SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. Beautiful Star, s.s., from Westport. Grafton, s.s., from Oamaru. Sailed. To-day. Orari ship, for London. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS ' Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Atlantic and Onward, from Lyttelton. ■w Wellington, Ytsterday. Arrived —Albion, from South, gailed—Albion, for Auckland, via East Coast. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Hawea, from North. Sailed —Oreti, for Northern Ports ; Frederick Basil, barque, for Newcastle, with nearly 100 passengers for Mount Browne divings.

COMMERCIAL.

The English Markets. Messrs Miles Bros, and Co. report, under date London, Feb. 24th Wool. —The first series of sales com menced on the 15th inst., with the follow ing new arrivals :—New South ;Wales and Queensland, 68,371 bales Victoria, 144,978 bales ; South Australia, 42,924 bales; Western Australia, 246 bales; Tasmania,32s bales; New Zealand, 12,138 bales ; Cape of Good Hope, 41,094 ; total; 310,076 bales, of which 17,000 of Austra lasian and 11,000 of Cape were forwarded direct from ship to Yorkshire and the Cdhtineht, and about 15,000 bales old stock remained on hand.' Although the attendance of both Home and foreign btiybrs oh the opening night was good, prices, t nevertheless, showed a decline W*hijn compared with those ruling at the previous sales. The depression which still exists on the Continent has exercised considerable influence at these sales, and the descriptions of Australian greasy combing wools usually taken for export hah declined Ad to Id per lb. Fine Vic torian clips have ■ been selling unsatisfac torily at a decline of say 10 per cent under rates ruling this time last year. New Zea land’s; being scarce, are not affected to the saitne extent, and the prices obtained for merino scoured are quite equal to those of last sales. . Only a limited quantity of crossbred wool has been offered'up to the present time, bnt greasy parcels are Id per Jb; and '.scoured Id to lid per lb lower than in December, the lower parcels being hhavy of sale. The decline in Capes has been for greasy sorts Ad per lbj fleeces Id, aiid scoured and snow whites id to lAd per lb. Rather more animation was ex perienced at the sale of last evening. Wheat and Flour. — We have no im provement to report in the state of our wheat' market, for although supplies of jEfngliah. wheats to the country markets are now very small, millers continue to exer cise? great caution in their purchases, and prices have again declined. Shipments of Californian wheat have been made to this country on a liberal scale, and shippers are anxious to effect sales even at a re duction from late rates. The Continental demand for cargoes still continues, and about thirteen at ports of call have been purchased with 62,600 quarters. There are now sellers of cargoes of new Victorian wheat at 45s Bd, and buyers (Continental) at about 45s (kl per 4801bs. c. f.i. for orders. , Imports of Australian wheat to this market have been larger, and values are somewhat lower, bnt English wheat being scarce, and the supply of New; Zea land full prices have been ob tained for really good parcels from the latter colony. We quote on spot, ex granary, Australian wheat, 49s to 50s per 4961bs.,:and.New Zealand, long berried, 4fcj tq 50a/ordinary, 44s to 47s ; and in ferior, 39a .to 435. Australian flour, 33s to 35s per 2801b5.; and New Zealand, to 325. New Zealand oats, fine, 28s 6d to 81s per imperial quarter ; and or dinary, 23s to 26s per ditto. New Zea land barley, 30s to 40s per 4481b5. New Zealand beans, 45s to 48s per 5041b5. New Zealand oatmeal, 190 s to 210 s per ton.

Tallow and Hides. —There has been a fair demand for Australian tallow, and th’S’Taltie'to-ciay of good to' fine mutton is 36s 6d to 37s 6d, and fair to fine beef, 32s Cd to 34s 3J, being about the same for the former, bat 3d. per cwt higher for the latter than quoted in our last. In ferior descriptions still sell well, but at somewhat easier 'prices. The imports during the month' have been- large, viz., 8,288 casks', and the stocks in first hands amount to about 8,200 casks. Hides are without attention.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Wednesday, April 13. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi (for. specially addressed correspondence only), Continent of Europe, Point de Galle, India, the East, China, Japan, Aden, Mauritius, Natal,' Cape of Good Hope, Suez, the Mediterranean Ports, and Australian Colonies, &c., per express train (to connect with s.s. Rotomahana at Bluff), as follows:—Ordinary letters, at 7 a.m..; books and newspapers at 6 a.m. ; registered latterp at 5 p.m. on Tuesday I2th ; money orders at 4 p.m. on Tuesday 12th. Late lee letters may be posted in the travelling Post-office van attached to the express train on Wednesday, April 13£h.

The next mail for the United King pom . (via San Francisco) will leave on April 23rd. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 am., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c. , at 10 a. m. and 6.. p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily.. For Timaru and South, at 6 am., 10 am.*, and 4.20 p.m., daily. . For Greonstreet,; Ashburton Forks, Hbllnfe. Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on-Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. Ij For. Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, - :4.3Q p.m. daily. ■ For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays,- Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 am.

Mails arrive at the 'Ashburton Post .• ■ FVom Christchurch .and Rakaia at 10.25 «HSS*Bfepamr<nd-7:60 p.m. --- —- From OhWteey,,&c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35,p.m. daily. °&oin%imuka kh'd ftmafu at 10.15 a.m. g. 15'pi in. : daily. Pro^ < . l G£eehßtr6et, f Ashburton Forks, and- Ashburton Gorge ptf Wedhfesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. Aflhidti, 'Watetton, and Lonjp beach, at 10 a. m. daily. From'Miin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land,: abet Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, SMS* >: . Postmaster.-

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, April 16. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale ; 12 o’clock. Tuesday, April 12. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his rooms—Farm and Town Properties ; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. Tuesday, April 12. Horticultural Society, Monthly Meeting, at Jacobson and Eyton’s office, at 8 o’clock. Parade Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, at 7 p.m. sharp. Wednesday, April 13. Locsl Industries Association —Meeting, apper room, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Presbyterian Church Gift Auction, Town Hall. County Council, Special Meeting, at noon. Templar Hall Company - Meeting of Shareholders, Templar Hall, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 1A Mount Hutt Road District Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, Road - Board Office, Methven, 3 p.m. Meeting of persons interested in forming a Sparrow Club, Quill’s Hotel, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21. Wakanui Road Board—Special Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street, Wednesday, May 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Winchester School Committee.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.'hi., 10.30 a,m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7a. m., 10.36 a. in. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p. in., and 7.50 p. m. Trains Arrive at Ashrukton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith.

All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1881. Our Agriculturists and their Interests.

TOWN EDITION. {lssued at 4.35 p.m.]

Will our farmers never be brought to recognise the importance of a rational rotation of crops, or to under stand that such a possibility as the exhaustion of the soil? Up to the present, appearances in this direc tion are anything but satisfactory. Year after year we see them growing the same grain in the same locality, and in return for this call' upon the productive resources of the land giving absolutely nil. A bad crop comes, and is immediately attributed to the drought or the extreme, wet, the rust or other wise ; but in no single instance is it put down to the real cause—-the total ignoring of this great agricultural principle. Only recently we referred to the unsatisfactory character of the reports on New Zealand grain from foreign markets, anfl from one of which we quoted a remark to the effect that this was probably caused by the employment by our farmers of eld and worn-out seed. This error in attributing; a cause is easily understood, for the fact that. New Zealand agriculturists; are wantonly impoverishing their land

is possibly undreamt of at home. Keverthless, such are-the facts: of -the case. In years gone byjon greater number of old estates,, the rotation yielding the best returns was a study for centuries, the results, when dis covered, being handed down from father to son; but even in this a variation was found necessary to pre vent the exhaustion of the land. The best rotations for adaptation are of course greatly influenced by the sur rounding industries and market de mands, and the difference of soils, &c. Putting consideration of these aside, for the time being, we would point out a facility in this direction which up to the present has, we believe, received scant, if any, attention at the hands of those whose interest it more particularly is. We refer to the cultivation of beet, and the manufacture of its sugar. That we have surrounding us everything favor able to the growth of this root, none will deny; therefore, why is it that we have hitherto been so apathetic re garding our own interests? Unison of action in the matter is all that is needed. We hear of capital, to an almost unlimited extent, awaiting a favorable opportunity of investment, and what more lucrative opening presents itself than that of the es tablishment in our midst of fac tories for the production of beet sugar? Let but our agriculturists exert their influence in this direction and the capitalists, we venture to say, will not be far behind in the matter. Nearly one-fourth of the sugar con sumed in the world is the product of the beet; in Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Dresden and Munich, none other being used. We expend hundreds of thousands annually upon the importa tion of this article, which sums would be, in the event of the starting of such an industry, spent in the colony. Not alone will the shareholders and farmers feel the benefit; the artisan and laboring classes will share, for the works will ab sorb a large amount of unskilled labor. Of the adaptability of the country for beet growing purposes, no doubt can exist after reading the favorable report from Professor Bickerton on the samples grown in the district, and sub mitted to him for analysis by Mr Hugo Fricdlander. In these we find a per centage of sacharine matter far in ad vance of the average yield obtained in Germany, and equal to that of France. From the growers of these plants, we learn that no particular care was taken in their growth. Possibly had any great care been bestowed upon them, the yield of sugar would have been greater. Another fact is, that two of the specimens were from what is con cidered by experts only a second-class seed; viz., white silesian, green top. Both these only gave about 50 per cent, of sacharine matter as compared with the return obtained from the other sample—grown from Imperial seed. In 1876 Sir Julius Vogel communicated at length with the New Zealand Govern ment on the subject of beet growing in this colony. A Mr. Neville made application for assistance at the hands of the Government in the shape of a grant of 10,000 acres of land aiid an exemption from an excise duty for a period of five years; in return for which he volunteered to erect a factory at a cost of 25,000, After humming and hawing for some time, a negative answer was sent to Mr Neville, and his project consequently fell through. In May of the same year the Govern ment distributed to the Superintendents of the provincial districts of the colony quantities of seed, which were being planted by public officials and private persons, and of eight reports on result of such planting, only two were of a favorable nature. Of that sown in Can terbury the Domain Board reported that it had been destroyed by pheasants and quail. Thence, to the time of offering a bonus some time back, the matter remained in abeyance. And it is quite clear, without interest is displayed by the agricultural com munities, it stands a very good chance of being still further shelved. If, however, these take it in hand, we have little doubt of its success. In Germany we learn that a factory was started some two or three years ago on a co-operative principle, each of the shareholders con tributing a sum of 100 dollars, and in addition supplying a yield of five acres of beet annually to the com monwealth. As a result, the factory is now paying a dividend of 15 to 17 per cent. Why cannot some such system be inaugurated here? Our farmers will run little risk by experi menting as growers of beet, lor even in the event of their finding no market for their crops, it can be utilised as cattle feet, being 50 per cent, in advance of the common mangold in its nutritive qualities. Added to this, thefact exists that it,in the capacity of a rotation crop, so prepares the soil as to improve the wheat yield thereof from one fourth to one-third more than before beet preceeded it. The samples of sugar locally manufactured from this source, which were exhibited at our Industrial Exhibition, clearly prove the feasibility of the project, and we ivould suggest the calling of a meeting of farmers and the public generally in this district to discuss thereon. We are unable to publish statistics as to the necessary outlay, but these would doubtless be forthcoming if such action were taken. In conclusion, we quote the following from a communication on the subject at the hands of Sir Julius Vogel, received by the Premier during last year : Every part of the country anti every class of the population in New Zealand would benefit by the beet industry. Large tracts of land would be devoted to its cultivation. The fanner and farm laborer, the artizan and town laborer, the railways and the shipping, would each in turn benefit. The refuse of the. beet would be valuable for cattle-feeding, and the time is coming when there will be a demand in this country, for colonial meat. I’erhaps one of the largest advantages will be that, like beer, colonial sugar will gradually become

cheaper than the imported article. Cheap sugar will mean other industries. For ex ample, with cheap sugar, look at the enormous work open to New Zealand in the way of preserving fruits in tins—an industry which, in the United States, has grown to colossal proportions. ■<-.

Seavield .Maid Service.—We under stand that Mr. J. G. Cox is the successful tenderer for the mail service from Ash burton, to Seafield. . : Local Industries Association, —The monthly meeting ■ of tin’s association Will be hold in the upper room of the Town Hall on Wednesday next, at 8 p.m., when, we are informed, important busi ly #ta in connection with the establishment of new industries will bo discussed,, Jiope to see a full attendance of members.

Horticultural Society. —The monthly meeting of the above society is convened f<» Tuesday next, at 8 p.m.

, Clean Charge Sheet. —There was no business transacted at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning. The Christchurch Library. —The Public Library at Christchurch will be open to the public to-morrow for the first time under the now regulations. Sporting. —Mr H. Redwood’s race horses Norseman and Dauphin, and Mr Westcott’s Frailty arrived at Christchurch yesterday. Excursion Fares. —The Railway Dis trict Traffic Manager advertises return tickets at single fares during the Easter holidays.

Go for Gold. —A meeting of Waimate citizens yesterday, guaranteed LSOO to anyone discovering a payable goldfield at Waiho, or in the district. Meeting of Ratepayers. —The annual meeting of ratepayers in the Mount Hutt Road district will be held at the Road Board office, Methven, on Thursday next, at 3 p. m.

C picket. —The match between the Rakaia Gorge Club and the Mount Somers players, which was played on Monday last, resulted in a verdict in favor of the Mount Somers, on the first innings, by three runs—the scores being 86 and 87 respectively. Zoedone. —By an unfortunate omis sion in our yesterday’s issue it was made to appear that the new beverage adver tised by Mr J. M. Cambridge is an “alcoholic” liquor. The item in ques tion should iiave read “ non-alcoholic.”

Sad Accident. —A little girl from St. Mary’s Orphanage, Auckland, named S. Evans, while playing on the steps leading from the cement bathing house to the beach, missed her footing and fell to the bottom, injuring her brain. Her life is despaired of.

On the War-path. —Mr W. L. Rees arrived at Auckland by the Tararua, with the intention of commencing legal pro ceedings against the Free Lame, a weekly journal. He intends to issue eight or ten writs for separate libels, and the pro ceedings will be taken criminally. Sudden Death. Edward Davis, a miner, was working in the Just-in-time mine, Coromandel, barrowing stuff out of the drive. He sat down and was catting a pipe full of tobacco, when he fell back dead, it ip supposed from heart disease. ’Frisco Mail. —This mail arrived here by special train last evening, the train reaching the station in time to catch the one pi-oceeding south, and that portion of the mail being consequently transhipped thereunto. Shortly afterwards a mishap occurred to the engine which came from Christchurch, by one of the bolts holding the connecting rod breaking and bring ing the engine to a dead stop. This fortunately occurred in the yard, and no delay therefore was occasioned to the general traffic. From East to West, —A very large and influencial meeting was held at Grey mouth, last night, the Mayor in the chair, to obtain an expression of opinion respect ing the constructing af the proposed rail way between the East and West Coasts. A series of resolutions favorable to the scheme were passed unanimously, and a committee of the leading people was ap pointed to collect information and forward the objects in view. The general opinion of the speakers was that the proposed line would bo of great advantage to the Coast in promoting enterprise by developing its latent resources in minerals and timber, and that it would be in no way inimical to the harbor works. A Practical Joke. —A certain medical man residing not one hundred miles from the Post Office, Greytown, was recently aroused from his slumbers, in the small hours recently, by a loud and continued noise, resembling a dozen housebreakers or a troop of departed patients returning from the grave to worry the worthy doctor. The latter made all haste down stairs, armed with the first thing that came to hand, and, to his surprise, on un locking the door, he found he was unable to open it. At last, by one supreme and overpowering effort, be succeeded in wrenching it slightly ajar, when, to his astonishment, he discovered neither a burglar, nor a ghost, but a full-sized male calf, which had been tied to the door knob, and in its frantic efforts to escape, had been the unwitting cause of all the disturbance. The doctor’s feelings may be better imagined than described.—Ex change. Winchester School Committee. —The ordinary monthly meeting of the above School Committee was held in the school room on Wednesday evening. Present — Messrs W. A. Murray (chairman), Austin, All wood, and Moore. After consideration of correspondence it was resolved—“ That the chairman send required information to Mr Chapman, of Alford Forest.” Mr Moore proposed, Mr Allwood seconded, and it was carried—“ That Mrs Page be offered the sum of Ll2 per annum for cleaning the school, sweeping and dusting every day on which the school is open, and cleaning windows and scrubbing the school when required, not exceeding twelve times; lighting fires on school days when required during the winter months, two fires to be lighted by 8 a. m.; and washing seats and closets when necessary. ” It was resolved that a cord of black pine firewood and a ton of coal be procured for the use of the school. It was decided that application be made to the Board for a grant to repair the roof of the school house. It was proposed by Mr Moore, seconded by Mr Allwood, and carried — “ That the compulsory clauses of the Act be brought into force, and that the chair man have all parents who do not comply with the Act served with notice as re quired by the clause of the Act, and report to the Committee at next ordinary meet ing. ” Mr Moore proposed, Mr Allwood seconded—“ That a visiting committee of two be appointed for month to month ” Carried. Messrs Smith and Moore were elected the visiting committee, for the, ensuing month. It was also resolved that Mr H. E. Smith be asked to serve on the . Committee, in place of Mr C. Bisset, who retires through non-attendance. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned.

South Rakaia Road Board.— The South Rakaia Road Board held its ordinary monthly meeting on Thursday. Present— Messrs C. N. Mackie, chairman, W. L. Allan, D. G. Holmes, and John Lambie. Mr Mackie apologised for the absence of Mr E. S. Coster. The clerk's report was read and received. A letter was received from Mr J. Oddborough, applying for payment for work done under a contract with the Board. It was resolved—“ That he be paid for so much of the work as has been done according to specification, the remainder to be paid for when completed.” James Gardiner wrote asking for an extension of time for the completion of his contract. It was resolved to grant him one month. A let ter was received from MrF. B. Passmore, ih reference to the late Road Board elec tion. Itwas resolved—“ThatMrPasamore’s letter be received.” The tender of Joseph Halo and Co. to fence the new road at Ohertsey at 3s per chain was accepted. It W’flfS ‘resolved that the clerk ascertain the feeling of the people in the south-east portion of the district with reference to a new line of, road from the corner of the Kyle school to Dobbin’s ford, and report to the Board. It was resolved to invite tenderer for the keeping in repair of the South road from the parsonage gate to the corner of Bushey Park ; road, and for a distance of two and a-half miles towards the beach, four and a-half miles of the road froth Chertsej |to the beach, and from Action station to Dobbin’s ford, tenders to he in by the 14th inst. : Ac counts amounting to L 242 ,6s 5d were passed .for payment, and the Board ad journed.

Homeward Bound.— -The ship Orari ffift Lyttelton this morning for London. Accidentally Smothered. —An in quest was held in New street, Christ church, yesterday on the body of an infant named John Kennedy, son of Anthony Kennedy, carpenter. It ap peared frcm the evidence that the child had been accidentally overlaid by his mother during the night, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.— Press. A Warning to Coopers. —A curious explosion is reported by the Western Advocate. An employee in Mr McNab’s cooperage, at Orange, was preparing to cooper a whisky cask, and when examin the bunghole, the cask suddenly exploded, with a report like a cannon, which was heard for a considerable distance. The top of the cask was forced out, a portion flying up to the roof, and forcing a hole in the iron. Another piece struck the man on the forehead with the pointed edge, inflicting an ugly wound. The injured man was taken to the hospital. As he was smoking at the time, it is believed that a spark from his pipe fell through the bunghole and ignited the gas generated in the cask.

Destruction of Live Stock by Trains. —During last week the trains made con siderable havoc amongst the live stock in this district. On Wednesday or Thursday evening, the engine from the south, which was running tender first, ran into a flock of sheep near St. Andrews, and killed or injured between 30 and 40 of them. The following evening, four unfortunate bullocks and some more sheep met their death from a similar agency. It is also reported that some sheep were killed on the Rangitata Plains one evening last week, by the train from the north. No wonder the farmers sing out bitterly when their stock is destroyed in such a whole sale manner ; but what do the authorities care if they inflict a loss of fifty or a hundred pounds on one of the public, so ’ long as they themselves do not suffer 1— Timaru Herald. Encourage our Industries. The Nelson Jam and Fruit Preserving Com pany, in the annual report before the shareholders, makes this statement , “ As showing the necessity for such an iii"-' dustry, the following figures are quoted from the returns published by the New Zealand Government of the imports and exports of the colony for the year 1879 For bottled and preserved fruits, L 3,605 ; jams and jellies, L 49,490; dried fruits, L 8,757; green fruits, L<»7,445 ; making a total of L 129,297. Of course, something like LIO,OOO may be deducted from this amount for tropical fruits, leaving the enormous sum of L 119,297 for fruits and jams which could be easily produced in the colony if the people were deter mined to take up this very important branch of the trade with energy and a will to oveicome all obstacles. Of this sum of L 119,297, the following amounts were sent to neighboring colonies To New South Wales, L 27,118; to Victoria, L 16.338; to Tasmania, L 63,635. The balance to England, America, South Sea Islands, etc. Thus our sister colonies are enriched annually by the sum of L10G,991 (taking the imports of 1879 as an average), of which LIOO,OOO at least could be saved to New Zealand.” The Rev. J. C. Byng on Church Collections. —The Rev. Mr Byng was very severe recently (according to a Dunedin contemporary) on . those who neglect or refuse to contribute according to their means to the support of the Church. He said there were some who were extremely careful not to put a four penny instead of a threepenny-piece into the plate, while others offered to the Lord mutilated or defaced coins that would be “shoved away at the grocer’s, counter and refused at the Bank. ” They did not mind giving that which was of no value to themselves, but were not pre pared to make the least self-sacrifice on account of the Church. If people con tributed according to their means, there would be no necessity to resort to tea meetings and such like expedients to raise funds for the work of God. No one ever heard of a tea-meeting being got up for such a purpose as say the repairing of the Caledonian grand stand. No ; if an appeal were made for such an object one man would put his name down for ;LlO, another for a couple of guineas, a third for half a sovereign, and so on. But when it came to a collection for the Church, instead of pounds, sixpences and threepences—many of them so knocked about as to be worthless—were handed in. Such illiberality was not creditable ; it indicated an unwillingness to make a self sacrifice such ns God demanded.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[per reuter’s agency.] The Irish Land Question- London, April 7. In the House of Commons to-day a Bill introduced by the Government for the amendment of the Irish Land Laws, was laid on the table and read a first time. The measure provides for the erection of Courts of law to fix rents, which shall thereafter remain un altered for a period of fifteen years. The Courts will also undertake the regu lation of land tenure and land sales. A commission will be appointed to make grants to facilitate emigration, to assist tenants to purchase their holdings, and to buy land from land-holders who are willing to sell. It will be optional with landlords and tenants to evoke the aid of the Courts. It is intended that the Act shall be partially retrospective. Gold and Hides. The total reserve in notes and bul lion in the Bank of England is Li 5,400,000. There is an active demand for most descriptions of Aus tralian hides, and prices are one-eighth of a penny higher. Tasmanian and Fiji Loans. London, April 8. Tenders for the Tasmanian loan of L. 300,000 at 4 per cent, were opened to-day, and were found to contain ap plications amounting to-, four times the sum required. The Loan will be allotted at L 99 6s 8. Tenders for a loan for the colony pf Fiji of Li 50,000, bearing interest 4 yi per cent., were also opened tb-day, and the amount asked for was also found to be quadrupled. The whole loan will be allotted at Lqo xos. Resignation of the Duke of Argyle, It is announced that the Duke of Argyle has resigned his position, as Lord of the Privy Seal in the Ministry. His Grace’s resignation is due to a difference of opinion with his late col leagues as to the provisions of the Irish Land Bill, which has been introduced in Parliament. Earlßeaconsfleld’s Illness. A bulletin issued this morning states that Earl Beaconsfield’s relapse has left him exceedingly weak, anduneasinejls is expressed at his state. Great general anxiety is felt at the critical nature of his Lordship’s illness. Tendered their Resignation. Rome, April 8. The Chamber of ; Deputies, ..has negatived a want of confidence in the Ministry, and Signor Cariola and his colleagues have tendered their resigna tions to the King.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Political. Melbourne, Aprils. The election of a member for North Melbourne in the Legislative Assembly, in room of the late Mr Story, took place to-day, and resulted in the return of Mr Munro. Shipping. Arrived—Te Anau, from the Bluff. One Thousand Sovereigns Missing. To-day. A bag containing rooo sovereigns is missing from the Commercial Bank of Australia. The affair is involved in mystery, but the evidence, so far, would indicate that the money has been stolen.

New Ireland Immigrants. Sydney, April 8, Three hundred of the Marquis de Ray’s New Ireland immigrants arrived here from New Caledonia to-day. Return of Laycock. E. Laycock, the oarsman, arrived here to-day, per Lusitania, from Eng land, and was accorded a warm re ception, great crowds meeting him. A Good Field. The following are the final ac ceptances for the Hawkesbury Handi cap to-morrow ; —Childers, Rosinante, Gunild, Sweet Chutney, Falmouth, Major, Braiwood, Retrospect, Sweet meat, Bob Sawyer, Strathearn, Gipsy Cooper,' The Knave, Sapphire, The Barber, Black Swan, Black Eagle, Verdict, Lord Burghley, Othello, Cres wick. Harmony, Saunterer, The Dean, Lord Lisgar, Jeventas, Croydon, Avernus, Woodlands, Fragments.

The Markets. New Zealand wjieat, 3s ; maize, per 6olbs, 3s; candles, D.R.J.'s, per lb, Adelaide, April 8. Wheat, 4s : 4d to 4s 3d. But little business has been done during the week. Town flour, Lio 5s to Lxo 7s 6d ; country brands, L 9 xos. Freights to London —Steamer, 45s ; do sailing, 42s 6d.

NEW ZEALAND

[per truss association.] Solving the Native Difficulty. Haweba, To-day. A contagious disease is reported as ? pre vailing alParihaka. Sixty deaths have occurred within the last few days. It is stated that persons attacked linger only for three, days. Local Self-government- A petition, numerously signed, has been presented to the Patea County Coun cil, praying for a Road Board to be con stituted on the Waimate Plains. The Council refused to accede to the request, the Chairman stating that the refusal would be the means' of bringing the whole question of local government before Par liament. It is believed that only three settlers on the Plains are opposed to the Road Board, and sixty signed in its favor. The census returns slfo w 120 people re siding on the Plains, but a good many of them are working roadmen. Alleged Sheep Frauds. Wellington, To-day. Fred Marshland Hadfield has been arrested on a charge of being an accessory to the larceny from one Thomas, in the sheep case Which arises out :of the uncom pleted sale of Abbottsford station, on the Taueru river, Wairarapa, by J. Gilligan to Hadfield*; the father of the accused, who, after making the purchase, attempted to draw /out of it, ■a6 action being, then brought against him in the Supreme Court to compel him to carry out his con tract. . . Through other causes he* was, however, obliged to relinquish the pro perty. It is now alleged that he sold one thousand sheep, which were included in the purchase of the station, although the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company had a lien upon them. A New Zealand I CE-

A meeting of surveyors and civil engi neers was held last night in connection with the formation of a New Zealand Institute of Surveyors andGivil Engineers, The report of the acting-secretary was read. It referred to the advantages which the institution would confer on the pro fession. The meeting was adjourned to afford time to procure information in connection with the subject. . Frozen Meat. Balclutha. To-day. At a meeting of the Committee of the Glutha Agricultural and Pastoral Society held last night, it was agreed to contribute L2O towards the preliminary expense of the Dunedin Committee for export of frozen meat.

THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

Victory for Oxford. (BY OAB1B.) Londov, April g. The Oxford and Cambridge Univer sity boat race took place to-day, over the usual course on the Thames, and resulted in an easy victory for Oxford by three lengths.

JOTTINGS.

[By Sinecure.]

Hide your heads, ye presumptuous mortals and jumping fraternity ! Go bury yourselves, and no more dare hope to drag your five-year-old township from out the obscurity into the light of public favor ! From the far south-east, comes a blighting blast of criticism under which ye should sink into the earth. But, jok ing aside, is it true that this authority actually based his statements on the con tents of the catalogue of your Toy show. Well might he be forgiven for the error of his ways. At the next similar occasion, however, I would suggest a visit of in spection, even if there be no collection of wild beasts in connection therewith.

Not far from Ashburton there recently occurred an exhibition out-rivalling the far-famod Dr Carver’s sharp-shooting. S , a publican, possesses a poodle, but was nevertheless unwilling to “ part the greed ” in the shape of registration fees. Consequently, one morning, he instructed his man-of-all-work to capture the embryo sausinger—which, by-the-by, I omitted to state, held occupation of the bottom floor of the building—and convey it to the Police Station to' be destroyed. This was done, and the dog handed over to a stalwart member of the A. C. force, who tied the condemned to a shrub close handy, and having produced a revolver, proceeded with ih® work of/destruction. Three several times at a range of about five feet ten did he fire, the marker record.- inga “miss” and two extreme in the character of a couple 61 earmarks. This, however, was too much for Joe, who, taking up a boulder, hurled it with kuffleeiit force to stun the animal, at the same time commenting on the probabilities which would have existed of thf»t trooper, making his fortune at one shot had he: beemengagOd ih the Kelly campaign*

. v are ever proverbial, * tnink the following, which i t vouched for by being published in the Victorian educational report will be novel to sblhe of your readers:—The line, “ The curfew tolls . the knell of parting day Gray’s Elegy, was thus explained to his class by a State school teacher : “ A curfew is a bird with a long bill and tail, and many’s the one I've shot in the bogs of Ireland ! ”

In the course of my chequered career, I have seen some novel methods adopted by people “respectable” ones, too”—to avoid liquidating their debts—jnsf jUßd"’*’ unjust. But a most original instance of the kind came under the notice of yours truly, one night recently. OnThe QOBfcw sion l am about to refer to, I strolled into the billiard-room of one of thehotehr doing a thriving trade within this"growing ’ borough. Two votaries of the grwh>cl6th were engaged in a trial of skill,, auu/fo make the game more interesting, thewr was a small amount staked on the result V- The game eventually came to an end—as r most games do —by one of the players 1 winning, and it follows, as a natural ’se quence that one of them lost—and paid his money like a man, queth my reader.. - Not so, good sir, or madam, the tax tipop” his energies had been too great,,, and he lay down and slept—the sleep of the just;, and not all the efforts of his erstwhile . opponent—anxious for his dollars—could rouse him from his peaceful slumbers. The item has since been written; oft.as. a, < bad debt.

Talking of debts and their payment--- ; » or rather their non-payment—brings to my recollection a little episode which oc curred on the morning of Tuesday laflt. By-tho-way, any of ray readers whe happened to be out of his or her .j. able bed at 2 a.m. on the morning I men tion, Will know that the; involuntary “ ducking ” I am about to relate was not „ a very pleasant episode to one at least J of _7 the actors in the drama.' On th| morn ing in question, I was doing *ny “ level best” to arrive at the tenement that «£ present affords a' shelter to and when not a hundred miles from'*' Saunders’ Buildings, I heard. a knew it at once, I had experience, unfor tunately, of the genus—loudly demanding payment of cab-hire. The indebted ,00° mildly assured his tormentor that h^realfy. ; “ hadn’t got it.” “ Fork, opt,!’ Jehu, “or I will put you undet.tbaL, pump,” pointing to one in an adjacent yard. The threat had no effect, bdjppl a reiteration of the Mctim’s Tdrmer - state ment that he had not got ..the wherewithal. And in a trice the Idckiessf individual, was caught.by,- the head.ajsdL heels by the enraged creditorand a’cntnti, and carried to the convenient pump, while the fourth . pa»ty proceeded-} to: milkjthe cow with the iron tail. When they were tired of pumping, they, proceeded, to dash buckets of water upon their half-drowned., victim. I can tell.you, sir, the heart of Sinecure melted, ■ and ; lie dug down a piece to see if ho could discover a stray crown, but alas ! Sinecure like most? men of letters—ahem !—is : pot blessed with a superabundance of. thU. world’s goods—and all he could find was a piece of chalk, a latch key, and a button, onq, - so the christening went on till, the,VfJbbjr , thought he had his five shilljpga’-wprth, -. when the almost frozen ope was allowed to depart. Moral —If you order a cab oh ~ a cold morning, add have uoVtte ‘:‘rfa«^? , £ to satisfy the demands of the Jehu, don't 4 " drive too near a pump. - f jr-

- — W I Permit me, sir, although rather late in ~ the day, to congratulate you on. : the ex cellence of the supplement whichyou issued with the Guardian on the jdate of the opening of the Exhibition. Fiat I hardly thought you-plac«A-SirA«tber„-ftordQß-Ma « congenial company -whop*: 1., found. “ counterfeit presentment,’'' "t>hcl£ed‘‘'by “Old Sam Brown” ancT- other local' celebraties (“ in good prominent letters, ’ ’ as your contemporary would say). Rather injudicious, you know, of your printed, ! as| inquisitive people ate apt to'turn over the* leaf to see who the Governor's associates are, and, estimable man, and jolly farmer, as I know “ Old Sam Brown ‘’.(as yo« > him) to be, yet I hardly think he is the T kind of man whom a fulhbloWn Gbvdrttb? 1 would select for an intimate acquaintance.

“Postal Cats.

Under the title" “ Postal 'Cats,”' London TelegfdpJi says:, “ that. Dutch naturalists have come to the"' sage conclusion that Grimalkin'may be utilised as' a letter-camef with tdrtsTder able. advantagfe. w to These worth lo., organise, a service of post cats, 'arid are 'a’t ffiesent engaged, by a series of ingenious ex periments, in testing pussy’s capacities . for delivering the mails. Selpcjing Luik for their head-qbarters; 1 they* thence dispatch- a number of cats, securely tied up in woollen bags, to the neighboring villages, 'where they are freed from confinement ahdv turned loose, with neat packets of letUrSL firmly strapped to their backs.’ '• Af* • once their domestic instincts conae-intOs full play, and they swiftly .flee ward with unswerving directness. ‘ t Or thirty-seven cats thus* ter r serve their country, not one hashitheitOl failed to fulfil its postal function with excellent punctuality. It ' is' feared, however, that when a double ..servicei shall be arranged, difficulties and might arise from the. .meetings of post- 1 cats on the high-road. It the feline postman can be inspired with a high sense of duly, over-riding personal impulse, all will be well. Failing this, we apprehend that s irregularities in delivery will take place.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, APRIL 0, 1881.



4* • KNOWN— That - "Vf * 3 '<3&rds, 1 plmn 'or niourning, obtained printed, in varies?' Style opposite the Visiting ; can he «, 4if the Railway



Wan|ed. WANTED, a (Shod General SER VANT. References required. Appy to Mrs Homkrsham, Park street. 492 a WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash; burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. ANTED SEWING, Dressmaking » * or Plain Work, by a young person of experience in the business. For address, apply Guardian Office. 495 a ANTED—TENDERS for BUILD ING five-roomed HOUSE in Ash burton. Labor only. Plans and specifi cations may be seen at Jephson’s store, Tinwald. Tenders to be addressed to ROBT. ENNIS, Tinwald Post Office, not later than the 14th inst. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 507 a ‘ANTED—TENDERS from suitable vv persons for the office of SEXTON to the Cemetery Board - . All applications to be forwarded to the Chairman on or before twelve o’clock at noon on TUES DAY, the 12th April next. Particulars of duties required can be obtained on ap plying to the undersigned. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. t J. WARD, 347 a Chairman. WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178*



WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a WANTED TO SELL Twenty-fire SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patciitng, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 WANTED KNOWN That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.ra. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a WANTED KNOWN—That O’Connor’s four-wheeled covered WAG GONNBTTE runs between Ashburton railway station and Scott’s Tinwald Hotel at intervals every day. 441 a ■TTTANTBD KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. —L. F. Andkewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened' the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andkewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the vbove Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 Special Advertisements.



George St. Hill, JgUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. Plans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. 490 a MUSIC TUITION.—The second term has just commenced. Lessons on Pianoforte, Organ, Flute, Violin, and Singing. H. J. WEEKS, 86a Cameron street west. ZOEDONE!! A DELICIOUS, SPARKLING, PHOS PHATED IRON BEVERAGE (non-alcoholic.) ZOEDONE is now the favorite beverage of the London clubs, more especially when taken as a “ reviver.” A first consignment just received. 506 a J. M. CAMBRIDGE. fjl H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. THE Wear - resisting NEW ZEALAND Tweeds in every CLOTHING FACTORY- variety of Gar ment



THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY Daily increasing trade proves the excellence of Manufacture f NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. ' ' W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager,



Special Advertisements. W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Milos and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a



Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7a 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Bar in r Square. 366 a



S. Phillips, PRACTICAL WATCH MAKER & WORK ING JEWELLER, Regs to notify to his patrons that he has now secured New Premises, adjoining the White Hart Hotel, Christchurch, and has a Splendid Assortment of CLOCKS, WATCHES and JEWELLERY on Sale. All kinds of Cleaning and Repairs well executed, and country orders promptly attended to. 511 a 0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBACGONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1. AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home.



flaircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. JgREAD ! BREAD ! ! BREAD !! ! A. Thiele’s BEST BREAD, First Award of Merit, Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, 6cl DELIVERED CASH 5Jd ON DELIVERY 470 a



Holloway’s Pills.—A certain care fpt Headaches, Pila Loss of Appetite! o|tt| ness of Spirit.—These Pills can be taken with* out danger from wet or cold, and requirefno interruption from business or pleasure. They act mildly on the Bowels, the stbtnach, and promote a healthy action of Hi A liver, whereby they purify the blood, the skin, brace the .nerves; i and invigorate the whole system. They effect a truly wonderful change !-in a debilitated constitution, as they create a healthy appetite, correct indigiati'dii, remove bile, giddiness, headache, and palpita tion of the heart. Plain directions' for me hai? of this medicine, at once so mild and efficacious, are affixed to each box.’ ' * ’ rjl



Railway HoticpkJ XT V. ■VTEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS© v (Christchurch Section). . :: {- t -—wrr !': -f EASTER HOLIDAYS— Ordinary Single Fare Ticketsfrgo*: MR station to any station issued on 14 th, 15th, 16th, or 18th April, will be available lor return up touabd including FREDK. RACKy L . f[ y^ ; District I District Traffic Manager’s Office, * Christchurch, April 18$!-,; :Phd^i?h.S SADDLER & HARNESS; .MMI 'Bubnett stbjbkt, Asa*eaxosi j;^;.,v Persons visiting -this Establishment can be suppUetbwith every article of theitrade at lowest prices. . 203 a . H THOMAS