SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For "Wellington— Te Anan, This Day, March 18. Passengers by 3.55 p. m. train. To bo followed by Hawea, on Satur day, March 20. For Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga and Auckland —Te Anau, This day, March IS. Passengers by 3.55 p.m. train. To be followed by Hawea, on Saturday, March 20. For Port Chalmers —Waitaki, This Day, March 18. Passengers by 2‘40 p. in. train. To be followed by Penguin, on Satur day, March 20. For Melbourne, via Bluff and Hobart Town —Tararua, Tuesday, March 23. Passengers by 2 "40 train. To be followed by Te Anau, Tuesday, March 30. For Sydney Rotorua, on Thursday, March 25. For Akaroa— Waitaki, This Day, Thurs day, March 18. For Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau —Waitaki, Tuesday, March 23.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Wednesday afternoon. Stock Sale —At the usual fortnightly sale yesterday there was a better atten dance, and more entries than at any sale for the past 12 months. Sheep show a considerable improvement in prices and are in demand. Cattle are still very low and purchasers shy of bidding. A lot of fine young draught horses from Wanganui were held over till Saturday’s sale. Messrs. Matson and Co. report sheep, fat cross-breds, 7s. 3d.; store merino ewes, 4s. 6d.; do. cross-bred, ss. lOd. to Gs. 7d.; 700 merino, 2-tooth, 4s. 7d.; 580 do., atss. 9d.; cattle, from L 4 17s. 6d. to L 5 10s. Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry report having sold 62 head of cattle and 3050 sheep. Sheep—Stores, 3s. Cd. to 3s. lOd. for ordinary quality; medium, from os. 6d. to 7s. 3d.; lambs, 4s. 6d. Cattle—Stores, from L 3 ss. to L 4 155.; milch cows, L4los. to L 9. Beef averaged from 17s. 6d. to 19s. per 100 lbs. Messrs. Acland, Campbell, and Co. also disposed of a large quantity of both sheep and cattle, but we were unable to obtain particulars of their sale. THE CORN TRADE. The following report appears in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company’s Circular of 29th January last:— A review of the corn market and of the circumstances by which it has been affected during the past year reveals as its two most prominent features the failure of the wheat harvests in Western Europe and the corresponding increase of supplies from America. Of the former it may bo said that the Continental yield was gene rally insignificant, and that in Great Britain it was the very worst known for years. Of the latter, events have shown that the large breadths of land put under wheat cultivation last year have returned full crops, to the emolument and further encouragement of the American farmer. The disastrous results of the last two harvests in England have naturally been aggravated by the competition to which English wheats are exposed from foreign supplies; and although the growth of cereals in this country will probably con tinue to be the main occupation of the agriculturist, it is evident that the busi ness must be carried on under largely modified conditions. A tenant farmer giving L2 an acre for his arable land, pays every year in rent as much as the Ameri can freeholder pays for the fee simple of his farm, while, in addition, he is burdened with the constantly recurring expenses of improving - and fertilising the soil from which his American rival is, with the vast area at command, almost wholly free. It is true that much of the land henceforward to be devoted to wheat growing in the United States lies far back from the coast, and that its carriage to the shipping ports is consequently a costly matter ; but this is only temporary, and in a few years the railway systems now in operation and in contemplation will pro bably have made cheap transport of grain a fact throughout the States. Looking at the matter in this light it is impossible to doubt but that for years to come America must and will be the lead ing contributor of cereal produce to the English market, and to such markets of the Continent as may stand in need of additional supplies. This being the case her wheats come into competition not only with those grown here, but quite as strongly and directly with those shipped to this centre from Australia and New Zealand. Having regard to this it is mani fest that the colonial farmer must look upon the American wheat growers as his most formidable rivals ; w ith an almost unlimited tract of country to fvork in, and with the energy and determination to work it; that every year larger and larger breadths of land will be sown and pro duce larger and larger crops ; and that every year the cost of growth, and transit will in all probability decrease. To keep pace with this increase of production and diminution of cost—-or, in other words, with the lower laid-down value of the wheat in European markets—is a task to which colonial farmers must vigorously address themselves if they would hold their own in time to come. Australian and New Zealand wheats arriving in this country since July last have experienced the full benefit of the enhanced values ensuing from the short ness of o sr own crops. During the later months of the year prices have been con siderably influenced by speculative pur chases ; but on the whole it may be con ceded that the market has been genuine, and that the bulk of the demand was for trade purposes either at home or abroad. Of the Australian wheats those samples grown in Victoria have given much satis faction ; but those from Adelaide ex hibited in many instances a decided falling off both in quality and dressing. Evidences of slovenly husbandry were frequently apparent, the grain plainly showing that the soil had been badly tilled and that the seed wheats were de generating. Fanners who fail to pay at tention to such matters cannot expect their produce to compete satisfactorily in this market. New Zealand shipments have generally come forward in good condition, the chief exception to the rule being those per City of Quebec, many of which were badly damaged by sea water. The wheats themselves, of great variety of type and class, were, on the whole, well grown, bright, plump, and healthy, com bining, in certain cases, both colour and strength. Perhaps the best of all have been the “Talavera” and “Red chaff Pearl,” and next to these “ Hunter’s "White.” These descriptions seem to thrive admirably in the soil and climate of New Zealand. In a few instances, however, we have detected some of the unfavorable symptoms noticed in the Adelaide wheats; not many, but still sufficient to interfere with their sale. The market opened in January with 51s. as the top price of Australian, and 455. New Zealand. At that date heavy failures were occurring in California as the result of speculations in wheat cargoes, and it was expected that many of those cargoes would be the subject of forced realisations. From January to July there were occasional alterations in value, but not on average more than 3s. per qr. In i the latter month when it became apparent ,

from the backward condition of the English crop that a poor harvest was in evitable, speculative purchases were made on a large scale for home consumption, and prices advanced 4s. to ss. per qr. There was scarcely any further variation until the end of August, when Australian and New Zealand wheats were both quoted at the same price —sos. per qr. After that date a series of further speculative trans actions led to an excited market, and these being supported by a strong trade demand, prices touched 635. Australian, and 61s. to C2s. for New Zealand Those were the closing rates of the year on a quiet market. Grain was then being held in large quantity in the United States by a “ring” in New York, at prices which prevented its profitable shipment to this country. The total quantity of foreign wheat im ported into London in 1879 reached 2,855,128 qrs., against 2,481,111 qrs. in 1878. The stocks of wheat and flour in port on 31st ultimo were 483,680 qrs. wheat, and 52,857 barrels and 107,515 sacks flour, against 308,131 qrs. 131 barrels, and 40,153 sacks at the same date in 1878. The importations of foreign wheat into the United Kingdom during 1879 were 13,700,340 qrs., against 11,494,995 qrs. in 1878, and 12,499,128 ars. in 1877. The total deliveries of English wheat in the United Kingdom are calculated at 8,088,496 qrs., as compared with 8,567,024 qrs. in 1878, and 7,772,344 qrs. in 1877. Throughout the past month dullness has characterised the market generally, and within the last ten days a serious decline in values has taken place. The stocks in granary in the United States have in creased to thirty one millions of bushels, and the supply of tonnage in the Atlantic ports is unusually large, so that the an ticipated collapse of the “ring” above alluded to, will probably have the effect of increasing shipments to a considerable ex tent. The supplies now on passage to this country are estimated at 1,958,800 qrs. against 1,307,353 qrs. at same date of last year, while our net imports since Ist September, so far, show an excess of about 2,400,000 qrs. as compared with those of the like period in 1878-70. On the other hand, farmers’ deliveries have, according to the customary computation, shown a decrease of 2,000,000 qrs. Australian wheats for forward delivery are difficult to place at 535. c.i.f. New Zealand shipments are offering at 50s. c.i.f. without finding buyers. On the spot stocks of both kinds are small, values being about 3s, per pr. lower than at date of our last report. We quote : Per 4961b5. S. Australian Wheat ... 575. to 59s Victorian Wheat ... 58s. ~ 595. New Zealand Wheat ... 525. ~575. Per 2801bs. Australian Flour ... 38s. ~ 435. New Zealand do ... 375. ~ 40s.

DEATH.

Shearman. —On January 23d, at 3, Scoulor street, Poplar, London East, Elizabeth Shearman, mother to Robert William and Joseph Lockwood Shear man, of the Somerset Hotel, Ashburton, aged 72 years. Deeply regretted. Sydney and Melbourne papers please copy. 619 g

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. This Day. By Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, at Mr. A. Gibson’s Farm, the Hinds, at 12 o’clock —Great clearing sale of Farm ing Stock and Implements ; also, 788 acres Land.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1880.

The Premier and Mr. Rolleston have been taking an airing up North, and the hamlets through which they have passed have of course taken the opportunity to air their grievances and their wants. Wherever the Ministers have gone their welcome has been warm and kindly, but no sooner have the plaudits that heralded their arrival at the various places visited by them died away, than the inevitable deputation bowed itself into their pre sence, with the also inevitable request that some, and of coui’se always necessary, work should be proceeded with at once. The deputation is the skeleton in the Ministerial closet. It is an article of luggage, too, which the unfortunate Cabinet member has to carry with him when he takes his walks abroad either on business or on pleasure. Should he leave the sultry north for a tour in the more bracing south in genial autumn, he must be prepared to encounter at every railway station where he calls a halt, a phalanx of municipal or other dignitaries, ever ready with a re quest to proffer, and the enthusiastic deputation never forgets to pour into the great man’s ear tales of the grandeur and greatness of the patch of country on which it is, at that particular moment, the dis tinguished honor of the Minister to stand. The future of the place is painted in the most roseate hues; its resources arc lauded to the skies ; and its progress and the enterprise of its people are dwelt upon with a fervor that almost kindles into poetry. No matter where the Minister stays on his journey, the vampire deputa tion mingles with his pleasures and destroys his enjoyment of them. If lie should direct his steps from the bracing south to the warmer north he has to en dure the deputation nuisance intensified to a far greater degree, foi the north has a chronic grievance rankling at its heart in a belief that the more fortunate south is having its interests fostered at the ex pense of its neighbor beyond the Straits. This craving for public works, paid for out of the purse of the General Government, has assumed almost the character of a disease with some com munities, for we find the horse-leech cry “Give, give,” is just as loud and em phatic and lusty to-day, when the borrowed millions are well spent, as it was when the colony was rolling in the plenty that these millions supplied before we had got down to within sight of the last hundred of our fictitious wealth. It never seems to dawn upon the cravers that the end of borrowing must come sooner or later, and that the c dony will bo thrown back upon its own resources to supply such necessary works as may be undertaken by the Go vernment, and that these resources are— taxation. The fact has no significance to the deputations that the public ledger shows a balance of six figures that will soon be seven on the wrong side, and that every new' work undertaken only goes to increase that debtor balance. No matter what the state of the public money chest, the demands for expendi ture are still made as boldly as ever, and when a quiet reference is made to the im possibility of taking the breeches off a Highlaiidman, the requisitionists rave about the injustice being done to their districts. This craving for public works is one possessed by not one New Zealand community more than another, but by all. His supposed ability to gratify it, and his readiness to try, are the aspiring poli tician’s claims to a seat in the House of Representatives, arid too often men are sent there whose vision is so limited as not to range beyond the boundaries of their districts, and those districts are to them their political creed, pater noster, and decalogue. Hence the log - rolling so loudly complained of now and again at political meetings, and hence it is that Governments are tempted to buy, wdth the expenditure of public money, the support of the self-seeking re presentatives of the districts enjoying the benefits of this money. We say self seeking, but in using the term we identify the representative with the district, and do not apply it to the individual member whom the district has sent. The colony lias reached a stage in its history when it will require to economise in earnest. When a man in business discovers that his income is below his expenditure, he finds that it is time to put up his shutters, unless he can reverse the ratio of the figures, and if he cannot increase his in come the only other course is to reduce his expenditure. This is what New Zea land will have to do, and this is what her Government is trying to do, but to do it to purpose we must learn the lesson Ministers are striving to teach us that extravagant expenditure on works that can very well be done without, and that must be done without, must be avoided if their efforts to keep on the right side of the account are to be success ful. We have all along, ever since the

Yogelian policy of public works and im migration was started, looked to Govern ment money as always to be had for the dunning for. We must now disabuse our minds of that fallacy, and learn to wait until the colony’s bank book is more healthy. This is a lesson that must be learned not by one district only, but by all without exception ; and until New Zea land has learned that lesson, and thus aided the public treasurer _ to keep his revenue and disbursements in equal ratio, we cannot expect the colony to avoid a deficiency that additional taxation must be resorted to to cover.

Death.— The San Francisco Mail brings intelligence of the of Mrs. Sheai’- man, the beloved mother of Mr. R. W. Shearman of the Somerset Hotel. The deceased lady died at her residence in Scoulcr Street, Poplar, London, at the ripe age of 72. St. Patrick’s Day. —Yesterday was observed by all good Irishmen as the day sacred to the honor of their patron saint, and a good trade in green ribbon has been done by the drapers. Reserve Vested. —Section No. 2275 (Tinwald), containing 20 acres, has been vested by proclamation in the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association (in corporated). Dog Registrars. —ln the “ Gazette” of March 11th, Mr. C. J. W. Cookson has been gazetted dog registrar for the Mount Somers district, and Mr. W. B. Compton for Mount Hutt. The Electoral Rolls. —The Gazette just received announces the Ist of May as the date by which all electoral rolls made after the passing of the Electoral Acts Re'* peal Act, 1879, must come into force. ~ New Paper in Christchurch. —A new evening paper started, we believe, by several employees of the “Press” office, is to appear in Christchurch, on Saturday, There is some some talk that a morning paper will probably follow from the same office. A Broken BPvIDGe. —A culvert on the old coach road past Maronan was reported as being broken through, by an extra ordinary heavy load of grain having been taken over it. The damage was repaired within 48 hours by the Bead Board, and traffic is again resumed on this road. The Lyttleton Line. —The best day’s work this season done on the Lyttelton line was done yesterday, when 276 loaded trucks went through the tunnel to the port, and 234 to Christchurch. This is the best and most satisfactory day’s work that has been done since the tunnel was opened. The best day last season was on the 4th of April, when 196 waggons went through to port. The Oxford Line. —The “Star” of last night asserts that the interior Canter bury railway line, instead of being com menced, as was understood, from the Oxford end, is to be started in the middle. The Oxford section would carry a large amount of traffic, and has been earnestly desired by the inhabitants for some time. The section for which tenders has been called, the “Star” is ptt pains_to point out, is contiguous to the Premier’s pro perty. The Murder at Dunedin. —A painful incident is recorded in connection with the above. Mrs. Aitcheson, the mother of Mrs Grant, was on Monday on her way down in the train to visit her daughter, being all unconscious of the deplorable event. The shock to her feelings may be imagined, when on reaching Palmerston she learned the truth by hearing a stranger reading from one of the newspapers an account of the murder. Important Land Sale. —The sale of Auchindrane farm, near the Hinds, takes place to-day ; and there is a rare chance for those on the look out for a compact piece of land with good and substantial improvements made on it. A lot of first class horses and plant will also be put to the hammer, and they are well worthy the attention of horse dealers, farmers, and speculators. Passengers by the 11 a.m express will be conveyed from Wins low direct to the site of the sale. Lonobeacii Road Board. —A special meeting of the Longbeach Road Board was held at the office on Monday afternoon, to consider the question of dividing the dis tricts into legally constituted wards. As only throe members were present, and it was reported that a strong feeling existed among the ratepayers against the proposed alteration, the members decided to post poned the consideration of the subject. The tender of of Patrick Tully for claying Ford’s road was accepted, and the Board adjourned. Unfilial Conduct. —Two men, named William and Alfred Hall, were charged at the Christchurch R.M. Court, with neglecting to support their mother. They had been previously remanded for inquiries to be made, and Sub-Inspector O’Donnell said their average earnings were L2 a week. Neither of the brothers were needy men, and each had a horse and dray. They were farther remanded till to day, when the former was ordered to pay 4s. a week towards her maintenance, and the latter Bs.

Horticultural Society. —A. meeting of the managing committee of the Horti cultural Society was.held at Mr. Anstee’s Boarding-house last evening. The sac counts in connection with the last show were presented and passed for payment. The prize list was also passed and adopted. All claims for prizes will bo paid any day at the secretary’s office, up to and includ ing Monday, March 22nd, after which no further claim will be entertained. It was resolved that a meeting of members be held on the evening of the first Tuesday in each month, for the purpose of impart ing knowledge in the different branches of horticulture, the same to be fostered by private exhibition of flowers, &c., among the members at such meetings. At the first meeting of this character, on April 6th, Mr. J. Sealy will read a paper on some subject in connection with the same. The subject will be named next Tuesday evening, to which the meeting is ad journed. R.M. Court. —There was very little business done at the R. M. Court on Tuesday, only four civil cases having been heard. These were Robinson Rud dick v. F. B. Passmore, a claim of L 33 15s. lOd. The plaintiff did not appear and the case was dismissed with costs, his Worship ordering the sum of L 3 7s. 9d. paid into Court to be refunded. The im migration authorities sued a man named Hodgkinson for Ll 6, balance of passage money to this colony. Mr. March ap peared for the Government, and defen dant was ordered to pay LI per month. Mutter v. Ruddick.—Plaintiff claimed L2O 11s. 4d. on a dishonored acceptance. Judgment was given for plaintiff with costs, defendant not appearing. Fowler v. Harper Claim L 4 6s. 7d. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for de fendant. Defendant paid LI 6s. 7d. into court. John Fowler, plaintiff, deponed to having supplied goods to the defendant and his daughter on the strength of an order from the defendant’s wife. Some of the clothing charged for was for the de fendant’s son-in-law. Mrs. Harper had promised' to pay for them. D. Amos proved the delivery of the goods, and to defendant’s wife having said she would send her daughter to exchange them. For the defence Mr. Purnell said that the goods in dispute had been supplied to the son-in-law. Defendant denied ever having had the clothing, but believed his son-in-law had. Mr. Ferriman said he had called at defendant’s for payment of the account, and defendant’s wife acknow ledged the debt, and said she could not pay” it then but would pay it off at the rate of 10s. per week. Judgment for plaintiff for full amount with costs.}

Bis Dat, Qui Cito Dat. —Mr. George Cates is announced as purposing to give a lecture on ‘ ‘ the Abolition of the Bank ruptcy Laws ” in the Town Hall on an early date, the proceeds of which will be devoted to charitable objects, and we as sume that the quotation with which the advertisement is headed is intended for a spur to public benevolence —“ He gives twice who gives quickly.” Anyhow the subject he has undertaken to handle is a very ponderous one, and a lecturer equal to the task of showing us how we are to get along without bankruptcy laws must be a very valiant and a very clever man. We shall not feel the loss of a great Liberal champion if we have amongst us a re former equal to wiping such a great blot from our statute book as Mr. Cates, ap pears to consider the Bankruptcy Laws. Larceny of a Tether Rope. —Philip Crumb and John Miles were charged at the Court yesterday, before his Worship the Mayor, with stealing on Tuesday last a tether rope. A remand was asked for till Friday by Sergeant Pratt, which was granted, bail in L3O each prisoner being allowed, with one surety of L2O. Vagran ct. —Y ester day, his W orship the Mayor seat a man named John Hunter to gaol for a month, with hard labor for vagrancy. The evidence adduced went to show that Hunter had been continually drunk for a fortnight, and had been loaf ing about town asking people for money arid drinks, lie was in “the horrors” when arrested. Accused said he had paid all he owed where he had been living. His Worship in passing sentence, said it was evident the man was not then in a healthy state.

A Decency Bill. —A bill compelling natives to wear clothes, on the main roads of the 'colony, has been passed through committee in the Natal Parliament. Till Robbery. —A man named Wilson, who bears eleven names besides, as he finds occasion to use them, was committed for trial by the R. M. at Christchurch for robbing a shopkeeper’s till. New Musical Journal. —One of the French deportes, recently landed at Auck land, Mr. F. O. Calleau, intends publish ing there a new musical journal with the title of “ The New Zealand Muse.” Commencement of the Panama Canal. —The first blast in the greatest cutting of the new Panama canal was exploded on January 10th. M. de Lesseps, who is now at Panama with a largo engineering staff, declared that the canal was the closing work of his life. Sheehan v. Bryce. —The Hon John Sheehan, ex-Native Minister, at a banquet in Auckland on Tuesday, paid a high com pliment to the honesty and ability of the Hon. Mr. Bryce as a politician, and ex pressed his belief that Mr. Bryce was fully able to cope with the Waimate difficulty. Outside Advertising. —A woman named Faith Gibson has been sentenced to a month’s imprisonment for stealing goods exposed outside a draper’s shop in Christ church. The Magistrate commented strongly on the practice of exposing goods outside shops—thus placing temptation in people’s way. Illegal Travelling. A man and woman got into a first-class carriage on the Lyttelton line, and travelled between that station and Christchurch. Their tickets were second-class ones, and the guard of course objected. Besides, they were drunk. They have been fined 50s. each, or 14 days in gaol. Turf Trophies. —Several English race cups were recently sold by auction, among them the Brighton Cup of 1856 ; her Majesty’s Gold Vase, given at the Ascot meeting of 1855; and the Chesterfield Cup (Goodwood meeting) of 1835. The cups were of magnificent workmanship. Only moderate prices realised. A Failure. —An inebriate retreat es tablished in Adelaide a year or two ago has not been an unmixed success. The receipts last year were LBOO less than the expenditure, and although a certain number of drunkards had been kept sober for a limited period, the return under the head of decided cures is very meagre. Down a Well. —On Tuesday John Thomas, aged nine years, while drawing up a bucket of water at a veil in Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland, fell down it a dis tance of eighty feet. He was uninjured, and while being drawn up he lost his hold forty feet from the top, and went down again. Ultimately he got out all right. A Valuable Situation. —An institu tion in London lately advertised for a secretary at a salary of L3OO per annum, and among the applicants were two mem bers of Parliament, 25 clergymen, and 73 retired military and naval officers, besides a large number of ordinary persons, the applicants amounting altogether to over 300. A Big Diamond. —The story comes from Parteall, India, where diamonds are usually found—Golconda being the place where they are merely cut and polished—that the largest diamond in the world has lately been discovered theie. It is said to weigh more than 400 carats, 33 carats more than the famous stone belonging to the Rajah of Mattau.

The End of His Tether. —At Timaru on Tuesday, Detective Kirby made a smart arrest of one Henry Thomas Read, who has been wanted since October, 1877, for the embezzlement of Ll5O belonging to Warnambool Building Society, in Victoria, of which he was secretary. Read, since that date, has paid a visit to England, and arrived here about four months ago. Up to within a few days since he was librarian to the Timaru Mechanics’ Institute. Lifeboat Services in 1879.—During the last year 637 lives were rescued by the boats of the National Lifeboat Institution, and twenty-one vessels saved from des truction. In the same period the institu tion granted rewards fot saving 218 lives by fishing and other boats, making a total of 855 lives saved mainly through its in strumentality. Altogether, since its for mation, the society has contributed to the saving of 26,906 shipwrecked persons. It may also be mentioned that during the past two years the institution has not lost a single life from its 2C9 boats. The largest ferry-boat in the world has recently commenced its work of transport ing passengers and freight across the Straits of Gorquinez, between Port Costa and Benicia. It is 424 feet long, with an extreme width of 116 feet, and the engines are capable of developing a power of 2,000 horses. The Solano, as the boat is named, has four lines of metals extend ing fore and aft, on which she can accommo date 48 freight waggons or 24 passenger carriages of the largest size. The vessel is not only the largest ferry-boat, but in some respects is a unique specimen of modern naval architecture. A Journey Across the Sahara. — A letter written by the African traveller Gerhard Reliefs from Benghazi gives some particulars of a remarkable journey per formed across part of the great desert of Sahara by himself and his companion, Dr. Stecker, who, it will be remembered, were plundered by one of the native tribes and compelled for the time to give up their intention of pushing on further into the interior of the continent. The travel lers started from Baltifal, the most southern of the springs of Oyrenacica, and had to reach Taiserbo, the most northern oasis of Kufra. The distance between these two places is 220 English miles, and there is not a drop of water to be had along the whole of the route between them. The two German explorers performed the distance in 108 hours, The had no sleep on the journey of four days and four nights. The travellers did the journey partly on camels and partly by walking on foot, and safely reached the springs of Taiserbo after being four days and a half constantly in motion.

Brown Paper against the Cold.— I he “ Lancet” points out that stout brown paper of the commonest sort is an effec tive non-conductor, and may be most advantageously employed as covering for beds or to eke out scanty clothing. If this were generally known among the poor, strong sheets of thick paper would be stiched to the back of ragged quills, with the result of rendering many a poor family Comfortable, because better protected from the bitter weather of these winter nights. A piece of thick paper inserted between the lining and the cloth of a waist coat, or in the back of a thin coat, will render it warm as well as light. The sug gestion is a small one, but it is simple to carry into effect, and will be found effec tive. A Whistling Buoy has been placed on the .North-east Goodwin Sands by the Trinity House. The corporation intends to experiment with it so as to ascertain its capabilities in warning off sandbanks or dangerous coasts. The buoy is similar to the ordinary conical one, except that about three feet from the top it is made flat. On this are fastened two small tubes, through which the air passes into the in terior, and between these a large whistle is fixed. Around the whole is a handrail, and two steps are placed, so that the top may be reached from a boat for painting, repairing, and other purposes ; there is also a man-hole. To the bottom of the cone a large iron tube, about 20 feet long and between six feet and seven feet in circumference, is attached. When in use, more especially in a hcavj sea, the wind which passes down the two small tubes is forced out through the whistle by the perpetual movement of the buoy. The noise, it is expected, will be so groat that it will be beard for miles. A Smart Trick. —Although the race may not always be to the swift, yet occa sionally the competitor who is at once most ingenious and energetic wins very satisfactorily. A short time since it ap pears that two Americans quitted Minnea polis by the same train for a district near Sioux Falls. Their object was identical— they were rival claimants to a piece of land ; and each held a deed of such a nature that the first recorded would entitle the holder to permanent possession. It was accordingly expected by those who were watching the contest that when the train containing the pair of would-be landowners reached its destination there would be a sharp run for the Government agent’s office. In this, however, they wore disappointed, one of the parties to the contract being a much cleverer man than his friends had suspected As the carriages approached the city this worthy, moving from one car to another, suddenly jumped upon, the engine, and, slipping the coupling that connected it with its load, left the train to take care of itself, and dashed into the station. In vain was it attempted to dislodge him; he held on until the town was reached, when, sliding off the locomotive, he made a dash for the office, recorded his title, and entered upon his property, while his rival was waiting in the train on the line, discomfited and out-manoeuvred. The Guernsey is the latest novelty in female dress. It fits the figure to perfec tion, is made of silk tissue, and has no seams. It is laced at the back, and moulds the bust and hips without a wrinkle, much in the style of the Renaissance bodies of yore. In Paris it is called the “ Veronese Cuirass. ” A very popular one is made of dark myrtle-green silk. Round the hips there is a band of plush of the same shade of myrtle-green, and this band is fastened at the back with a chased silver buckle. The sleeves are green satin, ornamented with plush bracelets, fastened with small silver buckles. The skirt consists of tunic of shawl-patterned material, called “ Hin doo woollen,” and it is bordered with a wide band of myrtle plush. This tunic is draped on the left hip ; the skirt is myrtle green satin, and two plaitings of the same are visible on the left side, where the tunic is looped up. At the back the woollen tunic, bordered with plash, is draped on the skirt. The Bedlington Terrier. —Though the breed may not be so popular as others with “ doggy ” men throughout the coun try, it is nevertheless certain thatinitsown district its merits meet with due recogni tion. In Newcastle and its environs almost every man has a “poop,” and that “ poop ” is certain almost to be a Bedling ton. In the company of his trusty tyke, the miner when off duty is supremely happy. They hunt or poach together, fight together, sleep together, and not un frequently drink together; it is no un common sight to enter the tap-room of a north country public house and see as many dogs as men in the room, and all apparently equally interested in the even ing’s proceedings. The greatest insult which can be put upon such a master is a reflection upon his dog’s appearance or gameness ; and as for illtreating them, a stranger had better injure “ Geordie ” than hurt his dog. “If than poonch ma dog ’arl poonch thee ” is proof of the miner’s love for his Bedlington, and is no uncommon threat, in the neighborhoods where this breed is mostly found.—From “The Book of the Dog” for January.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. {Renter’s. ) London, March 15. Arrived—Steamship Orient, from Mel bourne ; Helen Denny, from Napier; Timaru, from Port Chalmers. The homeward mails via San Francisco were delivered in London on March 13th. Best Australian beef tallow, 355. to 365. London. March 16. News have been received from San Francisco that the fire which broke out on board the steamship City of Sydney while lying in dock, was speedily suppressed, and the vessel has sustained but little damage. St. Petersburg, March 15. A number of Socialists were holding a meeting to-day at Warsaw, when the police entered the house in which they were assembled, and arrested sixteen of the number. , AUSTRALIAN. ( Reuter’s Telegrams.) Adelaide, March 15. Governor Weld, of Tasmania, has been appointed Governor of the Straits Settle ments. Adelaide, March 16. At the cricket match sixteen Adelaide players beat the Australian Eleven by 69 runs. Melbourne, March 16. The Australian and Agricultural Com pany has been formed in Melbourne, and has purchased Mr. J, H. Clough’s busi ness. A Cabinet Council has been summoned for Monday for the consideration of new measures. Brisbane, March 16, Legal points having been raised in con nection with the conviction of the bush ranger Wells, the Governmenthas granted a respite of "his death sentence until the 22nd inst. The Queensland National Bank re ceived a telegram from London to the effect that the floating of the proposed Queensland Loan has been postponed un til after the forthcoming general election in England, as it is feared the excitement attending the same might endanger the success of the loan. Sydney, March 17. The following further awards by the Ex hibition judges, are announced —ln hemp, Robertson, of Nelson, Ist. ; flax, Beavcn, 2nd. ; Fulton, Blenheim, 3rd.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 16. The s.s Tararua arrived at Russell, hav ing left Sydney on the 11th, at 2 p. m. Mr. Ehrenfried, Mayor of the Thames, and Mr. John Sheehan, M.H.R., waited on Messrs. Hall' and Rolleston, and re quested a reimbursement of L 2,300, alleged to have been wrongfully deducted from' the sums supplied to the borough during the last three years for charitable purposes. They also requested Govern ment to refund LSOO promised by Mr. Sheehan, when Native Minister, and ex pended by the Thames people on the faith of a promise. The matter was referred to Mr. Bryce. The Government have arranged to re tain the services of Judge Fenton, as Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court, which has given much satisfaction here. Auckland, March If. The Catholic schools marched in proces sion to the Domain, headed by the band. Sports were held. Judge Fenton, of the Native Land Court, goes to Taranaki to give evidence before the Royal Commission. The Premier, accompained by Messrs. R. Macfarlane and Brett, yesterday visited the abbatoirs, waterworks, and asylum, ordering some alterations in the latter. Of the LG5,000 vote for works north of Auckland, Government have decided that L 30,000 shall be at once expended under the superintendence of Mr. Fair burn, engineer. A portion of the balance will be divided amongst the County Councils and Highway Boards for local works, and the remainder for contingen cies.

To Kenga, daughter of Manihiri, has come to represent the Kingites at the Mangarei meeting. The Otaki meeting is to commence to-morrow. It is under stood resolutions will be submitted con demnatory of the arrest and non-trial of the West Coast prisoners, also of Sir W. Fox and Sir F. D. Bell, the commis sioners, and approving of Mold Tawhai’s resignation, also deploring the spread of intemperance and urging the fostering of temperance societies in the church. Nominations for the Autumn and Sfc. George’s Handicaps and Steeplechase close on Friday night at eight. New Plymouth, March 16. The banquet given to Sergeant Okey last night, was a great success. Over 200 attended. Sir Dillion Beil was present, and proposed the toast “ Prosperity to Taranaki.” Major Stapp was in the chair, Colonel Trimble in the vice-chair. The Lincolnshire delegates arrived from Hawera last night. Mr. Grant is suffer ing from a severe attack of sciatica, and can scarcely walk. They are the guests of Mr. Caverhill. It is supposed they will leave for Auckland to-day, in the steamer Rangatira, which will be detained so as to enable Mr. Foster to see something of the district. Geaiiamstown, March 17. The reception of the carbine champion, Thomas, and the Thames representatives, took place last night. They were met on the wharf by 350 Volunteers with burn ing torches, and the champion was carried shoulder high to a carriage. There were four rows of flags and Chinese lanterns across the principal streets, while Greek fire was burned on all the principal edi fices. From the Bank of New Zealand there was a brilliant firework display. Thousands of people witnessed the de monstration, and the champion was pub licly welcomed by the Mayor. Cheers were given for champion, ex champion Gordon, Seaman, Parslaw, and Captain Wildman. Wellington, March 16. At a meeting of the Local Industries Commission, Mr. Wakefield was ap pointed chairman. It was resolved to send circulars to the various Chambers of Commerce, asking them to make any sug gestions they considered necessary to aid industries already in existence, and for the development of the new ones. John Wallace, an old settler, died this morning. He was in his 93vd year. The Loan and Mercantile Agency re port under date, London, March 13. The wool sales closed firmly at an average im provement of l|d. to 2d. per lb. ; we ex pect the next sales to open at present quotations. Superior greasy has advanced to 2d. ; scoured, 2d. to 3d. ; superior combings, washed, Id. to lid. ; combing, washed, 2d. ; clothing, washed, Id. Since the close of last sale of cross-breds, greasy combings, washed and. scoured, have each advanced 3d. per lb. tip to date, 180,000 bales have been sold, 1000 taken for ex port. The leather market continues flat. Best sides are worth llfd. Tallow, a dull sale, best mutton being worth L 36 10s., and best beef L 35 10s. per ton. Wellington, March 17. At the Magistrate’s Court this morning, Wake ford, proprietor of the Bank Hotel, was fined L 3 for selling spirituous liquors in the Arcade during young Scott’s walk. The steamer Waitaki, which left for the South at 1.30 this afternoon, came to anchor when half way down the harbor, the condenser opposite the high pressure crank having burst. It is not yet known what delay will be occasioned. Timaru, March 16. The case of larceny of 800 sheep, against George Orr, representing the firm of Meek, millers, Oamaru, has been dismissed after occupying the Bench two days. The sheep had been sold by Scott, formerly partner with Meek, and the latter, believ ing the sale to be fraudulent, instructed Orr to seize them, pending the appoint ment by the Supreme Court of a person to receive the disputed partnership pro perty. Timaru, Murch 17. Henry Thomas Reid, ex librarian, of the Timaru Mechanics’ Institute, {was remanded to gaol, to await his transfer to Victoria, on a charge of embezzling the funds of the Building Society of bool, where he was also Town Clerk, His identity was fully proved by a constable from Warnambool, Bail was refused.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting was held in the office at Methven on Thursday, March 11th. Present—Messrs. Jackson, Ailing ton, and Mr. B. Chapman (chairman). The overseer’s report was read, and consideration was deferred for a special meeting to be held on the 25th inst. A letter from the County Council was received, informing the Board that the Council approved of the site chosen for a pound. A letter was read from the Mount Somers Road Board, informing the Board that they had paid Cooper Bros, the sum of Ll9O 16s. Bd., for forming and shing ling the boundary road, and requesting the payment of half the cost of same. The overseer was instructed to write to the Mount Somers Road Board, informing them that this Board declines to pay the half until the contract is properly com pleted, The overseer was instructed to write to thg oyer§eer of the Mount Somers Board, requesting him to appoint a day on which to have the deficiencies pointed out to him. From the same, requesting this Board to pay a share of the cost of the bridge over the North Ashburton branch. Re solved—“ That the matter stand over until the special meeting for consideration by a full Board. ” Resolved—“ That the Chairman should insure the Board’s buildings with the Union Fire and Marine Insurance Com pany, Christchurch, for the sum of L 600.” Accounts were passed for payment to the amount of L 106145. 3d. The meeting then adjourned till the 25th inst., Thursday.

THE DUNEDIN TRAGEDY.

The Dunedin “ Herald ” thus describes ,■ Butler’s career, the man who has been arrested on suspicion of having murdered the Grant family ; —He was in Pentridge when a boy, and was known to the police of Victoria for 13 years. He came to New Zealand and turned respectable, and having a good address and his being unknown, he was employed as Catholic teacher in one of the country districts. He rewarded the confidence which they had placed in him by robbing the priest of LCO. He then came to Dunedin and broke into a number of houses, and his career was ultimately checked by his being arrested, and he was sentenced to, we believe, five years’ imprisonment. He was liberated a few weeks ago, and appears, from the fact of having a loaded revolver in his possession, to have prepared himself for anotaer career of crime. Butler was arrested about five miles on the Dunedin side of Mooraki. He was armed with a six chamber revolver, and had in his posses sion thirty or forty cartridges. When he saw the police he ran behind a flax bush and presented his revolver at them, but beyond this he made no attempt at resis tance. Butler is known to be a desperate criminal. ■At the Dunedin police court on Tuesday morning, in the presence of a great crowd, the man Robt. Butler, alias Don nelly, alias Medway, alias Lee, was charged with the murder of Mr. and Mrs Grant and child on Sunday morning last, and remanded until Monday next. He is also charged with attempting to shoot the arresting constable, and Inspector Mallard intimated that there would probably be a third charge of arson or burglary at the house of Mr. Stamper, lawer, on Satur day morning. It appears that the pri soner, who had been recently discharged from gaol, had been lodging at the Scotia Hotel, within a few minutes’ walk of the house of the murdered man. He did not occupy his lodging on Friday or Saturday nights, but returned on Sunday morning within half an hour of the discovery of the murder, and after paying his bill he walked to Blueskin, changing his clothes by the way, and clipping off his mou staches. When arrested he had a loaded revolver and a number of cartridges, but was secured before be could use it. He is a small sharp looking man under thirty years of age. Dunedin, March 17. The inquest touching the death of Jas. Murray Dewer (or Grant) Elizabeth Murray Jane Dewer, and Elizabeth Lindsay Dewer, was opened at the hospital this afternoon, before Mr. Thos. Hocken, coroner. After taking the evi dence of a few witnesses, the inquest ad journed till next day.

DREADFUL COLLIERY EXPLOSION.

An explosion of gas occurred on Jan. 21 at the Lady Fair pit of the Leycett Col liery, belonging to the Crewe Coal and Iron Company, near Newcastle-under- Lyme. An explosion occurred at the same colliery on Sept. 12 last, eight men being killed. On the present occasion the loss of life and the destruction - of property have been much greater. The Lady Fair Pit has been opened only since the spring of last year, and the levels are being driven in'the seven foot Bambury seam, one of the most fiery seams in the North Staffordshire coalfield. The furthest ex tent of the workings from the shaft is 300 yards in one direction and yards in another, the depth being On the day of the accidenßK* lamps were given out, and at the usual time of commencing the day'shift there were more than seventy men and boys in the pit. About half-past eight o’clock a terrible explosion occurred, scattering destruction in every direction, and alarm ing the people in the neighborhood for a distance of three niiles. A new ventilating fun had been brought into operation since the previous explosion, and the roof of the fan-shed was lifted off; but, fortu nately, the fan was uninjured, and the ventilation of a portion of the workings not being stopped the shaft was soon sufficiently free from ‘ noxious ‘ gases to admit of persons descending. It happened, however, that the lower part of the guide rods was broken and the bottom of the pit much damaged, and some hours elapsed before the pit could be entered. Even then the progress of getting to the bottom was slow, as the cage could not be lowered the whole depth, and ladders had to be employed. Mr. Lawson, the manager of a neighboring colliery, and seven other men were the first to go down. A cage containing sufferers was lifted at noon, when four men were brought up. They walked up from the pit-mouth to the lamp-room, though they were more or . less injured. Having re ceived the attention of several medical gentlemen, they were despatched to their homes. At intervals of about a quarter of an hour the cages brought up two or three at a time, most of them being seriously injured. During the morning Mr. Richard Wynee Cadman, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Downing, and others ex perienced in mining- operations, as sisted by numerous willing . colliers, descended the pit and rendered as sistance. In the afternoon several more dead bodies were found about fifty yards along the south slant from the pit bottom. They were brought to the sur face with nine other bodies at present un recognised. There were a dozen dead bodies taken to the pit bottom, but soon afterwards, the efforts of the courageous men who were underground were tem porarily interrupted. The shock of the explosion had liberated the gas from a number of small blowers, and until the fires thus kindled were extinguished, the work of exploration was impossible at any considerable distance froin the pit button). Many of those previously engaged in ex* ploriug had already run great risk of suf - focation, and before they had dope all they wished they had to retire to save their own lives. The cause of the explo sion is at present a mystery ; but the fiery nature of the seam, with the fact that a new fan had been recently put in opera tion, leads to the conjecture that a large blower was suddenly struck, and the velocity of the air, owing to the action of the new fan, was such that the gas was was forced through the gauze of a lamp. The number of deaths will be at least 60, and many are sadly injured.

MAM(JH 18, 1880.



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 Assessment 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 Court. C. J. WENTWORTH COOKSON, Junk. Clerk to the Mount Somers Road Board. Mount Somers, March 13th, 1880. 6140 NOTICE TO FARMERS. Pjpl HE undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, 1880. 550g' x ' TO FARMERS. f | jHB undersigned are CASH BUYERS of WHEAT, or will make LIBERAL ADVANCES on shipments to London on growers’ account. MILES, HASSAL, & CO., Christchurch ; MILES, ARCHER, & CO., SGGa Timaru. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY WAS 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. 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 ENTRY. 1000 MERINO EWES. C. PERCY COX, 427g* Agent, Ashburton. WANTED KNOWN, that Envelopes and Notepaper can be obtained wholesale or retail, at unusually low rates at the “ Herald ” Office, East-street North.



BIS PAT, QUI CITO DAT, OR SMALL PROFITS AND QUICK RETURNS Is the motto of Everett bros., & co. HAVELOCK STREET. We will give a GRAND CONCERT in the Town Hall, on FRIDAY, MARCH 19. The whole of the proceeds to be given for the purpose of Charitable Aid in Ashburton. 617g-18Gc* BIS DAT, QUI CITO DAT. PRELIMINARY NOTICE. MR. GEORGE CATES has been engaged to deliver a LECTURE in the TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, At an early date. Subject : I ABOLITION OF THE BANKRUPTCY LAWS. The whole of the proceeds to go to Charit able Aid in Ashburton. TXT ANTED—By a Married Couple, » » without incumbrance, a SITUA TION on a Station. Wife as Laundress and competent to manage a Dairy ; man as Carpenter or can make himself generally useful. Apply office of this paper. Gl6g



Fever at Cawnpoke.— A correspon dent from Gawnpore, -writing to the “Indian Railway Service Gazette,” says the number of deaths in that station from fever have been averaging 150 per day. Demand for wood to supply the burning ghats has been so great that the spinning mills have been compelled to use coal,' which is generally much dearer than wood or fuel. A voluminous Government report has reached us containing condensed state ments of the receipts ’and expenditure’ qf the Road Boards qf Ne\y Ffom this it appears thq,t there arc 325 Road Boards in the colony, and of these onljßßfl sent in returns. The one which the largest is the Ashburton Road which expended during the financial year 1879, £17,173 2s. 2d. ; and the smallest is the East Mahurangi Road Board, some where in Auckland, which shows the fol lowing account of its disbursements for the year :—On new roads—Survey and con struction, £3 3s. ; salaries, £4 ; sundries, £7 7s.—total, £l4 10s. If this Board holds monthly meetings, they must do a lot of cheeseparing to expend their twenty four shillings and twopence per month: There can’t be any sinecures for Road Board officials in Mahurangi Bast.