COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List.

The Christchurch Corn Exchange.

The following is the report for the week end ing Friday, the 15th inst.: — Business for the past week has been unusually dull. The state of the market is precisely what it has been for some time past. A few lines have changed hands at ruling quotations. The prospects of an abundant harvest are still good, the weather up to the present time being all that can be desired. Latest telegrams from Home report an advance of 2s. per quarter on wheat. This, however, will have no effect on prices here. Recent advices report favorable yields in most'of the corn growing countries in Europe, also America. Wheat—First-class milling is worth 4s 6d, f.0.b., in Lyttelton ; ordinary milling quality, 4s to 4s 3d, in Christchurch; second class samples 3s 3d to 3s qd ; chick wheat, 2s to 3s per bushel. Oats. —A few small sales have taken place during the week, at prices varying between is 6d to is 8d for good stout milling samples. A fair demand still exists for this class of oats, not however so good as formerly. This is accounted for by the difficulty of procuring freight. Feed samples are not in much request, at from is 3d to is 4d per bushel; inferior samples of the latter quality are not very saleable, and are offering at from is to is 2d per bushel. Barley.—Brewers and maltsters continue to be indifferent buyers. A few parcels of fairly good malting quality are on the market, but do not change hands at the prices asked. Holders, however, are firm. There is little business doing, but quotations are unchanged. Prime malting is held at from 2s 8d to 3s 6d per bushel; fair quality, 2s 3d to 2s 6d ; feed samples, is 6d to is qd per bushel. Grass Seed.—A better enquiry has been manifested during the week, really good heavy seed being pretty free ot sale at from 2s 6d to 2s iod per bushel. Town-dressed samples of unimpeachable quality, 3s to 3s 3d per bushel; badly cleaned light samples, is qd to 2s 3d per bushel;

Potatoes,—There is no change to report in the state of the market for the tuber. A small demand still exists, but it is of so unimportant a character 'as to have no beneficial effect on prices 1 14s to 15s per ton are the rates at which business has been transacted, sacks extra.

Cheese and Buffer,—The former is in good supply, with a very indifferent demand, at from 4d to 4}4d, the latter very plentiful, with a very indifferent demand, at from s}£d to 6d.

Messrs. Matson and Co. report as follows— On Tuesday the new stockyards for Ashburton were formally opened, and the first sale was held on that date. There was a very large attendance of farmers, &c., and we disposed of everything, with two exceptions, entrusted to our care. The totals yarded for the day were—l64o sheep, 168 cattle, 21 pigs, and II horses, of which our entry consisted of 415 sheep, 104 cattle, 13 pigs, and 5 horses. Prices were remarkably good, and we sold as follows —86 sheep at 15s, 38 at 15s id ; 101 merino wethers, stores, 10s ; 12 culls, 8s; 143 cross-breds, stores, at lis Sd; 65 long-wool hoggets at 13s sd. In cattle our sales were 5 at L 4 17s, 2 at L 6 xjs, 2 at L 6 17s fid, 2 at L 7 12s fid, 37 steers at L 4 15s, 7 heifers at L 4 ss, 1 bull L>2 15s, X cow L 8 12s fid, x do. L 7 xos, I do. L 5 17s fid, 1 do. Lx xos, x do. L2 ss, x do. L 4, I do. Lio, 1 do. L$ xos, 3 at L 5 10, 1 do. L2 12s fid, 1 do. LB, 1 do. L 6, II calves L2 9s fid, 12 do. L2 is, 3 do, Lx 14s. In pigs we sold 1 at L 3, 4 at Lx 4s fid, and 5 at Lx is fid. We also sold x horse at L2O, and 1 do. at L 27 'xos. Altogether the sale must be pronounced an unqualified success, and shows that the settlers of the Ashburton district do no despair of the future prospects of their part of the province. The yards worked well, and with a few slight alterations they can easily Ire made the most easily worked sale yards in Canterbury.

Messrs. Acland, Campbell and Co, report on the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, October 14th, as follows : —The supply of sheep was. not so large as last week, 4,527 being penned. At the beginning of the sheep sale biddings were very slack and lots were disposed of with some difficulty, but to wards the close prices improved very much, and in some cases there was a slight advance on last week’s rates. There were not many store sheep yarded, but what were in sold readily. We quote best crossbreds, in the wool, at from l6s to 17s 3d ; medium, 14s to 15s pd ; light weights, us to 13s 3d; shorn crossbreds from Ss to ns 3d, according to weight and quality. Merino wethers, in wool, from lls to 12s pd. Woolley hoggets, very good ones, sold at 14s 6d ; shorn hoggets at 6s to 6s 2d. Cattle : 475 head were yarded. The market for cattle did not open with any animation, biddings being very slack, but as sales went on prices improved as they did in the sheep market, and last week’s rates were fully maintained. There was a good entry of store cattle, but sales were not effected so readily as last week, still there was a good demand for well grown grazing cattle.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10a.m, and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 0 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.20 p.m., dailj’. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 4.30 p. m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at G a. m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a. m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Fr*m Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DEATH.

Ross. —On October 15, at his father’s residence, East Belt, Ashburton, Andrew Ross, second and beloved sou of David and Sarah Ross, aged 24 years. London and Paisley papers please copy. 314

The Ashburton Guardian. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1880.

Kicked out of a Hotel. —At the Christchurch R.M. Court this morning, Charles Johnston was committed for trial for unlawfully wounding two barmen by whom he had been ejected from the White Hart Hotel. Masonic Funeral. —The Freemasons of the Ashburton Lodges are to meet on Sunday at one o’clock to attend the funeral of their late brother, T. A. Ross, who died to-day at the early age of 24 years, and after a long illness. Matson’s Store. —The large building just erected for Messrs. Matson, Cox and Co. in West street was opened to-day. There was a sumptuous luncheon spread for the guests, of whom there was a large number. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere.

Cruelty to Animals. —The R.M. is down on heartless brutes who illuse dumb animals, and were are glad to see it. He lined a man named Hill L 5 to-day for leaving his horse for 12 hours without food or drink, and tethered up so that it could not reach for a bite of grass.

The Racfcourse Siding. —This morn ing Mr. Back, General Manager of Rail- WcTys, accompanied by Messrs. Jameson and Saunders, inspected the site of the proposed siding at the racecourse and Agricultural and Pastoral grounds. It was decided to recommend that the siding should be put in a few yards beyond Mr. Thompson’s house, on the racecourse side, and that the railway cattle yards should be moved to the same locality, but upon the opposite side of the line.

A Gas Fact. —lt may not be generally known in Ashburton, but it is a fact not withstanding that, should a tenant of a building fall behind with his payments for the gas he consumes, the Gas Company hold his successor in occupancy responsible for the amount, and refuse to supply the said successor with gas until the debt due by the previous tenant has been paid. It is a somewhat short-sighted and illiberal policy, but it appears to have been followed in Christchurch, and of course our Com pany are bound to follow the example.

The Bye-Laws —There was a bye-law field day at the R.M. Court this morning, when a troop of footpath crossers, horse tetherers, obstructionists, and others were put through. Two cases of more than or dinary interest were heard. They were those of carters who, not plying as “carriers” in the general aceptation of the term, but only doing carting in a general way, had neglected to take out licenses as carriers. They were fined the usual 55., with costs. A Pestilential Stench. — This morn ing His Honor Judge Ward, previously to adjourning the District Court at the conclusion of its sitting, enquired if any of those present knew of the existence in Ashburton of an Inspector of Nuisances. There was, he said, a most pestilential stench permeating the atmosphere of the Judge’s robing-room, and as the Judge spoke with some animation on the subject and made a reference to the owners of the hall, which, however, we did not catch the exact tenor of, but should imagine it was not a compliment of the highest fervour, we conclude the effluvium was of the strongest—so strong, that our reporter did not care to risk a snifl. His Honor is not the first who has growled about the stench in the ante-room, and at the back of the hall, and it would he worth the Directors’ trouble to have it remedied. Perhaps it has become so strong that the Directors are afraid to look near the back settlements of the hall, but how about those, and more es pecially the ladies, who at the numerous entertainments given in the building, have to use the room that so nearly suffocated [ his Honor to-day.

Quill & Go. —Messrs. Quill and Co. hold their usual sale on Saturday, when they will dispose of a large assortment of general goods. No More Sea-Sickness. —A large com pany assembled, by invitation, on the Havana steamer City of Alexandria, to inspect the operations of the new self levelling berths with which that vessel was fitted. The New York Post says that these berths are of ordinary size. They are attached both above and below to universal joints, and are weighted under neath by crescent-shaped cylinders of iron. This arrangrnent is designed to keep the berths perpetually level, no matter what angle the vessel herself may take, and, consequently, to do away with sea- sickness entirely. To further maintain the berths in their orbit, and prevent sudden changes of position, they are provided with spiral springs. They appeared to work well, and the visitors expressed their satisfac tion without stint. They are to be intro duced into all vessels of the line, and other lines have the matter under con sideration.

Resignation of the Agent-General.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, Oct. 15.

Sir Julius Yogel has just sent in his resig nation of the Agent-Generalship. He will be told it is accepted, but asked to retain office until his successor relieves him. The appointment of his successor is under consideration by the Government.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE (Per Reuter's Agency.) The Cape Troubles. Lonoon, Oct. 9,

The Cape mounted rifles, after a series of severe engagements, dispersed the Basutos. The other tribes have become troublesome. A rising among the Mohales is reported to be spreading. The Rondos and Galikos are restless and turbulent. Chafing at Delay. The Continental Press is angry at the delay in carrying out the conditions of the Berlin Treaty. Laycock. Arrangements are being made for a match between Laycock and Hosmer, of Boston, on the 2nd of November. On the 13th Laycock rows Hawdon, of New castle, for L2OO a-side, over the champion course. Ploods in Scotland. Severe floods occurred in Scotland. Con siderable damage was done to agricultural produce and farm buildings and works. Montenegro, The Powers have determined to assist Montenegro with money. Italy suspects Russia of secretly encouraging the Porte to refuse or temporise respecting the Montenegrin difficulty.

The Markets. London'. Oct. 13.

Three per cent. Consols, 98 j. Adelaide wheat, per 4961b5., ex ware house, 50s. 6d. Adelaide flour, per 2801b5., ex warehouse, 345. Gd. ; New Zealand wheat, ex ship, 455.'

The Irish Land League.

London, October 14.

Government is taking active measures for the purpose of prosecuting the leaders of the Irish league. Troops are being sent to the west coast of Ireland. The Basutos.

Latest intelligence from the Cape states that the Basntos have attacked Maseru, but after severe fighting, were ultimately repulsed

Not Very Bad. St. Petersburg, Oct. 13,

The Czar is indisposed, but the phy sicians report that the illness is not of a serious nature.

The United States Elections. New York, Oct. 13,

The elections for the United States House of Representatives have com menced. Returns to hand so far show that the Republicans have carried the elections in Indiana and Ohio —in the for mer by small, and in the latter by large majorities. Laid-up. Rome, Oct. 14.

Cardinal Kina, who was appointed by Pope Leo in 1878, Pontifical Secretary of State, has been compelled to resign that office owing to ill health. The Shah wants the Sultan to keep the Kurds in order. Teheran, Oct. 14.

As the Kurds, who have been pillaging the towns and villages in Western Persia, are composed of tribes inhabiting the Eastern portion of Asiatic Turkey, ad joining the Persian border, and have returned to their mountain fastnesses, the Shah has sent a request to the Sultan that Turkish troops should be sent to dis lodge and punish the Kurds, and prevent any future eruption in his territory. AUSTRALIAN. (Per Renter's Agency.) Mata for the Cup. Melbourne, Oct. 14. Mata is backed for the Cup at 100 to 5. The Exhibition. Melbourne, Oct. 15.

The conversazione at the Exhibition last night was a complete success. Thirteen thousand persons were present. The building was illuminated by electric lights. Many courts, including the New Zealand one, were closed. The question of open ing the Exhibition at night is being much discussed. Sir Herbert Sandford, the British Commissioner, has protested against it being done.

The Mails.

King George’s Sound, Oct. 13,

Arrived—P. and O. Co.’s steamer Malvva, from Galle, with the inward Suez mail, which left London on Sept. 10.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) The Patetere Block. Auckland. Oct. 15,

The purchasers of the Patetere lands intend publishing a book descriptive of the block, with a map, and will endeavor to sell portions of the property in England.

Spuds. The potatoes recently imported from Canterbury have been sold here at a loss.

Sir Julius Vogel. Sir Julius Vogel’s resignation has caused no surprise here. A Gambling Bankrupt. A meeting of Robinson’s creditors was held to-day. The trustee’s report showed that no cash book had been kept up to March last. The bankrupt had paid LSO to John Abbot for a loan of L 250 for three months, and L7O had been paid on gambling transactions. Large amounts had been squandered in drink, and the total liabilities amounted to L 4,386, the assets for dividend being L 1,445. The trustee reported that bankrupt had falsi fied his books. A resolution to prosecute bankrupt was postponed till next meeting. Drowned in a Water Cask. Dunedin, Oct. 15. A child four years of age was drowned to-day, through falling into a water cask.

Let Off. . . , In Caambers to-day, the Judge ordered the discharge of Alex. Annan and Henry Hood, concerned in the illicit distillation case near Palmerston. They were liberated on bail under a writ of habeas corpus , pending a determination as to the legality of their arrest, which is to be argued to-morrow.

An Offensive Railway Time Table. Invercargill, Oct. 15.

At a meeting of the Borough Council strong dissatisfaction was expressed at the reply sent by Government to the memorial asking them to revert to the railway time table of last August. It was resolved that the Mayor write again on the subject, and in the event of not receiving an early reply, that a deputation consisting of the Mayor and Councillors Thompson and Kingsland wait upon the Minister of Public Works at Dunedin or Wellington, and that the Chamber of Commerce and County Council be asked to co-operate with them by sending their President and Chairman respectively as members of the deputation. ■

DISTRICT COURT.

Wednesday, September 15.

(Before His Honor Judge Ward.)

FERGUS V. PETER.

This was a claim for L 195 19s. 2d. The case had been adjourned from last court day, and was again further ad journed to enable defendant to amend the plea. JIEGSOU V. STALKER. This was a claim for Ll3O for alleged loss through defendant not thrashing some grain at the time he had agreed upon, whereby plaintiff, had lost the market. Mr. Hammersley for plaintiff, Mr. Branson for defendant. The evidence of Mr. Megson had been partly taken at a previous sitting, and was now continued. He said he had been offered 3s. 9d. for some barley if he could have it delivered before the end of March last. Owing to defendant having taken his threshing machine elsewhere witness’s grain could not be threshed in time for delivery in March, and in conse quence he had lost fid. or 9d. a bushel all round. Witness had had to pay Ll 6 odd to Messrs Orr and Co for shipping charges on the grain to Auckland, Mr. Pavitt had offered witness 3s. 9d. for the barley. By Mr. Branson—The ruling price of barley in March was 3s. 9d. per bushel. Orr and Co had a lien over the barley. The ruling price fell considerably in April and May. Joseph Dale, farmer, Wakanui, said defendant promised to come and thresh Megson’s grain after he had done with Hardwick’s and Buckley’s. Did not know whether Stalker had threshed Megson’s grain.

F. Pavitt said he had been shown a sample of barley belonging to Megson. Had offered 3s. 9d. a bushel for it pro vided it could be delivered in a few days. Megson came to witness about the end of March.

By Mr. Branson—Could not give the exact date on which Megson called to offer his barley, but it was four or five weeks before he came a second time. Barley had then fallen considerably in value.

J. Margetts—Was present when Megson and Stalker conversed as to some thresh ing. Stalker said he would have to go to Hardwick’s to thresh his grain first. Plaintiff said he would sue him for damages if the grain on Megson’s farm w r ere not threshed first. Stalker replied he supposed ho would have to thresh Megson’s as agreed on. John Orr gave evidence as to the fall of prices. He had offered Megson 3s. 7d. for wheat, but it was refused. Some time afterwards, when the market bad fallen, Megson accepted 3s. Mr. Branson, for the defence, called G. M. Robinson, who said—The average price of barley during March would be from 2s. 9d. to 3s. for very good samples. Stopped buying on the 23rd March, when the market had gone down to 2s. lOcl.' Purchased for Cunningham and Co., who made very large purchases. About the end of March the price of wheat was 3s. Bd. In the early part of April the price would be 3s. CM ; 3s. 7d. would be a good price. Mr. Branson contended that any loss suffered had been caused by plaintiff him self, who had refused 3s. 7d., and had ultimately had to sell to the same party for 3s.

Mr. Hamraersly having spoken at some length,

His Honor said it was clear that a breach of contract had been committed, Stalker had promised to go to Megson im mediately after threshing Buckley’s grain, but instead had gone to Hardwick’s. As to the loss from fall in prices, plaintiff had suffered evidently a loss of LOO Bs. 5d., and judgment would bo given for that amount.

IN BANKRUPTCY.

The following bankrupts obtained orders of discharge : —Sando and Bowling, John Logan—Mr. Branson, solicitor ; Francis Brown, and John George Anstee —Dr. Foster, solicitor; James Gardiner, Thomas Greenaway, Basely Bros., H. J. Edwards —Mr. Crisp, solicitor. lie Shearer and Galloway.—Application for order of discharge. Shearer appeared for self, but there was no appearance for Galloway. Order for Shearer’s discharge only granted. Be C. J. Truckle.—Order for payment of costs. Granted. Mr. Crisp for appli cant.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

ASHBURTON, Friday, Oct. 15.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, 8.M.) STRAY CATTLE.

J. F. Butler was fined in all 15s. for allowing his cows to stray.

CROSSING FOOTPATHS

William Smith, B. Cullen, T. Cotton, M. Noalas, James Daly, and W. Slade, were each fined ss.and costs, for riding or driving across footpaths. , ’ OBSTRUCTIONS. C. Sherry had obstructed Burnett street by leaving a horse and dray standing across. He paid a toll of ss. and costs. ILLEGAL TETHERING. 0. Carstens, W. Smith, and T. Taylor tethered horses in the wrong place, and paid ss. each for the mistake. carriers’ licenses.

ss. for carting for hire within the Borough without having taken out licenses. The charges were brought under by-law 77, and were test cases. UNPACKING ON THE STREET.

W. Sparrow was fined ss. for unpacking twelve cases of merchandise in front of his shop in East street.

CRUELTY- TO ANIMALS,

Charles Hill was accused of cruelty to a horse on 12th October. William Adams stated that on the day in question Hill tied up a horse in the Road Board yard at 9 o’clock in the morning, and left it there without food or water till 8.40 the same night. Constable Daly deponed to finding the horse tied up at 8.40. It had only eighteen inches of rope, and could not by any possibility reach the grass. His Wor ship fined Hill L 5, and gave him a severe reprimand. EXTENSION OF LICENSE. Wm. Power, of the Royal Hotel, applied for an extension of his license, for a marquee on the cricket giound on October 16. The application was granted on the usual terms. CIVIL CASES. Judgments for amounts wih costs were given in the following , cases ; Baldwin v. Newton ; Lancaster i Pender, L 7 16s. 3d.; Hodder v. J. B Harris, Ll 3 4s. 3d.; Stephens v. Lockhart, L 9 19s. 6d. Ivess y. Martin.-—Mr. Ivess appeared and desired his Worship to tike some steps in this case, as a deadock had

occurred between himself (Mr. Ivess) and defendant’s solicitors, Messrs. Bran son and Purnell, regarding the statement of a case for appeal. His Worship said the case was a very peculiar one. He would take till to-morrow to consider the matter, and meanwhile would write to Messrs. Branson and Purnell stating a case for appeal for their approval.

SOUTH RAKAIA. — Thursday, Oct. 14. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) POLICE CASES. Hector M'Loan was charged with assaulting Sarah Thompson. After hearing the evidence, the Court fined the defen dant 55., and ordered both parties to be bound over in the sum of L2O to keep the peace for six months. Philip Laraman was fined 10s. for allowing a cow to wander at large, and two persons named Doherty and O’Malley ss. a-piece for similar offences. A. Withell was tilso fined ss. for allowing tw r o horses to be at large. W. G. Kemp pleaded guilty to a charge

of neglecting to keep a light burning a night in front of the South Rakaia Hotel, and was fined 10s. John M'Namara, landlord of the Rail way Hotel, was charged with selling liquors during prohibited hours. Defendant ad mitted the offence, but said it was com mitted by a servant without his knowledge. The police said the defendant’s house was excellently conducted. Fined 10s. CIVIL CASES. Hartnell v. Smithers.—Judgment sum mons. After taking exidence, the Magis trate adjourned the case for a month. McKerrow and Co. v. Fox.—Judgment for plaintiff by default. Clark v. Pearson.—Mr. O’Neill for plaintiff; Mr. Purnell for defendant. Plaintiff claimed £SO damages for breach of warranty. The defendant is bailiff of the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Ash burton, and in June last seized certain goods belonging to a man named Fagan, at Rakaia, under a distress warrant. Amongst these goods was a piano secured by bill-of-sale to Milner and Thompson of Christchurch. The piano was sold by the bailiff and purchased by the plaintiff, who was subsequently sued by the holder of the bill-of-sale, and judgment recovered against him. The plaintiff, alleging that the bailiff had undertaken to clear off the claim under the bill-of-salc, brought the present action. Mr. Purnell raised the preliminary objection that the action had not been commenced within the time allowed by statute. His Worship ex pressed an opinion that the point raised was.a fatal one; but Mr. O’Neill, re quajting that time might be allowed him to look up authorities, the Court granted a month’s adjournment, costs being assessed against the plaintiff in the event of his electing to discontinue the action in the meantime.

Magson v. Belcher. —This was an action of detinue, in which plaintiff sought to recover a chaffcutter wrongfully taken from his custody by defendant; or, in lieu of its restoration, the sum of L 9. Mr. O’Neill, for plaintiff ; Mr. Purnell for defendant. Plaintiff was nonsuited, but without costs.

OPENING OF MATSON, COX & CO.’S NEW STORE.

There was a very large attendance at the opening of Messrs. Matson, Cox and Co.’s new sale-rooms to-day. Shortly after eleven o’clock numbers of visitors crowded into the spacious building, and by noon nearly the whole of the leading farmers, merchants, and others connected with our district agriculture and com merce were present, besides a fair sprink ling of similarly interested gentlemen from other localities. At the invitation of the proprietors those present sat down to a very elegant lunch, spread by host Shearman, in the offices connected with the establishment, Mr*. Cox occupying the chair. After full justice had been done to' the good things provided, and the usual loyal toasts disposed of in an appropriate manner, Mr. Bullock pro posed, “Success to Messrs. Matson, Cox and Co., taking the opportunity to \ refer, in a few brief remarks, to the energy of the new firm in erecting such a substantial building for the con duct of their business.

Mr. Cox acknowledged the toast, which was received with every demonstration of favor, and apologised for the absence of Mr. John Matson, who was unavoidably detained elsewhere on public business.

Messrs. Walton and Thomas also re turned th'anks, the latter’s characteristic reply being hailed with loud applause. Mr. Walton proposed success to other auctioneers and merchants of Ashburton, to which Mr. Bullock responded, reminding those present that in 1874. he had opened a very small auction mart, which his friends assured him was far too large for the requirements of the district, but in 1876 and again in 1878 he had found it necessary to enlarge his premises, and on each occasion he was regarded as unwise for taking the progressive step, but now a building com pletely surpassing any of the structures he had referred to was opened, and he hoped that a similar, if not quite so rapid, an advancement was in store for them, and that a few good harvests to the farmers would ensure the renewed prosperity of the townspeople. An adjournment was then made to the main building, whore Mr. E. Walton mounted the rostrum and briefly intro duced the new firm to his large audience. During the course of his remarks he said —“ For a considerable time I have watched the progress of Ashburton with much interest, and five years ago confi dently predicted that it would becoma the city of the plains. This must be the case on account of its geographical position, and its connection with a large and productive agricultural district. Five years ago the place as a town was of the smallest consequence, but now you have town halls, Council chambers, large com mercial buildings, and all the elements of a great city. The place has emerged from its childhood as a village, and has now entered upon a lusty boyhood as a town, and before many years will be in its man hood as a city. Too rapid progress needs retrogression as a corrective ; you have had this unwholesome check, and now find yourselves on a more solid basis, and in a position from which you must become the depot for this part of Canterbury. People who have gone through, and are now in, the hard times you are happily emerging from, must progress with the place and rise to wraith and prosperity. Wo have spent a large sum of money on this building, because we believe all that I have said to you, and that amongst others we shall reap the advantages of the prosperity.” Mr. Walton concluded his remarks by intimating that the firm in tended to hold periodical sales in the building, and conduct a wide range of business. After which, Mr, Thomas read the conditions of sale, and the business of the day was proceeded with.

The Melbourne Cup Acceptances.

Per Reutei b Agency

Melbourne, Oct. 12. The following are the acceptances for the Oup :—Lord Burghley, Fau-blas Lothair, British Workman, Banter, Wan dering Jew, Grand Flaneur, Avernus, Geraldine, Mata, The Stag, Columbus, Napper Tan iy, Progress, South Hamilton, Respite, Adventurer, Darriwell, Nellie, Pawnbrober, Imperial, Trevallyn, Stock bride, Woodlands, Bosworth, Richmond, Riverton, Elastic, Secundus, Bertie, Lord Lisgar, Chester, Martin dale, Aucldand, First Water, Rivalry, Rothchild, and Totalisator. The total final acceptances are 37.

A Windfall for the Poor.

The Franco-Spanish lottery organised by the director of the great ladies’ shop called the “Printemps” in‘Paris, with the aid of a well-known editor, has proved a success in more ways than could ever have been anticipated by its promoters. The first prize was a round sum of 150,000 francs, or L 6,000, and the winning t : cket was that bearing on its face the number 2,803,490. One of the conditions of the lottery w r as that if any prize should not be claimed within three months it should be immediately paid over to the funds of the societe cle bievfaisance. No one, of course, doubted that on the day after the drawing the fortunate owner _of No. 2,803,490 would duly present himself at the counting-house to have his ticket ex changed for bank notes. The day passed however, and so did the morrow. _ Week followed week, and at last the stipulated time was on the point of expiring when a number of conflicting claims were put in for the money so held in abeyance. One of them was from a gentleman who had drawn the right number, as he said, but had lost his ticket while on a holiday tour, at a place which was described with the utmost accuracy. Another was written by a poor teacher who had happened by a mischance to burn the ticket, and who would be content with a very small por tion of the prize if it could be awarded to him by the generosity of the managers. A third was from a person whose son, aged four years, had torn the ticket while playing in his nursery—in fine, a variety of grotesque stories were told, but not one claimant produced the necessary evidence in the shape of the ticket itself. Only one gentleman persisted in confirming his claim by laying a legal embargo upon the fund “ until he should find missing his ticket.” The Council of Paris was a day or two ago moved by counsel on behalf of the directors to remove the embargo in question, and as the protesting person, who happens to be the maire in a small French village, was still unable to exhibit his proof, the sum was released by order, and is now no doubt safely handed over for the benefit of the poor.

A Military Strauss Band.

(From Tht Australasian.')

We are favored, through the courtesy of Consul Victor Schonberger, Chief Com missioner for Austria at the International Exhibition, with memoranda relating to the “Military Strauss Band” consisting of nearly sixty performers, who are to arrive under engagement to two Sydney speculators by the s.s. Cuzco. It has been explained to us that Strauss himself would accompany this band but that his appointment as “ball music conductor” to the Imperial Court prevents him from Leaving Vienna. Herr Strauss con ducts only the public performances of his band —the rest of his time being devoted to composition—to the beautiful waltz and other dance tunes with which his name is connected, and those charming little operas of which we have had an instance out here in “ Die Fledermans.” Other works of his, such as “ The Forty Brigands” and “ Baliostro”—have found as much favor in England, France, Italy, and Spain as they Lave in Austria and Germany. Under Straus comes Herr Kratzl, who appears to occupy the same relative position to Straus as Richter does to Wagner. It is Herr Kratzl who directs the practices of the “ Military Strauss Band,” and who will now accom pany them as their conductor. The Austrian bandsmen are famous for the number of instruments they play—three, or even four, different instruments being a not uncommon number for them to be masters of; and it is not uncommon to see them at an open-air performance change from wind to string instruments with perfect success. In a country where the military band exists in such high development as it does in Austria, the manufacture of brass instruments has reached a very high degree of perfection. Amongst recent inventions is the “ Fliigel horn,” a larger sort of “cornet a piston,” which imitates the softest tones of the human tenor voice ; another speciality of Austrian manufacture is the “helicon,” a powerful brass instrument which so en velops the player in its shining folds that only the legs of his treusers and the peak of his cap are visible—the instrument dominating the position with an immense bell mouth of about the dimensions of a good sized waste-paper basket. So fine is the metal of which the “ helicon ” is made that such an instrument as that just de scribed weighs no more than 71b. It is a peculiarly sensitive instrument, and answers to the slightest breath of the player with a gentle lowing sound, os well as to stronger blasts with thundering resonance. The members of the coming band played in 1876 at Phila delphia, and in 1878 at Paris under the baton of Strauss himself, and won the un limited applause of thousands of delighted hearers.

The Two Prime Ministers on the Sun day Question.

A circular is being issued by the Work ing Men’s Lord’s Day Bess Association which gives the opinions of the late and the present Prime Ministers on this ques tion as follows ;—The Earl of Beacons field, in voting against the Sunday open ing of museums, said, in the House of- Lords : —‘ Of all Divine institutions, the most Divine is that which secures a day of rest for man. I hold it to be the greatest blessing ever conceded to man. It is the corner stone of civilization, and its removal might even affect the health of the people. It (the opening of museums on Sundays) is a great change, and those who suppose for a moment that it could be limited to the proposal of the noble baron to open museums they will find they are mistaken. ” —The Bight Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., has always voted against the Sunday opening of the British Museum, &c. , and in a reply to a deputa tion in March, 1869, he said—“ The religious observance of Sunday is a main prop of the religious character of the country. From a moral, social, and physical point of view, the observance of Sunday is a duty of absolute consequence. ” In a letter dated 13th January, 1876, Mr. Gladstone wrote as follows to Mr. 0. Hill ; —“Believing in the authority of the Lord’s Day as a religious institution, I must as a matter of course desire the recognition of that authority by others. But, over and above this, I have myself, in the course of a laborious life, signally experienced both its mental and its physical benefits. I can hardly overstate its value in this view, and for the interest of the working men of this country, alike in these and in yet higher respects, there is nothing I more anxiously desire than that they should more and more highly appreciate the Christian day of rest. English Paper.

Ship Burnt By Lightning.

The Luna Nueva sailed from Ant werp on the ist July, 1880, bound to Havanna, with a general cargo. On the 16th, when some fourteen miles south of Beachy Head, during a dread ful thunderstorm, her foremast was struck by lightning, and the electric fluid set fire to the cargo, among which was a large quantity of spirit. The crew had immediately to take to the boats. The steamer Glencoe, bound for Malta, hove in sight, and immediately sent a boat, and the burnt out crew were taken on board the steamer, where they received the greatest kindness. On the same day the steam tug Victor, of London, landed them at Newhaven,

and towed the vessel on the beach, where she sank in shallow water, the flames bursting to an immense height.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1880.



s. d. s . d. Butter, inferior to best lb 0 6 to 0 8 Eggs, if? dozen 0 8 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, $ lb 0 6 to 0 8 Bacon, prime smoked, 1? Ib 0 10 to 1 0 Hams in cloth, 1? lb I 2 to 0 0 Flour in bags, $ loolb 13 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, v 251b 4 0 to 0 0 Lard, lb - 0 7 to 0 0



Special Advertisements. ALL DEBTS due to Ashburton Herald and Guardian business must be Paid to Mr. S. E. Poyntz, on behalf of the Assignees, at the Guardian Office, East street, Ashburton, and his receipt alone 'will be a sufficient discharge. S. SAUNDERS, For Self and Co-Assignees. THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND BOYS ’) MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best descrip tion. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satis faction. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarfs, Bags, Portmanteaus, Rugs, and Blankets at Wholesale Prices. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 910 c Manager. TEACHERS can obtain the MULTI PLICATION TABLES, printed on gummed papei. in any quantity at th* Guardian Office, East street, near th« Railway Station. ALL PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, East street, near Railway Station.



Special Advertisements. SOMERSET LODGE. l@| BRETHREN of the Somerset Lodge are requested to MEET at the Masonic Hall on SUNDAY AFTER NOON, at half past one, to attend the Funeral of their late Brother Thomas Andrew Ross, which leaves his father’s residence at two o’clock. By order of the W.M., HENRY ZANDER, 315 Secretary. rnHE MEMBERS of the Thistle Lodge, I 627, S.C., are requested to attend at the Masonic Hall, Tancred Street, on SUNDAY NEXT, atone 1.30 p.m., for the purpose of attending the FUNERAL of the late Bro. Thos. A. Ross, and to appear in proper Masonic costume. By order of the R. W.M. Ashburton, 14th Oct., 1880. 317 W. H. Gnndry, ESTATE, AND STATION AGENT, GENERAL MERCHANT, AND LICENSED LAND BROKER, East street, Ashburton. 318



TOWN EDITION.



[JssuecZ at 5 p.m.\



In Bankruptcy. —A considerable num ber of debtors obtained their discharges at the District Court to-day. Wanted. WANTED— A smart LAD as Appren tice to the Cabinetmaking business. Apply John Meech, Burnett street. 4d 'ANTED—Two GENTLEMEN to Board in the house of a private family, unexceptional reference regarding the cuisine. Address, X.Y.Z., office of this paper. 987 c WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND STABLES. BAIT JW. M'RAE bogs to inform the . public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 908c—286g



WANTED KNOWN —That Money can be saved by purchasing your Sta nionery and Account Books, for cash, at the “Guardian” Wholesale Stationery Depot, Saunders’ Buildings, near Rail way Station. Meetings. THE ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COMPANY (LIMITED). A N EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of the Shareholders in the above Company will be held in the Town Hall, Ashburton, on TUESDAY, the 19th day of October, 1880, at 8 o’clock in the Evening, for the undermentioned purposes : 1. To consider the advisability or other wise of increasing the nominal value of shares. . 2. To consider the advisability or other wise of reducing the quorum of shareholders necessary to be present at meetings before business can be transacted. 3. To regulate the election and retire ment of Directors of the Company and their powers and business. Dated this 9th day of October, 1880. THOS. BULLOCK, 991 c Chairman of Directors.



Amusements. SEAFIELD SCHOOL. A MEDLEY ENTERTAINMENT, Consisting of Songs, Recitations, Instrumental Music, and a Screaming Farce, entitled, WHITEBAIT AT GREENWICH Will be given at the SE AFIELD SCHOOLROOM, On TUESDAY, the 19th i’stst. Doors open at 7.30. Performance" to com mence at 8 o’clock prompt. The proceeds will go towards purchasing a Harmonium for the Institute. 301 A. M'KELLAR WIX. Public Notices ASHBURTON WOOL - SCOURING WORKS. JUEECE WOOL, LOCKS, and Pieces scoured at lowest current rates. 316 CYRUS HOMERSHAM. £5 REWARD WILL be given so that it will lead to the conviction of the party or parties who maliciously BROKE the LOCKS on the Gates, between September 10th and 26th ult., on Section 30758, on the old track from the Hinds Railway Station to Coldstream Homestead. C. H. DOWDING, 302 Manager. LONGBEACH ROAD DISTRICT. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. ~[VT OTICE is hereby given that a MEET 1\ ING of the Ratepayers of the Longbeach. Road District will be held at the Board’s Office, on Longbeach Road, on MONDAY, the 25th day of October, 1830, at the hour of eleven in the fore noon, for the purpose of NOMINATING and ELECTING two persons eligible to serve as Members of the Board for the above District, in the places of Messrs. E. G. Wright and Joseph Clark. A poll, if required, will be taken at the same place immediately after the nomin ation, closing at four o’clock p. m. W. CUTHBERT, Returning Officer. Longbeach Road, 7th October, 1880. 297 e The national mutual life ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRAL ASIA (LIMITED). Established 1869. Actuary and Secretary —J. M. Templeton, F. I. A. The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in the Australasian Colonies. The best office for young men. Profits divided "every three years. Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, and Hobart Town. The New Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in the colony. Resident Secretary Thomas Swain, Temple Chambers, Featherston street, Well ington. Agent for the County of Ashburton— S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders Bi’os.), Ashburton. Note the name—The National Mutual. 169-218 co THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COMPANY (LIMITED). WOOL SEASON—IBBO-1881. SPECIAL NOTICE TO SHEEP FARMERS. mHE Company makes LIBERAL CASH X ADVANCES on WOOL entrusted to its care for sale in the London market. This being one of the leading depart ments of the Company’s business, and an expert and practical staff being employed by its London House especially to superin tend the classification, valuation, and dis posal of wool consignments, growers may rely upon their clips being carefully handled and placed to the best advan tage. Further information may be obtained upon application at the Company’s office, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. 283 a BRANSON & PURNELL, BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS EAST STREET,



Matson Oox„ and Co. Matson, Cox & Co*> STOCK AND ESTATE AGENTS, LAND & MONEY BROKERS, AUCTIONEERS AND COMMISSION AGENTS, ASHBURTON. Their business will include the manage ment of Estates, Investment and Pro curation of Money, Valuation of Pro perties, Stock, &c., and General Agency. They will hold throughout the District Public Auction Sales of Land, Live and Dead Stock; also on Market Days at Ashburton and Tinwald, Fat and Store Stock. They are also prepared to make Liberal Cash Advances 05. Properties, Stock, Wool, &c., placed in their hands for sale. " MATSON, COX, & CO., Agents for Robey & Co.’s CELEBRATED THRESHING MACHINES



T. Bullock. fJpHE Undersigned begs to' intimafca to former constituents and settlers generally that he has RETURNED TO BUSINESS, AS Auctioneer, Estate, AND GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT In the premises, EAST STREET, And at the ■BAZAAR, BURNETT STREET, Formerly occupied by him.



Weekly Sales of PROPERTIES, MERCHANDISE, ETC, • - Will be held as formerly, AISO, SALE of HORSES AT THB HORSE BAZAAR, BURNETT STREET, and intends holding periodical sales of Wool and Grain During the ensuing season. Will also attend the usual Fortnightly Stock Sales AT TINWALD, AND AT THE COUNTY SALEYARDS, When opened. 934 c T. BULLOCK, FOR SALE-CHEAP. FOUR SECTIONS in one block—viz., 502, 6C3, 510, 511, situated in Tin wald. Small deposit cash : balance by instalments. For sale or to let, with a PURCHASING CLAUSE, 439 Acres, all fenced, and partly improved situated in Wakanui 266 „ A compact Farm, all fenced, ■well-watered, and partly in English Grass. Improve ments consist of a comfortable Five-roomed Cottage, Stable, Stockyard, &c., &c. 220 ~ All fenced, partly improved and well-watered. 360 ~ All fenced, and a portion of it in English Grass. 50 ~ Near the above, will be sold very cheap. 65 ~ About Three Miles from the Town of Ashburton. 150 „ Near the above, and adjoining Mr. George Aston’s 290 ~ About Six Miles from Ash burton. TOWN PROPERTIES. That Valuable TOWN SECTION, 169, Tanored Street, will be Sold very cheap, and on easy terms. 539, (part of) £ of an acre, terms same as above. 341, Kermode Street. • 77 37, (Lot) Mayo’s Block, 78, (Lot) with Dwelling-house of Seven Rooms, near the Parsonage, East Town Belt. TO LET, A Four-roomed COTTAGE, situated on the North Town Belt, opposite the High School Site. Commodious BOARDING-HOUSE in East Street. Shop and Office in East Street. That convenient SHOP, situated in the Triangle, Wakanui road. 671c-1860 T. BULLOCK. For Sale. Poyntz & Co. HAVE FOR SALE, on advantageous and easy terms of payment, the following TOWN AND SUBURBAN PROPERTIES A good five-roomed House, on quarter acre of land, within three or four chains of the East Town Belt. A splend’d six-roomed House, with a good '?wn and well laid-out flower garden, .routing on East Belt and close • o the Wakanui Road. A compact foar-roomed House, with one acre of land, well fenced. Three quarters of an acre laid down as a paddock. A nice four-roomed House on half acre of land near the Gas Works, well finished throughout. Town Sections, 742, 743, 465, 466, 467. Town Section 711 upon which is erected a capital four-roomed House fitted with every convenience. A two-roomed House, with outbuild ings, on a quarter acre, well fenced and planted, on N.E. Belt,