SHIPPING.

«. STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington Wanaka, This day, March 30. Passengers by 2.40 p. in. train. Fob Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga and Auckland —Rotoraahana, This day, March 30. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. Fob Port Chalmers —Maori, This day, March 30. Passengers by 12.10 train. Fob Melbourne, via Bluff— Te Anau, This day, March 30. Passengers by 2 '4O train. Fob Sydney Wakatipu, on Friday, April 2. Passengers by 2.40 train. Fob Akaroa Taiaroa, on Thursday, April 1. Passengers by 12.10 p.ra. train. Fob Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau (transhipping at Nelson for West Coast Ports) Wanaka, This day, March 30.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia M 10.20 a.m and 4.30- p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at J. 15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Seafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster. The next mail for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will be closed at Christ church on March 27th, and will be due in London on May 11th. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi, will be closed at Christ church on April Gth, and will be due in London on May 27th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1880.

Recent advices from England toll us that it was a fortunate thing for New Zea land that the five million loan was floated before Major Atkinson’s budget was laid before the House of Representatives. He announced an alarming deficit, and had British capitalists been in possession of the figures lie supplied before they con tributed the £5,000,000 loan to the colony, it is very questionable if, at this date, we would have been able to rejoice over the continuance of our ability to get into debt. The capitalists were taken by surprise by the Major’s statement of the colony’s finance, and very naturally they were curious to know how it came that a Premier before his Parliament, and pos sessing, as at least he ought to have pos sessed, a full knowledge of the state of the colony’s money chest, could rush into the money market, with glowing accounts of New Zealand’s financial position, while at the same time he knew that hia Esti mates of the previous year had not been realised by nearly £400,000. The capital ists, trusting to the colony’s previous good name, put their names to its paper in ignorance of the fact that the then Premier had already disposed of a large share of the loan in anticipation. Having lent their money, so to speak, under false pretences, there was a considerable amount of growling done by those who for a time felt themselves taken in ; but the same statement which had caused them so much anxiety contained also what was needful to allay their fears. The Major came forward before the colony with a courageous statement of the facts that his predecessors had concealed—viz., that a deficit existed, and was likely to increase. He pointed out that there had been extravagance in the administration of his predecessors, and for the colony to redeem itself there was only the one course open, that of increasing the revenue by the unwelcome means of taxation. An announcement of this kind is scarcely what would be expected from a new Go vernment, and one with only a small majority—a government who, to live, might be expected to court popularity in every way. But duplicity was not one of the cards the Hall Government relied on. They chose the honest and straightfor ward course of letting the country know the exact position of affairs, and though the knowledge was not of a palatable kind, and was howled at by the Opposi tion as calculated to ruin the colony’s credit in the Home money market, yet the course followed by Major Atkinson has had the effect, not of ruining, but of establishing the credit of New Zealand at Home. The capitalists there, after calmly looking at the state of affairs and consi dering Major Atkinson’s proposals for meeting the deficiency he had announced, had their confidence restored, and there can bo no doubt that, learning the fate of the Grey Government had much to do with the restitution of the colony’s credit, the office of the team who had pulled so unevenly, so blunderingly, and with such costliness to the waggon of state, was a source of satisfaction and com fort, and we may safely say that the know ledge of the true financial situation, and who are now the masters of it, has done more to strengthen confidence in the colony than can be well calculated. The opinion held of our resources, of the fertility of our soil, of our genial cli mate, and the untapped riches that yet lie in the bosom of our mines, is still as high, and with the strengthening belief that the colonies are the only safe and sure investment ground for the surplus wealth of England, we need not fear for the future so far as the popularity of the colony at Home is concerned, either with the laborer, the capitalist settler, or the money-lender. * The amateur players who are to favor us on Friday and Saturday evening with a representation, with georgeous scenic effects, of Hazlewood’s piece “ Ashore and Afloat ” have scared up an agent of the Dramatic Authors' Society, who makes a demand upon the local company of 15s. as a fee for liberty to play the piece, and that sum must be paid before “ Ashore and Afloat ” can be enacted, under a penalty of 40s. to the agent, or at his option the entire proceeds of the perfor mance, together with double costs of the suit in a court of law. Up to the pas sing of the Fine Arts Copyright Act Amendment Act last year, local and even professional players could reproduce the dramatic works in the catalogue of the Dramatic Authors’ Society almost without question, and certainly with impunity so far as the law was concerned ; but the passing of this Act has changed all this, and now it is exceedingly dangerous to attempt amateur dramatic performances without first ascertaining whether the pieces to bo represented are or are not in the catalogue of works for the per formance of which a fee is charge able. It was only a fortnight ago that Mr. E. T. Gillon, of Wellington, the accredited agent of the English Dra matic Authors’ Society, recovered the minimum penalty of 40s. from the Inver cargill Garrick Club for the production by that Club without leave of the farce, “ Hunting a Turtle,” and the costs in the case were something solid. It will hence forth be wise on the part of amateur players, before they advertise a copyright piece to pay the toll that is now de manded by the agent, otherwise conse quences may ensue far more disastrous than being hissed from the platform by an audience of a dozen. Wo are glad to notice that “ Ashore and Afloat” has been licensed, and that there is ‘every prospect of the two representati'-ns of it being suc cessful in the highest degree.

Criminal Assault.— Detective Neill, of Christchurch, on Saturday, arrested a man named Skedgewell on a charge of having committed a criminal assault at Ashburton. Banquet. —We understand that a banquet is to be given by several admirers of the late proprietor of the “Mail” to that gentleman, 'on his return from the North to fight out the libel case. Temperance Benefit Societies. Steps are being taken to resuscitate and. if possible, amalgamate the two temperance benefit societies which for some months have been lying dormant. Clean Sheet. —There were no police cases for the R. M. to deal with on Satur day nor yesterday, so that in Ashburton at least the holidays have been observed with commendable decorum. Death of Templeton. —The grand old racehorse, Templeton, mot his death on the Christchurch racecourse yester day. While taking his exercise, by an extraordinary mishap he cannoned against a cow and smashed his shoulder. The injuries were so severe that the gal lant little horse had to be shot. Accident at Methven. —One of the hands employed in delivering the wheat belonging to Messrs. Gould and Cameron at Methven on Friday fell with a sack across one of the rails and sustained a severe fracture of one of his legs. He was at once taken to the homestead, where lie received all the attention his case demanded. Wesleyan. —On Sunday last it was announced tiiai the Wesleyan Church would bo lighted with gas next Sabbath ; and that the quarterly meeting of office bearers on Wednesday evening next, would probably be hold at the parsonage, in consequence of the gac'hWs using th# church for laying the pipes,

The Sacking of Mr. Furness’ Shop. —ln connection with the disgraceful rush that was made on Good Friday on the shop of Mr. Furness, when the premises were sacked of everything liftable by the Volunteers, Captain Feld wick, who had command of the Invercargill contingent, denies that any of his men had to do with the affair. Easter Services at St. Mark’s, Rakaia. —On Easter Day, special services were held in St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia. The church had been very tastefully de corated by the ladies of the district, and presented a very pleasing sight. In the morning the attendance was not so good as might have been, but in the evening the Church was crowded. The service in the evening was choral, Mrs. C. H. M'Lean presiding at the organ. Communion. —The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was dispensed in the Pres byterian Church, Ashburton, on Sunday, when the largest number of communicants that has ever attended on any previous celebration, partook. Suitable sermons were preached by the pastor on the occasion, and in the evening, and large numbers of Presbyterians from the country attended. The elders who assisted at the sacrament wore Messrs Moore, of Waterton, and Henderson, of Methven. Easter Monday. —Yesterday was ob served almost entirely in Ashburton as a holiday, and the day being fine, many of the residents took a day’s outing, all the available conveyances being brought into requisition, from the modest dray to the capacious “Princess” ’bus. The latter rehicle took a large party to Wakanui. The beach, always a refuge at holiday time, had a fair share of pic-nic parties, while not a few pleasure-seekers made for the hills. The crack of the gun was a frequent sound, too, in places that afforded sport for our local shots. Masonic. —At the regular meeting of the Thistle Lodge, 5.0., on Thursday evening, Bro. Quill was installed as W. Master of that Lodge, by Bro. Taylor, P.M., from Lyttelton, assisted by visiting Past-Masters. There was a good attend ance of the Lodge. The new Worshipful Master acknowledged the honor that the brethren had conferred upon him, ex pressing his determination to do all in his power to promote the interests of Masonry and the Thistle Lodge in particular. This Lodge, which is under the Scotch Consti tution, is prospering, and the next meet ing is expected to be held in the new Masonic Hall, Tancred street. Home from the War. —Last night the first instalment of the war-worn army that has been sham-fighting in Christchurch passed through Ashburton on its way south. The rowdiness which characterised their previous passage through the town was almost wholly absent, and only a very few, comparatively, seemed inclined to leave the carriages for a drink. About a dozen made their way across the street to the shop that was sacked on Good Fri day for fruit, and to Mr. Edward Taylor’s for bread, but the main boiy seemed too much done up to care for moving. The little knot of idlers on the platform got up a sleepy cheer, and a harsh-voiced individual iu one carriage called in response for three groans for the Christchurch tucker and ac commodation. These seemed to bo heartily given, and some of the dreamers woke up to join in. The Burnham Accident. —On the Bth of March, it will be remembered, a little three-year old child named Gilpin, had her arm almost severed from her body, and one foot badly crushed, by an accident that happened to her at Burnham Rail way Station. She was a passenger in a train with her mother, who also had an infant in her arms. The train in which they had travelled from Christchurch drew up in a siding to allow another train to pass on the main line. The train in which they were passengers came to a dead halt, and was perfectly still, but some minutes afterwards moved on again a few yards. In the interval the passen gers were getting out, and while the husband of Mrs. Gilpin, who had come to meet his family, was assisting the mother and infant from the carriage, the train made the sudden advance of a few yards referred to. The little girl who was injured was on the carriage platform, and was jerked off, falling before the wheels, which passed over her, and mutilated her as above described. She was taken to the Christchurch hospital, where she died on the 23rd inst. On Thursday last an inquest was hold at the hospital, when, after hearing the evi dence of those who witnessed the acci dent, the railway officials, and the medical men, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that the child had died from diarrhoea and sickness, aggravated by the accident on the railway. They also added a rider suggesting that when a passenger train is drawn on a siding, the passengers should not be allowed to leave the train until it is brought up alongside the plat form, and also that the points should be attended to by the pointsman, and not by the guard.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

£1 NOTES.

To the Editor. Sir, —Can you inform your correspon dent whether onc-pound notes are in cir culation in England I —Yours truly, Paddy Murphy. [One pound notes are not generally in circulation in England. In the north of England they are made use of, but in all the the southern portion of the country from sixty miles north of London they are not in circulation. LI notes are in daily use in Ireland and Scotland, but a shilling discount is usually charged on these when they are presented for cashing in any part of England.]— Ed. A.G.

STATION-MASTER’S UNIFORM.

The question of a uniform for the station-masters on the New Zealand Rail way lines is one that has been raised before to-day, and has been discussed previously in these columns. On Good Friday our attention was called to the absence of such a uniform by several persons, and we should say, from what we saw, that the want was felt. The station-master is the head and front and director of all the work at a station, and the movements of all the officials, and the trains under their control are directed by him. From his orders on the platform the travelling public know how to act, and knowing the giver of an order the non-travelling crowd are able to distinguish between whose command is entitled to respect, and whose is not. On Good Friday there were immense crowds of Volunteers and civilians on the little platform at Ashburton, and the work of the railway officials was arduous in the extreme. Both civilians and Vo lunteers were continually in their way, and the attention that ought to be given to the station-master’s orders was not given by the Volunteers and others who were on their journey to Christchurch. Not that disrespect was intended, but because no one not familiar with the form and features of Mr. Pilkington was able to distinguish between him and any unit of the non-official crowd. It was observable that an announcement made by a guard in uniform, or by the badge distinguished porter was accepted as authoritative at once, and attended to. But the same order coming from the lips of the station-master—the fountain head of it—only met with in most cases a stupid Bt«vre, followed occasionally by an

inquiry as to who that person was who was making himself so awfully officious. Had the station-master worn any sort of a distinguishing mark that would at once have announced his position and authority, we have no doubt that prompt obedience would immediately have followed his “ all aboard,” and many grinning idlers would have cleared the way when he gave utter ance to his desire that they should do so. Every Ashburton resident knows our station-master, but strangers cannot be expected to do so, and we consider it is an absolute necessity that the authorities should set about providing some badge by which the chief officer at railway stations should be known.

FAREWELL SERMON BY THE REV, W. E. PAIGE, M.A.

The Rev. W. E. Paige preached his valedictory sermon at St. Stephen’s Church on Sunday morning, to a large congregation. The retiring incumbent conducted the usual Easter Service in an impressive manner, and at the conclusion of his sermon he spoke as follows in reference to his approaching departure ; “ With the hymns of praise ringing in our ears, with our hearts full of love for our Saviour’s death and resurrection, and with our eyes fixed on the great Easter Day to come, when we shall awake from the dead and stand face t« face with God, Brethren, I bid you farewell. I had hoped to spend many more years among you, if my life were spared. I had looked on this parish as my home, but it was not to be. Some good purpose will, I doubt not, be wrought out by my removal, and I trust I shall see that purpose accom plished. I would fain part from all in love, and remember only the years of peace and happiness I have spent among you ; and I hope that all of you will work heartily together for the cause of Christ, and forgetting past dif ferences, unite in welcomiugmy successor, and thus strengthen his hands and cheer his spirit ; for none of you can know how much our work is made or marred by the deadness or the warmth of our parishioners,; and while I pray that God’s blessing may rest on you and him, I trust that in years to come, when prosperity attends you, you will bestow a kindly thought on one who, many as his faults are, yet did his best, and joined with you in building this and other houses of God, which, under God’s mercy, will prove a blessing to many yet unborn as well as those now living. Use this church, brethren, as God’s temple on earth, as the type of the courts of the temple in Heaven, and though on earth yo see my face no more, may we all meet in Heaven as fellow heirs of the king dom of Christ, and share each other’s happiness. It is so painful for me to say “farewell,” that I had almost decided not to do so ; but I might perhaps have been misunderstood and have given rise to the thought that I left you with un kindly feelings. Brethren, it is not so ; I pray God to bless you in your work here and in your jersons, and I carry away with mo only kindly thoughts towards a parish wherein I trust I still retain many friends and but few enemies. I cannot conclude those remarks better than in the words of the poet, embodying, as they do, the grand principle of success both to the pastor and people. Pray for rny soul. More things are wrought by prayer Than this world dreams of; wherefore let thy voice Rise like a fountain for me day and night • For what are men belter than sheep or goats, That nourish a blind Me within the brain, If knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer, Both for themselves and those who call them friend ? For so the whole round world is every way Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.

THE EASTER MONDAY REVIEW.

[by telegraph.] Christchurch, March 29. There was an enormous attendance at the racecourse to-day, estimated at the lowest computation at 10,000, and said to be the largest ever seen on the ground. The weather was splendid, and not too hot. The strain on the railway resources was very great, especially as they wore only informed yesterday at 4 o’clock that the volunteers would go by rail. Ener mous passenger trains, over a quarter of a mile long, were got off as quickly as possible, and not so much confusion re sulted as might be expected. Some trucks got off the line, and caused a delay in coming back, but there was no other mishap. On arriving at the Race plat form the men were marched on to the course, and there fell out for a little while. The ammunition was served out daring this interval, and after a short spell the bugles sounded the “ Fall in,” when the companies were divided into the following battalions : —Cavalry and artillery on the extreme right, the naval brigade next, and two battalions of infantry one formed of mixed companies. After the centre battalions had been placed in extended order, Colonel Packe, attended by his staff’, rode along the whole length of the brigade. Some little excitement was caused by a member of the Wellington Naval Brigade being carried off the held into an office by some of his comrades. The man—who, with many others of his company, has been suffering from diarrhoea since his arrival—had fallen in a fainting tit. He was attended by Drs. Diver and Dcamer, and soon recovered. At 1.30, the Commanding Officer and his staff having taken up a position at the Union Jack erected opposite the grand stand, the brigades were formed into companies, and marched past In the fol lowing order Cavalry, artillery with guns, companies of artillery, naval brig ade, engineers (Wellington company), Christchurch engineers, Christchurch City Guards. The steady marching of the artillery, naval brigade, engineers (Wellington company), and Christchurch engineers would have done credit to regular troops. A second march past took place inclose column order, between lines formed by the people, in which the artillery companies, naval brigade, Wai pari rifles, Dunedin rifles, Christchurch engineers, and city guards, were _ par ticularly noticeable for their steadiness. A halt was now called, and after a spell the men were put into position for the usual review movements 'which it is need less to detail. When the sham fight was finished the volunteers marched back to town by battalions, by way of the road. This evening there is a grand ball in the Drill Shed.

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

(by telegraph.) (limes Special.) Okato, March 28. A telegram has been received in camp from Colonel Whitmore, announcing that ho will visit the Plains. He is expected here to-morrow. Speculation is rife as to whether his visit is official or private. It is not unlikely that Government has asked him to consult with the commanding officers here relative to the plan of opera tions in the o\ ent of war. Yesterday, the unemployed were armed for the first time with Entields, and drilled. Since the late Parihaka meeting, Te Whiti has been very pouri, and is credited with having said that the first soldiers who crossed the Waipenu (the boundary between Punata and Parihaka) will die. Tohu’s influence is evidently in the ascend ancy.

HARVEST HOME AT CHATMOSS.

At the kind invitation of Mr. James Scott, manager of the Chatmoss estate, a number of Ashburton gentlemen went yesterday morning to the residence of Mr. Scott to celebrate a harvest home, and the occasion was also taken advantage of to contest a game of cricket between the residents 011 the estate and the Ashburton visitors. The guests from Ashburton went by the morning express as far as Winslow, where they were met by a variety of vehicles and several horses, kindly provided to convey them as far as their destination. After one or two amusing adventures the cosy residence of Mr. Scott was reached, where a most sub stantial lunch was awaiting the visitors, for which they were evidently iu readi ness, the keen morning air having pro vided them with as keen an appetite. After lunch the party wended their way to an adjoining paddock, part of which had been carefully rolled on purpose to provide as good a wicket as possible. Sides were chosen by Messrs. Mainwaring and Grant, and the latter gentleman having won the toss, sent the opposing side to the field. There was not much skill displayed by either side, but a deal of amusement was caused by several of the players who were evidently more inclined for fun than for the serious game of cricket. However, the side of Mr. Grant, who were all employed at or near Chat moss, proved to be too much for the visitors, winning a one innings match very easily with 38 runs to spare. The bowling of Fowler and Ben Ede for the Chatmoss team was very destructive, as a glance at the detailed score given below will prove ; CHATMOSS. Grant, b T. C. Ireland ... 9 Fowler, b Martin ... ... 29 Walker, bT. C. Ireland ... o Ben Ede, c Mainwaring b Ireland 2 Hoskins, b Amos ... ... o Osborne, b Amos, ... ... o T. Hayman, c Dixon, b Ireland 2 Jas. Hayman, c and b Martin ... 8 Hail, b Hill ... ... 8 Williams, b Martin ... ... 3 Reese, b Hill ... ... 4 Lowe, b Hill ... ... 1 Counter, b Martin ... ... 1 S. Reeves, b Hill ... ... 2 John Hayman, not out ... o Wright, run out ... ... o Extras ... ... 3 Total ... ... 72 ASHBURTON. Mainwaring, b Ede... ... 2 Hill, b Ede ... ... 3 Eyton, b Fowler ... ... I T. C. Ireland, b Fowler ... O Amos, b Fowler ... ... 3 Martin, b Fowler ... ... 3 Curtis, b Fowler ... ... 9 Jacobson, c Reeves b Ede ... 3 J. Ireland, b L’de ... ... 5 Whally, b Fowler ... ... 1 Dixon, b Fowler ... ... O C. Ireland, c Grant b Fowler ... o Boileau, b Fowler ... ... o J. Williams, c Reeves b Ede ... I Lovett, not out ... ... I G. 1). Branson, b Ede ... 4 G. Williams, b Fonder ... I Extras ... •••7 Total ... •••44 We must not not omit to mention that a ringing cheer was given by the de feated team for their more fortunate and certainly more skilful victors at the close of the match. Immediately after tire game was finished an adjournment was made to the house, where a substantial tea, hospitably prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Scott, was in readiness, after partaking of which Mr. G. D. Branson, on behalf of himself and fellow-visitors, thanked Mr. Scott for the kind manner in which they had been entertained during the day, and expressing the belief that should Mr. Scott see fit on any future occasion to give them a similar invitation to partake of his hospitality, he would find that “ Barkis is willing. ” This was followed bj T cheers being given for Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Mr. Grant, after which the former gentleman briefly replied, con cluding by expressing his satisfaction that the Ashburtonites had been thrashed by the clodhoppers. Active preparations were soon made for catching the 7.10 train at Winslow, and the whole party eventually reached Ashburton at about 8 o’clock, well pleased with the day’s enjoy ment, and we venture to think that not one of the party will soon forget their pleasant trip to Chatmoss, or the princely entertainment of Mr. James Scott.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE,

( Reuter's 7 elegrams.) London, March 26. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 17,375,000. The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Lord President of the Privy Council, has resigned that position in the Ministry. The Marquis of Hartington made a speech at a Liberal meeting to-day, in which he reiterated the policy set forth in his receut manifesto. He further said that if returned, he would endeavor to establish European concert, and would be prepared to use coercive measures towards Turkey in order to force her to introduce internal reform. Mr. Gladstone is severely indisposed. His illness was caused by over work and strain attending electioneering. March 25. Authentic intelligence has been re ceived with reference to the movements of the Afghan pretender, Abdul Rahman, who recently crossed the river Oxus from Russian territory, and was believed to be arming at Balkh and Badakshan. Abdul Rahman has now joined the Turcoman forces under Mahomraed Isa, near Akocha, 44 miles from Balkh, and presumably in tends to descend upon Cabul should an opportunity offer. The strength of his foi’ce is not known. It is believed that General Roberts is watching his progress, and it is expected that the British troops will secure the town of Oharkar, on the road to Balkh, in order to oppose Abdul Rahman should he advance. The Empress Eugenic, together with her suite, sailed to-day for the Cape. The Queen left for the Continent to day. March 27. It is announced that Prince Leopold will shortly leave England on a tour through Canada and the United States. London, March 24. Arrived Weymouth, barque, from New Zealand. The Royal Commission dissolving Par liament has been issued. It states that England’s relationship with Foreign Powers is of a friendly character, which is considered most favorable for the main tenance of the tranquility of Europe. It also hopes for a speedy settlement of af fairs in Afghanistan. Paris, March 25. The French Government having re solved to prosecute repressive measures against the Jesuits are about to issue deciees dissolving the Society of Jesus in France, and expelling all foreign members. AUSTRALIAN. Sydney, March 25. The Council again amended the Stamp Bill. A long Cabinet meeting was held to-day, to consider the situation, the result of which is yet unknown. Sydney, March 24. Sailed—City of New York, with the outward San Francisco mails. Adelaide, March 25. The official statement of South Austra lian wheat statistics, shows that the total acreage is 1,458,096, producing

14,260,904 bushels. The average yield is nine bushels 47 pounds per acre for past season. Melbourne, March 25. Mr. Higginbotham has been re-instated in his former position of Engineer-in- Ohief of the Railways. of Victoria. Mr. Watson, the late Engineer-in-Ohief, re fuses to accept his old position, and leaves the public service. Arrived—Arawata, from New Zealand. INTERPROYINCIAL. Auckland, March 29. The Ponsonby regatta passed off suc cessfully. The open boat race was won easily by Toy. At the Domain athletic sports, Hutton, of Auckland, beat Frier, of Dunedin, easily for the championship and LSO a side. Hutton won by ten yards in 100 and five in 200 yards. Henderson’s Mill races were well at tended. The principal race was the Hen derson’s Mill Gup of 100 sovs. Golden Crown, 1 ; Malvern, 2 ; Gilderoy, 3. At the Thames volunteer review 1000 paraded, infantry, cavalry, and artillery. There was a large attendance of people. Wellington, March 29. Bishop Redwood and Pastor Chiuiquy were fellow-passengers to San Francisco by the mail yesterday. The steamers Charles Edward and Grafton had a narrow escape from collision in the French Pass on Saturday night. The former managed to back out of the channel in time. The horses Hornby, Tera, Randwick, Clarence, Lara, and Norseman left in the To Anau to-day for the Canterbury races. The Druids’ procession and fete to-day were a great success. The weather was fine. Grant and Poster, the Lincolnshire Delegates, made an inspection of the Kaipara district, before their departure by the outgoing San Francisco steamer. Before they left they stated that their im pressions of New Zealand had been most favorable. They had been received every where most hospitably. In the south, however, they found that all the good agricultural land had passed from the hands of Government, and only some runs remained open, but that was not the sort of land they had been looking for. They were much pleased with the Wai kato, and also with what they had seen of North Auckland. It now remained entirely with Government whether and when they personally return to settle in New Zealand.’ The difficulty in the way is that having been accustomed to farm areas of a thousand acres and upwards, and having capital to bring such an area under cultivation, there were obstacles in the way of obtaining such farms from Go vernment. Te Aroha block, in which they would immediately take up 15,000 acres for themselves and other Lincoln shire farmers, is surveyed into lots not to exceed 300 acres. It appears doubtful whether Government will meet their views by granting larger areas. The De legates have written to the press return ing thanks for the genuine hospitality which they have universally received, and regretting that their obligations are so great, and their time so limited, that they cannot send their acknowledgements in detail.

Hawera, March 27. No political significance is attached to the pounding of Mr. Stevenson’s horses. The animals strayed away, and the Maoris had found them. Everything is quiet, and apparently satisfactory. The camp is likely to shift next week. Hawera, March. 29. The Commissioners had a very satisfac tory interview with Titokowaru, Koperi, and other important chiefs yesterday. They regard the native difficulty as now at an end, although things were very gloomy when they first came. Napier, March 29. The bar is still very bad. The outward English mail was left behind, as the Rotorua was not communicated with. Great indignation is expressed, as it is generally thought the lifeboat could have gone out if started at the proper time. Communication with most of the country districts has been restored, but the coaches are unable to run through the Seventy-Mile Bush. Tanner lost 1500 sheep, and Col. Whitmore 2000 by the floods. Wellington, March 27- Some wreckage, reported by the Maoris as being in Barnes’ Bay, has been identi fied by the Marine Department as part of the Mabel Jane, wrecked at West Wanga nui in 1878. The Governor has received a cablegram fx-oui the Governor of New South Wales, stating that Her Majesty’s Ambassador at Raids has been instructed to urge the French Government to prohibit assistance being given to liberated convicts in emi grating from New Caledonia to the Aus tralian colonies. Wellington, March 29. Bishop Redwood, who leaves by the San Francisco steamer en route for Rome, w’as to-day presented with a highly com plimentary address from the Catholics of Wellington, in replying to which he ex pressed a hope of speedy return with an additional number of priests for the dio cese.

A meeting has been called by the Mayor, at the request of a number of working men, to consider a scheme for constructing the West Coast railway on a land settlement plan. The following resolutions will be proposed; —“ 1. That the Government survey settlements along the line of railway as near as possible ten miles apart, the settlements to be sub divided into 25-acre sections, more or less, according to soil, &c., and to be paid for by balance of wages, or failing that, to run ten years before final payment is demanded.” “ 2. That the price of the land be fixed at L2 pier acre.” “3. That the rate of wages be fixed at Gs., 75., and Ss. per day.” “4. That the Government provide rations at Is. 3d. per head, each man to decide wdiether he will accept a full ration for each member of his family or not.” “5. That in addition to rations each man receive 10s. per week.” “6. That any 10 or 12 men shall have the option of selecting sections contiguous one to the other.” There is a prospect of Wellington oars men taking the challenge of Messrs. White Bros, of Mercury Bay, Auckland. Mr. Batkin, on behalf of the Wellington men, has written to the Nelson Rowing Club, asking them in the event of the challenge being accepted to lend their boat for the race. A telegram received from Taupo to-day says that a magnificent meteor was seen at 9 o’clock last night, which exploded in the south-west with a repeat like tnat of heavy artillery. Westport, March 27. Two ’ruck-loads of the Westport Colliery Company’s coal wei e brought to town on Thursday. More will come on Tuesday. Waiau, March 29. Constable Cartmill and a search party of fifteen residents have just started for the foot of the Cloudy Range to look for a man named Ward, supposed to be lost in that direction. He is a stranger to the district, and was last seen on Thursday, without hat or coat, making for the hills. He has no swag, and as it has been raining incessantly, fears are entertained for his safety. Blenheim, March 27. Information was received here to-day that the schooner Susannah Rose had gone ashore at Flaxbourne last Saturday. The schooner had all her canvas blown away on Friday night, and at 3.30 Saturday morning she struck near the mouth of the river Ure, six miles from Flaxbourne station. The captain and six men jumped off the jibboom into the surf and battled

their way to dry land. Four reached the station on Sunday morning, and the same evening went with the station hands in search of their mates. Two were found on Monday, but the captain is still missing. Further search was made, and his tracks were found on the Ure river. The footmarks wore followed up for three miles along the bank. When found lie was stretched full length in a shallow pool amongst a patch of boulders in the middle of the river. The intervening current being very deep and swift, it was only after a hard struggle that the men got to the captain and con veyed him to the bank. He was stiff from exposure, and could not move a limb. It appears from the captain's own account that, on entering the river to cross, the current carried him off his legs and swept him down some distance. He managed to get hold of a large boulder and kick off his heavy sea boots, but, on relinquishing his hold, was carried to the shallow spot where he was rescued. He had been 50 hours without food or drink, and had got into such a weak state that when his preservers were within 10 yards ho could not answer their calls. Great praise is given to the station hands for the gallant manner in which they accom plished his rescue in the face of a swollen torrent. Dunedin, March 29. The trousers identified as worn by Butler on the night before the Cumber land street murders have been found, near the Northern Cemetery. They are said to be stained with blood. The criminal calendar consists of eighteen cases, including two cases of cut ting and wounding, one of horse stealing, live of highway robbery, one of man slaughter, and one of wilful murder. The Dunedin Jockey Club have ap pointed three members of Committee to act with Mr. Moore in framing handicaps for the Queen’s Birthday meeting.

THE COMING RAGES.

From our. own Correspondent. Christchurch. March 27. On the course this morning Mata and Sir Modred had a fast gallop round. The gelding proved the better horse. Titauia worked along at a slow canter once round, fretting very much. Lima had a good pipe opener and went very well. Tera and York had a fast spin, the former leading and making the pace hot. York over-hauled coming into the straight, and had the best of the finish. Murieile went at good pace for a mile, but the other half rather stilly. Templeton and Go vernor went for a fast spin, the former going well. Foul Play bad a flutter by himself to the three-quarter mile post. On Dit joined him, and the pace increased, Foul Play lead ing past the post a dozen lengths Marie Antoinette and Webb’s team also galloped, Virginian going excellently.

THE MOUND BUILDERS.

Important archaeological discoveries, (says the London “Times,”) have been made within the last few weeks in the United States among the mounds of the Little Miami Valley, in the State of Ohio. Near the Town of Madisonville an extensive aboriginal cemetery has been explored, which has disclosed many in teresting facts in relation to the pre-his toric mound-building race of that section. Thus far the excavations have extended only over a limited portion of the burial ground. Two hundred skeletons have been taken from the graves already opened, of which number, however, not more than forty or fifty crania could be preserved sufficiently well for measure ment. There appeared to be no constant orientation of the bodies, though many of them were laid in a horizontal position, with the heads directed toward the east or south-east. Some of the skeletons were found lying at right angles to these, but it is worthy of note that all the remains which were associated with the finer vases, pipes, and other choice objects had their heads placed toward the east with slight variations. An examination of the human bones revealed traces of rachitis and syphilis. One bone had imbedded in it a small triangular stone arrow-head, which had evidently occasioned death. Accompanying many of the remains of children, various toys or ornaments of perforated bone and shell and diminutive earthen vessels were found. A large number of the latter were exhumed, vary ing in capacity from a gill to over a gallon This ware is, in some instances, elaborately ornamented with scroll-work, handles in the form of lizards, human heads, etc., and is almost invariably provided, with four handles, placed at equal distances around the circumference. One interest ing specimen is furnished with eight handles arrayed in two horizontal rows, the vessel being two storied, or formed of two separate pots placed one above the other with the bottom of the upper one re moved. The number of these vessels thus far discovered is upwards of 90, the majority of them being found with valves of unio or fresh water mussel, in them, which had evidenty served as spoons. The vases were usually placed around or near the heads of the bodies. Over the surface of the ground vast quantities of broken pottery occurred, indicating the immense amount of earthenware which had been originally buried with the occupants of the graves. In addition to these objects large numbers of stone discs, axes, chisels, flint knives, arrow-heads, ornaments and implements of bone, 12 stone tobacco pipes and two tubes of rolled copper were exhumed. One of the most interesting and unique features brought to light by these excavations is the existence of large numbers of deposits which may be desig nated ashpits. Of these more than 50 have been opened, averaging 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter and 4ft to Gft, in depth. They are composed of layers of leaf mould and sandy clay, burnt earth and charcoal, white ashes, sand and unio shells. Throughout the deposits were scattered fragments of pottery, stone implements, ornaments of shell and stone, and bones of wild animals. That these graves date back to a remote antiquity may be proved by the fact that no objects of European introduction have been found in them. In some instances the skeletons were found directly beneath large trees and occasionally imbedded in a network of roots. One oak tree, whose roots had penetrated the skull of one of the skele tons, measured Gft. 2in. in diameter, and other giants which belong to the original forest that still covers the site of the cemetery measure 154 ft, and 12ft. in circumference. It will be difficult to determine to what particular race or time the people of these graves belonged until further investigations shall have been prosecuted. Excavations are still being made, and not more than a quarter of the cemetery has as yet been examined.

A Murrain in the Mauritius. — A serious epidemic is raging among cattle in the Mauritius. Since the first appearance of this plague in May last, no less than 21,355 cattle have been lost. This is the official number given, and it is believed there are many thousand deaths which have not been brought to official notice. The cattle are dying off at the rate of 3500 a month. The epidemic has also attacked the deer of this island. During Decem ber no less than 384 deer are officially certified to have died from the disease. Of course there are many more which have perished in the forest unknown to the rangers. Large shipments of mules from South America, and horses from Western Australia, have been made to meet the deficiency in draught animals, and large numbers of cattle continue to arrive weekly by steamer from Madagas car,

THE FARMER.

SHEEP BREEDING. [The following article is from the pen of a plains farmer, with some of whose writ ings our readers are already familiar. Me again take the opportunity of exposing the preference we have for the writings of practical men, experienced in the district, and our readiness to give them a place in our columns. 'We would be exceedingly glad to receive contributions —no matter how rough—from our farming friends, on any subject of importance or of interest to agriculturalists, as we know from the notice taken of our “ Plains Farmer correspondent’s contributions by the farmers of the county that the opinions of a practical man are of great weight with those who follow agriculture as a profes sion.] In dealing with the above subject, I am quite aware that I shall be going over controverted ground, and shall have to contend with a large amount of prejudice. It is not my intention, however, to show any favor to one particular breed more than to another ; but to point out their peculiarities, and where best adopted. There are six different breeds propagated in this colony, and each one of these branches off into different shades of type. I will commence with the merino, as these are by far the largest in number, and, taking into consideration the land they occupy, they are no doubt the most valu able. After seeing those exhibited at Christchurch last November, I confess a great deal of mj- prejudice as to their quality and value was taken away ; for if, by careful breeding and good management, that kind of breed can be got to such per fection as what we saw exhibited, then it is a question whether or not they would not compete favorably with any of the long wools, on good paddock land, especi ally after such fearful mistakes as are made in crossing. The next I would mention is the Lincoln. There has been a great rage for this kind, arising no doubt from their great size and heavy fleece ; but uulessthis kind of breed is kept on good heavy land, neither the mutton nor the v 00l will be hea vier per acre than what might be produced by some other breeds, if so great. Early maturity is not one of their characteristics, but if they are kept on rich heavy land they will make heavy returns. The next is the Leicester, and for general , stock purposes on dry land paddocks, I have no doubt the English Leicester, with a good fleece, will give as good returns as any. Their peculiarities are aptitude to fatten and early maturity. I remember hearing a noted breeder of Leicesters say that lie liked the sheep that would stock so thick that one would have to hold up its foot for another to get a bite. This would meet the objection that Leicesters get too fat. Then there is the Romney Marsh. The two leading features in this breed aro that it is not so apt to get foot rot as any other, and will carry more flesh in propor tion to the fat than any other breed. But so far as my observation has gone, it is more ajit to degenerate, both in size and symmetry, than any other breed. There is also the Cotswold breed. Although not so numerous as any others in this colony, yet in England they are very much in favor, and I have carry off the prize for the 1: the Bath and West of England Show. Their leading features are great size and strong constitution, but they are very apt to get close on their wool. Then there is the Downs breed, with many varieties. The South and Shropshire are the two leading ones. The former variety is celebrated for quality of mutton and early lambs, but very deficient in wool. The latter variety seems to be getting into favor with some of our leading sheep breeders, and from what I see in the English papers, they are growing in faver there also. They are larger, and grow much more and better wool than the Southdown, and the mutton is very suit able for this climate. Now I come to what is the most numerous of all—the cross-breed ; and I might say, respecting cross-breeding, that it has been carried on to such an extent, and in such a careless manner, that the majority of sheep brought to market cannot be placed in any other class than nondescripts. Cross ing different breeds of sheep will require a good deal of careful judgment and ex perience to be successful. It is laid down as a rule by most authors on the subject, that in all cases crossing different breeds should be done gradually, and not go to the opposite extreme, which is too fre quently done. I will give an instance from my own experience : In England I kept a flock of Leicesters, and being care ful to select the best rams from the best breeders, I drifted too far into what may be called “high breeding.” The result wes that, although I got high quality, yet the ewes were diffident in wool and con stitution, and attending the Bath and West of England Exhibition at Exeter, I was so taken up with the splendid Cots wolds that I bought a Cotswold ram to go with my high-bred Leicester ewes. The result was that the first cross was every thing I could wish for profit, great size, and heavy wool. After that I bought the highest bred Leicester ram I could get, to go with the young cross-bred ewes ; but, alas, the result was ruinous. It com pletely destroyed uniformity of character, which is of the greatest importance in keeping a good flock of sheep. Now, I will give another result of my experience in this colony. Like most other farmers I began sheep-breeding with Merino 'ewes, and was fortunate in getting one of the best English Leicester rams that has been in Canterbury, which I procured from M'Lean’s flock, which was then the truest to character of any I met with, carrying a heavy fleece, with a strong con stitution and high proof. The first cross was very good (as might be expected from such a ram) carrying heavy fleeces, with a complete uniformity of charac ter. These young cross-bred ewes were put to a half brother, got by their own sire, and out of a Leicester owe, the result being the second cross was better than the first, and might very well be taken for seven-eighths breed. I have no doubt, had I put these young first cross ewes to their own sire the result would have been quite as good, if not better. I believe that to be successful in cross breeding sheep, the nearer you keep to the same line the better, instead of which a great mistake is commonly made by continually introducing new blood, and that of the worst kind of mongrel. The consequence is that you will scarcely find two sheep alike, and frequently two or three different kinds of wool on one sheep. Seeing that wool from the first cross is far superior to the second or third, some will advocate selling off all the young stock and getting fresh merino ewes every year; but if farmers go to the same stock for their rams, and keep on in the same line, their flocks would not degenerate in the second and third cross, as thejr too often do. Some may condemn being what is called “ in-and-in ” crossing with two different breeds is very different to using the same blood of the same breed. But even that is necessary i for preserving purity of blood. It is wel known that there is but one Leicester sheep breeder in England who has pre served the pure original blood by in-and in breeding, and although his stock are poor things to look at, yet the rams will let on hire at a very high figure, and will always improve the breed of othef flocks,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MARCH 80, 1880.



Butter, inferior to best $ lb O IO to I 0 Eggs, I? dozen I I to I 3 Cheese, prime quality, I? lb O 7 to 0 IO Bacon, prime smoked, lb 0 10 to I 0 Hams i» cloth, 1? lb 1 2 to X 3 Flour in bags, 1? loolb 14 6 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 25th S 6 to 0 0 Lard, lb - 0 9 to 0 0



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, March 30, 1880. Special Entries — 1400 Mixed Ewes and Hoggetts 700 First-class Merinos C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. 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 in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a NOTICE TO FARMERS. npHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with fanners and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 23, 1880. 550a* THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY r AS started about five years ago. The proprietors at first in tended to manufacture for the Trade only, but, owing to the persistent op position of importers and Shop keepers who could make a better profit on the imported article, they were compelled in self defence to open Branches for the sale of their goods direct to the public. In this they but followed the example of some of the largest manufacturers at home, and the Public, by purchasing at the undermentioned Branches, will SAVE THE PROFIT OF MIDDLEMEN, AND OBTAIN A SUPERIOR ARTICLE. BRANCHES. Invercargill Christchurch Wellington Dunedin Ashburton Auckland Oamaru Nelson New Plymouth Timaru Wanganui Napier A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. W. SPARROW, Manager, Ashburton Branch, 588g* New Zealand Clothing Factory. MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD. TAKE NOTICE that the VALUA TION LIST for the year 1880, as amended, is now OPEN for inspection at the Road Board Office, Mount Somers. All objections thereto must be left at the Road Board Office, Mount Scmers, on or before the Third day of April, 1880, addressed to the Court; and a copy of every such objection must be left at the Mount Somers Road Board Office, not less than Seven days before the next sitting of the said Coux't. c. J. WENTWORTH COOKSON, June. Clerk to the Mount Somers Road Boaid. Mount Somers, jMarch 13 th, 1880. OHg