SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER.

Foe Wellington —Waitaki, This Day, Tuesday, March 2. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train. To be followed by Arawata, on Thurs day, March 4. For Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland— Arawata, Thursday, March 4. Pas sengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Penguin, on Satur day, March 6. Foe Poet Chalmers— Te Anau, This Day, Tuesday, March 2. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Wellington, on Thurs day, March 4. Foe Melbourne, via Bluff —Te Anau, This Day, Tuesday, March 2. Pas sengers by 2.40 p.m. train. For Sydney— Wakatipu, March 5. Foe Hobart Town —Te Anau, This Day, Tuesday, March 2. For Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau— Waitaki, This Day, Tues day, March 2. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at tlie Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under:— Tuesday, March 2. For Wellington and northern Ports, per Waitaki, at 3 p.tn.; late fee letters till 3.15 p.m.; guard’s van, railway station, 3.55 p.m. train. Wednesday, March 3. For Australian colonies, per express train, at 7-30 a.m. (to connect with s.s. Te Anau at Port Chalmers). SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1880.

Fifteen years ago, or thereby, the rin derpest ravaged many counties in Great Britain, while nearly every one more or less suffered. In some indeed, the cattle plague was so rife and so virulent that it seemed as if another Egyptian murrain of beasts had fallen upon the land. Veteri nary surgeons were put upon their best mettle to cope with the inroads of the pest, which threw consternation amongst the Scotch farmers to such an extent that they and all living upon their homesteads almost wholly ceased to have communica tion with farms where the rinderpest existed, lest infection should be carried to their own cattle. Farmers, their families, and their laborers, who were unfortunate enough to’ own cattle or to attend cattle suffering from the plague, were avoided both at “kirk and market,” and many yeomen who valued their stock more than their salvation rigidly abstained from attending kirk at all, lest they should unwittingly make the kirk a means of in fection as well as a means of grace. For some time the rinderpest was bravely wrestled with, but it was not until the extreme measure was adopted of “stamping out” the disease by killing every animal attacked and burying the carcase deeply that the plague was stayed. The local authorities of Aberdeenshire, however, were the first to adopt this idea, and they adopted it at the first, before the disease had had time to take any hold upon their herds, and as a result of these prompt if severe precautions the cattle of Aberdeenshire were saved.

Pleuro-pneumonia never reached in the the old country the formidable dimensions that rinderpest did, and never was such a scourge upon the cattle-yards, but it lias done serious damage in its time notwith standing, and has caused incalculable mischief on many a farm. It is a foe the

farmer lias quite sufficient reason to dread, and it is not at ail matter for surprise that wo find the Auckland farmers rising up in rebellion against the importation of affected cattle from Australia. They are soliciting tiie Government to incur the cost of buying up all the cattle already imported from Australia, with the object of destroying the beasts, and at the same time putting a atop to the spread of disease. The action of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association shows that they .are fully alive to the danger that threatens, but at the same time ib seems to betoken a shortsiglu edness that ought not to characterise men who fear impend ing ruin. The Aberdonians saw the danger at once, and acted upon the first impulse for safety without appealing to Government at all. They raised money themselves, and indemnified the farmers who lost their cattle under the order of the local authority, and the money was well spent. Long ore the slow moving wheels of the government machin ery can be put in motion to run in the cattle already sold, and probably scattered over the Auckland district, an amount of mischief may be done that many thousands of pounds would not cover, while a hundred or two spent at the proper time would have stopped at once and for ever the further progress of the disease. The Government of New Zealand has under taken duties and assumed burdens and re sponsibilities just as foreign to its func tions as buying diseased cattle with a view to stamping out disease, and with a Ministry in power made up as is the present one, we need not be surprised to learn that they have consented to buy the cattle, * but we would have been far better satisfied of the patriotism of the Auckland farmers if they had at once set about taking steps themselves for providing funds to defray the cost of the cattle’s purchases. That pleuro-pneumonia is troubling the sister colonies to some extent is a fret there can be no doubt of, and it ought to be a warn ing to all stock owners to be on the out look. Doubtless an order in Council will be at once issued, closing New Zealand ports against the importation of cattle from any port of Australia, where the dis ease is known to exist. In another column we give some hints regarding plcuro and its treatment that may prove of value should occasion rise for their use.

The Cable. —Cable communication between England and New Zealand is in terrupted, the hitch being with the cable at Rangoon. The Weather. —Sou’-west rain sot in about 2 p.m. on Sunday and continued through the night. Yesterday was drizzly and warm, with the wind all round the compass, hut very light. The weather is close and muggy, and considerable care will have to he exercised by those having grain in stock or in the ground, other wise sprouting will very soon ensue should the temperature continue high, and wc fear many of the badly built, and im thatched stacks will have to be pulled down and fresh topped to save the grain from germinating.

The Cambridge School. —Owing to harvest operations the preliminary open ing of the Cambridge School has neces sarily been delayed till Monday, March Bth, when our young friends in that quarter of the district will have to exchange the stocking for the school book,

A Change fob the Better.— We are glad to observe that the large engineer’s and blacksmith’s shop opposite Messrs. On- and Go. ’s ; which has for some time been empty, except when made the habitat of the larrikin tribe, who periodic ally met there with the object of smashing every inch of glass in the establishment, is again opened by Messis. Robb and Burns, who intend carrying on the busi ness legitimately pertaining to the shop, and being men of the right stamp, we ex pect to see the furnaces constantly throw ing out their sparks.

Upper Ashburton Hoad Board. —A meeting of the ratepayers of this road dis trict took place on Saturday, 29th ultimo, for the purpose of electing a member to serve in the place of the late Mr. Charles Seed, Westorfield, which resulted in the election of Mr, Henry Poole, Hinds river. A Collier on the Rocks. —The barque Sophia Luhrs, coal laden, from Newcastle to Wellington, made too close an ac quaintance with the barrier of rocks off Wellington heads on Saturday last. She was got into port, and will have to be put on the slip for repairs. Mosley on the War-Path. The “Scarifier” of Pastor Chiniquy got a room to lecture in at Timaru on Saturday evening, and he got an audience of a sort —dead heads and empty benches. Thanksgiving Service.— On Sunday next a thanks-giving service for the abun dant harvest will be held at St. Stephen’s Church ; and the farmers’ gratitude for the blessings of the sea-son may bo suit ably shown by donations in the shape of produce; the proceeds of which will bo given to the Old Mens' Home. Vital Statistics. —The Registrar’s return of births, deaths, and marriages in Christchurch and district for the month of February is as follows : Births : city 45, district 104 ; marriages : city 30, district 10 ; deaths : city 50, dis trict 54. Mr. Parkerson appends the following note —“104 deaths in twenty eight days is the highest number of deaths registered in my district in any one month.” During February, 1879, the number of deaths was—city 49, district 42.

Important Sale. —Messrs. J. E. Bucha nan and Co. announce a sale at Mr. J. Ward’s farm, near Waterton, on Tuesday next, of stock, crops, plant, Ac. As Mr. Ward’s judgment in the selection of these articles is known to be second to none, wo expect to bear of high prices being rea lised. Maori Strength on the West Coast —ln consequence of a disqiuctning state ment made by a correspondent of the “ New Zealand Herald,” that the Maoris on the West Coast could raise 3000 fight ing men in 48 hours, Captain G. W. Wood, of the New Zealand Militia, has written to contradict the statement. He says that twenty years ago, when a combined move ment of the tribes was made against New Plymouth, the natives could only raise a total of 1210 men, and these comprised all who could carry a musket or raise a toma hawk. Ho feels sure that 5 ,; 0 men would bo an exceedingly difficult number to bring together. The Royal Commission on Native Af fairs.—We learn from Hawera that the Royal Commission lias finished its inquiry so far as concerns the country between the Patea and Kaupokonui Rivers. The Com mission left for New Plymouth on Satur day. A Lucky Lady, —Mrs. Fisher, who drew Foul Play in a sweep on the Wel lington Cup, drew the same horse in Stapleton’s sweep on the Dunedin Cup, thus winning LIOOO within a month.

Foul Drains. —Ashburton is not alone in its misery regarding foul drains, as witness the following from the “Press” regarding the Lyttelton drains : —The foul ness of the atmosphere arising from the sewers in Lyttelton was last Saturday un bearable. The weather was unusually hot, a circumstance which no doubt in creased the offeusiveness of the noxious exhalations from tfto drains, but in the ab sence, of periodical and effectual flushing of the sewers it would certainly seem to be the duty of the local authorities to have stench traps put in wherever the sewer is open to the streets. The imperative ne cessity there exists for some action in this direction, was strongly apparent to every person who traversed the streets much on Saturday'.

To Grain Growers. —Messrs. Miles, Hassal, and Co., who are so well known as large landed proprietors in this county arc open to buy or ship grain for farmers on liberal terms.

County Council Works. —The County Council are calling for three small, but> to the districts affected, important works* viz., two drains in the Longbcach district* and the approaches to the bridge over the north branch by Digby’a.

Important Land Sales. —Messrs. Sd mistion Bros, and Gun dry will hold an unusually important sale on Thursday, next, when among other properties to be submitted to auction, a store and dwell ing house, and several farms will he put up for competition, and the terms of sale are unusually reasonable. Wanganui Races. —The sporting men of Wanganui deserve support for the pluck they displayed in offering a LI,OOO prize to be run for. That their spirit lias bean appreciated is evident from the prices the privileges brought at auction, some of the minor ones having been sold for Loci' 1 , and the Committee were offered and refused LB4O for the remaining ones. A Brave Boy. —The following instance of pluck deserves to be recorded : —On Friday evening two boys, named Mathews and Oldham, while bathing in the Wai makariri, would have baen drowned but for tho plucky conduct of Herbert 11. Johnston, aged 13, son of the post master. Johnston, who was dressing, seeing the lads in trouble, made for Mathews, who was farthest out in the stream, and was sinking for the second time. Johnston dived and brought the drowningyouth by the hair to the surface. A young man named Hayman, attracted by Johnston’s calls, swam out for Oldham, hut after seizing him lost hold. Johnston then grasped him also, and held ban up till Hayman could relieve him. When brought to land Mathews and Oldham were quite exhausted, and it was some time before they recovered. But for Johnston’s action both would certainly have bceen drowned, and his pluck is well worthy of recognition. Police. —Mr. Sub-Inspector O’Donnell, lately in charge of tho Clyde district, takes charge of the Christchurch sub district in the lilacs of Mr. Inspector Hickson, removed to Clyde.

The Flower Show. —ln the interests of horticulture wo would remind our readers that the first show of the Ashburton Hor ticultural Society will take place at the Town Hall on Saturday next. Wo are requested to draw attention to the fact that entries must be made with tho hon. sccretai-y not later than noon on Wednes day, in order to ensure each exhibitor the requisite .amount of space. All who take an interest in this young society are par ticularly invited to send exhibits, either for competition, or for exhibition only-. Those for exhibition only are admitted free. All members’ exhibits are free, and non members will have to pay an enl ranee fee of one shilling for each exhibit. Wo are in hopes, even at this advanced period of tho season, to sea a goodly an ay of fruit and vegetables, but wc are afraid the weather lias militated somewhat against a successful show of flowers, and we must therefore look more for quantity than quality. Still, as everything must have a beginning, we sincerely hope that the coming show may ho a precursor of many, each, increasing in merit from its pre decessor.

Dreadful Accident.— On Saturday, whilst a knot of business men, farmers, and idlers were doing their lounge under Montgomery’s verandah an appalling crash was lieard overhead, then a shower of a dog and glass fell on the footpath. The dog had beer locked up in the “Times” office, and the window being open he took the nearest exit from his prison, and looked considerably amazed when he reached terra Anna. He sneaked off with a look of intense disgust at the outrage upon his feelings. In his fall ho luckily did not land on anybody’s head, had ho done so, lie would have given a shook to somebody’s hat or system, as he was of tolerably good proportions.

The Irish Relief Fund. —Dr. Lemon has received a cable message from Colonel Glover, Chairman of the Eastern Exten sion Company, forwarding the following message from the Lady Mayoress of Dub lin to the Australian and New Zealand Press : “As daughter of Caroline Chisolm, the emigrants’ friend, I thank Australian people for magnificent subscrip tions to Mansion House Fund for relief of Irish distress. I don’t know what we could have done without your aid. It makes me so proud of my old home. L 1,500 per Bank of Australasia ; L 1,500 per Union Bank of Australia ; LSOO from Launceston ; LI,OOO from Adelaide ; just received. Again thanks. ” Insurance for Girls. —A novel system of insurance for girls has existed for several generations among the Danish nobility of Copenhagen. A nobleman, upon the birth of a daughter, enrolls her name with the insurance society, paying at the time a foe, and subsequently an annual sum, until she reaches twenty-one. She then becomes euti tied to an annual income from the society, and to apartments in the large building of the association, which is surrounded by gardens and a park. Should her fatlicr die in her childhood, she may immediately occupy the apartments. Should she die or marry, the income and the right to entail the homo both lapse.

The Eucalyptus Forests. —A corres pondent of the Haywards “Journal,” (Alameda county) writes as follows : —The first piece of land of any extent planted in California in blue gums and entitled, from its size, to be called a forest, contained about 45 acres, and was sot out by J. T. Stratton of East Oakland, in Castro valley, near Haywards, during the winter of 1870. The number of trees planted per acre, GSO, set out at a distance of 8 x 8 feet apart. In the months of April and May, 1877, some 19 acres of the forest underwent the process of thinning out, but leaving stand 100 of the largest finest trees to the acre. The 10 acres yielded in material 149 cords of wood and COO poles. The latter were purchased by the Central Pacific Railroad Company to bo used on their telegraph lines ns an experiment to test the value of the blue gum for such purposes. The cost of putting into market shape the cord wood was 1 dol. 10 cents per cord, and polos 25 cents cadi. The cordwood sold readily on the premises at from 5 dols. 75 cents fo G dols. 25 cents per cord. The poles, it is said, brought 1 dol. each, de livered at the station, On deducting the cost of labor involved in the operation, the returns, as the figures show, were 1190 dols. profit. The same ten acres of land for agricultural purposes, rented at the rate of 5 dels, per acre per year, at that rate for seven years, gives the sum of 350 dols. A plantation of gum trees, large or small, in necessary labor does not really require an outlay of more than lOdols. per acre during the period of seven years in the requisite culture and atten tion to insure success.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

{ Renters.) London, Feb. 20. Throe per cent. Consols, 975.

Adelaide wheat and flour are un changed. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 17,002,900. At the wool sales to-day, 10,800 bales were offered, making a total of 81,300 bales catalogued since the opening sa'es.

The increased prices were firmly main- 1 tained. i Washington, Fob. 2S. i General Grant is generally accepted in i the coming election for President of the United States. St. Petersburg. Feb. 20. An Imperial ukase has been published, appointing General Melikoff head of the Supremo Commission for the repression of disorder in the city. Ho has been in vested with unlimited power for tho punishment of offenders. {Age Sjtcnnl.) London, Feb. 27. General Malakoff has succeeded Count Gourka as Governor of St. Petersburg. A waiter employed in the palace of the Czarowitch was arrested on fsuspic'on of being implicated in tho attempted ex plosion of the Winter Palace. Latest news from Afghanistan states that fighting is occurring at Herat. A Cahulcc (!) plot was discovered to murder the Saltan of Turkey. London. Feb, 28. It is intended that Pcisia takes immedi ate possession of Herat, Seistan, and dis trict surrounding. Merv will he erected into a State, jointly protected by Britain and Persia. The States of Khel and Cashmere have, received additions. Tho South African colonies’ delegates assembled at Capetown to discuss Sir M. Hicks Beach’s confederation proposal. It is absolutely necessary that tho British only should garrison Capetown. The Boers desire a distinct constitution for the Transvaal. AUSTRALIAN. [Special.) Melbourne, Feb. 28. • The following exhibitors at the Mel bourne Juvenile Exhibition have been awarded silver medals : —A P. M'Oarthy, Joseph Bentley, F. Ange, Fred. M'Oarthy, Maggie Armstrong, Eleanor C. Sperry, residents of Dunedin ; Edward N. Barraud, Wanganui ; Henry J. Bilton, H. M. Dobson, Christchurch ; Dennis O’Brien, Wellington. Tho New Zealand exhibitors have also been awarded 10 first class certificates, 5 second, and 8 third. {Rente; V.) Melbourne, Feb. 28. In the elections, Sir Bryan O’Loghlen and Munro have been defeated. Mr. Berry tops the poll for Geelong with a small majority. Mr. Service has been elected for Maldon. The Opposition gained all the seats for Melbourne suburbs. Feb. 29. Seventy-fivereturns have been received. The Opposition so far claim a majority of nine. Pearson and all the other Mini sters, except O’Loghlen, have been elected. Casey, L. L. Smith, and Dick son have been defeated. Melbourne, March 1. The “ Age ” admits a serious defeat, and recommends the immediate resignation of the Ministry. The Oppositon are sure of 48 or 49. Sydney, Feb. 28. The total subscriptions obtained in tin’s colony towards the Irish Relief Fund amounts to £20,000 The total subscriptions obtained in this Colony towards the Irish Relief Fund amount to L 20.000. INTERPROYINCIAL. Auckland, March 1. The barque Stracathso arrived to-day from London, after a passage of 92 days. Mrs. Mason died from diarrhoea, and one seaman fell from the mizzen masthead and broke his leg and a wrist. The vessel brings 100 passengers. Tauranga, March 1. Tho case of J. C. Young came on for bearing on Saturday, and lasted all day. On the charge of stealing LSO prisoner was committed for trial at Auckland. Two other charges were withdrawn. Bail was accepted—-Young in a LIOOO, and two sureties of L3OO each. Hawera, March. 1. A number of natives, ei route for Patea, Mokoro, and Manutahi, passed through yesterday on their way to Pari haka. They had five drays loaded with flour, tea, and sugar, and shark for the great half yearly meeting. Captain Taylor, with 40 men has left the camp at Otako for Oeo, where they are to meet the unemployed from Welling ton, and escort them into camp. Wellington, March 1.

It is currently reported that the vacant portfolio in the Ministry has been offered to Mr. Thos. Dick, M. H. R., for Dunedin, and accepted by him. During the month of Feb., 98 births were registered, and 42 deaths. Summonses have been issued against two publicans, for allowing gambling in their houses after twelve.

Another 75 of the unemployed leave for Waimate Plains this evening for the purpose of taking part in road making there.

At the inquest to-dny, on the body of a man named Alex. Brown, killed at the corporation works on Saturday, the jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.”

To-day the Banks announce a further reduction of a half per cent, in deposit rates. These now are—Throe months, 4 per cent. ; six months, 5 per cent. ; twelve months, 5 k per cent. A man named Brown, a laborer em ployed on the Corporation works at New town, was killed this morning by a fall of earth.

Nelson, March 1,

An old Maori died at Wakapuaka, said to be one hundred and ten years old. It is reported he was the original chief of the district, but lost possession by the connuest of another chief.

Dunedin, March 1,

Goodman purchased Titania. and C. Turnbull purchased Londhand, but the prices are reserved. Hay purchased the [’evoke colt for 250 guineas. All horses engaged at the meeting were sent North to-day, except Tcra, Titania, Chancellor, and York which are engaged for South land. They leave to-morrow. Vincent County subscribed L3OO to the Irish Relief Fund, and the Lakes L 149. The “ Times ” says, in connection with the statement that the Union Steam Ship ping Co. intended laying up some of their boats during the winter, the following are the proposed new arrangements The Hawea, VYrnaka, and Penguin, are to be withdrawn from the East Coast trade. Tire two first named will be placed on the West Coast service in room of the Taiaroa and Waitaki. The Melt ourne steamers continue to run up the Er st Coast as far ns Russell. Tho Penguin and Ladybird will be laid up. Tho Taiaroa will probably be placed on the Dunedin and Timaru trade during the grain season. The Waitaki is to bo placed between Tauranga, Auckland, Whangarei, and Russell, making weekly trips. The running of the steamers will be so regulated that the present service between Lyttelton and Wellington will be maintained.

Pastor Chiniquy preached twice yester day to crowded audiences. The col lections amounted to L7B.

Lady Robinson laid the foundation stone of the Episcopal Church, Roslyn, be fore leaving. Over LSOOO were put through the totalisator on Saturday, completely para lysing betting. A fire occurred in the upper room of one of Hoffman’s stores, King street. The loss is fully insured in the South British LIOO ; National, LI4OO. The Governor left to-day for the North. The Governor intimates in the papers that he is not in any way interested in any of the Hon. W. Robinson’s horses, but probably he will form a stud. He has

bought one horse in the North, but has not taken delivery. If he goes in for racing, ho will not bo in partnership with anyone. Nominations for the Dunedin Cham pagne Stakes close on Tuesday. Edward Thorne, for stealing mono;/, was sentenced to six hours’ imprisonment, and ordered to receive 12 lashes.

THE NELSON PRIZE FIRING.

[by telegraph.] Rifle Camp, Brightwater, March 1

The members of the Rifle Assciation, together with all the local companies mustered for church parade yesterday, and attended tho Episcopalian Church this morning. All the members arrived in camp at about 10 o’clock, and the morn ing has been occupied by the men getting into quarters. At 2 o’clock there will bo parade; at 3.30 first match will he com menced. The arrangements for firing are completed, tho ranges being almost the same as last year, but it is -probable longer time will be taken in marking the shots on account of altering the butts, with a view to increasing the protect'd! for the markers. Colonel Packc is is command, MajorM'Loan camp adjutant, whilst Capt. Webb is acting as secretary, Mr Stevens being unable to attend. 8 p.m.

There was a parade at Brightwater between two and three, when IVI members were present. At half past two Colonel fFacko came on the ground, and shortly after the meeting was opened by MrS Pitt, wife of Major Pitt., firing the first shot, which was scored asabull’seyo. Tho lady having been cheered and the men divided into 12 squads, actual business commenced. Prior to this, however, the markers had expressed some dissatisfac tion, alleging that the butts did not suffi ciently protect them. Upon this some alterations were made, but shortly after firing commenced, one of the markers received a nasty cut on the arm by a splinter off t.he target. Shortly after tiring commenced, a fire occurred in tho camp. It appears the occupants of a tent, com posed of Wellington and Napier men, under the command of Lieut. Bennett, had been smoking their sights at a candle which they left burning. This immedi ately communicated with the bedding, which, in addition to tranks containing private effects, and dress uniforms, wore destroyed. The tent, however, was saved, as also some hundred rounds of ammuni tion. The scores made at the 200 yards range of the first match were : Okejq Taranaki ... ... ... 27 Paynter, Stoke ... ... ... 27 Crossman, Nelson ... ... 26 Rogers, Blenheim ... ... 26 Achoson, Riverton ... ... 26 Capt. Kelly, Thames ... ... 26 McKenzie, Blenheim ... ... 26 Fenton, Thames ... ... ... 26 Morris, Oamaru ... ... ... 26 Coventry, Dunedin ... ... 25 Smith, Dunedin ... ... ... 25 Dc Farges, Marion ... ... 25 Purnell, Wanganui ... ... 25 D. MTutosh, Wanganui... ... 25 Moore, Nelson ..; ... ... 25 Armstrong, Thames ... ... 25 Bennett, Nelson ... ... ... 25 Clouston, Nelson... ... ... 25 Quarter-Master Fox, Christchurch 25 Lieut. Bennett, Wellington ... 25 Lieut. Somerville, Wanganui ... 25 Beach, Stoke ... ... ... 25 Milne, Wanganui... ... ... 25 Weir, Thames ... 25 Menzies, Kaiwarra ... ... 25 Buckley, Christchurch ... ... 25 Christie, Taieri ... ... ... 25 Capt. Wilson, Dunedin ... ... 24 Lieut. Applebjq Christchurch ... 24 Capt. Homes, Waikato ... ... 24 Denk, Thames ... ... ... 24 Sergt. Clark, Thames ... ... 24 Monk, Wellington ... ... 24

Parker, Stoke ... ... ... 24 Thurston, Waiuku ... ... 24 Bird, Nelson ... ... ... 24 Hunter, Nelson ... ... ... 24 Parola, Thames ... ... ... 24 Cummings, Wanganui ... ... 24 Richardson, Dunedin North ... 24 Hoskins, Taranaki ... ... 24 llloker, Taranaki ... ... 24 Fowler, Nelson ... ... ... 24 Hutcheson, Dunedin ... ... 24 Prouse, senior, Wellington ... 24 Capt. Thompson, Kaiwarra ... 24 D. Burns, Nelson ... ... 24

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

(Times Cor respondent. ) Haweka, Feb. 29. The move towards Parihaka in view of the Maori meeting has already commenced. Last night some 40 or 50 of the Ngatihani from the Upper Patca river encamped on the northern bank of the Atakio stream, about a mile from our camp, and left again this morning for Parihaka. They had with them five carts laden with dried shark, flour and sugar. In addition to the significance to be attached to this early' move towards Parihaka, it is to he remem bered that the chief of this b.apu, Tamarua, although formerly a rebel, has lately pre tended to be deeply loyal to the Govern ment. Too much importance cannot be attached to this early move to Parihaka, from what may be considered a remote portion of the district over which To Whiti’s immediate influence is extended.

The detachment of unemployed reached Opunakc yesterday morning, and were to ■day sworn in under the military regula tions by Colonel Roberts. They have no officers with them. Something almost approaching to consternation has been caused by the arrival of these men. Apart from the difficulties likely to arise through the employment of two bodies of men —Constabulary and unemployed—at the same work and at unduly different rates of wages,the nows that has been re ceived respecting the character of the latter is most discouraging. In a private letter, from a reliable source, theynrespoken of as the sweepings of the gaols, and danger is to bo apprehended from their arrival in a disturbed district, in which at any moment trouble may arise through an act of indiscretion on the part of an in dividual. Not a single charge of improper behaviour towards the natives lias been brought against the Constabulary, but it is feared that these men, not being so much amenable to discipline, may commit offences against the natives, the result of which it would be impossible to predict. Daily the relationship between the races is becoming restricted, apd the utmost caution ia required to prevent the occur rence of anything that might be soiled upon as an excuse for a breach of the peace. Titokowaru still keeps himself in hiding, and without doubt is in close com munication with Te Whiti,

The Commissioners have for the present closed their sitting at Haw era. Great efforts have been made to have it appear that their mission to some extent has been successful, but it is notorious that not a single native who acknowledges the supre macy of To Whiti has approached the Commissioners, while those outsiders who have attended, after gravely advancing preposterous claims, have joined the crowd of Mauris outside, and made the enquiry a subject of ridicule and laughter Apart from the objections to the personnel of the Commissioners, principally as regards Sir W. Fox, the native mind cannot grasp the idea of a non-executive body enquiring into their claims.

The first serious offence amongst the Constabulary occurred yesterday, when at an early hour of the morning a sentry was found asleep at his post near the roadway. Strange to say when ho was found asleep several natives ware seen loitering in the vicinity. Under the circumstances the offender will probable be dealt with by a Board of Officers.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Special Mbetisq. A special meeting of the Bovougli Council was held last night, to consider the best means of supplying the township with a water supply. Present —His Wor ship the Mayor, and Mcsais. Robinson, R. Friedlandor, IX Williamson, St. Hill, W. Roberts, E. Saunders, and A. Orr. The Borough Engineer, Mr. C. E. Rooks, was also in attendance. The Mayor said he had asked Mr. Books to attend the meeting to explain the de tails of the scheme if necessary.

The report of Mr. Books was then read, recommending the construction of con crete aide channelling in the main streets of the township, the erection of a wind mill pump for the purpose of filling a con crete tank in Baring square, and the exca vation of a temporary outfall drain on the S.E. town belt. The scheme, however, d : d not provide for more than a certain delivery equal to 1000 gallons per hour, but his information on that point was not satisfactory, as the windmill pump would only give an intermittent supply. A daily supply of 2-1,000 gallons would bo sufficient for flushing the side channels, and the cost, exclusive of windmill pumps, would be LIOOS ss.

His Worship said that after considera tion he was fudy prepared to admit that Mr. Saunders’ scheme was by’ far the most practical, and the cheapest, as the process of raising the water by windmills was not satisfactory nor to be depended on. The next question was how to treat the side channels —whether to concrete them or not ; and it was worthy of consideration on the part of the Council whether to make the scheme they might then decide upon a portion of the permanent one, by putting in concrete channels, or to leave them as they are. It was possible, by striking a special rate of Is., to .raise LI,IOO, which would carry out this work and it would fit in with the permanent scheme. He would ask Mr. Saunders to state his ideas on the matter. Mr. Saunders said his scheme was a very simple and practical one, and would commend itself to all. The one laid before them by Mr. Books was a useful one, and contained a deal of infor mation. The object before the Council was to get rid of the filth in the side channels ; and he was perfectly certain that the clay in the water channels was tough and tenacious enough to do away with the necessity of putting in concrete channels. His proposal was to tap the mill race and bring a portion of the water down Winter’s road, and then down the creek through the domain into a reservoir. Taking everything into con sideration, he thought L2OO would do all the work necessary." All the members had been over the ground, and Mr. Books also, and all must be satisfied, as practical, common sense men, that his scheme was a practical one, and sure to be successful. He would call the attention of members to the fact that Mr. Joseph Hunt had carried out similar works successfully on land having a heavier fall. Some discussion then took place as to details on the question. Mr. Williamson said ho was so satisfied

of the scheme, that he could see no ques tion about it. The only thing necessary to be obtained was the consent of the Upper Ashburton Road Board to bring the water down Winter’s road. Mr. Saunders detailed certain informa tion regarding the levels of the township. He showed that the work was of the simplest nature, and could be done at the lowest possible cost if they used tem porarily the iron pipes they had recently received for their projected permanent water supply. Mi’. St. Hill proposed—“ That the Council visit the proposed works in a body on Wednesday morning at 7 a.in.” lie considered that a little common sense was wanted to be imported into the scheme in the place of so much science and levelling. Mr. Saunders seconded the motion, and the Council adjourned till 10 a.m. to morrow.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

(From the Ashburton Herald, February 25.) “I am not vet so bald that you can see my brains.”— Longfellow.

The past week has been a very dull one for gathering items for my usual letter, as all the floating population have vanished into the country to assist in gathering the harvest, and the regular inhabitants of our village have had to devote themselves to comparing notes on the heat of the weather, and their future prospects. And an opinion seems to prevail that money is easier. That, lam told, is a trade term, but if it means that money is easier to get I have as yet failed to experience the im provement so far as my financial opera tions arc concerned ; but it is something to hang on for, to see and hear other people hopeful, even if it is only in the direction of making a rise out of a libel case.

And that reminds mo that there has been the promise of a very prolific crop of libels lately. Even that “ obscure ” pub lication the “Herald” has been deemed worthy of a prosecution, or to be more cor rect, a threat of one, and the wounded feelings of the “scarifier” Mosley could only be soothed by the intervention of the law ; Mosley is a nice man but he wasn’t quite good enough for his legal adviser to undertake the case on spec., the said adviser in the meantime being expected to shell out the necessary five bob with which to lay the informa tion. The fiasco of the great Montague Mosley reminds mo of the general con duct of a mongrel pup. So long as you are within kicking distance the pup is very subdued, or he gives you best, and if he can, rapidly puts a safe stone’s throw between you and himself. He be comes very brave then, and very barky ; but take up a stone, and he’s oft' precipi tately, turning corners with vehemence, and dashing himself against the opposite wall in his hurry. Mosley, my hoy, I’ll lend you ten bub if you’re hard up, to start the legal game. Your P. D. tells me ho overheard the talk and witnessed the scene in your sanctum when Mosley brought his lawyer to “ know, you know,” about that Wesleyan. The P. D. was quite excited with delight as he described the look of the great Montague after the fighting editor, with a significant glance at the open window, suggested a handier way of having the matter out than leaving it ‘ 1 in the hands of Mr. H . ”

f have to compliment the lads and lasses 'W'lip tripe} my sun). There were eight competitors altogether, but only two of them were rigidly correct, yet all showed that they had taken great pains in the working and writing out of the sum. Philip O’Reilly, is a smart little chap, who owns allegiance to Mr. David Davidson, the master of the Boys’ Sem inary on the Belt, while Miss Eva Hen derson is a junior pupil teacher under Mr. Stott, of the Borough school. I dare say we shall hear of those two again, long before the last hair that lies between me and heaven has been removed. Next week I shall again jfing the bell for com petitors.

We haven’t heard a great deal about the unemployed for a week or two in tips district, seeing that work is plentiful enough, but I heard a yarn the other day from a large employer of labor as to the nature of some of the “bone and sinew” of the country which is illusti’ative of the sort of men who make much cry but give little wool with it. Four men took a job ditching. One, Pat, was a good workman, an Italian from Tipperary, and the other three were a very ordinary lot. After about a fortnight’s work, Pat visited the homestead with a view to getting squared

up, but the station holder objected to do anything of the sort till the contract was finished, and enqired of Pal his reason for wanting to leave. After considerable hesitation and beating about the bush ho at last blurted out that his mates were a lot of “ confadjativos.” This word was not quite intelligible to the boss, and he asked the meaning of the expression, and Pat said it meant men who “couldn t either earn their tucker nor cat it.” While on grammatical subjects I recollect another word invented by a waspish and ill tempered lady of my acquaintance up North. She was in £ ict my next door neighbor, and I had for a mate a pure thoroughbred cockney, and these two never allowed a day to pass without having a passage at anus. ‘‘Lit not the sun go down on your wrath ” was an in junction they religiously didn't follow. One evening a row took place between the pair, and luckily <a paling fence intervened so that the weapons employed in the combat were only the tongues of the virago .and the cockney. After a prelimin ary exchange of courtisios respecting the ownership of some chickens, cockney re marked, ‘"you’re a little whipper-snapper.” Virago replied, “yah ! get out, wlierc did you learn your well-bjought-up-todness.” This was a squelcher, and the cockney retired humiliated and crestfallen.

I was at Roseby’s lecture of course, and sat quietly during its delivery. You have recapitulated his sayings, so I needn’t. But you did not tell the effect the Rev. Mr. Beat-tie's speech bad on one or two friends of mine who believed ho delivered the most sensible speech of the evening, and forthwith made numerous demands on Shearman's “ whisky and soddy,” in which they drank the Rev. gentleman’s healthfully “down to the peg.” But what with Roseby’s fiery denunciations against whisky inside, and S lurulora’ ap peal for water outside, it seems to me that it is absolutely necessary for the municipal authorities to got in a supply of water at once, otherwise there will not bo sufficient of the aqueous fluid from the wells to keep us going. The hydropathic craze has set in in some quarters very severely. I know one man whose horse is suffering from the want of oats and too much work, and he asked my advice on the matter, as to whether a wet pack, or a warm bath would be the most likely to make a con valescent of the animal. I strongly recom mended a grass paddock and a three months’ spell His worship the Mayor, however, has come to the front in a most noble and disinterested way in this mat ter. He has developed a full blown scheme for bringing in clean, sparkling, and pure water for the Ash burtonites, and he proposes to ob tain his supply by means of four windmill pumps. Patriotic Mayor ! He is agent for the Althouse windmill. Coun cillor Saunders has also an idea by which to supply the township with a stream, and is going to put up a dam, and a batch to regulate the quantity necessary for the requirements of this flourishing city. As something of a sticky nature is required to make his dam watertight, he intends to recommend a few tons of superfine silk dressed flour from the Alfred mill as a suitable material for the purpose. Chispa.

LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT.

"Local self-government” is a very attractive election cry, and one which, is always brought forward as a stock text by those anxious to make their debut in public life. There is so much to be said in favor of it, and arguments to be used so patent, that the principles contained in the maxim arc such as to make themselves so eas'ly understood, and so popular with the public, that the expositor of the views is usually hailed as a patriot, and all his opponents are set down as conservatives and adherents to old fashioned and obsolete notions.

We may at once state that we are, up to a certain point, in favor of “local self government,” but we are also of opinion that there may be too many sub-divisions of governing power, and much consequent expense in the administration and execu tive of the governing bodies. When Pro vincialism was stamped oat, it was because there were nine small Parliaments meeting annually, each of which possessed its staff of officials, and no one has over questioned their usefulness whi’st they held the reins of government. They were not, as a matter of course, bodies who were re markable for possessing Pitts or Gladstones •among them, but they did their work, according to their lights, in a manner suited to the times, until the great Jove, Sir Julius Yogel, hiding offended at some remarks in the General Assembly, an nounced the downfall of Provincialism, and the advent of a simpler and more effective system of local self government viz., the County Council system, by which sixty-three new Govern ments were established in lieu of the demoralised provinces. Not all of these counties have undertaken the powers and honors offered to them, but the local self-government idea embodied in the alteration can hardly be called a success, as new staffs of officials have necessarily been organised, whilst the old officials of the provincial system have nearly all been absorbed bj' the Central Government in Wellington. The truth really is that the administrative power is now entirely in the hands of the heads of departments in the Empire City ; and on important mat ters requiring immediate attention the so called local self-governing bodies cannot stir hand or foot without voluminous and vexatious correspondence with the central power.

To descend in the grade of the various public bodies, we find the same eagerness for the division of governing power, and an instance is just* at present brought under our notice in which it is intended by the residents on the north bank of the Rangitata to have their district severed from the Upper Ashburton and Mount Somers districts, and to create a new one by the partition. We do not for one moment doubt the fact that the Rangitata ratepar'ers have a grievance, or that a due proportion of the large revenues of the boards ly whom their roads, &c. are con trolled, has not been expended in their part of the district, or that their rating power has not had its due amount of representation in the Board. There are matters which, vith the growth of the district, the requirements of some portions of it for works of immediate necessity, the inadvisability of rushing on a large number of contracts simultane ously all over the district, and more tljan all, the supineness shown by the far distant ratepayers to the proceedings of the Board, have gll combined to cause dissatisfaction now that funds are running low.

During the past year or two, three divisions of local bodies have taken place —via., Ist. The Municipality of Ashbur ton from the Ashburton Road Board ; 2nd., the division of the same Road Board into two new bodies, the Wakanui and Longbeach Boards; and 3rd, the dissolution of partneiship in the South Rakaia district by which the Mount Hutt Road Board began its existence. There were in all three cases some cause for the multiplication of bodies and their neces sary extra expenditure, and we have no doubt the causes were sufficient, other wise the ratepayers would not have con sented to the alterations. It is, however, probable that the ratepayers did not give much thought to the matter in any shape or form since the only outcome up to the present has been a multiplication in the number of officials, and a corresponding increase in the office expenses. The large subsidies from the land fund are virtually at an end, and the only revenues are those derivable from rates. It is, therefore,

impossible for so largo a staff of officials to be so necessary now as they were two years ago, when some of the Boards were spending 1/3,000 and more a month, whilst now, the largest items in some bodies ’s the monthly payments for the officials.

The newly-contemplated Board have, however, some very strong grounds on which to base their claim for the constitu tion of a new district, and we have felt surprised at the uncomplaining passive ness with which they have alhgwed other wards in the district to their own and their neighbors’ speciallv-favorcd localities. And* this ward system, as it has been carried out in most Hoad Boards, has been utterly use less for the object it was to ac complish. Tiie old Canterbury Roads Ordinance, 1872, defines the ward system to be one by which five wards shall bo, formed in each district, each having a member elected by the ratepayers having an interest in that ward, that the revenues and proportionate share of subsidies and grants shall ho spent in that ward, that separate books and accounts shall be kept fur each ward, and a “ general account” of the common account of all five wards be also, kept. Had this system been rigidly ad hered to, we imagine we would not have heard of any splitting up of large and influential bodies into small and unimportant ones. Those Boards which have, so to speak, played at wards, have elected their, members from the whole body of the ratepayers, have kept one general account, and where the ex penditure has absorbed the funds in one ward it lias been the custom to borrow from the credit balance of the other and less favored wards to prosecute their works. This was all very well whilst the bank balances were large, but now that funds are low, the districts which .are called upon to pay heavy taxes, and have had no works executed to show for them, are naturally crying out at the injustice of the business, and are anxious to follow up the advice of J. Stuart Mill’s dictum that “ Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Hence the intended partition of the county between the Hinds and Rangi tata from its present partnership.

THE COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

The Lyttelton Harbor Board duly re ceived the two resolutions sent them by the Ashburton County Council. One of these resolutions preferred a request that the wharf charges on grain at the Port should be reduced from two shillings to one shilling per ton ; while the other modestly suggested that the Ashburton County covered a bit of ground, had some people living on it, raised a few bushels of grain, which were exported to England via Lyttelton, and might perhaps have some shadow of right to representation on the Board. The suggestion was made with becoming fear and trembling, as sugges tions should be that emanate from bucolic and simple-minded people like the Ash burtonians, especially when such sugges tions are intended to go before the minds metropolitan in Christchurch, that ex ceeding great city, which is supposed to be the centre of the wisdom and the wealth of the province. Being made with the humility we have hinted at, the Lyt telton Harbor Board deigned to notice the modest resolution, and our County Coun cillors may now assume a satisfied coun tenance, seeing that the Board condes cended from their high and mighty position, and the "Times’” sneers not withstanding, to take notice at all of their insignificant existence. The County Coun cil hinted that Selwyn County, which could not lay an}' on a claim to representation at fIHBKd than we could ourselves, had the lionor of sending two representatives to the Board, and the village of Lyttelton was represented by its Mayor, while every plot of grain ground between us and the port had some sore of direct representation at the Board, while this district was left out altogether, and had to accept such gifts as the gods might send it through the wise doings and say ings and thinkings of the Harbor Board as now constituted. The chairman was quite in a flutter over the request, and thought the Chamber of Commerce, which" was supposed to represent all Canterbury was enough representation for those country chaps at the Ashburton, and he fell back on the wisdom that had been brought to bear upon the construction of the Board to begin with, which wisdom ho seemed to consider the ne plus ultra of legislation, and any attempt to interfere with it would bo sure to result in disaster.

It may be high treason on our part to dare dissent from the opinion of the re spected Chairman of the Harbor Board, and we may perhaps deserve that

“ Unmerciful disaster Follow fast and follow faster ”

upon our path for our temerity in doubt ing the existence of the blue snow we have not seen, but in face of the Chairman’s opinion we believe in the county’s right to a voice on the Board, and think if the Selwyn county which reaches to the Rakaia has a right to be heard at the Harbor Board, then surely the other country which sends all its export grain through Lyttelton should also have a say. One member pointed out' that Tiraaru was the natural port of Ashburton, and sought to stave off the request with that foil, but the argument is as hollow as the future of Tirnaru’s break water is shadowj r . We are glad, however, to notice that we had two friends at the Board, Dr. Turnbull and Mr. Cunning ham, who were not prepared to see us tossed overboard without at least being heard, and the matter will again come on for consideration. But the shilling per ton we wanted removed I—Oh, no, the Lyttelton Harbor Board couldn’t see that.

IRISH -BULLS.

Sir Boyle Roche belonged to the ancient family of Do la Ruqse of Fermoy ; he was created a baronet in 1782, and was married to the eldest daughter of Sir James Cald well, but had no heir. He used to ac count for lack of progeny by saying “ that it washereditary in his family to have no children.” Another of his blunders was made when speaking of the fish hawkers. “ They go down to Ringsend,” he ob served, “buy the herrings for half no-’ thing, and sell them for twice as much.” A letter supposed to have been written by Sir Boyle Roche during the Irish re bellion of ’9B, gives an amusing collection of his various blunders. Perhaps he never put quite so many on paper at a time ; .but hi§ peculiar turn for “bulls’’ is hero sliqwn at one view. Thg letter was first printed in the ( Kerry Magazine,” now out jf print. Dear Sir,—Having now a little peace and quiet, I sit down to inform you of the bustle and confusion wo are in from the bloodthirsty rebels, many of whom are now, thank God, killed and dispersed. We are in a pretty mess ; can got nothing to eat, and no wine to drink except whisky. When we sit down to dinner, we are obliged to keep both hands armed. Whilst I write this letter I have my sword in one hand and my pistol in the other. I concluded frofflthe beginning that this would be the eJSjfrancl 'I am right, for it is not half over Afrgfesent there are: such goings-on that everything is at a standstill. I should havt«ns\sered your letter a fortnight ago, butAßy received it this morning—indeed, lumily a mail arrives safe without being robbed. No longer ago than yesterday the mail coach from Dublin was robbed near this town ; the bags had been very judiciously left behind, for fear of accidents, and by great good-luck there was nobody in the coach except two outside passengers, who bad

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1880.



NOTICE. all accounts THREE MONTHS OVERDUE unpaid after the 31st March 10 per cent, interest will be added. WEEKS & DIXON, Herald and Guardian. March 1, 1880. 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 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 his efforts to please, he is prepared to’ guarantee a perfect fit i i every cate. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr an I Cl’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a TO FARMERS. are CASH BUYERS of WHEAT, or will make LIBERAL ADVANCES on shipments to London on growers’ account. MILES, HASSAL, & CO., Christchurch ; MILES, ARCHER, & CO., 566 g Timaru. MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, March 2nd, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 427g* Agent, Ashburton. NOTICE TO FARMERS. undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, 1830. 550g* PROMISSORY Note Forms, in Boobs of 25, unstamped, for sale at the Herald Office. Price 2s. Gd. each.