’e is no vessel loading ixx Sydney for New York, axxd rates of freight are considerably higher in that port than here, so that in the present instance it will pay shippers to traxxship oxi to Auckland, as the Elmiranda is re ported to have been chartered oxx favor able terms. At the Waste Lands Board,’ the Chair man announced the I'eceipt of a letter from Mr. J. W. Treadwell, Seci’etary of the Working Men’s Association at Christ church, reciting the terms upon which they wished to take up lands near Hamil ton. One condition was that settlers with their families should be conveyed to the land free of cost, and that they should be provided with work for some time. Mr. Tonks observed that the writer had omitted a very essential condition—viz., that the settlers should bo provided wi'.h coxxxfortable Ixomes, and supplied with full rations for the first three years. Under terms like these he should like to settle down himself. Mr. Treadwell’s overtixres were not accepted. Capt. Colbeck addresses the Marsden electors next week. Mr. W. G. Hurst exhibits onions grown at his estate, Takapuna Lake, weiglxixxg 21bs. lOozs., and measuring 28J inches in circunxference. The smallest in the bed weighs over one pouxxd. Chemical maxxure was used, known as Hurst’s mixture. The City Council has 400 claims for compensation. Plans for new Bank premises for the New South Wales Bank have been com pleted. A large and substantial building will be erected in Queen street. The prejudice against the French Com munists is so great that the owxxei's refuse to let houses to them. The employers of labor also look with suspicion on them, and refuse to employ oven the political exiles. Rook, charged with the embezzlement of the Oddfellows funds has been re manded. Bail was accepted in L2OO. Simon, alias Joe, the Fijian clxai’ged with attempted rape on a child under five years, at Parnell, was remanded for a week. Napier, Feb. 19. Some natives on Harding’s station, Mount Yemen, have stopped men fencing under threats of violence. Major Scully and an interpreter have left for Mount Vernon. A survey party from the dis turbed Patca country have returned to town to-day, having been threatened by the natives. It is also reported, though tho report yet lacks confirmation, that men have been turned off Moorehouse station, Patea. Wellington, Feb. 20. A subscription is being raised to alleviate the distress at present prevailing in Wel lington. The following are tho members of the Royal Commission on railways Colonel I eax - ce, representing Wellington; J. M‘Cosh Clark, Auckland ; Oswald Curtis, Nelson; E. G. Wright. M. H. R., Canter bury ; Jno. Reid, of Ellerslie, Otago. A deputation, repi-esenting the unem ployed immigrants, waited on the Colonial Treasurer this morning, urging the neces sity of providing them with work, or with the means of getting out of the city and into the country. The number of unem ployed immigrants was stated to be 200. The Colonial Treasurer replied that Go vernment had given the matter vex - y serious consideration, and had come to tlxe conclusion that the best tiling to be done was to provide work for the unem ployed. With this view they had deter mined to proceed with the construction of a number of roads, and the contracts for formation of these roads would be let at suitable prices to those who were unem ployed at present. A deputation from tho unemployed waited on Government this morning, with reference to obtaining wosk. Tlxe Minis ter replied that Government intended opening several roads, which were to be let in small contracts, and would afford employment for a large number of men. Timaru, Feb. 20. A wet sou’-wester set in this evening. Father Chiniquy delivers his last lecture to-night. Tlxe Geraldine County Council resolved to make Timaru the county town instead of Temuka. Dunedin, Fob. 20. The “ Star” is authorised to state that the Union Company takes volunteers from any port to Nelson and back at single fares. The Kaitangata fund trustees distri buted during the year L 1464. There have

been four additional claimants on the fund : —four widows re-married. The “ Cam am Mail” states that .1. H. Pope, ex-master of the Girls High School has been eppointed Inspector of Native Schools for both islands. The Builders’ Association have fixed wages at—Bricklayers, plasterers, and masons, 12s. per day ; carpenters, 10s. ; laborers, Bs. The Carpenters Association declined to accept less than 12s. The meeting of ratepayers last night, to consider the excessive salaries paid by the Corporation to odicers, was adjourned, pending a report by the Council's com mittee on the same subject.

THE LATEST.

AUSTRALIAN. ( Renter's). Melbourne, Feb. 20. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly during last Parliament, loaves for England by the out going Suez mail steamer Assam. Lingard, the actor, has been served with a writ at the instance of J. 0. Williamson for L2OOO damages, in connection with the performance of “Pinafore” by the Lingard Troupe. Sydney, Feb. 20. Brandy—Hennessy’s case, 355. to 375. ; quarters, 11s. tkl. to 12s. ; kerosene, diamond, Is. 2d. ; Dcvoe’s, Is. 4d. to Is. 9|d. ; rice—Patna, L2O to L2l : New Zealand wheat, 4s. : New Zealand oats, 2s. Cd ; New South Wales maize, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d ; tobacco—Raven’s twist, Is. sd. ; Sugar Company’s No. 1 pieces, L4O; candles, Deßoubaix’s, 7d. to S£d. Adelaide, Feb. 20. Wheat is firm at 4s. 8d per bushel; flour, LlO 15s. to Lll.

ASSESSMENT COURTS.

MOUNT HUXT ROAD DISTRICT. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, Judge.) The Assessment Court for the above district was held at the Road Board office, Methvon, yesterday. Only one objection had been lodged, and the objector did not appear. The valuation list was then passed and signed by the Judge. WAKANUI ROAD DISTRICT. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, Judge.) The Wakanui Assessment Court was held in the Town Hall oil Thursday last, the only persons who attended being Mr. F. G. P. Leach, the Valuator, and Mr. C. C. Fooks, who appeared to oppose on behalf of the Road Board. Mr. Leach considered that as his con tract for the compilation of the rolls had been made with the County Council, the Court could not recognise any objections on the part of an inferior body. The Magistrate pointed out to Mr. Loach that under clause 14 of the Rating Act, the Road Board, by their Chairman or Clerk, could object to the roll, and that Mr. Fooks was the proper individual to oppose. Mr. Fooks then pointed out a number of errors in the roll, and Mr. Leach asked for permission to correct them. After discussion, the roll was ordered to be cor rected, and to be placed in the hands of the Board, and a copy of it lodged with the County Council by March 11th, to be then open for the inspection of the rate payers till March 25, and the Assessment Court to be held on April 3rd.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

■ i ASHBURTON— Thursday, Feb. 19. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) The Springfield Coal Co. v. W. H. Zouch.- —Examination, on the application of defendant, of defendant’s witnesses under “ The Resident Magistrate’s Evi dence Act, 1870.” Mr. Branson for the defendant. No appearance for plaintiffs. Joshua Tucker—l am agent for Messi’s. Montgomery and Co. at Ashburton. The firm of Montgomery and Co. have had dealings with the Springfield Coal Co. Limited, plaintiffs in this action.... Our firm have received coal from the plaintiffs It was consigned by them from the Shef field railway station in trucks to us. They have always charged us with five (5) tons in each truck. We have weighed trucks from time to time, but not every truck. Of the trucks which we have had only one was over the weight. The others were all under weight, from two to five hundred weight short. One that we received on the 28th Oct. was 14 cwt. short. There was particular care taken to ascertain ac curately the weight of this truck. The price we paid for this coal at the railway station at Sheflied was 18s. per ton. The freight from Sheffield to Ashburton was Bs. sd. per ton. Examination adjourned till 24th inst. Friday, Feb. 20. (Before Dr. Trevor, J.P.) CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. John Boulger was charged with cruelty to a horse. Win. Rouse, constable, stationed at Rakaia, sworn, said —From information I received I went to Mr. William Saunders’ farm at Rakaia on the 13th, and saw a horse which had been badly beaten about the head, apparently with a chain. The horse was bleeding from the head and nose, and the skin was torn off at the eye brows, I don’t think the horse could travel to here. By accused—l did not see you kick the horse, or strike it with a chain The mark on the back is not a saddle mark : it has been made by a chain, and is a re cent injury. R. Darrick, sworn—l live near Rakaia. I saw accused on the 10th inst. He came to my place for a machine. When he yoked his horses to a machine, one of them would not start, and he took it out of the harness and beat it with a plough chain. He then put it in the harness, and after it would not start the second time, he again took it out and beat it with the chain. He then put another horse in the machine, and allowed the beaten one to follow. By accused—l saw the mare on the following day, and saw marks about her eyes but none on her body. By the Bench—The eye-brows were very much knocked about and swollen. The mare was able to walk. Samuel Loy—Defendant came to take a reaper from me on the 10th, and one of the mares would not start. He flogged her with a plough chain twice. I again saw her on the 12th, and she was hanging her head down and looked bad. By the Bench —The mare was very badly treated. Accused did not strike her about the head when 1 saw £ him strike her. Accused said he had struck the mare a few times' with the chain. The mare was in good health and able to work. She got the injuries to her head by hitting it against the machine pole. The Magistrate said the horse had been treated in a brutal manner. Had it been proved that he had struck the mare about the head ho would have fined him veiy heavily. The penalty he was liable to was L2O, but as it was only proved he had struck it about the body he would give him the benefit of the doubt respecting this, and only fine him 40s. and costs, L2 4s. Cd.

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

❖ The annual meeting of the Caledonian Society was held at Quill’s Hotel last night. The attendance was limited. Mr. St. George Douglas occupied the chair. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. E. H. Harris, read the report, and on the motion of Mr. Wilkie, seconded by Mr. Parkin, the report was adopted. A vote of thanks

was accorded to Mr. Hay T. Smith for his kindness in giving the use of his paddock. The annual balance-sheet was then sub mitted to the meeting, showing a credit balance of L 8 13s. Gd.; liabilities amount ing to L 5 7s. 2d., due to Mi'. J. Y. Ward; and possible assets of LSO. The Secretary explained that considerable difficulty had been experienced in making up the balance-sheet by himself and the Trea surer, owing to the disinclination of some of the director's to give the necessary information to make up a proper statement. The balance-sheet had not been audited, and it was resolved that the Treasurer and Secretary should sign it, and their signatures should be considered a sufficient audit. Mr. Ward’s account for commission was reduced to L 3 18s. 2d. It was stated that funds were in the hands of some members of the Society who had been written to for a settlement, but had not responded to the calls made on them. The following officers were then re elected :—President —Mr. Mat. Stitt ; vice president, Dr. Stewart; treasurer, Mr. Thomas Quill: secretary, Mr. J. Mac Lean Dunn ; directors, Messrs. James Scott, Charles Reed, W. Anderson, Donald Maclean, Robert Mdiar, Duncan Cameron, Niel Maclean, Hay T. Smith, E. Saunders, T. Bullock, W. St. G. Douglas, and John Frazer. Auditors— Messi’s. Weeks and Wilkie. Mr. Weeks proposed a vote of thanks to the late secretary (Mr. Harris) for his past ser vices, which being seconded by Mr. C. Reed, was carried ; and a futher vote was recorded to the directors and other officers, a vote of thanks to the Chairman ter minated the proceedings.

LOAFERS.

The reaping machines have now got well into the marrow of the county’s crop of grain, and before next week is over the “maiden” will have been gathered in on every holding. All the threshers are af work, and every farmer and threshing machine owner has obtained his full com plement of men. Still, there are a large number of harvest workers still un employed who came to the district in the hope of obtaining work. This is not to be wondered at, seeing that the recent scarcity of employment has added greatly to the large gang that invariably makes for the country districts at the approach of harvest. The wages this year have not beau up to those of previous seasons, and some of the more independent of the men have not taken any engagement at all, while the farmers have been able to make a choice of the best bands amongst the largo number who rushed the district, and, as a result, those known to be in competent or inferior, have been left to fill the ranks of the unemployed. There are many industrious and respectable men, both amongst those who have not seen fit to take work, and those who have not been able to find it. There are also some incorrigible loafers who don’t want work, and usually do their very best to avoid taking it. These drones make their appearance here regularly every year, and go through the same pro gramme. Sometimes they vary the scene of their loafing, and spend a harvest season in some other grain grow ing district, but they never include a harvest’s work in the list of their doings. These characters usually hang about until the more industrious men come in from the farms with their cheques, and set about the inevitable “ knocking down ” course which too many of our laboring men, alas ! have not yet learned to avoid. When the men come in and indulge in their idea of a jollification—that is, a debauch of liquor—the .loafers commence their harvest, and the poor fellows, who have, worked hard for their cheques, find themselves very soon lighter by a large sum than when they came into town. The loafers and ne’er-do-wells are mostly well known to the police, and we would advise our officers to watch them. To use a Yankee phrase, Sergeant Pratt’s “ eye balls are pretty well skinned,” and if the hangers-on are not “ run in ” before they have time to do much mischief, and kept out of the possibility of coming down on the soft ones’ hard earned money until it has found its way to the fulfilment of its legitimate mission, it will be no fault of. the sergeant or bis constables.

STARTLING INVENTION.

$ Will wonders ever cease. Certain it is that marvels in scientific discovery are fol lowing one another in rapid succession. The most recent and the most wonderful appears simply incredible. A New York Cable Company has secured the exclusive right to the use of an electrical discovery wherewith at least 200, and as many as 2000 words a minute can be signalled through a submarine wire ! It is said that what could at the maxi mum speed to be sent through the conduct ing wire between London or Paris and New York would be equal to the number of words contained in one number of the “ Times ” or “New York Herald,” and it is also asserted that, by this process, an entire number of either of the above named journals could be despatched through the cable from New York to Lon don to Paris, or from London to New York, and be produced at those points in fac simile on a stereotyped block or plate, complete and ready to be printed from in thirty minutes and' at a trifling expense. Not only it is possible to do all this, we are assured, but furthermore secrecy and despatch may be obtained in this wise : The sender writes on a piece of prepared paper, places it in a box, a handle is turned, the message returns to the sender, and at the end of the wire a blank sheet is sent to the person addressed. When the paper is heated, the message appears on the blank sheet. To a Dublin gentleman, whose name is well-known in the scientific world—Mr. Thomas A. Dillon —belongs the credit of the invention, certain improved electric batteries controlled by the American Cable Company serving as the basis of the new discovery. AVith the combined use of these two inventions it is believed that the company will be enabled to reduce the tariff for cable messages between New York and the five 'different countries to he directly connected with its cables, to the extent of from three to five cents per word. AVe have the further statement, that the Anglo American Company offered to buy the invention for L 400,000, and that as that company lacked the proper electric instruments for giving effect to the new process, it would have been lost to the public world.—“ British and Colonial Re gister. ”

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

SUNDAY “CLOSING.”

To the Editor. Sir, —I must confess to feeling nearly crushed beneath the force of “ Anti- Humbug’s ” remarks in Thursday’s “ Guardian,” yet I fail to see ajwlogic therein. “Anti-Humbug” wouldTßyvia of the last, I presume, to argue Sr an entire absence of clothing on the ‘ •' hitman form divine,” yet the inference' to be drawn from what he writes would lead one to conclude that because it is custo mary to wear a certain amount of clothing for decency’s sake, it would be as well to have the whole body enveloped in a huge extinguisher. Whether the man who wishes to retain the privileges which are associated with the Christian Sabbath, or the man who would insert the thin end of the wedge to see a sort of French Sunday introduced, has the prior claim to a “big heart and sound sense,” I leave an intelli gent public to decide. —I am, &c., Zaccheus.

MR. ALFRED SAWDERS, M.H.R., ON DRUGS AND HYDROPATHY.

To thu Editor. Sir.— ln accordance with my promise, I now take up my pen to make a few observations on some circumstances and events connected with the illness and death of the late Mrs. Buchanan. The proceedings of that coroner’s inquest showed such an absurd veneration for the opinion of legally qualified medical prac titioners that I cannot hope to gain any attention to what I say in opposition to their practice until I have given your readers a few of the opinions of those who stand, or have stood, highest in the medical profession, as to the use of drugs. I had better begin with the highest authority, Sir Jno. Forbes. He says : ‘■'There is now no proof whatever that any remedy administered by the most ex perienced physician exercises the slightest influence over disease. In a large propor tion of the cases treated by allopathic (drug) physicians, the disease is cured by nature, and not by them. In a lesser, but still not a small proportion, the dis ease is cured by nature in spite of them— their interference opposing instead of assisting the cure. What, indeed, is the history of medicine, but a history of per petual changes in the opinions and prac tice of its professors respecting the very same subjects —changes often extreme and directly opposed to one another ? What differences of opinion—what an array of alleged facts directly at variance with each other—what contradictions—what opposite results of a like experience—what ups and downs—what glorification and degradation of the same remedy—what confidence now, what despair anon in encountering the same disease with the very same weapons —what horror and intolerance at one time of the very opinions and practices which, previously and subsequently, are cherished and admired.” Sir Thomas Watson, Bart., said to be the most eminent drug practitioner of the nineteenth century, has bled, blistered, purged, starved, stuffed, and stimulated for the same disease. He tells us in his “ Practice of Physic ” that he has bled patients for apoplexy to the extent of pro ducing hemeplegia, and that to cure hydrocephalus he bled children three months old freely, blistered them, and dosed with mercurial propartions, jalap, and scammony. But now he says, “To me it has been a life vaguely, how ignorantly, /lioWT*ashly, drugs have been prescribed. We try this, and, not succeeding, we try that, and baffled again we try something else; and it is fortunate if we do no haral in these our tryings. Our profession is continually floating on a sea of doubts about questions of the gravest importance. Of theraputics as a trustworthy science it is certain that we have as yet only the expectation. ” Dr. Fuller says, “At pre&int we are absolutely without data for the administra tion of medicine ; the profession possesses no authoritative record of a single thera peutic fact.” Dr. Bostock says, “ Every dose of medicine given is a blind experiment on the vitality of the patient.” Dr. Reid says “Less slaughter, I am convinced, has been effected by the sword than by the lancet. More infantile sub jects in this metropolis (London) are, perhaps, diurnally destroyed by the mortar and postal than in the ancient Bethlehem fell victims in one day to the Herodian massacre.” Dr. Forth says, “ There is scarcely a more dishonest trade imaginable than medicine in its present state. ” Dr. Prank says, “ Thousands are annually slaughtered in the quiet sick room. ” Dr. Ramage says, “ I fearlessly assert that in most cases the sufferer would be safer without a physician than with one.” Dr. John Johnson says, “ I declare as my conscientious' conviction, founded on long experience and reflection, that if there was not a single physician, surgeon, man-midwife, chemist, apothecary, drug gist, or drug on the face of the earth, there would be less sickness and less mortality than now prevail.” Dr. Mason Good says, “ Drugs have destroyed more lives than war, pestilence, and famine combined.” Dr. Bailie exclaimed on his death bed, “ I wish I could be sure that I have not killed more than I have cured. I have no faith in physic. ” How, sir, seeing that such are the opinions of themost able and honest of the “legally qualified medical practitioners” as to their own system of trying to cure disease by the administration of poisons ; and seeing, as I have done, thousands of persons relieved or cured, by what ap peared to me simple, natural, and safe processes, and having moreover seen scores of “ legally qualified medical prac titioners” come themselves to be cured by “the ignorant peasant Priessnitz” and the “ deluded woolen factor Smedley ” —I do honestly and sincerely believe that I committed no crime against society, and did nothing that should have subjected me or mine to persecution when I acted on my own strong convictions so far as to take my own dying daughter out of the hands that both she and I believed, to be causing her unnecessary suffering, and en suring her certain and early death. Hor shall T over think it was any crime to have relieved that distressing breath, and opened that closed skin, and put a stop to that destructive straining sickness, even though it was done too late to save her life. But the great “ legally qualified medical practitioners ” of Vienna, when they failed in their attempt to put down Priessnitz by their appeal to the Emperor on the ground that his numerous illegal cures were “ dangerous to religion and the mon archy,” used to get the peasants at Grafen berg to throw a few stones at his patients, —so that I have no right to be surprised that our little affairs in Ashburton should take the same turn. But I have nothing to say against the Ashburton doctors, how ever much I may condemn and their “ legal ” practice. TwooWltea• I only just know by sight, and one of them I know by experience to be a very px-ompt, skilful, judicious surgeon, and a very noble good hearted n»n. It is nothing new fqiTOie to be threatened with a verdict of manslaughter. My neigh bors both here and iiiJSelson can testify that I have taken many Bmgerous cases of fever, diphtheria, and other diseases out of the helpless hands of the legally qualified medical practitioners with the certainty that all their power of revenge would bo brought to bear upon my unfortunate head if they could ever see one of my cases terminate as their own so often do.

THE GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1880.



ASHBURTON RETAIL s. d. LIST. s . d. Butter, inferior to best 1? lb i O to - 0 6 Esks, t? dozen I A to 1 6 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb o 8 to I 0 Bacon, prime smoked, $ lb o IO to I 0 flams iu cloth, lb - I O to 1 4 Flour in baqs, 1? loolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 251b - 6 O to 0 0 Lard, # lb - - - 0 9 to 0 0



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Timvald. Next sale at TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, March. 2nd, 1880. 0. PERCY COX, 427G* Agent, Ashburton. BARLEY. BARLEY. THE UNDERSIGNED are PUR CHASERS of really choice bright MALTING BARLEY. Only extra fine samples are wanted. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 523g* Christchurch. WHEAT FREIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE undersigned, having completed their charters ' for the ensuing grain season, will regularly despatch first class iron ships to various ports in the United Kingdom. Several other equally high class iron vessels are also chartered, and will follow. For freight, apply to P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. ; Or to 488g* ROYSE, STEAD, & GO., Christchurch. ENGLISH WHEAT SHIPMENTS. TH E Undersigned are prepared to ship wheat to London or any other Port in the United Kingdom for farmers 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, are recommended to make IMMEDIATE APPLICATION for space. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 489g* Christchurch. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter 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 his efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cj.’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a



Drunk. —At the 11. M. Court on Thurs day morning <T. Clifford and J. M'Guire were each sent to gaol for 48 hours for drunkenness. v The Sun. According to Professor Dubois-Reymond, of the University of Berlin, there are no physical reasons for apprehending the dissolution of our plane tary system just yet, though how long this world may remain worth living in seems to have been left an open question. In a lecture which he gave last week at Bremen, “ On the end of the world,” the learned professor came to the conclusion that, according to the law of the conser vation of force, the sun can continue to shine only for 17,000,000 years longer. By the expiration of that time the surface of the earth will have been covered by glaciers.