SHIPPING.

Lyttelton, April 23—Arrived, Go- Ahead, s.s., from Wellington. Lyttelton, April 22.—Arrived —Taia- roa, s.s., from Wellington ; To Auau, s.s., from Melbourne, via south.

COMMERCIAL.

(by telegraph. )

Dunedin, April 23.

Prime beef, 255. per XOOlbs.; mutton, 2d. per lb. Good samples wheat, 4s. 3d. to 4s. Gd.; fowls’ wheat, Ss. to 3s. Sd.; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.; barley, 4s. to 4s. Gd.; feed, 2s. Gd. to3s.; potatoes, L2 15s. to L 3 ; old hay, L 4 ; new oaten hay, L 3 55.; chaff, L 3 ; straw, L2 ; bran, L 3 ; pollard, L 4 ; flour, LlO 10s. to 110 15s per ton, large sacks ; oatmeal, LlO ; pearl bar-ley, L 2 2; onions, Gs.; now cheese, 5d.; bacon, rolled, lOd.; hams. Is.; sides bacon, lid.

SALE OP THE FAIRFIELD ESTATE.

On Thursday th e large Fairfield estate was submitted to public auction in the Town Hall -here, by Messrs. Matson and Co., in conjunction with Messrs. Acland, Camp bell, and Co. The land offered for sale lies only a short distance beyond the East Town Belt of Ashburton, and for purposes of sale had been cut up into town-acre sections and blocks of from 5 to 50 acres. Seldom has a land sale been so well attended in this township as the sale of the Fairfield was, for all the sitting room in the large hall was occupied, and a goodly crowd occupied the space under the gallery. The auctioneer, Mr. Matson, before commencing the sale, gave quite an artistic description of tl.e property, dwelling upon the superiority and depth of the soil, the nearness of the land to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s reserve and the County Council’s planta tion reserve. The terms of the sale were —lO per cent, cash deposit, 10 per cent, in six months, 15 per cent, in 12 months, and the balance at 8 per cent, for a term of years. The bidding was not brisk to begin with, but afterwards improved con siderably, and fully half of the land was sold. We give below the business done, the prices quoted being at per acre :

The total sales amounted to 1,5,203 Ss. gd. A block containing 117 acres was also sold at £6 los. The biddings for the remainder of the large blocks not being considered sufficiently good, they were withdrawn. CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending Fri day 23rd April Business during the week has been of the most limited description. Since the decline in values only small parcels are changing hands, largo growers preferring to take the risk of the English market themselves. The weather continues to be all that' can be desired, and threshing operations are steadily progressing. Largo quantities of grain continue to com&to hand, and is being shipped as fast as. the vessels can load it. Prices are not altered, and the market for all classes of produce is still heavy.

Wheat—Prime milling quality, suit able for shipment, cannot fce ; quoted at over os, 9d. to 3s. XOd. por bushellarge lines of the beforementkujed will find buyers at these quotations f.o.b. in Lyt telton. Small parcels are not so saleable, the reason being that the local buyers are apathetic, and shippers do not care about them. Chick wheat is in good supply, with a fairly good demand for fair to good quality. Inferior is rather neglected, and does not meet with ready sale. Prices range from 2s. fid. to 3s. per bushel. Oats. —Small parcels are coming for ward, and are being absorbed by the local dealers. Large buyers are not eager to purchase on account of an uneasy feeling as to the future value of this cereal. The ’ prodigious yield has, to some extent, taken -rowers by surprise, and what to do with them is now a vexed question. The quotations are as before, Is. 4d. to fid. per bushel.

Barley.—The market this week is, if anything, differ thin the one that pre ceded it, maltsters and brewers appearing to be quite indifferent as to anything that is offered. Sellers are, in many instances, offering really good malting quality at low figures, which fails to lead to business. A decline in value may, therefore, be looked upon as having been established. Good malting, 3s. 6d. to 3s. 9d. per bushel ; feed sorts, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per bushel.

Grass seed.—Small sales continue to take place, hut the trade is by no means brisk, 2s. Gd. to 2s. 9d, is all that is ob tainable for fairly good samples. Excep tionally good will command an advance on these prices. Potatoes.—Sales are taking place at from 275. 6d. to 30s. per ton, bat these quotations cannot bo said to bo the estab lished price which will rule. The trade has not yet fairly opened up.

Cheese and butter.—The former is in large supply with a heavy market at 4d. to 4id. per lb. The latter finds ready sale at BJd; to 9d. per lb.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : The outward mails for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will close at the Ashburton Post Office to-:lay at 9 r.rn. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES.' This Day. Messrs. H. Matson & Go., at TattersallV, Christchurch—3o head draught un . broken Colts and Fillies. Sale at 11 a. in. sharp. Friday, 30 th April. Messrs. Matson and Co., at Mr. Frisby’s Farm, Winslow—linx-dements, Horses, Ac. Sale at 12 o’clock. Wednesday, sth May. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his rooms, Baring Square—l 4 Suburban Sections. Sale at 2 o’clock. Mr. Alfred Harrison, in conjunction with R. Davies and Co., 'Rakaia, at his rooms, Ashburton—Farm of G 25 acres at Sea field, in the occupation of Mrs. Dannihy. Sale at 2 o’clock. Thursday, 29th April. Messrs. Edmiston, Gundry, and Co., at the Ashburton. Saleyards—Clearing Sale of Horses, Farm Implements. Sale at 1 o’clock.

BIRTH.

Ranlisxx.—On 22nd April, 18S0, the wife of Mr. A. Randell, gardener, Moore street, of a daughter, 762 -

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

The Exhibition just closed at Sydney has been a pecuniary loss to New South Wales, if we reckon up the actual financial results of the Show r itself. It was not in tended that the gain to the colony should be calculated by the c< money taken at the doors. ” The New South Wales Govern ment had no idea of simply going in for an extensive entertainment to the Aus tralasian public ; to afford them an oppor tunity to gape and claw the elbow at the sight of the great strides the world has made in science, and the wonders of skill displayed by the world’s workmen. It was not to gratify an idle curiosity that tho great spectacle w;is laid out, but to teach a lesson ; to s how how far the Southern Hemisphere itas yet to advance before it comes abreast of the Northern, and if possible to give impetus to that progress by bringiing specimens of the Northern triumphsto the Southern soil, and to display them there side by side for the Australasian worker to look upon, and learn from, so that he emulate. The lesson

thus taught will have its value, and those colonics will have the benefit of its teach ing—imperceptibly, it may be, for a time, but years hence,. perhaps, we shall see in the improvement of our manufactures, and their wider extension, that the Syd ney Exhibition has not been barren of uses. But besides teaching the artificers of the South lessons of value ; besides breaking down the barriers that have kept their ideas within a circumscribed limit, and enabling them to take a wider grasp of things as they are, the Exhibition has not been without its lessons to men of trade and commerce at Home. It has shown them the resoux-ces of Australia in a way that nothing else could have done. It brought contributions of our natural wealth from every part of the Australian compass, and laid them at their feet. A walk through the Courts of the Sydney Exhibition could not fail to disabuse the English, American, and European visitors of any crude or small notions they may have entertained of the Australian colo nies, and doubtless they learned much regarding the “new lands” that will be beneficial to themselves to know, and advantageous to us that they should know. We can imagine nothing more likely to influence the minds of the European manufacturers regarding the capabilities and resources of our colonics, than the opportunity that the Exhibition gave them of making themselves most thoroughly acquainted with their real worth and power. The influence of the great show upon all concerned in it cannot fail to be felt for good for many years to come, and by each colony the benefit will bo reaped just in the proportion in which it took advantage of the Exhibition to display itself. And this brings us to the question of how far New Zealand availed itself of the opportunity presented. In no sense can it be said that she appeared in Sydney in her very best garments, or that she showed there all that she might. Especi ally was Canterbury behindhand, and those who visited Sydney from other countries, and went back again without taking a look at our colony, could form no conception from the appearance we put in at the Exhibition of what our grand pro vince waslike, or what its merits really were. There are many reasons, doubtless, that could be assigned for this apathy on the part of our settlers, but perhaps the chief reason was the disturbed state of financial affairs last year, which preoccupied the minds of most of those who might in better times have turned their attention to the Exhibition. Men had quite enough to do at home, perhaps, to look after their interests abroad, and so the Exhibition, and the part we ought to l?a w e played in it, was neglected. It is not too late, even yet, to recover, in part, at least, the ground we lost last year, by taking advantage of the opportunity about to he afforded by the Melbourne Exhibi tion of 1880, which is to be opened on the Ist of October of this year, and closed on the 31st of March following. The Exhi bition will he one of the “arts, manufac tures, and agricultural and industrial products of all nations,” and surely in the agricultural products at least we ought to be able to show what the soil of our colony can produce. Whatever New Zea land as a whole may do, we ought not as a county to let the opportunity pass again of giving the world some glimpse of our grow ing powers. Only 8000 square feet of space hrs been allotted in the Exhibition for New Zealand, and it would be well if every intending exhibitor applied at once for a share of the space through the local committees, who will supply the necessary printed forms. We are glad to see that the committee in Christchurch is making strenuous efforts to have Canterbury fairly represented, and we hope their efforts will be efficiently aided from this district. The articles we ought to be able to exhibit are, we think, amongst the following :—Grain, pulse, grass seed, flour, meal, wool, coal (sections of seams), stone, bricks, cheese, potted butter. But there are many other directions in which we may look for contributions, and it is to be hoped applications for space will be forth coming before the 15th of May.

A Bad Sign. —Owing to the increase of destitution in Christchurch, an additional Inspector has boen put on by the Charity able Aid Board. Furniture foe the Hospital. —The tender of Mr. Fuhrman, a Christchurch tradesman, has been accepted for supply ing the furniture for the County Hospital.

Christchurch District Court. —In the case of Friedlander Bros. v. Roberts, on the question of the lien under which the action was raised being unstamped, plaintiffs accepted a nonsuit. Railway Commission. —The Railway Commission will meet to-day at the County Council Chambers, at 2.45 p.m., when they will be interviewed by a depu tation of gentlemen interested in the ex tension of the Mount Somers Railway, by members of the County and Borough Councils.

Presbyterian Church at Tin ward. —At the meeting of Presbyterians at Tinwald on Thursday, it was decided to build a church costing about Ll5O, to form part of the plan of a building to be completed at a future date. A committee was ap pointed to canvass the district for sub scriptions. Missionary Meeting. —We understand it is the intention of the members of the Wesleyan Church to hold a meeting next week for the purpose of bringing the wants of the Missionary cause in foreign parts, more especially that in connection with the South Sea Islands, under the notice of the public, and to solicit their sympathies. Library at Chertsey. —A public meeting was held at Chertsey on Tuesday evening, Mr. W, A. Brown in the chair, to endeavor to procure a public library for the district. There was a good atten dance and great interest was evinced for its success, over £25 being collected for the purpose in the room. The chairman was requested to make application for a subsidy from the Board of Education from the general grant. Advanced Price. —At the sale of the Fairlield estate on Thursday last one of the acres offered realised LlO5 and the price was generally remarked as an ex tremely high one, bat yesterday the enter prising purchaser was offered LllO cash for his recent investment. Sections 80 and 81, purchased by Anderson and Scott for L 5 per acre, have been re- sold to Mr. T. W. Andrews for Ll 4 per acre, half cash. The land is sown in English grass.

The Bridge Approaches.— Our atten tion has been called to the state of the approaches to the Ashburton Bridge. At either cud, where the approaches are con siderably below the level of the railway line, largo boulders have worked down from the line and lie right in the path. In one instance a horse narrowly escaped severe injury through inadvertently tread ing on one of these boulders ; as it was, the beast was lamed for some days by the twist its leg received. Perhaps the hint thus given will be taken by those whose duty it is to see to the state of the line. Dissolution of Partnership. —An .an nouncement in to-day’s issue by the Messrs. Orr and Co., is to the effect that tho firm will shortly dissolve partnership, and that a clearing-up sale will take place. We understand that it is the intention of one of the partners to take over the Rakaia business of the firm on his own in dividual account, and permanently reside in that township. The Rakaia business lias increased so rapidly and to such an extent as to require the personal super vision of one of the firm, and hence the •partners have seen fit to dissolve, one going to the Rakaia, and the other retain ing the Ashburton business.

“ Ashore and Afloat.” —The amateur dramatic company who placed this piece on the hoards a short time since, with such marked success, intend to repeat the play on the 28th inst. The repetition is with a view to allow a large number of the company’s friends who were unfortunate enough to miss the former performances to have an opportunity of witnessing the production.

Entertainment at Cambridge. —A fine, moonlight night conduced no doubt to the large attendance at the Cambridge school, where an entertainment of a varied character was given on Wednesday night by a party of ladies and gentleman connected with the Ashburton Primitive Methodist Church. The programme consisted of a display of dissolving views—historical, foreign, and local —interspersed with music and song, specially suited to the subjects exhibited. Miss Jowsey pre sided at the harmonium in a veiy effici cient manner. The visitox-s from Ashbur ton speak in high terms of the courtesy and kindness of Mr. Cape-Williamson, the schoolmaster at Cambridge, who ren dered every assistance possible in the effective carrying out of the arrangements. It is the the intention of the company to give a similar entertainment in Ashbur ton, when we doubt not that a like suc cess will reward their efforts. We may add that all proceeds, after paying a few trifling expenses, are devoted to the funds of the Primitive Methodist Church. A sub drton Steeplechases. —A meet ing to consider the advisability of holding this year the customary steeplechases was held in the Commercial Hotel on Thurs day. There was a fair attendance and Mr. James Scott occupied the chair. Mr. Wilkie, Hon. Sec. to the Ashburton Racing Club, said that he had convened the meeting at the wish of several of those who felt that a cross-country event should come of! this season. The last two autumn meetings had been very successful indeed, and there was no reason why one held this year should not be equally so. After some discussion Mr. E. F. Wright moved, and Mr. John Carter seconded : “ That a steeplechase meeting should be held at Ashburton on Saturday, May 29.” This being carried, the meeting proceeded to elect the officers with the following result:—Patron—E. G. Wright, Esq.: Vice-President—W. 0. Walker, Esq. Stewards —Messrt. E. S. Coster, Joseph Hunt, John Carter, E. Saundex-s, R. Friedlander, Neil M'Lean, Hay T. Smith, L. E. Crosbie, and Dr. Ross. Judge—Mr. M. Stitt. Starter—Mr. John Carter, Clerk of the Course—Mr. E. Saunders. Clerk of the Scales—Mr. E. F. Wright. Hon. Secretary—Mr. Jas. "Wilkie. Trea surer—Mr. C. C. Fooks. Committee— Messrs. Fooks, E. F. Wright, Lowson, Grant and Wilkie. Handicapper —Mi-. H. P. Lance. The following events were then fixed upon as material for a pro; gramme : —An open handicap of 40 sovs. an open weight for age, of 20 sovs.; a district handicap of 20 sovs.; a district weight for age of 15 sovs.; and a hack race of 5 sovs.

Treaties with France.—A Gazette just issued states that the duration of the the existing treaties of commerce and navigation with France is prolonged. Tenders. —The surveyors to the Waka nui Road Board are inviting tenders for several sections of work, particulars of which will be found in our advertising columns.

Alterations in the Education Act. —A conference of chairmen of School Committees in South Canterbury is to be held at Timaru to-day, to consider what alterations in the Education Act are ad visable.

The Naval Brigade. —At a meeting of the Wellington naval brigade on Thursday last Captain Johnston announced that he had, through the Colonial Government* sent a request to the Imperial authorities to allow the brigade the use of a man-of war from England.

Alleged Perjury, — At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Waimate, onThursday, a man named William Hoyton was charged with perjury at the hearing of the Waimate fire cases, at Dunedin, lately. The Bench decided that this case, and also a similar one against T. H. G. Smith, should go no further till a nian-. dtttnus had been obtained from the Su preme Court, Wellington.

Another Fatal Accident.— A melan choly accident occurred on Wednesday, about noon, at the residence of Mr. Bu chanan, Little River, whereby a child six years old, the son of Mr. F. J. Butler, in the employment of Mr. Buchanan, lost its life. The mother of the child and Annotta McCiona, an Italian girl, were in Mr. Buchanan’s room, playing with the child, when the latter took up a revolver and presented it at the child’s head. The girl, not knowing that the revolver was loaded, drew the trigger, and the bullet passed through the child’s head. The child died the same evening at seven o'clock. An inquest was held yesterday.

Fatal Accident. —An accident, result ing in fatal consequences, took place yes terday at the Christchurch railway station. A shunter, an elderly man, named Thomas Duffey, while engaged in his work, slipped over and fell across the rail, and the engine that was being shunted passed over his body. The man was at one time head porter at the Christchurch railway station, from thence was sent to Addington as signalman. At the time of the acc;dent Duffey was acting as porter at the Adding ton station and as far. as can be ascertained was engaged shunting some trucks at the time of the unfortunate occurrence which caused his death. It appears that deceased was one of the oldest servants on the rail way, having been in that employ under the old provincial system, and in con sequence of his age, and as a recog nition of long service it had been in tended to remove him from Addington to Christchurch, and give him the office of night watchman, which he was to have assumed at the end of this week. Duffey was a married man, with a large family, two of his sons being engaged on the rail way—one as engine driver on the Mal vern line, and the other as telegraphist in Dunedin. Deceased was a steady man, very generally respected by bis superiors, and cordially esteemed by his fellow-work men.

Jack Ashore. —lt is not an uncom mon thing to find individuals of thievish propensities appropriating articles of very little value to themselves, or anyone else except the owner. It is seldom, however, that such an article as a lady’s chemise is so attractive to any individual as for him to desire to become possessed of it, and we can hardly imagine anyone doing so except as a good joke. However, such a case occurred at the Lyttelton Police Court yesterday. Two men named Charles Scott and William Harris were charged with the larceny of a chemise belonging to Ellen Sheppard. Constable Neil gave evidence of examining the accused’s bed and box on board the Stracathro, and on searching a box in the cook-house he found the garment claimed by the prose cutor. The cook of the vessel testified to the prisoner Harris having left the “shift” in the galley at night. Ellen Sheppard testified to having missed a flannel shirt and drawers, two chemises and a nightdress, from the clothes-line on Wednesday morning. She heard some men in the yard on Tuesday night. The value of the clothes was L2. The chemise produced was identified by the witness as her property. Scott called evidence to show that he was not with the prisoner Harris when the articles were taken. The Bench dismissed the case against Scott, and sentenced Harris to twenty - four hours’ imprisonment, it appearing that the article was not taken with felonious latent.

Masonic. —The South. Rakaia Lodge, E. 0., held their annual installation of officers on Wednesday evening, in the Town Hall, Rakaia. The ceremony was conducted by the D.D.G.M., Bro. Henry Thomson, from Christchurch, assisted by Bro. Webb, P.M., Bro. Webb, W.M., from Southbridge, and Bro. Hardy,,W.M. of the South Rakaia Lodge. There was a good attendance of the members and a good many visiting brethren. The follow ing officers were installed : —Bros. T. A. Winter, W.M. ; J. N. Sharp, S.W. ; A. Makeig, J. W. ; E. Clark, Hon. Sec. ; V. Mangham, S.D. ; G. Rickards, J.D. ; A. Haslett, Tyler. Bro. Weeks conducted the musical ceremony. After an address by the D.D. Grand Master on the prin ciples of Freemasonry, the Lodge was duly closed, and the brethren attended a banquet at Bro. Partridge’s. The tables were laid out with the best of everything in first-class style, and those present en joyed themselves thoroughly. After the usual toasts had been proposed, that of the newly installed officers was given, who acknowledged the honor the brethren had conferred upon them in the Lodge, and expressed a hope that all would work together harmoniously during the ensuing year, which would assist the officers very much in their duties. After a pleasant evening had been spent, the party dis persed at about 12 o’clock.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, April 23. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. Joseph Elston admitted lie was a little the worse - for drink, but denied the charges of being disorderly, committing a broach of the peace, and resisting the ar resting constable. Constable Rowse said he saw the prisoner at the Methven railway station on Thursday, and the man was very drunk. On this account the station-master re fused to allow him to go by the train, whereupon prisoner struck the station master, and witness arrested him. On ar riving at the Rakaia police ’ station, piisoner pulled witness’ whiskers and otherwise assaulted him. His Worship fined the prisoner LI for being drunk and disorderly, or 48 hours’ imprisonment; for striking the station master L2, or 96 hours’ imprisonment; and a like penalty or the alternative for as saulting the constable.

CIVIL CASES. Quill v. Wilson. —Claim L 7 ICs. Bd. for board. Judgment by default, for plain tiff, with costs, 9s. Quill v. Catlin.—Claim Ll 3 9s. Gd., balance of account for board. Judgment by default, for plaintiff, with costs IGs. Quill v. Buchanan.—Claim, Lll Gs, Gd, for goods supplied. Mr. Branson for plaintiff. Plaintiff pleaded non-liability, neither having received the goods nor given any orders for their delivery. An adjournment was granted till next Court day, on the application of the defendant, so as to bring witnesses to prove his de fence.

Johnson v. Smith.—Mr. Holmes for plaintiff This was a claim for LIOO, less TJ 6s. Bd., which the plaintiff abandoned, so as to bring the amount within the jurisdiction of the Court. After the ac counts had been gone into, however, it was found that L9B Os. 3d. was the amount really claimed. A set-off to the amount of L 33 13s. was put in, which left a balance of L 64 7s. 3d., judgment for which was given, with costs, L 6. Mr. Holmes applied'for immediate execution, which his Worship granted. Greenaway v. Taylor.—Judgment sum mons for L3O 4s. Mr. Purnell appeared for plaintiff. An attempt was made by a member of a local firm of commission agents to make a statement on behalf of the defendant, who was not in Court. Mr. Purnell strongly deprecated such conduct, and drew the attention of the Bench to the fact that such action on the part of non-professional men was becom ing too common. Mr, Branson also pointed out to his Worship certain objectionable conduct by the same local firm, which was entirely at variance with the practice of the Court. His Worship said that the remedy lay with the bar, an expression of opinion in which Mr. Branson acquiesced, remarking that more would be heard of the matter.

Concerning the case of Greenaway v. Taylor, Mr. Purnell said that since judg ment had been given for the plaintiff, the defendant had given a bill of sale over his property. Mr*. Purnell submitted that such an action was tantamount to con tempt of Court, and pressed for severe punishment. His Worship gave an order for the money to be paid within one week, or the defendant to be imprisoned for three months. The Court then adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not bold ourselves responsible for (he opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE BUILDING SOCIETY.

To the Editor.

Sib, —I have received the last annual report of the Ashburton Building Society, but as the value of the investment shares arc given in totals without any particulars as to the number in each of the ten issues, I cannot make up the value of those I hold. Can you afford me any informa tion ? —I am, &c.,

Investor.

[Through the courtesy of the Secretary we are enabled to furnish our correspon dent with the net values of the Building Society’s shares ; they are as follows : Ist issue, L 23 15s. lOd.; 2nd do., LlB 3s. 4d.; 3rd do., Llo 13s. 35.; 4th do., Ll 3 7s. 4d ; sth do., Lll 35.; 6th do., L 5 Os. Id.; 7th, Bth, 9fch, and 10th issues have had no interest on profits yet added to them and remain at their subscribed value ]

HALF-YEARLY MEETING OF THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

[by telegraph.]

Auckland, April 22.

The thirty-seventh half-yearly meeting of the Bank of New Zealand was held at noon to-day. The directors report as fol lows : —The net profit on 31st March, after having duly provided for all bad or doubt ful dependencies, and for usual reduction in bank premises and furniture accounts, amounts to 1/74,101 17s. 4d., to which has been added the premium obtained on the sale of the balance of new shares, L17 : 193, and the balance from half-year ending 30th September, 1879, L 5890 (is. 5d., making a total available for division of L 97,185 3s. 9d., which it is recommended to be appropriated as follows : —Payment of dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, L 50,000 ; bonus of ss. per share, equal to 5 per cent, per annum, L 25,000 ; balance carried to profit and loss new ac counts, L 22,185 3s. 9d.; total, L 97,185 3s. 9d. The dividend and bonus will be pay able at the head office, Auckland, on Saturday, 24th April, and at the branch offices on receipt of advice.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) London, April 20. Consols remain at 9S|. Hew Zealand securities are without change. Adelaide breadstuff's have further de clined—wheat, per 4961b5., ex warehouse, being now 555.; and flour, per 480ibs., ex warehouse, 395. 6d.; New Zealand wheat is unchanged. Beef tallow remains at 325. 6d., while best mutton tallow has declined 6d. per cwt., and is now quoted at 345. The news.-ries of colonial wool auctions was opened to to-day. The quantity was 85,000 bales. The tone of the sales was strong, with animated demand. Greasy is a Id. higher ; washed and scoured Ijsd. There was a large attendance of Home and foreign buyers. The auctions close on June 12. The steamship Norfolk has left Ply mouth. Arrived—Waipa, from Port Chalmers, Jan. 19 ; Jessie Headman, from Bluff, J an. 18. April 21. There has been nothing definitely con cluded regarding the new Cabinet. It is expected that the Queen will summon the Marquis of Hartington. Lord Crahbrook has received the decor ation of the Grand Cross of the Star of India. St. Louis, April 21. A most destructive hurricane has taken place in the Western States of America. The town of Missouri has been demolished, and 100 persons killed. AUSTRALIAN. (Per Rente/s' Agency.) Sydney, April 22. In the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr. Fitzpatrick, leader of the Opposition, gave notice of a motion- which is tanta mount to a vote of want of confidence in the Government, in consequence of the latter’s refusal to initiate legislation on the question of mining on private pro perty. At the meeting of the Australian Mu tual Provident Society yesterday, the motion to amend the by-law relating to proxies was rejected by a large majority. Sailed, yesterday, the Arawata, for New Zealand. , A ballot has been taken among the miners, which proves adverse to the masters’ offer, and a strike is probable. Sailed —P. M. S. S. Zealandia, with outward San Francisco mail. Melbourne, April 22. The spread of diphtheria at Hamilton is diminishing, and precautions are being taken to prevent its outbreak in in other parts of the colony. The Iron Duke, about which consider able anxiety was felt, having left London on Dec. 21, has arrived. The steamship Norfolk, which has just left England, goes to Lyttelton, Welling ton and Sydney. An official telegram to hand states that Captain G. 0. Strahan, C.M.G., Governor of the Windward Islands, has been ap pointed Governor of Tasmania. At a Cabinet meeting held yesterday it was resolved to support Charles Macmahon for the Speakership. Mr. P. Lalor is also a candidate. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, April 22. It is reported the cost of the Crown prosecution in the case of J. 0. Young, will amount to L 2,500, owing to the ex pense of summoning distant witneses. Two more veterinary surgeon inspectors have been appointed at Waikato, where pleuro pneumonia is spreading. At the meeting of the South Auckland Cattle Board, the veterinary inspector, Mr. Naveu, reported severe disease in the Cambridge district. One speaker said the Piako Swamp Company had a great number of cattle running in the bush, and a rigid scrutiny of the company’s -cattle should be made. Auckland, April 23. Mr. Bryce arrived at the Manukau this morning. Sir George Grey will address a meeting about Wednesday next, if he is in good health ; if not, the week after. In the second charge against J. 0. Young, late Government Land Purchase Agent, charged with embezzling Govern ment moneys, the jury, at 11 o’clock, returned a verdict of “ Not guilty,” at taching the presentment that the system of native land purchase expenditure, as disclosed by the evidence, is extremely loose and reprehensible, and affords no sufficient check against fraud by persons employed as agents. The other charges were heard to-day, but at the opening of the Court the Crown Prosecutor announced their withdrawal. The Judge, in discharging Young, said he had been guilty of gross dereliction of duty, in pay ment of money, and had brought the prosecution on himself ; but he was satis fied that prisoner had not attempted to appropriate[the money to his own use. The German warship Bismarck has re ceived telegraphic instructions to sail for Valparaiso, to protect the German interests. She takes with her a quantity of Bay of Islands coals as an experiment. Two totalisators were seized on the racecourse to-day, and six men arrested who were engaged in working them. Wellington, April 23.

A destructive fire occurred at Burnham Water last night, a house owned by Mr. J. F. Wright being totally destroyed. The furniture, valued at LBOO, belonging to Mr. D. P. Davis, who occupied the build ing, was also destroyed. The origin of the fire is unknown. The house w'as in sured in the London and Globe office for L2OO, and the furniture for LSOO in the New Zealand office.

The tramway case now occupying the Supreme Court is not likely to conclude before to-morrow night. Napier, April 23.

The Commercial Hotel, at the Spit, was destroyed by fire at 2 a.m. this morning, Galloys, the proprietor, being absent at a private party in the town. His wife and one servant were alone in the house, sleep ing together, and were aroused by un wonted sounds, when they discovered the house to be on fire, which then had such a hold that they could only save a box or two of clothing.' Both the Spit and Napier brigades had been holding their annual dinner in town, but in spite of having dined and keeping up festivities, they turned out promptly, and succeeded is confining the fire to the hotel. The ad joining buildings were severely scorched, the weather-boards of Banner and Ledd less’s bonded store being burned through in places. The insurance on the building is L6OO South British ; L 499 Victoria; stock and furniture, L6OO in the Translan tic.

At the Fire Brigade dinner last night, A. Sutton, Esq., M.H.R., presided. W. M. Millar, the chief gaoler, and late superintendent of the Brigade was pre sented with a testimonial and a handsome silver tea and coffee service. Wellington, April 22. A woman named McLaggan atttempted suicide to-day at noon, by throwing her self off the breastwork. She was arrested by a constable and taken to the police station. .»»» Wellington, April 23. §| •At the meeting' of the City Council last night the fire brigade’s committee reported that in future there shall be only one Municipal Fire Brigade, and recommended that the Council advertise for a duly qualified, superintendent, at a salary of LIOO per annum, to organise and take command of such Fire Brigade, which

should be formed somewhat on the follow ing basis :—1 superintendent at LIOO ; 2 foremen, at L 25 each ; 5 branchmen, at LlO ; 25 firemen at L 5 each ; 1 night watchman at L 100; 2 station keepers (30s. per week each), Ll6O ; monthly practices (25 men at 2s. each, 5 men at 3s. each), XilO ; expenditure at fire, say Ll5O ; con tingingencies, LlO0 —total, L 875 per annum.

The steamer Manawatu, on her way from Wanganui to Wellington, broke down between Kapiti and Mana Islands. It is believed the boiler burst, and it is stated that the circumstances are such as to de mand a strict inquiry. The passengers of the Manawatu were brought on by the Jane Douglas, and the injured steamer returned to Kapiti. The Rangatira leaves this afternoon to tow the Manawatu to Wellington. Palmerston North, April 23.

Alexander Cameron, settler, Ngawararu, well known ir this district, was this morn ing committed for trial for selling bullocks given to him to graze. Another charge, of embezzling money belonging to the same prosecutor, M‘Conevey, Turukina, will bo heard this afternoon.

Invercargill, April 22.

At the annual meeting of the Acclima tisation Society it was resolved to increase the bonus for killing shags from three pence to a shilling , to petition Parlia ment for a general shooting license in the colony ; to impose a gun tax of ten shil lings ; and also, on account of the rabbit pest, to recommend and encourage the introduction of weasels, foxes, and stoats —the last resolution to be fully ventilated by the Committee before giving effect to it.

SCENE IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

[by telegraph.]

Gisborne, April 22.

The Resident Magistrate’s Court yester day again presented an undignified scene. The case against A. F. Hardy for perjury was proceeding, and during the examina tion of one witness for the prosecution, Mr. Matthew Price, one of the presiding magistrates, expressed his astonishment at the witness recollecting what had trans pired about three months ago. Witness objected to discredit being thrown,upon his testimony. Mr. Price replied that witness’ recollection was better than a shorthand reporter’s notes. Mr. Rees, solicitor for the prosecution, remonstrated with the Bench, and stated that such scenes tended to bring the ad ministration of justice into contempt, and made it difficult to conduct cases in a proper way. Mr. Price forthwith com mitted Mr. Rees for contempt of Court, and ordered the bailiff to take him in charge, which the bailiff did. By this time the court was thronged with specta tors. Mr. Rees refused to withdraw the expressions complained of, and after a little time, when things became cooler, the Bench fined him LI, and then ad journed the Court. Mr. Rees declined to pay the fine. The Court again assembled, and a num ber of persons were about to pay the fine, but Mr. Rees would not consent, prefer ring to take the alternative of a fort night’s imprisonment. Mr. Rees declined to go on with the case, and his clients being unable to conduct their own case, and refusing to employ other counsel, another adjournment for two hours took place. Through the influence of some friends of both parties, Mr. Rees con sented to the payment of the fine, and appeared in court for his clients in the afternoon.

THE DUNEDIN MURDER.

BUTLER FOUND GUILTY OF STAMPER’S BURGLARY.

[by telegraph.]

Dunedin, April 22.

This morning Butler pleaded guilty to the charge of burglary at Stamper’s house, but not guilty to that of stealing books from the Catholic Church. The jury, without leaving the bos, found him guilty. At the suggestion of the Bench, the Crown Prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi in respect of the attempt to shoot the constables.

The prisoner, in answer to the usual challenge, said nothing. The Judge, in passing sentence, said— “lt is evident, during the whole of your life, you have committed crime. From your earliest childhood you have been a persistent enemy to society. Where a Court has to deal, with such habitual criminals as you, it is absolutely neces sary such punishment should be meted out as will prevent danger to society, which must necessarily ensue if such characters as yourself are at large. The sentence I am about to pass, you will dis tinctly understand, is not measured in any degree by what took place recently. On that charge you were acquitted, but such verdict by no means exonerates you from grave suspicions in respect to that charge. I concur in that verdict, not because I am convinced of your inno cence, but because, in my opinion, the evidence brought against you was not suf ficient to justify the verdict of guilty. I particularly wish you to understand that the suspicion which must weigh on the mind of everybody in respect of that transaction does not affect in the least the sentence lam going to pronounce. The sentence I pronounce is based on your previous career, and on the circumstance that, immediately after you were let out of gaol,' you commenced a-rain a career of crime—larceny and burglary, the latter accompanied, in all probability, though that it is not brought against you, by arson. The sentence of the Court is that in respect of the burglary you be kept in penal servitude for 18 years ; for larceny, after the previous conviction, 10 years— the sentences to run concurrently.” This is practically 13 years. Mr. Haggitt intimated that he would consult with the Attorney-General as to whether the other indictment for murder should he proceeded with.

RISE IN THE PRICE OF WOOL.

The real wealth of New Zealand lies in what she is able to produce, and as every one knows, her staple productions are wool and grain. A rise in the price of either at once sends a thrill of satisfaction over the colony, and a fall acts in an exactly opposite way, but with the same readiness of response. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that we read in the cable news to day an announcement that a material in crease has taken place upon wool prices in the London market. The clip this year has been fairly good, and the rise in price will thus be a material increase of income. If wo may judge from the telegram, the market looks very well indeed, the de mand being brisk, and the tone of the market firm, while the buyers at the sales were numerous both on home and foreign account.

THE FARMER.

CO-OPERATION AMONG FARMERS, It is only when we are young ous (remarks “ A Farmer,” in the Evening Mail) that we can expect to make the best of our golden hours, and reap such a return for our labor that when the time comes that we can work no longer we are at least above the necessity _of so doing. Are oar farmers doing this % Are they securing for their heavy labor and anxious hours the full reward that they are entitled to 1 Do they not, by selling their grain in the way they do, lose what to them would make the differ ence between a bare subsistence and an actual profit 1 It is apparent that they do not realise the utmost profit that they should. It is clearly in their power .to secure to themselves the actual profit made out of their produce, and yet year by year they go on neglecting the proverb ‘ ‘ That Providence helps those who help themselves.” Why they should longer continue to do so is inexplicable, unless they believe more in the fatally mistaken saying that “ What is everybody’s busi ness is nobody’s business.” Surely there cannot exist any disturbing element which would prevent the formation of a farmer’s co-operative grain exporting company. I certainly know of none. The bulk of our farmers, from the very nature of their avocation, are sturdy, intelligent, hard working men, quite as capable of under standing and dealing with any practicable subject as any other body of men in the world, and yet year by year they have been going going on selling in the nearest mar ket, though they knew full well that it was not the best market. I now suggest that such of our farmers who desire to see this question properly discussed should send in their, names and addresses to me, at your office, when I shall call a meeting in Oamaru, by circular and otherwise., - When gathered together, the farmers can appoint a chairman and at once discuss, first the necessity for, and then the method gof working out this important subject. In a multitude of counsel their is wisdom, so that without doubt a'ready solution of all difficulties will be arrived at, and the far mers of Oamaru, happily united for their common weal, will at once take their stand, as a body of men who spare no legitimate means to secure the highest re turns for their labor. As the prosperity of our port and city depends entirely upon the prosperity of our farmers, every right minded citizen will rejoice to see them combining for their common good, and from one and [all most hearty good wishes will attend the formation of a Farmers’ Go-operative Grain Exporting Company, whose successful career must beneficially influence the future prospects of the port, city, -and district.

WATERING HORSES. The Berlin Militar Zeitung printsan interesting paper on the "watering of horses, a subject, the writer remarks, to which too little attention is given. by officers in command of mounted troops, and on which very erroneous ideas are entertained by many. The practice of allowing horses to drink only once a day, and then in the evening—a custom which is advocated by many because it is in vogue among the Arabs —is strongly re prehended by the German writer, who points out that while in horse’s ration consists almost and hay, the Arab gives his horse dates, a variety of plants, and even milk. Fed as they are in European armies, horses should, the writer maintains, be given water three times a day, and they should be allowed each'time to drink as much as they like. On the march, also, horses should be allowed to drink whenever cir cumstances permit. Formerly men on the march were strictly forbidden to drink; but now, on the contrary, espe cially when forced marches, haveto be made in hot weather, care is taken that they shall be able to obtain water, as it is now recognised that the body must be compensated for the moisture it loses in profuse perspiration. As with the man, so with the horse.

How to Kill Insects. —Mr. Lazardi, a French scientific agriculturalist, has, the Farmer says, discovered that soils in fested with wire-worms, grubs, ants, and other insects, may be completely freed from these pests by simply sewing them , with buckwheat, allowing it to grow until it flowers, and then ploughing or digging it in as green manure. The manner in which the buckwheat accomplishes its work of destruction is not a little singular. Its leaves are spongy, and it decomposes very quickly after being dug into _ the ground. In the course of decomposition it gives out much gas, and this gas asphyxiates all insects in the ground. The variety known as Tartary buckwheat is found to be the best for the purpose ; and as M. Lazardi states that he has now prac tically proved the success of his. recipe by several years’ experience, English agricul turists may try the remedy with every hope of finding it effectual ”

THE LEICHARDT MYSTERY.

The “ Sydney Telegraph ” says :—For thirty-two years the fate of Leichhart, the explorer, has been a mystery. Is it to remain so for ever? Some time since Andrew Hume told a strangr, tale of a white man living with the blacks in Northern Queensland. He had children and spoke with them in a tongue that Hume did not understand. From the age of the children it is evident that the roan hsd associated with the blacks for many years, and the circumstance that the language he spoke was not understood by Hume induces the belief that it was Ger man, and that the; stranger was no other than the unfortunate Leichhardt.

Hume’s story was not generally credited though a search party was organised and sent out. The efforts of that party, how ever only resulted in failure, and here matters would have ended hut for a singu lar and unexpected confirmation of Hume’s story. A Mr. Skuthorpe, the owner of a station-in the far north, fell in with the identical tribe referred to by Hume, There were the children, the blazed trees, the evidences of iron hatchets having been used many years before, and everything to indicate that Leichhardt had been with the blacks, but he was not there then, The assumption is, that after seeing Hume he endeavoured to reach the settlements, and that he perished on his way. The object of the meeting convened by Mr Hu Faur, and held at the Academy of Art recently, was to raise funds for- the purpose of fitting out an expedition to bring in the half caste children, and ascertain what they know of their father. They may have a whole history to relate when the diffi culties of translation have been overcome.

If they are the children of Leichhardt, the fate of the explorer will be known; if they are not some other mystery will be cleared up. Mr. Skuthorpe is willing to lead a,., search party, and the cost, it is estimated, will not exceed L2OO. That the money w will be subscribed there can be no doubt; 1 but such a work should not be left to" private patriotism. Leichhardt has a claim upon the country which nothing can discharge, and the least that the Government can do is to use every effort te trace out the melancholy end of one of our earliest explorers.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1880.



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MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &0., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 27, 18S0. G. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. NOTICE TO FARMERS. pjnHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Yfednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, JBBC. 550g* .npHS NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cat Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the public. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established, in Duned] n Inveecaegill Oamaeu Timaeu Ashburton Lyttelton Cheistchuech Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napise Thames Auckland A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. N.B.—Our New Winter Manufactures are now ready. “ TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— East Street. Wm. SPARROW, Manager,



Another Height. —lt is pointed out that the real height of politeness is pass ing round upon the opposite side of a lady, while walking with her, in order not to step upon her shadow. A Warm Reception. —A man who was seen coming out of a Texas newspaper office with a crushed hat and a damaged nose explained to a policeman that ho entered the office simply to inquire if the editor was in. “And he yras in,” the victim added mournfully.



Justice oe the Peace. — A few days ago a j ustice of the peace took his little son down the river on an excursion. The lad interviewed the man at the wheel, and gathered much information relative to the business of steamboating. Presently his father joined him and asked him how he was enjoying himself. li Pirst-rate,” was the enthusiastic reply. “ I’m going to be a steamboat man, papa. ” “ All right,” responded the J.P., “ but you’ll have to study astronomy, and divers other sciences in order to be a good one.” The lad said nothing at the time, but appeared to be re volving the difficulties of the case in his mind. Half an hour later he remarked, with much gravity, “ Papa I think I won’t be a steamboatnian ; I’d rather be a justice of the peace; you don’t have to know anything for that.”



A Useful Wipe. —Lady Ramsay, the wife of the unsuccessful candidate for Par liament from Liverpool, went heartily into politics for her husband’s sake. She worked enthusiastically in iua cause, and became an immense favorite with the electors, who cheered her warmly when ever she appeared, - '